Frank Lloyd Wright is arguably the most legendary American architect and one of the most recognized architects in the world. Wright designed hundreds of residential, commercial, and civic buildings as well as furniture and other structures throughout the United States, earning numerous National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage designations.
Born in Wisconsin in 1867, Wright’s career officially began in Chicago in the 1880s. He dedicated seven decades to creating and teaching architecture and design, resulting in thousands of designs and hundreds of built locations, many of which remain today. His home bases included Illinois, Wisconsin, and later Arizona, where he eventually died.
As a residential architect, he was known for his Prairie Style and design philosophy that embraced nature and created homes that blended with and incorporated the surrounding landscape. His work influenced everything from open floor plans to furniture design. Designing during two World Wars and the Depression, he also developed affordable housing while strongly advocating that small and affordable homes could still be thoughtfully and beautifully designed.
Here, we highlight 13 houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that you can tour in the United States. They span the length of his career, from the 1880s through the 1950s, and are a mix of grand historic sites and smaller, locally run houses—some of which only opened to the public in the past decade. As such, their accessibility varies, too: while some may offer tours year-round, others may have set available times or require special booking; many require advanced ticket purchases rather than day-of admission at the door.
01 | Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio: Oak Park, Illinois
UniversalImagesGroup / Getty Images
This is Wright’s first home and studio as an architect, where he lived from 1889 through 1909. It was his first solo work where he had complete artistic control, and Wright altered its structure both while he lived there and after, including updates for later owners.
The initial structure was his home at an important time in Wright’s life, including his influential work under architect Louis Sullivan and when he struck out on his own in 1893. Leading his own successful company, Wright added a studio to the home in 1898. Today, the buildings include colorful stained glass, painted murals, and many international motifs. The shingle-styled exterior feels significantly different from his later iconic Prairie School works.
Visit:Guided tours of both the home and studio are available.
02 | Taliesin: Spring Green, Wisconsin
Buyenlarge / Getty Images
Located in the area of his family’s ancestral home, the 800-acre estate around Taliesin is a deeply personal location to Wright. The area includes buildings developed throughout his career, from the Wright-designed interior of the 1886 Unity Chapel to the estate’s visitor center, completed in the 1960s after Wright’s death.
The name Taliesin refers specifically to the 37,000-square-foot home that Wright not only designed but lived and worked in. It was developed in three phases between 1911 and 1925. Much like Wright himself, the house has a tempestuous history, including multiple fires and murder.
The Taliesin house sits on a property that includes many other sites designed by Wright, including a barn (1952) and windmill (1897). Before he developed Taliesin, Wright built the Hillside School (1903) for his aunts and a home for his sister’s family (1907) on the property. The school became the home of the Wright Fellowship, which started in the 1930s.
Visit: Multiple tour options allow you to explore the Taliesin house, grounds, and other buildings on the site.
03 | Hollyhock House: Los Angeles, California
Education Images / Getty Images
One of Wright’s earliest homes on the West Coast belonged to Aline Barnsdall. The heiress to an oil fortune, she sought out Wright to help design an artists’ community on a 36-acre plot in the Hollywood area in 1919.
Wright included Barnsdall’s favorite flower, hollyhocks, throughout the design, including roof finials, furniture, art glass windows, and ornamental friezes and accents. Very different from many of his other works—particularly the works on this list—the Hollyhock House has Mayan influences, Art Deco details, and is constructed of hollow-clay blocks with a stucco coating and cast stone ornamentation.
Ultimately, the house and structures Wright had begun developing were not what Barnsdall was looking for, and in 1927 she gave the city of Los Angeles stewardship of the house, another Wright-designed guest house, and some of the land.
Completed in 1909, the Robie House is a stand-out example of Wright’s Prairie School aesthetic: a style that reflects the prairie’s ongoing horizon. The Robie House is strikingly horizontal—one of the signature characteristics of the style—from the overall shape to the details, such as the orientation of the brick and mortar on the outside. It features a large, long living space separated by a fireplace, which is iconic to many of Wright’s designs as well. Wright also designed some of his more recognizable furniture for this house, including the Robie chair and Robie sofa.
Early in his career, Wright showed an interest in affordable housing production. Wright collaborated with Arthur L. Richards in Milwaukee to create affordable, easy-to-build yet stylish homes. American System-Built Homes were developed by Wright between 1911 and 1917 (the U.S. entry into WWI stopped progress). American System-Built Homes were cut at a factory, then shipped for on-site assembly. To demonstrate the concept, Richards built six of Wright’s homes on Burnham Street in south Milwaukee.
According to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, more than a dozen dealers sold these home designs, with multiple built across Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, in addition to Wisconsin. These homes may be recognized from the most recent season of Top Chef, where the crew visits Burnham (along with Taliesin) in episode four.
Darwin Martin was an important figure in Wright’s career who hired Wright to construct multiple properties for his family, as well as offering Wright his first commercial commission. Initially, Martin had Wright design a house for his sister; the Barton House, as it is known, was completed in 1903.
Completed four years later on the same property, Wright developed Martin’s family home, adding a pergola, conservatory, and carriage house. A cottage was added in 1909. The Martin House architecture features Wright’s classic cantilever design, and its details include 16 different abstract patterns of art glass, including Wright’s legendary “tree of life” pattern.
