The famous Christmas carol tell us that this is “the most wonderful time of the year!” However, a lot can go wrong over the holidays.
This infographic from Iron Security advises us what to be aware of. There are safety hazards, such as frayed electrical cords, holiday theft, and fire hazards, such as when frying turkeys or burning holiday candles. Establish these practical safety measures (even throughout the year) and make this holiday season the most wonderful time of year!
HouseDigest.com | Feb 22, 2023
Have you ever decided to tackle a cleaning project around the house (perhaps one that you’d been putting off for a while), only to discover that you’re out of the cleaner that you thought you had? It can be beyond frustrating to have to put off what you want to accomplish because you have to grab your keys and run to the store to buy the missing spray or powder.
But believe it or not, several cleaning substitutes, many of which you likely have in your home already, can take the place of store-bought cleaners. And even better, many of these substitutes are safer than their chemical cleanser counterparts, which often include toxic ingredients. Say goodbye to having to ventilate the room while spraying! Read on to learn more about some of the best cleaning substitutes that will take the place of kitchen sprays, bathroom cleaners, stain removers, and so many other store-bought sprays, gels, and powders.
Vinegar in place of kitchen sprays
Vinegar is for much more than cooking. It can help with a wide range of cleaning tasks in numerous rooms throughout the home. The best type of vinegar to use for cleaning is distilled white vinegar, which includes 5% acetic acid. While safe enough to handle or even consume, the vinegar’s acidity helps break down and remove gunk on surfaces.
If you’re looking for a substitute for kitchen sprays, either because you ran out of the one you normally use or are looking for something that won’t introduce more chemicals around the areas you cook, look no further than vinegar. To use it to clean the kitchen, mix it with water in a spray bottle using a 1:1 ratio (equal parts of both liquids). Spray the mixture on countertops, cooktops, shelves in the refrigerator, and other surfaces. If there are any particularly sticky or caked-on messes, leave it to sit for a few minutes before wiping the surface down. Because vinegar is non-toxic, you can even use it to clean coffee pots, stainless steel cookware, cutting boards, and other kitchen tools that you wouldn’t want to get anywhere near standard kitchen sprays.
Hydrogen peroxide in place of mold and mildew shower sprays
Hydrogen peroxide is another versatile product. You likely have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet or under your bathroom sink for tending to wounds, but did you know that it could also double as a shower spray? If you have areas of mold or mildew along your shower tiles, skip chemical bleach-based cleansers and reach for that bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet instead. Add it to a spray bottle and spray it directly over moldy or mildewy spots. Leave it to sit for about 10 minutes, then use a scrub brush to clean the tiles. Rinse everything, and your shower should be good as new again.
The reason hydrogen peroxide is such an effective cleaner comes down to its chemical composition. When the bonded hydrogen and oxygen atoms come into contact with surfaces, they create a reaction, loosening gunk and grime and disinfecting the surface. Unlike chemical bathroom cleaners, hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic and will not damage your lungs. If you habitually use more natural cleaning products, just keep in mind that you should never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. According to the Missouri Poison Center, combining these two liquids can cause peracetic acid to form, which could irritate your eyes, skin, or lungs.
Lemon juice in place of glass and window cleaner
Keeping your windows clean and streak-free can be a chore. However, you don’t have to rely on store-bought glass and window cleaners for this task. Instead, you can use lemon juice. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which make it an excellent choice for a range of cleaning tasks. Lemon juice is also acid, which means that it can help breakdown grime, much like vinegar.
The next time you need to clean the windows in your home, try making a DIY glass and window cleaner using lemon. Add about 1 ½ cups of hot water to a spray bottle. Then pour in 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, and gently swirl the bottle to mix the two ingredients. Use this cleaner to spray your windows, then wipe them using a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. As a bonus, using lemon juice will leave behind a pleasant fragrance, to make your house smell as clean as your windows will look.
Cornstarch as a carpet stain remover
If you have stains on your carpets from pets, kids, or any other number of causes, fear not. Open your pantry, and you may see the perfect substitute for carpet stain removers. Believe it or not, cornstarch can work well at removing stains and their corresponding odors from your carpets.
To use cornstarch as a stain remover, you’ll want to mix it with a little water or distilled white vinegar. The mixture should be a very thick paste, so take care not to add too much liquid. Once the paste is prepared, spread it over the stain on the carpet and let it sit for several hours until stiff and dry. Once dry, vacuum up the excess cornstarch from the rug (if it is stuck on, you can gently scrape it off using a knife or kitchen scraper before vacuuming). The cornstarch should have absorbed the stain and its odor, leaving your carpet clean. For deep, set-in stains, you may need to repeat the steps above a few times.
Gin or vodka as jewelry cleaners
Did you know gin and vodka can help keep your jewelry clean? In fact, using gin was a trick that some members of Queen Elizabeth’s staff used to swear by when cleaning the royal jewels. Try dipping jewelry with diamonds and other gemstones in a glass with a little bit of gin or vodka. Leave the jewelry to soak for at least four hours.
When you return to pull out your jewelry, you should notice that it looks much cleaner and more brilliant. So, how exactly does alcohol clean diamonds and other stones? The secret lies in the higher ethanol content of these two alcohols. When the gems are left to soak, it acts as a natural solvent, breaking down and getting rid of any grime on the stone. If this cleaning method was good enough for the Queen, it might be worth giving it a shot with your gems and jewels.
Shaving cream in place of stainless steel cleaner
Fear not if your stainless steel appliances always seem to be covered in fingerprints or hard water stains. You don’t have to run out and buy a specialized cleaning product with questionable ingredients. Instead, you can just head to your bathroom cabinet and pull out a can of shaving cream (opt for a basic, fragrance-free formula for best results). Simply cover the stainless steel surfaces with some shaving cream — it doesn’t take too much — then wipe it off using a damp cloth.
