‘Home Town’ to Hobbit Town? Inside Erin and Ben Napier’s Cutest House Yet

HGTV

Erin and Ben Napier of “Home Town” usually update homes with their signature Southern style—but their latest clients have a unique request: a hobbit house.

In the Season 5 episode “Woodland Wonderland,” Erin and Ben help Kathy and Isao Fecudas find a run-down but charming 1938 home in Laurel, MS, for $40,000. However, these two have unconventional tastes, and want a house with “shire style” as Kathy puts it. They have a healthy budget of $160,000 to make it happen.

While hobbit houses are awfully cute and quite popular these days, there’s a fine line between adorable and feeling like you live on a Tolkein movie set. How do you design a hobbit house without going overboard? Here’s how the Napiers pull it off, which might inspire you to make some changes around your own abode, too.

Can’t swing a rounded door? Use rounded windows instead

This home needed a fresh look.

HGTV

Kathy would love her budding hobbit house to have a round front door, of course. However, the house she and Isao buy has a traditional, rectangular door, and unfortunately, a custom entryway isn’t in the budget.

Still, Erin gets an idea to give these homeowners the next best thing.

“We could give them double doors that allude to that shape with the curve in the windows,” Erin says.

This larger front door completes the look.

HGTV

Erin and Ben’s team creates a larger entryway and then installs double doors with arched windows. The wood-tone doors give a natural, woodsy feel to the entry. Plus, the rounded windows give off a subtle hobbit vibe.

These doors still have a traditional look, but when combined with the tree-filled yard and new green siding on the house, they feel wonderfully whimsical.

These double doors aren’t round, like the ones on hobbit houses, but they’re the next best thing.

HGTV

Use stone floor tile as a backsplash

This backsplash tile is usually used for floors.

HGTV

Erin and Ben want to make sure they give Kathy and Isao’s kitchen an earthy feel, so they choose a stone backsplash with lots of texture.

“I wanted it to feel like a cottage that would be buried in the woods somewhere,” Erin says of the choice.

Their tile installer, David, is excited to install the unique tile, but he points out that this specific design would usually be used for flooring.

This backsplash is a unique choice, but it looks great.

HGTV

While this may be an unusual backsplash, it works well with the hobbit theme. This stone, combined with moss-colored cabinets, give the kitchen a soft, natural look, which makes the house feel like a cottage. It’s a beautiful backsplash that proves no tile, even floor tile, is off-limits.

A copper sink brings color to a kitchen

The copper sink is a nice addition to this kitchen.

HGTV

Erin thinks some copper accents will look great with the natural look she’s created in the kitchen, so she decides to use a copper sink in the island.

“I love copper—and it’s one of those materials that’s relatively inexpensive, but it looks like a million bucks,” Erin says.

The copper sink is a big hit. Not only does Kathy love the look, but the copper also complements the green kitchen cabinets and proves that there’s more to kitchens than just plain white sinks.

Use live-edge furniture for a more natural look

This natural-edge table gives the house a woodsy feel.

HGTV

Ben knows that some wood furniture will also help this house feel warm and nature-inspired. So he gets a slab of redwood and makes a small entryway table with a live edge.

“We’re going to just let the natural figure of this wood tell the story,” Ben says, admitting, “I don’t do a lot of live-edge furniture. I don’t do any hobbit furniture.”

Still, the table ends up looking beautiful. The redwood is elegant, and the natural edge adds an organic touch to the space.

Build a wood fireplace (yes, it’s possible)

This fireplace is unique and whimsical.

HGTV

These days, it seems that most fireplaces either have a classic brick look or feature a more modern tile. However, Erin and Ben prove that wood fireplaces are also possible, and may be the next big thing.

Isao and Kathy have had a wood fireplace frame in storage for years, so Ben and Erin decide to build a new fireplace in the home so they can finally bust that frame out of storage. When it finally comes time to install it, the Napiers are pleasantly surprised. With carved leaves and uneven lines, this fireplace frame is certainly unique—and it works perfectly with the home’s style.

“It’s whimsical, it’s a natural wood color, it works with the copper tones that we love, too,” Erin says,

The post ‘Home Town’ to Hobbit Town? Inside Erin and Ben Napier’s Cutest House Yet appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Low-Water Edible Gardening with Hydroponics /// Grow Anywhere

Give Your Bathroom Decor a (Spring) Break: 5 Travel-Inspired Trends From Instagram

Snowberry Lane Photography/Houzz

If you’re dying for a real vacation right about now, we have good news—and bad news. While spring break might still be canceled, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the magical vibes of travel into your home with some fresh decor.

