October, 2018 - SkirtingBoards.com®

4 Tips to Help You Create a Perfectly Cozy Breakfast Nook in Your Home

October 16, 2018 by admin

If you have enough space for it, we highly suggest incorporating a breakfast nook into your home. This space can serve as the perfect place for the family to gather, whether it’s over your morning cup of coffee or the kids’ homework after school. Keep reading to learn how to put together a breakfast nook that feels equally cozy and functional.

Have your seating work with the angles of the room. Image: Moneyhill Interiors

Get creative with seating

Seating is the key feature of a breakfast nook. However, in this case, we’d encourage you to think beyond the standard table and chairs. Get a little creative with your seating. Breakfast nooks are supposed to be relaxed spaces and some shapely or otherwise out-of-the-box seating can go a long way toward driving home that feeling.

With that said, you have a few different options to consider. You could build your breakfast nook into a corner and offer rounded seating as shown in the picture above. Alternatively, you could create a full booth for a restaurant-style look or install bench seating underneath a kitchen window.

Make a statement with your lighting. Image: Twelve Chairs

Include statement lighting

Whenever you create a new functional area in your home, it’s important to include some visual clues to help denote it as separate from the rest of the space. Your breakfast nook is no exception. You’ll want to include a few design elements to help ground the nook as a space unto itself. The best way to do that is by hanging a statement lighting fixture over the table.

As for what we mean by “statement lighting,” in this case, we’re talking about anything that will catch the eye. It can either be through shape, like the one in the picture above, or size. A good rule of thumb is that, typically, your light fixture should run about 3/4 the width of your table.

Don’t forget the pillows and cushions. Image: Anne Becker Design

Keep it cozy

Picture it: You sit down at your breakfast nook every morning to enjoy a cup of coffee and ease into the day. That doesn’t sound like a space that should feel stark and cold, does it? Rather, just the opposite. We recommend that you make your breakfast nook as cozy as humanly possible. Create a space where people want to sit and lounge for a good, long while.

In terms of how to go about creating a cozy feeling in your space, it’s all about incorporating the right textiles. Here, you’ll want to opt for upholstered furniture over unupholstered seating, which tends to feel colder and less inviting. Then, pile on the accessories. A few well-placed throw pillows will go a long way here. If you live in a cooler climate, there’s no shame in including a throw blanket, as well.

Keep your breakfast nook a casual space. Image: Walker Architects

Stay casual and fun

Lastly, take the time to consider what aesthetic you’re going after in this space. Typically, breakfast nooks are more casual than formal. They’re spaces meant for a quick breakfast before work or school, an afternoon snack or an evening study session. Ideally, they should feel more fun than stuffy in order to encourage everyday use.

The two best ways to achieve this feel are through color and pattern. Take a note from the photo above and work these two design elements into your upholstery and accessories. Of course, you could also take things a step further and incorporate the wall into your design, as well. Consider adding a whimsical touch with a chalkboard wall or some patterned wallpaper.

The post 4 Tips to Help You Create a Perfectly Cozy Breakfast Nook in Your Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

Small Bathroom Vanities that Take Back Your Space

October 16, 2018 by admin

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Just because your bathroom lacks space doesn’t mean it can’t be functional. You simply have to figure out clever, space-saving ways to lay it out. In most bathrooms, the sink cabinet is often too large and lacking in useful storage. Take back some of your tiny bathroom. Replace old, outdated cabinets with one of these modern small bathroom vanities.

Wall-mounted small bathroom vanities

One of the best ways to open up the flow of a tiny bathroom is by wall-mounting your bath vanity. Add baskets or boxes below the vanity for extra storage. Or, you can also leave the space open for a clean, minimalist feel. Wall-mounting a small bathroom vanity takes a little extra work – the vanity must be anchored to the wall studs – but the extra effort may be worth it for a clean, contemporary look.

Meredith 19″ Bathroom Vanity Set at Wayfair, $167, featuring an open cubby for towels or baskets.

The Cubical 19″ Wall-Mounted Vanity is only 8.7” deep for the tightest of small bathroom spaces. At Wayfair, $330.

best small bathroom vanities - freshome.com

The Kegley 18″ wide x 13″ deep Bathroom Vanity Set with Mirror at AllModern, $510 features sleek, chrome accents to add contrast to the clean white cabinet.

The Tenafly 19″ Wall-Mounted Bathroom Vanity Set at Wayfair, $198 is perfectly small-scale. You can also mount two (if you have the space) for his-and-hers vanities.

A rustic, white washed oak finish warms up the hard, minimalist lines of the Bolivia 24″ Small Bathroom Vanity Set at AllModern, $470.

Corner bathroom vanities for tiny bathrooms

Corners are often unused and forgotten spots. Why not designate a bathroom corner as the wash area?

Renovator’s Supply Corner Wall-Mount Bathroom Vanity Sink at Amazon, $290, features an ergonomic, rounded style.

Renovator’s Supply Corner Pedestal Sink at Amazon, $150, is a great small bathroom vanity for a traditional tiny bathroom.

Small bathroom vanities with storage

Adding storage to a tiny bathroom is one of the best ways to hide clutter. It also creates a visually larger, more expansive bathroom. These small bathroom vanities feature smart drawers and shelving that make use of every square inch in the cabinet.

