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Six spring, summer trends for home

Inez Caron June 20, 2024

Author of the article:

Linda White • Special to Postmedia Network

Published May 31, 2024 • 3 minute read

Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson. Photo by Eduardo Amorim photograph

Culinary décor, athletic aesthetics and romcom-inspired interiors that may move you to break out the tissue box as you binge-watch your favourite romantic comedies are among this spring and summer’s hottest trends, according to Etsy.

Let’s dive into the online marketplace’s home décor predictions, some of which just may transport you back to simpler times:

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Trend No. 1: Chef’s kiss. As the culinary world becomes a dominant force in the cultural zeitgeist, shoppers are spicing things up with everything from foodie-inspired art and hosting gifts to clothing and accessories that reflect their favourite food or cocktail. Etsy predicts this “new iteration” of dopamine dressing and décor will heat up even more this year, complete with foodie-inspired art that it describes as a “feast for the eyes.”

Decorating tips: “My favourite way to incorporate this trend in the home is through food and cocktail themed art and printed napkins, tea towels and other textiles,” Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson says. “There are so many fun options on Etsy from sellers who illustrate, embroider or even screen-print these whimsical pieces that add a pop of personality to your kitchen or even a bar cart area.”

Trend No. 2: Western 2.0. Yee-haw. You can tip your cowboy hat to the music megastars who’ve been embracing the country genre and its aesthetics for this trend. The iconic Western look has evolved from rugged cowboy roots to incorporate elements like leather, suede and fringe with a touch of glam, Etsy reports.

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Toast the chef’s kiss trend with artwork that celebrates delicious bites and delightful chefs. Photo by ETSY photograph

Decorating tips: Western 2.0 is all about mixing classic, timeless elements like distressed leather furniture and denim accents with more modern and contemporary pieces so that your whole space doesn’t feel too rugged, Isom Johnson reports. “Some of my favourite ways to infuse western influences right now are through cow print textiles, vintage horseshoes and cowboy boot motifs, which are a very popular candle shape as of late.”

Trend No. 3: Sports-core. From classic retro jerseys and oversized rugby shirts to golf-themed posters and prints, athletic aesthetics are on trend, Etsy reports.

Decorating tips: “This summer is set to be filled with global games excitement and I love the idea of leaning into sporty aesthetics for summer entertaining. On Etsy, there are so many tennis and pickleball inspired table décor that make for a cute themed party. I also love incorporating backyard games like cornhole and ring toss, which you can even get personalized on Etsy.”

Trend No. 4: Garden girl. Flowers for spring may not be groundbreaking, Etsy admits, but this year shoppers are stopping to smell the roses and embracing their inner ‘garden girl’ by inviting nature’s beauty into their lives.

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This crocheted pillow complements the time-honoured textiles trend. Photo by ETSY photograph

Decorating tips: “The ‘garden girl’ aesthetic is all about inviting nature’s beauty into your space through botanical motifs and natural, ruffled textiles that resemble blossoms. For the warmer months ahead, I’m all about pastel linen in the home: napkins, tablecloths, bedding and more,” says Isom Johnson. The self-described “dedicated plant mom” will refresh her indoor and outdoor planters with brightly-coloured ceramic and hand-painted flower pots.

Trend No. 5: Time-honoured textiles. Crochet, quilted and embroidered details are seeing a major revival in both home décor and fashion, underscoring a desire for quality pieces with a handmade touch, Etsy notes. .

Time-honoured textiles like this comfort quilt offer a handmade touch to a favourite space. Photo by ETSY photograph

Decorating tips: “Quilted and crocheted pieces are timeless and they represent a long tradition of craftsmanship,” Isom Johnson says. “Sourcing authentic vintage items is a fabulous way to honour the past and add character to your home and I’m also loving the new wave of contemporary stitchers on Etsy who are creating really interesting modern quilts that are equally as stunning when used as a bedspread or hung on a wall as art.”

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This linen couch cover gives off romcom vibes. Photo by ETSY photograph

Trend No. 6: Romcom interiors. The 1990s and early 2000s vibe that took over fashion is making its way into our living spaces, according to Etsy. Driven by a longing for a “simpler, pre-social media era,” shoppers are embracing a “cozy, approachable and timeless décor style reminiscent of classic romcoms.” Heavily-styled bookshelves are the new gallery walls, patterns and prints live in harmony, and homes that feel “alive and lived in” trump minimalist or perfectly curated spaces, it says.

Decorating tips: Isom Johnson is pleased to see shoppers moving away from feeling the need to have sleek, minimal picture-perfect homes and are craving something a little more real.

“This trend is all about layering, and creating a home that feels truly lived-in and a little nostalgic,” she says. “Vintage, antique and flea market finds are really the ticket to transforming your space into a home that brings you comfort, just like your favourite ‘90s romcom.”

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Interior Design ‘Disaster’ People Keep Making When Furnishing Their Home

Inez Caron June 17, 2024

Thinking of shaking up your living room setup? Make sure you're not committing this interior design blunder that happens "time and time again," according to a video on TikTok.

The mistake, with the use of rugs, was pointed out in a clip posted by Claire—who calls herself an interior adviser on her account @thatcotswoldclaire—which has had over 48,000 views since it was shared on May 20.

Read more: HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: How Do They Work?

A caption with the post reads: "I see this interior disaster time and time again... here's how to avoid it and how to do it better."

She said in the clip: "I don't want you to make that same mistake. So, I'm going to show you what it is and then I'm going to show you how to do it better. There's an expression—go big or go home—and that fits perfectly with what I'm about to show you. You will elevate your space by getting this right and it's easy, let me show you."

"This is it, if your rug looks like this," the woman says, as an image in the graphic shows a rug placed between some couches that are facing each other. The edges of the rug appear to just reach the legs of the furniture.

She explained: "We do not want a little teeny tiny rug floating like an island with nowhere to go in our lounge."

Her post comes as the median home renovation spend was found to have surged in the past three years. It soared by 60 percent between 2020 ($15,000) and 2023 ($24,000), according to a survey of 32,615 users, including 17,713 renovating U.S. homeowners, conducted by home design website Houzz.

Read more: Average Personal Loan Rates

More than half of renovating homeowners (51 percent) were reported to have spent $25,000 or more on their renovations in 2023, a rise from 37 percent in 2020, the survey found.

Living-room projects were found to be popular last year, with one in five homeowners (21 percent) having undertaken them. But kitchens remain as the most commonly renovated interior room (29 percent), followed by guest bathrooms (27 percent) and primary bathrooms (25 percent), according to the survey.

'Giving a Space That Sense of Belonging'

Claire continued in her popular clip, "So here are some examples of how we do it better," as another graphic in the backdrop shows several floor plans with the edges of the rug tucked underneath the legs and edges of the furniture surrounding it.

Read more: Pros and Cons of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

She added: "A rug is a really good tool for zoning an open-plan living area or giving a space that sense of belonging and that homely feel."

When purchasing a rug, Claire advised that you should be picturing the rug reaching the furthest point possible in your room.

She said in the video: "You must bring that rug underneath your furniture. And at the very least, you need to be putting the rug underneath the front legs of your sofa and beyond, if you can."

"Rugs are expensive, we want to make sure we get it right. I always recommend masking up your floor area, putting your furniture all in its space and decide whether or not your rug is framing the space enough," she added.

Living room setting with sofas and rug. — A stock image of a living room setting decorated with sofas and a rug. A TikTok user has claimed there is a "disaster" mistake that people make "time and time again" when it comes to...
A stock image of a living room setting decorated with sofas and a rug. A TikTok user has claimed there is a "disaster" mistake that people make "time and time again" when it comes to rugs.

iStock / Getty Images Plus

Do you have an interior design-related video or story to share? Let us know via [email protected] and your story could be featured on Newsweek.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Home Improvement

Maintenance tips to avoid hefty home repair costs this winter

Inez Caron June 16, 2024

As winter approaches, most Brits will do all they can do put off home maintenance.

At present, 54 per cent of Britons (28 million), put off maintenance according to Aviva, with many giving time and money pressures as the cause of delay. This may result in hefty repair costs or large insurance claims if jobs aren't tackled.

Here are ways to prepare before the cold weather, according to Yell.

Check your roof

Roofs can suffer anything from minor to extensive damage during the winter in the event of a storm bringing heavy rain, winds and snowfall.

Should your roof incur any damage, you should find a good viewpoint where you can assess the impact of strong weather. You may find it is helpful to check for:

Missing tiles

Blocked gutters

Holes

Debris build-up.

Missing tiles can result in water damage or leaks which can be a costly repair. Meanwhile, debris build-up and blocked gutters can put extra weight on your roof, increasing the risk of damage.

Check your heating system

Reports have shown that by December most central heating systems have been switched on – except for an unlucky few whose boilers are not working.

It’s a good idea to have your furnace or boiler system checked annually by a professional but additional checks are advised when exceptionally cold weather or storms are imminent. If you have a boiler, you are advised to:

Keep an eye on water pressure once a month

Bleed your radiators twice a year

Check radiator valves are open and working properly before winter comes

Check for any leaks in the venting system

Check if any wiring looks questionable or damaged

If your heating system is a heat pump, make sure your outdoor unit is free from any leaves or snow. There should be no greenery crowding the unit at any time.

Check your pipes to avoid freezing

Experts warn that at-home thawing of pipes can cause them to burst. To avoid having to remedy the issue later on you should:

Ensure all pipes in your roof space or loft, as well as pipes in other areas that may be vulnerable to the cold, are insulated.

Ensure your heating is not turned off completely but remains low if you're away for the winter.

Have your thermostat set to a minimum of 18 degrees or your heating timed to come on regularly throughout the winter to ensure the pipes are not at risk of freezing.

Block out window and door draughts

There is no easier way to save money on your heating bills than by blocking door draughts.

Draught-proofing around windows and doors could save you £45 a year, the Energy Saving Trust has said. If you have an open chimney, draught-proofing it when not in used could save £65 a year. The benefits include reduced condensation and damp, money saved on energy bills and, of course, a warmer house.

Draught-proofing needs will vary depending on what level is needed but homeowners should generally be able to do this without external help. By adding metal brushed window and draught excluders to frames, you will be able to keep out the cold and reduce the amount of warm air that is being lost. These can be fitted to both exterior and interior doors.

It should also be noted that keyholes and letterboxes can be draught-proofed.