Once most of the shaving cream has been removed from the surface, use a clean and dry microfiber towel to finish the job. Rub the surface until the classic stainless shine returns. The shaving cream works to remove the stains (you can leave it to sit for a few extra minutes on hard water spots and stains) and leaves your stainless steel stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, and other appliances looking like new.
Baking soda in place of dish stain removers
Our mugs, dishware, and plastic storage containers can develop stains over time. Even when we know these items are clean, they can still look dirty and dingy. Baking soda can help you rejuvenate these items throughout your kitchen, giving them a new shot at life. Baking soda is slightly abrasive and works to release the particles that caused the stain. It also absorbs odors, so if any of the stained items also have an unpleasant odor, baking soda should help with that too.
To use baking soda as a stain remover, mix it with a small amount of water and vinegar to form a thick paste. Apply the paste over the stained area, leave it to sit for about half an hour, and then wipe it off with a sponge. If needed, you can repeat the steps an additional time for more stubborn stains. Once the stain is removed, rewash the item as usual before using it. You can use this paste to tackle a variety of stains in the kitchen, including coffee- or tea-stained mugs, stained plasticware, cutting boards, countertops, and more.
Coconut oil as a shower cleaner
If you’re looking for a more natural way to clean your shower and want to stay away from bleach and other harsh chemicals, the solution you need may be sitting in your pantry right now. Coconut oil can actually be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including shower walls and bathtubs. Place some coconut oil on a rag or scrub brush and use it to wipe down all the surfaces in your shower or bathtub. Once that’s done, rinse with warm water, and you should notice that everything looks much cleaner.
The reason coconut oil can be an effective cleaner — and a particularly good choice for showers — is because of the lauric acid found in it. Lauric acid works as an antimicrobial, giving surfaces a thorough cleaning. If you want to boost the power of the coconut oil or tackle any particularly tough stains, try mixing it with some baking soda. As noted above, baking soda is a great stain remover.
Witch hazel in place of floor cleaners
You may have taken witch hazel to relieve symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, inflammation, skin irritations, and other more serious conditions. The liquid from the witch hazel plant is extracted and then taken orally or applied directly to the skin, depending on the condition. It may seem strange to think that the same substance that can help with medical conditions can also help keep your floors clean, but it is true. You can use witch hazel on tile, vinyl, and linoleum floors, but it isn’t the best solution for your hardwood floors.
Fill your mop bucket with about 1 gallon of warm water. Then, add between ⅓ and ⅔ of a cup of witch hazel and mix it in well. Dip your mop or cleaning brush in the solution, and use it to clean your floor. The witch hazel will help break down dirt and debris, leaving your floors clean and shiny. If you want a quicker, less-involved cleaning job, witch hazel can still help. Instead of mixing a solution in your mop bucket, add some witch hazel and a little bit of water to a spray bottle and spritz the floors in your home before wiping them down with a microfiber towel or mop head.
Toothpaste in place of shoe cleaners
If your white shoes have seen better days, toothpaste may be able to help you rejuvenate them. White, baking soda-based toothpastes — stay away from gels — can work wonders at taking scuff marks and dirt off tennis shoes. An old toothbrush will work as the perfect cleaning tool to complement the toothpaste.
Simply apply a little white toothpaste onto the toothbrush head and use it to tackle any stained or dirty areas on the shoes. Scrubbing in a circular motion will be the most effective way to release stains and messes. After you’ve cleaned all the necessary areas, allow the toothpaste to sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe it off using a damp towel. You may need to repeat the steps above a few times for more stubborn stains. In addition to working well to remove stains from the canvas and fabric parts of shoes, a whitening toothpaste can also be an effective cleaner for the rubber edges of your tennis shoes. Apply it to these areas with a toothbrush, following the same methods described above.
Borax as toilet bowl cleaner
No one enjoys cleaning the toilet, but it is one of those tasks that we just can’t skip. However, you can skip the bleach- and chemical-based cleaners you want to keep out of your house. The ideal substitute may be waiting in your laundry room right now. Borax is traditionally used as a laundry booster, but its chemical makeup also makes it an effective toilet bowl cleaner. With its pH of 9.5, it is on the alkaline side. That means it can work to remove a variety of substances, such as oils, fats, and anything acidic, when mixed with water.
To use Borax as a toilet bowl cleaner, add approximately 1 cup to the water in your toilet bowl at night. Dump it in slowly, trying to get some of the powder to coat the sides of the toilet. You may even want to put on gloves to apply some of it along the toilet’s upper rim to achieve a thorough clean. Once the Borax powder has been applied to the inside of the toilet bowl, let it sit there for several hours, ideally overnight. When you wake up, take your toilet brush and give the inside of the bowl and along the rim a good scrubbing. Flush and admire how effective the Borax was at getting rid of stains.
Fabric softener as baseboard cleaner
Baseboards can get dirty so easily. After all, they’re right along the floor where dirt and other gunk get tracked in. Another item that is probably in your laundry room right now can help you tackle this cleaning task. Try cleaning your baseboards with fabric softener, and you won’t want to go back to whatever cleaners you used to use. Not only is fabric softener an effective cleaner for this task, but it is also really easy to use.
Transfer a little of your fabric softener out of the bottle and into a spray bottle. You’ll want to be able to control how much comes out, which won’t be possible with the wide open mouth on the package you get from the store. You’ll want to add approximately 1/2 a cup of fabric softener and about 2 ½ cups of water. Put the lid on the spray bottle and gently swirl the mixture to combine the two ingredients.
Spray the mixture directly on your baseboards, then go around with a dry microfiber cloth to wipe them down. For carpeted rooms, you may only want to spray a small section at a time to prevent the mixture from dripping onto the carpets. Alternatively, you could spray the solution directly onto the microfiber cloth to eliminate the chance of it dripping down onto the floor. One of the biggest benefits of using fabric softener to clean your baseboards is that it can also help them stay cleaner for longer. It will leave behind a slight coating on the baseboards, which will work to repel dust and other debris from sticking to them.
