Friday, January 31, 2020

Christina Anstead Nixes a Bathroom Feature Many Parents Might Miss

HGTV; realtor.com

Last season, “Christina on the Coast” star Christina Anstead helped her friend Cassie bring her outdated home into the 21st century. But apparently there was more work to do, since we find Anstead back in Cassie’s house for this Season 2 finale, too!

In the “Out With an Original Bathroom” episode, Anstead is helping Cassie fix up her master bedroom and bathroom so that they will match the style of the updated downstairs. Yet since Anstead is also well into her third trimester of pregnancy, the clock is ticking before she’s out of commission.

Can Anstead finish this renovation before her newest family member arrives? Read on to find out how she pulls off this rush remodeling job—and what we can all learn about renovating under a tight deadline or otherwise.

A shower-tub combo, though convenient, feels dated

bathroom
That shower curtain had to go.

HGTV

The biggest problem with Cassie’s bathroom is the dated style, so Anstead knows she has to give it a big refresh. One way to do that, she decides, is to update the shower-tub combo.

While some homeowners like the convenience of having a shower and tub in one—particularly moms and dads who might be bathing babies—this style can look dated, especially when paired with an old shower curtain.

bathroom
This shower is a big improvement.

HGTV

Anstead decides that it’s better to give up the bathtub in favor of modern glass shower doors and a large, walk-in shower.

In the end, the shower looks so good that Cassie doesn’t care she no longer has a tub!

Your bathroom tile shouldn’t match your kitchen

Cassie loves the look of marble, but she’s (surprisingly) not impressed when Anstead brings her marble samples for the new shower.

While Anstead suggests a marble herringbone pattern for the shower walls, Cassie explains that she’s worried about her shower looking too “matchy-matchy” with the marble herringbone design of the kitchen backsplash.

So, Cassie and Anstead decide to go shopping for the shower together, and Cassie ends up deciding on large marble slabs.

The choice is perfect: Cassie gets the marble look she loves, which complements the downstairs design without matching it exactly. Plus, it looks amazing!

Closet organizers take up space

bedroom
This bedroom felt too small.

HGTV

Before Anstead starts renovations, she notices Cassie’s built-in closet organizer in the master bedroom. It’s large and takes up a lot of space, making the bedroom and closet look much smaller than they are.

bedroom
This room looks so much brighter and bigger now!

HGTV

Anstead knows she has to find a better storage solution, so she decides to take out the closet organizer. She then expands the existing closet into the hallway linen closet, making the space twice as big. The result is a luxurious walk-in dressing room with plenty of room for clothes and accessories. Plus, without the organizer, the bedroom looks much bigger, too.

Makeup vanities add class to a bathroom

vanity
This vanity is the perfect place to get ready in the morning.

HGTV

Anstead knows Cassie would love a makeup vanity in her bathroom, so she makes room opposite the sink for an area where Cassie can sit.

While some homeowners would prefer to save space and do their makeup over the sink, this makeup counter is the perfect choice for Cassie. Plus, Anstead now has plenty of room to add a second sink.

closet
This is a dream closet.

HGTV

Match floors throughout the whole house

Flooring can be a big part of a renovation, and it certainly was a big part of Cassie’s past kitchen and living room project.

In order to help the master suite complement the style of the downstairs living room, Anstead decides to use the same floors. The light flooring is as perfect in this bedroom as it is downstairs, and matching the flooring helps the house feel cohesive.

So, is Christina Anstead’s season finale renovation up to snuff?

Cassie gives Anstead just $30,000 to redo the bedroom and bathroom, and even with Cassie’s expensive taste in marble, Anstead is able to finish the project right on budget. She opens up the bedroom, gives Cassie an amazing closet, and transforms the bathroom into a beautiful, spalike oasis.

Plus, she does it all with plenty of time to finish her own nursery and welcome her son, Hudson, into the world.

The post Christina Anstead Nixes a Bathroom Feature Many Parents Might Miss appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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Forget the Groundhog! Spring Has Sprung in the Bedroom With Instagram’s Hottest Decor Trends

KatarzynaBialasiewicz/iStock; realtor.com

After the most wonderful time of the year comes plain old winter—and boy, is it long. All the gloomy weather (minus the presents and festive cookies of December) is enough to make anyone feel blue. So it comes as no surprise that designers everywhere seem to be flocking toward one definitive idea in this week’s trending bedroom decor: a call for an early spring.

