Whether you just purchased your dream home or you're looking to refresh your home, painting is a great first step! Here are some tips to make painting any room of your home seamless and cost-efficient!
Guide to Paint Finishes
Once you know which room you want to paint, deciding what finish to use is an easy step before deciding on color!
- High Gloss - the most durable and easy to clean
- Semi-Gloss - high durability, good for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim work
- Satin - high durability, good for high-traffic areas, easy to clean - cons: not easy to touch-up and reveals application flaws
- Eggshell - medium durability, essentially no-shine with little luster, covers imperfections well
- Flat or Matte - medium to low durability, soaks up rather than reflects the light - con: tough to clean without taking off paint
This guide provided by HouseLogic is a great tool to use!
How to Pick Paint Colors for Any Room
- Making a small room appear bigger - paint the walls white, cream, pastels, or cool colors
- Making a too large room feel less cavernous and more cozy - paint the walls with warm colors and darker hues
- When you want a soothing vibe - paint the walls a soft, understated color or muted tones
- Sample paint colors on multiple walls of the same room
- Use large brush strokes, so you get a feel for the color
- View the samples at different times of day to see how it looks in various lighting, especially at night when there are lamps lit
- Also view during different types of weather
Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Sheen
"If your paint color is dark and rich but you don’t want a super shiny effect, step down at least one level on the sheen scale. That’s because the darker and richer the paint color is, the more colorant it has, which boosts sheen. Ditto if you’re painting a large, sunwashed, or imperfect wall. The higher the sheen, the more defects will show. Adding sheen also increases the cost, usually an extra couple dollars of per gallon as you step up on the sheen scale." (houselogic.com)
Sources:
https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/painting-lighting/paint-sheen-guide/?site_ref=mosaic
https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/painting-lighting/how-to-pick-paint-color/?site_ref=mosaic
Patios, decks, lawns and gardens have become our centers for relaxation and entertaining. As people continue to spend more time outdoors, homeowners are imagining how to make the most of their outdoor spaces throughout 2023.
Outdoor Spaces
OPEN-AIR OASIS
With a desire for peaceful escapes, expect to see more outdoor workspaces, structured outdoor rooms, portable heaters, water features, and patterned concrete/ decking. A great example is repurposing sheds into offices, playhouses, or relaxing retreats.
FUN, FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE
Furniture pieces that bring greater comfort, style, and function to their outdoor spaces are trending. Think rocking chairs, wicker sofas, or alfresco dining options.
SMALL SPACE, BIG IMPACT
As long as you have some containers, topsoil, and seeds, you can turn your balcony or rooftop patio into a personal garden sanctuary. Sprucing it up with decór also adds to the ambiance.
NIGHT LIGHTS
Modern lighting solutions make spaces feel cozier, more defined, and more relaxed while boosting function and safety. String, globe, LED and solar options add a warm ambiance in outdoor areas.
EXTENSIONS ON DECK
Entertain rain or shine with large-scale pergolas that make patios and decks useable in light rain or bright sun.
PRIVACY, PLEASE
We’re seeing an interest in solutions that increase privacy such as hedges, trellises, screens, or shades.
NATURAL FLOW
Larger windows, multi-sliding glass doors, bifold doors, and other upgrades are popular among homeowners seeking more natural light and fluid extensions to outdoor areas.
Garden
CUTTING GARDENS
Buying flowers is expensive. More gardeners are planting annuals, perennials, and shrubs for cutting gardens to produce colorful, homegrown bouquets throughout spring and summer.
GARDEN OF ABUNDANCE
We’re seeing less interest in fussy, manicured landscaping and more in a natural, wild-yet-tamed look for shrubs and trees.
YARD TO TABLE
Homeowners are growing more of their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs to boost self-reliance and lean into hobbies that support relaxation and reward.
360 FLARE
Outdoor spaces have become precious commodities, so we’re seeing a more holistic approach to gardening. Homeowners are boosting curb appeal, hiding outdoor equipment, or investing in hardscapes — with a focus on landscaping materials with neutral colors and rich raw textures.
