Spring is a time for new life and new vibes and home décor is one of the best (and easiest) renewal tools you have for a fresh start. Your space should feel as comfortable and stylish as it is functional, so adding the perfect home décor accents is a great way to make that dream a reality.
Plus, this year has been ripe with trends as timeless as they are trendy. Whether you want to go full Barbie with a retro pink kitchen, incorporate Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year, or hope to soak up some sunshine with a tropical chic décor theme, the following list will take you wherever you want to go. And you’ll get there in style. From sprucing up your home coffee station to creating your dream eclectic kitchen, check out these trendy home décor ideas for an easy spring makeover.
For your home coffee station
1. Cuisinart Grind and Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffee Maker
Cuisinart Grind and Brew 12-Cup Automatic Coffee Maker
Start your daily grind with the perfect cup of coffee. In fact, with this great grind and brew machine, you can start it with 12 cups.
2. Glass Coffee Containers
Glass Coffee Containers and Coffee Station Organizer
Keep your coffee ingredients in order with these airtight containers for maximum freshness. The coffee organizer means you’ll give off major barista vibes any time you invite friends over for a cup of joe.
Eclectic kitchen décor finds
3. MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Canister
MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Canister
This set of three checkerboard pattern canisters will make your kitchen look great, and keep your ingredients organized all at the same time. Because home décor is no game!
4. Softiest Designs UO Exclusive Disco Donut Sculpture
Softiest Designs UO Exclusive Disco Donut Sculpture
You’ll be ready to dance the day away with this sparkly disco donut sculpture to liven up your kitchen.
To refresh your coffee table décor
5. Anthropologie Less Ottomans Hand-painted Menagerie Tray
Less Ottomans Handpainted Menagerie Tray
With two color options, this hand-painted menagerie tray makes an interesting addition to any coffee table, whether it’s used for food and beverage service or just for holding your favorite nicknacks!
6. Annie Leibovitz XXL Coffee Table Book
Annie Leibovitz XXL Coffee Table Book
Annie Leibovitz is one of the most celebrated photographers of the 20th century. Now, you can have her most iconic photos gracing your living room coffee table.
For your retro pink kitchen
7. Pink Smeg Retro Stand Mixer
Smeg Retro Stand Mixer, Pink
Nothing’s more fun than mixing it up with this gorgeous pink retro mixer from Smeg.
8. Retro Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in Pink
Retro Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in Pink
This retro pink refrigerator makes a real statement. And that statement is “I’ve got style and I don’t care who knows it!”
For your work-from-home setup
9. Industrial Modular Wall Desk
Industrial Modular Wall Desk
If you want to set up the ultimate work-from-home area, check out this high-quality adaptable wall desk set. It has five wood finishes and changes constantly to suit your needs, unlike your boss.
10. Katsunori Ergonomic Executive Chair
Katsunori Big and Tall Ergonomic Executive Chair
While comfort is important, great looks can’t be underestimated when it comes to a quality executive chair. This one is as comfy on the eyes as it is on the back, especially for the big and tall.
For fans of tropical chic décor
11. Tropical Leaves Wall Art
Tropical Leaves Wall Art
You’ll swear you’ve landed in the South Seas with these trendy wooden tropical leaves. They offer a lovely tropical silhouette to your living room wall.
12. Tropical Bloom Removable Wallpaper
Tropical Bloom Removable Wallpaper
What’s better than beautiful tropical wallpaper? How about beautiful tropical wallpaper that you can take with you when you move?
To hop on the aluminum furniture trend
13. Deco 79 Aluminum Drip Accent Table
Deco 79 Aluminum Drip Accent Table
This aluminum table is dripping with style. It’ll be a real conversation piece in any room you choose to place it.
14. Leporis Aluminum Accent Stool
Leporis Aluminum Accent Stool
This aluminum table is absolutely dripping with style. This will be a real conversation piece in any room where you choose to place it.
For Vintage Americana vibes
15. American Flag Framed Print
American Flag Framed Print
Nothing gives off vintage Americana vibes like a weathered framed flag print adorning your wall. You’ll pledge allegiance to spring with this one!
16. American Art Décor Licensed Chevron Gas Pump Plaque
American Art Décor Licensed Chevron Gas Pump Plaque
This cool gas pump wall plaque takes you back to a time when gas was just fifty cents a gallon and you had to buy cool wall décor IN PERSON.
For fun chalk sign ideas
17. Rustic Magnetic Kitchen Chalkboard Sign
Rustic Magnetic Kitchen Chalkboard Sign
A farmhouse-style chalkboard is a great way to give your kitchen folksy charm while offering an easy method to leave notes to family. Just don’t let them add too many treats to that grocery list!
18. WiFi Chalk Board Sign
Simply Said, INC WiFi Chalk Board Sign
Perhaps the most common question in any modern home is “What’s the WiFi password?” Now you can answer the question before it’s even asked with this fun chalkboard.
For fish tank-themed fun
19. Maryjane Mirrored Wall Mounted Aquarium Tank
Maryjane Mirrored Wall Mounted Aquarium Tank
Here fishy fishy! Decorate your home with this lovely one-gallon fish tank without taking up any additional counter space.
20. Fantasy Jellyfish Aquarium
Fantasy Jellyfish Aquarium
Now you can have fish tank fun without the hassle of caring for…you know…fish! This aquarium is maintenance-free and features lifelike rubber jellyfish that move and sway.
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Forget Aspen and consider the Alps. Depending on how close you live to the mountains, it may actually be cheaper to ski in Europe, including flight costs, than to ski in the U.S.
Skier Sam Weintraub, founder of ski resort review website PeakRankings, can attest to the price difference — after all, he’s skied at about 135 resorts worldwide. This past January, Weintraub hit the slopes at six European ski resorts across 20 days. He spent $3,800 in total, including $800 on a round-trip flight to Geneva, Switzerland, from Newark Liberty International Airport.
Weintraub paid about $670 out of pocket for eight days of lift tickets. As for the other 12 days, he flashed his Ikon and Epic ski passes, which are season passes to select ski resorts worldwide. (Those pass prices weren’t included in the $3,800 total price estimate since he had already been using them in the U.S. earlier this ski season).
But he said even travelers who pay for lift tickets individually could see significant savings. The average daily U.S. ski lift ticket costs $198 this ski season, according to vacation rental booking site HomeToGo, which analyzed 48 major U.S. ski areas. Meanwhile, Weintraub paid on average just $83.75 per day for lift access at resorts not covered by his passes.
