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Create an Office Nook for $552
An unused living room corner gets put to work as an open office area with strategic storage and a soothing color palette.
A hardworking space doesn’t have to be hidden away behind closed doors-—as long as it’s thoughtfully designed. Take this “corner office” created by Tee Miller in the living room of her Mercer County, NJ, home.
Before
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Shown: Immediately visible upon entering the house, the storage unit functioned well but didn’t enhance the room’s looks.
After
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To integrate the space with the rest of the room, Tee started by clearing out the clutter on the existing shelving unit, which was full of function but too dark and clunky for her current style. She followed up by giving the storage piece a couple of fresh coats of no-primer-needed chalky matte white paint.
She bought a small writing desk to tuck in between the bookshelf and the window, and an upholstered chair that could double as extra living room seating for guests. New organizers put office supplies and paperwork within arm’s reach, while pops of pink and green, fabric touches, and a fluffy rug keep the workspace from looking sterile.
Now Tee, who blogs at beauteefulliving.com, can write, work on small projects, and pay bills without shutting herself off from her family. “I’m thrilled that this area helps keep me organized while it still blends seamlessly with our living room,” she says. See the entire project at Beauteeful Living.
Shown: The homeowner is so happy with the new office nook, it has inspired her to make a revamp of the rest of the living room her next project.
$17 per quart of chalky white paint
$164 for a small writing desk
How Much Does it Cost?
- Painted the existing bookshelf with 2 quarts of linen-white chalky matte paint, sealed with a clear matte top coat the homeowner already had $34
- Organized office supplies and paperwork with new storage boxes, baskets, shelf dividers, and magazine holders $108
- Purchased a new desk and chair $294
- Created a mini gallery wall with a DIY bulletin board and framed artwork $30
- Filled the shelves and desktop with new and old accessories, including plants and an LED lamp $86
- Added warmth and texture with a rug and a throw borrowed from other rooms in the house $0
Total $552
What To Expect in 2021’s Housing Market: This Is How Much Home Prices Will Rise
| Dec 2, 2020
Few will be reluctant to say goodbye to 2020. With vaccines rolling out, the days of the deadly pandemic that bludgeoned the nation’s economy seem to be numbered. Good riddance! But the soaring home prices that became a hallmark of the COVID-19 crisis may be here to stay.
Realtor.com®’s 2021 housing forecast predicts record-high prices will continue rising in 2021, delivering a blow to first-time buyers and those on a budget. Mortgage interest rates, which hit historic lows this year and helped fuel the go-go growth in U.S. housing markets, are also expected to tick up again, making monthly housing payments ever more expensive.
So folks shouldn’t hold their breath for a bargain.
However, the pace of the wild price growth seen in 2020 will slow. Prices are expected to jump 5.7% next year as a result of more properties forecast to hit the market, particularly in the second half of next year. While still unwelcome news for buyers, the double-digit price hikes seen this year aren’t expected to carry over into the new year.
“We expect affordability to become a bigger challenge. It’s going to make [housing] more expensive,” says realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale. “[But] home prices will rise slower than this year, on the upper end of what we consider normal price growth.”
The forecast anticipates mortgage rates will begin slowly going up toward the last half of 2021, reaching 3.4% by the end of the year. Mortgage rates are currently at an all-time low of just 2.72% for 30-year fixed-rate loans in the week ending Nov. 25, according to Freddie Mac. While a roughly 70 basis point rise isn’t dramatic, it will make those monthly mortgage payments even pricier. This has the potential to price out some buyers or force others to purchase cheaper abodes in less desirable locations.
However, even higher prices, and therefore higher required down payments, aren’t likely to keep the hordes of determined buyers at bay.
Sales of existing homes (i.e., previously lived in abodes) are projected to increase 7% in 2021. That’s coming as folks stuck inside their homes for months on end are seeking larger residences or ones with different features. Younger millennials are competing with older members of Generation Z for starter homes, and baby boomers are downsizing. Many apartment dwellers are also seeking homes on their own.
