Uncategorized

HGTV star and professional property flipper Johnathan Scott is well accustomed to making design dreams come true for homeowners who have champagne taste on a beer budget.

In a recent interview with lifestyle editors at PureWow.com, a lifestyle destination focused on everything from beauty to recipes, Scott offered four tips for adding luxury touches to even the most ordinary kitchen:

Embellish prefab cabinets. Create the illusion of custom cabinets by starting with inexpensive prefab cabinets. From there, add stylish hardware pulls, install a light rail underneath the uppers or add crown molding details around the edges. Each creates the illusion ofcustom cabinetry”even if you bought those puppies on closeout at your local home improvement store.

Adopt a two-tone color scheme. A two-tone color scheme can infuse your kitchen with upscale vibes. (Think black cabinetry with a glossy white island.) It’s a simple and sophisticated color palette trick that lends creative vision and instant design cred to kitchens of any size or configuration.

Pick a correlating backsplash. Check out backsplash ideas at your local home store. While they can run the gamut from minimalist to elaborate, stay on or under budget by selecting a simple backsplash that adds a touch of quiet elegance and complements your two-tone color scheme.

Install statement lighting on the cheap. Lighting is one area where there can be huge price differences between fixtures that basically look the same, especially when it comes to glass globes or kitchen chandeliers. Instead of shelling out big bucks for designer lighting fixtures, trust that the “copy cats” will add the same look of luxury to your kitchen despite their lower price tags. For a touch of added glamour, install dimmers.

These tips can help you increase the value of your home for an affordable price, giving you long-term benefits for when it’s time to sell.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are five tips for storing your wine collection.

Proper Temperature

The ideal temperature to store a bottle is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Having a controlled environment for your wine maintains its longevity.

Keep It Sideways

When stored sideways, the wine is in contact with the cork, which will keep it from drying out.

Darkness Is Ideal

Make sure your collection is away from any UV rays that can harm it.

No Vibrations

Vibrations can disturb the sediment in a bottle and cause chemical reactions that change the flavor of the wine.

Monitor Humidity

Keep the humidity between 50 and 70 percent. Humidity above that level can cause mold, while going below can dry the cork.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Siding is a critical component of a home that protects it from extreme temperatures, rain, snow and wind. Although siding is designed to last many years, it can become damaged over time by repeated exposure to the elements and lack of maintenance. If your homes siding needs to be replaced, you have many options.

Most Popular Siding Materials
The most commonly chosen type of siding is vinyl. Homeowners prefer vinyl siding because it is inexpensive and durable and requires little maintenance. Vinyl siding comes in an array of colors and styles and can even be made to resemble other siding materials.

Although wood siding has declined in popularity, many homeowners still choose it because of its strength and classic appearance. Several types of wood can be used for siding, and pieces can be cut into shingles or shakes. With proper maintenance, wood siding can last several decades. It requires caulking and painting or staining, and skipping those steps can cause the siding to become worn and damaged. Wood siding is also vulnerable to insects and rodents.

Stucco is made from a combination of sand, Portland cement, lime and water. Wood walls are covered with a waterproof barrier and metal screening, and then stucco is applied on top. With proper installation and routine maintenance, stucco can last a lifetime.

Fiber-cement siding can be manufactured in several styles and can be made to resemble wood, stucco or masonry siding. It can be easy to maintain and can resist fire and termite damage, but it is susceptible to moisture problems. The lifespan of fiber-cement siding depends on the manufacturer.

Solid brick used to be a popular option for the exterior of homes, but nowadays, a brick veneer covering a wood frame is more common. A membrane installed beneath the brick veneer can prevent water damage. Brick veneer is more expensive than other types of siding.

Stone house coverings, made from solid granite or limestone, can be a beautiful but expensive addition. Stone veneers cost less and are easier to install than solid stone. Both natural and synthetic materials can be used. Stone and stone veneer siding require very little maintenance.

How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Home
Replacing the siding on your house is an investment that can last for decades and increase your homes value, as well. The siding material you select should be attractive, durable and relatively easy to maintain. Options abound, and your choice will depend on the style of your home and others in the neighborhood, your personal preferences and your budget. Look at photos of houses with various siding materials and discuss your options with several local contractors. Compare quotes and warranties so you can choose the right material and company.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Nothing says fun like a home bar. From intimate dinner parties to full-blown banquettes, it provides a space to gather and enjoy conversation. For luxury buyers who plan to frequently entertain friends and family, this is a lifestyle amenity that is worth getting excited over. If youre considering adding a watering hole to your home, here are a few tips to help design the perfect bar.

Identify the Details
First, youll have to determine where the home bar will work best. Pick a space that doesnt interrupt the flow when youre playing host and is large enough to meet your needs. Consider seating, storage, as well as equipment that will be needed, and try to incorporate it into or nearby your entertaining areas.

Get Inspired
Think about the atmosphere and dcor of your favorite bars or restaurants. Try to pinpoint what it is that you love about them or, next time youre there, make note of the ambience and how it can be replicated with your home bar.

Tailor to your tastes
The style of the bar should be both consistent with your homes aesthetic and a reflection of what you enjoy drinking. Is this going to be an Art Deco style bar where youre serving up Manhattans or will it be a rustic vibe with craft beers on tap? If youre an enthusiastic mixologist, make sure youll have all the accoutrement to shake, muddle, and stir the latest concoction.

Presentation
As the epicenter of entertainment, theres an element of showmanship that needs to be taken into account. Its all in the details, like a mirrored backsplash or moody lighting that sets the tone. There should be a sense of cohesion, from the finishes and the upholstery to the bottles being displayed and how the glasses are stored.

Published with permission from RISMedia.