Like we do every week, we’ve scoured Instagram for the most popular posts to inspire you—and what we found is the trending decor right now brings spring into your tired bedroom digs.

So let Punxsutawney Phil say whatever he wants this weekend! We’re starting spring early with these five top looks.

1. Tropical bedding

Get ahead of the dreary weather by trading your bed linens for something bright and floral-fresh, like this blanket featured by @thislittlehouse.

“The postholiday gray days are the perfect time to make your home, and especially your bedroom, warm and cozy,” says Barri Branker of Beyond the Box Interiors. “Create that luxurious-resort feeling with lush tropical bedding. The visual warmth will lift your spirits every morning and night, with minimal commitment.”

Get the look: Give your bedroom a boost with this bright Briony duvet cover from Anthropologie.

———

2. Garden at the foot of the bed

Since your backyard garden is still in hibernation, why not plant a new one in the bedroom, just like we see in this post from @roomor_?

“Having greenery in the bedroom offers a long list of benefits, not only for the room but also for you,” says Jemma Lane of Arbor Living. “A mini garden at the foot of your bed helps to segment the room, and allows you to enjoy a natural setting indoors, and the peaceful mindset that goes with it.”

Get the look: Shop your local nursery to find a collection of plants that will thrive in your home.

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3. Botanical lighting

Much like the bare branches that begin to show buds in early spring, this botanical lighting featured by @wnetrza.ze.smakiem is an inspired way to bring an outdoor element inside.

“These botanical lights make a big impression in a small space, while providing a somewhat ethereal mood that creates a calm sanctuary,” says Kobi Karp of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design. “This style of lighting makes a statement with its textures and organic elements, especially with eco-friendly homes being so hot right now.

“Botanical lights can also be a fun DIY project,” Karp adds. “Just buy a string of lights from your local home improvement store, and attach them to any natural element of your liking.”

Get the look: Forage your own material for a DIY project, or go big with this inspired Viviana chandelier from Lumens.

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4. Headboard vase vignette

Clear some space off your headboard, because you’re going to want in on this springtime vignette trend featured by @nordmeise.

“These earthy tones are giving me all the feels,” says designer Sherri Monte of Elegant Simplicity. “The bright white bedding and white headboard contrasted with vases, plants, pictures, books, and other home decor really helps to create a cozy bedroom.

“This works so well because in bedrooms you don’t typically want a ton of energy. You want a place [where] your mind is at ease and you can relax,” Monte adds. “The use of browns, grays, and soft hues of taupe really exude that Zen mood.”

Get the look: Snag the perfect set of handmade vases for your headboard vignette on Etsy.

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5. Lush green walls

Looking for a small thing that makes a big difference? Then it might just be time to give your bedroom walls a fresh coat of paint—like with this lovely shade of green featured by @westwingnl.

“We’re absolutely loving the forest-green walls with this bed,” Monte says. “It feels luxe and moody. … There’s a level of sophistication present in this bedroom—the green walls and bedding feel very modern but the entire space is anchored by a classic wood floor and decor. It’s the perfect blend of two eras.”

Get the look: Ditch your winter blues for some spring greens when you shop this Duck Green hue from Farrow & Ball.

The post Forget the Groundhog! Spring Has Sprung in the Bedroom With Instagram’s Hottest Decor Trends appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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5 Things Laundry Experts Wish You Knew to Avoid Ruining Your Clothes

is your laundry clean?

kate_sept2004/iStock

It’s not surprising that laundry is considered one of the most hated chores in America. It’s a time-intensive activity that never seems to end, so much so that hitting the bottom of your laundry basket can feel like a major personal accomplishment. But unless you can afford to buy new clothes every week and throw out the old, this is one chore you can’t escape.

However, you can avoid overworking your washer and dryer. Putting your laundry appliances through harsh wear and tear (which you may not even be aware you’re doing) can shorten their life span, but it could also have other negative effects—you could be ruining your clothes.

To help you sort out your laundry habits, we spoke with some experts who clued us in to the things they wish people knew about common washer and dryer maintenance and cleaning practices.

1. You don’t need that much detergent

If detergent cleans your clothes, then more of it will make your clothes even cleaner, right? Nope, not necessarily.

