Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Ask a Pro

  • Ask A Pro – Top Bathroom Color Trends

    Question:

    I’m getting ready to repaint my bathroom.  What are the top color trends that will help me sell my home?

    Answer:

    Color can be fun to experiment with but don’t go crazy with extra bold color choices since you are planning to sell.

    There are a few things to consider when painting your bathroom:

    1. The overall color flow in the entire house. A house show’s best when a simple color palette is used throughout a house. The home feels larger and not so broken up when each room is a different color.
    2. What color is your bathroom tile, countertop, cabinets, faucets, woodwork, and flooring? What color will highlight these features?
    3. What style is the house and decorating style?
    4. What kind of lighting is in the bathroom as lighting changes the warmth and tone of the paint color?

    Today’s top color trends are going away from the cooler shades of gray (that have been trending for over 12 years). Homeowners are looking for warmth and coziness that comes from warmer colors used in a house. For gray tones, look for shades of light gray that have a warm yellow or red hue and not a cool blue hue. A nice greige is a good option as it bridges the gap between gray tones and beiges. Also in a bathroom, you can’t go wrong with a white paint as it can give that hi-end spa bath appearance. White will let the features of the bathroom shine so make sure everything else looks good. If you dislike white paint, go with a light color on the walls and then bring in fresh white towels and rugs with textures for a fresh, clean look. And to keep the trendy look going, add other textures such as a nubby wicker trash can and bring in a live green plant in a small basket or textural ceramic flowerpot. Bringing outside elements into the home is a trend that isn’t going away.

    Best of luck,
    Max Wilker
    Style Director
    Better Homes and Gardens Brand Licensing

  • Ask A Pro – Foundation Fundamentals

    Question:

    When painting a cinder block foundation and front steps, should the colors be the same or contrasting?

    Answer:

    ALWAYS paint them the same colour unless you are trying to draw the attention away from the home.  Neutrals like greys and tans work best on the foundation and stairs as they are not the first thing that will draw the eye.  You want to visually make them go away

    ~ Carson

  • Ask a Pro – The Best Flooring For You

    Question:

    Hi! Which wood products are the best for the whole 1st floor including the kitchen and bathroom?

    I’m looking at engineered wood and luxury vinyl planks.

    Oh and I have a pool table in my great room, so I’m concerned about which flooring will withstand that weight with out getting pressure marks.

    – Pam Euker

    Answer:

    The beautiful look of a hardwood floor is a smart choice that will coordinate with any decor style for years to come! The biggest upside to engineered wood products and vinyl plank flooring is that they both offer that desirable hardwood look without the maintenance of a solid hardwood floor or the expense.

    However, engineered hardwood products may not hold up to water if it’s not cleaned up right away but then, neither will solid hardwood floors. Engineered floors also may not last as long as a solid hardwood floor, since it can only be refinished once — if at all. And these floors generally are not intended for wet areas, and may be just as prone to scratching and denting as a solid hardwood floor.

    So instead of the engineered hardwood, consider the vinyl plank flooring options. There are many that claim to be waterproof, if not just water resistant! Look specifically for something that will withstand both water in your bathroom and kitchen as well as resist scratching and dents. Check the manufacturer’s warranty information and ask your installer to be sure. It’s not worth the gamble or the future mess if you choose the wrong product.

    As far as your pool table goes, it’s possible that the feet can be replaced with something that will work with your new floor, whatever it is you choose. Ask a professional pool table installer or mover for their thoughts, you’ll probably want them to disassemble and move your table for the flooring installation, anyway. They can replace the feet when they reinstall your table.

    Good luck with this project, and let us know how it goes!

    Jennifer

  • Ask a Pro – Backyard Privacy Options

    Question:

    We are looking for a hedge or tree to create privacy from our neighbors. There is already a chain links fence separating us but would like to put something in the ground that is approximately 8’ high and 4’ to 6’ wide that is not too expansive and would grow well in both sun and partial shade. Any advice?