After scouring Instagram for the hottest looks, we’re here to bring you these top five favorites. From European-style lamps and vintage accents to tropical-colored tiles, these bathroom looks have a little something for every would-be traveler. Here are five trending decor styles from the ‘gram—plus all the details on how to steal the look.

1. Box-framed wall lights

You may not know this one by name, but you’ll certainly recognize the industrial-chic vibe of these wall lights from @houseofbeau13.

“This is a great example of a trend that started in outdoor decor and became a hugely popular style for all types of indoor lighting,” says Natasha Nicolaou of NatNico Designs.

“The materials have an industrial feel, yet the box frame is light and delicate enough to not be overwhelming in a small space,” continues Nicolaou. “This makes the box frame sconce perfect for adding just a touch of industrial style to a bathroom.”

Get the look: Give your polished powder room an old Europe vibe with these dark bronze-finish brass wall lanterns from The Home Depot.

2. Antique-style mirror

Nothing screams “WC” quite like an antique-styled mirror like this one from @_havensent_.

“This past year has seen homeowners going for more bold and playful design choices in bathrooms,” says Nicolaou. “Where there’s bold design, you will often find a gorgeous ornate gilt mirror.”

“The vintage gilt mirror is a trend we have seen pop up in every room of the house over the years, and it’s finally found its time to shine as the crown jewel in bathroom design,” she adds. “They add a vibe of glam and vintage style to a bohemian or industrial-style bathroom, and they fit right in with the playfulness and color that’s trending in bathroom tile and wallpaper.”

Get the look: Round off your bathroom’s playful vibes with this modern accent mirror from Wayfair.

3. Bold and beautiful shower tile

If your dream destination involves more palm trees than castles, you’re going to love this colorful shower tile from @thehouse.andme.

“Don’t be afraid to use a bright, bold tile in your shower,” says Daniel Javor of Next Luxury. “Just balance it with soft neutrals in the rest of the bathroom.

“Bathrooms tend to be smaller spaces, making them perfect for splurging on a bold tile that would be too overwhelming or expensive to use elsewhere,” he continues. “Color is influential on your mood and mental state—so choose a soothing blue or green, or even an energetic yellow, orange, or red.”

Get the look: Shop this Loft Mata Hari polished glass tile.

4. Extra-long medicine cabinet

Another thing we find ourselves missing these days are quirky hotel rooms. Switch up your bathroom mirror into something functional and fun with one of these XL medicine cabinets featured by @nziarko_.

“It’s about time this became a trend,” says Nicolaou. “I have no idea why we’ve put up with tiny little medicine cabinets and tiny little mirrors for so long, but I’m so happy with all the choices that are offered now.

“With storage space at a premium in the bathroom, these extra-long cabinets are the perfect answer for those of us with countless creams, lotions, and serums in need of stashing away—and who wouldn’t want a bigger mirror?” she asks. “The perfect combination of form and function, this is a trend that will stick around for a long time.”

Get the look: Upgrade your bathroom storage with one of these Searle surface-mount framed medicine cabinets from Wayfair.

5. Oval vessel sink

With space being of the essence, there’s no better solution to efficiency in a bathroom than one of these oval vessel sinks featured by @holzhausliebe.

“If you’re remodeling your bathroom, a vessel sink is a great choice because it’s stylish, easy to install, and gives your bathroom a contemporary look,” says Javor. “An oval shape is nice because it’s thinner, making it perfect for use in narrow bathrooms, and the long length also gives you more options with faucet placement.”

Get the look: Bring some contemporary space saving into your bathroom with this matte stone Wisteria oval vessel sink from The Home Depot.

The post Give Your Bathroom Decor a (Spring) Break: 5 Travel-Inspired Trends From Instagram appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

How To Know If Your Home Improvement Professional Is Worth the Price Tag

Getty Images

No one likes to overpay. But if you’re looking to hire a home improvement professional to do some work, you might not know what’s a fair price. Services like installing a deck, repairing a roof, or remodeling a bathroom can cost a lot of money, but most people don’t know what to expect—or understand what goes into the final cost.

“There is a natural information imbalance between the consumer doing the hiring and the pro doing the work,” says Mischa Fisher, chief economist for leading digital marketplace HomeAdvisor. “The pro typically has the time, tools, and talent to do the work, while the homeowner lacks knowledge about how things are done, how long they’ll take, how good the pro is, and how much things should cost.”