Renovation

Tips for a successful home renovation | Features

Inez Caron June 15, 2024

(StatePoint) Whether you’re buying a fixer-upper or updating your current home, renovations will improve the functionality of your property and increase its value. Here’s your guide for making the process successful:

Set a goal: Prioritize renovations that help you meet your goals. For example, if you’d like to elevate your home’s aesthetic appeal, consider projects like landscaping the front yard or refurbishing a highly-trafficked room. If you’re more interested in guarding your home against natural disasters, consider exterior updates such as replacing the roof or windows.

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Design

Cozy reading rooms among 7 hottest home design trends of summer 2024

Inez Caron June 14, 2024

Along with weddings come wedding events - showers, bridal teas, bridesmaids' luncheons - and the desire to decorate beautifully without breaking the bank. (After all, there's plenty of money being spent on the wedding itself, for everyone involved.)

One good way to cut costs: DIY floral designs. Yes, really. It's as easy as looking around for beautiful vessels that you can turn into vases. Then just let your creativity run wild.

I gathered together four of the top trending decor items of the season, along with a floral designer, to put them to use as vases when they were not, well, being used. At the end of the day, a vessel is a vessel. For me, if it can hold water, it can hold flowers.

Design “fails” tend to pop up just as much as successful ones do, and I’ve noticed this a lot with these four trendiest items, all antique: oversized glass water jugs, julep cups (specifically Wedgewood), champagne buckets, and flower frogs.

Not wanting to banish these trending items to a cupboard, I endured two ill-fated trips to my grocer’s floral department before finally reaching out to my favorite florist, Marija Babic of La Fête in Houston, to ask, “What will actually work with these things?” Enthusiastically gathering these items together, I rushed to Babic for assistance.

Oversized glass water jug: For an oversized water jug, she selects bright yellow Blooming Forsythia, which brings a splash of vibrant color to any space. “This setup perfectly captures the essence of spring's lively renewal,” Babic says. “The contrast between the delicate, golden flowers and the simple elegance of the glass jug creates a stunning centerpiece that's both fresh and timelessly beautiful.”

Flower frogs: While beautiful, flower frogs can be problematic. The size constraints make choosing flowers more of a chore than a joy. No one wants to play roulette with stem sizes — but what is always guaranteed to fit the job?

“I picked pink Scabiosa and white Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) to arrange in a simple crystal vase that holds just eight stems. These charming flowers, symbolizing love and delicate beauty, perfectly complement the vase, adding a touch of whimsy without stealing the spotlight from its artistic elegance,” Babic notes.

An all-too-often-made mistake is to always go with bloomed flowers. Greenery, seed pods and more delicate flowers are oftentimes overlooked, but clearly make a statement nonetheless.

Champagne bucket: “I chose to arrange Orange Buddleia Globosa, Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist), and Solomio Dianthus in a vintage silver champagne bucket to capture a whimsical French country vibe. These flowers bring a burst of vibrant color, delicate beauty, and timeless charm,” she says.

“While creating this arrangement, I imagined myself prepping for an intimate French countryside dinner, ready to host my dearest family and friends. It's like taking a joyful stroll through a blooming meadow, gathering flowers to create a centerpiece that's both casual and sophisticated that lets your creative imagination run wild.”

Julep cup: Being in Texas and not Kentucky, locals have little call for the use of a delicate julep cup. The beauty of these small treasures is that they can be very universal: nightstands, powder baths, anywhere a delicate arrangement will be appreciated, yet unintrusive.

“I chose pink Chrysanthemums, symbolizing joy and cheerfulness, and white Solomio Dianthus, representing pure love and grace, to place in a small Wedgwood cup,” the florist says. “These flowers add a lovely burst of color and elegance, making it easy to beautify any space.”

Who knows? Maybe arranging DIY bridal florals will lead to new passions and opportunities, as it did for Babic.

Babic is an oil and gas professional by trade. She says it was a "burning passion to create something extraordinary and turn dreams into reality with flowers" that led her to establish her own business, whose name, "La Fête," means "to celebrate" in French.

"It's not just about the flowers or the arrangements; it's about crafting delicate masterpieces that capture the heart of your most cherished moments," she says.

---

Emily Cotton is a Houston-based home and interior design writer.

Design

22 Home Design Trends That Are Mega-Popular For Reasons Many People Will Never Understand

Inez Caron June 7, 2024

Decorating a home is a double-edged sword; on one hand, you can furnish and customize exactly as you please, but on the other hand, aesthetics vary from person to person — and sooner or later, you're bound to invite someone in who just doesn't vibe with your personal tastes. Recently, we shared people's least favorite home design trends that are just about everywhere these days, and even more of you chimed in with your hot takes on how people decorate their spaces. These were the best ones.

1."Doorless bathrooms. Why would anyone build a doorless bathroom, much less in a bedroom? 'Why do I always have pink eye?' That's because poop and mold are on your pillows, Brittany. And don't forget, if you're a private pooper, you're gonna have to go somewhere else or ask your partner to leave the room. Who thinks of this stuff?!"

John Keeble / Getty Images

2."Exposed beams are beautiful and have been around for centuries — but you're not fooling me when you slap up some heinous, faux wood 'beam' on your ceiling for that rustic, modern farmhouse look. I recently saw a TikToker put up a faux wood beam made of foam, and I swear I nearly threw up."

—Anonymous, 36, Indiana

3."Built-in appliances are definitely dumb. Unless there's an easy way to remove the appliance for repairs or replacement, building around it is asinine."

Anatoliy_gleb / Getty Images

4."'Agreeable gray' everything. When we repainted our living room, we read about how agreeable grey is perfect, so we got a tester pot and painted a wall that was out of direct sunlight. It looked like wet cardboard. It also took four or five coats of primer to cover up. We now call all that class of colors 'grievous griege.'"

—LastMangoInParis

5."One trend I cannot stand is putting gigantic houses on itty bitty-sized lots. There will be little yard to speak of, but a 4,000-square-foot house that is fighting against their neighbors to the extent that you can look into your neighbor's windows — but have nowhere to be outside or throw a ball for your dog."

Marc Dufresne / Getty Images

6."Doorless showers. Every time you use those awful doorless showers, the entire bathroom gets soaked."

—Anonymous

7."Pillows, pillows, and more pillows! Big pillows, bright pillows, itsy-bitsy pillows. They look pretty when arranged perfectly on a bed. The problem is most of the time, they end up jumbled or thrown on a chair."

John Keeble / Getty Images

8."Huge master bedrooms and bathrooms that minimize the number of bedrooms (or rooms) possible. I'm not having a party in my bedroom, so yeah, it doesn't have to be so big."

—ropre

9."Why do I see houses that are ALL built with the garages set as the FIRST in-your-face visual with new homes? Please, for the love of aesthetics, stop creating this atrocity!"

Erik Isakson / Getty Images/Tetra images RF

10."Why are they designing homes where you have to walk through the bathroom to get to the closet? What if someone is using it when I want to get dressed?"

—Anonymous

11."Two-tone kitchen cabinetry. The next owners will be thrilled to rip out that island that doesn’t match the rest of the kitchen — or even worse, the different colors on lower and upper cabinets."

Triggerphoto / Getty Images

12."Those huge bowl sinks set on top of vanities or counters. I call them above-ground sinks."

—Michelle

13."Free-standing bathtubs. They create about 30 square feet of nearly unreachable space that needs frequent cleaning."

Dreamtimestudio / Getty Images

14."No mud rooms or small entryways in favor of larger living spaces. Being in the Midwest, it can get wet and muddy as seasons change. I need a place to take off my winter gear and not track dirt into my main living spaces."

—Anonymous, Minnesota, 25

15."Kitchen sinks in a center island. Not everything goes in the dishwasher. So where do all the dirty items go until they get washed? And where do they air dry? Right on display in the center island. I also saw an island stove with a pot filler sticking straight up from the counter. What an eyesore!"

—Anonymous, 75, California

Photovs / Getty Images/iStockphoto

16."Don’t get me started with the ridiculous trend of not having stair banisters at home — or anywhere else. It’s a lawsuit waiting to happen."

—sofiesfair2015

17."Pot fillers. How old is the water in those pipes that you're just about to put in your cooking? It's not like it gets used every day and the water is fresh."

—Anonymous, 75, California

Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images

18."Those kitchen cabinets that reach the ceiling are a waste of money. Nobody can reach the top shelf unless they're pro basketball players. Just enclose the space over the cabinets if you don't want an open space. It's a lot cheaper."

—ymnpggx

19."I hate my fake balcony so much. Like, why?! They're just big, sliding glass doors to nowhere. I see them all over Arlington now!"

Pavel Adashkevich / Getty Images

20."All the DIY paneling. Sticking wooden bits onto the wall to make it look like a period property is weird."

—Anonymous

21."Any room or place I see with barn doors becomes instantly tacky to me. You got a multi-million dollar home? Great! You have barn doors inside? Trash…"

22."The common trend with new builds where bathrooms are built anywhere near kitchens, or places where eating takes place (like right off the kitchen bar counter or dining table)."

—minialligator19

What's a current home design trend that you just can't get behind — and why? Tell us about it in the comments below, or submit anonymously using this form.

Renovation

Sustainable home renovation tips: 6 expert ideas |

Inez Caron June 5, 2024

Renovations present a unique opportunity to make your home greener, creating environments that combine aesthetics and practicality with environmental consciousness.

Every decision made during a home renovation can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, from choosing eco-friendly gadgets and materials to minimizing waste and reducing energy consumption.

Understanding how to be sustainable at home is one of the most fundamental practicalities to consider before you start renovating. Beyond reducing your environmental footprint, it is a great way to future-proof your home, enhance its curb appeal, and cut energy costs.

Sustainable home renovation tips

'In an era marked by environmental consciousness, the concept of renovating with sustainability at the forefront has gained considerable traction,' says interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'As homeowners seek to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace eco-friendly practices, renovating with sustainability in mind has become both a responsible choice and a trendsetting endeavor.

'However, renovating with sustainability in mind is more than a trend; it's a commitment to responsible living and supporting ethical practices.'

1. Planning

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan / Photography Julie Soefer)

The first step towards a sustainable renovation is careful planning. To do this, Nina Lichtenstein says: 'Start by setting clear goals: utilize non-toxic and natural materials, prioritize energy efficiency, or incorporate renewable resources like solar energy. Develop a strategy for waste reduction, including recycling and repurposing materials during the renovation process.

'A detailed assessment of your home's current state will help identify areas that can benefit the most from sustainable improvements.'

