5 After-Holiday Cleaning Tips to Get a Renewed Home

It can be a relief to finally be done with the holidays. If you were particularly busy, it can feel like you finished running a marathon. Suddenly, you have more time to yourself. But now that all the presents have been unwrapped, all the guests have gone back home and the holiday food has been eaten, we’re faced with after-holiday cleaning.

Like any cleaning task, it can feel more manageable if you come at it with a plan. By tackling the chore in smaller steps, the project doesn’t feel quite as insurmountable. So below are several ways to get your home clean after the holidays.

After Holiday Cleaning Wrapped Gifts

You often can’t use everything in these packages. Image: The Happy Home

Sort Out the Gifts You’ll Actually Use

The first step in after-holiday cleaning is to go through all those gifts. After all, you suddenly have a pile of things for which you need to find places. And if you were already feeling like you had little space, this can be the biggest headache of cleaning up after the holidays.

In order to conserve space, it’s okay to go through and assess what you’ll actually use. Many of us have well-meaning relatives who still remain clueless about our personal tastes year after year. There’s no reason to take up closet space on something you’ll never use. Consider donating some of those “it’s the thought that counts” gifts.

On the other hand, you might have the opposite problem: you have all these great gifts you want to keep, but no room for them. In that case, take stock of what you do own and consider donating some of your older items that are worn out or haven’t been used in years.

After Holiday Cleaning Card Tree

Remember to keep those holiday cards; they make great home decorations. Image: Thyme is Honey

Decide What to Keep for Decorations

After you have all the gifts sorted and put away, next it’s time to tackle the holiday decorations. It might be tempting to take everything and throw it in a box in storage. However, you’ll end up with a mess to sort through next year. A good way to put away your decorations is to take an inventory of what you’d like to keep for decorations and what you’d like to throw away.

For instance, many people use their favorite holiday cards as decorations in the home. Sort through your holiday cards, figure out which ones are good for future use and throw away any old ones. You can also use the same method for other holiday decorations. If you got a new decoration that can replace an older or worn out piece, don’t be afraid to part with the latter.

After Holiday Cleaning Christmas Tree

Sure, it’s pretty now, but this jerk is planning to ruin your new year by leaving needles everywhere. Image: M&S

Remember to Vacuum Thoroughly During After-Holiday Cleaning

There’s nothing weirder than finding pine needles from the Christmas tree in the sofa cushion in July. To avoid unpleasant surprises year-round, make sure to clean thoroughly to remove any remaining tinsel, pine needles or other debris like glitter from gift bags. Take the cushions off the furniture and make sure to use an extension on the vacuum cleaner to get everything clean. Plus, this also helps get rid of odors.

Be aware, however, that many home vacuum cleaners cannot handle picking up pine needles or tinsel. In large amounts, both can easily clog many home vacuums, and tinsel can stop the roller bar from turning. Your best bet is to sweep hardwood floors with a trusty broom. For carpeting, you can use a rubber broom or lint brush. You may also want to use a shop vacuum if you have a lot of needles to clean up.

After Holiday Cleaning Refrigerator Cleaning

After the holidays, it’s a good idea to organize and clean the refrigerator and freezer. Image: Normandy Remodeling

Clean Out/Store All the Holiday Food

After-holiday cleaning is a great excuse to take stock of the refrigerator and freezer. Make sure to clean out any holiday food that has already gone bad or you don’t plan on eating. For things you want to hang onto longer, try vacuum sealing them and putting them in the freezer for extended storage.

If you just didn’t get around to cleaning the refrigerator or freezer before the holidays, now is a good time to do it. Clean out any old or expired food to make room for the new. While you’re at it, give your fridge and freezer a good once-over with your favorite cleaning product. (A half and half water/vinegar mixture works well for cleaning the fridge and freezer.)

After Holiday Cleaning Guest Bedroom

Remember to clean the linens in the guest bedroom. Image: Murray Homes

Thoroughly Clean Where Guests Slept and Food was Prepared

This isn’t to say our fondest friends and family are filthy, but it’s a good idea to disinfect the house as part of your after-holiday cleaning. The flu and colds like to hitch a ride on anyone this time of year, so after the holidays, launder the guest bedroom linens if anyone has stayed over.

You should also give your surfaces a once-over with a disinfectant solution or wipes. Target areas like the bathroom, the kitchen and tables. You’ll want to focus on areas where food was prepared in the kitchen to reduce any bacteria from raw meat.

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How Cold is Too Cold for Exterior Painting?

Painting your home’s exterior is a massive project, and you may have been putting it off due to time or budget restraints. But now that the temperatures have dropped, is it too cold to paint outside? Below is advice from painting professionals on the ideal temperature range for exterior painting, the lowest temperature to paint or stain at and general tips for painting and staining your home’s exterior.

How Low is Too Low?

dust and insects

When the temperature is too low, dust and insects will be attracted to the wet paint. Image: John M Holmes Architect

To a certain extent, optimal temperatures for exterior painting vary by the type of paint. “When taking on exterior paint projects, always keep in mind that the best temperature for latex paint falls between 50 and 70 degrees F, while the best temperature for oil-based paint falls between 45 and 90 degrees F,” explains Tina Nokes, Owner of Five Star Painting of Loudoun, VA. However, she says that some paints are rated down to 35 degrees.

