Design And Decor

Are you ready to stop dreaming about creating a personal oasis in your outdoor space and make it happen? These 5 spectacular add-ons and build-ins are virtually guaranteed to turn even the drabbest backyard into a resort-quality retreat:

1. Swim-Up Bar with a Sunken Patio

With this design option, there’s no reason for anyone to feel left out of the party just because they can’t bear to get out of the pool. A strategically placed bar allows everyone to enjoy a cool, refreshing drink and a little conversation poolside by integrating underwater seating on one side and a sunken patio on the other. Don’t forget an extra-large market umbrella for shade; it will keep your guests and bartender just as cool as that clear, blue water while it adds to the festive atmosphere.

This sleek, contemporary design option is a smart way to use a rolling landscape to your advantage, but it’s also possible to create a dual-purpose bar on even the most level space with a little excavation and sturdy retaining walls. To stay safe, use break-resistant drinkware.

2. Grottos and Shaded Caves

On the hottest summer days, even the coolest pool water isn’t a match for the unrelenting heat of the sun. Update your pool with a natural-looking grotto complete with a cascading waterfall for a relaxing retreat that will calm your mind while it provides welcome relief from the high temperatures.

Grottos vary from small, cave-like recesses that can shade one or two people from the sun to full caverns with multiple entrances, dramatic lighting and convenient ledges. These areas can provide complete privacy and an exotic atmosphere in addition to protection from the sun.

The most attractive grottos have a natural, seamless appearance that blends in perfectly with the surrounding environment. If your pool area doesn’t incorporate natural or natural-looking stone, you can create this design feature using poured concrete with rock facing paired with complementary boulders and greenery.

3. A Multi-Functional Outdoor Living Space

With today’s modern amenities, there’s absolutely no reason to ever take the party inside. Weather-proof outdoor furniture and carpeting is every bit as attractive and comfortable as anything designed for indoor use, and you can complete your poolside entertainment area with a retractable high-definition TV so that no one has to make a choice between catching the big game or spending time with friends and family around the pool. Position the screen just right and you won’t even have to get out of the pool to view the action.

On cool days or nights, take the chill off with a poolside fireplace or build a fully integrated seating area with a fire pit that extends out into the pool for cozy chats or some quiet contemplation. Even if it’s too cold to swim, this type of add-on allows you to take full advantage of your new outdoor living space.

4. Protective Domes and Enclosures

The clear ceilings and screened walls used in modern pool enclosures protect swimmers from insects and rain without taking away from the natural beauty of a thoughtfully landscaped pool area so that you can fully enjoy your pool even when the weather isn’t picture perfect. Pool enclosure designs range from permanent screened-in structures to fully retractable glass that can turn your outdoor pool into an indoor recreational area at the flip of a switch.

In addition to increasing the time you can use your pool, domes and enclosures protect finishes and prevent leaves and other debris from falling or blowing into the pool to keep your water cleaner and cut down on the time it takes to complete routine maintenance.

5. Waterpark-Quality Slides

Bars, fire pits and grottos are great for the adults, but let’s not forget the young and the young at heart. Nothing’s more fun than sliding into the pool, especially when you consider the many features that are now available. Today’s options deliver waterpark-quality experiences to backyard pools with attractive slides that appear to be carved out of the landscape.

Some of the most sought-after features include free-flowing water inside the slide to reduce friction, waterfalls that drench the slider and curves and drops to add excitement. With carefully-planned lighting, thoughtful placement and a sophisticated design, a waterslide will tempt the biggest thrill seekers in your group while adding to the visual appeal of your modern pool area.

With its durability and classic look, leather furniture is quite popular for living room seating. Yet deciding that you want a leather seating option in your living room is just the first step. As you begin shopping, you will find a large number of options are available for those investing in leather. Here are some tips to help you choose the right leather furniture for your living room.

Choose By Leather Type

Not all leathers are created equal, and understanding the different types will help you make the best possible decision. Here are some common types of leather:

• Pigmented: Pigmented leather works great for growing families, as it has a shiny outer coat that resists stains. This is a lower-grade leather that has been dyed to cover color imperfections and may come in a range of modern hues.
• Full-grain: The highest quality of leather, this type is not processed at all. It is a tough, durable leather for furniture. The high cost comes from the challenge of getting uniform color without treating the leather.
• Aniline: Full-grain, dyed leather that is one of the softest and most supple options. This leather can fade if kept in direct sunlight.
• Split-grain: This is the “genuine leather” you typically see in stores. It comes from the lower half of the hides, so it is less durable and somewhat softer than the full-grain option.

