Want to Create a Knockout Kitchen? Try These Ideas!

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Jeremy Leake

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where the family and company gather. It’s only natural that you’d want a kitchen that makes a statement but is also functional. In order to help you out we found this article from Houzz with 12 different knockout kitchen ideas. We hope you find some ideas to transform the look of your kitchen!

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From the article:

Bored with plain white subway tile and ???greige??? walls? Tired of making design choices based on what you think a future buyer might want? These 12 ideas prove that kitchens don???t need to be cookie cutter ??? in fact, they???re a lot more fun when you personalize your space exactly the way you want it. Let them satisfy your craving for color and creativity.

Wallpaper.

Wallpaper is so unexpected in the kitchen, and it???s a treat to see an interesting pattern on the walls instead of flat paint. Many wallpapers are not as delicate as you might think, but if you use one near the stove, it???s best to protect it with a sheet of Plexiglas or a specialty finish. Wallpaper is especially great in small kitchens ??? the pattern fools the eye into thinking the room extends farther than it actually does.

Zigzag linoleum.
What a fun way to use plain, supercheap linoleum tiles. Simply apply tiles in two colors you like together in a zigzag pattern rather than in straight lines.

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Looking for white kitchen ideas? Then checkout this article about white kitchen ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23233269

Looking for Bathroom Design Trends of 2015? Start Here!

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Jeremy Leake

It can be very difficult to stay ahead of the curve as to what’s in style and what isn’t. In order to help you out we found this article on the bathroom design trends of 2015. We hope it helps you plan your bathroom accordingly!

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From the article:

If you’ve been thinking about giving your bathroom an overhaul but aren???t sure how, one way to start is to look to the latest design trends for inspiration. We???ve made it our mission to find out what design ideas are expected to make a splash in 2015 to help make planning your bathroom makeover project a little bit easier. To compile our list, we enlisted the help of four award-winning designers, who share here their predictions for the looks, finishes and features they think will be on everyone???s radar next year. They also reveal how they would work these ideas into their own projects.

The master suite retreat. Is your master bathroom cramped, not particularly inviting and tucked away out of sight? Then you may be more than happy to try this design trend when renovating your home.

Castagna and Genner say people want bigger bathrooms that are connected to the bedroom or closet, or even more open to the bedroom. People want to see their beautiful basins, custom vanities and freestanding baths from the bedroom, say the designers, who were the team behind the luxe, open-plan bedroom and en suite pictured here. They???re also using bigger sliding doors so people can open up or close off a space.

Bigger showers. Is bigger better? According to Castagna and Genner, that???s certainly the current school of thought when it comes to the shower, and they believe the trend will become even more popular in 2015. They???re seeing more walk-in showers with oversize panes of glass or solid walls that completely enclose the space, rather than bathrooms with tiny cubicles.

Why do they think there???s a move away from more compact showering areas to ones that are more generous in size? Larger showers are spaces for rejuvenation and wellness, they say.

If you???d prefer a shower that???s large but offers more privacy than a fully open walk-in shower or one with a partial glass screen, look to the fresh, fun bathroom here for design inspiration. Note how the lowered walls help create a private, intimate pocket where the homeowners can shower in peace, but don???t make the bath zone feel too closed in or take away from the room???s airy, spacious vibe.

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Interesting in home remodeling trends of 2015? Then checkout this article about home remodeling trends 2015 that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34677209/list/14-bathroom-design-ideas-expected-to-be-big-in-2015

Did You Know Owning Your Home Could Help You Filing Your Taxes? Learn About These Deductions!

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Jeremy Leake

When filing your taxes it’s important to maximize your return. In order to help you out we found this article that lists all the deductions you might qualify for if you own your home. We hope it helps get you a sizeable tax return!

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From the article:

Owning a home can pay off at tax time.
Take advantage of these homeownership-related tax deductions and strategies to lower your tax bill:

Mortgage Interest Deduction
One of the neatest deductions itemizing homeowners can take advantage of is the mortgage interest deduction, which you claim on Schedule A. To get the mortgage interest deduction, your mortgage must be secured by your home ??? and your home can be a house, trailer, or boat, as long as you can sleep in it, cook in it, and it has a toilet.

Interest you pay on a mortgage of up to $1 million ??? or $500,000 if you???re married filing separately ??? is deductible when you use the loan to buy, build, or improve your home.

If you take on another mortgage (including a second mortgage, home equity loan, or home equity line of credit) to improve your home or to buy or build a second home, that counts towards the $1 million limit.

