Showing posts with label home design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home design. Show all posts

Friday, February 27, 2015

Top 5 Home Design Trends for 2015


It’s 2015, a new year, and you want to show off to your friends and family that you know how to keep up with today’s hottest trends. Being hip starts at home, so here’s a look at what’s coming so you can hop on the trendy bandwagon.
1)      Libraries as décor
Many people are now adding a study or library room to their home. Not only does a library preserve memories and knowledge of books, but it double functions as a wholesome and quiet environment to relax. This old fashioned serenity is making its comeback as people struggle to find time away from the outside world. To find inspiration and ideas, check out this home improvement guide with do it yourself tips.
2)      Floors galore
The traditional carpet isn’t cutting it anymore; people want cork, bamboo, porcelain, and tile. In high traffic rooms, it’s good to choose a sturdy but appeasing material. One of the trending materials right now is cork flooring. The nicest thing about cork flooring is that it’s one of the easiest surfaces to repair, clean, and redesign. It’s also sustainable, comfortable, and durable. It is tricky to install but professionals like Carolina Services Inc. are perfecting the art of home construction cork flooring. Here are some more reasons to make the switch!
3)      Fireplaces & Fire pits
Another trend this year is adding fireplaces and fire pits both indoors, and out. Of course the biggest benefit of a fireplace is its warmth, and it’s countdown on heating costs. In addition to that, adding a fireplace also increases the value of your home! According to the National Center for Real Estate Research, fireplaces increase the value of the average home by 6-12%. And the fireplace brings a soul-soothing calming effect and truly can bring a room together. And with outdoor patios and porches on the rising trend list as well, outdoor fire pits are becoming more of a household product. This collection of fireplace ideas might help spark the flame.
4)      Keyless Doors
That’s right. The future is here. New technology has paved the way to let you open your door in different ways without the use of your keys. Now you can use a keypad, your phone, or even your fingerprint!  Not only is this more convenient, but it adds security to your home. You can now pick and choose the people that can enter your house. This trend is also catching on with other devices like your car; you bank account, your phone and more. Gokeyless has dedicated itself to creating and innovating keyless technology for your home, office, and other venues.
5)      Customization & Smart Technology
The last hot trend is the customization of household appliances like toasters, ovens, refrigerators, and more. You can now equip your boring household items with the latest and greatest technology. You can now control your washer/dryer, fridge, oven, thermostat and more with your phone using Bluetooth and Wireless technology. The biggest industry leader right now is Samsung and Whirlpool partnering up to design this technology. To learn more about the how to control everything in the palm of your hand, check out these smart appliances.
 



Wednesday, January 28, 2015

5 Easy DIY Home Improvement Projects to Attempt This Winter

Just because it's cold out doesn't mean you have to stay cooped up and bored in your house all winter. Instead of wasting away behind the TV or computer you can improve your living space and be guest ready by the time spring gets here. Here are some easy do it yourself projects that you can do to improve your home, save money, and avoid being bored.

Put Insulation on Your Water Heater

Add a thick blanket or insulation around your water heater in order to ensure that the water within the heater will stay hot even when it's not in use. This is a great way to save energy, and of course money, during the winter and throughout the year. Insulation kits can be purchased at most local home improvement stores.

Put in a Programmable Thermostat

Your utility bills in the winter can be overwhelming, but turning down the thermostat can be uncomfortable. By installing a programmable thermostat, you can set it to change temperature throughout the day, such as keeping the house cooler during the day while everyone is out and warmer at night when you're sleeping. This will save tons of energy and money and is an easy installment. The installation process includes hooking up a few low-voltage wires and most programmable thermostats come with instructions to help you with the set up. Most of these thermostats run around $25 and are available at most hardware stores.

Refinish Your Basement

Big, indoor projects are perfect for down time during the winter and refinishing your basement is no small feat. You can do a lot of the work on your own without a contractor, such as installing new flooring or carpet, painting walls, or dry walling. You will have a pretty basement ready for entertaining by the spring!

Paint the Walls

Spend your time inside not only repainted your finished basement but also the rest of your house. Painting can be a large task to tackle, so take your time and spread it out. You can really revamp a room with a just new shade of paint. Change the feel of the whole room or just add an accent wall to liven  it up a bit. You can get paint advice and tips from your local home improvement store employee.

Organize Drawers and Closets

While you're hibernating inside, why not be productive by dumping out those drawers and donating some of the stuff that you haven't used in ages. You can spend your winter decluttering your life and your home. You'll be feeling organized and light when the spring sun shows up.

Spend your winter months doing something productive and try one of all five of these easy DIY home improvement ideas!

About the Author: Valerie is a guest contributor from Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood, Lansing, Michigan's premier real estate company.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Home Design Trends for 2015


Design trends for 2015 seem to be all about classic luxury and versatile functionality. Modern trends combine with classic style to create a fresh and unique look for the New Year. Classic, retro, and contemporary design ideas incorporating new materials alongside traditional ones, fresh decorating colors and artist details are taking the home design trends by storm. 2015 is all about blending traditional with the modern, creating a combination of serenity, personality and versatility.