home design tips – Blog | 皇冠体育app /blog Excellence in Real Estate Since 1965 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 22:16:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.6 Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa-Like Retreat /blog/turn-your-bathroom-into-a-spa-like-retreat /blog/turn-your-bathroom-into-a-spa-like-retreat#respond Fri, 04 Oct 2024 22:02:49 +0000 /blog/?p=6470 Transforming your bathroom into a luxurious spa-like retreat is more than just a trend鈥攊t is about creating a personal oasis right in your home. With a few thoughtful upgrades, you can turn your daily routines into soothing rituals. Let us explore how you can achieve this transformation. Bathtubs: The Ultimate Sanctuary The bathtub is the … Continue reading Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa-Like Retreat

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A luxurious bathroom that has a spa-like feel.

Transforming your bathroom into a luxurious spa-like retreat is more than just a trend鈥攊t is about creating a personal oasis right in your home. With a few thoughtful upgrades, you can turn your daily routines into soothing rituals. Let us explore how you can achieve this transformation.

Bathtubs: The Ultimate Sanctuary

The bathtub is the heart of any spa-like bathroom. A deep soaking tub with a sleek, modern design can become your go-to spot for relaxation. Freestanding tubs are a popular choice, offering both comfort and style. If you are drawn to a more classic aesthetic, a clawfoot tub adds a touch of timeless elegance. For those seeking practicality without sacrificing luxury, walk-in tubs are an excellent option, combining ease of access with the indulgence of a spa experience.

Lighting: Set the Mood

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a spa atmosphere. Soft, ambient lighting helps to set a calming tone. Consider installing dimmable LED lights or wall sconces to achieve that perfect balance鈥攏ot too bright, not too dim, but just right to help you unwind. The proper lighting can transform your bathroom into a haven of relaxation.

Luxurious Fixtures: Small Details, Big Impact

Upgrading your bathroom fixtures can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Opt for sleek, brushed nickel faucets that add a touch of modern sophistication. Touchless options bring a contemporary twist and enhance convenience. To elevate your shower experience, consider installing a rainfall showerhead. The gentle, cascading water mimics the sensation of standing under a soothing rain, making every shower feel like a spa treatment.

Color Scheme: Creating a Serene Space

A spa-like bathroom with a deep blue color scheme.

The colors you choose for your bathroom can significantly influence its atmosphere. Neutral tones like soft greys, whites, and beiges create a clean, calming palette that soothes the mind. If you are feeling adventurous, deeper shades like navy or forest green can add a luxurious depth. The goal is to maintain a cohesive and serene color scheme鈥攏o loud, jarring colors that disrupt the tranquility.

Incorporating Natural Elements: Bring the Outdoors In

Natural elements such as stone, wood, and marble can add warmth and elegance to your bathroom. A , a stone sink, or marble countertops introduce textures that make the space feel more grounded. Do not underestimate the impact of a good rug鈥攁 plush, soft carpet can make stepping out of the tub or shower feel like stepping onto a cloud.

Heated Floors: A Touch of Warmth

Heated floors are a game-changer when it comes to bathroom comfort. Imagine stepping onto a warm floor on a chilly morning鈥攊t is a small luxury that adds significant comfort. This upgrade can make your bathroom feel like a true retreat, especially during the colder months.

Clutter-Free Storage: Keep It Simple

A white ladder shelf to house rolled towels and other bathroom items.

A spa-like bathroom should be free of clutter. Consider installing sleek, built-in cabinets or floating shelves to keep everything organized and accessible. The less cluttered your bathroom is, the more serene it will feel. Proper storage solutions help maintain that clean, spa-like environment for which you are aiming.

Finishing Touches: Little Details Matter

The finishing touches are what truly elevate your bathroom into a spa-like retreat. Fresh towels, neatly rolled and stored, add to the luxurious feel. Scented candles or essential oil diffusers with calming scents like lavender or can transform your bathroom into a sensory haven. A potted plant can also bring in a touch of nature, adding life and freshness to the space.

