3 ways to create a chic and cozy living room

(NC) The living room is a primary gathering spot for relaxing and entertaining with family and friends. Create a contemporary and cozy space for lounging that is chic yet livable. Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares three ways to create the ultimate space.

Create rhythm. Living rooms are often open to other areas of the home, which can make it challenging to select a colour palette that will work with adjacent rooms. Using different shades of the same colour is an effective way to define the area. “Deeper colours can bring coziness, which is ideal for the living room. Choose a stronger colour for living rooms paired with a neutral, or paler version for connecting spaces. A deep grey like Kendall Charcoal HC-166 pairs well with a lighter shade like Metropolitan AF-690.”

Think beyond the walls. Consider painting furniture, window trims or ceilings in a bolder colour if your walls are neutral. Opting for neutral hues throughout the space with bolder or deeper hues to emphasize millwork, ceilings and window framing will create a feeling of harmony throughout your home. “Be sure to use appropriate premium quality products when painting these surfaces,” says Grech. For example, premium paints like Benjamin Moore Regal Select would be ideal for painting ceilings.

Luxe layers. Nothing says cozy quite like a plush sofa with oversized pillows and throws. Play around with different textures to establish a chic and comforting look and feel. Layering luxe fabrics that are rich in texture, like velvet and faux fur, adds an instant dose of sophistication to your space.

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3 design tricks to make your entryway standout

(NC) First impressions are made at the front door, and the entryway gives guests their first glimpse of your interiors. To help you make a strong statement, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares three tips for creating a memorable entryway that will set the tone for your entire home.

A fresh coat of paint. A great starting point for sprucing up this focal point is by adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door and trim, inside and out. Of course, freshly painted walls in a coordinating colour will keep the space looking sharp and make your home even more inviting.

“Whether you prefer neutral, bright or bold hues, using multiple shades of the same colour is a great way to add dimension without causing a cluttered look,” explains Grech. When using bold shades like blue and red on the front door, it is important to keep in mind that the colour is only as good as the quality of paint you’re using. Benjamin Moore Aura Grand Entrance provides a rich, lustrous finish and is great for interior and exterior use.”

Accessorize with stripes. Entryways can often follow a cookie-cutter design scheme with little to no pattern. To give yours more personality, try accessorizing with stripes. “Stripes can visually elongate even a small foyer, and rugs are a great way to incorporate this trend and define the space,” says Grech. From black and white to multi-colour stripes, this finishing touch will create a striking first impression for your home.

Accentuate with lighting. As important as good lighting is for great photos, it’s also essential for home design. Natural light brings life to any space during the day, so keep the windows uncovered or use sheer fabrics in the entryway. Alternatively, if you don’t have a window in your front hall, bring the feeling of the outdoors in with a nature-inspired colour scheme for walls and furniture.

 “Minimizing contrast will help keep this space looking light, bright and inviting,” advises Grech. For evening light, don’t forget a statement lighting fixture to add a functional beauty.

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A Little Paint Can Work Wonders for Communities

What can a little paint do for communities? Sometimes a whole lot. As part of "The Can Do Project," for every one-gallon can of Valspar interior and exterior paint that is purchased at Lowe’s from March 25 through April 1, Valspar will donate a gallon to Habitat for Humanity to go toward their commitment of 250,000 gallons. This one-for-one match is only the latest initiative in Valspar’s 20-year partnership with the nonprofit organization, and together they are helping families create a better future for themselves through homeownership. In fact, over those two decades, Valspar’s almost $99 million worth of cash and paint donations have aided more than 98,000 families. It’s truly amazing what a can of paint can do. View the full-sized image here.

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Call your handyman: Top projects for spring

(NC) Winter is a particularly harsh season on our homes. Snow, sleet and repeated freezes and thaws make spring an important time for home improvement projects. Here are some home projects that are worth tackling this season. If you could use some extra help, try enlisting a handyman.

Clean out gutters. Over the winter your gutters will have filled with leaves, snow and other debris. When they’re clogged, they cannot properly divert water away from your home. Clean them out and make any necessary fixes to avoid any damage.