Today, the property is home to the Barton and Martin houses, as well as the 1909 cottage. The carriage house, conservatory, and pergola were demolished in the 1960s but rebuilt in the mid-2000s, according to Wright’s original drawings.
Visit: Multiple tour options are available to see the Martin House as well as the Barton House and other buildings on the grounds. There is an option that includes Martin’s Graycliff summer estate, also designed by Wright, located in nearby Derby, NY.
07 | Fallingwater: Mill Run, Pennsylvania
Prisma by Dukas / Getty Images
In 1991, the American Institute of Architects called Fallingwater the “best all-time work of American architecture.” Fallingwater was originally a summer home commissioned by Edgar and Liliane Kaufmann, parents of a student in Wright’s Taliesin Fellowship. It is easily Wright’s most iconic residential work, heralded for its representation of his organic approach to architecture and the intertwining of architecture and nature. Wright used sandstone from the area and built the home over a waterfall, its cantilevered design and numerous terraces reflecting the rock ledges of its surroundings.
The main house was completed in 1937 and a guest house was added in 1939. It opened for public tours in 1964, and today, the home includes the Kaufmann’s own art collection and many original interior furnishings chosen by Wright.
08 | Seth Peterson Cottage: Lake Delton, Wisconsin
Courtesy of sethpeterson.org
The Seth Peterson Cottage is one of Wright’s smallest residences, a petite 880-square-foot house nestled amongst the trees of Mirror Lake State Park. The small structure allows most of the interior to be drenched in natural light from the windows and terrace that offer a view of Mirror Lake. The simple layout wraps around a central fireplace. The structure is made largely of local sandstone, flagstone, and wood accents, fully embracing Wright’s organic design ethos.
The house was commissioned by Seth Peterson, an admirer of Wright’s work, in 1957, and both Wright and Peterson died before it was complete. It was abandoned for several years before it was ultimately rescued and restored.
Visit: Not only is the house available for touring, but it’s also open to rent so you can experience living in a Frank Lloyd Wright home yourself.
09 | Bradley House: Kankakee, Illinois
Courtesy of Trip Advisor
Built in 1900, the Bradley House is an early work by Frank Lloyd Wright, considered to be his first Prairie house. It’s located on one acre of land along the Kankakee River. Of note are the house’s 90 art glass windows, most of which are originals. The Bradley house has passed through numerous hands as a private residence, and even existed as a restaurant, inn, and office space. It was eventually restored to its residential roots and converted to a public museum in 2010.
Visits: The Bradley House offers tours that give a close-up look at both Wright’s house and stable.
10 | Rosenbaum House: Florence, Alabama
Buyenlarge / Getty Images
The only Frank Lloyd Wright home in Alabama, the Rosenbaum House is one of many examples of Wright’s Usonian designs: low-cost housing intended to help families achieve their homeownership dreams. It is also one of the earliest examples of his Usonian homes.
Originally 1,540 square feet, the Rosenbaum House was built for newlyweds Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum in 1939. After having children, the Rosenbaums asked Wright to design an addition, adding more than 1,000 square feet in 1948 and demonstrating the ability of his architecture to grow with the American family. Built of wood, brick, and glass, it showcases many characteristics of the Usonian design: a fairly flat structure with multi-level roofs, tall windows, and a carport. It also includes furniture originally designed by Wright for the house. The home was owned by the Rosenbaum family until 1999 when the city took ownership.
The Kalil House is a rare Usonian Automatic House—one of only seven ever built. Constructed with concrete blocks in a modular design, these homes were intended to be even less expensive than Wright’s previous Usonian designs. The result is a look that differs greatly from much of Wright’s remaining residential designs. This 1,406-square-foot home was built in 1955 for Toufic H. Kalil, who knew Wright’s work from the Zimmermans, a couple who had commissioned Wright to design their house on the same street in 1949.
The house only recently became open to the public, after the Courier Art Museum acquired it from private ownership in late 2019.
Visit: A two-hour tour visits both of the Kalil and Zimmerman Houses.
12 | Willey House: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Chicago History Museum / Getty Images.
The Willey House holds a unique place in Wright’s career: It was the first commission after Wright established the Taliesin Fellowship, and it is considered to be the beginning of the end for the Prairie school and the beginning of the Usonian designs.
Wright published an autobiography in 1932 that inspired Malcolm and Nancy Willey to contact Wright about creating a home for them. He actually designed two—the first was too large and expensive but the second became the Willey House, completed in 1934. The placement of the kitchen as more open to the rest of the floor plan is a significant change in his work that’s visible in the Willey House. New owners in the early 2000s made preservation a priority.
Much like the Midwest’s flat prairie influence, Wright again found inspiration in nature, this time from the desert and McDowell Mountains. The result is Taliesin West, a structure originally developed largely of rock, wood, cement, and sand.
Organic in style as well as material, it had Wright’s common low-slung profile with strong angles and local color. It was Wright’s winter residence and workspace. Established in 1937, it was frequently developed throughout Wright’s life until he died in nearby Phoenix in 1959. Taliesin West held a drafting studio, residence, and workshops for apprentices, and gathering spaces such as a dining hall and theaters.
