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5 Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Front Yard

October 24, 2017

Like clothes and accessories for a human, the different elements that make up a front yard help enhance its appearance. Since this is often the first thing people see when arriving, be it a visitor or the homeowner themselves, it is normal to want to make sure that the front yard looks its best. Luckily, in most cases not much is needed to make this part of the property look good. Here are 5 front yard renovation projects that are budget-friendly and easy to complete.

1) Painting the fence

This job is a perfect weekend DIY project! Fence painting doesn’t require as much skill as other painting projects, unless you are an absolute perfectionist. Of course, not all fence materials can receive paint in their current state. Some will need to be sanded and primed beforehand. However, do know that paint is a great way to add a dash of colour to the front of your home.

White is a classic and timeless colour for fences, as is black. For a more daring look, reds, blues, yellows, greens and other bright shades can be great options, depending on the colour scheme of the rest of the front yard.

2) Installing paver stones

A friendly and welcoming stone path makes for a great way to come home! Paver stones are easy to install, and they add a nice Zen touch to a front yard. These elements come in a variety of shapes, materials, and sizes, adapting to your needs and preferences. The most common stones are travertine, slate, and granite. Concrete and porcelain are other options for paver materials, but they are not as durable as the latter.

3) Cleaning the home’s facade

This may seem simple, even trivial, but cleaning the home’s facade can make an enormous difference. Perhaps you bought the house and have never taken the time to remove the accumulated dirt and grime? This means that you may be in for a surprise once you’ve finished with the cleaning process.

For this action, the tools and techniques you employ will depend on the type of cladding material that is installed on your home. A pressure washer will be extremely efficient on plastic-based materials. Other types such as wood paneling need special treatment, and hand-washing may be best to ensure good results. Do proper research regarding the most recommended techniques and go to the effort of doing things properly. In the end, you may realize that your beige facade is actually mustard yellow!

4) Doing minor landscaping

Large-scale landscaping jobs are not accessible to everyone, and thankfully, smaller ones can also have a major impact. Although gardens are usually set up behind a home, flowerbeds and even small herb gardens are a great way to add life to a front yard. It’s all a question of space and personal preferences. Searching for privacy, some will even decide to create an oasis in front of their home, with trees, plants, and flowers. This little corner of heaven can become a nice spot to relax if you set up a few lawn chairs or hang a swing from a tree.

5) Installing or transforming a carport

This last project is the most onerous of those described in this list. If you don’t yet have a carport and are currently parking your car in a yard, with no roof, setting up this structure can be a great option, both for esthetical and practical purposes. In cold and snowy climates, carports can be extremely useful as they protect the car and keep the snow away, ensuring that you save time in the morning. In terms of appearance, are also carports interesting architectural elements, making the home more unique.

If your home is already equipped with a carport but you feel that you aren’t using it to its fullest, consider transforming it into a patio. This area which spills into the front yard can be turned into a wonderful getaway spot or a place to entertain guests under a roof but outdoors at the same time.

Transforming a front yard: endless possibilities

Other, bigger renovation projects are also possible if you have more money and feel that your home’s exterior needs major changes. For example, people often opt to replace the exterior cladding that covers and protects the home. However, as stated in the previous paragraphs, there is often no need to spend a fortune to make a front yard look nice. Simply set aside a weekend, head to the hardware store and let your imagination run wild. Otherwise, if you have no manual skills whatsoever, hire a trustworthy contractor!

Article was written by Léa Noémie Plourde-Archer from Renoquotes.com

Exterior Décor

Outdoor Flooring Ideas for Style and Comfort

August 28, 2017

Lillian Connors

0 Comments

After a tiring day, we probably just want to relax on our patio or on our deck. Additionally, we spend most of our time there while entertaining our friends and relatives. Being said that, making our deck comfortable is very crucial. The best way to start doing a patio or deck make over is through your flooring.

Here are some flooring ideas for you.

Traditional Wood Decking

Wood flooring is one of the most adaptable kinds since it looks good on any furniture and fixture. It can also be very versatile in terms of appearance because it can give a rustic ambiance that can be very laid back but with a modern touch. With wood, you will be sure that your choice will not go out of style.

