Helpful Hints

41 THINGS TO DO TO GET READY FOR FALL

All the things you should do for fall but never remember to do.  A complete list of the tasks you need to do to get ready for fall.  Like replacing your weather stripping and eating pie!

The first day that I wear flannel pyjamas to bed marks the official start of fall for me. The next day the fluffy blanket for the sofa comes out, I stop shaving my legs and I start my annual thumbs exercises so in a couple of weeks I’m can quickly scroll past all the perfect-families-in-matching-plaid-picking-apples photos on Instagram.

The shadows are longer, the streets are quieter and I’m hankering for anything made with cheese and potatoes. Last year there aren’t gaggles of kids walking to school, there was just the odd child standing on the street in a mask looking forlorn.

This year things are a bit livelier.

Since I just lit a pumpkin spice candle I’m going to assume it is indeed fall.  YAY FALL!!  Every season is my favourite season when I’m at the start of it.  So hello fall … you’re my favourite.

I even like the home maintenance tasks associated with autumn like raking leaves and stacking firewood. I like them for exactly half an hour and then I want to set the leaves, the firewood and my hair on fire with a pumpkin spice candle. Getting ready for winter can be both gross and exciting so I’ve comprised a list of all the things that you should do to get ready to fall.  Both the fun and the not so fun.

Things To Do To Get Ready for Fall

1. Clean the gutters.
2. Wash the windows inside and out.
3. Order Firewood.
4. Clean Chimney
5. Make a batch of chili.
6. Buy spicy scented candles. Pumpkin spice, apple spice, smoky spice, you know … any of the spices.
7. Replace or clean furnace filter.
8. Haul out the blankets for the couch.
9. Check foundation for places mice can get in.
10. Lumber. Jack. Plaid.
11. Replace beer in fridge with whiskey in liquor cabinet.
12. Put outdoor cushions away while they’re dry.
13. Make a list of the indoor jobs you want to get done before spring.  Like binge watching Downton Abbey.  Again.
14. Good bye ferns, hello mums.
15. Pull out the big, fluffy duvet.

Read the rest of the article at: https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/interior-design-trends-2021

It’s been a long year, so we have good reason to rejoice when thinking of the interior design trends we love most for 2021 and onwards. 

From the growing importance of sustainable materials to elegant elements and a celebration of individuality and uniqueness, our 2021 trend edit will provide you with a curated look that will bring your home into the New Year with sensational style.

Interior Design Trends 2021

With many people’s attitudes on life changing during 2020, and many wishing they could get away this year, we take a look ahead at the interior design trends for 2021.

1. TAKE A MAXIMALIST APPROACH TO DECORATING

For those who love colorful decoration, this maximalist look channels the free-spirited essence of the celebrated Bloomsbury artists and their creative flair
. Bravely mix contrast patterns across a scheme, harmonising the eclectic mix with different scales of print, and one or two grounding common tones to pull all the patterns together. The Bloomsbury artists painted not only their 
walls but their furniture, too. Mix large-scale wall decor with small-scale decorative details to create playful layers. 

2. COMBINE CHECKS AND STRIPES

Everyone’s two favorite patterns combine for this fun new trend that mixes the classic check and stripe with new-season colors.

Mix and match patterns in different scales to create the right 
balance. In this bedroom the delicately patterned cushions and eiderdown soften the effect of the stripes and checks on the wall and bed.

3. SLIDE INTO SCULPTURAL FURNITURE

Carefully curated displays of shapely figures and organic forms take centre stage creating quiet drama in neutral spaces. As the striking furnishings and lighting in this living room show, sculptural can be beautiful and useful. For those with a love of ceramics, group pieces together behind glass or on a humble window shelf. Curved and shapely furniture and vessels draw the eye, inviting your gaze to dance across the space. 

4. BE BOLD WITH A PRIMARY PALETTE

We love this considered trend which gives interiors an artistic edge by using two primary colors against a muted palette. Here, a statement lamp with big personality is the perfect way to bring color into an existing neutral space. And such vibrant color helps a piece to stand out from the crowd.