While California winters are relatively mild compared to most of the country, it is still important to perform home winterization tasks in the fall. While Southern Californians might not experience the seasons like those in other parts of the country, there is a perceptible change in the air we all recognize as one season moving into another. Once we sense the upcoming 60-degree chill, Southern California residents should consider preparing their homes for temperature dips, occasional rain, and the intermittent morning frost.
Regardless of where you live, winterizing your home is a good investment of time and can save money each year on heating costs. As with all things home-related, maintenance costs are generally lower when homeowners proactively prepare their home for winter weather instead of waiting until repairs require professional attention.
Here’s how to winterize a Southern California home:
Prepare Your Furnace
Many homeowners take their central heating systems for granted, but a furnace that is improperly maintained performs less efficiently. This can lead to higher energy bills and could result in system malfunction and cause safety hazards. To prevent these kinds of issues, it is best to be proactive about furnace maintenance, especially before winter.
Here are some key steps:
- Replace the air filter in your furnace each month. Locate the filter and pull it out. Slide the new filter into the slot, following the arrows on the frame of the filter.
- Consider upgrading to a pleated filter, HEPA filter or electrostatic filter. These filters increase the energy efficiency of your furnace and allow the warm air to flow unimpeded through your home.
- Clean your air vents and ducts. Remove the vent covers with a screwdriver. Use the extension hose of your vacuum to remove the dust.
- Inspect the blower belt for cracks. Turn off the power to the furnace at the main circuit breaker. Use a screwdriver to remove the steel cover of the air handler. The blower belt is the largest rubber belt that you see. Replace the belt if it is cracked.
- Adjust your programmable thermostat so it automatically lowers the temperature while you are asleep or away from your home. Consider retrofitting your older home with one of these thermostats; newly built homes in California must be outfitted with a set-back thermostat.
- Inspect the exhaust flue outdoors to ensure it is free of obstructions such as branches or animal nests.
- Keep the area around your furnace unit free of debris and clutter.
- Open all your air vents. Remove furniture, boxes and clutter that get in the way of air flowing from the vents.
Inspect Your Water Heater
Cold showers are never fun once winter is in full force. You can reduce the chances of water heater failure during winter by performing an inspection in the fall. Look at the tank for any signs of corrosion or blackened areas near the burner. Corrosion can be coming from a leak inside of the tank or from high moisture content in the area. Blackened areas near the burner are almost always from improper combustion or back drafting. Insulation blankets can be purchased to wrap water heaters, but when blankets are installed on gas water heaters, the fire hazard may outweigh the minor if any cost savings of the wrapping. Insulated covers on newer water heaters are worthless as far as insulation goes. More often than not they pose greater fire hazards because of the proximity to the draft diverter or the combustion chamber at the base.
Check All Other Air Ducts
Find exposed ducts wherever they may be (in the attic or crawlspaces) and repair all areas where pipes are pinched and restricting the flow of heated air into the house. Fix gaps with metal-backed tape, which is longer lasting and more durable than duct tape. Ducts also should be vacuumed at least once every two years to clear out hair, dust and other debris that can clog the ducts and the air.
Seal Windows and Doors
During the winter, you want to make sure that your doors and windows are airtight. Otherwise, you furnace will just be blowing money out through those cracks. Start with these simple ways to prevent cold air from seeping through your windows and doors.
- Check the glass to make sure your panes are in good shape and free of cracks.
- Add insulation if you can access the area behind the window or door trim. Adding batt insulation or spray foam insulation can stop air from sneaking in.
- Add weather stripping to all doors and windows for added protection from drafts and cold weather.
- Caulk around windows and doors.
Insulate
For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. Experts will tell you that regardless of climate, homeowners need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in the attic. Because most ceiling joists are 11 inches maximum, if can see the ceiling joists in your attic, you don’t have enough insulation.
Insulate and air seal any knee walls — vertical walls with attic space directly behind them — in your home as well. In addition, if you’re building a new home or remodeling, make sure any attic decking that provides additional storage space or a platform for a heating and/or cooling unit or hot water tank is raised above the ceiling joists to leave room for adequate insulation. If the air distribution system is not within the conditioned space but within the attic, insulating the rafters will enclose the distribution system.
Check and Upgrade Safety Devices
Test existing smoke alarms and consider upgrading to dual smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detectors with smart technology that connects with other wireless technology in your home and monitor on your mobile phone. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible, and extremely dangerous gas, which can result in death if inhaled over a period of time, and can be given off by the most common appliances in your home.
Prepare Your Fireplace
Have your fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected. Remove smoke and soot stains from the fireplace surround and chimney facing by spraying the surface with water followed by scrubbing with a mixture of all-purpose cleaner and water. You can also try a mixture of vinegar and water. For marble and stone surfaces, follow the water with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water. Clean glass fireplace doors with a vinegar and water solution, adding some ashes from the fireplace to gently scrub the glass.
Reverse Ceiling Fans
Many people don’t even realize that there are multiple settings on their ceiling fans. You can use your ceiling fans to assist in keeping your home warm in the winter by revering the direction of the blades. In the winter the blades should rotate clockwise. Clockwise rotation pushes the warm air down and recirculates it throughout the room. Alongside your heater, your home will stay toasty all winter long.
Final Thoughts
As cold weather approaches, it is important to take a few preventative measures to protect your home through the chilly months. Winterizing is generally a task that can be done relatively inexpensively, but will make a big difference in how comfortable your home is, and could end up saving you money on energy bills, too. In fact, many very effective home weatherproofing jobs are something that homeowners can complete without professional help.
If your system needs repair or inspection before winter, contact us for our Preferred HVAC specialists in your area by calling or texting Christine at (714) 476-4637.
Realtor.com | Oct 3, 2023
‘Tis the season for houseguests! Whether they’re coming over for a party, a holiday hiatus, or a takeover of your home while you’re out of town, you’ve likely got a human influx to deal with over the holidays. Don’t get us wrong—we think having more people around can be a merry thing! But going hand in hand with all that merrymaking is the mess that they can make of your home.