Tile Flooring

Making tiles as your flooring can have many benefits. First, tiles can be very flexible because there are countless of designs you can choose from. There are tiles that look exactly like a stone to give your patio a natural-looking one, or you can select a contemporary design. Second, it is very affordable, especially when compared to other floorings. Applying tiles can only cost you around $2 – $15 per square foot depending on the design, quality, and size that you want. Lastly, tiles are very easy to maintain as you just have to occasionally sweep or mop the area. Sun and rain don’t damage them, unlike wood floorings.

Artificial Grass

A high-quality artificial grass looks and feels like a real one already. Additionally, using this kind of flooring can also be very convenient for you. Unlike real grass, you do not have to worry about spending a lot of time mowing the lawn just to maintain the grass. You do not also need to water or set up a sprinkler for it. It can be a great alternative if you have allergies to real grass. While it is true that artificial grass is more expensive than that of a real one, just imagine how much you can save from maintaining it all throughout the year.

Concrete

If you are thinking concrete can be very boring for a patio floor, think again. You can use staining or stamping methods to vamp up your concrete and create a stylish design on your patio. Firth an expert in concrete paving says that another reason why you should choose concrete is that you will undoubtedly be able to keep it for the entire time you live there. It can also be very easy to clean and it is a super cheap option.

Brick

Bricks can give you a lot of flexibility in your flooring because there are so many designs and patterns you can do with it. As a very durable material, it can cost you a lot up front but you will still be able to technically save money from it because it doesn’t break unless you do it intentionally. It is also a slip resistant material. You also just have to do minimal works to maintain your flooring.

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring can be a very affordable option for you. It will just cost you $2 per square foot but there are still more expensive choices but they are still cheap enough compared to other flooring types. Additionally, rubber floorings are very comfortable for walking. It is highly advisable to use this if you have small children or older people in your house because rubber floorings are slip resistant even if it gets wet. Just do not expect that much longevity to your rubber floors and you might have to replace it after some time.

Foam Tiles

Even though foam tiles are not created the same, there are still a lot of benefits. Just try to be specific if you will put it indoors or outdoors. Foam tiles are best for floorings beside the pool area because they are very slip-resistant and they are anti-mold and mildew. However, the downside is it is the least durable materials on this list.

Outdoor Carpet

Carpets can generally feel you more comfortable as it gives the more homey feel. It can make hanging outside more relaxed compared to other materials like bricks and tiles. When it comes to style, carpets have a lot of styles available in the market. You can mix and match the design to make it look better. It is a very cheap material because it can cost as low as $1 but it requires a lot of maintenance to keep it in good shape.

Stone Steps

While the stone material is very expensive, buying one can ensure that it will last for a very long time and it doesn’t need extensive maintenance. For some cases, you don’t even have to sweep or clean it. It can add a simple but natural feel to your home. Just consider putting in some natural designs for your outdoor flooring needs.

Patterned Patio

You can use different materials to make a patterned patio. For instance, a checkered flooring design with an oversized green and white color can be best for red handprints on the edges. With this kind of patio, your imagination is the limit. You can do a lot of design whether you want a retro, contemporary, or modern ambiance to your whole deck.

Turning your Carport into an Entertaining Patio

June 26, 2017

Tracey Clayton

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Many of us buy a home with the hope of hosting friends and family for BBQs, family events and big holidays like Christmas. Unfortunately, this may not be possible for every home, especially if your backyard isn’t very large, or you don’t have a patio. A clever way to get around this is to repurpose the space you already have. A carport makes for the perfect multipurpose space: you can use the entirety of a carport or part of it to create an incredible entertaining area for your friends and family. Whether you no longer need your carport, or have space in your home for a carport but not an entire patio, there are a range of ways of repurposing your carport to turn it into an outdoor entertainment area.

Repurposing your carport is an affordable outdoor entertaining solution, as you will not have to build a deck or put up any new structures. Additionally, guests will absolutely love being able to enjoy the outdoors while still having a roof over their heads. If your carport is situated close to the kitchen or dining areas, with quality flooring, you can easily leave the doors open and create a seamless entertaining experience between the spaces.

