Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

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  • How the Fair Housing Act Helps Build Diverse Communities

    Diversity and inclusion are crucial to success at work and in life. Whether you’re ready to buy, sell, or rent a home, the Fair Housing Act prevents discrimination in the housing process. Discover how this critical Act protects classes of people and helps build diverse communities where people enjoy the best quality of life.

    What is the Fair Housing Act?

    The Fair Housing Act of 1968 was a follow-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Fair Housing Act expanded on previous acts to prevent discrimination when people are renting, selling, financing, looking for housing assistance, or participating in housing-related activities. Additional protections exist for people applying for federally-assisted housing. 

    The Act defines federally protected classes to ensure inclusivity and diversity. As a result, nobody can be prohibited from seeking and securing housing in their preferred neighborhood. Additionally, financiers cannot deny funding to people to attempt to keep them out of specific housing.

    Who is Protected Under the Fair Housing Act?

    Diversity starts with neighborhoods that understand who is protected under the Fair Housing Act. The seven protected classes include:

    • Color
    • Race
    • National origin
    • Disability, mental and physical, and housing providers must make reasonable accommodations
    • Religious beliefs
    • Sexuality, including sexual orientation and gender identity
    • Familial status

    The Fair Housing Act applies to most housing. However, limited circumstances may exempt certain owner-occupied buildings with four units or less, single-family homes rented or sold by owners without real estate agents, and housing operated by organizations that limit residency to members.

    What is Housing Discrimination?

    First and foremost, it is illegal to discriminate against any protected classes. But what does that mean when you’re looking for housing or selling a home? Housing providers can’t refuse to rent, sell, negotiate, or make housing available because someone is one of the protected classes. Also, they can’t falsely claim housing is unavailable or express limiting preferences, differing terms, or varying fees.

    Additionally, residents can’t be evicted, harassed, discouraged, or limited because of their personal status. Agents and housing providers must never blockbuster candidates trying to persuade them to move into specific neighborhoods. Plus, all housing candidates must have equal access to financing and home insurance at the same terms.

    Why is Diversity Important?

    Diversity refers to different forms of the housing accommodating all types of people. Mixed housing and populations offer the flexibility to respond to the evolving needs of communities. As a result, homes are available to people of all incomes, ages, and backgrounds through economic and social changes. 

    Besides making housing available to everyone, diversity provides resilience. Biodiversity in our natural environment creates habitats for all living species. Likewise, diversity in communities supports a healthy and happy lifestyle for all people, creating enduring neighborhoods that remain resilient through inevitable changes, such as population growth.

    What are the Benefits of Diverse Communities?

    Diverse neighborhoods offer many benefits to residents. Living in a robust community offers resilience during national and global changes. Additionally, diversity and inclusion are crucial in the workplace and life. Interaction between people encourages open-mindedness in all diverse settings.

    Creating an equal environment also helps prevent future discrimination. When people live where they choose, everyone is happier. Also, diverse communities offer many opportunities to learn about other cultures through everything from community events to dining out at local restaurants. 

    What Can I Do If I Face Housing Discrimination?

    If you feel you faced housing discrimination, document and report the happenings. Agencies to contact about discriminatory acts in the housing process include the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA). 

    Never hesitate to contact the authorities to report discrimination. Remember, it is illegal for housing providers to retaliate or threaten anyone for making a complaint per the Fair Housing Act. Plus, every report supports the development of diverse and inclusive communities that best serve the public’s needs.

    If you are ready to buy, sell, or rent in the current housing market, the Fair Housing Act protects you against discriminatory behavior and actions. When you recognize discrimination, you have to power to end it. The result is diverse communities that respond to the constantly changing needs of their residents – making everyone happier and healthier today and in the future.

  • Creating Indoor Spaces for Your Family Pets

    You love your furry friends, and you want to create the best possible indoor spaces for them. You are not alone; pet-care spending now accounts for more than $75 billion every year. Design teams are taking notice. They are crafting adorable pieces and building extraordinary spaces to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy, and you can learn from them. Want to upgrade your home’s pet-friendly zone? Read on as we offer some of our favorite tips for creating cozy indoor spaces for your family pets.

    Select the Best Flooring

    While your pets may roam throughout your apartment, condo, or house, you may still want to give them a designated zone. This indoor space will be a place for their beds and toys. It will be a safe place for them to retire to when your home quiets for the night. 