Visit: The location is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and offers guided and audio tours.
Enjoy these helpful tips and advice in this month’s edition of “Insights on Real Estate”:
1️⃣ Updated Rules for Selling a House;
2️⃣ Enchant Buyers With Stunning Fall Curb Appeal;
3️⃣ Understanding Down Payment Assistance Programs;
4️⃣ The Difference Between a CMA and an Appraisal; and
Let’s connect and plan your next steps. Find out if we’re the right real estate team for you!
CA Real Estate Group | Caliber Real Estate Group
👩🏻 Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE# 01412944 | 714-476-4637
👩🏻 Anaid Bautista @wealthwithanaid
Realtor DRE# 02179675 | 949-391-8266
Spanish speaking
🏡 15216 Maidstone Ave, Norwalk 90650
🏡 3 bd | 1.75 ba | 1,241 sq ft | 5,000 sq ft lot | $825,000
———– OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE:
🚩 THU, AUG 15, 3:00-6:30 PM
🚩 FRI, AUG 16, 3:00-6:30 PM
🚩 SAT, AUG 17, 1:00-4:00 PM
🚩 SUN, AUG 18, 1:00-4:00 PM
🍹 Come enjoy our iced tea and iced coffee bar!
———–
🌴 YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL…. Experience the best of modern living with this beautifully remodeled home, complete with a $20,000 NO-REPAYMENT GRANT. Use the grant for a rate buy-down, closing costs, down payment, or a combination of all three.
🌴 This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage, plus a convenient in-home laundry room.
🌴 Enjoy a primary bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a versatile private space that can serve as a gym, office, dressing room, or a possible rental unit.
🌴 Additional highlights include oak wood-like floors, an upgraded kitchen with newer appliances, renovated bathrooms, split AC and a fully finished garage with its own AC and vaulted ceiling.
🌴 Located within walking distance to parks, schools, and stores, this home offers easy access to major freeways (91, 605, 5, 105, 710) and the Norwalk Green Line Station.
🌴 Come see this exceptional property for yourself!
———–
Stop by during our Open House or call and make an appointment for a private showing any day after Aug 15! See more photos of this gorgeous property here: https://marshalladamsmedia.hd.pics/15216-Maidstone-Ave
———–
👩🏻 Christine Almarines @carealestategroup
Buyers Agent Realtor DRE # 01412944
714-476-4637 | christine@carealestategroup.com
CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group
———–
(Listed By Christine Almarines and Caliber Real Estate Group)
🏡 15303 Jersey Ave, Norwalk, CA 90650
🏡 3 bd | 2 ba | 1,434 sq ft | 5,002 sq ft lot | $699,000
———– OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE:
🚩 SAT, AUG 17, 1:00-4:00 PM
🚩 SUN, AUG 18, 1:00-4:00 PM
———–
🌴 Spacious living room with laminate flooring opens to the dining room with a built-in cabinet.
🌴 The kitchen has new linoleum, maple cabinets, a Kitchen Aid oven and microwave combo, and a 4-burner cooktop.
🌴 Plenty of cabinet and counter space with a breakfast nook and laundry just off the kitchen area.
🌴 To service the three bedrooms is the hall bath with tile flooring and a tub/shower combo, sink with a solid Corian-like counter. The other bath also has a shower.
🌴 Double-pane windows, fresh paint both inside and out, and new carpet in all bedrooms.
🌴 The addition family room houses a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and ¾ bathroom.
🌴 Possible workshop space in the 2- car garage with a newer garage door.
🌴 Amply shaded backyard is mostly brick for ease of care.
———–
Stop by during our Open House or call and make an appointment for a private showing! Take a virtual tour & more see more photos of this gorgeous property here: https://carealestategroup.com/15303-jersey-ave-norwalk/
———–
👩🏻 Anaid Bautista @wealthwithanaid
Buyers Agent Realtor DRE # 02179675
(949) 391-8266 | anaid@carealestategroup.com
CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group
———–
(Listing by Edie Israel [DRE#01399225] and Keller Williams Realty)
Drying your laundry correctly doesn’t have to be complicated. Lean on this guide to simplify your drying routine.
Should you tumble dry low or normal dry? Is it better to dry towels and sheets together or separately? Knowing these laundry best practices can make your clothes last longer, save you energy, and reduce your monthly utility bill. Modern dryers boast an overload of advanced setting combos, from sanitization to activewear and even static-reducing options—which is why getting familiar with your model can help you get the most out of your dryer.
With the help of laundry and appliance experts, we’ve compiled all the do’s and don’ts of drying your clothes at home, whether you have a front- or top-loading dryer. And in case you are traveling (or shopping for a new dryer), this guide will also outline the common dryer settings found in today’s drying machines. The best part: You’ll be able to open your dryer with confidence, knowing your favorite tee hasn’t shrunk two sizes.
