Guides & How To's - SkirtingBoards.com®

How to Keep Your Heating and Cooling Vents Clean

July 8, 2019 by admin

Dusty heating and cooling vents aren’t just ugly. They can also restrict the airflow into a room if the dust buildup gets bad enough, and you risk dust and debris getting down into your air ducts. So, to keep your heating and cooling vents free of dust and debris, below we have both some cleaning tips and some preventative ideas.

These tips to keep your heating and cooling vents clean are actually very easy to do and only take a few minutes. They also tend to be low in cost. You’ll need your vacuum cleaner, some soap and water, towels/rags and crevice cleaning supplies to clean the vent.

Some of the preventative measures, on the other hand, could require some items you don’t already have around the home. For instance, an air purifier to capture dust can run around $20 for small devices or all the way up to hundreds of dollars, depending on how many features you want the device to have. Air vent covers often cost around $5.

Heating and Cooling Vents Vacuum Attachment

Brush attachments on the vacuum can help clean vents easily. Image: paulbiryukov/Getty Images

Cleaning Tips

Regular cleaning is your best bet in keeping your heating and cooling vents free of dust and debris. That way, nothing has the chance to build up to problematic levels. In order to get your vents clean, follow these tips:

Start by turning off the power source to your air conditioner at the breaker. That way, your HVAC system won’t kick on when you’re cleaning it, blowing dust everywhere.
Vacuum the vent cover itself, ideally with a crevice or brush attachment.
Remove the vent cover by unscrewing it, if it’s screwed in place. Pull the cover straight up from the duct.
Soak the vent cover in warm, soapy water if there is any stubborn dirt. Keeping soaking until that dirt loosens.
Wipe the cover down with a wet rag.
You can clean between the slats of the vent cover with any narrow cleaning tool, like a pipe cleaner, narrow soft brush or even a cotton swab.
You should manually dry between the slats with either a thin rag or a hair dryer on the hot setting to prevent water from pooling. If you use a hair dryer, be careful touching the metal after you blow dry it on a hot setting, as the metal can get warm. From there, you can either let heating and cooling vents air dry on a towel or dry them by hand.
After they’re dry, put the vent covers back and turn the power source back on.

Pets seem to be naturally attracted to vents. Image: @jenlpalmer/Twenty20

Preventative Maintenance for Your Heating and Cooling Vents

You can also keep your heating and cooling vents clear of dust and debris with some defensive measures. A popular way to do so is to invest in a magnetic or plastic vent cover. These are usually used to direct airflow in a certain direction or to prevent excess air from coming through a closed vent, so they’re only suitable if you wish to restrict airflow. But they have the added benefit of keeping dust and grime off the vent, too.

Another option is to protect the heating and cooling vents themselves through lifestyle changes. For instance, encourage pets to avoid the heating and cooling vents if they have a habit of laying on or near them. That will keep dirt and pet hair away from the heating and cooling system. Make sure to vacuum the floor regularly so that dirt and debris are not close to the vent. You may also want to invest in an indoor air purifier to remove dust from the home.

The post How to Keep Your Heating and Cooling Vents Clean appeared first on Freshome.com.

5 Inexpensive Ways To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Summer

July 1, 2019 by admin

There’s a lot of information out there on how to make your home more energy efficient. While it’s all meant to be helpful, some of the advice is not the most practical. Not all of us can afford to install solar panels or to buy all new appliances. With that in mind, we’ve brought you a few budget-friendly ways to save on energy. Read on to learn how to start lowering your utility bills.

An energy audit will take stock of your home’s strengths and weaknesses. Image: tommaso79/Shutterstock

Get an energy audit

If you’re unsure of where to start with making your home more energy efficient, having an energy audit done is a great first step. Also known as an energy assessment, these audits are designed to take stock of how much energy your home is currently using, to identify problem areas where energy might be being wasted and to offer suggestions on how to solve those issues.

As for how to get an auditor out to your home, calling your electric or gas utility company may be your best bet. There’s a good chance they’ll either conduct assessments themselves or be able to recommend local auditors. However, if not, the Residential Energy Services Network offers a search directory for qualified professionals. Just remember to always do your research before hiring any service provider to come into your home.

Insulating your attic will help keep cool air where it belongs. Image: Arturs Budkevics/Shutterstock

Insulate your attic

Your attic isn’t just a place to store your excess belongings. It’s also one of the places in your home that’s most likely to let cool air out. This, in turn, causes your HVAC systems to have to work harder, using more energy overall. However, by adding some extra insulation, you can go a long way towards keeping your temperature-controlled air where it belongs.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs — and an average of 11% on total energy costs — by taking the time to properly insulate your home. Here, they especially recommend insulating attics, crawl spaces and floors.