To determine the type of leather you need, you must first determine where you will be using the furniture an what the conditions in your living room will be like.

Choose the Right Style

Leather is a material that lasts for decades, and as such, you want to choose a style that is fairly timeless. Also, choose a piece designed to hold up well over years of use. Nothing would be worse than investing in a piece of leather furniture, only to have the frame fall apart before the leather does.

Next, decide whether you want a large piece or an accent piece. A full leather couch can make a bold statement in your living room and provide ample seating for all your needs. On the other hand, a leather accent chair can add some warmth and a classic look to a neglected corner in your home. You can even find comfortable recliners, sectional sofas and ottomans in leather.

Choose the Right Color

When most people think of leather, they think of shades of brown and black, but leather can come in a variety of classic and trendy colors. Choose a color that matches your tastes, but remember to keep timelessness in mind. That lime green leather chair may be all the rage today, but in 20 years it might look dated. A trendy color combined with a classic design can be a pleasing compromise. Of course, for an ultra-modern look, you can choose both a contemporary frame and  a contemporary color.

Caring for the Leather

Once you have invested in a piece of leather furniture, keeping it well cared for is crucial. Properly cleaning and conditioning your leather is going to keep it beautiful and soft for many years to come. Start with a non-toxic cleaning product, then add a natural conditioning product to put moisture back into the leather. This will help your new piece of living room furniture become an heirloom in your home.

About the author:

Jim McGowen is the founder of Leather Honey, which manufactures Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, the #1 selling leather care product on Amazon.com. The company’s new product, Leather Honey Leather Cleaner, is designed to gently clean the leather before conditioning, and in between conditioner applications.

Your master bedroom should be your oasis. Designed properly, it can be your place to retreat after the workday is over, the house chores are done and the kids are in bed. You want this room, above all your others, to be peaceful and serene, a place you look forward to spending time in at the end of the day and one that promotes a good night’s sleep.

Attractive and serene master bedrooms are also great selling features when it comes time to put your home on the market. Prospective buyers will be drawn to your home (over others in the neighborhood) if they can imagine themselves relaxing in your bedroom retreat.

Seven must-haves for your master bedroom

To create this inviting, peaceful ambiance in your master bedroom, you’ll want to be sure to add a few of the following must-haves:

1. Walk-in closets and a dressing area. Few people ever have enough closet space. Creating a luxury walk-in closet and dressing area makes it easy to find your clothes, shoes and accessories and helps to take some of the stress out of getting ready for work in the morning. You can add extras such as a full-length mirror, jewelry trays and shoe racks if space permits.

2. A balcony or patio. A small balcony or patio off your master bedroom with French doors leading outside can help you relax after a long day, or give you a peaceful moment away from the family where you can sip your coffee in the morning. There’s something soothing about listening to the birds wake up and watching the sun creep above the horizon.

3. A sitting area. Today’s master bedrooms aren’t just about sleeping. A separate sitting area gives you a place to relax when it’s too cold or too dark to sit out on your balcony. Such an area needs one or two over-stuffed comfortable chairs, a good lamp and a side table to hold your book, reading glasses and coffee mug.

4. Three points of light. The conventional design theory is that every room should have at least three sources of light. This adds to the warmth and structure of the room and creates a welcoming mood. Three sources of light are especially important in a master bedroom because the room plays multiple roles. Soft bedside lighting helps to create a peaceful mood for evenings. More powerful overhead lights are useful for dressing in the morning, and directed lighting, such as a lamp or recessed bullet lights, are necessary for reading or other projects.

5. Window treatments that block the light. Luxury window treatments not only add to the elegance of your master bedroom, but they can help to block out the sunlight, allowing you to get a more restful night’s sleep. This is especially useful if your bedroom has windows that face east. One good way to achieve this is to hang layers of window treatments, such as sheers to block direct sunlight during the day and heavier draperies with a sun blocker backing that can be drawn at night.

6. Luxury bedding. Luxury bedding can make going to bed a treat. High quality linens in a single color or coordinating hues create a feeling of comfort and envelop you with luxury. A high-end mattress is also a good investment, according to many design professionals.

7. Plush rugs or carpeting. No one wants to get out of bed in the morning and step on a cold hardwood floor, no matter how lovely it is. Instead, opt for plush carpet you can sink your toes into in the bedroom, even if you choose hardwood in the rest of your home. If you can’t live without the look of maple, cherry or pine planks in your bedroom, cover up all but the edges with an area rug with a deep pile.

