In the first season of “Ty Breaker,” host Ty Pennington has seen a lot of small homes and a lot of damaged homes—but his latest house is both tiny and a total mess.
In the episode “A Sizable Renovation,” Pennington and guest designer Sabrina Soto set out to help Wendy and Evan, newlyweds who’ve recently bought an abandoned, partly demolished wreck of a house.
Pennington and Soto will need to spend their $200,000 budget wisely in order to turn this shack into the cute, functional honeymoon home this couple desires. Here’s how they pull it off, which might inspire some changes around your own home to make the most of your space, too.
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Make your front porch feel like a bonus room
This porch is like an outdoor bonus room!
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There’s no denying that Wendy and Evan’s house is short on space, and there’s only so much that Soto and Pennington can do to make the living room seem bigger. So these two decide to expand the living space—right out the front door!
Pennington decides to make the front porch feel like a bonus room by updating the flooring to make it a bit more stylish and adding a daybed for comfy sitting.
“Making this another living space would be key,” Soto says when Pennington describes his plan.
Luckily, the furnishings and flooring make this porch feel like a real living room. This reimagined porch proves that outside space can be incredibly valuable for a small house.
Picking a door color is one of the ‘toughest’ design decisions
This porch needed some work.
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As a part of the front porch rehab, Soto and Pennington want to install a new front door, which means they’ll need to decide on a paint color that will work with this home’s 1920s exterior.
“One of the toughest things to decide on the exterior of your home is the exterior color of your front door,” Pennington says. “There’s only certain colors that really work with brick.”
A great front porch needs a great front door color.
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Soto and Pennington both like a blue shade and a green shade, with Pennington pointing out that they’re both muted enough to be good front door colors. But in the end, they choose the green. This color works great with the exterior brick, and it complements all the beautiful greenery that Soto and Pennington add to the porch.
Create a space-saving, fold-down office
This living room also functions as an office.
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These days, plenty of people are working from home—and Wendy is no exception. When she first meets Pennington, she explains that she works from her tiny kitchen table, which feels cramped.
So Pennington creates a compact desk in the living room, building a window shelf that folds out into a table. Pennington points out that this will be a great desk space, with a great view. Plus, it’ll be a convenient shelf when Wendy isn’t working.
“It’s like a little hidden office area,” Soto says.
This shelf quickly turns into an office.
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To finish the desk space, Pennington adds a bench with a hidden compartment. He points out that when Wendy is done with work, she can store her work stuff in the bench.
In the end, it’s a brilliant home office that appears (and disappears) depending on what the space is being used for at that time.
Use dark flooring to offset an all-white kitchen
When renovation started, this didn’t look like a kitchen.
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Wendy tells Pennington that she really wants an all-white kitchen, but Pennington knows that the space will need some color, even if it’s not coming from the quartz counters or cabinets. So he decides to bring in a dark wood flooring.
“The dark flooring would look really good with a white-white kitchen,” Pennington says, “because you’re going to get a nice strong contrast.”
These dark floors provide some contrast to the all-white kitchen.
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The kitchen ends up looking great. The space is filled with all-white materials, just like Wendy wanted, but the dark floors keep it from looking washed out. The space ends up looking bright and well-balanced.
Bring some life to the kitchen with a mini greenhouse
This window shelf provides the perfect spot for some beautiful greenery.
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When the kitchen is just about finished, Soto has an idea to add a small shelf to the window over the sink. She thinks a clear, glass shelf will fill out the space nicely and provide some extra storage.
“The other good news about having a clear glass shelf is that light comes all the way through,” Pennington says, “so you could actually have [a] double herb garden.”
They finish this kitchen by adding little plants to this window. The greenery looks great in the all-white kitchen, plus the mini herb garden will be convenient for cooking with fresh herbs.
We’re Ashley and Jamin Mills, of The Handmade Home, a design and rehab firm in Franklin, TN, and we’re so honored to be here today!
By now, we all know that the coronavirus pandemic is something our generation has never seen before, along with the roller coaster of emotions that have accompanied it. On the flip side, some of us are downright thriving while social distancing, taking the time to be productive with projects in our home. Since we can’t really control anything else, we’ve decided this is most definitely the camp we’re happy to be in. We’re seizing the moment with the time we wouldn’t usually have, and making the best of all things quarantine. Bonus points for distractions from the media, and putting the kiddos to work to make it a family project. The best part is, supplies are all available online or through delivery while supporting our local economy. So many pros. Today, we thought we’d highlight the smartest areas for home improvement from a buyer’s point of view while social distancing, and probably beyond, to add value to your home.
First things first: Since we know that full-on renovations aren’t everyone’s cup of whiskey, so we’ve broken it down into three main sections, and highlighted a few projects on each. Let’s dive in! These are a few of our smartest areas for home improvement while social distancing.
That “Wow” Factor
These are the main areas of the home that are the ultimate redo. Since we work with clients in the Nashville area, we see homeowners focusing on them all the time, and getting the most bang for their buck.