Still, though, there’s hope: With the right prep work, you can stave off many disasters and essentially guest-proof your house. Here are some tactics to protect your floors, furniture, and other valuables from harm. (Bonus: Many of these tips help safeguard your guests, too.)
Hack No. 1: Guard your entryway
It’s important to start things off on a good foot, literally. Make sure your outdoor lights work and de-ice the path to your door if necessary to reduce the chance of slips, falls, and last-minute trips to the ER. Then shake out the welcome mat.
“A mud-catching entryway mat can help prevent a good amount of dirt and debris from getting tracked all over your floor or carpet,” says Jamie Novak, author of “Keep This Toss That.” In fact, you might consider placing two mats outside your front door—side by side or one in front of the other on the steps—so guests take more steps on the mat before entering your home. Double the fun!
Also, since your foyer is bound to get overrun with coats and shoes, put away any of your own that you don’t need handy that day. Another tip to avoid falls is to tape down any extension cords (of which there may be many this time of year owing to holiday lights) in the entry or hallway, or camouflage them with cord covers. And rug pads placed under area rugs will help keep them in place against the holiday foot traffic.
Hack No. 2: Prep your kitchen
As the number of guests increases, so does the strain on the plumbing system in your home.
The kitchen sink is a revolving door during the holidays and is the most vulnerable to getting clogged.
“Be sure not to clean dishes off in the sink. … Instead, dump all leftover food scraps into the trash before putting the dish in the sink to prevent clogs,” says Mike Agugliaro, co-owner of New Jersey–based Gold Medal Service plumbing company.
Fortify your trash cans too: “Triple line the can so you can save time replacing the liner every third time,” says Novak. “Also, place a few layers of newspaper at the bottom of the trash-can liner to soak up grease and liquid. That way, if the bag is pierced the liquid won’t leak.”
Hack No. 3: Bolster your bathroom
Skip this part if you must. But otherwise, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The bathroom is just a disaster waiting to happen, especially if Uncle Rupert overimbibes on the spiked eggnog. Again. Or a thousand other bad-case scenarios. But there are ways to keep your pipes from suffering the consequences.
“Today’s toilets use less water and are easier to clog,” says Agugliaro. “Plus, plusher types of toilet papers can’t flush easily. Instead, use brands like Scott, which are thinner and can more easily pass through drains. And never leave paper towels in your bathroom, or there will surely be a chance of a clog.”
Novak also suggests creating a handwritten tent card that states special info for guests like, “Our pipes/septic tanks are antique, please flush only paper.”
Other smart bathroom moves? “Move medications up high in the cabinet, out of reach,” says Novak. “Also prevent guests from rummaging through your closets and drawers by filling a basket with extra paper goods, hand towels, feminine products, and air freshener. You might even add a laundry stain stick to catch spills before they set.”
Hack No. 4: Preserve your valuables
If you have precious items or heirlooms that would devastate you if damaged, hide or make them off-limits.
“Before the holiday season arrives, walk through your home and take stock of items you do not want broken or damaged—such as family heirloom pieces or a Tiffany vase from your wedding,” says Jeffrey Weldler, interior decorating expert at Vänt Wall Panels. “Go with the old saying ‘better safe than sorry,’ and put these items in a box tucked into the closet until after your company has gone.”
This also applies for your kids’ special toys or even sequined pillows or furry rugs that might be tough to clean.
Novak also suggests creating a sort of VIP area.
“Keep your guests in a few key areas by locking doors to others rooms or using decorations as deterrents to entering other parts of your home,” says Novak. “A strand of lights across the staircase signals ‘Please don’t go up there,’ or you can hang a printed sign.”
Hack No. 5: Create a cleanup kit
No matter how careful you are, you are bound to have at least one person spill wine or gravy somewhere that makes you shudder. For this inevitability, consider putting a few go-to cleaning items in a basket—a sponge, microfiber cloth, dustpan, brush (think broken glass), and all-purpose cleaner—and place it out. You might add a comical “oops” sign to the container so guests don’t feel awkward if they have an accident and need to grab it.
“Having a few essentials on hand means you save time should you need them, plus you or your guests won’t have to leave the party to rummage through your linen closet to find a rag,” says Novak. In other words, just spray, wipe, and let the festivities continue!
Realtor.com | Aug 9, 2022
Small spaces have the potential to be cozy and charming, but if you’re not careful, they can turn into a total bummer. Over time, your collection of household items can start to resemble mountains of clutter—and before you know it, cramming it all into one tiny space can make your home feel downright uncomfortable.
Of course, curbing the clutter in your pad is just one of the ways to be proactive in making your home look and feel bigger. In fact, experts are seeing homeowners and renters prioritizing this now more than ever.
“People are more dedicated and interested in ensuring that every space in a home is functional,” says Eilyn Jimenez, founder and creative director of Sire Design. “I am seeing a more ‘quality over quantity’ attitude with homeowners when it comes to their spaces.”
Don’t let your walls close in on you! Whether you’re decorating your living room or bedroom, make sure to avoid these common mistakes that are sure to cramp your home (and style).
1. Painting walls a dark color
“Dark colors draw the eye inward, making a small space seem confined,” says Pramiti Bhargava, interior design and staging expert at BlueGrape in San Diego.
Trick the eye into making your rooms look bigger and wider by painting all walls neutral, light, or earthy tones so they seamlessly blend and look as spacious as possible.
2. Using large or out-of-scale furniture
Bulky furniture can make a space feel smaller and cluttered and may have visitors heading for the door.
“A common mistake people often make while decorating is cramming too many pieces of furniture into a small room,” says Challie Stillman, vice president of sales and design at Resource Furniture. “Small spaces need to perform multiple functions, like sleeping, lounging, working, and dining, but adding a piece of furniture for each task can quickly overwhelm a room and make it feel much smaller than it actually is.”
