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Defining a House Style: What Is a Mediterranean Home?

December 11, 2018 by admin

If you’re a fan of luxurious living, there’s no better architectural style for you than Mediterranean. These homes remind viewers of seaside villas and time spent on vacation. That said, have you ever wondered what exactly it is that makes the Mediterranean home so unique?

We decided to take an in-depth look at what it is that sets Mediterranean homes apart. If you take the time to read over these distinctions, you’ll be an expert on this style before you know it.

Mediterranean homes boast both Spanish and Italian influences. Image: McHarris Planning & Design

History of the Mediterranean home

Mediterranean homes as we know them today are based off an architectural style known as Mediterranean Revival. This style aims to emulate the feeling of being in a luxurious Mediterranean villa. It became popularized during the 1920s when a cultural obsession with wealth and leisure led to a boom in seaside resorts.

Originally, the style was only used for public structures like hotels. However, eventually, architects like Addison Mizner of Florida and Bertram Goodhue of California saw that the style’s breezy layout might be a good fit for their coastal climates. It still remains most popular in coastal areas today.

There are three distinct sub-types of Mediterranean homes. Image: Taralon Homes

Types of Mediterranean homes

Mediterranean Revival homes are unique in that they borrow influences from a few different cultures in that geographic region. In particular, Italian and Spanish are seen most commonly. Below is an explanation of the differences between the two:

Italian Renaissance (1890-1930)

As the name suggests, Italian Renaissance homes borrow some of their inspiration from the 16th-century buildings of the Italian Renaissance. Specifically, this can be seen in their imposing scale, as well as architectural details like columns and rounded arches. That said, this style also borrows from its own time period, which began at the end of the Victorian era. Of the different styles of Mediterranean home, Italian Renaissance homes are the most ornate.

Spanish Revival (1915-1930)

Spanish Revival homes are based off of the architecture that the Spanish Colonists brought to America in the 16th century. This architectural movement was especially popular in warmer, coastal areas like California and Florida. Spanish Revival homes are a bit simpler than the other Mediterranean varieties. They feature cleaner lines, as well as a lower-pitched roofline that appears thicker and heavier.

Modern Mediterranean

Modern Mediterranean architecture can follow either Spanish or Italian design. It brings back a concentration on resort-style living. These homes borrow aesthetic details from the traditional Mediterranean home style with many of the comforts of modern living. These homes usually feature open floor plans, expansive, updated kitchens and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.

Mediterranean homes play with shape. Image: GEI Homes & Design

Defining features of Mediterranean homes

Though there are some distinct differences between the sub-types, there are a few defining features that tie them all together. They are as follows:

Exterior features

Sprawling, symmetrical façades
Stucco exteriors
Low-pitched, tile roofs
Arched windows and doorways
Wrought-iron balconies and window grilles
European-style gardens or courtyards

Interior features

One to two stories
Rectangular floor plan
High ceilings
Heavy use of wood and patterned tile
Designed to let breezes flow through the house

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How to Beat Dry Skin at Home This Winter

November 22, 2018 by admin

You can make changes at home – from your bedding to your bathroom – to banish dry skin this winter. Image: Alexander L. Palmer

Winter brings the good, the bad and the ugly. It offers the good of the holiday season, when friends and family gather and spirits are merry. It offers the bad of the busyness of this time of year. And it brings the ugliness of dry skin. When the temperatures drop and the nights get longer, drier air comes, too. When you’re prepping for holiday parties, the last thing you want to have to worry about is dry, itchy skin. Fortunately, you can do a few simple things at home to make a big difference. Here are four changes you can make at your house or apartment to fend off dry skin and stay comfortable all winter.

