Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: Jennifer Adams

  • 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 – Furnishing Your Home

    Jennifer Adams, Interior Design Pro, shares tips for furnishing and decorating a new home.

    Question:

    Building a new home and furnishing dining, living and master bedrooms. Dining, living are open to each other. Where do I start?

    Answer:

    Congratulations on your new home! It’s so exciting to be looking for all new furniture, though it can be overwhelming. It is so much to think about. A better first step is to think about the feeling you want to have in your house. Is it casual and comfortable, or more formal? Is there a vacation place you adore, what feeling do you have when you think about that place? How do you see yourself using those spaces?

    Choose one room at a time to focus on. Look for pictures of rooms on furniture manufacturers’ websites and magazines for inspiration of how rooms can feel, and how the furniture is arranged. Even if you can’t afford the furniture in your inspiration images, the shapes and colors and more importantly, the feeling of the atmosphere can still be a starting point.

    Since the dining and living room is really one large room, consider a cohesive design style or theme for the entire space, and how the colors will coordinate with the colors in your kitchen. The largest pieces in any room, such as the sofa, the dining table and the bed and other major furniture in the master bedroom should be classic shapes and more on the neutral side. Smaller accents such as lamps, side chairs, throw pillows and bedding can be bolder in color and style.

    Accents and art can be the most expressive of all, and this is where your personality and style will shine through. Bring along some favorite treasures from your old house or your travels. Good luck and have fun with this!

    – Jennifer​ Adams, Interior Design Pro

     

  • Make Your Home Cozier – BHGRE Season of Sharing

    As the weather cools down this fall, it’s time to transition your home so it’s cozy, relaxing and enjoyable for you and your family. With these simple tips and ideas from Interior Design Pro Jennifer Adams, the transition can be effortless and inexpensive. 

    Outfit Your Bed 

    At the end of a chilly day, nothing beats a warm, inviting bed. Switch out your summer sheets with flannel or heavyweight cotton and layer your bed with a coverlet or quilt. If you don’t need the extra blanket, keep it folded at the foot of your bed. 

    Use Quilts and Throws 

    Who doesn’t love to curl up with a warm blanket? Add on cozy quilts or throw blankets to your sofa and armchairs. Think soft, plush fabrics and textures, like wool, fur, velvet or fleece. 

    Avoid Cold Feet 

    A great way for staying cozy is to keep your feet warm. Keep slippers in your entryway or by your bedside, so they’re ready to slip on when you get home or wake up. Add rugs or woven mats to your uncarpeted areas, like your bathroom, kitchen and entryway. Rugs come in a myriad of sizes and shapes, but whatever you choose, invest in rugs that feel comfortable to your bare feet and for sitting on. 

    Insulate with Curtains 

    One effective way to insulate your room from cold drafts is to use heavier, thicker curtains. Let your curtains enhance your décor by choosing ones that add a splash of color or are complimentary to your color palette. Deep tones are always lovely and create a warm ambiance for any space. 

    Create a Cozy Nook 

    Having a little place to retreat to is a great way to unwind and recharge yourself. It can be your reading nook or just a relaxing nook, where you can have a quiet break from the day’s activities. Make it comfortable with throw pillows, a quilt, and a lamp or candles. 

    Enjoy Candles 

    Create a warm glow by using candles. They enhance your home and your mood, creating an inviting and relaxing space. Scented candles are especially enjoyable and help to freshen the space. Group candles together on your coffee, dining or bedside tables, and don’t forget to use candles to enhance a soothing bath. 

    Warm Up the Outdoors  

    With crisp morning air and clear starry nights, fall is a wonderful time to enjoy your garden or patio by warming it up with a fire feature. There are many options to choose from, so you’re sure to find a fire feature that suits your space and needs. 

     

    Click here to view all the Season of Sharing articles.

        

  • Ask A Pro – Choosing Engineered Hardwood Flooring

    Jennifer Adams, Interior Design Pro, shares her tips for choosing the right flooring.

