Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Design and Décor 101

  • Mid-Century Modern – 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 have returned. 

    From the past to the present:  

    The midcentury modern movement originated during the middle of the 20th century and was the organic result of modernism. People wanted to embrace a more organic way of living which is why the style is rooted in functionality and simplicity with a lot of clean lines. After World War II, cities expanded, and the demand for modern furnishings for the newly built homes emerged. Technological advancements also resulted in the production of new materials, which led to the creation and exploration of unique shapes and various textures. 

    What makes up Mid-Century Modern design? 

    Mid-century modern is all about functional wooden pieces, clean lines, and curved designs. The look is simple, with a focus on comfort. It’s no surprise the aesthetic design remains timeless and is back in style. Mid-century modern homes usually have a sleek feel and mix natural and artificial materials. There’s also a continuity between the indoors and outdoors, which is why plants play a key role in the decor. This can also be seen in the color palette, which mostly consists of natural hues and colors rooted in nature. Pops of color are also added, especially bright yellows and beautiful teals. 

    How to achieve the Mid-Century Modern look: 

    • Embrace a natural color palette with a few pops of bright colors throughout.  
    • Consider olive green, pale pinks and other muted tones, orange, bright yellow, and a variety of teals and aquamarine colors. 
    • Build a space around a few statement pieces. 
    • Bring in potted plants. 
    • Focus on function. 
    • Incorporate wood furniture made of teak or oak. 
    • Include organic and curved shapes.  
    • Add brass details around your home. 
    • Hang big and bold artwork, especially with large graphic shapes.  
    • Favor statement lighting. Add hanging lights or pendant lighting that look like artwork.  
    • Embrace open spaces and aim for flow.  
    • Ditch the clutter and say goodbye to an abundance of knickknacks.  

  • 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

  • Inviting Winter Home Decor for Your Front Door

    Do you want to give your winter home decor a lift? Are you hoping to make small changes that will improve your curb appeal? You might be surprised to learn that you can achieve both of those goals by simply upgrading your front door styling. By focusing on nature-inspired ideas and an array of paint colors and textures, you can make your home’s front door into an attractive showpiece this winter.

    Repaint Your Front Door

    Traditional wisdom made repainting your home’s front door in winter unheard of, but modern paint technology means that you don’t have to live in Southern California or Florida to refresh your front door with new paint now. If the temperatures are projected to stay above 35 degrees on and around your painting days, the most challenging part of this winter home decor project is choosing the color you love the most. 

    Southern Living is a fan of giving your home a facelift by elevating your front door with a pop of color. But take it slowly first. The Magazine recommends: “Before going all in on one color, test a few shades to see which works best with your home’s existing facade. Brush on a few different hues, and see how they look in the sunlight at different points throughout the day.” The Magazine loves choosing a bright yellow that evokes a Mid-Century Modern feel, a deep blue “like Naval (SW 6244) by Sherwin-Williams, to complement a white façade,” “all-American red (Heritage Red (HC-181) by Benjamin Moore) for a Tudor-style home,” or a deep plum that works “best for Georgian architecture.”  

    Design Winter Container Gardens

    We often forget that there are beautiful nature-inspired decor options that can bring joy to your doorstep even in winter. Southern Living agrees. If you took the first step of repainting your front door, the Magazine offers this tip: “To take your curb appeal project a step further, pair a freshly painted front door with a grouping of seasonal containers.”  

    Better Homes & Gardens enjoys creating winter container gardens as a way to brighten front doorsteps, porches, and decks. They advise creating displays that “aim to have a bold focal point in the center and include something that drapes over the side (think: thriller, filler, and spiller).” Do you love the look of evergreens? If so, follow the Magazine’s lead by placing narrow birch branches in the center of your container and fir branches around the bottom of the birch. Then, “tuck in pine, cedar, and juniper branches around the container until you have a full arrangement.” From there, Better Homes & Gardens suggests that you can get additional visual intrigue by arranging winterberry stems or “dried hydrangeas, pinecones, or dried seed pods” as accents (which should be placed in front, if the container is pushed up against the exterior wall. And, voila! You have appealing winter home decor that will look fantastic throughout the season. 

    Hang a Winter Wreath

    Wreaths are not just for the holidays. Depending on how they are crafted, wreaths can be the perfect way to transition your front door from holiday festive to winter chic. Martha Stewart Living is a fan of crafting wood flower wreaths because, unlike flowers that may wilt as soon as the temperatures dip, the “tapioca wood flowers used in [our] easy-to-make wreath will be in ‘bloom’ throughout the season’s holidays and the years to come.” Other wreath options that make their “must-try” lists include hard-shelled nut wreaths, succulent wreaths, and, of course, pinecone wreaths accented with winter berries. 

