Room to spare

We are so often cluttered with the stuff from grown children that gets left behind as they get established elsewhere on their own. They like to have the unpaid additional storage space in a parent's home or they just don't want to make any decision about what to do with their things. So, their things are left taking up lots of precious space, even though the stuff may not be so precious to anyone anymore.



What to do with a spare room:



1. Dump the junk- Don't waste that spare room with an accumulation of junk. It won't go away on its own. Make a plan to clear out the clutter and disperse of the goods to people who can better use them. Your home's square footage is too valuable not to be using it.



2. Guestroom– Create a spa-like retreat for your guests. Include reading materials and brochures for local activities. Have some hotel-like amenities ready to go in a decorative basket so they feel welcome, knowing you have thought of their needs.



3. Craft or hobby room– You finally have a place to do your scrapbooking, sewing, or painting! Let this room be your private studio where creativity flows.



4. Gifting- Have a room just for gift giving. Keep ribbons, gift bags, tags, and wrapping paper in the room along with any items you have purchased ahead of time for gifts. Don't forget the scissors and tape. So whenever you need a present, it will be a snap to put one together.



5. Exercise room- This does not mean you have to have all the big equipment that you find at a gym, but if the area is designated as a workout space, you are more likely to do your yoga, palates, and strength training. Clear out the room and put your yoga mat, weights, TV, audio equipment and workout DVDs in it.



6. Home office- Instead of letting paper pile up on your coffee table or kitchen counter, set up an area to pay bills and answer mail. Put everything you need for these activities in the room including a desk, stamps, stationary and pens. Create a simple filing system and get a jump on tax preparation for next year.



7. Mediation room– Oh to have some peace and quiet–create it! Don't allow anything in this area that doesn't bring you peace and tranquility. Some suggested contents include a water fountain, floor cushions, candles, incense, and chimes. Selected reading and audio materials will also set the mood. A serene start or end to you day, or a quick getaway to rejuvenate.



8. Room to spare, room to share– create that media room, music, pool, puzzle, card or board game room and invite friends over for a night of fun and hospitality.



9. Renovators rescue- Use the empty room as the spare room to hold addition furniture, etc. when you are renovating – flooring especially is difficult as you need room to move all your stuff. When all your renovations are complete, rework your spare room into one of the above suggestions.



Often your spare room can be used for several of these purposes. So next time you walk by that room, stop a moment to think about the possibilities. Take the next steps today to give that spare room some real purpose and turn it into a room that will give you a feeling of satisfaction and relaxation.

Mother Nature knows best: How natural elements in the home make you healthier

(BPT) - When it comes to health and wellness, the design of your home may prove to be just as important as your diet, sleep habits or exercise routine. This is the premise behind biophilic design - the idea that incorporating natural elements into your home, such as wood or plants, can actually improve overall health.



In reviewing existing research from Canada and Austria on the health impact of wood and other natural elements, environmental psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin and researcher Dr. David Fell of FPInnovations found that humans automatically relax when they are surrounded by elements from the natural world. In fact, these materials have a pronounced effect on the autonomic nervous system, lowering blood pressure and stress levels.



"When we experience things in a built environment that are similar to hospitable natural spaces that sheltered humans for thousands of years, we feel relaxed and de-stressed in a profound way," Augustin says. "We are not as stressed in difficult situations and our lives are improved."



While most research on biophilic design has focused on schools and healthcare settings, both Augustin and Dr. Fell say the same principles apply to home building and design. "Everyone responds positively to natural materials. These are biological responses, not learned," Fell says.



Though we all can't have sweeping views of the ocean or find the forest in our backyard, homeowners can make easy fixes to up the nature quotient in their homes.



1. Let the sun shine in



According to Augustin and Fell, research links exposure to natural light to positive health outcomes, including weight loss and improved mood. Whenever possible, homeowners should minimize window coverings to let the natural light shine in.



2. Use your green thumb



The addition of green plants to any indoor space is the most literal way of bringing the outside in. Green, leafy plants can brighten up any room and inspire a relaxed and peaceful setting.



3. Make waves



Water - particularly the sound of water - is soothing and relaxing. It's easy to take advantage of that by incorporating a fountain or other water element into your home.