The Simpli Home Burnaby 20″ Bath Vanity has a durable, textured granite top for a transitional look. Available at Amazon, $395.

You can use the bar-style drawer hardware of the Maite 24″ Bathroom Vanity Set at AllModern, $480, as towel bars for small hand towels.

The Eckard 24″ Vanity Set at AllModern, $310, features a popular industrial look, thanks to the black iron finish and rustic warm wood.

Go simple with the clean, crisp and white look of the Knighten 18″ Bathroom Vanity Set at Wayfair, $207.

Small pedestal sinks

If storage is not an issue, a small pedestal sink may be the perfect upgrade. These are great in a guest bathroom where a statement pedestal can make the room memorable. Check out these architecturally stunning small pedestal sinks.

The conical Rockview 18″ Pedestal Sink at Wayfair, $1090, looks best against a boldly-painted or wallpapered wall.

One of the most graceful and uniquely-shaped small bathroom vanities in our roundup is the Vitreous China 11″ Pedestal Bathroom Sink at Wayfair, $268.

When storage is not a requirement, Kohler’s Parigi 20″ Wide Pedestal Sink at Amazon, $614, has a striking design that can work with many different styles.

Mirrored small bathroom vanities

Nothing brightens and expands a small space better than mirrors. The following small bathroom vanities feature chic mirror designs. They add style and also create a bigger bathroom effect.

The 24″ Mirrored Bathroom Vanity at Pier One, $599, has a Hollywood glamour feel that can add a little bling to your tiny bathroom.

The classic black finish and graphic door design of the 21″ Bathroom Vanity Set at Pier One, $530, adds a signature touch to any small bathroom.

The Denker 24″ Single Bathroom Vanity Set with mirror at AllModern, $900, features a marble countertop and mirror on the cabinet doors.

Small glass bath vanities

Tiny bathrooms can feel closed in and restricting. A glass vanity can add a contemporary look. Plus it provides extra counter space without making the bath feel cramped.

Renovator’s Supply 16″ diameter and 5″ deep wall-mount console sink at Amazon, $175, features two modern bathroom trends: glass and the vessel-style sink.

QIERAO 23″ wide x 21″ deep Pedestal Bathroom Vanity Set features tempered glass and an integrated towel rack, at Amazon, $200.

Apron-front small vanities

The farmhouse style is one of the hottest home design styles today. Adding an apron-front sink vanity adds that updated country-chic look to your bathroom, even if it’s space-challenged.

Painted in a classic dove grey, the Legion Furniture 24″ Vanity at Walmart, $245 and up, looks crisp in white and grey.

The 16″ wide x 12″ deep small vanity at Amazon, $289, features a coastal slatted-door effect.

Classic and bold in a rich blue-grey tone, the Betterton 24″ Vanity Set at AllModern, $310, adds charm and elegance in a small bath space.

When updating your bathroom vanity, don’t forget the other elements that will complete the look:

A stylish mirror
Wall sconces or a pendant light
A modern faucet

Check out more of the best small bathroom vanities around. You’ll find plenty of ideas on how to save space and beautify your tiny bathroom in no time.

Which style of small bathroom vanity is your favorite?

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Do You Live in One of Orkin’s Top 50 Rattiest Cities?

October 15, 2018 by admin

Today, Orkin released its annual Top 50 Rattiest Cities List. The list is based on the metro areas where Orkin has conducted the most rodent treatments (residential and commercial) from September 15, 2017 through September 15, 2018.

Do you live in one of the rattiest cities in America? Image: Ed Sologa Design Build

The top 10 on the Rattiest Cities list include, in order: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Detroit, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Denver. The next 10 on the Rattiest Cities list include Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Boston, Seattle, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Hartford, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati.

Spots 21-30: Milwaukee, Charlotte, Houston, Portland, Columbus OH, San Diego, Raleigh-Durham, Buffalo, New Orleans, and Norfolk. Spots 31-40: Richmond, Albany, Kansas City, Portland, Nashville, St. Louis, Sacramento, Greenville, Grand Rapids, and Phoenix.

Rounding out the top 50 of the Rattiest Cities: Orlando, Tampa, Burlington NY, Champaign, Rochester NY, Syracuse, Charleston WV, Dayton, Memphis, and Flint.

Here’s what you need to know about rats and other pests – including ways to keep them from setting up shop in your home.

Mi casa es su casa?

Pests like warmth as much as you do. Image: The PRG Group

When temperatures drop, most people try to escape the cold by spending more time in the house. However, insects and critters are also seeking warmth and shelter wherever they can find it. “These unwanted visitors primarily include rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and ants,” according to Dr. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

But aren’t they equipped stay outside regardless of the season? Nope. “Rodents like to come inside because they aren’t well adapted to survive the cold coming with fall and winter,” says Glen Ramsey, BCE, Technical Services Manager at Orkin. “Depending on what part of the country you are in, there are a variety of other pests that want to come inside – for example, ladybugs, boxelder bugs and stink bugs – and will look for small holes or gaps to protect themselves from rain, snow, or cold weather,” Ramsey explains.

