Tips To Help You Transition From Holiday To Winter Decor

Tips To Help You Transition From Holiday To Winter Decor

Roundup: Tips To Help You Transition From Holiday To Winter Decor
Photo: This Is Glamorous

January is always an awkward time for home decor. The holidays are over, and your home feels so empty without all the festive decorations. Well, there’s an easy solution – fill those empty gaps with winter themed decor. Don’t worry, it’s super simple to make the transition. Here are ten of our favorite ideas.   

.tasty-pins-banner-container{display:block;margin-bottom:20px;position:relative;width:-moz-fit-content;width:fit-content}.tasty-pins-banner-container a{cursor:pointer;display:flex;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1px;line-height:1.8em;text-transform:uppercase}.tasty-pins-banner-container a:hover{opacity:1}.tasty-pins-banner-container .tasty-pins-banner{align-items:center;bottom:0;cursor:pointer;display:flex;justify-content:center;left:0;padding-bottom:1em;padding-top:1em;position:absolute;right:0}.tasty-pins-banner-container .tasty-pins-banner svg{margin-right:4px;width:32px}.tasty-pins-banner-container .tasty-pins-banner span{margin-top:4px}.tasty-pins-banner-container a.tasty-pins-banner{text-decoration:none}.tasty-pins-banner-container a.tasty-pins-banner:hover{opacity:.8}.tasty-pins-banner-container a.tasty-pins-banner-image-link{flex-direction:column}.tasty-pins-banner-container a img{margin-bottom:0}.entry-content .wp-block-image .tasty-pins-banner-container img{margin-bottom:0;padding-bottom:0}#et-boc .et-l div .et_pb_image_wrap .tasty-pins-banner-container .tasty-pins-banner{padding-bottom:1em!important;padding-top:1em;text-decoration:none}#et-boc .et-l div .et_pb_image_wrap .tasty-pins-banner-container a.tasty-pins-banner{cursor:pointer;display:flex;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.8em;text-transform:uppercase}#et-boc .et-l div .et_pb_image_wrap .tasty-pins-banner-container a.tasty-pins-banner span{letter-spacing:2px;margin-top:4px}.et-db #et-boc .et-l .et_pb_module .tasty-pins-banner-container a:not(.wc-forward){padding-bottom:0}

1. Combine greenery that you already have with pinecones, antlers, etc. to create a cozy forest sort of vibe. Learn how Kim did it here. [Photo: Savvy Southern Style

2. Paint pinecones white and attach them to jars to create beautiful, wintery candle holders. Find out more here. [Photo: Nelly Vintage Home]

Roundup: Tips To Help You Transition From Holiday To Winter Decor

3. Take those fairy lights off the tree and stick them in a log and greenery filled wooden crate to make a faux fireplace. How cozy! Here are the details. [Photo: Blue Roof Cabin]

4. Erase your Christmas-themed saying on the chalkboard with a winter-themed one, such as “Baby it’s cold outside.” Found here. [Photo: A Thoughtul Place]

Roundup: Tips To Help You Transition From Holiday To Winter Decor

5. Make faux fur pillow covers for your holiday-themed pillows (then you can take them off next December to reveal the holiday pillow again). Here’s the tutorial. [Photo: Transient Expression]

6. Replace mantel decor with simple white or pale green bouquets with bare twig accents. Find lots of additional ideas here. [Photo: At The Picket Fence]

Roundup: Tips To Help You Transition From Holiday To Winter Decor

7. Adorn your front porch or stoop with pale colored decorations filled with pinecones and burlap. See more photos here. [Photo: Thistlewood Farms]

8. Grab some pinecones from your backyard and turn them into a snowflake shaped wreath. Check it out here. [Photo: Southern Living]

Roundup: Tips To Help You Transition From Holiday To Winter Decor

9. Spray paint an existing holiday wreath white to give it more of a winter sort of feel. Get the tutorial to make it from scratch here. [Photo: Thistlewood Farms]

10. Focus on warm whites in general… it may be as easy as swapping a red ribbon with a white one on your wreath. [Photo: This Is Glamorous]

How to Take Great Sparkler Pictures with Your Phone

How to Take Great Sparkler Pictures with Your Phone

Sparkler pictures - writing with light
Photo: Amber Dickson

Sparklers pictures are a fun and festive part of any 4th of July gathering.  Find out how you can document the day by taking long exposure photographs on your smartphone.  Your Instagram feed is going to shine!          

