Your home is more than just a place to live, it’s a canvas for self-expression. Every corner, every piece of furniture, and every decorative item tells a story about who you are and what you value.
Expressing your personal style through your living space not only creates a more inviting atmosphere but also contributes to your overall well-being.
That’s why today we’ll look at five easy ways to infuse your unique personality into your home, creating a space that truly reflects you.
Curate a gallery wall that speaks volumes
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One of the most effective ways to showcase your personal style is through a carefully curated gallery wall. This versatile design element allows you to display a collection of art, photographs, and mementos that resonate with your aesthetic and experiences.
Start by selecting pieces that hold special meaning to you — family photos, travel souvenirs, or artwork that captures your imagination.
Mix and match different frame sizes and styles for an eclectic look, or stick to a uniform design for a more polished appearance.
Embrace color psychology in your palette
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Color has a profound impact on mood and perception, making it a powerful tool for expressing your personality.
Choose a color palette that resonates with the atmosphere you want to create in your home. Bold, vibrant hues might reflect an energetic and outgoing personality, while softer, muted tones could express a more introspective nature.
To top it off, consider using color-blocking techniques to create focal points in your rooms. For instance, you might paint an accent wall in a rich, deep tone to add drama to your living room or use a bright, cheerful color in your home office to inspire creativity.
Showcase your passions through functional decor
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Your hobbies and interests are integral parts of your identity, so why not incorporate them into your home decor?
If you’re a book lover, create a cozy reading nook with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a comfortable armchair. Music enthusiasts might display their vinyl collection as wall art or repurpose vintage instruments as unique decor pieces.
For those with a green thumb, integrate plants into your living space with hanging planters, a vertical garden, or a statement indoor tree. Not only do plants add life and color to your home, but they also improve air quality and contribute to a sense of well-being.
Personalize your space with DIY projects
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Nothing says “personal style” quite like handmade items.
DIY projects allow you to create unique pieces that perfectly match your vision and budget. Try your hand at reupholstering an old chair with a fabric that complements your decor scheme, or create custom throw pillows with patterns that speak to your aesthetic.
For a more substantial project, consider building a custom piece of furniture, like a coffee table or bookshelf. Not only will you have a one-of-a-kind item, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you created it yourself.
Extend your style to outdoor spaces
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Don’t forget that your personal style shouldn’t be confined to the interior of your home.
Give your outdoor space some personality by treating it as an extension of your indoor living areas. Create an inviting patio or balcony with comfortable seating, outdoor rugs, and ambient lighting.
Add personal touches like colorful planters, wind chimes, or a small water feature to reflect your taste and create a serene atmosphere. If you have a garden, use it as an opportunity to express your creativity through landscaping.
Expressing your personal style through your home is an ongoing process of creativity and self-discovery. By implementing these five ideas – curating a meaningful gallery wall, embracing color psychology, showcasing your passions, engaging in DIY projects, and extending your style to outdoor spaces – you can create a living environment that truly reflects who you are.
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Having to navigate the reality of a changing family landscape (and possibly helping little ones cope with the ordeal), reenvisioning your life without your significant other, and managing the intense emotions that come with this ground-shifting life change can be immensely challenging.
Add to that the legal aspects — which, let’s be honest, can be quite overwhelming on our best days — and it’s easy to see why many feel lost during this time. That’s why today, we thought we’d provide some helpful resources for people navigating this tough stage.
Of course, we’re no experts, that’s why we reached out to Joe and Cheryl Dillon, professional divorce mediators, and relationship experts at Equitable Mediation, who were kind enough to shed some light on the most pressing issues their clients have during a divorce when it comes to dividing their property.
Please note that the following sections have been written entirely by Joe and Cheryl Dillon, who shared with us the expert advice they give their clients (sans the consultation fee) when they come looking for guidance on splitting the house in a divorce.
Property division insights from a professional divorce mediator
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In my experience working with divorcing couples, the family home is often their most significant asset.
As a result, discussions about dividing this property during divorce proceedings can be both intricate and emotionally charged.
For couples grappling with this issue, I’ve compiled answers to the seven questions I’m most frequently asked when guiding clients through negotiations regarding their marital home.
These questions cover the key aspects that typically arise when determining how to handle this valuable asset in a divorce settlement.
Understanding these common concerns can help you navigate this challenging aspect of divorce more effectively. Whether you’re considering selling the home, buying out your spouse, or exploring other options, having clear information about the process can ease some of the stress and uncertainty.
Every divorce situation is unique, and what works for one couple may not be the best solution for another.
However, by addressing these common questions, you can gain a better understanding of the options available and the factors to consider when making decisions about a marital home during divorce.
#1 Who gets to keep the house in a divorce when children are involved?
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A common misconception regarding divorce proceedings involving children is that the primary caregiver automatically retains ownership of the family home.
This belief stems from the notion that maintaining a familiar environment for children is paramount. However, this assumption oversimplifies the complex nature of property division in divorce.
