Want to Make Every Room Better? Try These Decorating Tips!

Posted on February 15, 2018 by Jeremy Leake

When it comes to designing or redesigning your home it can be difficult to know where to start. In order to help you make every room in your home better we found this article. We hope it helps you design your best home possible!

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From the article:

I hate to break it to you, but designers don???t follow a secret rule book. There are no hard and fast laws governing what we do. We are creative types by nature and love to imagine, dream and explore, following our intuition. That said, there are some rough principles that guide us to ensure a great result every time. They are just tried and true things that work. And these aren???t tricks or skills that take years to master. Anyone can do them from day one. Consider this a foundation for developing your own quirky, creative, rule-breaking intuition.

Pick the paint color last. I get calls all the time from homeowners who want to pick a paint color before they move in. I get the logic. Why not arrive to walls with a fresh coat of paint? Of course you can do it this way, but in my opinion it???s not ideal.

There are thousands of paint colors with various tints, tones and shades. And each one looks different from home to home, because light sources vary, meaning what looks good in your current home might not in your new one. You want the color that best complements your upholstery, artwork, rug and whatever else. You can pick that color only if your stuff is actually inside your home.

Create a focal point. There are leading roles and supporting cast members in any production. The same holds true in design. Choose your star and make it the focal point to anchor a room. Allow other items to take a secondary role. Don???t ask everything to have a leading role; it will just result in visual noise.

Your focal point might be a dramatic hood in the kitchen, a mantel and art piece in the living room or a headboard in the bedroom. Whatever it is, choose something that will draw attention. In this room the fireplace and the lighting work together as a collective focal point, bringing your eye right to the center of the composition and anchoring it there.

Ignore all principles in favor of creativity. Having some guidelines gives people a good starting point for furnishing and decorating their home, even if some of them aren???t practical for a particular space.

Go with something personal that makes you smile and, above all, is comfortable. Overly designed rooms don???t really translate in modern life. A pillow collection and an art arrangement that are seemingly haphazard, as shown here, create a dressed-down look with plenty of style.

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Looking for more design ideas? Then checkout this article about design ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19837206

Looking for Ideas to Decorate on a Budget? Take a Look at These Ikea Ideas!

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

Decorating can be a lot of fun and it could be a huge chore. Depending upon the space you have, ideas you have, and money you have to spend it can easily go in either direction. In order to help you out we found this article with more than 35 ideas from Ikea to give you ideas that will fit your budget. We hope they help!

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From the article:

Let???s be honest, decorating a home can get so incredibly expensive. We recently went from a one bedroom apartment in LA to buying a house so we had so much to buy to furnish it. I didn???t want to spend a fortune, so I have used Ikea hacks like these to decorate my home on a budget. For instance, I recently used Ikea Billy bookcases to create gorgeous built-in shelves in my office like you will see below.

I???ve scoured the internet for the best Ikea hacks and am going to share with you room by room. With these ideas, you can easily decorate your home to look amazing for a fraction of the price. So, let???s start the Ikea hacks home tour, shall we?

Easy DIY Built-Ins From Ikea BILLY Bookcases

This is an Ikea hack must that I have done myself and am obsessed with! Built-in bookcases instantly upgrade your house to look custom and expensive looking. However, there???s a reason that they look expensive???they are. Well, not these! This Ikea hack using the BILLY bookcases, lets you create gorgeous built-ins for a fraction of the price.

TV Stand Ikea Kallax Hack

This genius Ikea Kallax hack (formerly the Expedit) creates a super functional TV console with an incredible amount of storage! It is a great example of a project that is both super functional and great looking. It would be perfect for a family room with lots of kids.

Ikea Hack Craft Room Work Table

For less than $200, you can easily create this functional craft room table that has tons of storage! These pieces go so well together, everyone will think that???s how you bought it.

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Looking for more decorating ideas? Checkout this article about decorating ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://shetriedwhat.com/ikea-hacks/

Need More Storage in the Kitchen? Try These Ideas!

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

Kitchens are so hard to organize since it is the heart of most homes and so much needs to fit into it. We found this article from Houzz that we hope will help get your creative wheels churning on what would work best for you and your family.

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From the article:

Utensil Drawer.
This clever utensil built-in keeps serveware and silverware conveniently in check. Added to more than 132,000 ideabooks, this image is one of the most popular on Houzz. If you want the look but can’t afford custom, take the DIY route by placing stainless steel pots in a deep, empty drawer.