The Kitchen
You know we couldn’t not mention it. Double negatives aside, this is ultimately, the best way to add value to your home. This is the most popular room on all those home improvement shows, and brings in the most returns, to say the least. No, it doesn’t have to be an entire overhaul, and we’ll cover more on that below. But where is a good starting point? From backsplashes to countertops, anything that brings your kitchen up to date is always a smart move.
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The Bathrooms
Byyeeee 1975! It’s time to bring that bathroom into 2020, even if it doesn’t want to arrive. We’ve seen the most value added to homes when the bathrooms are definitely updated. It’s really a game changer in any house, and nothing says welcome home, like your own personal mini spa. From the kiddos’ bathrooms to your own master suite, it’s something you won’t regret working on.
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Adding Square Footage
This can be additions, unfinished basements, or any opportunities to add on to your home. With the real estate market growing all around us, many homeowners are more interested in adding square footage and improving where they are, rather than house hopping. We love forgotten areas that can be beautiful again, or creating something from nothing. It adds an incredible amount of value to your home and only requires a little thinking outside the box.
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All in the Details
Everyone’s situation is different. Maybe you’re not comfortable subcontracting or DIY-ing any of the bigger projects right now. Here are a few small projects we see as doable, with major value added, in your future.
The Power of Paint
Never underestimate it. Maybe your main areas of your house aren’t a full on overhaul. But taking out that red that burned your corneas, or giving your cabinets a fresh coat of paint may be something on your list, instead. You can’t lose with loving where you live and changing it to something better, to reflect you.
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Ceilings
Stamped or speckled or anything in between, there are so many options here for upgrades. Planking them is always easy and beautiful, and only requires a little elbow grease. You’d be shocked at how much character and charm you can bring into your home with a little wallpaper changeover. Simply scraping them is also a wonderful solution. Check out all your options, because it’s a major game changer for your home.
Bye, Yellow Brass
You’d be amazed at how much love you can bring into your home by getting rid of that builder’s grade fabulousness from 1980 and beyond. We were house blind for a while, and amazed by how much of a difference changing out the hardware could make. From simple knobs on cabinets, to hinges, doorknobs, those old ceiling fans and more… these are a great way to switch them out, gradually.
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Bonus: While we’re on the topic, doors. They’re a great thing to replace when they take up too much space. Consider accent or sliding doors to add character or save space in little areas that otherwise might drive you crazy.
Curb Appeal
Now that we covered large and small indoor projects, let’s cover a few of our faves for the outside! Because it’s the first chance you get to make a good impression
Gardening
I don’t think there’s anything more therapeutic right now, than returning to the earth. Adding trees to your home, beautiful plants to make it oh so pretty, and anything to add character to your yard is the smartest way to add value to your home. It’s all about instant gratification in the yard, and whether it’s window boxes, a few new trees, or perennials, it’s definitely a smart move to add a little curb appeal with some green.
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Big Updates
We’ve loved changing over our home from almost neglected, to updated and fresh. It’s been such a gratifying process. Before, the siding was falling off, the old storm windows were a hazard, and the gutters were lose almost everywhere. It’s so great to update your outside, whether with something small in a fresh coat of paint or a whole new look.
Small Updates
But again, not everything has to be an entire overhaul. Check out replacing that old fence, or hiding the once-ugly pool pump, or adding more square footage with an outside dining area are all great ways to add beauty to your home! One day at a time, is our motto. We’re currently building a new fence, and expanding it makes our yard feel five times larger. Not to mention it’s a total bonus for the kids and dogs…
Bonus: And they probably wouldn’t complain if you wanted to dive into building a treehouse. We’re not saying it necessarily adds value to future buyers, but it’ll add that appeal factor and your kids will create some epic childhood memories, in the meantime.
Thanks so much for tuning in today! We hope this gives you something exciting to work on, for your home.
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Jamin and Ashley Mills are the principal owners of The Handmade Home design studio in Nashville, Tennessee. They were named as 2 of the “Most creative people in the Country” by Country Living Magazine.
They have authored 4 books, are regulars on the CBS morning show in Nashville, TN delivering their take on design and renovations and are the authors behind The Handmade Home. They work with clients in the Nashville area helping them build or renovate their homes as well as work with clients nationally bringing a cohesive style to their homes as they create the spaces they love.
In their spare time, they’ve designed their own lines of art seen in Hobby Lobby and other places online, wallpaper, fabric, and other home and decor goods. They have three kids, two adorable pups and the best little maple tree with two wooden swings in the front yard of their home in Franklin, TN.
Shh…we’re sharing some sneaky storage tips. According to Psychology Today’s Sherrie Bourg Carter, messy homes make people feel overwhelmed, anxious, and helpless. As she says, mess leads to stress. Your home should feel like a sanctuary, not a penitentiary. These storage tips may make your home feel cleaner and more organized.