Incorporating Technology: Elevate the Experience

For those who love a tech-savvy twist, smart bathroom technology can take your spa experience to the next level. Consider a smart shower system that lets you control water temperature and pressure and even set your shower playlist. Bluetooth speakers designed for bathroom use can bring your favorite calming tunes or podcasts into your morning or evening routine, enhancing the overall experience.

Transforming your bathroom into a luxurious spa-like retreat requires some effort and investment, but the results are worth it. You will create a visually stunning space that serves as your personal sanctuary鈥攁 place to relax and recharge. In today’s fast-paced world, having a peaceful retreat at home is not just a luxury; it is a necessity.

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How to Choose the Right Mirror for Each Room in Your House /blog/how-to-choose-the-right-mirror-for-each-room-in-your-house /blog/how-to-choose-the-right-mirror-for-each-room-in-your-house#respond Wed, 07 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +0000 /blog/?p=6181 A mirror is a unique decorative piece that can be a design statement, but it is also practical, whether you use it as you shave in the bathroom or to give your hair and outfit one last check in your entryway before you leave your house. Choosing the right mirror means you have to consider … Continue reading How to Choose the Right Mirror for Each Room in Your House

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A circular mirror placed on a entryway hutch.

A mirror is a unique decorative piece that can be a design statement, but it is also practical, whether you use it as you shave in the bathroom or to give your hair and outfit one last check in your entryway before you leave your house.

Choosing the right mirror means you have to consider not just aesthetics but utility as well. Plus, you also need to make sure it works with the size and d茅cor of the space. Here is a handy guide to help you select the ideal mirror for several rooms in your home.

Living Room

No living room should be without a mirror. Here is why:

A living room with pops of yellow showing a cohesive design.
  • Strategic mirror placement can work wonders. Put a large wall mirror at one end of your room, and you have instantly created a dramatic focal point. Plus, you will create an illusion of spaciousness, so your living room feels more expansive.
  • A mirror adds style to a fireplace mantle. This is a popular place to hang a mirror because it can function like an art piece, especially if you choose a mirror with an unusual shape or ornate frame. Make sure the mirror is not as wide as the mantlepiece length (typically about two-thirds the size) and that there is plenty of space between the top of the mirror and the ceiling.
  • It is a can鈥檛-miss design element. When you choose a mirror that meshes with your interior decorating style, it creates satisfying cohesion and makes the living room look polished. But aligning your mirror with your design is key; otherwise, it disrupts the room鈥檚 sense of visual harmony. It is also important to match the size of the mirror to the scale of the room because you do not want a large mirror to overpower a small space or a petite mirror to get lost in a vast living room.
  • You can create areas of interest anywhere in the room. A mirror does not have to be large to make a statement. Place a small mirror over a table with a curated selection of decorative objects such as bowls, vases, or framed photos.

Bathroom

This is one of those rooms where a mirror is not a luxury but a necessity. But do not sacrifice form for function; today鈥檚 mirror trends offer a lot of design options to explore.

A bathroom vanity area.
  • Proportion is key. The size of your vanity will determine the . A good rule of thumb is that the mirror should be wider than the sink but not wider than the vanity countertop.
  • Place the mirror so you can see yourself clearly. Height-wise, the mirror should provide good visibility for putting on makeup, brushing your teeth, and doing other daily routines. However, it should not be so high that the top of the mirror reaches all the way to the ceiling.
  • Think outside the box (shape). Rectangular and square mirrors are classics, and you cannot go wrong if you choose either one for your bathroom. However, if you favor more cutting-edge home design, consider a different shape, such as oval, arched, or geometric.
  • Your mirror style should match the room. If you have a wood vanity and traditional design in your home, a framed mirror will fit right in. More modern or minimalist bathrooms are better aligned with frameless mirrors that give the room a contemporary edge.
  • Consider add-on options. Because you will use a bathroom mirror every day, you want to get the most out of it. LED lighting can provide extra illumination, while magnified sections can help if you need a close-up look while performing your personal care routine.
  • Double vanities offer some flexibility. A long mirror stretching across both sinks makes a powerful design impact, but you can also choose to hang two separate mirrors, one for each sink, instead. Both mirrors should match in style and size and should ideally have at least four to six inches between them.