When you go below 35 degrees, Nokes says you can encounter several problems. “You risk the paint taking too long to cure, which attracts insects, dirt, grime and other debris to the wet surface,” she says. “Oil-based paints will also thicken in low temperatures, causing stiffer brushing, heavier application and less coverage per gallon.”

According to Mike Mundwiller, Benjamin Moore Field Integration Manager, you should always check the information for the product you plan to use. “While some exterior paints can be applied down to 35 degrees, it’s not only important to be aware of your ambient temperature but also the temperature of the surface you are painting.” In addition to the current temperature, Mundwiller advises painters to be aware of the forecasted temperature, since this will determine how long it will take the paint to dry.

Follow the Sun and Avoid the Warmest Part of the Day

Follow the sun

For better results, follow the sun when painting. Image: CK Building Design and Repair

“Following the sun around your house will prevent painting in direct sunlight and on an overheated surface, which can be a problem even in cooler temperatures,” explains Nokes. What does it mean to follow the sun when you’re painting? “In other words, move around the house behind the sun as it moves so the surfaces are warm but not so hot that paint dries too fast.”

The warmest part of a winter day seems like the perfect time to paint, but Nokes advises against it. “While it can be tempting to paint at the warmest parts of the day, make sure you leave enough time for the paint to dry before sunset, which will bring even cooler temperatures and the formation of dew.”

If You Have to Paint When It’s Bitterly Cold

formualted for colder weather

Some paints are formulated for colder weather. Image: Mark Winter Constructions

“If you have no choice but to paint in temperatures below 45 degrees F, purchase latex paint specifically formulated to perform in temperatures as low as 35 degrees,” Nokes advises. “This paint contains coalescing agents that bolster film-forming attributes during low temperatures.” Different types of paints are rated for different temperatures and she says it’s vitally important to use a paint rated for the colder weather.

When the air temperature is 35 degrees F, substrates may be colder. “Prior to painting, check to be sure the air, surface and material temperatures are above 35 degrees F and at least 5 degrees F above the dew point,” advises Mundwiller. “Do not apply when air or surface temperatures may drop below 35 degrees F within 48 hours.”

Exterior Painting Tips

Cover imperfections

Cover imperfections before you start painting. Image: Moissev-Gordon Associates

“Prior to painting, remove surface contaminants with an appropriate cleaner, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry,” advises Mark Eichelberger, Senior Product Manager at Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group.  “Remove peeled or damaged paint, sand glossy surfaces until dull and make sure that cracks and imperfections are patched or caulked.” To avoid occasional paint drips or splatters, he recommends starting at the top and working your way down.

When painting vinyl siding, Eichelberger says you should repaint with a color similar to the original color to avoid excess heat absorption, which prevents buckling or warping.

What About Staining?

staining temperature

There’s also a temperature limit on staining. Image: Hickman Construction Company

There’s also a temperature limit when staining in cold weather. “Applying stain finishes becomes more difficult as the temperature gets colder, as it won’t dry or adhere as well in low temperatures,” says Jenny Burroughs, Senior Product Manager of PPG’s Architectural Coatings. Depending on the product, you can apply a stain when the temperature is as low as 40 degrees F.

It’s important to protect your home’s exterior wood surfaces by applying a stain or sealant before temperatures begin to drop, as cold weather and snow can cause peeling, leading to moisture intrusion and wood rot.

Burroughs also recommends assessing your home’s exterior wood surfaces for vulnerabilities before you want to stain or seal. Some key signs that your home’s exterior wood surfaces need to be refinished include:

  • Water is being absorbed and is not being wicked from the surface.
  • Paint and/or stain is peeling, pulling or lifting from the surface.
  • Areas of the home appear to be faded or discolored.

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25 Gorgeous Minimalist Fireplaces to Keep You Cozy This Winter

minimalist fireplaces

Minimalist fireplaces prove that function can follow form and still, well, function. Image: Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

In the winter, having a fireplace is a little slice of heaven. When the sun sets behind the horizon, it invites you to grab a cozy throw, a book and a mug of something warm. The only problem with having a fireplace is that it can take over your room’s design. That is, if you let it. Fortunately, modern and minimalist fireplaces are delivering design-savvy homeowners and renters an alternative to the stodgy hearths of yesteryear.

If you’re looking for a fireplace that will meld with your design vision, rest easy. There are a wide range of indoor varieties. You might want something larger-than-life that completely defines your living space. Or you might want something that will play nicely with the other elements in the room. If the latter speaks to you, read on. We’ve lined up 25 gorgeous minimalist fireplaces that will keep you warm all winter long.

