The Property Brothers Unveil What May Be the Best Kitchen Ever

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Jonathan and Drew Scott are back for their second season of “Property Brothers: Forever Home,” where they renovate real estate so it fits the homeowners’ needs and lifestyle for the long haul.

And in this season premiere, “Big House, Awkward Layout,” Drew and Jonathan have their work cut out for them with Las Vegas couple Ben and Erica, who are parents of three and stuck with a house that, while large, lacks flow or, for that matter, any real sense of style.

With a (relatively) small $80,000 to renovate with, the Scott brothers have to get creative to upgrade the floors, change the layout, and freshen up the decor. Here’s how they’re able to fulfill every point on this couple’s wish list—read on to learn some of the brothers’ best tips on making a home stylish, colorful, and kid-friendly on the cheap.

Get more light in your living space with a glass door

From the beginning, Ben and Erica know that they want plenty of light in their home. In fact, when Jonathan’s new floor plan means closing up a window, the couple can’t stop talking about adding another window somewhere else.

And while, in the end, the couple end up getting all the windows they could possibly want, Drew and Jonathan come up with a trick to stay in budget and still give this living space a little extra light: a glass front door.

Of course, in the interest of privacy, this door isn’t completely translucent, but the glass panels definitely allow more light in the living room. As sunlight pours in through the front door, it brightens up what would otherwise be a dark corner of the living room.

With this new door, the Scott brothers remind all homeowners that they don’t necessarily need to add an expensive window to make their space brighter. Sometimes a cost-efficient new front door will do just the trick.

This door adds extra light to this living room.

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Consistent flooring gives a home good flow

When Drew and Jonathan first tour Erica and Ben’s home, they can’t help but notice the awkward flooring. Both tile and laminate run through the living room, making the area feel choppy and disconnected. Erica explains that this flooring was meant to be a temporary solution when they replaced the carpet.

Jonathan ends up installing brand-new flooring in a herringbone pattern, giving the living room a consistent—and chic—look.

Why settle for a mix of tile and old laminate when you can have beautiful herringbone-patterned flooring?

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Open up the kitchen

Of course, Jonathan’s renovations include taking out a kitchen wall. It’s often an easy fix for a closed-off kitchen, and it always impresses homeowners with a larger kitchen that opens up to the rest of the living space.

Not only is removing the wall a big style improvement (giving the kitchen a fresh look with a large, inviting island and stylish cabinets), it’s functional, too.

When Ben and Erica first see their new kitchen, Ben is thrilled to see so many of the appliances far away from one another. More space means less of a chance for bumping into each other in the kitchen, and Ben notes that this will make cooking and cleaning easier for both of them.

Add the right splash of color

The brothers are pleasantly surprised when the couple ask for lots of color in their new house, so they roll up their sleeves and start in the kitchen. They give the island a pop of green and install a green backsplash to match. The kitchen is full of color, but the deep green still makes the space look distinguished.

Still, Drew and Jonathan are not quite sure how to incorporate Ben’s affinity for purple. In the end, they add some eggplant-colored fuzzy pillows to the living room. It’s enough of Ben’s favorite color to add some dimension to the space—but not so much that it overpowers the room.

Who doesn’t love a colorful kitchen?

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Bring the look together with gold fixtures

Erica and Ben love their new green island and backsplash in the kitchen, but it’s the gold accents that really bring this colorful kitchen together.

“The pendant lights over the island are gorgeous,” Drew says, “I like the fact that they’re geometric. It has that pop against the white and the green cabinets, exactly what this kitchen needs.”

Indeed, these fun light fixtures are a perfect accent to this kitchen, both in color and style. It’s proof that sometimes it’s really the details that matter most in a home’s look.

These gold lights are a stylish accent for the green kitchen.

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Upgrade with a matching mudroom with storage

For a family of five, it’s important to Drew and Jonathan to give this family a functional mudroom, so they design a space that’s tailor-made.

The new mudroom has lots of storage up high and down below, and it matches the style of the rest of the living space. It adds to the design flow and keeps the house uncluttered. It’s stylish and functional!

This mudroom comes with the right amount of storage.

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So, do the Scott brothers deliver?

Once Jonathan and Drew are finished with the renovation, it’s clear that the home has finally reached its full potential. From the smooth flow from dining room to kitchen to living room to the updated, colorful style this couple loves, this forever home is a major success. And even with all of these improvements, the brothers manage to stick to their $80,000 budget, making this family extra happy.

The post The Property Brothers Unveil What May Be the Best Kitchen Ever appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

It’s What’s on the Outside That Matters: 5 Trends in Exterior Home Colors

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Choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior can seem like a crazily daunting task. So many options! So crucial in making the right first impression on guests or potential buyers!  Should you go with basic beige, ho-hum neutral colors or (way) outside the paintbox?

Thanks in part to influential designers like Joanna Gaines, more homeowners today are stepping away from the traditional paint colors and choosing less common, modern palettes, like cheery teal or moody charcoal gray.

