Everything Home - Real Estate & Home Services Guide July 2024
How to get the cottagecore look at home
If you love wildflowers, crafting, embroidery, plants and a fairy tale-like esthetic, the cottagecore look may be right for you. This trendy style evokes the atmosphere, lifestyle and romanticism of English country houses. Fortunately, you don’t have to live in a literal cottage to get the look. Here’s how to bring this design style into your home.
THE WALLS
To create a dreamy and poetic atmosphere, paint the walls in pastel tones. Alternatively, apply a flowery wallpaper. Just make sure the print isn’t too busy, as this can overwhelm the space.
THE FLOOR
Whether it’s wood or ceramic, light flooring is a good fit for the cottagecore look. If you add a rug, consider choosing a white or beige macramé model.
THE FURNITURE
Wood, wicker, rattan and other natural materials con tr beds and other furniture made of these materials. Vin tage and antique pieces are also on theme.
Do you need more room in your cramped kitchen? Here are six smart ideas to make the most of a small space.
1. Mount a rail to the wall. Use a support bar and hooks to hang utensils, measuring cups, pots, pans, oven mitts, cutting boards and anything else you want to keep handy.
Install them above the stove, fridge, countertop and doorway. Shelves provide an easy storage solution for spices, bins of pasta, candy containers, fresh herbs and more.
Opt for integrated design features. Built-in appliances or a trash chute incorporated into the countertop can help you make the most of a small space. Similarly, a slide-out shelf can extend your countertop surface.
Get two-in-one appliances. A combination oven, which acts as both an oven and a microwave, allows you to have a single appliance that can bake, grill and reheat food. A microwave with a built-in hood is also a great option.
5. Install cabinets close to the ceiling Build them high to maximize storage space, and use the top shelves for items you rely on less frequently. Just be sure to keep a folding step ladder nearby so you can easily reach any item.
6. Invest in a portable cooktop. Some electric cooktops 6 tips for setting up a small kitchen
How to think about colour like an interior designer
How to think about colour like an interior designer
Did you know that design professionals use the colour wheel when deciding how to decorate a space? Here are some colour theory basics to help you think like a designer when adding colour to your home.
Did you know that design professionals use the colour wheel when deciding how to decorate a space? Here are some colour theory basics to help you think like a designer when adding colour to your home.
THE COLOUR WHEEL
THE COLOUR WHEEL
The standard colour wheel contains 12 colours: three primary colours, three secondary colours and six tertiary colours. Primary colours (red, yellow and blue) combine to form secondary colours (orange, violet and green). Tertiary colours are derived from combinations of primary and secondary colours.
The standard colour wheel contains 12 colours: three primary colours, three secondary colours and six tertiary colours. Primary colours (red, yellow and blue) combine to form secondary colours (orange, violet and green). Tertiary colours are derived from combinations of primary and secondary colours.
Variations on these base colours are created by using different shades, tints
Variations on these base colours are created by using different shades, tints
and tones. Tinting means adding white to make a colour lighter while shading involves adding black to make it darker. Tone refers to mixing a colour with a combination of white and black.
and tones. Tinting means adding white to make a colour lighter while shading involves adding black to make it darker. Tone refers to mixing a colour with a combination of white and black.
HOW DESIGNERS USE THE COLOUR WHEEL WHEN DECORATING Designers use these principles to figure out different ways to use colour in a space. Here are three common colour schemes.
HOW DESIGNERS USE THE COLOUR WHEEL WHEN DECORATING Designers use these principles to figure out different ways to use colour in a space. Here are three common colour schemes.
• Monochromatic: based on one colour in various shades, tones and tints.
• Monochromatic: based on one colour in various shades, tones and tints.
• Complementary: complementary colours (orange and blue, red and green, yellow and purple) are directly across
• Complementary: complementary colours (orange and blue, red and green, yellow and purple) are directly across
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from each other on the colour wheel. In a complementary scheme, one colour serves as the dominant hue and the other as an accent.
from each other on the colour wheel. In a complementary scheme, one colour serves as the dominant hue and the other as an accent.