White minimalist fireplaces

When you have an intriguing, textured element in the room, your fireplace can take a comfortable back seat. Image: Folds Inside Ltd

Setting your minimalist fireplace on the floor gives you maximal ambiance will freeing up more wall space for art. Image: Shinberg Levinas Architectural Design

This room blends a lightly textured rug, floating glass coffee tables and the streamlined fireplace to create a decidedly airy feel. Image: Michael Downes – UA Creative

In an all-white living space, a simple, architectural mantel is all you need. Image: Designer Premier

Unobstructed sides are a major trend in minimalist fireplaces – and for good reason. They help the design feel light and give you better access to your cozy fire. Image: The Interiors Project

Interesting architectural details – like this art cutout – help root minimalist fireplaces in the space even while leaving room for other elements to play. Image: Clark | Richardson Architects

The shape of the fireplace mirrors the shape of the high-impact table behind the couch, drawing the eye to it without detracting from its intricate detailing. Image: NICOLEHOLLIS

Dark minimalist fireplaces

minimalist fireplaces 5

Adding a fireplace to an accent wall doesn’t have to mean losing the impact of the accent. Image: Stephenson Design Collective

minimalist fireplaces 2

The soft glow of this streamlined fireplace design also highlights the warm tones in the stone wall. Image: SKG Designs

minimalist fireplaces 22

Minimalist fireplaces let the view shine. And with a view like this, why would you choose anything else? Image: Bacic Group

minimalist fireplaces 21

When you have an architectural element meant to draw the eye up, keeping the fireplace minimal ensures it doesn’t get weighed down. Image: Lango Works

Glass-enclosed minimalist fireplaces

minimalist fireplaces 15

A simple glass cutout helps this fireplace shine even in the midst of so many other visually interesting elements. Image: Pixers

minimalist fireplaces 23

Glass on either side of the fireplace connects the living and dining spaces. Image: JAWS

minimalist fireplaces 25

A glass-encased fireplace inset in a heavy, dark wall gives this dining room a cozy but elevated feel. Image: Swiss Milk Studio

minimalist fireplaces 14

This minimalist fireplace serves as a way to connect the living area to the space beyond – even through a towering wall of concrete and wood. Image: Rustic Fire Place

Minimalist fireplaces in the bedroom

minimalist fireplaces 16

A fireplace nestled among your dresser drawers adds warmth without limiting your storage options. Image: Krista + Home

minimalist fireplaces 8

If you like a streamlined aesthetic in the bedroom so your mind can drift off to sleep undistracted, minimalist fireplaces are for you. Image: Tierney Conner Architecture

minimalist fireplaces 11

Alternately, minimalist fireplaces also work well in darker, more moody spaces where you don’t want to disrupt the feel with too much light or warmth. Image: Ownby Design

Traditional fireplaces often feel masculine, but this simple and bright alternative helps the room establish its feminine air. Image: The Cross Decor & Design

Mixed material minimalist fireplaces

minimalist fireplaces 12

In a room where multiple shades of grey are at play, the black of the fireplace also provides an anchor. Image: Design 2 Finish

minimalist fireplaces 24

A floating row of cabinets, an inset for firewood and a textural accent wall all complement the fireplace in this room. Image: J.E Keating + Associates

minimalist fireplaces 13

The small black inset of this minimalist fireplace breaks up the creamy expanse of concrete in this space, adding character. Image: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design

minimalist fireplaces 17

In this living room, the simplicity of the extremely minimal fireplace helps balance bright accents. Image: LEIVARS

minimalist fireplaces 18

This backlit, white expanse proves that the space above minimal fireplaces can be simultaneously sleek and also visually captivating. Image: Barc Architects Ltd.

What do you think of the minimal fireplace trend? Would you add one to your home or apartment? Let us know in the comments.

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Decorating with Color: How to Brighten Your Space with Yellow

The color yellow symbolizes happiness, positivity, warmth and energy. A vibrant yellow color is wonderful for brightening up a room. Forget the do’s and don’ts about how to decorate with color – if yellow makes you happy, decorate away – you can’t go wrong decorating with yellow.

Check out these 21 ideas for decorating with yellow for a little inspiration on how to add more warmth and sunshine to any existing room.

The ultimate color combination: grey and yellow

Cool, understated grey and warm, bold yellow make a perfect pairing. Include black and white in the design plan to add contrast to your room.

decorating with yellow decor

A photo wall of yellow prints flows well with the graphic yellow area rug. The prints were framed with a white mat to add some contrast to the yellow art and grey walls, making the artwork “pop.” Image: ZGallerie

yellow bedroom ideas

A restful grey bedroom gets a warm pick-me-up with the yellow throw pillow, table lamp and blanket. Image: Gold Dust Interior Design

yellow decorating ideas

The modern rustic dining/kitchen space would be fabulous in just grey and white. But the yellow accents add a fun and inviting feel to the room. Image: Amory Brown

modern yellow decorating ideas

This living room would feel dull without the yellow decor thoughtfully placed in all areas of the room for balance. Image: Bespoke Design

Decorating with yellow paint and wallpaper

For a quick infusion of yellow in your room, paint a wall or two in a rich yellow color. For more depth and texture, try decorating with yellow wallpaper.

yellow paint ideas

The rich yellow wall looks like paint, but it’s actually wallpaper with a subtle texture to give the flat wall some depth. Image: AGSIA Design Group

yellow decorating ideas

The wall behind the headboard features a rich and contrasting yellow wallpaper to showcase the bed and add warmth and vibrancy to the room. Image: Luis Muñoz

decorating with yellow paint

The wall of the dining area in this open floor plan home was painted yellow to create a designated dining space. Image: Alair Homes

decorating with yellow for a modern look

Go mod with a bold, retro yellow and white wallpaper, like the one shown. Image: Anthony Baratta