“We’re seeing homeowners go a bit bolder when it comes to curb appeal,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr. “While variations of white traditionally make a popular exterior paint color choice for many different types of housing styles—and are an easy way to play it safe—dark grays and browns are increasing in popularity … [or] painting the body a bold color like green or blue, or adding a pop of red on the front door.”

Sue Kim, senior color designer at Sherwin-Williams, agrees.

“Accent colors and colorful pastels are suggesting that homeowners are taking a step outside of their comfort zone,” she says.

Here’s a look at some of the top trends in exterior paint colors right now.

1. Sea blues

 

Photo by Paintco Professional Painters 

Eager to venture beyond a neutral palette, but antsy about committing to too much flashy curb appeal? Watery hues are a charming way to settle the conflict.

From faint skylike shades to rich jewel tones, blues can make a big splash, and don’t get you caught up in the learning curve that more outspoken colors involve. Take Oceanside, Sherwin-Williams’ choice for 2018 Color of the Year—an intense shade of blue-green that, according to the company’s color experts, encapsulates a sense of adventure.

On the contrary, blue—perfect chameleon that it is—can also offer up a serene vibe. Given the technology taking over our days, Kim says, a sea-meets-the-horizon blue lends a feeling of calm when you drive up to your house.

“A light and crisp sea blue provides a renewing moment that we’re craving,” she says.

Try: Sherwin-Williams’ Oceanside or Behr’s Waterfall

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Watch: The Colors That Will Help and Hurt Your Home Sale

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2. All black

Photo by ANX / Aaron Neubert Architects 

It might feel like a scary choice, but an eye-catching dark exterior can really make your home (and the trim) stand out.

“An interesting trend we’ve been seeing is all-black exteriors,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “It makes a statement and is a marked departure from the light neutrals of Scandinavian design.”

It’s no surprise the look has proven a go-to for certain top-tier celebs. Whether it’s Calvin Klein‘s all-black-and-glass mansion, including shutters and trim, in the Hamptons or, just down the road, Madonna‘s moody black farmhouse-style compound, a black exterior demands a certain degree of chutzpah. But if you can pull the trigger, it’s a contemporary look that conveys a fearless sophistication.

Try: Sherwin-Williams’ Tricorn Black for a bold black, or Benjamin Moore’s Twilight Zone for a matte look.

3. Taupe

 

Photo by Atelier A Bellavance Architect 

If you’re looking for an alternative to beige, greige, or gray, Woelfel recommends a taupe exterior—a cross between dark brown and gray paint colors.

“Grays remain a key neutral for exteriors, but warmer tones in taupe and brown are on the rise,” she says. “Taupe is a great foundation paint color that looks stunning on a variety of architectural types and pairs well with white trim, shutters, and a bright-red front door.”

But a word of caution: When going with taupe (or any shade of brown or gray, really) be sure to consider your home’s position in relation to the sun.

“It will drastically impact how the color appears,” Woelfel says.

Try: Sherwin-Williams’ Tavern Taupe or Behr’s Classic Taupe

4. Spanish moss

 

Photo by Crisp Architects 

Even if you live in the ‘burbs, a nature-inspired paint color can make your home look and feel more like a retreat. That’s why Vincente Wolf, a spokesman for PPG paints, recommends going with a woodsy green exterior, like Spanish moss—even for the trim.

“It has all the brownish tones of tree bark, which allows the house to slip into nature and makes the greenery pop, too,” Wolf says.

Try: Valspar’s Spanish Moss

5. Neutral with a bold front door

 

Photo by GROUNDS KEEPER 

Not ready to take the plunge on a new paint color, but want to up your curb appeal? Consider a fun front-door color to change the entire look of your exterior. Try a bright red, blue, or even pastel to show off your home’s personality, and cover shutters and trim in a more neutral exterior color.

“A bold color makes an impression on anyone who walks through the front door,” Woelfel says.

Try: Behr’s Flirt Alert or Modern Masters’ Satin Tranquil Blue 

The post It’s What’s on the Outside That Matters: 5 Trends in Exterior Home Colors appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Don’t Be Haunted by These 6 Scary Mistakes When Hosting Trick-or-Treaters

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When it comes to Halloween night, some of us prefer to turn off the TV and all the lights and pretend that nobody’s home (don’t hate—we know you’ve done it, too). But others of us live for this one electric evening when we get to take in the costumes and the joy as we hand out candy to tiny Black Panthers and mini Elsas.

It all sounds harmless enough—a bunch of costumed kids running around your front yard, just trying to fill their pillow cases to capacity. But here’s the thing: If you haven’t prepared your home for so many visitors, big and small, a night of frights and delights can easily turn into a series of cursed mishaps.

Don’t be haunted by your mistakes! If you’re planning to host hordes of trick-or-treaters this year, make sure to avoid these pitfalls before the kiddos come a-knocking.