So what are you waiting for? Keep on reading to get inspiration for all the ways you could use your carport to entertain!

Barbeque Area

One of the simplest and most popular ways to repurpose your carport is to turn it into a BBQ area. Of course, the BBQ itself is the centre piece of this arrangement. Next, you have to arrange seating and tables. If you’re working with a smaller space, simply add some deck chairs and a small table.

If you’re lucky enough to have a much larger space available to you, invest in an entire dining table with chairs, and maybe even some fun outdoor swing chairs to really personalise the space, as well as a statement BBQ.

Dining Area

If your carport is accessible from the kitchen, you have a great opportunity to turn your carport into an outdoor dining area. By simply providing a dining table and chairs, you will be able to seamlessly integrate your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Guests will be able to mingle indoors or outdoors at their own leisure, and you will be able to easily bring out meals from the kitchen or top up drinks. This provides with the perfect summer entertaining area that is large enough to host all your extended family for Christmas.

Bar

Whether you’re working with a smaller carport or want to add an extra touch to your outdoor dining area, consider transforming your carport into a bar. For this, all you need to do is attach some shelving to display your liquor bottles.

Integrating an outdoor cooler will make it easier to enjoy your drinks outside. Also consider adding bar stools or bench space around the perimeter of your carport, so that guests can mingle and relax over drinks.

Games Room

Carports can also be surprisingly good for turning into a games room or recreational space. Adding a ping pong table, foosball table or basketball hoop instantly gives you a space within your home to play games, dispel some stress and give your guests something fun to do when visiting.

Porch

Some homes may not have the benefit of a porch, or any kind of outdoor area that allows you to simply sit back and enjoy the fresh air. Carports prove to be a highly flexible solution, as you can use part of it or the whole carport to turn into a porch.

Decorate with some warm and homely finishes, add some comfortable rocking chairs, bean bags and a side table, and you instantly have a cosy way to enjoy the outdoors.

Integrated Lounge and Dining Area

If you have a lot of backyard space, a large carport or an existing patio area, you will be able to create an incredible outdoor entertainment space. Add a dining table, BBQ, lounges and smaller tables to create an integrated outdoor lounge and dining area where guests can mingle, grab a drink, talk to each other and sit down for a meal. This is particularly great for large parties, where you can set up different zones so that all guests can enjoy something different at any given time.

For all of the above suggestions, make sure to use plenty of plants to create a retreat-like feel for your outdoor entertaining area. The right lighting will also make a huge difference to the ambience of your outdoor entertaining area. Fairy lights, festoon lights or standing lampposts are all great options, depending on the feel you are going for.

If you have a carport that is not being used to its full potential, try turning it into an outdoor entertaining area! With the addition of a few pieces of furniture, you can transform your space.

Author Bio:

Harry Caesar is an avid, Melbourne-based blog writer who is fond of writing on various industry niches and has composed write-ups on a variety of topics in his journey so far. The content he delivers is rich with his insightful opinions, thorough research and useful information.

Rotterdam: A City that Thrives on Water

February 10, 2017

Lillian Connors

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When artist Jorge Bakker came up with an idea to fill an aquarium with floats containing model trees, little did he expect his installation to turn into reality. Trying to raise questions regarding the relationship between nature and people living in cities, Bakker surely couldn’t imagine that his concept would be recognized as something that should actually be given an opportunity to thrive in real life through groundbreaking architectural concepts.

Naturally, such recognition could only have come from people who understand, love and respect nature and who had to learn so much about it before making the most of what it gave them. So, if you find yourself in Rotterdam and see floating trees rooted in buoys next to the Floating Pavilion, another landmark in this Dutch city, it doesn’t mean your mind is playing tricks on you. On the contrary, you’ll be treated with one of the most eye-catching and original installations in this part of the world.

Water Square

Moving towards the modern city center, you might come across a square tucked in between a 19^th-century church and a long linear block containing houses, offices, a theater and two schools. This unused and dull space often used to be flooded, since it rains quite a lot in Rotterdam.

