Jody Minns's Stories

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

’50K Three Ways’ Reveals the Worst Renovation Mistake

Tiffany Brooks, star of “50K Three Ways,” knows firsthand that running over budget on a renovation is one of the worst (yet most common) mistakes a homeowner can make. But the latest episode of her new show proves there are always ways to trim expenses without compromising quality.

In the episode “Double Trouble,” Brooks meets with two sets of clients hoping to make big changes in their homes. While one couple has $50,000 to fix up their kitchen and family room, the other has just $15,000 to improve their living space.

Brooks will need to pull out her best cost-saving tricks to design spaces that will make these clients happy. Here’s how she does it, which might inspire some upgrades around your own home, too.

Add glass fronts to just a few kitchen cabinets

Brooks meets with Steve and Lainie Epstein, who want to make some improvements to their forever home. They have a strict budget of $50,000, so they can’t renovate the whole house; however, Brooks presents them with three great options to renovate either the kitchen and living room, master suite, or basement.

Steve and Lainie decide that updating the kitchen and living room (and getting rid of the dated oak finishes) is the best investment.

“When I think about what we do on our daily life, we’re in those two rooms all of the time. And the oak, it’s kind of killing us,” Lainie says.

So Brooks plans to do away with the oak kitchen cabinets, but before she can install the new, more modern cabinets, Lainie asks for glass fronts, which are an expensive upgrade.

Brooks knows that Lainie and Steve can’t afford to put in all glass, so she upgrades only a few of the cabinet doors.

“I have a new challenge here,” Brooks says. “I’ve got to pick out the cabinets that will create the most impact, and for less than $1,000.”

Brooks ends up using glass fronts on the end cabinet and the smaller top cabinets. By using glass on just these few doors, it saves a lot of money. However, it’s just enough to allow Lainie to display her prettiest china.

These few glass cabinets are a perfect compromise.
HGTV

Add butcher block counters for a convenient prep space

To give this couple an extra functional kitchen, Brooks decides to install a countertop island that is part butcher block.

“Steve and Lainie want that functional butcher block, but they don’t want their entire island covered in it,” Brooks says. “So we do just a section.”

She spends just $350 on the section of butcher block, which gives Lainie and Steve’s island the best of both worlds. The island benefits from both the elegant look of a marble slab and the function of butcher block.

This countertop provides two beautiful styles.
HGTV

Repaint your staircase for a new look

stairs — The oak theme extended to the living room.
HGTV

While Lainie and Steve don’t have the budget to redo the whole house, they do want to update the family room, which includes updating the oak staircase.

“One of their main complaints coming into this project is all of the red oak,” Brooks says. “This is an opportunity to get rid of it. Let’s make it light and bright like the rest of their house.”

Still, Lainie and Steve don’t want to spend too much money updating their stairs, so they decide to simply paint the steps and the railing white and replace the carpet runner.

While Brooks originally wants to refinish the steps, she agrees that the white paint ends up looking great. It’s modern, clean, and inexpensive.

Dull floors are actually trendy today

wood flooring — The refinished floors had a dull finish at first.
HGTV

Meanwhile, clients Penny and Reggie Lawrence want to give their living room a refresh, so Brooks gives them three design options. They pick an elegant option with a fireplace and a window seat. However, one of the first things Brooks wants to do is refinish the wood floors.

Brooks has the floors done, but when the work is finished, Penny isn’t happy. She says that she wishes the floors were shinier, but Brooks explains that a subtler look is more on-trend.

“Everybody is doing duller floors now,” Brooks tells Penny, “but we can definitely add the gloss back.”

These wood floors are shiny, which isn’t a popular look these days.
HGTV

Penny says she prefers the old-school look, so Brooks adds the gloss. In the end, she says, it won’t change the look of the room too much.

“There’s a lot of design decisions that I stand firm on,” Brooks says. “Penny’s floors were not one of ’em. Having the glossier floors is not going to mess up the style of the room.”

A window seat with storage is a great use of space

One way Brooks improves this living space is by removing some of the bulky furniture and replacing one couch with a beautiful window seat. The seats save a lot of space, and add extra functionality thanks to storage under the bench.

“We have storage that spans the width of the bench,” Brooks points out. “The design of this space is totally functional.”