    Creating indoor spaces for your family pets does not require a huge investment, although if you do have the budget for some remodeling, there are changes you could make that will help keep the pet zone clean and welcoming. Ceramic tile is durable and stain-resistant, so if you already have ceramic tile flooring in a particular area of the house, it could be the best place for your pet’s indoor space. Hardwood floors can be easily cleaned, but they might show scratches from long nails on larger dogs, and your pet may be prone to skidding. If you already have hardwood floors or your heart is set on adding them, consider putting down mats, including the anti-fatigue mats that work wonders in the kitchen. 

    Avoid Carpeting

    Many apartments and condos already have carpeting, which can be snagged by pet toenails (potentially hurting your pet and damaging the carpeting). Low-pile is your best bet if you have some say in the décor, but if not, think about creating your indoor pet space in the kitchen. Otherwise, you may want to put down carpet squares or washable runners over the existing carpet to aid in clean-up and to make your pet more comfortable. 

    Take Advantage of Existing Indoor Spaces

    Do you have a large unused crawl space in your condo? Do you have an attic that is woefully under-used? Do you have a basement or family room that is begging for attention? All of these areas have the potential to be much-loved indoor spaces for your family pets. If your crawl space is contained and drywalled, this can be the perfect kitty hideaway or impromptu doggie den provided there is enough space for beds (especially this practical and cushiony moving blanket pet bed that is earning raves at Martha Stewart Living). It’s even better if there is enough room for scratching posts or treat-releasing toys. Just be sure to remove the crawlspace door so that your pet doesn’t feel trapped. 

    Family rooms and finished attics give you even more options when it comes to creating an indoor playroom for your pets. If you have anxious pets, it’s a place where you can turn on a tv or computer to play engaging programming – you’ll be amazed at how much is available specifically for your furry pals. Interactive cameras allow you to not only keep an eye on your pet when you are working, but they often give you the ability to talk to them while you are away. And depending on the dimensions, you might even be able to place litter boxes or pee pads in a designated corner that won’t significantly reduce their room to play. 

    Try Some DIY

    Is space a premium in your studio apartment or tiny home? Martha Stewart Living recommends a DIY project that transforms an old side table (or even kitchen table) into an indoor doghouse. The top can still act as a useful surface, but the unused area below can become functional in a few moderately simple steps. The idea was suggested to the Magazine by Kara Whitten of A Kailo Chic Life. If you have the tools at home, all you need is birch plywood, glue, decorative wallpaper (or paint), and finishing nails. If you don’t have the tools, you may be able to get your local hardware store to pre-cut the side wood pieces and create a more streamlined entry. For details on how to put this adorable indoor doghouse together, visit Martha Stewart Living.  

    Install a Catio

    Catios are becoming increasingly popular for renters and owners alike. While many are built as patio enclosures with ramps, bridges, perches, and pet-safe flowerbeds, interior designs take into account your home’s accessible space and make the most of it. This is true whether you live in a three-bedroom home or a fully mobile tiny house. Editors over at Martha Stewart Living love the multi-level mazes that offer stimulation and opportunities for cats to exercise. How do you create your own catio space? Martha Stewart Living advises: “Pre-made catios can be purchased online, or you can order catio designs and build the enclosures yourself with a handy checklist.” 

    Indulge with Pet Beds

    Your family pets deserve the coziest beds possible. Whether you are introducing a new animal into the home or hoping to upgrade your space, designers are having a great time creating soft, unique beds that will prompt endless purrs and wagging tails. For small areas, your family’s favorite feline will love the cozy cave from Uncommon Goods even more than the editors at Southern Living. And the Mid-Century Modern vibes are strong with the Sauder Natural Sphere Cat Tree from Kohls that is turning heads at Real Simple. 

    Does your pup demand the finer things in life? You’ll both love the Wentworth Tufted Dog Sofa from Frontgate. Real Simple reveals: “It comes in four color options and features a robust wooden frame that holds up to 80 pounds of pup. Choose from stain-resistant micro-velvet or a faux leather finish.”  If your eye leans toward multi-functional furniture, you won’t be able to resist the Lula Entryway Dog Bed from Joss & Main. Real Simple raves about its cushiony practicality: “Not only does it offer a cozy spot for Max to lounge, but it also features convenient storage. It’s got multiple hooks perfect for storing keys, leashes, and jackets, as well as a lower drawer for miscellaneous pet supplies.” 

    Consider the Little Things

    Finally, little things can make a significant difference to your pet’s indoor spaces. For example, Rachael Ray In Season recommends helping older pets by investing in “a step to help them onto furniture.” For cats, scratching is one of their methods of communication. To save your furniture and make your cats happier, Lynn Bahr, veterinarian and founder of cat toy company Dezi & Roo, tells the Magazine that the best plan is to add a scratching post in every room. Bahr advises: “Go for a variety of posts—vertical, horizontal, cardboard, sisal, loofah. A nice mix of shapes and textures will keep your cat happiest (and your sofa safer).”