ALL NATURAL
Homeowners are looking for more natural ways to get rid of weeds, repel garden pests, address plant diseases, or fertilize the lawn.
Greener Living
ELECTRIC ALTERNATIVES
It’s important to keep your yard neat and healthy, but traditional lawnmowers can be expensive. Electric lawnmowers are often more affordable than their gas counterparts in price, running costs, and maintenance needs.
WATER WISE
There are several drought-tolerant shrubs, trees, vines, and flowers that can thrive without frequent rainfall. These plants will help minimize the time and money spent on watering the garden.
SMARTY PLANTS
People are interested in more sustainable, environmentally friendly ways to garden by implementing smart solutions and tools for maintenance and water conservation.
DOING IT THEMSELVES…
New and seasoned DIYers continue to embrace the satisfaction gained from reinvention and renovation projects, at all price points.
…AND BRINGING IN THE PROS
The best backyards take years of work. The key to a smooth process is to plan every step and use a professional service, even if that means planning years in advance.
According to the National Association of Realtors and Forbes these are some trendy design details to add to your home in 2024. Whether you're looking to refresh your home or tackle a renovation, 2024 is the year of making homes more colorful and cozier. Here are 6 design trends to make your house feel like a home.
1. Curved Furniture
In recent years, curved sofas and chairs have been a major trend and will only continue in 2024, according to interior designer Kate Dawson. “Bringing in these unique shapes adds contrast and depth to a space, creating a very modern feeling while still being functional," she explains. While curved seating may be beautiful, it is not always the most practical comfort wise. "So you may want to go for a classic shape for seating but opt for an extra-curvy coffee table or side table." (Forbes.com)
2. Big Artwork
The gallery wall moment is fading, while big artwork is back, according to Dawson. “More and more people are building homes with two-story spaces. These are the perfect places to have huge pieces of art. But even if you don't have a multi-story room, going with huge artwork is still on trend. It's a great way to add a lot of life to a room without feeling like you're going over the top.”
3. Fluted Cabinets and Details
Fluted details are showing up in kitchen islands to bathroom vanities and living room furniture. Often a thick, rough statement detail, the fluting creates visual texture and interest under bathroom vanities or island countertops.
4. Herringbone Patterns
"Herringbone patterns are staging a comeback. It’s becoming a trendy pattern once again for kitchens, bathrooms and other spaces around the home." (National Association of Realtors) However, the typical horizontal zigs are beginning to change direction to create an updated look with diagonal or vertical lines.
5. Handmade, One-of-a-Kind Accents
"In a growing desire to adopt a timeless style, more homeowners are embracing handmade features and details. This includes handmade tiles, custom bathroom vanities and other elements that make homeowners feel like they have something truly one-of-a-kind. Custom features and personalized elements are showing up throughout home design." (National Association of Realtors)
6. Bold and Sophisticated Colors
“When it comes to design trends for next year, we're expecting to see a continued commitment to color,” explains Becca Roderick, Design Director of Interiors, Morris Adjmi Architects. Erica Finamore, Real Simple Magazine's Home Director, explained that sophisticated colors will be a major trend this year. “While bright rainbow colors have reigned supreme for the past five-plus years, rooms will likely look a little moodier this year thanks to softened palettes.” What colors should you go for? Finamore is a fan of dusty rose, plum, and burgundy hues. “Lots of those more muted pink-red tones are in fashion and can really elevate a space.”
Sources:
National Association of Realtors www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/5-trendy-home-design-details-for-2024
https://www.forbes.com/sites/amandalauren/2024/01/04/these-are-the-top-interior-design-trends-for-2024/?sh=74f33fbf935f
According to the National Association of Realtors Website blue is a big hit for the 2024 color of the year!
Each year, many major paint companies pick a color for their prediction of what the most popular color will be in home design. Last year, many companies chose pinks or reds, resulting from the announcement of Barbie. However, this year many paint companies have picked a light or bright blue hue for their 2024 color of the year prediction.