“More detergent can leave your clothes feeling soapy and crusty, and it will make your washing machine work harder,” says David Moreno, co-founder of Liberty Home Guard. “Your washing machine may trigger extra rinse cycles if it believes there is still soap in the drum.”

These extra cycles cause unnecessary wear and tear on your machine, he says, cutting short the life span of your appliance.

2. Give those dryer sheets a break

When something works, there’s a tendency to overdo it. Just as you may use too much detergent, you may be using too many dryer sheets. According to Moreno, many people tend to double up.

“Dryer sheets leave residue behind that can reduce the efficiency of your dryer,” he says. “That additional residue may clog your lint screen and reduce air circulation throughout your machine.”

Without proper circulation, your dryer could overheat, and might cause a house fire.

3. You need to balance the items in your machines

We know you’re busy, and it’s so tempting to randomly throw items into the washing machine. But an unbalanced washer can damage the drum and other interior parts. That’s why it’s important to wash bulky items in pairs and fill the washer to its capacity.

Be sure to keep the balance when using your dryer, too.

“Don’t dry bedsheets and towels together since bedsheets are a much lighter-weight fabric and could overdry waiting for the towels to finish,” says Billy Miller, an expert at the Whirlpool Corporation Institute of Home Science.

4. Those water fill hoses are probably filthy

You likely don’t pay a lot of attention to the water fill hoses attached to your washing machine. However, according to Benjamin Joseph, co-founder at Liberty Home Guard, hundreds of loads of laundry, and dirty water, can cause a buildup of gunk.

“Your discharge hose needs to be clear if you want your washer to remove grey water efficiently,” says Joseph. “If you notice your hoses are gunky or damaged, replace them.”

5. Fabric softener can make your clothes last longer

Fabric softener can do more than just eliminate static cling and make your clothes smell good.

According to Laura Goodman, senior scientist for Procter & Gamble fabric care, when added to your washer, it can also make your clothes last longer.

“Garment fibers are similar to hair fibers and, over time, can be damaged from rubbing against other clothes in the wash and the heat of the dryer,” she says. “A fabric conditioner acts similarly to a hair conditioner, smoothing the fibers to prevent friction in the washer and dryer that leads to stretch, fade, and fuzz on garments.”

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Thursday, January 30, 2020

Make 2020 Your Most Productive Year Yet! 4 Fast Ways to Declutter Your Home Office

4 Fast Ways to Declutter Your Home Office

thodonal/iStock

If you’ve been following our “New Year, Clean House” series, then you know that you’re almost done giving your home a refresh. By now, hopefully, you’ve reclaimed your bed, turned your bathroom into the oasis it’s supposed to be, and are actually cooking in your kitchen again. You should be feeling pretty darn ready to conquer the new decade right about now!

But we’re not quite finished yet. There’s still one fairly important space to take care of—the one where all of your #goals become reality—but only if you can keep it clutter-free. That’s right, this week we’re taking on your home office. Because whether your workspace is just a corner in the living room or an entire spare bedroom, we’d bet you’re guilty of (at least a few of) these clutter crimes.

Here are four easy ways to declutter your home office space and get that dream desk back.

1. Ditch your old tech

Unless you’re planning on starting a museum of ancient relics (like those floppy disks buried in a drawer), it’s time to get all that old tech out the door. We’re talking about the old hard-drives, laptops, and especially the space-eating desktop computers. But before you send off your tech fossils to be recycled, make sure to protect and wipe that old data.

“If your data is truly sensitive, it can be worth the time and effort to bring it to a certified e-recycler, which guarantees a data wipe or sometimes will even destroy the unit in question for a small fee,” says Lauren Williams of Casual Uncluttering.

Ditching old tech goes beyond computers and smartphones. We’d also suggest a purge of any old or broken printers, keyboards, speakers, cables, and anything else you no longer use that’s taking up precious workspace.

“So many of our electronics can be recycled,” Williams says. “Be good to the environment, and let things go. You’ll be stunned at how much free space you’ll gain.”

2. Digitize your paperwork

We know you still have manuals, guides, and paperwork lying around that could be digitized—and we know because we’ve got ’em, too. And while the initial idea of going digital might seem daunting, we promise it’ll be worth it in the long run.

“It’s a time-consuming task, but not going through these items and converting them to digital means they’re taking up valuable space,” says Melanie Hartmann of Creo Home Solution. 