Most other places would have solved this problem differently, but not the local city council. A significant investment was made to convert this square into one of the most interesting and vibrant places in Rotterdam. Namely, three pools were created which fill up with water when it rains, and are then used as sports playgrounds and dancefloors. The Water Square is now one of the most popular attractions among both the locals and tourists.

Floating park, hotel,…

Another fascinating idea related to water and its preservation is the emerging Recycled Park, whose purpose is to use recycled plastic to create litter traps for marine litter, thus preventing it from entering the North Sea. The more plastic is retrieved, the bigger the Park will grow. However, the most important impact is, by all means, the protection of water.

And it is more than obvious that Rotterdam is not going to stop there. The list of projects being currently developed includes a floating subdivision of houses, a floating dairy farm and a floating hotel, deep down in the harbor, at the Innovation Dock.

Water management

Now, you might wonder how come the citizens of Rotterdam are so keen to manage water so carefully. The answer is pretty simple, actually. With almost two-thirds of their country below the sea level and their own town situated around six meters below the sea level, it’s clear that local authorities have to make the most of the advantages that water provides.

As we have seen, they often have to come up with innovative solutions, such as those for emergency storage during heavy downpours and systems for a delayed discharge of rainwater, which ensures that the city has enough high-quality water even during the driest spells.

That’s why the water storage is omnipresent in Rotterdam, with green roofs doing their part in creating a healthy, sustainable environment. They absorb rainwater, lower the runoff, which in turn leads to less pressure on the sewage system.

For almost a decade now, the City of Rotterdam has been running a subsidy scheme for supporting the installation of green roofs on private residential buildings, so more and more people are using this opportunity to improve their living conditions, help the environment and lower the installation costs.

It’s pretty obvious that Rotterdam has not only turned its potentially most dangerous enemy as a means of improving the quality of life of its citizens but has also made it a tourist attraction. It’s widely accepted that Rotterdam’s example is one of the best in terms of collaboration among key stakeholders and experts. Many have been calling it the “water city of the future” for quite some time now, and rightfully so. The way this city uses water should also help us all in our struggle to deal with the climate changes and the consequences they bring.

Exterior Décor

5 Ways to Decorate Your Outdoors to Boost the Value of the Property

July 15, 2016

cooper klein

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One of the most common mistakes when renovating and remodelling the home is to focus on the interior alone. Well, those who seek to flip the house or simply boost the value of the property should make an effort to keep both their homes and gardens up-to-date and maintained. It is high time to migrate to the great outdoors, get busy, and feel the gentle breeze and rejuvenating sunlight cuddling you.

Bring the inside out

One of the upgrades that add real value to your home is the addition of the deck or patio. They expand the living area in the most cost-effective way possible. What is more, with the creation of the entertaining area these investments can take the homey comfort to the garden. This is the pure embodiment of the indoor-outdoor lifestyle, which is gaining momentum across the globe. To pull it off, you need some weather-resistant outdoor furniture, as well as a host of throws, pillows and rugs.

Tend the land

Landscaping improves the curb appeal of the house, and adds up to 28% of the value to it. It is a good idea deal with any gaps in planting or pests that want to spoil the outdoor party. Furthermore, trees are essential pillars of any green sanctuary and they also enable the storm water run-off and provide shade, allowing you to save energy. Make sure they are healthy and native to your area. This is also crucial when picking plants and shrubs, but muse on flowers that introduce vivid splashes of colour and picturesque drama into the garden.

A fresh start

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most efficient ways to give your property a makeover. Namely, a nice first impression can be amplified with stronger, carefully-chosen paint colours. Revamp the entrance by repainting and upgrading the door or replacing it altogether. Just do not forget to trim the plants, repair the roof, and clear the pathway. Consider purchasing outdoor lighting fittings as well, since it prevents slips and falls, and averts intruders from easily approaching the home. This makes it one of the most wanted features for home buyers and renters.

