Jody Minns's Stories: April 2020

Thursday, April 30, 2020

The Property Brothers Reveal 2 Things Every Backyard Needs

Property Brothers Forever Home Into the Future recap — HGTV; realtor.com

Drew and Jonathan Scott renovate a lot of small, but well-loved, starter homes on their show “Property Brothers: Forever Home.” But their most recent project was never meant to be just a starter home. In fact, when this home was purchased, it was meant to be forever—only there was a catch.

In the episode “Into the Future,” Raymond and Binh explain that they bought their roomy Toronto, ON, home 18 years ago, with every penny of their savings. This meant that by the time they moved in, they couldn’t do any updates to the house. They could barely afford any furniture!

Now, almost two decades (and three kids) later, Binh and Raymond know that it’s time to treat their house to the upgrades it needs. Read on to learn how Drew and Jonathan deliver, and you may take home some tips for your own abode.

An entryway should make a great first impression

The front entryway is the first thing that guests see when they walk into a home, so it’s important for it to be both stylish and inviting.

Unfortunately for Raymond and Binh, their entry isn’t anything special. With a boring white door, white tile, and a white stair railing, the space looks seriously bland.

To make matters worse, a wall is blocking it from the rest of the house, making this dull space feel especially small and closed off.

The Scotts decide to spice up this area by adding color and a lot of personality. They replace the boring white door with a stylish dark wood one, repaint the stair spindles in a dark shade to add some dimension, and replace the lifeless white tile with a beautiful blue design with an art deco feel.

With some pops of color and that intrusive wall removed, this boring entryway has been transformed into one of the home’s greatest assets.

A three-sided fireplace can be enjoyed from every angle

Raymond and Binh are excited to finally get both a living room and a formal dining room, but with a wall separating the two rooms, the brothers know that this can make each space feel closed off.

To open up both the living room and dining room, the brothers install a three-sided fireplace. This gives both the living and dining areas, and the kitchen, the benefit of a hearth. In addition, it opens up the space, allowing longer sightlines between the rooms.

Bring color into a kitchen with a colorful island

Binh and Raymond love white cabinets, but they also would love their kitchen to have a splash of color. The brothers come up with a solution that accommodates both style must-haves, by installing modern white cabinets in the kitchen, then painting the island blue.

This colorful island gives the space a playful splash of color, while the rest of the kitchen feels clean and fresh.

Include wood tones to warm up a room

While white cabinets and a blue island may make for a stylish kitchen, the brothers want to finish off the look by adding some wood tones to the space.

The custom hood vent and the wood-tone stools add an earthy feel to the space, and adding a splash of dark color gracefully sets off all the white cabinets.

New windows and drapes can improve the view

One of the best things about Raymond and Binh’s house is the amazing view. The living room looks out on gorgeous trees and greenery, but it seems this family can’t enjoy that, because of the set of old windows and outdated drapes that obstruct the view.

To fix this problem, the brothers install all new windows to improve the space, plus, they add some simple curtains that won’t upstage the gorgeous view outside.

Add a door and deck to the backyard

Drew and Jonathan love Raymond and Binh’s backyard, but they think it’s strange that there’s no path from the living room outside.

So, the brothers decide to turn one rear-facing window into a door, and also to add a deck. These one-two punch upgrades make a huge difference, connecting the house to the yard out back.

Do the Scotts deliver?

With a maximum budget of $200,000, Raymond and Binh are determined to give their house the update it deserves.

So, the Scotts come up with a plan to improve the entryway, the living room, and kitchen, and even give the kids a separate space downstairs.

The brothers estimate a renovation cost of $185,000, but they run into some water damage along the way. Waterproofing around the basement windows ends up costing an extra $2,000, putting the final cost at $187,000.

It’s a little over the proposed budget, but the results seem well worth it. In the end, Binh, Raymond, and their three kids, have a beautiful home that they’re sure to enjoy for another 18 years.