This upgrade proves that a space can have lots of seating without feeling crowded.

The post ’50K Three Ways’ Reveals the Worst Renovation Mistake appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

5 Plumbing Maintenance Tasks You Should Really Address Before the Summer Months

Can it really be? Summer is finally right around the corner. And after a year of being stuck indoors, you probably have plans to seriously enjoy the warm-weather months and live life as carefree as possible. Your home’s plumbing is likely not topping the list of things you want to be thinking about right now. But performing preventive maintenance before those summer days come can give you peace of mind all season long.

“You might be hosting families and friends over the summertime and your home’s plumbing system will see an uptick in usage, so it’s important that you conduct the necessary maintenance now to avoid unexpected plumbing issues,” says Jack Pruitt, brand manager at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “Be proactive instead of reactive.”

Make sure you accomplish the projects below to ensure a plumbing-disaster-free summer.

1. Clear your home’s drains of residue

Drains can get gunky and build up residue over time due to daily hand-washing, showering, and other tasks. While you’re performing your pre-summer maintenance tasks, it’s important to clean the drains to avoid unexpected clogs.

“While some homeowners rely on commercial drain cleaners to get the job done, that’s not always the best or safest option,” says Pruitt. “Consider using an all-natural and less expensive option to clean your drains.”

He suggests pouring a half-cup baking soda down the drain, then a half-cup vinegar. The chemical reaction will help dissolve any clog. After 10 to 15 minutes, slowly pour hot water to clear out lingering residue.

“If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, swap it out for lemon juice—the acidity of lemons can have a similar effect on cleaning your drains,” says Pruitt.

2. Clean the gutters ahead of summer rainstorms

Many plumbers consider gutters part of your plumbing system because they carry water away from your house. If gutters are overtopped with water, it can damage the home’s foundation and walls of the basement, creating cracks that may grow over time.

Pruitt says all kinds of debris can land in your gutters, including leaves, twigs, seeds, and even wind-borne trash like plastic bags.

“When this happens, the first part of your home in danger of water damage is the roof, as pooling water can rot your fascia, shingles, and the edge of your roofline,” he says.

“To clean your gutters, use a ladder on leveled ground that locks in place,” he says. “Hook an empty bucket to the top of the ladder to collect the debris you remove, and be sure to use work gloves as you’re removing the debris.”

Using a handheld garden tool such as a trowel can be useful while cleaning gutters and can help scrape up sludge from the bottom of the gutter. Once the gutter is clear, use a hose to wash it completely clean and ensure the water is flowing freely through the downspout.

3. Test your toilets for leaks

A likely source for leaks in plumbing is a faulty flapper, a small piece of rubber that acts as a stopper, separating the tank from the bowl. When the toilet is flushed, the flapper lifts, allowing water to flow into the bowl below and flush away the waste. But over time, the rubber can degrade, wear out, and develop cracks.

“A good way to test for a leaking flapper is to add a few drops of food coloring to the top of the tank where the flapper and flush valve are. Check to see if the water inside the bowl is turning the color of the food coloring you added,” says Aaron Mulder, co-owner and operations manager for Mr. Rooter of San Antonio.

If you see color, then you have a leaking/passing flapper. Mulder says you can expect to replace your flapper every two to three years. They can be purchased at a local hardware store or home center.

4. Flush the water heater to remove built-up sediment

This is one of those annual tasks that should be tackled with the rest of your spring-cleaning. Throughout the year, calcium and magnesium that can accumulate in your water heater solidify, and potentially mix with dirt and other inclusions, becoming sediment that accumulates at the bottom of your tank. The sediment could increase the chances of a leak coming out of the bottom of the tank and prevent your water heater from heating as effectively.

“Flushing your water heater is a generally simple task. All you will need is a hose that can connect tightly to the flushing valve on the side of your tank and a large bucket,” says Don Glovan, franchise consultant with Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

He says to first shut off the gas or electrical connection to your tank and connect the hose to the drain valve. Make sure the other end of the hose is in a large bucket or storm drain, open the drain valve, and let the water flow out. At the same time, open your temperature and pressure-relief valve.

If the bucket has sediment crystals in the bottom, then continue letting the water drain through. When new crystals stop appearing in the bottom, close the drain valve and let the tank refill.