Consider the points below when devising your renovation plan.

Nina Lichtenstein

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Interior designer

Nina Lichtenstein is the founder and principal home designer at her eponymous design studio, based in Westchester, NY. Nina believes that home design should capture a family’s unique spirit by how it serves the family's daily needs while nourishing the soul. She has been celebrated for designing, renovating, and building elegant living spaces.

2. Choose sustainable materials

(Image credit: Future)

Choosing sustainable materials is another crucial aspect of eco-conscious renovations. Eco decor not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes a healthier indoor environment, enhances long-term durability, conserves resources, and supports ethical practices in production and sourcing.

Shop sustainably by looking for materials that are recycled, reclaimed, or renewable. For example, using reclaimed wood for cabinets, countertops, flooring, or accent pieces will reduce the demand for newly harvested timber.

When decorating, choose eco paints and VOC-free finishes. Opting for products that are plastic and solvent-free minimizes environmental impact and improves indoor air quality by reducing harmful emissions.

3. Consider energy efficient upgrades

(Image credit: Neolith)

Enhancing energy efficiency in your home is a cornerstone of sustainable renovation.

One of the best ways to do this is to choose energy-efficient appliances and install smart home must-haves, such as programmable thermostats or smart lighting. These improvements not only reduce your carbon footprint but also lead to long-term savings by helping you cut energy bills.

EnergyGuide labels will show an appliance's average annual energy consumption and operating cost so that you can compare them to your current model. Additionally, appliances controlled by smart electric meters or home energy management systems can adjust their operations according to your usage patterns or energy demand to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

'Smart appliances don't just turn off during times of peak electricity demand – instead, they use subtle ways to shift energy use,' explain experts at The U.S. Department of Energy. 'Your water heater may adjust its heating cycle to operate when energy costs are lower, without impacting their performance, or your laundry or dishwasher can be scheduled to operate when electricity rates and demand are lower.' A smart thermostat can adjust schedules according to your temperature preferences and routines, reducing energy consumption by adjusting temperatures according to your schedule.

4. Reduce your reliance on electricity

(Image credit: Jenn Verrier)

You can also improve energy efficiency in your home by evaluating its energy sources and finding methods to reduce your reliance on electricity. For example, Nina Lichtenstein says: 'Increasing natural light and ventilation not only reduces the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning but also enhances indoor comfort. During a renovation, prioritize strategies like installing larger windows and and skylights.'

'Insulating your home is also crucial for energy efficiency,' says Himadri Shakya, home renovation expert at Architecture. 'Many older homes lack proper insulation, so a renovation is the perfect opportunity to address this issue. Speak to your builder about the best insulation options for your home and consider using recycled or natural insulation materials like cellulose or sheep's wool.' Implement measures such as caulking, insulation, upgrading windows for efficiency, and sealing plumbing. Consider using light-colored reflective roofing materials to reduce heat gain.

Furthermore, consider installing solar panels. With long-term savings and minimal maintenance costs, solar energy offers a reliable and sustainable way to generate electricity for your household, helping you to depend less on non-renewable energy.

5. Incorporate water-saving fixtures

(Image credit: Selected Wallpapers)

Another way to make your home more sustainable is by incorporating water-saving fixtures and technologies that can significantly reduce water consumption.

'Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets, and incorporate water-saving appliances like dishwashers or washing machines to minimize water waste without compromising performance,' suggest Nina Lichtenstein.

'Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems can also be integrated into landscaping to reduce reliance on municipal water.' Collecting rainwater is an excellent way to reduce your water consumption for various purposes, such as watering your indoor herb garden, and cleaning fruits, vegetables, and dishes. Filtered water can even be used for cooking after boiling.

6. Reduce waste

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Sustainable living isn't just about energy savings; it's also about reducing waste.

'Meticulously plan projects to minimize off-cuts and unused materials,' advises Kristin Hintlian, co-owner of Bonsai Builders. 'When demolition is necessary, prioritize deconstruction over destruction to allow materials to be repurposed or recycled. This methodology has a dual benefit: reducing landfill waste and conserving resources by giving materials a second life.'

You can also minimize renovation waste by salvaging and repurposing materials wherever possible – some reclaimed materials look better than new. Consult with architects, contractors, and designers experienced in sustainable renovations. They can offer innovative solutions tailored to your home's unique needs while ensuring adherence to green building standards and codes.'

Donate usable fixtures, cabinets, and appliances to charitable organizations if possible.

Before you begin your renovation project, it's important to assess your current energy usage and identify areas for improvement. This could include upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or improving insulation in your home.

Renovation

Summer Home Improvement Projects to Cross Off Your List

Inez Caron June 2, 2024

Summer is a great time for home improvement projects and DIY updates around the house. Set some time (and money) aside this summer to give your home some TLC. Not only will it increase the overall value of your home, but little upgrades here and there can also save you a lot of money down the line.

sturti/Getty Images

Some home improvements can be expensive, such as adding central air conditioning or remodeling an entire room of your house. But some lower-cost projects can add value for less money. Here are some simple, affordable home improvement projects to try this summer that won't break the bank.

1. Pressure-Wash Outdoor Areas

Winter weather can leave all sorts of dirt and grime on your home's exterior and other outdoor areas. Take advantage of the warmer weather to give your home a high-powered cleaning. A pressure washer can quickly remove buildup on siding, driveways, decks, patios, and walkways.

If you don't own a pressure washer, you can often rent one at your local home center or hardware store. As you clean your home's exterior, direct the spray downward to avoid forcing water into cracks or seams. Use a lower-pressure setting on surfaces that could easily be damaged, such as painted siding or wood decks.

2. Refinish Your Deck

Sprucing up your deck with fresh paint or stain in anticipation of summer entertaining is a summer home improvement project that will really pay off. Not only will refinishing your deck give it a clean look, but it will also help reduce cracks and splinters, making the surface friendlier for bare feet. Proper prep is key to a beautiful finish, so take the time to clean the surface and strip off the old finish before you begin.

While you're at it, consider painting your patio furniture to make it look good as new. Then hang some outdoor string lights to make your space a dreamy oasis perfect for hosting a event.

Jay Wilde

3. Build a Shed

Add value to your home and a spot to park your lawn equipment by building a shed in your backyard. Before starting this project, check with your local authorities, as building codes and ordinances vary by location. Once you've gotten the go-ahead, choose a spot in your yard that offers convenient access and prepare a solid, even foundation. You can purchase shed kits at home centers and online or find building plans that can easily be customized with different materials.

4. Declutter Your Home

A summer home improvement project that can make a big difference in your living space is decluttering. Air out and organize those sometimes-forgotten areas that tend to be used less in colder months, like the garage, an outdoor shed, or a basement. It doesn't usually cost anything to declutter, and you can earn money by selling items you no longer use. Plus, you can use your earnings toward other home repairs.

"It costs nothing except a week or two of your time, and the ability to let go and part ways with unneeded clutter that no longer brings you or your home joy," says Emilie Dulles, lifestyle design expert and founder of Dulles Designs. Your clutter can cost you money, and getting rid of things you don't use will make room in your house and even give you ideas for other improvements.

5. Refresh Your House with Paint

Summer is the perfect season for more significant paint projects. If you have areas in your home that you've been meaning to repaint, such as entire rooms or the exterior, summer is the time to do it—and a little paint could go a long way in transforming your space. The warm weather lets the paint cure properly and ensures that it will last longer.

"I think painting is one of the best DIY projects because it can be easily corrected if you make any mistakes," says Chicago-based real estate developer Bill Samuel. "It really has a huge impact on the overall space when you take your time to repair any blemishes and do a quality job." Samuel says you can expect to pay between $15 to $50 per gallon; more expensive paints will usually cover the walls better and last longer. Dulles recommends painting parts of your home (or all of it) white to make it look bigger and brighter.

6. Check Gutters

This might not be the most fun or creative home improvement project, but it's an important one for protecting your home against summer storms and preparing for the colder months ahead.

"Winter, followed by a rainy spring, can take a toll on your gutters and downspouts," says Bailey Carson, home expert at Angi, a digital company that helps people find local professionals for home projects. "If they're ignored, you could end up needing to replace them altogether, or worse, dealing with foundation damage, interior flooding, driveway cracks, or landscape erosion." The damage would cost you way more than cleaning your gutters, which averages $160, ranging from $118 to $225.

All you need (if you don't have this equipment) is a gutter cleaning attachment for your garden hose, a ladder, a bucket, a gutter scoop, and heavy-duty gloves. You could also buy a gutter guard to protect your gutters and prevent leaves from gathering in them in the first place.

Adam Albright

7. Spruce Up Landscaping

Give your yard some attention, too—you're probably spending a lot more time in it enjoying the beautiful summer weather. While the cost of renovating your outdoor space varies depending on the project, there are simple DIY improvements to elevate your backyard or front yard for a lot less.

Commercial real estate investor and founder of Property Cashin Marina Vaamonde says landscape your front yard. "Gardens make homes more aesthetically pleasing, and they also can add to the property value. Summertime is the perfect time to plant perennials, a variety of beautiful-looking flowers that are low maintenance," says Vaamonde. She also suggests lupines and hydrangeas as other beautiful (and low-maintenance) additions to your garden.

Adding plants or flowers up the walkway to your front door can give you instant curb appeal and liven up your front yard, says money-saving expert Andrea Woroch. You can do the same sprucing up in your backyard to eliminate overgrown or dead plants, trees, or shrubs, and add some patio furniture.

8. Clean or Replace AC Filters

Another not-so-fun but critical summer home improvement project: cleaning or replacing the filters on your HVAC unit. Don't worry: this one is quick and won't take as much time as cleaning your gutters.

"Filters get dirty, especially if they haven't been changed in six months," says Rick Hoskins, home DIY expert and founder of FilterKing. Dirty filters can cause allergies by circulating dust, mold, and other allergens throughout your home when the AC is on during the summer. All you have to do is find your AC and furnace vents, unscrew them, and clean or replace the filters. Hoskins suggests looking for filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 for optimal protection.

9. Repair Siding

Summer is a good time to evaluate your vinyl siding for holes or tears that compromise the barrier it provides to your house, as well as unsightly areas that might have grown dingy or stained. If you find a small damaged area, you can clean and repair with caulk. If your siding has a larger area that needs repair (beyond your DIY skill level), seek professional help.

Check the integrity of your caulk at siding seams and in the corners. A fresh bead of caulk might be needed to secure the siding. Remove the old and dry caulk, then run a fresh bead where needed.