Understand pest dangers

Mice can damage your electrical wires and start a fire. Image: Richard Hughes/Element 5 Architecture

Some pests are just a nuisance, but others can cause serious problems. For example, Dr. Fredericks says that rodents such as roof rats and house mice can damage your drywall and electrical wires – and the latter can lead to house fires! “They also transmit pathogens like salmonella and other diseases.”

Also, he says that cockroaches carry bacteria and can contaminate your food. “In addition, rodents and cockroaches can both trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, and spiders and ants – which can be difficult to eradicate once they settle in, can threaten humans if disturbed,” Dr. Fredericks warns.

So how can you keep them out of your home?

Eliminate food sources

Airtight containers keep pests out. Image: AMC Design

In addition to shelter, Dr. Fredericks says these invaders are also looking for food and water. “Eliminate potential food sources for pests by keeping kitchen counters clean, disposing of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles and storing food in airtight containers,” he advises. Dr. Fredericks also warns against leaving your pet’s food dishes outside for extended periods of time. “In addition, keep basements and attics well ventilated and dry to prevent moisture buildup,” he says.

Remove clutter and debris

Try to keep your belongings off the floor. Image: Garage Guru

Robert Taylor is the owner of The Real Estate Solutions Guy in Sacramento, CA. The company specializes in remodeling run-down homes, and Taylor says they see a lot of home and estates that have problems with mice and other rodents. “One cause of this an abundance of clutter lying around the house and against the house where rodents can hide – and this can be clutter in the garage, in rooms in the house or even outside against the house,” Taylor explains.

“Animals need a safe place to hide from predators, whether this be your household pets or other animals,” Taylor says. He adds that clutter creates a place to hide and a place to nest, and recommends removing clutter to help remove rodent problems.

Gretchen White, M.S., Animal Nuisance Biologist at Scotts Miracle-Gro has a few additional tips. “Store materials off the floors on shelves, wherever possible, in rodent-proof containers,” White says. “Use rodent-proof storage bins and prevent access to paper and fabric that could be used as nesting material.”

Don’t lend a helping hand

Don’t store firewood next to your house. Image: Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes

You should keep the exterior walls of your home clean for aesthetic reasons. But according to Taylor, this will also reduce the probability of subterranean termites finding a way into your home. “And, if you live in an area that uses firewood, be sure not to keep the firewood stacked against your house,” Taylor advises.

Sydney Crawley, Ph.D., Public Health Entomologist, Scotts Miracle-Gro, agrees. “ If you must stack firewood, keep stacks elevated and store more than 20 feet away from the home — Do not stack firewood directly against your home’s exterior,” Crawley warns.

Also, if you have a compost site/yard waste, she recommends monitoring it regularly to prevent insect breeding.

Tame the landscape

Keep trees and bushes from touching your house. Image: Minnetonka Custom Homes

Another way you can avoid lending a helping hand to pests is by maintaining your landscape. “Trees should be pruned back at least five feet from the roof to prevent access to your house from rodents,” Taylor advises. “Ivy and other vine type plants also need to be trimmed back so that they don’t create a pathway to your roof or the vents in your eaves” he says.

In fact, Ramsey says there should be a 12-18 inch buffer around the home so stop pests from entering your home through surrounding plants. “Look around your home for pest-attractive plants; ladybugs feed on other insects that drink plant juices; boxelder bugs and stink bugs feed on the plants themselves,” Ramsey explains.

Seal any holes

Check for gaps around pipes. Image: Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove

Homeowners use air vents so the house can breathe. However, if they contain holes, Taylor recommends replacing them. “Even the smallest of holes can allow a mouse or other rodent access into your home.” He also recommends looking for openings inside the house. “Look behind your stove where the electrical or gas may come out of the wall, look underneath your sinks where the plumbing comes out of the wall.” If there is an excessive amount of space where the pipes enter the wall, he says this will allow rodents to enter your home. “Mice may find a way into your walls, but that doesn’t mean you need to let them find a way into your house through these gaps,” Taylor says. “Have the gaps sealed tight with metal flanges that you can buy from your local hardware store, or sealed off properly by a skilled handyman.”

Dr. Fredericks says you can also seal exterior cracks and crevices with caulk and steel wool. “Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens, as torn window screens and cracks under doors are ideal entry points for pests.” He also says that it’s possible for you to bring pests in the house yourself. “Inspect items like boxed deliveries and grocery bags before bringing them inside,” Dr. Fredericks says.

Remove offenders

As a last resort, set traps to catch pests. Image: Euroline Steel Windows

Despite your best efforts, especially if you live in one of Orkin’s Rattiest Cities, it’s possible that pests may find a way into your home. “Some areas are just more prone to repeated rodent problems, like those close to wooded areas or located in urban centers,” White explains. “To help control rodents around the outside perimeter of your home, place bait stations approved for outdoor use, like the Tomcat Rat & Mouse Killer Child & Dog Resistant, Disposable Station or Tomcat Mouse Killer Child & Dog Resistant, Disposable Station, in areas where rodents may try to enter your home, such as doors, vents, under siding or around pipes.” Do you live in a city on Orkin’s Rattiest Cities list? What tips do you have for keeping your home pest free?