4. Go with the grain



Whether purchasing a new home or remodeling, nature is easily incorporated into a home through a wood feature wall, ceiling, wainscoting or floors. "We're talking about wood where we can see the grain. This really has a fundamental effect on the autonomic nervous system," Augustin says. Unlike other natural elements, wood can also be used for a home's structure and exposed beams still produce a stress-reducing response.



5. Admire the views



Simply rearranging your furniture to take advantage of the best outdoor views or natural light can help improve your home's overall atmosphere. If you can, orient furniture so that you have views of the outside and nature, as this should be the focal point of any room.



"Looking at peaceful nature views distracts our minds from thoughts that make us cognitively exhausted," Augustin says. "The mind has a chance to relax and refresh. When it comes to relieving stress and creating a soothing atmosphere, it turns out that you really can't beat Mother Nature."

​4 steps toward greener living

(BPT) - Living a greener lifestyle isn't just about conserving natural resources, it's also about saving money. Whether you're renovating your existing home, or building from the ground up, you can create a home that's more efficient, cost effective and "green."



1. Insulate against air



In terms of heating and cooling, a well insulated home conserves the most energy by creating an airtight seal, locking out any potential hot or cold air drafts. To properly insulate, replace old windows and doors with more energy efficient options, such as triple-pane glass, and add extra insulation to the walls, roof and basement.



2. Make energy-efficient choices



Inefficient appliances can cause a spike in your gas, water and electric usage. For a simple change, choose LED bulbs for all your light fixtures. To conserve even more energy, opt in for high-efficiency upgrades for your larger appliances, like refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes dryers, and install water conserving bathroom fixtures to help cut down your home's overall water usage.



3. Maximize natural light



When you're able to rely on natural light for most of the day, the cost of your electric bill decreases. If you're renovating, think about ways you can incorporate new window openings to increase the amount of natural light your home is currently receiving. If you're building, think about incorporating an open floor plan with lots of windows to maximize the flow of natural light from room to room.



4. Design it to last



Trends come in and out of style quickly. For the larger architectural features of your home, choose design elements that will stand the test of time - reducing the likelihood of another renovation. Leave the trendy design choices to smaller decor pieces that can easily (and inexpensively) be switched out when it's time for a change.

Do-it-yourself weekend warrior survival guide

(BPT) - It's the do-it-yourself dream: deciding on the perfect DIY project just as the weekend finally arrives. All the supplies have been purchased and you're ready to dive right in. However, the enthusiastic start of the project doesn't always end in completion.



"Knocking out a big home improvement or do-it-yourself project in one weekend can be a rewarding task, but it is also challenging and can be taxing on your knees, feet and back when standing in the same position for several hours," says Mark Clement, home improvement expert and co-host of the national radio show MyFixitUpLife.



Whether you are woodworking at your workbench or staining a piece of furniture in the garage, Clement offers these tips to make the most of your DIY weekend projects while also feeling comfortable enough to successfully finish them:

• Focus on form and technique. When learning a new technique, go slowly, step by step, until you've mastered it. Allow your body to become accustomed to the various motions required. Moving efficiently is one of the best ways to avoid injury.
• Stay hydrated. Make it a priority to drink at least 125 ounces of cold water each day. Staying hydrated is important when exerting DIY energy, especially in the summer heat. So whether you're digging up the garden, roofing the shed, or wrenching in a no-AC garage, keep a water bottle or sports drink close by.
• Create a comfortable workspace. Be conscious of how long you are standing in the same spot working on your project and how your back feels. To relieve pressure and soreness on feet, knees and back, use a durable matthat is engineered with an optimal balance of cushion and support.
• Dress appropriately. Flip-flops and sandals do not offer the balance, protection and support that a sturdy closed-toe shoe or work boot does while tackling home improvement projects. Even if you have the grace of a ballerina in the workshop or yard, it is remarkably easy to drop things on your feet and it only takes a small distraction to create a big problem.
• Know your limits. When you only have a weekend to finish a big project, you might be feeling the pressure. Before the project even starts, accept that it may not all go according to plan. Plan for a few different scenarios and remember that you can always ask for help.
• Have a first aid kit. Even if you are being extremely cautious, accidents can happen and it's best to be prepared. Keep a first aid kit with all the essentials (antibiotic ointment, bandages, burn cream, etc.) near you at all times and seek professional medical help if necessary.

