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Holiday decorating has such a warm, cozy, and festive allure to it. Think: Wearing your favorite sweater and fuzzy socks with a hot cocoa in hand while playfully hanging up decorations with the kids. Of course, there’s also that perfect holiday playlist in the background and heck, why not hope for gently falling snow outside, as well. 

The truth? Holiday decorating can be a major dread for some. Think: The world’s largest ball of tangled lights, not being able to find your kid’s handmade ornaments from last year and overspending on those latest Pinterest ideas.

Good news? With a little organizing, simplifying and planning, the process can be much more of a hot-cocoa-in-hand experience than a dread-inducing weekend project. Below are a few tips to…

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With winter just a few months away, it’s time vital to prioritize any lingering home improvement do-it-yourself projects owners have been meaning to get around to. Colder weather often means that outdoor jobs, in particular, become difficult or even impossible to start, let alone complete. Moreover, many of the DIY jobs homeowners may want to get around to have to do with winterizing their houses or properties in some way, so getting those efforts underway as soon as possible is crucial. 

One of the biggest goals homeowners are likely to have as they look to winterize their homes is trying to save money on their heating bills, according to the Family Handyman. The good news is this is not as intensive as most may expect.

Start Simple 

One very…

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Smart home technology has been something that we as a population have longed for; science fiction shows and movies have wowed audiences with ideas for home automation that most of us would really like to enjoy in our day-to-day lives.

With the cost of DIY smart technology being lower than ever before, smart homes are now in the realm of possibility for many homeowners. The question is, should you be an early adopter, or wait for safer, even more affordable options? Do you worry that a smart home upgrade would leave you fumbling to turn on your lights or adjust your thermostat, or are you chomping at the bit to get every one of your home’s electronic devices connected to your smart phone?

Whether you’re tech-savvy or a reluctant luddite, there are…

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Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but can be a complicated process. You may be done with the paperwork and have your keys in hand, but if you’re not organized and efficient in your packing and unpacking, your move may not be as smooth as you hoped. Use these tips to be sure the move to your new home is headache free!

MAKE A SUPPLIES LIST

You probably know everything that you’ll need for your move, but take the time to write it down before you head out to shop. During such a highly stressful time, an extra trip to the store can feel like a real inconvenience, so save yourself the aggravation and prepare a list.

Suggested Packing Supplies:

  • Clean, strong boxes (in which case choosing used is okay)
  • Plain packing paper (skip…

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Summer is here, and that means it’s time to get outside and grill. A successful backyard cookout depends largely on preparation and know-how, so here are our tips to ensure that your burgers are the best on the block.

CHOOSING A GRILL

If you’re choosing a grill for the first time, there are four popular types to choose from: charcoal, electric, gas, and gas-powered infrared. Each type has pros and cons.

Charcoal grills impart a smoky, full flavor to food; in fact, this flavor is what many people associate with an outdoor cookout. However, charcoal grills require a lot of space away from structures because they are a serious fire risk. You’ll need to start this type of grill well in advance of your intended grill time and have plenty of…

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DISCLOSURE: THIS IS A SPONSORED GUEST POST FOR HMS HOME WARRANTY.

Now that kids are home for the summer, getting their ideas – and help – with a bedroom remodel can be a great family activity. All it takes is a little elbow grease and a few hours to make any kid’s room look completely different, and better match their ever-evolving tastes.

One of the easiest ways to make a whole bedroom feel a little different is by putting more art on the walls, according to Country Living. Designing one wall like something out of an art gallery, with one large picture or poster centering a number of smaller ones, can help keep kids inspired. This is also likely to be true of any new, brightly colored paint job – as long as parents and kids can agree on a color –…

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If you are looking for new ways to improve your home this year, take note of what is IN this year. The 2017 home design trends have a lot to do with color, texture, shapes, simplified living spaces, and taking traditional designs and putting a modern spin on them.
 

Textured Furniture

 

Textured furniture is different and unique and is making its way into 2017 because of the way designers want their customers to be more in touch with textures. Anything from pleats, foldings, cotton, velvet, and wool will be making it’s way in homes this year. This is coming from a larger macro trend of comfort according to Patti Carpenter, the Global Trend Ambassador and Creative Director from Carpenter Co. She adds “you will continue to see faux fur, mohair, and…

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repurposing

In general, most people have become more aware of the importance of recycling materials that are accepted by recycling companies. Taking a few moments to learn about the ever-expanding size of the landfills in the United States is all it takes to get more serious about recycling plastics, paper, glass and more.

 
Sometimes, rather than tossing used containers and other items into the recycling bin after you’ve used them, you can potentially repurpose them to use them again in a different way! Doing so means you don’t have to purchase a new item (because you can make it from materials you already own). Getting more than one use out of a single item is even more environmentally friendly than traditional recycling. The more uses you can get out of…

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shabby chic The home décor style known as ‘shabby chic’ has been embraced by homeowners and renters alike all around the world. Because of its focus on imperfection, shabby chic design appeals to those who prefer a home that feels and looks lived-in and comfortable rather than perfect and austere.
  If you’re interested in incorporating the shabby chic design style into either your home’s interior, exterior (or both), you’ll want to try to find the right balance of rustic, weathered pieces combined with new décor items so that your home feels eclectic and welcoming.
  Try adding some of the below listed components and elements to your existing home design to give your living space a simple, elegant shabby chic makeover:

     

  • Texture variety: By…

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welcoming home

Have you ever walked into a friend’s home and felt an immediate sense of comfort? It might not be immediately obvious why a particular abode feels so cozy and comforting, but there are a multitude of little things you can do to make your home feel just as welcoming.

 

Take a look around the rooms in your home where you most often welcome guests. If these areas feel like “something’s missing,” you can try adding a few items to turn up the ambience-meter. Some homes have more of a welcoming ambience than others just on their own, but if your house or apartment lacks built-in charm, don’t despair! By answering the following questions, you’ll know better how to make your home more inviting.

 

Is your own personal style evident?

In…

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