Creating a master bedroom that you’ll look forward to spending time in doesn’t have to be involved or expensive. Certainly, things like adding a balcony or a walk-in closet are best decided when you build your home. However, there are myriad smaller things you can do, such as adding more light and splurging on luxury bedding, that will transform your ho-hum bedroom into a luxury oasis.

This article is brought to you buy Curtis Homes, a semi-custom home builder of Southern Maryland Communities. For over 50 years Curtis has been providing premium homes and townhomes with the customer at the forefront.

An attractive patio cover serves to define your outdoor living space and will increase the value and appeal of your home. A patio cover’s primary purpose is to provide shade from the sun’s scorching rays and shelter from light rainfall. The structure will also preserve the beauty of outdoor furniture, barbecue grills and other belongings as it protects them from weather damage.

Patio covers come in a variety of styles, from simple and streamlined overhead slabs that rest on support posts to elaborately constructed fixtures that evoke images of an ornate Greek or Tuscan villa. When contemplating the choices, it is important to choose a patio cover that will compliment the overall design style of the house’s exterior so that the two flow together naturally. Begin by pondering these five popular patio cover design options.

1. Pergola
Pergolas are freestanding structures that can be custom built to situate over patios, driveways, walkways and decks. Their appeal as a patio cover comes from the characterizing network of crossbeams overhead that allow limited amounts of sunlight to stream through. Vertical support posts enable climbing plants to intertwine and grow up the posts and across the overhead beams. This creates a natural canopy of beauty as such climbers as variegated ivy, roses, morning glories, wisteria and other attractive blooms and foliage adorn the framework. Pergolas may be constructed of wood, vinyl, fiberglass or metal and come in an array of structural designs. An open corner of the pergola can be partially enclosed with a lattice wall for additional shade and a privacy shield. The look of a pergola provides a timeless, European-inspired focal point.

2. Closed Roof
This patio cover design is typically an attached structure that is built onto the house. The roof is constructed from wood beams and may be covered with shingles to match those of the house’s roof. Support posts may be constructed of wood, vinyl or a combination of wood and masonry. The effect is a sturdy structure with rustic appeal, offering full protection from sunlight and precipitation. The inner beams of the roof are exposed, providing anchors for installing overhead lighted ceiling fans once electrical power has been incorporated into the structure. Colorful blooms in baskets, whimsical birdhouses or melodic wind chimes hung from outer perimeter beams add decorative personal touch.

3. Gazebo
Many homeowners opt for a gazebo to cover a portion of a large patio or deck. Covering the outdoor dining area, for example, allows for eating in the shade without shrouding the entire patio area from sunshine. Gazebos are pavilion-like structures that can be round, square or octagonal in perimeter shape and are crowned with a pointed roof. Gazebos feature half walls with vertical posts in between these walls and the roof. Some gazebos offer built-in bench seating along the inner edges and ornate railing for embellishment. The ornamental look is a statement of cottage charm.

4. Canopy
Similar to the tent structures seen at outdoor events, a canopy provides shade and shelter by way of a large sheet of fabric that is draped over a simple frame structure and secured decoratively at each corner post. The fabric is woven with durable, weather-resistant material and comes in a variety of color choices, from elegant neutral cream or taupe to bold hues to match the painted trim of the home. The fabric may be easily swapped out when a new replacement becomes necessary or a change of color is desired. This economical option provides a look that is light and airy. Due to the limitation of solid structure, hanging items or installing light fixtures is not an option.

5. Screened In Patios
As an increasing number of homeowners embrace the concept of outdoor living and entertaining, covering the patio with a complete, screened-in enclosure is becoming more favorable. Like the aforementioned closed roof design, this option is an attached construction that is built onto the house. The roof is a closed outer design that may be covered in shingles and from which a lighted ceiling fan may be hung from the exposed inner rafters. Half walls surround the perimeter of the patio and screens are attached to the vertical posts between the wall and the roof. This full enclosure not only offers protection from the elements, it also serves as a barrier against unwelcome insects and blowing leaves and keeps toddlers and pets corralled while playing in the fresh air. This design offers the ultimate protection for outdoor furniture, cushions and area rugs, allowing for more luxurious seating and decorative options for your outdoor room.

Once you have made your patio cover selection and furnished this new additional living space, you will be rewarded with a fresh air retreat where your family can revel in an extended season of outdoor enjoyment.

