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Home Decor, Home Design Laura Key Home Decor, Home Design Laura Key

2022 Design Trends

Did you know that each year paint and pigment companies work hard to predict the hottest trends in colors. They choose the “Color of the Year” and home designers love to infuse new tones and hues into their new designs.

Did you know that each year paint and pigment companies work hard to predict the hottest trends in colors. They choose the “Color of the Year” and home designers love to infuse new tones and hues into their new designs.

For 2022, Shades of Green will be all the rage. While there is no consensus about the specific shade of green and the colors range from soft neutral mists to deep evergreen, suddenly style magazines are boasting green in everything from furniture to fixtures.

Home designers have wasted no time incorporating these new colors in their styles. Accent chairs in bright bold Seafoam will instantly add a modern touch to your living spaces. Backsplashes in olives and cypress create a new ambiance for the kitchen. A soothing color, green can also create a relaxing environment in a bedroom or bathroom. Make easy changes like new linens or towels for a quick uplift.

Paint is also a great way to instantly brighten a room. Take advantage of the new green colors like guacamole or olive sprig to transform a neutral-toned room to an interesting, modern space. Doors, kitchen accents, walls, and furniture are great weekend projects to add green to your home.

The shade of the year is Green! Soft, bright, blue-tones, yellow-toned, and everything in between. If you’re ready to make a change, add a pop of color in any room and embrace the Shade of the Year.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

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IDEAS FOR ACCENT WALLS

An accent wall can totally transform a room, taking it from boring and drab to bold and exciting. Accent walls create a new focal point for your space, add liveliness and contrast, and are typically a very inexpensive DIY project.

The starter accent wall

You can easily add an accent wall to your room in one afternoon by applying a new paint color. Deep blues and bright oranges are common choices for accent walls, but choose a color that will complement your existing decor and overall design aesthetic.

Interesting textures

Bright, contrasting paint is a good starting point, but there are other options for accent walls that are even more eye-catching and distinct. Floor-to-ceiling wood planks can make your home seem both rustic and modern all at once and provide a natural, outdoors-inspired feel. It’s more work than simply painting a wall, but it’s still relatively inexpensive. You can source the wood from pallets on Craigslist and stain it yourself before attaching it to your wall. It takes a little extra elbow grease, but it’s worth the effort.

Patterns, murals, and more

Paint and wood are bold enough on their own to transform a room, but they’re still pretty subtle compared to other accent wall options. A chalk paint accent wall is a creative idea for any room and makes for some fun moments when you’re entertaining. There are also endless options for wallpaper and stenciling if you want some patterns or you can get really bold with a mural or oversized art print.

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Home Design, Home Improvement matt lawler Home Design, Home Improvement matt lawler

Timeless Looks for Your Home

Some things never change, and for good reason. Though you may be tempted to ride the wave of upcoming kitchen trends, there’s a few timeless designs you might want to include in your kitchen redo. These looks have stood the test of time—which means they’re sure to impress even a few years down the line. From Shaker-style cabinetry to natural-hewn wood accents, you’ll find a lot to love in these classic kitchen design elements. Mix and match with a few modern touches, and you may find yourself with one of the most stylish kitchens in your neighborhood.

 

Dark Woods

Dark wood floors are here to stay. There’s nothing that will make your home feel more rustic and cozy than wood floors, a fireplace and wood accents. Dark cabinets and granite countertops made a major splash in the early 2000s, but dark wood highlights and flooring has persisted as a trend even farther back. You can use a classic dark wood stain on cabinetry and floors, but you might find a little extra visual interest and flair with a shiplap kitchen island, or a dark wood paneled accent wall.

 

White Subway Tile

Easy to clean and stylish to boot, white subway tile has dominated kitchen backsplashes for ages. Even modern twists on the tile pale in comparison to the real thing. The tile has staked its claim firmly as a timeless design element, starting back almost a hundred years—talk about timeless!

 

Farmhouse Flair

You can get the cozy class of a ‘20s farmhouse with a number of  design elements, from statement floor tiles to white wood cabinetry. Apron front sinks have never failed to impress, and beadboard cupboards or a beadboard island can add a little extra rustic charm to your country (or city) kitchen. For a truly pastoral kitchen, add decorative wood braces to your kitchen island or breakfast bar.

 

Quartz & Marble Countertops

Marble countertops have continued to reign as one of the most popular luxury counter materials. But marble’s tendency to stain might have you thinking twice on it as your new counter. Enter quartz, the perfect non-porous in-between. Marble-colored quartz does just as well in a pinch, and bonus—it’s one of the most durable countertops you can buy, at a fraction of the cost.

 

Vintage Appliances

There’s something special about ‘50s and ‘60s era appliances, from their bright colors to their rounded edges. Though it’s sure to be a top trend of 2018, vintage appliances have long kept their appeal for homeowners. A sage green or even bright red refrigerator can add a pop of color to your home, or a copper-accented black stove can add a timeless chic to an all-white  kitchen. Plenty of manufacturers have picked up on the vintage love, too—you can buy vintage-style stoves and refrigerators to serve as the perfect focal point in your kitchen.