Ironically, it’s those high prices that are keeping prices from rising even further.
“Home prices can’t outpace income growth indefinitely. The higher prices rise, the harder it is for more buyers to get into the market. That tends to dampen demand,” says Hale. That means that with less competition, prices don’t have as much room to rise.
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Watch: Economic Update: Are We Making Progress Yet?
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The bright spot for buyers is that more homes are likely to become available in the last six months of 2021. That should give folks more options to choose from and take away some of their urgency. With a larger selection, buyers may not be forced to make a decision in mere hours and will have more time to make up their minds.
The inventory bump is expected to be due to a combination of more sellers listing their properties as well as builders completing more abodes. Realtor.com predicts single-family housing starts, which are homes that have begun construction but aren’t yet completed, will rise 9%. And it’s sorely needed as there was an estimated shortfall of almost 4 million new homes heading into this year.
The new construction, while often more expensive than existing homes, are likely to appeal to move-up buyers looking for larger abodes with the latest amenities. Once those folks purchase these brand-new abodes, they typically list their existing homes, adding more inventory to the market.
“A lot of that new construction is not necessarily targeted at first-time buyers,” says Hale. “But we have seen builders shift what they’re building to better reach first-time home buyers.”
While 2021 is expected to be another banner year for sellers, most are also buyers. And while they can use their home equity to help finance their new abode, they’re still likely to be affected by the inventory shortage and loftier home prices and mortgage rates.
“Sellers are still expected to get top dollar for their home sales,” says Hale. “The biggest challenge is finding their new home.”
However, if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that everything can change in an instant. If the nation undergoes additional lockdowns due to COVID-19, then fewer homes may go up for sale and the market could slow. If everything goes well with the vaccines being rolled out early, then the housing market could benefit with additional inventory and sales.
Another wildcard is the possibility of sustained economic pain. The country could still fall into a double-dip recession if unemployment remains high and businesses continue to suffer. Most folks need jobs to afford home purchases. If the economy doesn’t improve, it could put a dent in the market.
“The value of housing is tied to the economy,” says Hale. “As long as the economy continues to rebound, I expect the housing market will do well.”
2021 Housing Market Forecast and Predictions
2021 National Housing Market Forecast and Predictions: Back to Normal
To say 2020 was a year of surprises is an extreme understatement. What started off as a bright year for the housing market and the economy was soon derailed by a global pandemic and severe economic recession. As detailed by my colleague, George Ratiu, the economic rebound has been sharp, but is by no means complete and created distinct winners and losers among sectors in the economy. Read more detailed thoughts on the overall economic context and outlook, here. One of the big winners has been the housing market, which saw home sales and prices hit decade-plus highs following decade lows in the span of just a few months. We expect housing’s winning streak to continue in 2021 as seasonal trends normalize and some of the frenzied momentum fades thanks to fresh affordability challenges. Below you’ll find our forecast and housing market predictions on key trends that will shape the year ahead.
Realtor.com 2021 Forecast for Key Housing Indicators
| Housing Indicator | Realtor.com 2021 Forecast | |||
| Mortgage Rates | Average 3.2% throughout the year, 3.4% by end of year | |||
| Existing Home Median Sales Price Appreciation | Up 5.7% | |||
| Existing Home Sales | Up 7.0% | |||
| Single-Family Home Housing Starts | Up 9% | |||
| Homeownership Rate | 65.9% |
Seasonality and 2020 Context: The Baseline
In 2020, the seasonal pattern for home sales and other metrics was thrown out of whack by the timing of the coronavirus arrival as well as the shelter-at-home orders and other measures that were rolled out to arrest the spread of the virus. These measures were implemented just before what’s normally the best time of year for sellers to list a home for sale, and housing inventory never fully made up the gap as buyers returned in earnest before sellers. This uneven return of buyers and sellers created a housing market frenzy that pushed the number of sales to decade highs while time on market dropped to new lows. This trend persisted well into the fall, a time when normal seasonal trends typically favor home buyers over sellers, thus buyers hoping for the usual break in 2020 were likely disappointed. Understanding this backdrop will be key to evaluating the data as it comes in for 2021 as we expect the housing market to settle into a much more normal pattern than the wild swings we saw in 2020. Year over year trends will need to be understood in the context of the unusual 2020 base year.