While some couples may opt for such an arrangement to minimize disruption to their children’s lives, it is not a mandate or universal practice. Rather, the decision of who keeps the house emerges from a negotiation between a mediator (or each party’s respective legal counsel) and the unique circumstances of the divorcing couple.
#2 Can we sell the house and split the proceeds?
Photo credit: Andrii Yalanskyi / Dreamstime
Selling the family home and dividing the proceeds can be a good option for some divorcing couples. However, contrary to popular belief, there’s no requirement to split the money evenly.
In the United States, divorcing couples can negotiate how they’ll share the money from the house sale. This process may result in an agreement where one person might receive a larger portion of the proceeds than the other.
The final division — in my experience — depends on what both parties consider fair, taking into account various aspects of their marriage and individual circumstances.
Factors that might influence this decision include each person’s financial contribution to the home, one party’s need for liquidity to purchase another home, or in exchange for offering the other party a larger share of a different marital asset.
#3 How is the value of a house determined in a divorce?
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Figuring out how much a property is worth during a divorce can be a tricky and sometimes tense process.
The method used to value the home can make a big difference and might end up favoring one spouse over the other. Couples often use different ways to figure out their home’s value.
They might hire a professional appraiser to give an expert opinion based on the current market and the home’s features. Sometimes, they ask a real estate agent to look at recent sales of similar homes in the area and estimate the value. Other couples might use websites that give rough estimates of home values, though these aren’t always accurate.
If the house was bought in recent years, they may use that purchase price as a starting point.
The choice of method often depends on what the couple plans to do with the house. For example, if one person wants to keep the house and take over the mortgage by themselves, they usually need a professional appraisal. In these cases, the value from the appraisal is often used to decide how to divide up the couple’s assets.
It’s important to remember that each way of valuing a house has its benefits and drawbacks. The method chosen can have a significant impact on both party’s finances, so it’s something that needs careful thought.
Sometimes, it might be helpful to get advice from experts to make sure the valuation is fair and accurate. The goal is to find a value that both parties can agree on and that helps them divide their property fairly, considering all the unique aspects of their situation.
#4 What if one spouse wants to keep the house but can’t afford the mortgage alone?
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When couples divorce and one person has been staying home to raise kids while the other worked outside the home, it can be tough for the stay-at-home parent to keep the house.
If they can’t easily find a job that pays enough, and the support they get from their ex isn’t enough to cover the costs, there are some creative solutions that I’ve seen couples use.
One idea is to rent out part of the house. The stay-at-home parent might rent a spare room or even a section of the house to someone else. This extra money can help pay the mortgage or other house expenses.
Another option is to change how alimony is paid. The working ex-spouse might agree to pay more alimony at the start, then gradually pay less over time. This gives the stay-at-home parent more money right away to help them afford the house until they can get back on their feet financially.
These are just a couple of ways I’ve seen couples solve this problem. There might be other solutions, depending on the couple’s specific situation. What works best really depends on each family’s unique circumstances, and what both people can agree on.
It’s worth noting that every family is different, so what works for one might not work for another. Sometimes, it can be helpful to talk to experts like financial advisors or divorce mediators who can help couples think of more options and find a solution that works for everyone, especially if there are kids involved.
#5 How do we handle the mortgage if only one person’s name is on it?
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In divorce proceedings where one party retains the marital home, the process is more straightforward if the resident’s spouse is also the signer on the mortgage. However, complications arise when the individual keeping the house isn’t listed on the mortgage.
In such scenarios, a common arrangement involves the non-resident spouse remaining on the mortgage despite no longer inhabiting the property, while the resident spouse continues to occupy the home.
For this arrangement to be viable, the divorcing couple must reach an agreement on several critical issues, and carefully document them in their divorce agreement.
These may include things like establishing a timeframe for the non-resident spouse to remain on the mortgage, developing a contingency plan to address potential missed mortgage payments by the resident spouse, and setting a firm deadline by which the resident spouse must either refinance the mortgage solely in their name or sell the property.
It is important to recognize that should the resident spouse default on mortgage payments, the credit rating of the mortgage holder — even if they no longer reside in the home — could be negatively affected. This underscores the importance of clearly defined agreements and open communication between the divorcing parties to protect their financial futures.
#6 How does refinancing work in a divorce situation?
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Refinancing a house during a divorce is similar to refinancing at any other time.
The main difference is that you might need to buy out your ex-spouse’s share of the house. This often means taking out extra money when refinancing to pay an ex-spouse.
Before you agree to this in your divorce, it’s smart to talk to your bank or a mortgage expert. They can tell you if you can qualify for the amount you need to borrow. This is especially important if you need extra money to pay your ex-spouse for their share of the house.
Pay close attention to what your new monthly mortgage payment will be. Interest rates are much higher now than they were a few years ago. Plus, you might need to borrow extra to pay your ex-spouse. This could make your monthly payment much higher, or too expensive to stay in the house.
It’s better to know this before you start negotiating your divorce. That way, you won’t be disappointed or have to go back and change your plans later. Understanding your financial situation early on can help you make better decisions about the house during your divorce.