Step

Sparklers in hands
Photo: Amber Dickson

Safety First When Creating Sparkler Pictures

The most important step is insuring your safety and that of the people around you.  Always make sure any children are closely supervised.  Sparklers can reach temperatures above 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and need to be handled carefully.  Use caution both when they are lit and after they finish sparking.  It is so much better to end the night ooh-ing and aah-ing at fireworks as opposed to waiting at the ER to get a burn treated.

Step

Sparklers on the beach
Photo: Amber Dickson

Stability is Key

Normally, your camera records a picture in a mere fraction of a second.  Long exposure photography creates the image over the course of multiple seconds. Unless the goal is to create an abstract image, your phone needs to be stabilized. Even if your current beach body has 18-inch biceps, you will not be strong enough to hold it completely still.  A tripod or some other method of bracing the camera is necessary when creating sparkler pictures

Step

Sparklers at twilight
Photo: Amber Dickson

Capturing Sparklers in a Photo

There are three ways to capture your image using a smartphone instead of DSLR camera.

Manual Mode

Later model Android phones have a ‘manual’ or ‘pro’ mode.  Initially, set the shutter speed between one and three seconds and the ISO between 100 and 400.  Experiment with these settings to get the shot you want.    

iPhone Live

If you have an iPhone operating with iOS11, another option is to use the Live mode in the camera app.  When enabled, the camera captures 1.5 seconds before the picture is snapped and 1.5 seconds after.  To create your image, compose your shot and take a Live picture.  Select it from the cameral roll and swipe up to reveal the Effects menu. Select ‘Long Exposure’ and a new image will be made by layering all three seconds of Live footage.

Third Party Apps

The last option is to use a third-party app.  Search ‘long exposure photography’ in the app store to explore your options. Slow Shutter Cam is one of my favorite apps to use. It has a capture mode specifically for light trails and the interface is simple to navigate.

Step

Sparkler Writing Love
Photo: Amber Dickson

Get Creative

Now, pull out your imagination.  It’s time for some fun!  

Consider starting with something simple.  A two-second exposure shot of a single sparkler in total darkness is easy to create but still yields magical results.   Gradually add people and multiple sparklers as you get the hang of your camera.  Make sure to experiment with settings.  You are sure to stumble accidentally into some great shots this way.     

Keep in mind that the longer the shutter speed, the more sparks and light trails you will capture.  However, if getting a clear and focused image of someone’s face is your goal, the shutter speed needs to be limited to one second. 

When using sparklers to ‘write’ with light, it is much easier to flip the image in a photo editor than it is to form the letters backward as the picture is taken. 

Pin this sparkler writing tutorial!
Share this project on Pinterest!

Remember, sparklers do not have to be relegated solely to the 4th of July.  Keep some on hand for backyard barbecues, impromptu picnics on the beach, and even a run-of-the mill weeknight at home.  They are guaranteed to add, well, sparkle to everything.   

How To Boost Your Property’s Curb Appeal In 2023

How To Boost Your Property’s Curb Appeal In 2023

In every property, the first impression is everything. If you’re looking to attract and retain your residents, it’s best to focus on improving your curb appeal. Even if you have residents packed in your property, curb appeal is vital in making them comfortable living there. Your property should feel welcoming and attractive at all times.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to auction your home, curb appeal is a great place to start while renovating. It’s difficult to attract clients if your gutters leak, your exterior paints fade, and more. Fortunately, you don’t need the fortune to enhance your curb appeal in 2023. If you’re ready to start your journey to boost it, consider searching from reliable sources for expertise with the best ideas to transform your property.

Since curb appeal plays a massive role in improving your property’s value, you’ll want to know how to boost and transform it to be more impressive.

1. Deep Clean Your Home

Over time, dirt and dust build up in your home’s interior and exterior. There are parts that you don’t reach out to when doing your everyday cleaning. It’s amazing what a deep cleaning can do to your entire home. Typically, before making any upgrades to your exterior, take time to deep clean what you have. For instance, your new paintings won’t have a widespread impact if your walls are dirty.