Give your home a quick refresh with these budget-friendly tips

(BPT) - Whether you are buying, selling or simply remodeling, you are looking to invest in updates that will increase the value and appeal of your home. It's natural to want it all, but before you over-personalize or break the bank, there are many simple, budget-friendly changes that can increase the value of your home without the risk.



Cassandra LaValle, interior designer and editor of the acclaimed lifestyle and design site, Coco+Kelley, offers these tried and true tips for upping your home value without overdoing it.

• Refresh with paint: You may not be able to replace large appliances or countertops, but in the kitchen adding a fresh coat of neutral paint to outdated cabinets and swapping out hardware can go a long way in making the space feel refreshed.
• Little luxuries in the bathroom: Replace your current shower head with a rain shower. Completely budget-friendly and easy to install - it takes less than five minutes - this showerhead can make a huge difference in an everyday routine - giving a spa-like experience with multiple high-performance spray settings.

The same goes for lighting - brightening up this space in particular can be a big selling point.

• Don't forget about the outside: Every home needs curb appeal. If you can't afford major landscaping, focus on the entrance to the home. Again, updating with paint and hardware on the front door will be a welcoming touch, while a couple of really great potted plants at the entryway add to that focal point.
• It's in the details: Consider adding small details to rooms that will elevate the style. Framing out windows, or adding baseboards, molding or wainscoting to a space will leave it feeling a bit more polished.

No matter how big or small your projects, remember it doesn't take a lot of money to make a big impact to any space.

​Conquer the last DIY craft frontier: concrete

(BPT) - You've made furniture out of tree stumps and wind chimes from buttons, bottle caps and old tin cans. You are the queen (or king) of Pinterest projects, and you've DIYed your way to decorative splendor with just about every material imaginable. What's left if you want to take your interior and exterior decorating projects up a notch? One word: concrete.



"Concrete is an exciting, creativity-inspiring design material," says Fu-Tung Cheng, a pioneer in the integration of concrete into exterior and interior design applications, from outdoor water features to sculptural countertops. "Hobbyists and do-it-yourself decorators, however, may not realize the full potential of concrete."



Cheng, president of CHENG Concrete, partnered with concrete products maker Sakrete to create a new type of concrete that puts the full creative power of the material in the hands of virtually any DIYer. "Sure, concrete responds to any form you pour it into, but we wanted to create a material that can do that and respond to how you shape it with your hands, tooling or even found objects," Cheng says of the new product, ShapeCrete, which can be poured, rolled, pushed or molded to create custom concrete designs.



"We like to say ShapeCrete 'plays like clay and works like concrete'," says Eric Peterson, president of Sakrete of North America. ShapeCrete won Best Design Material honors during Dwell on Design 2015, an annual exhibit of current and future trends in architecture, interior design and landscaping.



If you're thinking about trying your hand at concrete design, here are five projects to liven up the interior and exterior of your home:



* Create a doorstop that will make visitors stop and stare. A 3/4-inch piece of Melamine-coated particle board, 2-inch thick piece of insulating foam or Styrofoam, some spray adhesive, a cutting tool and ShapeCrete are all you need to create an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind doorstop. Simply print out or draw the word "STOP" in large, bold letters, transfer to the foam, cut it out to create a mold, and pour the ShapeCrete into the mold.



* Concrete planters can be expensive if you buy them from a home and garden store. Making your own not only saves you money, but allows you to unleash your creativity and make planters in a variety of sizes, shapes and even colors. All you need to start are some plastic planters in the size of your choice. Add water to the concrete powder to achieve a clay-like consistency and press the concrete into the container to create the form. Or, you can create a unique draped planter by rolling out the concrete on a piece of round fabric and then draping the fabric inside a bowl, plastic planter or other container.