#7 Will I have to pay capital gains tax if we sell the house now, or if I sell it later?
Photo credit: Andrii Yalanskyi / Dreamstime
Dealing with taxes when selling a house during a divorce can be complicated. The tax rules are always changing, and they’re different for married and single people.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to work with a tax expert, like a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
To figure out if you’ll owe taxes when you sell your house, you need to know a few things:
First, is the purchase price/cost basis. Second, is how much you spent on big improvements to the house, so if you did any, hopefully you kept the receipts. And third, how much you’re selling it for.
These details help determine if you made a profit (called a capital gain) that you might need to pay taxes on. A tax expert can help you understand these rules and how they apply to your situation. They can also help you find ways to pay less in taxes if possible by reducing your gain.
It’s important to get this advice before you make final decisions about your house in the divorce. That way, you won’t be surprised by a big tax bill later.
Extending our gratitude to Joe and Cheryl Dillon for the above advice
Photo credit: Piotr Swat / Dreamstime
Joe and Cheryl Dillon are divorce mediators and relationship experts at Equitable Mediation. They are a husband and wife team with more than three decades of combined experience helping families avoid the destruction of lawyer-driven litigation.
With an MBA in finance and a past career in finance and contract negotiations, Joe is an expert on the financial aspects of divorce and negotiation among ex-spouses.
Cheryl has a degree in psychology and is a certified life coach. She offers 1-on-1 private divorce coaching for mediation clients and has helped countless men and women throughout the difficult — yet often liberating — journey of divorce.
And we are grateful to both for all the expert advice they shared with us and sincerely hope you might never find yourself in need of it. But if you do, hopefully, Joe and Cheryl have set you on the right path and helped clarify some of the most pressing questions you had about dividing property after a divorce.
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In terms of window architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows are now the go-to choice for homeowners and property developers looking to land that million-dollar look.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with daylight and make it appear visually larger — while opening the home to the outdoor spaces, mimicking the Cali indoor-outdoor living vibe.
And while floor-to-ceiling windows have been a huge hit for years, real estate series like Selling Sunset have brought them back into the limelight, with homeowners looking to replicate the bright and airy feel of million-dollar homes featured on the hit reality show.
Especially since they are a relatively inexpensive way to give your apartment or house a very special touch.
This is partly because they let in a lot of natural daylight and partly because certain types of floor-to-ceiling windows are relatively inexpensive — for the value they bring — and yet very well insulated. However, they come with a very wide range of design options, and we’re here to walk you through some of your options.
Can I install a floor-to-ceiling window in my house?
In principle, floor-to-ceiling windows can be installed anywhere where the structure allows it.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new build or an old building.
However, the costs for such a construction project need to be examined individually in existing properties, as additional costs may arise, for example, if ceiling-supporting measures are necessary. Therefore, you should definitely have your construction project checked by a structural engineer first.
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages?
The greatest advantage is certainly the ability to flood the home with natural light.
Photo credit: Olga_Ionina / Shutterstock
However, it is advisable to ensure that privacy protection is installed for particularly sunny days or evenings that can be used when necessary.
The large, see-through glass surfaces bring the outdoors in and have the ability to make your interior space appear visually larger. Especially in summer, large sliding doors will make the transition to the terrace appear seamless, creating a kind of indoor-outdoor feeling that is indescribably beautiful.
This turns the terrace into an extended living room.
In winter, particularly large windows that can be opened have the advantage that they allow for particularly effective cross-ventilation. Open the window wide for a few minutes, and the whole space will get aired out. And this is done without losing much of the heat stored in the inner walls of the house.
In addition, large windows let in warm sunlight at low outside temperatures, providing a little support for your heating and thus allowing you to reduce heating costs slightly.
When choosing a floor-to-ceiling window, make sure that the window has a good thermal insulation coefficient to be protected against outside temperatures in summer and winter.
» Note: Floor-to-ceiling windows are also particularly popular in upper floors. If you are pursuing such a construction project, it is mandatory to install fall protection and use laminated safety glass.
What types of floor-to-ceiling windows are there, and where can I buy them?
You can let your imagination run wild here. Whether arched windows, floor-to-ceiling windows that are divided in two, tiltable or non-tiltable windows in all widths and heights – anything is possible.
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Besides the shape, the equipment of the windows also plays a big role. Here it is recommended to invest in a well-insulated window-frame construction. The relatively small additional acquisition costs quickly pay for themselves through the heating costs saved.
» Tip: The best price-performance ratio is achieved with plastic windows. As long as the design of your desired window allows it, you will get a durable and robust product with a plastic window that will flood your home with natural light for many years.
In addition, modern plastic windows are recyclable and can be returned to the production cycle after their service life.
Nowadays, it is possible to buy floor-to-ceiling windows online. Take advantage of the opportunity to order directly from the manufacturer without intermediaries.
This way, you always get the lowest price. The manufacturer’s dealer network can usually be found on the producer’s website, so you can get advice from a professional nearby. Especially when it comes to the order dimensions and specifications of the window, as a layperson, it is better to play it safe.