The post The Property Brothers Reveal 2 Things Every Backyard Needs appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

How To Wash Windows

Bring the Bar to You! 12 Essentials for DIY Cocktails During Quarantine

Even with all the talk of the country reopening, it will likely still be several weeks before you can go out for drinks—especially if your tastes lean more toward craft cocktails than drive-thru margaritas (yes, that’s a thing).

But you don’t need to be out and about to enjoy your favorite boozy beverages—all you really need are a few of these must-have bar tools from the pros. Here are 12 essentials to snatch up so you can start sipping the swankiest craft cocktails from your couch.

1. Retro shaker

This Hatch cocktail shaker from Crate & Barrel isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s also an amazing addition to any at-home bar. For all those times your drinks aren’t cold enough, or you just really need your drink to be shaken and not stirred, this $20 crystal look-alike will be there to make your cocktail dreams come true.

2. Paring knife

If you’re still struggling with a butter knife to cut lemons and limes, that ends today. Upgrade your knife situation with this ultra-affordable Victorinox 4-inch Swiss classic paring knife, on sale from Amazon for just $10.

3. Funky ice molds

No matter what kind of drinks you plan on making, you’re going to need plenty of ice. Check out this Classic Kitchen Chillz Blox large ice-cube tray ($16 from Amazon) for cubes that won’t water down your favorite single malt, or get funky with this Animewild mustache ice-cube tray ($6 from Amazon).

4. Bitters in all flavors

In order to keep your drinks from tasting like fruit juice and bottom-shelf booze, you’re going to want a set of these bitters from Hella Cocktail Co. With five different flavors to choose from, you’re guaranteed to have cocktails that actually taste like a real mixologist made them.

5. Easy-squeeze juicer

When life gives you lemons—well, avoid getting the juice in your eyes by squeezing them with a Chef’n FreshForce citrus juicer ($20 from Crate & Barrel). It’s perfect for getting just the right amount of citrus in your drink, minus all those pesky little seeds.

6. Chic glasses

While these are officially known as coupe glasses, this swanky drinkware will work just as well as a typical martini glass—and it’s a lot less prone to spills. Snag a set of these Libbey Capone Speakeasy coupe cocktail glasses ($21 from Amazon) and give them a go with a gimlet or Manhattan.

7. Bar spoon with muddler

Having an extra-long spoon and muddler doesn’t just make your bar look more official—it will also up your game when it comes to serving stirred drinks. Get your own bar spoon with muddler ($10 from Crate & Barrel) and never use random short spoons to stir again.

8. Shiny jiggers

Keep your plastic mixing cup in the cupboard, and opt instead for this three-piece, mixed-metal jigger set ($30 from Bed, Bath & Beyond). With two different measurements on each hourglass jigger, you’re sure to get the right pour every time—plus, these metallic pieces will look mighty fine on your bar.

9. Top-notch strainer

We’re sure you have some sort of strainers in your kitchen, but this one isn’t for the pasta or legumes. Applauded by professional bartenders, the Hawthorne cocktail strainer ($17 from Amazon) will help you make your very own version of that $15 cocktail you’ve been missing.

10. Crystal rocks glasses

Every respectable home bar needs a set of rocks glasses, and this crystalline set of four Markham double old-fashioned glasses ($42 from Amazon) is unbeatable for the price.

11. Ultimate recipe book

For those of us who haven’t ventured into the world of mixology before, a little intro might be in order. For that, we recommend “The PDT Cocktail Book” ($19 for the hardcover edition from Amazon). Filled with gorgeous photos and easy-to-follow recipes, this book makes for a great coffee table addition even when you’re not crafting delicious cocktails.

12. Martini olive picks

Hoem bar — Prodyne olive-head, stainless-steel martini picks
Bed, Bath & Beyond

No matter what kinds of garnishes you like to adorn your cocktails with, these Prodyne olive-head, stainless-steel martini picks ($11 from Bed, Bath & Beyond) are sure to top off the drink elegantly—even if your quarantine supply has recently run out of actual olives.