 

Shaker Cabinets

Whether you’re going for a simple look or something fresh and modern, Shaker-style cabinets have stood the test of time purely for their versatility. White Shaker cabinets pair well with most design elements, even in more modern spaces.

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Home Design, Real Estate Laura Key Home Design, Real Estate Laura Key

Take Advantage Of Your Space And Get Fit At Home

By Kevin Jones

Do you ever find yourself wanting to work out and start a healthier lifestyle? Do you often feel like it would be so much easier if you could work out home but don’t know how to get started? Fear not, this guide will get you through some basic (and other more advanced) equipment that you can easily set up at home and get started! It all really depends on how much space you have available. Maybe you have an empty corner in your living room, maybe you have a whole room that you want to dedicate to having a gym. There are options for everyone. It is really important to be aware of the space to be able to decide what you can and cannot do as “Step Zero.”

1 Yoga Mat

Green Yoga Mat One of the most easily acquired and versatile equipment. While traveling, I had a yoga mat that was really thick (about 1/2 inch) and I could easily use it to do HIIT workouts as well as yoga. For those that have limited space, this is a great option that can be rolled up and put away.

 

2 Dumbbells/Barbells

ProForm Adjustable Dumbbells Marcy Barbell Great for working out your upper body and with sets that are adjustable (with nested dumbbells) they don’t have to take up a lot of space. For those of you that have space to spare (as in, you have a whole room, basement or garage) then a barbell and plates set can be a good option, especially for those leaning to incorporate crossfit, deadlifts, etc…

 

3 Jump Rope/Treadmill/Rowing Machine

Everlast Jump Rope ProForm Treadmill Sunny Health Fitness Rowing Machine All of these offer a great way to get some cardio going. It mostly depends on what you are comfortable with. If space is limited, a jumping rope is fantastic. A step up from the rope, a rowing machine offers a great full-body workout that does not compromise your knees. In addition, depending on what model you choose, you can fold away the rowing machine and clear up the space. If, however, you are okay with a more permanent fixture and love being able to run indoors, a treadmill is definitely a good way to build up speed and endurance as well as being super convenient when the weather does not cooperate.

 

4 Resistance Bands

Amazon Basics Resistance Bands Really awesome for stretching as well as offering a good workout for arms and legs. These come in varying resistances, perfect to work your way up!

 

5 Foam Roller

Amazon Basics Foam Roller One of the best ways to loosen up after a workout is to use a foam roller. It is definitely a personal must-have and I heavily recommend it to fellow runners. Many fitness enthusiasts agree that there are many benefits to having your home gym. Not only will your perfect setup be only steps away but now you will have no excuse to miss a workout and will be able to better stick to a plan. Now that I have provided the basics, it is time to get to it!

 

About: Kevin Jones is a dedicated runner who enjoys traveling and trying new food. Kevin works for Fitness Trainer.

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Painting Your Own Home: Tips to Make the Process Painless

Young family painting the wall

Painting Your Own Home: Tips to Make the Process Painless

While it’s might seem easier to hire professionals to paint the house, but with a little research you can find the job is not as intimidating as it seems. With a few free days set aside and some preparation, painting one room (or multiple) is easily doable for anyone. Here are a few things to consider before you start.

Apply a Primer Coat

Preparation entails most of the painting process. It’s easy to become frustrated during the preparation stage, because prepping to paint can take longer than the actual painting component of the project.

Interior walls aren’t always perfect, and painting the walls is a perfect opportunity to fix those imperfections. If you’re using a putty or a filler to patch holes, the paint will react differently to those substances than it will the wall itself. The solution here is to prime your walls, so the new paint color has a uniform surface to adhere to. It’s one simple step that doesn’t seem like much, but could end up saving you a whole lot of work at the end of the process.

Factor in taping time

Taping up the room is tedious work, but will be worth it when you don’t have to waste time being ultra-careful or nervous when getting close to edges. Instead of trying to take the tape off while the paint is still dry, wait at least 24 hours for the paint to dry, and use a knife to slice the tape off at the edge. If the paint is still even a little wet or gummy, don’t continue. Make sure the knife is sharp enough and pull the tape away at a 45-degree angle, making sure not to rip the paint.

Set up with clean-up in mind

To protect floors, a drop cloth is a necessity. In some cases, cotton or canvas drop clothes can work better than plastic. Plastic drop cloths can be slippery and don’t easily stay in place, especially when ladders are involved. Any splatters or drips of paint that fall onto a plastic drop cloth won’t dry or absorb right away and can be easily tracked throughout the rest of your house. A canvas or cotton drop cloth will be more stable and will protect the floors better. Tape the edges of the drop cloth to the tops of the trim to protect both the floor and the trims from any splattering or dripping paint.