1. Not clearing your walkway

Sure, you probably know your walkways shouldn’t be obstructed by giant inflatable jack-o’-lanterns and animatronic spiders. But clearing away the big stuff doesn’t mean you can ignore the small stuff; it’s incredibly easy to trip and fall on bits of debris—especially in the dark, and especially if you’re an excited (and sugar-high) 9-year-old.

Sweep away anything that could be a hazard on the way to the candy door—pine cones, nuts, etc.—and don’t forget about your yard, too.

“Kids tend to cut across lawns on Halloween night, so it’s important to store any yard-related items or chemicals away and out of sight,” says Andrew Roszak, executive director for the Institute for Childhood Preparedness.

“If you have in-ground sprinklers, be sure to place a cover over them so children don’t trip,” he adds.

2. Keeping things too dark and spooky

We get it—your Halloween decor is meant to be enjoyed in the dark. But for safety reasons, you should plan on leaving (at least a few) lights on to help your visitors navigate the front yard.

“Use Christmas lights to clear a walking path to your front door,” Roszak suggests. “You can set them to a light glow, but make sure your porch is well-lit.”

Not only is a well-lit porch a good idea for your own personal safety (so you can see who’s coming and going), but it’s also important if you want to attract trick-or-treaters.

“Parents warn children not to go near homes that are dark and suspicious,” Roszak says.

3. Using candles

Ditch the candles on Halloween.

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Sure, you need to have some light—and nothing screams “Halloween” quite like a flickering jack-o’-lantern. But having an open flame on your busy front porch? Probably not the best idea.

“Stick to electric lights, rather than lit candles,” Roszak says. “Choose LED candles; open flames can cause fires, especially when children are excitedly running around. Let’s also not forget that a child’s costume can catch fire if she’s standing too close to an open flame.”

4. Not keeping pets inside

Your pets should skip trick-or-treating.

AleksandarNakic/iStock

Even if your dog loves kids, the general mayhem of Halloween is enough to give most animals some anxiety.

“Make sure pets have a safe, quiet place to relax and aren’t inadvertently let out of the home when the door is opened,” says veterinarian Rachel Barrack. “This is particularly important with regard to Halloween trick-or-treaters, when the door is being opened repeatedly and scary costumes and loud noises could alarm your pet.”

Plan on keeping your pets indoors on the big night, even if they normally prefer to be outside.

5. Inadvertently displaying your valuables

No matter how cute the costumes, hosting trick-or-treaters still is all about openly inviting strangers to your home. Which means it’s a good idea to keep any tempting valuables out of sight.

“A lot of people keep their keys near their front door—it makes sense—but you should take care to hide them out of view,” says Joanne Archer of Expert Home Tips. “You don’t want strangers to find out where you keep them.”

Besides keys, anything expensive and easy to take should be tucked away and out of sight when your trick-or-treaters start arriving. This includes wallets, phones, tablets, and even laptops.

Archer also offers some sound advice for protecting your car on the big night.

“From swords to broomsticks, costume accessories can easily end up scratching your vehicles,” she says. “Make sure that you keep your vehicles as far away from the walkway as possible.”

6. Not securing your home

On a related note: Although your front porch should be readily accessible to trick-or-treaters, be sure to keep other doors to your home locked. According to a 2016 report from Travelers Insurance, claims due to theft (inside the home) increased by 60% on Halloween night. Translation: Make sure your home is secure, and keep the party on the front porch.

“Don’t invite trick-or-treaters inside your home,” Archer says. “This sounds obvious, but keep the festivities to the front lawn. There’s no need to make your home into a haunted house—you never know who you could be inviting inside.”

The post Don’t Be Haunted by These 6 Scary Mistakes When Hosting Trick-or-Treaters appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Halloween Hazards: Are Homeowners Liable for Injury to a Trick-or-Treater?

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Part of the fun of Halloween is dressing up your home with the spookiest decor and doling out candy for eager trick-or-treaters. But what happens if someone walks through your yard on Halloween night and gets injured? It’s an unfortunate but realistic scenario that can have a number of consequences for homeowners. Worst-case—and scariest—scenario? Someone brings a lawsuit claiming that a trick-or treater got injured on your property. Would you be liable for this claim?

Under the law, if a porch light is on, trick-or-treaters are considered to be invited visitors, and it is a homeowner’s responsibility to have a property free of hazards. If anyone who enters your property on Halloween night gets injured, most homeowners insurance policies will cover minor injuries.

However, homeowners could be liable if trick-or-treaters are injured on their property if it can be proven that they were negligent in causing or contributing to that injury, says Jared B. Staver of Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, in Chicago.

For example, he says, a large crack in your walkway would be hard for someone to see in the dark. If a person tripped and broke a bone, he may claim you were negligent for not posting a warning sign and bringing attention to the crack.

“There is a reasonable expectation that you will receive visitors on Halloween. As a result, taking a few precautions will help guarantee the safety of trick-or-treaters and protect the homeowner,” says Christopher Layton of the Layton Law Firm, in Charlotte, NC.