The post Bring the Bar to You! 12 Essentials for DIY Cocktails During Quarantine appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

7 Easy Ways To Turn Your Backyard Into Paradise While Sheltering in Place

8 Easy Ways to Turn Your Backyard into Paradise While Sheltering in Place — KatarzynaBialasiewicz/Getty Images

With much of the country under lockdown due to the novel coronavirus, people are focusing on having fun in their own backyards—and shopping for ways to make their personal patch of land more luxurious than ever.

So how do you pull this off? According to a recently released survey by Wayfair Professional on what its millions of customers are searching for right now, it’s all about making outdoor spaces feel as comfy as the indoors.

For instance: Searches on the Wayfair site for outdoor kitchen islands are up 130% over last year, while searches for backyard bars and wine fridges jumped 155% and 46% respectively. Want a fire pit for a weenie roast? They’re also trending, with searches for gas pits up 99% and concrete fire pits soaring 173%.

You can offer burgers, dogs, *and* brats from this massive grill.
Wayfair

“Since people are forced to spend more time at home, it makes sense that outdoor furniture is trending—since we’re looking to create more varied living spaces,” says Drew Henry of Design Dudes.

“And once people’s social circles start to bubble to including visitors, homeowners will want to accommodate them with enough space and amenities,” adds Ana Cummings of the eponymous design firm.

The sweet life is easy in this outdoor living room.
Wayfair

Searches for patio furniture sets is up 30% this year, while searches for comfy “deep seating” has spiked 171%.

“Gone are rigid metal patio sets—now you can have the same feeling as your living room since upholstered, deep-set sectionals are plush and comfortable, while also allowing more people to sit,” says Lindsey Zborowski, a Wayfair style expert.

These outdoor amenities also add home value because you’re increasing usable space—and creating an outdoor living area allows for distinct gatherings to take place simultaneously.

“For example, if one spouse wants to read quietly, the other could watch TV or listen to music on the patio and have the luxury of an outdoor kitchen to make snacks,” says Henry.

Want to feather your nest with new gear? Here are some fab picks to enjoy with your family now and to share with friends later, once we’ve fully emerged from our homes.

1. Basket chair

Snuggle into this cozy cocoon with a good book.
Wayfair

Woven furniture is having a moment, including rattan, wicker and caning, in part because of its classic style and the texture it adds.

“Every patio should incorporate these pieces because they scream tropical and fun,” says Cummings.

This basket chair ($360) comes in brown or white, and includes plush pillows in tan, beige, or lime-green stripes.

2. Wine fridge

A 46-bottle capacity means the party lasts all night.
Wayfair

“Restaurants as we’ve known them may not return soon, so people are going to want their outdoor living spaces to reflect a ‘going out’ vibe with a spot for having cocktails in the sunshine and fresh air,” says Cummings.

This dual-zone wine fridge ($890) fits the bill nicely, with a modern glass front and five slide-out shelves.

3. Vertical garden

Searches for wall planters are up 62%.
Wayfair

No space for a container garden on your porch? Look to your walls to install lush greenery.

“Adding plants to your patio or deck turns your outdoor room into a total summer hangout,” says Cummings.

This metal wall planter ($75) holds three potted plants and can turn a blah backdrop into a verdant accent.

“If you want an herb garden close by for grilling or making drinks, a vertical garden keeps everything within reach, and it’s relatively low-maintenance,” says Zborowski.

4. Outdoor rug

Earthy terra-cotta shades channel warm summer breezes.
Wayfair

Don’t forget outdoor accessories, including rugs and cushions, say the pros, and try to blend your indoor and outdoor spaces to establish flow.

“Carry the same tile from inside to out, for example, and you’ll make both spaces feel visually larger,” says Henry. This geometric area rug ($31) in a poppy-orange hue comes in nine shades and more than a dozen sizes.