Get free patio cover estimates by filling out the form on the upper right hand side of this page.

To change the look and feel of a home without spending huge money on renovations, homeowners are turning to tiles. From country to modern to chic, every type of design aesthetic can be updated with new tiles.

Porcelain Wood Tiles
Porcelain tiles that emulate wood grain are the newest trends available to homeowners (also known as “faux wood”). It has been building for a few years with tiles being introduced as a modern update to wood floors. Now, wood tiles come in different shapes and sizes. From walls to floors to ceilings, porcelain wood tiles are being used all over the home. Mixed wood tiles are the newest trends in wood. Light tiles that appear distressed and aged are popular. It can transform a kitchen or bath into a coastal-cottage inspired home design. It’s the new and improved shabby chic look.

With the popularity of reclaimed wood, homeowners want that aged patina in their homes, but it can be difficult to find the perfect piece without scouring the countryside personally. Wood tile gives homeowners choices that they wouldn’t be able to find naturally. Colors of porcelain wood tiles range from faded-blue, weathered-gray and light brown to white, rust or tan. Weathered, peeling and distressed wood has hazards like paint chips, lead from old paint or splinters. With wood tile, homeowners get all the good attributes of weathered wood with none of the bad.

Painted Glass
Instead of glass mosaic tiles, homeowners now get a more ethereal tile choice for the bathroom or as a tile for the back splash in the kitchen. The back of the glass tile is painted with the color of choice. This gives the tile a shiny patina that fits in with polished kitchens. High-gloss counter tops and shiny appliances are a growing trend that allows the addition of these stunning pieces of glass. These glass tiles fit in with modern kitchen designs quite beautifully.

In the bathroom, these glass tiles can add to the feel of a seaside retreat. Popular color choices like blue, green or sand can make the homeowner feel like they are in a cottage by the sea. It gives an added dimension that can’t be matched with traditional tiles.

Faux Stone
Homeowners that might want the look of stone flooring without the disadvantages are turning to a ceramic alternative. Faux stone has the timeless appearance of traditional slate, travertine or sandstone flooring with none of the hassles.

Natural stone needs to be sealed against damage repeated through the life of the floor, and still after sealing, it is not completely resistant to chemicals or stains. Something as simple as lemon juice can stain a natural stone floor. Each natural stone tile might be a different color than the next. There’s no real uniformity to the color scheme of the tiles. For some homeowners, that can present a design problem.

Faux stone tiles are easier to install. They are stain-resistant without the constant sealing that natural stone requires. They cost less to buy and to install than natural stone. They are becoming a natural choice for homeowners who don’t want the fuss or expense of natural stone floors, walls or counter tops. Faux stone tiles can be used to create a floor or a wall with uniform color and design.

People have their own color likes and dislikes depending on their individual character and growth phase. There is a cycle of changing colors that affect our body and mind through different periods of life. These are reflected in our changing color preferences.

Decorating with color can be a little daunting, as the colors say a lot about your character. Picking the right colors for your home is just as important as picking colors for your clothes and it is key to set the kind of atmosphere you need for your home.

How Shades of Blue and Green Affect Your Home Atmosphere
A soft blue would be a good choice for a living room or library, considering its soothing properties. Lighter blues will surely stimulate the atmosphere of your home and help you think clearly, while softer blues can have a soothing effect to help you focus. Blue is known to have sedative effects and is considered as an intellectual color.
Green sits right in the middle of the spectrum and hits your eye in a manner that needs no adjustment. Thus it immediately gives the atmosphere a sense of balance and calm. Green has a similar effect on your home atmosphere as blue as it also has a calming effect.

When building or remodeling a house many home builders often use different specters of colors to make specific effects in different room. Colors will change your home atmosphere through your perception. As you can see, the biggest factor in creating atmosphere in your home is you and your feelings, so decorate your home with colors that make you feel comfortable and at peace.

How Yellows and Reds Change Your Home Atmosphere
The best benefit of having red color in your home is that it can give your home an atmosphere energy, warmth and strength. Each color has its own wavelength and red has the longest of all wavelengths. Red is the strongest color because it has the longest wavelength.

Although red is often a symbol of risk, in China, red is color for joy, and in many people use it in wedding ceremonies as a symbol of purity.

Yellow is the color with second largest wavelength and is considered as the most stimulating color. Yellow will give an atmosphere of a friendly feeling and helps to set a mood of innovation.

