Home Design Tips from Ellen

Who knew? Ellen DeGeneres isn’t just an affable talk-show host and beloved comedian. She’s also an extremely prolific home designer and house flipper, as shown in her new book, “Home.”

“I wanted to be an interior designer when I was 13,” DeGeneres admits in her book—which explains why, over the past 25 years, she has bought and renovated nearly a dozen homes. Each home was an adventure and an education, she recalls. Below, from her book, are a few lessons she’s learned, as well as gorgeous photos of her interiors that illustrate her points.

Neutral colors make the best palette

“I like neutral colors with stronger colors in art, pillows, or a nice throw. Big color statements on walls or furniture can be fun, but limit the possibility of changes.”

———

Get a chalkboard in your kitchen

“Chalkboards make a great, fun statement in a home. You can draw on them or use them practically to make lists or write notes. You can write something like, ‘Remember to put away your shoes,’ just as a random, not-specific-to-my-life example.”

———

Less is more

“When finishing a room, I find it’s often useful to take one thing away. I always want to make sure it doesn’t look overdone or fussy.”

———

Go vintage

“Vintage fabrics can help personalize your home. They can be used for throw pillows, upholstery on a headboard—even a dog bed.”

———

Let there be light—lots of it

“Every room needs more than one light source. Lighting can be harsh or insufficient if you just rely on ceiling lighting. I like soft, even lighting, and I think floor and table lamps are essential to creating the right mood.”

Shared from:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/five-home-design-secrets-from-ellen-degeneres/

Unique Ways to Dress Up Your Kitchen Cabinets with Hardware

Hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen. In a well-designed space, it can add an important finishing touch. In a space that needs a little help, it can provide some sparkle to help distract from worn or outdated features that may be more difficult to update. And, it's an easy, inexpensive project you can do yourself.  

"Hardware is an often-overlooked accessory that can completely change the look of room (or even an exterior)," said Huffington Post. "Of course, we're referring to ‘hardware' in the design sense: Knobs, pulls, hooks, knockers, brackets, railings, handles an d any other metal flourish that can go in or on a home. It's a huge category, but few really give it a lot of thought."

Whether your taste runs to traditional, transitional, modern, vintage, or funky, hardware can help you express your style and add another distinctive element to your kitchen. And the good news is, you can take the hardware with you when you move. With all the talk about overpersonalizing and how it can hurt the salability of your home, this is one place you can go crazy.

Just beware of hardware that makes such noticeable holes in your cabinets they can't be easily repaired if you remove them when you sell your home.

Huffington Post

Huffington Post's handy guide provides a list of websites for hardware options ranging from vintage to distinctive and different to classic looks.

The latest trends

Hardware is a great way to bring the latest trends into your kitchen. Because they can be easily changed out, you don't have to worry about your space becoming outdated when brass and golden-hued hardware is no longer the latest thing (again).

Freshome

These oversized pulls would look snazzy on any color cabinets, but really stand up to the bold red.

Café Galante

Classic and classy or modern and magnificent

In a high-end kitchen, the right hardware can offer just the right touch to bring it all together. Exposed hardware adds another unique element.

Café Galante

In this kitchen, modern lines accentuate the cabinet design, creating a standout, custom look.

Snipe righ

For some, kitchen hardware offers the perfect opportunity to express their individuality and creativity, with spoons turned handles....

Bob Vila

or even concrete. These knobs are "as easy as creating a form out of a something small, in the shape you desire for your knob," said Bob Vila. "Then fill it, and let the concrete set for a few minutes. Insert the head of a bolt, and let the concrete dry. Once removed from the mold, sand the knob smooth with silicon carbide wet/dry paper and rub the surface with talcum powder to create a shine."

Bob Vila

Artistic

Bring an artistic feel to your kitchen with a touch of glass…art glass, to be specific. Available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, it might be just the right thing to bring a personal touch to your kitchen.

Or use metal in a different way. Who says it has to be linear? Take artistic license with shapes that contrast with the lines of your cabinets.

Shared from:http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice1/item/38903-20151005-unique-ways-to-dress-up-your-kitchen-cabinets-with-hardware

It's almost fall, which means shorter days and colder weather ahead. To ensure you won't need emergency repairs in the winter, do some preventative maintenance now while it's still nice outside. Here are some essential fall home improvement projects to keep you safe and secure when the temperature really starts to drop:

#1 Clean and inspect gutters.