Have a home improvement project in mind for which you’re considering hiring a pro? Here are a few tips from the experts on how to find a contractor who’s going to do quality work for a fair price.

1. Thoroughly read reviews from trusted marketplaces

When you have no clue about costs or a contractor’s quality of work, begin by doing some research at Consumers’ Checkbook, Angie’s List, or HomeAdvisor.

“Marketplaces are a great place to level the playing field,” says Fisher. “Homeowners can check reviews to understand if the pro has a track record of doing good work, and how many other people think the pro performed as expected. They can also check marketplace cost guides to see how much things cost and should cost.”

2. Ask for referrals—and call them

If your neighbors across the street rave about a contractor they hired to work on their deck, you might want to consider hiring them as well.

“A high-quality professional should have a history of satisfied customers,” says Fisher. “When a pro is giving you a bid for their work, it’s prudent to have a conversation about similar jobs they have performed in the past, and if they have references you can check for other work that they’ve completed.”

Getting a list of references is one thing, but make sure you actually follow up and call the references to confirm they were satisfied.

3. Check for licenses and work history

Anyone can say they are a contractor. But what separates the professionals from the amateurs are permits, licenses, and a steady work history.

One way to check whether a contractor is licensed is through Angie’s List License Check, which can be searched by state and profession or trade. You can also check the Better Business Bureau or visit your state’s licensing board website to verify the license.

“Licensing can vary a lot by state or county,” says Fisher. “Even if the occupation itself does not require a license, many jurisdictions may require permits for jobs to be completed.”

4. Ask for photos or videos of recent work

Contractors may talk a big game about all the great work they’ve done, like that beautiful spa tub and outdoor bar they put in for their last client. But talk is talk, and you want to see proof before hiring them. Don’t hesitate to ask for photos or videos of their work to see the type of quality product you’ll get.

“Similar to asking for references, an experienced pro should have examples of recent work that they’ve done that is similar to the job you’re looking to have completed,” says Fisher. “This is particularly important if you’re looking for a comprehensive remodeling pro, but it can also be important for jobs that are smaller in scale like painting a single room, moving some light switches, or redoing the plumbing for a bathroom fixture.”

Fisher says it’s not realistic to expect a pro to have pictures of every single job they’ve ever completed, but having a picture or two of similar work to yours should be expected.

5. Have frank conversations about timeline and budget expectations

When hiring a contractor, you need to set a timeline and discuss expected total costs.

“Open communication between you and your pro is extremely important. Before hiring someone for your job, make sure you feel comfortable talking to them about your project requirements and expectations,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angie’s List.

She says to discuss your budget and ideal timeline and, once terms are agreed upon by both parties, to make sure they’re in the contract. She says your pro should be honest about potential delays and how they will be handled.

“When discussing budget, determine what will work for you, but only share 90% of that budget with the contractor. That way if surprises come up or you decide to change something midproject, you have money to cover it without causing financial stress,” says Hicks.

She says to also tell your contractor that you need an itemized list of materials, labor, and any other costs, and to make sure to spell out whether you require specific materials, brands, colors, etc., or if you’re fine with your contractor finding the right materials. 

“Keep the door to conversation open throughout the duration of your project,” says Hicks. “And if a contractor won’t work with you on reasonable requests, find one who will.”

The post How To Know If Your Home Improvement Professional Is Worth the Price Tag appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

‘Design Star: Next Gen’ Reveals 2 Horrid Home Office Fails To Never Do

Discovery+

With so many people working from home right now, many are racking their brains on how to fit a nice home office into the mix—and some smart do’s and don’ts abound in the latest “Design Star: Next Gen,” the Discovery+ reboot of HGTV’s hugely popular “Design Star.”

On the “Transformers!” episode, the seven remaining contestants are working hard on workspaces, while host Allison Hocker Boss and guest judge Kim Myles (the winner of Season 2 of the original “Design Star”) chime in with colorful commentary.

The designers are each instructed to create a multifunctional room that can pass as both a home office and a hip party place—plus they need to build a modular piece of furniture that can help change the function of their room. While the contestants put a lot of thought into their individual designs, only one will win—and one will be cut from the competition entirely.

Here are the best—and worst—home office designs these competitors pull off, which might inspire a few changes around your own abode, too.

Save space with foldaway furniture

Eli Hariton’s shelving unit looks great in this workspace.