10. Install a New Doorbell

Your home might need a new doorbell that simply works better or maybe you're ready to upgrade to a next-generation video doorbell that keeps the "porch pirates" away. Either way, summer is the perfect time to replace your doorbell.

Even if you aren't tech-savvy, installation is fairly simple and the manufacturers do a thorough enough job explaining the process. Of course, no two homes are alike and, sometimes, the manufacturer's instructions can leave you with unanswered questions. To ease you through the process, we've put together a step-by-step guide for installing your video doorbell.

Kritsada Panichgul

11. Plant a Garden

The longer days give us more time to work outside. For gardeners, or hope-to-be gardeners, summer is the season to try to new plants, design a new garden bed, amend soil, and more. If you've never planted a thing in your life, there's a lot to consider—your planting Zone, your soil, light conditions, how much you want to tend to your plants, and even food production vs. flower beds.

If you want to start small, consider a raised garden bed. The structure of the bed (usually some type of wood) defines the size of what you can grow, and therefore, how much time you'll need to devote to your garden.

12. Clean Your Windows

Clean windows improve your home's curb appeal and allow natural to fill your rooms inside. They also give you a better window to the world outside. But cleaning those windows can present a logistical challenge. How do you safely get to your exterior windows, especially those on the second floor? There are various approaches, including using a ladder, extendable poles, magnetic window cleaners, and robotic cleaners, and safety is a top priority.

If you're not cool with working on a ladder or have a tricky terrain, there are plenty of other gadgets and tools that make it possible to reach difficult windows—from telescoping squeegees to cleaner sprays you attach to a garden hose to robots.

13. Add Lights in Your Garden

Bringing in light is a great way to make your garden usable at all hours. Garden lights along a sidewalk can add style as well as safety. There are plenty of low-voltage landscape lights to choose from. Or for the easiest way to add light, buy some solar lights. They are a stock item in the big box stores or you'll find lots to pick from online. You pop them in the ground and that's it. The sun charges them throughout the day. The lights come on in the evening.

Another way to bring light to your yard is by hanging string lights in your tree. Wrap them on low hanging branches or around the trunk. If a permanent installation is an option, hire a pro to install uplights on trees for extra drama.

The longer summer evenings will be more fun with light

Home Improvement

5 Most Profitable Home Improvements to Make Before Selling Your Home

Inez Caron May 30, 2024

Getting ready to sell your house? You may want to consider these five home improvements to ensure a bigger price tag at closing time.

Unless you’re Joanna Gaines, the prospect of updating and prepping your home for sale can seem daunting. All those little repairs you were happy to postpone for another day (or year) may seem like glaring problems to a buyer once your home is on the market. So, what to do? Option one is to hope you luck into a buyer who will see your home not as it is now, but for what it could be. Option two is to put some money and time into a few repairs that will help get your home market-ready. Although the latter option may seem like a lot of hassle, it can translate to serious money — nearly a quarter of sellers who do home improvements sell their home above list price.

Thankfully, you don’t have to spend months (or many thousands of dollars) with a contractor to get your home ready — many small DIY home improvements can yield big returns on closing day. (And you can invest those returns to make even MORE money!) Here’s a look at five of the best.

1.) Painting

Painting is the lowest cost improvement with the highest rate of return, so it’s not surprising that 36% of home sellers choose to do it, according to Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s Director of Economic Research. When trying to sell, a nice coat of neutral paint can give the entire house a facelift, and buyers really love to see a fresh blank canvas. “Consider getting color recommendations from a trained professional since paint colors can be tricky depending on lighting and other features in the house such as cabinets and flooring,” says Jennie Norris, chairwoman for the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. If you’re looking for a “safe” color, gray has been trending in recent years, Norris says.

Initial Cost of Investment: Professional painting of the interior of an entire 2,500 square foot house can be anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 depending on the market, according to Norris. If there are vaulted ceilings or a lot of detail work, it could be more.

If That’s Too Expensive, Consider: DIY, if you’re handy with a paintbrush. Buy a 5 gallon bucket of a neutral paint color (much cheaper than buying per gallon) and get to work. “At the very least, if you can’t do the painting yourself, wash your walls and declutter to create a nice open space,” suggests Lori Matke of homestagingexpert.com.

2.) Landscaping Your Yard

The outside of your house is a buyer’s first impression when they pull up. A patchy or overgrown yard can be a major turn-off. Anything that’s dead should be removed, and anything that’s overgrown should be cut back. You can make sure the lawn is refreshed and green by re-sodding or planting grass seed, and you may want to do edging to help define spaces. Also, fresh mulch or straw in any beds is a must. “A few newly planted shrubs and perennials tucked in for good measure will make your house feel much more finished and inviting,” Matke suggests.

Initial Cost of Investment: Professional landscaping can cost anywhere between $500 – $3,000 (and higher if you add in tree removal) according to Matke.

If That’s Too Expensive, Consider: If you’re up for a little sweat equity, roll up your sleeves and remove anything dead yourself. You also don’t need a pro to purchase grass seed. Just follow the directions for planting, and keep it watered and mowed. “A good, sturdy garden rake can tidy up the borders, and instead of renting a lawn edger, a sharp, heavy-duty putty knife works just as well,” Matke says. For color, you can purchase a few bright annual flowers at your local garden shop and either plant them directly into the landscape around the house, or add them to pots near the front door.

3.) Flooring

Replacing carpet or repairing flooring is an improvement that 26% of homeowners make, according to Zillow. If you’ve got lots of rooms with many types of flooring, you might want to bite the bullet and invest in new flooring for all, to create a seamless feel throughout the house. Wood floors, or even faux-wood floors, are preferable to carpeting even though those options can be more costly, Matke says. If, however, you can’t afford to upgrade to wood, new carpeting is still a major selling point. And just like with painting walls, a good neutral color is best.

Initial Cost of Investment: For professional flooring installation, expect to pay between $10 – $12 per square foot for faux wood, and up to $30 for real wood. An average quality carpeting will cost about $8- $12 per square foot, installed, says Matke.

If That’s Too Expensive, Consider: Some outlet centers have flooring stores, where you can sometimes find great deals on older styles that have been discontinued, Matke says. If an upgrade absolutely isn’t in the budget, then look to have your carpeting and hardwoods professionally cleaned. If you have a few worn/discolored areas on the hardwoods, touch them up yourself with a little water-based stain to make them less noticeable. And don’t forget about the charm of a nice throw rug when needed.

4.)Bathroom Update

A mid-range bathroom update (think natural stone for countertops, not high-end quartz) offers a great return on investment, according to data from Zillow. And a bathroom that looks old can really date a house, Norris says. A few lucrative bathroom updates could include: new counter tops, new tiling, frameless glass doors (get rid of the brass or metal), new cabinets, and new fixtures for the sinks and tub. When replacing cabinets, remember that minimalism is best — neutral colors, and no designs or raised panels.

Initial Cost of Investment: The cost of a mid-range bathroom remodel averages between $3,000-$12,000 according to Zillow.

If That’s Too Expensive, Consider: Dated tile always looks better with clean grout lines, so consider cleaning or freshening the grout, which you can DIY or hire someone to do. Also, instead of replacing cabinets, you can simply paint them — white, gray, or black can offer a clean look, according to Norris. And reglazing the tub will always be cheaper than installing a brand new one.

5.) Update Lighting Fixtures

Replacing lighting throughout a house can be a simple update for a small investment — but it can make a bit impact where appearance is concerned, Norris says. As you look at options for chandeliers, pendant lighting, and ceiling fixtures, remember to keep colors consistent with your home’s hardware. For example, you can mix metals such as copper and oiled bronze, or brushed nickel with chrome, but you wouldn’t want to mix gold and silver tones. Keep in mind that older brass fixtures can look dated, since they were often used in properties built in the 80’s and 90’s. In other words, if you’re going to the trouble to put in something new, make sure it offers a true update.

Initial Cost of Investment: Light fixtures for dining areas or pendant lights can be a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on source and style, Norris says. But there are often good deals to be found at places like Ikea, Home Depot, Lowes, and other stores that cater to the DIY crowd, where some fixtures can cost under $100.

If That’s Too Expensive, Consider: Less is more. Especially with lighting, sometimes it’s more about what you don’t see than what you do… So if that giant 1980’s chandelier is eclipsing the living room, don’t feel like you have to replace it with something fancy — just take it out. The buyer can easily imagine for themselves what they’d like in the space, and you don’t have to spend a dime. You can also install fixtures yourself, but where wires are concerned, make sure you have a professional electrician to help.

So, How Much Can I Really Make?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here — every home is different, and every neighborhood and part of the country will yield varied results. But a common formula used by home stagers is that every $1 put into a house should yield an additional $1.50 increase at closing, at least. With some projects, the rate can be much higher — bathroom remodels boost sales prices by $1.71 for every $1 spent, according to Zillow. This means that a $5,000 bathroom renovation would yield a bump in home price of $8,550, perhaps more.

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HomeLight analyzes millions of home sales to find real estate agents that sell homes faster and for more money.

Lastly, Small Repairs Are Great, But Don’t Lose Sight Of The Bigger Picture

Before you get carried away making these smaller cosmetic adjustments, spend some time looking at your home’s basic needs — are all the big things in working order? Buyers have certain expectations, and that includes getting a house that has been well maintained and is safe and livable. “In other words, if you’re contemplating a kitchen remodel but your roof is leaking like a sieve, you need to address the roof issues first before indulging in any updates,” says Matke.

Also, while you’re trucking on your “repair and improve” bandwagon, avoid taking on costly projects that have a purely personal appeal — like that water feature and koi pond out back you’ve always dreamed of. “You simply will not get your money back on those types of additions, and buyers might be more apt to reconsider if it’s not something they’ve always dreamed of, too,” Matke explains.

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Home Improvement

These 7 Major Home Renovations Add Value

Inez Caron May 21, 2024

Whether you're preparing for a move or simply looking to update your home, remodeling can be a huge undertaking—so it's important to know whether the reward will be worth the effort. Knowing which renovations will yield the highest return for your money is key, so that when it comes time to sell, you can demand a higher price. Ultimately, you'll want to make the best home improvements to add value to your home. Before you decide on a remodel project, evaluate its cost versus its value, and decide if the renovation you want to do is a worthy investment of your time and money. So what renovations offer the biggest impact on a home's value? Six Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate experts weigh in on which projects are actually worth taking on. Here are the best home renovations for potentially raising the resale value of your home.