    One of Southern Living’s favorite wreaths incorporates the look of citrus. The Magazine explains this colorful DIY project: “Using thin florist wire, create bunches with artificial citrus fruits, laurel branches, and berry branches; lay bunches on top of the frame, concentrating them in two opposite corners of the wreath.” The rest of the wire frame is filled out with bay branches. Not only is the end-result of this winter home decor project ideal for the season, but it will serve you well as you usher in spring.  

    Sunburst Winter Door Decor

    If you have ever been tempted to add an elegant mirror to your home’s front door, now may be the time. Designers at Better Homes & Gardens applaud the idea of “[creating] an elegant wintertime entryway with a gold starburst mirror set between two wreaths.” This winter home decor accessory is reminiscent of Art Deco and 1970’s designs while also being thoroughly modern. It’s unexpected and stunning – something you and your guests will love seeing during a blustery season. 

    Make Your Mark on Your Home

    If you love using chalk paint to create home decor, Martha Stewart Living has the perfect DIY project for you: A “Chalk-Painted Monogram Wooden Plaque.” We adore this affordable project because it allows you to put a unique stamp and personal signature on your front door without significant commitment. Any time you want to change the message, you can. If you want something slightly more permanent, like the gold stenciled monogram that the Magazine favors, you can do that, too. It’s also a project that doesn’t require a lot of time or supplies. As Martha Stewart Living reports: “Using craft and garden supplies you may already have, and a coat or two of matte-finish white chalk paint, [you can] turn your stoop into a stunner.” 

    Embrace Small Improvements

    Real Simple encourages readers to think about the details when upgrading their winter home decor. “From sconces to numbers, the right outdoor accoutrements bring polish to any style of house,” according to the Magazine. Matte-brass lion front door knockers are wonderful additions to traditional homes. Doormats that boast geometric patterns are favored by the Magazine for “modern, Arts and Crafts, ranch, and split-level homes.” Meanwhile, quaint door-adjacent accessories, like a “copper gooseneck light [and] hammered house numbers” are perfect for any home with a cottage or farmhouse vibe. When refreshing your winter home decor, the delight really is in the details.

  • Cozy Winter Decor Ideas That Will Delight Until Spring

    Are you searching for winter decor ideas to keep you feeling cozy and inspired during the frosty months ahead? Winter decorations go far beyond the traditional holiday delights. From candle lanterns to versatile porch styling, there is a wide range of options for anyone who wants to give their space a refresh that won’t feel dated when the new year arrives. Read on as we reveal some of our favorite (and easy to implement) winter decor ideas. 

    Introduce a Soft Glow

    There is something remarkably inviting about the soft glow of candlelight in the winter. In fact, it inspired one of Better Homes & Garden’s favorite winter decor ideas: Garland candle lanterns. The Magazine recommends taking your hurricane lanterns out from storage (or thrifting them) and encircling the glass with fabric wire. From there, they suggest that DIYers “use greenery and white berries or even fresh herbs or juniper berries to decorate.” This is such a simple DIY project, but you’ll love seeing their cozy presence on mantels, buffets, and dining tables throughout the season.  

    Add Textile Wall Hangings

    Do you have an empty white wall that has been hard for you to decorate? Consider adding a natural textile wall hanging. If you are interested in purchasing something for the space, pick a piece made from natural fabrics like wool, hemp, or even bamboo. In fact, you might be surprised to learn how popular 1970s-inspired macramé is right now. There’s a cozy nostalgia to these knotted art pieces made thoroughly modern with a reclaimed wood support beam. If you are looking to DIY the hanging textile, Better Homes & Gardens reveals: “Simply loop chunky yarn pieces around a piece of driftwood and cut ends at an angle to form a center point. Embellish with beads and tassels to add color or add knots to add structure to the wall hanging.” Before you know it, that empty wall will be so eye-catching, you will wonder why you didn’t try this project sooner.

    Ward Off the Winter Chill

    As soon as the temperature dips, it’s time to wrap yourself in luxurious textiles made from natural fabrics. Midwest Living recommends “[replacing] bright summer florals with subdued blanket plaids, or [nestling] into tactile fabrics in soft colors,” as well as “[draping] a couch with a fuzzy angora throw (and [wrapping] up to watch TV)….” Flannel sheets are always a delight to sink into, and you’ll love sleeping in a room darkened with thick velvet drapes. Not only will the fabrics help you ward off the chill, but this winter decor idea brings instant visual warmth to your space.

