Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack Together Again—for Season 11 of ‘Flip or Flop’

HGTV

Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack are back for Season 11 of “Flip or Flop.”

So much has changed since these exes were last on air together—El Moussa is engaged to Heather Rae Young, Haack is divorced from Ant Anstead—but this flipping duo has stuck together and stayed the course. And for good reason: For all their differences and occasional bickering, they make a great flipping team.

In this season’s premiere, “Fifties Flip,” El Moussa and Haack buy a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in Norwalk, CA, for $395,000. Since the house comes with some fun 1950s appliances, Haack decides to give this house a retro-inspired design.

Yet with only $82,000 to spend on the renovation, money is tight, and these two butt heads (as usual) on a variety of decisions. Here’s how they finish this flip, which contains plenty of take-home lessons for the rest of us on how to renovate a home.

Make your front door pop with color

This house wasn’t retro—it just looked dated.

HGTV

While Haack and El Moussa want this house to have a retro look, they decide that the existing exterior color is just plain dated. While Haack originally suggests yellow, they decide to go with a more subtle look, including white and gray with a blue door. The gray and white style looks great, and the blue adds a little extra personality to the exterior, even though it’s not easily visible from the street.

When El Moussa takes his and Haack’s 10-year-old daughter, Taylor, to see the house, she’s surprised to see the blue door.

“Wait, why is the door popping blue?” she asks.

These colors make this midcentury house look fresh again.

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“You just said it,” El Moussa responds. “A pop of blue because it stands out, and we wanted to bring some character to the house.”

It seems the exterior is Taylor-approved—and perhaps El Moussa and Haack have a new designer in the family!

Taylor El Moussa is impressed with her parents’ latest flip.

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A backsplash can be colorful, too—to a point

Christina Haack loves this retro oven.

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When Haack and El Moussa first tour this house, they’re delighted by the mint green oven from the 1950s.

“The best part of this house is that ’50s-style oven,” Haack says. “It’s so cool, like, I love the color.”

While the oven unfortunately must go, Haack wants to at least take inspiration from it by choosing a fun pink tile for the backsplash. It’s a retro color, like the oven, but El Moussa disapproves.

These two colorful backsplash tiles would both look great in a midcentury modern kitchen.

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So in the end, they stick to a safer color palette by choosing a tile with whites, blues, and grays. This geometric backsplash looks retro without being too pink. Both Haack and El Moussa are happy with it.

“It has that retro look with a modern vibe,” Haack says.

Butcher block counters add some nice wood tones

This old kitchen needed a refresh.

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In the kitchen, Haack continues with the midcentury look by using butcher block counters.

“Butcher block counters are not necessarily retro,” Haack says, “but they are that same nice wood tone that [was] here in the original cabinets.”

Some wood tones bring a midcentury style to the home.

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In the end, the light butcher block brightens up the kitchen and complements the white cabinetry.

Gray tiles add more depth than plain old white

These shower tiles weren’t their first choice, but they look great.

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While renovating the bathrooms, El Moussa and Haack run into a problem when their original tile choice is out of stock. As a plan B, they can either replace it with a larger version of the gray tile that they liked or use a plain white tile.

El Moussa ends up liking the larger gray option: “I love this one. It gives a little bit more detail, a little bit more depth.”

Once installed, the gray tiles look perfect—adding some drama to the bathroom that wouldn’t have been achieved with plain old white.

Go bold with bathroom wallpaper

This space already had wallpaper, but this floral design was too dated.

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In the second bathroom, Haack and El Moussa want to put up some midcentury-inspired wallpaper and they select one with lots of color and shapes.

“Love the geometric-ness of this, and I like how it has the pops of gold,” Haack says.

However, it seems they may be going overboard with wallpaper because once it’s up on one wall, Haack and El Moussa decide that it’s just too busy to extend to the third wall. Still, the wallpaper looks great. It’s a bold bathroom—but also stylish.

This wallpaper is modern but also has some midcentury flair.

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When this house is finished, Haack and El Moussa decide to list it for a mere $599,9000, hoping this will spark a bidding war that’ll drive up the price.

Sure enough, these flippers end up receiving a staggering 19 offers over the following weeks. They sell the house for $650,000 and, after paying closing costs and commissions, walk away with a profit of just over $130,000.