Home Sales
After whipsawing in tremendous fashion in early 2020, the housing market more than regained its early-year momentum to finish at new highs for home sales in the fall. For the year, we expect 2020 home sales to register slightly higher (0.9%) than the 2019 total thanks to the strong, if delayed, buying season. Going into 2021, we expect home sales activity to slow from those frenzied levels which represented underlying housing demand as well as make-up buying for a spring season many buyers missed out on plus a sense of urgency brought on by record low mortgage rates. As sub-3 percent mortgage rates start to feel less exceptional, buyers may not react with the same immediacy to take advantage of them, initially, though as rates start to rise in the second half of 2021, buyers may feel the need to hurry purchases along to lock in a low rate. Additionally, as make-up buying from the disruption of spring 2020 fades, home purchases will be propelled by underlying demand in 2021. This demand will come from a healthy share of Millennial and Gen-Z first-time buyers as well as trade-up buyers from the Millennial and older generations.
We expect home sales in 2021 to come in 7.0% above 2020 levels, following a more normal seasonal trend and building momentum through the spring and sustaining the pace in the second half of the year. While home sales are expected to lose some momentum over the last months of 2020, the shallower than normal seasonal slowdown creates a higher base of activity leading into 2021 that is roughly maintained for the first half of the year. As vaccines for the coronavirus become broadly available to the public, and economic growth reflects the resumption of more normal patterns of consumer spending, home sales gain even more in the second half of the year.
Home Prices
With the already limited inventory of homes for sale relative to buyers pushed further out of balance by the pandemic that brought out buyers in mass and kept many sellers pondering their options, home prices skyrocketed surging up more than 10 percent over year-ago levels by the late fall. We expect the momentum of home price growth to slow as more sellers come to market and mortgage rates settle into a sideways pattern and eventually begin to turn higher. The large number of buyers in the market, including many Gen-Zers looking to buy their first-home and Millennials who are both first-time and trade-up buyers will keep upward pressure on home prices, but rising numbers of home sellers will provide a better relief valve for that pressure.
We expect home prices in 2020 to end 7.6% above 2019, after a seeing near record high boost in the summer and early fall, but beginning to decelerate into the holidays. From there, we expect price gains to ease somewhat in 2021 and end 5.7% above 2020 levels, decelerating steadily through the spring and summer, and then gradually reaccelerating toward the end of the year.
Inventory
Although the housing market is healing and by many measures doing better than before the pandemic, inventory remains housing’s long haul symptom. There were an insufficient number of homes for sale going into 2020 in large part due to an estimated shortfall of nearly 4 million newly constructed homes. Much to the surprise of many, the coronavirus and recession did not lead to a distressed seller driven inventory surge as we saw in the previous recession, but further reduced the number of homes available for sale. Starting in fall 2020 the housing market saw more than half a million fewer homes available for sale than the prior year. We expect to see an improvement in the pace of inventory declines starting just before the end of 2020 that will continue into Spring 2021, so that while the number of for-sale homes will be lower than one year ago, the size of those declines will drop. We expect a more normal seasonal pattern to emerge which will contrast with the unusual 2020 base and lead to odd year over year trends, but taken as a whole we expect inventories to improve and, by the end of 2021, we may see inventories finally register an increase for the first-time since 2019.
While total inventories will remain relatively low thanks to strong buyer demand, the number of new homes available for sale and existing home sellers, what we call “newly listed homes,” will be more numerous which will help power the expected increases in home sales.