To ensure a happy—and hazard-free—Halloween for all, here are some important questions homeowners should ask themselves before the trick-or-treaters come around.

Is the outdoors well-lit?

Make sure outdoor lights are bright and your yard is well-lit for little ghosts and goblins. Motion sensors are a good way to illuminate the house.

“Walkways should have lighting, and porches should be illuminated. If there are any danger zones, they should be well-marked and indicated with lighting as well,” says Staver.

Glow-in-the-dark or solar lighting is often not enough for late-night Halloween adventures, he cautions. Homeowners should instead invest in high-powered wattage.

Also, avoid using real candles in carved pumpkins or paper lanterns, since they are a fire hazard. Instead, opt for faux candles with LED bulbs.

Are there any tripping hazards?

It’s a good idea for homeowners to consider how children will enter and exit their property, says attorney Robert Fisher Jr., a partner at Edgar Snyder & Associates, in Pittsburgh.

“There’s a good chance that kids won’t always use your walkway, come to the door, grab the candy, go back down the walkway, and then enter the sidewalk in a direct path. It is more likely they will cut through the yard and use shortcuts. Keep your yard clear, and mark any potential hazards,” he advises.

This means fixing loose bricks and or cracks on pathways, or at least pointing them out with a sign, so kids won’t trip on them.

Scott Holeman, a spokesman for the Insurance Information Institute in New York, also recommends removing any leaves or branches from the path to your home.

More elaborate decorations like inflatables may require electricity, which means you will have to run an extension cord through your yard. It’s best to keep these tripping hazards as far away from walkways as possible and make it clear that trick-or-treaters should stay on the walkways. You can do this with a makeshift fence or luminary bags with LED lights.

To eliminate the need for trick-or-treaters to even walk through your yard, Layton suggests setting up a table at the end of your driveway and handing out candy from there.

“This saves the eager kids a long walk up to the front door, and helps the homeowner by reducing the potential for injuries on the property,” says Layton.

Are my decorations intended to scare people or make them jump?

We don’t blame you for wanting to go all-out when decorating for Halloween, but to minimize the potential for injury, it’s probably wise to go easy on the scary special effects. These can cause jump scares and could result in someone tripping and falling. Strobe lights and fog machines, two popular features used in elaborate Halloween decorations, also have the potential to cause problems like seizures and asthma attacks.

Are the steps to my home unobstructed and slip-resistant?

Remove plants and other objects from your steps. If the weather report says it could be a rainy night, apply friction tape to the steps to make them less slippery. And if you experience an early freeze, make sure to have ice-melt on hand to de-ice your steps.

Are pets secured out of the way?

Even the most well-behaved pets can be unpredictable and react to harmless trick-or-treaters. That’s why it’s best to keep your pets indoors.

“If you have pets, you should keep them in a separate room from the entry. With heavy activity, they could become frightened. To avoid potential bites or pet escapes, it is recommended that they be confined to another area in your home,” says Holeman.

It’s worth noting that if a dog bites a visitor, the homeowner is generally liable for the incident, according to Staver.

“Many homeowners insurance policies have dog bite clauses and cover these situations as long as the homeowner revealed that they owned a dog when obtaining the policy,” he says.

Should I skip the homemade treats?

If you are giving out homemade candies, cookies, or other treats, you may be liable for injuries due to illnesses such as allergic reactions to peanuts.

Layton says despite the loving care that goes into homemade treats, Halloween is not the right time for them.

“Kids will go home with so much candy, and if they are injured by any of it, you, the homeowner, want to be able to simply point to the manufacturer of the treat, rather than be singled out as the person who gave out the handmade treats,” says Layton.

Although your homeowners policy covers injuries on your property such as slip and fall, it likely won’t cover a food-related illness. Bottom line: Stick to store-bought candy.

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Style by Fire: How to Pick the Perfect Fire Pit to Heat Things Up Outside

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A good fire pit can take your outdoor space from meh to downright magical with one strike of a match—especially on a crisp autumn night. But finding the perfect fire pit for your backyard can seem like an impossible task, especially considering the crazy-big selection that’s out there.

Should you choose something simple and portable, or something more permanent that will become a design element in your home? Do you need space to cook, or are you just hoping to stay warm while stargazing?

We know—it’s overwhelming. But don’t get burned out! We’re here to help with expert tips for picking your perfect fire pit.

Determine your fire pit’s purpose

The first thing you’ll want to consider when shopping for outdoor fire pits is why you want one in the first place.

“Will it be used for outdoor decor and ambiance? Or an outdoor heater and/or cooking appliance? Do you plan to take it with you on camping trips?” asks Erick Chang, owner of FireplaceLab. “Depending on these answers, there will be an appropriate type of fire pit.”

Then decide whether you want one that’s permanently installed outside your home, or something more portable that can travel with you.