In larger spaces wooden furniture and natural jute flooring is given a new lease of life with a sprinkling of bright primary colors.

5. TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO WARMER CLIMES WITH A WALL MURAL

Adorning interiors with maximum escapism, tropical wall-coverings full of lively patterns and dreamy painterly scenes are just what interiors are craving this year. This ‘La Passion De Diego’ mural by Elitis featuring oversized Mexican plant-life and a silhouette of Frida Kahlo has a woven pattern incorporated into the design to add texture and depth to balance the bold color.

6. RUSTIC VOGUE – A SOPHISTICATED TAKE ON COTTAGECORE

This look is a crowd pleaser, appealing to anyone who loves their modern home comforts but wants to inject some character details into their living spaces, too. It works ideally in homes that already have some interesting features, such as exposed beams, original floorboards or panelled walls, but can equally be re-created with a considered balance of old and new pieces that work together in harmony. 

Reclaimed wood is the core material that holds this look together – look for unique pieces that show plenty of grain and texture, rather than items that are perfectly finished.

7. COLOR IN WITH YELLOW AND GRAY

This year, Pantone took the unusual step of naming two colors as their shades of the year: Illuminating, a zingy yellow, and Ultimate Yellow, a pale gray. 

‘The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one,’ says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

8. CREATE A COUNTRY SCHEME WITH COTTAGECORE

‘Due to the events of 2020, I think that cottagecore, nostalgia and the need for comfort are all here to stay,’ says Instagram influencer and blogger Paula Sutton of Hill House Vintage. 

‘Cottagecore is something that started off as very simplistic but I think it can also be mixed with touches of glamour to create a luxe traditional style. Elegant vintage style barware, gilded cutlery and statement gold accessories are all ways to get the look whilst staying on budget and touches of British quirk will keep the look feeling grounded.’

Think: a cuter version of Rustic Vogue, with ginghams and checks vying for attention with vintage prints and motifs – all set within a muted, pastel palette.

9. OPT FOR A CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY LOOK

A wander through warm amber tones, mellow meadow prints and beautiful embroidery. Mix and match natural textures for a cozy and inviting look that lift both home and spirit.

Mix muted colors with folksy and characterful prints for a more modern country kind-of-vibe.

10. EMBRACE DISTANT SHORES

We’re all yearning for this, right? Well, the laid-back lifestyle of Hawaii has been reimagined in this next trend. As we long for tropical getaways, interiors inspired by distant shores offer a calm and relaxing living space to make a home a safe and inviting place to recharge. Adding a contemporary edge to a classic floral design, the Distant Shores trend features tropical brights, subtle monotones and soft lemons.

‘Tropical leaves and florals can be used to bring the outside indoors, with an introduction to greenery into homes. Easy-living digital prints are designed to work in any home with complementary color palettes to emulate the varied Hawaiian landscape,’ continues Parry.

‘There are many people who have missed the freedom to go aboard in 2020,’ says Paula Sutton of Hill House Vintage. ‘So I predict a return to a global inspiration within interiors, where our spaces reflect our travels, the sea and distant shores.’  

11. HARK BACK TO YESTERYEAR WIT VINTAGE ELEMENTS

Antique, repurposed, salvaged and retro pieces all have their place in a vintage scheme. The key is to reference the look rather than slavishly reproduce it, using strong colors, favorite pieces and a less-is-more approach for a vibrant, cohesive aesthetic. The key to this approach is to provide plenty of contrast. 

Build up a vintage-style scheme gradually. It’s the kind of look that needs layering so choose pieces over time that mean something to you. Add a few luxe elements such as rich fabrics and statement lighting to create a modern note.

12. REJOICE WITH EARTHY, GROUNDED SHADES

First Dulux announces its Color of the Year as Brave Ground, then Urbane Bronze is hailed as Sherwin Williams’ Color of the Year (above). Now, Little Greene will release their latest paint range in January 2021… and, you guessed it, it’s all built around a natural, earthy color palette (above). Packed with rusts, warm greens, deep reds and slubby browns, it’s comforting, welcoming… and just what we need for 2021. And we love it.