• Analogous: based on three colours found next to each other on the colour wheel. It’s more subtle than using complementary colours but more colourful than a monochromatic interior.
• Analogous: based on three colours found next to each other on the colour wheel. It’s more subtle than using complementary colours but more colourful than a monochromatic interior.
Designers also consider colour temperature. In general, warm colours, which contain more red and yellow, are thought of as more vibrant and cosy while cool colours, which have more blue and violet in them, are seen as calm and relaxing.
Five tips for surviving a home renovation
Five tips for surviving a home renovation
Home renovation projects are almost always stressful, but with a little preparation, you’ll survive. Here are five tips for getting through your home renovation with your sanity intact.
Home renovation projects are almost always stressful, but with a little preparation, you’ll survive. Here are five tips for getting through your home renovation with your sanity intact.
Explore and search by topic more than 600,000 pages of historical newspaper pages at dailyitem.newspapers.com.
1. Plan everything: make a timeline, buy all the materials you’ll need and line up all the contractors before starting.
1. Plan everything: make a timeline, buy all the materials you’ll need and line up all the contractors before starting.
The pages are fully searchable and date back to 1971, with plans to expand the collection back to the Daily Item’s founding in 1937.
2. Flexibility is key: projects almost always take longer and cost more than expected, and there’s always a chance that something won’t go according to plan.
2. Flexibility is key: projects almost always take longer and cost more than expected, and there’s always a chance that something won’t go according to plan.
Designers also consider colour temperature. In general, warm colours, which contain more red and yellow, are thought of as more vibrant and cosy while cool colours, which have more blue and violet in them, are seen as calm and relaxing. Everything about the kitchen sink
3. Be ready for dust: it will get everywhere. Remove everything from the room, cover furniture and electronics and clean every day
3. Be ready for dust: it will get everywhere. Remove everything from the room, cover furniture and electronics and clean every day
4. Splurge on a dream item: whether it’s a professional gas range in the kitchen or the perfect soaker tub for your bathroom, a splurge like this is great motivation for getting through the renovation.
4. Splurge on a dream item: whether it’s a professional gas range in the kitchen or the perfect soaker tub for your bathroom, a splurge like this is great motivation for getting through the renovation.
5. Make a construction free zone: you’ll need a place to relax that’s free of dirt and dust, especially if you live
5. Make a construction free zone: you’ll need a place to relax that’s free of dirt and dust, especially if you live
with children or pets. If you’re without a kitchen for a while, include a bar fridge and microwave.
with children or pets. If you’re without a kitchen for a while, include a bar fridge and microwave.
When all else fails, try to get out of the house for a weekend to take your mind off of what’s happening at home.
When all else fails, try to get out of the house for a weekend to take your mind off of what’s happening at home.
Three top reasons to convert to a bidet toilet seat
Three top reasons to convert to a bidet toilet seat
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Everything about the kitchen sink
To find the perfect sink for your kitchen, you need to determine what type of sink you want, what kind of material it should be made of and the size and configuration that will best meet your needs. Here’s what to consider regarding each of these key points.
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To find the perfect sink for your kitchen, you need to determine what type of sink you want, what kind of material it should be made of and the size and configuration that will best meet your needs. Here’s what to consider regarding each of these key points.
TYPE
TYPE
There are two basic types of sink: topmount, which sits on top of your counter and undermount, which rests underneath.
There are two basic types of sink: topmount, which sits on top of your counter and undermount, which rests underneath.
If you long for a country kitchen, choose a rustic farmhouse sink, which has a front wall that extends slightly past the cabinets.
If you long for a country kitchen, choose a rustic farmhouse sink, which has a front wall that extends slightly past the cabinets.
MATERIAL
MATERIAL
Bidets are widely used in many countries, but they’re almost impossible to find in North America. That may be changing now that Japanese-style bidet toilet seats are gaining in popularity.
Bidets are widely used in many countries, but they’re almost impossible to find in North America. That may be changing now that Japanese-style bidet toilet seats are gaining in popularity.
Here are three reasons to install a bidet toilet seat in your bathroom:
Here are three reasons to install a bidet toilet seat in your bathroom:
1. They’re environmentally friendly. A bidet toilet seat with an air-drying feature eliminates any need for toilet paper, which can save millions of trees.