If you haven't been keeping an eye on your gutters throughout the summer, it's time to give them a good inspection. They could be harboring leaves and other debris from storms, winds and pests. Use your rake or hose to clear them for the winter moisture ahead. Look for any signs of damage that may cause a leak. Leaks can damage your siding and lead to the potential need for roof repairs in the winter. A professional will charge between$170 and $500 to repair your gutters.

#2 Check your roof.

Inclement weather gives your roof a beating throughout the year. After a summer of rain and heat, you should check it for leaks and other damage. If you don't address those concerns before potential hail or snow, you could run into much larger problems -- and you don't want snow and ice caving in your roof or damaging your attic.

#3 Touch up the exterior paint.

Depending on the type of siding you have, there's a chance it needs a touch-up. Vinyl and wood siding, in particular, are prone to peeling and chipping in excess heat and inclement weather conditions. To kick up your curb appeal and keep your siding in top condition, take some time over a weekend to address these issues with a paintbrush. Your paint may need some extra varnish or stain, for which you may need to hire some professional help. Just remember that doing so protects your siding in the winter and prevents more expensive repairs.

#4 Winterize the lawn.

To keep your lawn healthy through winter and into the spring, do some preventative yard work:

• Rake leaves
• Aerate the soil
• Fertilize the grass, trees and shrubs

While you can do most of these projects yourself over the weekend, consider hiring a lawn care service for the fertilization and aeration services. Pros have the experience and equipment to ensure your lawn gets the care it needs to last through the cold months ahead.

#5 Test your outdoor lights.

You don't want to slip and fall on the ice in the winter, nor do you want to pay the unnecessary medical bills that will come as a result. So, make sure your outdoor lights are in working order for the winter ahead. Scrub them with a scouring pad and spray their frames with rust-repellent paint. Check to make sure the bulbs are working and replace them if needed. If you think the walkway needs more lighting, invest in additional as accent lighting -- whether it's along the pathway or around your trees and shrubs.

#6 Tune your heating system.

Your heating system is essential in the winter, so care for it now. Whether you have a boiler, a water heater, a furnace or a geothermal heating system, make sure it's in top condition. If you've had problems with the system in the past year, you might need to have a heating professional look at it. Otherwise, perform the preventative maintenance outlined in the manual. It's not always easy to get heating professional out in the middle of winter, and you certainly don't want to freeze.

#7 Clean the fireplace.

For those nights when you want a fire, it's important to have a clean and working fireplace. If you used the fireplace last year, there's going to be soot, burnt wood and creosote in the chimney. You need to have it all cleaned up to reduce the potential for a house fire. Then, you'll need to have the fireplace and chimney inspected by a professional for any potential damage. You don't want an accidental house fire because you didn't take proper preventative measures.

Shared from:  http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice1/item/38445-20150918-7-quick-and-effective-fall-home-improvement-projects

Renovating With Your Kids: Projects You Can Do Together

Renovating your home? Why not make it a family affair, getting the kids involved in projects that can make them feel included and proud of their work.

Not every job is gong to be right for your kids.

But there are several tasks they can do with supervision, and a few they might be able to handle on their own, depending on their age and maturity level.

The first step is to properly explain the tasks at hand and identify any risks.

"Parents really need to talk to their kids who are old enough to understand and lay down ground rules for the renovation," says Eric Phillips, vice president and general manager at DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen of the Triangle in Apex, NC on Bob Vila.

"And once the rules are there, parents really have to have the discipline to enforce those rules with their kids."

Feeling good about their ability to help? Go renovate something together!

Cleaning and chucking

Before any renovation can start, you'll probably have some cleaning out to do. The traditional three-pile method of "keep, sell, donate" can work well for kids. Telling them they can keep whatever they make on the sale of their old things usually inspires a job well done.

