I have a confession to make. I often spend so much time and energy ensuring the inside of my house is brilliant and trendy that I wind up neglecting the outside. As often as I help clients with their outside color choices, I should know better. A home’s exterior provides that impression, which should not include sun-faded shutters. So this year I am giving my c new paint job, and I’ve collected brilliant ideas that I’d love to share with…
Look at cranking up the heat in your family or living room by painting your walls from hot shades of red, yellow or orange. Remember that pristine versions of these colors can feel overwhelming — especially. If you’ve got a small living room or absence ample windows, try keeping the majority of the space white or bathed in a mild neutral, then turn up the volume by adding splashes of a more vivid color. If you’re flirting with the idea…
Claire and Josh Griffiths possess their dream family home just a kilometer away from the sandy shores of Scarborough Beach in Perth, Western Australia. Josh, a building surveyor, and Claire, a hair stylist, are attracted to clean lines and uncluttered spaces. They teamed together with the Tascone Design Team to make their contemporary space. “We had that ‘first night in a new house’ bizarre feeling,” Josh says. “It felt like home straight away since we knew every nook and cranny…
You’ve heard of planting items en masse, but does that mean you select five petunias instead of two or one? Try out 50or even 550 petunias — frequently that’s what is needed for a good mass planting to earn a “river.” Obviously, all those plants can get pricey, so the ideal solution is to obtain a plant that is quickly growing and spreads easily. Creeping sedums, thyme, herbs and ground covers are great choices. Invite your crops to spread through…
Lighting layout principles say that lighting ought to be subtle, particularly for the landscape. Soft pools of light ought to be strategically placed to enhance chosen outdoor areas and also allow other areas to remain in the dark. Nothing ought to be overdone, and by no means should the actual light source be seen. And for the most part, this approach will result in a pleasing nighttime vista. But sometimes, outdoor lighting just has to make an impression. Jeffrey Gordon…
Summer is coming upon us swiftly. Soon, if you are in the Northwest U.S., then you will be outdoors enjoying all of the sun you can get. If you are in the Southeast, you will be inside with air conditioning, taking a break from heat and humidity. But regardless of your area, there is one building feature that can aid in summer cooling and winter warming: heavy roof overhangs. Depending on thickness and positioning, big overhangs (or perhaps strategic awnings)…
Finding your dream house might be exciting, but securing a mortgage can be a real headache. Funding your house will expect a good deal of patience and paperwork. Being prepared before applying for your mortgage will help make the process smoother. Both you and your lender will enjoy your effort. Check Your Score Do not get caught off guard by a lender who’s first to pull your credit rating. Check your credit rating so that you understand exactly what score…
Cracks not only mar the look of a concrete pool deck, but when left unattended can deepen and penetrate the slab. Pooled water seeps into cracks and seeping water eventually causes dirt cavitation. This weakens the foundation and endangers the pool’s integrity, so timely repairs are crucial. With correct application, specialized epoxy concrete chemicals permeate into the pores of cracked cement forming a waterproof bond up to 3 times stronger than concrete, and stops surface cracks in deepening. Widen the…
It can be disappointing to slave over your vinyl, tile or laminate flooring using a damp mop and the right cleaner only to get them appear tidy but feel sticky when you finish. Really clean floors have a just-washed shine and texture smooth under bare feet. You may be making more than just one unintentional mistake that leaves your flooring tacky after you wash it. Wash Right If you’re just freshening relatively clean flooring, you might be able to clean…
Edgy and sophisticated, black is getting a second in architecture and interiors. Black in the backyard? It may do the job superbly when used well. Inky walls help the edges of the garden recede, dark patios ground a design and black containers contrast with light, finely textured foliage. Could you use black in the backyard? Here are a few ideas to get you started. EPT DESIGN 1. Dark surfacing. Utilizing black or dark gray as a coating for patios and…