Fold Everything Down:
We’re not talking about folding your clothes (which will also save you space), but instead, we mean thinking about installing a desk or a kitchen table that can be folded when it’s not in use. Bring the furniture back out when it’s time for Thanksgiving or poker night.
Use Multi-Purpose Pieces:
One clever way to make more space in a small room is to implement items that serve two purposes: like a hollow ottoman or a trunk. They will be there taking up space either way, so why not fill it them up to tackle two problems at once?
Set Up Built-In Shelving:
You may be able to save space with built-in shelving. These shelves usually don’t take up as much space as bookshelves, and you can use them to line an entire wall from floor to ceiling! Use them to store books, collections, toiletries, and other things that are taking up space in your home.
Hang Out in Your Kitchen:
One of the trickiest storage problems in small kitchens is finding space for all of the pots and pans. They take up too much space in a cupboard, so hang them from the ceiling instead. It will add to the decor of the room, and it might be easier to find what you’re looking for when you’re in the middle of a brilliant cooking concoction. Similarly, you can hang cups and mugs from under-shelf hangers, which may free up more space in the cupboards for plates, bowls, platters, and other things that stack.
Set up a Creative Corner:
Anyone in a small space may tell you that creatively filling every single space can be difficult. For a small room that is already full (but still needs more storage) look into corner shelves. Don’t cut corners—use them!
Filling your home with hidden storage may be a great way to tuck all of your items away and keep your home organized. Take everything out of the closet or junk drawer and start using these stealth storage solutions.
After nearly a year of being stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, many are trying to cope with the stress by tackling some long-overdue home organization projects.
“COVID has amplified the urge to organize, because we feel like we should be doing something productive and we can only watch TV or sit at a computer for so long,” says Ana Cummings of the eponymous home design firm.
But is “stress-organizing,” as it’s called, truly effective? Sometimes, nervous energy is the exact fuel you need to take on some decluttering. But certain home organizing tasks don’t lend themselves to anxious attacks—in fact, they might have the opposite effect and make you even more stressed.
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“I don’t recommend organizing anything when you’re worried—how effective can you really be?” asks Julie Coraccio, a professional organizer at Reawaken Your Brilliance.
Some say that the key to successful stress-organizing may be to pick your battles wisely by selecting the right areas of your house to tame that won’t overwhelm you. For some help when you’re anxious yet also feel compelled to organize something, here are six areas of the house you should tackle—and three spots to definitely skip since they’ll likely drive you insane.
Do organize: The junk drawer
Photo by CHW Cabinetry
Cleaning out the junk drawer is an easy task for a newbie organizer, or someone who’s feeling stressed. It’s a small area that can often be completed in under 15 minutes.
“This spot is good because it can build confidence and you’re less likely to have an emotional attachment to the random bits inside,” says Coraccio.
Do organize: Kitchen counters
Photo by Manhattan Cabinets Inc
Two more quick hot spots are kitchen counters and tabletops in the living room. You might set a timer and give yourself 30 minutes to zip around and clear away stuff.
“I aim to keep my kitchen and living space surfaces decluttered so that when I walk through my home, I know where to focus to keep a sense of peace and calm,” says Katie McCann, the organizing professional at Haven.
Do organize: The linen closet
Photo by NEAT Method St. Louis
Folding soft rectangles of fabric is soothing, and it’s easy to part with stained washcloths and frayed hand towels.
“Get rid of anything you don’t want or use, and then refold and organize by category so everyone in the household knows exactly which items go where,” says Cummings.
Do organize: The makeup or medicine cabinet
Photo by Organization & Relocation
“Ditch those free samples and half-empty tubes of whatever product you have, because they’re taking up too much real estate in your vanity,” urges Cummings.
A fast way to whip this little spot into shape is to insert drawer organizers or an old utensil tray—and if what you have doesn’t fit, purge some more.
Do organize: The crafts room
Photo by California Closets of Indianapolis
With the holidays over, midwinter is an excellent time to take on a crafts room or gift-wrapping station.
“Paper, ribbons, and art accessories can get pretty messy in a heartbeat, so it’s worthwhile to get this spot under control,” says Cummings.
Do organize: The freezer
Photo by Hill Farm Furniture Ltd
At last, you’ll finally see what’s lurking in this dark box once you toss those bags of peas and carrots from 2010.
“How amazing is it to get rid of a bunch of frozen, desiccated bananas—because are you really going to make banana bread?” asks Cummings.
Don’t organize: The attic
Photo by Case Design/Remodeling of Indianapolis
This area is a no-go as it’s likely filled with sentimental items (photo albums, your parents’ wedding china) that you should really consider with a clear head.
“You don’t want to throw away something of value either, so wait and take the time to get it appraised,” says Cummings.
Don’t organize: The home office
Photo by brownwilliam art + design
You’d think this space is one you should clean up since a neat desk can make work tasks easier to accomplish. But your home office is one spot to hold off on.
“Paperwork takes a ton of time to sort and figure out with very little visible reward,” says McCann.