Undersink Drawer.
The deep cabinet under the sink can seem like a bottomless pit, so it isn’t surprising that 109,000 readers love this easy solution. The drawer keeps cleaning supplies visible. DIY by purchasing and installing your own chrome sliding organizer.

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Would you like to have a more organized home? Checkout this article about organized home tips for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
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For all the ideas click here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15629224/list/The-15-Most-Popular-Kitchen-Storage-Ideas-on-Houzz

Looking to Lay Some Tile? Learn How to Choose the Right Layout Here!

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Jeremy Leake

Laying tile can be complicated depending upon the layout chosen. It’s important to choose the right layout for the space you’re tiling too. In order to help you out we found this article with the different kinds of layout options and when to use them. We hope it helps!

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From the article:

Whether you’???re splurging on a rare natural stone or standing by classic porcelain, choosing a tile type is only part of the design decision. The way the tile is installed also matters. To help you figure out the best layout for your kitchen, bathroom and beyond, here are some of the most popular options.

Mosaics
While the word ???mosaic??? may bring to mind complex forms that create lively patterns and images, in design terms a mosaic is simply any small tile in a repeated shape (or set of shapes), typically attached in small sheets to matting for easy installation. A very common example is a 1-inch by 1-inch square, although endless shapes and patterns are available.

Mosaics are more common for accent areas (rather than full-height walls), because they require more grout. This means they can require more maintenance if exposed to heavy soil or moisture, which can be an issue in mildew-prone bathrooms.

However, they can create a rich and subtle multi-tonal effect that has the appeal of luxe stone without the luxe cost, making them a popular backsplash option.

In the case of a shower stall floor, the additional grout can be a benefit, as it helps create a less slippery surface.

In general, mosaic makes a great counterpoint to larger tiles, because the dramatic shift in scale makes the mismatch clearly intentional. (Here a hexagonal mosaic beautifully contrasts oversize Corian planks.)

When to use a mosaic layout: To highlight an accent wall, on a shower floor or lining a niche.

Herringbone
A herringbone pattern is achieved by laying tiles at right angles into zigzag formations or by a preformed mosaic. Either way, the look is sophisticated and has high-end appeal, even with a simple material. However, this pattern will inevitably require additional cutting of tiles at the borders, so it can create some extra material waste.

The angular nature of this pattern creates a dynamic energy, which can be perfect for accent walls but a little overwhelming if used on too large a surface.

Where to use a herringbone layout: In a traditional or transitional kitchen (especially in classic white on white), or with a long, thin tile to form a powerful accent anywhere.

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Looking to turn your kitchen into more of a manly space? Then checkout this article about making kitchen manly that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/42700445/list/how-to-choose-the-right-tile-layout

Looking for Ways to Clean Common Things in Your Home? Find Out How Here!

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Jeremy Leake

Some things around our homes are really hard to clean. If you’re looking for easy ways to clean problem areas then you’ve come to the right place. We found this article with 15 different cleaning ideas. We hope it helps!

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If you need Lafayette 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:

We learn how to clean from our parents. They learned how to clean from their parents. And so on. Cleaning is one of those things where we do it the way it’s always been done. If your dad mopped a certain way, you’re bound to do it that way too, but what if I told you that cleaning knowledge that’s been handed down from generation to generation might be wrong? Well, not wrong per se, but there is a better, more efficient way that will make your home cleaner and take less time.

Don’t believe me? Check out these 15 things you’ve been cleaning wrong your entire life:

Cookie sheets
Scrubbing with dish soap isn’t going to remove all the baked-on grossness. Make up a mixture of 1/4 cup baking soda and enough hydrogen peroxide to make a nice paste and then rub it all over your cookie sheets and baking pans. Let it sit for a few hours and then rinse off. Like new!

Mattresses
Mattresses are a tough one to clean, but they don’t have to be! First, vacuum your mattress to get rid of any crumbs. Then, sprinkle baking soda to cover the entire top of the mattress. Let it sit for a few hours and then vacuum the baking soda away. That’s it!

Microwave
Stop wasting energy scrubbing away at the nuked-on bits of food in your microwave. Instead, fill a bowl with water and vinegar and microwave on high for at least two minutes. Your microwave will get delightfully steamy and all you’ll have to do is wipe away the grime.

Oven
Do you spend hours upon hours scrubbing your oven clean? Stop it! Instead, make a paste using water and baking soda and spread it all around the inside of your oven. Let it sit overnight, then take a wet rag to wipe out as much of the baking soda mixture as possible. Next, spray some vinegar on the inside of your oven and wipe down with a wet rag. Then turn your oven on low for about 20 minutes to let it dry.