Fixing drafty doors and windows will keep you more comfortable indoors and help you save big. Image: Ray B Stone/Shutterstock

Seal drafty doors and windows

In addition to insulating the attic, you can also take care of any drafty doors and windows that might be allowing cool air to escape your home. While an energy auditor will be able to identify these “cold spots” during your assessment, you can DIY this task just by paying attention to where you can feel drafts coming through on windy days.

As far as how to do the sealing, this is definitely one home maintenance task where you won’t need to call in a professional. Adhesive sealing strips are sold at nearly every home improvement store. Once you have the strips in hand, it’s simply a matter of measuring the area you need to seal, cutting the strip to size and applying it securely.

Change out your light bulbs for newer, energy-efficient varieties. Image: New Africa/Shutterstock

Change your light bulbs

If you can’t afford to splurge on a new energy-efficient appliance package or to upgrade to solar panels, replacing the light bulbs in your home is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to make a difference in your energy usage. This move can help you save around 5% on your total energy bills.

In terms of which lighting options offer the biggest savings, you have three choices:

Halogen incandescents: Halogen incandescents are popular bulbs because they come in a wide range of shapes and colors. In addition, they tend to work well with dimmer switches. However, while they do meet the minimum energy-efficiency standard, they are not the most efficient option that’s currently available on the market.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): CFLs are where you really start to see energy savings. These bulbs use about one-fourth the energy of traditional incandescent options. They also are said to last up to ten times as long. While these bulbs did not offer a lot of variety when they first came out, they are starting to become available in more shades and colors.
Light emitting diodes (LEDs): Though LED lights have been traditionally used in outdoor applications, they are becoming more commonplace in indoor settings. LEDs use only 20% to 25% of the energy and last 15 to 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs they replace. They also use 25% to 30% of the energy and last 8 to 25 times longer than halogen incandescents.

Plugged-in electronics like coffee makers can use up a lot of unnecessary energy. Image: rawf8/Shutterstock

Unplug energy vampires

This last tip is more of an ongoing effort than a one-time task. Though it may be convenient to leave electronics plugged in even when you’re not using them, the reality is that unless they are certified as energy-saving, they are likely wasting energy. Directenergy.com estimates that you can save $100 to $200 per year simply by unplugging these devices when they’re not in use.

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What is a Transitional Bathroom and How Can You Get This Look?

June 28, 2019 by admin

The transitional bathroom is the most popular bathroom design style, according to the 2019 Bathroom Design Trends report by the National Kitchen + Bath Association. And according to trend spotter Elle H-Millard, Industry Relations Manager at the NKBA (and also a cast member on season 2 of HGTV’s Design Star), the transitional style is projected to remain the most popular style for the next three years.

But what is a transitional bathroom and how can you get the transitional look?

Easily accessible spaces are a trademark of transitional design. Image: Dit26978/Getty Images

A mix of two styles

A transitional bathroom can have several meanings, according to Joan Kaufman, Licensed Interior Designer and President of Interior Planning & Design in Naperville, IL. “Most commonly, transitional refers to the style that is between traditional and contemporary,” she says. “The style would be more clean lines, yet not overly contemporary, with a warm, comfortable feeling that is not too cold or sleek.”

Easily accessible spaces are a trademark of transitional design. Image: deliormanli/Getty Images

Easy access

However, Kaufman says a transitional bathroom can also refer to a design that allows homeowners to age in place. “This means accommodations are made to the bathroom to increase safety and provide supports without being completely ADA.” For example, she says grab bars are added to the shower area and close to the bathtub. She adds that these bathrooms may include handheld spray showerheads “with the valve controls at a lower height. And the tub would have a lower profile to aid entry/exiting.”

In some designs, homeowners remove the tub and replace it with a shower that includes handheld sprays and a bench seat. “Mirrors and other fixtures will be mounted low enough to be viewed from a seated position and/or wheelchair,” Kaufman says. Another popular feature is under-toe kick lighting. “Having toe-kick lighting on a motion sensor is an added benefit,” Kaufman explains.

Showers may hold two (or more) people. Image courtesy of Case Design and Remodeling Charlotte.

Stylish safety

However, this is not your grandparent’s bathroom. “A transitional bathroom is both attractive and safe and can make your life comfortable, regardless of your age or physical ability,” according to Chelsea Allard, VP of Design at Case Design/Remodeling in Charlotte, NC. For example, she says those grab bars are decorative and can coordinate with your faucet suite. “Not only can they prevent a dangerous fall, but they can also be used as towel bars,” Allard says.

Likewise, those bench seats and handheld showers can also serve a dual purpose. “Benches can act as a foot prop for shaving your legs as well as being a seat if you are unable to stand due to an injury,” Allard explains. And those handheld showers are convenient if you need to bathe while seated, but she says they also make it easier to clean the shower or wash your dog.