If you use loans secured by your home for other things ??? like sending your kid to college ??? you can still deduct the interest on loans up $100,000 ($50,000 for married filing separately) because your home secures the loan.

PMI and FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums
You can deduct the cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI) as mortgage interest on Schedule A if you itemize your return. The change only applies to loans taken out in 2007 or later.

By the way, the 2014 tax season is the last for which you can claim this deduction unless Congress renews it for 2015, which may happen, but is uncertain.

What???s PMI? If you have a mortgage but didn???t put down a fairly good-sized downpayment (usually 20%), the lender requires the mortgage be insured. The premium on that insurance can be deducted, so long as your income is less than $100,000 (or $50,000 for married filing separately).

If your adjusted gross income is more than $100,000, your deduction is reduced by 10% for each $1,000 ($500 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return) that your adjusted gross income exceeds $100,000 ($50,000 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return). So, if you make $110,000 or more, you can???t claim the deduction (10% x 10 = 100%).

Besides private mortgage insurance, there???s government insurance from FHA, VA, and the Rural Housing Service. Some of those premiums are paid at closing, and deducting them is complicated. A tax adviser or tax software program can help you calculate this deduction. Also, the rules vary between the agencies.

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Want to learn more design secrets? Then checkout this article about design secrets to age in home that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/tax-deductions/home-tax-deductions/#.

Have a Wall in Your Home You Aren’t Sure What to do With? Get Ideas Here!

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Jeremy Leake

Having a well designed home is something that everyone wants. Some spaces are easy to design. Others, not so much. In order to help you decorate that one wall that you have problems with we found this article with ideas for you. We hope it helps!

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From the article:

The Salon-style wall decoration trend, emerged in 1670 from the French Royal Academy of Art and Sculpture, has become extremely famous these days. The decorating style incorporates the arrangement of different types of paintings, pictures and photographs together on an empty wall to transform it from dull and boring to beautiful and dazzling. Here are salon wall d??cor ideas that would make your walls appear more attractive than ever before.

Soothing Solution:
Small size prints like that of landscapes placed together in the form of grid against a soft colored wall like light blue can make the wall appear full and attractive and at the same time makes it appear soothing and relaxing.

DIY Artwork:
For those who are looking for easy to afford decorating ideas, here we are with an exciting wall decoration idea that requires nothing but a few canvases and metal repair tape. You can use the canvases and metal repair tapes together to make awe-inspiring geometric patterns, which would add elegance to any wall. The silver metal greatly complements the wall color and other accessories on the wall.

Headboard Art:
If you are planning to decorate the wall behind your bed, you can place some framed prints inside a square black frame and hang them close to each other, leaving 2-3 inches space between the edges of the frame. This will help you create a high impact wall.

Doubled Wall Art:
By combining two varieties of art forms like shadowboxes and plates, you cab beautifully dress up your wall in a unique way. First, line up shadowboxes with brightly colored paper or fabric and them place matching plates inside the boxes and help them stay in position with the help of a strong adhesive.

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Looking to hang some pictures? Then checkout this article about how to hang pictures on any surface that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.hometone.org/12347/2014/10/30/decorate-dullest-wall-house/?utm_source=feedburner

Looking to Promote Healthy Habits in Your Family? Checkout These Tips!

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Jeremy Leake

Keeping a family healthy isn’t the easiest thing under the sun. In order to help you identify ways your family can make better choices we found this article with ideas. We hope it helps!

From the article:

We are happy to share with you our complete list of tips for how to change your child and family’s habits.
Changing habits can be a fun family event if you set small simple and achievable goals. Each small change does add up to a healthier child and it is best to work on one or two habits at a time.

Here is a list of our tips that

provide ideas tips on positive reinforcement

promote tips for getting starting

offer actions to follow through on change

List of Tips For Promoting Healthier Habits For Your Child And Family

Help your child set one healthy goal

Have your child track their progress.

Encourage your child to track their goals with lots of enthusiasm.

Be patient. It takes time to change habits.

Think small. You can reach any goal with one focused step at a time.

Praise your child for trying to change habits. Be encouraging.

Evaluate your family???s healthy goals.

Be positive. Smiling is good for your health.

Help your kids learn about healthier foods at the grocery store. Read the food labels.

Today make over your fridge and throw out the junk.