Another mistake is overfilling a room with oversized or dark furniture.
“If you’re working with a small space, keep it light and simple,” says Jimenez.
Also, keep enough space between furniture pieces so you and your guests can move about comfortably.
“Make sure there’s fluidity around the room,” says Jimenez.
3. Cluttering the walls
We’ve all been in homes that do double duty as a museum—and not always in a good way.
“While the gallery wall trend can look elegant, it definitely works better in a larger space,” says Bhargava. “When a home has lower ceilings, too many things on the walls can make a room feel cramped.”
Adding a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf can make the room appear bigger and create extra storage for all your favorite prints and photographs.
4. Having too many colors and patterns
Bringing color into your living space can make it appear more happy and lived in, but don’t go overboard.
“Multiple loud or dark colors and patterns can make any space seem even smaller,” says Bhargava. “It’s vital to have soothing and neutral colors to make small spaces seem bigger.”
Of course, we’re not suggesting you live in a house of beige. But experts do suggest incorporating colors and patterns sparingly if you want the room to feel more spacious.
5. Using loud-patterned rugs or too many rugs
Rugs are an essential design element in any room, but they should be chosen carefully and used sparingly to get the right effect.
“Bright, patterned rugs can make small rooms appear even smaller, whereas simpler, neutral rugs can create a visual feel of spaciousness in a room,” says Bhargava.
If you have your heart set on keeping a bright, patterned rug in a room, “then go simpler and neutral with artwork, furniture, or other elements within the room.”
Also, avoid placing multiple rugs of various sizes and floor runners in a room.
“Defining the space with a rug or two max is all that’s needed,” says Bhargava.
6. Using too many tile patterns
Experimenting with tile can be a fun design move, but going overboard with patterns can overwhelm the space.
“Not only can it automatically downsize the room, but some patterns risk being somewhat dizzying for anyone who enters,” says Jimenez. “Keep it simple, and select a maximum of two to three options for tile as to not detract from the overall design.”
Choose your favorite tile, and then work your design around it so that the other tiles complement rather than compete with it.
Realtor.com | Sep 22, 2023
We love all the festivities the fall season brings as much as everyone else—but there’s also something to be said for not changing up your decor for every holiday milestone.
That’s why this week, we rounded up five looks from Instagram that set a beautiful base look to take your dining room from the beginning of fall through Thanksgiving.
By focusing on autumnal colors and textures (rather than a slew of decorative pumpkins and tiny turkeys), this list is a definitive solution to having a decorated dining room that’s entertainment-ready all season long.
1. Pumpkin orange vase
You can bring in some gourdlike cheer without the actual pumpkins—and the proof is in this perfectly tawny terra-cotta vase from @homebohodecor.
“Not quite orange and not quite peach, terra cotta has a vibe and richness all its own, and it’s trending like crazy now,” says Robin DeCapua of Madison Modern Home. “This matte-finish vase is ideal for autumnal decorating—but still relevant long after the last leaf has fallen.”
2. Hunter green chairs
Another color scheme we love this time of year? Hunter green. Especially when the shade comes in a rich, velvety finish like these chairs from @jamal_zein_.
“The pure elegance of a subtle mossy green dining chair elevates a room like nothing else,” says DeCapua. “Sage, hunter, and moss green tones dominate fall color palettes. These hues work particularly well in velvet; the rich feel of the cloth amplifies the drama.”
Get the look: Add oomph to your dining room this season with these Azalea Green chairs.
3. Golden honey throw blanket
No proper fall color palette would be complete without some gleaming honey hues that mimic the fall light. And this plush throw blanket from @scandi_up_north is just the thing for adding that festive warm glow.
“A rich, golden hue is like autumn itself wrapped up in a cozy blanket,” says designer Madison Popper, of Chill Casa. “A throw instantly adds a touch of autumnal charm and is so versatile that it can be tossed over the back of any chair or sofa for care-free, chic comfort.”
Get the look: Embrace a cozy and casual fall feel with this Hayes faux mohair blanket in your dining room.
4. Rich earth-tone carpet
The best part about this transitional time of year might be the expansive color palette it evokes. Fall brings not just green, yellow, and orange but also vibrant reds, rich purples, and deep browns. In other words, an earth tone wonderland, which this Turkish carpet from @kathykuohome captures perfectly.
“Homeowners are currently leaning toward darker-colored hardwoods, and choosing an area rug rich in earth tones ensures everything looks tied together,” says designer Courtney Wollersheim, of Floor360. “A new rug doesn’t have to be expensive. Try checking your local consignment shop or flooring store for deals.”
Get the look: Shop locally for your perfect rug, or snag this washable Kaden Amber Red rug.
5. Rust-orange dishware
For a table setting that feels festive without being overkill—we love using handmade dishware in a fall hue like this collection from @coloresdecor.
“If you invest in a burnt-orange stoneware dinner set, you don’t need to buy any other fall decor,” says Wollersheim. “Display a serving platter or place the settings on the dining room table for the season. Stoneware also has that handmade organic feel that’s so desirable right now.”
Get the look: Shop the exact look with this 20-piece handmade Puebla dinnerware set.
Realtor.com | Sep 21, 2023
Nobody ever cheers at the thought of tackling home repairs. They’re annoying, costly, time-sucking endeavors. So often we put them off, over and over, justifying to ourselves that they can wait. Light switch doesn’t work? Whatever—you never go in that room anyway. Squeaky floors? You’re already used to them!
But there are some home improvement projects that simply can’t wait, lest you risk much bigger problems (and costly expenses) down the line. Here are 12 home repairs experts say you should never put off:
1. A leaking roof
If you see water stains on your ceiling or down your walls, get moving on the repair stat—there are a host of problems that can arise and get progressively worse with a leaking roof.
“Not repairing a leak as soon as you notice it can lead to mold, damage to the structure of your home, water damage, and even fire if water comes in contact with electrical wiring,” says Carlos de León, vice president of the León Group, an estate management company on Long Island, NY. Scared yet? Good.