  • Celebrate Summer with these Festive Party Themes

    Summer is here and it’s time to party! Start the easy living by planning the perfect summertime soiree. Get your guest list together and pick a date. We’ll help you throw the ultimate summer spectacular with a fun and festive theme.

    Family members, new and old friends alike will love spending a laid-back day or night with great food and beautiful décor. Keep it casual or dress it up. Embrace the spirit of the season and enjoy creating a space for relaxation.

    Here are some of our favorite summer party theme ideas:

    Summer beach party

    You don’t have to live at the beach to bring the surf and sand to your summer party. A backyard isn’t even necessary, although a great outdoor space helps establish a beachy mood. If you have a yard or outside area, little sand islands and trails create perfect places for lingering.

    Indoor and outdoor gathering spots get their beach on when you decorate them with sand-filled hurricane lamps holding simple white candles. Keep plenty of beach blankets and towels on hand for lounging, and make sure you have refreshing drinks for the day followed by warm-up beverages throughout the evening.

    A tropical oasis

    Turn your home into a tropical oasis with colorful flowers and lush plants, as well as tiki torches and island-inspired cocktails or mocktails. Create a rainforest atmosphere complete with soothing soundscapes or invite guests into a thatched hut or luau setting.

    Hand out real flower leis made with orchids, jasmine or plumeria. Serve dragon fruit or guava sorbet and consider hiring a hula dance instructor to teach partygoers traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian dance.

    Movie under the stars

    Wait out the intense heat of the day and congregate around a movie screen at night. Don’t have a silver screen or can’t find a place to rent one? Configure a makeshift setup with a sheet or project onto the side of your house. You can “roll” films from an old-school projector or stream them from your laptop.

    Backyard movies under the stars are some of the most fun summertime parties. Hook up theater speakers, line up chairs (or piles of blankets) and treat your guests to freshly popped popcorn and natural cane sugar sodas for a new release or classic. Your event will be one to remember.

  • Creating a Fabulous Game Room

    If you’re thinking about creating a game room in your home now that the kids are in school — or if the video games and their consoles are constantly underfoot or under couch cushions — now’s the time to start planning your game room decor so the space works for the entire family.

    Purposing Your Space

    If arcade games, pinball machines, or carnival games are your thing, your game room is going to look very different from one that features a ping pong, pool, or card table. The same goes for a predominantly board game-focused room or a room designed for video gaming.

    Knowing how you’ll realistically use the room is key to getting the decor right and making the space a home away from home. That could mean creating a fabulous space for neighborhood kids to gather, or a man cave/she shed where you can occasionally escape from homework supervision and chores to watch a rom-com or play a rousing round of Call of Duty or Dungeons and Dragons.

    Attics, Basements, and More

    Basements aren’t the only options for game rooms. Take a look at your attic space, or consider repurposing your family room, den, spare bedroom, built-in porch or sunroom. You can even use part of the garage, depending on what kind of game  room you want yours to be.

    When thinking about the space, consider existing lighting, wiring, and typical temperatures. Also, consider what improvements you’ll need to make the space cozy and inviting. 

    For instance, if vintage pinball games or billiards are your thing, make sure the floors you’ve got can take the load and your doorways are wide enough to get the equipment into the room. Standard pinball machines are about 32 inches wide and weigh 200 to 300 pounds, and pool tables (unless they have slate tops) are about the same. If you’re looking at an attic game room,  you may have to reinforce the floor joists.

    Choosing Your Lighting

    If video gaming is your game room’s primary purpose, you want to make sure you eliminate sources that can create ambient light or exacerbate glare. Consider blackout curtains and stay away from light, glossy paints with their reflective surfaces. 

    In multi-purpose game rooms, you’re going to want to create layers of lighting. Avoid bulky overhead fixtures and instead install pendant lighting over the areas you want to be illuminated, like the poker or pool table. Recessed lights and a single pendant light will work for the area around a foosball or poker table, but you may want a different kind of lighting for board games and jigsaw puzzle assembly.

    Soundproofing and Wiring

    If the room you’ve decided to designate the family game room is already finished, adding insulation or soundproofing can be an expensive proposition. Blow-in loose-fill insulation is inexpensive and really helps with noise transmission, but sound panels and blankets will do the trick, too. Carpeting is the ultimate stealth soundproofing decor choice, and if you’re replacing the carpet, you can choose a thicker underpad when the new carpet is installed.