In short: You’ll quit this area quickly since it’ll feel like you’re getting nowhere.
Don’t organize: Your clothing
Photo by Mountain Sky Closets
You might be able to sift and sort through your shoes and boots or even scarves and hats, but when it comes to actual clothes, this spot should be skipped.
The clothes closet requires a steady mind and a couple of hours to try on items and carefully consider whether they’re worth keeping.
“I’d also avoid this area if you’ve gained some weight due to COVID, which is very common as we’re all less active lately,” says McCann.
In the summertime, it’s no joke when almost everyone says “I wish I had a pool,” especially if you live in area that gets hot beginning in late spring and continuing through early fall. While pools have many benefits such as easy summer entertaining, cooling off, staying active, and avoiding paying monthly premiums at a community pool or gym, there are some things you should consider beforehand.
Homes.com sat down with insurance, home value and pool experts Lori Strickland, David Stasie, and Michelle Sbabo, to help provide advice and give guidance if you’re considering buying a home that has a pool or installing one yourself. These are the first five questions any potential pool owner should ask themselves before finalizing on the decision.
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Are you prepared for the upkeep and costs of maintenance?
Having a pool can be a blast but it’s also a lot of work and can be costly between the daily upkeep or even having a pool maintenance professional come out every once in a while to make sure things are running smoothly. You have to ask yourself if that time investment is truly worth it.
Read: Can Adding a Pool Increase Your Home’s Value?
Are you properly insured?
At the end of the day, if an incident surrounding the pool happens on your property, you can be on the hook for it – especially if you are using your home with the pool as an investment property. Whether it’s your own family or even your friends enjoying your pool, Stasie advises you to make sure you are covered.
Do you know what it means to maintain a pool?
Sbabo advises listeners to talk to someone in the area who already owns a pool to gain real, authentic insight on what the day-to-day upkeep of having a pool looks like and the expenses associated as well.
Read: Tips for Landscaping Around a Pool
Do you want a pool?
In this part of the search process, she likes to ask her clients if having a pool is on their list of wants and if it will add to their quality of life. If a homeowner is usually indecisive, or says they’re unsure, it might be best to avoid finding a home with a pool or installing one, as it could mean you’re not ready for the potential costs and upkeep that are associated.
Do you have small children?
Lori’s clients number one concern is whether or not a pool is right for their family. If you have small children, you need to ask yourself how you plan on keeping them safe around the pool or if having a pool in your backyard is really the best option for you at the moment.
Ashley Shoop
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Ashley is currently a student in Marketing Management at Virginia Tech. Go Hokies! She loves being outside in the sun, can’t live without Taco Bell or coffee, and loves interning with Homes.com!
If your home is looking cluttered, messy and in desperate need of organization, take a deep breath. There are plenty of ways to organize your home without spending a fortune. You can spend a few dollars here and there on storage products at your local home improvement store. The key is to get what you don’t need out and everything you do need in its place — somewhere that’s manageable and easy to reach. Here are some quick tips on getting your house in shape:
Get rid of unnecessary items. Go through every room in your home — garage, basement, bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc. — armed with boxes and trash bags. Separate the necessities from items you don’t need or use anymore. Donate usable items to people who can use them. Giveaway, recycle or put everything else in the trash!
Start sorting. Once everything old and unused is out, get everything else in some semblance of order. Cluster items like books, clothes, shoes, linens, etc., grouping like with like.
Containers are your friend. Find ways to put smaller items like shoes, books and linens in containers, when possible. By putting them in storage bins and boxes, you will always know where to find and put them. It’s also easier to store them in easy-to-manage containers, especially if you want to put shoes in bins underneath your bed or winter clothing on closet shelves when it’s summer.
Group by family member or season. If you’re sharing rooms or common spaces, color code and label areas and bins so you’ll always know where clothes, toys, and other items go. In situations where you need to label by season, you can use colors like pink for spring, yellow for summer, and so on. This is especially useful for storage bins with season-specific clothing and shoes.
Use racks and holders. Racks are especially useful for shoes, spices, tools, office materials and so forth. Make use of them in the entryway, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom to hold coats, hand towels, curling irons and the like.
Don’t forget about small items. Assign your small items — office supplies, keys, phones, etc. — a specific storage space.
Keys: Hang on hooks near the front door or by the door to the garage.
Phones: Store in a linen pocket on a hook by the door. (Some have a hole near the bottom for the charger to go through.)
Office supplies: Organize in a drawer or keep a basket atop a desk or table to fit pens, stapler, and other assorted items.
Always label! This cannot be stressed enough. Labeling prevents clutter, and it should be enforced in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Knowing where certain items go at all times puts in place a regulatory practice and cuts down on the misplacement of everything from medicine to spices and pots and pans.
This can all seem overwhelming, especially if you live in a large home and have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. If you prefer, you can hire a professional organizer to come in and help you with the process. The main goal is to get the clutter out and turn your home into an organized, clean oasis for the whole family.
