Photo courtesy of Family Features In today’s busy, on-the-go world, having a haven to come home to is a must. And for many people, that sanctuary is the bedroom. Designer secrets to enhance the master suite (Family Features) — In today’s busy, on-the-go world, having a haven to come home to is a must. And for many people, that sanctuary is the bedroom. “Today’s bedroom is for more than just sleeping,” said Emily Henderson, host of “Secrets from a Stylist” and HGTV’s Season 5 “Design Star” winner. “From working and … [Read more...] about Transforming your bedroom
Home Improvement
Check out your house from the top down
AMBLER, Pa. – While springtime was slow to arrive this year, the warmer weather is now here just in time for May’s National Home Improvement Month. With so many home projects to tackle, where do you start? According to Mark Clement, a professional contractor and host of MyFixitUpLife home improvement radio show, said to begin by selecting those projects that give your home a curb appeal “pick-me-up” while also enhancing the functionality of your house. “National Home Improvement Month in May is the ideal time to shine the … [Read more...] about Check out your house from the top down
Best house on the block
Secrets to great curb appeal (Family Features) — It takes seconds to form a first impression. Ask yourself this — what kind of first impression is your home making? Is your yard helping or hurting you in getting top dollar this home buying season? The majority of homeowners (71 percent) agreed that curb appeal is important in choosing their home, according to the new TruGreen Home Features Report conducted by the National Association of Realtors. Most of the homeowners surveyed reported purchasing a home with a healthy, green … [Read more...] about Best house on the block
Deep clean forgotten areas of your home
(Family Features) — Common household items can suffer from the wear and tear of everyday use, but a few simple cleaning tricks will help keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan, saving you money and angst in the long run. Here are a few ideas to help you get started: Dryer: Make sure to empty the dryer’s lint trap on a regular basis. Keeping this often forgotten area lint-free will increase the efficiency of a standard tumble dryer by allowing warm, moist air to flow freely out of the appliance as clothing … [Read more...] about Deep clean forgotten areas of your home
Clever storage for kids’ rooms
Photo courtesy of Jo-An Fabric and Craft Stores This fun Dotty Crate with Drawer is a great way to give your child a fun and functional storage space — and you can get it done in less than a day. (Family Features) — To many parents, the process of keeping kids’ rooms clean never seems to end. And while a kid’s room may never look quite like the perfect rooms in magazines, a few clever solutions can make it easier to get — and keep — toys, books and clothes more organized. Think Vertical If your child’s room is small or … [Read more...] about Clever storage for kids’ rooms
The Top 5 Projects That IncreaseYour Home’s Value
Photo courtesy of StatePoint With the warmer months being the most active time of year to buy and sell real estate, it’s important to ensure your home is seen in the best light possible. (StatePoint) — Selling a home in today’s aggressive marketplace can be challenging. The good news is there are a few tweaks that can give homeowners a serious leg up on the competition. With the warmer months being the most active time of year to buy and sell real estate, it’s important to ensure your home is seen in the best light … [Read more...] about The Top 5 Projects That IncreaseYour Home’s Value
Take the stress out of spring cleaning
Photo courtesy of StatePoint Media With the right techniques, you can make cleaning a cakewalk. (StatePoint) — Throw open those doors and windows — there is no better cure for months of winter than some fresh spring air. But with spring, comes spring cleaning. And if the thought of pulling out mops, buckets and brooms brings on more stress than serenity, remember that a few tricks and some great tunes can make cleaning easier and perhaps even fun. Set the mood There are work playlists, workout playlists — why not a … [Read more...] about Take the stress out of spring cleaning
Soundproofing tips to turn your home into a quiet sanctuary
Photo courtesy of Nyul - iStockphoto All around us, life is getting louder. But home should be a place to relax and unwind. (StatePoint) — All around us, life is getting louder. But home should be a place to relax and unwind. Between televisions, cell phones, computers and video games, it’s sometimes hard to find peace and quiet within the walls of your home. Luckily, with a few do-it-yourself soundproofing projects, you can reclaim your home as a place of respite no matter what’s going on in the rooms around you. • … [Read more...] about Soundproofing tips to turn your home into a quiet sanctuary
Homeowners: Five steps to avoid contractor fraud
Photo courtesy of StatePoint Media Look for an established company with a permanent business location and a listed phone number. (StatePoint) — Each year, thousands of trusting homeowners hire contractors for home repairs or renovation projects. But for many, dreams of a remodeled kitchen, new roof or updated patio are dashed by contractor fraud. Over half of homeowners who hire contractors state that fraud is their biggest fear, according to a recent online survey conducted for HomeAdvisor. But savvy homeowners can avoid … [Read more...] about Homeowners: Five steps to avoid contractor fraud
Get your home air conditioning ready for warm weather
Photo courtesy of StatePoint Media This season, keep your cool. Take the time to maintain, repair and replace your air conditioning equipment when necessary. (StatePoint) — When the weather heats up, your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system quickly becomes a most valuable player in your home life and stays that way for several months. However, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that more than 3 million HVAC systems fail each year. Do you know if it’s time to maintain, repair or replace your air conditioning … [Read more...] about Get your home air conditioning ready for warm weather