    For higher-tech game rooms, wiring can run under the new carpeting (but check with your electrician first). Alternatively, you can use wirehouses or cable tracks to bundle wires. You’ll need grounded outlets for arcade and pinball machines. Video gamers will appreciate a hardwired data connection to avoid stalling, which can ruin the immersive experience, and an upgraded router that can handle all your home’s interconnected devices.

    Furniture and Decor

    Comfort is king in game rooms, and again, usage will dictate decor. Proper gaming chairs with stellar lumbar support are crucial for video gamers, while flooring materials that provide a little more cushioning are more important for billiards, ping pong, or darts.

    In multi-purpose game rooms, furniture that’s both comfortable and easy to rearrange makes sense. That doesn’t mean cornering the market in bean bag chairs. You’ll need furniture you can sprawl on when watching movies and comfortable chairs for intense poker sessions or chess bouts that last longer than planned.

    Keep colors and wall treatments simple. This is not the spot for flocked wallpaper or elaborate feature walls. Your game  room will probably already have a lot going on. Consider echoing or amplifying the colors of your games themselves, especially if you have arcade or pinball games or a pool table with a distinctive felt shade.

    Make sure you’ve got storage, whether built-in, purpose-built, or a repurposed closet. No one will want to spend time in a game room that looks chaotic (or hours hunting for the video game they want to play). This might be the perfect spot for a pallet wall where you can hang pool cues or ping pong paddles.

  • Planning Your Spring Vegetable Garden

    The key to a successful spring vegetable garden lies in the planning stage.  Once you have the spot picked out, you have to prepare the ground, create a layout, get vegetable ideas and buy supplies and plants. For the best chance of success, choose easy-to-grow vegetables like lettuce and zucchini. You can expand your horizons by adding some herbs and fruit plants, as well.

    If you are starting the plants from seeds, you will have to have the right containers to start them indoors. Otherwise, buy young plants with established root systems. Depending on what USDA plant hardiness zone you live in, certain vegetable plants will be recommended for spring planting.  Martha Stewart explains that warm-season crops like beans, tomatoes and eggplants do best in the heat, and some vegetable plants have longer growing seasons than others.

    planting seedsGrowing Plants From Seeds

    Martha Stewart also advises gardeners to check the plant-by dates when purchasing high-quality seed packets to ensure that they are for the current year. You can use any type of container for planting seeds, but it must have drainage holes. You may wish to plant several seeds in larger pots, which is a convenient way to start them. Another choice is to use planting trays, which are divided into smaller sections.

    Use regular potting soil, a sterile, soilless mix, a seed-starting mix or make your own if you are a skilled gardener or growing plants with specific requirements. Do not add compost or topsoil into the containers at this stage, because either can ruin your seeds.

    Put your potting mix in a large bucket and add some water until it is moist. Place the containers on newspaper, fill them up with the mix and tamp down gently. Dig out the seed holes with a pencil, making them twice as deep as the seeds are thick.

    The containers can be covered with clear plastic wrap to encourage germination, though you may wish to poke a few holes in the plastic to avoid mold growth. Place the containers or trays in a warm room by a sunny window. You can also use grow lights, provide the full UV spectrum of light to your seedlings. Mark the containers with labels so you don’t mix up the plants. Check them daily and water as needed – you can also add some diluted fertilizer when they begin to sprout.

    Making a Garden Blueprint

    Take some graph paper to draw out your garden plan before you do any digging. Vegetable plants like tomatoes and corn can grow quite tall, and you don’t want them to block the sunlight from their companions. You do not have to start with a large number of plants, because you can also add more later if you have the space.

    The number of inches required between the same kinds of vegetable plants varies, and you can find vegetable spacing guides online. Zucchini needs about 24 to 28 inches, while spinach only needs 2 to 4. If you are planting multiple rows of vegetables, these distances also vary; check the guide or your seed packet for this information, as well. You will need room to walk back and forth between your plants if planting in a traditional rowed garden.

    You can dig stakes into the ground at the ends of your garden rows, and connect each one with string. This will help you dig the plant holes in a straighter line. If any of the plants came with information tags, stick those in the ground alongside them.

    Gardening toolsPreparing The Garden Soil

    If you want to transplant seedlings outdoors, plan ahead by placing them outside two weeks before the planting. Leave them out for a few hours at first, and gradually build this up to strengthen them. Your plants will need a sunny garden that gets from six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.  Do not choose a spot that gets a lot of wind, because this could damage the plants and keep pollinators like bees away.

    The best kind of soil for vegetable plants is packed with nutrients. The best way to ensure this is to mix in organic matter like compost or manure when the soil is moist (not wet). Check the soil for rocks and weeds, and rake them off and away. Then, use a shovel to loosen up the soil, digging down to 8 to 12 inches.

