For most us, the signs of spring have begun to show and the annual reawakening of our home – both interior and exterior is top of mind. The easiest and most affordable way of giving your home a spring awakening is to choose a room to freshen up with a fresh coat of paint. Interior paint adds variety, color, and a touch of your personality to any room. Different interior paint colors can also be a great design tool, making larger rooms feel cozier and smaller rooms feel more spacious.
Here are a few tips to get you started on your weekend painting project:
• Keep in mind that one gallon of paint covers about 400 square feet in one coat.
• You need enough paint to cover a room in two thin coats.
• Vacuum and clean corners and baseboards before you start.
• Move furniture out of the way – far out of the way if you’re a novice.
• Invest in high-quality paint brushes. They apply a smoother finish in fewer strokes. Plus they’ll last a lifetime if cleaned properly.
Need some inspiration? Visit our color gallery on Pinterest!
Image Source: Pinterest.com
After a winter battling sub-zero temperatures and snowstorms, your house could use a little TLC. Now’s a great time to take a Saturday to knock off five easy maintenance projects that’ll have your home ready for spring showers and sweltering summer days.
Gut(ter) Check Time
From leaves and debris to damage caused by ice and snow loads, fall and winter are brutal on gutters and downspouts. To ensure proper drainage, clean them out and make sure they haven’t pulled away from the house. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did it when it was nice and dry.
Give Your House a Bath
You’d be amazed by all the dirt and grime that collects on your house’s siding. Spruce up your home’s exterior and blast off any mold that might be forming by renting a power washer and giving it a good scrubbing.
Touch Up That Paint
Changing temperatures wreak havoc on paint. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting. Be sure to check your decking and fencing too. If the wood has taken on a dark grey look, it’s time to retreat it.
Caulk It Up
Inspect the exterior caulking surrounding your windows and doors. If it’s cracking or peeling away, scrape out the old caulk and replace it to ensure they stay water tight and energy efficient.
Image Source: DIYlife.com
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Close your eyes and picture your dream closet. Is it a glorious walk-in with cedar-lined walls, countless shelves, racks and drawers, full-length mirrors, perfect lighting, and enough space to host a fashion show?
If only there was some way to turn that dream into reality.
Frustratingly, many us have to make the most of limited and cramped storage spaces – cramming our clothes into closets designed for people who clearly never made fashion a priority. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the most of a tiny closet.
Image Source: Pinterest.com
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Make any surface interactive with the latest trend in home decorating – chalkboard paint. Whether you buy a ready-made can or make your own, there’s seemingly no end to the creative things you can do with it. Here’s our top 7.
- Wall calendar – Grab some tape, grab some paint. 42 squares later you’ve got yourself the coolest calendar on the block.
Image Source: Pinterest.com
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Image Source: Pinterest.com
You’ve got your space, do they have theirs?
It’s well documented that play has a big role in the social and emotional development of children. It also helps foster the critical thinking and language skills they need to thrive. That’s why it’s important that we give our kids the space they need to let their imaginations take flight so they can do what they do best – play! [click to continue…]
Image Source: decorology.blogspot.com
Mirrors Aren’t Just For Bathrooms!
- Entryways
It will give the space a classy look, especially when hung over a small table, and it’s a nice place to get a last look at yourself when heading out to work or a night on the town.
- Hallways
If your hallways tend to be narrow and dark, it will make them feel larger. If placed strategically, mirrors can also reflect light into the hall from adjoining, better lit rooms.
- Small rooms and natural light
Mirrors can help small rooms feel bigger. Talk to an architect or interior designer about where you can install mirrors to help distribute natural light throughout your home. You’d be amazed what a well-placed mirror can do when it comes to lighting things up! [click to continue…]
When it comes to organizing, I think we can all agree Martha Stewart knows what she’s talking about! We found her bedroom organizing ideas and felt it was our duty to spread them. Below we’ve posted our 3 favorite suggestions, but to read her full article you can find it here.
Accessory Organizers
Image Source: MarthaStewart.com