    Layer Textured Blankets

    Real Simple describes this time of year as a “season of nesting,” which makes it the perfect time to enjoy “‘chunky knitted blankets, cozy throws, and lots of textile layering, [to add] warmth and coziness to the home in the colder months,’” according to home design expert Justina Blakeney. If you have a metal frame bed, you can embrace this winter decor idea by draping a folded earthy-hued blanket over the frame to create a cozier looking headboard. You also can achieve a layered look even with your summer-weight duvet. As Real Simple explains, you can just as easily “layer a knitted cotton throw over your linen duvet” before snuggling in for a much-welcomed nap or some serious reading time.  

    Transition Your Accessories

    Small changes can transform your space into a haven during the blustery winter months. Midwest Living loves the idea of replacing a simple lampshade with “a velvety suede alternative.” Soften your lightbulbs so that you can enjoy a subtle golden cast in late winter afternoons and evenings. You can even “skirt a table and layer on a nubby wool throw” in warm earth tones to bring visual interest, as well as a general feeling of being cocooned and insulated against the elements.  

    Spray a Calming Scent

    A particular scent can inspire memory, a sense of comfort, and peace. If the winter season has you feeling stressed, Justina Blakeney tells Real Simple readers that it may be time to spray aromas that are calming – like Lavender. Blakeney is also a fan of “‘earthy scents like myrrh, frankincense, and sandalwood [which] are great for the winter because they are grounding, promote balance, and are the next best thing if you (like me) don’t have a fireplace to cozy up next to!’” Every person has one or two scents that they respond to more strongly than others. Vanilla is also a classic choice, and it might just inspire you to start baking to brighten a wintry afternoon.  

    Bring Your Winter Decor Ideas Outside

    Design experts at Martha Stewart Living are urging readers not to forget their favorite summer perch: The porch. With a few quick changes, you can create a snug nook to enjoy even when the temperatures plummet. Of course, adding cozy throws is among the Magazine’s favorite winter decor ideas, but they also applaud the additions of versatile wooden benches, which can be made “seasonally appropriate by changing out your summer or fall outdoor pillows for a set that feels more wintery.” They also love adding handcrafted doormats that “can withstand the heaviest dirt, mud, snow, and more,” log hoops for some rustic charm that is “both functional and stylish,” lustrous string lights, and a welcoming wreath. 

    While it is true that wreaths are often associated with the holidays, Martha Stewart Living suggests trying a fragrant wreath that will instantly put you in a positive mood. Among their favorites is the Creekside Farms Fragrant Pod Wreath. It’s a picture-perfect winter decor idea “made up of three kinds of eucalyptus leaves, nigella flowers, and sculptural lotus pods.” You might love it so much that you may be tempted to leave it up long after the snow has melted.

  • The Ultimate Fall Décor Guide

    You will fall in love with these autumn-inspired decor ideas that can transform any space. Below you will find tons of clever ideas to help you welcome fall and bring magic and coziness into any room.

    • Give a plain plastic pumpkin a makeover and rustic feel by wrapping it with yarn or twine.
    • Create a gourd-geous centerpiece by carving out a squash or gourd and turning it into a vase. Nothing is more beautiful than a DIY pumpkin planter filled with your favorite fall flowers. You can also cut the top off a faux pumpkin and add drainage holes in the bottom.

    • For a rustic finish, wrap a foam wreath in burlap. Use a hot glue gun to add burlap flowers to the wreath or any other autumn-inspired items you want.
    • Discover how to make gold-leaf pumpkins to bring a classy fall feel to your home.
    • Fill a tall glass vase with pinecones, acorns, or apples. Another great option would be to fill glass cloches of different sizes with your favorite fall items.

    • Nature truly is nurturing. Place colorful leaves in a glass frame with no back.
    • Create a leaf-shaped dish to hold jewelry, change, or your keys. Press a leaf that you like onto a rolled-out piece of clay. Using a knife, carefully trace the leaf. After you’ve outlined the leaf, slowly pull the leaf off and gently curl the sides up. Place newspaper under the edges so it holds its shape and takes the form of a dish. Once it’s dried, paint it any color you want and seal it with a gloss or matte sealer to protect the finish.
    • Learn how to bring instant coziness to your home with these farmhouse fall decor ideas.
    • Paint old mason jars or upcycled glass bottles gold and white and use them as vases.
    • Put the petal to the metal… door and learn how to make your very own stunning sunflower wreath.
    • Create a beautiful succulent pumpkin planter. Fill a hollowed-out pumpkin with fresh succulents and moss.