With a combination of getting a good deal on flights and lift tickets, a European ski trip could be less expensive than you think. Here’s how:
Deals abound on European lift tickets
The lower cost of skiing in Europe is largely due to cheaper lift tickets. A single lift ticket in the U.S. can sometimes cost more than $300 per day. At Deer Valley, which is one of Utah’s priciest resorts, you’ll owe $315 for a one-day adult lift ticket on most weekends after taxes and fees. Tickets for children can cost more than $195.
Contrast that with deals found in Europe, such as Switzerland’s Jungfrau region. Located at the foot of the Alps, it’s traditionally thought of as an expensive bucket list destination. A one-day ski pass costs 75 Swiss francs (about $85 at the time of writing).
But the deal gets even sweeter for families. On Saturdays, each adult who buys a one-day ticket can bring up to three children for free. That’s just over $20 per lift ticket for an adult with three kids who takes full advantage of the deal.
Some people chalk up the lower cost of European lift tickets to increased competition. In the U.S., there are more than 500 ski resorts. In Europe, which is similar in land area, there are almost 4,000 ski resorts, according to ski data provider Skiresort Service International.
Ski passes for international ski resorts
Weintraub’s Ikon and Epic Passes accounted for a big chunk of his low trip costs. These season passes grant access to various resorts worldwide, including three of the six resorts visited on his trip. Depending on how much you ski in the U.S. and abroad, such passes might help you save as well.
If you’re skiing for about a week or more in Europe specifically, multi-resort passes might also be cheaper than one-day lift tickets. For example, Italy’s Dolomiti Superski offers a 500 euro pass (about $540) that lets adults ski eight days across any of its 12 interconnected resorts. That’s less than $70 per day.
Flights to Europe can be affordable
Airfare may be a huge chunk of the budget of skiing in Europe, but it’s getting cheaper. According to the American Express Global Business Travel (AmEx GBT) Air Monitor 2024 report, average economy airfares from North America to Europe are expected to drop by 3.5% this year.
Falling airfares correlate with an increase in routes. For example, Air France’s North America capacity increased by 20% in winter 2023 versus 2019, and includes a new seasonal route to Innsbruck, Austria. The city is famous for snow sports and has played host to two Winter Olympics.
Book flights early
Weintraub booked his flight less than a month before departure. That’s outside the two-to-eight-month window that travel experts recommend for booking international flights. According to Google Flights, flights between Newark and Geneva usually cost between $485 and $770 — lower than the $800 Weintraub paid.
“I would have saved hundreds more if I had been more proactive,” he said in an email.
Other ways to save on European ski trips
Just like the U.S., Europe has ultra-expensive mountain regions. To save money, skip iconic resorts like France’s Courchevel in favor of lesser-known gems like La Clusaz.
Eastern Europe can be especially affordable. At Bulgaria’s Bansko Ski Resort, one-day adult tickets cost about $53. Not only will you typically find lower prices, but also perhaps shorter lift lines.
No matter where you choose to ski across the pond, take into account the costs of lift tickets and airfare, but also other transportation, food, lodging, lessons and rentals to see if a European ski trip might help you save on the slopes.
ISM Outshines NFP, But Neither Ended Up Leaving a Mark
By:
Matthew Graham
Fri, Jan 5 2024, 5:17 PM
ISM Outshines NFP, But Neither Ended Up Leaving a Mark
It has happened before, but it’s not common: those Fridays where bonds move in one direction in response to the jobs report only to move even more in the opposite direction after the ISM Non-Manufacturing Index. Considering that both moves were ultimately erased today, we don’t feel too compelled to overanalyze, but ISM definitely had the upper hand. Chalk that up to the jobs report being not as strong as the headline might suggest and to ISM’s employment component being staggeringly weaker. Bonds escaped with minimal damage–especially MBS as they don’t have to worry about an auction cycle like Treasuries next week.
Nonfarm Payrolls
216k vs 170k f’cast, 173k prev
Unemployment Rate
3.7% vs 3.8% f’cast
Participation rate
down 0.3% (implies higher unemployment)
ISM Services PMI
50.6 vs 52.6 f’cast, 52.7 prev
ISM Services Employment
lowest since July 2020
ISM Service Prices
57.4 vs 58.3 prev
08:57 AM
Weaker overnight with additional selling after jobs report. Some resilience now. MBS back to pre-NFP levels, down a quarter point on the day. 10yr up only 5bps at 4.055 after being as high as 4.10
10:11 AM
More gains after ISM data. 10yr down 4.5bps at 3.959. MBS up 1 tick (0.03).
12:35 PM
post-ISM rally fading. 10yr up 3.2bps at 4.036 and MBS down nearly an eighth of a point.
02:14 PM
Holding ground now, slightly better than the early PM swoon. MBS down only 2 ticks (.06) and 10yr up 2.3bps at 4.027.
05:13 PM
MBS outperform into the close, ultimately hitting unchanged levels as Treasuries ticked up 4.7bps to 4.051. Apprehension over next week’s auction cycle? Curve steepening favoring shorter durations? Either way we’ll take it.
Download our mobile app to get alerts for MBS Commentary and streaming MBS and Treasury prices.
We’re all aware that there are vast differences in what’s considered normal around the world, and most of us have even noticed that there are differences in normal between families, small towns, different schools, etc. But have you ever found yourself in the midst of your own country or even your family and wondered How is that just normal? Well, we’re with you. Whether it’s something as seemingly inconsequential as a particular gesture, or more dramatic such as customs surrounding celebrations, it’s pretty common to feel like the odd one out a some point. So stick with us; we’re examining some of the things people find normal that we just can’t get used to.
1. Spitting Loogies
One user shared, “Spitting, especially loogies. I literally almost throw up when I see someone doing it.”
Ok, we’re with you on that one. We know everybody has their own preferences and we’re not here to stop you, but spitting really just baffles us.
2. Holding a Bag of Dog Waste
One Redditor user said, “On colder days when my dad walks the dog, he’ll sometimes hold the dog [waste] bag in his hands to warm his hands.”
Another user commented, “This is deeply disturbing.”
Fortunately, it seems only that commenter’s dad thinks this is normal. Frankly, we’ve never heard of anyone else doing this and we don’t plan to make it any more widespread than it already is. That’s just uncomfortable and gross.
3. Writing With Chalk
“Perhaps not gross, but I am repulsed by holding chalk and writing on a chalkboard. The touch, the feel, the sound, everything,” posted by one Redditor.
Another user shared, “We just got new dishes a couple of months back and the bottom is the raw clay feeling. That terrible gritty sandpaper-like texture. I can hardly use the plates without shivering and getting weirded out.”
There are a lot of odd textures out there, and while they don’t bother a lot of people, when they do bother you it’s almost impossible to forget about.