Stock moisturizer right by bathtubs, showers and sinks so it’s easy to hydrate your skin anytime you strip it of oils by washing. Image: Gabriel Holland Interior Design

Stock your bathroom

It should come as no surprise that one of your greatest weapons in combating dry skin this winter is moisturizer. Make sure your bathroom is readily stocked with options for you, your family and your guests. Damp skin has an easier time absorbing moisture and locking it in, so make it easy to grab some lotion right after washing your hands or hopping out of the shower. And don’t be afraid to have a wide arsenal available. Sure, it might take up some counter space, but different parts of your body have different needs. You might not want a scented lotion as your after-shower moisturizer, for example, but it could be a nice touch for your guests. You might not need a heavy balm everywhere, but it can feel great on dry feet.

Moisturizer is just as important in powder rooms as it is in full baths. Every time we wash our hands, we strip them of their natural oils. Following hand washing with a moisturizer is key when dry air won’t do that stripped skin any favors. Setting up a moisturizer area in every bathroom in your home this winter can make it easier to fight off dry skin – and keep it away.

Add a home humidifier

Just because the air outside is brutally dry doesn’t mean you need to suffer indoors, too. Did you know you can use your home’s existing HVAC system to make your life more comfortable? Your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to push the same dry air into each room. You can add a home humidifier and air cleaner to your HVAC to get some much-needed moisture back into your house.

A home humidifier works a lot like the humidifier you might already use in a single room, except that it balances the moisture levels throughout your home, helping your skin throughout the winter. Plus, improving the air quality in your house helps you keep a healthy home. It also makes it easier to fend off sickness this flu season.

Caution: hot! Getting too close to the fire will only make skin drier. Image: Strickland Mateljan

Take some space from the fire

During the cold winter months, it’s extremely tempting to curl up in front of the fireplace and soak up some of that warmth. Unfortunately, that doesn’t do your dry skin any favors. Sitting in front of the fire – or even the radiator or any other heat source – sucks moisture from your skin. Think about it. A damp towel will dry much more quickly when hung near something warm. It’s better to turn the thermostat up a couple of degrees than to sit near a source of radiant heat for prolonged periods. Or, better yet, moisturize your skin and layer a sweater over it to lock in the moisture and keep yourself cozy.

Rethink your bedding

During the winter, you’ll probably want to pile the heavy blankets on your bed. They might feel heavenly when you first slip under the covers, but they can actually hurt you in your battle to keep your skin healthy. Once your body warms up, those heavy blankets can make you perspire while you sleep. This can irritate your skin and, ultimately, make it drier throughout the winter.

To start, choose sheets with breathability. That could mean the traditional cotton, but you’ve got a lot of options beyond that. Linen and bamboo sheets can serve you well in every season. Then, instead of adding just a few heavy blankets on top of your sheets, layer your bed. That way, as you get warmer and cooler throughout the night, you can adjust your bedding to your needs. On top of that, make sure you’re washing your sheets on a regular basis. Clean, dry sheets help your skin stay healthy and hydrated.

These are a few tips to get you started, but keeping your skin hydrated during the winter is a matter of finding what works for you. What are your favorite home tips for fighting off dry skin through the colder months? Let us know in the comments!

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Landscaping Around Your Home’s HVAC Unit

November 19, 2018 by admin

Beautiful plants can help draw your eye away from the equipment needed to keep your home comfortable. Source: Bloomwater, LLC

Outdoor home decor usually doesn’t include an air conditioning unit. This necessary appliance doesn’t have to spoil your home’s look, however. Landscaping around an HVAC system is a great way to spruce up an often neglected space and to create a seamless exterior for your home. But be careful. Trees and bushes can damage your HVAC system without proper placement and care. You don’t want decorations to disrupt your home’s heating and cooling. Discover the best ways to landscape around your outdoor system with these tips.

Choose the right plants

So much about picking the right plant depends on where you live. There are some general rules of (green) thumb to follow. When possible, look for plants that don’t lose their leaves in colder months. This will reduce the amount of sweeping and raking needed keep the area clear of debris. Hedges are a common choice, and can be trimmed to your desired shape and height.