    • Here are tons of crafts with leaves you can try.
    • Treat yourself! Make fall candles using seasonal scents such as cinnamon, pumpkin, or apple. First, find a glass jar you want to use as the holder. Double the amount of wax you would use to fill the container and melt it in a double boiler while stirring frequently. Mix in the fragrance oil you choose and place the wick on the bottom of your jar before you slowly pour in the wax. Secure the wick while the wax hardens by placing it between two chopsticks that are balanced on the top. You can also glue cinnamon sticks onto the outside of an old candle to make your home smell incredible.
    • Check out fall door decor ideas that go beyond wreaths.
    • A few things to use as décor that have an autumn vibe include amber bottles, throw blankets, plaid pillows, and leaves spray-painted gold.
    • Uncover farmhouse mantel decor ideas that add cozy charm to your space.
    • Here are some fall plants and grasses you can place around your home:
      • Mariachi ‘Salsa’ Helenium
      • Chrysanthemums
      • Black-leaf millet grass
      • Bayberry
      • Fuzzy kangaroo paws
      • Gerbera daisies
      • Chinese lanterns

  • Tips to Get Your Kids’ Bedrooms Learning Ready

    The school year has kicked off and with it comes a new set of opportunities to remake your kids’ bedroom into an inspiring space that works for virtual learning, after-school homework, and relaxation. Whether your kids have in-person classes or virtual classrooms, a few updates can create a better, more motivating learning environment. Read on for our favorite tips for getting your kids’ bedrooms learning ready.

    Get Your Kids Involved As Karen Aronian, Ed.D., of Aronian Educational Design LLC tells Parents, “Empower your child by giving [them] a say.” Before you begin rearranging spaces, buying new tech, and reorganizing closets, sit down with your kids and talk to them about what they need and want in their rooms for this school year. From 1st graders to high school students, your kids will have thoughts about making their space inspiring and relaxing – even if they share the bedroom with a sibling.

    Set Your Learning Priorities

    Make a list of your family’s priorities as you delve into the school year. Will your kids be taking online courses in their bedrooms, or will the bedrooms be relaxation zones instead? Do they need new tech items? Do you need to reconfigure the room to divide learning and relaxation activities? Once you know your priorities, the easier it will be to start getting your kids and their spaces ready.

    Create a Learning or Homework Station

    Getting your kids’ bedrooms learning ready will mean creating the best possible environment for virtual classroom learning, studying, and homework. If your children are attending in-person classes, you’ll need to be sure that there is an area conducive to after-school work. Start with the desk or workstation. This might mean repainting or spray painting an older desk to give it a brand new feeling. As Parents reveals, “setting up a brand new space for your child … will help them feel focused and comfortable….”

    Do your kids share a space? Is the bedroom shaped in a way that makes it challenging to dedicate one side to schoolwork? Consider going vertical. College kids are pros at making small dorm rooms fit for multiple purposes, and their solutions could be your inspiration when remaking your child’s bedroom. Raised bed systems can be purchased, or you can create a system with a few supplies. The goal is to raise the bed high enough to make a safe second “room” beneath it. Rather than working on the bed, kids can work at a desk in the new space, complete with supplies, calendars, lighting, and fidget toys.

    If going vertical isn’t an option for you in the shared space, Real Simple recommends purchasing a room divider. A simple screen helps create privacy and enhances concentration when both kids are doing homework or taking online classes in the same room. Expert James Wheeler of Atlanta-based J. Wheeler Designs tells Real Simple that an ingenious tiered cube shelving system may be the perfect answer to getting your kids’ bedroom learning ready. He explains: “A tiered shelving unit [can double] as a room divider that also provides extra storage without blocking the light from coming through.” Kids can fill the cubes with clothes, books, folders, trophies, and toys – keeping things organized and adding some much-wished-for space separation.

    Choose the Right Tech

    If your kids have started the school year with virtual learning, ask the school for some guidance about any additional technology they need. Many school districts are distributing dedicated iPads to children for virtual classroom access. Even if you don’t have to supply an upgraded computer or dedicated iPad, think about the best access options available in your budget. For instance, your kids may need microphone/headphones that are comfortable and functional for long school days. “Noise-canceling headphones are effective [for blocking distractions], especially since some kids enjoy studying to music…,” explains Parents.