“Comfort-height toilets are easier on the knees — but they are also great for tall users. And single handle or touch-activated faucets are great for people with arthritis or for people who just want a more convenient experience,” Allard says. Touch-activated faucets are just one of the 2019 bathroom technology trends being incorporated in transitional design.

Chandeliers and sconces add a touch of elegance. Images courtesy of Dawn Totty Designs.

Uber stylish

Another reason transitional bathrooms are so popular is the sheer beauty of the design. Bathrooms today are transitioning from a place of basic necessities to a space of luxury, according to Interior Designer Dawn Totty of Dawn Totty Designs in Chattanooga, TN.

“With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, designers and homeowners are implementing luxurious features such as chandeliers, saunas, free-standing tubs, beautifully papered walls and heated floors,” Totty explains. “It’s a spa-like place that they can escape to, but without the inconvenience and expense.”

Wood grain cabinets and floating shelves are natural warmth.

Wood grain cabinets and floating shelves add natural warmth. Image: in4mal/Getty Images

Storage and workspace

H-Millard notes that the cabinets and vanity in transitional bathrooms are quite distinctive. “We’re talking free-standing, built-in or floating styles, with recessed panel facing and plenty of drawers,” she says. This bathroom style commonly uses wood grain, painted wood and mixed materials with decorative hardware.

The GRAFF Incanto Rose Gold Faucet. Image courtesy of GRAFF.

Countertops, sinks and faucets

“In transitional bathrooms, countertops and sinks tend to be quartz, quartzite, granite or marble,” H-Millard says. White porcelain and cast iron are popular for sinks, and undermount sinks are a common staple.

Transitional bathrooms incorporate the latest faucet design trends. “Faucets can be motion, touch-control or manual and are typically nickel, chrome, stainless or rose gold,” H-Millard says. Popular finishes for transitional bathrooms include polished, matte, brushed and satin.

Safety doesn’t have to be boring, as you can see with the Trinsic Bath Collection. Image courtesy of Delta.

Flooring

Popular flooring options in transitional bathrooms include ceramic, porcelain or stone tile, according to H-Millard. Other options include luxury vinyl, ceramic wood or marble.

“Using matte-finish tile flooring is a great way to decrease the likelihood of slipping, without sacrificing style,” Allard adds. Durable flooring is particularly important when designing the perfect kids’ bathroom.

A bathroom painted in Valspar Fragile Blue. Image courtesy of Valspar.

Colors

Since color choices are important, transitional bathrooms have a light and relaxed feel: whites, grays, beiges, bones, blues – and also silvers. “One good choice for a transitional bathroom is Fragile Blue, which is crisp and clean,” explains Sue Kim, Color Marketing Manager at Valspar. “It is a sophisticated white with a tint of blue, and its freshness creates a luxurious, spa-like environment, creating a room you never want to leave.”

A bathroom in Valspar Gotham Gray. Image courtesy of Valspar.

Another option is Gotham Gray. “This color adds a dose of drama to your transitional bathroom space and brings carefully-selected fixed features to life with clean elegance,” Kim says. Just make sure you follow the 10 commandments of painting to achieve the desired result.

The post What is a Transitional Bathroom and How Can You Get This Look? appeared first on Freshome.com.

How to Light Your Hallway

June 27, 2019 by admin

Don’t let hallway lighting be an afterthought. Use this guide to light your hallway well. Image: Svet_Feo/Shutterstock

Lighting is important. Interior designers, real estate agents and staging pros will all tell you it’s true. If you want your home or apartment to feel inviting, it needs to be well lit. That’s pretty straightforward in most of your home. You put a lamp on your nightstand. You hang a pendant above your dining table. But what about the smaller, trickier spaces? Specifically, how do you light your hallway well?

Because hallways are so narrow, they present two problems. First, the minimal available floor space necessitates a certain kind of light. And, of course, it’s the harder type of light. You can’t simply place a lamp here. When you need to light your hallway but keep walkways clear, mounted lighting is your only option.

The other hallway lighting challenge results, again, from the hallway’s narrow design, which can make it feel claustrophobic. Your hallway needs to be thoroughly and brightly lit. Otherwise, it risks feeling too confined.

But don’t worry. There are solutions to both of these problems. The need for maximal free floor space might force your hand in choosing certain types of lighting, but there are still plenty of good options available. And you can easily fend off that claustrophobic feeling by mounting lights at strategically placed locations throughout your hallway. Use this guide to get all the details you need to light your hallway beautifully.

The style of lighting you choose will shape the feel of your hallway. Image: Jodie Johnson/Shutterstock

Choosing your lighting

Most hallways are designed to be wide enough to allow a single person to move through them comfortably — and not much else. If your hallway is wide enough to accommodate a console table, count yourself lucky. For those of us with hallways that need every available inch of width to feel comfortable, wall- or ceiling-mounted lighting is the way to go. With these options, you keep the walkways open but can still wash your hallway in a warm and inviting glow.