“Then restart your pilot light or turn your electrical connection back on, and your tank should heat up again,” he says.

5. Inspect and maintain your septic tank

If your house runs on a septic system, it’s a good idea to make sure your septic tank is ready to handle the extra use that occurs during the summer. This means keeping your system well-maintained and practicing good septic hygiene.

“Regular maintenance can help prevent problems before they occur, so you don’t end up with sewage backing up into your yard or home,” says Pruitt. “How often you need inspection and maintenance depends on the specific type of system you have, but most need to be checked by an inspector at a minimum every three years.”

He says a septic inspector will look for leaks, clogs, and other malfunctions and determine if the tank needs pumping to remove the solids, the frequency of which will depend on the size of your system, how many people use it, and how much waste you produce.

The post 5 Plumbing Maintenance Tasks You Should Really Address Before the Summer Months appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Monday, May 3, 2021

Erin and Ben Napier Make a Fresh Start in ‘Home Town Takeover’

“Home Town” stars Erin and Ben Napier have done great work making over homes in Laurel, MS. And now, they’ve branched out to a new town in a new show!

In “Home Town Takeover,” the Napiers set out to breathe new life into the tiny, run-down community of Wetumpka, AL. In just four months, they’ll update key homes, stores, and other areas with some help from fellow HGTV stars who are willing to lend a hand.

In the premiere episode, “First Hammer Swing,” Jenny and Dave Marrs from “Fixer to Fabulous” come to help the Napiers renovate a foster home, while Erin and Ben focus on revitalizing a local clothing boutique. Here’s how these first two projects pan out, which might inspire some renovation tips for your own home and community, too.

A new paint job can make a home feel more welcoming

The very first house Erin and Ben fix up in this town is the home of foster parents Kasey and Ray Moody. The Moodys have two boys living with them, and they want the house to feel inviting for any new foster kids they welcome in the future.

“What they’re doing is teaching every child that passes through their door about generosity and love,” Erin says. “It’s going to be this generational ripple effect of helping in their community.”

When it comes to the exterior, one thing Kasey and Ray really want is some new paint.

“It needs paint, ’cause some random guy keeps telling me I need to scrape my house and paint it,” Kasey says.

Sure enough, the paint has faded and chipped, exposing some brick. It’s clear this house needs a new look.

So Erin and Ben decide to paint the house blue. Jenny and Dave help out by finding a hue that reminds them of a cottage. When paired with an emerald green door and natural wood shutters, the house gains a fresh, calm vibe that will certainly be welcoming to the Moodys’ future foster kids.

Simplify columns for a more modern look

These pillars instantly date the house.
HGTV

Another feature Kasey would like to change is the wrought-iron columns in the carport.

“When we first bought this house, the first thing I said had to go was the columns in the carport,” she says.

Luckily, Erin has an idea to update this feature: “We want to wrap it so that the wrought iron just goes away.”

Jenny and Dave help out by removing the swirly wrought-iron columns and replacing them with simpler posts. The look is cleaner and makes the house feel more timeless.

A new paint color can update old features

living room — This paneling adds character to this room.
HGTV

Inside this house, Kasey and Ray have a lot of great living spaces, but the rooms need some small updates. While Ben points out that the vertical wood paneling in the family room may be a little dated, Erin begs to differ.

“I’m super into it,” Erin says of the paneling. “We actually have something similar in our laundry room that we painted. It can be beautiful.”

So Erin and Ben paint the paneling white, giving the space a fresh, open feel. It proves that a new color can make an old feature feel new.

Use bold colors for a true statement wall

desk — These white panels don’t show a lot of personality.
HGTV

Once the Moody house is finished, Erin and Ben direct their attention to Tabatha Powe and her boutique, which is on the verge of closing.

“We want to renovate The Tapp 18 because it puts a spotlight on a business that I think businesses all over the country can relate to,” Erin says.

The Napiers make a lot of changes to this shop. Most importantly, Erin replaces some white wall tiles with dark wood and a floral accent. Once done, it makes this space pop.

