Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Design Tips - Furniture layouts that work with your fireplace



Nothing makes you feel more comfortable and cozy than a crackling roaring fire on a cold winter day. A fireplace instantly infuses character and charm into any room and gives the space its personality. A formal living room fireplace lets us know it's a more mature space to relax or retire to on special occasions. The more rustic stacked stone fireplace in the family room calls for everyone to kick back, relax and nestle in for a casual family gathering. The dining room fireplace (my personal favorite) invites your friends and family to linger around the dining table for evenings filled with great food and even better conversation.



Whether it's your living room, family room, dining room kitchen or bedroom, the fireplace is the focal point in the space and the proper furniture placement is imperative in order for you to make the most of your fireplace.



Symmetrical Layout.



If your fireplace is centrally located within a wall and is flanked by windows or bookcases that are the same dimensions on each side, then you're dealing with a more traditional space and personality - which speaks to a more traditional furniture placement. Pairs are important here. Flank a pair of comfortable and inviting chairs (or similar in size, design and proportion) on either side of the fireplace. Place your sofa directly facing the fireplace and you now have a comfortable conversation area. Situate a cocktail table, ottoman or other surface in front of the sofa. Dress the mantle with a mirror, art, and other accessory pairs. Anchor the area with a beautiful area rug and make sure to relax the formality and potential stiffness with some colorful objects and textures.



Asymmetrical Layout.



In a more energetic space with the varied details, irregular nooks and crannies the fireplace that is off-center can create a more challenging space to layout. It's also a more interesting space to design. You may still be able to place the sofa directly in front of the fireplace, but if that isn't an option, consider positioning the furniture on a rug set on a slight diagonal turn. Make sure that the floating furniture situated on that rug are positioned at right angles with each other. It's all about the relationship within the grouping itself. For a more informal atmosphere, a more casual accessory placement above the fireplace mantle is expected. Just make sure there is a balancing act between all elements within this asymmetrical space.



fireplaces%20and%20furniture%20layouts Open Floor Plan.

Many homes have great rooms or large family spaces that are open and undefined. If not designed properly they can feel unanchored as the furniture can feel unanchored in an opened multi functional space. Open floor plans tend to flow from one space to another so it's more important than ever to have each space relate to each other. Create the furniture groupings in front and around the fireplace. Direct the traffic and flow around the furniture grouping rather than through the space - thereby defining the living space and accentuating the focal point. Keep everything clutter-free and avoid any sharp corners and obstacles. Incorporate durable and space defining flooring and area rugs to help designate zones to help define the space and enhance that beautiful fireplace.



Finally, remember to keep your seating casual and inviting, use forgiving fabrics which allow you to kick back and relax - and sprinkle high end comfort throughout with luxurious down pillows to sink into at the end of the day. Light the fire, grab your tea your favorite book and nestle in for the night!



Paint trends: Paint and primer in one makes life easier for DIYs





Manufacturers are always looking for solutions to help consumers complete their paint projects quickly and easily with long-lasting results. The latest innovation that is a big hit with homeowners is Behr Premium Plus Ultra Interior, a high-performance product that allows consumers to paint, prime and protect all in one with a new advanced stain-blocking formula. It's the ideal product for everyday use or even for tough, challenging conditions.



"The new formula is an example of our commitment to deliver the highest quality products at competitive prices, giving do-it-yourselfers the power to achieve their vision in every room," said Aimee Desrosiers, Director of Marketing at Behr Paints.



Formulated for the homeowner looking to paint and protect with the added benefit of keeping stains from bleeding through, it is targeted for high-traffic spaces such as family rooms, kids' rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and hallways. Other added benefits include a shorter dry time and increased film hardness offering even better durability and a long-lasting appearance.



In addition, the paint is a low VOC, 100 percent acrylic formula with a mildew resistant finish for increased ease-of-mind when painting. "It offers excellent adhesion and ensures outstanding stain, scuff and mar resistance for long-lasting colors and easy-to-clean surfaces," explained Desrosiers.



For more information on the latest paint trends and a robust how-to section visit www.behr.com.



Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Big design ideas for small kitchen spaces



Bigger isn't always better in the real estate world, and what's more, it's not always possible. With more home owners downsizing from McMansions to smaller, more manageable houses, and a growing number of people opting to rent rather than buy, many families are looking for new ways to decorate, design and work with smaller spaces.

Kitchens sell homes, but this most-used room in the house hasn't escaped the "less is more" trend, either. Interior designers, decorators and home product makers are responding to the growing demand for practical, beautiful options that make sense in smaller kitchens.