While many fire pits can be used for cooking, some just shouldn’t be. You’ll want to get specific in your research if you’re looking for an all-in-one fire pit-grill. You might even consider building your own.

How hot do you like it?

Something else to keep in mind during your hunt: how hot you actually want your fire pit to be.

“One common mistake I see people making is overestimating a fire pit’s capability to heat up its surrounding space,” Chang says.

To combat this, he recommends looking for fire pits with a higher BTU (British thermal unit) than you think you need.

“For optimal heat to hang around, you’ll want to go with a wood-burning fire pit, as they burn hotter,” he says. “I really like the Solo Stove fire pits, which are unique because you get the benefits of wood-burning fire pit but without the smoke.”

Decide what’s going to fuel your fire

When picking out your perfect fire pit, you should also think about the type of fuel you’d like to use—since each one (wood, propane, and natural gas) has its pros and cons.

“Wood-burning pits are the least expensive, but can be troublesome to light,” Chang says. “Propane is the easiest to ignite with minimal cleanup, and natural gas is very high effort to set up and hook up—so it’s often used for permanent fixtures in the yard.”

If you’re more interested in a low-key centerpiece than a rolling campfire, then you probably want to avoid wood.

“Propane and natural gas fire pits give homeowners complete control of igniting and putting out a fire with the flip of a switch,” says Rhianna Miller, landscape and yard design expert with Rubber Mulch.

Consider, for instance, this propane fire pit from the Outland Living Series.

“I especially like the look of fire pit tables,” Chang says. “And this one has a wicker material, which gives it a high-end feel.”

Consider the material—and your weather

Then, of course, you’ll need to decide what you want your fire pit to look like and how it will serve your lifestyle best—it is going to be your central outdoor accessory, after all.

“Designwise, I really love how a nice round fire pit or fire-bowl fire pit looks,” says Nick Stokes, editor of HeatWhiz.com. “But usagewise, fire pit tables are hands-down the superior option since they let you have both a fire pit and a table for your food and drinks.” (Stokes’ current favorite for both design and practicality is the AZ Patio Heaters Propane Fire Pit.)

While there are plenty of materials to choose from, the experts say cast iron, steel, and stone are the most resilient and low-maintenance.

“Steel and cast iron dominate the market because they’re lightweight, and inexpensive,” Miller says. “And stone is common with DIY fire pits.”

Whichever fire pit you choose, just be sure to consider the weather. Some fire pits need more maintenance and protection than others—like steel, which can rust over time.

If your fire pit comes with a cover, chances are there’s a good reason for that. Find out what kind of TLC your new fire pit needs so you can enjoy it for many seasons to come.

The post Style by Fire: How to Pick the Perfect Fire Pit to Heat Things Up Outside appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Serenity Now! 8 Ways to Turn Your Home Into a Peaceful Retreat

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When you open the door to your home, do you breathe a sigh of relief? Or do you cringe at the pile of mail on the counter and∂ the overstuffed closet where you hang your coat?

Our home should be our retreat from the world, where we feel calm and relaxed. So if that’s not how you feel at home, it may be time to rethink your design or decor. To aid your quest for serenity, here are eight ways to set up a peaceful refuge at home.

1. Interview yourself

Photo by Martha O’Hara Interiors 

Everyone has a slightly different definition of what makes a peaceful home, so experts urge homeowners to start by asking a few personal questions, such as “Who am I?” and “What do I want from this space?”

“For example, if books are important to you and make you feel at peace, get a great bookshelf and organize them. But if the sight of all your books makes you feel stressed out and reminds you of cramming for exams, consider hiding them away in cabinets,” suggests Drew Henry of Design Dudes.

Just keep in mind that a plethora of clutter isn’t necessarily bad if those objects bring you joy. Julie Coraccio, a professional organizer with Reawaken Your Brilliance, is at peace with all the cat toys in her home.

“We’re a cat family and are fostering them, and yes, their toys are everywhere, but the cats make me happy,” she explains.

2. Consider the flow

Photo by Huntington House 

A serene home is one that’s easily navigated. If you find yourself tripping over the dog bed in the kitchen or struggling around a too-big couch to enter the den, you’ll lose out on those Zen vibes.

“Think of the best traffic patterns for each room and then arrange furniture so it’s easy to access and sit down,” urges Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP. Too much furniture or items that are too large can be draining, so pick and place your pieces carefully.

3. Serenity starts at your front door

Photo by Crisp Architects 

Coming home at the end of the day should be painless. In other words, don’t let your foyer become a catch-all for everyone’s belongings! Make sure you have a place to sit so you can untie your shoes, a spot to corral footwear, hooks for coats, and a container for keys and mail.

4. Get organized

Photo by Heidi Caillier Design 

You’ve heard it before—and it’s still true. Clutter can overwhelm a homeowner and kill any chance of serenity.

“Clutter makes you lose peace of mind, because it takes up so much space, reminding you of what needs to be done,” notes Coraccio.