5. Outdoor bar

This three-piece set is well-priced and functional.
Wayfair

Bar sets have been top sellers, says Zborowski, especially ones that offer storage and seating as well as multiple sides for serving and prep work.

This affordable outdoor bar ($310) in chic chocolate-brown can live on your patio all season long thanks to its weather-resistant resin wicker exterior.

6. Patio lantern

A battery-powered lamp is safe around kids and pets.
Wayfair

“Outdoor lanterns with perforated patterns and geometric details are another popular item this year as they offer a bohemian aesthetic and visual interest,” says Zborowski.

Hang this lantern ($42) from a patio tree or place a series of them along a walkway to light a path for family and friends.

7. Fire pit

A three-season steel fire pit is a smart addition to the yard.
Wayfair

Every kid flips for s’mores on a warm night, so consider this sturdy, yet compact, version for your outdoor setting. This attractive copper and black fire pit ($137) is a snap to assemble and comes with a poker and wood grate.

The post 7 Easy Ways To Turn Your Backyard Into Paradise While Sheltering in Place appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

The Property Brothers Reveal One Thing Every Dream Home Needs on ‘Celebrity IOU’

Celeb IOU- Viola Davis recap — HGTV; realtor.com

“Property Brothers” stars Drew and Jonathan Scott are used to helping stars treat their friends and family to home makeovers on their latest HGTV series, “Celebrity IOU.” But they’ll have to get ready for an especially emotional renovation when actress Viola Davis surprises her best friend with the home renovation of her dreams.

On the “Viola Delivers a Dream Home” episode, the brothers meet the “How to Get Away With Murder” star in Minneapolis, where Davis’ dear friend of 30 years, Michelle, lives with her family. While Michelle’s house may be the site of many fun gatherings, the space isn’t exactly ideal for entertaining—nor is it quite the relaxing oasis Davis thinks her friend deserves.

Read on to learn how Davis and the Scott brothers make this home the perfect space for entertaining, working from home, and more—and how some of these ideas might be worth trying in your own home, too.

Viola Davis knows that this old kitchen needs an update.
HGTV

Every dream home should have a fireplace

So what’s the one thing the brothers think every dream home needs? A fireplace.

Drew explains that a fireplace can make a living room feel more welcoming, and it turns out he’s right! With a marble surround and mirror above, this warm feature definitely makes the living room feel cozier.

They also add some floating shelves to either side, framing the fireplace and making the space much more functional. In the end, this fireplace with built-ins transforms the living room into a relaxing sitting room the family will certainly use all the time.

Add a pop of color to a kitchen peninsula

Davis wants Michelle’s space to be clean and fresh, but she doesn’t want the design to be stark white. So the brothers agree to add a big pop of color on the kitchen’s new peninsula. They lay a blue, ridged panel over the peninsula that not only gives the space some color, but also adds some much-needed texture. It’s a fun alternative to more traditional accent paint or tile—and looks amazing.

Wood accents add a warm, earthy feel

While the blue peninsula gives this house some serious personality, Davis is determined to bring some extra color into the kitchen. However, she doesn’t want to compromise on the light and airy design she knows Michelle would love. So, the brothers come up with an idea to incorporate some wood tones to break up the white design.

Drew and Jonathan use maple for the pantry and fridge surround, then finish the kitchen with white oak accents in the cabinets, which match the built-ins around the fireplace.

These wood tones help give the kitchen a little extra color without being too bold. They provide an earthy feel that fulfills Davis’ peaceful and relaxed design vision.

Choose lighting fixtures that complement each other

dining room — This chandelier looks amazing over this elegant dining table.
HGTV

In order to fit plenty of cabinets into this small kitchen, Drew and Jonathan have to take out one kitchen window. While they compensate by widening a different kitchen window, they know that Davis wants this space to be as light and bright as possible, so they’re sure to add some stylish lighting.