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Looking to travel as a family? Then checkout this article about family vacation ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.nourishinteractive.com/healthy-tips/categories/16-healthy-habits-family-health-goals

Ever Wonder Where Color Trends Come From? Find Out Here!

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Jeremy Leake

Color is everywhere. It has the ability to make us happy, sad, peaceful, or energetic. But where do the top color trends come from when it comes to paint colors? In order to answer that question we found this article for you. We hope it helps!

From the article:

That’s the question our customers ask us. Our answer: everywhere. This year, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how we created the PPG The Voice of Color?? 2015 Color Trends.

THINK GLOBAL. ACT COLORFUL.
When your paints’ colors are sold in 86 countries, developing color trends is a global, cross-cultural effort. We bring together over 20 of our color experts from across the world and lock them in a room for three days.

The result? A color trend forecast that’s unmatched in scope and expertise anywhere in the paint industry.

THINK OUTSIDE THE CAN
The car you drive, the cell phone you use and the airplane you fly in may all feature PPG colors. We consider color styles from multiple industries, not just paint.

Our color trends aren’t just limited to your home because the colors you love aren’t just limited to your home.

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Looking to hang pictures in your home? Then checkout this article about how to hang pictures on any wall that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.ppgvoiceofcolor.com/global-paint-color-trends

Know What Gaps Are Most Common in Home Insurance? Find Out Here!

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

As a homeowner it’s important to do everything that we can to protect ourselves and our home. One thing that we do for protection is have homeowner’s insurance. But what if the worst happens and you find out that your insurance won’t pay? What then? In order to help you avoid that situation we found this article with the most common gaps in homeowner’s insurance. We hope it helps!

From the article:

Make sure your policy provides enough coverage to protect your home and belongings.

You may already know that homeowners insurance doesn???t cover flood damage or sewage backup (see Insurance Coverage for Summer Storm Damage). But what about things your policy covers, but might not cover sufficiently?

Replacing your home. In the event of a disaster that leads to a total loss, your policy pays up to the dwelling limit. If that???s less than the cost to rebuild your home, you have to make up the difference. Your insurer estimates the cost to rebuild, but to make sure its estimate is accurate, use an online calculator, available at sites such as www.hmfacts.com ($7) and www.accucoverage.com ($8). To get full replacement coverage for partial losses, most insurers require you to have a policy with a dwelling limit of 80% or more of the insurer-estimated cost to rebuild, notes Bill Wilson, associate vice-president of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

Your policy should include an inflation guard clause keyed to regional costs that adjusts your coverage every year. Also, make sure your policy has extended replacement cost — ideally, for 20% to 25% above the dwelling limit; you can add it as an endorsement for about $50. If you have to rebuild your home to bring it up to current code, you???ll need ordinance and law coverage. You should be able to bump up your coverage to 25% of the dwelling limit for about $50 a year.

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Looking for ways to cut your electric bill? Then checkout this article about cut electric bill that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.kiplinger.com/printstory.php?pid=12814

Do You Know What Devalues Your Home? Find Out Here!

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

As a homeowner it’s important to do everything you can to increase the value of your home. The last thing that you want to do is devalue your home. In order to determine the top ten ways that a home devalues we found this article for you. We hope it helps!

From the article:

A lot of things factor into how much your home is worth, such as the location, the square footage, the school district and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Although several of those parameters aren’t easily changed, some are under a homeowner’s control.

As an astute homeowner, your job is to consider both what you can do to improve your home’s value, as well as what you may (inadvertently or otherwise) be doing to decrease it. Completing renovations and repairs might pay off to varying extents. In other cases, you may just have to put up with some of the things you don’t love about your home, but letting a house slip into disrepair is a surefire way to decrease its value. Whatever path you choose, it’s crucial to be aware of how you’re affecting your home’s bottom line and to understand what can be done to raise it back up.

One of the main things to remember while trying to boost your house’s value is that people have a wide variety of tastes. Those tastes may vary greatly both geographically and demographically. A house with the flexibility to suit a big slice of the population pie will be more in demand than one highly customized to any one particular lifestyle. The more people who find a house attractive when it hits the market, the better off you’ll be.

School District Details
If the schools in your area aren’t healthy and flourishing, that could be driving down the value of your home. It’s very common for homebuyers to want to move to places with top-notch schools. People with children will usually be especially cognizant of the quality of the schools in the areas they’re targeting their search. Other buyers, aware of the impact schools can have on property value, may make it a consideration as well.

