Creating an outdoor living space will give you an extra "room" to enjoy in all types of weather, even as the temperatures drop. You can start small with an inexpensive patio set and charcoal grill on a new deck, go all out with a fully installed kitchen, fireplace and living room, or something in between. It depends on your budget and how you plan to use the space. Here are some ideas for must-have elements in your perfect outdoor living space that will allow you to enjoy your backyard in Continue Reading ...

4 Steps to Prep Your Home for Winter When you start feeling those first hints of winter, the instinct to get ready kicks in. You may dig out your car's snow brush, blanket, shovel and winter survival kit and place them in the trunk of your car. The winter coats and boots come out of storage, and you may pick up some extra mittens. But what do you do to protect your house against the hazards of winter? If you don't take time for maintenance and winterization now, you can end up paying for it Continue Reading ...

Accessories bring a sense of purpose into a space. With a thoughtful selection, can transform a room into an elevated experience. When used creatively and in unexpected ways, they add the perfect finishing touch to space. And can transform the overall aesthetic and design. From hardware to purposefully placed décor, integrate accessories artfully and functionally to achieve beauty and balance for an even more luxurious space. A balanced perspective Assess the space and identify Continue Reading ...

Say you’ve just gotten home after a long day. All you want to do is put your feet up, but you notice what looks like rodent droppings on the floor, find evidence of something having nibbled at the food in your kitchen and … what is that scrabbling sound coming from inside your walls? You may feel like panicking at the thought of rats in your home, but a little knowledge about these rodents can go a long way toward preparing you for what to do in the event of an infestation. The experts at Continue Reading ...

Did you know that many police departments have a community affairs officer whose primary goal is to build a strong working relationship with the community? That means you have access to a trained safety expert who wants to give you ideas to keep your home and neighborhood safe. Read on for eight simple home security hacks from a recent home safety evaluation conducted by a police officer. 1. Change the locks When was the last time you changed the locks? How many previous owners have there Continue Reading ...

Qualifying for a mortgage might be easier than you think. Buying a home is an exciting process, but for many people, it can also seem out of reach. While many renters would like to buy, there are several factors that may lead potential homebuyers to believe they may not be ready. These include credit score requirements, income, and debt levels, and the common myth that a 20 percent down payment is needed. Here is some good news: Qualifying for a mortgage may not be so far out of reach. Better Continue Reading ...

Remake your bathroom with these luxurious hotel-inspired trends Life can get hectic. While it is easy to become overwhelmed with busy schedules and everyday challenges, it is important to carve out personal time for relaxation and renewal. The practice of self-care and personal wellness is becoming a trend on the rise. To incorporate this trend into your daily routine, take a page from the luxury hotel playbook. Imagine what you would see, feel, smell and experience if you stepped into the Continue Reading ...

Life can get hectic. While it is easy to become overwhelmed with busy schedules and everyday challenges, it is important to carve out personal time for relaxation and renewal. The practice of self-care and personal wellness is becoming a trend on the rise. To incorporate this trend into your daily routine, take a page from the luxury hotel playbook. Imagine what you would see, feel, smell and experience if you stepped into the bathroom of a five-star suite. Luxury bathrooms are designed to Continue Reading ...