Go fancy

Stylish fencing forms a zone of privacy and comfort, keeping pets and kids in, and unwanted guests out. Now, since most fences are installed in the backyard, the impact on the curb appeal is marginal. This is not the say that, however, that it does not affect the value of your real estate. And as for a forward front, you can go for retaining walls and terracing. This way, it is possible to transform useless, sloppy surfaces into something that hinders erosion and run-off, and adds texture and colour. Done right, these features will give your house a face-lift and turn some heads.

A fiery embrace

If you want to be able to use the area all-season long, do not fret— there are ways to heat it up. Summon the dancing flames with a fire pit, and ensure the much-needed warmth during colder days. An outdoor fireplace is another enthralling spectacle that transforms the space and makes it more inviting. Also, I would not overlook a wood fired pizza oven can prove to be useful during social gatherings and backyard parties. For a more romantic sensation, you can use antique chandeliers to illuminate the quiet, chilly nights.

Before and after

Even before crossing the threshold, buyers should be able to witness the splendour of your property. Of course, it is just as important that you enjoy your personal castle more, enhance its value, and customize it so that it reflects your taste. Remember that maintenance and beautifying tasks go a long way in making a positive change in your environment. Put the best face of your property forward, and you will spend the time outside like never before.

Chic Outdoor Living Ideas

June 24, 2016

Zoe Clark

0 Comments

Summer in Canada has almost come and in Calgary the season can be a short one. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful, elegant and usable outdoor space to make the most of the sunny summer days and nights.

Whether you have a large yard, wood deck, stone patio or balcony, consider what you really want to be doing in that space. Is it for entertaining, playtime with the kids, feet up with book in hand or all of the above.

Outdoor Furniture

Gone are the days of the simple white plastic lawn chair. Today’s choices for outdoor dining and seating are limitless. From wood to fabric, consider your needs and how much maintenance you are willing to put into your purchase.

Any type of patio furniture will last longer with routine care. During cold weather seasons, when the patio is no longer in use, store your patio furniture in a garage, basement or garden shed. If you don’t have a place to store your patio furniture over the winter use a cover or tarp. It will make it last longer as the elements will damage it over time. Calgary winters will not be kind to furniture left to the elements.

During warm weather, wash seat cushions once a month with one part bleach to 10 parts warm water. And a few drops of dish detergent to the mix and let sun dry if possible. If you have wrought iron, wash and wax it a few times a year. For wood, use a gentle solution like Murphy’s Wood Soap to keep clean then oil if necessary.

Image source

If you plan on buying cushions for your outdoor furniture set also make sure that they have a high UV rating and ventilation slits to avoid sun and moisture damage. Mildew-resistant acrylic fabric is long-lasting.

Outdoor Cooking

The backyard barbeque that your Dad used to grill bratwurst and steak has had a major upgrade. Old black charcoal blocks have been replaced with clean lines, sleek looks and superior aesthetics.

Barbeques are no longer just for cooking. Just as kitchen appliances are now more than utilitarian devices, the barbeque can add a great deal to the look and aesthetics of you outdoor space. So, with the seemingly endless options for grills don’t forget to incorporate one early on in your backyard planning.

And go from this:

To this:

Outdoor Accents

And just because it’s the great outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t add beautiful accents and art to make your space even more beautiful. Hang some art. Add some decorative touches. There doesn’t need to be a distinction between inside and outside elegance.

Author bio:

Ana Cummings, of ANA Interiors is the only IDRC and CDECA multiple award winning show home designer in Calgary. Her work is internationally published and her studio offers full service interior design and decorating that specializes in original unable-to-leave spaces. Ana is a graduate of Mount Royal University, a member of the Calgary Design Group (CDG), Interior Décor Resources Canada (IDRC), and interim President of the Canadian Decorators’ Association Alberta Chapter (CDECA).

Feature image source: Belderbos.co.uk

Exterior Décor

Welcome Summer with These Amazing DIY Wreaths

June 14, 2016

Lana Hawkins

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When I think of summer I almost always immediately think of all the opportunities that we have to gather with our friends in family in our home! The kids are out of school, the days are warmer and the nights start later, all perfect ingredients to a fantastic summer. I don’t know about you but I love making my home as welcoming as possible when guests come over. From making my living room feel stylish and warm to my backyard being functional and fun, I strive to have my house feel like a perfect place for friends and family. And it starts at the front door! Welcome to the people you like most with these incredible summer DIY wreaths!