1. They’re environmentally friendly. A bidet toilet seat with an air-drying feature eliminates any need for toilet paper, which can save millions of trees.
2. They’re more hygienic. Cleaning yourself with water is more effective than wiping with toilet paper and can help stop the spread of bacteria.
2. They’re more hygienic. Cleaning yourself with water is more effective than wiping with toilet paper and can help stop the spread of bacteria.
3. They reduce plumbing issues. Using less toilet paper means there’s a decreased chance of clogging the toilet.
3. They reduce plumbing issues. Using less toilet paper means there’s a decreased chance of clogging the toilet.
If you’re interested in having a bidet toilet seat in your home, there are many options available to you, from inexpensive nozzles that attach to a normal seat to highend, heated seats with controls for the temperature and flow of water and even a dryer.
If you’re interested in having a bidet toilet seat in your home, there are many options available to you, from inexpensive nozzles that attach to a normal seat to highend, heated seats with controls for the temperature and flow of water and even a dryer.
One thing’s for sure, once you’ve used one a few times, you’ll never want to go back to a regular toilet.
One thing’s for sure, once you’ve used one a few times, you’ll never want to go back to a regular toilet.
Most sinks are made of stainless steel but there are other options available. For example, farmhouse sinks are fabricated from cast iron and there are integrated sinks that are made of the same material as your countertop (granite, quartz, soapstone, etc.).
Most sinks are made of stainless steel but there are other options available. For example, farmhouse sinks are fabricated from cast iron and there are integrated sinks that are made of the same material as your countertop (granite, quartz, soapstone, etc.).
SIZE AND CONFIGURATION
SIZE AND CONFIGURATION
Depending on the size of your kitchen, you can choose either a single or double bowl sink. Alternatively, you can install a single bowl that’s the size of a double.
Depending on the size of your kitchen, you can choose either a single or double bowl sink. Alternatively, you can install a single bowl that’s the size of a double.
By taking these things into consideration, along with your cooking habits, kitchen style and budget, you’re sure to find the perfect sink for your kitchen.
By taking these things into consideration, along with your cooking habits, kitchen style and budget, you’re sure to find the perfect sink for your kitchen.
Home renovation health and safety tips
Are you planning to renovate your home? If so, you should know that your abode is about to become a construction zone. This means that there will be tools, dust and other health and safety hazards to contend with. Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones during a home renovation.
1. Get an inspection. If your home was built before 1 0, have someone come in to inspect it for traces of asbestos. You don’t need to be renovating extensively to run the risk of exposure to this harmful material.
2. Protect yourself. ven if the inspection doesn’t turn up anything, wearing a mask at all times is a good idea. Anyone wor king on the renovation should also wear gloves, eye protection, hardhats and steel toed boots to prevent injuries.
3. Protect your home. Lay down tarps so your floors don’t get stained or scuffed and protect any furniture you couldn’t move out of the vicinity of the construc tion zone.
4.Ventilate. Make sure there’s a window open and fans running while the dirtiest work is underway. This will keep fresh air flowing into your home.
5. Clean daily. At the end of every day, va cuum and mop the floors and wipe the dust off of all surfaces.
6. Use non-toxic products. Opt for OCfree paint and waterbased solvents, as these won’t release chemicals into the air.
7. Do dirty jobs outside. Designate a space in your yard for cutting, sanding and other tasks that generate dust and dirt.
If you’re going to be living in the house while it’s being renovated, it’s a good idea to keep one room in your home closed off. This will provide you with a haven to retreat to in the evenings.
Making your dream home: advice for the would-be builder
Are you thinking about building your own home? While there are many ad vantages of designing a space that works for your family in every way, here are some things you should consider before
$1,340,000MLS#20-96016
burbs? If so, it may be hard to find an unoccupied plot. In this case, you may need to look further away from your desired location in order to find land where you can build.