Roof repair. Roofs take on a lot of damage. Shingles become old and brittle and can crack and fly away. When this happens, your roof has exposed spots that are susceptible to those April showers. Repair any missing or damaged shingles on your roof to help extend its life.

Fence fix up. As weather warms up and the ground starts to thaw, you may notice a shift in your fence that signals time for a rebuild. If your fence is structurally sound, consider addressing minor repairs including new stain, paint or mould removal. They’re simple updates with a big impact.

Plumbing tweaks. Do you have a leaky faucet that you keep forgetting to fix? A tap that drips six drops a minute will lose approximately 1,200 litres of water a year. That’s equivalent to seven bathtubs worth! Dealing with any plumbing issues is a great water- and money-saving addition to your spring list.

Painting projects. From repainting a dresser to adding an accent wall, paint is an easy and inexpensive way to transform a room. If you’re preparing to list your home for sale, a new paint job can add a lot of value, with a 100 per cent return on investment.
To find a handyman near you, visit homestars.com.

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DIY home improvements

(NC) Whether you’re getting ready to sell or just looking to refresh your home, you don’t need a huge budget to give a noticeable boost to how your home looks and feels. With a modest investment, some DIY skills and a little bit of elbow grease, you can tackle these budget-friendly home renovations in as little as one weekend.

Repaint the exterior and update the front door.
 
A quick and easy way to instantly enhance your home’s curb appeal is to refresh the exterior trim colour. You can also simply change the colour of your front door to make a huge difference to your home’s façade, or try adding new house numbers or a new mailbox, some planters or updated landscaping.

Turn a closet into a powder room.
 
An inexpensive way to create a new bathroom in your home is to renovate an under-used closet into a powder room. This is easier than you think if you use a self-contained macerating toilet system such as the Sanicompact system from Saniflo. The compact toilet is installed on top of your existing floor and can accommodate a sink connection as well. If you’re handy and have some basic plumbing experience, you don’t even need to call a plumber. All you need is an electrical outlet, some basic tools and access to a water line.

Add removable wallpaper.
 
Unlike hanging wallpaper in the past, which we can all agree was a frustrating experience, today’s removable wallpaper is now mush easier to work with. Since it can be easily removed when you are ready for a change, it is a great way to try a new colour or pattern with little commitment.

Refresh your kitchen.
 
If your cabinet doors are still in good condition you can always sand them down and repaint them. Then, swap out the old hardware with fresh pulls and knobs to make your cabinets look like new. An easy fix for updating the backsplash is to pick up some peel-and-stick tiles from your favourite hardware store, which are surprisingly affordable and super easy to use.

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Exterior Staining the Easy Way

If you’ve ever used an exterior stain on an outdoor project, you know it can be messy. Applying wood stain typically requires multiple steps, including rolling or brushing on the stain, wiping it in, cleaning up brushes and storing leftover stain. Then there’s scrubbing the stain off your hands. It’s enough to ruin an otherwise good Saturday.

But now exterior wood stain is available in a spray can, so you can achieve the same durable, water-repellent, fade-resistant protection you get from a bucket of wood stain, with spray paint convenience. Available from Krylon (www.krylon.com) at hardware and home improvement stores, Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is quick and easy to apply, promising fast project completion without the mess. So, you can finish your weekend project in time to beat the heat and watch the ballgame.

Because spray stain applies smoothly to both vertical and horizontal surfaces without runs or drips, do-it-yourselfers get a beautiful finish that will hold up to the toughest conditions, without hauling out a paint pan and roller or brush. It is ideal for smaller projects such as wood furniture, planters, picnic tables, spindles, play sets, shutters, mailboxes and more.

Why bother staining at all? Exterior stain is considered the best, most practical way to protect and beautify wood. When wood is exposed to the elements, particularly sunlight and moisture, it will develop mildew, crack, fade and structurally deteriorate if not protected. Wood stain contains UV inhibitors and other substances that, when absorbed into the wood, protect it.

