Best Practices For Decorating With Vintage Pieces

LA-based interior designer Tamara Kaye-Honey calls her charmingly bold and invitingly livable style "new vintage." Here, she breaks down what the look is all about

By Sarah Bray

 

 When I design a room, I often love to mix vintage and new in unexpected ways. But sometimes, the old pieces start to look exactly that—old. Instead of just throwing them away, however, I like to have a little fun and reinvent them. Adding your new, truly one-of-a-kind piece to the mix, is a great way to give a space some soul.

Photos by Eron Rauch; Dominique Vorillon.
The master bedroom (on the left) perfectly blends old and new. The classical nightstand feels fresh and modern when lacquered in blue with a fun white stripe. The Grecian-style marble lamp grounds the stripe and helps create a grown-up yet cheery feel to the room.

Don’t be afraid to be bold when choosing a color for your furniture facelift. For this young family's TV room (on the right), a vintage James Mont credenza in a high-gloss Chinese red lacquer makes a daring, modern statement. I took it one step further by covering the entire piece - including hardware—in the same color.

This breakfast room (on the left) is an homage to the late, great David Hicks. A vintage gaming table surrounded by chairs I've lacquered in high gloss tangerine and upholstered in a deep orange vinyl, energizes the space. This reinvented dining set really comes to life and pops against the midnight blue wall, ceiling and floor.

For me this jewel-box dining room  (on the right) was all about glamour. Whimsical Osbourne and Little wallpaper cocoons the space and I've employed a vintage chandelier to accentuate the painted gold ceiling. To really amp up the wow factor, I've lacquered a Karl Springer dining table in parchment paint and flanked it with two fur-throw covered antique bergere chairs. At night the space really does glow!



This piece originally appeared on housebeautiful.com
Also on http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/talent/tamara-honey-vintage-house-beautiful

Energy-Efficient Mortgages Can Add Value, Reduce Utility Bills

So you’re buying a home and are totally in love with the place, except that the doors and windows all but invite cold air inside, the exterior walls have no insulation, and the heating and air-conditioning systems were installed during the Harding administration.
You need an energy-efficient mortgage.
Several federal agencies and many lenders now allow you to finance a wide range of energy-saving home improvements — from tankless water heaters and newer heating and air-conditioning systems to solar panels and geothermal heating – with your home loan.
Fannie Mae, the Federal Housing Administration, and the Veterans Administration, for example, offer loan programs with special benefits for energy-efficient improvements. The cost of the improvements is added to the mortgage, but typically lower energy bills more than offset the higher monthly loan payments.
A report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development cites, as an example, a California couple that added $2,300 in energy improvements to their home loan. The monthly mortgage payment increased by $17, but the couple saves $45 each month through lower utility bills.
Getting an energy-efficient mortgage begins with an energy-rating survey. A trained examiner will assess the home’s energy efficiency and generate a score using a Home Energy Rating System index. On the HERS scale from 0 to 150, the lower the score, the more energy efficient the home. Factors such as insulation, appliance efficiencies, window types, local climate, and utility rates are used to rate the home and calculate energy costs.
The survey helps determine which improvements are included in the loan. Once the loan is approved and the home is sold, work starts immediately to make the dwelling more energy efficient.
With conventional loans, funding for energy improvements is usually capped at 10 percent of the final appraised value of the property. FHA and VA loans typically have more stringent limits.
By the way, energy-efficient mortgages are also available to current owners — remodelers, as well as those making improvements before they put their home on the market.
Energy-efficient homes are especially attractive to buyers, according to a recent article in U.S. News & World Report. And more than two-thirds of builders and home remodelers report that their customers will pay more money for “green” homes, according to a study by McGraw Hill Construction. In addition, 81 percent of consumers say energy efficiency somewhat-to-very-much affects their homebuying decision, according to the Shelton Group. 