    An upgraded computer with a better camera system and faster processing might be something to consider. You may want to buy and install a Wi-Fi range-extender to improve the signal in your kids’ bedrooms if the router is stationed farther away in the main living area. This should allow them to get a cleaner signal from their virtual classrooms. These technology updates will allow your kids to successfully navigate homework, tutoring, and online cultural programs long after the coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

    Accessorize the Bedroom

    Lighting, lighting, and more lighting – it is the critical element in creating a learning ready environment. A good desk lamp, multi-tiered ring light, or hanging lights are a great way to help ease eye strain during long periods of computer time, whether your child is doing homework after school or spending the day taking online courses. Natural light is always welcome, so be sure to have blinds or curtains that easily open to let the light flow during online classes.

    Does your child have a favorite hobby or sports team? Consider updating the bedroom with new artwork, banners, printed photos, or posters that reflect their current interests. Similarly, new bedspreads or throw rugs can help bring renewed energy to any bedroom.

    Organize School Materials Analyze your space. Is there free wall space above your kids’ workstation? Parents loves the idea of adding mounted shelves where “you can organize a single homework zone that does the job for several kids.” The editors at Real Simple rave about the advantages of using a colorful organizing cart. Each drawer in the cart is a different color, allowing kids to have a specific drawer for each class or activity. The wheels make this organizing tool priceless, as your kids can tuck it back into a corner when they don’t need it and move it near their workstation when they do.

    Deborah Gussoff, a certified professional organizer, tells Real Simple that she is a fan of versatile magazine files because “their vertical format is great for small spaces.” Do you want to be sure that your older kids always have a spot for their keys, phones, wallets, and other necessities before leaving for school? Gussoff recommends “putting [magazine files] by the door for an easy place to drop keys and other small items that would otherwise clutter the room.”

    Command hooks are ideal for hanging up school backpacks, jackets, baseball caps, and other miscellaneous items that might otherwise clutter desks, closets, or floors. Meanwhile, bulletin boards or chalkboards are terrific for visual reminders of class times, assignments, practice times, appointments, or other necessary information.

    Build a Relaxation Nook

    After long days in school or taking virtual classes, your kids will want a dedicated space in their bedrooms to relax or read. Even in small bedrooms, this is possible with very few adjustments. One of the easiest ways to do it is with command hooks and some light fabric. Real Simple recommends “[attaching] command hooks to the ceiling and [using] them to hang a curtain around the bed to create a private nook.” You can also place some ultra-comfortable cushions on the floor and drape fabric from the ceiling using command hooks or metal hooks to make a new relaxation space in just minutes. If you are particularly handy, building a window seat, complete with storage, can add a practical and inviting retreat to a multi-purpose bedroom.

    Rearrange the Bedroom Closet

    An organized bedroom closet will not only help your kids get ready for school on time but keep the room as tidy as possible – a great goal whether your children are taking virtual classes or getting have in-person schooling. Lisa Adams, designer and owner of LA Closet Design, tells Real Simple: “‘Ideally, every kid’s closet should have matching kid’s hangers (if you use adult-sized ones, their clothes will just fall off), pull-out belt racks and hooks, shelf dividers, drawer inserts, a hamper, and storage baskets for sporting gear’….” Make sure that your kids’ daily items are easily reached, while the top of the closet can be reserved for out-of-season clothes or storage. If you have additional dressers, consider adding drawer inserts. They allow drawers to be divided, easily configuring the drawer space for multiple purposes while keeping each side neat. If your kids share a closet, design an easily divided space, even if that just means attaching a temporary partition to a clothing rod.

    Over-the-door shoe organizers can bring much-needed relief to bedrooms with small closets. And they don’t have to be limited to storing kids’ shoes. The experts tell Real Simple that these organizers are perfect for freeing up drawer space, recommending that they can be used “as a hold-all for rolled T-shirts, clutches, and even umbrellas.”

    When the closet organization is done, the room is almost learning ready. The final touch? Decorating! Stickers, colored lights, and mirrors can easily be added to bring some personality to the closet. Even painting can be a fun family activity that sets the right atmosphere for the school year. As Real Simple explains: “[Paint] the closet walls your kid’s favorite color, or swap out boring drawer knobs with ones that have cooler designs.”

    And voila! Your child’s bedroom is learning ready.

  • Halloween – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    Halloween might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a Spooktacular time! From fun ways to celebrate at home to costume ideas perfect for a mask, we have you covered. Check out our scary good recipes and compilation of great Halloween movies.  