Semi-transparent stains are extremely popular because they add color while allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through the finish. Krylon Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is available in four of today’s most popular exterior wood stain colors, Cedar, Honey Gold, Rustic Brown and Redwood, so you can match, accent or coordinate with popular exterior stain colors sold in buckets and used on decks and home exteriors.

Home improvement enthusiasts will appreciate the recyclable spray can’s easy-open cap and EZ Touch 360-Degree Dial Spray Tip. The tip enables more comfortable spray painting with increased coverage per pass, reduced overspray, less chance of runs or drips and greater accuracy due to a dial that rotates a full 360 degrees. More information is available at www.saveoursaturdays.com.

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Improve Your Outdoor Décor

Chances are, your deck or patio décor includes a variety of surfaces such as wood, wicker, metal and plastic, all of which may become weathered from summer sun and winter storage. Armed with a few cans of spray paint, you can give your backyard oasis a great new look, quickly and affordably.

When decorating outdoors:

– Use color to unify your space. Selecting a palette of a few colors allows you to unify disparate furniture pieces into a pleasing whole. White is an ever-popular classic that can be paired with almost any accent color to achieve striking good looks.

– Especially in areas filled with bright sunlight, don’t be afraid of bold or saturated colors. Use bright, bold colors to infuse a space with energy and whimsy, or consider textured or metallic hues for more subtle sophistication.

– For the brightest, boldest colors, prime the surface or apply a white basecoat. Next, apply the color coat over the white surface.

– Group furniture together to create intimate conversation areas. Use interesting containers to hold plants. Consider lighting for both evening safety and ambiance.

– Always follow the directions on your can of spray paint. Application instructions and dry times, as well as how long you should shake the can and how far away you should hold it from the surface, vary from paint to paint.

There are a number of products available to help with your patio makeover. Krylon’s Fusion for Plastic is a one-step, super-bonding spray paint. It can be used on wood, metal, wicker, hard vinyl and a wide range of plastic surfaces. Available in many colors, it now comes with the new EZ Touch 360-degree Dial Spray Tip for more comfortable spray painting with increased coverage per pass, reduced overspray, less chance of runs or drips and greater accuracy.

Rusted metal? No reason to worry. Instead of making a mess scrubbing away rust with a wire brush, you can paint right over it with Krylon Outdoor Spaces Rust Converter. It chemically transforms rust into a waterproof, paintable surface that is protected from future rust formation.

When completely dry, simply coat Outdoor Spaces Rust Converter with any Outdoor Spaces Satin, Metallic, Textured or Hammered Finish to keep outdoor décor looking its very best. These finishes withstand harsh weather, offering superior protection on metal, wood, wicker, drywall, masonry and even pottery.

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3 Tips (Including Virtual Reality) For Avoiding Home Improvement Blunders

Want proof of how carefully you need to weigh the alternatives before making upgrades to your home? Look no further than the Florida couple who last year decided to have their house painted to look like artist Vincent Van Gogh’s famous canvas "The Starry Night." It wasn’t just that it was such an odd choice for an exterior that it attracted tourists – sort of the local answer to New York’s Madame Tussauds – it was that the city of Mount Dora took them to court over it."Graffiti," the city called it."First Amendment!" countered homeowner Lubek Jastrzebski, an immigrant from Communist-era Poland, who argued that the city code didn’t address house colors and aesthetics.Yes, that’s an extreme example of unintended consequences.


But even though legally the homeowners wound up off the hook, anyone now contemplating shelling out significant bucks on home improvements should read on for some tips on avoiding costly missteps.* Don’t paint your house brown either. Since most people have it in the back of their minds that they’ll eventually want to attract buyers other than those obsessed with Dutch post-impressionist painters partial to yellow and blue swirls, know that Zillow.com just concluded that medium brown and taupe were the worst exterior color choices in terms of resale value. Both depressed the sales price by $1,970 compared to homes painted white, an analysis by the real estate website of more than 32,000 photos from sold residential properties around the country found.