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12 Times Acrylic Furniture Made All The Difference In A Room (And Why It Will Work In Your Interiors)

October 15, 2018 by admin

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Acrylic furniture, sometimes also known as lucite, has been around since the 70s. Yet, this look isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The translucent material has what it takes to stand the test of time and still look the part of today’s modern interiors.

Don’t believe us? Keep scrolling. We put together some design inspiration on how to pull this look off in your own space. By the end of this post, you, too, will be on Team Acrylic.

We’ll explain a little bit about why acrylic pieces are here to stay. Image: Portal Design Inc

Why it works

When working with any interior, you need to consider visual weight. Visual weight refers to the measure of force an object has on the eye, otherwise known as a measure of how heavy an object looks. Successfully pulling this off in a room is all about making sure that the visual weight is in balance.

Acrylic or lucite furniture is a great equalizer when it comes to achieving this goal. Since the furniture is literally see-through, it adds very little visual weight to the room, leaving plenty of opportunities for your other design elements to shine. Yet, at the same time, it adds a level of function to the room.

These pieces also pack a punch aesthetically. Their sleek lines and sharp edges lend themselves well to a modern look.

Convinced yet? Take a look at this acrylic inspiration

If you feel the need to ground your acrylic pieces to keep them from seeming too light, don’t be afraid to use textiles like seat covers or pillows. Image: cityhomeCOLLECTIVE

Bar stools are a great addition to any kitchen island, but they can appear very bulky. Consider using acrylic versions to help them blend in with the rest of the space. Image: Michael Morris – Residential Project Advisory, Red Rock Development

Don’t think your acrylic furniture has to be simply-shaped or borderline boring. This material can be made into any shape or size your heart desires. Image: Raegan Ford Interior Design

If you want to create the illusion of more space without giving up a piece’s sense of presence, try opting for items with acrylic legs and solid seating. Image: Ann Lowengart Interiors

Alternatively, you can flip the script and have acrylic seating with solid legs. Image: Zehana Interiors

There is a way to get acrylic furniture to stand out. Make it the focal point of the room by only using one item in this material. Image: Chris Pardo Design – Elemental Architecture

Acrylic furniture is a natural fit for small dining spaces like the one pictured above. You can have a full set of chairs without adding much visual weight to the space at all. Image: Hilary Mac Interiors

You can use acrylic furniture to add a cool factor to your workspace. It doesn’t get much better than a see-through desk. Image: Maria Causey Interior Design

If you’re working with a crowded room like the one pictured above, acrylic furniture can help you add function without bringing much more visual weight into the space. Image: Stephani Buchman Photography

Occasional-use items like bar carts are a natural fit to be done in acrylic because they’re there when you need them and nearly out of sight when you don’t. Image: Rikki Snyder

Surfaces like coffee tables and side tables work especially well in acrylic. Image: Mina Brinkey

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Fall Head Over Heels for These 16 Headboards

October 14, 2018 by admin

Your bedroom is probably the room in your home that your guests see the least. That doesn’t mean it should be ignored, though. You spend a good part of your day in your bedroom, and you want to be able to wow the occasional guest who walks through. Fortunately, a single addition to your room can completely transform it. It’s time to start shopping headboards.

Adding an interesting headboard creates a focal point in your bedroom. A noteworthy headboard backing your bed is a multifunctional piece. It’s an interesting piece of furniture, it essentially doubles as art and it sets the tone for your room’s design. And your options for headboards are pretty much endless. Here are just a handful of ideas to get you started.

Geometric headboards

If you want to add a layer of visual interest to your bedroom, look no further than a geometric headboard. Different patterns, layers and textures draw the eye while also creating a canvas against which all other elements of the room can play.

Geometric cutouts add depth and draw the eye to your headboard. Image: Belle Imaging

A geometric headboard doesn’t have to look busy. A clean, white pattern adds texture without taking over the space. Image: Twinkle and Whistle

You can use a geometric design to make your bedroom feel larger. Image: DVEKATI

If you’re looking for a quirky, colorful touch in your bedroom, a geometric headboard can deliver. Image: Ensoul Ltd

Headboards with added height

Larger-than-life headboards define a room, adding a distinguished air and giving the entire space the sense that it’s been well-planned. If you want to make your bedroom look polished without having to buy an entire set of furniture and decor, a sky-high headboard is just the thing.

A headboard extending all the way to the ceiling gives your bedroom definition. Image: Morgante Wilson Architects

A tall, angled headboard draws the eye up and makes the space feel structured but open. Image: Castro Design Studio

Converting an entire section of wall into a headboard gives a luxe feel. Image: Elms Interior Design

Adding interesting touches, like this nailhead trim, helps a tall headboard make an even bigger splash. Image: Tamara Hubinsky Interiors

Headboards with extra width

If adding a tall headboard draws the eye up and makes a room feel open, adding a wide one makes it feel stable and established. And in a room where you go to rest and recuperate, a feeling of groundedness is key. If you’re looking to drop anchor with your bed, check out these wide headboards.