Work top down

Not only does it prevent drips from ruining anything you’ve already painted, but it keeps the walls and baseboards free of any dust or debris from sticking to wet trim. Paint the ceiling first, move to the walls and possible crown moldings. Only then should you move to any trims around windows or doors and finish with the baseboards. Not only will this keep a system in place to ensure there’s no questioning what’s been painted and what hasn’t, but it’ll keep things clean.

Check thickness of previous paint layers

Cracks on an exterior paint job don’t reflect the owner’s best intentions and should be fixed before the damage is too much to fix. Too thick of a layer of paint means that the paint might just be too heavy to stay, and will start to crack and to peel off. It loses its grip and can’t attach to the other layers of paint. In older homes, it’s likely that some of those layers of paint have lead in them, in which case you’ll need to look into how to remove it safely. The EPA has guidelines here. This could be the one step that requires you to outsource, if the layer of paint is extremely thick, because removing it completely (and correctly) will ensure the next coat of paint will attach correctly. Hiring a home washing company can help you identify these cracks in exterior paint as well. If anything, have the exterior of your home professionally power washed, so the paint will have a clean surface to adhere to.

Using these tips, ideally the house-painting process will be doable for anyone. Prepare yourself to set aside time for set-up, knowing that it will help when you’re done painting and ready to clean up. Instead of hiring painting professionals, save some money for decorating and tackle the job yourself.

Curious to know how much your Southern California home is worth! Get an instant report now! www.CaliOnTheMove.com 

Bio: Matt Lawler is an Internet marketing specialist from Tempe, Arizona where he attended Arizona State University. Whenever he can step away from the computer, Matt enjoys playing sports, traveling and exploring the great outdoors. Follow him on Twitter.

Laura Key, REALTOR® Cal BRE 01908085 310-866-8422 Laura.A.Key@gmail.com www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com

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15-Minute Home Makeovers

Home_Makeover

15-Minute Home Makeovers

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: January 2, 2013

Here are 7 house pick-me-ups that take about as much time as brewing a pot of coffee and fit your schedule whenever you have a few extra minutes.

1. Switch the plates. Upgrade your drab, plastic switch plates with snazzy covers that match or accent your décor. Even the most expensive brass switch plates cost less than $20 each.

Or, spend a buck for a plastic plate and decorate it yourself. Use craft paint, or cover the plate with decorative paper.

You also can switch outlet covers, but don’t get too fancy. Outlet covers should blend with the wall.

2. Touch-up boo-boos. A bit of new paint gives any room a fresh face, which is why you should keep extra color-matched paint after you remodel. Touch up banged-up baseboards, door and window trim, and wall marks that won’t wash away. Even spot painting requires care; use a drop cloth to protect other surfaces.

3. Change out drawer and door hardware. Upgrade your kitchen or bathroom by installing new pulls and knobs. Be sure to measure drawer pulls so you won’t have to drill new holes. Check out these cute and economical ($4.95 for 8) zoo dresser drawer knobs on Esty. Home improvement centers have a large selection of inexpensive pulls and knobs.

4. Update your mailbox. Bump up curb appeal by spray-painting your old mailbox. You can freshen the same color, or go wild with bright hues. Don’t forget to scrub off dirt and rust before painting with rust-proof paint ($6-$12 for a 10-oz. can; lots of decorative textures and colors).

5. Play the numbers game. Decorative house numbers and plates give your home a custom and classy look. Some numbers are quick peel-and-stick affairs; others you’ll have to screw in. They’re made of wood, plastic, brass, stainless steel, and other materials; $6 to $30 each.

6. Embellish your throne. A new toilet seat gives you a regal bearing. Plastic and enameled seats ($12-$25) in a rainbow of colors add a dash of panache; a solid wood mahogany or walnut seat ($45-$60) makes an executive statement; cushioned seats ($15-$20) won’t make a lasting impression — and that’s a good thing.

7. Declutter. You’ll be amazed how a 15-minute daily declutter can make a room look like new. First, get rid of stuff from your fridge door: that large, blank canvas will immediately brighten your kitchen. Corral mail and papers in decorative boxes with tops that can close and hide the mess. Organize school supplies in caddies. Every day, tame a new spot.

Find your next home with me! Text LKHOMES to 87778 or visit http://87778.mobi/LKHOMES for your FREE search.

Laura Key, CalBRELic #0198085

www.KeyCaliforniaHomes.com

 

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Home Design Inspiration For Your Bathroom

A few candles, a dimming light, a glass of bubbly, some music and some bubbles....YEAP!

Bathroom-Home-Design-12

Start your home search out RIGHT! Access homes from a direct source! Text LKHOMES to 87778 today or go to http://87778.mobi/LKHOMES Available on iPad/Tablet/Smartphones

Source: http://homedesignboard.com/bathroom/home-design-inspiration-for-your-bathroom-12/

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