On “Home Town,” Erin and Ben Napier have renovated homes in a variety of styles, but probably the most popular of them lately is midcentury modern. And in the latest episode, they take on what Erin calls “the most midcentury house we’ve ever worked on.”
In “Clean Lines, Open Spaces,” Erin and Ben help their client Jeff Moffett buy a home in Laurel, MS, for $110,000. Built in 1960, the house already has a midcentury feel, but it’s up to the Napiers to enhance these features without making the home feel dated—all with a renovation budget of $90,000.
Here’s how Ben and Erin pull it off, which might inspire some similar upgrades around your own home, too.
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Paint a house black for major midcentury vibes
This house needs some new paint to get a modern look.
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When Moffett first sees this house, he’s not impressed. And unfortunately, he’s not initially wowed by Erin’s plans for this house, either. She wants to paint the siding black, giving the exterior a midcentury modern look, but Moffett is unsure about the dark color, so she needs to convince him it’s the right idea.
“It won’t be a scary color,” Erin says. “It’ll be a happy black.”
Darker colors make this house look more midcentury.
HGTV
In the end, Moffett agrees to Erin’s plan and he’s glad that he did. The darker siding adds contrast to the brick, and it gives the whole house a clean, midcentury look, which Moffett loves. While dark colors may seem risky, this updated exterior proves it’s a gamble that can pay off.
Make your island the best part of your kitchen
This bigger kitchen allowed for this beautiful island.
HGTV
Next up: Build an island with a cool midcentury look.
“This island is really our baby. This is our favorite thing in the kitchen,” Erin says. “We put this wood veneer on the back and then the terrazzo quartz on top. Both are a nod to the ’60s.”
The black walnut veneer is reminiscent of the wood paneling that was popular decades ago, while the terrazzo (which is white, rather than the traditional multicolored terrazzo) provides a clean, retro look.
When the house is finished, this island looks great. It’s got a lot of midcentury charm while still making the space feel brand-new.
“Basically the 2020 version of 1960,” Ben says, standing in the kitchen.
Small space? Choose a bold backsplash
These tiles were too dated.
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When Erin and Ben first show Moffett around this house, they admit that there’s a lot to be desired. So it’s no surprise when they find a backsplash tile decorated with painted fruits and vegetables.
“It’s not my style,” Moffett says politely.
Luckily, Erin and Ben get to start fresh with the kitchen design, and while Moffett says he likes using light colors, Erin and Ben decide to take a risk when it comes to the backsplash tile.
“We wanted to keep the kitchen bright with countertops and everything else,” Erin says, “but there’s not a ton of tile going in on the backsplash so I think we can afford for it to be dark.”
This dark, textured backsplash gives this kitchen a masculine look.
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Erin chooses a dark blue tile because she knows that with only a small amount of space allotted for the backsplash, this bold color won’t overwhelm the kitchen. Instead, this dark blue tile will bring some dimension to the space. Plus, the dark blue adds a bit of a masculine feel, which works great for Moffett.
Repurpose vintage materials in a modern way
Ben and Erin Napier liked this old cedar, so they thought they’d repurpose it.
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Ben finds a bunch of old cedar lining the inside of the master closet, and instead of throwing it away, he decides to repurpose the wood to make a cool wall feature in the den.
“To the right of the fireplace,” Ben says, “I am wanting to do, like, a solid cedar plank wall, like a really midmod look, and then come over that with shelves for his books. It’ll be a cool look.”
This bookshelf is a much better use of that cedar.
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Ben creates the shelves in his wood shop, and when the pieces are put together, the wall looks amazing. Not only do these shelves provide extra storage, but they’re also a cool feature that’s extra special because it’s made with authentic midcentury materials.
Get a midcentury fireplace that doesn’t feel dated
This fireplace was in good shape, but it was dated.
HGTV
Meanwhile, the den’s fireplace seems to be original to the ’60s build, and while it technically has midcentury style, Erin and Ben know that the white brick looks dated.
“The textured brick and the deep mortar lines was a look that was really big in the ’60s and ’70s,” Erin explains, “and now I think the focus is more on the shape.”
So Erin has the fireplace brick covered so that the surface is smooth and she can have it painted gray.
“I want it to look almost like graphite, and I want it to be flat, flat, flat,” Erin says.
When it’s finished, this new, darker fireplace goes with both the gray exterior and the dark kitchen backsplash.
This fireplace and accent wall work well together.
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Frame a home’s blueprints as art
During the build, Ben comes across some blueprints for this house drawn up by Moffett’s grandfather. It turns out he was a well-known builder in the area, so it seems that he had built this very house!
The Napiers want to make the most of this special coincidence, so they decide to frame these blueprints so Moffett has a nice memento of his grandfather’s work that doubles as eye-catching wall art.
The blueprints for this house are framed and on the wall.
Spring is a busy time of year, not only in nature, but also around our homes. This spring has been one for the record books with many of us spending a lot more time at home. Which also means, it’s the perfect time to tackle a project that is not only necessary, but beneficial to the health of your home; pressure washing. If you’re on the fence as to the benefits of pressure washing, here are the top five reasons why pressure washing is super important and why you should get a jumpstart on it!