Focus on the most important files, and recycle the rest.

3. Downsize your collection of office supplies


Photo by Organization & Relocation 
Let’s be honest: Was there ever a time when you needed multiple staplers, hole punches, and tape dispensers? Take a good, hard look at all of your excess office supplies, and donate or toss anything you don’t need. This also applies to all those jars of mystery pens.

“Here’s where clearing the clutter saves you time,” says Williams. “Why are you wasting time checking if a broken pen still works or if there’s enough paper in the half-used notebook that you don’t even like? Let it go!”

4. Dial back the desktop knickknacks

We’ve all got them, but there’s a fine line between having a few fun mementos on your desk and the world’s biggest (and most distracting) collection of dancing solar toys. If your desk is starting to feel like the kids got hold of it, then it might be time to store some of those tchotchkes elsewhere.

“Having too many knickknacks means it takes longer to clean,” Hartmann says. “As Marie Kondo would suggest, keep only those items that bring you joy when you look at them, and either donate, sell, or gift anything else.”

The post Make 2020 Your Most Productive Year Yet! 4 Fast Ways to Declutter Your Home Office appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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The Property Brothers Reveal What’s Wrong With This Kitchen: Can You Spot It?

Property Brothers Forever home recap

HGTV; realtor.com

“Property Brothers: Forever Home” stars Drew and Jonathan Scott know that a little renovation can make an old house feel so much more livable. But what happens when a family spends a lot of time and money on a renovation—and the house still doesn’t work for it?

That’s what happens on the latest episode, titled “Rescued Into a Forever Home.” When Ontario, Canada, couple Valerie and David moved into their home seven years ago, they did a big, modern renovation on their kitchen. And while the space looks great, it’s just not at all functional for their growing family.

Can the Scott brothers help this family of four (plus their pups) make their old home work for them? Find out the surprisingly simple way Drew and Jonathan make the kitchen so much more family-friendly. And, as a bonus, learn Jonathan’s trick for making dogs feel right at home.

A recently renovated kitchen doesn’t mean it’s functional

Although Valerie and David had recently renovated their kitchen, just because it looks updated doesn’t mean it works for their family. Can you see why in the photo below?

kitchen
The kitchen looked good before, but it didn’t work for a family with kids.

HGTV

The answer: There’s no seating at the island, so the kids can’t sit and watch Mom and Dad cook. Furthermore, the space is open to the dining area, but Valerie and David can’t see the kids in the living room while they’re cooking.

kitchen
This kitchen, with open sightlines and island seating, is now perfect for this family.

HGTV

The Scotts know this has to change, so they redesign the kitchen with a new look and better functionality for the kids. They take down the wall between the kitchen and living room, then add seating to the island. In the end, the space looks amazing and works much better.

Get rid of the outdated, oversize mantel

fireplace
This green fireplace gives the room its “wow” factor.

HGTV

Often, an old home comes with an outdated fireplace—and that’s just what David and Valerie have. The couple explain that they’ve been wanting to remove the oversize, outdated mantel but knew it would be a ton of work.

Luckily, it’s not too much work for Drew and Jonathan.

The brothers install a simpler fireplace facade in a color that pops: emerald green. They explain that they wanted a tile that could match the era of this old home, and it seems they found the perfect shade. It looks classic, but also beautifully modern.

And the best news: Valerie and David love it.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” David says.

Find a spot for the dogs that doesn’t take over the living space

dog's space
This cubby is just the perfect size for two small dogs to nestle in.

HGTV

With one dog already and another one being adopted, the family need a comfortable spot for their pets to hang out. So while Jonathan is designing a storage space for the family’s coats, he decides to add a small cubby for the pups to nestle in.

It’s a great solution because not only does it give the dogs their own cozy space to hang out, but it also gives them a spot that’s out of the way. Dog beds laid out in the living room can make a space seem cluttered, but with the pups’ home built into the wall, it’s a great space-saver.

From dingy basement to perfect play area

play room
The kids can keep all of their toys in this playroom!

HGTV

When Drew and Jonathan start the renovation, they give David and Valerie a choice: They could have either a closed-in porch or a finished basement. They choose the basement right away. No contest!

As it turns out, their two kids love playing down there, but Valerie and David are always worried about their being in the space. With a little updating, the brothers are able to transform this basement from ugly laundry room to adorable playroom.