4. Parents Monetizing Kids on YouTube
One user pointed out, “People monetizing their kids on YouTube.”
Another user replied, “This should be a top comment.”
To be fair, that’s definitely a gray area. But we definitely feel a lot of sympathy for those kids, having to grow up in the spotlight, and sometimes in really vulnerable and uncomfortable ways. We’ll say this much for sure: people’s kids should never have to be publicly uncomfortable just to help their parents make a buck. Providing for the family is the job of an adult, and kids aren’t responsible to help with expenses by performing.
5 When Someone Else Washes My Dishes
One user stated, “When someone else ‘washes’ my dishes for me and I drink from a ‘clean’ glass, and it smells of rotting food and I look at my sponge and it’s covered in food because someone thought that smearing food around my dishes with a sponge somehow made them clean you’re all fired I never want to see you again.”
Sanitation is no joke when you’re washing the dishes. Sponges are great, but you’ve got to keep them clean in order to really clean the dishes you’re washing. And if you’re washing dishes in somebody else’s home to show them you care, go the extra mile and make sure you wash the dishes they way that they like them washed.
6. Wearing Big Engagement Rings Without Cleaning Them
“Wearing those big-a- engagement rings and never properly cleaning them. Especially in a hospital, nobody should be wearing anything below the elbow for good hand hygiene. I can’t imagine how many germs live between all those diamonds that are now spreading to my patients. Just take it all off, leave them at home!” one online user stated.
Another user confirmed and replied, “Omg, so many patients just leave their rings on for years, and then the stones are filled with lotion, dead skin, and grease.”
Besides the important sanitary concerns, did you know your ring will sparkle so much more if you clean it regularly? Most jewelers will offer free cleanings for any rings or jewelry you’ve purchased through them, and otherwise the price is very low, often as cheap as five dollars to get your whole ring polished and looking good as new again.
7 the Sound of Chewing
One user posted, “The sound of people chewing,”
Another user responded, “Ugh, eating with mouth open …”
Honestly, that’s just good manners. There’s definitely an etiquette to chewing. If you’re alone in the privacy of your own home, then be considerate of anyone else around you while you’re eating.
8. Children With Snotty Faces
“Children with food on their face. And snot,” one user shared.
Another user stated, “As a parent, we find it gross too. We’re just tired of cleaning it 900 times a day.”
9. When Clothes Smell Musty
One Redditor posted, “Maybe not ‘normal’ but I am repulsed by the smell created by clothing not correctly drying. The scent is on clothing that sat in the washer machine too long. Or dish towels and bathroom towels that dried without being spread out. I smell it on people from down the aisle in stores. And don’t get me started on drying my hands in someone’s bathroom and finding out the smell is lingering on my hands now.”
Granted, some people have this harder for others. For example, the southwest United States is much less humid than other parts of the country, and that makes drying clothes and towels much faster and easier. In other locations, it’s more challenging to get clothes and linens completely dry and it takes some effort not to smell musty.
10. Constantly Spitting
One user said, “Spitting. I feel physically ill when I witness someone hawking and spitting in public or see spit sitting on the pavement.”
Another user added, “My friend is always doing this. I’m less disgusted than I am confused. I’ve never felt the need to spit spontaneously, lol.”
While we’re here, could somebody tell us why they spit all the time? Is there a good reason for this? From the outside it seems like a pretty unnecessary habit, so please enlighten us.
11. Licking Fingers to Turn a Page
“Licking their fingers to turn a page. Turns my stomach!” one Redditor shared.
Another user added, “Or counting money. F- filthy.”
Ok, fair enough.. If you need to lick your fingers for any reason, please wash your hands afterwards. Keep the germs from spreading and be considerate of others.
12. Not Washing Hands Before a Meal
One Commenter mentioned, “Not washing hands before a meal. You have been in filth, and you are going to touch your food with those hands? Yuk.”
Another replied, “Also, not washing your hands when cooking food. I can’t understand how people just start cooking food for other people without doing it.”
13. Not Rinsing the Soap Suds off Dishes
One user added, “Washing dishes in a tub of soapy water and not rinsing off the soap suds. Or not scrubbing the outsides of pots and pans as well. Makes me want to vomit. I’d rather not taste stale soap and bacteria in my cup of tea or food, thanks. I can always tell as well.“
Soap always leaves a residue, and yea, most of us can taste it. It’s such a strong flavor and it adds an unpleasant taste to anything you eat or drink from that dish. It seems Washing dishes is more of an art than maybe we first thought.
14. Coughing Without Covering
“Spitting, coughing without covering your mouth. I have multiple sclerosis. Get sick really easily,” one user added.
Another user agreed, “I work in a hospital. I still wear a mask the entire work day. I’ve been asked “why” over & over, told that I don’t have to do that anymore, so-called a sheep, & various other comments. My job is directly in patient’s bubbles. The mask does prevent being a direct hit from bodily fluids, helps with the unpleasant outdoors, & hides my facial expressions from exposure to those things.”
Ok, that’s a pretty fair assessment. If you’re working with people’s bodies and fluids, it only makes sense to be as protected as you can.
15. Not Washing Your Hands After Going to the Bathroom
A user commented, “Not washing your hands after going to the bathroom. Nasty.”
Another user shared, “I would hope everyone finds this nasty …”
What can we say; there’s a reason stores and restaurants have signs reminding employees to wash their hands. It’s both less common than we could wish, and much more gross than some people seem to think.
16. Employers Paying New Hires More Than Current Employees
One user stated, “Employers paying new hires more than tenured employees. Having drastically different pay rates for people with similar credentials doing the same job.”
Another user added, “Not entirely the same, but my first job was at a McDonald’s. I was making, I think, like, 5.45 an hour? One of my friends at the time got hired on at 6/hr. I approached the manager about it, and he said, ‘It was a mistake, but I can’t increase your pay or decrease theirs. Also, who told you about it?’ He made clear in his tone he intended to punish the person that told me, and I didn’t say s-.”
17 Wearing Sneakers Without Socks
“Wearing sneakers without socks. Ugh! The sweat stinks,” one user shared.
Another user replied, “Agreed. But Most of the time you see that; they’re probably just wearing no-shows.”
We agree with both commenters; most of the time people are wearing no-show socks. And if they’re not wearing socks at all, that’s about to smell terrible. Even shoes you’ve only worn with socks tend to smell terrible after a while. But if you really have make that fashion choice, rest assured there are plenty of stinky-shoe remedies online to rescue you.
18. Childbirth
One Redditor stated, “Childbirth. We’re all here because of it, and it’s currently my day job to catch a baby or two per day, but [holy cow] is it like watching a woman’s [body] go through Vietnam each time.”