An extra-wide headboard can serve as the foundation for your bed – and a gallery wall. Image: Esther Hershcovich

Even if you already have a headboard you love, you can add a wide layer behind it to define your bed area. Image: Stephens Design Group, Inc.

A wide headboard is a prime spot for mounted lighting and art. Image: Billinkoff Architecture

Your wide headboard can wrap behind your nightstands, helping them feel rooted in the space. Image: Yiangou Architects

Headboards with storage

If you’re going to go all out with your headboard, why not make it do double-duty? A headboard with built-in storage can help you corral the items that inevitably collect on your nightstand, give a home to extra bedding or even create a place for you to showcase art. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Built-in nightstands with shelves and drawers give you the chance to show off what you want but hide what you don’t. Image: Sims Hilditch

Headboard in the front, linen closet in the back, this furniture piece pulls its own weight. Image: Andra Birkerts Design

Who says you can’t have both? A more traditional headboard blends with a shelf for highlighting your favorite pieces. Image: Hannotte Interiors

This layered headboard incorporates nightstands while anchoring the semi-floating bed in the room. Image: Lori Dennis

And all of this is just to get you started. Because your headboard can be the focal point of your bedroom, you’ve got wide creative berth with which to play. Choose the right headboard and you’ve made it easy to design your entire room. Looking for more inspiration? We’ve gathered up even more headboard ideas for you. Happy hunting!

The post Fall Head Over Heels for These 16 Headboards appeared first on Freshome.com.

How to Visit Your New Home Construction Site

October 13, 2018 by admin

After months of prep, your new construction home is finally starting to take shape. You’re excited, and you understandably want to track your home’s progress from top to bottom. Visiting your construction site is a great way to stay connected to your home throughout the process, but popping in unannounced could do more harm than good. If you plan to visit your new home during construction, remember that it’s about respect. Workers, superintendents and contractors are working hard on your home, and your visit shouldn’t derail their progress. Here are some things to keep in mind as you visit your new home construction site.

Talk to your builder about the potential to visit your new home. Image: Erotas Custom Builders

Talk to your builder

If you plan to visit your new home construction site, ask your builder about safety rules. Your builder likely has policies in place to protect homeowners from injury while visiting construction sites; ignoring those rules could put you at risk. Your builder may also invite you to the construction site for informal inspections throughout the build process, so scheduling your own visits could be unnecessary.

Make sure you follow all of your builder’s rules, especially those for safety. You might be counseled to wear certain clothes or be asked to leave your kids at home to reduce the builder’s liability in the event of an injury.

Schedule a time

Driving or walking by your build site every so often is no big deal, but if you want a closer look, it’s best to schedule a visit. A new build is a complicated dance of scheduling and contractors, and having you there could mean stopping work. While there may be contractors on site, your superintendent or general contractor might only come by once a day to check progress. Without a superintendent, you won’t have a reliable guide to walk you through the home. It’s unlikely that various contractors will know anything about your schedule or progress, so it’s best to wait until your super is there. That way, the build site can be decluttered for safety and you won’t be disrupting contractors as they try to get the job done.

Schedule an appointment with your super for a tour. Image: Domiteaux Architects

Dress appropriately

New build sites are messy, dusty and potentially dangerous. Visiting the site without the proper clothing and footwear could cause injury. Here are some general tips for dressing the part.

Wear closed-toe shoes. Exposed nails and wood splinters are common complaints for unfinished homes, and sandals and flip flops leave you at risk.
Expect to get dirty. Wear older clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and expect dust, paint and plaster.
Bring a flashlight and measuring tape. You might not have electricity, and a tape measure comes in handy for thinking about furniture or window treatments.
Follow all instructions for safety gear from your builder. Hardhats, gloves and goggles may be required for site visits.

If you don’t dress the part, your construction site visit could be cut short or be downright dangerous.

Document the visit

Don’t forget to spend some of your site visit documenting the build process. Pictures are great mementos, but documenting dates, measurements and processes can also help you in the future. Say you’d like to replace a light fixture, for example: Pictures you took during the process could help your electrician locate wiring and panels. Recording your paint colors means a better match when you accidentally scuff a wall. A shot of your newly framed wall allows you to find a strong stud before hanging a heavy mirror.

As you walk through your new build, take plenty of pictures and keep a folder of things like paint options, countertop choices and plumbing and electrical details. It might be hard to imagine now, but you’ll look back on the build process fondly. Having good documentation contributes to your home’s legacy.

When a new build feels like it’s dragging on and on, it’s important to visit your new home to stay sane. Tracking your home’s progress makes you feel more optimistic and enables you to see how far you’ve truly come. Just make sure a home visit doesn’t inadvertently throw your build off track. By scheduling a time with your builder and obeying safety rules, you can check out your progress and stay on schedule.

Do you have any additional tips for visiting a new build construction site? We’d love to hear them below.

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What Classifies a House Style: What Makes a Cape Cod Home?

October 12, 2018 by admin

Cape Cod homes have been around for centuries, yet they continue to enchant us. This type of home, which is now synonymous with beachy style and weekends away, comes from very humble beginnings but still remains popular. That popularity led us to a question. What exactly is it that makes a Cape Cod-style home so unique?