(Image: Flickr/Michael Coghlan)

The Sun Is Shining, but It’s Never Too Early for Home-Winterization Projects

Don’t let the sunshine of a Northern California autumn fool you: Winter is waiting in the wings, and all those home-maintenance and winterizing projects you set aside during the summer months still need to be completed before the rain and cold of December hits.
Putting it off for a few weeks won’t do. Once Thanksgiving comes along your so-called free time will evaporate like San Francisco fog, and the next thing you know winter will have settled in like an unwelcome guest.
Home-maintenance experts point to a few essential tasks every homeowner needs to tackle before winter: Clean out your roof’s gutters; check the furnace to make sure it’s still operating after being turned off since the spring; take down window screens and put up storm windows; make an appointment with a certified chimney sweep; wrap the water pipes in case of freezing temperatures; and check the batteries in the smoke detector.
A winterization guide on MSN.com’s real estate page lists 10 simple projects to get your home ready for cold weather, including one you might not have thought of: reversing the direction of your ceiling fan’s blades.
As you look up at the fan, its blades should turn clockwise in the winter and counterclockwise in the summer. By reversing its direction from summertime operation, the fan will push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, keeping you more comfortable.
Another helpful guide comes from the nonprofit National Center for Healthy Housing and contains dozens of topics on a home-maintenance checklist — everything from cleaning dryer vents to securing your swimming pool.
Don’t panic; you don’t need to do everything in the next few weeks. Some projects are recommended for springtime, some for fall, some annually, and some only as needed.
TV handyman Bob Vila has a fall-maintenance checklist with smart tips for interior and exterior winterization, plus advice for preparing your yard, garden, porch, and deck. Also, check out the links for a springtime-maintenance list and year-round home care.
Looking for more ideas? The National Association of Realtors’ Houselogic website explains in detail how to  a accomplish a wide range of seasonal maintenance projects. Among them: If there’s any chance of freezing weather, remember to shut off any outdoor spigots. And if you need tips on snow-shoveling techniques or on how to use rock salt to melt ice effectively, this is the site for you.

(Image: Flickr/Lauren Finkel)

Don't Touch Another Stain Before You Read This

Even an innocent swipe with water may cause permanent damage. Here's what to know about how rugs and fabrics react.

Andrea Schumacher Interiors

Speaking of which, hot water is something you don’t want to put on a spill. In fact, apart from club soda, Houle doesn’t recommend putting anything on a spill. Sure, vinegar solutions and other natural cleansers do the job for small spots on rental carpets and thrift store finds you’ve been meaning to reupholster, but when you’re dealing with your favorite — and expensive — sofa or rug, you don’t want to take any chances. Most spills are acid based. Coffee, tea, wine, salsa, juice, even pet vomit are all acidic and have the ability to set the color of the stain right into cotton, synthetic and other natural fibers. “Very few fibers are acid resistant, even with protective finishes such as Scotchgard,” Houle says. “The protective finishes will only allow the consumer a little more time to react to a stain before it becomes permanent.”

Home Carpet One

The worst carpet for acidic spills? Nylon, which is 60 to 70 percent of the carpets sold, says Houle. A chemical agent added to nylon carpets helps them receive acid dyes. Without it, colors fade quickly. Great if you like bright colors; bad if you have a tendency to knock over glasses of red wine. If you spill something acidic on a carpet that’s designed to accept acids, you’ve got a big problem on your hands and you'll need to act fast.

For an acid-based spill on carpet or upholstery, the best solution is to immediately neutralize the spot with club soda. Then don’t do anything. From there you’re best off calling in a pro to finish the job. Houle says once you put club soda on the spill and let it dry, it can sit there for months as long as the spot doesn’t get resaturated. “Wetting it activates the pH and makes it acidic again. It brings the n back to life, so to speak."






Restyled Home

An experienced upholstery cleaner will have up to a hundred cleaning solutions to combat various stains on various fabrics. But once you start dumping supermarket cleansers or homemade solutions and blotting, wiping and drying, it reduces the professional’s likelihood of completely removing a spot.




TerraCotta Properties


Now what to do with nonacidic spills: Nothing. Two common problems with non-acidic stains are ballpoint pens and nail polish. Houle says a carpet and upholstery cleaning professional has a 95 percent chance of removing an ink line on upholstery as long as nothing was done to it. “If you put anything on it, even just dab it, there’s only a 5 percent chance it can be removed,” he says.

For an entire inkblot, no such luck. It’s just too much ink. “It could be a 1/16 of an inch blot, and you would not believe how much ink that is," he says. "As soon as you try to clean it, it spreads and ends up being a 3-inch blue stain."


