And like many first-time homeowners, our budget and can-do personalities drove us to choose a fixer-upper. We were confident that buying a home that needed some upgrades would make it feel more like our own. But the exteriorincluding the roof, paint, and sidinghas seen better days. Kate McKenna The back deck probably doesn’t have many years left. Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? He often even ends up helping me hone in on the perfect paint color....

This means that even once you own a home, you cant just walk in and start renovating. Our renovation plans are a go. Soundproofing and indoor plumbing didn’t exactly exist in the 1600s, and neither did HVAC systems. Design:Becca Interiors The home is small and quirky and lacking in things like closets and laundry. In our case, we have an added reason to feel stressed. It also means that some of our materials might need to be specifically sourced....

Want more design inspiration? To achieve a warm-feeling glow, try aiming for around 3000 kelvins for all of your bulbs. Additionally, be consistent with the color and kelvin ofbulbs you choose. Aha Interiors For instance, dont mix warm and cool color temperature lightbulbs. I love incorporating lighting to highlight design details to create visual patterns, Hill-Mattauszek says. It adds that wow factor to a room and makes a space feel more inviting and interesting!...

Shadowy spots, especially corners, can even lead to eye strain, headaches, and unnecessary accidents. According to experts, many people are making big kitchen lighting mistakes and they dont even know it. Here are the most common kitchen lighting mistakes and remedies that experts suggest. Alex Potemkin / Getty Images Kanok Sulaiman / Getty Images Inadequate Task Lighting Every design starts with a solid lighting plan. A space that’s well-done has all three elements, says Shireen Bailey ofGreen Shareen Design....

sheilasay / Getty Images Lighting plays a significant role in the look and feel of a space. Despite this, its an often overlooked component of many homes. Luckily, updating your homes old light fixtures doesnt need to be complicated or overwhelming. sheilasay / Getty Images According to design pros, here are five outdated lighting trends to avoid in your home. Want more design inspiration? Track Lighting There has been some debate about track lighting in the design world lately....

Desiree Burns Interiors Lighting is a key part of any design scheme and takes so many shapes and forms. Below, interior designers share five types of lighting styles that they predict will be extra popular next year. Organic Shapes Expect to look to the outdoors when it comes to lighting. Desiree Burns Interiors Want more design inspiration? “It could be anything from a streamlined mid-century modern sconce or a vintage Italian brass chandelier....

This makes lighting an important factor for buyers since it brings value to many homes. Read on how a little glow may bring in some green for you. One feature eliminates the ritual of walking around the home to see what lights are on. Emily Henderson Design/ Photo By Kaitlin Green No more following behind the kids, systematically snapping off each switch they forgot to turn off. Want more design inspiration?...

Yana Iskayeva / Getty Images LiveChristmas treesare always a special, festive touch for the holidays. However, a more pared-back approach may be kinder on the branches. One thing you do want to avoid is heavy ornaments that can weigh down the branches. Yana Iskayeva / Getty Images As for lights, Boettger cautions against using outdoor versions since they can get hot and potentially be unsafe. Use [ones] that are labeled [for use] indoors, she advises....

Arbor & Co Lets face it: decorating andfurnishing a living roomcan get pricey. Making the space aesthetically pleasing, functional, and durable can quickly add up. We tapped three interior experts to find out which decor items arent worth the splurge. Arbor & Co Want more design inspiration? Custom-built shelves with cabinets below, often seen in living rooms, come with a chunky price tag. Display a few favorite decor objects on your media console or on living room tables....

Where millennial pink was once all the rage,earth tonesare now taking over interiors. Although, disclaimer: designers agree that trends arent a barometer for good or bad design. They are just interesting to follow and can provide inspiration. JulieanneBirch/ Getty Images So, what living room styles are no longer trendy at the moment? We tapped three interior designers for their insight. Want more design inspiration? Aleksandra Zlatkovic / Getty Images However, its starting to take a backseat to other styles....

Thankfully, it doesnt take much time or money to freshen your patio, porch, or balcony. From throw pillows to umbrellas, this is how to make your outdoor space blossom! Choose a bright, happy color palette to match the season. Design byEmily Henderson/ Photo by Kaitlin Green It adds a luxurious element without spending too much," they say. Long gone are the days when umbrellas were purely functional items. Black and white umbrellas are especially chameleon-like, adding a bold punch to any space....

Professional organizer Meredith Goforth says otherwise. She also warns that these are the exact messes we should address first. They’re what will stand out the most to guests, who are entering your home with fresh eyes. Tara Kantor Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Add seasonal decor and a clean doormat, and remove any kids toys or dead plants, Goforth says. She also suggests sweeping the front step as a nice touch for a put-together first impression....

This can be done by getting rid of mosquitoes' breeding grounds, both natural and man-made. For example, baby pools, buckets, and watering cans can easily become a mosquito’s favorite place. The larvicide will kill any mosquito eggs before they hatch. The Spruce / Autumn Wood Plant Naturally-Repelling Plants Add a few mosquito-repelling plants to your backyard tokeep mosquitoes far, far awaynaturally. Most of these plants are herbs and repel mosquitoes thanks to their strong scents....