There’s not an awful lot you can do to improve a school’s reputation, but studies have found that schools with involved parents often perform better. And good schools — along with concerned parents — often coincide with wealthier neighborhoods, so it’s a complicated playing field.

An Abused Bathroom
The bathroom is another room where you may want to pay some attention, but again, be sure to tread carefully. While you want to make sure you enjoy the fruits of your labor — especially if you aren’t planning on moving anytime soon — you want to ensure that lots of other people will like it, too.

Bathroom renovations and additions can help increase your home’s value, but going overboard with items like gaudy faucets, garish wallpaper and ill-chosen paint can be an easy trap to fall into. Sticking to mainstream and tasteful features will serve you better. If you do plan on moving, but not for several years, understand when that time rolls around, you might want to check out the current bathroom styles to see if yours is still in style or if it needs an updated look. If wallpaper was the route you took, you should probably expect it to take away some of the value from your home, unless you already intend on taking it down yourself and repainting in preparation for the market.

New flooring can also be a good move, especially if there’s been any damage, but carpet should generally be avoided, as should vinyl flooring. (This is true for the kitchen as well.) And while linoleum is making a comeback, it’s best to avoid it; many people still cringe when they think of it and the glue that holds it down. Some good options would be hardwood floors or various types of tile.

Last but not least, don’t forget to give some thought to the toilet. People can be pretty picky about toilets. As in the kitchen, they aren’t looking for reminders of past owners.

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Looking for ways to increase the value of your home? Then checkout this article about increase value of home that could be of interest to you.
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Discover all the ways here: http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/repair/top-5-devalue-house.htm

Thinking About Going Solar? You’re Not Alone!

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

Going solar is a big decision. It’s important to gather as much information as possible. It’s also helpful not to feel alone. To help you feel less alone we found this article that talks about how many people have gone solar. We hope it helps ease your anxieties about going solar!

From the article:

The sun has long captivated humanity, from those who worshipped it in ancient times to others who work to harness it today. For more than 4.5 billion years, the burning ball of hydrogen has radiated more energy than we can comprehend. Every 40 minutes, the amount of solar energy that falls on the earth???s surface is equal to the total annual energy consumption of all human activities. In other words, 27 years??? worth of worldwide energy consumption equals only one day???s worth of solar energy hitting the earth.

Despite what some pundits would have you think, solar energy is no longer an exotic, experimental power source. Solar has become a primary source of new electric generation capacity in the United States ??? some 53 percent of new electric generating capacity in the first half of 2014 came from solar. With new sources of capital being unlocked, design and engineering innovations reducing system prices, and sales channels rapidly diversifying, the solar market is expected to drive significant growth for the next few years.

The United States??? solar market hit a major milestone in the second quarter of this year, with more than half a million homes and businesses now generating solar energy, according to a new report by GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

The Q2 2014 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report says the U.S. installed 1,133 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaics (PV) in the second quarter of this year. The residential and commercial segments accounted for nearly half of all solar PV installations in the quarter.

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Looking for more information on solar power? Then checkout this article about solar power that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.article-3.com/solar-now-powering-half-a-million-u-s-homes-and-businesses-914674

Have a Small Bedroom? Checkout These Ideas!

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

Having a small bedroom can be a huge pain in the rear. Depending on furniture, its arrangement, and what the room is used for the room can almost seem useless. If you’ve got a small room then you’ve come to the right place. We found this article with 40 different small bedroom ideas. We hope you find some ideas that work for you!

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If you need Baton Rouge dryer vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
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From the article:

If you are looking for inspiration on how to decorate a small bedroom, prepare to be overwhelmed with fantastic ideas. After publishing these contemporary bedroom design ideas guaranteed to ???rock your world???, these charming Swedish modern bedrooms and these holiday-inspiring ocean-view bedrooms, it is time to have a look at practical solutions for small homes. For today we gathered 40 photos of small bedroom interiors, each of them displaying a clever layout.

So take your time and go through each and every photo from the list below, analyzing details and slowly configuring your dream bedroom. Keep in mind that light colors are a lot more efficient than dark hues in enhancing the feeling of space. As appealing as it might seem, a super-large bed will take up a lot of space, so a good plan is to reduce the size of the bed and fill the void with practical furniture accessories. And bring in as many mirrors as you can!

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Looking to organize your home? Then checkout this article about home organization ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Checkout all the ideas here: http://freshome.com/2012/10/30/30-small-bedrooms-ideas-to-make-your-home-look-bigger/