Since yellow is a brilliant color and is a color that can amplify the light, decorating your house with yellow color, will give it a happy and awake atmosphere.

How Can Colors Affect the Moods of People of Various Age Groups?

Elderly People and Colors
Older persons may fit well with soft pastels. Peaches, apricots, warn tans, terracotta and pink can also be used to awaken their mood and mind. Softer shades of red and orange are warming and can help with circulation and energy levels.

Teens
Black, if used, needs to be mixed with other colors, as it is not beneficial for emotional development. Teens sometimes go through an identity crisis and often use black to hide this because they feel it’s cool.
Citrus greens and bold blues also provide some peace and release of pressure. Red is good for this age group – it expresses sexual vigor and extreme energy.

Older Children
Different shades of blue-greens work as study / learning colors. They create stimulation energy when combined with yellow-creams and minor amounts of orange-yellow.

It is good practice to avoid geometric patterns on the walls or curtains, as they are usually distracting.

Very Young Children
Bright, intense colors like dark red, yellow and orange have shown signs of disrupting sleeping patterns and have also been known to bring young children to crying more easily. Strong, bright colors have the effect of shocking child’s internal steadiness and can make the child anxious and restless.

Updating the bathroom is one of the most popular home improvements for homeowners to undertake. After all, a bathroom makeover does have quite a bit of impact on a home’s value. However, even though the remodeling cost vs. value report for 2013 list bathroom remodels as one of the projects yielding the best returns on investment in 2013, renovating a bathroom can often be very expensive. Thankfully, it is not impossible to make it look like you spent $25,000 remodeling your bathroom when you really only spent a fraction of the cost.

Use Extended Light Fixtures

Old light fixtures can date a bathroom as well, and any improvement on the lighting in your bathroom will make a huge difference. If you have a medicine cabinet, you may want to install wall light fixtures with a long neck that place the lights above and in front of the mirror. If you have a large ornate mirror, you will want to side light it.

Consider sprucing up your vanity

Like with the light fixtures, vanities can end up looking dated as the years go by. While you can find a stylish bathroom vanity at practically any home improvement store; refurbishing your old vanity instead can save you a little extra money and still get rid of the dated look. Most vanities can easily be repainted and things like tilting the mirror or changing the fixtures or can have an enormous impact on the look and feel of your space without going over budget.

Don’t forget about your countertop

Not too long ago, things like granite countertops were pretty expensive perks to consider for the average home makeover project. Thankfully, you can now obtain granite tops for under $400 at most home improvement stores; some even come with an unattached, under-mount sink. In addition, less expensive varieties such as laminate still make the most sense when trying to remain within budget. This is especially true now that laminate countertops can now mimic the look of granite.

Add a splash of art

You may want to consider giving your bathroom and new touch of elegance and visual appeal with a splash of art for the bath. Just like it does in any other room of a home, art can complete the style and look of your bathroom makeover. With art in the bathroom, the general rule is it should be behind glass in order to avoid getting splashed but remember, humidity is an issue so you may want to ask the framer about hanging original art in a humid environment before doing so.

Bathroom tile can also be a potent design weapon when you want to create a unique look. Like with most mosaics, the almost limitless compilations of tile styles can inspire you to create a totally unique bathroom tile pattern that enhances the room’s ambiance through color, texture and pattern.

Plan for adequate storage

Finally, one of the things I find true of every home makeover is that storage is a problem in pretty much every room. With that being said, make sure you take time to visit stores like the Pottery Barn, the Container Store and Ikea for a huge selection of aesthetic and design friendly storage solutions.

About the author

Alex is a writer, husband, father and aspiring urban fantasy novelist. When he isn’t writing for HomeDaddys or completing chores from his “honey- do” list, he’s most likely spending quality time with his wife and kids or working on his novel.

It’s almost summer and for many homeowners this is the best time to spruce up their home decor for a more summery look. This need for sprucing up may be especially urgent if the rooms have been looking a bit drab and outmoded of late. One room that can really use a spring and summer makeover is the kitchen. Here are some ideas to help a kitchen welcome the warm weather.

Area Rugs
These rugs can be quite beautiful and don’t merely have to be functional. They can be made out of colorful rags, like traditional Swedish rag rugs or be striped in different bright colors. They not only provide color and interest but protect the floor.