Helen Norman

1. Create an Addition

As your family grows, why shouldn't your home? Consider building an addition to add major value to your home and increase square footage. Maximize your investment by selecting the perfect materials and details to enhance your home's value and character. "Any kind of physical expansion—whether it's a new bedroom, an extension of a living room, or whatever space you desire—has a huge impact," says Joe Rand, managing partner and general counsel at Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty. "If you can add square footage to a house, you always add value. Size matters!"

Emily Followill

2. Redo Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of the home, so functionality is a top priority. Remodeling a kitchen can be exciting and satisfying, especially when it's designed to meet your needs and desires. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's 2019 remodeling impact report, Realtors estimate that homeowners can recover up to 52% of the cost of a kitchen upgrade upon selling the home.

"Updating the kitchen with new appliances and bathrooms with new plumbing fixtures may seem trivial, but it's a must," says Brad Carlton, sales associate at Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers. "Currently, there are many kitchen features that are trending in the Atlanta area, such as wine refrigerators, drawer-style microwaves and dishwashers, commercial-style ranges, and hidden outlets."

Annie Schlecther

3. Renovate a Bathroom

An updated bathroom is a major selling point for any home. When renovating, incorporate sleek surfaces for a sparkling space that makes cleaning a cinch. According to the same report by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Realtors estimate that homeowners can recover up to 57% of the cost of a bathroom renovation if they sell their home.

"If a home has only one bathroom or at most a one and a half bathroom, adding a shower to a half bath, or adding a half bath to a living area for guests immediately improves the appraised value of a home," says Jody Steinberg, Realtor, LaVista Hills Team, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers.

Helen Norman

4. Update Your Home’s HVAC

Your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) are the components that keep everything operating. These are some of the most critical items to maintain. In addition, Realtors estimate that homeowners can recover 85% of the cost of a HVAC replacement if they sell their home.

"Buyers are often taken aback when, upon inspection, a home's heater, air conditioner, and roof are found to be old or in poor shape," says Derek Whitner, Realtor, Team Whitner, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers. "Studies have shown that millennials are unwilling to overlook old mechanicals, even if the seller is offering a home warranty as a way to compensate for the age of these systems."

Keller and Keller Photography Inc

5. Amplify Outdoor Living Space

Nothing beats the option of entertaining outdoors. An outdoor living space will make your home a relaxing destination for get-togethers and add major value. No matter your budget, there are plenty of ways to update your backyard, porch, or patio.

"Tap the outdoors for extra living space," says Mary Hutchison, senior sales executive, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes. "In the old days, just about everyone had a front porch or screened-in area to shade themselves from the Midwestern heat, and these classic features are still in demand. A screened-in porch or backyard patio—especially one that includes an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and small fridge—makes a wonderful additional entertaining area."

Michael Garland

6. Make Your Home More Accessible

Home renovations should be made with universal design principles in mind. That means creating a space for people of all ages, sizes, and physical abilities. Take careful inventory early in the planning process of all intended users' capabilities, preferences, and tastes.

"If it is possible to make your home more accessible, your home will be more welcoming to guests, more marketable to the largest audience, and best of all, you will be able to age in place," says Steinberg. "Do this by widening doorways, changing a main-level tub to a shower, clearing a path to a stepless entrance, or by adding a door to the back or side of your house."

7. Update Your Light Fixtures

Lighting is one of the simplest renovations that will add value to your home. You'll be amazed by how well-placed pools of warm light can make your home inviting and user-friendly. Consider the design, as well as function, when choosing the right light fixtures for your rooms.

"Updated styles of interior and exterior light fixtures are readily available at big box stores and online retailers for a bit of pocket change," says Robin Wolfram, Realtor/designer at Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate All Seasons-Rochester. "It can provide the big wow factor many homes would otherwise lack. If shopping online, be sure to look for any 'open box' pricing: an undamaged item that was returned simply because someone changed their mind."

Renovation

Shea McGee’s top tips for living through a home renovation |

Inez Caron May 20, 2024

If you've ever lived through a home renovation, you will be familiar with the chaos that tends to ensue. Between builders coming in and out of your house at all hours to the inevitable noise that becomes the status quo, it's notoriously a difficult process to get through. And while some get the opportunity to live somewhere else through the worst of the remodel, others are stuck right at home, living amongst the construction.

Luckily, interior designer Shea McGee just shared her top tips to those living through a remodel, from what to expect to how to cope with the worst of the process. And as someone who's led countless renovations (plus lived through many in her own home), there's no one better than Shea to share her advice. And with her tips in mind, you can make the final call on whether you should live on-site when renovating a property. Here's what she had to say.

What to know when living through a home remodel

Shea's first renovation tip is a classic: 'Be prepared for it to take longer than you planned.' More often than not, renovations seem to take longer than expected. Whether a shipment of materials doesn't come through in time or an appointment needs to be moved at the last minute, it's likely you'll need to wait a bit longer than planned for that final reveal.

By going in with a calm, measured mindset and knowing that you'll probably need to extend your timeline, you'll be better prepared to take things as they come. You may even want to embrace slow renovating to avoid potential disappointment in case everything doesn't come together just so. The wait will undoubtedly pay off.

When living through a renovation, Shea says to know that just about everything will become 'so, so dusty.' As walls come up or down and as power tools are employed, dust and debris is inevitable. Be ready to stay away from the area that's being worked on the most and consider investing in one of the best air purifier's for a healthier, more comfortable renovation process.

Shea McGee

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Founder, Studio McGee, Mcgee & Co.

Interior designer, Shea McGee founded her iconic design firm, Studio McGee, with her husband Syd in 2014. They later launched their e-commerce brand, McGee & Co, and starred in their very own Netflix show, Dream Home Makeover.

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

'Know that the end result is worth it, but you're going to have to just roll with it,' says Shea, offering perhaps the most important piece of advice you'll need before embarking on a home renovation project. Your mindset is everything, and knowing that you'll need to be flexible and open-minded before you begin will do wonders for your stress levels every step of the way.

Finally, Shea says you'll need to brace yourself for the commotion that comes hand in hand with home renovation: 'Be comfortable with there always being loud noises and people in your house,' she says.

Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

This element of remodeling your home is unsettling for even the most experienced reno pros, but it's hard to avoid. Communicate and work with your interior designer and project manager, and make a plan for embracing it or distancing yourself as necessary to ensure you evade unwanted surprises.

As someone who's been through her fair share of renovations, Shea's tips are tried and true – and we're taking notes. Keep a clear head and make a plan ahead of time so that the final reveal will outweigh the inevitable inconveniences brought on by your home renovation.

Design

9 Home Designs That Evoke the Flow of Water

Inez Caron May 16, 2024

This article is part of our Design special section about water as a source of creativity.

Water is a popular motif with product designers because it symbolizes tranquillity and clarity. But this force of nature also “adds movement, freedom and flow in a space,” said Golnar Roshan, who with her partner, Ruben de la Rive Box, recently introduced a rug collection called Fluid that evokes the moody skies reflected in the canals of Amsterdam, where they live.

“I like to mix worlds that seem far apart, create unexpected connections and imaginative short circuits between things,” Paola Navone, a designer in Milan, said of her collection of new pendant lights with diffusers of milky white or limpid blue glass that visually create an oceanic sway. (The lamps are called Oblò, which is Italian for “porthole.”)

These and other fresh, splashy products are presented here.

The interlocking handblown vases by the Los Angeles artist and designer Mansi Shah — part of her first housewares line, Manu Nanu — fit together like molecules. “The glass itself possesses a water-like quality,” she said, adding that she likes to keep the vases on a windowsill, where sunlight passes through and casts shadows that “dance and shift like ripples.” Available in amber, cobalt blue and teal for $80. manunanu.com

After producing a ceiling lamp with a bulbous glass filament that rises from the center to evoke a water drop splashing in a pool, Beacon Custom Lighting followed with its Pond decanter. Designed by Dean Maltz, a New York City architect, the handblown carafe is $260. beaconcustomlighting.com

The Chinese American artist Tina Scepanovic discovered what she described as the “hidden power” of water while swimming competitively as a teenager. For her Narcissus catchall, she applied the loose gestures of Chinese brush painting to metal sculpture to encapsulate the object’s qi, or vital energy. “The pool form is a portal into another dimension,” she said. Available in bronze or white brass for $650. oblist.com

“To construct or deconstruct, water is your tool,” said Joseph Algieri, a New York City designer. In his Construction vases, a flood of pigmented foam breaks through the ceramic barriers, defeating any expectation that water should be contained in a vessel. Available for $850. josephalgieri.com

“I am a Pisces and water is my natural element,” said Paola Navone about Oblò, her nautical-inspired lighting for the Italian company Lodes. The pendant lamps are suspended like buoys with “no sense of earth or gravity,” she said. Available in three bulbous shapes and five finishes; price upon request. lodes.com/en/

The Windy collection by Oki Sato, the founder of the Tokyo design studio Nendo, consists of grès porcelain tiles with subtly incised patterns like the marks made by a breeze on the surface of water, rice paddies and grasslands. The tiles, which are produced by Decoratori Bassanesi, come in four patterns and four colors: Rice, Almond, Dolomite and Pepper, at $18 per square foot. decoratoribassanesi.it

Describing the origins of her Fluid rug collection for the Dutch company Moooi, Golnar Roshan of the Amsterdam design firm Rive Roshan recalled that the floor of her canal-side studio “was almost level with the water, a few feet from the front door.” She added, “The way it rippled and reflected the light and the sky had this intriguing influence.” Available in rectangular and circular versions, from $3,250. moooi.com/us

The Wave series produced by Kast, an English concrete basin company, complements the bathroom’s default theme of water. The curvy fixtures, called Tilde, Dune and Prim, are available in 28 colors — including Storm (blue) and Brick (terra cotta). The Dune basin shown is $3,225. kastconcretebasins.com

The rim of the Tanba basket by Enkay follows the sinuous lines of a river. “Water motifs have an enduring place in interior design because of the softness they bring to spaces, especially as accents,” said the company’s founder, Asha Chaudhary. The baskets are handwoven with ilala palm leaves sourced from Zimbabwe. The small version is 18 inches in diameter and $408. enkay.com

Furniture

Miami town manager facts paying with wife’s home furnishings enterprise

Inez Caron May 11, 2024

Update, March 19: The workplace of Miami City Manager Artwork Noriega said Tuesday that it experienced launched inaccurate knowledge on Monday “due to anomalies in the tracking program utilized to retrieve acquire info.”

