Superior design, superior functionality

(BPT) – Incorporating style and sophistication is becoming a standard in today’s modern homes. As the center of activity and entertaining, the kitchen is the room to truly “wow” guests with elevated design choices that don’t compromise the space’s nece…

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3 things to look for when buying a new home

(BPT) – Purchasing a new home is an exciting and sometimes stressful experience. Whether you’re moving to a new town or looking to upgrade from your current space, finding a new home requires patience, expert guidance and a keen eye for detail.As a hom…

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Tips to stop drafts, save money and improve your home

(BPT) – Can you imagine keeping your windows open all winter long? The heat loss, cold drafts and all that money spent on wasted energy would be staggering. But if your home has folding pull-down attic stairs, a whole-house fan, a fireplace or clothes …

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Lights out: 4 ways to prepare for a long outage after the storm

(BPT) – As winter storm season arrives, homeowners should be ready for power outages that last for days or even weeks. In recent years, storms have become more intense and frequent, resulting in extended power outages, which is disruptive to daily life…

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Home improvement: What’s old is new again

(BPT) – Fall is a popular time for home improvement as people think about impressing their guests during the holidays. It is also a time for change, which makes the current trends in home décor so unique.

Simply put, what’s old is new again. Homeowners are gravitating to classic and timeworn elements to give their home a traditional feel.

Character is not something with which every home is born. Newer construction often sacrifices some of the charm or detail of older home styles that can be incorporated with strategic use of materials and furnishings.

Imagination is the limit for homeowners, but here is a sampling of what can be done.

Build from the ground up

Install new flooring that’s inspired by the charm of vintage floors. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators sell an array of flooring styles that mimic the look and feel of vintage woodwork — wide planks that echo farmhouse floors, distressed finishes and much more. By replicating techniques such as wire brushing and hand scraping, distressed flooring achieves the look of vintage craftsmanship.

Rustic charm of wall accents

Adding a wood accent wall can create the feel of a farmhouse or even an industrial loft. Wood can add an artistic element or focal point to backsplashes and ceilings. Whatever your goal, accent wood makes a statement.

Small touches: Fixtures and surfaces

Don’t forget the little details: a glass doorknob, an oil-rubbed light fixture or a stained glass panel in the window. These touches go a long way to convey the look of another era in a newer home.

Mixing eras with furniture

Antiques and classic period pieces mix well with more contemporary furnishings to create an eclectic style in a newer home. Mid-century modern elements — from architecture to furniture — weave their way into home décor again this season, proving their staying power.

If homeowners are looking to imbue a newer home with the timeless details of tradition, there’s a project of every scale. New materials that are designed to look old will not only perform better, they’ll last for years to come. And “timeless” is always on trend.

 

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Refresh your home with 6 easy DIY paint projects

(BPT) – Few things are as satisfying as pulling off a DIY project, especially when the results are successful. Whether you’re looking to refresh something old or create something new, there’s no need to hire a professional. Updating your home both indo…

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Driving 101: Smart tips to ace the road

(BPT) – The backpacks are full, the car pools are set, and the homework is piling up as we continue to transition away from summer and back-to-school. Whether you are walking your child to the bus stop, dragging your teen out of bed or dropping your ch…

6 simple ways to freshen your home inside and out

(BPT) – Looking for some easy ways to breathe new life into your home? Whether it’s the air inside or the decor itself, freshening things up can make your home look and feel more welcoming at any time of year. You don’t need a lot of time or money to r…

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