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Already thinking about Spring cleaning? Then checkout this article about Spring cleaning ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://diy.diply.com/auntyacid/things-been-cleaning-wrong/83492/1

Want to Create a Secret Room In Your Home? Look at These Ideas!

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Jeremy Leake

Having a secret room in your home that no one knows about can serve a variety of purposes. It can be an escape for you to go enjoy some relaxing alone time, hide something valuable, or can be used as a safe room in the event of a break in. Regardless of your reasons we found this article with 15 different secret room ideas. We hope you find one you love!

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From the article:

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Looking for more secret room ideas? Checkout this article about secret room ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://guff.com/15-of-the-coolest-houses-with-secret-rooms/quick-get-behind-the-mirror

Looking to Remodel Your Kitchen? Follow These Steps!

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Jeremy Leake

Remodeling your kitchen is a large expense. The last thing you want to do is waste money. In order to help you out we found this article with specific steps on how to remodel your kitchen. We hope it helps!

From the article:

You’ve decided to remodel your kitchen. Now what? Not knowing where to start, many homeowners fall into two camps. Some start by looking at appliances. Others start by collecting inspiring kitchen photos. Some decide they need more room. Others simply want to upgrade their current kitchen. Homeowners may find themselves in this exploration stage for a year or longer before they start interviewing kitchen designers or general contractors.

Once you’ve pondered long enough and you’re ready to green-light a kitchen remodeling project, then what? We’ll start with the first 9 steps and we’ll get into the nitty-gritty details under specific steps as we move through the complete workbook.

Step 1: Think about what you need
This step is all about how you use your kitchen, and finding the layout and features that fit your household???s lifestyle. Get ideas from every resource possible, including Houzz guides and photos, kitchen showrooms, books and magazines.

Think about your priorities: how many people will be cooking and gathering here, and how they???ll need to move around in it. Do you need an addition? Or can you work with your existing kitchen footprint?

If you haven???t already, start saving photos of kitchens with features that suit your style. Your collection can be organized and beautiful like a scrapbook or it can be filled with random, unorganized images. I actually prefer the latter, because I like to randomly stuff images into my folders and ideabooks and go back to them later on for edits.

Step 2: Research and plan
Ready to green-light that project and take the plunge? The best place to start is by formulating what’s commonly referred to as a scope of work and figuring out your preliminary budget.

Both of these may be subject to change, so don’t feel like you have only once chance at this. Budget and scope are intertwined and often change many times during the design process as you become more educated and able to reconcile what you want and what you can afford. As a homeowner, you’re not expected to walk into this knowing what everything should cost. Remember, this is an educational process.

Step 3: Find the professionals you will need
Even if you’re going the DIY route, unless you’re building your own kitchen cabinets and doing your own electrical and plumbing, you’re going to have to work with a professional at some point. It may be as brief as leaning on your salesperson to help you in selecting and ordering your appliances or cabinets, but it’s something to plan on either way.

Some people start by visiting big-box stores or cabinet showrooms where they can see everything. Many homeowners get referrals from friends or colleagues and start by hiring an architect or designer. Still others might work on their own with a builder or contractor. Pros are available to help you with everything from contracts and permits to space planning, budgets, choosing finishes and fixtures, shopping, ordering products, helping you set up a temporary kitchen, and managing your project from start to finish.

Step 4: Schematic design
This phase includes sketches, space planning, preliminary floor plans and elevations showing the layout and cabinet sizes. I try to keep my clients focused more on layout and space planning, even though the temptation is to talk about what the kitchen will look like. But I find that getting caught up in the look too early can distract from the space planning phase.

Plus, you need a plan in order to figure out what materials will go where, and how many square feet you will need, and ultimately how much this will cost. I like to begin the contractor interview process early and give them a preliminary drawing packet and scope of work so we can get some ballpark construction numbers. At the same time you can be sending out drawings for estimates on some top choices of finishes and fixtures.

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Looking for information on how to hire a good contractor? Checkout this article about how to hire a good contractor that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1198907/list/homeowners-workbook-how-to-remodel-your-kitchen

Looking for Clever Updates to Make to Your Home? Take a Look at These!

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Jeremy Leake

Updating your home to take advantage of wasted space and to include life hacks is just good sense. In order to give you some ideas we found this article with 33 different ideas. We hope you love them as much as we do!

From the article:

Recessed outlets mean that your furniture can actually sit up against the wall.

Give your appliances an expensive-looking makeover with stainless steel contact paper.