    Spread at least 2 to 3 inches of compost or manure onto the soil. You can work it into the earth if you like, but this is not necessary. You can level out the soil with a rake, or build up the beds slightly. Now you can dig the holes and start getting those plants in the ground. Before you know it, you will have plenty of fresh produce to bring to the table.

  • Art Deco – Then and Now

    In honor of Better Homes & Gardens® celebrating its 100th anniversary, we are taking a look at previous home trends that are making their way back into our lives. Keep an eye out for more of our ‘Then and Now’ blogs to learn about these looks and how to achieve the trends we are thrilled to have returned.

    From the past to the present:

    Art deco was popular in America and Europe throughout the 20s, 30s, and 40’s, and now the iconic style is making its way back into our homes. The advances in modern technology in the 20s inspired the look, which can be seen in the geometric shapes and smooth lines. Today, people are saying goodbye to grays and minimalism and looking to liven up their spaces by embracing the glamor and elegance of the Art Deco trend with modern twists. Read on to discover just how you can reboot those sophisticated silhouettes.

    art deco style room

    What is Art Deco?

    What exactly makes up the art deco style? It’s a bold yet luxurious look with symmetrical motifs, patterns, and bright colors. It’s all about making a big statement and trying to create an elegant yet fun space. Some ingredients that make up this strong look are geometric shapes, gold and metallic pieces, arch designs, and of course, decadent detailing.

    art deco style room with mirror and wallpaper

    How to achieve the Art Deco look:

    • Embrace striking colors such as deep yellows, greens, blues, purples, and pinks
    • Bring in geometric shapes such as triangles and trapezoids
    • Incorporate luxurious looking fabrics such as velvet
    • Consider silver, gold, chrome, and black accents
    • Include metallic accents
    • Use polished wood and lacquer finishes
    • Consider a sunburst mirror
    • Go gold and go for opulence
    • Tap into patterns! Look for wallpapers, cushions, and rugs with patterns such as leaves, trapezoids, chevrons, or zigzags
    • Think about furniture that adheres to the streamlined, symmetrical, and modern look
    • Bring in sweeping curves
    • Go glam with a striking chandelier or a vintage piece

    couch and coffee table in art deco style living room

  • Redefined Farmhouse Style

    Redefined Farmhouse is a very popular home trend, and we can see why. Max Wilker, Style Director at Dotdash Meredith, talks about how this look is a fresh, modern twist on the traditional farmhouse style of the past. “It’s still relaxed and comfortable but has visual cues of clean lines, modern sensibilities, and simplicity, plus hints of industrial,” he stated. Wilker recommends sticking to a neutral color palette with saturated, high-contrast tones partnered with black accents when creating this look in your home. It’s about creating a warm and cozy space full of charm and character while not looking overly rustic or modern. Learn how to transform your home below.

    modern kitchen with arrows and transform tips

    How to achieve the Refined Farmhouse style:

    • Stick to a neutral color palette for an open and airy look
    • Use light and medium-toned woods
    • Say hello to shiplap walls
    • Try to balance the old and new
    • Incorporate industrial or barn-inspired lighting
    • Get an apron-front sink
    • Have clean and smooth lines
    • Add wood beams to the ceiling
    • Use pops of colors sparingly. You can do this with plants and blue hand towels or pillows
    • Add texture, whether with furniture, stone, textured walls, or with fabrics and upholstery
    • Consider matte or brushed finishes
    • Add black accents to create a beautiful contrast

    Shop this look:

  • Maximalism – Then and Now

    In honor of Better Homes & Gardens® celebrating its 100th anniversary, we are taking a look at previous home trends that are making their way back into our lives. Keep an eye out for more of our ‘Then and Now’ blogs to learn about these looks and how to achieve the trends we are thrilled to have returned.

    From the past to the present:

    Believe it or not, Maximalism has been around for decades. It started off as a way to showcase your riches, as people collected exquisite objects and put them on display. La­­ter on, the trend became more focused on displaying your personality. In the 70s, it evolved into a popular interior design trend, and today, the fun and playful layers are popping back up to say hello. After spending an abnormal amount of time indoors due to the pandemic, people started looking for more joy in their homes – which is exactly what this trend is all about, JOY.

    living room with many objects

    What is Maximalism?