Leave the proper clearance

To work properly and avoid unnecessary repairs, your air conditioning unit needs space. It’s crucial to leave adequate space between the unit and your plants to avoid restricting airflow around the coils. Plants should be at least 2-3 feet from the unit on all sides, and make sure your air conditioner is easily reached for maintenance and repairs. Trees or other plants growing above the unit should be trimmed regularly to keep a 5-foot clearance between them and the air conditioner.

Make the most of the shade

Shade cast on the air conditioner keeps the temperature down so the unit doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home. Yes, it’s a fine line between casting shade and staying clear of debris, but the value is there when it’s done correctly. In addition to making the area look more natural, landscaping around your air conditioner can actually help improve its efficiency.

Screen it

Sometimes the simplest way to dress up your HVAC system is to hide it. From quaint cottage styles to more modern looks and materials, there are multiple pre-made screens you can use to cleverly disguise your A/C unit. Building a lattice around the A/C unit and landscaping with climbing plants is also a relatively simple and attractive option. Just make sure to trim plants, hedges and trees near the air conditioner regularly to maximize airflow and efficiency.

Ask a specialist

If you have any questions about your air conditioning unit or are looking for additional tips for landscaping around an air conditioner, contact your local HVAC specialist. And as always, be sure to call your local utility before you dig.

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Landscaping for Fire Safety

November 15, 2018 by admin

Certain parts of the country used to have a fairly predictable fire season, but the times are changing. California, for example, now has to be on fire alert throughout the entire year. That means there’s no time like the present to prepare your house for a fire. And that doesn’t just mean buying homeowners or renters insurance. There are some fire safety steps you can take to make your home or apartment less likely to burn in a fire. By implementing these three landscaping fire safety tips, you can better protect yourself, your family, your belongings and your property from a wildfire.

Move combustible patio furniture at least 30 feet from your house. Image: Thom Filicia

Create defensible spaces

One of the top fire safety steps every homeowner and renter should take is creating defensible space. This is essentially clearing space around the walls of your abode. If you’re a renter, this can be a little trickier; get permission from your landlord first. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends removing vegetation, debris or anything else that could catch fire from the perimeter around your home. Generally, it’s considered best practice to maintain two zones of defensible space.

Defensible space 1

Imagine a 30-foot ring around your house. Now remove anything even remotely combustible from that ring. That means clearing out your gutters on a regular basis, removing fallen vegetation from your roof and trimming tree branches as needed. If you keep a wood pile, make sure you move it at least 30 feet from your home. Yes, it means lugging the wood a little further when you want to make a fire. But it also means there won’t be a big pile of kindling just waiting to go up in flames right next to your house.

If you have patio furniture that you store within the first defensible space, make sure it’s non-combustible. You may also want to upgrade your deck to a non-combustible material.

Defensible space 2

Keep up with your outdoor maintenance within 100 feet of your home, or up to your property line. This means regularly mowing grass and trimming any other foliage and clearing the ground of dead leaves and pine needles. Generally, any tree branch that’s less than six feet from the ground should be cut. If you have trees, shrubs or other plant life, think through the spacing. Trees, for example, should be at least ten feet apart so fire has a more difficult time jumping between them.

Even beyond 100 feet from your house, keeping your property thinned and pruned makes it less likely that a fire quickly reach your home.

Use hardscaping to create an area around your home where fire won’t find any fuel. Image: Eric Brandon Gomez

Use hard surfaces

Hardscaping has a number of benefits. It’s easy to maintain, adds architectural appeal to your outdoor spaces and is fire safe. A wide concrete driveway, for example, can protect the front of your house. Gravel, steel and stone are other great hard surface options that resist fire and can help you protect your home.

Whether you’re taking on a small-scale outdoor task like edging your planters or renovating your deck or patio, choose hard surfaces to literally build fire safety into the fabric of your outdoor space. You can also intersperse hard surfaces within your landscaping to break up large swaths of vegetation.