Kitchen Table and Island Centerpieces
Flowers aren’t the only things that make beautiful centerpieces. Fruit and vegetables can also make wonderful pieces that may be placed on your island or kitchen table. A nice display would be a group of Transvaal daisies in an urn-shaped, milk glass vase, a tiny, green porcelain vase that holds just one yellow rose, a straight-sided vase full of white, red, yellow and orange ranunculus and a white, porcelain footed bowl full of fresh, ripe peaches.

A single, shallow bowl of red or green apples or walnuts is also good. Not only are these centerpieces good to look at, they’re also good to eat. The same is true, of course, for the peaches. As the comestibles disappear, they can always be replenished.

Another centerpiece idea is a large clear glass vase filled with pink peonies anchored in place by seashells artfully arranged in the bottom of the vase then covered with water. Some of the seashells can be scattered around the vase on the table as accents.

A grouping of candles is also lovely, especially votives that aren’t in danger of being knocked over. These too, can be paired with flowers. A sleek, white, porcelain tea service along the lines of Luigi Colani would also be a topic of conversation.

Replace the Dishpan and the Dishdrain
Now’s the time for the dishpan and the dishdraining rack to be replaced, because they’ve both seen better days. They are both cheap, easy to find and come in any color that can match the rest of the kitchen. Homemakers may think that guests don’t notice what’s in and around the sink, but they do.

Window Dressings
Now is the time to change the window dressings. With the warm weather and abundant sunlight, some people will get rid of curtains or blinds altogether and allow the window to go undressed to allow in the most light. Other people might change their old cafe curtains for new ones made of sheer, light-colored fabric like cambric, which also lets light into the room.

Wall Ideas
First of all, the wall should be thoroughly cleaned because, let’s face it, they’re grungy after all these years. Then, they should be painted a light, summery color. Shades of white are excellent, as are bright yellows, pale greens and pale blues. The homeowner might go for a combination of all of these colors, though care needs to be taken to make sure that they don’t clash. But a kitchen that’s in shades of white like off-white, cream, pearl, ivory or brilliant white does give an impression of airiness. It also makes the room look bigger than it is.

New Drawer Pulls
This is just about the most inexpensive way to give a summery feel to a kitchen. The amount of draw pulls to choose from is bewildering. They can be basic black knobs, either round, square or oval, to contrast with white cabinets. They can be made out of clear or colored cut glass or carved out of stone. They can be bar shaped cabinet pulls made out of polished, oil-rubbed or hammered metals like brass, bronze, steel or iron. They can be simple or very ornate.

Lighting
If the kitchen has fluorescent hoops, they need to go. There are now fluorescents that come in compact form. The hoops that once hung above the kitchen table or the kitchen island can now be replaced by a multi-armed chandelier with little fabric shades or a triplet of pendant lights with ribbed glass shades and shiny chrome accents.

Moving into a new home offers a rare opportunity to start from scratch and create an interior design just as you like it. This is especially true if you are moving into your first home with newly purchased items.
While getting settled, you might need to come up with some creative solutions to get your home fully furnished within your budget. Here are 5 great ideas.

• Take stock of what you have and what you want to keep. – Before you move, decide which items move with you and which are donated or given away.  Moving is a time-consuming and strenuous task, and you want to cut to a minimum the number of items you need to move.
• Give it time. – Purchase new pieces of furniture gradually as you notice the need for them. Have patience throughout the decorating process and take the time to get a feel for what your home is lacking rather than buying on a whim.
• Don’t turn down second-hand items immediately. – If family or friends offer you furniture and home decor items, consider the possibilities before you turn down the offer. Go through your furniture inventory and determine if a hand-me-down might be acceptable. Also, consider antique stores, flea markets, and other places that sell used furniture. Often, you will be surprised with the quality of the second-hand items you find and the charm they bring to your interior design.
• Shop around. – Realize that shopping for furniture to fill your new home is a one-time opportunity and a great joy. Be aware that the opportunity to decorate a new home doesn’t happen very often. Research locations for purchasing furniture, and visit them all before deciding on an important purchase. Become familiar with the furniture stores, antique shops, flea markets, and other vendors in your area that might offer the perfect items for your new home.
• You don’t have to match – Be cautious about buying complete rooms of furniture at one time. When you purchase a new bed, the salesperson may push you to take the night stand, dresser, chest, and mirror with it. Yet matching sets of any type of furniture may give a room a bland, boring look. Aim for some originality and creativity when decorating your new home.

Think about these 5 tips when decorating your first home and enjoy a process that results in the home you were dreaming of all along.