If your garage is adjacent to your kitchen or pantry, insert a small door for a super easy way to load groceries.

Instead of bunk beds, opt for space-saving murphy beds in a kids??? room or guest room.

Light up your front or back porch with a chandelier.

Install a slide-away ???step??? in your bathroom baseboard to solve your short person problems.
You can just slide it away when not in use instead of constantly tripping over the stool.

Build drawers in wasted space between studs in the wall.

Apply stone or tile to the siding of the foundation of your home.
Because the outside of your home should be just as pretty as the inside.

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Looking to create the perfect man cave? Checkout this article about man cave ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/insanely-clever-upgrades-you-should-make-to-your-home

Want to Be Better Organized? Learn How With Tension Rods Here!

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Jeremy Leake

Staying organized everywhere in the house is hard. Learning little, cheap organization tips can be a real lifesaver. In order to help you out with that we found this article on organization ideas you can do with tension rods. We hope it helps!

From the article:

The humble tension rod is a fantastic tool to use in your home for a number of reasons; or rather, a combination of a number of reasons: it???s cheap, it???s easy to find, it???s practical, it???s adjustable, it???s versatile, and it is so easy to install. Oh, and with no drilling, there???s no risk of ruining any walls. Whether you???re using it to help organize and store some of your stuff, or just to make things a little prettier around your beloved home, you???ll be amazed at just how handy these things really are!

Shoe Storage
When it comes to storing and organizing your shoes, you need to ensure that your solution keeps your beauties safe, and that it???s easy to see exactly what you have on offer. Using a tension rod as shoe rack is brilliant because not only does it do just that, but it???s cheap, quick, and doesn???t require any drilling into the walls.

Window Awning
If you want to give a room a bit of French flair then consider a window awning ??? it???s such a simple touch that makes a real impact. And all you really need is to position two rods and hang a drop cloth over them to achieve the distinct style.

Pantry/Drawer Dividers
The kitchen is often the most cluttered room, simply because we have so much to store in there! If you???re struggling to store and organize things like lids, trays, chopping boards and baking sheets, then a few cleverly placed rods can make the world of difference.

Bedskirt
The space underneath your bed is a prime storage spot, but it looks rather unsightly when you???re able to see everything stashed under there. The solution? A tension rod from which to hang some fabric to create the perfect hiding spot.

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Looking for more organization ideas? Checkout this article about organization tips that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.diyncrafts.com/14650/organization/20-amazingly-clever-ways-to-use-tension-rods-around-the-home

Are You a Homeowner That Likes to Do Your Own Repairs? Learn What Repairs are Often Done Wrong Here!

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Jeremy Leake

Some homeowners like to do home repairs themselves and others don’t like to do any repairs. If you’re one that likes to do your own repairs we found this article for you. Some repairs are easier to do than other. Some, like the ones on this list, are ones that may seem simple but then you quickly get in over your head. We hope that you give these projects due diligence and not end up with a disaster.

From the article:

When embarking on home improvements and renovations, it???s important to separate the do-it-yourself projects from those best handled by professionals. Attempting to handle a professional job on your own could lead to expensive repairs and additional renovations. Here are some DIY disasters and how to fix them with professional help:

Fixing plumbing pipes
If the plumbing starts to go out in your basement or attic ??? or underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks ??? be extremely careful in how you go about fixing them. Homeowners often think that they can twist pipes with a wrench to get a clog out, but this can lead to a pipe coming off and water puddling all over the floor. Moreover, when pipes have more extreme damage like holes, rust or cracks, they need to be replaced. Don???t attempt to buy new pipes without some guidance; you could get end up getting the wrong materials or the wrong size.

That???s when you need to find a licensed local plumber. Plumbers have the knowledge and experience to safely and quickly fix your plumbing issues, whereas attempting to do the job without experience will likely lead to costly repairs ??? including new flooring or insulation, depending on the extent of damage.

Felling trees
While some homeowners may choose to trim branches on their own, felling trees is another matter entirely. There are a lot of risks involved with felling trees, including:

– Sharp tools causing injury
– Branches hitting power or phone lines
– Trees hitting the landscape (bushes, lawn, fence, etc.)
– Trees falling onto the home
– Trees falling onto a child or pet

In short, there are many risks involved with DIY tree removal ??? and there are many municipal regulations and restrictions involved as well. Homeowners should hire a tree service or certified arborist to remove a tree.

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Know what repairs you should do yourself as a homeowner? Checkout this article about homeowner repairs that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/5-diy-home-maintenance-mistakes-fix/