Succulents store water in their leaves, making them less likely to burn. Image: Debora Carl Landscape Design

Use native vegetation

Fires need fuel. Your landscaping can be just what it needs to travel right up to your home, putting it at immediate risk. Or, it can be a help. When you’re planting the areas around your home, it’s generally a good rule of thumb to choose native species. These plants are adapted to thrive in your area, meaning they’ll root deeply and retain water more easily, making them less likely to burn. On the flip side, non-native species are more likely to get dried out by the conditions to which they aren’t naturally acclimated, making them ideal kindling for a fire.

Most areas will have resources available about which native species are most fire-resistant. In general, look for plants with leaves that have a high water content and do not create much dry wood or leaves. Succulents are an excellent example since they store water in their leaves.

Planting wisely, leveraging hardscaping and creating defensible spaces are the keys to fire safety outside your home or apartment. Use these tips to help defend against this natural disaster so you can rest easier no matter what the seasons bring your way.

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Dealing with Asthma and Allergy Triggers in Your Home

November 6, 2018 by admin

Identifying the source of the allergens that may be plaguing your home is key to dealing with issues they cause your family. Source: Artistic Renovations Ohio

What you can’t see, can hurt you – especially if you or your family suffer from asthma or allergies. Dust, smoke, pet dander, lint, pollen and other asthma and allergy triggers can make your home an unhealthy place.

Particles in your air can include tree pollen, grass and weed pollen, mold spores, dust mites and pet dander. They are all potential triggers for asthma and allergy attacks. Dust, smoke and bacteria are often .3 microns or less. At that size, allergens can get deep into your lungs because they aren’t filtered well by your nose and throat. Luckily, there are things you can do to improve the air quality of your home. Use these tips to help your friends and family breathe easy when they’re in your home.

Maintaining a healthy home often involves frequent cleaning rituals and having the best allergen-beating systems in place. Source: Bunch Design

6 ways to manage asthma and allergy triggers in your home

Control dust mites: Use anti-dust mite covers and wash your sheets in hot water at least once a week.
Stay smoke-free: Avoid non-ventilated, smoky rooms and second-hand smoke.
Avoid pet dander: Keep pets off the furniture, out of the bedroom, and if necessary, consider taking the pet out of the home.
Close doors and windows: Keeping windows and doors shut helps reduce the amount of outdoor pollens, allergens and irritants inside your home.
Regularly change your air filters: Regularly changing out your home’s air filters helps reduce a number of problematic particles in your air.
Install a whole-house air cleaner: A whole home air cleaning system can help remove airborne particles and allergens too small for your nose and mouth to filter naturally. They offer you an additional level of protection beyond air filters.

How do whole-home air cleaners work?

A whole-home air cleaner helps to filter and remove some of the smallest airborne particles and allergens. These can be ones that a regular air filter might miss. But how does it work?

First, the pre-filter traps the large particles your home circulates through your heating or cooling system. Next, it charges and collects smaller particles. Multiple small electrical fields, rather than a single charged metal wire or plate, allow for more airborne contaminants to be collected than in traditional electronic air cleaner systems. Finally, it collects the smallest particles. With each layer of collection elements only .08 inches apart, an air cleaner can trap particles down to .1 micron in size.

Additionally, you can reduce the allergens outside your home by planting allergy-friendly flowers in your garden.

Make your home a healthier, happier place by adding a few air quality tips to your cleaning routine. To learn more about improving the air quality in your home, contact an air-quality expert today.

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Building Your Energy-Efficient Dream Home

November 2, 2018 by admin

Take some notes from the 2018 HGTV Smart Home designs and equip your home with the best ways to make your home energy efficient. Source: HGTV

Customize your modern home with energy saving appliances that can offer style and comfort. While older homes have their charm, building a new house is a unique opportunity to customize. You can choose building materials, layouts and add-ons that can make your home more energy efficient.