Prep Your Laundry Before You Dry
To maximize your laundry success, prevent wrinkles, and reduce your drying time, there are a few steps you can take before starting the dryer. First, sort your laundry before zapping it into your dryer (this step is especially important if you’re using an all-in-one washer-dryer), advises Zachary Pozniak, co-author of the upcoming The Laundry Book. “You should dry items of similar color and weight together,” he says. For example, “Do not dry dark jeans with lightweight white tee shirts. The tee shirt will be dry well before the jeans which will cause the shirt to be heavily wrinkled and covered in dark lint,” he adds.
Second, shake and untangle each piece right before tossing it into your dryer, and always follow your item’s care labels to protect your fabrics. Always be careful not to overload the dryer: Give your pieces some wiggle room to tumble freely inside your machine.
Lint clogged in your lint trap or ductwork can cause hot air from your dryer to spark a flame. Prevent this by keeping your dryer from working overtime—since clogged lint makes it harder for your machine to remove damp air from inside your dryer, resulting in greater energy expenditure and a more costly monthly bill—and clean it regularly.
Basic Dryer Settings
Normal, Regular Dry or Automatic
The hottest temperature a dryer can provide, this setting will tackle heavier items like towels, sheets, and sheets more efficiently, Pozniak says. But depending on your dryer model, this setting will either be labeled normal, regular, or automatic. Each of these cycles typically uses a moisture sensor to determine when clothes are dry, but you can also set a timer based on your preferences, Pozniak explains. He suggests reserving this setting for your most durable items like towels, bedding, sweats, and jeans while avoiding using this cycle on delicate items.
Note that ‘normal’ and ‘timed dry’ are the most popular cycles, according to David Wilson, senior commercial director for clothes care at GE Appliance. Each of these cycles represents around a quarter of all dryer cycles, based on GE’s data of more than 300 million cycles.
Delicate or Gentle
On the other hand, delicate settings use the lowest amount of heat and tumbling action, explains Pozniak. This cycle is best for fragile fabrics or laundry pieces that may start to melt, fray, stretch, or fade in high-heat conditions. Some examples can include activewear, spandex, underwear, lingerie, and sateen sheet sets.
Permanent Press or Wrinkle-Resistant
Wrinkle shield settings will help reduce wrinkles and keep shrinkage at bay. Typically using medium-heat settings, “permanent press is best for synthetic clothes like gym clothes,” says Pozniak, adding, “These garments dry very quickly, so the cycle uses lower temperatures, shorter drying times, and less tumbling to avoid wrinkling.”
Steam Setting
You’ll probably only see this setting on modern dryers, but this cycle adds steam to your laundry load to remove wrinkles. “However, it will not dry your garments, so expect them to be a bit damp to the touch (great for wrinkled bedding),” Pozniak says. “This can be used after a ‘proper’ dry cycle and viewed as a touch-up function.” You can also use this setting to de-wrinkle clean clothing without rewashing, as it uses a mixture of water and heat to revive clothing pieces.
No-Heat or Air-Fluff
This setting uses absolutely no heat, so it will not dry your garments like other settings. Pozniak says this cycle is ideal for stuffed items like duvet inserts, comforters, down jackets, and pillows. In addition, this air fluff setting can also help you remove pet hair and dust from your laundry pieces or even restore volume and freshen up the most delicate fabrics like wool or cashmere.
Quick Dry
Just as the name suggests, you can depend on this cycle to dry a small, light load in the nick of time.
Smart Dryer Settings
Smart dryer iterations are flooding the market right now, allowing you to streamline your laundry routine with intuitive features. For example, some dryers include dryer racks for items that require tumble-free drying (like tennis shoes). Others also come with compatible apps, where you can assign family members laundry tasks through customized texts and even cycle-match to get the perfect dry cycle that matches your load’s wash cycle. Some dryer machines can also be voice-activated when using a compatible voice-enabled device. Below, we’ve outlined a few features that you may want to consider when purchasing your next appliance.
ENERGY STAR-certified dryers follow energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy, using up to 30% less energy than standard dryers (and many times cost about the same as standard dryers).
Advanced moisture sensing: This setting is designed to adapt drying times to your garments, which helps prevent over-drying. Multiple sensors monitor the moisture and temperature of your clothes, so your drying cycle will end at just the right time.
EcoBoost: Some appliances come with a EcoBoost option that’s designed to use less heat to maximize energy efficiency.
Static-reduce: This setting combines a mist of water with tumbling after your load drys to further reduce static shock.
Sanitize cycle: A sanitizing cycle can eliminate common household bacteria and bugs (lice, bedbugs, moth larvae) thanks to its high heat levels, which can be ideal for sanitizing sheets or soiled clothing items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you use the wrong dryer setting?
The most common mistakes include over or under-drying your clothing. “Most shrinkage occurs in the washer, so you’ll likely have a very wrinkled garment from overdrying or one that’s still wet from underdrying,” Pozniak says.
Which dryer settings can be damaging?
“Timed dry can be very harmful as this overrides the moisture sensor,” Pozniak says. “Avoid using it if possible.”
Which items should not go in the dryer?
It’s best to hang or line dry synthetic clothes since they dry super fast, and any extended exposure to heat and tumbling will cause hard-to-remove wrinkling. Pozniak adds that this will break down your garments prematurely. He also advises against putting animal or protein-based textiles (such as silk, wool, and cashmere) in a tumble dryer. Instead, lay them flat on a towel to dry.