    Question:

    I have a luxury home client that will be listing her home (built in 2016 with engineered hardwoods). The original engineered hardwood floor on the main level (including the kitchen) are very worn bc of two dogs and three kids. She is replacing the flooring with new engineered hardwoods.​

    Do you recommend hand-scraped/textured hardwoods or flat? Or, LVP?​

    – Josh​

    Answer:

    The classic look of a hardwood floor is an excellent choice because it adds warmth, style, and goes with absolutely any decor. Most people would prefer true hardwoods, but for budget reasons this simply isn’t always an option. If your client was going to keep her home for another few years I might say the LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) would easily stand up to her active family’s lifestyle. With all the rich textures and beautiful colors available now in LVP, it is amazingly hard to tell that it’s not wood!​

    As far as texture goes, are there wood floors in other areas of the home that is not being replaced? Matching that would be a consideration. Not having seen this house or knowing more about the style, I would recommend a textured look in a good quality engineered hardwood or LVP but not necessarily “hand scraped” unless there is an incredible demand for that look in your real estate market and there is budget for a quality product where each board has a unique look.​

    Instead, consider texture the wood grain to add warmth and depth. A smoother finish is considered a little more classic and formal, and the wire-brushed effect where you can feel the “grain” of the wood great for a more modern casual feel. Stay away from the very darkest and very lightest colors for the floor. Instead, choose an inviting warmer medium-light neutral wood tone such as natural, white oak or whitewashed gray.​

    – Jennifer​ Adams, Interior Design Pro

  • Ask A Pro Q&A – Choosing A Gray Color Scheme

    Jennifer Adams, our interior design pro, shares a variety of options for exterior gray color schemes that “pop.”

    Question:

    We are building a new home in a cul-de-sac with many gray homes. We were planning to do a darker slate gray with white trim. However, that is the same choice made by the house going up in the next lot. What can we choose to still have the same “pop” we were hoping for? Courtyard style ranch with bonus room over garage.​

    Ellen​

    Answer

    Oh! It can be hard to come up with new ideas when your neighbor took your favorite! Fortunately there are a lot of wonderful gray combinations that will look great and help distinguish your house as a little different. If you can’t change the actual window color (it’s common to have white windows), that’s OK you can add another color for the wood trim next to the windows. This will give you a three-color scheme, which adds a lot of style and interest over a two-color scheme. With any gray, black is a bold and dramatic trim color! So the siding would be your choice of medium to dark gray, with black around the windows and white windows. Or use black for some other accents, too, such as shutters, trellises or other features. Or, use a warm creamy color instead of white.​

    Also, consider a gray about the same darkness as what you had in mind, or a bit lighter, but a gray with undertones of brown or green to add some interest. A color that is hard to tell if it’s gray or the other color is a very beautiful look. Is it gray or navy? Gray or brown? Gray or green? You get the idea! Let me know what you end up with!​

    Jennifer Adams

  • Best Ways to Make Your Home Cozier for Fall with Interior Design Pro Jennifer Adams

    As the weather cools down this fall, it’s time to transition your home so it’s cozy, relaxing and enjoyable for you and your family. With these simple tips and ideas, the transition can be effortless and inexpensive.

    Outfit Your Bed

    At the end of a chilly day, nothing beats a warm, inviting bed. Switch out your summer sheets with flannel or heavyweight cotton and layer your bed with a coverlet or quilt. If you don’t need the extra blanket, keep it folded at the foot of your bed.

    Use Quilts and Throws

    Who doesn’t love to curl up with a warm blanket? Add on cozy quilts or throw blankets to your sofa and armchairs. Think soft, plush fabrics and textures, like wool, fur, velvet or fleece.

    Avoid Cold Feet

    A great way for staying cozy is to keep your feet warm. Keep slippers in your entryway or by your bedside, so they’re ready to slip on when you get home or wake up. Add rugs or woven mats to your uncarpeted areas, like your bathroom, kitchen and entryway. Rugs come in a myriad of sizes and shapes, but whatever you choose, invest in rugs that feel comfortable to your bare feet and for sitting on.