    Boo-tiful Crafts 

    • Use balloons to create fun ghosts and creatures. You can draw a ghost on white balloons, Jack-O’-Lanterns on orange balloons, or create silly monster faces using sharpies. Step it up a notch by adding googly eyes or ribbons as hair. Remember not to use a hot glue gun, or it might pop. 

    • Transform your house into a Halloween world and give every room a theme! Turn your kitchen into Frankenstein’s lab with test tubes and fill different shaped glasses with different color food coloring. Fill the room with spooky fog using dry ice. Make the living room into a pumpkin world with orange streamers, pumpkins, and Halloween decor. Convert a bedroom into a witch’s room with candles, a fake spell book, and of course witch hats. Wrap purple or green ribbons around a broom handle in case a witch wants to fly. Here are 36 free Halloween printables you can also download right now to help you decorate! 
    • Create your own monsters with the kids using empty tissue boxes. Flip them upside down and paint the outside to make fun little creatures. Try painting one green for Frankenstein, an orange one with a pumpkin face, and a white one with a skeleton smile.  
    • Click here for more clever and fun craft ideas.  
    • Make a giant spiderweb on the wall with black string.  
    • Take old white candles from your linen closet and give them a spooky twist. Take red crayons and melt them so it looks like blood is dripping down the sides.  

    • Take old ping pong balls, paint eyeballs onto them and place them all over the house.  
    • Make your own family Frankenstein. Since Frankenstein is a creation assembled from an assortment of humans… do the same. Each person in your family can contribute an article of clothing and stuff it with newspaper. Set all the “body parts” up in a chair and draw a face on a pumpkin to be the head. You will have a silly family Frankenstein. Don’t forget to give it a name! 
    • Hang spider webs all around your home. Cut out little spiders to hang in the webs and glue pictures of your family’s faces on them for some added fun.  
    • Create your own bats! Cut old coffee filters in half and paint them black. Glue a small black circle on the straight side in the middle and glue eyes onto the head.  

    No Tricks, Just Treats

    Just because you may not go trick–or–treating doesn’t mean you cannot have something good to eat. Here are some easy to make Halloween treats you can enjoy with the whole family. 

    Scary Fun Activities

    • Schedule a zoom so you and your loved ones can carve pumpkins together. Maybe make it a contest and let your friends vote for the winner on social media. 
    • If trick-or-treating is off the table instead of just giving your kids candy, try to make it fun with a candy scavenger hunt! Hide candy all over your home and give them little cards with clues written on them. Here are some to help you get started:  
      • We usually come in a pair, we go with sneakers that you wear, so come and find us if you dare (Hide candy bars in their sock drawer) 
      • I am somewhere you go to get clean, where rubber duckies can be seen (Hide candy in the bathtub) 
      • When it’s dark I make it bright, I can help you see when it’s night (Tape candy to a lamp) 
      • I am where cold things get hot, come discover what sweet treats we got (Place some candy in the microwave) 
      • I am hiding somewhere that you eat, I’m also surrounded by many seats (Tape candy under the kitchen table) 
      • Find me where you dream at night, and the bed bugs never bite (Hide candy in their bed)  
      • You can find me underneath where you like to brush your teeth (Put candy under the sink the bathroom)
    • Have the kids strut their stuff on a Halloween runway! Lay out towels or sheets and make a “red carpet” for the kiddos to rock their costumes. Don’t forget to film it and send it to your family.  
    • Costumes are meant to be seen so schedule a zoom costume party and let everyone take turns showing off their costumes.  
    • If you are not comfortable leaving home, talk to your neighbors about setting up a safe trick-or-treating situation or neighborhood block party. Everyone can set up a table outside their doors in the fresh air and have candy laid out on the table so kids can touch only the candy they are taking. People can make little individual candy grab bags as well. That way you can avoid ringing doorbells and reaching hands into candy bowls but still trick-or-treat. 
    • Tape a bunch of small orange balloons onto a wood sheet outside in the shape of a pumpkin and play darts.  
    • It will be hard to keep your laughing under wraps as you make your family members into mummies. All you need… toilet paper.  

     Hauntingly Great Costumes 

    Here is a list of costumes that work great with a face mask underneath. By wearing masks under their costumes or helmets, children might feel that Halloween is still “normal” while also staying safe. 