Painting the walls

Your kids have probably been painting since before they could speak. With their fingers, anyway. They probably haven't lost the love of covering surfaces in pretty colors, so set them up with a paintbrush and let them go! You'll want to give them a basic tutorial that illustrates how to best get paint on the desired surface without dribbles. And don't forget to prepare the area with heavy-duty dropcloths, tape up baseboards, and move furniture and furnishings out of the way so they don't accidentally get splattered.

teal & lime

Sanding

Use caution with electric sanders, or any power tool for that matter, when your kids are involved. But sandpaper or sanding sticks and a surface that needs to be stripped down could be a good way to bring some kids in on a renovation. You'll need to make sure they have a dust mask, eye protection, and a well-ventilated area. Sandpaper in tender hands might cause abrasions, so make sure there are gloves as well.

Creating new art

You probably already have a stack of your kids' art showcased or stashed in your home. But directing them to create something new specifically for a showcase wall or tabletop is a great way to involve them in your renovation without worrying about them getting hurt. Choosing colors and materials together at an art store and show them ahead of time where their art is going to be displayed can get them excited about this new project—and maybe make them feel better about the fact that they don't get to handle the nail gun.

Backsplash

Doing your own kitchen backsplash is a relatively easy DIY project you can do over the weekend and have a little fun at the same time. If you're doing mosaics on a sheet, kids as young as five or six should be able to help place them and even help adhere them to the wall and apply/clean up the grout.

Pulling up carpet

Kids who love to dismantle stuff (read: all kids) will love being able to help roll up carpet for removal. The box knife needed to slice it up is probably not the best tool to put in a kid's hands, but taking up the tack strip? A handy child can use a pry bar and rubber mallet to handle this task. Just take proper precautions with gloves, eye protectors and the like. Those nails can be nasty.

Chasa

Laying wood floors

Kids can be helpful gluing and placing wood planks and might even enjoy the process. Can you leave your five-year-old alone to handle the job? Probably not. But working side-by-side with your children laying out the wood pieces will make you all feel good every time you take a step.

Wallpaper removal

The tedious peeling away of old wallpaper might be the perfect task for your kids. Even if they don't finish the job, any wallpaper you don't have to peel off yourself is a bonus. Trust us.

Other demolition

An invitation to break stuff? Oh yeah! Just remember to take all safety precautions (goggles, closed-toe shoes, and gloves if needed) and make sure the demo is appropriate for the age group (i.e. you might not want to leave your five-year-old alone with a power saw.).

Gardening

If your renovation includes an outdoor element, you're in luck! Kids love to get dirty. Depending on the age and inclination of your child(ren), a bag of soil and a shovel might be considered a good time!

Shared from:  http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice1/item/38100-20150907-renovating-with-your-kids-projects-you-can-do-together

Plant Your Garden & Eat It Too!

If you ever worry about where your food comes from, or what kind of chemicals might have been put in or on it, growing your own is a great solution. Plus, you won’t be spending all your cash on organic produce from Whole Paycheck Whole Foods anymore.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to give up attractive landscaping—an edible garden can look good, too, says Jamie Durie, author of “Edible Garden Design.” (Click the image below to buy the book for a special price of $4.99, until May 11.)

“The reason I wrote this book is, I got really sick and tired of looking at ugly vegetable gardens,” Durie said in a phone interview from his Southern California home.

To transform your garden into an Edenic land of bounty, think of swapping your pretty-but-useless ornamental plants for edible ones. Instead of ornamental hedges around the sides, use apple or citrus trees. You can train them to grow against a wall by tying them to a frame—this is called espalier. Durie particularly likes prunus serrula, also known as Tibetan cherry, for this.

“It has one of the most beautiful trunks—it’s like polished copper,” he said. “It’s an incredible ornamental plant that still produces food.”

Beneath those trees, also along the edge of the garden, you can use blueberries or raspberries as ground cover.

If you have a fence, you can coax a vine to run across it. “Passionflower vine has one of the most incredible flowers on it you can imagine—it’s my favorite vine,” Durie said.

To fill it all in, think about plants that will deliver the shape, color, and texture that you want in the garden—and, of course, what you like to eat. The blue flowers of sage add an unusual color, and chives add texture.

Heirloom tomatoes, especially compact varieties, are great. Durie likes the Black Russian variety for its deep color.

“Parsley makes a fantastic border for garden beds, and it can be clipped into a replacement for boxwood,” Durie said. He likes to interplant parsley with marigold, which has vivid color and also deters pests. Kale is another good border plant, with a more dramatic dark leaf.