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Do you want to remodel your kitchen? If the answer is “yes”, then you are not alone. As a matter of fact, kitchen remodeling is the second-most popular type of home renovation – according to the NAHB or the National Association of Homebuilders. Kitchen remodels have accounted for 78% of all projects in 2018.
This actually makes sense if you are consider the mere fact that your kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home. It is where you eat, cook, prepare food, prepare family dinner, and more.
However, remodeling a kitchen isn’t a small project. Just like any other kinds of home renovation project, your kitchen remodeling will put a dent in your budget. But if you plan carefully ahead, you will be able to navigate the renovation process more smoothly.
Something that could help speed up that process is getting familiar with the average cost of a kitchen remodeling, and we’re here to help with that — as well as provide some extra helpful pointers.
Do not bust your budget
Before you even start to plan your kitchen remodeling, you should set a budget first. Although it might be tempting for you to bust a large portion of your budget on high-end cabinets, you should resist the urge.
Chances are, there might be some unexpected costs that may pop up for which you need to account so that they don’t set you off track.
You should start by creating a budget for how much you would like to spend. After that, decide how you will fund this – from your savings, from cash flow etc. Regardless, make sure that you have the budget set aside before starting work in a fairly liquid and easily accessible account.
Average cost of a kitchen remodel
On average, remodeling a kitchen may cost you about $24,016 or around $150/ sq. ft. Most homeowners spend between $12,792 & $35,536 or about $75-$50/ sq. ft.
The whole expense may vary depending on the quality of the materials you use, the size of your kitchen space, as well as whether you want to change the layout of the kitchen.
Furthermore, a fixed project of around $10,000 to $15,000 might cover refacing cabinets, installing a tile backsplash, painting walls, and upgrading the sink.
A renovation that costs more than $30,000 might include installing hardwood floors, high-end appliances, granite counters, and custom cabinets.
For a lot of people, the kitchen serves as the heart of the home. It is where you prepare your meals, eat, and conduct gatherings. There is no doubt kitchen remodeling is very popular and has the largest payoff when it comes to increasing the resale value of a property. Certainly, it is also the most intricate and might be the most expensive.
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Home security is an issue that everyone needs to take seriously. Unfortunately, many people may be inadvertently overlooking some aspects that may not seem like much, but that can end up putting the security of their homes and families at risk.
Here are ten common home security mistakes that can be easily corrected.
Hiding spare keys outside
It is convenient to have a spare key hidden outside just in case you get locked out of your home. It’s also easy for intruders to find them.
If you must hide a spare key outside of your home, you should never put it in an obvious place. Don’t hide it under the mat or above a light fixture, or any other element that might stand out.
Having large foliage right next to your home
By having large foliage right next to your home, you could be creating a place for intruders to disguise themselves.
They can easily hide inside of a bush or behind a tree. If you must have foliage right next to your home, you should choose items that are small in size and aren’t very dense.
Not having proper lights
It’s all too easy for intruders to hide in the dark. You can easily solve this by having an adequate amount of lighting outside of your home.
Don’t forget to put your lighting system on a timer as well. This will allow your lights to automatically come on even when you are not at home.
Installing privacy fences
Many of us like our privacy. However, a privacy fence can put you in danger. These types of fences can make it all too easy for thieves to hide, and it can be difficult for a neighbor to spot an unauthorized person on your property. If you have a privacy fence, intruders can break into your home without anyone even seeing it.
Keeping valuables in plain sight
You could be inadvertently encouraging a thief to break into your home by having your valuables in plain sight.
Be mindful about leaving your blinds and curtains open. If you do plan on having them open to let in some natural light, you need to make sure things like jewelry and money aren’t in plain sight.
Not using your alarm system
A good home alarm or wireless security system is great for keeping intruders out of your home. However, you may not be using it like you should be.
Many homeowners forget to set their alarm. It really can’t do its job if it isn’t armed. Even if you have a sign in your yard that lets others know that you have an alarm, it won’t do much good if you never use the actual alarm system itself.
Posting too much personal information on social media
We all want to let our friends know when we go on vacation or have a fun evening out.
However, you could also be letting others know that your house will be empty for an extended period of time.
So it’s always better to post those vacation photos once your trip is over, whenever possible.
Letting your mail pile up
Many people don’t realize that their mail is one of the most common ways for intruders to find out when a home is empty. They will look in your mailbox to see if your mail has piled up for several days, and know to time their actions accordingly.
If you will be going out of town, have your mail service temporarily suspended. You can also ask a trusted neighbor to collect it for you while you are gone.
Putting the packaging of expensive items by the trash can
If you put packaging from an expensive item like a laptop or tablet by your trash cans, you will be letting thieves know that you just purchased these items.
Instead of doing this, you should cut up the packaging so that it fits into your trash can or recycling bin. This will allow you to still throw away the packaging in a way where you won’t be announcing to everyone that you just bought an expensive item.
Not locking your doors in the daytime
Burglaries don’t just happen at night. It’s actually very common for them to occur during the day as well.