    Answer:

    For many years, that 5-foot fence with the piece of lattice on top combined with a few strategically placed trees was the default method for creating privacy from the neighbours. Then houses started to change. Bigger houses on smaller lots became the norm. More square footage on the inside meant that houses were being built taller and wider, closer to the property lines. As a result, the traditional fence was no longer enough when it came to backyard privacy.

    I love using any of the poplar family like aspens or Tulip tree with my evergreens. Here is how I add great privacy using a row of trees.

    • Create a line with landscape paint, string or even a hose on the ground.
    • Start at one end of your row by placing an evergreen on the backside of your line.
    • The next evergreen is planted 2-3’ down the row on the front side of the line.
    • Third tree in the row is deciduous, again on the backside of the line. 2 more evergreens on the front, followed by another poplar on the backside and so on for the length of your privacy hedge.
    • The leaf trees fill in the empty spaces around the top of the conifers and by alternating types of trees along the row, it looks visually appealing in your yard.

    Not sure where you need the most privacy…try standing on your deck or patio and really take a good look around you. Who do you see? If you can see your neighbours, then your neighbours can see you! Try some of my suggestions at creating privacy in your space and enjoy this summer in your private sanctuary

    ~ Carson

  • Ask A Pro – Yellow House Curb Appeal

    Max Wilker, Style Director at Better Homes and Gardens, helps chose colors to give a yellow house a new look.

    Question:

    My house has light yellow siding and navy blue shutters but I’m wanting to change things up to better fit my style. I’ve thought a lot about black shutters but I’m not sure how that would look? And then I can’t decide on a door color. I’ve thought about white, black, red, or dark purple/eggplant.

    Answer:

    We have similar tastes as I have a yellow house, white trim and front porch, and dark royal blue shutters!

    To change up your curb appeal, maybe think about warm, charcoal gray shutters as they won’t be as bold as black shutters. Give your trim a fresh coat of white paint. For a front door, you could go with a stained, warm medium wood tone or look for a bright, navy blue paint. I’d go with brass or gold hardware on the door and porch lights for a fresh, modern twist. If you have space for a couple of planters by the front door, go with white planters/containers to match the trim and fill with red blooms for an extra pop of color.

    Cheers and have fun with color, Max.

  • Ask a Pro – Backyard Privacy with Ivy

    Looking for the best way to add privacy to your backyard? Carson Arthur answers this question about the best way to tackle this DIY.

    Question:

    I’ve got a large yard with neighbors on each side. We have an aluminum fence around the perimeter, but it doesn’t offer any privacy. As I look into trees and bushes, I am curious about ivy. Seems like it might be less expensive and not take up the precious real estate that shrubs would. Does that seem like a good option? There are so many different ivies, is there a particular type that would work best?

    Answer:

    Great question. I love the idea that you are using the existing fence to create some privacy.  I would definitely consider a few vines. My personal favorite is Virginia Creeper. It requires very little effort and has fantastic red foliage in the fall. Partner this with a few white Clematis and you will have a thick, show stopping privacy wall that provides interest all season long. – Carson Arthur 

  • Seed Starting with Max Wilker – Growing Green with BHGRE

    Max Wilker, Style Director of Better Homes & Gardens®, discusses seed starting and other top notch gardening tips. Get growing!

  • Ask a Pro – Mood Brightening Colors – BHGRE #HappyHome

    Max Wilker, Style Director, Better Homes and Gardens Brand, shares a few option for brightening a room with color.

    Question:

    These last few months of winter are taking their emotional toll on me. I need a quick pick-me-up in my living room and I think a new color would do the trick!

    I’ve got a cream couch and rug, so the sky is the limit. Can you give me some mood-brightening color suggestions?

    Answer:

    Option 1: I’d go with a classic palette of blues and greens to add punch to your creams. Explore a new look with a mix of hues and a variety of textures. Go with sleek colored-glass lamps and velvet pillows, plus green plants nestled in nubby, warm-colored wicker baskets. Find colored accessories and maybe a new statement piece of art for the wall with lots of blues and greens in it.

