Simple Ways to Redecorate Your Home in a Day or Less
It is January, and the start of a new year often sparks an interest to update your home. Sometimes this means discussing a remodeling project with your local contractor or getting started on the design of a new backyard landscaping project. But sometimes a much smaller project can “do the trick” to make your home feel new again.
If you struggle to find easy ways to decorate your house, don’t get overwhelmed. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference to the look of your home – inside and out. It is always smart to begin with one room, completing that and then moving on to the next.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Before Decorating
It may not sound like much fun, but the first thing you should do before decorating any room is to clean it up. Wash all windows, carpets, floors and walls, and get rid of the clutter by removing any items you no longer want. You can stick them in a corner of your garage to sell at the next community yard sale or to list them on Craigslist; you can donate them; or if they are broken or too worn, you can trash them.
From there, you have a clean palette in which to work. Make a blueprint of the room from grid paper (there are also useful room design programs online), so you know exactly how much space you have to work in. Besides measuring the dimensions of the room, also mark windows, outlets and other items that need to be considered when decorating.
Walls
Think beyond traditional paint, and consider wallpaper. Wallpaper is a great way to change the vibe of a room. There are thousands of wallpapers to choose from. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and think differently about how to utilize wallpaper in a modern way. For instance, you could wallpaper only one wall, or create an interesting chair rail.
If you do want to paint, there are many options. Faux painting is a popular technique that really adds dimension to a room and makes it more unique. You can also add a mural, or use “chalkboard” paint to create a fun and functional surface.
Rearranging
Another simple way to redecorate is to rearrange your furniture. It will make a big impact on how the room will look and function. Again, it doesn’t have to be a full-day affair. You could easily make your living room look completely different by changing the location of one or more items:
- Couches
- Bookshelves
- Stands
- Lamps
- Centerpieces
- Tables
Throw in a few inexpensive accessories — throw pillows, glassware, lamp shades — in a new accent color, and you’ll create a whole new space with very little financial investment.
Painting Furniture
If you have a table, bookshelf, stands or lamps that you don’t mind painting, you could also try repainting them for a bolder or more modern look. Depending on the color you choose, your “new” furniture could change the atmosphere of the room completely. Also consider painting the door, ceiling and trim on the inside of your room.
Artwork
Displaying unique sculptures or hanging paintings and artwork is a great way to redecorate, too. The art doesn’t have to be expensive, either. You can find nice pieces at flea markets and consignment shops. If you are artistic, you can even make some unique pieces yourself.
Rearrange or refresh – it is up to you. But remember, sometimes the smallest change can make a big difference in how you enjoy your space.
Introducing the Villas at Featherton
We proudly present The Villas at Featherton, an all-new community of duplex homes by Metzler Home Builders. Situated in Mount Joy Township and Elizabethtown School District, Featherton is convenient to four major areas for business and recreation in Central Pennsylvania: Harrisburg, York, Hershey and Lancaster.
Designed with the discriminating buyer in mind, unique semi-detached one- or two-story floor plans will be offered starting at 1,400 square feet. They will include premium features like fireplaces, open kitchen areas, patios and oversized garages. The exteriors will boast classic craftsman construction with decorative gable brackets, drystack style stone veneer, tasteful garage and front doors, and both shake and board-and-batten style siding. Construction is scheduled to start in November on the first two duplexes.
If you’d like to learn more about our newest community, contact Dean Wimer at Lusk & Associates – Sotheby’s International Realty, (717) 291-9101.
Get to Know Two of Our Fine Subcontractors
John Leibley of Leibley Plumbing
John Leibley and Leibley Plumbing of Manheim have been performing Metzler’s plumbing for new home construction, additions and renovations since 2001. John and his team have many years of experience in the trade and carry a wide variety of products to meet our customers’ needs. Along with new construction and remodel work, Leibley Plumbing also specializes in plumbing service and repairs and water treatment.
John and his wife, Gretchen, live in the Manheim area with their daughter, Emily. He enjoys hunting, fishing and watching football in his spare time.
Brian Hackman of A&H Excavating
Brian Hackman, of A& H Excavating, has been performing excavating work for Metzler Home Builders for over 10 years and is a favorite of both the Metzler team and our customers. Brian’s vast knowledge and experience in residential excavating, his attention to detail, and his ability to communicate and connect with homeowners make him our “A” choice for custom home and addition projects. He also specializes in building boulder retaining walls. In his spare time, Brian enjoys attending Penn State football games.
Holiday Season Safety Tips
Planning for the holidays is a busy and joyful time. But all of the decorations, extra electrical cords and the parade of people going in and out of your home calls for more safety precautions to help you make this holiday season safe and happy for you and your family.
Here’s a checklist for home holiday safety:
-
If you plan to spend the holidays away from home, ask a friend or neighbor to watch your house and take in your newspaper and mail. Throughout the home, put lights on timers to turn them on and off in your normal living pattern.