Pendant lighting

Pendant lights can make a statement in your hallway. Find one that really catches your eye and hang it to transform what would have been a very forgettable space. Pendant lighting is best for hallways with high ceilings. Otherwise, a low hanging fixture could induce that sense of claustrophobia you’re trying so hard to avoid.

Wall sconces

You don’t necessarily have to rig something to your ceiling to light your hallway. Sconces can help you provide ample lighting without ever needing to pull out more than a step stool to change the bulb. This type of lighting is best for wider hallways, though, since the sconces will protrude from the walls, encroaching on the space of your hallway walkers.

Can lighting may be simple, but it’s effective. Image: Svet_Feo/Shutterstock

Can lighting

Sometimes the simple solution is the right one. Can lighting is an easy and effective way to light your hallways. Since the fixtures themselves will probably go largely unnoticed, this lighting style works with virtually any home style.

Track lighting

If you want to add an architectural feel and give yourself highly customizable lighting, track lighting delivers. This style is ideal for industrial and contemporary spaces.

Mixed lighting

Who says you can’t have it all? You can mix and match these lighting types to find the ideal way to light your hallway.

Place lights strategically to make your hallway feel bright and open. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Placing your lights

Now that you’ve chosen your light style, you need to make sure you have enough of the light itself to make your hallway feel sufficiently lit. Here are a few quick and easy tips to help:

Place lights every eight feet, at least. Smaller lights with lower-wattage bulbs should be placed more frequently.
Draw the eye down the hallway by placing a light close to either end.
If you’re choosing sconces, place them high on the wall to draw the eye up and make the space feel open. Otherwise, you risk that whole medieval, torch-on-the-wall-of-a-castle vibe.
Stand at both ends of the hall and check for dark spots. Make sure the light stays consistent and doesn’t dip in brightness between light fixtures. Brighten shadowed parts of the hallway as needed to keep the space feeling open and inviting.

That’s it! You’re now ready to light your hallway like a total champ. And, sure, your guests may never notice what a great job you did. But they’ll also never feel like they’re traversing through a cavern when they’re walking down your hall.

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How to Choose the Right Home Security System for Your House

June 24, 2019 by admin

Ensuring the safety and security of your home is serious business. When it comes time to install a home security system, there’s no doubt that you’ll want to be sure to pick the right one. So what should you be looking for when you decide which security system to buy?

With that question in mind, we’ve laid out a few of your biggest considerations below. Read them over so you can feel confident that you know how to keep your family safe.

Home security systems have evolved far beyond the basic alarm. Image: Sami_lelya/Shutterstock

Wireless vs. hardwired

Traditionally, security systems have relied on analog phone lines to provide you with around-the-clock connection to your security company. While companies still offer these types of systems, you may want to think beyond them. Hardwired phone lines are becoming increasingly rare these days and may soon be totally obsolete.

Instead, your real choice is between a connection that’s through your wifi or cellular network. Ideally, you should choose a model that has the capacity to connect through either method. That way, while the bulk of the monitoring happens over wifi, you’ll still be protected if your network goes down.

It’s important to consider who you ultimately want to be responsible for monitoring your home’s safety. Image: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

Professional vs. self-monitoring

Luckily, if the idea of being watched over by a corporate security company doesn’t appeal to you, you now have the option to opt out. So-called self-monitoring security systems allow you to take overseeing the safety of your home into your own hands. With these systems, you receive an email or a text message when a threat is detected. Deciding what step to take next is up to you.

However, if you prefer the idea of having someone there to watch your back, you can always go the traditional route and get a professionally-monitored system. Just be aware that receiving 24/7 professional monitoring usually comes at an extra cost per month.

Think about which additional features you might want your security system to include. Image: Grzegorz_P/Shutterstock

Consider additional features

Thanks to new advances in technology, a home security system is now capable of doing much more than sounding an alarm and alerting the authorities. Are you looking for a more comprehensive approach to security? You may want to invest in a system that includes some additional features, such as:

Video monitoring

Most smart home security systems offer a video monitoring option. With most video monitoring packages, you place cameras around the perimeter of your home, which you can then check in on from an app. Some security packages allow you the option to upgrade to indoor monitoring, as well. Other systems include an option that allows you to see who is at the front door each time the doorbell rings.

Light/lock controls

The next feature to consider is having the ability to control the locks on your doors and/or your lights with just a tap of a button. Typically, you control these tasks via an app. Some systems also give you the opportunity to control other aspects of your home, including your HVAC system.

Sensors

Some home security system packages include motion-activated sensors. Exactly what these sensors can do may vary. Sometimes they can be used to turn lights on if motion is detected. Other times, they’re part of the system that allows you to unlock your door from afar.

