Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
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While lighting is an essential piece of new home design; it's often selected and installed at the end of the building process. What's more, statement-making decorative lighting is often not part of the initial design at all. "Many builders today are opting for only recessed lighting in new home builds. Not only does this provide inadequate light, it creates a sterile look," says Jennifer Kis, director of marketing communications for Progress Lighting. "It's important to consider decorative...
Smart technology can help people manage the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For example, people who utilize smart technology in their homes can adjust their thermostats, dim or increase lighting in a room, adjust the volume on their televisions, and lock their doors. Thanks to smart technology, homeowners can do all of those things and more in mere seconds, all without getting off the couch. Many people were quick to embrace smart technology in their living rooms, where families typically gather to watch movies and entertain guests. But...
Whether you want to customize and enhance your living spaces for your own enjoyment or you need to prepare to stand out in a buyer's market, creating that wow factor is easy to achieve, if you know where to focus your attention. You're likely already familiar with the importance of exterior curb appeal. According to experienced realtors, it's just as important to continue that concept after walking through the front door. "As the saying goes, 'you only have one opportunity to make a first...
When warmer weather arrives, it's all about spending time in your home's outdoor spaces. Here are a few new ideas for transforming your porch, deck or yard into an oasis of relaxation. Spruce Up Before getting down to brass tacks, it's time to give your outdoor spaces a once-over and note what basic maintenance and cleaning are needed; be sure to sweep up porches and decks of debris, dust off and move outdoor furniture out of storage and prune trees and plants that need it. This may be a good...
Flat, even landscapes are often coveted in backyards. However, flat backyards are not always so easy to find. Fortunately, varied terrain does not mean that certain landscaping plans are entirely off limits, especially for homeowners willing to build retaining walls. Retaining walls help turn steep slopes in a yard into terraced focal points. They also can reduce soil erosion in hilly areas and can be used for aesthetic purposes, like raised planters, or to create more usable space within the...
If you are like most homeowners, you need to prune trees, shrubs, bushes and other plants in your yard from time to time. But do you know which tool is best suited for each particular job? Experts say that choosing tools wisely is key to maximizing beauty, and minimizing damage to plants. There are a few things to keep in mind as you go about selecting tools for your pruning jobs, big and small, and landscape designer Doug Scott of Redeem Your Ground in Atlanta, Ga., is sharing a few insights...
When planning spring landscapes, homeowners should always group plants with similar water needs together. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, grouping plants with similar water needs together helps to conserve water, which can be an especially useful strategy if or when drought restrictions go into effect in summer. Homeowners also can embrace additional strategies to landscape with water conservation in mind. For example, aerating soil helps to improve water flow to plants’ roots and reduces water runoff, helping to ensure that p...
These days, home trends are about more than good design and aesthetics – they're about creating spaces that reflect our values and are more comfortable and enjoyable to live in. From net-zero and net-positive construction to tiny minimalist homes, trends are all about your family's lifestyle. Whether you're shopping for a new home, renovating your own or creating a new build from scratch, here are some of the biggest trends you need to know for inspiration. Sustainable design: This one has b...
Whether you want to boost the beauty of your home for your own enjoyment or you’re looking to sell in the near future, experts recommend taking a top-down approach to evaluate the outside of your home. “When making updates to your home exterior, it’s helpful to think of how all the parts of the whole work together to create a unified look,” says Kate Smith, chief color maven with Sensational Color. With that in mind, here are a few remodeling ideas to get you started: The Roof A new roof not only adds aesthetic appeal, it can add value too. Ind...
There are many advantages to designing your own home. Gone are the builder-basic styles, layouts that don't work for your family and exteriors you can't tell apart from your neighbors.' To help with your planning, check out these tips. Find the right property. There are no limits to what you can create with a custom-built home, but the size and quality of your lot do impose restrictions. While you don't need to have everything decided when you purchase the property, make sure you have a general...
Many people have found themselves working from home. Whether setting up shop at the kitchen table or creating a complete home office, here are simple hacks to make your new work environment comfortable and productive. Begin by defining your workspace. Setting up on the kitchen or dining table can work -- temporarily. The upside is that it’s quick and easy. But these rooms are typically high-traffic areas, leading to distractions. Plus, you might have to pack up work at mealtimes. Instead, re-purpose a small table and chair and place it in an ou...