13. WARM UP WITH COLOR

This winter provides the perfect excuse to get cozy, and a great way of doing this is by incorporating warm colors to a space. However, warm colors can feel really welcoming in sunnier months too, and we will see a lot of burnt oranges and peacock blues incorporated into people’s décor going forwards. 

These are great colors that work well with darker colors like grey and navy, but also add depth to a space. These colors are also great for this time of year, and add a playful element of color that is very needed during the colder winter months.

Read the rest of the article at: https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/interior-design-trends-2021

Top 10 Summer Home Improvement Projects

Home maintenance ideas to give your house some serious TLC this summer

Summer means cooking out, swimming and lots of fun in the sun. The beautiful weather also means it’s the optimal time to tackle some fun home projects. With a little work this summer, you’ll be reaping the benefits all year long.Top of Form

Bottom of Form

1. Pressure Wash

Pressure washing is one of the easiest ways to make a big impact on your home’s appearance. Give your walkways and home exterior a high-power shower after a long winter of salt and snow. With a little effort, all your surfaces will look brand new. Renting a pressure washer near you is an easy process. Just be sure to follow the sprayer’s instructions to prevent damage.

2. Re-Stain Deck and Fence

Get your backyard wood fixtures ready to show off during all those barbecues you’re planning this summer. Whether you hire a local deck staining pro or try your hand at a DIY project, a coat of stain will help to protect exterior wood from the elements. For decks and fences that need a bit more attention, you might even consider the cost to repair your fence, which averages about $525. Depending on the damage, the cost to repair deck boards is usually between $500 and $4,000.

3. Replace Siding

This home facelift is best suited for warmer months when you’re itching to get outdoors—even if it is to tackle a bigger project like replacing vinyl siding that’s old enough to vote. Replacing your siding costs a bit more than some of the other projects on this list, but new siding can help ensure your home stays in good shape for years to come. Plus, its beautiful new appearance might just help you fall in love with the look of your home all over again. Aw.

4. Install a Ceiling Fan

A balmy summer’s day can be great when sitting by the pool, but keeping comfortable once your family heads inside for the day is important. While inexpensive, ceiling fans provide energy-efficient cooling and are a great alternative to AC units. Installing a ceiling fan typically costs about $250, plus the cost of the fan itself, which for residential fans is around $50 to $1,400. Even if your home has central air, installing a ceiling fan can be a great solution for those in-between temperature days.

5. Drain Your Water Heater

Draining your water heater is one of the simplest home maintenance tasks out there, but it also yields some impressive results. Draining the water heater regularly will help to clear the sediment to get more hot water flowing through your pipes. Yes, even in the warm summer months, getting enough hot water into your home is important. Your family will thank you for no more sudden cold water surprises.

Read the rest of the article here: https://www.angi.com/articles/top-10-summer-home-improvement-projects.htm

9 AUGUST HOME MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY TASKS

Use this August Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist and take preemptive measures to maintain the integrity of your home and to help protect your family.  

You love your family and your home – protect both and you’ll enjoy a beautiful space for years to come with your loved ones.

1. DEEP CLEAN CARPETS

With the warm weather now is a good time to give your carpets a good cleaning so they’ll dry quicker.

Keep your windows open, let the warm breeze flow through your home and freshen your carpets.  Clean, fresh carpets are a great way to get ready for the next season, fall.

2. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SEVERAL NEIGHBORS’ CONTACT INFO IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES

Be sure you have several of your neighbors’ contact information in case of emergencies.

They’re the closest ones physically to you and will be more than happy to help out and I’m sure they would appreciate you offering to help out if they need anything.

We had an emergency this last month and it was great to have the neighbors jump in and help.

We’re not islands and we need each other…be sure to create a helpful, strong neighborhood community!

3. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BATHROOM EXHAUST FANS

Cleaning your bathroom exhaust fan is an important home maintenance and safety task.

Your bathroom fan helps remove odors, excess moisture, humidity and airborne pollutants.