It looks like in the end, Haack and El Moussa can still work together for a successful flip!

The post Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack Together Again—for Season 11 of ‘Flip or Flop’ appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

10 Preppy Decor Fails So Painful They Should Never See the Light of Day (but Do)

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Just off the golf course and heading to the clubhouse for an icy Arnold Palmer? It’s likely that you’re wearing green pants, a yellow polo, a belt with embroidered nautical flags, and a stiff upper lip.

And if this is your attire of choice, it’s quite possible you own an utterly preppy home.

Pink and green for days and miles of gingham are just the beginnings of preppy design gone bad, but of course, we get it. This home style is equal parts old money and happy, sporty motifs—and who doesn’t want to live like that?

Still, unless your name is Ralph Lauren or you actually reside near Augusta National Golf Course, in Palm Beach, or on Nantucket, lay off this look just a tad. For some help, here’s what not to do in your home (or we’re calling the preppy police).

1. Lilly Pulitzer

Photo by gatotravieso 

Preppy patterns are a way of life for some homeowners—we’re talking madras shorts, tweed jackets, and the ultimate preppy icon, Lilly Pulitzer.

And when these sunny shades carry over into the home, they often do so in crazy amounts. Here’s a tip: If you drop something on your sofa and can’t find it, the design is too busy and simply must go.

2. Gingham

Photo by Bayberry Cottage

Preppy fans can’t get away from classic checks, so you’ll find many a room covered with these uptight straight lines and boxes that signal order and calm. Oh, for a bit of batik! Sadly, nothing too “out there” or “wild” will ever enter this type of abode. We understand that you also love Greek key designs and seersucker fabric, but trust us—branching out a little more never hurt anyone.

3. Red, white, and blue

Photo by Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl)

For some reason, preppy folks think they have a lock on all things patriotic, which means our flag’s colors simply can’t get a break. The upshot is a home that tends to be splashed with red, white, and blue stars and stripes. Feel like saluting? You should, because every day is July 4 here!

4. Home bars bigger than commercial bars

Photo by Island Time Renovation & Design

“I say, time for a G&T, old chap?”

Yup—this is an actual phrase that’s used quite regularly in some circles. And in an extra preppy home, it’s uttered with a gaze toward the home bar. An even preppier setup could be the one seen here, a massive structure with two wine fridges and glassware for 50 that extends the full length of one wall (no dinky bar carts allowed). Bottoms up!

5. Monograms

Photo by Structures Building Company

After umpteen G&Ts, you may fancy a nap—but which room is yours again? It’s easy to tell in a preppy home, because every single surface is always monogrammed in an overwrought or overly bolded font. Shower curtains, pillow shams, bedspreads, coasters, bath towels—no item can escape that pounding needle and thread.

6. Goofy golf signs

Tee it up! Groan…

Etsy

Golf is their religion, so of course these preppy folks need to bring it into the home. Ditto for the mini putting green installed in the backyard and the framed picture of Augusta Golf’s hallowed “Amen Corner” over the fireplace.

7. Tennis rackets as decor

Photo by Tennis Racket Mirrors

No, you’re not John McEnroe and you’ll never play at Wimbledon. Still, if you bleed pink and green, the way many in this category do, you swoon for old tennis gear like mounted wooden rackets. But while they seem sporty and sweet, they actually resemble oversized fly swatters.

8. Pompoms

Admit it: You want to snatch them off one by one.

Etsy

Preppy fanatics love trim! Grosgrain ribbon, rickrack, pompoms, and more seem to cling to every light shade, dish towel, and pillow. And when you’ve added a cutesy adornment to a monogrammed accessory, you’ve doubled the preppy pain in your rooms.

9. Animal accessories

Doggie lamps, elephant umbrella stands, monkey end tables, and birds everywhere! If you’ve entered a room and feel like you’re in the zoo, it’s absolutely a preppy decor home fail. Animal motifs are fine, but it’s really the creepy little eyes that get to us.

10. Chinoiserie

A preppy home gone wild often adopts chinoiserie chic for a touch of exotic flair. While we’re not sure how kosher it is to mix these designs or appropriate the culture in any way, it’s probably fine if you really love the look. Still, subtracting a piece here and there is always wise. (Less is more, people!)