    Insulate With Curtains

    One effective way to insulate your room from cold drafts is to use heavier, thicker curtains. Let your curtains enhance your décor by choosing ones that add a splash of color or are complimentary to your color palette. Deep tones are always lovely and create a warm ambiance for any space.

    Create a Cozy Nook

    Having a little place to retreat to is a great way to unwind and recharge yourself. It can be your reading nook or just a relaxing nook, where you can have a quiet break from the day’s activities. Make it comfortable with throw pillows, a quilt, and a lamp or candles.

    Enjoy Candles

    Create a warm glow by using candles. They enhance your home and your mood, creating an inviting and relaxing space. Scented candles are especially enjoyable and help to freshen the space. Group candles together on your coffee, dining or bedside tables, and don’t forget to use candles to enhance a soothing bath.

    Warm Up the Outdoors With crisp morning air and clear starry nights, fall is a wonderful time to enjoy your garden or patio by warming it up with a fire feature. There are many options to choose from, so you’re sure to find a fire feature that suits your space and needs.

    Want to cozy up your home for fall? Click the banner below and enter our Fall for Your Home Sweepstakes for the chance to win $1000!

  • How to Decorate for Halloween Without Being Kitschy with Interior Design Pro Jennifer Adams

    Instead of the usual kitschy Halloween decorations you’ve done over and over again, try something new and chic this year. These classy yet playful DIY home décor ideas will inspire and create just the right Halloween ambiance.

    Go With a Spooky Wreath

    The entryway or porch is where most of the action happens when trick-or-treaters and guests come knocking at your front door. Adorn your door with a spooky wreath, like one made out of dried twigs, vines or dark-colored flowers. Add black bats or spiders hanging from their webs to create an eerie vibe.

    Decorate with Lights

    String up seasonal lights around your porch or front and backyard trees. You can also have carved, miniature gourds or pumpkins with tea lights inside lighting up your outdoor walkways and stairways.

    Scary Black Cutouts

    For a creepy front yard, use cutouts or decals for your windows. For a stylish look, don’t overdo them. Instead, keep the look simple and minimal—for instance, a couple of well-placed ravens, bats, or a ghastly ghoul or witch.

    Create a Gothic-Inspired Table

    Hosting a Halloween dinner party? Decorate your dining table with a gothic flair. Create a color palette of deep reds, blacks and purples, as well as gold; use textiles like velvet and silk. You can arrange your table with a gorgeous velvet table runner, vintage candlesticks, and a bouquet of dark red roses. For additional drama, play with black or red glassware and plates with accents of gold.

    Black and White Pumpkins

    Instead of the standard orange and black, go with white and black. Rather than carving your pumpkins, you can paint them!  Create spooky faces or whimsical patterns in contrasting colors to make them really stand out. 

    Monochromatic Décor

    If you want to go simple, then decorate your home with only one color, like white, black or orange. You can create a fun yet classy monochromatic ensemble for your entryway or around a fireplace and mantel.

    Haunting Floral Arrangements

    Experiment with unconventional arrangements by using feathers, dried and fresh plants and flowers, twigs and vines. Keep the color palette dark and rich with pops of bright color. Look for unique vases or containers.

    Dia de los Muertos

     For a twist, celebrate Halloween by using the Mexican Day of the Dead as your décor and party theme. Display vibrant and colorful sugar skulls, candles and folk art, like a paper cutout string banner called a papel picado. Have skull masks for your guests to wear, or even better, turn it into a party activity by letting them decorate their own masks. And don’t forget to serve up traditional Mexican foods and drinks!

    Want some funds to help you decorate for Halloween? Click the banner below and subscribe to the blog to enter to win $1000 during the Fall for Your Home Sweepstakes.

  • Fall Décor Trends with Interior Design Pro Jennifer Adams

    With fall just around the corner, it’s the perfect excuse to update your home décor and welcome the new season in style. To effortlessly transition your home, here are some of the best décor trends to try.