Curious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And since home prices rose so much over the past few years, most people have much more equity than they may realize.
Here’s a deeper look at what you need to know if you’re ready to cash in on your investment and put your equity toward your next home.
Home Equity: What Is It and How Much Do You Have?
Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.
Recent data from the Census and ATTOM shows Americans have significant equity right now. In fact, more than two out of three homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages (shown in green in the chart below) or have at least 50% equity in their homes (shown in blue in the chart below):
Today, more homeowners are getting a larger return on their homeownership investments when they sell. And if you have that much equity, it can be a powerful force to fuel your next move.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re thinking about selling your house, it’s important to know how much equity you have, as well as what that means for your home sale and your potential earnings. The best way to get a clear picture is to work with your agent, while also talking to a tax professional or financial advisor. A team of experts can help you understand your specific situation and guide you forward.
Bottom Line
Home prices have gone up, which means your equity probably has too. Connect with local real estate agents like CA Real Estate Group so you can find out how much equity you have in your home and move forward confidently when you sell.
Let’s connect and plan your next steps. Find out if we’re the right real estate team for you!
Got tough pet stains on your sofa or maybe you found a cute secondhand couch? Here’s how to get that upholstery looking and smelling good as new.
Did you just score a beautiful vintage sofa at a secondhand shop, and you want to know how to clean it or has your once-new sofa seen better days? Over time, crumbs, spilled soda, pet hair, dirt and oil from hands and feet build up on upholstered furniture and make it look dingy. Here’s how to clean furniture made of a variety of fabrics and materials.
1. Vacuum the Couch
Use a hand vacuum or the brush attachment on your vacuum to clean debris and dirt from the sofa surface. Be sure to clean the crevices where pet hair, food crumbs and dirt accumulate. If the cushions are not attached, remove them and vacuum both sides.
2. Clean the Wood or Metal Areas
Wipe down the sofa feet and other non-fabric parts of the sofa with a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap. If necessary, work your way up to heavier-duty cleansers, such as some of these DIY wood cleaning and polish options. Always wipe down with a microfiber cloth to prevent soap residue from remaining on the surface.
3. Determine the Type of Fabric
Find the tag on the couch and read the instructions for how to clean that type of upholstery.
Here are the codes found on the labels:
WS: Use a mild detergent with a steam vacuum or a dry-cleaning detergent.
S: Use a dry cleaner detergent only.
X: Use a vacuum only. No water.
W: You can use water to clean it.
4. How to Remove Odors
Before you tackle odors, determine what type of fabric your furniture is made of. It may be too delicate for liquid solutions.
In terms of tackling odors in your home, baking soda is a fantastic odor neutralizer (as most of us already know from using it in our refrigerators and freezers). Sprinkle baking soda on the couch cushions (make sure to check labels and test in a small area first). You may want to use a soft bristle brush to get the baking soda worked into the fabric. Let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum it up.
Vinegar is also an amazing natural cleaning option for serious odors. Try using vinegar diluted with a bit of water in a spray bottle and spray on the upholstery. When the vinegar dries, its smell will dissipate. If the baking soda or vinegar didn’t work on their own, try them in combination for an extra powerful, odor-eliminating punch.
If it’s pet smells you’re trying to eliminate, try an enzymatic neutralizer such as Nature’s Miracle to spot-treat an area and eliminate the odor.
5. Use a Bug Spray on Secondhand Upholstery
Even if you know that pre-loved sofa came from a clean home, it’s best to be cautious and treat it with some pest control. Many commercial sprays are non-toxic and safe for kids and pets. Another option is to sprinkle the upholstery with diatomaceous earth and let it sit for several hours then vacuum it up.
6. How to Clean Fresh Spills
Start by blotting liquid spills. Use an absorbent cloth to first blot at spills and moisture to quickly absorb it. This will help reduce the chance that the stain will get “rubbed in,” and it’ll help to collect liquid that’s soaking into foam layers beneath the upholstery. The more liquid you can absorb by blotting, the less internal damage that happens to your furnishings.
7. Remove Stains With a Steam Cleaner
You might expect that you’ll just have to live with dirty armrests or dried spills for the duration of a seat’s existence, but steam cleaning is relatively effective at lifting embedded dirt from fabric. You’ll probably find that a steam cleaner for carpets and upholstery is an acceptable tool for this task — especially if it comes with a detail cleaning attachment. Always use a low-heat setting, and test in an inconspicuous spot to make sure that the fabric doesn’t have an unexpectedly negative reaction to the heat. Do not use steam heat on upholstery that is made of, or contains silk.
8. Try a DIY Cleaner
If you don’t have a steam cleaner to remove stains, create mild-solution cleaners from natural ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen. Homemade cleaners are cheaper and kinder to the earth.
Here’s how to clean a sofa, by fabric type:
For fabric upholstery: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water and 1 tablespoon of dish soap or Castile soap. Put in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area. Scrub with a soft cloth until the stain lifts. Use a second cloth moistened with clean water to remove the soap. Dry with a towel.