Bedroom

Like the living room, a bedroom mirror can transform a space, than it actually is while adding an elegant focal point to the room.

A vertical mirror placed in the corner of a bedroom to make the space look brighter.
  • Full length = full glamour. The bedroom is ideal for a full-length mirror because you can see how an outfit looks when you get dressed in the morning. A freestanding mirror can be placed in the corner of a room along with a slipper chair or makeup table to create a dressing area, or you can hang the mirror on a closet door if your bedroom is tight on space.
  • Use a mirror to lighten and brighten. Take a cue from professional interior decorators and place a wall mirror across from your bedroom window. It will catch the natural sunlight, illuminating your space and doubling as a sort of second window because it reflects the real window.
  • Play with shapes. Do you have a cloudlike duvet and fluffy throw pillows on your bed and a chaise or armchair for a comfy reading spot? Contrast that softness with a hard-edged mirror. Conversely, a modernist bedroom with sharp corners and edges could pair wonderfully with a round or oval mirror.
  • Do not limit yourself to one mirror. The bedroom is one place where you can get away with multiple mirrors. You may have a full-length mirror on your closet door, a small wall mirror above a vanity, and then a larger one as a design element. In this case, you can mix and match shapes and sizes; all the mirrors do not have to match each other, but they should each be cohesive with the bedroom鈥檚 design style.

Entryway

As with the other rooms, many of the same rules apply to entryways. Size, style, and placement are all important, but here are a few other things to keep in mind.

A circular mirror placed in an entryway.
  • Position your mirror to accentuate length. Placing it at one end of the entryway can make shorter spaces feel longer. A mirror can be especially attractive if you place it at the opposite end of the hall from your front door; hang it above a console table with a flower arrangement and this lovely scene will be the first thing anyone sees when they enter your home.
  • Hang the mirror at the right height. Measurements are critical for achieving the proper proportions and perspective. It is not just the wall height and length; you will also need to consider spacing if you are placing the mirror above a table or bench. Generally, hanging the middle of the mirror at eye height is a good guideline if there is no furniture underneath the mirror.
  • Keep mirrors away from doors. The last thing you want is seven years of bad luck when your mirror breaks after a door bangs into it.

Use to make the most of any space in your home and explore all their design possibilities.

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Ideas to Make Home Eco-Friendly /blog/ideas-to-make-home-eco-friendly /blog/ideas-to-make-home-eco-friendly#respond Fri, 17 Jun 2022 16:35:22 +0000 /blog/?p=5550 Keeping a home in constant tip-top shape can be a challenge. When it comes time to fix, remodel, or install upgrades, many people are now considering the environmental impact. Eco-friendly upgrades can help you save money, live comfortably, and minimize your environmental footprint. There are many choices when it comes to improving your home鈥檚 energy … Continue reading Ideas to Make Home Eco-Friendly

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A hand holding a home cutout linked to various energy sources.  This represents home-ecofriendliness.

Keeping a home in constant tip-top shape can be a challenge. When it comes time to fix, remodel, or install upgrades, many people are now considering the environmental impact. Eco-friendly upgrades can help you save money, live comfortably, and minimize your environmental footprint.

There are many choices when it comes to improving your home鈥檚 energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. Read on for some affordable ideas to make your home greener!

Power Strips

A power strip with 3 plugs connected.

If you have an interest in electronics and appliances, you might know about standby power or energy vampires. It refers to the 鈥渏uice鈥 electronics consume when they鈥檙e switched on but not in use. Common culprits include televisions, computers, and cable/satellite boxes.  According to the Department of Energy, these types of electronics and appliances account for used in your home. In the US, that totals the amount of energy produced by 26 average-sized powerplants.