Key Housing Trends
2021 TRENDS: Millennials & Gen Z
The largest generation in history, millennials will continue to shape the housing market as they become an even larger player. The oldest millennials will turn 40 in 2021 while the younger end of the generation will turn 25. Older millennials will be trade-up buyers with many having owned their first homes long enough to see substantial equity gains, while the larger, younger segment of the generation age into key years for first-time homebuying. At the same time, Gen Z buyers, who are 24 and younger in 2021, will continue their early foray into the housing market.
In early 2020, younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Z, were putting down smaller downpayments and taking on larger debts to take advantage of low mortgage rates despite rising home prices. In fact, only a quarter of respondents to a summer survey reported lowering their monthly mortgage budget or not changing their home search criteria in response to lower mortgage rates. The other three-quarters said low rates would enable them to make a change to their home search, and the most commonly cited change was buying a larger home in a nicer neighborhood.
We expect these trends to persist as rising home prices require larger upfront down payments as well as a bigger ongoing monthly payment due to the end of mortgage rate declines. Early in the pandemic period, there was concern that temporary income losses could prove to be particularly disruptive to younger generations’ plans for homeownership, as these were the groups expected to face income disruptions that might require dipping into savings which would otherwise be used for a down payment. Thus far, these disruptions have not had an effect on overall home sales, and some home shoppers report an ability to save more money for a downpayment as a result of sheltering at home, but we are still not completely through the pandemic-related economic disruption.
2021 TRENDS: Remote Work
As we discussed in early 2020, the ability to work from home is not new. In fact, as long ago as 2018, roughly one-quarter of workers worked at home, up from just 15 percent in 2001. More recently, a scan of real estate listings on realtor.com in early 2020 showed that in the ten metro markets where they are most common, as many as 1-in-5 to 1-in-3 home listings mentioned an “office.” Remote working was already more common among home shoppers than the general working population, with more than one-third of home shoppers reporting that they worked remotely even before the coronavirus. Additionally, remote working has gained an unprecedented prominence in response to stay-at-home orders and continued measures to quell the spread of the coronavirus. Another 37 percent of home shoppers reported working remotely as a result of the coronavirus. While a majority of home shoppers reported a preference for working remotely, three-quarters of workers expect to return to the office at least part-time at some point in the future. However, the ability to work remotely was a factor prompting a majority of respondents to buy a home in 2020. This was the case even when most expected to return to offices sometime in 2020. As remote work extends into 2021 and in some cases employers grant employees the flexibility to continue remote work indefinitely, expect home listings to showcase features that support remote work such as home offices, zoom rooms, high-speed internet connections, quiet yards that facilitate outdoor office work, and proximity to coffee shops and other businesses that offer back-up internet and a break from being at home, which can feel monotonous to some, to become more prevalent
2021 TRENDS: Suburban Migration
With remote work becoming much more common, home shopping in suburban areas had a stronger post-COVID lockdown bounceback than shopping in urban areas, starting in the spring and continuing through the summer. These trends, which have been visible in rental data as well, suggest that city-dwellers—freed from the daily tether of a commute to the office and looking for affordable space to shelter, work, learn, and live—were finding the answer in the suburbs. In fact, a summer survey of home shoppers showed that while a majority of respondents reported no change in their willingness to commute, among those who did report a change, three of every four reported an increased willingness to commute or live further from the office.
Even before the pandemic, homebuyers looking for affordability were finding it in areas outside of urban cores. The pandemic has merely accelerated this previous trend by giving homebuyers additional reasons to move farther from downtown.
Housing Market Perspectives
What will 2021 be like for buyers?
The housing market in 2021 will be much more hospitable for buyers as an increased number of existing sellers and ramp up in new construction restore some bargaining power for buyers, especially in the second half of the year. Still-low mortgage rates help buyers afford home price increases that will be much more manageable than the price increases seen in 2020. With companies continuing to allow workers more flexibility, we see the inner as well as outer suburbs and smaller towns continuing to entice home buyers and builders. Areas that can ramp up affordable housing supply will benefit and see an influx of buyers.
While buyers will be able to visit homes in person, a strong preference for most shopping to buy, they will take advantage of the industry’s acceleration toward technology to check out homes, explore neighborhoods, and research the purchase online, saving time and energy to focus on a more selectively curated list of homes to view in person.