When shopping for the fixtures and appliances to install in your new home, make sure to think about both the initial and long-term cost. Less efficient appliances may be cheaper up front, but be more expensive when lifetime energy usage is taken into account. Here are some of our recommendations for energy-efficient fixtures and appliances to consider for your new home.

Energy-efficient fixtures and appliances

Setting a schedule to your programmable thermostat is a great way to adjust to your family’s schedule. Source: Trane

Programmable thermostats

You can set a programmable thermostat to change the target temperature throughout the day. This lets you set a different temperature for when your family is at work, school or sleeping. If you’re looking for more, consider a remote thermostat, like the ComfortLink II. These can be paired with the Nexia system and your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer to control your heating and cooling system from anywhere.

Low-flow water fixtures

Low-flow shower heads, toilets and other water fixtures can help reduce manage your water usage. Ask your plumber for recommendations that will provide the right balance of comfort and efficiency for you.

Tankless water heaters

Tankless water heaters instantly heat up water as you need it. This is more efficient than keeping a tank of water hot all the time. While tankless water heaters can reduce your energy bill, they are currently more expensive than traditional water heaters. If you’re considering a tankless system, do some research to make sure the long-term energy savings will make up for the difference in price.

Efficient appliances

When selecting your kitchen appliances consider those with Energy Star certified products. Source: Modern House Architects

When shopping for appliances like stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, make sure to consider the estimated annual energy usage of each. Look for ENERGY STAR certified products to keep gas and electric costs down and minimize the total lifetime cost of your appliances.

Your local Trane dealer can talk to you about ENERGY STAR qualified HVAC systems, as well as Nexia thermostats today.

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7 Things to Look for When Buying a New House

October 31, 2018 by admin

Shopping for a new house means looking past that fresh coat of paint and doing a little digging to see if any big repairs or deal breakers are lurking beneath the surface.

Sure, it’s likely a few issues will surface during your inspection, but it’s smart to check things out before you put in an offer. Finding a problem doesn’t mean you can’t buy the house. It just helps you get a better idea of what to offer, and what you can live with. A new house is a big investment, and you want to make sure that your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

Knowing the age and condition of your new home’s roof is key to understanding upcoming, potential home maintenance costs. Source: Peter Zimmerman Architects

1. Damaged roof

The first thing you need to know about your potential new home is the age and condition of the roof. The realtor should be able to tell you. Do a visual check of the roof by walking around the house. Look for damaged or missing shingles, rusted flashing, moss or dirt and any other spots that worry you. A damaged roof could seriously impact the interior and exterior of your home. If you have concerns, let your realtor know so they can discuss them with the homeowner when they negotiate your offer.

When you have a home inspection, be sure to have your air Ccnditioner and Furnace are thoroughly evaluated. Source: Superior Living by Design

2. Heating and cooling performance

Few things are worse than needing A/C or heat, and not having it. So make sure you check the heating and cooling system to see if it’s in good working order. Ask the age of the system, turn it on and off, take a look at the ductwork if possible and see if the filters fit snugly. Don’t forget to look outside, too. Listen to how your air conditioning and heating units sound when they’re running. Look for rust and dirt on the equipment. If you’re satisfied with your initial look, pay close attention to the inspection report. Your inspector will test the system and can give you more thorough details.

If you think the system might need replacing, your local HVAC dealer can give you a quote for installation, labor and equipment. If you need to replace any equipment, you may be able to get the homeowner to reduce the selling price by amount of the replacement cost.

Checking for leaking faucets, shower heads or signs of leaks like stains on the ceiling can also be good clues when evaluating the home you are interested in purchasing. Source: Kitchens By Clay

3. Water damage

Inside the house, look for water stains on the ceiling. Check under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms and test all of the faucets and showers. You’ll also want to check out the basement, garage or crawl space to see if there’s a sump pump. These could all indicate past or future problems with poor water drainage which could lead to flooding. Outside, look for sloping areas in the yard, standing water, french drains, water marks on the foundation. Even if the water issues aren’t active anymore, it’s good to know past problems and what could pop up in the future.