Dollar Store American Flag Wreath

Credits: dollarstorecrafts

This patriotic beauty takes only a few minutes to make, a few dollars to buy and will make your door look beautiful for Fourth of July and beyond!

The Hanging Wreath

Credits: somewhere-in-the-middle

This wreath looks like something out of the forest! Simple and beautiful, the wreath is perfect for dark doorways that need lightened up!

The Letter Says is All

Credits: sugarbeecrafts

Represent your family name while welcoming guests into your home. This simple to make, rustic wreath is the perfect way to personalize your entrance way.

Flip Flop Wreath

Credits: southernscraps.blogspot.com

This is another very easy and inexpensive wreath for your home! Head to the closest dollar store and grab a few pairs of children’s flip flops and grab some old rags or clothes that you are getting rid of and make this! Nothing says fun in the sun like a pair of flip flops!

Succulent Wreath

Credits: prettyprudent.com

Succulent projects have become very popular this year in large part due to the fact that they are so easy to take care of and inexpensive to find! This beautiful wreath will bring your front door to life!

Mini Umbrella Wreath

Credits: cfabbridesigns.com

I love summer afternoons by the pool with a cocktail topped with a mini umbrella! I don’t know what it is but a cherry on of these can make any drink better! So head to the store and grab a few bags of these to make the perfect wreath for your home.

Take Me Out to The Ball Game Wreath

Credits: howtonestforless.com

Though never in my life would I put a Cardinals wreath on my door as a diehard Red Sox fan, I do have to say this wreath is pretty adorable even if it would look better with a different team! So grab your favorite team memorabilia and show off your team spirit!

Burlap Wreath for Beginners

Credits: howtomakeaburlapwreath.com

Burlap wreaths are beautiful but burlap can be a difficult material to use! This amazing tutorial will help you make the perfect burlap wreath for your home, with little to no DIY experience needed!

The “Gone to the Beach” Wreath

Credits: fynesdesigns.com

Let art imitate life for you beach bunnies out there! This adorable wreath is definitely for a more advanced level DIYer if you are going to sew these cute little swim suits but it’s totally worth it!

Sandcastles and Sun Wreath

Credits: wordsuponwheels.blogspot.ca

I love upcycle projects and this by far the cutest I’ve seen in awhile! Upcycle those old beach towels and old pool noodles to create this wreath perfect for all summer long!

Wreaths are one of those perfect home decor items that anyone can do! Whether you live in an apartment, house, trailer, dorm or really anywhere else you can liven up your front door with any of these options! Make it so that when you walk in your door, your day and the days of you guests are brightened!

Article written by Tabbie Stark, also a writer for homeyou.com, a company that connects homeowners to reliable, affordable and professional contractors for their home improvement projects. Check more on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

Exterior Décor

Choose the Perfect Swimming Pool for Your Home

May 10, 2016

Lana Hawkins

1 Comment

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right swimming pool. Is it just for fun? How big pool do I need? Can I afford it? To answer all of your questions you need to see the pros and cons of in-ground and above ground pools, because these can differ a lot.

Use

When choosing the right pool, think about its use. If you like hosting big parties in your yard, you have a big family that likes swimming, or you just like exercising in the pool, then the in-ground pool is your choice. Its size is the great advantage for this kind of recreation. However, if you need the pool only for your family to cool off during the summer and have some fun, above ground pool is the best for you.

Cost

In-ground pools are made of durable materials which can be pricey. Even though they provide more space for swimming and relaxing you have to invest huge amounts of money on contractor, materials and other features like lighting, landscaping etc. Plan on building this type of pools only if you can afford it because the price of an ordinary pool can go above 20,000$. On the other hand, there are less expensive above ground pools. These are more economical to purchase and set up. Some common designs can cost up to 1000$, but if you want more luxury the cost does not go above 10,000$. However, the less money could mean less quality which can cost you even more later on.