Although the pace will slow from late 2020’s frenzy, fast sales will remain the norm in many parts of the country which will be a challenge felt particularly for first-time buyers learning the ins and outs of making a major decision in a fast-moving environment. Buyers who prepare by honing in on the neighborhood and home characteristics that are must-haves vs. nice-to-haves and lining up financing including a pre-approval will have an edge.
What will 2021 be like for sellers?
Sellers will be in a good position in 2021. Home prices will hit new highs, even though the pace of growth slows. Buyers will remain plentiful and low mortgage rates keep purchasing power healthy, but monthly mortgage costs will rise as mortgage rates steady and home prices continue to rise. Sellers hoping to see further double-digit price gains will likely be disappointed, but those setting reasonable expectations can expect to see a timely sale and will want to focus on their next move.
Housing Market Predictions 2021 – Metro Area Breakdown
11 Ways to Winterize Your Home on a Budget
Keep the cold out, the heat in, and your energy bill down with these cost-effective tips for winterizing your home.
Clean Your Gutters
You’ve heard it before, but we can’t stress this enough. Making sure that water can flow freely through your gutters now will help prevent icicles and ice dams from forming later.
Cost: Other than your sweat and time, free.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Flush the Water Heater
Particles and sediment can collect over time in the bottom of your water heater, hindering the unit’s efficiency. Flush the water through the drain valve to clear out the material and keep your heater functioning at its best.
Cost: 100% free if you do it yourself!
Photo: istockphoto.com
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Clockwise Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are everyone’s favorite summer budget-saver. But they can help out in the winter as well! Have your ceiling fans move in a clockwise direction so they push hot air along the ceiling towards the floor. If they’re going counterclockwise, they won’t be as effective.
Cost: free if you have a fan.
Photo: istockphoto.com
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Window Insulation Film
It may not be the most fashionable tip, but window insulation film can keep up to 70% of heat from leaking out of the windows. You won’t mind the appearance when you’re toasty warm in your house!
Cost: $5 to $15 per kit.
Photo: amazon.com
Draft Guards
In a drafty room, heat escapes under the door. When winterizing your house, place draft guards by the doors to prevent heat loss. It’s a simple solution that keeps your house warm and saves you from wasting energy.
Cost: $10 to $20 or free if you place a rolled towel at the bottom of the door.
Photo: amazon.com
Replace Filters
Regularly changing the filters in your central air and heating system can significantly improve its efficiency and longevity, while easing the pressure on your wallet.
Cost: $20 to $35 for a pack of filters.
Photo: istockphoto.com
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Weatherstrip Tape
Drafts and air leaks increase your heating costs, so make sure your windows and doors are sealed tight with weatherstripping. Simple, easy, and smart.
Cost: $5 to $10 per roll.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Fiberglass Insulation
For maximum heat retention, pack fiberglass insulation around basement doors, windows in unused rooms, and window AC units. Make sure your attic floor is insulated, too. Just remember to be careful and wear gloves!
Cost: around $25 per roll.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Programmable Thermostat
The US Department of Energy says you can save as much as 1% on your energy bill for every degree you lower your home’s temperature during the winter. Install a programmable thermostat now and save money by keeping the temp down when you’re not at home.
Cost: prices vary from basic versions for around $35 to $60 to smart-home options in the $100 to $200 range.
Photo: istockphoto.com
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Just Caulk It
Any remaining gaps in siding, windows, or doors can be filled with caulk. For extra drafty windows and doors, caulk the inside too, pulling off moldings to fill all gaps in the insulation.
Cost: $10 for a caulk gun and less than $5 for a tube of caulk.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Chimney Balloon
Your chimney is a huge source of heat loss come wintertime. If not in active use, plug it up with a chimney balloon when winterizing your home to keep drafts out and heat in.
Cost: $25 to $60 depending on the size of the balloon.