Moving onto blues from pinks could be a good choice for sellers! "After all, studies on color psychology often show that blue is the most popular color worldwide. And in real estate, dressing a home in a "safe bet" color is often a wise strategy for the sale."
Here are the color predictions from some major paint companies.
Benjamin Moore - Blue Nova
Dunn-Edwards - Skipping Stones
Sherwin-Williams - Upward
Source: National Association of Realtors Blog
Photo courtesy of Pantone
Meet Viva Magenta 18-1750, Pantone's color for 2023. This “nuanced crimson red tone” is “dynamic without being aggressive or overpowering.” Whether you choose to use Viva Magenta for a statement wall in your home or as a splash of color for a vase or place setting, expect compliments! Other decorating colors favored for 2023: Spanish Moss (Krylon), Raspberry Blush (Benjamin Moore), Terra Rosa (Dunn-Edwards), Redend Point (Sherwin-Williams), and Vining Ivy (Glidden). For those of us who prefer neutrals, 2023 brings us Blank Canvas (Behr) and Rustic Greige (Dutch Boy) . Valspar has chosen 12 versatile “livable” paint colors, including Southern Road and Gentle Violet. Better Homes & Gardens (at Walmart) has chosen Canyon Ridge as its color for 2023. We think it’s a perfect chose to freshen your kitchen – or even your living room!
Feel free to contact us and one of our Milestone Team members will explore ways to make your home market-ready!
Image courtesy of Herb Garden Designs
Whether you are shopping for, recently purchased, staging to sell, or want to beautify your home, BHG The Milestone Team is your source for creating your dream lifestyle. This season, we have discovered living walls are all the rage for home décor. What is a living wall? A living wall is a vertical garden and a way to bring nature tastefully into your indoor space. You’ve seen these displays in commercial spaces, but homeowners are embracing the trend. Plants not only benefit your physical well-being, adding oxygen and purifying the air, but also improve mental well-being. Various tasteful installation methods, including container, trellis, felt and panel systems, hide the planting medium (dirt).
Come back to visit The Milestone Team for more ways to make your home your special sanctuary!
Does your house or yard need a face-lift? These budget-friendly ideas will help you add interest to your home’s exterior—without a high price tag.
Illuminate pathways.
Curb appeal doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down—you can highlight pathways and landscaping with lights. This improves safety and can dramatically boost your home’s nighttime appearance.
Landscape for curb appeal.
Smooth the transition from street to front steps with these inexpensive landscaping ideas. A curved path to the home’s entry provides a pleasing welcome for visitors. Surround a walkway with midsize shrubs and flowers for plant groupings that have serious impact.
Add container plants.
Improve your front yard by turning your home’s entry into an inviting focal point with a few well-chosen plants on the front porch. Vary the container and plant sizes, and arrange them on multiple levels.
Replace old walkways.
Replace a dull or cracked concrete walkway with a fresh path made of stone or brick. Visitors access this front door via square pads of bluestone trimmed with brick. Narrow strips of turfgrass separate the squares, which step up slightly to follow the change in grade from the street to the house.
Get a healthy lawn.
If your lawn is sickly or choked with weeds, consider installing new sod. Remove the old lawn, lay new sod and keep it well-watered for a few weeks.
Create an appealing porch.
If you’re lucky enough to have a sizable front porch, it’s easy to transform it into a simple but inviting outdoor room. Add a swing, chairs or comfortable bench to create a conversation nook. Keep the porch free of clutter and ready for cozy gatherings.
Accent with color.
When repainting, take the opportunity to choose fresh hues or add an accent color to your exterior color scheme. Paint test patches before committing; some colors look great on a sample card but may be too intense for a house.
Restore an asphalt driveway.
To liven up a worn driveway, patch and seal the surface, filling holes and cracks with asphalt patch. Applying a fresh sealer can also make a driveway look new again.
Upgrade the garage door.
Sectional doors often feature windows in an upper panel, and some higher-end versions mimic the look of traditional carriage-house doors. If a new garage door isn’t an option, add character to the building with a pergola, new lighting or fresh paint.
Install a prefab trellis.