Adding yellow accents to a room

You don’t have to throw out your existing furnishings and replace them with bright yellow ones. In fact, if you’re room is already neutral and simply needs a little lift, a few affordable yellow accessories will go a long way. Go with an odd number of yellow accents. For example, add two yellow throw pillows and one yellow vase.

decorating with yellow home accents

The area rug in the entryway is carried visually throughout the room with a few accents like a pouf ottoman, photo frame and a throw pillow. Image: Araxan Interiorismo

decorating with yellow accents

Yellow was used throughout the room for balance. From the bowl and lemons on the left to the curtains in the middle to the painted yellow focal wall in front of the dining space, the touches are small but make a big impact. Also notice the yellow napkins on the table. Image: Style My Room

yellow bedroom ideas

Layering yellow onto an existing neutral room and everyday grey bedding makes it look like an integral part of the space. Image: Amsterdam Living

yellow home decor

The warm golden yellow on the headboard carries into the beautiful silk pillows and flat sheet. Image: Zac and Zac

decorating with yellow furnishings

The yellow chairs and accessories add vibrancy to a neutral room. The room feels balanced because the chairs and throw pillows mirror each other. Image: Nobo Home

Paint your doors in a welcoming yellow

Most doors are a neutral color or occasionally red. Stand out from the crowd in your neighborhood with a bright yellow door. If your community restricts you from a colorful front door, paint the inside of the door or other interior doors in yellow.

yellow painting ideas

A painted yellow barn door brightens up the rich blue room. Image: Nat Rea Photography

decorating with yellow

This fun and casual family home starts off with a bright yellow door that carries over into the dining area. Image: Chango & Co.

Decorating with yellow in the kitchen

Yellow is second only to red as one of the most complimentary colors in the kitchen. The color is bright and feels as clean as a fresh lemon.

retro yellow decorating ideas

The yellow backsplash of this Mid Century Modern kitchen is an unexpected addition to the sage and blue grey cabinets, yet the combination looks fabulous. Image: Danny Broe Architect

decorating with yellow accessories

The odd number color accessory rule works well in this kitchen. The two yellow hanging pendants ties in with the yellow backsplash. Image: Sanctuary Kitchens and Bathrooms

yellow kitchen ideas

A white open dining and kitchen space gets some personalization with a yellow backsplash. Image: Denise Quade

Vibrant yellow dining spaces

Create a fun and high energy look by adding yellow to your dining room. Some ways you can add yellow include:

  • a yellow pendant lamp
  • yellow table linens
  • yellow dining chairs
  • yellow walls or wall art
yellow decorating ideas

Steal this look for a fun and casual dining space. Yellow pineapple wallpaper and mixed and matched dining chairs give this large dining room a fresh, unique look. Image: Chango & Co.

yellow decorating ideas

If you rent and can’t paint your walls, hang a large piece of art in primary yellow on the wall to add color to the room. Image: GATH Interior Design

When decorating with yellow, don’t forget to bring in your sense of fun and whimsy. Choose accents with unusual details like pompoms or an interesting print. Where would you add yellow in your home? Let us know in the comments.

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5 Easy Ways to Get 2019 Interior Design Trends

Half the fun of the approaching new year is looking forward to all those new design trends. And 2019 has some stellar upcoming trends. Interior designers have been discussing what will be popular in 2019 since the middle of this year. What they’ve come up with include rich colors, clever use of space, elegant furniture and an eye towards sustainability. These trends might seem daunting to place in your home. But below we’ll cover some easy ways to make these new 2019 interior design trends work for you and your space.

Colors of the year

One of the best parts of looking at next year’s design trends is taking in all the different colors of the year. It seems like all the major paint companies have their own eye on what will be big in the following year. With so many options, like Behr’s Blueprint, you have plenty of choices for staying trendy.

In the spirit of keeping new colors easy, you might want to incorporate these shades in throw pillows, blankets or a single painted accent wall. You could even try simply painting your molding with a new shade.

With that in mind, here are some of the big colors of 2019:

2019 Interior Design Trends Blueprint Color

Behr’s 2019 Color of the Year ­— Blueprint S470-5

2019 Interior Design Trends Clay Color

Sherwin-Williams 2019 Color of the Year — Cavern Clay SW 7701

2019 Interior Design Trends Night Watch Color

PPG’s 2019 Color of the Year — Night Watch PPG 1145-7

If you’re incredibly devoted to color inspiration, you might want to check out the hefty PANTONEVIEW home + interiors 2019, which focuses on the bold culinary-inspired CRAVINGS palette and the warm CLASSICO palette.

2019 Interior Design Trends Boho Style

Go artsy with an on-trend boho look. Image: Breeze Giannasio

Boho is big again

Boho never became unpopular, exactly. It has been a favorite of any homeowner who loves bright colors, artistic styles and free-spirited themes. However, it’s back in a big way in 2019 interior design trends. If you’ve been looking for a new style for your home, boho might just be the way to go to stay on trend. And with so many boho products out there, like area rugs, styled pillows and wall hangings, boho has never been an easier style to get.

If you’re not looking to go full boho, you might also want to consider Haute Bohemian. Haute Bohemian is all about getting an upper class, cultured look, like the home of a fine art connoisseur. You can also want to try boho chic.