Photo: amazon.com
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Make Your Fireplace a Focal Point with These 26 Mantel Decor Ideas
Want an Inexpensive Decor Update? Try Out These 4 Kitchen and Bathroom Trends for 2021
| Nov 6, 2020
The hardest-working rooms in a home are the kitchen and bathroom. Both rooms receive a steady flow of traffic, so it’s not surprising that homeowners are always looking for ways to update them and keep the design looking fresh.
But updating your kitchen or bathroom doesn’t need to entail a full-on renovation.
Sure, expanding your kitchen or installing a new bathtub would be exciting, but it’s not exactly the most practical—or affordable—solution for many of us. But the good news is you don’t have to think big to make a big difference.
“In these popular areas of the house, making small changes to finishes can be impactful and change the whole look and feel of the room,” says Gena Kirk, vice president of KB Home Design Studio. Bathroom and kitchen fixtures can include door handles, cabinet pulls, and wall colors.
So if you’re itching for an interior refresh, why not start with something quick and easy like the finishes in your kitchen or bathroom? Here are the colors and metal finishes experts say are going to be big in 2021.
1. Greige is the new gray
Design experts say warm greige, or a color that’s a combination gray and beige, is replacing cool gray tones in cabinetry and flooring.
“Even before COVID-19, this change was afoot,” says Kirk. “Gray was ubiquitous, and people were seeking a reboot and refresh. Homeowners are seeking warmer, calming surroundings. While gray remains popular, grays infused with yellow or beige tones are more inviting and relaxing.”
Kirk says the right paint, like Sherwin-Williams Perfect Greige, can easily transform a room. She says this paint color is less harsh than white and softer and warmer overall.
This color “works well with everything, but when combined with blues, soft greens, cream, taupe, natural stone, light wood, it evokes a nurturing and transformative spirit,” Kirk says.
Another way to make the tone come alive is to add accessories like a greige wicker basket ($39.99, Target) on a pantry or bathroom shelf.
2. Brass with a brushed-gold finish
Brass as a material for lighting and plumbing fixtures can create an enduring, classic style. But in the new year, brass is going in a fun new direction when it comes to finishes.
“Since stainless steel and nickel have been the norm for so long, brushed-gold finish is a refreshing alternative. It has the look of a handmade piece, crafted by an artisan,” says Kirk.
“Brass with a brushed-gold finish is warm, and it sparkles like jewelry,” says Laura Bohn of Laura Bohn Design Associates. “While chrome finishes disappear, brushed-gold finishes are much more noticeable.”
She says homeowners can achieve the look by installing new cabinet handles, drawer pulls, or faucet ($296.25, Home Depot) for an easy swap and instant update. Or select a bowl ($150, Target) in the same finish and fill with fruit.
3. Matte black
“We haven’t really seen black fixtures or fittings that much until recently,” says Kirk. “Black’s simplicity and contrast adds depth to any room and provides a dramatic and expensive-looking accent.”
Matte black for backsplashes, tiles, and hardware can be a sophisticated addition and can be combined with brushed-gold elements for a more modern look.
Bohn agrees, saying that black can serve as a great neutral backdrop and that homeowners can add white and brushed-gold elements so that the look is bright and fresh—for example, black cabinets plus a white counter plus a brush-gold faucet.
“Matte black is elegant and chic, and makes an impact when paired with nearly any color or hue,” says Kirk.
Kirk says black and white Spanish-inspired floor tiles are hugely popular now and is seeing these types of tiles in bathrooms and on kitchen backsplashes.
If you’re looking to go low-budget, try updating your kitchen hardware with matte-black cabinet knobs ($12, Schoolhouse) and drawer pulls ($26.99, Amazon).
Kirk also recommends painting a black square in the kitchen using chalkboard paint. You can write on the square to create a family calendar or keep track of your grocery list.
In a guest bathroom, try going for all-black walls or cabinets for a dose of drama.
4. Weathered nickel finish
Pottery Barn
Anyone looking to achieve a more understated vibe should consider fixtures and lighting options in a weathered nickel finish.