The gorgeous gold pendant lights above the peninsula are a beautiful addition to this kitchen, but the chandelier above the dining table is also an incredible piece. It’s gold, complementing the lights above the peninsula, plus it brings a more sophisticated style to the dining space.

Replace that traditional office desk with a counter

Davis already knows that Michelle’s kitchen and living room need a good update, but she decides that Michelle also deserves a good office space to top off this renovation.

One of the great features the brothers decide to include in this space is a wall-length stone counter that’s big enough for both Michelle and her husband to have plenty of workspace.

While a traditional office setup might include two bulky desks, this chic office design fills up the room with lots of practical surface area and plenty of sleek design.

Is this ‘Celebrity IOU’ a success?

Once the brothers finally finish up this renovation, Davis is thrilled with the results. The bright, serene design is exactly what she’d hoped for.

Finally, the team invites Michelle back home, and as soon as she walks in the door, it’s clear that she’s delighted with the transformation. From the brand-new fireplace to the sleek kitchen to the incredible office space, she loves it all.

In just five weeks, Davis and the Scott brothers bring some real star quality to this outdated family house, making this “Celebrity IOU” a major success!

The post The Property Brothers Reveal One Thing Every Dream Home Needs on ‘Celebrity IOU’ appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

12 Outrageous Household Coronavirus Myths You Should Stop Believing Immediately

If your social media feeds are flooded with advice on how to kill or contain the novel coronavirus, it can start to become difficult to separate fact from fiction: Can you really catch COVID-19 from your beloved family pet? Should you microwave your mail to kill the virus? (Spoiler alert: “Mail is not food, and you can’t cook it.”)

If you’re feeling as overwhelmed as we are by all the noise out there, don’t despair: We spoke with experts to shed light on several common coronavirus myths and help clarify what we can do to truly help flatten the curve—and what advice is just hogwash.

1. Myth: My dog or cat can give me COVID-19

Can pets give you coronavirus?
andriano_cz/Getty Images

For a while, there wasn’t strong evidence that household pets could get the virus, says Dr. Jeff Pothof, chief quality officer for UW Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. But after a pug in North Carolina and two house cats in New York tested positive, the Centers for Disease Control issued guidelines with similar restrictions for pets as for humans, including maintaining 6 feet of distance from other people and animals, keeping cats indoors, and avoiding dog parks.

“Social distancing applies for your pets, too,” Pothof says. “Even though it’s fun to play with other people’s pets, it’s best if we socially distance with them, too, just for the transmission aspect.”

That also means keeping pets away from people in your home who have the virus—even if your pet doesn’t get sick, a beloved animal could potentially transmit illness to humans if it comes into contact with an infected person and carry the virus on its fur.

That said, the chance of transmission from your furry friend is likely low: For now, health officials say there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted from pets to humans.

2. Myth: It’s OK to have friends over if it’s just a small group

These are challenging times, and many of us are starved for social interaction. But social distancing is the most effective way to slow the spread of the virus, says Dr. Brian Poustinchian, medical director of hospital medicine at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital.

That means avoiding any unnecessary contact with people outside of your household, even in small groups—so no intimate dinner parties or backyard bonfires.

“I would avoid any indoor gatherings with others until we can get through this difficult time,” he says. “I don’t think anyone should be gathering outside either. The safest thing to do is staying at home and avoiding other areas where you could be potentially around other people.”

3. Myth: My air purifier will eliminate the virus

A household air purifier isn’t able to trap the virus, which moves through droplets that are generally too large to get picked up by a residential purifier.

“The droplet is big enough where it’s going to fall to the ground,” Pothof says. “It’s not going to be there long enough for your air purifier to catch it.”

4. Myth: I should keep my windows closed to keep the virus out

Go on and let some air in…
LucaLorenzelli/Getty Images

Good news: It’s completely safe to let in a little bit of fresh air while you’re isolating at home.

“There are some people that have this idea that the virus is just floating out in the air waiting to get you, and that’s just not true,” Pothof says. “It’s perfectly safe to open the windows if it’s a nice day.”