Space and size

The size of the pool is entirely personal. If you want to get rid of the grass, the in-ground pool is you choice, but if you want to preserve the landscape and nature then you can choose the above ground one. In-ground pools need more space for building and for the surrounding landscaping. On the other hand, above ground pools usually take up the space only in their size. Also, for both types of pools you can leave some space for installing shade sail posts which can serve as a protection from the sun on summer days, or they can protect your pool. These posts are easy to set up and you can move them wherever you need them.

Maintenance

If you decided on an in-ground pool you have to be ready to pay for its maintenance. The advantage is that this can be done by professionals and you have to do nothing. However, in-ground pools demand the use of more chemicals and you need to have certain pumps for cleansing the water. In addition to that, winterizing in-ground pools requires more time and money because they need to be properly drained, dried and sealed so nothing would get into the pipes. Contrary, above ground pools are easier to preserve since they do not require water pumps, you can simply drain it and fill it with water again. As far as winterizing is concerned, you can just pour in the necessary chemicals and cover it properly and you are good to go.

Finally, after carefully weighing on the pros and cons make your decision. If you can afford it, go big; if you only want to have fun, you can go small, too.

Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal with These Easy Tricks

August 26, 2015

Lana Hawkins

0 Comments

You could argue that a home’s street view is like the first page of a passport – many important details can be read from there and there’s certainly a lot of us who don’t look too pretty on our passport photos. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve a home’s curb appeal, unlike our passport photos. If you think your home could use a simple ‘facelift’ then read on. These simple, effective tricks will get you started with your project in no time. Once applied, they can truly make a difference.

Give your mailbox a new suit

Even from afar, someone driving down the road will instinctively look at the mailbox first and the house second. This mailbox makeover project is simple because it requires little material, and can be done in a single afternoon. To begin, wrap your 4×4 wooden post with scraps of differently colored natural stone pavers. Once you have an attractive stone pillar, attach a shiny black metal mailbox to one side and complete the magazine look with a vertical house number plaque.

Arboreal spotlights
Give your trees and shrubs a brand new night attire by putting them into spotlight. During the day, solar spotlights are virtually unseen in the undergrowth, while they charge up. But as the night falls they start to shine beautifully at the tree canopies from bellow. You can also point them on a few decorative boulders or a small pond. They won’t amount to your electricity bill and some of them come with solar panels that are attached with long wires, so they can be charged on a sunnier spot.

Front door makeover

If you are on a tight budget and you want to give your front door a facelift, there is no need to go for a full replacement. A bit of paint and molding can do wonders to your dull entrance. A rich dinner party or wenge color scheme will upgrade your home a class or two, while the polystyrene molding above the doorway will make every entry grand.

Hide slab foundation

The exposed slab foundation is a straight out eyesore. Extending the facade all the way to the ground level so it covers the foundation is manageable, but it will make a hole in your budget the size of an open coal mining pit. Instead, you can choose a solution that will look attractive and still leave you with some cash for further upgrades. Faux panels come in a number of colors and styles, mimicking natural stone, brick or wood. When you finally choose, you will probably want to apply some of it inside, too. Maybe for an accent wall or fireplace sides.

Repainting

Perhaps a bit more costly upgrade, but surely a worthy one. When looking at the ‘big picture’ from the outside, if a house has deteriorating paint on many spots it will make a bigger and more negative impact than almost all other nice things put together. Consider a complete repainting job if your budget allows. Check out a few great examples of color schemes from the CraftPro blog.

House number on planters

If your house number can barely be seen from the road, you could take a few planters with nice flowers and write the house number on them. Aside from being practical, this project is simple and inexpensive. Buy as many planters as there are digits in your house number, find a suitable spot and prop them on a crude, unprocessed plank that rests on old bricks to get that vintage look. You could also use a stump. Paint the house number with white paint on a dark
background and plant some annuals in each planter.