Cleaning your exterior could add value to your home and, most importantly, boost your property’s curb appeal. One of the easiest ways to clean is by using a pressure washer. If you don’t already own one, it’s always best to hire a professional company that does the proper cleaning from your walkways, patio, pool decks, fences, and driveways.

On the other hand, deep cleaning your curb appeal won’t only boost your property but also extend the lifespan of your exterior elements. 

2. Focus On The Lights

Boosting your curb appeal doesn’t necessarily have to be during daybreak. Focusing on the exterior lighting can also increase your curb appeal. It’s essential to take care of your exterior because people often tour to inspect rental properties in the evening after work. With your intense lighting, you’ll win their hearts.

Have a light expert company such as Oregon Outdoor Lighting cast your property with a more favorable light. But before investing, try adding individual solar lighting to save on energy bills. Lighting in your outdoors brings a warm and welcoming vibe. 

Light dramatically boosts your nightly curb appeal while keeping your family or residence safe from any electric complication. Use a combination of downlighting and uplighting to add dimension and depth to your property. Walkway lighting can be helpful to visitors because you can use them to show the right pathways to use around. Plus, overdo it with too much lighting.

3. Focus On Landscaping 

A well manicured back garden that looks appealing to visitors
Credit: AdobeStock

Landscaping always brings a story about the manager’s tastes. Well-trimmed flowers or shrubs tell potential clients how much you care about your house and its maintenance. In addition, it also boosts your property’s curb appeal attracting more buyers or clients to your property. Overgrown plants and flowers will draw the viewer’s attention away from your home’s beautiful details.

Landscaping is helpful because it helps guide the eye toward the essential details in your home, like the paintings on the wall, the type of doors and windows installed, the outdoor lights, and how the property is clean.  

If you have no idea how to maintain your landscape, contact a local landscape expert to help you pick the best option that will look best for your home’s design. There are several design ideas for front yard landscaping. Ensure to discuss routine care maintenance because no one wants to have a landscape that needs too much attention.

4. Upgrade Your Exterior Painting

Nothing ultimately boosts your property’s curb appeal like fresh paint. You can change your look by painting your exterior with a new coat. Once you’re done with your interior walls, shift your focus to the exterior. Paints can also add value to your property and make your exterior pop.

On the other hand, don’t choose a shouting color for your interiors. It’s advised to pick neutral colors such as white, grey, and others because dull colors attract potential clients and, most importantly, give room for more customization. Every shade of paint gives different vibes to how you feel when you enter your house. If you find it difficult to choose colors, that blend well with your property’s curb appeal, consult an expert for more advice and they can even help you paint the exterior.

5. Add Front Door Décor

Decorations aren’t just meant for the Christmas holiday. You can add some front décor any time of the year to create exceptional beauty to your door. Go with something simpler that can’t make your home look and feel out of place. You can look for a wreath made from dried greens and florals, and this will be easier to maintain because the wreath will stand out throughout the entire time.

6. Make Repairs

After deep cleaning your exterior, be sure to see areas that need repairs and maintenance. You’ll notice if your gutters are sagging, your driveway needs to be resealed, or your pavements need replacements. These areas can bring a bad vibe to your clients and visitors because having cracked pavement is a total turn-off.

Make these repairs as soon as you notice them to boost your property’s curb appeal. Having a wrecked front door may indicate that the property’s manager doesn’t keep up with routine maintenance.

7. Expand Your Porch

Having a large porch is a beautiful idea because it illustrates how welcoming the owner and the environment are. It contributes to the welcoming nature. However, you don’t have to overdo it for it to make an impact. Expanding it with any measure will add to the home’s value and boost its curb appeal. 

First, deep clean the porch, then set the table with extra chairs to bring a welcoming picture to visitors. 

8. Add Exterior Window Shutters

This is one of the ways to boost your property’s curb appeal in 2023. Window shutters help highlight and accent your property’s window. They also create a physical impact preventing your window glasses from getting broken, especially during windy seasons. Window shutters are available in various designs and materials, and you can choose whichever goes well with your exterior features, including the paints.