The post How to Choose the Right Home Security System for Your House appeared first on Freshome.com.

How to Flush Your Hot Water Heater

June 24, 2019 by admin

Your hot water heater is your pal. Very few people look forward to a cold shower, but a luxurious steamy one or — better yet — a long soak in the tub can be just what you need to decompress from a stressful day or shake off muscular soreness. Your hot water heater takes care of you, and you need to return the favor. How? It’s pretty simple, actually. Flush it once a year. Now, unless you’re a home maintenance pro, that probably begs a question. How do you flush your hot water heater?

Fear not, hot water lover. We’ve assembled a simple step-by-step guide to help you get through this process with minimal mess and optimal results. But first, let’s talk about why it’s important.

If you like your hot showers, flush your hot water heater once a year. Image: Andrey tiyk/Shutterstock

Why you need to flush your hot water heater

You probably already have a lot of home maintenance needs pulling at your attention. Why add one more to the list? Because you like hot water, that’s why. And you want to keep it flowing freely in your home. And without a regular flushing, your water heater can suffer from a buildup of sediment. This reduces the efficiency of your hot water heater and can even plug up your water lines. That’s no good. But don’t stress. With a pretty simple yearly flush, you can keep your hot water heater running efficiently and extend its lifespan.

How to do it

Ready to get started? You won’t need much. Really, the key essentials are:

A hose
A towel
A wrench

This list assumes that you can run the hose somewhere to allow the water from your hot water heater can drain safely. If not, get a couple of five-gallon buckets ready to capture what you drain. You might also want to consider the bucket method if you’re water conscious. If you let the water cool first, you can use the water in your garden. Just avoid giving it to delicate plants that might not appreciate the sediment the water likely contains.

In addition to gathering your materials, there’s another key step you really can’t skip. Check the warranty for your hot water heater. Performing maintenance yourself, even simple maintenance like this, could void your warranty. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Assuming your warranty gives you the go-ahead, you’re ready to get to it.

If you have a gas water heater, turn the gas control to “Pilot” before you get started. Image: Jo Ann Snover/Shutterstock

Step one: Cut off power and water

Safety first! Make sure your water heater is disconnected from its power source before you get started. If it’s electric, that means turning off the circuit breaker at your main breaker panel, then unplugging it. If it’s gas, note the temp it’s at for later, then turn the gas control knob to “Pilot.” Make sure your water heater is completely turned off before you move forward because draining water away from the heating element when it’s working can damage it.

Then, turn off your water heater’s water supply by shutting off the cold water valve. It will be located at the top of or above your water heater along a pipe that supplies it with cold water. A 90-degree turn will usually shut off the water.

If you can, wait overnight before you proceed to step two. This will allow your hot water heater to cool off so you’re not dealing with scalding water in next steps. If you can’t, use extra care.

Step two: Prevent a vacuum

You don’t want anything funky happening with your water lines while you flush your hot water heater, so go turn on the hot water somewhere in your house. Having this water source open will prevent a vacuum from forming as the tank drains.

Connect a hose to your hot water heater to drain the water and sediment without a huge mess. Image: C5Media/Getty Images

Step three: Get ready to drain

You’re about to empty out your hot water heater and all that water needs to go somewhere. Control it by connecting a hose to the drain valve. It will be located at the bottom of your water heater and will probably look a lot like a standard garden faucet. Tighten the hose with a wrench and drape a towel over the connection so you don’t have to deal with any spray issues.

Feed the hose somewhere the water can safely drain or put it in a bucket. Next, open the pressure relief valve towards the top of your water heater. It’s usually a lever you simply flip.

Step four: Drain it

If you didn’t let your water cool, be ready for hot water to flow quickly out of your tank. Consider gloves or towels to protect your skin. If you’re using the bucket method, have a second bucket ready to take its place when it gets full. Alternately, you can turn off the drain valve when the water nears the top of your bucket, drain it, then reopen the valve and refill your bucket, emptying as needed until your water heater is empty.

Ready? Open the drain valve and watch all that water and sediment pour out. Keep going until the tank is empty.

Step five: Flush it

Reopen the cold water valve at the top of your tank for a few seconds, then shut it off again and let the water drain. This will stir up any leftover sediment so you can fully flush your hot water heater. Repeat this process until you don’t see any more sediment coming out of your tank.

Leave all your faucets open as you refill your hot water heater’s tank to prevent air bubbles. Image: bmphotographer/Shutterstock

Step six: Refill it

Close the drain valve and close the pressure relief valve. Disconnect your hose. Next comes a sort of annoying step. Turn on all the hot water faucets in your house (sinks, bathtubs, showers, etc.). Having these freely flowing as you refill your tank prevents any pressure issues from arising within your water lines.

Then, turn the cold water supply back on and let your tank fill. Once it’s full, slowly reopen the pressure relief valve again to let any excess air get released. Then, close it again.