* Turn a large, fresh leaf into a one-of-a-kind dish. Simply create a bed of sand on a piece of cardboard or sheet of plastic, cover the sand with a plastic bag to keep the grains from sticking to the leaf, and lay the leaf on top of the plastic with the vein side up. Mix the concrete to a clay-like consistency and begin packing it onto the leaf, starting at the center and working your way out.



During the mixing process, you can add color to the concrete. You'll have 30 to 60 minutes of working time before the concrete begins to harden, and it will cure completely after 24 hours. You can find detailed instructions for these concrete projects and many more online at www.shapecrete.com.



"You don't have to have a shop or garage, or be a concrete expert to work with this product," Cheng says. "You can work off your kitchen table, depending on the project size. The grand reveal of what you're able to create after about a day or so is exhilarating. It doesn't matter what your skill set is, you'll surprise yourself every time, and that's really the best part."

​Tips to make your next DIY home improvement as green as possible

(BPT) - If you're thinking about making your next DIY home improvement project "green," but aren't sure how to achieve a balance of eco-friendly and affordability, there's good news. It's now easier than ever, especially when you do the work yourself with rented equipment and choose salvaged building materials for your project.



As you plan your next home improvement, here are some tips to help you ensure it's as green and cost-effective as possible:



* Rent rather than buy. While you probably have a respectable stock of basic DIY tools, some projects may call for equipment you don't have. Rather than buy new, try renting the tools you need. Renting is cheaper than buying new tools, especially if it's a specialized item you may not use again for a while, if at all. You'll also avoid the hassle of having to store larger tools between projects.



Renting is also green. When you get a tool from a rental company, you're basically sharing with other DIYers in your area, and that means cutting down on the energy use, materials consumption and pollution associated with producing, delivering and selling new tools.



* Seek salvaged materials. When you decide on a home improvement project, one of the first things you consider is what material you'll need. Before you hurry down to the home improvement store or lumber yard, however, consider if you can do your project with reclaimed materials.



Building a patio? Recycled bricks or pavers will do the job just as well as new, they cost less and they impart unique character that you just can't get from new materials. Installing a new wood floor in your family room? Wood flooring reclaimed from an old warehouse or barn not only reduces the amount of construction materials going into landfills, but it can give your floor an authentically rustic and historic flair. A simple online search can help you find suppliers of salvaged building materials in your area.



* Reuse from your own home. You don't always have to buy reclaimed materials from outside sources. Often, you have items in your own home that could be used in your DIY projects. The front walk might need to be redone with level pavers, but the old ones could work great for a backyard fire pit. The lumber from that fence you took down in spring could be turned into decorative seating for your deck this fall. The pedestal sink left over from your bathroom remodel could make a great ornamental birdbath for the garden.



Look for opportunities to reuse items you already have on hand - in creative new ways. You'll reduce the amount of waste going into landfills, save money on waste removal fees, and spare the expense of buying new building materials. And don't forget - you'll have extra storage room since you're renting tools, rather than keeping them lying around.



* Keep recycling in mind. Sometimes construction leftovers just can't be reused, but that doesn't necessarily mean they can't be recycled. The rusted tin ceiling you tore out of your 1920s home may never be useful again, but it can be recycled. As you're working on your DIY project, look for opportunities to recycle what you can't use. And if you do have to buy new materials, choose ones that could potentially be recycled some day in the future.

​5 easy fall home updates

(BPT) - There are so many reasons to love fall. From the brisk breeze and color-changing leaves outdoors, to prepping for the holidays and watching football inside, there couldn't be a better time to make a few updates around your house. Consider these simple fall home updates to stylishly welcome the season.



Paint to please



Throughout the year, our walls can undergo stress from energetic kids, furniture moving and everyday traffic. If your home will be busy during the holidays, welcome guests with a newly painted entryway, or, freshen up your family room with a colorful accent wall. Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a room, so embrace the season and try a fall-inspired hue that harmonizes with your existing space like deep emerald green, royal purple or burgundy. To achieve the best results, use painter's tape to attain sharp paint lines. To help incorporate the color of the accent wall into the room, add d�cor and accessories in similar shades throughout the area, such as new pillows in your family room or a coordinating rug in your entryway.