Things to Consider Before Pressure Washing
So, you’ve decided you want, or need, to pressure wash your home. The good news is, you havea couple of options. You can do it yourself or you can hire a professional to do this task for you. Depending on the size and height of your home, as well as how often it’s needed, may influence which route you decide.
Depending on what area you live in in the U.S., some seasons can be really hard on your home. Harsh winters and hot summers can take a toll on any building materials, so be sure to take that into consideration before deciding how often, and when, to pressure wash your home. If you live an area with these harsher climates, try pressure washing your home at least twice a year. More temperate climates can be pressure washed once a year. Late springtime is usually a fan favorite for people to start pressure washing for many reasons: the weather starts to get warmer, pollen has been washed away by rain, and your home will look perfect for summertime entertaining. Pick a sunny day that will give your home a chance to dry out.
If you do decide to pressure wash your home yourself, be sure to research the best type of nozzle for the job as well as the best cleaning product for your home type. Overall the benefits of pressure washing prove how important this task is to protect the investment of your home and your family.
It Protects the Health of Your Family
Depending on where you live and what surrounds your home, mold and mildew can settle in and on the surfaces outside your home. Mold and mildew are a common irritant for those who suffer from asthma and allergies, so being sure to pressure wash at least twice a year can be beneficial to easing some of those pain points.
Proactive Maintenance
Routinely pressure washing your home prevents the build up of things like mold, mildew, and dirt. If left on the surface of your home, over time this grime can cause your home’s building materials to deteriorate and need to be replaced instead of just repaired. Routine maintenance is key to keeping your home in tip-top shape.
Prevents Major Damage
The last thing any homeowner wants is to have major damage to their home. Allowing things to deteriorate on the outside can lead to a breakdown inside the home as well. This can lead to leaks or general rot, which can ultimately cost thousands of dollars.
Primes Surfaces for Paint
Before any exterior painting project, it is necessary to have a clean surface so as to not trap in any grime. It will also clear off any old paint that is barely hanging on to allow for a smooth surface to paint.
Improves Curb Appeal
The first impression when someone comes to your home, is going to happen the second they pull up. Taking care of the outside of your home not only looks good, but shows that you genuinely care about the health of your home. Keeping up with exterior maintenance helps to increase your property value and the property value of the neighborhood. All the things that will also help you later down the road should you decide to sell your home. You can’t get buyers inside if they are turned off by the outside. Not to mention, it’s satisfying watching your home transform and look totally brand new after a good pressure wash, right?!
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Brooke has a lifestyle blog called Cribbs Style and currently lives in Charleston, SC. This wife, mom of two almost tweens, and mom of three fur children enjoys all things DIY and organizing. When she’s not helping others tackle the chaos of life, she’s either working out, at the beach, or just enjoying time with family and friends.
When you’re planning a remodel, the bathroom is not always the first area you think of. However, if your bathroom is causing you strife, you may be able to make some simple, fast, and affordable changes to upgrade it. You don’t need to do anything drastic like replacing the whole shower. Your bathroom may look like it appeared right off of your Pinterest board with just a few changes.
Draw Attention to the Mirror
The mirror is one of the key focal points of a bathroom. If your bathroom mirror isn’t that exciting, there’s a simple fix. Look for an interesting frame that will cause the mirror to pop. This may draw attention away from the less interesting parts of the room.
Coordinate Your Accents
If you choose one metal for all of your accents, you may be able to maintain a consistent aesthetic. Pick silver, gold, bronze, or platinum for drawer handles, towel racks, light fixtures, faucets, and even toothbrush holders. Little changes may tie everything together nicely.
Try Accent Tiling
Tiles can be expensive, especially if you want something fancy. If you choose to use pricey tiles, stick to just one area of the bathroom like the floor, the countertop, or the inside of the shower. Arrange the fancy tiles that you love in an interesting pattern around the plainer ones.
Re-grout
The simplest step is often forgotten. If your bathroom is feeling dingy, it might be because you haven’t updated your caulk or grout. Clean, white lines around the tub and sink may make a huge difference, and it’s a quick and inexpensive fix.
Refinish the Tub
If your bathtub is causing you stress, you don’t necessarily need to replace it. Instead, look into a cheaper option: refinishing it. You may be able to do the entire thing by yourself. It could take some time and effort, but it may also save you money.
These five tips may help you makeover your bathroom…without breaking the bank.
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When my fiance told me he wanted to pay off his student loan debt as fast as possible, my short answer was “NO.”
The little voice inside my head kept reminding me of all the things I’d miss out on if I couldn’t spend money.
It’s not that I didn’t want to pay off my student loans. In grad school, my plan was to have them paid off before I turned 30. But somewhere along the way the compounding interest and dinners out with friends paralyzed me into thinking it simply couldn’t be done.