Stony Run Home


The same pretty much goes for nail polish. “I can always get out nail polish on a rug provided people don’t touch it,” Houle says. “I’ve removed an entire bottle of black nail polish from white carpet before.” If anything, blot the spill lightly with a dry tissue to absorb as much of the heavy stuff as possible. But don’t rub it in. Then call an experienced carpet and upholstery cleaner, who will use a special solution designed for paint, oil and grease.






Christian Gladu Design
How do you keep upholstered furniture clean along the way? Simple: Vacuum all fabrics. Run the hand attachment of your vacuum over sofas, chairs and decorative pillows at least once every three months to remove dust mites and pollen. More if you have pets.

For leather furniture, first you need to find out what kind of leather you have. There are generally three kinds: protected, aniline and nubuck. You can usually recognize protected leather because it has a sheen. You can clean this lightly with a damp cloth of warm water every couple of months. Aniline and nubuck should be cleaned only by a professional. A damp cloth can make colors bleed, rings appear and the fabric stiff.

If anything appears soiled or dirty — and can't be zipped off and tossed in the washing machine — it's probably time to call in a pro to clean it. Houle says on average it costs about $90 to clean a sofa. Carpets vary depending on floor space and fabric. 

Bud Dietrich, AIA

Finally, that age-old question that has perturbed us all at one point. Why do stains reappear on carpet after they've been cleaned? Oftentimes when you clean a carpet stain, you’re removing only the top stain from the fibers. If a liquid has penetrated the carpet backing, then a process called wicking occurs, during which the stain rises through the fibers again. (Think of a kerosene lantern wick.) This can occur within days of cleaning, so it looks like the stain has simply reappeared. Sometimes up to three cleans are needed once a week to remove the whole stain. Sugary spills sometimes hold hidden secrets, too. A spilled can of Sprite or ginger ale seems innocent and manageable enough. It’s relatively clear, after all. But if it's not completely removed from the carpet backing, the sugars will wick to the surface fibers and attract soil over time. In two weeks or a month, you could have a large, dark area where you spilled that soda. articles and photos sourced from: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18033830/list/Don-t-Touch-Another-Stain-Before-You-Read-This

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Home with a Swimming Pool

Though some Bay Area locals grumble about San Francisco’s notoriously cool, foggy summers, residents of inland counties often see the mercury climb well into the 90s during those same months.
Potential buyers in some of the region’s warmer locales may find themselves viewing homes with in-ground swimming pools, which can offer a welcome respite from scorching July and August heat. However, before diving into a home with this classic backyard amenity, would-be homeowners should weigh the pluses and minuses.

ENTERTAINMENT VERSUS LIABILITY
Besides being an instant escape from the heat and a great source of aerobic exercise, a pool offers homeowners the perfect way to create their own fun and bond with neighbors by throwing summertime parties and barbecues.

But hosts who invite enough guests, especially couples with small children, will inevitably get a few who can’t swim well — if at all. For this reason, insurance companies consider a pool a liability and charge higher premiums to cover the home.

That said, owning a pool will not send insurance premiums through the roof. Adrianne Peixotto, director of Pacific Union partner company ProInsurance, estimated that swimming pool owners pay only about an average of $100 extra in premiums per year. Peixotto also noted that insurance companies require the yard or pool to be fenced and that pools with diving boards be at least eight feet deep.


VALUE APPRECIATION VERSUS ONGOING COSTS
A pool can add aesthetic appeal to a large backyard, particularly one that is well-kept and nicely landscaped. And homes with swimming pools may also command higher prices when the time comes to sell. According to a National Association of Realtors statistic, a swimming pool can appreciate a home’s value by an average of nearly 8 percent. That could equal a significant sum in Bay Area counties such as Marin, where median home prices recently hit $990,000.

While a pool may add long-term value to a home, maintenance costs will partially offset that premium. Such expenses include purchasing the proper water chemicals, paying for electricity to power the pump, and regularly changing filters and light bulbs. A 2010 The Wall Street Journal article estimates that yearly ongoing pool maintenance costs could range anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. And if a pool needs a professional fix, bills can add up fast. The Pool Doctor, an El Sobrante, Calif.-based maintenance and repair firm, charges $129 for an initial estimate and $129 for each additional hour of labor.