When the basement renovation is finished, Valerie and David love how it looks—and the fact that the kids’ toys can stay downstairs, without cluttering the living space upstairs. Of course, the kids are also thrilled that they have their own space to play.

Lighter floors are an instant improvement

flooring
Installing light flooring is an easy way to make a space seem larger.

HGTV

Before Drew and Jonathan even start renovations, they can see that David and Valerie’s house has one big issue: dark floors.

Dark wood isn’t good for a house with dogs, the brothers explain, because the flooring will show scratches easily. Plus, it’s not great for a smaller living area, because dark floors make the space look small and closed off.

So, the Scott brothers decide to give these two wide-plank, laminate flooring in a light color. In the end, the floors look beautiful, and it makes the space look much larger.

“It went from this dark brown to this beautiful, lighter, more open, fresh color,” David says when he sees the improvement.

How does this ‘Property Brothers’ renovation end up?

Valerie and David explain that they need to stay within their $150,000 budget, and the Scotts do that easily. They manage to redo the living room, kitchen, dining room, and basement for just $140,000.

With the functional kitchen, updated fireplace, great spot for the dogs, and an amazing playroom for the kids, it’s clear that Drew and Jonathan really nailed this renovation for every member of the family.

The post The Property Brothers Reveal What’s Wrong With This Kitchen: Can You Spot It? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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6 Home Gym Design Mistakes That Can Sabotage Your Workout—and Waste Money

monkeybusinessimages/iStock

Every year, top resolutions for the New Year include working out more and losing weight. Going to the gym is one way to meet these goals. However, a monthly membership can really inflate your budget. Plus, schlepping to and from the gym, whatever the weather, can get even more tiresome than the workouts themselves.

With a home gym, on the other hand, you can exercise at your convenience in the comfort of your own home—using the type of equipment that you like.

But it’s not quite that easy: If you don’t design the space properly, you won’t want to work out there, either. So don’t waste time, money, and valuable square footage—avoid the following mistakes when setting up your home gym.

1. Choosing fashion over function

We get it: You want a nice-looking gym in your nice-looking home. However, focusing on fashion over function is a major design mistake.

“Is your gym something to simply admire and show off to your guests, or is it meant to be a place where you sweat and work out?” asks exercise physiologist Tom Holland, a Bowflex fitness adviser and the author of “Beat the Gym.”

He says that many people design their home gyms as beautiful spaces, focusing on aesthetics rather than functionality.

“Buying an expensive rack of chrome dumbbells that take up an entire wall may look amazing, but you can purchase one set of adjustable dumbbells that will replace that entire rack,” Holland says.

“The look, layout and equipment selected should maximize the space while giving you the best workout possible based on your personal tastes and goals.”

2. Ignoring the flooring

Photo by S. B. Long Interiors

Flooring in your home gym should be one of your first considerations. But, according to Jamie Safier, a luxury real estate agent at Douglas Elliman in NYC, people often skip this step.

“Do you want to do situps or jumping jacks on cold marble? Do you want to sweat on wall-to-wall carpet?” Safier asks. Um, no.

“Rubber flooring is best on the joints, and there are even some high-end ones now that give the look of hardwood,” he says.

Make sure that whatever you choose is waterproof and has texture, so you don’t slip.

3. Putting the gym in the basement or garage

Basements and garages are popular locations for home gyms. However, if you don’t make the space inviting, you’ll never want to go in there. Also, lighting and ventilation are crucial.

“Natural light is ideal, though that might not be possible in a basement, so think about putting in a faux window or skylight,” says Dan DiClerico, home expert at Home Advisor. He also recommends painting the space a bright white or cheerful color, to make the room more inviting.

If the gym is in a damp area, DiClerico suggests using a dehumidifier to reduce mold and mildew. It’s also worth installing an air purifier to remove dust mites, dander, and other pollutants, he says.

4. Skimping on power

You’ll probably want several types of equipment in your home gym. But according to Don Powers, president and CEO of Fitness Machine Technicians, it’s a mistake to overlook your electrical needs.

“Each machine should have a dedicated outlet—plugging two exercise machines into one outlet can strain the power, weakening the performance of the machines and risking electrical harm,” Powers explains.