The unique tale is below.

Experiencing criticism more than an alleged conflict of desire, Miami Town Supervisor Artwork Noriega on Monday early morning produced a PowerPoint presentation and 3 spreadsheets with details about the city’s paying out with household furniture vendor Pradere Producing, a company owned by his in-guidelines that employs his wife.

According to the facts Noriega shared with town commissioners and the press:

The town manager’s office environment only started out purchasing home furnishings from Pradere Manufacturing just after Noriega took business office in 2020. But due to the fact 2010, his office environment was the third maximum spender with Pradere in town govt.

In 2020, Pradere’s only city challenge involved giving household furniture for the city manager’s Town Hall business office and for his Miami Riverside Center office environment, at a price of $10,649. Noriega’s office contracted with Pradere Production again in 2021, 2022 and 2023, spending $39,387 past yr on 3 personalized items, which include operate stations and seating for his Miami Riverside office.

The organization was also compensated $57,670 in 2022 for get the job done similar to a remodel of Town Commissioner Christine King’s business.

The information introduced by the town supervisor reveal that from 2020 to 2023, the city’s investing with Pradere Producing totaled $228,234. But that figure is considerably significantly less than the variety noted by WLRN, which broke the information about the contracts and the probable conflict of interest in January. In accordance to general public documents received by WLRN, Noriega’s wife’s family’s enterprise has been awarded far more than $440,000 since Noriega took workplace.

The cause for the about $211,000 discrepancy is unclear. The Miami Herald was unable to independently verify no matter whether the knowledge sets presented by Noriega are comprehensive.

Town spokesperson Kenia Fallat mentioned late Monday that she experienced asked for clarification from procurement but was not able to promptly offer further rationalization since the Herald’s ask for came in just after standard business enterprise hours.

Noriega did not inquire the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Belief for its opinion about the opportunity conflict of interest when he took the occupation as city manager, alternatively sending a letter to the mayor and commissioners in the summer months of 2020 simply just disclosing the romantic relationship and declaring that he would recuse himself “from any and all involvement, final decision making and/or approvals in between the town and the corporation.”

The dissemination of the report will come on the heels of criticism about Noriega’s absence of transparency and accountability to the general public following the WLRN investigation. It was released extra than two months right after Noriega explained to city commissioners on Jan. 11 that he would existing a “full reporting and accounting” of the seller marriage, the procurement procedure and the disclosures to “create transparency” at the future commission meeting on Jan. 25.

But a few conferences handed in advance of his presentation was last but not least scheduled for Thursday. Soon after a marathon town fee conference Thursday that lasted until all-around 9:15 p.m., King, the chairwoman, decided that Noriega would disseminate the report on his individual and consider issues at subsequent month’s fee conference on April 11.

In his letter Monday to the mayor, commissioners and other city employees — with the presentation and information attached — Noriega denied any wrongdoing.

“Throughout my tenure as a public servant, I have under no circumstances derived own benefit past my typical income and advantages,” he claimed. “I have preserved strict adherence to my responsibilities, I have refrained from advocating for any particular seller, expert, or expert engaged by the City.”

Noriega stated in his letter that the ethics fee has his situation below overview. According to WLRN, the commission commenced requesting documents about the company between the town and the home furnishings business soon after WLRN reporters requested issues about it.

Shelling out with Pradere Production

From 2010 to 2019, before Noriega was town supervisor, the town paid Pradere Producing $522,181, or an typical of $52,218 for each 12 months, in accordance to the knowledge Noriega presented.

Through that time, the vendor’s premier metropolis customers by dollar amount of money were being the parks department and fireplace-rescue. The metropolis manager’s place of work did not deal with Pradere all through that time, according to the details Noriega provided.

From the time Noriega became metropolis supervisor in 2020 by means of 2023, the city’s buys with Pradere amounted to $228,234, or $57,059 for every year, according to Noriega’s knowledge.

In 2020, Noriega’s business was the only metropolis business office that contracted with Pradere. In 2021, Pradere received the most metropolis revenue from the business of Mayor Francis Suarez, and in 2022, King’s office environment had the top rated billing. In 2023, Noriega’s business office used extra than any metropolis division on home furniture from Pradere, with the a few personalized parts totaling almost $40,000, in accordance to the information Noriega furnished.

Whilst the precise dollar total used with Pradere was better soon after he turned manager, Noriega observed in his presentation that the proportion of total metropolis home furnishings buys designed from his wife’s corporation was lessen right after he turned manager. Buys from Pradere Production accounted for 9.3% of the city’s spending on home furniture from 2010 to 2019, and 7.4% of the city’s expending on furniture from 2020 to 2023.

Noriega did not handle the buys produced for his own places of work. In 2022, the metropolis compensated Pradere Producing $39,901 to rework the business office that homes Noriega’s immediate studies at Enterprise Miami, a town initiative introduced by the mayor that employed city money and federal COVID-19 relief funds to appeal to tech businesses to the region.

In accordance to WLRN, Noriega’s assistant signed off on some of those orders, and his spouse was shown as the salesperson.

Noriega also did not deal with issues about his time as head of the Miami Parking Authority, in which he worked for 20 decades ahead of getting to be metropolis manager. In accordance to WLRN, in 2009, Noriega employed Pradere Producing to do a reworking of the corporate offices in downtown Miami for $569,865.

Commissioners Manolo Reyes, Miguel Angel Gabela and Damian Pardo have all expressed that they want to see Noriega respond to the allegations in a public forum, where men and women would be capable to inquire concerns.

In the course of Thursday’s commission conference, commissioners took a approximately two-hour break at 7 p.m. to go into shade conferences, in which they talked about litigation the metropolis is included in at the rear of shut doorways. More than that crack, commissioners reviewed deferring the relaxation of the items still left on the agenda, such as Noriega’s presentation.

But by 9 p.m., just after City Hall was generally deserted, Noriega still needed to present. Commissioners Reyes, Gabela and Pardo requested that Noriega provide his presentation at the subsequent fee assembly in April so that more people today would be in attendance. By that time, even Commissioner Joe Carollo had left.

Noriega tried to deal, indicating he would hand over the appropriate experiences to commissioners and have a non-public meeting with just about every of them so they could “grill” him with any queries. Noriega also said he would disseminate his experiences through the media.

In the end, King, the chairwoman, abruptly finished the meeting right after determining that Noriega would disseminate the report as he said and take thoughts at the April commission assembly.

In the letter sent out to the mayor and commissioners Monday, Noriega expressed regret that the make a difference had been postponed mainly because of time constraints at Thursday’s assembly.

On Friday, Gabela told the Herald that he is calling for Noriega’s resignation “unless something alterations.” He went on to say that he is drained of the way city personnel, like Noriega, delay possibilities to be held accountable.

“What they’re hoping is for men and women to overlook,“ Gabela stated. “If we’re heading to engage in these game titles in the town of Miami, then I consider it’s time for some folks to start off pondering about retirement.”

“I’d like to see for [Noriega] to end what he stated he was likely to do,” Gabela continued. “He was going to do it in general public, do it in general public. That’s the offer we had.”

When identified as Monday morning after the report was disseminated, Gabela said he hadn’t had a possibility to glimpse at it but stood by his reviews manufactured Friday.

Miami Herald investigative reporter Sarah Blaskey contributed reporting.

Correction: A former version of this story reported that an get from Commissioner Christine King’s business office contained a solitary chair that expense $7,528. The facts provided by Noriega explained the purchase as a “GLB DRIFT, Side Chair, Fully Upholstered w/ 4 Legged Wood Set Foundation, International SEATING United states,” with the phrase “chair” in singular form. Following the Herald released the tale, the town supplied a purchase buy for the venture that noted the $7,528 purchase was for 12 chairs, which were offered at $627.38 a piece.

Home Improvement

Uk Home owners Worry Value-of-Dwelling Will Effect Their Dwelling Improvement Plans

Inez Caron May 7, 2024

Property owners dread cost-of-dwelling disaster will derail dwelling improvement plans, but many fail to get precautions – Construction human body troubles its best ideas

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, May possibly 2, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- • Home improvement tasks threat failure as a result of homeowners’ deficiency of preparing
• Three quarters of house owners looking at improvement jobs worry cost-of-residing crisis will influence their designs
• Survey exhibits all-around fifty percent never deem a agreement with their builder as essential, rising dangers of expensive disputes and spending budget over-operates
• Free online assistance for residence advancement consumers available from the Chartered Institute of Setting up, who say very good builders also in favour of contracts and customers remaining far better educated.

As Lender Vacation weekend techniques, many households are possible to be planning home improvement or refurbishment assignments, but new research shows loads are placing their assignments in jeopardy in advance of they even get started off.

Exploration by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) highlights how, even with 3 quarters of the individuals it surveyed remaining apprehensive about the expense-of-dwelling crisis affecting their household improvement initiatives, pretty much 50 % (48%) really don't feel owning a written contract with their builder or tradesperson is essential*.

Gurus at CIOB say not owning a deal signifies shoppers face probable misunderstandings around charges and undertaking shipping and delivery, with high-priced disputes significantly a lot more most likely to manifest, finally placing their undertaking at hazard of currently being derailed.

Earning selections centered on own tips was the most well known way of deciding upon a builder or tradesperson among study respondents, even so only just beneath a third of individuals contemplate it a precedence to also check a builder’s references, related skills or expert accreditation. More youthful generations are far more very likely to turn to on line directories or adverts in area publications than go on particular recommendation.

CIOB, the major expert physique for the construction sector, has printed no cost on line sources for homeowners arranging home enhancement jobs which includes major ideas, templates and weblogs on how to get the best success. They can be identified at www.ciob.me/homeowners

Linda Stevens, head of customer improvement at CIOB said: “Making excellent choices from the outset on appointing a builder, finances setting and created contracts can be the distinction involving task achievements and failure. This is all a lot more significant than at any time all through a value-of-dwelling disaster when attaining worth for funds is a precedence for most households. Creating improvements to your residence is thrilling and it’s natural individuals just want to get going on their assignments but taking time to do history checks, approach your spending budget and put contracts in put will go a extended way to making certain you get the ideal probable success, shell out dollars wisely and have a wonderful household to demonstrate for your attempts.”