In fact, many burglars target homes only during the day. This is because they assume that occupants are at school or work.
Don’t leave your doors unlocked when you aren’t at home. Even just a quick trip to the store can put your home at risk. You need to lock your doors no matter what time of day it is.
Don’t forget to check your windows as well. You’d be surprised at how easily an intruder can find their way into a home, even if it’s through a second-story window that you failed to lock.
In conclusion, many homes aren’t as secure as they can be. Many individuals are putting themselves at risk by making the security mistakes mentioned above. Fortunately, all of these mistakes can be avoided. By being mindful about security at all times, you can easily keep your home secure and keep intruders out.
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Whenever we talk about home improvement, décor, and other aspects of construction, we regularly use home improvement terms like home or building remodeling, renovation, and restoration. And while we tend to use them interchangeably, that shouldn’t be the case.
As you might guess, the three terms all bear different meanings, yet are closely related to each other, which often creates confusion. In this guide, we’ll go deeper into their meaning and compare these three home improvement terms for you to know exactly which one to use, and when.
Overall, these terms are normally used when a property or a housing unit needs a tune-up. It could be damaged by natural disasters or simply needs an update to make it look presentable and functional for the next homeowners or renters.
Restoration, renovation and remodeling are three projects that aim for one goal — to restore or improve a home. Now, let’s clarify them a little further.
What’s a renovation?
Building renovation refers to the process of making an object (a home or any other type of establishment) look and function like new. The process focuses on making use of what is already present and readily available, fixing it, and adding new items for maximized comfort and functionality.
This makes the renovation the most affordable option, when compared to remodeling.
As some project managers would describe it, renovation takes creativity and a great deal of resourcefulness. Moreover, it proves to be more cost-effective than remodeling, making it more appealing among homeowners with have limited financial resources.
Renovations and restorations usually go hand in hand. Let’s say that you have a house with a bathroom with cracked walls and filled with rusty showerheads. You restore the bathroom to its original condition and renovate it by adding a new bathtub and other items to make it look modern.
What’s a restoration?
From a historical viewpoint, a home restoration is when you recreate the look to match its original form, in all its glory. For example, if the home initially had a blue interior, you’d want to restore it with blue paint. Likewise, if it had a Victorian feel, you’d want to buy pieces that match.
Restoration can be compared to the process of maintaining the property from its original state so that gradual deterioration won’t be noticed. This method can be used when your water system gets destroyed by a natural disaster. Or when fire or a flood has taken a toll on your home’s beauty. In most cases, you’d need to hire professionals like asaprestoration.net to help you with the restoration process.
Of the three processes, home or building restorations can be the cheapest. In addition, it requires less energy for conceptualization and the actual process itself. It doesn’t require a hectic level of manual labor that other types of home improvement projects come with.
What’s remodeling?
The most tedious and daunting process of the three is home or building remodeling. It involves taking a worn-out property and reimagining it into a more modern or functional one.
Most remodeling projects entail fairly complex work like expanding the property, removing, gutting or adding walls, and adding cooling/heating systems. Among the three, remodeling is deemed the most expensive, as you’ll need new materials and additional items to complete the project, more time to finish, and a lot of people to help accomplish your vision.
According to established project managers and contractors, it is best to assess whether you have the funds for remodeling and if you do, ask for a cost estimate so you can agree to a remodelling contract that’s within your budget. Don’t forget to set aside a contingency fund for unexpected problems.
Now that you have a clear idea of the difference between remodeling, restoration, and renovation, you can carefully assess what project to undertake to achieve your house goals. Take into account the property’s condition, your financial resources, and your vision to make sure you’re spending within your means and still get the results you want.
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Shutters offer an easy way to upgrade the look of your home’s exterior, adding a splash of style and even color to your windows.
Keep in mind that these are not just window treatments. Exterior shutters protect your windows and offer you privacy. During summer, they’re a great way to control the amount of light that enters your room, and during winters, they provide extra insulation.
Of course, you’ll want to consider their actual design and color, but since the shutters will constantly be exposed to wind, heat or humidity, you’ll want them first and foremost to be resistant. Select the wrong material and you may find your investment falling apart in just a few years.
Let’s look at the most common materials used for shutters and the qualities of each.
Vinyl shutters
Vinyl shutters are the least expensive option when it comes to exterior window blinds. They are made by molding vinyl over a form. Once the material cures, the mold comes out. This leaves the vinyl shutter with a hollow interior. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles, making it easy to match almost any exterior.
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The downside of these particular shades is that the color will start to fade within a few years. Vinyl is a difficult material to paint, and you shouldn’t expect long-lasting results. As the sun beats down on it, it will start to deteriorate and can crack or warp. Some vinyl shutters need to be replaced in just a few years.
The hollow design makes it impossible to hinge so that it opens and closes over the windows. That makes this type of blinds impossible to use for security against intruders or inclement weather.
Wood shutters
Classic wood exterior shutters are the top choice for many. They are made from solid natural wood, often with a beautiful grain pattern, and you can find them in any number of styles and sizes. The wood can be finished with stain or painted any color you desire. It can also be repainted or re-stained as needed.