LewisburgBoroughBrickRiverfront Historythrivesinbrickconstruction,ten-footceilingsonthe1st and2nd oors,widepine oorsandbeautifulwoodwork.Numerous updatesincludingplumbing,wiringandthermopanewindows. Thelargekitchenisidealforentertaininganda nished3rdstory features 2bedrooms, afullbathand abonusroom.Theprimarysuite has aprivateenclosedporchwithriverviewsidealforrelaxationor of ceuse.Enjoythebeautyoftheriverfrontandanoccasionalbald eaglefromoneofthecoveredporchesorthedeck.Launchyour kayakrightfromyour ownyard.The3-cargarageisanadditional bene t. Walktoallthedowntownconveniences. $639,900MLS#20-96598
BLUEPRINTS
If you build the house in a subdivision, you may be able to use premade buil der’s plans. However, for a more cu
If you do decide to build, remember that the home will eventually need to be sold. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make design choices that aren’t so luxu rious that you’ll be priced out of the area or that are so quirky that other people won’t want it.
Suspended wine storage: a practical and alluring trend
cable systems to get the job done. ead on for more about this avantgarde trend.
ather than storing your bottles on conventional shelves, why not hang them horizontally on rigid stainless steel cables? Since each cable shelf is curved to cradle the neck and body of every bottle, this type of storage provides optimal stability. ertical mounting cables solidly anchored to the floor and ceiling or inside a wine cellar allow several bottles to be stacked with a modern and stun ning look. From a distance, your collection will look like it’s floa ting!
THE BENEFITS
In addition to their trendy and futuristic look, suspended cable rac king systems offer many practical advantages
• Infinite configuration possibilities depending on the space you have and your preferences.
• uick and easy bottle identification.
• Available in different sizes to house your entire collection.
• Bottles are showcased in a minimal, airy fashion. The entire dis play serves a decorative purpose that can be remarkably striking when paired with strategically placed light fixtures.
• Their design promotes air circulation like no other wine storage system on the market.
Is
your gas fireplace properly maintained?
No matter what type of heating you use during the winter, you definitely don’t want it to let you down on a freezing day — or night! If you own a fireplace that runs on propane or natural gas, know that your unit should be inspected and cleaned every year. The main reasons for this are outli ned below.
PERFORMANCE AND LONGEVITY
Here are some of the instant benefits of clea ning a gas fireplace
• nsures optimal performance
• educes the risk of failure and breakdown
• Limits heat loss
• Preserves its appearance
• Protects from fire hazards
• Prolongs its life expectancy
• educes harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Marble: only for the wealthy? Not anymore!
Marble. The word alone evokes pres tige, nobility, elegance, refinement and wealth. Do you dream of having some in your home, but think you’ll never be able to afford any? Think again! Here are some ways to include this luxurious material in your home’s decor without breaking the bank.
When it’s used for architectural purposes, such as for columns, countertops and floors, marble does require a consi derable investment. For your infor mation, a quality marble countertop retails around 00 per square foot. However, practical or decorative marble accent pieces are a growing trend. Here
are a few examples of what’s available in stores
• Clocks Lamps
• olling pins
• Cutting boards
• Serving trays Coasters
• nd tables
• Candlesticks
ORIGIN AND APPEARANCE
Marble mostly comes from urope but is also quarried in North America and Asia. Mother Nature gives it streaks and swirls of different colours, from blacks, greens, pinks, reds and purples to the classic white veined with grey. A true rainbow of possibilities!
It’s hard to stay stonefaced in the pres ence of these incredibly chic and delight fully affordable accents. isit your local home decoration stores in search of a ti meless creation to fall in love with.
Did you know that some marble is transparent and can be backlit with LED accent lighting? Wow factor guaranteed!
Track down the (hidden) causes of a cold house in the winter
Do your teeth chatter when you get out of bed in the morning? Do you have to wear two pairs of socks and thick slippers so your feet don’t freeze on your icy floors? If your heating bills are increa singly expensive and you’re seriously considering a move down south to escape the winter, try to determine — and neutralize — the cause of your thermal discomfort before making a hasty decision.
IS YOUR HOME AIRTIGHT?