Make your home eco-friendly and reduce your energy consumption by plugging devices and appliances into a power strip. By doing this, you can power off all devices at once. It is an affordable way to ensure that the appliances in your home consume energy only when you use them.

Water Filters

Many homeowners purchase water weekly via delivery service or at the store, which isn鈥檛 an ideal practice. To reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in a landfill, consider a simple upgrade in your home: add a .

A high-quality water filter reduces and removes many of the contaminants commonly found in tap water.  Opt for an easy-to-install faucet attachment that costs under $50. Combined with a reusable bottle, you will be able to reduce the amount of plastic waste in your home while saving money.

Steel Doors

Did you know that steel doors can help you save a significant amount on heating and cooling? While it鈥檚 not an inexpensive upgrade, it鈥檚 something to consider when you are ready to replace your doors with something eco-friendly.

As they are made of sturdy steel skin that has a polyurethane foam core for insulation, steel doors can fit in the doorframes more snugly and keep the air from exiting or entering the home. While steel doors may make you think of bank vaults and jail cells, they come in a variety of styles and colors to complement your home鈥檚 aesthetic.

Window Treatments

A man installing window treatments, a common way to make your home eco-friendly.

You might consider shades, drapes, and blinds just a design statement to adorn windows. However, . To maintain an optimal temperature in the house, consider installing insulated cellular shades, Venetian blinds, window film, or curtains. Quality window treatments help moderate the temperature inside the house during heating and cooling seasons.

There are several options for eco-friendly window treatments for your consideration. For example, look for blinds made from bamboo, jute, and other natural fibers that can be sustainably harvested.聽 There are also faux wood options that are made from recycled materials.

Low-Flow Showerheads

Roughly (indoor) can be attributed to showers. That means an average family uses about 40 gallons of water per day. To reduce your water usage, look for showerheads that are labeled as 鈥淲aterSense.鈥  a year compared to a traditional showerhead.

Installing a low-flow showerhead not only reduces your total water consumption but also the amount of energy you need for a hot shower. Interestingly, the low-flow showerheads have the same cost as conventional ones. They come in different styles and colors.

Faucet Aerators

Like low-flow showerheads, a is also a smart tool you can use to make your home eco-friendlier. An aerator is a round device that attaches to the tip of the faucet.  It limits the water flow from the faucet by creating a mixture of water and air.

An additional benefit of an aerator is that it creates a splash-free and consistent stream of water, which is ideal for indoors. Choose the aerators that match the d茅cor of your bathroom and kitchen. 

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat connected to an app.

Homeowners can often save a considerable amount of money by adjusting the thermostat when they are away from home. This is particularly true in areas with sweltering summers and cold winters. such as the Google Nest or Honeywell Home T5 can make this easy.

The latest models of thermostats allow you to set the temperature via voice or app, which is convenient if your schedule varies and standard programming is less than ideal.

Light Bulbs

A man swapping out incandescent bulbs for LED options.

One small change to make your home eco-friendly involves swapping out old light bulbs. Lighting accounts for about .  

Consider installing LED lights in place of standard incandescent bulbs, track lights, and recessed lights.聽 According to the Department of Energy, LED lighting lasts nearly 25 times longer than a regular bulb and uses up to 90% less energy.

There are many options to choose from when shopping for new light bulbs.聽 Visit or to search for products that have been certified as energy-efficient.

In Conclusion

There are many ways to make your home eco-friendly without breaking the bank.聽 Make small changes over time to reduce your energy bill, save water, and reduce the environmental impact of your home.