One user added, “Time for a game of ‘child-snatcher or midwife?’”
It’s true that watching childbirth can be an uncomfortable process, but birth is truly a normal part of life. Like the commenter said, without birth none of us would be here, so we have our mothers to thank for going through all that struggle for us.
19. Kissing Pets on the Mouth
“Kissing pets in their mouth,” shared one user.
Another user posted, “What everyone’s dad didn’t say, ‘I just saw that dog eating s- outside,’ every time this happens … “
No offense to the pet parents out there, but there’s definitely a lot of germs not only in cats’ and dogs’ mouths, but in human mouths. And transferring that many germs between humans and animals has never been a great idea. We get that it’s normal and a lot of people connect with their pets and show affection that way, but maybe consider some other manner of pet cuddling than kissing them.
20. Smacking Gum
Another commenter shared, “Smacking gum. I hate it. And loud chewing/swallowing noises.”
Chewing gum seems to be one of those things people either love or hate; there’s no middle ground. But we totally understand how it can be annoying for those who are highly sensitive, especially to noise.
What do you think of the list shared above? Share your thoughts with us down in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
10 Actors Perfectly Cast for Their Character Roles
Have you ever watched a movie or show and been completely lost in it because of how well an actor or actress became their character? Check out this article for a whole list of actors who were perfectly cast!
11 Vampire Movies That Will Make You Thirst for More
You know that feeling where you’re on a movie kick in a certain genre, but you seem to run out of good movies to watch? Well, if you’re down for a vampire movie or three, check out this article for the best ones out there!
10 Incredible Movies That People Rated 10 Out of 10
It’s pretty hard to replicate the experience of watching your favorite movie for the first time, but we’ve put together a list of movies that people have rated at a perfect 10/10. Next time you need a good movie to watch, check this out!
10 Famous People Who Canceled Themselves With Their Own Stupidity
We’ve all been there: you make a comment you haven’t thought through at all, and the whole room goes silent at what you’ve just said. But can you imagine doing that as a famous person—and getting canceled? Check out this list of celebrities who did just that!
13 Things You Shouldn’t Do When You’re in the US
Are you planning a trip to the US? Culture varies a lot between countries, even countries that share borders. So if you’re headed to the good old U. S. of A, here are a few pointers to make your travels go more smoothly!
Inside: Discover a treasure trove of savings during Amazon Prime Days 2023! Maximize your budget, snag the best bargains, and embark on the journey of a financially savvy shopper.
In the pursuit of Money Bliss, making thoughtful and strategic purchasing decisions is key.
If you’ve been eyeing that item on your wishlist or contemplating a purchase that aligns with your needs, Amazon Prime Days might just be the opportune moment to turn that desire into a savvy financial decision.
Amazon Prime Days offers a limited-time chance to acquire the items you need while keeping a firm grip on your budget.
So, go ahead, explore the Prime Day deals, and let the thrill of savings elevate your journey toward financial well-being.
Remember, it’s not just about what you buy—it’s about how wisely you buy it.
Make sure you scroll all of the way to the bottom of this post! I captured ideas from real people on what they want for the Amazon Prime Days 2023!
Happy shopping!
When Are Amazon Prime Days 2023?
Amazon Prime Days 2023 are October 10 and October 11.
Why Shop Amazon Prime Days?
Here’s why navigating the digital aisles during Amazon’s annual shopping extravaganza can be a brilliant move for your wallet and your quest for savings.
1. Irresistible Discounts:
Amazon Prime Days are synonymous with jaw-dropping discounts and deals. Whether it’s electronics, home essentials, or personal care items, the prices often take a dip that’s hard to resist.
This presents a golden opportunity to snag that coveted item you’ve been eyeing at a significantly lower cost, instantly contributing to your maximizing savings.
2. Strategic Timing for Big Purchases:
If your intended purchase is a substantial one—perhaps a new gadget, appliance, or even furniture—Amazon Prime Days provides a strategic window for major savings.
By aligning your buying decision with this event, you can make that big-ticket item more budget-friendly, helping you stay on track with your financial goals.
3. Bundled Offers and Exclusive Launches:
Amazon Prime Days often come with exclusive launches and bundled offers. Whether it’s a combination deal on related products or early access to new releases, these perks can enhance the overall value of your purchase.
By capitalizing on these special offerings, you not only save money but also potentially gain more for your investment.
Special pricing will only be reflected during Amazon Prime Days. As deals are dropping every five minutes!
4. Prime Day-Exclusive Benefits:
Being a Prime member comes with its own set of privileges, and Prime Days amplify these benefits.
From lightning deals to free shipping, the exclusivity of these discounts adds an extra layer of value to your purchases.
Deals start early for Amazon Prime Members too!
5. Kickstart Your Holiday Shopping:
For the savvy planner, Amazon Prime Days serve as an excellent opportunity to jumpstart your holiday shopping. Or finish up your Christmas shopping like my friend, Kaitlyn.
By taking advantage of discounted prices during this event, you can spread out your expenses and avoid the last-minute holiday shopping rush, ensuring a stress-free and budget-friendly festive season.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Popular Amazon Prime day Deals
Best Seller
TMY Mini Projector
The V08 mini projector includes a 100″ projection screen that is tailored to meet your needs. Set up your own home theater anywhere to watch movies, TV shows, photos, slide shows, and play video games.
Another hot family Christmas gift!
Buy Now on Amazon
Get Prime Day Deal
10/24/2023 12:02 am GMT
Spoil Yourself with These
My Favorite
Prime Day Deals For Home
Kitchen Steals
Most Wished For
50-piece Food storage Containers Set
$44.99 $39.99
These containers are refrigerator, freezer, microwave safe, stain-resistant and dishwasher safe, making cleaning a breeze.
Perfect for portion sizing and includes sticky labels and a chalk pen for great for kitchen & pantry organization and storage.
Buy Now on Amazon
Get Prime Day Deal
10/24/2023 04:47 am GMT
Fashion Steals
Popular Item
Fitness Items You Have Been Eyeing
With Kids
For Our Treasured Pets
For School
Travel Essentials
When You Can’t Find it in Your Buy Nothing Group
Okay, I asked my local Buy Nothing Group what the most wanted items they wanted on Amazon Prime Days and they let me know. Here are a few of their wants.
And if you don’t know what a Buy Nothing group is… It is a local group focused on ways to give away, lend, or share anything to keep it out of landfills! You can find your local group on Facebook.
Popular Want
Thule Universal Ski & Snowboard Rack
$199.95 $175.00
Thule Universal Snowsport Carrier Fully locking rooftop snowsport carrier holds skis and boards securely with ultra-soft rubber arms that grip without scratching the surfaces.