2. Damaged or missing shingles
This one seems obvious, but Derek Perzylo, owner of Big 5 Exteriors in Calgary, Canada, says he regularly encounters homeowners who have never had their roof inspected.
“After a big storm, especially if there’s a lot of gusting wind and hail, it’s always a good idea to visually inspect your roof,” he says. “If you see shingles out of place, or if you see shingles on the ground, you might have some damage that could cause potential problems, like leaks, down the road.”
3. Sagging roof
Roof sagging can be caused by moisture in the attic space, says Joe Todaro, director of operations at Gold Medal Service in East Brunswick, NJ. If left untreated, the structure of the wood will weaken and settle, causing cracks in the exterior walls. Proper ventilation is essential for an attic.
4. Cracks in the foundation
Your home’s foundation may develop small cracks over time, and it’s best to address them to prevent spreading. Otherwise you might have to replace the foundation, which can cost as much as $100,000. Large cracks that go unaddressed can lead to everything from leaking to parts of the concrete collapsing.
“The damage could be life-threatening if your home is not supported properly,” León says.
5. Gas leaks
Since natural gas and propane are heavier than air, they “pool” in the low points of your home. The second you smell gas (a telltale rotten egg–like smell), call your gas company and vacate the premises until a company worker arrives.
“You risk having an explosion or fire by not doing something about a gas leak immediately,” León says.
6. Plumbing leaks
Leaking water can lead to mold, structural problems, and health issues. Homeowners should check under sinks at least once a year to ensure no water is leaking into the cabinets. If you see any, call a plumber right away.
7. Mold
Is there good mold and bad mold? Not really. When you see it, deal with it. And simply having a “mold remediation” company come in to assess things is not the entire answer, says Jeff Wilson, HGTV host and author of “The Greened House Effect.”
“The reason the mold formed in the first place needs to be sussed out and the problem fixed by a building science professional trained by an organization like Building Performance Institute,” he says.
So just to be clear: While not all molds are life-threatening, all of them—even the ubiquitous shower mold—can potentially make you sick. So it’s best to be aggressive no matter what kind you see.
8. Overtaxed or poor electrical systems
More than 40,000 electrical fires occur each year in the United States. And most of them could have been easily avoided. Some warning signs of faulty electrical work include circuit breakers blowing unexpectedly, lights flickering, and outlets and/or switches being warm or hot to the touch.
Not calling an electrician can result in your home catching fire. Got it? Call the electrician.
9. Clogged gutters
Clogged gutters are easy to ignore, but they can cause substantial damage to your home if you don’t make it your business to keep them clean.
The role of gutters and drainpipes is to draw rainfall away from the home. If they’re stopped up, water begins to pool in vulnerable areas. You’ll face a higher risk for wood rot around the fascia and for foundation damage in low, sloped areas around the perimeter of your home.
Homeowners should clean out their gutters twice a year and water test them with a garden hose afterward. Make sure the water travels easily through the gutter system, into the drainpipe, and away from the home’s foundation.
10. Cracked driveways
Most driveways are pitched to direct water away from your foundation. If there are cracks and settling in your driveway, not only are they a tripping hazard, they could also lead to possible water damage in your home.
11. Damaged decks
The No. 1 danger spot with decks is when there’s worn or missing flashing, the thin layer of material that keeps water from getting into places it doesn’t belong.
Without flashing, water can get into the ledger board (which connects the deck to the house) and weaken the wood and metal fasteners that hold the deck together. And if a weakened deck is overloaded, it can have expensive—if not deadly—consequences.
12. Clogged dryer vents
Removing the lint from your dryer vent isn’t just one of those things your mama nagged you to do. It could mean the difference between life and death.
“It’s not a big project by any means,” says Aaron Rovner, vice president of business development at ServiceWhale in Trevose, PA. “But if you allow lint and other fabric to sit in a dryer vent, it will ultimately cause an airflow and exhaust backup that will turn into a major fire hazard.”
So you have your work cut out for you. The good news is that you don’t have to do many of these repairs frequently. But when you see warning signs, get going pronto—or risk bigger problems down the road.
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Start with a Thorough Cleanup
If you don’t set aside time to clean and prep your grill, it can be easy to “forget,” and then your grill won’t be at its best for the barbecue (and may even ruin foods with smells, grease smoke, and other problems). In addition to cleaning your grill, take a walk around your yard and clean up any toys or junk that you’ve been meaning to get rid of — this helps avoid stress on party day. Plus, check out these 12 tips for planning the ultimate backyard barbecue.
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Get Yourself a Grill Basket
A grill basket is the perfect tool for grilling more delicate foods, especially veggies, fruit and kebabs.
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Use Nets, Canopies and Umbrellas for Shade
If you don’t have a table umbrella or built-in shade from canopies or a pergola, consider using light netting or simple white bed sheets for quick DIY shade (check out these Labor Day sales on all things DIY). You’d be surprised how much your guests will appreciate the shade. For a more ambitious project, consider a grill gazebo instead.
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Choose a Signature Drink
To make your party stand out, pick out a special drink (cocktails or mocktails work well) and one unique food item that you are especially proud of. Play up these specialties in your party invitations and make sure you have enough ingredients for a steady supply. Keep food plans simple so you have time to enjoy the party along with your guests.
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Choose Portable Foods
Holding onto a plate of food at an outdoor party can be awkward. If you set it down, you may forget where it is and bugs can get at it, or someone might think you’re finished with it and throw it away.
As the host, focus on foods that don’t need plates. You can skewer a variety of veggies, meats, appetizers, fruit and sweets. Or let guests make their own. Provide bowls or platters of bite-sized items along with plenty of skewers.
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Grill Everything
With your grill out, why not use it as much as possible, like this grilling shelter? Grilling can improve a wide variety of dishes. Most breads and veggies can be lightly grilled, including lettuce and angel food cake.