In the summer as well as in the winter, heat escapes your home from several places
• Your range hood and bathroom exhaust fan
• Your dryer vent
Your front, side and patio doors
Your windows
king insulation. The areas where warm air leaks out are mostly found in attics and around foundations. Have them professio nally insulated and you’ll really feel the difference. Another simple yet smart thing you can do is insulating electrical outlets on all exterior walls. You can buy insulating kits designed just for this in hardware stores.
Practical tip: leave your curtains and blinds open during the day to warm up your house, free of charge!
The solution? Seal all cracks with caulking, even the tiniest ones. You should also consider replacing your windows with more energyefficient models. Simply call a window company in your area to benefit from perfect installation and the best possible aftersale service.
IS YOUR HOME WELL INSULATED?
To preserve your home’s heat (and save your money), start thin
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As you can see, investing in the maintenance of your gas fireplace makes sense. During the technician’s visit, he or she will
• Adjust the thermocouple and thermopile
• Calculate and adjust the gas pressure
• Detect any leaks
• Check that the pilot is working
• Clean the viewing glass
• Check the ventilation
A bit of preventative maintenance could save you from many unpleasant surprises in the short or long term. Have a local com pany regularly inspect and maintain your gas fireplace to stay safe, comfortable and healthy at home.
Those who love the fruit of the vine and wish to display their col lection of grand crus and table wines in an original manner can now use contemporary suspended
With a suspended cable wine racking system, your wine collection will appear to be floating in mid-air.
3 great reasons to get a stair runner
Installing a stair runner can be a great way to showcase a beautiful staircase. Here are three other benefits they provide.
1. More traction. If you have kids or pets, you may worry about them safely climbing up and down the stairs. A stair runner provides extra grip, minimizing the chances of slips and falls.
2. Less noise. Does someone in your home barrel up and down the stairs, making lots of noise? If you’re tired of the continuous stomping, a stair runner will muffle the sounds of feet on the stairs.
3. Better protection. A beautiful wood staircase must be treated carefully in order to stay in good shape. Un fortunately, it’s a part of the house that naturally takes a beating. For tunately, stair runners will help prevent them from getting scuffed or scratched.
Stair runners can be a beautiful addi tion to your home’s overall design, but if they’re installed incorrectly, they can be a safety hazard. Be sure to get yours laid down by a professional to ensure that it doesn’t cause an accident.
6 creative ways to use your attic
Are you thinking about converting your attic into usable living space? If so, here are six things you may want to do with it. 1. A MASTER
Home renovation health and safety tips
Are you planning to renovate your home? If so, you should know that your abode is about to become a construction zone. This means that there will be tools, dust and other health and safety hazards to contend with. Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones during a home renovation.
1. Get an inspection. If your home was built before 1 0, have someone come in to inspect it for traces of asbestos. You don’t need to be renovating extensively to run the risk of exposure to this harmful material.
2. Protect yourself. ven if the inspection doesn’t turn up anything, wearing a mask at all times is a good idea. Anyone wor king on the renovation should also wear gloves, eye protection, hardhats and steel toed boots to prevent injuries.
3. Protect your home. Lay down tarps so your floors don’t get stained or scuffed and protect any furniture you couldn’t move out of the vicinity of the construc tion zone.
4.Ventilate. Make sure there’s a window open and fans running while the dirtiest work is underway. This will keep fresh air flowing into your home.
5.
6. Use non-toxic products. Opt for OCfree paint and waterbased solvents, as these won’t release chemicals into the air.
7. Do dirty jobs outside. Designate a space in your yard for cutting, sanding and other tasks that generate dust and dirt.
If you’re going to be living in the house while it’s being renovated, it’s a good idea to keep one room in your home closed off. This will provide you with a haven to retreat to in the evenings.
have the room for it, you could even install an adjoining bathroom.
In short, with a little imagination, your attic can be used to create almost any type of room. Just make certain to adequately insu late the walls and to install a staircase. This ensures that the space will be comfortable and accessible for the
Are you thinking about building your own home? While there are many ad vantages of designing a space that works for your family in every way, here are some things you should consider before breaking ground.
stomized home, you’ll need to hire an architect instead.
LIFESTYLE
LOCATION
Do you want to live in the city or su burbs? If so, it may be hard to find an unoccupied plot. In this case, you may need to look further away from your desired location in order to find land where you can build.