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Creating an easy-breezy backyard oasis /blog/creating-an-easy-breezy-backyard-oasis /blog/creating-an-easy-breezy-backyard-oasis#respond Mon, 14 Jun 2021 17:15:13 +0000 /blog/?p=4974 Are you pumped for summer but not for the backyard prep? We have you covered! Embracing the season should be anything but stressful. Here are some ways to fast-track your backyard for summer poolside vibes and serious relaxation. Think in Color One of the best ways to welcome summer is by going all in on … Continue reading Creating an easy-breezy backyard oasis

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tropically decorated backyard patio with grass roof
A tropical oasis, right outside the back door.

Are you pumped for summer but not for the backyard prep? We have you covered! Embracing the season should be anything but stressful. Here are some ways to fast-track your backyard for summer poolside vibes and serious relaxation.

Think in Color

One of the best ways to welcome summer is by going all in on your color schemes. Think beachy tones or bright, happy hues for a seasonal touch. Coordinated and eclectic color palettes are both on the table but be sure to choose one or the other before going full steam ahead.

Backyard patio set with bright orange striped cushions and a yellow chaise lounge
Bright fabrics and patterns give a cheery, summer feel.

There are tons of strategies to add color to your backyard but focusing on high-traffic areas is always a smart first step. Use tropical colors on your table or dinnerware to brighten up outdoor dining. If furniture is your thing, or throws let you build on your basics for a fresh spin on seasonal.

Plant Party in the Backyard

woman in sun hat watering tall purple flowers in her backyard
Select flowers with a pop of color that thrive in the summer months.

Nothing says summer like blooms and foliage! While color is part of the equation, choosing your plants by climate is just as important. Pick low-key perennials for lasting color and volume or revamp your garden on a yearly whim. Plants are as personal as any other design preference so choose something you love for your own beachy haven.  

Another plant possibility involves exploring your artistic talent with a little DIY. For this project, you鈥檒l need an array of terra cotta planters and acrylic paints in your favorite shades. Go monochromatic for a more streamlined look or treat every piece as an original: the important thing is to have a plan and go all in.

Fancy Feet

stone path to a pool surrounded by artificial grass
Artificial grass stays green despite the summer sun.

Next, get ready to elevate your digs by focusing on foot-friendly spaces. If green grass is hard to come by or difficult to maintain, think about giving a chance. Use it to create a seasonal carpet or play place for your kids. You鈥檒l be happy to know it stands up to pets and kids better than traditional grass for durability you can count on.

Outdoor rugs are another low-key option for backyard beauty. Are you interested in pattern, weather resistance, coverage or comfort? Some styles require more care than others so find out which materials work best for your space. Beyond practicalities, rugs make excellent statement pieces based on size alone. Remember dark colors absorb the most heat so lighter shades provide the right amount of summer chill.

Texture

Texture tends to get overlooked as design elements go. It鈥檚 so perfect for warm weather and outdoor spaces that it鈥檇 be silly not to use it. Materials like jute, rattan and sisal are rustic yet effortlessly casual for an understated oasis. Bring a coarse weave or tactile touch into the fold for a touch of summer serenity.

backyard wooden deck with couch, chair, and gray patterned fabric
Use bold prints in rugs or textured pillows to make your space welcoming.

If you don鈥檛 feel the feels when it comes to texture, bold visuals might be a better alternative. Warm vibes have everything to do with full expression and unapologetic prints, so do not be afraid to jump right in. Create your own cocktail of tactile and visual magic for a summer worth remembering.

Backyard Space Savers

Man and woman sitting on folding lawn chairs in green grass
Folding furniture can be beautiful, comfortable, and a great way to provide seats for backyard guests.

Are you hoping for a light and easy summer setup? Foldable furniture is one way to lighten your load, though metal auditorium chairs are not the only option. These chairs come in umpteen styles, colors and materials to suit your mood. Believe it or not, chairs aren鈥檛 the only collapsible design find. Folding tables are more of an anomaly though they鈥檙e worth the hunt. Just think of all the energy you鈥檒l save when it comes to prep!