Foundation, or lack there of can really be a good indicator of structural issues you may encounter later down the road. Source: Keuka Studios

4. Foundation faults

If you’re serious about buying a house, be sure to check out the foundation. Walk around the exterior, go into the crawlspace or basement and look for cracks and other red flags. Your inspector will also give you a thorough report on these issues.

Look beyond the cosmetics of an updated kitchen to make sure your appliances and outlets are updated as well. Source: SOD Builders

5. Working appliances and electrical outlets

Don’t let cosmetic repairs distract you from potential problems, especially in a freshly painted kitchen. Look at all appliances to make sure they’re in good shape. Turn on the stove, run the dishwasher and peek into the refrigerator. Look for grounded GFCI outlets in your kitchen and baths — the ones with the red and black reset buttons. Also, give the circuit breaker a look and flip a few of the breakers. If this is going to be your new home, you want to make sure everything works as it should.

Beyond the beauty windows reflect, be sure that they are all operational in case of an emergency. Source: The Sitting Room Studio

6. Working windows

It’s a simple thing, but check all the windows in the new house to make sure they open properly. This is important for fire safety, as well as for comfort on a warm day. Asking the homeowner to get a handyman to fix the windows is easy.

7. Bugs and pests

You may not see any critters during the day, but look in corners and cabinets for mouse and roach droppings. Again, this is another easy fix. You can ask the homeowner for a pest control treatment as part of your contract.

Understanding potential problems will make you more confident during the home buying experience – and allow you to enjoy your new house rather than worrying about what’s wrong. It’s up to you to decide if any faults you find are deal breakers or an opportunity to get a better deal on your new home.

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7 Celebrity Haunted Mansions Where It Feels Like Halloween Every Day

October 31, 2018 by admin

Celebrities are just like us, except they have more money, more fame and bigger haunted houses. Just in time for Halloween, we present you with seven celebrity haunted mansions that vary from unsettling to downright horrifying. At these houses, Halloween is an everyday event.

1. Amy Winehouse’s Camden Flat In London

Amy Winehouse’s haunted flat. Image: House Network

Amy moved out of her house because she was scared to death of a little boy that haunted her. In an interview, Amy said that the ghost, named Henry, would scratch her. The night before her death, several witnesses heard screams, drums and animal howls coming from her flat. Since her death, her parents have listed her home.

2. The Benedict Canyon House Where Sharon Tate Was Murdered

The home where Sharon Tate was murdered by Charles Manson’s followers had a long, disturbing history. Image: Pinterest

We all know the horrific story of how Roman Polanski’s pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, was murdered by Charles Manson and his followers while at a party in this home. But this house was disturbing long before this event. It was originally owned in the 1920s by an MGM producer, Paul Bern, who gifted it to his wife, actress Jean Harlow, when they married.

Jean was so disturbed by the home she begged Paul to sell it. He unfortunately shot himself in the home four months later. According to House Crazy, Harlow moved out after her husband’s death but later died, at just 26 years old, from kidney disease.

In the years that followed (and before the horrible Manson massacre), two other people committed suicide in the house and one person drowned in the pool. Several sightings of male ghosts were reported throughout the years, including Paul Bern’s.

3. The New York City Apartment Building Where John Lennon Was Shot And Rosemary’s Baby Was Filmed

The building is surrounded by large, modern high rises and looks rather ominous. Image: NY Post

John Lennon and Yoko Ono lived at the exclusive Dakota on the Upper West Side when he was shot to death outside his door. According to the NY Post, Yoko Ono saw his ghost sitting at his white piano years after his death. She claims John turned to her and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am still with you.”