    Maximalism is about saying goodbye to the rules and embracing fun patterns, colors, and textures. The interior design trend is about creating joy in your space and embracing self-expression. When designing a space, you don’t have to hold back or worry about things clashing. Use layers of texture and colors and tell a story in your home that makes you smile. Put your personality on display.

    wall wit wallpaper, vintage table and floral chair

    How to achieve Maximalism in interior design:

    • Use bold and vibrant colors
    • Layer, layer, layer
    • Put meaningful items on display that make you smile or remind you of a happy memory
    • Let your personality show, and don’t worry if others will like it
    • Use patterns such as floral and animal prints
    • Embrace wallpaper, even on the ceiling
    • Put out statement pieces such as a unique antique or a playful rug
    • Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles
    • Make your home an expression of you

    living room with many frames hanging on the wall

  • Easy DIY Entryway Ideas

    One of the most overlooked spaces in homes and apartments is the entryway. People often find themselves stumped for low-cost, high-impact ideas to make this area sing. Whether your entry is long and narrow, open and undefined, or just plain small, there are terrific design options that will allow you to make a real change and can (often) be done over a long weekend. So, what are some of our favorite DIY entryway ideas?

    towel hangingDazzle with Entryway Color Blocks

    There are few spaces that won’t benefit from a fresh coat of paint. This is especially true of your entryway, which sees a lot of traffic. Whether your door opens into your main room or a long hall, it might benefit from a dash (or more) of color. Adding a brilliant yellow, soothing blue, or moody green color to your door will transform your entryway instantly. It’s an easy DIY project that has big results for renters or owners. Yes, renters will have to return the door to its original state before moving out, but that is an easy fix, and the joy you feel whenever you look at your new door will be worth it.

    Geometric design is taking over interiors, and painted shapes are being used to create visually appealing zones even in homes with open-concept living. Picture a colorful oval that extends above your doorway and onto the walls around it or a gentle arch that incorporates the door. Both techniques will draw the eye upward, making your ceilings look higher. 

    Is your entryway particularly small or short? Dramatic colors can transform the space into an experience. Dark, moody colors can feel like an embrace when coming from outside. Is your entry a tricky shape? Consider adding a freehand (or stenciled) mural as one of your renovation ideas. Depending on your design inspiration, this DIY project could require very little paint, keeping the cost of your renovation low. 

    Introduce a Drop Zone

    Are you frustrated that you don’t have an easy place to drop your purse, keys, wallet, masks, mail, or other paraphernalia when you walk in the door? One of the most popular DIY entryway ideas in the last two years has been the introduction of a front door drop zone. Do you have an older console table, bench, or bar cart that isn’t getting as much use as it once did? A coat of paint, a new stain, or a good polish can make your older furniture like new again. The upcycled piece placed near the door can help keep your stuff organized and easily located when you add bins, baskets, or trays to collect small, easily misplaced items and mail. 

    If you are particularly handy, consider bringing some extra style to some unfinished wood cabinets and turning something uninspiring into the perfect entryway console table. The experts at Martha Stewart Living took two unfinished IKEA “Ivar” Cabinets and made them into a functional and fabulous console unit. You can make this idea your own by painting the units your favorite shade using low VOC or vegan paint, adding wood legs to raise the units to a more comfortable drop zone height, and installing hooks inside the doors to add even more storage. If you are short on space in your entryway, you could choose to stack the cabinets or even mount them to the wall. 

    Install Wall Hooks

    Wall hooks or pegs are a terrific option for improving organization in an open-concept or small space. They offer a place to hang your coats, umbrellas, masks, and keys that is easily accessible and neatly contained. Real Simple loves small-space organizers like the Parker Mirror and Hook Rack because “it has a mirror, comes with hooks for holding keys and scarves, and includes a shelf for that hand sanitizer you need to slather on when you get home.” You can also install design-forward hooks directly into the drywall or get crafty by screwing hooks into a rustic piece of wood that you can stain or paint to complement your décor. 

    Upcycle Seating

    According to Real Simple, “one element every functional entryway should have: a spot to sit down and take off your shoes (and coat, and scarf).” We agree! Is your entryway tiny? Look for a small bench or footstool at your local flea market that can be restored. If you are handy with a staple gun, you can grab some of your favorite leftover fabric and foam to create a cushion that will make your entry seating look beautifully customized without spending a lot of money.

    Of course, if you have a long entryway, your renovations could include a refurbished Deacon’s Bench or a narrow settee. Like Martha Stewart Living’s editor Lorna Aragon, your next great DIY idea might start with a vintage church pew you find at auction. Aragon thought “the curved arms reminded her of Swedish antiques” and painted it Scandi blue. But rather than stopping there, she added a “ticking-striped cushion made with two-inch-thick foam.” The piece’s final look included a slightly weathered-looking finish that also protected it from snowy hats and spring rain-dampened coats. 

    entryway with mirrorIncorporate Useful Storage

    Once you’ve added your upcycled seating and space-saving wall hooks, ponder the best places to incorporate helpful storage. For small entryways already boasting wall hooks, Real Simple loves the idea of placing “a sturdy … hamper, or cubby shelf to corral shoes.” 