CIOB top ideas

• Set a reasonable budget for your job that involves a contingency for any surprising costs.
• Commit to sticking to spending plan and check out at typical intervals that your challenge is in line with it. Steer clear of generating previous minute modifications.
• Select a least of a few builders and check out their references, evaluations and accreditation even if they have been suggested to you.
• Provide each individual builder with the exact same specific facts about your job and invite them to quote. Based on your job you could need a expert to draw up plans and these must be shared with each individual builder to allow them to give an correct quotation.
• When comparing offers look at value to cash. Most affordable is not normally most effective and in lots of scenarios, you get what you shell out for.
• Agree a penned deal with your builder which addresses payment terms, start out and completion dates, supplies, sub-contractors, stability, health & protection, cleaning up and waste disposal. On line deal templates are obtainable.
• The deal should really dedicate the builder to return right after completion to fix any concerns or ‘snags’ you have found out, this kind of as cracked plaster or paint, prior to obtaining the remaining payment.

Jack Hounsham, Handling Director at Appledown Projects, a principal contracting corporation, stated: “A specialist contractor or builder will favor their purchasers to be effectively knowledgeable about their job and have important success variables that are in black and white for all to fully grasp and dedicate to from the outset. A published deal protects the contractor as properly as the client so in all circumstances a professional, really regarded contractor or builder will insist that these an agreement is in location.

“Spending cash correctly is critical, and I can't tension adequate the extra benefit to a undertaking of using the expert services of significant-quality development experts early on.

“Unfortunately an uninformed client will ultimately guide to an uninformed contractor and unavoidable difficulties and misunderstandings will abide by that can bring about delays and subsequent value raises, so it is great to see CIOB delivering advice to owners looking at projects."

CIOB’s survey also found:

• Adding extended-expression worth to a dwelling and strengthening how it seems to be are the two main reasons for homeowners setting up improvement tasks
• Reducing the carbon footprint of the dwelling is significantly additional essential to people below 24 (20% selected it as precedence in contrast to the study typical of 9%)
• A bigger percentage of gals fear about the charge-of-residing impacting home advancements than adult males (81% of females v 69% of gentlemen)

-Ends-

Notes to editors
•*Study of 2,000 British isles older people, who individual their possess dwelling and intend to undertake home improvements in the next 12 months, executed in April 2024 by Opinion Matters for CIOB.

About CIOB
• The Chartered Institute of Making (CIOB) stands for the science, ethics and practice of developed environments across the entire world. 
• We have almost 50,000 associates globally and are the world's largest and most influential qualified physique for construction management and leadership.
• Everything we do is to enhance the high quality of existence for people employing and creating the developed natural environment.  
• We have a position in the management, management, education and learning and development of our marketplace. For our customers, guiding and educating them as they embark on their careers. For policymakers, defining the standards for all to meet. For the general public, creating an environment they can reside and work in safely, comfortably and confidently.

For even further details remember to make contact with

Becky Trotman
CIOB Media Relations Manager
+447935710483 ext.
[email protected] isles
Pay a visit to us on social media:
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Furniture

Somerset home furnishings maker seals offer with Canadian company

Inez Caron April 27, 2024

A Somerset-headquartered international furniture model has entered into a strategic partnership with Canadian home furnishings company Teknion.

The offer will help Modus’ global development options and expands Teknion’s portfolio of social and collaborative products.

The product is designed to aid a far more sustainable shift for Modus into new markets in North The usa, while enabling Teknion to substantially decrease the carbon footprint of its items for the Uk and European markets with makes established to make use of Modus’ Somerset-primarily based manufacturing services.

Established in 2000, Modus is one particular of the UK’s foremost contract household furniture producers.

The business is led by co-founders and buddies Jon Powell and Ed Richardson and now employs more than 60 persons at its Somerset HQ in Chard.

“We are truly psyched about this new venture,” stated Modus managing director, Jon Powell.

“Our providers share an entrepreneurial spirit with a long historical past of doing the job with some of the world’s major designers. Layout has constantly been central to our philosophy, and we are quite pleased to be partnering with a global company that understands the benefit of fantastic layout.

“Teknion has a major world-wide presence, and we assume to see the partnership generate potent expansion for Modus.

“For Teknion, our portfolio fulfills the desire for a softer, more inclusive, and collaborative workplace.“

Albert Goodman accountants suggested on the offer, together with Clarke Willmott.

Michael Cahill, spouse at accountancy company Albert Goodman who suggested on the deal included: “We have been doing the job with Jon and Ed at Modus for the very best aspect of 20 many years and have found the organization evolve and improve. A lot more lately with the advancement of extra agile and hybrid functioning versions, the enterprise has been perfectly positioned to adapt its products portfolio and this hottest expense will assist this.

“We are proud to have worked with Modus to broker this most up-to-date financial commitment from Teknion and seem ahead to looking at in which this can take the manufacturer.”

Not too long ago certified as B Corp, Modus will continue to function as an unbiased firm, retaining its personal manufacturer and servicing its dealer community even though growing its intercontinental arrive at.

Simply click right here to signal up to obtain our new South West business enterprise news...

Furniture

Source Office environment Home furniture makes 40 a long time in business enterprise – Think Regional

Inez Caron April 23, 2024

Photograph: Contributed

The team at the Supply Office Furnishings showroom in Kelowna.

For 40 yrs, Supply Office Home furnishings has served its clientele, huge and tiny, furnish their corporations with substantial-excellent workplace household furniture at a fantastic benefit and an available price.

According to Jordan Smith, manager of the Kelowna Source Business Furniture retail store, the role the organization has performed in supporting its customers in excess of the several years is one thing Source is extremely very pleased of.

“We’ve seen our prospects increase from tiny corporations just starting to productive companies, and we have been with them to improve and boost their places of work every step of the way,” claims Smith.

“One of the causes we’ve been so successful is our pro gross sales personnel. With an common of 12 many years of encounter in the field, they’re in a position to make the procedure stress-cost-free from get started to end. From consulting with our shoppers to drawing up choices for layouts, earning merchandise recommendations and creating absolutely sure the supply and set up go with no a hitch, the Source crew can take the tension out of furnishing an workplace.”

Source works with small companies starting up out, as well as some of the biggest names in the sector, offering all its customers the exact terrific company to assistance make their acquiring clean and uncomplicated.

“We recognized from the begin how vital it is to concentrate on the purchaser working experience and provide close-to-end, highly customized support.”

The firm was founded in 1984 with just 1 place in Vancouver and two workforce. Considering that then it has grown to 12 spots across Canada and 200 personnel, like a showroom in Kelowna, at 2649 Organization Way, the place its head place of work was positioned for a lot of years.

“We surely look at ourselves a area business enterprise that has been thriving across Canada,” says Smith.

A legitimate Canadian enterprise results story, with a monitor history that mirrors that achievements, Resource Office Home furnishings excels by way of its fantastic consumer service, very affordable rates and the top quality of the items it sells. That has assisted establish extensive-long lasting associations with its purchasers, some of whom ended up there at the beginning and go on to search to Supply for their business furnishing desires.

“Whether their office is major or small, we want to support our consumers build a area where by they are encouraged to do their ideal do the job,” states Smith.

Delivering aforementioned finish-to-conclusion individualized support, as nicely as operating with suppliers of the major names in business furnishings, Source has been in a position to temperature the ebbs and flows of the Canadian market place above the past 40 several years.

So, if you are in the current market for place of work home furniture go specifically to the source— Resource Office Furnishings.

For far more facts, check out its web-site at source.ca. wherever you can locate a checklist of its showrooms throughout the country, information about its products and services, like its free consultation products and services, office environment arranging information and the brands it carries.

With distribution centres across the country, Resource maintains just one of the premier inventories of workplace furnishings of any retailer in Canada. That guarantees timely supply, even on shorter detect, so you can get again to the operate that you do.

Photo: Contributed

Supply requires satisfaction in its rapid and headache-free of charge shipping.

This article is published by or on behalf of the sponsoring customer and does not essentially mirror the views of Castanet.

Design

Making a Greener Long run by Revolutionizing Home Decor

Inez Caron April 22, 2024

The Canonical Art Corporation is Discovering the Part of Sustainable Design and style

FORT COLLINS, CO / ACCESSWIRE / April 2, 2024 / In an period marked by the pressing want to deal with local weather adjust and environmental degradation, sustainable structure has emerged as a beacon of hope and as a necessity for several. As individuals come to be much more conscious of their environmental influence, a escalating emphasis is becoming positioned on integrating sustainability into each and every component of our lives. From renewable electrical power sources to eco-welcoming transportation, the quest for a greener long run has discovered its way into our residences. By embracing sustainable style and design rules, we can remodel our residing spaces into eco-acutely aware havens that encourage responsible use and lower waste.

Sustainable design and style, also acknowledged as eco-design and style or green design, is a holistic technique that seeks to lessen damaging environmental impacts in the course of the product or service daily life cycle. It encompasses numerous components, including product assortment, strength effectiveness, waste reduction, and recyclability. Even though the principle of sustainability is not new, new yrs have witnessed a remarkable surge in its acceptance, pushed by both customer need and a expanding feeling of urgency to fight local weather change.

Drawing from the insights provided by the Nationwide Affiliation of Realtors, sustainable style and design embodies intentionality by intentionally choosing methods, products and solutions, and devices that prioritize toughness and foster the very long-phrase perfectly-getting of both of those the encompassing environments and communities. Furthermore, the allure of sustainability has resonated strongly with today's youthful technology of householders, who actively find out environmentally aware options.

The house, as the center of our day-to-day life, presents a fertile floor for sustainable layout innovations. From household furniture to kitchen appliances, designers and manufacturers are reimagining traditional goods with an eco-friendly twist. Sustainable materials this sort of as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and even recycled plastics are changing their traditional counterparts, reducing reliance on non-renewable assets and minimizing carbon footprints.

1 company performing to consider a giant action in direction of sustainability is The Canonical Artwork Corporation. They attempt to mix artwork, technology, and community engagement to forge a brighter, sustainable future. They have designed the Challenge Report Participant.

Unlike regular manufacturing processes, their tactic facilities on sustainability and group empowerment. By collaborating with area artists and artisans, they not only repurpose product but also reinvest in the local community.

Justin Fritz is the CEO of The Canonical Artwork Corporation. Fritz has a deep skills in hardware layout and engineering. Fritz says, "At the heart of our endeavours is the transformation of discarded supplies into substantial-top quality, sustainable artwork. By repurposing squander, we are not just developing products we're crafting ordeals that resonate with our shared values of sustainability and inventive expression."

