Are you thinking about selling your home? First, it’s important to understand the costs involved with closing the sale of your property. From attorney fees to transfer taxes, closing costs can add up quickly, and it’s crucial to understand how they are calculated. In this article, we’ll explore the typical closing costs for home sellers…
Read MoreAfter you’ve put your coat hooks, shoe storage and a surface for keys and coins in your hallway, you probably think there isn’t much room for anything else. But one useful item you might well have forgotten is a seat — useful for putting on outerwear or just taking a breather when you get home.…
Read MoreWhatever size plot you’re the proud owner of, you’ll probably need to invest in some kind of storage to safely stash your garden tools and supplies. If space is tight in your little oasis, this can be a challenge, but don’t dismiss the notion — a small but perfectly formed shed like these might be…
Read MoreThis coffee-break escape offers dozens of cleverly placed decks that are worth a peek. 5 & 8 are my favorites – what are yours?… Do you long for a deck to stretch out on but have only a postage-stamp patch of an outdoor area? Never fear, this collection of compact but cleverly designed decks will…
Read MoreIt’s a nice time of year to enjoy your sunroom. And if you don’t have one, now is a good time to start making plans for one, as these window-lined rooms are a real treat to spend time in when warm summer days seem like a distant memory. Called “Florida rooms” by many, they are…
Read MoreGood-looking wall treatments and layered furnishings are laid out beautifully in these rooms. 1. East Meets West Designers: Homeowners with Michael Miller of Phase2 Builders Location: San FranciscoSize: 250 square feet (23 square meters) Homeowners’ request. Modernize while keeping and restoring the historical details of the Victorian-era home. “In addition, they looked to their experiences and former home of Cape…
Read MoreLuxurious accents, inviting lounge areas and twinkling lights help make a backyard feel like a vacation spot. Imagine stepping into an outdoor space and seeing a swaying hammock, glowing garden lights and bold tropical foliage, and hearing the sound of water trickling from a fountain. Can you already feel yourself sinking into vacation-relaxation mode? While…
Read MoreAre you looking for a place to get away from it all? That place might be right in your backyard. See how landscape pros used nooks, crannies and even open areas to create cozy, inviting spots for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a personal retreat or somewhere to sit with a…
Read MoreFinding dependable home professionals to team up with isn’t always easy. It’s important to find like-minded pros who are trustworthy, skilled and a pleasure to work with. And when you find them, fostering a lasting business partnership can help you deliver stellar projects for clients. Pink Door Designs 1. Be Open to Working With Other…
Read MoreRarely does a kitchen comprise a single material or color. Mixing finishes creates balance and visual interest, and it makes practical sense when choosing a surface for messy prep work versus one that’s more decorative like a wall finish. Here, design and remodeling pros share the details in five kitchens with remarkable combinations of materials…
Read MoreAs we work — and spend — to make the places we live in beautiful and functional, we sometimes make decor mistakes we come to regret. Unhappy choices nearly always stem from poor planning, rushed decisions, self-doubt or bad advice. Here I’ll show you how to take sound and sensible steps to create the home…
Read MoreWhen you are on vacation, it seems natural to end up outdoors in the evening and even into the night, simply enjoying being outdoors. On camping trips it’s all about stargazing and marshmallow roasting; at a beach house, you might sneak down to see the waves crashing on a moonlit shore. Why not embrace a…
Read MoreIs your yard a restful spot where you can chill out and relax, or is it lacking that oh-so-important tranquil vibe? If you’re looking to feel completely at peace in your outdoor space, take a look at these ideas to help you turn your outdoor space into an uplifting sanctuary. 1. Make It Feel Like…
Read MoreA well-designed outdoor kitchen can elevate your cooking and entertaining experience. Read on to learn more about the grills, layouts, materials and other features they think nearly all well-appointed outdoor kitchens could use. With summer drawing to a close, now’s the perfect time to plan for next year’s projects. 1. Next-Level Grill The pros we…
Read MoreDecades ago, iconic American interior designer Dorothy Draper said: “The Drab Age is over. Color is coming into its own again.” The declaration is as timely now as it was then, especially for this homeowner. She, her husband and their two kids share one full bathroom on the second floor of their 1920s Tudor-style home…
Read MoreWhile many homeowners are attracted to bright colors, I often find my clients are most concerned with making sure the palette in their home feels “livable.” After all, a color you love in a stunning photo may not be a color you will love to see on your walls every day. With that in mind,…
Read MoreWhen the mercury rises, houses without air conditioning can get stuffy and uncomfortable, making it difficult to relax, eat or sleep. Even if you have air conditioning, you may want to save energy and use it sparingly. Try these tricks to cool down your rooms during summer. 1. Blow Cold Air With a Fan If…
Read More“How much storage space do I need?” The trick is to assess what you own and decide how you will store it for convenient access. Carefully consider this challenge because poorly organized spaces often become daily irritations, impeding the pleasure of being at home. Kitchens top the list of rooms in which you need to get…
Read MoreOne of the ways you as a home professional can attract new clients is to showcase your work with appealing photography. David Duncan Livingston, a top interiors and architectural photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, has years of experience photographing high-end residential spaces for design pros. Livingston shares his tips on how to shoot…
Read MoreDesigners love powder rooms. That’s because these small, intimate spaces offer an opportunity to incorporate a surprising color or pattern that might not work for the rest of the home. Here, designers share the adventurous details they included in six new powder rooms. 1. Bamboo Wallpaper and Green Tile Designer: Laura Irion and Laura Peacock of Laura…
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