Now, head back to your faucets. Once water flow returns to steady (keep an eye out for hiccups and spurts that are indicative of air bubbles), turn them all off.

Step seven: Restore power

If your water heater is electric, plug it back into the wall before you restore power to it at your main circuit breaker. Then, turn it back on at the breaker box.

If it’s gas, relight the pilot and turn the knob back to the temperature at which it was previously set.

Listen to your water heater. You’ll be able to hear it start working again. In about 30 minutes, test that you have hot water again.

Voilà! You’ve just learned how to flush your hot water heater, extending its life and increasing its efficiency. Again, make sure you check your warranty before attempting any maintenance yourself. You can also always hire a licensed professional to flush your water heater. The point is simply to take good care of your hot water. Now, it’s time to reward yourself. But will you choose a shower or a bath?

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How to Decorate with Neon Lights Indoors

June 22, 2019 by admin

Are you looking for a way to add a fun, artsy twist to your home? Then you might want to consider neon lights.

At first, this can feel like a tacky idea usually reserved for bars and the windows of tattoo parlors. But you can actually make neon lights work right in your home in ways that are classy and add a unique style. From accenting wall art and word art to more extreme uses like making a futuristic game room, you may be surprised to learn just some of the possibilities of neon lights in a residential space.

This is also a fairly easy way to get a new look in your home. Many custom neon fixtures can run around a couple hundred dollars or more from a shop. But you can also find neon-style signs for residential uses on sites like Amazon. Take this “dream” sign, for example. These tend to run around $10 to $80 depending on the size and complexity of the design. And generally, neon-style signs take just a few minutes to hang. Lighting a whole room with neon lights, however, might take the help of a professional remodeler or electrician.

For a cozy, welcoming feel, choose neon words with a domestic connotation. Image: JY J/Shutterstock

Use Words to Create Ambiance

The most common way to use neon lights, or even neon-style LED lights, is to use them to spell out certain words that create a specific mood in the home. For instance, the sign in the photo above creates a comfortable feel by literally just spelling the word home. Some other ideas for neon word signs that would look great in living rooms or bedrooms include:

Welcome
Family
Dream
Inspirational quotes, like “do what you love”
Hello
Be happy
Goodnight
Good vibes only
Your favorite song lyrics

Along similar lines, you could also go with different images, like moon outlines.

Neon lights can also accent the elements that are already in the room. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Accent Items with Neon Lights

Another great use for neon-style lights is to use them to accent items you already have in the home. You can see in the photo above how you could use a neon lighting style around art on the wall, as is the case with the red lighting on the wall hanging. It really makes the bright art pop all the more.

You could also use neon lights to add a glow from under major pieces of furniture. An example is the light that glows from under the cooktop island in the photo above. People often place colored lighting under cabinets for some accent lighting, so why not go neon?

Vertical neon lights can create a massive statement look. Image: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Create a Futuristic Space

A more involved idea comes in the form of the game room in the photo above. By adding neon vertical lighting, you can create a room that has a futuristic element to it. As the photo above shows, this is the perfect setting for a gaming room. But it could also work in artsy bedrooms, den areas and man caves.

For this idea, you would need thick neon lights sold in straight bars. You might also have to hire a professional remodeler or electrician to hook up the lighting properly.

And remember, properly installed and constructed neon lighting should never run warm. If you find one that is, you will want to invest in a higher quality light.

The post How to Decorate with Neon Lights Indoors appeared first on Freshome.com.

How to Save Money on Furniture by Knowing What to Keep

June 22, 2019 by admin

Combine old and new furniture for a stylish new bedroom. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

When you’re ready for a new look for your home, your budget may not stretch far enough to replace every piece of furniture in a room. Keeping what you love and what works in your home while strategically adding new pieces is a great way to save money.

Whether you’re redecorating or moving, knowing what to keep is essential. So how do you make hard decisions about what stays and what goes?

Drawing up a simple floorplan of your space is the first step to knowing how much furniture you’ll need. Then, measuring out and taping your new layout will help you see what will work in your space. You’ll be able to easily pinpoint holes where you need to add new furniture.

Create a stylish living room with just a few new pieces of furniture. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

What furniture styles are the easiest to add to your space?

When you bring new furniture into your home, you don’t have to stay with the same style as your existing decor. That said, there are styles that are easier to incorporate. Look for furniture that has simple and clean lines, like contemporary and mid-century modern pieces. Adding these styles can also give your space a trendy update without a big price tag.

Transitional is a comfortable style that draws from traditional and contemporary lines. This popular style works well for updating a traditional home without going in an entirely different decorating direction.

If your room already has a strong style story, simple additions won’t detract from what you already have in there. If your room is neutral or decorated in simple furnishings, then look for dynamic new pieces that give your space that pulled-together look.