About the author:

David Larkin is CEO/President of DAL Builders, which is a general contractor in Chicago serving residential and commercial property owners since 1994.  Connect with DAL Builders on Facebook.

Lemons are just the spring touch that your kitchen is craving after a long, chilly winter. If properly placed, they can add modern zest, a fresh, clean look and sunny cheer. A creamy, crisp lemon color is paired well with the modern and sophisticated tone of black, and toile is a delightful way to introduce it. Black and white toile will add French country sophistication to your kitchen, and it is easy to access. Typically found in fabric, wall paper and even linens, this is a fun, fresh way to usher in a bit of boldness with a traditional and timeless pattern to instantly update and enhance your kitchen space. Black and white toile is a lemon’s long, lost love. They just belong together like meringue atop lemon custard. Whether you are in for a full kitchen overhaul or looking to simply update, the buttery, golden yellow of lemons blended with black and white toile will squeeze some irresistibility into your kitchen space.

Sunny Side Up

A subtle splash of color is essential to lay the foundation for your French Country kitchen redesign. There are so many yummy and refreshing lemon tones available. Avoid a stark, primary yellow and instead introduce milder tones for the softness that this look requires. Great places to apply paint are the walls to start, then the backsplash, and even possibly the ceiling. If you’re shy about committing to a new color on every wall, choose an accent wall to paint then perhaps the window casings, door frames or trim as well. Be certain to reserve some paint for unfinished wood bar stools or to coordinate the back panel of your dining room hutch.

If you decide to leave the ceiling white consider painting a lemon yellow star around the base of your light fixture in place of a traditional ceiling medallion.

Create Crowning Cabinets

Never overlook the cabinetry, your kitchen’s “furniture,” as it should become part of the action too. Not sure about committing to completely sand and paint the cabinets? There are other fun ways to update and add distinction. Try applying wall paper to the inset portion of cabinet doors. This is a perfect place to introduce a black and white toile patterned paper. Measure, trim and apply the paper once all of your cabinet doors have been removed. Glue a roping or black trim to the edges of each panel to finish the look. Also, try removing the center panel of a few key cabinets (perhaps those above the stove or sink) and stapling in chicken wire. This will become a favorite place to display a few plates or a jar of faux lemons.

Love the look of custom soffit lighting? Create it by laying white stringed mini lights down flat on the top of your cabinets. They should be well hidden behind the upper cabinet molding. When lit they will provide ambient lighting that your guests will think was professionally installed.

Outfit and Accessorize

Accessories are an essential when creating cohesion throughout your space. Consider items that are not traditionally found in the kitchen. An antique step ladder painted black and distressed a bit will become a fun, funky place to hang hand towels or pots and pans. Also, window shutters are a great place to pin recipes.

The counters are best kept free from clutter, so choose a few key accessories that will bring the theme home. Fill glass apothecary jars with lemon drops or white meringue cookies for all to see. Embellish the outside of the jar with black grosgrain ribbon and monogramed labels. Display your yellow dish soap liquid in a glass olive oil bottle embellished to match your apothecary jars.

Have fun outfitting your table with yellows or black toile linens that will help give life to the look. Remember napkin rings, plates and cups should all coordinate with your new look too. Use table runners laid across a rectangular table instead of place mats for a new and interesting look. Also, if there is any black and white toile wall paper left over from the cabinet project, be sure to cover light switch plates by wrapping them like a gift and securing the back with tape.

From concept to completion, this is a sunny and stylish spring kitchen that would appeal to the palette of even the most style conscious epicurean. Whatever life gives you– make lemonade!

Baseball field groundskeepers flawlessly mow lawns in green grids of geometric perfection. The yards of these stadiums are the envy of homeowners everywhere. How do we amateurs mow like these consummate pros? It takes some skill to be sure, but it’s not as difficult as you may think. Here’s how to wield mowers as a landscaping paintbrush.

Lawn Care

Before you start etching 180 degree patterns into your lawn, the grass must be in tip-top condition. Every square inch must flow with verdant, vigorous blades of grass colored chlorophyll green. With a dense, healthy turf, your lawn can be transformed into something suitable for the major league stadiums. The density of grass also assists in fending off crabgrass and other intrusive weeds. Whichever mower you choose to cut your grass, keep the blades razor-sharp, at the correct height and mow frequently. Fertilize throughout the year and leave grass trimmings on your lawn for mulch. Should your lawn need a facelift, you can purchase bags of grass seed blends that MLB ballparks use on their fields.