We’ve laid out the answer below. Keep reading to learn more about the long history of this quaint architectural style, what it is that sets the different types of Cape Cod homes apart and some defining characteristics of the style as a whole. By the end of this post, you should be able to consider yourself a Cape Cod expert.

Cape Cod homes have been around since the time of the Puritan settlers. Image: REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder

History of the Cape Cod home

Believe it or not, this style of home dates back to the times of the earliest Puritan settlers. It came about because they brought the idea of an English cottage to America and then adapted it to accommodate New England’s harsh winter climate.

The symmetrical design, arranged around a large, open living space – or “hall” as it was once called – is English in its tradition. However, the steep roofs were meant to minimize the weight of snow settling on the roof. The characteristic low ceilings were meant to conserve heat and the cute shutters were put in place to block harsh winter winds.

The term “Cape Cod house” wasn’t given to these cottages until the 1800s. The Reverend Timothy Dwight IV, President of Yale University, named them after a visit to Cape Cod. His observations from his visit were published posthumously in “Travels in New England and New York” (1821-22).

That said, the modern Cape Cods you see today were popularized during a Colonial Revival period in the 1920s and 1930s. Boston architect Royal Barry Willis reintroduced the Cape as a contemporary housing option. He retained the same basic exterior elements but adapted the interior layout for modern living. His work saw another boom after World War II, when the Cape’s simplistic layout made it a good fit to house returning soldiers.

There are several variations on Cape Cod homes as we know them today. Image: Eagle Painting Inc

Variations on the Cape Cod home

Half Cape

Featuring a front door on one side of the home with two multi-paned glass windows on the other, this house was the starter home of its day. Settlers would often keep adding additions to it as their families grew until, eventually, it would transform into a three-quarter Cape. This type of home is sometimes also called a Single Cape.

Three-quarter Cape

This home features the front door to one side of the home with two multi-paned windows on one side and one multi-paned window on the other. It was the most popular style of Cape in the 18th and early-19th centuries.

Full Cape

Also known as a Double Cape, this style is common today but was rare among the settlers. It was reserved for the wealthiest among them. The full Cape has a central front door and two multi-paned windows placed symmetrically on either side. It also features a particularly steep roof and a massive chimney.

Simplicity defines Cape Cod homes. Image: REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder

Defining features of a Cape Cod

Though Cape Cod homes come in a variety of styles, there are a few defining features that bring them all together. Here is a general overview of what you can expect from this type of home:

Exterior:

Symmetrical appearance with a centered front entry
Steep roofs with side gables and an overhang
Shingle siding
Gabled dormers
Double-hung windows with shutters
Centralized chimneys
Simple exterior ornamentation

Interior:

1 or 1.5 stories
Low ceilings
Symmetrical layout featuring a center hall
Large, open-concept living space
Bedrooms in dormers or under gables
Clean lines, little aesthetic detailing

Have you fallen in love with the Cape Cod-style home? Do you dream of owning one of your own someday? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

The post What Classifies a House Style: What Makes a Cape Cod Home? appeared first on Freshome.com.

Top Designer Tips to Style Your Nightstand

October 12, 2018 by admin

Style your nightstand with pastel colors and mid-century modern inspiration. Image: Williams Sonoma Home

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Nightstands have a way of attracting clutter with everyday use. Is there really a way to organize the items we keep close at hand every night? We spoke with top interior designers to find out their favorite ways of maximizing this small surface while making it a stylish focal point in the bedroom. Instead of using your nightstand as a catch-all, you can style it to be functional and attractive with these simple ideas:

Use nightstands to express your unique creativity and taste. Image: Lisa Gilmore

Get creative with personal touches

Interior designer Lisa Gilmore, known for her colorful and glamorous design, shares her out-of-the-box tips to style your nightstand in unique ways:

Books: Choose some pretty books — it can be color, font or subject that attracts you — and make a neat little stack.
Table lamp: Have fun with your table lamp. It can be an artistic piece or something that complements the whole room nicely. Make sure that the scale is appropriate for the space you have.
Personal touches: Add something a little whimsical or sentimental. Those little pieces make a nightstand go from boring to perfectly styled!

Well-styled nightstands complement a neutral bedroom. Image: Mark Cutler Design

Style with technology in mind

Los Angeles-based interior designer Mark Cutler offers practical tips for incorporating your tech needs while styling a beautiful nightstand: “I think the first rule of thumb is to start with what you need. Are you a tech person with a bunch of remotes? Then find a beautiful box to store them in.”

How we use our nightstands should also determine how we style them. “Another thing to consider is: What do you want to see first thing in the morning?” Cutler says. “A framed picture of your family? An alarm clock? Or maybe just glorious open space? Try to make the nightstand a reflection of you. As a general rule, my nightstand always has a decanter of water, a cool retro alarm clock, a book or two, a vase with fresh flowers from my garden and a tall table lamp.”