For exterior design on a dime, use an arbor or trellis to give form to your yard and complement your plantings.
Power-wash exterior surfaces.
Take a weekend to clean your home’s exterior. Aluminum, wood and vinyl siding are safe surfaces to power-wash, as are wood decks and concrete sidewalks. If you don’t own a power-washer, you can rent one from your local home improvement store.
Coordinate hardware.
Address numbers, mailboxes, locksets and porch lights are simple upgrades. These elements are small but add a lot of finesse to your look. Keep the colors and finishes consistent so the pieces look like an ensemble of accessories, not a batch of mismatched hardware.
Plant trees.
If you’re preparing to sell your house, consider adding a few small ornamental trees. If you’re staying put, think long-term and try oaks, maples, honey locust or other large species suitable for your region. Another option: fast-growing species or small ornamental trees such as pagoda dogwood, redbud, flowering pear, river birch or Japanese maple can add dramatic interest without requiring years to become established.
Beautify the driveway.
The colors and textures of the plants shown here soften the driveway’s expanse and make it look less utilitarian. Groundcovers and low-growing plants are best in beds along the sides (or in the middle!) of the driveway.
Bring style to a slope.
Cheap-looking materials detract from a yard’s appearance. For sloped areas that need terracing, use cut stone or precast decorative wall blocks for a high-end look.
Wow with windows.
There are numerous ways to increase the appeal of your windows. Shutters add style to plain windows, while painted trim in a modern color creates playful contrast. Window boxes filled with lush foliage also bring life to a home’s exterior.
Doll-up the driveway.
For an affordable driveway face-lift, line the pavement with plant containers that can be easily updated each season. Here, solar-powered lanterns between the planters provide flexible lighting.
Source: www.bhgrelife.com
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team
Lots of people will say the kitchen is the heart of the home—and that may be true, but the living room plays a huge role in how you entertain and use your house on a daily basis. Try incorporating these ideas next time you’re in the mood for a refresh.
Set the mood with color.
The colors you choose for your living room will affect how guests feel in the space. Colors can energize or relax the space, depending on how intense they are and how warm or cool they are.
A serene scheme of soft blue and white makes this spacious living room feel calm, cool and collected—a gracious setting for elegant gatherings. A light tan carpet underfoot warms the space and keeps the cool tones in balance.
Finish the walls and ceilings.
Traditionally, living room walls receive more elaborate or formal treatment than other rooms because the room is a public space. To make it a welcoming room that expresses your personality, choose wall coverings or treatments that reflect your style.
The walls in this room are wallpapered with a chic print. The effect brings warmth and texture to the walls and gives them a look of antiquity.
Add character with architectural trim work.
Trim work serves practical purposes, covering the seams where floors and ceilings meet walls and supporting the structure around openings. But these elements serve aesthetic purposes too. The style of trim work helps give your home a distinctive look, whether classical, contemporary, old-world or regional.
Projecting lintels over the door and windows, a deep cornice and a paneled and beamed vaulted ceiling combine to give this whitewashed living room a sense of place.
Choose stylish, comfortable flooring.
In keeping with the function of the living room as a public space, choose a floor covering that provides comfort underfoot and makes a design statement as well. A vibrant wall-to-wall carpet lays the foundation for a refined mix of florals and stripes.
If you prefer a less bold floor, choose a solid neutral flooring that allows attention to focus on furniture or art. Hardwood floors with area rugs are one of the most popular choices for living room floors, but ceramic tile, stone tile and full carpeting work too.
Create a focal point.
A focal point anchors the living room and helps draw you into the space. A fireplace is a natural focal point, symbolizing hearth and home, but in most living spaces, the television is the true center of attention. To keep them from competing, pair them up. A beautiful view or a stunning piece of art can also serve as a room’s focal point.
Here a the fireplace becomes the central point in this living room that features a simple and chic look.
Arrange furniture for conversation.
Living rooms are gathering spaces, so use furniture arrangement to promote conversation and interaction. Pull seating pieces away from the walls and arrange them to face each other.