5. Going overboard with equipment

Photo by Renew Home Interiors

Peloton, Bowflex, Tonal … the list of fancy home gym equipment goes on and on. But in choosing what to put in your gym, don’t get carried away. Be realistic about the activities you’ll do on a consistent basis.

“It is better to start small—with some small free weights and one machine, versus an entire suite of equipment—and build upon your design as your commitment to working out at home is evident and proven over time,” says Leigh Spicher, national director of design studios for Ashton Woods.

Also, avoid buying a large piece of equipment that can’t be used by every member of your family.

“The bigger the piece of equipment, the more you should be able to do with it, and the more family members that should want to use it,” says Holland.

6. Putting the gym on the second floor

We realize you may have limited options for the home gym’s location. However, if you put it in the wrong place, you’ll regret your decision.

“Beyond the obvious hassle of getting your new Peloton or Nordic Track up the stairs, some floors have weight limitations and need structural reinforcement before adding heavy racks, weights, and equipment,” says Spicher.

Quite apart from structural issues, there’s another potential problem with choosing the wrong location.

“Be sure you will not be doing burpees or box jumps above the baby’s nursery or your spouse’s office,” says Paul Johnson, founder of Complete Tri. Extra insulation can help, but he says it’s hard to avoid the sound entirely unless the building is constructed from concrete.

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Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Is Your Garage Pack Rat Central? Toss These 6 Things Now

JodiJacobson/iStock

Decluttering the garage never seems to be a top priority, until you find yourself regularly doing what we like to call “the garage shuffle.”

The garage shuffle is a crazy dance that involves a lot of creatively acrobatic moves to maneuver around everything blocking your route to the car. And the dance only becomes more complicated the more stuff you have.

As part of our “New Year, Clean House” series, we’re going to help you declutter the garage and keep your shuffling to a minimum. Here are six things you can toss right now.

1. Empty boxes

Empty boxer or spider nests?

Im Yeongsik/iStock

One of the biggest culprits causing you to do the garage shuffle on the regular? We know you know, but we’ll say it anyway: old cardboard boxes.

“The quickest way to make your garage feel more spacious is to get rid of the trash that’s hiding in the nooks and crannies,” says Ali Wenzke, author of “The Art of Happy Moving.”

And there’s an even better reason to break down and recycle those boxes: “Critters like spiders and roaches love to make homes in those boxes,” Wenzke says.

2. Broken stuff

The garage always seems to be the holding area for things that might be useful someday, and that’s especially true when it comes to broken stuff.

“Separate anything that’s broken, and evaluate whether it’s worth your time, energy, and money to have it fixed,” says Melissa Groff, owner of Namastay Organized. “If not, trash it. If you want to fix it, give yourself a deadline, and remember, every to-do item you give yourself takes time and energy away from something else you could be doing.”

3. Old toys

Keep the memories, ditch the old toys.

yavdat/iStock

If your kids are grown, it’s time to toss their old toys—even if you planned on saving them for the grandkids.

“Old plastic toys can become brittle and unsafe,” says Ann Zanon, owner of A2Z Organizing Solutions.

Plus, she adds, “They get so darned dirty! If you have them in the garage, it’s likely they’re hosting insects and rodents, and all their droppings. Do you really want your grandchildren riding around on an old toy with that on it?”

4. Holiday decor

Decorations don’t get better with age—especially if they’ve been living in your garage this whole time.

“Holiday decor piles up year after year,” says Sara Bereika of Abundance Organizing. “We see mass amounts of it in garages, and it rarely all gets used. The fact is that things get smelly, moldy, look worn, and end up going out of style.”

Pass on any decor items still in good shape to a local charity; otherwise, plan on recycling them.

5. Expired chemicals

Dispose of chemicals responsibly.

WinThom/iStock

If you have more household chemicals than a mad scientist, it’s time to sort through them and see what needs to be tossed.

“Evaluate the chemicals in your garage based on their packaging,” says Groff. “Look for an expiration date, and trash them if expired or if the bottle is leaking and doesn’t function.”

Although some things like fertilizer and paint cans can last a long time, you should still plan on periodically checking them and tossing anything you can’t use. Not sure how to safely dispose of your chemical collection? Check Earth911 to find out.

6. Unfinished projects

Ah, the infamous unfinished project. Unless it’s something epic—like a ceiling fresco—you might want to let this one go, too.