Rustic meets industrial in Pottery Barn’s Juno Nightstand. Image: Pottery Barn

Consider functionality

Margaret Ash, a leading San Francisco-based interior designer, offers a formula for styling your nightstand to create the bedroom of your dreams:

Design: It’s important to start with a good foundation — the nightstand itself! Choose a nightstand with a drawer and/or lower shelf so you can hide the clutter and stack your books, magazines and iPad underneath.
Lighting: Lighting in a bedroom is key, as you want to create a warm and gentle ambiance to set a calm environment for bedtime. Choose a lamp that doesn’t take up the entire nightstand. If your nightstands are small, opt for a sconce mounted on the wall above the nightstand so you have more surface area for styling and storing the essentials.
Mirrors: If your room is small, a mirror mounted on the wall behind the nightstand can make the room feel bigger.
Ring holder or jewelry box: A box or small plate to hold your ring, watch and trinkets is important to help keep your bedside table organized.
Family photos: Having one professional photograph of a special milestone like a wedding or newborn photo is a nice way to remember the important people in your life. Make sure the frame doesn’t overpower the picture. Sterling silver frames or gold leaf frames are always best.

Natural materials and clean lines enhance the feng shui energy of this simple nightstand from West Elm. Image: West Elm

Incorporate feng shui

Feng shui principals promote balance and positive energy in any bedroom. Feng shui expert Patricia Lohan claims that “the bedroom needs to represent rest, romance and relaxation.” When it comes to a nightstand, she says that equilibrium and balance is key. “For relationships, we want harmony and balance, so both sides of the bed need to be treated equally.”

To create a peaceful sleeping space, Patricia recommends incorporating solid wooden nightstands, soft-toned lamps and uplifting books. If you want to go even further, try placing a picture frame or object with inspirational quotes on your nightstand.

Above all, Patricia suggests keeping your nightstand uncluttered. Having too many items beside your bed may affect your sleep.

This simple and stunning piece from West Elm is the perfect match for a neutral bedroom. Image: West Elm

Avoid clutter

For some bedrooms, the best approach to a nightstand is simplicity. This helps keep the space relaxing. The Ida York Design Group agrees — here are their five simple tips for the perfect bedside space:

Keep it simple: Clutter has a way of stressing us out. Make sure your nightstand has built-in storage for all of your bedside accessories. Leave the top for essential accessories like a clock, lamp, phone, etc.
Add a plant: Plants are continuously evolving accessories that you can customize over time. Not only do they look great, but they also create better air quality.
Be consistent: Bed frames and nightstands are an investment. Make sure they all match in style and color so your space feels visually consistent.
Refresh your look: A quick and inexpensive way to style an outdated nightstand is to add contact paper to the top. Contact paper comes in many colors and textures, allowing for endless possibilities.
Mix and match: Use the same color while mixing different shades, patterns and textures throughout your nightstand accessories.

A nightstand doesn’t have to be an afterthought in your bedroom; with careful planning and a few intimate touches, it is a great instrument for bringing serenity to your sleeping quarters. Which items are must-haves on your nightstand?

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Benefit Cosmetics And PBTeen Have Teamed Up To Bring You The Home Decor Collection Of Your Girly-Glam Fantasies

October 12, 2018 by admin

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Get ready to say goodbye to your allowance – or paycheck – because two titan teen brands have teamed up to deliver you the home decor collection of your girly-glam fantasies. This collaboration between Benefit Cosmetics and PBTeen is unapologetically feminine and totally on-trend. Its beauty-inspired decor delivers plenty of rose gold with a little bit of a 70s art deco vibe. Trust us when we say you won’t be able to get enough.

The whole collection is utterly swoon-worthy, in the best way possible.

Does it get any more glamorous than this? Image: PBTeen

“The Benefit x PBteen Collection is mod with a nod to the 1970s! It’s inspired by the luxe glam rock aesthetics of the era with opposite forces fusing together in surprising ways,” said Shannon Clemence, Senior Vice President of Global Creative Services at Benefit Cosmetics.

If you like one item in this collection, you’re going to want them all. But, before you start making your wishlist, keep scrolling. We’ve picked out our top 10 favorite pieces from the Benefit Cosmetics and PBTeen line that we know you’ll love, too.

1. Benefit Gorgeous Pillow Case, $79

Talk about getting your beauty sleep. This makeup-inspired pillowcase will ensure you wake up feeling – and looking – ready to take on the day.

If you love this look, you’ll also love their Benefit Face Framed Art, 18″x24″.

2. Benefit Hello Gorgeous Framed Art, 18″x24″, $99

Every day should start and end with a little positivity. This wall art makes sure you never have to look far to see how beautiful you really are.

3. Mongolian Fur Pillow Cover, $35 – $60

Who needs boring throw pillows when you can have these instead? They look plush, soft and utterly perfect for rounding out a bedroom design. We might want one in every color.

4. Benefit Gorgeous Round Marquee Mirror, $249

We clearly get the 70s vibe from this lighted makeup mirror and we’re loving it. It’s a little bit glam, a little bit punk and completely fit to help you get ready for the day in style.

5. Benefit Gorgeous Glass Shelves, $199

Sometimes the simplest things are the best and these shelves are no exception. The clean lines and barely-there shelving will always let prized possessions take center stage.

6. Farrah Side Table, $199

Other side tables have nothing on this one. The combination of rose gold and glass gives this piece a touch of modern elegance.