Upon Reflection

How do baseball stadiums achieve that striped look? There are many who believe the stripes are painted on, or that groundskeepers use various grass types at differing heights. The truth is simply a matter of light reflection. Think about running your finger across certain materials or vacuuming the carpet that same striped effect occurs. When the fabric, or blades of grass in this case, bend in opposing directions, light is reflected and creates dark and light stripes.

All in the Bend

To achieve the grassy perfection of Wrigley Field or Fenway Park, you’ll have to do more than mow in opposite directions. You’ll need those blades of grass to bend at 45 degree angles. This is going to take a heavy weight in the form of a roller attachment otherwise known as a striper. With a little creativity, you can make your own rollers. Also, the proper bend isn’t possible when grass is scalped or cut too short. Follow the one-third rule by never slicing off any more than a third of grass blades in a single mowing session.

The Traditional Stripe

First, you’ll want to mow your lawn’s perimeter. The perimeter is the space where you’ll turn the mower in the opposite direction after each straight line sweep. If possible, make the turns on sidewalks or the driveway. Gingerly mow down your first stripe by maintaining a line of sight, suggests YardCare.com, and proceed in alternate line direction. Mow the perimeter a second time.

Checkerboard

The checkerboard design is much the same as the traditional stripe. Go over the perimeter twice, with or without the striper. Mow the exact same way as the traditional stripe. On your second pass, create a criss-cross pattern. For example, if your first pass is mowed in the north and south directions, you’ll go over your lawn in an east and west direction the second time.

Hardscaping can expand your home’s living space and provide a solid foundation for outdoor design. You can go for a huge mosaic-tiled brick patio or add rock walkways leading to secret gardens. Imagine how best to use your private backyard space with a mix of nature and hardscaping for an attractive, relaxing retreat for you and your family.

Wood and Water
You can strategically mix wood and water for a soothing display to balance each element’s design effect on the space. If you have a large yard, think about changing it radically with an equally large patio. You could fill this space alone with furniture for entertaining.

However, you also can mix it up a bit by adding a fountain, reflecting pool or pond. For certain locales, an infinity pool might even be the way to go to make the most of a dramatic landscape or scenic vista overlooking a valley. Water elements, mixed with hardscaping, can instantly transform your backyard.

The important thing is to not limit the setting with just one design element. A mix of plants and water along with hardscaping can create a versatile and eye-pleasing space. Imagine an Asian-inspired outdoor theme using lattice fencing to create outdoor rooms. Use a large, colorful table umbrella in a bold print for shade and add a fountain for soothing sounds to block out neighboring street noise. Statues and gazing balls tucked in corners can add visual interest to the setting. You also can add mirrors decorated with ivy or other climbing vine to seemingly enlarge existing space.

Garden Walkways
Indulging your green thumb in the backyard does not mean you have to sacrifice order and definition. Walkways can help define specific areas of the yard. With careful planning, you can enhance your existing gardens with a professional touch by outlining paths, enabling you to build gardens within the available spaces on either side. You can go with rock, brick or manmade materials to create your paths.

New materials allow you to construct pathways that glow in the dark at night, lighting the way to a beautiful rose garden or your favorite moon garden filling the air with rich fragrance. For certain areas, even a simple wooden boardwalk with a bridge might be a perfect way to join large spaces, particularly if you are lucky enough to have a creek on your property. There may be an attractive way to start these paths from a central location in your yard, such as a patio, and add solar lights to add subtle touches of shimmer along the way.

Patio and Outdoor Kitchen
You can combine all the best elements of hardscaping by blending your patio theme with the surrounding elements that support an outdoor grill and table set. Think about a California spa theme, with white bleached wood with matching overhead horizontal boards spaced to cast dramatic afternoon shadows of shade amid a clear sky setting. The cooking space could be encased in a marble-topped steel cabinet for easy cleanup. Add built-in seating with fun, bright-colored pillows, and you will have an appealing space for spending lots of time enjoying the fresh air.

The outdoor seats could serve a dual purpose with seating that lifts up to reveal storage. In fall or before any inclement weather, you could store the pillows inside and away from the elements. Built-in planters can complete the theme so that you can switch out seasonal plants to further brighten the area. Depending on where you live, you could try tulips in the spring, fragrant calla or oriental lilies in the summer and colorful mums in the fall displayed in clean, white wooden box planters. All the built-in layers with this design can add character and personality while remaining easy to clean for a streamlined, low-fuss appearance.