When making design choices, it’s impor tant to think about how you plan to use the house both now and in the future. For example, a steep set of stairs may not seem like a big deal right now, but they may prove difficult if you choose to raise a family or grow old in your home.
BLUEPRINTS
If you build the house in a subdivision, you may be able to use premade buil der’s plans. However, for a more cu
If you do decide to build, remember that the home will eventually need to be sold. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make design choices that aren’t so luxu rious that you’ll be priced out of the area or that are so quirky that other people won’t want it.
Clean daily. At the end of every day, va cuum and mop the floors and wipe the dust off of all surfaces.
CONVENIENTLEWISBURG LOCATION, 45+acres with amagni centviewofthe SusquehannaRiver. Land extends down to the riverbank. Consider timberingorclearingthe treesfor adockorsubdividing. Locatedalong theWestBranch Highway. Call Martha Lewisburg(20-88589U)
THISCUSTOMHOME is in thesought-a er LanAvon Community andboasts4bedsand 4baths.You’llbe greetedbythe living room with agas replace. emain oorfeaturesaprimary suiteand bath.Onthe 2nd oor, you’ll nd 2bedseachwithits ownensuite. Finished lowerlevel.You won’thavetoworry aboutlawncare, landscaping,orsnowremoval.Call Doug Lewisburg$369,900(20-96591U)
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THIS DOWNTOWNHOME has beengutted and reconstructedfrom thestone foundationup.Open oor plan with hardwood oors,eat-in kitchen with granite counters andisland, 1st oorprimary bedroomwith 3/4 bath,laundry,another3/4 bath on the rst oor, 3 beds up andafullbath.Covered deck o thekitchen,1 carintegralgarageplusupper andlower parkingareas Call Brett. Danville$359,500(20-96122M)
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THIS PROFESSIONALOFFICE buildinghas an excellentlocation,walk to theUnionCounty Courthouse,Banks, Restaurantsand theLewisburg Shopping District e rst oorhousesthe business o ces areception andconferenceroom. esecond oorhas 4/5 privateo ces. Call Martha. Lewisburg$375,000(20-96441U)
$75KREDUCTION +HOMEWARRANTY= TIME TO BUY! Fewhomesachieve residence status,re ecting liveswell lived. is residence is theepitomeofgracious living in historicDowntownLewisburg.Moveinready.Private gardens, lanai, &2-car barn provide spacetoliveyour best lifeindoors &out!Call Mark! Lewisburg$799,900(20-96012U)
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THEMILTONART BANK is abeautiful BeauxArts buildingw/grand columnsand 2originalbanksafes. Currentlyusedasanover1500 sq contemporary art gallery. Acompletely exiblespace.One andahalfbaths andasmall studioonthe 1stlevel,additional storage upstairs,and amezzanine. Street parkingand free municipalparkinglot.Call Nicole. Milton $239,000(20-95860N)
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STEPINTOTHE COMFORT of this 2205 sq foot ranchon~5acres. is property boastsanopen oorplan. ebasementispartially nished. ere is a3 carattachedgarage, 20 x252 cardetached garage,a40x30detachedgarageand agreenhouse. Screened porchfor enjoying theoutdoorsalong with adog housethathasheat &A/C.Fencedin yard for privacy. Call Jodie or Tom. Lewisburg$580,000(20-96631U)
COUNTRYT WO STORY! is 3-bed,2.75-bath home was builtin2017on1.29acres. Largefoyer, living room,diningarea,family room,and aspacious kitchen ereisa1st- oorlaundry area andanadjacent3/4 bath next to thegarage. Upstairs,you will nd aprimary suite with abathand walk-in closet, as well as 2bedroomsand afull bath e nishedlowerlevelincludes abar along with autilityroom. CallDoug. Danville$387,950(20-97517M) ONLY 3LOTSLEFT in
GRAND OLDFARMHOUSE with updates. is wellmaintained homehas been remodeledasa doubleunitwith a1st oor2-bed apartmentand a4-bed 2nd oorapartment ehouse has 2kitchens,2laundry areas, 2entrances and plenty more rooms. It boastsanenclosed porch, outside patio, andareardeck. eyardisopenwiththe ability to expandoradd agarage. CallTom Lewisburg$395,000(20-96738U)
ENJOY
Four tips for decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets
In the mood to add some character to your kitchen? Here are four ways to embellish that empty space between your cabinets and ceiling.