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Protect Your Food
While that smorgasbord of food may look great in a photo, it’s not great for the food to sit out all afternoon. Flies will get into the fruit, coleslaw will quickly wilt, and kids (with grubby hands) will find it tempting to grab and go. So it’s best to keep food under some kind of cover.
If you are doing a potluck, keep plastic wrap handy to wrap open bowls and platters. And for your food, make sure it’s covered with a lid or in a cooler until you’re ready to serve. You can also set up the food table just inside the house instead of outside. Remember, this food needs to endure hours of summer heat and bugs — it needs all the help it can get.
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Multiple Food Stations
You don’t want people waiting in line for food or drinks, if possible. Set up several food tables if you have a lot of guests. Likewise, you may want to spread out ice chests and coolers filled with drinks so they aren’t all in the same location. Not sure if you have enough tables? Build a couple more for your deck or patio.
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Lights and Torches
Besides traditional outdoor lighting, consider installing string lights around your patio or deck for the right touch of ambiance and visibility as night falls. Setting up a few torches is also a good idea — not necessarily for visibility, but to help drive away mosquitoes with smoke and citrus oil blends. Be sure to watch young children around the torches.
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Plenty of Seating
Eventually, people will want to sit down. Have plenty of chairs and benches around and fill in with picnic blankets. If you are feeling ambitious, build your patio chairs.
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Signs and Chalk
Make it easy for your guests to know what’s in coolers and where different food items and drinks are. Setting up signs or propping up a chalkboard allows you to give directions (where’s the bathroom?) and identify everything. Speaking of identification, you may also want to include a bowl of tags or clips for drink glasses or a marker for disposable glasses and cups.
Use chalk to write a welcoming greeting on the sidewalk and steps in front of your house. No sidewalk? Draw arrows on the path to your backyard to guide your guests. And leave the chalk out so kids (and adults) can doodle during the party.
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Ban Bugs
Bugs can ruin a perfectly good outdoor party, forcing everyone indoors. If you don’t want to use a chemical spray bug repellent, try citronella candles or torches with citronella oil.
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Clear Your Dishes
Even if you limit plates and silverware, you’ll still have dishes to take care of. To prevent chaos, set aside trays for bussing used non-disposable dishes. That way you (and your helpers) can take the dishes back to the kitchen in bunches throughout the party, making final cleanup easier.
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Prep a Fire Pit
Ending your party with a cozy fire is fun, but you need to be ready. Prepare your fire pit for the big day by clearing out debris, stacking in firewood and making sure you have more wood on hand. If you don’t have a fire pit, there are lots of patio-friendly fire pit tables and similar designs that you can choose from. Or, believe it or not, you can build a fire table.
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Don’t Forget Music and Games
Create one last summer playlist and use a Bluetooth-enabled speaker to broadcast the tunes for your party. Of course, music isn’t the only entertainment people will be looking for. Set up games like croquet, bocce, and cornhole on the healthiest parts of your lawn for the kids of all ages.
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Use an Online Calculator for Food
Food is always one of the first considerations and thorniest problems for a big grill-out. Fortunately we live in an incredible digital age with online barbecue planners that allow you to see just how much food — and what kind of food — you need. The linked planner lets you calculate meals based on adults, children, number of vegetarians and favored meats. It’s a great way to get some basic numbers to work with.
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Plan Menus Early and Make a List of Ingredients
Plan your full menu based on the information for the online planner. For every dish and cocktail, make a precise list of ingredients that you need purchase and double-check it before you shop. You don’t want to start the party and realize you forgot that one ingredient that you assumed was in the kitchen.
Many experienced grillers like to focus on a signature dish or drink to show off a little, but this is up to you. Also, whenever possible, try to take guests food allergies into account by providing alternatives, if necessary. For more backyard fun ideas, check out these seven outdoor games you can make with stuff you already have.
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Plan for Outside Refrigeration
Not every grill setup can have an outdoor refrigerator (although it makes a great addition), but you do need some way to keep things cold. Whether it’s a mini-fridge you can plug in outside or a couple of coolers, be sure to have this figured out before grill-out day.
Always refrigerate meats separately from other foods and try to reserve a section or cooler for the drinks. Remember that it’s important to keep some foods cool, while drinks can always be stored inside until you want to bring them out. You need a good cooler for proper camping — check out the best camping supplies you don’t have.
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Create a Menu for Guests
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but for larger grill-outs it’s useful to have a printed or written menu that shows what you will be serving, especially if you are proud of it. Paper printouts, chalkboard stands and whiteboards all work. Skip this step if it’s a potluck-style gathering. Love the look of chalk? Make chalk paint at home.
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Organize Meat By Temperature
The easiest way to do this is to create three platters — rare, medium and well-done. Label them and serve your cooked meats on the appropriate platters. Keep an eye on them, and adjust for the general tastes of the crowd. This is a great way to please guests and save a lot of time asking or answering questions about which steak is well-done.
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How ‘Bout Them Apples
After that trip to the apple orchard, grill up some apples with your dinner. Apples stand up well to the heat and can be a tasty addition to the main dish or dessert. Just slice cored apples in half, brush them with a little oil or melted butter and cook them over medium heat until they’re tender.
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Try a Fall Grilling Marinade
Try fall flavors in your homemade fall grilling marinades. Maple, rosemary and bourbon are all flavors of the season. The Spruce offers this fall-inspired marinade featuring bourbon.
Ingredients:
• One cup bourbon;
• One cup brown sugar;
• One cup oil;
• One cup mustard;
• One cup Worcestershire sauce.
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients and mix until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Marinate meats for four to 12 hours before grilling.
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Squash Skewers
Try fall grilling butternut squash. Peel it, remove the seeds and cut into one-inch pieces. Coat the pieces in some olive oil and place them on skewers. Cook them over medium high for five to seven minutes.