Discovery+

Right away, Denver designer Eli Hariton impresses the judges with his workspace design. With bold black and orange colors, two large desks, and lots of shelf space, it’s stylish as well as functional.

Then, Hariton opens the cupboard to reveal a bar and swivels the desks out into the middle of the room. By doing so, he creates a dining space perfect for dinner parties. To add to the fun, he builds gray and white blocks that transform from stylish art pieces into part of the table!

Of course, the judges love the look. Even fellow contestant Carmeon Hamilton (from Memphis, TN) applauds the smart design.

“Can you imagine this in, like, a New York apartment?” Hamilton asks.

These shelves open up into a bar, and a convenient table folds out.

Discovery+

But the space isn’t perfect.

“Your accessories, it’s, like, awkward,” says head judge Jonathan Adler of Hariton’s decor. “Really drags me down.” However, he’s impressed by the creativity of Hariton’s table, which proves that even the tiniest apartments can have a sizable dining space if you move things around.

Never underestimate the power of paint

Arianna Danielson’s workspace is moody with an art deco vibe.

Discovery+

While Hariton’s design is delightful, Arianna Danielson of Colorado Springs, CO, creates a wow-worthy office space with desks that collapse into beautiful pieces of wall art. But this space isn’t only about function. Danielson gives her room a sophisticated art deco design, with a smart use of colors, which gets lots of compliments from the judges.

Danielson shows the judges how her desks turn into chic wall art.

Discovery+

“It’s really cohesive,” Myles says. “It feels really chic. I also want to commend you, just so much gets accomplished with paint.”

Add storage with secret compartments

Carmeon Hamilton’s table looks great!

desk space

Meanwhile, Hamilton has designed a workspace with her young son, who likes to play video games. The room has a large table, which is perfect for homework; but it has two hidden compartments that pop up to reveal video game storage on one side and drink storage on the other.

This table has secret compartments, which are perfect for kids and adults.

HGTV

The judges love the clever table, especially the push-to-open panels, which makes opening them extra easy.

“Your attention to detail is really sophisticated and superb,” judge Lauren Makk says.

Home office fail No. 1: Falling short on a room’s focal point

The judges don’t like the look of this mood board.

Discovery+

Chris Goddard of Springdale, AR, has a creative concept: building a vision board that folds down into a pingpong table. However, the feature doesn’t impress Adler.

“The focal point is right here,” Adler says, looking at the mood board. “That looks like a 5-year-old did it, and that’s the whole focus of this room. Unfortunately, your focal point is a fail.”

Still, when Goddard pulls down the mood board to reveal the pingpong table, the judges love it. The table is a great feature, but it might not be enough to justify the uninteresting wall.

Chris Goddard’s wall folds down into this cool pingpong table.

Discovery+

Home office fail No. 2: Too many colors and patterns

The judges felt Peti Lau’s workspace looked too busy and too young.

Discovery+

Another home office the judges aren’t in love with is Peti Lau’s, due to her overuse of hues and patterns.

“There is a lot goin’ on,” Myles says of the L.A. designer’s workspace. “You are not kidding with color, pattern, pattern, pattern, pattern. I’m not sure where to look first.”

This white board folds open into a dance floor.

Discovery+

While Lau’s design is certainly creative, with a white board that folds open into a dance floor, Adler isn’t impressed.

“It’s a bit tween,” he says.

Of course, Adler is right. With light-up wall decor, a colorful rug, and crazy wallpaper to top it off, Lau’s room feels busy and immature. Her design proves that whether you’re working or dancing the night away, sometimes too much is simply too much.

Who wins this round of ‘Design Star: Next Gen’?

In the end, Hariton’s hidden bar and hide-a-way table get top marks, and the judges name him this week’s winner.

Meanwhile, Lau’s dance floor proves to be insufficient for these judges, and she’s eliminated from the competition. Still, Lau is proud of her work and accepts that her designs might not be for everyone.

“The judges weren’t really getting my designs,” Lau says.

With only six designers left in the competition, they will have to work harder than ever next week to stay in the game.

The post ‘Design Star: Next Gen’ Reveals 2 Horrid Home Office Fails To Never Do appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

How To Create a Backyard Oasis That’ll Help Sell Your House—and Fetch Top Dollar

Getty Images

Whether you’re a house flipper or a homeowner preparing to sell your property, upgrading your outdoor living space can make a big difference. Buyers have always been impressed by lush backyards that provide ample space to entertain and play—and after a year of staying home due to the coronavirus pandemic, that matters more than ever.