But it’s not just Lennon’s ghost that haunts the building. Lennon himself claimed there was a “crying lady ghost” wandering the halls. Other residents claim there’s a little girl that roams around.

The Dakota’s original owner had an interest in the paranormal and would often hold seances in the building, perhaps ushering in an array of ghosts that have moved in with the living.

4. Nicolas Cage’s Serial Killer Mansion in New Orleans

The LaLaurie mansion, where slaves were often abused and murdered by Madame LaLaurie. Image: Wikimedia

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Nicholas Cage said, “I once lived in the most haunted house in America. The LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans used to belong to Madame LaLaurie, a well-known 19th-century socialite and serial killer. I bought it in 2007, figuring it would be a good place in which to write the great American horror novel. I didn’t get too far with the novel.”

Nick sold the mansion less than two years later. Passersby still report hearing screams coming from the house.

5. Jayne Mansfield’s “Pink Palace” In Beverly Hills

Jayne in her pink shag bathroom. Every room, as well as the exterior, was pink. Image: Curbed LA

According to American Hauntings, Jayne Mansfield was cursed. She died in a horrible car accident where reports say she was decapitated. Soon after her death, endless tragic incidents occurred in her beloved Pink Palace:

Ringo Starr had the home painted white when he moved in but claimed that the pink shade would seep through the new paint.
Jayne’s friends refused to go back in the house because they felt like they were being watched.
The son of the next owner of the Pink Palace found Jayne’s pink Honda and took it for a drive. He was killed in an accident the moment he exited the estate. His family moved out the same day.

The house was demolished in 2002.

6. Adele’s Haunted English Mansion

Adele refused to stay a single night alone in her sprawling mansion. Image: Daily Mail

Adele was so creeped out by the noises in her former rental that she hired a female bodyguard to stay with her. She vowed to never spend a night alone in the house and eventually moved out.

In an interview with Anderson Cooper for 60 Minutes, she said, “This bit is quite scary, really,” as they walked through a dark hall. The 25-acre West Sussex property was a convent before, complete with a chapel.

7. Marylin Monroe Is Still Busy Making Appearances

The home where Marylin Monroe lived and died. Eyewitnesses claim she still makes appearances. Image: Variety

According to several eyewitnesses, Marylin Monroe seems to be busy haunting places. She’s regularly seen in her former home where she died, and in the Roosevelt Hotel.

The Roosevelt Hotel was where she was staying in Hollywood when her modeling career took off. There have been sightings of her in her old suite 1200, her favorite Cabana Room Suite #246 overlooking the pool and in mirrors around the hotel.

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How to Get Your Home Ready Before You Go on Vacation

October 26, 2018 by admin

Before you can think about this getaway, you need to prepare your home. Source: Vacation Homes of Key West

Do you have a vacation checklist for your home? It might take a little extra work to get your home ready for vacation, but you’ll be able to relax more once you’re at your destination. Consider this your checklist for peace-of-mind while you’re getting away.

Make it look like someone is home

Schedule your lights to make it look like someone is home. Source: bhh Partners

Vacation season is prime time for criminals to make a visit. Take a few precautions to make your home look lived-in while you’re away.

Park at least one car in the driveway, so it looks like someone’s at home
Hold all mail and packages or ask a neighbor to bring in your deliveries
Bring in your spare keys
Put your lights on a timer to mimic your family’s typical schedule
Mow your lawn and trim hedges
Set up smart locks for helpful neighbors and pet sitters
Play it safe and don’t mention your travel plans on social media

Clean your house before you vacation

Nobody wants to come home to a stinky situation. Keep your vacation vibe going by taking time to tidy up before you head out. That way you can come home and rest, instead of cleaning up a mess. Clean out the refrigerator and freezer. Take out the trash — check every room. Vacuum, dust and wipe down counters and sinks. And finally, make your bed, so you can sink right in when you get back.