USAGE VERSUS UPKEEP
When evaluating a pool’s importance, potential homebuyers should consider what portion of the year they will actually take regular dips. In parts of Contra Costa County and the East Bay, daytime highs average in the mid-to-upper 80s from June to September. But in San Francisco summer temperatures barely average 70. Homeowners with children will also probably use a swimming pool more often that those without them.

Remember that pools require constant attention. HomeAdvisor suggests that swimming-pool owners perform some upkeep chores on a daily basis, including checking the filter pressure, removing trash in the strainer, and testing the water’s chemical balance. Owners who are too busy to maintain their pool can hire a professional firm to handle weekly tasks, though doing so will obviously add to costs. Pleasant Hill, Calif.-based Clarity Pool Service quotes monthly prices of anywhere from $65 to $145, depending on the services needed.



(Photo courtesy of Jeannine Cousin, via Flickr.)

Chic and Inspiring Budget-Friendly Backyard Designs

It’s hard enough to plan a garden on your own, let alone plan one on a budget. But leave it to a Hollywood production supervisor to pull it together. Di Zock designed her backyard for the house that she rents in Venice, California, for less than $2,800. She created three outdoor rooms: a living area, a shed office, and a dining space. Her tools: paint, slipcovers, and patience. Creating a garden on a budget may take longer than a week or two; you have to shop close-out sales and haunt thrift stores. “But relying on imagination more than dollars has its benefits,” Di says. The result is more original and more personal. And career changing—Di left the film biz for garden design. Info: Di Zock Gardens

Outdoor living area 

 

$220: Choose the inspiration piece. That’s what Di did when she selected the ceramic fountain (far right) from the Jungle Nursery (thejungle.biz). Its turquoise hue inspired her garden’s striking color scheme.

$100: You love it? The price is right? Buy it. Di had no idea how she was going to use the ceramic elephants (to left of fountain) when she saw them at a thrift shop. “But I knew they were just the right touch of whimsy.”

$10: Paint inexpensive pots. Between discarded pots and “wainscoting” a terra-cotta pot in blue, Di coughed up only $10.

$125: Ground the space. The turquoise-and-brown rug, made from recycled plastics, dresses up the garden. vivaterra.com

The shed office 

 

$1,395: Deck out the office. The number-one expenditure, the shed from the Home Depot was outfit­ted in Di’s quirky style with art—including a Spanish cross. The desktop inside is an old door.

$240: Repurpose. This tall chartreuse pot (left; rollinggreensnursery.com) was purchased for a client and intended as a fountain. But Di couldn’t make it water-tight, so she “gifted” it to her garden.

Other costs: Pushpin wallboards, $300; desk (old door), $30.

Outdoor dining room 

 

$200: Repaint for character. The ordinary picnic table and benches were used for a movie set. After the filming was over, Di bought them for a fraction of the original cost, then repainted them an unconventional turquoise.

$25: Decorate with plants. Chocolate brown Aeonium and orange Sedum are so stunning that you can get away with cheap pots.

$40: Shake up spray paint. Di bought white Moroccan lanterns at a Venice gift shop and spray-painted them bright orange. Similar ones available 

More ideas: Plant cuttings as decor 

 

Cuttings from echeveria and Senecio radicans deck a fan palm’s trunk.

More ideas: Tile mosaic 

 

A tile mosaic of Di’s former pet, created by a friend, dresses the fence.













Article and photos sourced from Sunset Magazine.com:  http://www.sunset.com/garden/landscaping-design/chic-affordable-backyard-00418000070409/

Kitchen Updates on a Budget

Although the appliances, cabinets, and flooring in this kitchen were in good condition and the galley layout was workable, the space lacked a little spice. With an investment just under $500, the kitchen received a fresh spruce-up on a wallet-friendly budget.

1

Fresh Slate

Countertops were the major change in the makeover of this 10x9-foot galley kitchen. The clean-lined laminate countertops in a slightly speckled charcoal give the kitchen a contemporary feel and allow brighter accents to take center stage.

 2

Utility Meets Style

By replacing the old sink with a deeper, stainless-steel drop-in option, the kitchen combines simple convenience with budget-friendly style.

3

Blending In With existing white appliances in good working condition, it didn't make fiscal sense to invest in new models. So, the kitchen's makeover was worked around the white finish of the appliances. Bringing in gray and black helps the white appliances blend with their new neighbors. 