If you're looking to make a big impact in a small kitchen, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Work the walls - You may love your cozy kitchen, but that doesn't mean you want to make it look or feel any smaller than it already is. Lighter wall colors can help a little kitchen feel more open and airy. One winning decorating technique for small kitchens is to paint the majority of the wall space in a light neutral tone, like a pale cream or taupe and then add a pop of brighter or darker color to one accent wall or area. You can edge up the excitement of this technique by using a mural for kitchens on the accent wall, rather than just a different paint color. Have an oddly shaped niche in your kitchen? You can turn that problematic space into a design statement with custom, repositionable wallpaper that can be custom-sized and custom-colored to fit your specifications. This unique product can be adhered and re-adhered hundreds of times so you can take it with you to your next house if you choose.

Big%20design%20ideas%20for%20small%20kitchen%20spaces Smart-size your appliances - Sure that 30-cubic-foot stainless steel refrigerator is beautiful in the showroom, but how much will you love it when you can't fully open the door in your small kitchen? Refrigerators come in several sizes, so you should be able to find one that will fit your space. The same is true for stoves, microwaves and dishwashers. Choosing appliances that make size-sense for the space you have not only improves the livability of your petite kitchen, it can improve your efficiency as well.

Get creative with storage - One of the biggest challenges of a small kitchen is finding space for everything from pots and pans to flatware, dishes and foodstuffs. Small spaces call for storage creativity. Whether you hang some pots and pans overhead, replace traditional cabinet shelves with pullout drawers or use special racks to store plates vertically, you can find plenty of creative small-kitchen storage solutions.

Liven things up with light - Often, a small kitchen will have just one window - or no window at all. Yet light is an important way to make a tight space feel more expansive and inviting. Task lighting is essential for work areas in small spaces. Pendant lights can create ambiance and provide practical illumination without sacrificing any wall space. And if you crave natural light for your windowless kitchen, consider installing a skylight. Tubular skylights can bring sunlight into your ground-floor kitchen even if there's a second floor above it.

Small kitchens are here to stay, whether as part of the trend toward smaller, more efficient homes or the reality of rental unit life. With some decorating creativity and practical design tactics, you can ensure your small kitchen yields large benefits - both in terms of enjoyment and resale value.



Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Expert advice for smart investing strategies





"Investment strategies must evolve to accommodate complex modern markets," says David Giunta, president and CEO of Natixis Global Asset Management - U.S. Distribution, creators of Durable Portfolio Construction, an investment philosophy that draws on a variety of asset classes in an effort to produce reasonable returns and avoid dramatic losses. "The ultimate goal is to pursue returns in a way that carefully considers the risks." According to Giunta, there are five pillars of smart investing that can help limit risk caused by unexpected market swings and position portfolios for consistent long-term returns. These are the founding principles of durable portfolio construction:



1. Put risk first



Rather than first considering the potential rewards of an investment, start by making risk your top priority. Ask yourself how much you are willing to risk and base your investment decisions on this principle. When you understand risk and what to expect, you'll be better positioned to weather difficult market conditions.



2. Maximize diversification



Diversification creates a solid foundation for building a more durable portfolio. Think of the simple adage we've heard since childhood: "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." It can make a lot of sense for investors. If you include a wide range of asset classes in your portfolio, then you will be better prepared to handle the challenges that modern markets can present. When one type of investment is down, the losses may be offset by the potential gains in another. Overall it's an approach that may provide a more consistent performance in all kinds of markets.



3. Use alternatives



When diversifying your portfolio, you may want to investigate alternative investments. Since markets around the globe often have high correlations - that is, they move up and down in synch with each other - it's important to look for investments with low or no correlation to the broad markets. Keep in mind that some alternative investment techniques can amplify a gain or loss.



4. Make smarter use of traditional asset classes



Investors have often looked to stocks for growth and bonds for stability, but these two asset classes can play other roles in a portfolio. Equities have historically delivered growth that has outpaced inflation, but they can be volatile. Bonds, on the other hand, may not always be stable and can be volatile in periods of rising interest rates. Multisector bond funds may help address these concerns by diversifying bond holdings to include those that may be less interest rate sensitive and more focused on total return. However, keep in mind that multisector bond funds include a variety of fixed-income assets which may not always complement each other or provide the investment results desired.



5. Be consistent



In today's world, there can be a lot of noise that may distract you from the big picture. That's why staying consistent is one of the best things you can do for yourself as an investor. Setting your investment plan and sticking with it through market fluctuations can help you weather the storms and pursue your goals. To learn more, visit www.durableportfolios.com.



"It's only human to watch the markets go up and down and want to react, but you shouldn't let short-term market movements distract you from your long-term goals, " says Giunta. "These five principles will help investors create a strategy that is timeless, and one that will accommodate the realities of today's global markets."



A facelift for your kitchen: Refacing makes old cabinets instantly new



(BPT) - In this instant-gratification era, instant makeovers - from week-long juice diets to weekend home renovations - are a top trend. And according to Yahoo! Homes, so are instant kitchen updates achieved by refacing cabinets.