As much as a window shutter impacts your curb appeal, it enhances privacy and energy efficiency.  

9. Upgrading Your Roof And Gutters

The exterior of a home is just as important for making a good impression as the interior
Credit: AdobeStock

The roof and gutters are the most crucial parts of your exterior and, most importantly, your foundation. A roof protects your family from any exterior dangers, protects your home and accessories, conserves heat, boosts curb appeal, and more. Clean your roof and gutters regularly. If you find any concerns that need attention, consider having an expert replace the gutters or the roof if the damage is intense.

The plan of scheduling a cleaning and maintenance schedule is necessary, and a professional will agree if the damage presents itself during the deep cleaning. Fortunately, many professional companies specialize in replacing roofs and gutters. Also, there are best times to replace your roof to avoid any inconveniences.

10. Cover Your Walk Paths With Stones

Stones in the walk paths will increase safety and comfort. It can also boost your property’s curb appeal. Natural stones can create beauty with their incredible designs, and you can find others in symmetrical arrangements, circular shapes, and intersecting designs.

Natural stones can withstand temperature fluctuation as well as prevent erosion from occurring. The reason why most homeowners extend them to their outdoors and around the pool areas. Additionally, having stones in your pathways makes everything easy to maintain and clean.

11. Modernize Your Garage Door

Recently, garage doors have been transformed into better designs and materials. So, having your old model door can be a turn-off to clients and your curb appeal. Give your garage door a remodeling by painting or replacing it with a better one. A little focus on your garage door makes a huge difference to your home’s design.

A modern garage door is a simple way to add value to your home. Even though selecting the best design that fits your home’s design takes time and money, you can have an expert help you choose the right one.

Conclusion

Depending on your plan and budget, you can upgrade your curb appeal in a few days or on the weekend. Also, if you prioritize right with good resources, you can have your dream curb appeal in your home. Chances are your home has plenty of fantastical elements which just need finishing touches to bring a positive impact to your home.

In addition, your property’s curb appeal ideas pay back in increasing the property’s value. For instance, if you upgrade your home with the above details, no doubt clients will start giving an eye to your property.

0

<!–
–>

The Best Decoration Tips For Wooden Buildings

The Best Decoration Tips For Wooden Buildings

Want to start thinking about your wooden building decor, but feel lost about where to start, the style or materials to choose? Fear not, as your starting point is already very good. Wood is a cosy and natural-looking material, and it will provide a great canvas for you to work – and play – with.

Styling a wooden building for your garden can be a fun project. However, first things first: have you already picked yours? Choosing the perfect model might even provide good inspiration and give you decoration ideas to put into practice in the future. So, if you want to enter the amazing world of wooden buildings, you can learn more about it here. However, if you already bought your wooden house, planning its decoration is the next step. Get ready to be surprised by the wood’s capacity to turn an average room into a lounging spot you will never want to leave. 

Cosy wood cabin interior
Photo by Cabin Rugs on Unsplash

Most of the time, the wood utilized in interiors has darker tones than our traditional houses’ walls. Then, bear in mind that the more lighting, the better. Natural lighting in houses can help take away the claustrophobic feeling caused by the darker materials, and there are other benefits as well. For an even greater feeling of spaciousness and clarity, you can paint parts of the structure white or invest in furniture and accessories in neutral tones. You can also favour the view from each window with translucent or lighter-toned curtains.

Cosy wooden cabin decorated with lights
Photo by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash

Once you get the lighting issue resolved, you can start to think about the pieces and decor details you want to include in your wooden building. And now is the time to think boldly. Wood matches perfectly with many different materials, particularly glass and iron. Besides looking stylish and adding a trendy feel, pieces in these materials will help with the lightning and feeling of amplitude as well. For instance, if you picked up closed furniture, choose pieces with glass doors, as they help with making the space look bigger. Then, combine these larger pieces with leather and fur items such as armchairs, sofas and bed covers, especially with neutral tones, as they bring even more comfort to your space. In the spring and summer, you can store those pieces and enjoy the more minimalist and rustic aspect of the wood. And just because you have wood walls, it doesn’t mean a few pictures or even wall art pieces will not look good if styled properly.