4

 

Subtle Splash A new backsplash added another surface change for just $65. The gray hexagonal tiles keep the kitchen looking clean and bright and are a perfect complement to the dark countertops.

5

 

Silver Linings When a full cabinet makeover isn't in the budget, simply switching out the hardware can yield an updated look. In the case of this kitchen, the cabinets lacked any knobs or pulls from the get-go. The brushed-nickel finish adds sparkle to the previously lackluster cabinets.

6

Fresh Coat While the gray paint color is subtle, it adds a finishing polish to the kitchen. The black, white, and gray color scheme is timeless, while accessories introduce hints of color on a budget.

7

Added Interest Simple picture ledges turn the blank wall at the back of the kitchen into a focal point. The ledges make it easy to swap out pictures and accessories.

Article and photos sourced from:  Better Homes & Gardens:  http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/budget/kitchen-updates-on-a-budget/

Home Renovations That Can Hurt Resale

While a must-have for some buyers, swimming pools can also be a huge turn-off for other home shoppers.

 
Unlike the homeowner of 25 years ago, today’s typical buyers plan to live in their homes for just five to seven years. So it’s more important than ever to consider resale when making home improvements.
Even if you’re a buyer, it’s important to think like a seller, too, from the time you sign the purchase contract through any home improvement or renovation projects. The goal: Think about how your improvements might affect the sale of your home down the road.
Below are five home renovation/improvement projects that could actually hurt your home’s resale.

1. Going overboard on landscaping or gardens

A homeowner/seller may have a green thumb and be really proud of the time spent on the garden, the hedges or landscaping. But the next buyer might see it as too much maintenance, especially if you went overboard with your green thumb. Potential buyers may not be willing to pay for it (as part of the home’s overall price), hire a gardener or do the work themselves. This is especially true with Millennials and Gen X-ers. Of course, your property needs curb appeal, and nice landscaping does sell. But it could be just as easy to do a quick, inexpensive yard once-over before going on the market.

2. Converting a garage into a family room

Converting a garage into a family room may make sense if you don’t have a nice car or you simply want a bigger family room. Some people think a driveway is enough. But this is a huge “no-no” in real estate. A garage is expected, especially in the suburbs. If you take it out, you lose a huge chunk of buyers who simply won’t consider a home without a garage.

3. Taking out a bedroom

It’s common today for people to transform a bedroom into a huge master closet or into a home office with a built-in desk and cabinet. If you do, make sure the room can be easily turned back when you put the home on the market. Buyers with kids may need that bedroom. They’ll see the room you converted into a home office or closet as more money they’ll need to spend to turn it back into a bedroom.
A home office is the easiest to undo, as long as you haven’t built in intricate desks, shelves and cabinets. A large closet generally goes within a master bedroom, which includes taking out a door or putting up a wall — all of which is harder to undo.

4. Adding a swimming pool

Similar to landscaping, a pool requires maintenance and is an even bigger liability. This is very particular for certain parts of the country. If you’re in the South, in a warm environment, you can get away with it much more easily. A pool would be a common “must-have” on many buyers’ wish list.
If you’re in an area where it’s only warm a few months a year and pools aren’t common, adding one could be a big mistake. Then again, it’s your home, and if you plan to be there a long time, add the pool. Just know that it may be a turn-off to future buyers. When in doubt, consult your agent.

5. Adding highly personalized colors, finishes or fixtures

Often, homeowners put in tile, sinks, vanities, countertops and floor coverings that are hard to replace, and yet are specific to their tastes.

For example, you may be obsessed with the Moroccan tile from your Marrakesh vacation last year and want it in your kitchen. But the next buyer may not be so enthusiastic. Similarly, installing ceramic or marble tile all over the floors may be a costly mistake that others won’t want to pay for. Some homeowners assume that because they spent $50,000 in such upgrades, their homes will be worth so much more. But what may be a highly personal touch could make your home look like a “fixer-upper” to others. The end result: You’ll turn off a lot of buyers who don’t like your taste and don’t want to do the work to undo it.



Article and photo sourced from Forbes.com:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/zillow/2013/05/28/home-renovations-that-can-hurt-resale/

Top 10 Remodeling Projects to Increase Home Value

Protect Your Home From Mold

Mold spores are present everywhere in our environment. But with a little bit of effort you can keep household mold in its place – out of your home.