    • Power Rangers  
    • Astronaut  
    • Super Heroes: Spiderman, Black Panther, Iron Man, Hulk  
    • Transformers 
    • Robot 
    • Ninja 
    • Mortal Kombat characters: Subzero, Scorpion, Kitana, Milenna, Jade, Ermac, Rain 
    • Buzz Lightyear 
    • Star Wars: Chewbacca, Darth Vader 
    • Pumpkin Queen/King 
    • Knight – with helmet 
    • A Lego character   
    • Pokémon 
    • Gladiator with helmet 
    • Sonic the Hedgehog 
    • Minecraft character 
    • Bubble Boy  
    • Gorilla 
    • Alien 
    • Mummy 

    DIY Costumes and Mask Ideas

    For those of you who don’t want to wear a helmet or full-face mask another option would be to decorate your own and incorporate it into your costume. Below are some ideas you can create or spend some time making with your family. 

    • Make a mermaid mask! Glue little confetti circles on a mask slightly overlapping to make them look scales. 
    • Paint any mask to look like an animal’s mouth. Paint a dog’s mouth, a cat nose and whiskers, or cute bunny teeth.  
    • Paint the mouth like a Dia de los Muertos skull mouth and then just paint the rest of your face as you normally would.  
    • Here are some ideas for no sew halloween costumes.   
    • All fairy’s need fairy dust… so why not cover the outside of your mask with glitter? Make sure you use a non-toxic glue and that it’s completely dry before wearing it.  
    • Create a robot with an old box, flip it upside down, cut the flaps off and then glue two straws on the top as antennas. Cut out a rectangular window for eyes in the front. For the body do the same thing with a larger box and cut out two holes for the arms on either side. Paint the boxes silver or cover them in aluminum foil. For buttons and added details you can paint different colored bottle caps and glue them on the front. You can cut out gears and other things using construction paper. 
    • Here is a great DIY Lego Costume  
    • Make an Astronaut Space Helmet and blast off! 

    Pet Costume Ideas

    We all knows pets are part of the family. Do a photoshoot of your four-legged friends in their costumes so you can share them and put a smile on other people’s faces. If you don’t want to buy a costume here are a few DIY pet costume ideas. 

    • Business Pup: Take any fun fabric and cut out a cute little tie that you can attach to their collar. Add polka dots or stripes to kick it up a notch.    
    • Beanie Baby: Take red construction paper and cut out a heart. Then paint a TY in white on the heart and tie it their collar so they can be the cutest Beanie Baby on the block. 
    • Ride Em Cowboy: Repurpose an old harness and glue a small stuffed animal or lightweight toy on the back of it so it looks like it’s riding your dog. If you have an old cowboy toy even better. 
    • Martini: Find an old cone and add some olive props.  
    • Out of This World Doggo: Have fun crafting with the kids while transforming your dog into an alien. Glue googly eyes onto an old harness or take pipe cleaners and any other materials you have and attach them in fun ways.  
    • Pumpkin Poodles: Take orange felt and cut out a piece large enough to wrap around your dog’s waist. Draw a Jack-o-lantern face on the top using a black sharpie or fabric markers. Use green felt and cut out a little leaf and stem to glue or sew onto the top of the pumpkin. To attach it to your dog or cat add strings to either side of the fabric and then you can tie it around their tummy. You can also buy Velcro and adhere that to either side so you can adjust the size as needed.  
    • Super Hero: Take fabric or an old t-shirt and cut out a cape for your pet. Add a string so you can tie around their neck or attach it to a collar. As a family come up with their very own superhero name and using fabric markers write it on the top of the cape.  

    Spooktacular Halloween Movies

    Create a scary movie watching zone to spook up the experience. Hang cobwebs all over your living room and use orange or purple lights to add ambiance. Cut out a few black bats to attach to the wall and create some ghosts out of white sheets or towels.  

    Here is a list of family friendly movies (that won’t result in the kiddos crawling into your bed scared): 

    • Hocus Pocus  
    • Halloweentown 
    • The Addams Family  
    • Toy Story of Terror 
    • Twitches  
    • Hotel Transylvania 
    • Casper 
    • Super Monsters Save Halloween 
    • It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown 
    • Under Wraps 
    • The Haunted Mansion 
    • Corpse Bride 
    • The Nightmare Before Christmas 
    • Double, Double, Toil & Trouble    

    Scary movies for adults 

    • A Nightmare on Elm Street  
    • Halloween (all 900 of them) 
    • The Shining  
    • Get Out 
    • The Exorcist  
    • A Tale of Two Sisters 
    • The Blair Witch Project 
    • The Texas Chain Saw Massacre  
    • A Quiet Place    

    Ways to Give Back

    Although it’s been a tough year there are a variety of ways you can give back to your local community this Halloween.  