In fact, clutter is the chief complaint that homeowners say affects their mood.

“Simply put, people don’t feel happy or comfortable creating meals in a cluttered kitchen,” says Jamie Gold, a San Diego-based wellness design consultant and author of the forthcoming book “Healthy Living, Healthy Home.”

5. Define stations

Photo by Vincent Longo Custom Builders 

“Creating a zoned space definitely adds to the potential for harmony,” says Gold. Zones in your kitchen make for easier meal prep (put all the critical tools in one area) and zones in the garage make you happier to return after work.

If you’re a reader, a book nook is a smart idea, while dog owners need an organized station for puppy chow and toys.

“I have a meditation chair, and as I walk toward it, my body begins to relax, because it knows what’s going to happen there,” Coraccio says.

6. Let colors soothe

Photo by Ethan Allen Design Center Viera 

Gold says that blues and greens are connected to nature’s healing elements, including the sky, ocean, and forest. But one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to colors that promote joy. An all-white room may calm one person but annoy another, she adds.

Sara Chiarilli, an interior designer with Artful Conceptions, votes for cool colors for the most serenity at home. “Shades on the cool side of the color wheel evoke a sense of calm in the brain,” she says. But Henry picks whites and grays, as lots of blue can look too beachy. “Of course, the beach is relaxing, but this theme can be a little kitschy, and kitsch is not relaxing,” he explains.

7. Choose comfort above all

Photo by Ben Gebo Photography

Your chairs should look great—but feel even better. If your pieces are stunning but no one wants to sit in them, what good are they? asks Chiarilli. And a streamlined look adds to a sense of calm in the room, says Henry, because it’s peaceful to the eye.

8. Add textures

Photo by Serena & Lily 

A chunky throw on a bed is an easy way to add texture to the home.

“I love mixing jute with cottons and leather, and velvets combine nicely with wools and linen,” says Chiarilli.

Along with metals, wood, and stone, you’ll have a full complement of textures, which the brain needs to see to truly relax in a space, she adds.

The post Serenity Now! 8 Ways to Turn Your Home Into a Peaceful Retreat appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

The Weeks’s Hottest Kitchen Looks on Instagram Will Give Your Space a Rustic Refresh

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With the approach of the holiday season, we’re guaranteed to be spending more time in our kitchens. That’s why we love the idea of giving this space a little refresh just in time for all the festivities.

For design inspiration, we turned to the internet, scrolling through hundreds of posts on Instagram—as we do every week—to uncover what’s trending in the kitchen. What we discovered is that the most-liked looks right now have a rustic aesthetic, which fits perfectly with the fall season.

This week’s stunning kitchen looks will put the hearth of your home in a whole new light. And if you like them as much as the rest of the internet does, we’ve got details on how you can steal the look. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

Colorful kitchen islands

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Good Sunday Morning! I thought I’d share a slightly different angle of our kitchen today. The island appears more blue when the sun drenches it, doesn’t it? I love blue/green paint colors that change depending on the lighting. Please excuse the overflowing baskets on the open shelves – we keep snacks in those. Have a wonderful day! . Island Paint Color: Oval Room Blue by @farrowandball Black rail on island: FINTORP rail system from @ikeausa . . #cottagestyle #farmhousestyle #countrykitchen #cottagekitchen #mycountryhome #betterhomesandgardens #mybhg #cottagedecor #ikeahack #hgtv #countrylivingmag #fixerupper #southernliving #cozycottage #thecottagejournal #ikea #farmhousekitchen #falldecor #fallhomedecor

A post shared by Courtney Affrunti (@goldenboysandme) on Oct 20, 2019 at 7:09am PDT

This week’s first kitchen trend from @goldenboysandme is a good reminder that a little splash of color can go a long way.

“Since islands take up a smaller portion of the kitchen in comparison to the entire cabinetry, adding a pop of color—such as sage, navy, or even a poppy orange color—is a great way to incorporate character into the space without overpowering the room,” says Lisa Seeger, design trend expert for N-Hance Wood Refinishing.

And there’s another reason to focus on the island: “As trends are constantly evolving year to year, it’s more practical to utilize this smaller piece to adhere to the ever-changing landscape of kitchen trends,” she adds, “rather than having to renovate the entire kitchen.”

Get the look: Give your kitchen island an upgraded pop of color (with minimal effort) by working with wood refinishing experts or by shopping the variety of colors in Home Depot’s all-in-one cabinet refinishing kits.

Farmhouse-style wood beams

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3rVk1Zpjbi/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Hindsight is everything, and if you’ve spent the past few years wishing your home had farmhouse-style ceiling beams as charming as these ones reposted by @countryhomemagazine (originally from @sanctuaryhomedecor), we’ve got surprising news: It’s not too late! But no major remodel is involved here—all you need to do is install some faux wood beams.