“You want to wow people when they walk outside,” says Andrea Campanelli of Ace Realty of Charleston, SC. That means turning your backyard into a beautiful, livable amenity by doing basic maintenance and adding a few cosmetic upgrades.

With home buyers seeking next-level backyard spaces, which outdoor improvements are the most cost-effective? Consider these projects to create a backyard oasis buyers will love.

Declutter the yard

Decluttering is often the first step when staging the interior of your home, but it’s also important to make sure your yard looks open and spacious.

“One of the biggest problems I encounter with properties is the clutter that people leave in their yards,” says Robert Gash, owner of Colorado Country Broker and United Country Western Land & Lifestyle Properties in Western Colorado. “Roll up your hoses, and put the kids’ toys in the shed.”

Juan Marin, a real estate agent for IBR Group Corp. in Orlando, FL, asserts that a well-maintained backyard can boost your purchase price by 10% to 15%.

“I believe simple things will give you more bang for your buck,” he says. “Add flowerpots around the backyard and entrance, add some mulch on the garden beds to help make sure the flowers pop out at you, and tighten up any overgrown bushes or trees.”

Create a lush landscape with a freshly seeded lawn

Photo by Southview Design

Gash also advises sellers to mow the lawn, pull the weeds, and plant new seed grass in bald areas.

“These are all things that will class up your property and make it more appealing to a buyer,” he says.

Kat Simpson, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Reality in Summit, NJ, reiterates the need for a lush, green, and fertile lawn, recommending that sellers reseed or even resod the yard if necessary.

“Here in New Jersey, especially, many people are flocking to the suburbs to see some green. Weather permitting, give it to them,” she says.

Paint or replace the fence

Sprucing up your fence can make the entire yard look well-maintained.

“If you already have a fence, be sure that it is in great condition,” Simpson says. “Fix or replace loose or missing sections. Make sure the paint or stain isn’t flaking or chipping. Power-wash, paint, or stain as needed.”

If you don’t have a fence, consider adding one, as it can improve your backyard’s aesthetic and provide a feeling of security and peace of mind. These factors could increase the property’s value and encourage a faster sale.

A permit and a property survey may be required to install a new fence, and there may also be height restrictions. However, Simpson says, “Most towns make the addition of a fence easy.”

Invest in a patio

Photo by Quatrefoil Inc

Transforming your backyard into an outdoor living space will turn heads and create eager buyers. Most experts we spoke with recommend adding a patio, which usually doesn’t require permits and is easier to build and maintain than an elevated deck.

“A patio can be installed quickly, which keeps the cost down,” Simpson says.

If you already have a deck in place, check to make sure it’s structurally sound before selling. A home inspector will ding the property if there is a safety issue, Simpson says. If the deck is in good condition, she suggests power-washing, restaining, or repainting it for a fresh look.

“Moss can look like mold, and chipped paint ages a property drastically,” she says. “Both are unappealing, especially for buyers who are not ready to take on home improvement projects.”

But don’t build a deck solely to help sell the property.

“It may not be the style a buyer wants. It most likely will need a permit and may increase the taxes for the new owner,” she cautions.

Coordinate your patio decor

Photo by Elizabeth Louise Interiors

Fresh furniture on your patio can help bring your outdoor space to life. Simpson recommends investing in a few new items to stage the outdoor living space.

“There are so many inexpensive options today that it’s worth getting something in good condition to highlight the space,” she says. If the buyers like the new patio furniture enough, they might want to write it into the offer!

A small weatherproof sofa and end table to complement an existing dining table can help create a cozy outdoor living room. Replacing the cushions on your existing patio furniture is also an affordable way to spruce up the space.

“Outdoor pillows can add a pop of color and make an area feel welcoming,” Simpson says. “The goal is to show how the area can be used and what a benefit it can be to the home.”

Consider these additional touches to set your yard apart

Individual home buyers may have different needs or desires for their backyard space, but most buyers share one thing in common: They want the backyard to be livable.

“People love entertaining outdoors,” says Campanelli.

She recommends adding to the amenities you may already have, such as a backyard grill, to create an outdoor kitchen area with cabinets and a hibachi grill.

Outdoor lighting, speakers, and a waterproof TV can all help contribute to that vibe of creating an outdoor room that prospective buyers will love.

The post How To Create a Backyard Oasis That’ll Help Sell Your House—and Fetch Top Dollar appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

How To Design a Patio to Match Your Style