My Home Redux

Tips for Laying out Furniture in a Room

How many times have you (or your significant other or tolerant friends) moved heavy furniture around a room until you figured it was just right?   Or maybe your room just doesn't "feel" right or is awkward to move around?  Could be your just bored with your room but can't afford new furniture?  What can you do?

The simple answer is to do it on paper (or online) before you move the real thing.

Here are some tips about how to figure out how to layout your furniture and good things to remember for a room that's balanced and easy to walk around in.

And here's an article with some recommended furniture layout tools.

Keeping Stainless Steel Appliances Looking Good

Stainless steel appliances are extraordinarily popular right now. But just like the old days when every fingerprint showed on your appliances, especially the refridgerator, so does EVERYTHING show on stainless steel. (An aside, I worked for a steel company first out of college. The leather-patterned steel used on refridgerators was specifically created to prevent this fingerprint problem.) But here's a product to try to help stainless steel look like new - a cleaner kit from Scotch-Brite.  Check it out here; there's also a coupon on the page if you want to try it yourself.

Home Remodeling Story

Every home remodeling job is a unique story. Even a simple bathroom remodel is good for several humorous - and not so funny - anecdotes.  Here's a story of how a couple create their dream house from a rundown and formerly remuddled bungalow. If you've ever done a remodeling or updating job on your house, you'll smile knowingly at many of the "lessons" they share. If you haven't done a project - large or small - pay attention, there are indeed pearls of wisdom here.

Fire Pits: The Big New Thing in Outdoor Decorating and Entertaining

Firepits are big right now. From big copper bowl to propane run fireplaces with granite ledges and tables, you can find a firepit in numerous styles and almost any price point. We just bought one for our Halloween party, but I can see us using it at Thanksgiving and even on chilly summer nights. Otherwise, I can turn it into a really big cooler!

Inspiration and Ideas through Pictures

Pictures are the best way to find ideas for remodeling and decorating your house. That's why the remodeling magazines are primarily photos and ads. Here's a web site, Get Decorating, that offers thousands of pictures. It is subscription only but the site tailors subscription plans to varying time lengths and price plans. They use professional photographer so the photos are top-notch. Take a look and let me know if you use them and how it was.

(I must confess I had a similar idea, thinking to have decorators and architects submit pictures, but I've had no time to get it off the ground, so let me know how helpful this is and if it's worth the price.)

How Others View Your House

My brother sent me this in an email. Aint it the truth.  If you've sold your house or tried to refinance, you'll certainly appreciate this one.

Your House.

 

 

  How your lender sees it.

 

  How your buyer sees it.

 

  How your appraiser sees it.

 

 

  How your tax assessor sees it.

 

 

Sad. True. Funny.

What Would You Change - Part 3

As promised, I'll let you take a go at my own house.  We "finished" the major remodeling two years ago. My, how time flies. Still can't say it's really done. So take a look. What's missing?  What's wrong.  I'm aware of two things - one obvious, one not so much. What do you see?

What Would You Change - Part 2

Given the number of clicks in last week's newsletter, the "What Would You Change?" article seemed to generate some interest - or at least some curiosity. So let's try again.

Here's another beautiful home on a simply stunning lot with mature trees and natural elevation. Gorgeous. But I don't think the full beauty of this home has been brought out yet. There are three things I'd have to change. See the comments for my ideas and to add your own.

What Would You Re-do?

This house was remodeled by an architect. It's a very nice house. He should know better than I how to bring out the full beauty of this classic two-story home. But there are a couple of things I would just have to change if it were mine.  What are they?  Read the comments to add your thoughts and to see my proposed changes.

Questions and Dilemmas

Stumped with what to do with the purple couch?  Can't decide what colors go with the hot pink carpet upstairs?  Or just want some advice on how to warm up the living room? Ask away. I'll post the question in My Home Redux, and let our creative readers find you an answer.