“Having wood beams in your home brings a sense of rustic charm that’s really hard to match,” says Brett Elron, owner and lead interior designer for BarterDesign. “Traditionally, these beams were used as weight-bearing structures and cost thousands of dollars, but thankfully you don’t have to spend thousands to get this look in your home today.”

Get the look: Add in the perfect set of faux wood beams to your kitchen by shopping these designs on Home Depot, and then learn more about how to install them. 

Two-tone cabinets

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I can’t do it. I have been in this transition phase of living in a basement apartment for almost two years now. I have gone in and out of cooking dinner. Which in all facts. I actually really enjoying cooking. It’s just been extremely hard finding motivation when I feel like there are too many reasons I can use to get out of it. I don’t have a dishwasher, little counter space, Erick is rarely home so it constantly feels like “why make a real dinner for just the kids”. It’s easier to throw together quesadillas, noodles and sauce, etc. If you haven’t seen my stories today I talked about why I have decided to make the change in my head about making excuses. I need to live life to the fullest in the chapter I am in NOW. Not wait to change until I’m out of transition and to the next phase of life. For me, right now it revolves around making dinner, but for you it might be about losing the weight, making yourself see a counselor, doing the laundry daily, spending more time with your kids. Whatever it is that you’ve been making excuses for and waiting for a change to happen in order for YOU to change. Let’s kick it in the butt. Stop letting our minds get the best of us. Let’s be in control. Live for now. . . . #Ggathome #heyhomehey #prettylittleinteriors #thedelightofdecor #howwedwell #decorcrushing #iheartthishaven #mycuratedvibe #stellarspaces #hartmyhome #mykindredabode #inspiremeneutral #mycreativeinterior #makehomeyours #lovewhereyoudwell #dailydecordose #myhomevibe #realhomes #thedecorsocial #ispyraddesign #homesohard #myhousebeautiful #myspaceanddecor #kitchendesign #kitchensofinstagram #kitchensofinsta . . Design via @jeanstofferdesign

A post shared by KELSIE- Home Design (@kelsieemm) on Oct 9, 2019 at 7:25pm PDT

It’s easy to see why all-white cabinets are a dying trend, especially when you take in these gorgeous two-toned ones in the home of @kelsieemm.

“By experimenting with two- or three-toned kitchen cabinets, you’ll be creating instant interest and excitement in your kitchen,” Elron says. “There are no set rules for multitoned cabinets, and this combination of light and dark works beautifully in this kitchen, with the dark green tying into the overall rustic tones of the hardwood floors and the light cream cabinets bringing in some light.”

Get the look: Map out your two-toned kitchen cabinets using Lowe’s online Paint Visualizer, then head to your nearest Lowe’s location to pick up the winning colors.

Antique-looking pieces

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What we do for a kitchen like @homestoriesatoz! Our beats per minute will never be the same!⁠ ⁠ -What do you guys think about this mix of black, white, and wood in her country kitchen? We wanna know! ⁠ ⁠ COMMENT BELOW!!! ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #blackandwhitedecor #blackandwhitekitchen #countrykitchen #farmhousekitchen #countertops #cementtiles #tiledesign #whitekitchen #kitchenpendants #sunflowers #farmhouselove #bartop #kitchenisland #barstools #decorstealsaddict #decorsteals #interiordesignersofinsta #kitchensofinsta #backsplash #cottagekitchen #kitcheninspo #kitchengoals #kitchendecor

A post shared by DECORSTEALS.COM (@decorsteals) on Oct 19, 2019 at 12:22pm PDT

Antique isn’t all drab rocking chairs and desks, as you can see from these vintage details in the fresh kitchen interior of @homestoriesatoz, reposted by @decorsteals.

“The mix of vintage and modern features in this kitchen does a great job of incorporating a rustic feel in the modern world,” Elron says. “I really like the hanging wooden light features, which create a nice mix of texture and style.”

Get the look: Head to your local vintage furniture store to scoop up some unique accent pieces, or shop the collections of vintage-inspired pendant lights and bar stools.

Range hood decor

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Bright white and open kitchen design! Who else loves this? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Follow us for more home design inspiration! @homeaura @homeaura ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ credits to @urbangreyhome . . . . . #interiorstyling #moderninterior #moderninteriors #ltkhome #interiorgoals #hyggehome #interiordesigninspiration #homeinteriordesign #inspiremehomedecor #realhomes #interiordeco #interiorinspo #makehomeyours #interiordesign #interiorstyle #interiorandliving #homedecor #interiors123 #myhomestyle #interiorinspirations #howyouhome #kitchendesign #kitcheninspiration #kitchengoals #kitchendecor #kitchenstyle #kitcheninspo #kitchenidea #kitchen

A post shared by HOME DECOR & DESIGN (@homeaura) on Oct 20, 2019 at 8:07am PDT

Who says your range hood can’t do double duty? This seasonal wreath display posted by @homeaura has given us all sorts of fresh design ideas for this tiny corner of the kitchen.