The principles of the round financial state are gaining traction in sustainable home style and design. As a substitute of the regular linear design, which follows a "take-make-dispose" technique, the circular economy encourages a closed-loop system the place products are recycled, repurposed, or fixed to prolong their lifespan. This solution not only minimizes squander but also minimizes the will need for raw products and strength-intense output processes.

Progressive firms, like The Canonical Artwork Corporation, are now supplying furniture and residence decor created from recycled resources, making it possible for customers to furnish their residences sustainably with out compromising on design or high quality. Also, initiatives such as products acquire-back applications and local community recycling centers are facilitating the appropriate disposal and repurposing of household items, reducing their environmental effect.

The increase of sustainable design and style in the dwelling is intrinsically tied to a developing awareness between shoppers. Men and women are significantly earning ethical alternatives, thinking about the environmental and social implications of their buys.

As the planet grapples with urgent environmental troubles, sustainable style and design has emerged as a powerful software to mitigate our effects on the planet. By embracing eco-pleasant elements, power-productive technologies, and round overall economy principles, our homes can turn out to be catalysts for change. The change toward sustainable layout not only added benefits the ecosystem but also encourages healthier residing areas and encourages responsible usage. As individuals become more informed of the possibilities they make, the demand from customers for sustainable products will proceed to rise, inspiring innovation and transforming our residences into sustainable sanctuaries for generations to occur.

ABOUT THE CANONICAL Art Company

The Canonical Artwork Company brings together the philosophy of science, artwork, and technological know-how. Justin Fritz is the CEO of The Canonical Art Corporation. Fritz has a deep know-how in components style and design and engineering. With an MS in Electrical Engineering from Rice University and a heritage of innovation at providers like Microsoft, he retains several patents and is performing on impactful publications. For additional info, stop by The Canonical Art Company. For additional details, take a look at The Canonical Art Corporation on LinkedIn.

Make contact with

Justin Fritz
[email protected]
970-430-5320

Supply: The Canonical Art Company

Design

Spring design trends and decor ideas to refresh your home

Inez Caron April 12, 2024

Breadcrumb Trail Links

Shopping Essentials

Home Living

Many are yearning to switch things up, recharge and reimagine living spaces to reflect the refreshing new season

Published Apr 02, 2024 • Last updated 6 days ago • 6 minute read

Spring trends include pastels, wallpapers and light, bright throw pillows and blankets. Photo by Getty Images

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Suddenly, it’s spring. Weird Canadian weather aside, many are yearning to switch things up a bit, recharge and reimagine living spaces to reflect the refreshing new season — perhaps with fresh coats of paint and bright new hues.

Everywhere you turn the deep, rich colours of winter have been replaced with soft delicate touches of pastels. Spring comes on so quickly; all those bulbs one planted last fall are starting to poke their heads through the still-cold earth, and there’s a strong desire to fling open windows and let in that delicious spring air in.

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But, are we too late to make changes? Especially when one is on a tight budget? Your changes can be as simple as “painting your front door to make your whole home feel new again,” says Vasili Benja of Ontario-based GNB Contractors. “Change just one room to a brighter colour, switch up some wall artwork, even get new bathroom towels and suddenly not only will your home look amazing, but you’ll feel amazing, too.”

Classic white bath towels with a pop of colour. Photo by Homebird

Well-known and respected Canadian name in the world of design, Glen Peloso, who has designed hundreds of gorgeous commercial and residential spaces around the world, says it’s never too late.

Peloso, whose expertise has been showcased on a variety of television programs, recommends we go to town.

“Except for (such) holidays as Christmas, Easter and Halloween, it’s never too late to make decor and seasonal changes,” said Peloso, in a recent interview. “These are often temperate related — that warmer weather lasts for several months — you’ve lots of time.“

What’s hot? “I love the pastel and ‘shots’ of colour that are popular for the spring. If you are ever worried about what colours to use and at what kind of intensity, you just need to look at tulips for your guide,” says Peloso, “The colours vary in intensity from deep purple and rich reds to soft pastel greens, yellows, mauves etc. Use the colours that make you feel the happiest. I wouldn’t worry about adding intensity to suit your personality.”

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Changes don’t have to be so drastic, or break the budget, adds Peloso. It can be as simple as switching up a pillow cover or hanging a floral spring wreath on your door.

Hubba Bubba Pink by BEHR. Photo by CNW Group/Mars, Incorporated /BEHR® (CNW Group/Mars, Incorporated)

It should be noted pink continues to trend, especially in the fashion and decor world. Just recently the famous Hubba Bubba gum (made by Mars) teamed up with Behr Paint Co., to create Hubba Bubba Pink by BEHR, a hue not only full of whimsical energy but, according to company officials, to embrace the “Dopamine Décor’ design movement, where colour is used to enhance mood and create joyful spaces.” (Available at Home Depot. )

“Accessories can change the look and feel dramatic without costing too much,” says Peloso, who recommends the following changes.

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Toss cushions and light throw blankest — look for linen, cotton, raw silk, summer wools as a fabric choice (vs. velvets, faux furs, heavy wool knits or heavy wool plaids by contrast). We love Homebird, Simons, H&M and Etsy. Look for unique pieces. As a tip to save money, you just need the cover the same dimension as the cushions you currently have — you can store covers more easily than the cushion fill as well.

Bed linens, duvet covers, bath towels — lighten up the bed as the temperature goes up. “You don’t need a heavy duvet (and duvet covers) this time of year. The bath towels can also change to pastel colours or just to a simple white with coloured face clothes only. I love to use Turkish towels in the warmer weather, plus they also make great shawls outdoors in the spring evenings,” says Peloso.

Maximalism trend — “Moving to a more layered look — maximalism vs the simple look of the past. Pattern looks with layered accessories; patterns that clash but have a common colour thread to tie together. Eclectic looks of ‘vintage’ and travel finds.”

Pastel — Intense versions of the pastel colours we see every spring and summer are now more saturated and vibrant. Chintz fabrics and accessories, throws etc. “The look is intense and eclectic so feel free to pull out the things from your past that you love. Those looking for a calming spa-like space may want to stick to more pastel colours with some life and softer fabrics like cotton and linen to help maintain a calm space.”

Wall paint/paper — “If you’re looking for a dramatic change, wall paint and wallpapers are a great way to make a huge change. Combine the colours to create interest, soft peaches or coral mixed with soft pastel greens,” says Peloso.

Clean your windows — “I know this seems silly but cleaning the window is a simple but great way to brighten the house. The point of spring-summer decor is to brighten things up,” says Peloso. “If new purchases are not in the budget, then do yourself the favour of hauling all that winter dirt off the windows. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter the house will feel.”

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Floating shelves create magical space in the home. Photo by Amazon /Amazon.ca

Stay on budget

We reached out to Amazon retail expert, Octavia Roufogalis of the Amazon Home Decor team, who suggested the following items that can switch up a room yet stay on budget.

Trend: Functional decor. The perfect accent for any décor style with functional purpose, these floating shelves are easily mounted to the walls and offer a clean, chic look to an otherwise bare wall. Perfect for areas of the home that require extra storage space, like the kitchen, these classically designed shelves are an affordable way to declutter your space in style.

Trend: Neutral and pastel tones. Neutral tones never go out of style and provide a subtle accent colour that works with nearly any aesthetic. Muted pastels are making a resurgence this year as well, and pair well with neutrals. The Casa Platino Luxury Bedding provides cloud-like warmth and comfort as a result of its tested microfiber filling blend. Available in a variety of neutral and muted pastel tones, it’s a great way to re-introduce spring colours to your bedroom as we approach warmer weather.

Trend: Florals. If you’re looking to embrace the ever-popular floral trend as we head into spring, consider dipping a toe into the aesthetic with this gorgeous, floral pattern vintage rug, for a subtle nod to this trend.

Trend: Marble Finishing. Avoid breaking the bank through a full kitchen or bath renovation and instead consider this easy-to-use, peel-and-stick backsplash to give your space a makeover. With on-trend marble finishing and deep-coloured veins of gold, these self-adhesive pieces have a natural, elegant appearance and realistic texture that add character.

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Furniture and home decor retailer Crate & Barrel and Crate & Kids in Canada offers budget-friendly, sensational ideas for the home this season. They include wall mirrors to duvet covers, throw blankets to dish towels, all featuring the latest designs and colours. Ideas include a wavy wall mirror functional accent piece that makes a space appear bigger to a beautiful washed organic cotton duvet cover that transforms a bedroom instantly to a cozy throw blanket that adds a splash of warmth. You can even give your kitchen a pop of fun with these lemony looking cotton dish towels.

Want to let your creativity flow? Reach for a childhood favourite toy — LEGO. Not just for kids, but LEGO sets can artfully reimagine a living space with a burst of floral creativity and colour.

“Part of the beauty of LEGO building is that there is a set for everyone –—adults included,” says Genevieve Capa Cruz, senior marketing director, Adults at LEGO Group. “There are sets that connect to many adults’ interests including art and décor to nostalgic and modern cultural moments.”

LEGO kits make great decor ideas. Photo by Walmart /Walmart.ca

Cruz says there’s a “variety of LEGO sets introduced over the years have been purposely designed to be displayed proudly in one’s space. The LEGO️ Art theme, for example, was launched in 2020 to attract adult consumers who are interested in creating their own decorative display or art-inspired masterpieces for their homes,” such as The Orchid. Brick-built home décor is not limited to the artwork, adds Cruz, noting such examples as Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, and the company’s botanical collection that can “brighten up any space with floral beauty.”

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'Giving a Space That Sense of Belonging'

Uncommon Knowledge

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1. Pressure-Wash Outdoor Areas

2. Refinish Your Deck

3. Build a Shed

4. Declutter Your Home

5. Refresh Your House with Paint

6. Check Gutters

7. Spruce Up Landscaping

8. Clean or Replace AC Filters

9. Repair Siding

10. Install a New Doorbell

11. Plant a Garden

12. Clean Your Windows

13. Add Lights in Your Garden

1.) Painting

2.) Landscaping Your Yard

3.) Flooring

4.)Bathroom Update

5.) Update Lighting Fixtures

So, How Much Can I Really Make?

Lastly, Small Repairs Are Great, But Don’t Lose Sight Of The Bigger Picture

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1. Create an Addition

2. Redo Your Kitchen

3. Renovate a Bathroom

4. Update Your Home’s HVAC

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6. Make Your Home More Accessible

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