The problem with natural wood is moisture. The grain of the wood can start to absorb moisture, swelling the shutter and making it warp. If the wood dries out too much, it can start to crack and split. Nonetheless, this type will last longer than most vinyl shutters, but they may need to be replaced in less than a decade.
As a plus, natural wood shutters can be hinged. This makes them useful for protection against inclement weather or against potential intruders.
Wood composite shutters
Wood composite has changed the world of outside window shutters. It’s a combination of wood and plastic materials, molded to look just like natural wood shutters. It even has graining to make the product look as close to natural wood as possible. Since these shutters are made from solid materials that are hefty, they can be painted and repainted as needed.
The downside to wood composite exterior shades is that they are not impervious to moisture. While they last longer than natural wood, they will eventually absorb moisture and start to warp. Then, as they dry out, they will crack and split. You can expect this type of shutters to last up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance.
Composite wood shades can take hinges like natural wood. They can be closed to protect against intruders or storms.
PVC composite shutters
PVC composite outdoor shutters are a definite step up when it comes to long-lasting beauty. They are made from solid architectural cellular PVC over a stainless steel frame. They have the beauty of natural wood without the problems with moisture and rot. You can order them in a number of standard colors or paint them on site to the color of your choice.
The PVC composite material makes these shutters impervious to weather. They won’t warp or rot due to moisture penetration. They also won’t dry out and crack or split.
This type of shutters are hingeable and can be mounted to open and shut. This makes them good for protecting the home from storms and thieves.
For high-quality exterior shutters for windows, check out the selection at Flower Window Boxes. They offer PVC composite shutters in several styles made to your specifications. Due to the quality of the material, the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty. You may order a sample to see for yourself.
Author’s bio: Matt Buquoi works at FlowerWindowBoxes.com, a company that offers premium-quality, no-rot flower window boxes, exterior shutters, cedar gables and outdoor planters at affordable prices.
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Your outdoor living space is a place where you should be able to relax, clear your mind and regain energy. This is the main reason why people who are lucky enough to have a backyard or front yard, invest heavily in beautifying them.
You definitely don’t need to break your piggy bank to make this space look gorgeous. From gazebos, picnic tables, or outside benches, there are hundreds of outdoor structures that you can choose from. However, if you want to accent a special area, pergolas are the way to go.
Maybe you’ve already read about vinyl pergola kits in home improvement blogs and channels. They are an easy and great way of decorating your yard so that you can take full advantage of it.
If this design idea has piqued your curiosity, here is what you need to know about pergolas.
What is a pergola?
Pergolas are large column structures that consist of a beamed ceiling. They are usually made out of wood and placed as a roof for patios and front yards. Those who are not familiar with its appearance would generally regard it as having an unfinished look.
A pergola intends to provide a place where people can hang out. Although the ceiling consists of beams, you can cover it using tarps, portable canopies, and fabric sails that provide shelter from the rain or the sun. However, you can always leave the beamed ceiling as it is so that you and your guests can enjoy the light that shines through.
What is the difference between pergolas and arbors?
Pergolas usually get mistaken for an arbor. The former is generally more extensive, and its structures attach to the house. On the other hand, arbors are relatively smaller and usually function not as a shade but a design for entrances and exits.
The most popular types of pergolas
Much like gazebos, a pergola can be made out of three materials: metal, wood, and vinyl. For homeowners, wood and vinyl pergola kits are the most popular choices. Deciding which you prefer really depends on what material goes with your overall outdoor design and how much you are willing to spend.
Why you should have a pergola
Simple! They are great outdoor structures not only because they provide a breathy shade, but also because they are customizable. When you hold parties, you can add accessories according to your theme and change the roofing materials any time you like.
Moreover, they are also a great space to place your plants. Most gardeners hang flowerpots, plant grapevines or ivies. These plants usually cover the pillars of the pergolas, making the whole structure look like a dreamy ancient column.
Ways to decorate a pergola
Once you have found the design that you were looking for, you might be wondering what kind of furniture or items go with it.
Generally, sofas and outdoor seating are the first choice for homeowners who prefer having a place to hang out with their friends. Pergolas are an ideal place to set up a dining table where you could spend Sunday brunches and host dinner parties.
On the other hand, you could convert them into a greenhouse or a place where you can enjoy outdoor cooking. Some people place them over their pool or Jacuzzi to provide shade and protection from rain.
There are many ways to decorate a pergola and you can use your imagination to make it aesthetically pleasing while also functional. That’s what makes them the perfect addition to your outdoor living space.
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When putting your home up for sale, the waiting game is one of the hardest parts. Regardless of the reason behind the decision to sell your property — be it because you’ve already found your dream home, want to move to a new city/area, or simply downsizing — earning money from the transaction as soon as possible is always preferable.
Plus, it’s never easy saying goodbye to a place you’ve called home, where you and your family have spent wonderful moments together and that will be forever etched in your memories. So why prolong the melancholic goodbye?
Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve your home’s chances to sell fast without having to shell out a considerable amount of money. Often times, doing things in the right order can help us save lots of time and effort, not to mention unnecessary stress. It isn’t much different when selling your home.
So to make it easier for you, we’ve turned to industry professionals for a little guidance on how to prepare your house for selling. Here’s what most of them agreed would speed up the sale of your property.
#1 Work with a Realtor
Sure, it’s the age of the internet, and every service can be accessed online, who needs a real estate agent to hold their hand? But as most industry professionals will tell you, that may not be applicable in the case of real estate transactions — especially when selling your home, which is arguably your biggest financial asset.
Pricing your home, listing it, distributing the listing to make sure it appears on websites people actually use when looking up homes, scheduling property tours, and handling paperwork are just some the biggest aspects of a home sale. The list goes on an on, so better put it in the hands of a professional that will know to pay extra attention to crucial aspects of the deal.
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Realtors know the ins-and-outs of the industry and have inside knowledge of your area. Real estate agents have already built up their contact list, from potential buyers to contractors who can help you do minor repairs in your residence, and will easily manage all the paperwork involved in the sale.
While some real estate agents require a deposit for their service, most realtors go by a commission-based payment system. This means that they’ll only get paid when you sell your home, which motivates them to help you find clients and close deals quickly — and for the highest $$$ amount possible, as that will lead to a higher commission for them too.
#2 Enhance your home’s curb appeal
Curb appeal pertains to the attractiveness of your home from the outside. It extends to the entire front of your house, including your lawn and how other trees or bushes frame your residence.
The point of enhancing your home’s curb appeal is to make the exterior more tempting to potential buyers. After all, it’s their first interaction with what could be their future home, so you’ll want your house to make a great first impression. The idea is to make it appeal to them as soon as they make the curb.
A few tips to boost the curb appeal of your property include:
Adding some greenery – One of the best ways to enhance the exterior of your property is to plant some flowers and plants. You don’t need to overhaul your lawn and start a garden. You can draw potential buyers’ eyes toward windows and entryways with planters and window boxes.
Tend to the lawn – Never has maintaining a well-kept lawn mattered more. Make a point out of regularly mowing the grass, raking off any unwanted leaves, and pulling weeds out when planning to put your home on the market, as it will significantly increase its curb appeal.
Clean the gutters – The gutters are a visible yet often neglected part of the home. When putting up your property on a listing, make sure that you give these attachments a little TLC by clearing up debris and scrubbing the outside.
#3 Improve the front door area
We’ve already established how important first impressions are when selling your home. And your front door plays a huge role in landing that great first impression. If you don’t think it’s sufficiently appealing already, know that it doesn’t take all that much to upgrade your front door.
You can do this by coating your front door with fresh paint, adding some décor, and even putting a welcome mat right with a memorable message to welcome buyers.
For the interior, you must clear the entryway and draw the eye of clients inward through strategically placed furniture as well as accessories.
#4 Declutter and de-personalize
One of the top ways to increase the value of your home is to free up spaces in key areas of your residence. This includes the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and even the bedrooms. Declutter and get rid of all extra items that don’t add to the aesthetic appeal of your property.
Depersonalizing your space is also a crucial aspect of home-selling. The buyer must be able to envision themselves living in your residence, which is difficult to do if they see your pictures and other personal items lying around.
#5 Stage your home
Home staging is the process of restyling and refurnishing your property to boost its attractiveness in the eyes of potential buyers.
More often than not, the furniture and other things that you’ve accumulated through the years show off your personality. However, as mentioned above, you should depersonalize your space to let the new potential owners imagine themselves living there, which might mean changing up the position of furniture and even replacing some of it with items that have a more unified design.
Tips to keep in mind before selling your property
1. Partner with an investment property buyer
Remember that sellers have the financial responsibility to pay closing costs such as state and property tax, and real estate agent professional fees. By partnering with an investment property buyer, you can sell your home for a non-deducted or full cash offer.
2. Avoid common home selling mistakes
Sellers usually make the following mistakes when selling their homes:
Getting overly emotional: Of course, your lovely home is now for sale, and it’s okay to feel bad about it. However, don’t let your emotion ruin your selling tactics. Just imagine how motivated and excited you were when you first saw your dream home, and your potential buyers might also feel the same. Staging your home or changing its appearance can create an emotional distance since the house looks less personal.
Not hiring a real estate agent: While you want to avoid paying an agent commission, hiring a real estate agent is the best way to get the best deal for your home’s value. An experienced real estate agent will prioritize your best interests and make sure that your house will have a competitive selling price.
Poor listing photos: Good listing photos will draw potential buyers to check your house for sale. Take clear and crisp photos with plenty of natural light to show your home’s true beauty using a wide-angle lens. Hiring an experienced and professional photographer is a good idea to highlight the best features of your home and also get expert advice on how to stage the rooms for better viewing. If you’re working with an agent, this is something they can coordinate for better results, especially since they probably already work with professional photographers that specialize in listing photos (and can include drone shots of your home).