    Option 2: Of if you’re like to be right on top of the color trend, go with a rich, charcoal gray and warm, sunny yellows. A textural dark gray blanket throw and bold yellow pillows would perk up your sofa. Look to mix solid yellow pillows with printed pillows that have a dash of yellow and gray on them. Then you can add decorative accents in brass or gold to elevate the look of the room and elevate your mood!

  • Ask A Pro – Create a Calming Space

    Jennifer Adams, our celebrity Ask a Pro Interior Designer, shares tips on how to create a calming, meditative space at home.

    Question:

    Can you share some tips on ways to create a calming, meditative space at home to bring in some much needed good vibes.

    Answer:

    Any time is a good time to be creating calming spaces and good vibes to your home, especially now, after this past year! Since so many of us are working, learning, exercising and cooking more at home, it can be difficult to escape the stress and chaos of days that are busier than ever.

    A great way to get started is to pay attention to what you’re bringing into your home to control the clutter before it gets to be a problem. Clutter is stressful. So be diligent about taking out the recycling and getting rid of items you’re not using.

    After that, a deeper de-cluttering effort will make your entire house feel fresher, more tranquil and be easier to clean. Start with the most visible areas such as your entryway, counters and tabletops. And the first area you see in each room.

    Choose calming fragrances for candles and essential oils. Jasmine, bergamot and vetiver along with others are great for daytime. In the evening try lavender, chamomile and valerian, which may help you sleep better.

    Soothing colors include pale tones found in nature such as off whites, light warm grays pale blue, soft sage greens and sandy browns or blonde oak. Earthy textures such as driftwood, nubby fabric, baskets, natural wood and stone are also calming to touch.

    If you want a single dedicated space that is more meditative and calming, consider a spot near a window with a nice view of nature, or bring the outdoors inside with a shapely plant or branches, some river stones and a small water feature. Nature, fresh air and the sounds of water are very calming. Add a comfortable mat or chair to sit on and set an appointment with yourself every day to enjoy even just a couple of minutes relaxing with a breath routine or meditating.

    Or, if you’re not one to step away from your tasks to relax much, add those elements of nature to a spot you can see many times during the day from your desk or other hectic place in your home. Hopefully these ideas are helpful, good luck!

    Jennifer Adams

  • Ask a Pro – Vinyl or Tile Floor

    Max Wilker, Style Director at Better Homes & Gardens® shares how to choose between luxury vinyl or wood tile floors. 

    Question:

    Is luxury vinyl or wood tile floors better? 

    Answer:

    Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and wood-look tile both are great alternatives to hardwood flooring. They booth look great in a home, but it all depends on what is more important to you.

    Here are a few tips to consider.​

    • Both are extremely durable and waterproof. Vinyl could rip or tear over time and tile could crack if something extra heavy is dropped on it.​
    • Both are basically easy to clean with just a mop and mild soap. The biggest problem with tile is that grout attracts dirt and dust, plus grout can stain which will require extra scrubbing or may need to be restored.​
    • Both are pet-friendly flooring options, but vinyl will be a bit quieter as it’s softer.​
    • If warmer floors are important, then go with vinyl as tile floors will be much cooler to the touch in colder climates.​
    • Fading can be a factor for vinyl flooring if it gets hours of direct sunlight. Tile won’t fade.​
    • If you’re wanting to install it yourself, go with vinyl as it’s much easier, quicker, and you don’t have to mess with mortar and grout.​
    • When it comes to cost, vinyl will usually be cheaper per square foot. And installation from a professional will be more with tile.​
    • Both have a variety of qualities and ranges in price. My tip is to look for vinyl and tile that has the wood grain textures added in the surface. With the texture, both vinyl and tile will look and feel more like real wood than the smooth planks. And when checking out vinyl, the thicker planks will be of higher quality and will usually hold up better in high-traffic areas.​

    So, if you want a quick DIY change and to save money, then go with vinyl planks. The tile will usually be more expensive but will have a more high-end look.​

    I hope this helps you make your choice. Both are quality options for your home.​

    Best of luck on your flooring project,​

    Max​

    ​