“When you have a kitchen that has a prominent color scheme like this one, you can almost get lost in it,” Elron says. “This range hood wreath helps to break up the color scheme while adding to the overall rustic look.”

Just be aware of any flammable issues with what you’re hanging on your range hood, he cautions: “Your hood shouldn’t be very warm that high up, but you should always be careful.”

Get the look: Add your very own festive range hood decor by shopping this selection at Wayfair.

The post The Weeks’s Hottest Kitchen Looks on Instagram Will Give Your Space a Rustic Refresh appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Your Front Door Color Reveals More About You Than You’d Think

Carmen Martínez Banús/Getty Images

Your front door color may need some freshening up—you probably know that it’s crucial to boosting your home’s value.

Before you reach for the exterior paint, know that your choice of front door colors can tell perfect strangers quite a lot about who you are. Moreover, there’s a certain feng shui to front door colors that you might want to take into account. Check out the following before you dive into turquoise paint!

What’s the deal with front door colors?

Photo by Dulux Paint

A lot, according to environmental psychologist Sally Augustin of Design With Science. She took us on a tour of the color wheel to get her insights on what each exterior door color might indicate about a homeowner.

So in addition to deciding which shades work best with your curb appeal, your home’s siding and exterior color palette, think about the statement you want your front door colors to make.

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Watch: Take a Spin on the Color Wheel

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Violet

Photo by tuthill architecture

Dreaming of painting your front door purple? Prepare to feel like royalty.

Shades of violet are “linked to sophistication,” Augustin says, and visitors will expect the same attention to luxury in your interiors.

But be careful when picking a shade—a purple front door can easily turn from luxurious to garish.

Orange

Photo by Austin Impressions – A Design and Build Firm
This bright, affordable paint can mean different things when used as an exterior door color, depending on the quality of your home. (No, not all colors cost the same—and orange paint tends to be one of the cheapest.)

For most homes, an orange front door can send the message that “I’m cheap or weird,” Augustin says. But paired with tasteful home decor accents inside, an orange front door might just be the perfect touch for your one-of-a-kind style.

If you’re lucky enough to own a high-end home, “you transcend that message,” Augustin says, citing the luxury brand Hèrmes’ trademark orange.

“When it’s clearly expensive, you can do whatever you want.”

White

Photo by Wettling Architects

What does the most common of all front door colors say about you? You might be a neat freak, or just really into modern Scandinavian design. The least neutral of the neutrals, white indicates sterility, cleanliness, and simplicity.

On the flip side, it can also say “this homeowner is way too obsessed with cleaning her baseboards,” and might make visitors nervous about making a mess.

Yellow

Photo by LDa Architecture & Interiors

Looking for curb appeal that stands out on your block? This bold paint color certainly makes an impression as an exterior door: Yellow is linked to optimism and extraversion. Guests will expect sunny rooms and cheerful decor inside.

Don’t splash it everywhere, though—it looks best as a spot of front door color against a home with darker siding. If you cover the whole exterior of the house, it can indicate irrationality and anxiety.

Blue

Photo by Beth Goldfarb

Looking for visitors? Try painting your front door a bright blue or turquoise, which is linked to calmness and trust.

“If you were knocking on a blue front door and you have time to ponder a second, you might come to the conclusion that the homeowners were more likely to be trustworthy,” Augustin says.

Green

Photo by The London Door Company

Green is one of the best-selling front door colors (in Britain, at least). Traditionally, this paint color indicates prosperity and wealth, but its natural appeal means you’re also serene and peaceful.

Don’t be afraid to pick a vivid green paint, though: Too neutral and you (and your front door) may seem bland.

Black

Photo by The London Door Company

What’s more stately than a solid black front door? If you’re looking for a paint color that connotes seriousness, this one’s for you.

This traditional color often seems formal, but you can add a playful tone with a modern black door against a colorful exterior. Covered with a shiny veneer, this front door is definitely glamorous—and might make your home appear safer and well-protected.

Wood

Photo by Pillar & Peacock

Don’t want to paint? Unpainted wood “conveys a more relaxed atmosphere,” Augustin says, with a rustic appeal that’s both cozy and welcoming—and it probably matches your siding (bonus!). But you’ll want to carefully consider whether the material makes sense in your neighborhood.

Red

Photo by Michelle Marsden Design

The Chinese design philosophy of feng shui considers red front doors lucky if they’re facing south or southwest.

Even if your home faces another direction, Augustin says this conventional paint color is “often linked with things like action,” making dwellers seem like “real go-getters.”

Want to seem vibrant and exciting without going too wild? This might be a good bet for your front door.

Brown

Photo by Warline Painting Ltd.

Some might see you as practical, but you risk going past practical into humorless with this plain, common front door color.

Still determined? Try choosing a lighter paint shade, which is a warmer, softer alternative to black or wood; a darker paint shade will seem somber.

The post Your Front Door Color Reveals More About You Than You’d Think appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.