2019 Interior Design Trends Small Spaces

Small spaces are becoming more common, so smart ways to use them are more important than ever. Image: Ikea

Ingenious small spaces

Step into Ikea lately and you’ll see how designers are making use of the small spaces of the future. And it’s not going away in 2019 interior design trends. With trends like tiny homes and downsizing, small spaces are here to stay. So a huge trend in 2019 is smart, functional and creative ways to make use of those small spaces. Ideas focus on multi-functionality spaces, fold-out storage and clever room dividers like curtains.

Even if you don’t have a small space, you might want to consider trendy space-saving techniques like stand-alone closets, convertible furniture, fold-down desks or compact kitchen storage. These ideas can lead to a clean, minimalistic and streamlined space.

2019 Interior Design Trends Eco Design

Expect sustainably sourced materials to trend, like the sustainable Kirei bench in this home spa. Image: Studio Santalla

Sustainable design in 2019 interior design trends

Sustainability is a popular concern. So expect to see 2019 interior design trends that help people live eco-friendly. For instance, indoor gardening like a vertical herb garden is a popular feature in kitchens. That allows you to grow your own fresh cooking ingredients in a way that couldn’t get more local. Living plant walls have become a huge trend that don’t appear to be going away in 2019, either.

You’ll also likely see sustainable design materials. For instance, the photo above features sustainably sourced materials in the furniture and fabrics. Even the wall art is sustainable: it’s made of black and white recycled plastic! Finding trendy and eco-conscious pieces like this can be an easy way to make your home more sustainable in 2019.

2019 Interior Design Trends Curved Furniture

Curved furniture is finding a place in contemporary styles. Image: Amy Lau Design

Curved furniture

Perhaps one of the most surprising trends is the return of curved furniture. This style of furniture was popular in the mid-20th century. It has since been replaced by stark geometry using sleek lines. But now curved lines are back.

Expect to see furniture with curvilinear cuts, from chairs to sofas. So if you’ve been needing to replace a piece of furniture and want to be trendy for the new year, maybe try a curved piece like in the photo above. The slight curves give a look of relaxed elegance. Curves also fit in especially well with natural, casual or artistic room styles.

Which 2019 design trends are you excited about? Let us know in the comments.

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Here’s Your Scorecard Of Every 2019 Color Of The Year From Around The World

If one of your New Year’s design resolutions is freshening up your space with color, we’re here to break down all the latest color trends for you in one place. Here’s a scorecard of every 2019 Color of the Year from the USA and other countries like Spain, the UK and India. The best part is, these colors are bound to be modern and exciting longer than 2019 itself, giving you a great design return on investment. In case you missed any of our coverage about the various brand’s color of the year announcements, check out the articles below:

2019 Colors Of The Year: Blues | Greens | Neutrals | Pinks and Purples | Yellows

Blues

2019 blue color of the year

Graham & Brown UK’s Tiru is a saturated, peacock-toned teal blue inspired by the Japanese Kabuki trend. All images courtesy of the manufacturer.

2019 color of the year

Valspar didn’t just release one 2019 Color of the Year – they released nine! Angelic Blue is one of the most popular.

blue paint colors

Blueprint by Behr is named after the tone of architectural renderings and has a denim-like hue.

Want more inspiration for decorating with blue? Check out:

Greens

hgtv color of the year

A soothing, aquatic green called Reflecting Pool is the color chosen as the HGTV 2019 Color Of The Year by Sherwin-Williams.

2019 color of the years and green paint ideas

English paint company Farrow & Ball released a rich, zen green called Bancha, available in the states at Anthropologie.

sage paint color ideas

Sage green is big for 2019 and beyond, and Valspar’s Martinique Dawn has a bright, fresh tone to lighten up a room.

green 2019 color of the year

Nippon Paint is one of the top paint brands throughout Asia. The aqua-green hybrid Sprizzle is one of their Colors of the Year.

2019 color of the year by PPG

Rich emerald green Night Watch by PPG is available in Canada and worldwide through Dulux Paints.

Are you a little bit in love with green right now? Check out these green decorating ideas:

Neutrals

best grey paints

Benjamin Moore’s Metropolitan Grey may be the most elegant and versatile neutral 2019 Color of the Year yet.

list of all colors of the year

Spiced Honey is the perfect name for this rich, warm beige tone by Dulux Europe.

neutral paint ideas

Cavern Clay by Sherwin-Williams would pair beautifully with the other neutrals on this list.

Here’s some more color inspiration for working with the latest neutrals:

Pinks and Purples

pink decorating ideas

Palo de Rosa, the Color of the Year from Spanish paint company Bruguer, is soft and unsaturated. The mauvish-pink tone is perfectly balanced and not too feminine.

2019 color of the year

For a bolder statement pink, Farrow & Ball’s Rangwali may be your best bet. Pair it with cool greys and blacks.

pantone color of the year

When color forecasting company Pantone speaks, everyone listens. And this year’s Color of the Year was the bold Ultra Violet.

Here are tips and ideas on how you can decorate with pink and purple:

Yellows

2019 color of the year

India is awash with colors reminiscent of the exotic spices available and Passion Flower, a vibrant mustard color, is Asian Paints’ Color of the Year.

ace hardware color of the year

Ace Hardware did something different to choose their Color Of The Year: they asked shoppers. Clark + Kensington Pineapple Cream Granita was the winner.