“Weathered antique nickel is actually a gray metal, which is a fresh look. Both weathered nickel and brass are softer items; neither are flashy,” says Bohn.
Kirk says these additions are versatile and can work well with traditional, transitional, or modern styles.
“Weathered nickel hardware offers a gorgeous and sophisticated look,” says Kirk. “Adding cabinet hardware (starting at $12.50, Pottery Barn) or a great pendant light ($53.96, Home Depot) in this finish can take the room up a notch with instant warmth.”
Must Dos Before You List
To make every area of your home tempting to buyers, consider these musts:
Curb appeal:
- Manicured lawn and planting beds (with mulch added to neaten up less-than-perfect zones)
- Handsome planters or boxes with colorful blooms
- Clean, neutral exterior—power wash or paint if needed
- Smoothly functioning door locks, knobs, bell, and latches
- New or spotless house numbers and mailbox
- Good exterior lighting
- Trash and recycling out of sight
Kitchen:
- Countertops clear of all small appliances
- Updated hardware
- Spotless (inside and out) and depersonalized fridge—no magnets, memos, or drawings
- No visible trash cans or recycling bins
Dining Room:
- Bold centerpiece on the table—either a large vase, an orchid, or greenery
- Matching, minimal items in any open or glass shelving pieces, such as a hutch
Living Room:
- Keep-it-simple furniture. You can’t go wrong with a solid off-white linen track arm sofa and a curved or rectangular coffee table. Avoid overstuffed, patterned, or detailed pieces.
- Use slipcovers in white or soft, pale colors on any couch or chair past its prime.
Master bedroom:
- White bedding, with a fluffy white duvet cover. For interest, a gray or blue throw on the bed.
- Large matching lamps
- Soft, neutral area rug
- Minimal clothing in closets (will make them look larger) and no mismatched hangers
- No exercise equipment, laundry baskets, or other extraneous items
Bathrooms:
- Sparkling clean
- Simple and pristine shower curtain
- Rolled-up washcloths and fluffy, white towels
- Simple greenery or single well-groomed plant
- No personal care or grooming products in sight
Secondary bedrooms:
- Neatly made bed
- No toys lying around
- Nothing with your children’s names visible
- No posters on the walls
Backyard:
- Clean, simple, comfortable outdoor furniture
Fire Prevention Safety Week
Every October, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) observes Fire Prevention Safety Week for families to plan, prepare and think about the importance of fire safety. Of course, every week is a good week to talk about fire safety because you never know when a fire emergency can strike. Here are a few fire safety tips and facts for you and your family to keep in mind.
Did You Know? Fire Safety Facts & Statistics
- On average, seven people die in home fires every day.
- Fire departments respond to an average of 355,400 home fires each year.
- Cooking appliances are the leading cause of home fires.
- 65 percent of fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors.
- It only takes 30 seconds for a small fire to spread.
Kids Fire Safety Tips & To-Dos
Fire Prevention Tips
- Don’t play with matches, lighters or candles.
- Stay away from fireplaces and stoves.
- Never cook or use appliances without adult supervision.
- Be careful not to plug too many devices into one outlet or power strip.
- Don’t put clothes, toys or flammable items near heat.
Home Safety Checklist
- Check to see if each room has a smoke alarm. If not, tell a parent.
- Look for smoke alarms in hallways or stairwells.
- Ask your parents to let you hear what your smoke alarm sounds like.
- Make sure your home’s windows and doors are free of clutter, toys and furniture.
Parents Fire Safety Tips & To-Dos
Fire Prevention Tips
- Keep lighters and candles out of children’s reach.
- Test your home’s smoke detectors at least once a month.
- Keep fire safety equipment in your home. Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and escape ladders are common home fire safety items.
- Identify any fire safety hazards, such as lint left in dryers, plugged in heating appliances, and cleaning your chimney.
Home Safety Checklist
- Make sure your smoke alarm and batteries are working each month.
- Get interconnected smoke alarms so when one sounds, they’ll all sound.