Set electronics and appliances to energy-saving mode

With energy-saving mode on your electronic devices you’ll save money while you’re away. Source: Nest

If you’re gone for 3 days or more, take a vacation from your electric bill by dialing back your energy usage.

Set thermostats up to 85 degrees in the summer and as low as 55 degrees in the winter. If you have pets staying at home while you’re gone, choose a setting that will still keep them comfortable. If you use smart home automation, turn your thermostat off completely so it won’t turn on every time your neighbor brings in the mail. Again, if you have pets staying in the house, keep the thermostat on and set at a comfortable temperature.

Unplug small electronics, especially chargers, which continually draw electricity and can increase your electric bill. Close blinds and curtains to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Then your air conditioner and heater won’t have to work too hard while you’re on vacation. Put the water heater on vacation mode if it has that option, so it operates more efficiently and gets a well-deserved break.

Checked everything off your list? Then you’re all set. Enjoy your vacation and relax knowing you’ll come back to happy home and lower energy bill.

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Clever Ways to Hide an Ugly HVAC Unit

October 20, 2018 by admin

Find ways to blend your air conditioner into your home’s exterior design. Image: New Eco Landscapes

Don’t let an unsightly HVAC unit or pool pump ruin your home’s outdoor aesthetic. There are plenty of great materials and ideas available to help your air conditioner blend in with the rest of your home. While we like to think design first, your HVAC system needs to be clear of leaves and debris and placed far enough away from any obstructions that could compromise airflow and efficiency. Your local HVAC specialist is your best bet for guidance on these issues.

Here are five options that can help hide your air conditioner without sacrificing style.

This wicker screen enclosure by Suncast offers is an easy and attractive way to hide your HVAC unit. Image: Target

Wicker

A charming wicker screen can give your backyard a cottage garden feel and keep your HVAC unit tucked out of sight. Flexible and versatile, you can arrange them in multiple ways to fit your home’s exterior. Most are also freestanding so you don’t need to attach it to another structure. The clean white lines make an eye-catching addition to any garden or backyard.

Hedges or larger flowering plants can naturally mask your air conditioning unit. Image: Arrow Shop

Greenery

One smart way to hide your HVAC unit is to use the greenery or shrubbery around your home. Taller plants, flowers or hedges offer a natural solution that not only disguises your air conditioner but also adds extra color and texture to the exterior of your home. If you don’t have a garden or shrubbery, faux ivy leaf netting can also mimic tall hedges. Keep in mind that you’ll need a fence to attach it to.

Wooden lattice panels use natural textures and colors to cover HVAC units. Image: Improvements Catalog

Lattice Panels

If you’re handy enough, pre-assembled panels might be perfect for your home. Natural wood materials, like cedar or fir, blend well into natural settings. You can also easily paint them to match your style. The design doesn’t have to be traditional lattice. This will make your screen stand out — in a good way. Panels are sometimes sold individually, so you can order as many as you need to fit your space.

An outdoor privacy screen lets you add color and a geometric design to your home’s exterior. Image: Dream Products

Privacy Screen

Geometric designs, like the horizontal stripes on this outdoor privacy screen, work perfectly in a modern outdoor living space. There are a variety of colors and designs to choose from depending on your home and landscaping theme. The only snag is that you’ll need a fence or wooden structure to hang the plastic mesh screen on. It may work best as a decorative element on top of one of the other wooden screen options.

A bamboo screen can hide your air conditioner and fit perfectly with a zen garden themed space. Image: Great Lakes Landscape Design

Bamboo

A bamboo screen, or planting bamboo itself, is a visually interesting and design-forward way to cover your HVAC unit. Bamboo is ideal for outdoor spaces with a zen garden or tropical design. It pairs well with stone pathways, water installations and garden statues. When planting actual bamboo, however, know that it does grow quickly and can require more maintenance than other plants.

What are the best materials you’ve found for outdoor design or hiding an HVAC unit? Let us know in the comments.

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