“I’ve kept scraps of wood around for months, anticipating a future wood shop project that never comes,” says Colin Haentjens of the Knobs Company. “There are at least three problems with unfinished projects: They’re potentially dangerous, they’re a nuisance to clean around, and materials can lose quality/resale value if not stored properly.”

Ask around to see if your friends need some bobs and bits for their own projects.

“If that doesn’t work, pull off the Band-Aid and recycle or trash them,” Haentjens says. “You’ll enjoy the decluttered space!”

The post Is Your Garage Pack Rat Central? Toss These 6 Things Now appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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When Game Day Is Every Day: 6 Items to Trick Out Your Game Room

DGLimages/iStock

In these app-obsessed times, it’s a refreshing change to actually get together with people in person for some recreation, whether it’s billiards, Dungeons & Dragons, or chess. Ideally, you’d have some space set aside for game playing, and not just the kitchen table—and this can go from basic to truly tricked out.

A classic game room would have items like a pool table, dart board, and a place to keep your beverages cold. But if you really want your game room to stand out, you’ll want to pick out games and accessories that are truly special. Here are some must-have items that can get you started on the road to the ultimate game room.

1. Convertible pool table

pool table
Fusion Pool Table

Arasmith

A pool table that doubles as a dining table? Ingenious! This Fusion Pool Table ($8,375, Triangle Billiards) can seat several people for a meal or a game of cards.

Ready to play pool? In less than a minute, you can slide the chairs aside, remove the three-part tabletop, and you’re ready for a game of billiards.

The pool table is available in wood and metal finishes. The pool table cloth is available in every color you can imagine, including Academy Blue, khaki, red, black, and Tourney Green.

2. Baseball stadium map

baseball stadium map
Track the baseball stadiums you’ve visited.

GeoJango

Baseball fans, this one’s for you. There are maps, and then there are maps that commemorate your love of America’s pastime. This vintage-edition baseball stadium map ($149, GeoJango) makes geography a lot more fun than it was when you were in school.

“This unique piece of sports decor highlights the locations of every MLB team and makes a statement on any wall,” says Michael Anderson at GeoJango Maps.

“We include pushpins so people can track which baseball stadiums they’ve visited and which ones are still on their bucket list,” he says. “Additionally, they can add custom text to the label in the lower left-hand corner, which ensures that their map is truly one of a kind.”

And we have good news for NFL, NBA, and NHL fans—stadium maps are available for them, too!

3. Retro mini-refrigerator

mini fridge
Chill out in your game room with this mini-refrigerator.

Galanz

Perhaps the only thing cooler than a fridge in your game room is a vintage-inspired fridge ($399, Home Depot) in your game room. You never have to leave your game room with this 7.6-cubic foot beauty that was inspired by the past but designed for the future. It’s Energy Star–certified and includes features you might not expect in such a slim appliance like removable glass shelves and door bins, a produce crisper, and an adjustable thermostat. The fridge is available in red and black, and also comes in a 3.5-cubic foot version.

4. Unique chess set

chess set
Up the competition with a chess set.

Umbra

Depending on your age, as a child, perhaps you used paper and pen to play tic-tac-toe, or played a computerized version on your phone.

Video games are great, but there’s nothing like an intense game of chess to really get the competition going in your game room.

This upscale chess set ($250, Wayfair) can provide hours of entertainment and makes a design statement in your game room. Made of polished maple and walnut wood, the design is so chic that even if you lose, you’re still a winner because you own this stylish take on a classic game.

5. Magnetic dart board

A magnetic dartboard is much safer.

Wicked Uncle

It’s all fun and games until someone gets poked with a dart. You can avoid all of that drama with this magnetic dart board ($13, Wicked Uncle). It’s a great way to help kids, inebriated adults, and just downright bad players avoid a trip to the ER.

“I’m a Brit, so I believe you must have a dart board in your game room, but this is a much safer version that has no sharp ends” says Joel Poznansky, president of Wicked Uncle Gifts, a toy shop in Beltsville, MD.

Each box includes a magnetic dart board, six magnetic darts, and instructions.

6. Storage ottoman

storage ottoman
Hide the odds and ends in this ottoman in your game room.

Simpli Home

When you need to put those darts and other items away, this storage ottoman ($283, Simpli Home) is one stylish way to hide everything and quickly reduce the clutter.