Interior of a wooden log cabin
Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

You can also benefit from the nature that is already surrounding your wooden building and use plants in flower arrangements or pots to add even more life and beauty to its interiors. And don’t forget that you can have decor items on the cabin exterior as well! Here, you can use wickerwork pieces like cool benches or small tables that will work as the perfect spot to enjoy a good read during warm afternoons. And, why not a hammock bed? It’s also a great place to relax and adds a boho touch to your special retreat. 

0

<!–
–>

When Is The Best Time To Replace Your Roof?

When Is The Best Time To Replace Your Roof?

Your roof is an essential component of your home. It’s the boundary between the outside world and your house’s interior. It’s a barrier against hail, rain, snow, ice, debris, and branches. Yet, if your roof is in bad shape, leaks can develop, and mildew and moulds can grow, among other issues.

There are many other reasons why the roof is vital. For one, it can retain the climate-controlled air inside your home, so it’ll continue to be warm in winter and cold in summer. Moreover, the most suitable roof can improve the curb appeal of your property. As such, it can increase your home’s value, which is good if you’re trying to resell it. Yet, if your roof is packed with algae  or, moss, of it sags or looks old, it can shun potential buyers away as it signifies that your home isn’t well-maintained.

If you’re a homeowner, there’s a probability that you’ll need to install a new roof some time in the future. Yet, how will you know the best time to do it?  For one, weather and temperature can affect the roof replacement process. It’ll also impact the cost of this activity. As such, this article is here to help you determine the ideal season for roof replacement. Read on.

Winter

Roofing contractor working on a roof
Credit: AdobeStock_

It’s generally logical to avoid roof replacement during winter for apparent reasons. During this time, the roofing materials may become more hardened and brittle due to the cold outside, and asphalt shingles may even break. Moreover, because there’s less time for sunlight during this season, you or your hired roofing professional may spend more time finishing the task.

Yet, there are still ways to continue the task if it’s required. For one, roofers can apply hand-sealing techniques. These help because a typical asphalt shingle needs enough warmth and sunlight for it to seal effectively. However, as the winter season limits such factors, the former can be the ideal course of action. Yet, be warned that the labor costs might be more costly during this time of the year.

Moreover, it’s a must to only hire reliable roofing replacement services Fairfax or in your locality to ensure satisfactory results.

Summer

The most suitable time for proper roof replacement during summer is when the season is just starting. The hot condition enables the tar strip on the back of the asphalt shingles to fully activate and stick well. This limits the chance of fly-offs or leaking over time.

Yet, be warned that midsummer time may not be ideal because of higher temperature levels. Many roofing companies conduct roof replacement and installation throughout the summer season, but the increasingly warm condition and humidity make it hard for roofers to do their tasks.

Spring

Person replacing tiles on a roof
Credit: AdobeStock

Springtime is often a period when you assess the damages incurred to your roof during the winter season. Moreover, it’s also an excellent time for a replacement if your roof has suffered from more severe damage because this season has less humidity and a cooler weather. As such, spring can limit the chances of moisture damage, making it an ideal time for roofing professionals to do the job.

On top of that, spring is typically a bit less busy for roofers compared to summer and fall. And, so, the materials might be less costly, resulting in lower expenses. With these things considered, it’s also a great time to conduct a roofing inspection or replacement during this time of the year.

Fall

The most suitable time for roof replacement is in the fall. During this season, the temperature can reach around 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (not below 40). Here, the weather is calmer, the temperature is lower, and it’s the last opportunity to finish your roofing tasks before the winter season comes.

One reason that fall is a preferable time for replacing your roof is that it allows for a typical asphalt shingle to be installed and sealed without the negative impact of extreme weather conditions. That being said, this season is also one of those times when roofing companies become busier. So, ensure contact your trusted roofer early.

Conclusion

Your roof is an essential part of your home. But, no matter how much effort you exert in terms of its maintenance, there’ll come a time when it has to be replaced, either because of damage due to harsh weather conditions, or old age.

It’s important to note that roof replacement is more appropriate in certain seasons, with fall as the most preferable one. Replacing your roof at the right time ensures that you and your family are kept safe from the harsh elements.

0

<!–
–>