Here’s how you can brighten up your room with yellow:

Brands around the world have offered us a wide range of colors and hues to choose from for 2019. What’s your favorite Color Of The Year and how do you plan on using it?

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How to Get Comfortable in a New Home and Make It Feel Like Your Own

Getting comfortable in a new home is one of the hardest parts of moving. After the movers pick up and leave, it’s up to you to find a way to make your new property feel like home. This can be a daunting task. Fortunately for you, we’ve laid out four things that can help you start feeling at home in your new space. Keep reading to see which suggestions will work best for you.

new home

Splash some paint on the walls to give the room a whole new feel. Image: Martha O’Hara Interiors

Do some repainting

If you’re looking to make a big impact, there’s no better way to start feeling comfortable in a new home than by painting. Paint is one of interior design’s best tools because it can totally change the look and feel of a space, yet it only costs pennies on the dollar. It will allow you to do away with the previous owner’s personal tastes and help you put your own stamp on the place.

If you’re going to go this route, we suggest painting first, before you even move in. That way, you won’t have to worry about dripping paint on the furniture or on your belongings. Plus, by the time you’re ready to officially move in, you’ll already be a long way towards making the place space feel like your own.

decor

Let your decor help you feel at home. Image: Resource Lifestyles

Unpack your decor

When most people unpack after a move, they have a tendency to want to set-up the bare essentials first and leave the rest for later. However, we advise against that route. Put simply, your decor is the thing that does away with that “just moved in” vibe and starts to make a space feel like home.

Try to focus on unpacking room-by-room instead. Once you have the furniture set up, take the time to find new places to put all your accessories and decor items. Hang that wall art and spread out an area rug. Take the time to stylize any available surfaces. When you’re done, the room will look and feel as though you’ve been living there for a while.

thermostat

Get a programmable thermostat to make sure the temperature in your home is always perfect. Image: Honeywell Home

Get a programmable thermostat

There’s nothing worse than finding out that your new home is like a sweatbox during the day and drafty at night. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution to help you get comfortable no matter how hot or cold your new home may be. It all has to do with the thermostat. With a programmable thermostat – or a smart thermostat, if you want to get in on the smart home trend – you can make sure that the temperature in your home is always to your liking.

These days, programmable thermostats give you more control than they have in the past, allowing you to feel at home in your home faster. If you opt for one that has home zoning capabilities, for example, it will allow you to set different areas of the house to their own temperatures. This could allow each family member to sleep in comfort. It can also help you to save on heating and cooling by allowing you to set less frequently used areas of the home at an alternative setting from your main living space.

organization

Take the time to set up your organizational systems. Image: Neat Method San Diego

Set up your organizational systems

Every home needs a few organizational systems to keep it up and running. The faster you get these setup, the faster you can start to get in a routine at your new house. That’s why we recommend looking into them as soon as possible when you move in. You’ll be surprised how much easier life becomes when your belongings are properly organized.

As far as what you should organize in a system like the one above, everyone has different needs. For some people, having a dedicated closet organization system makes it easier for them to get ready in the morning. For others, having an organized mudroom helps them get out the door faster. Still, others find they need to create a separate study area for the kids.

Start this process by thinking about what areas of life are currently the most chaotic for you and your family. Then, brainstorm different ways in which adding an organizational system into the mix will help to streamline the process. If you need ideas, check out our organizational content for design inspiration.

Do you have any other tips for making a new house feel like home? Let us know in the comments.

The post How to Get Comfortable in a New Home and Make It Feel Like Your Own appeared first on Freshome.com.

The 7 Most Important Household Tasks After a Move

For many people, the first few hours after a move are a stressful time. There’s so much to do that it can be hard to even figure out where to start. That’s where we come in. We’ve narrowed down the seven most important household tasks to take care of after the move. Read them over and use them as a  a jumpstart on that to-do list.

after a move

Take care of the utilities before anything else. Image: Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

Turn on utilities

The last thing you want to happen after a long moving day is for the sun to go down and you realize that you don’t have any electricity. If you haven’t taken care of it already, call your utility companies and transfer service into your name. If you’re moving locally, this should be as easy as changing the address on your account. However, if you’re moving from out of the area, you may want to get your new utility information from the seller.

Locate the breaker box and water shut off valve

In the middle of an emergency, you don’t want to be searching around frantically for these important items. Make sure you know where they’re located before you need to use them. It’s worth the effort to find them when you first move in. Be sure to learn how to use them, as well. Test out all of the switches in the breaker box and label them for easy access later. Turn off the water and faucets to ensure the valve will do its job in a pinch.

locks

Be sure to change the locks. Image: Urban Home Windsor

Change the locks

When you move into a new home, you don’t know who might have an extra set of keys to it. It’s in your best interest to have a mobile locksmith come and change all the locks as soon as possible. If an exterior door is missing a deadbolt, this is a good opportunity to have one of those installed, too. Once you’ve been handed your new keys, be sure to label them so that you know which key is used for which door. You can have extras made later, just in case.

Check your moving boxes and furniture

The next step is to check all your moving boxes and furniture for signs of damage or dings. Also make sure that nothing got lost in the shuffle. (This is where your packing inventory list will come in handy.) You’ll want to do this as soon as possible after a move so that you can submit a claim to the moving company and your insurance company. Take photographs of any visible damage and keep your paperwork handy so you can refer back to it later, if needed.

bed

Put together sleeping arrangements well before it’s time for bed. Image: Gaetano Hardwood Floors, Inc.