5. Myth: If I live in a warm climate, I don’t need to worry about the coronavirus

The jury is still out on whether climate affects the spread of COVID-19. But either way, plenty of cases have popped up in warm-climate countries—which means you’re not immune if you live in a balmy locale.

“Even though you’re in a warmer climate, that doesn’t mean you can’t contract the virus,” Poustinchian says. “Some viruses prefer a cold, drier environment similar to influenza, but I don’t think we know what conditions are ideal for transmitting the COVID-19 virus.”

6. Myth: I should microwave my mail to kill the virus

Studies have shown that the coronavirus can live for up to 24 hours on cardboard, but “transmission through mail, like papers or cardboard boxes, is going to be relatively low,” Pothof says.

Resist the urge to microwave your mail, which is a serious fire hazard and has no positive benefits whatsoever. If you want to play it safe, let your packages and mail sit for 24 hours before you open them. (Remember to wash your hands after handling any mail or deliveries.)

7. Myth: I could get the virus from my groceries or takeout food

Could you have gotten a side of COVID-19 with your to-go burger?

“We’re not aware of someone who has gotten the virus by eating food,” Pothof says. “If it goes in your stomach, the acid in your stomach would deactivate it. Take the same precaution with takeout containers [as with your packages], but the food itself is probably pretty safe.”

When it comes to groceries, it’s unlikely that you’ll transfer the virus from a bag to your counter and then to yourself. To be safe, you can use disinfecting wipes on the outside of milk containers, juice bottles, and other plastic containers that could potentially transfer the virus, and remember to thoroughly wash produce with water before eating it.

8. Myth: Packages from overseas are more likely to carry the virus

Whether your delivery came from down the block or across the globe, it doesn’t carry any more (or less) risk of spreading the virus, Pothof says.

“It’s just not that hardy of a virus,” he says. “Something that comes from overseas is going to take at least 30 days to get here, so anything inside that package is completely safe, even if it were contaminated before it left its location. The virus is no longer active by the time it gets to your house.”

9. Myth: I shouldn’t share a washing machine with someone who has the virus

If you’re at home with someone with COVID-19 symptoms, it’s OK to use the same washing machine—and even to mix your laundry with theirs—as long as you take a few extra precautions.

“Put laundry on a high heat cycle with any type of detergent,” Pothof says. “The virus just doesn’t survive that.”

If you move or handle a sick person’s laundry, be sure to wash or sanitize your hands afterward.

10. Myth: Hand sanitizing is better than hand-washing (or vice versa)

“Both are totally effective as long as you’re doing it right,” Pothof says.

That means washing your hands thoroughly and getting between the fingers for 20 seconds, or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

11. Myth: I can use household items like vinegar or vodka to kill the virus

These won’t disinfect, but you CAN drink them…
Panpetch Petchphloy/Getty Images

“Vinegar is great for making your windows shine, but not for killing the virus,” Pothof says. As for vodka, it’s far more useful in a cocktail than as a disinfectant.

One household disinfectant that does work is bleach, Pothof says. Create a mild solution by combining one-third cup bleach and a gallon of water.

12. Myth: I must constantly sanitize every surface in my home in order to stay safe

A little extra caution right now won’t hurt, but you don’t need to go overboard.

“It’s impossible to have a sterile environment in your home,” Poustinchian says.

Instead of painstakingly sanitizing every square inch of your home, make sure you’re doing the basics, like not wearing outside shoes in the house and sanitizing high-touch surfaces, including door handles, light switches, cellphones, and remote controls.

“Focusing on the kitchen and eating areas is always a good idea, since that’s where you’re more hands-on and potentially putting something from your face to mouth. Also the bathrooms,” Poustinchian says.

When in doubt, check facts on official websites

With so many coronavirus myths in circulation, these are just a handful of the common ones. If you read advice that seems dubious, look for reliable information from your state health department or the CDC—and remember to think twice before sharing a potential myth.