Camouflage the eyesores

Every home has eyesores like utility boxes, wires, lines and vents that mar the aesthetics of the house. There are several ways to deal with them. The simplest one is to paint them in the same color as the rest of the house and no one will ever notice them. However, if you want to conceal the trash bins or the air conditioner unit, you can either plant a hedge around it, or camouflage it with a couple of lattice panels painted the same color as the facade.

So there you go, several easy DIY projects which will enhance your curb appeal in no time. With improvements like these, not only will your new neighbors want to take a closer look at what is inside, but they will impress anybody who passes by, including potential homebuyers.

Exterior Décor

How to Pick your Dream Window

July 7, 2015

Lana Hawkins

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Selecting new windows takes more than just going with the looks that match the house they are about to be built in. Aside from acting as source of daylight and architectural accent, windows also give shape to the room, provide ventilation and emergency escape route. These are the most popular window styles.

Broad Division

Generally speaking, windows can be fixed or operable. Fixed windows re used solely as architectural feature in places where there is need for natural light and view but ventilation is not a concern. They often come in unusual geometric shapes like round-tops or relatively new type of seamless bent-glass windows that provide unobstructed corner view. However, operable windows are what most people consider for their homes. They can be sided sideways, vertically or hinged outwards or inwards on both vertical and horizontal panes.

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Double Hung and Tilt-Turn Windows

This classic design has survived centuries and not without a reason. Apart from having excellent ventilation control, they have a very simple construction. Their upper outside sash can be lowered, while the lower inside sash can slide up. Some types even feature sashes that can be removed easily for cleaning. A sub-variant of this type with only one sliding sash is called single-hung. Tilt-turn windows are popular in Europe. They tilt inside at the top but also have a feature that allows them to swing at 180 degrees for easier cleaning, which doubles as convenient emergency exit.

Casement Windows

These side-mounted windows are made in single or paired configuration and are operated by a crank that rotates the sash inward or outward. They can be fully opened for easy cleaning and maintenance, while their excellent ventilation properties come from their breeze catching effect, in which they act like sails on a boat.

Awning and Hopper Windows

It is easiest to describe them as horizontal casements. While awning windows are top hinged, so that they offer partial ventilation, unobstructed views and respectable security. Hopper windows are their inverted image. They hinge at the bottom and due to their very good ventilation properties are often used as a complement for a door or another window.

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Horizontal Sliding Windows

They feature a single or multiple panels that are fixed and one or more panels that slide in horizontal tracks. The drawback of this design is that in the best case only half of the window can be opened at a time, providing only partial ventilation. However, an advantage of sliders is that no space is required for a sash to swing in or out, making them ideal for small spaces.

Bay Windows

This three-window set is easily recognized from the outside as it protrudes from the house wall, and forms an interior bay. In addition to great light gathering characteristics, bay window offers much wider view angle than any other type, save the seamless corner windows. A central window is flanked by two side ones that make 30 or 45 degree angle with the house wall.

In order to fulfil their different needs, windows come in many sizes, types and functions. When choosing windows for your home, consider architectural aspect, the window purpose and budget.

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Exterior Décor

1) Painting the fence

2) Installing paver stones

3) Cleaning the home’s facade

4) Doing minor landscaping

5) Installing or transforming a carport

Transforming a front yard: endless possibilities

Traditional Wood Decking

Tile Flooring

Artificial Grass

Concrete

Brick

Rubber Flooring

Foam Tiles

Outdoor Carpet

Stone Steps

Patterned Patio

Barbeque Area

Dining Area

Bar

Games Room

Porch

Integrated Lounge and Dining Area

Water Square

Floating park, hotel,…

Water management

Bring the inside out

Tend the land

A fresh start

Go fancy

A fiery embrace

Before and after

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor Cooking

Outdoor Accents

Dollar Store American Flag Wreath

The Hanging Wreath

The Letter Says is All

Flip Flop Wreath

Succulent Wreath

Mini Umbrella Wreath

Take Me Out to The Ball Game Wreath

Burlap Wreath for Beginners

The “Gone to the Beach” Wreath

Sandcastles and Sun Wreath

Use

Cost

Space and size

Maintenance

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