The post 10 Preppy Decor Fails So Painful They Should Never See the Light of Day (but Do) appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

‘Bargain Block’ Reveals 5 Ways To Fake a High-End Look for Less

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On the new HGTV show “Bargain Block,” Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas are fixing up Detroit, one house at a time. But with slim profit margins, each home is a test of how far they can stretch a budget.

In the episode “White Box and Cottage,” Bynum and Thomas work on two houses, giving each a unique style and an elegant look without spending too much money. Here’s how they pull it off, with before-and-after photos that contain plenty of take-home lessons for anyone who wants to cop a high-end look for a few hundred bucks.

1. Plain wood can look elegant in the right space

This home didn’t have any color when they found it.

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Bynum and Thomas buy a three-bedroom house for $15,000, and while they’re accustomed to paying much less for their flips, they’re delighted to find this house in decent shape. They estimate they’ll need to put in just $30,000 to make this half-renovated home look like new.

So Bynum focuses on the design.

“The theme of this house is going to be timber,” he says, “all of our accents, all of our furniture, and all around the house. We’re going to incorporate wood and showcase how amazing it can look. The house, for some reason, it just says, ‘I can handle brown.’”

Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas don’t add a lot of color to this kitchen, sticking with natural wood tones.

HGTV

Bynum gives the kitchen an all-brown look with wood cabinets, wood floors, and even brown terra-cotta tile for the backsplash. Thomas isn’t so sure about the design, but their real estate agent, Shea Hicks-Whitfield, doesn’t mind the look.

“There is a lot of brown, but you got tons of natural light pouring in here,” Hicks-Whitfield says. “You can always go dark when there’s light.”

2. Butcher block counters are cheap, but look chic

This countertop brings a red tone to the kitchen.

HGTV

While Bynum has a vision for this timber-filled home, he knows the kitchen can’t be all brown. So he incorporates some red wood tones into the space with a unique countertop.

“To give the kitchen a pop of color and avoid an all-brown room, I went with a rich red-toned herringbone butcher block countertop,” Bynum says. “Not only does it create a great accent with the cabinets, the pattern on the block provides the kitchen with a designer look at an entry-level cost.”

These counters cost only $168—and they look fantastic!

3. Use leftover wood for a feature wall

This is a creative use of leftover wood!

HGTV

Bynum and Thomas need to stay on budget with this renovation, so Bynum gets creative to make one of the bedrooms look extra special.

“Our budgets are so tight on these homes, we need to create design elements literally out of nothing,” Bynum explains. “And I had a great idea for some leftover two-by-fours that will perfectly highlight the home’s wood theme.”

The leftover lumber is worth just $8.50, but Bynum turns it into a fabulous accent piece.

4. Distress paint to give cabinets character

There wasn’t much to work with in this kitchen.

HGTV

When the timber house is looking pretty good, Bynum and Thomas shift their attention to a new project.

They buy this house for only $1,000 but estimate it will cost $45,000 to fix it up. They want to give this home a cottage aesthetic, so they aim to give the kitchen a bit of an aged look.

“In the kitchen, we decided to go with a bold black paint for the cabinets,” Bynum says. “But we’re going to distress the paint when it dries, to give it a worn-in look.”

They lightly sand the fresh paint, letting the wood cabinets underneath show through a tiny bit. It gives the cabinets a classic, homey style—and the best part is, it costs next to nothing.

These aged black cabinets look rustic and beautiful.

HGTV

5. Cork can look high-end, too

This cork material looks fresh and stylish.

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While the cabinets look great, the kitchen isn’t done yet: Bynum has a great idea to add a built-in banquette in the corner, decorating it with a unique material.

“For the backers above the banquette, I found this really awesome cork fabric,” Bynum says. “It just kind of screams cottage to me, and it’s really high-end-looking. But the best part is, it costs almost nothing.”

Bynum spends just $18 on the cork fabric, but when the backers are finished, it looks like a million bucks.

In the end, both of these houses sell quickly. After spending $15,000 to buy the timber house and fixing it up for $30,000, Bynum and Thomas are able to sell it for $90,900, making a profit of $45,900.

Then, after buying their cottage home for $1,000 and putting $45,000 into the renovation, they sell it for $69,000, making a profit of $23,000. Plus, they’ve added a touch more style to Detroit’s housing scene.