Make your bed

Even if you’ve prepared well beforehand, moving day is going to be a long one. To minimize stress and frustration at the end of the night, make sure you have your bed and sleeping arrangements set up well in advance of when you plan to use them. That said, you don’t have to take care of unpacking every single item in one day after a move. Just make sure that you have your bedding, a change of clothes, and any essentials like toiletries or medications ready to go when you’re ready to call it a night.

Change your address

Next, make sure that all your mail gets to the right place. If you haven’t already, fill out a change of address form with the post office. (Luckily, these days, you can take care of this task online.) In addition, you’ll also want to change your address with any agencies who regularly contact you through the mail, like your credit cards and insurance companies.

neighbors

Don’t forget to say hello to the neighbors. Image: CJS Woodworking & Design

Greet your new neighbors

The last step after a move is to get out and greet your neighbors. You don’t have to do this on the first day you move in, but the sooner you take care of it, the sooner you’ll settle into the neighborhood. Greeting the neighbors doesn’t have to involve a big gesture like handing out fresh-baked cookies (although it can). Simply going door-to-door and introducing yourself should be enough to assure the neighbors that they can find a friend in you.

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Cheap Tricks: 10 Inexpensive Design Elements to Upgrade Your Home

Whether you’re building a new home or you’re looking to upgrade your space, you’ll find that little luxuries can add up. What might seem like a few bucks here and an upgrade there can totally blow your budget, especially if you have Versailles taste on a suburban budget. But you shouldn’t have to spend a ton to make your home look higher end. Stretching each dollar and knowing where to spend gives you the most bang for your buck. Try some of these inexpensive tricks to make your home look more luxurious without totally breaking the bank.

1. Install Woodwork

Wood panels warm up basic spaces. Image: Seavey Builders

Custom woodwork usually carries a hefty price tag. Still, if you use it judiciously, just a few accents can have a huge impact on the final product. Installing molding panels on one accent wall, for instance, can change the whole look of a room. By the same token, a well-placed chair rail can completely transform a room from cheap to choice.

2. Consider Built-Ins

Built-in shelves give a custom look. Image: Scheinholtz & Associates

Bookshelves and nooks make a home look more custom, and a custom home looks more expensive. Custom elements are always cheaper to install during a build, so ask your contractor to build in a few bookcases, some shelving or niches. If you’re renovating, you can mimic the look of built-ins by placing bookshelves alongside an entertainment center or beside your bed.

3. Add a Backsplash

Tiled bathroom

Use subway tile in unexpected places. Image: Distinctive Remodeling

Dollar for dollar, backsplashes are one of the cheapest ways to make a big impact in your home. They add color and texture on the cheap for a quick weekend project. The trick to ensuring your backsplash looks expensive is to choose a medium-sized tile in a classic shape, like subway tile.

Think outside the kitchen when it comes to installing backsplashes. They look equally elegant in bathrooms, mudrooms and even as an accent on neutral furniture.

4. Create a Palette

Light blue and white kitchen

Carry a color theme throughout the home. Image: Cottage Home Company

Your home is a reflection of your personality, so it can be tempting to make your mark using different colors in each room. But while different bright colors and patterns in every room is a fun way to decorate, it doesn’t exactly scream luxury. Creating a consistent color palette throughout your entire home will sustain flow from room to room for a more expensive look. The bright side? You’ll save on buying paint in bulk!

5. Tone it Down

Neutral room with pop of orange

Use accessories to color your home. Image: Fiorella Design

While deciding on a color palette for your entire home, consider going with a neutral theme. It might not be the most exciting choice, but neutrals always look classic and expensive in a home. Don’t worry, you can always add color with textiles and accessories. It’s impossible to get bored with neutrals when you have endless decor possibilities. Just think of your neutral walls and furniture as a backdrop and accessories as your splashes of color and personality.

6. Mix Metallics

Transitional living room

Mixed metallics easily add style. Image: Duet Design Group

You may have heard that matching metallics and finishes when decorating is practically the Golden Rule of design. But mixing up your finishes can give your home a custom, elegant look by directing focus. Give your most eye-catching fixtures more attention by choosing them in a different metallic than the other fixtures in your home. An elegant gold faucet will have more of a luxurious design impact if most of your other fixtures are silver.

7. Upgrade Lighting

Kitchen with wood paneled ceiling

Upgraded lighting makes a big impact. Image: Jennifer Gilmer

If you have a little room in your budget for upgrades and are wondering where to spend it, go for lighting. It’ll be one of the more inexpensive items on the upgrade list (especially when compared to things like cabinetry and flooring) and can make a huge visual impact. When your light fixtures are luxurious, chances are your guests will assume the rest of your home has high-end finishes, too.

8. Frame Your Mirrors

Kitchen with wood paneled ceiling

Disguise builder-grade mirrors with frames. Image: Workroom C

Builder-grade mirrors are notoriously basic. That’s because buyers usually focus their upgrade dollars elsewhere, leaving inexpensive but boring plate mirrors that lack style and substance. Luckily, framing mirrors is an easy project that gives your home plenty of character. You can even have your hardware store cut lumber to size so all you need to do is stain and install.