The post 12 Outrageous Household Coronavirus Myths You Should Stop Believing Immediately appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

How to Master Some Home Improvement Skills During Your Quarantine Time

Most of us are spending a lot more time at home these days—most of our time, in fact. Maybe we’re watching way too many home improvement shows (no judgment here!). But inevitably, we’re looking around our homes and thinking things could use a bit of sprucing up.

“People don’t have to do it; they want to do it,” says Dennis Gehman, owner of Gehman Design Remodeling in Harleysville, PA, and national treasurer of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “They’ve become tired of their bathroom or kitchen or whatever room. Most of the time, things aren’t broken; they just want a new look.”

And between the need to keep a distance from others and the general economic uncertainty, it makes sense to save some dough by tackling these projects on our own. But beware—everyone needs some professional guidance.

Fortunately, as with work meetings, fitness classes, and even happy hours with friends, the solution can be found online. We scoured the internet and also talked to home improvement professionals about the online resources they recommend for the stuck-at-home DIYer to learn some new skills.

Learn the basics

“If you practice proper safety and have tools, one of the places I go is Home Depot’s DIY section,” says Theresa Dorlini, owner of Circle Design, in Roanoke, VA.

The home improvement retailer offers many videos in categories from appliances to winterization. Plus, “you know that they are going to put out something that is safety-conscious,” says Dorlini, who’s also a member of the American Society of Interior Designers.

And really, safety should be a prime concern of any DIY newbie, the experts say. You can’t cut off a finger by watching a video, but actually handling power tools is something different altogether.

Painting: An easy gateway DIY project

Gehman says painting is one thing people can tackle themselves.

“All the paint manufacturers have do-it-yourself information for these kinds of projects,” he says. “They have some great tools to help people with color selections. You could take a picture of the sofa that’s in the room that you are thinking of changing and upload it, and it’ll give them some color combinations that would look good with the color of the sofa.”

Gehman also recommends painting cabinets as one project that can give a kitchen a whole new look, for far less cost than replacing them.

Lowe’s has a popular video on YouTube taking people through the cabinet painting process.

Projects for newbies: Closet upgrades, toilet repair, and more

The internet is brimming with how-to video content, although a lot of it is not of high quality. How do you make sure you are getting smart, accurate, and safe DIY advice? Head to a trusted source.

Long before there was HGTV, there was “This Old House,” PBS’ venerable home improvement show that first aired more than 40 years ago (really). Its website brims with a range of DIY projects for every room of the house, such as how to line your closet with cedar boards.

There are plenty of good places to head on YouTube, too. The channel Home RenoVision DIY has almost a million subscribers. General contractor Jeff, the host, takes people through all kinds of projects, from completely renovating a kitchen to installing vinyl flooring.

Next level: Build something for your home

If you’re interested in actually making something, and not just fix-it jobs, HomeMade Modern, a YouTube channel with 1.23 million subscribers, showcases DIY furniture projects with Scandinavian modern flair.

Want to make your own wooden desktop organizer or learn the difference between a mortise and tenon joint? Paul Sellers’ YouTube channel might be just what you’re looking for.

The United Kingdom–based woodworker’s channel has more than 400,000 subscribers and hundreds of videos that teach how to sharpen a saw, create a planter made of pallets, and much more.

Go deep with longer-form classes

For those who really want to go deep on a particular skill, several sites have multipart classes and workshops. Some are free while others charge a subscription or per-class fee.

Family Handyman DIY University has all kinds of online classes from professionals. Premium workshops take several weeks to complete, and other videos are quick. Some workshops also include access to instructors if you have questions or face challenges.

And if you really want to master the essentials, Udemy offers a course series called Comprehensive Home Repair and Improvement, which is one of its highest-rated offerings in the home improvement category. The 74 lectures for $199 include step-by-step demonstrations of just about every type of repair, from electrical to flooring to plumbing.