The post ‘Bargain Block’ Reveals 5 Ways To Fake a High-End Look for Less appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

The 5 Best Lawn Care Resources To Help Keep Your Grass Green and Healthy

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Some people say the grass is always greener on the other side, but when it comes to your own lawn, you don’t plan on living by those words. You want your yard to flourish with lush, healthy grass from the get-go, and for years to come. But as it turns out, getting that green is not so easy.

If you are new to lawn maintenance or want to deepen your knowledge, you should get guidance from the pros and other trustworthy resources.

“While it’s great to ask your neighbor with the nice lawn for advice, it’s hard to know if his methods will work for you or whether he’s doing things right in the first place,” says Barbara Roueche, Troy-Bilt brand manager.

Lawn experts know about testing soil, what grasses are best for a particular region, what type of grass seed to buy, when to seed and fertilize your lawn, how to mow, and sprinkler tips. Here’s where to find the most valuable information.

1. USDA plant hardiness zone map

Not sure what types of grasses are best for your region? Don’t worry, there’s a map for that.

The USDA plant hardiness zone map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants can do well in a certain location. Its zones are based on average annual minimum winter temperatures.

“Growing zones help you choose the right plants or grass for where you live and help you care for them properly to either augment or offset the natural conditions,” says Erin Schanen, creator of The Impatient Gardener blog and YouTube channel, and a volunteer master gardener.

Roueche recommends saving the information to your phone so you’ll always have it handy when you take a trip to the garden center or when you have to decide when to perform yard maintenance.

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Watch: It’s Time to Tune Up That Lawn Mower: Here’s How

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2. How-to videos from trusted sources 

Seriously, how did we ever do anything before YouTube? There are many how-to videos about lawn maintenance on the platform, but stick to the true professionals—like master gardeners, horticulturalists, or landscape designers—for advice.

“The benefit of things like YouTube videos or live help sessions is that you can troubleshoot with real pros and pause or replay videos to go at your own pace,” says Roueche. 

She also suggests studying up on your yard equipment by going to the source.

“When it comes to equipment questions in particular, be sure to seek information from the manufacturer of your equipment and have your model number handy,” says Roueche.

She says Troy-Bilt has articles on its website and YouTube videos tailored to specific models about routine maintenance or other equipment questions. You can also consult your equipment’s owners manual or find a downloadable version online.

3. Smart home devices

“Some homeowners rely on smart devices for so much in their daily lives that it just works best to integrate these devices and virtual assistant programs into yard care,” says Schanen.

Smart home devices like Alexa and Google Home can help automate regular tasks like watering the grass or sending equipment maintenance reminders. 

“Like any task that needs to get done regularly, finding a way to automate it or build it into your existing routines will make it easier to accomplish. Think about the technology you regularly use, and seek out solutions in those platforms for the tasks or questions you need help with,” says Roueche.  

4. Local university extension programs

Most state universities have extension programs offering garden services to the public, including the master gardener program.

Schanen says a simple internet search for a public university system plus “extension” can help you find a local university extension program or master gardener groups. For example, Utah State University Extension has a website devoted to yard and garden issues, and a detailed webpage on lawn care.

“These organizations offer science-based answers, solutions, and advice. Plus, they’re experts in local flora. Since they work with the public every day, they will have a good handle on diseases causing problems in the area, weather-related problems, and the plants that do well in the area,” says Schanen.

University extension schools often have fact sheets on some of the most typical homeowner questions, from the best type of grass to grow in the area to common diseases and how to succeed with specific vegetable or fruit crops, Schanen says. They also typically offer seminars for the public, as well as access to a library of educational articles.

5. Gardening influencers 

Influencers can offer their advice on everything under the sun, but their tips can be hit or miss. However, if you look carefully, sometimes you can find some true lawn and garden pros sharing their green thumb knowledge online. 

“By connecting with experts on social media, you get to follow along in real time to see what a whole season or year of gardening and lawn care looks like,” says Roueche.

Look for experts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok who own garden and lawn care businesses or have had a large following for many years.

“Some folks may share their journeys rehabbing their lawn with natural weed remedies and fertilizer or how to use equipment properly,” says Roueche. “This kind of in-depth content can help novice gardeners understand what tasks may be right for their skill level, their schedule, and their yard.”

