HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S LOOK WITH Wallpaper

Family Features

as a guide. Begin at the ceiling and smooth using a brush or plastic smoothing tool. If you encounter wrinkles or bubbles, gently lift the paper and smooth, relaying the paper as you go.

With each strip, you should end with several inches above the ceiling joint and below the baseboard line. Ensure the paper has firmly adhered top to bottom then trim using a sharp blade. Smooth each seam as you go.

The key to successful wallpapering is in the preparation. Clean, dry walls are a must, and any holes or cracks should be filled and sanded. To avoid paste that absorbs into porous surfaces, take time to apply a light, even coat of primer before beginning.

Choose a corner or space behind a door as your starting point. Mark your starting point using a level to draw a vertical line from floor to ceiling. Next, cut a length of wallpaper several inches longer than the height of your wall from the baseboard to ceiling.

Apply paste or activate the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s directions. Be sure to fully cover or dampen the paper surface; dry spots may result in unsightly bubbles.

Begin smoothing the paper onto the wall using the vertical line

Continue this process around the room, aligning your paper pattern as needed. If it isn’t possible to completely match the pattern, focus on the middle third of the wall, which is most likely to be at eye level.

To maneuver corners, cut a slit in the paper overhanging the ceiling and floor. This allows the paper to lay flat for a smoother finish.

When you round back to your starting point, overlap your original strip of paper with the final strip. Make a single cut for a clean, crisp seam. Gently wipe away excess adhesive from the trim and seams.

To prevent rips and ripples, allow paper to dry completely – at least overnight – before replacing furniture and hanging artwork to complete your space.

Find more easy home improvement tips and ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

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Coming Fall 2023

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Have you ever wished homeownership came with a user’s manual? There’s only so much you can prepare for, whether you’re buying your starter home, forever homeor something in between. It’s all too common to face unexpected expenses, including ongoing maintenance of your property with hidden added costs. In a new survey conducted in collaboration with OnePoll, TruGreen found that nearly half of homeowners (44%) invested more money in their home during the first year of homeownership than they expected.

To equip homeowners with more realistic expectations before purchasing a new home, TruGreen®, the nation’s leading lawn care provider, shares the top three lessons homeowners have learned.

1 Home maintenance is crucialand will cost you

No matter what type of home you buy - from fixer-uppers to move-in ready - you should expect some repairs and replacements, plus routine maintenance. While this will vary depending on your home’s age, size and condition, rest assured that most homes require regular care to help prevent long-term (and potentially expensive) damage.

So, how much maintenance is required when you purchase a home? In the survey, homeowners’ top expenses during their first year as a homeowner were appliance replacements (56%), exterior repairs such as windows (53%) and major repairs like roofing (52%). Furthermore, when prioritizing maintenance, homeowners mainly focused on their home’s exterior, such as patios (42%) and their yard or lawn (39%).

Ensuring you have the means to handle unanticipated repairs and routine maintenance before you buy will help prevent financial stress down the road.

2 Investing in your property to create a home

When you first move into your new house, don’t get discouraged if you don’t initially feel like you’re really “home.” The homeowners surveyed spent an average of two and a half years upgrading their homes before they were pleased with it. Despite the time and money they invested in the property - or perhaps because of itnearly 71% of homeowners said they now feel like they’ve found their forever home.

Your house is more than just a place to call home, it’s also an investment. And if it’s managed properly, your home can also provide a great return on investment.

3There will always be surprisesso don’t be afraid to call a pro

Even the most prepared homebuyer will encounter surprise expenses after signing on the dotted line. According to the survey, the average homeowner has encountered about four surprises or unexpected costs within their first year of homeownership.

Beyond the surprise of unpredicted expenses, some of these tasks may be new and create challenges for homeowners to handle on their own. In fact, 62% would call a professional for a home improvement project, and nearly one-third of homeowners would hire a pro for home maintenance.

Handing maintenance or improvement projects to the pros can be a smart move to ensure the job will be done well. It can prevent future problems and save time you’d rather spend enjoying your home. For example, hiring a professional service to handle your lawn care can allow for more free time to actually enjoy your outdoor space, while giving you a sense of pride in how great it looks.

“Buying a new home is a tremendous milestone that brings much to celebrate, but the new responsibilities of homeownership can also be stressful,” said Brian Feldman, senior director of technical operations at TruGreen. “As a new homeowner, there’s no need to waste time figuring out the best ways to maintain your home. To help tackle what can seem like an ongoing to-do list, you should consider partnering with the professionals.”

If you’re like the 75% of homeowners surveyed who believe it’s important that their yard or home’s exterior looks impeccable, consider partnering with an outdoor expert such as TruGreen to make your lawn look great.