For leather upholstery. Mix 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup vinegar and put into a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner on the surface of the couch and buff with a soft cloth.
For synthetic upholstery: Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of warm water and 1/2 tablespoon of liquid dish soap or Castile soap in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area and scrub with a soft cloth until the stain is gone.
9. Let the Couch Dry
Use a towel to soak up any excess water remaining on the sofa surface. Let the sofa air dry. If it’s humid, you may want to set up a box fan pointed at the sofa for speed drying. Water can cause cushions and fabric to mildew.
More Couch Cleaning Tips
Lint Roller If your couch is made from a fabric that easily attracts lint, hair or dust, you should keep a lint roller on hand that you can exclusively use for your couch. This works best for a couch that only requires a light amount of de-linting, but it can work for larger jobs, too. In a pinch, you can use large pieces of packing tape to de-puppify the couch.
Leather Soap and Conditioner If you have a leather couch, leather soap and conditioner are something you can use to keep it looking clean and fresh. You also can use a slightly damp, clean rag to wipe off my leather furniture about once a week.
Steam If your couch is made of a fabric that can be cleaned with a water-based cleaner, try using steam to loosen up dirt and stains. Try this: Grab your iron, put it on the “steam” setting, and wave it back and forth across any trouble spots on your couch.
How to clean a microfiber couch
If your couch is made of a fabric that can be cleaned with a water-based cleaner, try using steam to loosen up dirt and stains. Try this: Grab your iron, put it on the “steam” setting, and wave it back and forth across any trouble spots on your couch.
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The housing market is going through a transition. Higher mortgage rates are causing more moderate buyer activity at the same time the supply of homes for sale is growing.
And if you aren’t working with an agent, you may not realize that. Here’s the downside. If you’re not informed, you can’t adjust your strategy or expectations to today’s market. And that can lead to a number of costly mistakes.
Here’s a look at some of the most common ones – and how an agent will help you avoid them when you sell.
1. Overpricing Your House
Many sellers set their asking price too high and that’s why there’s an uptick in homes with price reductions today. An unrealistic price will deter potential buyers, cause an appraisal issue, or lead to your house sitting on the market longer. An article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR)explains:
“Some sellers are pricing their homes higher than ever just because they can, but this may drive away serious buyers and result in unapproved appraisals . . .”
To avoid falling into this trap, partner with a pro. An agent uses recent sales of similar homes, the condition of your house, local market trends, and so much more to find the price that’ll attract more buyers and open the door for multiple offers and a faster sale.
2. Skipping the Small Stuff
You may try to skip important repairs, thinking you can pass the task on to your buyer. But visible issues (even if they’re small) can turn off potential buyers and result in lower offers or demands for concessions. As Money Talks News says:
“Home shoppers like to turn on lights, flush toilets and run the water. If these basic things don’t work, they may assume you’ve skipped other maintenance. Homes that appear neglected aren’t likely to fetch top price.”
If you want to get your house ready to sell, the best place to turn to for advice is your agent. They’ll be able to do a walk-through with you and point out anything you’ll need to tackle before the photographer comes in.
3. Not Looking at Things Objectively
Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer that’s lower than you’d want to see – especially if you didn’t stage, price, or market the house well.
It’s important you don’t take this personally. Getting overly emotional can put the sale at risk. As an article from Ramsey Solutions says:
“Remember, a buyer’s offer is not a reflection of their opinion of your home or your housekeeping abilities. . . The sale of your home is strictly a business transaction. If they start out with a low offer, don’t take it personally and get emotional. Instead, channel that energy toward negotiating. Work with your agent and make a counteroffer.”
4. Being Unwilling To Negotiate
The supply of homes for sale has grown. That means buyers have more options, and with that comes more negotiation power. As a seller, you may see more buyers getting an inspection, requesting repairs, or asking for help with closing costs today. You need to be prepared to have those conversations. As U.S. NewsReal Estate explains:
“If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . the only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”
An agent will walk you through what levers you may want to pull based on your own goals, budget, and timeframe.
5. Not Using a Real Estate Agent
Notice anything? For each of these mistakes, partnering with an agent helps prevent them from happening in the first place. That makes trying to sell your house without an agent’s help the biggest mistake of all.
Real estate agents have experience and expertise in pricing, marketing, negotiating, and more. That knowledge streamlines the selling process and usually results in drumming up more interest and ultimately can get you a higher final price.
Bottom Line
If you want to avoid making mistakes like these, you need to work with a CA Real Estate Group agent.
When decorating a home, poor planning for the size of the space, such as ordering a rug that’s too big or small, is a common mistake. B2C Furniture, a sustainable furniture firm, crunched social media data to identify the most common furniture mistakes young adults make when outfitting a home for the first time.
“For a lot of people in their 20s, it’s their first time moving into a new home or a shared space, and they often don’t understand what pieces are necessities and ‘nice-to-haves,’” says Stacey Clarke, general manager of B2C Furniture. “They end up with a cluttered space rather than a practical one.”
Photo credit: Mtlapcevic / Getty Images
Here are some furniture mistakes to avoid.