    Is there space below your door-side bench? You can add organic cloth or sustainable bamboo baskets under the bench to house hats, gloves, shoes, and more. Even if your entryway is tiny, you could incorporate something like the Container Store’s eco-friendly Lotus Bamboo Storage Bench. It’s only 20 inches wide, but it opens at the front to reveal hidden shoe storage that will instantly organize and tidy the shoes you use each day. While the cushion it comes with is lovely, you can easily detach the top and recover it in your favorite leftover fabric (or latest find) for a DIY renovation project that will take only a couple of hours. 

    Welcome the Weather

    Do you live in a region that sees abundant rainfall? While you can always hang umbrellas from the pegs or hooks, you will need to place a tray or mat below that space to capture falling water droplets or mud. Martha Stewart Living is a big fan of the shiny copper boot tray from Williams Sonoma. The Magazine explains: “It’s long enough to hold the entire family’s footwear, and so great-looking, you’ll want to keep it out ….”  

    As for your umbrellas, a simple DIY idea also comes from Martha Stewart Living. They detail a DIY project that transforms “an inexpensive flower bucket into a nice-looking umbrella stand by painting the bottom of the bucket with glossy oil-based enamel paint.” It does take 24 hours to dry, but the basics can be accomplished with only a few supplies (including sample size paint) and at a minimum of expense. 

    Create a Welcoming Landing

    Whether you have a split-level home with a landing, an extended foyer, or a tiny apartment, a quality, high-traffic rug can bring warmth and welcome to your entryway. Southern Living recommends decorating the space with a sustainable, flat-woven rug or cowhide. Why? The Magazine reveals: “Both rugs are incredibly easy to maintain and are available in a variety of sizes and colors.” If you are searching for eco-friendly ideas, consider organic jute options. You can also search for reversible rugs, like the Hebe cotton area rug that Southern Living favors. Not only is this black/off-white geometric gem beautiful, washable, and made from recycled cotton, but it can be flipped for more use between cleanings. 

    entryway at homeDress the Space

    You will be amazed at how quickly the addition of a mirror or engaging artwork can dress your space. Much like the idea of an entire wall mural, a dramatic, soothing, or whimsical art piece will set the tone for guests as they enter your home. Whether you place a large, vertical photograph on a wall opposite the door or at the end of a long foyer, or a horizontal masterpiece that seems visually to flow towards the inner rooms of your home, you can make an impressive statement. You can even upgrade the frame with a little bit of paint, gold leaf, or polish. 

    Mirrors are also a terrific option near the door. Not only are they great for “last looks” as you leave the house, but they bounce light in ways that can make even tiny entryways feel inviting. Real Simple agrees. The Magazine reveals that “designer Robin Henry brought plenty of character into the home’s primary point of access with two large pieces of art—a gorgeous four-foot-wide mirror.”  

    Martha Stewart Living is also a fan of brightening your entryway by “[creating] a ‘window’ using basic bevel-edged mirrors” over a floating shelf. In fact, it’s one of their favorite DIY entryway ideas. Once the floating shelf is installed and painted to match your walls (visually hiding the piece), they recommend: “[Adding] a grid of mirrors above, leaving about an inch around each to mimic windowpanes. For a flush, bracket-free look, attach the mirrors to the wall with construction adhesive made for mirrors.” And voila! You’ve created a focal point that will wow in just hours.

  • Home Organization Tips for Small Mudrooms

    Do you love the idea of organizing your space so that your home can have a functional mudroom? You are not alone. People are constantly searching for tips on turning even the smallest spaces into useful mudrooms so that they can finally corral everything from muddy boots to extra masks, keys, and phone chargers. If you find yourself wishing for a tidy mudroom, read on as we offer home organization tips that will help you craft the ideal mudroom in any space.

    Install Hooks

    The very first thing you can do, no matter how big or small the proposed mudroom space, is put up hooks for coats, scarves, and masks. Hooks are one of the best organizational tools you’ll find because they are relatively easy to install and affordable. You can go for a standard set of hooks, ones that are welded to other wood or metal platforms, or hooks that are part of a mirror and shelf system. And depending on the size of the hooks, you can also hang up easily misplaced items like keys or pet leashes rather than creating an additional drop station. 

    Are you stumped about positioning? Designer Jade McNeil offers this tip to Martha Stewart Living readers: “‘Hooks [should be] at arm-height to hang coats easily,’” while also keeping them clean and off the floor. With this in mind, you may want two tiers of hooks to make everything accessible to the entire family. 