Clever copper accents



Group together the season's leaves and branches to create a unique centerpiece, or place them throughout the house to bring life to your living areas. Crafting with fall foliage is a cinch - simply gather an assortment of thick leaves, either real or faux - and after they're rinsed and dried, spray each side of the leaf with copper paint and leave to dry for a few hours. Line these leaves up along a table runner, string them from your mantle or use them to dress up place settings. To extend the life of your metallic leaves, consider using them as place cards for holiday dinners. Easily allow guests to find their seats in shimmery style by placing printed nametags atop the leaves at each setting.



Freshen up the front door



Increase your home's curb appeal with a front door refresh just in time for the fall. For starters, give your door a new identity with a distinctive paint color - consider hunter green, colonial red or cognac. The color of your door introduces the world to those who live inside, so choose one that speaks to your family's style. After you've added personality to your door with paint, add a final touch with your family's monogram to the center of the door. If your door is metal, glue magnets to the back of the letters and it will easily adhere to it.



Proper party prep



During the fall, more time will be spent in the home's entertaining spaces to accommodate holiday soirees and family gatherings. Increase the functionality of this room - whether it's the den, family room, dining room or finished basement - and encourage guests to congregate comfortably by adding casual seating. Spice things up with a mixture of options; choose decorative stools and poufs, or upcycle vintage chairs with new, reupholstered seats. The style of your chairs can vary, but be sure to coordinate the colors and patterns. When you're not in party mode, stow away the extra seats.



Wow with a refreshed washroom



When decorating for fall, don't overlook the bathroom! A few simple changes can take this space to new heights. Start by swapping out your soap dishes and lotion pumps with new, coordinating options fitting for the season. If budget allows, replace your everyday towels with new, plush ones in fun fall colors that add a pop of color to the room. Next, add candles with autumn-inspired scents for an aromatic effect that brings the outdoor aura indoors. For subtle changes that go a long way, replace your bathroom hardware including the toilet handle, cabinet pulls or hinges and towel racks.



The fall season is a great time to revitalize elements of your home as you prepare for indoor holiday entertaining. As you choose updates, make sure they maximize your personal style.

​5 tips for creating fall curb appeal

(BPT) - Soon, all things pumpkin spice will be here, including the home visitors that bring them. In preparation of the door bell ringing, create a little spice of your own with some seasonal curb appeal. You don't have to limit yourself to pumpkins and hay bales - below are tips and projects for sprucing up your home's view from the curb this season.



Front door, first impressions



Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home. Give your door a fresh face with a coat of paint in a bold fall color to draw the eye to this focal point of your home.



Another project is to replace the door entirely. Consider options with decorative glass accents, and stunning sidelights (windows on either side of the door) to add more natural light while maintaining a sense of style and privacy. Plus, as temperatures start to drop, Energy Star -qualified entry doors will help maintain your home's energy efficiency. For entry door inspiration check out Pinterest, your resident showroom or your local home improvement store.



Accessorize with new hardware



Replace your front door hardware for a quick, easy facelift. Choose hardware finishes that compliment light fixtures, mailbox and house numbers for a polished, cohesive look. You'll be delightfully surprised what a difference new hardware can make in creating an updated look to your home.



Refresh exterior body and trim colors



For a dramatic change, repaint your home's exterior. It's bold and can make your home stand out from other homes on the block. Not up for the bold change? To make an impact with a smaller change, add new trim colors. When updating trim, choose color schemes that match your home's primary exterior color, or complement it with a fresh twist.



Create points of interest with plants



You don't have to stop enjoying beautiful plants and flowers simply because summer is over. Add pops of color by arranging pots filled with hearty fall flowers like mums, sedum or asters around your front door, or on a porch or deck. Incorporate planters or container gardens of varied sizes, shapes and colors to add visual interest.



Accent with lighting



As summer light fades into shorter, darker days, add exterior accent lighting to the front of your home. Illuminate a walking path with ground-insert solar lights. Or consider solar spotlights to bring out landscaping or to shine on your updated front door. Install matching light fixtures outside your front door, garage door or patio door to provide well-lit entrances that are stylish and inviting to neighbors and guests.