3. Set the right price
It’s tempting to set a high price ceiling for your home. After all, it’s the fruit of years of hard work. However, you have to consider the price point of houses in your area, the features your house offers, and its strengths and weaknesses. If you want your house to sell fast, set a competitive price for your home, instead of a higher price that potential buyers can negotiate. Remember that price is one of the key criteria home buyers use when searching for listing online, and if your home is out of their budget, they won’t even get a chance to considerate it.
Final thoughts
You can sell your home fast by working with a professional realtor who can guide you throughout this journey. Enhancing the curb appeal of your house, improving the front door area, decluttering, depersonalizing, and staging your residence are just some of the ways to help you get your property listing off the market quickly, but covering these crucial aspects of your home sale will make the process go smoother and will likely result in a faster sale.
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You bought a beautiful piece of art for your wall, but it still feels like something is missing? Sometimes it is not enough to just hang a picture on the wall, and since regular lighting is not always so flattering, your artwork needs a boost.
“There’s nothing better than a beautifully lit piece of art.” – Richard Mishaan, AD100 designer
You can achieve a more eye-catching effect by carefully adding special lighting to your art. You can either directly illuminate it or simply have a piece live in a pleasantly lit room. Of course, there are several things you need to consider before starting your new DIY project.
In today’s article, we will give you some tips and suggestions on how to do it properly, because too much of the wrong light can steal the piece’s beauty and even damage it.
Different types of lighting suitable for your art
Since art is delicate, you cannot just place any light anywhere and risk light damage. Sometimes it is better not to use special lighting if you are not willing to do it correctly. After all, you want that painting to last and admire its beauty for years.
Ceiling-mounted lights
This is an elegant-looking solution that can light up your art wall. Ideally, you should adjust the light to a 30-degree angle, so that the light beam hits the center of the artwork. If you go just ten degrees higher or lower, the effect would not be the same – you’ll either get reflective glare or some intense shadows.
Wall washers
Wall washing is often used in contemporary design when a large surface needs to be accented with light, but it can also be great for paintings or 3D metal signs. With this type of lighting, you are not pointing the light directly to the object, the accent is more on the wall, but at the same time, it does the trick for art too. Wall washers can be placed on the ceiling, floor, or anywhere on the wall.
Track-lighting
Although some will claim that track lights are not the prettiest, we have to disagree on that. This is by far the type of accent lights we usually see. It is widely used in museums and galleries, and it is also suitable for your home. These ceiling lights are flexible and can be moved till you find the perfect angle and position that will beautifully lighten your artwork.
Painting lights
These are usually smaller, decorative lights that can be mounted even on the frame. But even when they are installed on the wall, close to the artwork, they brighten it up and create a sense of intimacy, where it almost seems like the art is coming out of a shadow.
Lamps used for this type of lighting have to have a very low voltage, and they can rarely be enough to lighten up the entire room.
The importance of a picture frame
Even though we are talking about lighting, the frame of a piece plays a significant role in here as well. And we are not talking just about its color. The material and texture can sometimes be too reflecting, and if the picture is framed with glass, the situation becomes even more complicated.
In case your beloved piece of art is trapped behind glass, you have to really think about the lighting and adjust the angle precisely to avoid glare. It goes the same for oil paintings or pieces with a surface texture
In case you want to mount picture lights, make sure that the frame is solid enough to support the fixture. In other cases, that involve ceiling or wall-mounted lights, you can use minimal frames or no frames at all.
If you are in charge of the framing process, do not pick frames that are too shiny and wide because they will also have a reflection.
How to preserve your painting and avoid negative reactions to light
Paintings are particularly sensitive and vulnerable. Thick layers can easily start to crack and crumble, colors can change their shade over time, etc. And all this is due to exposure to intense lighting.
Do you remember that trick, where a magnifying glass can burn a piece of newspaper or a leaf when the sun rays hit on the right angle? Pretty much the same thing happens to art, but over a much longer period of time. The deterioration process is so slow that at the beginning, you will barely be able to notice the difference.
Two great enemies of paintings are the UV light and the heat. So this implies that direct exposure to natural sunlight is a huge no-no. Sunlight can fade your painting’s colors, so make sure that they are not looking directly towards the window.
So what can you do to protect them? Avoid halogen lights and make sure that the light system you are using has UV filters on. The best solution is to use LED lights. They are the safest because they do not emit UV, and they barely heat up.
Bottom line
If you are an art lover or simply appreciate art, we are sure you understand how important this aspect is. Lighting has to be done properly, so if you do not want to hassle with it, better leave it as it is. However, the least you can do is to avoid exposing your pieces to direct sunlight.
Having a piece of art or more in your home is really something special. Everyone enjoys art, its serenity, and stunning effect that makes us stop and stare, and feel a different kind of joy every time.
Author’s bio: Since traveling to different places fascinates her, Karen takes advantage of her escapades to see the world’s best home interior designs and styles. She has a degree in Interior Design and is practicing for several years now. When she’s energized, you will often see her name on different blogs as she writes on some of the best design ideas.