The post The 5 Best Lawn Care Resources To Help Keep Your Grass Green and Healthy appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

The Right—and Wrong—Way To Add Statues to Your Yard

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A statue in the yard can give people pause. Does it mean you’re a pretentious snob?

Take heart, dear homeowner, and understand that putting a sculpture on your lawn doesn’t need to be a grandiose statement.

“In the end, the biggest consideration is whether you love the piece and it enhances your garden,” says Susan Brandt, the green thumb at Blooming Secrets. Still, just because the art speaks to you doesn’t mean you can plop it down in any old spot.

“Just like art in the home, art in a garden will be a focal point, so several factors come into play, such as size, materials, location, and more,” Brandt adds.

For some help in this endeavor, we’ve got the do’s and don’ts from the professionals so your statues and sculptures stand out, in the right way, without alienating your neighbors.

Do choose the right location

Photo by Miriam’s River House Designs, LLC 

Remember, sculpture is three-dimensional, so you won’t view it only head-on. To that end, be sure the location you’ve selected makes sense from every part of the yard.

“When choosing a good spot, look for an area that can be seen from multiple angles, or consider a particular entry point to your garden,” says Julie Moir Messervy, president of Home Outside, an online landscape design service.

Or place your piece at the end of a path, to emphasize a view or to draw people in, she adds.

Don’t scare the neighbors

Just say no to dancing cacti.

Etsy

While these wild dessert plants are jaunty and fun, they might not fly if you’re a member of a homeowners association or they directly face the next-door back patio. Ditto for anything offensive. Art is in the eye of the beholder, of course, but know that your fellow neighbors have to live on the same street.

Don’t forget to prune

Houzz

If you go to the trouble of adding a cherub made of stone, the least you can do is be sure he’s visible.

“Plants shouldn’t overwhelm the sculpture or prevent people from seeing it in the garden,” says Brandt.

Clip back the vines and other foliage if they become profuse, consider which seasons you’ll see blooms, and figure out whether year-round leaves will block any part of your chosen piece.

Do add lighting

Photo by ARNOLD Masonry and Landscape 

Light it up, say the pros, as this accessory adds dimension and creates cool shadows.

“You especially want good lighting if your sculpture is at the heart of your garden,” says Isara Ongwiseth, lead garden designer at FormLA Landscaping.

“But be sure to test the lights before completing the final installation so you don’t end up inadvertently blinding people or highlighting the wrong view,” says Messervy.

Don’t mix styles

Photo by Jon Allen Fine Metal Art 

An Asian-inspired garden or one with a modern vibe should feature art that complements the theme, say the experts. And a traditional home will likely benefit from a more formal piece. Assess your garden’s style before dropping cash on a statue you’ll regret.

“If you have lots of straight lines in your beds or a very lush feel or a design that’s minimalist, your sculpture will look its best if it agrees with the garden’s style,” says Brandt.

Don’t choose plastic

Even recycled plastic is a hard pass.

Etsy

Most outdoor sculpture is designed to withstand the elements, and many even achieve a lovely patina over time (think distressed wood or rusted metal). But plastic isn’t one of those materials.

“Plastic tends to fade when it’s exposed to weather,” confirms Ongwiseth.

And keep local temperatures in mind when selecting a piece.

“Some materials, such as pottery and concrete, are vulnerable to cracking in colder climates,” says Messervy.

Don’t pick something itty-bitty

Photo by Nature’s Realm

If you have to squint to see your sculpture, it’s too small.

“Size and dimensions feel different when you’re outdoors, so don’t be afraid to go big,” says Messervy. In fact, it’s hard to overdo a piece’s size, but it’s really easy to pick a too-small object and then lose it in the ferns.

Do enhance with flowers

Photo by Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC

The final factor to consider is the planting you’ll do once your sculpture is in place. Think about colors and how they might match (or detract from) your piece, says Brandt. And if what you sowed isn’t quite right, it’s easy to dig it up and start again next season—it’s much harder to remove a stone statue.

The post The Right—and Wrong—Way To Add Statues to Your Yard appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

‘Unsellable Houses’ Reveals the Hottest Home Style Right Now

HGTV

Ever wonder which home style is the top seller today? According to “Unsellable Houses” stars Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb, buyers are going nuts for the calm, coastal look—which explains why their latest renovation is awash in seaside vibes.