Household mold’s mortal enemy: a mop
and a bucket of bleach and water.

Indoors, mold grows best where moisture levels and humidity are high, such as in bathrooms and basements and on ceilings and walls where water from leaking pipes, roofs, or windows can accumulate.

A thorough cleaning with bleach and water will remove household mold, but to prevent its reappearance you needs to eliminate the source of the moisture.

Homeowner insurance policies generally don’t cover repairs for mold damage (or rot and insect infestation, for that matter). Standard policies provide coverage for disasters that are sudden and accidental but don’t cover the cost of cleaning and maintaining a home.

Once exception: If mold is the result of a covered incident, such as a burst pipe, insurance may pay for the cost of eliminating the mold.

Mold Spores can cause serious allergies

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most molds pose no serious threat to humans, although certain molds can produce hay fever‐like allergic symptoms, and those with asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold.
What about ”toxic” black mold? The CDC says the term is not accurate and there is scant evidence that “toxigenic molds” found inside homes cause dangerous health conditions. The agency says hazards from such molds “should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house.”

Soap and water or commercial products can clean moldy walls, floors, and ceilings, but the CDC recommends a solution of one cup of bleach in a gallon of water to kill the spores and prevent their return.

To help prevent the growth of mold in your home, the CDC recommends the following steps:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can — no higher than 50 percent — all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help keep the level low.

• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans that vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.

• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.

• Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24 to 48 hours) after flooding.

• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.

• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.

• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

For more information on mold and moisture in homes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a useful online guide with information on what causes mold growth and how to get rid of it, actions to reduce humidity and prevent water condensation, and how to test for mold.

Also, ProInsurance, a Bay Area brokerage and insurance partner with Pacific Union, has two pages of tips on protecting your home from mold.


(Mop and bucket photo courtesy of Cogdogblog, via Flickr.)

10 Tips to Better Your At Home Office

1.   Even if you already have a home office, consider whether there may be a better place for it. Two important questions to ask are: Will you actually work in this space? (Steer clear of bedrooms which our minds associate with rest.) And will there be few distractions? (Laundry hampers, kitchen sinks, and anything else that might compete for your attention should be out of sight.)

2.     On her popular blog WorkingNaked.com, author and home office expert Lisa Kanarek shares advice on all aspects of working from home. Click through to read her top tips on designing the perfect home office space, one that not only meets your specific needs, but also inspires your work.

3.   Assess your electrical needs. Are there enough electrical outlets? Is it possible to run a phone line and/or internet connection into the room? Of course, if you rely on a cell phone and already have wireless internet, no room is off limits!

4.                Choose a place that is comfortable year-round. A sunroom might be lovely in the spring and summer, but having to pack everything up and move inside when the seasons change will not be efficient.

5.  Be sure you have room for everything that is essential to the work that you do. If your work area is small, take advantage of vertical space by installing shelves above your desk or putting tall bookcases adjacent. Opt for furniture that can serve double duty (e.g., an ottoman that opens for extra storage). An all-in-one machine—with printer, copier, scanner, fax—can also be a great space-saver.

6.    By no means is a window a must, but a nice view and some natural light can help you work better. For overcast days and work in the evening, a bright desk lamp is essential.

7.    Surround yourself with colors that inspire and motivate you. Pressed for ideas? Identify a favorite hue from a rug, throw pillow, or piece of art, match that shade to a paint color, and put it up on your walls.

8.    Limit what you keep on your desk to the items you use most often. Decorative or sentimental objects are fine in a home office, but it's usually best to place them on a shelf that's out of the way.

9.        Never underestimate the importance of a good chair: Proper seating can mean the difference between productive work and an unproductive trip to your chiropractor! Ergonomic design doesn't have to be expensive; shop around for a quality chair that suits your budget.

10.   Invest in an external hard drive or some other effective means of backing up your data. You can always replace hardware, but not data.

11.    Make sure the home office space is your own. For instance, the computer used here should be for your personal use only. If the kids download a game with a virus, you could be out of business for several days.

               

Article & Photos Sourced From:  Yahoo!Homes.com

Must-have kitchen trends for 2013

Is your kitchen begging for an update?

Does that green and purple tile make you cringe on every trip to the fridge? If so, now might be the time to explore the latest trends in kitchen remodeling.