If you have a large living room, break it into two conversational groups for a more comfortable, intimate feeling. Chairs and ottomans that can be pulled into the group as needed allow you to expand the circle and still keep the intimacy.
Include inviting lighting.
Lighting in the living room should be geared toward creating a relaxed, comfortable mood. Aim for layers of light, and position light sources so they form roughly a triangle to ensure good distribution of illumination.
Table lamps that focus the light down will encourage people to sit down and relax. The overlapping arcs of light illuminate the seating instead of the upper walls, sending the message to sit.
Dress the windows—or not.
Although heavy window treatments are mostly a thing of the past, living rooms are the place for elaboration and luxury if you’re so inclined. This combination of relaxed shades and floor-to-ceiling draperies is understated yet elegant.
The elegance comes from the generous use of fabric in the draperies—they’re not fancy, but the thick folds and puddling ends communicate luxury. The shades block light and provide privacy when desired.
Design a media center.
If your living room is also your family room, watching TV may be the main use of the room. Whether you have the newest model or an older one, incorporate it into the room’s design so that it’s a feature but not dominant.
A built-in bookcase is a perfect spot to accommodate the television.
Accessorize with art and collections.
Living room walls come alive when you use them to display art or collections that you love. Group items for impact, and hang them low enough to relate to nearby furnishings or architecture. The most common mistake in hanging pictures is putting them too high.
Source: www.bhgre/life.com
Consider a frameless glass shower.
A glass shower door lends a luxurious look to any bathroom, but the reason for installing one might not be all about looks. This shower lacks a ledge or lip to step over to enter the shower, making it a great choice for aging family members.
Install comfortable seating.
Whether you want a spot to sit down and towel off or a place to lean back and relax for a few moments, a cushioned chair or ottoman ups the comfort level of any bath. Another option is to place a cushioned bench beneath a window. Be sure to add lots of pillows.
Pipe in soothing sounds.
Keep your favorite soft music on hand for easy listening while you rejuvenate. Whether you invest in a state-of-the-art sound system or stash a small CD or mp3 player on the shelf, music has great impact on your mood. If you’re installing a sound system, maximize sound quality by placing two speakers in opposite corners of the room.
Include an entertainment center.
If you keep up with the news while you get ready in the morning, consider installing a small television in your remodeled bathroom. Low-voltage, water-resistant televisions designed for installation in areas near water come complete with water-resistant remotes. To protect your television, keep bathroom humidity levels in check with proper ventilation.
Get a glowing hearth.
Put a fireplace in your bathroom to enjoy the sight and warmth of a roaring fire as you relax in the tub or do evening stretches. If the bathroom is attached to your bedroom, consider a double-sided fireplace for twice the enjoyment.
Put in a shower bench.
Just like in a lavish spa, a seat in the shower will encourage a slower pace. Tile the bench to match the rest of the shower, or add a bench made of a contrasting material like teak or glass. Enhance a shower bench with other upgrades in the shower, such as a steam feature or multiple showerheads.
Install heated towel bars.
Yet another cozy idea: hang your towels from heated bars so you can wrap yourself in warm terry cloth when you finish your shower or bath.
Go big with a freestanding tub.
Wash away stress in a deep soaking tub. If you long to linger in the soothing jets and serene bubbles of a whirlpool tub, buy a model that’s roomy and doesn’t strain your muscles when you lean back. Keep in mind that you need plenty of hot water to fill the tub, which adds to both your water and electric bills.
Channel the spa with a steam shower.
If you truly want a spa experience without leaving home, put in a shower that doubles as a steam shower. To make your shower steam-ready, equip it with a door that seals tightly on all sides. Install a vapor barrier on the ceiling and wall framing to prevent moisture, which causes wood rot, from reaching studs and joists. Include a steam generator outside the shower. This heats water from your water system using a 220-volt electric heating element. A steam-generator supplier will help you determine the best size.
Integrate smart storage solutions.