 "Greige," on the other hand – a combination of gray and beige – was the big winner, fetching $3,496 more than its drab brown counterparts.* Tech is your friend. It was two years ago that a noted design guru had this to say to the New York Times about online virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D rendering tools: "It’s definitely the wave of the future, because it allows the general population to make design decisions without feeling hesitant or insecure," said Khoi Vo, a professor and the chair of the department of interior design at Savannah College of Art and Design.Well, the future is undoubtedly here, with programs like Room Sketcher even allowing you to play architect by creating your own floor plan, furnishing the space, and then visualizing your work in 3D.But say what you’re interested in is boosting your home’s all-important curb appeal with a roof upgrade.


The Virtual Home Remodeler from GAF (gaf.com), North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, lets you experiment with different looks by first either downloading a photo of your own home or choosing from among the many styles – everything from Victorian to ranch to French country – pictured on the website."It’s an easy way to see what would look best with your home," said Paul Dellanno, assistant marketing manager at GAF. "Because what may work for a ranch-style house may not work for a Tudor."Once you’ve picked a house style, the process continues.


Do you prefer the Antique Slate color shingles from the company’s Camelot Shingle line you clicked on, for example, or the Golden Prairie color ones from the Glenwood Shingle line?And the house trim and exterior walls? White or something more daring?As Dellano explained, "you can even check how the result looks at different times of day and seasons."* Be wary of fads. "It looked like Darth Vader had moved in," is how a writer for Realty.com described the latest trend of painting houses black in her Brooklyn, New York, neighborhood.Word to the wise: The classics are classic for a reason.



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Product Innovations Make DIY Painting Easy and Convenient

It’s a DIY world. Whether it’s to save a little money or just a desire to personally express one’s own style, more people are doing it themselves. And nowhere is the DIY trend more apparent than in interior painting. Now, thanks to some innovative product breakthroughs, what once was considered a chore is now a whole lot easier and convenient.

Goodbye to the Painting Season

For a majority of the country, painting projects were scheduled for the “honey-do” list only during months when it was bearable to keep the windows open rather than be fumed out of the house. With the dawn of low- and no-VOC paints, there’s no more putting off what can be painted today.
No-VOC paints, like Olympic Premium or the Freshaire Choice, contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are what cause paint to have such a strong and lingering odor. No VOCs. No smell. Feel free to paint whenever inspiration strikes, no matter the temperature or weather outside.

Release Your Inner Designer

If it’s as simple as covering the edges of a chair rail or as complicated as creating intricate stripes, keeping paint only where you want it is the key to professional-looking results. To keep the paint where it belongs, a good painting tape is a must. Look for a tape that adheres well, peels off cleanly and, most importantly, stops paint from bleeding under the tape.

FrogTape brand painter’s tape (www.frogtape.com) is treated with PaintBlock Technology, which allows the tape to absorb and retain liquid, forming a barrier between the tape and the paint. This technology helps to ensure clean, crisp lines, while limiting the time needed for touching up.

Sometimes It’s Best to Stick With the Classics

Yet, even with the best inventions, there is still no substitute for a good paint and roller to get the paint job done right. For latex paints, use a brush with synthetic nylon or polyester bristles. Natural bristles will absorb the water in latex paints, causing them to droop. Keep the natural bristled brushes for oil-based paint applications.

For larger applications, like walls, a roller is a great time saver, but again choosing the right one will make all the difference. For smooth or lightly textured walls, select a roller cover with a 3/8-inch nap. For rougher walls such as textured plaster or concrete, go with a 3/4-inch nap. Check out Wooster Brush (www.woosterbrush.com), which covers all nap lengths and offers most with a plastic core to help the roller remain sturdy throughout the paint project.

So, no matter the reason and no matter the season, if now is the time to DIY, rest assured, painting like a pro has never been easier. From start to finish, tools available today allow DIYers to create a pro look — without the pro.

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Decor & Decorating: Express Yourself with Color

Are you courageous when it comes to decorating your home? Many of us would like to be as creative as possible but need guidance to venture out from the neutrals -- and into something more powerfully beautiful.

Color is the most important tool in the toolbox, say experts, who often add that one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to infuse the home with color is with paint.

"People often feel intimidated by this type of expression and that's why so much of our country is beige and off-white," says Genevieve Gorder, a renowned interior designer and color expert for Valspar Paint. "We need to remember that color is a great balancer in a space; it's a juggling act between neutrals, grounding shades, highlight and accent."