“Tapp 18 needs to feel more modern and chic,” Erin says. “I know what she was trying to do, she had the right idea, to draw attention to the point of sale, but we can do better.”

accent wall — Deep colors and a floral fixture make this space really stand out.
HGTV

Don’t forget to update the ceiling

While the new point of sale makes a big difference, Erin and Ben aren’t done with this shop yet. Another big change they make is on the ceiling.

“We’re going to replace this office acoustic tile drop ceiling with a replica pressed-tin ceiling,” Ben says. “It’ll make a lot more sense with this 100-year-old building.”

While this replica tin ceiling is not the original ceiling and not real tin, this new look gives the shop a more classic, vintage feel.

The post Erin and Ben Napier Make a Fresh Start in ‘Home Town Takeover’ appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Saturday, May 1, 2021

5 Fabulous Foyer Decor Ideas That’ll Impress All Those Guests You Can Have Over Now

Foyers are typically spaces you consider when you’re regularly having company over—so yours probably hasn’t gotten much love lately.

But with COVID-19 vaccines rolling out and cities loosening restrictions, your entryway may be seeing more action in the near future. Is it worthy of welcoming guests?

If not, we’ve got some ideas on how you can whip that foyer into shape. Like we do, we’ve been poring over Instagram for all the latest decor trends and we’ve come up with these five amazing ideas for an instant entryway boost.

1. Frosted pendant

We all have some sort of lighting in the foyer, but this frosted pendant from @house_sprucing—which seems more like ceiling jewelry than anything else—is taking things to the next level.

“A frosted pendant gives your home a modern look with softer, diffused light,” says Andra DelMonico, lead designer for Trendey. “The frosted glass blocks the bulb, so your home still gets illuminated without glaring light.

“To bring this trend in your home, don’t get caught up on the frosted glass,” she adds. “Instead, focus on the rest of the light fixture’s design and matching it to your decor.”

Get the look: Go big with this York unique pendant or do it on a budget with this Westerberg statement pendant.

2. Geometric mirrors

A lot of entryways have mirrors, but none quite like this trio of geometric bling from @delightfulll.

“One way to quickly update your entry is to add in a geometric mirror,” says Jennifer Burt of Mississippi Maximalism. “Postmodern styles—think ’80s organic shapes and gold brass details—is a hot trend that’s fairly new and will instantly update your space.

“Mirrors in an entry are perfect to make the space feel larger, plus you get a peek at your appearance as you head out the door,” she adds.

Get the look: Check out this uniquely gorgeous Specchio mirror.

3. Two-toned entryway benches

Benches have become another popular staple of most modern foyers, but this one from @faithfully_home is an instant win with its two-toned charm.

“A bench in the entry is such a luxury,” says Burt. “It’s a place to sit and put on shoes, a place for guests to sit before heading out, and a place to showcase some in-season throw pillows.

“A bench that uses two colors or two different materials adds depth and texture to the space, so use these colors and finishes wisely to tie together the other materials in your entryway,” she adds.

Get the look: Bring some chic modern vibes into your space with this Teri solid-wood shoe storage bench.

4. Olive trim boards

Spring is quite possibly the best time of year to introduce a little more green into your space, but we have a feeling this olive detailing from @3acrehomestead will look just as good in any season.

“People are reevaluating their chosen color schemes, and sage and olive are becoming more popular as soft colors that add that desired visual interest and depth to your home,” says DelMonico. “They’re calming colors and easily matched with rustic, farmhouse, and homey decor. Combine this color with decorative trim, and you have a soothing color and appealing texture.”

Get the look: Shop this Clary sage one-coat hide semi-gloss for some good green vibes.

5. Industrial cart table

For a nontraditional entry table that doubles as industrial chic decor, look no further than this cart table from @rusty_7s.

“A console table in the entry has become a must-have,” says Burt. “An industrial-style cart works because it can tie in many decor styles. If the rest of your home is farmhouse style, it will flow just as well as it will in a sleek contemporary space. Plus, if you have a get-together, the cart can roll anywhere in the home and double as a cocktail station,”

Get the look: Store your keys, purse, and even your wine collection on this showstopping Hailee bar cart.

The post 5 Fabulous Foyer Decor Ideas That’ll Impress All Those Guests You Can Have Over Now appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

9 Great Places To Buy (or Find) Used Patio Furniture

Maybe you spent all the pandemic making your backyard an oasis, with lush landscaping and even a victory garden. What’s missing: some comfortable patio furniture to truly enjoy it.