Brighten up your dining room with colorful new chairs. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

How to make the biggest impact with new furniture

Purchasing the right furniture and accessories can make a big impact on your room, even if you only choose a few items. Here are the furnishings that make the biggest splash:

Accent Chairs: Create a new conversation area in your living room.
Dining Room Chairs: Colorful chairs can be the answer to a boring dining room.
Dining Room Bench: Need a little more space for dining? A new bench can replace two dining room chairs and give your table an updated look.
Bedroom Accent Chair or Bench: Every bedroom benefits from a simple seating space.
Console Table for Foyer: Add this accent piece to liven up your home’s entryway.
Ottomans and Poufs: Bold colors and boho fabrics are the on-trend looks right now.
Sofa and Chair Covers: High-quality furniture covers can extend the life of your sofa and chairs and incorporate new colors and textures into your room.
New Lamps: Lamps and light fixtures can feel dated after several years. A new lamp is an effortless mood-lifter for a sleepy room.

You can use color to update your living room with pretty new accessories. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutter/Stock

How to use color to style your new and old furniture together

Color is the element that can tie your existing furniture with your newly-purchased pieces. Using color as the unifying feature in your space is a simple way to make your new style look effortless. Here’s how to make the most out of color in your rooms:

Use Your Existing Color Palette: If you love your color palette now, then shop for new furniture and decor that works with everything you already have — simple!
Add One or Two New Accent Colors: Have fun with color by adding new decor to your color scheme.
Use Accessories: Colorful accessories can serve as a bridge between all of your furniture. Add throw pillows, artwork and decorative items with colors from your existing and new furniture.

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Tips for Restoring Your Wood Floors

June 19, 2019 by admin

Hardwood floors have an incomparable beauty and they can add warmth and style to any room. Whether you have a traditional home with architectural details or a modern, industrial space, hardwoods fit right in. That’s why many homeowners even use hardwood floors in kitchens and bathrooms.

If you’re fortunate enough to have original hardwood floors, consider restoring their original beauty. Below are tips from two hardwood flooring experts to help.

Sometimes, your floors only need a recoating. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Recoat or Refinish?

If your wood floors start to look dull, they can be renewed through recoating. “A maintenance coat involves cleaning the existing floor’s finish, then lightly sanding it,” explains Brett Miller, VP of Education & Certification for the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). “After that, you just need an application of a fresh new coat of wood floor finish.”

Miller recommends applying a new coat to your floors every three to five years. However, he says your maintenance schedule may depend on wear and tear, as well as your lifestyle.

“However, a complete sand and refinish is recommended when there are deep scratches, dents and other flooring damage,” Miller explains. He also recommends this process if the finish is worn away and the bare wood is exposed. This may be the case if you purchase a fixer-upper home. And there’s another benefit to doing a complete sand and refinish. “Sanding a floor back to raw wood is the perfect opportunity to change the color of the floor,” Miller says.

The right equipment makes a big difference. Image courtesy of N-Hance Wood Refinishing.

Don’t Use the Wrong Equipment

“Wood floor restoration starts with sanding the floor,” Kate Gailunas, Interior Designer and Owner of N-Hance Wood Refinishing, explains. “This strips away the previous finish and removes surface-level scuffs and scratches.”

However, if you try to sand the floor with home power tools, she says you might sand the floors unevenly. And that’s the best-case scenario. Gailunas warns that you could also severely damage the wood. “Do it right — use a drum sander,” she advises.

Before and after. Image courtesy of N-Hance Wood Refinishing.

Avoid Uneven Sanding

But even if you use a drum sander, there’s no guarantee that you won’t make mistakes if you’re not careful. “Under-sanding can leave spots of old stains or finish,” she says. “And then these areas are unsuitable for refinishing.”

And, there’s something even worse than under-sanding. “Over-sanding can lead to divots or scratches that only a professional can fix,” Gailunas says.

Take your time to ensure an even color. Image: pics721/Shutterstock

Be Aware of Improper Edging

Also, be advised that a drum sander cannot get close enough to your walls and baseboards to sand them. “To get these areas, you’ll need an edger,” Gailunas says. You’ll also need to be patient when using the edger. “Don’t rush these areas, because it results in a noticeable color/texture difference around the edge of the room with a higher risk of degradation,” she says.

Before and after photos. Image courtesy of N-Hance Wood Refinishing.

Notice Lingering Wood Dust

The sanding process will create a lot of wood dust. “Keep this in mind when you’re applying the stain/finish to your floors,” Gailunas says. Thoroughly clean the floors first. “If you don’t, these particles will become embedded in the stain/finish,” she warns. “Vacuum up as much dust as possible, then give your entire room a detailed cleaning before applying any kind of stain/finish.”