7. Kinetic Chandelier, $249

Who doesn’t want a chandelier in their bedroom? The blush gold tones and geometric shape of this one ensure that it feels totally in-line with today’s styles.

8. Benefit Gorgeous Travel Vanity, $599

Perfect for the girl on the go, this lighted travel vanity ensures that you’ll always have your favorite products at arm’s reach, whether you’re at home or off on a grand adventure.

Pair it with the Benefit Gorgeous Vanity Chair.

9. Customize-It Project Metal A-Frame Desk, $939

Whether you’re catching up on paperwork or homework, this minimalist, A-frame desk has everything you need to be the boss of your own space.

10. Avalon Channel Stitch Daybed, $1,299 – $1,399

Is there anything chicer than a daybed? While this one might be a luxurious purchase, it’s guaranteed to be the statement piece that takes your design to the next level.

Like what you see? You can view the entire 20-piece collection from Benefit Cosmetics and PBTeen here.

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The Best in Skeleton Decor for an Awesome Halloween

October 12, 2018 by admin

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If you’re decorating for Halloween, chances are you’re thinking of using skeleton decor. Skeletons just go with Halloween. However, there’s an art to using skeletons in your Halloween decorations. Done right, they can look creative, truly spooky and even classy. Done wrong, you end up with a tacky plastic skeleton haphazardly hung from a tree or thrown into a chair. Even worse, you could end up with one of the lame 2D cardboard skeletons. Below are some ideas for using skeleton decor in your Halloween decorations that will take your home to the next level this season.

Get a different multicolored look with this shimmery design. Image: Grandin Road

Iridescent skeleton

New this season from Grandin Road is this iridescent skeleton. Gone are the days of having to find a cheap-looking white skeleton to throw into a chair. The shimmering, multicolor design gives it a truly supernatural feel. It also makes it look more artistic, and the metallic finish makes it look more upscale.

It would work great placed into a chair, as the photo above shows. ItHe stands over five feet tall, making a good go at looking like a real, life-sized scare. You could also hang it so it looks like the skeleton is floating. It comes fully hinged for easy posing, so you could prop it standing against something. Dress it up or give it something to hold for added fun.

Group your collectibles for a subtle way to use skeletons in your decor. Image: Grandin Road

Skeleton dolls

Another idea for incorporating skeletons is to work with dolls. An example is the Jazz Time skeletons from Grandin Road. This set is a handmade design from Mark Roberts. Designs like these can make fun collectibles you can display around Halloween year after year.

Because of the creative wardrobe, they make a fun, artistic addition to your home’s seasonal decor. They could work as an overall haunted theme. Or you could place them out on the mantel or other display areas as a fun, subtle addition this Halloween. A wonderful aspect of these pieces is the versatility of the design.

Skulls can look chic, too. Image: Target

Skeleton chic

Decorating with skulls is a classic way to get into the Halloween spirit using skeleton decor. And a great way to go upscale with that idea is this black skull with jewels on it, part of Target’s Dark Wonder Decor Collection. This is a line of indoor decorations that focuses on bringing the chic to Halloween decor. It features a darkly elegant style that’s easy to layer in your home.

And like any Halloween decor collection worth its salt, it features tons of skeleton decor items. There are skull wall hangings, a variety of skull statues and even a life-sized poseable skeleton that would look great dressed up in some gothic attire.

Go plush for a cute take on using skeleton decor. Image: Target

The Hallow’s Eve Collection

Another idea for decorating with skeletons is to go cute and plush. You don’t have to always go for frights. A cuter, softer look can be great with fun Halloween styles. The piece is part of Target’s Hallows Eve Decor Collection. This line is more in the rustic chic and traditional vein. It’s a great option if you’re decorating a country style home or just looking for items that are on the cute side of things. In this collection, you’ll find adorable plush figures, a cute witch doll and classy painted pumpkins, to name a few items.

Simulate an invasion by creepy undead monsters. Image: Wayfair

Skeleton decor featuring creative placement

Here’s another fun idea for skeleton decor if you’re going for the spooky or scary side of Halloween. This skeleton is made to look like it’s climbing the walls. And the way it peers over its shoulder at people is delightfully unnerving.

This item would be great on fences or on the front door to greet trick-or-treaters. Or place it inside as part of a haunted house theme. It’s a neat way to make it look like your home is being invaded by the living dead, no matter where you choose to place it.

Anatomical paintings are an upscale way to use skeletons in your Halloween decor. Image: Anna Burles

Going artistic

You can also work skeletons into your Halloween decorating by using realistic anatomy paintings. You’ll want to look for something that’s highly realistic in the way the skeleton is depicted, like in the photo above. If it looks like it’s on parchment, all the better. That way, it appears that the skeleton drawing is out of an old anatomy book. Bonus points for subtle scientific labeling of the parts of the skeleton.

This idea allows you to use skeletons in your decor while looking artsy, scientific and classy. A neat way to use it in Halloween decor would be to go for a mad scientist party theme. You could have a skeleton painting hanging with some Frankenstein’s-monster-themed decor and faux mad scientist lab equipment. (For more ideas, check out our other tips for throwing Halloween parties.)

Are skeletons your go-to Halloween decor item, as they are for many people? What are some of the ways you’ve used them in the past?

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