MasterClass is definitely one of the priciest options out there, since its instructors are often true celebrities and masters of their craft. An annual membership costs $180 (it’s currently offering two memberships for the price of one, so you could buddy up and cut the cost), and gets you full access to its library of content. You could learn interior design from Hollywood designer Kelly Wearstler, or how to grow your own food from the “Gangster Gardener,” Ron Finley.

The post How to Master Some Home Improvement Skills During Your Quarantine Time appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

6 Easy DIY Projects To Give Your Laundry Room Some Love During Quarantine

Laundry rooms are notoriously cheerless spaces, but with all the extra laundry you’re doing in this era of COVID-19? Chances are you’re spending more time in the laundry room than ever before.

We wanted to help you make your laundry room a brighter and better space, so we called in a few expert designers. Here are six easy projects you can tackle during quarantine to transform your laundry room.

1. Upgrade your overhead lighting

Photo by SUZANNE KASLER INTERIORS

Most of us are still rocking those old fluorescent lights, but swapping them out can do wonders for a gloomy laundry room.

“Fluorescent lighting tends to give a harsh, industrial look to a room,” says Lauren Noel of the home decor site Love Remodeled.

“Laundry rooms are often a neglected area where little touches make a big difference,” she adds. “Upgrading your light fixture and changing the bulb to an LED can give the space a sense of character, while adding the visual benefit of a softer glow in the room.”

Soften your laundry room lighting with this Dupre drum pendant from Wayfair.

2. Rethink your storage bins

Photo by Route Design: Ashley Winn

“Purchasing storage bins that fit both your needs and your style is a simple way to give your laundry room the look you want,” says Noel.

“Laundry rooms can feel cold and impersonal, but they don’t have to—you can completely change the feeling of the space by incorporating unique touches.”

Noel recommends snagging a few cute cloth laundry bins, like these Honey-Can-Do Hampers from Bed Bath & Beyond, and then adding in some decorative canisters like these glass jars, to store laundry products.

3. Create space with a folding station

Photo by Northland Design & Build

If your current folding station is the kitchen table, it’s time to upgrade to a place where you can actually organize your clothes—without getting in the way of dinner.

“Building a drop-down folding station is a simple project that will go a long way in terms of functionality,” says the designer Lanna Ali-Hassan, of Beyond the Box Interiors.

“Fold your clothes straight out of the dryer, rather than lugging a laundry basket around your home and losing clothes along the way.”

Feeling really inspired? Dress up the bottom of the folding station with wallpaper, so that it becomes a design element in its upright position, she suggests.

4. Get a fresh new look with repainted cabinets

Photo by Widney Pierson Interior Design

Here’s another easy way to transform your laundry room from a dingy basement suite into a room you actually enjoy: Give your cabinets a fresh coat of paint.

“Repainting tired cabinets instantly brightens a room, and gives it a clean look,” Noel says.

You can go the traditional route of sanding, priming, and painting your cabinets with latex paint, or for something a little bolder, try chalk paint, Noel suggests. Chalk paint is great for small projects like laundry room cabinets, because no prep work is required.

5. Add a space-saving drying rack

Photo by Rabaut Design Associates, Inc.

Need more space to hang-dry clothes, but tired of those ugly wire hangers? This DIY drying rack might just be the perfect project.

“An even better solution is a fold-down drying rack that only takes up space when it’s in use,” says Ali-Hassan.

Just be sure you’re installing the rack in an area that’s easily accessible, but also out of the way when it’s folded down.

6. Get organized with a custom countertop

Photo by Houzz

“If you’re feeling especially handy, installing a countertop over the top of your washer and dryer is an excellent way to eliminate otherwise wasted space,” says Ali-Hassan.

“The extra countertop space gives you a multipurpose area where you can fold clothes, store detergent, and even treat stained clothing prior to washing.”

Check out this step-by-step DIY to get started.

The post 6 Easy DIY Projects To Give Your Laundry Room Some Love During Quarantine appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.