It's no wonder. Women spend a third of their household activity time in the kitchen, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which means there is plenty of time to daydream about a new kitchen while making and sharing meals. With so much time spent in the kitchen though, who has the luxury of going kitchen-less for weeks on end as they wait through an entire gut and remodel?



The Home Depot surveyed customers who had recently renovated their kitchens and found that almost all customers were motivated by the desire for a new, more modern aesthetic. Several remodeling options deliver a new look in no time, by simply updating the existing cabinets. Current kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts can be refinished through a sanding process or the wood can be renewed through a restorative process that brings out the original brilliance and luster.



Refacing is a more bold option, if you are happy with the layout of your current kitchen but are tired of a dated look with worn cabinets, doors and drawers. Doors, hardware and shelves are all replaced and the cabinet shells are completely refinished through the refacing process to create an entirely new look.



"Refacing kitchen cabinets gives a homeowner the opportunity to add organizational enhancements and revamp additional surfaces, such as counters and backsplashes, for a space that is more contemporary and personalized to match a homeowner's unique kitchen habits," explains Douglas Spiron of Home Depot Interiors.



Mapping a dream kitchen



Start your kitchen cabinet refacing project by creating a wish list of material attributes. For example, if your household includes children and pets, consider Rigid Thermofoil doors to safeguard against denting and for an easy-to-clean surface. To ensure that your space will remain visually cohesive in years to come, it is important to take into account your future plans for new appliances, fixtures, paint colors, counters and backsplashes.



Taming cabinet clutter



To get the most out of the refacing process, consider optimizing your kitchen space. Handy zones for the most frequently used utensils should be established. Items should be grouped together based on purpose and in close proximity to stationary items. Add order to every area with drawer dividers, roll-out shelves and customized organizational elements.



Expressing your style



Once you have identified areas for improvement, it is time to turn your dreams into design plans. A new vision for this hardworking room should take into account both your home's style and your personal style. The adjacent room's color palette, the amount of natural light in the space and what is seen first when entering the kitchen are important factors, in addition to stylistic preferences. This is the time to gather inspiration from favorite bloggers, friends and current trends.



Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design for The Home Depot, shares the most popular cabinet trend right now. "Recessed doors continue to dominate the kitchen market, because the design is universal and fits in any home style - from Classic or Cottage to Arts and Craft and Modern homes. Homeowners feel more comfortable installing a universal style that will have longevity." The National Kitchen and Bath Association also points out that darker wood finishes have grown more popular over the past two years.



To begin the kitchen transformation process, visit www.homedepot.com; get inspired by the possibilities at The Apron blog.



Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Help for teaching kids money management skills





In classrooms, studies show teachers want to provide personal finance instruction, but only 20 percent believe they have the capability to teach the subject, according to a study by the National Endowment for Financial Education. The benefits to students are real: Treasury Department research shows that high school graduates in states that mandate financial education have higher savings rates and a greater net worth than graduates from states without financial education.



As a result of the growing awareness about the importance of financial education, more resources are becoming available to teachers and parents. To help with funding for schools, a program called Pathway to Financial Success (www.PathwaytoFinancialSuccess.org), from Discover Financial Services, recently announced thousands of dollars in grants to public high schools to implement financial education curriculum and test students to make sure they are learning the content. Schools can apply for the grants via the website, and Discover will fund the grants up to a total of $2 million annually. Additionally, nonprofits like The Council for Economic Education are training teachers around the country, helping them teach children from kindergarten through high school about personal finance topics, such as saving and investing.



At home, parents can help reinforce what children learn about money. Unfortunately, these conversations are often not happening, as experts say parents are often more comfortable talking about sex, drugs and alcohol than they are about money - usually because parents do not trust their own financial acumen.



Indeed, it can be an awkward conversation, as the issue of money raises other concerns and priorities. But a number of resources are available to help parents talk to their children about money, such as the Jump$tart Coalition (www.jumpstart.org).



Pathway to Financial Success also offers an online resource center for parents, providing tips on how to talk to their kids about how to manage money effectively. Additionally, through the site parents can identify their school district contacts and find resources to reach out to their school administrators and teachers about bringing financial education into their children's classrooms.



For teachers, PathwaytoFinancialSuccess.org also provides sample lesson plans and other resources they can use in their classrooms.



Parents can start helping ensure their children are financially savvy by talking to their kids about money using a few simple steps at home:



* Use everyday experiences to talk about money. With tax season around the corner, talk to kids about the process, or engage them in the discussion of purchasing a large item and weighing the "wants" versus "needs" of the purchase.



* Talk to your kids about saving for a special purchase, and set small, manageable goals for them to reach.



* Be honest about your financial situation or poor financial decisions you have made in the past, and then talk to your kids about how you could have handled the situation differently.



* Make it fun by playing online games that teach common lessons of budgeting and saving.



Talking about money may not be fun - or even comfortable - but it is an issue that all families and young adults should confront with as much information as possible. There are resources available to help for all situations.