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's website, planning out exactly what you want out of your kitchen remodel will help you set realistic budgets.

And if you're still not sure what you want or even where to begin, don't panic. Here are some ideas from our country-wide panel of design and contracting experts who agree these are the six hot kitchen remodel trends for 2013.

Trend #1: Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Do you want a fresh look for your kitchen cabinets, but don't want to go through the hassle of actually replacing them?

Good news: Kathleen Donohue, an award-winning designer with Neil Kelly Designs, says that refacing cabinets - not replacing - is in. Donohue says this trend is in because people are watching how they spend their money. And since refacing is the process of just changing cabinet doors while maintaining the original cabinet structure, it's a much less expensive option.

[Get help with your cabinet refacing project. Click to find the right contractor.]
And when it comes to cabinet refacing, think simple and sleek, says Donohue.

"When refacing cabinets, a clean, simple contemporary look is winning out, both from an updating standpoint, and a trend to eliminate unnecessary clutter and fussy details that equate to high maintenance and complicated living - both unpopular trends," says Donohue.

Trend #2: Stone and Solid Countertops

Are you dreaming about a gleaming new countertop to spruce up your kitchen? Consider quartz countertops, which experts say will be the material of choice in 2013 due to its durability.
"Stone countertops are losing ground to quartz composite countertops that are no-maintenance and the closest thing to bullet-proof countertop materials available today," says Donohue. [Want help installing those new counter tops? Click to find contractors now.]

Florida-based kitchen and bath designer, Patricia Davis Brown, says another reason for quartz's popularity is that it has less fussy patterning than granite.

But quartz isn't the only trendy material for counters in 2013, according to Mark Fies, board of directors member for the Metro D.C. chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Fies says more homeowners are asking for concrete countertops to create a custom and eye catching look. "With concrete you have endless colors to choose from, the ability to shape the surface as you see fit, and you can even embed materials and/or designs right into the surface," he says.

Trend #3: Hardwood Floors

Are you thinking about replacing your worn and ripped kitchen linoleum with gleaming hardwood floors?
Good, because our kitchen experts agree that hardwood floors remain a hot kitchen remodeling trend for 2013, with a few new developments.

For example, "I am starting to see lighter shades of wood floors again - something that hasn't been seen in a while," says Chappaqua New York interior designer, Cami Weinstein.
And Brown sees the same trend in Florida. "The washed wood floors are back but, with a twist - wider planks and hand scraping, giving a beachy feel," she says.

[Need help installing those new floors? Click to find the right contractor now.]
But hardwood floors can be a lot of work in terms of both installation and maintenance. Luckily, there are some options to give you that classic wood floor look - without the hassle.

For example, Goldberg and Donohue are seeing a trend in hardwood-looking floors made from durable and easier-to-install materials, such as engineered wood flooring, which is made from a plywood base with a real hardwood veneer.

"Engineered wood continues to be popular, but so is porcelain tile that looks like wood, with less maintenance and better water tolerance," says Goldberg.

Trend #4: Stylish Sink

Adding a stylish sink can drastically change the look of your kitchen. So what will be trending in 2013? Fies says the answer is deep bowl sinks.

"Deep bowls are still the rage," he says. "Although there are endless possibilities with today's sinks, our homeowners want large, deep sinks to accommodate their larger pots and pans. The debate between single or double bowl is still in full effect, but we tend to see homeowners choosing the one bowl option."
[Planning to remodel your kitchen? Click to find the right contractor now.]

After you've decided on the style, the next thing to consider is the material of the sink. And in terms of what will be trending for 2013, Weinstein believes stainless steel sinks will be hot due to their durability and flexibility.

"They just look great for a very long time and work with both modern and traditional cabinetry," he says.

Trend #5: Appliances

If you've been thinking about investing in new appliances, this could be the year to justify buying that commercial stove. According to Weinstein, incorporating commercial-style stoves and other useful built-in appliances in kitchen remodeling projects is a hot trend for 2013.

"Commercial stoves and stainless steel appliances continue to be used and enjoyed," she says. In addition, features that save homeowners time and space are becoming increasingly popular. "One of her favorites is a hot water dispenser. "They are great for a quick cup of tea, hot cocoa, or mixing with boullion cube for a stock," she says.

Adding to that concept, Goldberg says kitchen features that do double-duty and save valuable kitchen space are also must-haves for 2013.