Furniture isn鈥檛 the only way to use your space wisely. Choose foldable parasols or oversized umbrellas for maximum shade and minimal storage for another win-win. Depending on your individual backyard, a shade sail provides refuge from the sun in the smallest possible package.

Patio Lighting

Two people hanging up string lights on a beam of a grass roofed patio
String lights are easy to install and provide nice ambiance for outdoor spaces.

Think of lighting as the icing on the cake of your outdoor retreat. There are dozens of styles available for nearly instant gratification. Consider for large, colorful accents or string lights for a more festive look. If you鈥檙e looking to illuminate walkways or footpaths, let rope lights guide the way. They add a playful touch to any backyard for the latest in stylish safety.

We tend to associate candles with winter d茅cor but there鈥檚 no reason they鈥檙e not invited to the party. Tealights make a simple addition to any table while repurposed wine bottles, mason jars or glass cannisters keep flames protected. Use a mix of fun and functional lighting as the final touch to your enchanted enclave.

Final Thoughts

Combining home and summer brings together comfort and tranquility for the best of both worlds. Create your design with simplicity in mind for a chill start to the season. Have any time-saving tips or design hacks to share? Be sure to leave them! In the meantime, here鈥檚 to lazy days and balmy nights right around the corner.

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How to Make Your Furry Friends Feel at Home /blog/how-to-make-your-furry-friends-feel-at-home /blog/how-to-make-your-furry-friends-feel-at-home#respond Thu, 10 Jan 2019 19:00:27 +0000 /blog/?p=3306   We all love our four-legged family members, but sometimes your home isn鈥檛 set up for the hustle and bustle of pets. Whether its cats, dogs, birds or hamsters your family has taken in, all pets have different needs around the house. Home builders are adapting by creating ways your home can be more pet-friendly … Continue reading How to Make Your Furry Friends Feel at Home

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We all love our four-legged family members, but sometimes your home isn鈥檛 set up for the hustle and bustle of pets. Whether its cats, dogs, birds or hamsters your family has taken in, all pets have different needs around the house.

Home builders are adapting by creating ways your home can be more pet-friendly and unique to each pet need. Below are a few amenities that families are opting for just to keep their furry friends happy.

Pet Nook

Many pets like to sleep with their owner聽or have their favorite seat in the house, but what if you could create a space just for them that they could feel comfortable and still see what鈥檚 going on around the house.

A pet nook is a great way to have a built in bed in your home and to keep the dog or cats blankets in one spot so pet hair isn鈥檛 dragged around. They also can be hidden away like under a staircase or beneath the cabinets in the laundry room.

Pet Shower, published by

Pet shower

It鈥檚 never easy getting a pet to take a bath, especially if your shower or bath isn鈥檛 the right size for your pet. A way to avoid this problem is having a built in pet wash station.

Consider the mudroom or laundry room for a聽 washing听蝉迟补迟颈辞苍. These rooms already are meant for cleaning and that way the animal doesn鈥檛 need to track any dirt throughout the house or on furniture. For those large pets, make the bath or shower a walk-in, to avoid having to lift your pet and make them more comfortable getting in.

Built-in play space

Cat runs or a fenced in area in the backyard is a way for your pets to play even while the owners are away. If a dog has access to go outside where they can keep their toys and have some room to run around, they won鈥檛 feel cooped up all day while you鈥檙e at work. For cats, a cat run is a great way for them to use their claws and feel free throughout the house without having to scratch at your belongings.

No matter what you choose to do, they are all ways to make your pet feel at home just as much as you do.

Feeding Station

Feeding Station, published by

We鈥檝e all had a pet dish tipped over, stepped on or spilled.聽 Save some clean-up time with a built in feeding station!

This amenity is one of the easiest ones to fit into an already designed home. It鈥檚 small and can be easily put into a kitchen island or cabinet. The feeding station could help you avoid messes and makes it easier on the owner during dinner time. Bonus tip: if you want to go all out鈥 put a mini water faucet in to avoid having to remove the bowls from the station at all!

 

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