    Bring Nature Indoors

    Taking inspiration from Mother Nature, bring the natural, lush beauty of the outdoors into your home with houseplants. They make great decorating accents by adding color and character, and they help create a flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces. With the variety of species, sizes and shapes, you have an array of choices that fit your needs and style. Additionally, plants purify the air and produce a calming effect. They’re the perfect natural mood-enhancer!

    Flower Power

    From patterns on wallpaper, curtains and upholstery to fresh bouquets dotting your tabletops, flowers are a gorgeous way to uplift any room. Like houseplants, flowers are a great accent, adding a splash of color and giving your space a finished look. With a myriad of options to choose from, you can go bold with a bright, colorful bouquet on your dining room table, and grace your entry table with an elegant monochrome arrangement that welcomes you home every day.

    Natural Wood

    Continuing with the theme of bringing nature indoors, you can’t go wrong with fine natural wood pieces like tables, stools, chairs, shelves and accessories. The idea is to allow the natural wood grains and tones take center stage. This trend also includes unfinished or distressed wood furniture like a rustic farmhouse kitchen table or dining room table.

    Earthy Tones

    As for a color palette, think earthy tones. Rich shades of brown, green, and blue are excellent choices, as well as soft whites that evoke sand dunes, pale wood, and natural linen. The idea is to create a soothing sanctuary to retreat and relax in. Don’t forget to add those pops of color, too—a burst of red, yellow or orange will enliven the space and your senses.

    Soft and Curvy

    From circular lampshades to round accent pillows to curvy sofas and armchairs, it’s all about soft lines. When you look around nature, curves rule—whether it’s the graceful curve of a flower’s petal, the delicate spiral of a seashell or the hardy roundness of a tree trunk. Similarly, incorporating curves into your home décor creates an elegant, fresh and inviting space with a natural flair.

    Looking to add some of these trends to your home? Click the banner below and subscribe to the blog to enter to win $1000 during the Fall for Your Home Sweepstakes.

  • Ask a Pro Q&A – Selecting the Perfect Backsplash: Tie your kitchen’s look together with these tips

    Don’t let a little water damage make your next backsplash a wash out with these designer tips. Jennifer Adams, our interior design pro, answers this reader’s kitchen remodeling question after a hurricane hit her home.

    Question:  We were flooded during the hurricane and have to rebuild most of our house. My kitchen has bamboo floors, alabaster white cabinets and Blanco Azul granite with black stainless steel appliances and stainless handles. I am trying to figure out a good backsplash to tie it all together. Any help would be great.

    Whether your countertop patterning is dramatic and bold or quieter and more textural, a backsplash that is simple will be better. Oversized rectangular tiles in light tones to match the whites in your granite, along with matching grout, will look great. For a more textural approach, choose a monotone tile mosaic in whites or pale grays. Even classic subway tile with gray grout will bring in a bit of pattern without being over the top or competing with your granite.

    For a finishing touch, tie in the bamboo tones throughout your kitchen with accessories and art in the same color.

    – Jennifer Adams

  • Ask a Pro Q&A – Step Up Your Style: Discover a solution to reinforcing stairs when installing tile

    Do you have a tricky concrete floor problem that needs some complex answers? Not sure where to go for help? Our interior design pro, Jennifer Adams, knows exactly where to look to solve all your flooring woes.

    Question: I am re-tiling my floor. I have a set of three concrete steps that go from one level to another. The steps at one time had carpet, so there are nail pull-outs and the edges are not square. Would it be best to add a backer board to the steps then tile on top of the backer board?

    Your idea to smooth out the surface of your concrete steps is a good one; however, a backer board might not support the tile for long. Instead, consider a compound designed for leveling a concrete floor. The nail holes themselves might not be an issue unless there are large cracks. Ask the staff where you’ll be buying your tile, or a professional tile installer, for information on which products will work best for your situation.

    – Jennifer Adams