It’s made of distressed brown faux leather and wooden legs. Lift up the lid to reveal the storage compartment that’s big enough to fit board games, blankets, or anything else you need to hide.

The post When Game Day Is Every Day: 6 Items to Trick Out Your Game Room appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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Noisy Refrigerator? What Those Sounds Mean (and When to Call a Pro)

AndreyPopov/iStock

All refrigerators make some noise. Your fridge might even be humming right now. But what happens when you hear an unfamiliar or annoying (or even loud) noise coming from your fridge—is there cause for concern?

If your noisy fridge is accompanied by other issues—like food not cooling properly, the ice maker not working, or lots of heat emanating from underneath the appliance—it’s wise to call a repair person.

But if you can determine where the noise is coming from (for example, from the compressor) and how often it occurs, you might be able to diagnose and deal with this loud refrigerator problem yourself.

We spoke with two fridge experts who discussed some of the most common refrigerator noises you might hear, what they might mean, and when to call in a pro to take a look.

If the rattling noise is coming from the bottom of the refrigerator

If you hear a loud rattling noise near the bottom of the refrigerator, the culprit is likely to be the drain pan, says Doug Rogers, president of repair company Mr. Appliance.

“This is an easy fix: Just secure the pan back in place for peace and quiet,” he says. The drain pan is located underneath the fridge and is roughly an inch above the floor.

If the noise is coming from the back of the refrigerator

A noisy sound coming from the back of the fridge is probably the condenser fan or the compressor.

“If you determine the noise is caused by the condenser fan, try cleaning away dust and debris that may have accumulated between the fan blades, using a soft brush,” says Rogers.

Of course, be sure to unplug your refrigerator before cleaning the compressor, attempting any repairs, or calling a technician.

If the noise is coming from inside the refrigerator

Hear a noise inside the refrigerator that sounds like a squeak or rattle? It’s probably the circulation fan, which pushes air through the freezer and fridge sections of your appliance. The circulation fan is located right behind an access panel on the back of the refrigerator.

“You can make certain this is the problem by pushing in the light switch in the freezer,” says Rogers. If the circulation fan is the culprit, the noise in the refrigerator will get louder.

Fan motors in refrigerators can fail in many different ways, but one of the most common (and gross) ways is an animal getting inside the fan and dying. You might not hear any noise, since the animal is blocking the fridge fan from running. It might also feel really warm and hot by the fan.

Unfortunately, Rogers says, the only fix for this is to replace the noisy fan in your refrigerator (a repair service is in order).

If it sounds like squealing or a bird chirping in your fridge

Your fridge shouldn’t sound like a bird or small critter is trapped inside. If you do hear noisy refrigerator sounds like squealing or chirping, it may mean the evaporator fan is malfunctioning.

If something is wrong with the refrigerator fan, the freezer won’t cool adequately, says Rogers.

The evaporator fan can be accessed by removing the freezer’s contents and looking at the inside panel in the back of the freezer. You’ll need a screwdriver to open it. See if the blade is operating smoothly by spinning it. Check wires and all components for signs of wear and tear, along with grommets.

“If the fan blade doesn’t move freely, or there are signs of damage or corrosion on wires or connectors, it may be necessary to replace these fridge parts,” Rogers says.

If it sounds like buzzing or humming in your refrigerator

Your light is probably close to going out if you hear an electrical buzzing sound, says Sears home service knowledge author Adrienne Berain-Normann. On some units, you can replace the lights yourself, though you may need to call a repair service.

If it sounds like knocking

Rogers says a knocking noise is likely to be a sign that the condenser is failing or that the fan motor isn’t working properly. The fan is probably too hot or running too hard.

If a clicking sound is coming from your ice maker

A click-click-click coming from your ice maker could mean that the water line valve is loose or not connected to the water supply. If you recently moved the fridge, a broken connection could prevent the ice maker from working.

Noises not to worry about

Keep in mind that not every noise you hear is a sign that something’s amiss. Gurgling, for example, is Freon boiling in the evaporator, which is how it cools the fridge.

“It’s not a noise to be concerned about,” says Rogers.

Also, as a general rule, an older refrigerator will make more noise than a newer unit. A typical refrigerator can last up to 20 years.

The post Noisy Refrigerator? What Those Sounds Mean (and When to Call a Pro) appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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