Thule is a great product and rarely is discounted!
Buy Now on Amazon
10/24/2023 07:47 am GMT
Because You Need to Stock up
Time to Shop Those Amazon Prime Days Before They Are GONE!
As the curtain falls on Amazon Prime Days 2023, seize the moment and secure the deals that beckon to your savvy shopper’s soul.
The virtual aisles are teeming with savings, and the time is ripe to claim what your budget permits.
Remember, the thrill of a great deal lingers far longer than the sting of an impulse purchase.
So, shop wisely my friends, prioritize your needs, and relish the joy of snagging the best bargains.
Make sure you act swiftly before the deals vanish into the digital abyss, and may your purchases bring not just instant gratification but lasting Money Bliss.
Happy shopping, frugal budget maestros!
Now, All of the Amazon Insider Information:
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
A new survey from Campbell Communications and Inside Mortgage Finance Publications revealed that real estate agents hold sway when it comes to choosing a lender.
In fact, the survey claims 45% of buyer decisions regarding which lender to go with are controlled or influenced by real estate agents.
So instead of shopping around for the best deal or using a family/friend’s referral, many home buyers instead follow the lead of their real estate agent, for better or worse.
This is especially important news for lenders, now that the refinance boom is finally coming to an end, and purchase-money mortgages are expected to take center stage.
The Mortgage Bankers Association expects home purchase lending to increase from $503 billion in 2012 to $585 billion this year.
And you better believe that banks and lenders will want to align with real estate agents to ensure they get as much of that business as possible.
After all, refinance activity is expected to slow tremendously, so they’ll need to make up for that lack of business elsewhere.
Agents Prefer Quick and Reliable Lenders
Real estate agents need to know their buyers can obtain financing
So they prefer to have some sort of control over the lender you choose
Or perhaps they choose one for you or at least direct you toward one
Which explains why they always have a preferred lender
The survey also noted that real estate agents prefer speed and reliability above all else, meaning they might not have a borrower’s best interests in mind.
Sure, it’s better to close than not, but at what price to the borrower? A preferred lender may be quick, but also offer mortgage rates a .25% to .50% above the competition.
And even then, there may still be hiccups, regardless of the relationship.
Real estate agents also indicated that they were big on meaningful status updates, seemingly to ensure loans close on time without delay.
This is especially important in today’s market, seeing that loan origination staff appears to be constrained, and demand is on the up and up.
In fact, two-thirds of the nearly 2,000 agents that responded to the survey said they wanted mortgages to close in 30 days or less.
That can be a tall order at the moment, given the fact that the average purchase transaction has been taking around to a month and half to close.
But there are certainly lenders who move quicker than others, and if a real estate agent can develop a relationship with one that offers competitive pricing, it could be beneficial for everyone involved.
Should You Use the Real Estate Agent’s Lender?
You can choose to be diplomatic and speak to their lender
Often they’ll ask that you at least get pre-approved though there’s no obligation
You don’t have to do either really
But it may not hurt to get another rate quote just to see if they can save you some money on your home loan
Often times when you make an offer on a home, the agent will ask you to get pre-approved with their “preferred lender.”
While it may be in your best interest to get the pre-approval, just to show you’re very serious about buying the property (especially when there are multiple bids), you don’t need to use their lender to obtain your financing.
If anything, you can chalk it up to another mortgage quote, along with the others you hopefully obtain while shopping around.
Just blindly going with the referred bank or lender clearly isn’t wise, because when it comes down to it, you really won’t know how competitive they are unless you shop your loan elsewhere.
Yes, it requires more work, and yes, the real estate agent will probably tell you their mortgage broker or lender is the best in the business, with the lowest possible rates.
They may even go as far as to use scare tactics to get you to use their guy or gal.
But you may regret using them after the fact, especially if they weren’t even able to fulfill expectations on the customer service front.
In other words, get pricing from their preferred lender and see how it stacks up with your other offers, then go from there.
That way you can appease the agents involved and make sure you’re doing your due diligence.
Read more: How to get a better deal on your mortgage rate.
We have another proptech job opportunity to share, this one as Director of Marketing with Step1:
Who is Step1?
We are a small, funded startup getting ready to launch! For the last 9 months we’ve been interviewing our target market and developing the product. We are currently in a closed beta and almost ready to tell the world about ourselves! That is where you come in.
Who are you?
We are looking for an in-the-trenches leader (and doer) that has pragmatic startup blood coursing through their veins. You should be just as comfortable defining a go-to-market strategy as you are standing up landing pages. Here’s a bit more about you:
You have at least 5 years of experience.
You probably have strengths in digital, SEO & content marketing.
You’ve worked and thrived in startups before.
You may have never run a marketing department before, but if not, you were just one step away.
What is the role like?
In the role, your core responsibilities will be evolving our brand identity and defining and executing a digital marketing strategy from tip-to-stern. To accomplish this, you’ll have senior technical talent ready to help you implement your vision. And you’ll be working at a company that understands, respects, and prioritizes the value that marketing brings to the table. We’ll make sure that you have all you need to succeed.
So far, Building a Storybrand and Play Bigger have influenced our marketing strategy and plan. That strategy and plan is written in chalk, not stone, so we’d love to learn about what inspires you and your work as we think about shaping our future together.
We consider ourselves to be a pragmatic, kind, collaborative, and communicative team who takes pride in our work. We hope you are the same.
Sound good?
If this opportunity excites (and maybe even intimidates) you, then let’s continue the conversation. Email [email protected].
QC/Fraud, LO AI, MSR Financing, GNMA Programs; Disaster Updates and Guides – The CFPB is There for Us
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QC/Fraud, LO AI, MSR Financing, GNMA Programs; Disaster Updates and Guides – The CFPB is There for Us
By: Rob Chrisman
Tue, Sep 5 2023, 10:40 AM
It was a rough weekend. My cat Myrtle, resting comfortably at the top of the food chain, was visibly miffed at me not nominating her (again) for the vaulted “40 under 40” award. I reminded her that she is way over that in cat years, but my explanation fell on her one deaf ear and her one good ear despite me telling her how much line-caught salmon we could buy with the nomination fee. (Hey, don’t get me wrong. I know some of those folks who were nominated or selected, and the industry is better off because of them!) If lenders would like a little good news, they should know that, despite the low interest rates we saw a few years ago, people are still moving, and that’s a source of business. Around 8.6 percent of Americans moved last year, slightly more than the previous year, but still below pre-pandemic levels. Accordingly, WalletHub released its report on 2023’s Best States to Live in. Chalk it up to complete East Coast bias, but Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and New York took the top four spots. Really? (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by LoanCare, a Fidelity National Financial (NYSE: FNF) division and award-winning developer of the most sophisticated mortgage servicing portfolio management tool, LoanCare Analytics, built to support MSR investors with a focus on customer engagement, liquidity, and credit risk. Hear an interview with Flagstar’s Jason Lee on how capital markets departments balance volume and margin.)
