home development | 1st Time Home Buyer ATL

DIY Doesn’t Mean Doing It All Yourself

How handy would you say you are? Can you fix a leaking faucet or install a new backsplash? Do you own all the drills, power saws and sanders used by the pros?

It can be tempting to DIY it all — especially if you’re on a budget. After all, you can have an active role in improving your home, and save cash to put toward other things. Why wouldn’t you want to?

The truth is not all projects are suited for a DIYer — no matter how much of a shiplap expert you might be.

If you’re considering a few renovations, here’s when to put on your toolbelt and when you might want to call a pro:

In the Kitchen: You can probably replace a sink, reface your cabinets or install a new dishwasher.

Want to move the sink or add recessed lighting? You’ll want a pro.

In the Bathroom: Installing new floor tiles, upgrading your toilet seat or changing your showerhead are all tasks you can do.

If you want in-floor radiant heating or to install a tub where there isn’t one, bring in a pro.

On the Exterior: Looking for more curb appeal with a new garden bed and a fresh coat of paint on your front door? Have at it.

Substantial upgrades like installing a skylight, repairing your roof or repaving your driveway are better suited for a professional.

Structural Changes: If you’re super handy, you can probably install drywall or relocate a door.

But if you’re changing an area that’s load-bearing? Definitely call a pro.

Remember, DIY doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. You’ll want to hire a professional for anything that requires specialized knowledge. There’s no shame in asking for help from an expert.

Want to discuss what home renovations might improve your property’s value? Get in touch today.

2019’s Trendiest Colors for Your Home

Colors have the ability to evoke emotions and change our attitudes. They can inspire and motivate us to try something new and bold. They can alter our moods and appetites, or even make a room feel small and cramped.

If you plan to redecorate a few rooms in the new year, the right color choices can make all the difference in the feeling you’re trying to achieve. Better yet, it’s one of the simplest and most affordable decor changes you can make. Not sure which colors to choose? Here are 2019’s best color palettes for home interiors, according to the Pantone Color Institute:

Meanderings
This palette is a mix of leisurely, rich shades like Island Green, Aurora Red, and Wild Orchid. Pulled from diverse cultures, they tell the story of world travel and are great for spaces where you’ll be entertaining guests.

Proximity
Proximity shows the connection between technology and nature and speaks to the challenges of modern life. These vivid blue-greens, green-blues, and silver-grays are perfect for rooms with abundant natural light.

Cravings
These culinary-inspired hues call to mind delicious tastes and exotic cuisines with colors like Cappuccino, Chili Pepper and Cayenne. This sensory experience is ideal for dining rooms or quiet spaces like reading nooks.

Cherish
These soothing pastels evoke calm and serenity and are the epitome of comfort. The soft, nostalgic floral tones would be great in a powder room or master bedroom.

Are you planning a new look for your home? Think of these palettes as a focused road map for capturing your desired style.

If you’d like some guidance for a more substantial home renovation, or you’re interested in finding a new home this year, please reach out today.

3 Options for Displaying a Collection

Are you a collector? Whether you have a passion for art, photographs, action figures or something else entirely, here are some options for displaying your memorabilia.

Mount it on a wall

Family photos and art pieces are commonplace, even among those who don’t consider themselves collectors. Fortunately, there’s no storage of creative ways to display wall art.

The trick is to focus on the frames, For instance, one method is to use frames of the same color but of varying sizes and designs. This creates visual interest and unites the collection. Figurines and other small items with depth can be housed similarly using shadow boxes or a divided case.

Hang artwork at eye level for optimal visual appeal. For museum-quality results, keep the center point of your display collection between 57 and 63 inches from the floor.

Showcase it on shelves

Curio cabinets and other types of shelving work well for arranging collections and giving individual pieces a chance to stand out. Whether you’re into vintage dishes or figurines, consider grouping your collection according to color or pattern.

If you have glass or crystal items, sunny windows are ideal spots for your display. And avoid overloading shelves; open space can make a visual impact.

Arrange it on furniture

When it comes to displaying eclectic items or combining collections, look to the top of your favorite furniture pieces. On the surface of a credenza or console table, mix tall and short items as well as various shapes and textures along a horizontal line, similar to a cityscape.

Is it time to replace your front door?

Your front door is one of the first things guests notice when visiting your home. In addition to providing security and protection, your front door can make a bold statement and reflect your personal style.

But whether or not your current front door matches your home’s interior and your taste, if you feel a draft, see any cracks or hear squeaky joints or scraping sounds, it may be time to replace it. Consider your options with some of the most common front door materials and features.

Materials

Wood: Though beautiful, solid wood doors are expensive and sensitive to the elements. Some modern wood doors come with steel cores to minimize warping and reduce cost.
Fiberglass: A durable and cost-effective option is a fiberglass composite door. Their foam cores are good insulators, and they can withstand harsh climates.
Steel: Strong but subject to dents, steel doors are the least expensive of the three. They have shorter lifespans and aren’t well-suited for extreme climates, but depending on their core, they can be energy efficient

Styles

There are multiple styles to choose from, including:

• Solid panel doors

• Arched doors

• Dutch or split doors

• Double doors

• Decorative doors with glass inserts

• Frosted glass doors with ornamental wrought iron overlaid for added security

You could even complement your front door with sidelights or a transom window while also letting in more outside light

Colors

The color of your front door should depend mostly on the exterior style and colors of your house, your personal taste and the type of door chosen. If your house is mostly neutral in color, don’t be afraid to go bold with your front door.

Use these tips to help make your front door an inviting entrance that not only offers protection from the elements but also reflects your personal style.

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DIY Doesn’t Mean Doing It All Yourself

2019’s Trendiest Colors for Your Home

3 Options for Displaying a Collection

Is it time to replace your front door?

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