In the Season 2 episode “Nest Egg Reno,” Lamb and Davis meet Shannon and her mother, Monica. Monica wants to sell her three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Arlington, WA, for $400,000. But after three months on the market, it hasn’t gotten one decent offer.

Davis and Lamb invest $34,000 and three and a half weeks to give this house a new look—and, once the renovation is done, sell the house for a whopping $485,000. Here’s how they pull it off, including plenty of take-home lessons for home sellers and homeowners alike hoping to pick renovations (and decor styles) that’ll pay off.

Focus on curb appeal to reel buyers in

This house was in good shape, but the color wasn’t enticing for buyers.

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With this house being so close to the ocean, Lamb and Davis know that buyers will want a seaside style.

“I want to make this home like a calming, coastal living vibe,” Lamb says. “Really use light blues, light greens, and a lot of wood accents.”

Lamb and Davis do a lot of work giving the home’s interior a lovely, coastal vibe, but they know that buyers won’t see their work unless the exterior grabs them. So they paint the house a calm blue with gray trim. Now, the exterior complements the interior style.

“It’s amazing what a difference painting the outside of a house can do,” Davis says, “for not only the curb appeal when a buyer pulls up, but also it sets the tone for the rest of the home.”

These new colors give the home a much calmer look.

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Paint cabinets rather than replace them to save money

Lindsay Lamb and Leslie Davis choose a new color for their cabinets.

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Monica’s brown, dated kitchen cabinets don’t fit the beach style. But since replacing them would be costly, Davis and Lamb decide to paint them light green instead.

“It doesn’t make sense for us to take out those cabinets ’cause Monica kept them in such good condition,” Davis says.

Davis wanted to make sure these cabinets were a nice, light green.

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The paint ends up making them look like whole new cabinets—at a fraction of the cost.

“And then we can take that money and allocate it somewhere else in the budget,” Davis adds.

After they paint the cabinets, the sisters replace the old counters with quartz, add a beautiful backsplash, and even get rid of the tile floor. With so many other updates needed, it’s a good thing Lamb and Davis saved money where they could!

Use DIY aged wood for a fireplace mantel

This dated fireplace needed a fresh look.

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Lamb and Davis know that the fireplace could really boost the value of a home—provided it looks fantastic. They decide to update the fireplace with some tile, shiplap, and a new mantel. The tile and shiplap are easily installed, but these sisters know that a typical mantel won’t work for this coastal abode.

So instead of spending a bunch of money on an old, rustic piece of wood, they age a mantel themselves by hitting the wood with a hammer, sanding it, and scraping it.

With some tile and shiplap, this fireplace looks brand-new.

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“We want this thing to look like we found it under a house somewhere,” Lamb says. “It’s got a story to tell, history that belongs to it.”

Once installed, the imperfect mantel gives the living room a beach-worn vibe. And the best part is this update doesn’t cost a lot of money.

Take down a lattice to open up the backyard

This fence doesn’t add to the look of the backyard.

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When Lamb and Davis see the backyard, they’re less than impressed with the deck, which is surrounded with an unsightly wood lattice.

“This probably isn’t as aesthetically pleasing to the eye as railings would have been,” Davis says.

The sisters end up removing the lattice and decide to leave the deck open. They then restain it a darker color to make the deck look a little fresher.

With the wall down, this deck looks much better.

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When the work is done, it’s clear that removing the lattice was the right choice. This open deck is now much more inviting, and it makes the backyard look huge.

Give a room depth with an accent wall

This accent wall highlights the size of this room in a beautiful way.

HGTV

Just days before the open house, Lamb persuades Davis to do one last-minute project: paint an accent wall in the master bedroom. This bedroom is huge, and Lamb knows that giving one wall a different color will highlight how large this room really is.

Once the wall is painted, Lamb is pleased with the results.

“It really gave this room that depth it needed,” she says.

The post ‘Unsellable Houses’ Reveals the Hottest Home Style Right Now appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

10 Perfect Mother’s Day Gifts—Based On Mom’s Favorite Pandemic Hobby

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Mother’s Day is around the corner (May 9), which means you need to put on your thinking cap (fast) in order to recognize this all-important lady in your life.