1. ADD PLANTS
Create a natural environment tailored to each season by playing up the space with a beautiful selection of plants and other types of vegetation. Opt for tropical plant varieties in the summer that you’ll replace with colourful foliage and decorative gourds and pumpkins come fall. Garlands of pine are an excellent choice for the winter season, while bright, pastelcoloured flowers are perfect for spring.
2. DISPLAY YOUR CHINA
If you have decorative dinnerware, show it off. You could also use the empty space above your cabinets to store your everyday dishes in colourful fabric baskets.
3. ADD WALLPAPER
Brighten up the space above your cabinets with wallpaper. Make sure to choose colours and designs that will complement the style of your kitchen nicely.
4. CREATE A PERSONAL LIBRARY
If you own a collection of books, keep them on top of your cabinets and embellish the space with handcrafted bookends made from kitchen accessories. You could use a set of antique jugs or colourful castiron cookware, for example.
Adding a strip of wallpaper is a great way to embellish the empty space between your kitchen cabinets and ceiling.
How to remove stains from leather furniture
Did your kids scribble all over your leather sofas with markers? Has the blue dye from your new pair of jeans bled onto your couch? Did someone spill a glass of red wine on your favourite armchair? Don’t panic! There are several ways to remove stains from leather furniture.
Areyouinsearchof acountryacre?
First and foremost, it’s important to note that most nongreasy stains easily disappear when lightly dabbed at with a moist cloth. Act quickly and make sure to use a lightcoloured fabric to clean with — certain colours bleed, which would only make things worse.
tea, dye and ink, a drop of rubbing alcohol should do the trick.
Still seeing the stain? Trade in your cloth for a cotton ball dipped in makeup remover and lightly dab that pesky spot. If you’re trying to get rid of an alcohol or a soot stain, add a few drops of vinegar to your cotton ball. As for coffee,
Does your roof need replacing? Or perhaps you’re thinking of having a new home built? Sounds like you’ll need to choose an ideal roof covering to shelter your humble abode. While asphalt shingles, metal sheeting and modified bitumen are classic choices, roofing tiles made of recycled tires are quickly gaining in popularity.
Made from rubber and hemp fibre salvaged from old tires, these unique tiles are an interesting choice for sustainable living advocates. Brown, gray or black in colour, they greatly resemble slate. Furthermore, just like other roof coverings, they hold up nicely against bad weather and are resistant to fire. However, these tiles made from recycled tires can cost a pretty penny.
No matter which type of material you choose for your new roof, make sure to hire a professional roofing contractor for an installation that’s up to par.
Design the perfect outdoor lounge area! A roof made of recycled tires?
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Leather reacts poorly to moisture. For this reason, don’t let it get too wet during the stain removal process, and make sure to dry the surface thoroughly with a clean cloth after you’ve dealt with the stain. It’s also important to avoid scrubbing at all costs, opting instead for a delicate dabbing technique. Lastly, always spot test stain removal products on a nonvisible area before using them to avoid accidental damage.
Oh, how great it feels to relax around a cozy fire. Do you own an outdoor fireplace? Perhaps you’re thinking of investing in one? First of all, make sure that your fireplace complies with your local bylaws. All set? Here are several tips for designing the perfect outdoor lounge area.
First, make sure you’ve dedicated enough space for your guests to relax comfortably. Adirondack chairs, swings, wooden benches, wicker loungers, hammocks — opt for variety! And don’t forget to include enough blankets and cushions to create a soft, cozy environment.
can set down glasses, plates, phones and any other objects you prefer to keep close at hand. Finally, hang garlands of twinkling lights in your trees, and line the path between your house and your lounge area with decorative lanterns. This way, you’ll create a space that’s not only warm but also safe to enjoy at night!