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Grill Your Chili
Use a large cast iron pan or Dutch oven to cook your chili on the grill. Plus, Weber offers tips such as using a charcoal grill to cook a pot of chili in just over an hour. And using your grill will add a smoky richness you just can’t get inside.
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Try Some Leeks
Instead of throwing your fall-harvest leeks into a soup, try this simple recipe and serve them up as a side dish. Clean and trim the leeks. Next, split them in half lengthwise and coat with some olive oil, salt and pepper. Finally, grill them about five minutes per side, or until they are tender.
Fall grilling with gas? Learn how to determine propane tank levels.
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Try Grilling a Pumpkin
Try grilling a pumpkin for your next fall dessert. Just clean off the outside of a sugar (pie) pumpkin and poke some holes in the shell to allow for ventilation. And place the pumpkin in a 8×8-in. glass dish and cook on a grill at 350-375 degrees for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
When it’s cool enough to handle, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Finally, use the cooked pumpkin for pie, or toss with some cinnamon and sugar and eat with ice cream.
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Grilled Salsa
Instead of making your regular go-to salsa recipe, try grilling your peppers, onions and tomatoes. For peppers and onions, cut and place on skewers. But for tomatoes, grill them whole over indirect heat until tender. Then chop and combine with the rest of your salsa ingredients.
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Grill a Lasagna
You can grill lasagna or any other casserole. Just heat a grill to medium and place the prepared lasagna or casserole over indirect heat. Then cover and grill for 45 minutes to one hour.
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Grill Wings For the Game
Wings don’t have to be fried. When making wings for a crowd, try grilling them. After marinating the wings, place them on medium, direct heat and grill for 25-30 minutes. Or you can also skip the marinade and toss them with sauce after grilling. Here’s how to fit everyone in front of the TV if you move things inside.
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Make a Charred Vegetable Salad
Get the most out of the end-of-season produce and grill up vegetables for a chopped salad. Try peppers, Brussels sprouts, onions, eggplant and even romaine. Next, coat vegetables with a little oil, salt and pepper and grill over direct heat a couple of minutes on each side until tender. Then chop and toss together with your favorite dressing.
Originally Published: July 08, 2021
There are ways to embiggen your home without spending a fortune.
When you first bought your first house, it probably seemed enormous, especially if you were moving from a tiny apartment. But inevitably, the longer you own it (and start filling it with stuff, pets, and children), the smaller it seems.
What’s to be done? Buy a larger home? Sure, but that’s going to be expensive, especially right now. Get a storage unit? Now your stuff is 20 minutes away, and you have a new monthly bill to pay. Add an addition to your existing house? Also expensive—but it doesn’t have to be. While adding a whole new room or wing to your house might be the ideal solution to your space needs, if you don’t have the cash for such a project, there are lower-cost options you could consider.
Finishing an existing unfinished space
The first option to consider is finishing the spaces that already exist. Unfinished areas like basements don’t count as livable space in your house, so finishing them adds value and space to your home.
If you have a garage, that’s going to be the cheapest space to finish. Garages are often already attached to the main level of the house, have a door connection to the rest of the space, and are probably wired up with electricity at the least. The average cost of converting a garage is around $15,000, though it can go a lot higher if you need to add plumbing for a bathroom or if your garage is very large (or if you’re trying to convert one portion of a 3-car garage and keeping the rest for a car). The main downside is the loss of covered parking, but this is a cheap way to gain square footage.
Unfinished attics and basements are also obvious targets for finishing, with the cost to finish a basement averaging about $23,000 and the cost of finishing an attic averaging $25,000.
Enclose an outdoor space
Another way to add square footage to your home cheaply is to take advantage of outdoor spaces that are already part of the home’s footprint, like patios and porches. This can be pretty involved, requiring new foundations and everything from plumbing to wiring in addition to adding walls, windows, and doors connecting the space to the existing home. Depending on the size of your patio, completely enclosing it can run you anywhere from $17,500 on the low end to several hundred grand on the higher end—which isn’t much cheaper than just adding a room. Enclosing a porch and making it into a four-season room can be cheaper, ranging from $20,000 to $80,000 on average.
A cheaper option for a porch or patio conversion is to create a sunroom or three-season room. Because these spaces lack insulation and heating, they’re generally cheaper to build (screening in a patio, for example, can be as cheap as $500, and a three-season porch can often be obtained for less than $10,000). While these won’t count as official bedrooms or anything and aren’t usable in colder weather, they still add value and usable space to your home.
If you’re handy, a cheaper option for a sunroom or three-season room conversion could be a DIY kit. These can get the job done for as cheap as $1,500 because they don’t include labor costs, and typically require just a few days to construct.
Create bump outs or dormers
An affordable option to add just a little space to your home is a bump-out or an attic dormer. A bump-out is a small addition to a room, sometimes as small as two feet in depth. They’re usually supported by the existing home’s foundation, so don’t require one of their own. Depending on the length of the bump-out, you can add a few dozen square feet to the living area of your house, and the costs range from $5,000 to about $32,000, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Adding a dormer or two to your attic doesn’t actually add much square footage, but it can make the existing attic space into usable space by raising the ceiling height and adding windows. Attic dormers typically cost less than $20,000 to add, and can transform a tight attic into a sunny room.
Create a loft
If the interior of your house has at least one space with soaring ceilings, you can add some usable space by building a loft area. This can be a DIY project if you really want to keep costs down, and can give you an office space or additional storage space without sacrificing any existing areas. Depending on how ambitious you are (is this just a platform for a bed, or are you envisioning a fully-equipped office?) a lofted area within a room can run you anywhere from a few grand to tens of thousands of dollars.
Add a prefab shed/ADU
Finally, if you have backyard space, you could consider adding a tiny house (also called an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU) or prefabricated shed space to your property. Tiny homes can be as cheap as $4,000 if you DIY the build, and you can wire them for power and add plumbing, climate control, and nice finishes to create freestanding living space. Be sure to check with your HOA or local government concerning permits and other requirements before you click “ORDER” on an entire small house.