And odds are, more than a year into the coronavirus quarantine, mom has developed an at-home “pandemic hobby”—be it sourdough proofing or perfecting her crow pose—that you could help her take to the next level with the perfect gift.

Need some ideas? Here are some suggestions based on some of the most popular pandemic pastimes Mom might be doing, or curious to explore with the right encouragement.

1. If she’s into gardening

This smart workspace also comes in brown.

Wayfair

Save you mother’s back, and you’ll be her favorite kid. Filling window boxes and patio containers is made infinitely easier if you don’t have to bend over. This smart pick also opens in the middle to reveal a plastic container that’ll hold soil or water to wash garden tools when the planting is finished ($215, Wayfair).

2. If she adores baking

This cutie comes in six other shades—even pink.

Bed Bath & Beyond

If your mom has morphed during the COVID-19 lockdown into an accomplished amateur baker, she might be ready for some next-level gear. Professional pastry chefs weigh their locally sourced whole wheat flour, rather than scoop it haphazardly into nesting cups, because it’s a more accurate method. This little scale is battery-run and easy to use, plus the sage green color is pretty ($25, Bed Bath & Beyond).

3. If she loves yoga

Attractive stripes bring this block up a notch.

Manduka

Every yogi in training wants the gift of reach—and a couple of new blocks make this possible. These pretty props, which come in several other blue and gray shades, are also earth-friendly as they’re made from 50% recycled foam ($18, Manduka).

4. If she’s crafty

An imported needlepoint kit from Belgium

The Stitchery

Knitting, crochet, and cross-stitch got many a homeowner through the long days of winter—and many home crafters are probably ready to move beyond simple samplers. Needlepoint, like crewel work, is a bit more challenging, but once complete, this floral pillow design will yield a beautiful bed topper ($36, The Stitchery).

5. If she’s handy around the house

Get her a pair that’s designed especially for women.

Dovetail Workwear

“Those gutters aren’t going to clean themselves,” she said last fall. Lots of moms tackled home improvement projects over the past year, but few had the proper hand protection until now. These work gloves are durable, flexible, and breathable, plus they were made just for women based on actual feedback from users ($25, Dovetail Workwear).

6. If she digs chess

Should you try the Sicilian defense?

Amazon

If she’s obsessed with “The Queen’s Gambit” and has been dabbling in a few games with her kids’ plastic chess set, give her a grown-up version—like this one that’s handmade from marble onyx. How chic will Mom look playing a game now? This chess board is so good-looking she might even want to leave it out as decor on a sideboard ($189, Amazon).

7. If she’s a birder

It’s double-sided for all-day feeding.

BestNest

There was a big uptick in birding during the lockdown—but serious watchers still had to contend with their age-old nemesis the squirrel. Banish this pesky rodent once and for all with this most excellent feeder (access to the seeds closes up when too much weight sits on the perch). Hang this smart find from a hook or the included pole ($90, BestNest).

8. If she’s into mixology

Try the three flavor blends in this nifty set.

Williams Sonoma

Drinking isn’t a hobby we sanction, but drinking well is a different story—and a tequila infusion kit is just the ticket for a budding home bartender. This one comes with a glass carafe in which to flavor the spirit and three tastes to choose from, including lime, chili, and a smoky blend. Cheers to warmer weather and drinks on the deck! ($75, Williams Sonoma).

9. If she has many interests

Does Mom have a ton of potential pursuits but none she’s had the chance to cultivate quite yet? Then a MasterClass subscription ($15/month, MasterClass) will keep her plenty occupied at home. This online platform offers video tutorials on a wide swath of topics—”Joy Luck Club” author Amy Tan teaches the art of fiction, Neil deGrasse Tyson scientific thinking, Samuel L. Jackson acting, and much more. This way, she can dabble or dive deep, which is certainly more rewarding than binge-watching “Office” reruns, again.

10. If she’s craving some spa time

Ah—a home spa!

Wayfair

Let’s face it—at the end of the day, all Mom really wants is some pampering. While she might not be ready to book a spa trip, you can make her tub time at home feel a lot more indulgent with a simple tray to rest her book, soap, face scrub, and beverage of choice ($37, Wayfair).

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