A FESTIVE TOUCH
When in doubt, call upon a professional cleaner who’ll know how to remove even the most stubborn of stains from your leather furniture. What’s more, you can always contact the manufacturer for personalized cleaning advice.
To create lasting memories under a starlit sky, don’t forget to buy plenty of skewers for roasting sausages and marshmallows. And why not bring out your bongo drums, harmonica or guitar to sing around the crackling fire?
Next, place one or more side tables around the seating area so that you and your guests
Installing a stair runner can be a great way to showcase a beautiful staircase. Here are three other benefits they provide.
1. More traction. If you have kids or pets, you may worry about them safely climbing up and down the stairs. A stair runner provides extra grip, minimizing the chances of slips and falls.
2. Less noise. Does someone in your home barrel up and down the stairs, making lots of noise? If you’re tired of the continuous stomping, a stair runner will muffle the sounds of feet on the stairs.
3. Better protection. A beautiful wood staircase must be treated carefully in order to stay in good shape. Un fortunately, it’s a part of the house that naturally takes a beating. For tunately, stair runners will help prevent them from getting scuffed or scratched.
Stair runners can be a beautiful addi tion to your home’s overall design, but if they’re installed incorrectly, they can be a safety hazard. Be sure to get yours laid down by a professional to ensure that it doesn’t cause an accident.
6 creative ways to use your attic
Are you thinking about converting your attic into usable living space? If so, here are six things you may want to do with it.
1.
work space.
3. A PLAYROOM
If you don’t have a basement, let the kids use the attic as their space to hang out, study and play.
4. A LUXURIOUS BATHROOM
household? If so,
5.
to visit. If you have the room for it, you could even install an adjoining bathroom.
In short, with a little imagination, your attic can be used to create almost any type of room. Just make certain to adequately insu late the walls and to install a staircase. This ensures that the space will be comfortable and accessible for the entire family.
Windows: makingthemostofnaturallight
Home renovation health and safety tips
Are you planning to renovate your home? If so, you should know that your abode is about to become a construction zone. This means that there will be tools, dust and other health and safety hazards to contend with. Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones during a home renovation.
1. Get an inspection. If your home was built before 1 0, have someone come in to inspect it for traces of asbestos. You don’t need to be renovating extensively to run the risk of exposure to this harmful material.
2. Protect yourself. ven if the inspection doesn’t turn up anything, wearing a mask at all times is a good idea. Anyone wor king on the renovation should also wear gloves, eye protection, hardhats and steel toed boots to prevent injuries.
3. Protect your home. Lay down tarps so your floors don’t get stained or scuffed and protect any furniture you couldn’t move out of the vicinity of the construc tion zone.
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4.Ventilate. Make sure there’s a window open and fans running while the dirtiest work is underway. This will keep fresh air flowing into your home.
6. Use non-toxic products. Opt for OCfree paint and waterbased solvents, as these won’t release chemicals into the air.
7. Do dirty jobs outside. Designate a space in your yard for cutting, sanding and other tasks that generate dust and dirt.
If you’re going to be living in the house while it’s being renovated, it’s a good idea to keep one room in your home closed off. This will provide you with a haven to retreat to in the evenings.
Making your dream home: advice for the would-be builder
Are you thinking about building your own home? While there are many ad vantages of designing a space that works for your family in every way, here are some things you should consider before breaking ground.
LOCATION
Do you want to live in the city or su burbs? If so, it may be hard to find an unoccupied plot. In this case, you may need to look further away from your desired location in order to find land where you can build.
BLUEPRINTS
If you build the house in a subdivision, you may be able to use premade buil der’s plans. However, for a more cu
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stomized home, you’ll need to hire an architect instead.
LIFESTYLE
When making design choices, it’s impor tant to think about how you plan to use the house both now and in the future. For example, a steep set of stairs may not seem like a big deal right now, but they may prove difficult if you choose to raise a family or grow old in your home.
If you do decide to build, remember that the home will eventually need to be sold. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make design choices that aren’t so luxu rious that you’ll be priced out of the area or that are so quirky that other people won’t want it.
5. Clean daily. At the end of every day, va cuum and mop the floors and wipe the dust off of all surfaces.