    • As we all know – kids grow fast. Instead of just putting old Halloween costumes in a box in your closet, donate them to those who might not be able to afford their own. 
    • If you have time and enjoy crafting, sew costumes for those who can’t afford to buy them. If you’re not an expert sewer try creating simple pieces such as super hero capes. For some costume ideas that don’t require sewing, visit the DIY costumes section above. 
    • Donate your left-over candy. Operation Gratitude is a Halloween Candy Give-Back program where you can donate candy to deployed troops, veterans, and first responders.  
    • Offer to help your elderly neighbors decorate offer their front yard. Make sure you’re following the proper safety guidelines while decorating.  
    • Some families might want to decorate their yards but not be able to afford it. Try cutting out pumpkins from simple construction paper and attaching a string so they can hang them up outside. You can repurpose old sheets or towels to make spooky ghosts. 

     

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

        

     

  • Uses for Decorative Molding Throughout Your Home

    While decorative moldings are used throughout a home for aesthetic purposes, they also protect walls from kicks and bumps. Crown moldings are used to soften transitions between wall and ceiling, while baseboards topped with quarter round do the same thing for the transition between wall and floor. Molding also creates a framed focal point around doors and windows, and in the case of windows can provide a solid structure to hold blind and curtain hardware without plugs. Batten moldings are thin strips of wood used to cover seams between interior or exterior panels (the boards of “board and batten”).

    Here are a few ways you can use decorative wood trim throughout your home.

    Chair and picture rails

    Chair rails and picture rails can be both serviceable and attractive uses of decorative wood trim. Not only do they add character, but they also create two distinct wall areas and provide a focal point within a room.

    In the case of chair rails, they’re visible predominantly at eye level when guests are seated at a dining table. Install one and then try a simple experiment: wallpaper the top portion of your walls with paintable textured wallpaper and paint it the same color as the below chair-rail portion of the room. Paint the chair rail white to match your baseboards or in a bright lacquer to establish a new accent color in the room. As your guest’s eyes are drawn to the chair rail, they’ll also make eye contact with each other until conversation flows freely.

    Try installing a chair rail in your entryway and add some hooks. You may find you can do without a hallway table and still have a place for keys, gloves, hats, and scarves.

    Picture rails make it possible to hang multiple pieces without messing up your walls. Because it’s so easy to hang photos and pictures from hooks nailed or screwed into a picture rail, you can create a gallery feel in a room by changing the artwork whenever you feel like it. Perfect for displaying children’s artwork in a playroom, a picture rail can transform your fridge by providing a less transitional home for the latest masterpiece. In an adult room, they’re a great way to showcase a series of same-size prints or photos. 

    Crown your kitchen cabinets

    Let’s face it: kitchen cabinets are primarily functional rather than decorative, and even if you’ve chosen something out of the ordinary, they’re a lot of a single color, single texture and single design in a busy, high usage and heavily trafficked room. If your kitchen cupboards don’t reach to the ceiling and you can’t justify a complete kitchen makeover, consider giving tired kitchen cupboards a whole new look by replacing or painting the doors and adding crown molding above the cabinets. It will lead eyes upward and give your kitchen a fresh clean look with a shot of white in an area not likely to collect grease.

    Create “picture frames of color” with wall trimmed panels

    Rather than have a single “feature wall” in a different color or texture, using trim to create painted panels on the wall is a very affordable way to give a long plain wall some visual appeal. Paint the wall panel trim the same shade as your baseboards and then decide whether to leave the panels the same color as the room or paint them a shade lighter or darker than its base color. Alternately, you can paint the wood trim for the wall picture frame to match the room’s base color and paint the “panel” in a contrasting color. Use your imagination. The picture frames you create can be big or small, square or rectangular. You can create vertical or horizontal panels. Experiment with some of the options at the planning stage. They can be particularly useful if you realize you’ve chosen too dark a shade for a room but don’t have the time or energy to fix your mistake. A shot of white trim around a panel will contrast nicely and brighten things up considerably.

    Removable crown molding wire management system

    While not made of wood, there’s a fabulous new option for crown molding you can use to make your room look better and while providing far greater functionality without rewiring, an expensive and messy job.

    Removable crown moldings made of hollow PVC can hide cable, audio and communication wires. This can be really useful in older homes with repurposed rooms (that “front room” that now serves as your home office, for example).

    Investing in a little decorative wood trim is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to achieve a subtle space transformation with very little effort. Let your imagination run wild and spend a weekend “renovating.”  Chances are, you’ll be disproportionately pleased with the results.