This includes microwaves that double as second ovens and warming drawers, and refrigerators with convertible drawers that can act as the fridge, freezer, or wine fridge.
"Multi-taskers that serve more than one need are hot," says Goldberg.

Trend #6: Mixing Cabinet Colors

Is dark brown too bland, but red too vibrant? Will white cabinets turn a dull shade of gray after the kids put their hands on them? If you can't decide on a color for your kitchen cabinets, never fear - our experts say it isn't just one color that will be trending in 2013, but rather a combination of colors.

"Homeowners no longer need to choose between white, medium, or dark tone cabinetry," says Fies. He adds that a variety of colors will provide visual interest, and can immediately give your kitchen an updated, modern look.

So what are some ways you could incorporate a combination of colors into your own kitchen?
"I am starting to see kitchen cabinetry painted in shades of cream, taupe and gray, often mixing in a darker wood for an island or the lower cabinets," says Fies.

19th Ave to See Some New Landscaping

By: Sylvia Ramirez

15-Block Landscaping Project Planned for Busy 19th Avenue in San Francisco

Work is underway by the San Francisco Department of Public Works to beautify 19th Avenue and enhance the neighborhood quality of life along one of the City’s busiest transportation corridors, according to a statement released by the city.

Demolition crews have begun scooping concrete out of the 5-foot-wide median, which will be transformed into a patch of green over the coming months.

Overseen by DPW, the 15-block landscaping project runs from Wawona Street to Lincoln Way in the Sunset District and is part of a multi-pronged approach to make 19th Avenue safer and more welcoming.

“The 19th Avenue improvement project not only will improve safety along one of our City’s busiest streets, but it also will beautify and green the entire length of this important thoroughfare,” said San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee.

The median will be planted with drought-tolerant ornamental plants, primarily succulents, to soften the landscape. The project is modeled after the successful median upgrade on Guerrero Street and supports DPW’s commitment to make San Francisco a beautiful, livable, vibrant and sustainable city.

"Right now, about a quarter of San Francisco's public rights-of-way are paved hardscape," said DPW Director Mohammed Nuru. "Part of our mission is to transform the streetscape to improve the urban experience. If we can weave major corridors such as 19th Avenue more into the neighborhood fabric, then we create a more livable and welcoming environment."

As a major north-south roadway with six traffic lanes, 19th Avenue carries more than 85,000 vehicles a day and is part of State Route 1.

To minimize disruptions to the public, the construction team will work on two blocks of 19th Avenue at a time, closing off no more than one lane of traffic in each direction between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Fridays. However, motorists may experience traffic delays. Warning signs will be posted prior to the lane closures. The goal is to complete construction by March at the latest. 

The median greening project is part of community-backed efforts to make 19th Avenue safer and more attractive. The City already has upgraded traffic signals and has plans to build pedestrian “bulb-outs” to extend the sidewalk at the intersections to make crossing easier. In 2008, a double-fine zone was established for the 19th Avenue corridor; a year later, the speed was reduced to 30 mph.

“We hope this greening project, coupled with the upgrading of traffic signals and the upcoming public-safety improvements, will provide a positive experience for drivers and pedestrians along 19th Avenue,’’ said District Four Supervisor Carmen Chu, who represents the area.

The 19th Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project falls under DPW’s Great Streets Program that aims to improve the public rights-of-way for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and to soften the urban landscape with more greening. Among the corridors already improved are Valencia Street, Divisadero Street and Leland Avenue. More information can be found at http://www.sfdpw.org/index.aspx?page=88.

Partnering with DPW on the 19th Avenue project are the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and the California Department of Transportation. The $1.4 million median-improvement project is funded with a combination of federal money, San Francisco General Fund money and Proposition K local sales tax revenue.

DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much of its infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains city street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property; and partners with the diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide stellar cleaning and greening services. 


Link To Original Article:  http://www.kron4.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=5066

(Copyright 2012 KRON 4, All rights reserved.)

Staging Your Home Can Be Affordable

Save Money On Staging Your Home
=  Sell Your Home Faster

Houzz.com has great tips and techniques to better and maintain your home.  Making your home look great does not always have to break the bank.

Scroll through the photos at the bottom to learn the various ways to stage your home.

   

 Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remode