Lender and Broker Products, Programs, and Services
Mortgage servicers of all sizes trust their portfolios to MSP®, Black Knight’s loan servicing system. In fact, Fahe (Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises), a nonprofit that serves the people and communities of Appalachia, recently signed a contract for MSP. In Black Knight’s recent announcement, Fahe states that top-tier technology will help it realize its mission and better serve its communities. Wondering if the MSP loan servicing system is the right fit for your servicing business? Learn why it’s the one loan servicing system for every mortgage servicer.
NEW: Maxwell’s Mini-Guide to Surviving Today’s Big Housing Market Reset, ft. advice from Maxwell Co-founder & CEO John Paasonen, Rob Chrisman himself, theLender EVP Chris Ledwidge, and more. Is your lending business prepared for a market reset? To thrive, lenders need a fresh game plan driven by home buyer trends, creative lead generation, and insightful data. Maxwell put this guide together to help you refresh your thinking for the market ahead. In it, you’ll learn ways to rebuild your pipeline, the borrower segments that are still rising in the housing market, and how to better leverage data to make confident business decisions. Lenders: The next five years likely won’t be anything like the last five. Now is the time to rethink your business. Click here to download your free copy of Maxwell’s Mini-Guide to Surviving Today’s Big Housing Market Reset.
Profitable Mortgage Companies are focused on the long-term value of the customer relationship. Essex Mortgage’s partners enjoy greater customer retention, GNMA pass-thru pricing, no overlays, no LLPA’s, NO EPOs and NO EPDs, as well as Tax Deferred asset growth and a long-term cash flow stream without having to be a GNMA issuer themselves. Please contact us to discuss how the Essex GNMA Excess MSR program can help retain and enhance your customer relationship, broaden guidelines, and expand into new markets. Please contact Kimberly Schenck.
“Your business can benefit from powerful national banking resources that incorporate personalized, one-on-one relationships with industry experts. Western Alliance Bank delivers stable, trusted treasury management and fraud protection services from cash management to financing to account security. These tools can help you keep operations running smoothly, conveniently manage custodial and payroll accounts, and originate streamlined online wire transfers. Our Specialized Mortgage Services team tailors mortgage finance products to your needs, including warehouse lending, MSR financing, note financing and corporate credit card services that offer speed to approval and certainty of execution. Discover how competitive rates, efficient cash flow cycles and a streamlined banking relationship can help you achieve your goals. Contact Mark Short (469) 702-6212, Nick Richards (646) 708-1211, Nicole Avey (720) 633-4759, Elizabeth Mix (480) 329-2122, Jim Karr (626) 390-8534 or Chris Martin (480) 341-5483. Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC.”
Ready to mend your relationship with your loan origination system? Join the TRUE team on September 20th and hear directly from TruStone and V.I.P Mortgage on how they’re applying AI technology to solve the challenges related to their LOS platforms. The roundtable discussion will unpack the frustrations related to most of today’s more popular LOS platforms, the crucial importance of well-organized borrower data, and how applying AI at specific points in the document journey can dramatically change the way LOS platforms perform. Sign up today.
Capacity is heading to The Mortgage Collaborative’s “Music in My Ears Conference” in Nashville, TN, next week! CEO David Karandish will speak on Monday, September 11th, at 3:15 p.m. about our latest offerings: generative AI-powered Guideline Search and tailored AI Assessments. Get game-changing, personalized insights on successfully implementing AI and automation in your business! Be sure to stop by our session in Nashville or book one-on-one time with our team here. The mortgage industry desperately needs a platform that securely integrates with lenders’ key systems, providing loan officers with instant, actionable answers about borrower opportunities, loan statuses, guidelines, and more. Capacity reduces the time LOs spend logging into a sea of endless systems to find information. If this sounds familiar, why not find out how Capacity can save your team time and frustration? See how it works.
“TENA Companies, Inc. is your strategic mortgage Quality Control partner in the fight against fraud. Develop your strategy against evolving mortgage market fraud with help from our proficient and highly trained auditors. Fraud involving income and employment schemes, as well as occupancy-related deception, continue to impact risk levels for all lenders. As highlighted in Fannie Mae’s July 2023 Quality Insider: Reviewing your fraud controls in QC, a robust Quality Control plan is an integral component for identifying patterns that can be indicative of fraud. These insights enable lenders to proactively implement processes for fraud prevention. Safeguard your operations, ensure risk mitigation, and strengthen your Quality Control by partnering with TENA. Contact us today!”
Disaster News and Updates
Last year, U.S. disaster damage totaled $171.5B. Destructive weather and climate events, or bad forestation or building practices, factor into the mix of hurricanes, wildfires, tornados, and drought. Few are forecasting them to decrease or affect a smaller geographic range. Is your lending operation ready? What are you telling your borrowers about insurance? Major insurers say they will cut out damage caused by hurricanes, wind, and hail, not to mention along coastlines and in wildfire prone areas, suggesting that companies will just insure for liability and fire. So if that is the case, will insurance rates fall? Of course not. But where does all of this leave the mortgage servicers?
When disasters strike, lenders often postpone loan closings, impacting origination revenue and impairing the ability to fund new loans. Loans that have already been funded may be difficult to sell, further limiting liquidity. Black Knight has a piece worth skimming, or more, about how you can reduce your financial exposure, decrease costs, and better serve borrowers by preparing before, during and after a disaster. Download a complimentary ebook: Climate-Change and Weather-Related Disasters: How to Manage Mortgage Risk.
Nearly every part of the United States faces natural disasters, whether they be earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, drought, or volcanoes. A declaration by FEMA triggers lender and servicer policies and procedures.
Mortgage Quality Management & Research (MQMR) sent out Fannie Mae Disaster Relief – FAQ. Check out more equally insightful FAQs. (To learn more about Mortgage Quality Management & Research, download MQMR’s white paper.)
Recently we’ve had Florida Hurricane Idalia FEMA-4734-DR, Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding DR-4728-IL, Mississippi DR-4727, and Vermont DR-4720: Update to End Date of Occurrence.
Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas were hit by Hurricane Idalia, causing damage from storm surge, flooding, and high winds. Recovering from a catastrophic event like this one can feel overwhelming. It’s not always easy to know where to turn for help and what steps to take. The CFPB put together a guide to handling finances that you can share with the people you serve, to help them manage the money decisions they face. View CFPB’s disasters and emergencies guide providing resources to help recovery, including how to tackle housing issues, protect finances, deal with property damage, manage bills, and ask financial companies for help.
Freddie Mac issued a reminder to homeowners and mortgage servicers of its relief options for those affected by Hurricane Idalia. Freddie Mac’s forbearance program provides homeowners mortgage relief for up to 12 months without incurring late fees or penalties. Freddie Mac’s disaster relief options are available to homeowners who have been impacted by an eligible disaster. This includes anytime the homeowner’s property experiences an insurable loss, and also covers instances where their homes or places of employment are located in Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Areas where federal Individual-Assistance programs are made available to affected individuals and households. Foreclosure and other legal proceedings are also suspended while homeowners are on a forbearance plan. More information is available on My Home by Freddie Mac where owners can read about the steps they can take to help recover from a natural disaster, including frequently asked questions related to disaster and mortgage relief.
Fannie Mae reminded homeowners and renters impacted by natural disasters, including Hurricane Idalia, of available mortgage assistance and disaster relief options. Mortgage servicers are also reminded of options to assist homeowners under Fannie Mae’s guidelines.
Under Fannie Mae’s guidelines for single-family mortgages impacted by a natural disaster:
Homeowners and renters looking for disaster recovery resources may visit FannieMae.com to learn more about addressing immediate needs. Fannie Mae also offers help navigating the broader financial effects of a disaster to homeowners and renters through disaster recovery counseling at 855-HERE2HELP (855-437-3243).
PHH Correspondent posted information regarding Illinois DR-4728: New Disaster Declared, Mississippi DR-4727, and Vermont DR-4720. Go to the PHH company library to view the announcement and for all disaster declared counties, requirements, procedures, and conditions.
On 9/1/2023, with Amendment No. 1 to DR-4734, FEMA declared federal disaster aid with individual assistance has been made available to 6 additional Florida counties affected by Hurricane Idalia from 8/27/2023 and continuing. See the attached announcement for inspection requirements. AmeriHome Mortgage 20230901-CL Disaster Announcement.
Capital Markets
It’s looking more and more like a goldilocks scenario for the Federal Reserve. Last week was crammed with key economic data on the labor market and inflation which will probably be instrumental in shaping the decision of the Fed’s monetary policy committee at its meeting later this month. Many of the indicators pointed towards cooling in the economy, strengthening hopes that it would be enough for the central bank to keep rates steady. Friday’s nonfarm payrolls report showed an uptick in the unemployment rate. Market participants took heart from the data, which suggests that the highly resilient labor market is finally cracking and that the effects of the Fed’s aggressive tightening campaign are showing up.
More specifically, we learned at the close of last week that U.S. unemployment rose to 3.8 percent in August, a significant increase from July’s rate of 3.5 percent and the highest percentage since February 2022, as the economy continued to lose momentum built up after pandemic lockdowns. Non-Farm Payrolls barely beat consensus (expected +170k, actual +187k) and previous prints were revised lower (June was cut from +209k to +105k). More people entered the workforce, increasing the size of the labor force by 736k, which will help bring supply and demand more into balance.
Keep in mind that increased hiring and slowing wage growth are key ingredients of the Fed’s fight against pandemic-era inflation, and the overall report was good news for the bond market, as it shows the Fed’s tightening is gaining traction in the labor market. In theory, this will take some of the pressure off the Fed to keep hiking rates and give the central bank some confidence to let previously enacted hikes work their way through the economy. The next Fed meeting is only two weeks away.
Though we’ve already received the latest rate decision from Royal Bank of Australia this morning, where rates were held steady at 4.10 percent, today is light on economic data. After this commentary goes out, markets will receive August employment trends and July factory orders. Highlights from the remainder of the week include September’s Fed Beige Book tomorrow and July Wholesale Inventories on Friday. We begin the trading week with Agency MBS prices worse .125-.250 and the 10-year yielding 4.22 after closing last week at 4.17 percent on no real news.
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At a time when mortgage rates are still in the bargain basement, one would think that a large majority would be taking advantage by refinancing their old mortgages.
But that doesn’t appear to be the case, according to a new National Housing Survey from Fannie Mae.
The mortgage financier asked several thousand homeowners if they had ever refinanced their existing mortgage, and 46% indicated they had not.
Of that 46%, seven percent tried to refinance in the past 2-3 years but were not successful in doing so. The other 39% never bothered.
Additionally, only 25-30% said they refinanced during the past three years, a period where mortgage rates hovered at or near all-time lows.
That’s not all; another 90% who obtained their most recent mortgage 3+ years ago said they were “not very likely” to refinance in the next 12 months.
Why Don’t More Homeowners Refinance?
Fannie Mae discovered that there is a “dormant period” or “homeownership honeymoon” for the first six years when borrowers aren’t as likely to refinance.
The majority that refinanced did so after owning their homes for six to 15 years, and then levels drop off again deeper into the loan term.
Interestingly, “years in home” is the strongest indicator of past refinancing behavior, though you could just chalk that up to more time increasing the odds of borrowers taking action.
Fannie tried to put their finger on why more homeowners don’t refinance, and came up with a few conclusions.
They found that those who haven’t refinanced tend to be younger, own their homes for a shorter period of time, and have lower income/education levels.
Respondents also indicated that refinancing wouldn’t “reduce payments enough,” or that closing costs were too high, and that they didn’t want to extend their loan term, aka reset the mortgage clock.
For those who attempted to refinance but were unsuccessful, the need to put down more money was an issue, though Fannie was quick to point out that HARP should alleviate such concerns for many.
Borrowers also expressed concerns about the process being too complicated, not trusting lenders, and the belief that they wouldn’t qualify for a refinance.
Who Has Refinanced and Why?
While it sounds like very few have taken advantage of the low rates on offer, more than half of those surveyed have refinanced at some time or another.
And of those, 90% have owned their home for at least five years, while just 46% are first-time home buyers. Again, experience seems to be correlated with propensity to refinance.
First-timers might tread lightly before considering a refinance, perhaps still coming to terms with being homeowners and holding a giant mortgage.
Additionally, 91% who refinanced went with a fixed-rate mortgage, and the average mortgage rate for these borrowers is 5.02%.
The refinance group also seems to be marriage-happy, with 85% indicating being married. Perhaps married couples pay more attention to their finances.
Age also seems to be a factor, with 74% of those who refinanced 40 years or older.
All in all, it appears as if far fewer homeowners refinance than should be expected, especially in the remarkable interest rate period we’re enjoying at the moment.