    Does your home have zero free wall space to set up a hook/drop station? The experts at Better Homes & Gardens offer this terrific home organization tip: “Solid doors offer plenty of vertical space for hooks, while doors with windows up top can be outfitted with hanging items on the bottom.” 

    Choose Sturdy Seating

    While you do not need a lot of furniture to make your mudroom useful, design experts agree that having sturdy seating can be a big plus. Southern Living is a fan of adding benches to mudrooms. Not only does a bench allow you to take off your muddy shoes or snowy boots more easily, but it becomes a terrific home organization tool. Southern Living raves: “Benches offer ways for even more storage, whether under the bench with drawers or inside the bench with a flip-top.” Even simple benches offer enough space below them to store shoes, snowboards, and other seasonal gear that would otherwise take up valuable closet space. 

    DIY Boot and Shoe Trays

    If you have beautiful floors near your main entryway that you fear for every time someone comes in from the outside with sandy, wet, or muddy shoes, a durable tray may be the most affordable way to protect your flooring and allow for easy cleaning. Southern Living recommends trying this DIY tip: “Buy a plastic boot tray and fill with pebbles (at your local craft store) for an effortless, DIY boot-drying area that will go with any décor style.” The shoe tray can also double as a repository for dripping umbrellas, eliminating the need for a separate umbrella stand.

    Select Durable Flooring

    If you are planning a more extensive remodel for your mudroom, take the opportunity to select durable flooring. Your mudroom will be the spot in your home that sees the most traffic. It needs to handle the usual wear and tear and the elements that may come with it. Martha Stewart Living offers this flooring tip: “If you’re in the process of adding a mudroom to your home, opt for solid flooring, such as ceramic tile, luxury vinyl, or even stone; these options are more durable than hardwood or carpeting when it comes to wet weather.”  

    Add Shelving, Corkboards, or PegBoards

    Are you short on time but long on the need for home organization solutions? The pros at Better Homes & Gardens offer this tip for creating an affordable mudroom: “Take an afternoon to convert chaos into calm. Corkboard, S-hooks, drawers, and bars transform a sliver of blank wall into a by-the-door command center for outerwear, bags, and keys.” PegBoards are also terrific for garage or laundry mudrooms as they make hanging up small tools, gardening gloves, dustpans, and brooms a snap. 

    Building small shelves in and around doors and windows can also provide your home with organized storage space for occasional use items. Better Homes & Gardens applauds: “Narrow shelves can be good spots for long-term storage of seasonal items like winter gloves and summertime hats.” 

    Do you have an unused or underused bookcase that could fit beside the door leading into your home from the garage, inside the laundry room, or by your main entrance? A terrific, zero-cost tip from the experts at Better Homes & Gardens is to repurpose it as an organized storage solution that is ready to go as part of your new mudroom. The Magazine explains: “Shift shelves in a big bookcase to make larger areas for coats and boots and tighter spaces for flats and accessories. Assign a number to each family member and purchase decorative items with preprinted numbers, such as hooks, mugs, boxes, and bags, to bring order to your home — no additional labeling required.” 

    Build a Drop Station

    If you have the space to create a larger drop station, you will love the promise of organization it brings to your daily life. If you are doing a significant build and have the budget, it’s time to create a space that addresses all of your storage and charging needs. Phoebe Schuh, the founder and creative director of PS & Daughters, tells Martha Stewart Living that people designing from scratch should “[build] drawers with charging docks to eliminate countertop areas covered in wires as a smart way to streamline the space.” And if you have the room, Schuh goes even further by recommending to the Magazine that people can create a mudroom that is actually an “organized ‘command center’” when they install a small desk or countertop area in the mudroom for things like “‘car keys, calendars, schedules, incoming mail, and outbound envelopes (don’t forget the stamps).’”  

    Create a Chalkboard Wall

    If your entryway has a long narrow hallway and a front closet, removing the doors to the closet can create an ideal mudroom. But while it’s perfect for adding hooks, bins, and benches, it may not be the command center you may desire yet. Real Simple has a home organization tip that you may enjoy: On the wall opposite your new mudroom, create “a giant chalkboard wall calendar [to keep] everyone on top of schedules and to-do lists.”  

    Hang a “Last Looks” Mirror

    When finishing your home’s new mudroom, add one final element next to the space, on the back of the door, or within the mudroom itself: A mirror. Southern Living agrees: When days are stressful and rushed, you’ll appreciate having a “last looks” mirror “for that last hair, makeup, and outfit check on your way out the door.”