When choosing a paint palette for any room, Gorder notes, there are four key components to ensure powerful effects while keeping a harmonious balance: neutrals, which are the beige or creamiest versions of any color; the grounding shades, like blacks, browns and grays; the highlights, like the bright white on moldings and window trim; and the all-important saturated pops of color which add life to any room.

"You might want your pop of color to be a powerful accent wall," Gorder continued. "Then, you can complement it with neutral upholstery and grounding accents in the accessories to balance it all."

For additional guidance, inspiration -- and even liberation -- here are this decorator's favorite tips.

* If you want to incorporate a trendy color into your home but feel intimidated, start small with paint or decor accents that are inexpensive. This way, you can always change your mind if you fall in love with something new or want to refresh the look of your room.

* Use the chip rack at your retailer to find color families and their complementing shades. A popular way to find an accent, for example, is to go a few shades darker in the same family.

* Feel free this season to express yourself fully without risk. Valspar Paint is offering a complimentary replacement color to anyone who has a change of heart about their first choice. This Love Your Color Guarantee runs through October 7, 2013, and you can get all the details and offer terms at loveyourcolor.com.

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Using bold paint colors

Paint is one of the least expensive and most versatile means to changing the look of a room. According to the experts from "This Old House," 60 percent of the colors of a home that visitors perceive come from the paint on the walls. Choosing a color scheme can be challenging, which is why so many people stick with neutrals like beige and white. For those who are ready to add a spark of color, there are a few guidelines to consider.

Color theory is a science and there are rules of using color that are taught as early as a child's first foray into art class. We know there are primary, secondary and complementary colors on the color wheel. Even novice home decorators can do well with color if they use the color wheel as their guideline.

According to HGTV, color should flow throughout a house. Every room need not be painted the same color. However, colors should be complementary enough that they flow into one another. Don't paint one room in child's basic primary colors, while painting other rooms in jewel tones and pastels. Stick with one theme and carry it through the house.

Once you have decided to use a bold color, first find your color inspiration. Color combinations that appear in nature are more readily accepted by people, so look for an item in nature, such as a seashell or a flowering plant that you can base your color choices on. Others pull inspiration from a particular design item. For instance, maybe an area rug strikes your fancy. Use colors that appear in the rug in the room.

Keep in mind that using bold color doesn't mean you have to paint every wall from ceiling to floor in that color. Rather, if you're just starting out with bold colors, select one wall to serve as an accent wall. Use that wall as your bold canvas and paint it with your chosen hue.

Some people like to experiment with a more flashy color in a smaller space. If you're nervous about beginning in the living room or kitchen, how about trying out bold color in a smaller space, such as a powder room? A more intimate space might seem less overwhelming when painted in a bold color. Go for a deep purple or another jeweled tone. However, try to avoid greens in the bathroom, as they may reflect off of the mirror and cast a hue onto your face that makes you look unwell. Pinks and peaches will shed a rosy glow.

If you will be incorporating complementary colors into the room, use the paint color swatch as your guide.

Most paint manufacturers use three or four different shades on one sample card. When selecting a complementary shade, be sure to pick from the same tone on the card. That means if you're choosing the darkest of color #1 from a card, you'll want to choose the darkest from color #2.

Another idea is to leave walls neutral and use bold color on design accents. For example, designers at marthastewart.com recommend painting the inside of niches, shelves or cabinets with glass doors in bright tones and the outside white to create an eye-catching space without going overboard. Put a bold color on moulding or use an appliance or a fixture in a bright color as your splash of boldness.

Remember to have balance. If you will be painting an entire room in a bold color, think about having the other decor items in neutral colors. Sofas and rugs should be neutral colors, or consider toning down a vibrant color with the use of white molding or baseboards.

All it may take is a little inspiration to get started on fun, inviting color schemes in the home. Furniture store Raymour & Flanigan offers a handy design tool for incorporating different colors into a space. Find ideas at www.raymourflanigan.com/Design-Center/Color-Story.aspx.

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