Head over here for tips on cleaning your bathroom vent fans.

4.  MANAGE FLYING PEST PROBLEMS

Be sure to manage flying pest problems.  Late summer is when they tent to show up more.

Walk the perimeter of your home keeping an eye for areas where there are pools of moisture. Mosquitos and bugs are drawn to these areas.

Use patio mosquito repeller lanterns to keep mosquitos and bugs away from you.

5. PRUNE BUSHES, PLANTS AND DEAD LIMBS

Dead tree limbs and branches pose a danger in the winter.  Ice, weight of snow and winter storms cause havoc and can cause these to break off.

While it’s warm and dry, right now is a good time to get outside and get rid of the dead tree limbs and overhanging branches.

Clear away dead bushes and shrubs. Prune your shrubs and bushes now and have your yard ready for Spring’s growing season.

Read the rest of the article here: https://realestatespice.com/august-home-maintenance-checklist/

2 Trends Home Buyers Should Watch in August

Could there be some good news on the horizon for home buyers?

Thinking of buying a home? It can pay to keep tabs on trends in the mortgage industry and the housing market. That’s because both your loan rate and the cost of homes can impact whether you’re able to find a property to purchase and how much it will cost you to buy it.

1. Mortgage rates could continue to fall

Although mortgage rates are above the record lows they reached during the heart of the pandemic, they have been trending down in recent weeks, and economists believe this trend may continue or even accelerate in the coming months as a result of new COVID-19 variants.

According to Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s ChiefEconomist, “Concerns about the Delta variant, and the overall trajectory of the pandemic, are undoubtedly affecting economic growth.” He went on to say, “While the economy continues to mend, Treasury yields have decreased, and mortgage rates have followed suit.”

Home buyers can benefit from a decline in mortgage rates, as lower interest costs make home purchases more affordable. However, Khafer also noted that “many home buyers are unable to take advantage of low rates due to low inventory and high prices.”

2. Home prices could start to cool off

Home prices have been surging for months, and that trend has continued throughout the early summer.

In fact, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city home price index found that prices rose 17% year-over-year in May of 2021. That’s the largest annual increase in prices since August of 2004. It also comes on top of a 15% year-over-year increase that occurred during the prior months.

A low supply of houses combined with raging demand due to low mortgage rates and changing lifestyles due to the pandemic all contributed to the sharp run-up in prices. However, the reality is that prices can only go so high before people are pushed out of the market.

There are some potential signs this is starting to occur, and the trend could accelerate into August. In fact, sales of new homes declined in June for the third straight month. And sales of existing homes had been steadily declining for four months until a small bump in June, which may not be representative of the broader ongoing trend towards reduced sales.

The inventory of existing home sales has also been increasing for several months, and there’s been a steady decline in the number of building permits issued — both of which suggest softening demand for new and existing homes.

An S&P index tracking the stocks of 15 major home builders had also been surging, rising in value by close to 250% between March of 2020 and the start of May. However, this index has started to slump in more recent months, with some companies on the index seeing double-digit declines in their share price. This is also a strong indicator that the housing boom could be starting to fade.

What do these trends mean for home buyers?

A decline in home prices would be welcome news for buyers, many of whom have become involved in bidding wars in an increasingly competitive market. That’s especially true if mortgage rates also fall, as more borrowers could have the opportunity to secure home loans at affordable rates if they have access to homes within their price range.

Unfortunately, although trends may suggest that both mortgage rates and home prices may be on the downswing, no one can predict exactly when or how quickly rates and prices will decline — or when they’ll hit rock bottom.

Prospective homeowners should make decisions about when to purchase a property based on their personal financial readiness as well as taking local and national trends into account.

A historic opportunity to potentially save thousands on your mortgage

Chances are, interest rates won’t stay put at multi-decade lows for much longer. That’s why taking action today is crucial, whether you’re wanting to refinance and cut your mortgage payment or you’re ready to pull the trigger on a new home purchase.Our expert recommends this company to find a low rate – and in fact he used them himself to refi (twice!). Click here to learn more and see your rate.