1. Poor space planning
“One of the biggest no-no’s is blocking doorways in any room,” Clarke says. “You need good access for your doors to open completely, as this will open up the space and make your room appear bigger. For the bedroom, consider whether side tables would be practical, as you won’t always have space. In the living room and dining room, ensure that you can get easy access to the windows and that you’re not blocking your TV and entranceways. Plan around your necessities and then add on from there if the space allows it.” She adds that multifunctional pieces can last through different phases of life.
2. Choosing the wrong rugs
A well-placed, thoughtfully chosen rug is as important to the overall look and feel of a space as any piece of furniture. But too often, homeowners opt for the wrong size, Clarke says. “This comes from not understanding the measurements of a room, as a correct rug size can amplify the space. You should always have your rug sit underneath your sofa—about 30% to 40% in—and have the legs of the sofa sit on top. This will open the space and accentuate the size of your living room. The same goes for the foot of your bed frame if opting for a rug in the bedroom.”
As a general rule: Ensure the rug is wider than the sofa. Rugs that are narrower can throw off the proportions of the room and tend to sit awkwardly with the furniture.
“You want your rug to sit comfortably within the room but not dominate and cover it wall to wall,” Clarke says. “Measure your room closely and aim to leave breathing space all around.” She also recommends using masking tape to mark up the size of the furniture pieces and the layout before committing.
Listen to “Real Estate Today” to hear Melissa Dittmann Tracey give advice about choosing the right rug for your space on the “Hot or Not?” segment.
3. Buying furniture with no support
Opting for pieces with no support or a lack of structure—thin arms, for example—is another common furniture mistake, Clarke says. “This comes down to knowledge and experience; take the time to verse yourself with the array of materials available in the market,” Clarke adds. “While it’s tempting to buy budget furniture items that are often considered trendy and affordable, these are generally made from poor materials and likely will not last long.”
Understanding the difference between materials like wood and chipboard or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is key, Clarke says. “Where wood or timber is a more durable piece of material, chipboard and MDF are made of sawdust or excess from the wood, engineered together to make a plank,” she explains. “These typically have a very short lifespan, so avoid furniture made out of these, particularly in bed frames. The joinery for these materials doesn’t hold its integrity, as it can often pull apart, making it harder to screw in or re-screw into the joints. So, you’ll need to invest in a new piece if you ever move.”
4. Choosing furniture that doesn’t match your lifestyle
Avoid buying into trends and “getting caught up in the ‘Instagram-worthy house’ that looks beautiful but isn’t very practical,” Clarke says. “Furniture is an investment, and it’s important to choose materials that are durable and can last through the years.”
For example, if you’re considering having a family, you may want to avoid light-colored fabrics that children can get messy, Clarke says. Also, if you have a pet, consider rugs with materials that are easy to clean and resistant to scratching. “Don’t skip out on reading the product description or fine print, as most good furniture companies will always have information about the materials, where the products are from and the care instructions,” she says. “They even go as far as having specific product categories geared towards pet-friendly rugs.”
5. Not seeing your furniture in-person
With the convenience of online shopping, failing to check the quality of your furniture can lead to easy mistakes when it comes to sizing or materials. “Often, we opt for the easy option, which is to go online,” Clarke says. “There’s nothing wrong with that. But make sure that you’re knowledgeable and well-versed on the materials, and ask the right questions.”
Measure your space first. Double-check the dimensions of the furniture to ensure it fits your space.
“Make sure that the furniture company you shop from has an easy return policy, especially when purchasing online,” Clarke says. “Also, look into the company’s warranty policy and when you can expect to get the delivery. You don’t want something to arrive in three months when you need the couch now. Typically, items from traditional furniture stores are made to order with six-to-12-month or six-to-nine-month wait times.”
6. Rushing purchase decisions
“The excitement of moving into a new home and having their own space to decorate makes young people more prone to this mistake,” Clarke says. Don’t overlook the general requirements and practicality of the living area. “Take the time to think about the use of each room,” she says.
Clarke advises starting with the fundamentals first and then building from there. For instance, functional pieces are items like the bed and sofa. “These are also your bigger pieces, so they’re going to be harder to maneuver around than the smaller items, like a side table, that might be just ‘nice-to-haves,’” she says.
Also, opt for a classic color palette to preserve the longevity of the furniture pieces you choose. “Wood or natural timbers are timeless, as they last through all trends, but also easy to mix in with other trends,” she says. “This is crucial because if there’s something else that is in style in a few months or a year’s time, you can easily adapt your styling with smaller pieces, like cushions, throws and homewares, rather than having to swap out your big functional furniture piece.”
If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you. Many people assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones (houses that have already been lived in), but that’s not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes can sometimes lead to more cost-effective options, especially today. Hard to believe, right? But the data doesn’t lie.
Here are two key reasons working with your agent to look into new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option.
Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes
The median sales price for newly built homes is lower than the median sales price for existing homes today. This might seem surprising, but it’s true according to the latest data from the Censusand the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
Why is that? Builders are focused on building what they can sell. And right now, there’s a very real need for smaller and more affordable homes – so that’s what they’ve been bringing to the market. At the same time, there are also more newly built homes already on the market than there have been over the past few years, so builders are motivated to make sure they’re selling what they’ve got available before adding more.
