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Follow these steps to give your living room a redefining makeover…

Identify Focal Points

Find the feature that immediately draws your eye and build around it.

Mind the Windows

Windows seriously impact the energy of a room. Use lighter curtains that allow natural light in while still providing privacy.

Add Plants

An indoor tree can be a stylish fill to an unused space and bring the outdoors in while purifying the air.

Lighting

Recessed lighting and wall sconces can transform an area to a bright and uplifting space.

Declutter

Get rid of all the extra stuff. Keeping tables and shelves clear will feel more inviting.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Whether youre selling your home or just looking to make some simple updates, curb appeal matters. Thankfully, updating your homes exterior doesnt have to be expensive or time consuming. From following a smart maintenance routine to adding a splash of personality, you can spruce up your homes exterior in no time.

Maintain Your Lawn
Your front lawn is a focal point to your home, making it one of the most important spaces to maintain. If your grass is overgrown or your trees and shrubs are dead, the first impression of your home may not be a good one. Mow your lawn, trim your trees and bushes, rake or blow leaves out of your yard, and remember to sweep any walkway, porch or front steps you may have leading to your front door.

Add Flower Pots and Window Boxes
In addition to a clean lawn, florals play an important role in curb appeal. Maybe you dont have the best luck with gardens, or there just isnt enough space. Adding flower pots to your steps or porch is a great way to add a pop of color to your doorstep. Window boxes are another great option if you dont have space for a garden or potted plants. Even hanging plants in your exterior entryway will liven up the look.

Paint Your Front Door
Florals dont have to be the only pop of color you add to your homes exterior. Painting your front door in a bright, vivid color is a great and modern way to spruce up your home. Consider the color of your home and the aesthetic you want to present when choosing a color. If you belong to an HOA, refer to the regulations and guidelines.

Clean Your Windows
Of course, this is something every homeowner should do when maintaining their home. However, the outside of the windows are often overlooked. Cleaning the outside of your windows will not only boost the curb appeal, but also allow brighter, natural light to enter the interior of your home, which is great for daily life as well as showing your home. Wipe them down with a microfiber towel “a combination of dish soap and water has the best and clearest results.

Add a Seating Area
Whether your porch or yard is large or small, having a small space where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors is an easy and cost-effective way to elevate curb appeal. Chairs, benches and even a small table add an inviting touch to your home. Be smart when choosing your outdoor furniture regarding size, color and plans for placement and spacing.

Boosting your curb appeal doesnt have to be hard or costly. A little bit of time, care and minimal spending is all it takes to take your homes exterior from drab and dreary to bright and lovely.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you’re looking for a unique home, you may be considering buying a historic house.

Here are the pros and cons of purchasing a historic home.

Pros

A Home With a Story ” If living in a famous persons old property excites you, a historic home might be perfect.

Unique Architecture ” Many people are attracted to unique architecture and many historic homes offer that charm.

Tax Incentives ” Some areas offer tax incentives to people who purchase historic homes.

Cons

Repairs ” The biggest downside is that historic homes often require a lot of repairs.

Renovations ” Even if repairs arent required, you still may need to update the home with modern conveniences.

Insurance costs ” Historic homes can bring much higher insurance costs than rates for typical houses.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Hanging artwork is an art form in itself. Too high or too low can throw off the dimensions and design of an entire room. Whether you want a simple frame, a statement piece or a gallery wall, you want to ensure that your artwork is hung properly, securely and adds a touch of your personality and style without disrupting the rooms aesthetic. If you choose to take on this task without help from a professional, heres some steps that can help you.

Choose the Right Size
Are you planning to hang a piece of artwork behind your couch or over your bed? How about down the hallway or in the kitchen? No matter where you plan to display your artwork, you want to be sure the size fits the space and everything in it, taking furniture or architecture into consideration.

Plan the Positioning
One of the most important factors in interior design is planning; his includes not only the artwork itself, but also how and where you plan to hang it. Cut paper or cardboard to the same size and dimensions of your artwork. This trick can help determine where the piece will best fit or how to position a gallery wall.

Select a Hanger
Nails, hooks and wires…oh my! With different options for hanging artwork, it is important to remember the size and weight of the piece, as well as the type of wall you want to place artwork on. For heavier frames, a wire and sturdy nail (or multiple nails) is the way to go. For lighter frames or canvas prints and paintings, consider a smaller nail and anchored hook.

Hang at Eye Level
You never want to hang your artwork too high or too low. However, finding a height that meets everyones requirements is tough, as some people are taller or shorter than others. The average human eye level, however, is about 57 inches from the floor. If you place the center of a painting at this height, it will likely be the most pleasing to the aesthetic of a room.

You dont have to be an interior designer or an engineer to figure out the right way to hang your artwork. Though it does take some mathematics and an eye for design, you can bring aesthetic and style to your home with ease.

Published with permission from RISMedia.