Easiest edible plants for beginning gardeners

Pumpkins: You can pretty much plant and then forget about them, Durie says.

Zucchini: Same as pumpkins, but don’t forget them for too long, or you’ll wind up with giant blimplike objects on the vine—and have to face weeks and weeks of zucchini bread.

Tomatoes: Easy to grow in containers or beds and much cheaper than buying heirlooms at the farmers market.

Rosemary: The upright type is great for borders, while the trailing type works well in windowboxes, spilling out to soften hard lines.

Oxeye daisies: While they’re not edible, Durie said, “I use them quite a lot because they’re a plant that you barely have to water, and they’ll scramble across a garden and fill in the bald spots—nobody likes bald spots in a garden!”

You don’t have to have a lot of space for an edible garden, although you probably won’t be able to feed a family of four off a container garden.

“It doesn’t matter where you live—everyone gets a ray of sunlight,” Durie said. “Be fearless!”




Shared from:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/edible-garden-tips-jamie-durie/

A Guide to Decking Materials: Which Is Right for Your Home?

There is something liberating about spending time outside on a deck. Whether you make it a private retreat shaded by vegetation or an energetic entertainment area complete with a built-in BBQ, this outdoor living space is often the most enjoyable area of a home. It also increases the value of your home. Most homeowners see a return on investment between 74% and 87% after adding or renovating a deck. Before you start building, however, you want to make sure that the material you choose matches the exterior of your home and fits your lifestyle. This quick guide on some of the most popular decking materials will help you decide which material best suits your needs.

Wood

Lifespan: 10–30 years
Maintenance: High

Wood decking is the most common choice for residential decks. Durable and strong, it also offers a classic look that complements traditional, craftsman, and virtually any other style of home. The smooth planks stay cool and feel good on bare feet, making wood a natural choice for building your outdoor oasis. Softer woods are fairly easy for a novice do-it-yourselfer to work with; hardwoods generally require a stronger skill set.

The price of wood varies greatly depending on the type you choose. Pressure-treated pine is the least expensive material, but it typically needs to be replaced after about 10 or 15 years. Tropical hardwoods such as ipe, camber, or garapa look stunning and last for upward of 30 years. They also cost quite a bit more per lineal foot. Cedar and redwood are popular choices that fall in the middle of the price spectrum and have a lifespan of about 20 years. Professional installation will add to the price of the deck.

Regardless of the type of lumber you choose, it will require a fair amount of maintenance. Wood decks needs to be cleaned annually and restained and resealed every few years. You may also need to replace a board or two over the life of the deck. If not properly maintained, the wood will absorb stains—especially red wine or BBQ sauce—and will be more prone to cracking, rotting, and warping.

Composite

Average lifespan: 20+ years
Maintenance: Moderate

Composite is an environmentally friendly choice for those who love the look of wood but aren’t as enamored with the upkeep. Premium planks boast a textured surface that mimics the look of wood grain. Made from a combination of recycled plastic and waste wood fibers, composite is available in an array of colors and makes a stylish addition to most any home. Some types of composite also feature grooves in the edges of the planks to allow for hidden fasteners—no unsightly screws. Composite decks are relatively easy to install, but it is imperative to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to allow enough room for heat expansion.

You can expect to pay more for composite decking than for wood boards. It can run two or three times as much as pine, but it usually costs less than exotic hardwoods. Extras, such as scratch-resistant features and UV coating, will up both the price and the life expectancy of the deck. Homeowners will likely recoup the additional costs though, since there is not as much maintenance involved over the life of the structure.

Composite materials need to be scrubbed annually with mild soap and water to prevent mildew. Aside from that, they require very little maintenance. The color often fades with prolonged exposure to the sun, so this may not be the ideal choice for a west- or south-facing location.

Plastic/PVC/polyethylene

Average lifespan: 30+ years
Maintenance: Low

Smooth and splinter-free, this lightweight material is strong enough to withstand the harshest elements of nature. It is impervious to stains and resistant to fading, making it a great choice for an outdoor dining area. Unlike other types of decking, plastic decks typically feature a nonslip coating that becomes less slippery when wet. Even with a faux-wood grain finish, this material does not look natural and may clash with homes that have wood or stone exteriors. The synthetic material also gets rather hot in direct sunlight and can burn bare feet.