Reason 2: Attractive Incentives from Home Builders
Another big reason to consider a newly built home is the range of incentives that many home builders are offering. Again, since builders are aiming to sell their current inventory, some are providing special deals to sweeten the pot for homebuyers. HousingWire explains today’s trend:
“Overall, the usage of sales incentives was up to 61% in June, compared to 59% in May.”
One of the most appealing incentives right now is how builders are able to offer competitive mortgage rates. They may also provide other incentives, such as covering closing costs, or offering free upgrades.
Why This Matters to You
Considering a newly built home could open up opportunities you hadn’t thought of before. With competitive pricing and attractive incentives, you might just find that a brand-new home is the most appealing option for you.
Bottom Line
Buying a home is a big decision, and it’s essential to consider all your options. By looking into newly built homes, you might find a perfect fit for your needs and your budget.
Let’s explore the possibilities together. If you have any questions or want to see what’s available, reach out to a CA Real Estate Group real estate expert.
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CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group
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She sheds are small buildings in the backyard, typically built for extra storage, to support a hobby and provide a place of repose from the main house. While the term “she shed” was coined as an alternative to “man cave,” the structures aren’t gender-specific and can be customized to your individual interests. Your she shed could be a cozy living room for lounging with friends, a craft room that sparks creativity or a quiet home office. Often, she sheds also double as potting sheds and greenhouses for those who fancy gardening.
Regardless of what kind of she shed you’re dreaming up, we’ve rounded up she shed ideas that’ll inspire your future oasis. There’s outdoor decorating ideas, including landscaping advice and how to up your curb appeal, alongside interior decorating tips like storage solutions. Plus, we’ve got budget-friendly ideas — including a she shed constructed from old windows.
AMY MANNING, @PALLET_PERFECT
1
Prioritize Natural Light
On a nice day, a wall of windows allows fresh air to circulate around a she shed. It’ll also fill the shed with natural light, so it can double as a potting shed or greenhouse. Take note from blogger Amy Manning and paint the whole structure a crisp white to keep it bright.
ALEC HEMER
2
Don’t Skimp on Landscaping
Decorate your shed’s exterior with hanging plants, potted trees and an ivy-covered trellis. Not only will the greens help the shed blend seamlessly with nature, but it’ll up its charm instantly. Install sconces on each side of the door, so you can illuminate the area at night.
HOMEMADE BY CARMONA
3
Create a Hobby Space
Organize a space that supports your hobbies, whether it be painting, woodworking, gardening or crafting. Use a tall cabinet to tuck away storage, and don’t forget to include comfortable chairs for lounging between projects.
THE HOUSE THAT LARS BUILT
4
Make It a Treehouse
This 150-square-foot house is suspended in a tree a few feet off the ground. One wall is made entirely of windows, allowing light to enter the space. On the other side is a wooden ladder that leads to a glass-paneled door.
FINDING LOVELY
5
Build in the Garden
If you’re planning to use your shed for potting and gardening, build the structure near the garden. This way all of your tools and supplies are within reach. Dress up the exterior by hanging wreaths on the doors and showing off landscaping on each side.
HOMEMADE BY CARMONA
6
Blend Indoor and Outdoor Areas
Craft a charming oasis indoors and out. French doors at the back of the shed lead out to a deck decorated with string lights, a large sectional couch and potted plants.
BRIAN WOODCOCK
7
Choose Nature-Inspired Colors
When creating a color palette for a she shed, draw inspiration from nature. Think calming greens, blues, grays and shades of white that blend with the backyard’s natural landscape.
PER MAGNUS PERSSON//GETTY IMAGES
8
Set Up an Entertaining Area
Instead of crafting a private oasis, design a comfortable area for entertaining friends and family. Here, a deck extends the space of the shed and promotes indoor-outdoor living.
FINDING SILVER PENNIES
9
Turn It Into a Tiny House
Decorate a she shed just as you would a house — shutters and all. There’s even a pebble “front yard” with a metal bistro table to elevate the charm.
BRIAN WOODCOCK
10
Try a Potting Shed
This sunny potting shed makes the most of upcycled pices, including a repainted potting stand and old milk crate that acts as a stool. A thrifted card catalog serves as a multi-drawer container for seed packets, plant markers and other gardening necessities.
A BEAUTIFUL MESS
11
Repurpose Old Windows
This 10 x 14-foot greenhouse is constructed using old windows, most of which had been thrown away, that are arranged like a puzzle. The front deck and surrounding landscape ups the curb appeal of this budget-friendly project.
THE HOUSE THAT LARS BUILT
12
Designate a Workstation
Turn your shed into a quiet home office or craft room. Rely on neutral colors, cozy textures and a surge of natural light to help you feel calm and inspired as you work.
ANDREA RUGG//GETTY IMAGES
13
Paint it Red
Neutral isn’t the only option. When painted a crimson red, this stylish shed resembles a backyard barn. Fill it with farmhouse-style furniture and potted plants.
CAVAN IMAGES//GETTY IMAGES
14
Keep It Minimal
If you’re working with a small shed, stick to bright colors and minimal decor. A tiny window box and modest landscaping elevates this charming yellow she shed.
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