Take a beautiful bathroom to the next level by adding practical and pretty storage. It’s easy for bathrooms to get overloaded with cosmetics and grooming products; smart storage allows you to put everything in its place. Mix open and closed storage, or try frosted-glass door inserts, shown in this bathroom, to add interest to the room and break up a wall of cabinets.
Lighten it up with windows and skylights.
Brighten a dark, dull bathroom by adding windows or a skylight. Let your room’s proportions and features dictate size. If wall space is limited or views are unappealing, consider a skylight. Operable models, called sky windows, offer ventilation as well as light and have frames that match wall windows. To prevent moisture and condensation problems, choose high-quality windows and install them according to the manufacturer’s specifications, or call on a professional.
Glamorize with a chandelier.
Even the bathroom needs glamour, and adding a chandelier is a quick way to upgrade a hardworking space. Hang a pretty fixture over the bathtub so you can enjoy it while you lounge, or put it near a window so the crystals can bounce light around the room.
Add luxury shower elements.
Dual showerheads, handheld showerheads, body sprays and a broad bench elevate an ordinary shower experience to be invigorating and lavish. Wall-mount showerheads can be adjusted to spray high or low for people of different heights. Many handheld sprayers can be adapted to existing plumbing lines, making for easy installation.
Create a “rug” out of tile.
Almost any bathroom can incorporate a tiled “rug,” and one can be added to an existing bathroom by simply removing tile from the area you want to add the accent, and then putting down the new tiles. Like other upgrades, the tile rug adds a custom and personalized look to the bathroom. It’s also a great place to infuse pattern or color.
Source: www.bhgrelife.com
Curb appeal is important for many homeowners who want to feel good about where they live or attract a new buyer. Whether you want to freshen up a home you’ve owned for years or plan on selling, here are some exterior makeovers you can give without spending a fortune. Focus on designs that make a big impact.
A fresh coat of paint
Outdated brick and worn concrete rejuvenate with lighter paint selections. For shutters, window casings, eaves and the front door, consider khaki in a shade just a bit darker than the house.
A makeover for focal points
Thoughtful improvements like an updated roof, glass front door or new windows can make a vast difference. Consider also revamping your pathways and planters. Create a focal point with landscaping for one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform a house from blah to beautiful.
Accentuate the positives
If you have a charmer hidden under overgrown shrubs, bushes and trees, clear away the clutter to allow the home’s frame to speak volumes. Reveal a stunner simply by getting rid of anything in the way of the authentic style of your home. Doing a bit of research into your home’s beginnings may offer some ideas for enhancing its character.
Showcase your entryway
Create visual appeal and a welcoming environment by showcasing the entryway. Go with a new color for your door, add an inexpensive portico or tear down one that hides your home. New garden beds around the entrance warm up a bland exterior. Clustering plants along your home’s foundation near the entryway ties in the natural surroundings and makes it more welcoming. Make the most of the grand entrance to your house.
Green up the walls
Choose decorative vines or crawling foliage with fruits and vegetables. This is a great way to develop a formal look for your exterior or maximize space for a garden. The key to growing on your home’s walls is using an anchoring system that works with your siding and keeps plants from rubbing against the walls or adhering to them. This can damage your house and your vertical garden. Blend landscaping into your home by growing plants up the sides of walls.
Soften hardscapes
Large slabs of stone on a patio or steps can look handsome or cold. Take the edge off by surrounding them with small-leaved ground covering like deadnettle or creeping thyme. Plant crawling ground cover around rock edges and in between pavers. It’ll add warmth and color contrast, and offer an aesthetic that says “natural” instead of “ignored.”
Expand or add a deck or porch
By expanding or adding a deck or porch, you can make your exterior a haven for relaxing and gathering. Think about how you can craft an outdoor living space that works year-round. For instance, include built-in benches with storage, plenty of space for flowers and seasonal greenery, pull-down clear porch curtains to keep the elements out, and maybe even a firepit to warm things up.
Working with local home exterior design professionals or contractors can make the job of revamping your exterior much easier. But, if you have the time and motivation to attack the project yourself, it can be truly rewarding.
Teamwork from the Team that works –Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - The Milestone Team