9. Emphasize Texture

Bedroom with textured wallpaper

Textured paper adds luxury without looking inexpensive over time. Image: Heather Hilliard

Something you’ll notice in high-end houses is the emphasis on texture over pattern and color. That’s because luxury builders know that while trendy patterns come and go, high-end texture is always in style. If there’s anything that the chevron craze of 2013 taught us, it’s that what was popular one year can be mass-produced and common the next.

Opt for textured wallpaper instead of patterned or decorate with neutral, textured throw pillows to warm up a room. You’ll be co-opting a high-end look without spending more than necessary.

10. Rest Your Eyes

Bedroom with textured wallpaper

Leave empty space for a clean, elegant look. Image: Wyckoff Heating and Cooling

One of the best-kept secrets in high-end homes is the principle of “resting the eye.” Designing every inch of your space so that it’s bursting with accessories, texture or intricate pattern can make even the most expensive home look cheap. Therefore, make sure your eyes have somewhere to rest. Whether it’s a warm, neutral wall, a simple piece of furniture or an uncluttered shelf, less-decorated spaces give the eye relief (and are inexpensive to create). Overdecorating is a rookie mistake, especially when you want an upscale look. Make sure you’re not adding too much of a good thing.

Choosing a few upgrades and adding in luxurious design elements might require a little more creativity, but it doesn’t have to break the bank, either. They say you can’t buy good taste, and that’s a good thing. It means any budget has room for style.

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Keep Your Home Healthy During Flu Season

flu season

Small changes – like a bowl of fruit on the counter to make it easy to eat nutritiously – can help you keep your home healthy this flu season. Image: TLA Studio

‘Tis the season. No, not just for the holidays. The fall marks the start of flu season. Although it’s tricky to predict flu season’s peak (the CDC reports that it could fall anywhere between November and March), it’s no secret that the winter is a time for sickness. You can’t control everything, unfortunately. Your coworkers will come to the office ill. The flu will spread in your kids’ schools. But you can control your own home. Taking some steps to keep your home healthy this flu season can make all the difference.

Before you batten down the hatches and hole up for the winter, consider a more moderate approach. Making some small but meaningful changes to your house or apartment can make it easier to fend off the flu even as you lead your normal life. We’ve rounded up some tips and tricks to help you keep your home – and your family – in good health this flu season.

flu season bathroom

A pleasant, well-stocked hand washing area encourages everyone to keep their hands germ-free. Image: The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn

Encourage hand washing

It’s not rocket science. From the time we’re small kids, we’re told that washing our hands prevents the spread of germ and sickness. This is definitely not a season to skimp on sudsing up. Even though you can control how much you wash your own hands, you can only force your family members to scrub up so often. Instead of having to constantly remind people of the importance of this action, why not take a more subtle – but equally effective – approach?

In each bathroom, set up a nice hand washing station. Get good smelling soap and soft hand towels. Consider adding a moisturizer (winter is a time for dry skin, too), a scented candle and whatever other touches would amp up the pleasantness of the hand washing area. Essentially, your goal should be to make washing your hands such a nice experience that no one who visits your home would even think of skipping it.

Disinfect everything

The winter is not a time to skimp on cleaning. If you don’t already, make it a habit to disinfect your countertops, door knobs, light switches and cabinet handles or pulls every few days. Also, keep that washing machine busy. If sickness is going around your office or your kids’ school, wash sheets and towels more frequently than normal. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to include your dish towels. Ideally, you should be swapping them out for clean ones every other day or so.

Extend past the standard disinfecting tasks, too. Did you know that toothbrushes can be run through the dishwasher? Did you know you can microwave your sponges to kill bacteria? Look for the porous or soft areas of your home where germs could live and take steps to keep them sanitized. We’ve created a list of the nasty nine – key places you need to be cleaning – to help you keep your home healthy this flu season.

flu season bed

Make it enticing to get the rest your body needs to stay healthy this winter. Image: A+B KASHA Designs

Set up your beds

We already mentioned that you should be washing your bedding on a regular basis, but don’t just throw it back on the bed. Create a cozy space where you’ll want to curl up. Sleep is one of your body’s biggest tools in combating illness. Getting enough shut-eye is absolutely critical if you want to stay healthy this flu season.

Do whatever it takes to get yourself and your family to bed at a time where you’ll all get enough sleep. If your daughter wants to add twinkle lights above her bed, do it. If you want an extra cozy throw to tempt yourself to unplug from your day earlier, get it. Sleep is one of your greatest allies this winter.

Stay supplied

Make it easy to do right by your body this winter and you’re more likely to stay healthy. This means stocking your fridge and pantry with nutritious, whole food. Add a bowl of fruit to your kitchen counter to make it easy for you to grab fresh produce and give your body what it needs to fend off illness. Foods rich in antioxidants are especially important during flu season.

Similarly, make it simple to stay hydrated. Add water carafes or water bottles to everyone’s nightstands. If your family isn’t a big fan of plain water, start infusing it with fruit or herbs (lemon, mint, cucumber and strawberries are great options to start) to entice everyone to get the fluids their bodies need to stay healthy.

Use these tips to keep yourself, your family and your home healthy this flu season. Do you have any other recommendations to combat the flu season? Let us know in the comments.

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