“Spring and summer always brings people outside, which sparks their interest in looking for outdoor furniture,” says Serena Appiah, owner of “Thrift Diving,” a blog about designing your home on a DIY budget. “But the cost to buy brand-new is always expensive, even if you buy furniture from discount stores.”

Appiah says she recently saw some heavy-duty plastic Adirondack chairs from a discount bulk store, priced at $130 each.

“Imagine being a family of five and having to spend about $700 on new chairs. That’s not easy and feasible for most people!” she says.

So if your budget is tight—or you just like snagging a good deal—you may want to think about getting used outdoor furniture. Secondhand shopping can be a great way to find less expensive patio furniture and keep those items out of landfills.

You may even stumble upon a diamond in the rough—used designer or quality vintage furniture. If it’s high time to outfit your patio with some new furniture, consider treasure hunting online and in person at the following places.

OfferUp

There are a number of online marketplaces for local buyers and sellers where you can search for and buy used outdoor furniture. One of those marketplaces is OfferUp.

Users can search for used furniture in their region by price range, message sellers to negotiate price, and set a time to meet. Unsure if the person you’re dealing with is shady? You can see ratings, badges, and transaction history on the seller’s profile page.

To give you a taste of the pricing, in the San Diego area, a seller on OfferUp recently listed a teak bench with outdoor pillows for $50 and a five-piece patio set for $150.

Chairish

If you’re looking for used patio furniture that’s at the upper end of the scale, you can browse Chairish, another online marketplace for used vintage furniture and antiques. Anna Brockway, its co-founder and president, says the company has an assortment of vintage outdoor furniture, and that much of it is available for local pickup.

“We have everything from one-of-a-kind wicker and iron pieces to sought-after designers like Brown Jordan and Salterini,” says Brockway. “Our selection includes seating, dining tables, side tables, stools, planters, and even outdoor rugs and pillows that are durable enough for the elements.”

Brockway says the best reason to go with vintage and pre-loved items is sustainability.

“When you choose vintage over new, you’re powering the circular economy and giving the items another life. Outdoor furniture is made to last and withstand the elements, so it is likely to be in great condition,” she says.

Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace

As for other options, some of the original sites for finding used items—like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace—may come in handy.

“You’re more likely to find whole patio sets in good condition on Facebook Marketplace, but be prepared to spend a bit more, as Facebook Marketplace can be pricier than a thrift store,” says Appiah.

She also recommends posting an announcement on Facebook to friends and family to see if someone’s got an old set they’re looking to part with.

“Offer them a reasonable price—don’t undercut them,” she says.

Thrift stores

Stores like Salvation Army Thrift Store, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore may have some good finds too.

“While you may be less likely to find five matching Adirondack chairs, you might find different styles that can be spray-painted the same color for a unified look,” says Appiah. You might also be successful in finding one-offs, like an outdoor sofa or rug.

Yard sales, flea markets, and estate sales

Never underestimate a good yard sale, flea market, or estate sale. If you’re patient, there are many treasures to be found.

Be on the lookout for yard sales, when people who are moving may want to quickly get rid of items on the cheap. But get ready to haggle. Make sure to check local classifieds or community calendars for dates and times. Craigslist is also a good resource for garage sales in your area.

If you’re an estate sale enthusiast, check out estatesales.net online or on its app. You can sort sales by date, and take a look at photos of items that will be offered. There’s also a description of each sale that mentions if it’s cash-only or accepts credit cards. Remember to arrive early, and keep in mind that on the last day of an estate sale, prices can often drop 50% in the final hours.

If you do end up finding used patio furniture that’s a little worse for wear, Appiah says there’s always potential for a makeover.

“Spray paint is your best friend! Painting your patio furniture the same color can help to unify mismatched pieces,” she says.

The post 9 Great Places To Buy (or Find) Used Patio Furniture appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Friday, April 30, 2021

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

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

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.

“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!

blue door — Taylor El Moussa is impressed with her parents’ latest flip.
HGTV

A backsplash can be colorful, too—to a point

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.

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

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.”

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

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

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.

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)

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

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!)

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