Don’t use steam mops. Image: Photographee.ee/Shutterstock

Don’t Use the Wrong Products & Materials

A lot of products claim to help restore the beauty of your wood floors. “Only certain types of stains/finishes are suitable for certain types of woods,” Gailunas says. “Others are specially formulated for specific uses.” She warns that choosing the wrong stain/finish could give your floors an unappealing appearance. And if that’s not bad enough, Gailunas says the wrong product could cause accelerated wear or discoloration.

Miller agrees. “Only use professional products recommended by your contractor, flooring manufacturer or finish manufacturer,” he advises. “Don’t use steam mops and never use anything from the store that claims to restore luster or add shine.” In fact, if you use the wrong type of cleaning product, Miller says you might not be able to apply a new coat of finish on the floor. “Or you could damage the finish and possibly damage the wood.”

To be on the safe side, he recommends using a wood flooring professional.

Avoid temperature fluctuations. Image: pics721/Shutterstock

Maintaining Your Wood Floors

Since wood is an organic material, Miller says that it will react to its environment. “In humid environments, wood gains moisture and can swell,” he explains. “In dry environments, wood loses moisture and can shrink.” If the environment changes, Miller says there will be changes in the floors themselves and how they perform.

For example, moisture can cause the floors to cup. This causes raised edges and lowered centers. “On the other hand, if your floors lose moisture, they can gap or split,” Miller says. “This can occur between floorboards or on the face of the boards.”

If these gaps and splits occur but then go away during seasonal changes, he says there’s no reason for concern. “However, if the gaps in your floors are large or do not close during more humid months, it’s time to call a professional.”

Fortunately, there is a way to minimize these issues. “Keep your home between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and between 30 and 50 percent humidity year-round,” Miller advises. To do this, you’ll need to be sure your thermostat isn’t producing ghost readings and false numbers.

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How to Patch a Spotty Lawn in No Time

June 18, 2019 by admin

Finding yourself with a spotty lawn can feel like one of the most irritating parts of homeownership. The rest of your lawn may be lush and green, but sometimes you can end up with ugly, brown, dead patches.

A number of different problems can cause a spotty lawn. If you have a pet that uses just one part of the yard most frequently as a bathroom spot, that’s a sure way to kill the grass. Heavy foot traffic can damage your lawn, too. Other causes include heat and drought and damage from grubs and animal digging. Luckily, it’s a fairly easy process to patch a spotty lawn.

If you need to patch a spotty lawn, it only takes part of an afternoon to source the materials you need and plant the patches. Though you’ll have to arrange for days to weeks of consistent watering. It’s also not too expensive, but prices vary based on how much ground you have to cover. Grass seed itself can run around $10 for a 3-pound bag. You can find grass seed starter fertilizer for around $20, which often covers around 5,000 square feet. You can also find grass seed/fertilizer mixes at around $20 for about a 12-pound bag.

Dead patches in your lawn can be unsightly and disrupt the whole look of your yard. Image: SingjaiStock/Shutterstock

Patching Up That Spotty Lawn

In order to patch a spotty lawn, you will need:

A tape measure
A metal rake (bow-style rakes work well)
Either the grass seed and fertilizer or grass seed/fertilizer mix (many will tell you how many square feet they cover)
Chopped straw or leaves
A way to water the area, like a hose or sprinkler

The steps to patch a spotty lawn are:

Start by measuring the area that you need to reseed. You can take a rough measurement using a tape measure.
Buy seed and fertilizer based on the square foot measurement of the patches.
A few days before you seed, make sure to water the lawn so it’s visibly wet. Let the lawn dry before you add the seeds. This will help make the soil more inviting to seed germination.
To patch a spotty lawn, clear the area you need to reseed. There may be dead grass or other debris that you will need to scrape away using the metal rake. Rake so that just the soil remains, making sure to get the teeth of the rake into the soil to fully loosen any dead grass.
Pick up and clear away any clumps of dead grass or other debris.
Fully loosen the top two or three inches of the soil using the rake. Use even pressure and long strokes. The seeds need loose soil in order to take root.
Scatter the seed or seed/fertilizer mix over the loose soil. There’s no need to plant the grass seed like other seeds. You can patch a spotty lawn by keeping the seeds on the top of the soil.
If fertilizer wasn’t mixed in with your grass seed, add a thin, even layer of fertilizer over the seeds and surrounding soil.
Then add a light layer of straw or chopped leaves. That will prevent the seeds and fertilizer from washing away, drying out or being eaten by animals.
Finish by watering enough so that the area is visibly wet, but not pooling. Keep the soil moist. You may need to water a couple of times per day — or more if your area is dry.
The seeds can sprout anywhere between a few days and a month, depending on type and climate. Keep the area well-watered after sprouting.

And remember, when you patch a spotty lawn, pick a grass seed that does well with your local climate. Some grass seeds have labels for cold climates, for instance.

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