So when I [finally] got on board with this crazy idea that we’d pay for our wedding in cash and pay off both our loans (and a car loan I’d picked up along the way) I was terrified I’d be a friendless hermit by the end of it.
How to Pay Off Debt Without Becoming a Hermit
But it didn’t take long to see that there’s a lot more to living than tacos, coffee, and vacations. I didn’t stop spending altogether (at least all the time) I became more selective with my spending.
And being selective with my spending means I no longer waste my time on things I only kind of like and I value the things I really do enjoy so much more.
So in order to do more of the things I love that do cost money, we trade in activities like movies, theme parks, and weekend getaways for free activities. Here are some of my personal favorites that you might like too.
The Library
The library is a treasure trove of fun. It’s grown from novels and encyclopedias to include eBooks, DIY books, CDs, movies, and so much more than I could’ve imagined as a kid.
I’ve discovered amazing recipes, learned macramé, and my husband, who doesn’t love reading, has even gotten in on it recently. And it’s free. You don’t even have to search high and low for what you want.
Search the library database from the comfort from your home and request a hold on any item, they’ll deliver it to the library of your choice and alert you when it’s there. Easy peasy!
It’s also an alternative to coffee shops for getting work done. There are quiet spaces and even room rentals available.
Social Running Groups
We love the running group we’re a part of. You can find them at most running stores or groups and events on Facebook. For us, there’s at least one on any given side of town and usually every night of the week.
Most do a 5K(ish) run that starts and ends at a store or bar. Trust me when I say all levels of runners/ walkers/ joggers participate. And since the pack disperses pretty early on it’s easy to cut your run short and not be noticed (not like I ever do that ;))
Trav and I don’t always run together, but sometimes we do, other times I’ll run with a friend or by myself. Everyone meets back up at the end and hangs out. Some groups have raffles or free beer at the end.
Yelp Events
You know about Yelp right? It’s a website/ app that you can find new places to eat, drink, and play. Each city has a Community Ambassador that hosts Yelp events, they are awesome and make for a great free night out.
We’ve been to many and have been thoroughly impressed. The ones we’ve been to have included free food from local restaurants, free (alcoholic) drinks, and lots of free Yelp swag. One even gave us an hour of unlimited gameplay at an arcade, so fun!
You have to be diligent in checking for these official Yelp events, they always fill up. When you find one RSVP on the event page then wait for a confirmation email. There are no +1’s so everyone has to RSVP and get confirmation individually to attend together.
Pantry (Dinner) Party
The dinner party is an oldie but a goodie. You may have to buy some groceries for this one or you can use it as an excuse to clear out the pantry and fridge.
A side dish that goes with nothing? Vegetable about to go bad? Anything [almost] freezer burned?
Get some friends together and it’s sure to be a food match made in conglomerate heaven. And you get the bonus of spending time with good friends or building relationships with new ones!
Bike Ride
Self-explanatory. We love a good bike ride. We live right off a trail and it’s another great exercise activity to do with your significant other, friends, or just by yourself.
And if you want to meet new people, many cities have biking clubs on most days of the week and ranging in speed/experience.
Home Improvement Class
If you own a home or are thinking about purchasing one, this is a great one. Home Depot offers free workshops on everything from installing light fixtures and tile to water conservation hacks and a DIY dog feeder.
Even if you don’t own a home these are great tricks to have up your sleeve for when that time comes.
And it’s empowering to know that if something breaks I can fix it or if he’s at work I can install it. There’s something to be said for the confidence (and frustration) completing a home improvement project can bring.
Events in the Park
We live in a city that loves to be outside and that means tons of free events, orchestra nights, movies on a big screen, fireworks, and parades to name a few. We love bringing a blanket, some chairs, and a picnic for the evening.
The trick is getting there early to find free parking and bringing your own food to avoid the temptation of all the vendors.
This is also a great activity to do in groups because a lot of these things only happen once or twice a year and everyone attends, so why not go together!? Find your city’s event calendar or downtown blog to find out what’s available.
Volunteer
We volunteer at our church and at a foster group home in our area. Volunteering is an amazing way to see your partner interact with others, to grow in boldness (hi introverts) and get to do something for free that helps others and makes you feel good.
I love Habitat For Humanity (make use out of those home improvement classes!) and Big Brothers, Big Sisters (there’s a Big Couple option that’s really fun.) There are options for all time commitments.
And it’s not limited to humanitarian groups. You can volunteer at events like music and food festivals for a couple hours then enjoy those events for free!
Find Water
As a couple who lives 15 minutes from the beach, it’s a wonderful place to relax and feel like you’re somewhere else for a few hours. Trav can play Frisbee with his friends while I nap under the umbrella (I’m dreaming of it right now!)
You may not be close to a beach but you’re probably near some body of water (even if it’s frozen over right now.)
Bring your own drinks and food for the day and it’s a free vacation! You may have to do some extra searching beforehand to find free parking but it’s totally worth it. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen! Even in winter!