Decking made from plastic is comparable in price to its composite counterpart. Certain brands are more prone to sagging than others, so it is a good idea to pay a little extra for a reliable brand. Plastic typically requires a more extensive support structure than lumber because it is not as rigid, which also increases the total cost of the project.

Plastic decking does not necessitate any sanding, staining, or painting. All it requires is seasonal cleaning to keep it looking fresh and new.

Aluminum

Lifespan: 50+ years
Maintenance: Low

Anodized aluminum decking offers a modern look that pairs well with contemporary-style homes. It is also a viable choice for destination decks near natural streams or manmade water features, because the textured finish boasts added traction. It also stays cool, making it barefoot-friendly even in sweltering temperatures.

Aluminum is one of the higher-priced types of decking material. Features such as a polyuria coating to reduce the sound of footfalls and tightly interlocking planks to prevent water from penetrating below will add to the price as well, but they are worth the investment—especially on second-story decks.

Like other synthetic decking materials, aluminum is virtually maintenance-free. It will not rust or rot and is resistant to mold and mildew. A quick sweep of the broom to keep it free of dirt and debris or an occasional hose-down to remove bird droppings or sap is all it requires.

The bottom line

These are four of the most popular types of materials used to construct residential decks. Even though wood is the most prevalent material, that doesn’t mean it is the right choice for your home. Take the time to consider the location of your deck, its intended use, and how much maintenance you are willing to take on before committing to a certain material. A well-designed deck built from the right material has the potential to become the best part of your home.

Reposted from:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/guide-to-decking-materials/

Avoid DIY Disasters

Do-it-yourself disasters can happen to anyone.  

Here's how to avoid them in your next home project.

• Define the project scope.  Whether you wish to expand the kitchen or paint a fresh new color on your walls, identify the parameters of the project and then decide if you can do the work yourself.
• Be realistic about your technical skill and experience.  A simple project may turn into a complicated mess if you've never done it before.
• Do you need permits?  Depending on the work involved, you may need to obtain a permit before you can begin the project.  Not doing so can result in costly fines and time setbacks.
• What are the estimated costs involved?  Create an outline or spreadsheet of the project costs associated with the project, including materials, fees, etc.
• How long will it take?  While you may be able to paint the hallway in an afternoon, more extensive projects may take several weeks to complete.
• Get bids from contractors and vendors to determine whether it would make financial sense to hire a professional instead of doing it yourself.
• Do you have a backup plan?  Sometimes things don't go according to plan.  Assess your ability to handle the unexpected and prepare to get help if necessary.

Protect Your Home Year-Round with These 8 Maintenance Tips

It's always beneficial to keep your home in great shape.  Courtesy peggyk65@verizon.net, here are 8 sage pieces of advice to keep your house tip-top, all year long!

Whether you're a new homeowner or an experienced do-it-yourself-er around the house, these handy tips will help protect your investment year-round.

1.  Safety First - Replace the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  It's also a good time to make sure that any fire extinguishers in your home are in working order.

2.  Look up - Inspect your attic and roof for leaks, missing shingles and ventilation issues.  It's also a good idea to check on the chimney, as well as attic fans and vents.

3.  In the bathroom - Inspect grout and caulk around bathtubs, sinks and showers.  Get rid of cracked grout and replace missing grout.  seal tile grout.  Discolored and mildewed caulk should be cleaned and might need to be replaced with new caulk.

4.  In the kitchen - Clean appliances, including refrigerator coils and underneath the range hood.  Remove and clean or replace range hood filters.  Clean faucet aerators and replace washers as necessary.  Don't forget the drain!

5.  Keep the weather out - Inspect doors and windows for drafts and replace/install weather stripping where needed.

6.  Bug out - Inspect your home for signs of termites such as tunnels or buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings.  Termite damage can look similar to water damage.  Call an exterminator if you think you've got termites.

7.  Clean it out - Flushing mineral deposits out of your hot water heater can extend the life of this important appliance.

8.  Don't forget - Did you know your garage door needs cleaning, inspection and lubrication of its springs at least once a year?

All of those tips are important & informative.  I know I didn't know the bit about the garage door maintenance!  We here at The Griffith Group certainly hope these helpful hints have been beneficial to you!