- Create a home fire escape plan that shows two ways out of each room.
- Practice your family’s fire escape plan at least twice a year.
Making a Fire Evacuation Plan
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- Find all of your home’s possible exits. Start by drawing your home’s floor plan. Spot at least two exits in each room. Make sure each exit is clear from clutter and easy to open in case of an emergency.
- Install smoke detectors in your home. Alarms should be installed in hallways and inside of every bedroom on every level of your home so it’s easy to hear when sleeping.
- Be prepared when you hear the alarm. If you hear your smoke alarm sound, leave immediately. When exiting, stay low to the ground to inhale less of the rising smoke.
- Keep loved ones in mind. If you have elders or infants in the home, have a plan to get them to safety and assign one family member to help them ahead of time.
- Stop, drop and roll. If your clothes catch on fire during an evacuation, Stop, Drop and Roll. Stop where you are, drop to the floor, and roll while covering your hands and eyes until the flames are gone.
- Choose a place for everyone to meet safely. Make sure everyone knows how to get there. Call 9-1-1 once you’re in a safe place. Memorize phone numbers just in case you’re not at the meeting location to let family members know you’re safe.
- Don’t go back inside. If you left family members or valuables behind, don’t go back towards the fire. When you call, let the dispatcher know so firefighters can handle the rescue. Wait until firefighters say it’s safe to go back to the home.
Practice the Family Fire Drill
Follow these easy steps to practice your fire drill. Remember to review your family’s plan at least twice a year.
- Let your family know that you are going to practice the fire drill.
- Explain that when the smoke alarm goes off, everyone should quickly and carefully leave the home and go to the Outside Meeting Place.
- Ask everyone to go to a different room and wait for the alarm. After several minutes, set off the smoke alarm by pushing the test button and watch your family’s actions.
- When everyone reassembles at the Outside Meeting Place, ask each family member to explain exactly what they did when the alarm went off.
- Review any questions.
6 Interior Design Trends That Don’t Cost a Fortune
Find budget-friendly ideas for a home makeover.
Submitted by ScS
The hottest new trends aren’t always affordable. But if you want to give a space an update, rest assured that you can do so on a budget and still be trendy. U.K-based sofa and carpet specialist, ScS(link is external), provides six tips from interior designers on renovations to consider.
1. Traditional prints in modern spaces.
2. Curved sofas.
Curved sofas have been trending in 2020. This style combines a modern look with a comfy twist that can fit into most design styles.
3. Dark kitchens.
Dark colors are growing more popular in the kitchen. Try this trend on a smaller scale by giving your cupboards a new lease on life. Sand them down, and use wood paint to achieve the color you’re looking for. Don’t forget to use a primer and a top coat for the perfect finish, and try changing up your handles to complete the look. Avoid emulsion or generic paints, as these will be too thick and could become gloopy on the wood.
4. Grandmillennial style
A design that’s been a hot topic this year is the “grandmillennial style.” Combine classic looks with a contemporary edge. This look can be tailored to every color palette and preference, and it can be done by making just one or two simple swaps.
Replace your flooring with a traditional patterned carpet (pictured the Roger Feels Richmond design from ScS), which can help transform a space. You can make a smaller commitment to this trend by including fringe accessories and velvet furnishings.
5. Contrasting doors
Crisp white walls and other light tones are complemented perfectly by dark woods. This look can easily be achieved by incorporating darker doors. While changing the doors in your home can sound like an expensive job, it doesn’t have to be. But don’t discard your current doors just to achieve a new color.
Remove the doors, and sand them down until they’re nice and smooth. Before painting, apply a primer and top with a hard-wearing top coat to ensure they’re durable against marks and scrapes. If you’re using black paint, don’t forget to apply two or three layers to achieve the rich look you’re after.
6. Fun bathrooms.
While many are turning to funky tiling and walls, it can be an expensive choice. Instead, incorporate bright, patterned accessories, such as bath mats, shower curtains, and mirrors. Finalize the look with an indoor plant and wall prints.