This is certainly problematic, given the fact that the Fed spent billions to drive down mortgage rates.
There’s also a rather large group of borrowers who haven’t taken advantage of HARP, despite its liberal underwriting guidelines.
No wonder the FHFA launched a national campaign to promote the program four years after it was launched.
You also have to wonder if the negative experiences from the mortgage crisis have kept borrowers away from banks and lenders, even if assistance is readily available.
Read more: 7 Reasons Why You Can’t Refinance Your Mortgage
Whether you live in a studio apartment, duplex or loft, making the most of your space can feel daunting, particularly with all your varied activities. How do you create specific areas for working, crafting, reading, relaxing and entertaining while retaining a sense of peace, tranquility, design and order?
The answer is room dividers! From elegant curtains to vintage beads from the ’60s, there’s a perfect solution, no matter your decorating style. Did someone say modern farmhouse fan? Today’s country cottage room dividers and sliding barn doors create the perfect blend of ambiance and functionality.
Let’s get creative and explore the top 11 room divider ideas and determine which is right for your special place.
How can you use room dividers?
Room dividers offer a way to break up your space while adding to the décor. They’re used to increase privacy, creatively section off an area and even maximize storage. Some incorporate heavy materials, like doors and repurposed wood, while others use light, sheer materials. With some creative ingenuity, you can even use bookshelves, artwork and shutters.
Whether you want to separate space in your living room, bedroom or kids’ room, these room divider ideas will inspire you to act!
11 room divider ideas for inspiration
If you’re looking to create a space for your unique hobby, a private oasis or your ideal area for entertaining, these room dividers can take you there.
1. Oversized artwork for the creative
Do you enjoy wandering through museums or find yourself stopping to appreciate street art while your friends yawn or continue walking? If so, you may possess the creative gene, one who explores the world through the eyes of an artist.
An oversized piece of art suspended from the ceiling with hooks makes a modern prominent visual display that will appeal to the artist within while creating separation. Make sure to check with the property manager before hanging things from the ceiling.
2. Hanging beads or macramé for bohemian chic
Bohemian style revolves around the natural world while emphasizing an eclectic free spirit with bold colors, designs and textures. The boho culture came alive in the ’60s and ’70s in the U.S., as did beaded curtains and wall hangings. Today, the possibilities are nearly limitless, from bamboo beads to crystals and carved wood.
If you appreciate the style but are unsure about hanging beads, hanging macramé offers another unique divider. Macramé uses different knotting techniques to create a textile and is very boho chic.
3. Repurposed barn doors for modern farmhouse flair
Nothing shouts modern farmhouse flair more than a repurposed barn door on sliders. You can keep the costs way down by finding an old barn door, cleaning it up and using one of the many hardware kits designed for this popular room divider.
If you like the rustic look, consider recycled wooden pallets put together with hinges. Attach paintings or photographs to make it uniquely yours.
4. Hanging curtains to create an elegant oasis
Draperies pulled back with elegant ties create a certain mystique. What lies beyond the veil? Consider a sheer weave underneath a solid fabric for extra elegance. Suspend a curtain rod from the ceiling and use hooks or rings to attach the material.
You can instantly create a little reading nook, corner office or dressing room by using a curved shower rod in the corner of a room. For a more modern design, trade in the curtains for ceiling-mounted shades. Shades offer sheer opacity that lets in filtered light or opaque fabrics for total privacy.
5. Open shelving units or bookcases for double duty
Do you seek out used bookstores or feel a smile spread across your face when you walk into a library? Then, imagine a divider filled with books, knickknacks and plants. Bookcases break up a room while adding additional storage. A win-win!
Shelving units are also great if you have kids sharing a bedroom. It creates a sense of privacy that children appreciate and offers storage for toys, books and art supplies. You can configure floor-to-ceiling pole shelving in numerous ways, and it doesn’t require a supporting wall. You can even add a built-in desk to one side of the shelving unit.
6. Plants for healthier air and an influx of nature
From hanging plants to palms, these beautiful room dividers offer a lush backdrop, life and a dose of oxygen. They may also provide a sense of calm. A systematic review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that indoor plants may lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve academic or career achievement.
Consider tall plants that grow well in medium light, like dracaenas, snake plants, peace lilies and palms.
7. Repurposed large clothing racks for the environmentally conscious
Repurposing and reuse are on the rise as newer generations instill a more sustainable and eco-friendly mindset. With that in mind, what could be better than transforming a clothing rack into a room divider?
Consider hanging indoor plants on it for an open feeling. You can even interlace string that hanging plants and vines attach to, creating a wall of green. Hanging curtains or tapestries offer more privacy and a burst of color, texture or an intriguing design.
8. Bifold doors for flexibility and creativity
Bifold doors fold in and out, making them perfect for a room divider. You can even repurpose bifold closet doors using three or four panels and some hinges. Finish with woodland blue chalk paint for a weathered look.
Another ingenious use of bifold doors is painting them with chalkboard paint. Now, you have a blank canvas to create your own designs or favorite sayings. It’s also a great solution for kids drawn to the blank slates walls provide.
For those who appreciate fairy lights and a touch of whimsy, consider placing branches into panel-sized frames and stringing them with twinkle lights.
9. Folding screens for the impromptu interior designer
Do you find yourself rearranging furniture at a moment’s notice and switching artwork on a whim? You may possess an interior decorator who loves to break free in spontaneous bursts of passionate design. What could be easier to incorporate into your latest decor than folding screens on casters? These movable room dividers let you open and close them effortlessly and redecorate whenever the urge strikes.
You can also use folding dividers that rest on the floor. If you lean toward Asian-inspired design, traditional Japanese folding shoji screens are made of rice paper and wood-framed panels.
10. Reclaimed or salvaged shutters for a vintage look
Reclaimed shutters hinged together offer an ideal divider. Various kinds of wood, such as alder, cedar or basswood, create different aesthetics. Keep the slats open to let in the natural light and closed for complete privacy.
11. Linen fabric for simplicity
The minimalist design aligns with the power of simplicity. And there’s nothing much simpler than suspending sheer linen fabric. You can keep the material straight and neatly aligned by creating a hem on the top and bottom and inserting rods before hanging it from the ceiling.
Consider a natural color if sticking to a minimalist or biophilic design. Otherwise, a pop of color can bring a whole room together.
Choosing your room divider
As William Morris, a well-known 19th-century designer and artist, said, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. ” When selecting a room divider, consider how you’ll use it and the design you’re going for.
If you’re wearing a smile after making your selection, chances are good you’ve found the perfect match. The same goes for the right apartment. Find it now.