Pokemon Go
And last but not least, the phenomenon that really inspired this post several years ago, Pokemon Go. Can you believe people are stil playing this game!?
Seriously though, it’s amazing to me how addictive this game is and the fact that it’s totally free. Trav and I have been in a head to head battle to see who can catch the best Pokemon, who can level up faster, and walking/running like crazy to hatch those eggs!
Bonus: your group run can double as a Pokemon adventure. I’ve hatched many an egg that way.
And I think a little competition in any relationship is a good thing, just know when to comfort your brokenhearted husband when you catch the Pikachu first. Love it or hate it this is a fun game to play together.
<img data-attachment-id="2601" data-permalink="https://www.modernfrugality.com/10-free-activities-for-couples-paying-off-debt/10freeactivities-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10freeactivities.png?fit=735%2C1102&ssl=1" data-orig-size="735,1102" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta=""aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"" data-image-title="10 free activities for couples paying off debt" data-image-description="
10 free activities for couples paying off debt
” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10freeactivities.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10freeactivities.png?fit=400%2C600&ssl=1″ loading=”lazy” data-pin-description=”Are you tired of feeling like you have to stay at home 24/7 while paying off debt? Here are 10 free activities to do with your partner while paying off debt. #debtpayofftips #debtpayoff #howtogetoutofdebt #freecouplesactivities #freedatenightideas #frugaldatenight” data-pin-title=”Free Activities to Live a Little While Paying Off Debt” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-2601 jetpack-lazy-image” src=”http://www.hanovermortgages.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/10-free-activities-for-couples-paying-off-debt.png” alt=”These 10 free activities for couples paying off debt are great! #payoffdebt #frugalfun” width=”400″ height=”600″ data-recalc-dims=”1″ data-lazy-srcset=”http://www.hanovermortgages.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/10-free-activities-for-couples-paying-off-debt.png 400w, https://i0.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10freeactivities.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10freeactivities.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w” data-lazy-sizes=”(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px” srcset=”data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7″>
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10 free activities for couples paying off debt
” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10freeactivities.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10freeactivities.png?fit=400%2C600&ssl=1″ loading=”lazy” data-pin-description=”Are you tired of feeling like you have to stay at home 24/7 while paying off debt? Here are 10 free activities to do with your partner while paying off debt. #debtpayofftips #debtpayoff #howtogetoutofdebt #freecouplesactivities #freedatenightideas #frugaldatenight” data-pin-title=”Free Activities to Live a Little While Paying Off Debt” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-2601″ src=”http://www.hanovermortgages.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/10-free-activities-for-couples-paying-off-debt.png” alt=”These 10 free activities for couples paying off debt are great! #payoffdebt #frugalfun” width=”400″ height=”600″ srcset=”http://www.hanovermortgages.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/10-free-activities-for-couples-paying-off-debt.png 400w, https://i0.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10freeactivities.png?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10freeactivities.png?w=735&ssl=1 735w” sizes=”(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px” data-recalc-dims=”1″>
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Are you tired of feeling like you have to stay at home 24/7 while paying off debt? Here are 10 free activities to do with your partner while paying off debt. #debtpayofftips #debtpayoff #howtogetoutofdebt #freecouplesactivities #freedatenightideas #frugaldatenight
” data-medium-file=”https://i1.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MF-10-Free-Activities-for-Couples-Paying-off-Debt-to-Avoid-Boredom.jpg?fit=156%2C300&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i1.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MF-10-Free-Activities-for-Couples-Paying-off-Debt-to-Avoid-Boredom.jpg?fit=311%2C600&ssl=1″ loading=”lazy” width=”311″ height=”600″ data-pin-title=”Free Activities to Live a Little While Paying Off Debt” data-pin-description=”Are you tired of feeling like you have to stay at home 24/7 while paying off debt? Here are 10 free activities to do with your partner while paying off debt. #debtpayofftips #debtpayoff #howtogetoutofdebt #freecouplesactivities #freedatenightideas #frugaldatenight” src=”http://www.hanovermortgages.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/10-free-activities-for-couples-paying-off-debt.jpg” alt class=”wp-image-4453″ srcset=”http://www.hanovermortgages.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/10-free-activities-for-couples-paying-off-debt.jpg 311w, https://i1.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MF-10-Free-Activities-for-Couples-Paying-off-Debt-to-Avoid-Boredom.jpg?resize=156%2C300&ssl=1 156w, https://i1.wp.com/www.modernfrugality.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MF-10-Free-Activities-for-Couples-Paying-off-Debt-to-Avoid-Boredom.jpg?w=700&ssl=1 700w” sizes=”(max-width: 311px) 100vw, 311px” data-recalc-dims=”1″>
Jen Smith is a personal finance expert, founder of Modern Frugality and co-host of the Frugal Friends Podcast. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Lifehacker, Money Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, Business Insider, and more. She’s passionate about helping people gain control of their spending.
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Photo by Case Design/Remodeling of Indianapolis 