-
If you display a live Christmas tree or live greenery, select the freshest possible. A moist tree is less likely to catch fire. Look for a trunk sticky with sap and for green needles that bend and are secure on the branches.
-
Place trees a safe distance from stoves, radiators, vents, fireplaces and any other heat source that may dry the tree. Inspect the tree for dryness daily and water as needed.
-
Inspect all holiday light wiring. Don’t take any chances with this: Defective, worn or frayed electrical wiring should be thrown away! Check the UL label on lights and also be sure to use fixtures specifically designed for outdoor use if you decorate your house, trees or yard.
-
Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Also, don’t run electrical cords under rugs. Be sure all lights are turned off before you go to bed or leave the house.
-
Place candles and other open flames away from decorations. Never leave burning candles unattended and always supervise children when burning candles.
-
Never burn wrapping paper in a fireplace or wood stove. Certain ink pigments react with heat and create airborne particulates that are dangerous to inhale. Also don’t burn evergreens; they could flare out of control and send flames and smoke into your house.
-
Cooking is a leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. When you cook, be sure to wear clothes that fit close to the body so they won’t be ignited by hot burners. Do not leave items cooking on the stove and be sure that pot handles are turned in.
The decorations around your house, lights, gifts, music and the presence of loved ones make the holiday season festive and fun, and with the proper precautions, safe. The team at Metzler Home Builders wishes you and your family an enjoyable holiday season!
Your December Home Maintenance Checklist
The holidays are upon us, and with family, friends and fur-babies coming for visits, it is important that during this busy month, we keep an eye on a few things around the house, too.
-
Check your flue. Fireplaces can create a comfortable atmosphere this time of year, but can also be a hazard. If you have a wood-burning stove, make sure the flue is cleaned out to minimize the risk of a flue fire. If you have a natural gas fireplace, check outside to make sue the vent isn’t blocked (sometimes bird build nests in there) and vacuum the dust and spider webs off the faux logs.
-
Visually inspect your attic. If you are digging out your holiday decorations from the attic, take a look at your attic. Look for water damage and signs of insect or pests, such as wasp nests or rodent droppings.
-
After the first snowfall, take note if the snow is melting from the roof rapidly. This may mean that heat is escaping through your roof. If this is the case, take a look at your attic insulation and make sure it is thick and evenly distributed.
-
Don’t overload outlets. Tis the season for overuse of extension cords. Play it safe by limiting the plugs to no more than three per extension cord and only one extension cord per outlet.
-
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. There is usually a lot of baking happening in the kitchen – and accidents can happen. Make sure you top chef knows where the fire extinguisher is and how to operate it.
-
Clean behind appliances. Gently push out your oven and refrigerator and clean behind them. You’d be surprised at what you’ll find!
The Metzler Home Builders team wishes you a safe, fun and festive holiday season!
Advent Calendars
A favorite holiday tradition is an Advent calendar.
“An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count or celebrate the days in anticipation of Christmas. Many take the form of a large rectangular card with ‘windows’ of which there are usually 24: one for each day of December leading up to Christmas Day. The calendar windows open to reveal an image, poem, a portion of a story (such as the story of the Nativity of Jesus) or a small gift, such as a toy or a chocolate item. Some calendars are strictly religious, whereas others are secular in content.” (Source: Wikipedia)
Here are two creative Advent calendar ideas for you and your family to consider:
-
Kindness Focused – A random act of kindness can be revealed each day. Some ideas include bringing a hot beverage to an outside worker, feeding a parking meter or giving food gift cards to the homeless.
-
Family Fun Focused – Make the “gift” be the gift of family time. Some ideas include watching a movie, playing a game or going to a tree-lighting event in your town.
If you haven’t thought about an Advent calendar until now, don’t worry that you didn’t start it on December 1. You can begin this new family tradition at any time to countdown to Christmas Day.
Thanksgiving Hints and Safety Tips
With the start of the holiday season, many are spending more time in the kitchen. Even if you aren’t preparing the holiday feast, you are still baking desserts and side dishes to take to your holiday gatherings.
Unfortunately, the extra time in the kitchen also means an increased chance of accidents. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season:
- Before holiday baking gets into full swing, take time to clean your oven and stove burners so grease, spills and crumbs from past cooking don’t catch fire.
- Know where your fire extinguisher is. If you don’t have one in the kitchen, get one.
- Be mindful of your small children when working in the kitchen. They are curious, and in the blink of an eye your “helpers” can get burnt or cause you to have an accident yourself.
- Never leave cooking pots on the stove unattended. They can boil over, or your little one can reach for them when you aren’t there.
- When cooking and baking, don’t wear loose clothing that can easily catch fire.
- Keep pets out of the kitchen. They can get underfoot – hurting you and themselves.
All about the Turkey
If you need a few hints about how to prepare your Thanksgiving Turkey, here are a few resources:
Butterball Thanksgiving Pinterest Board – This board is dedicated to helping you host the picture-perfect Thanksgiving. From prepping the turkey to side dishes and desserts, this is the place to look.
Turkey Hotline – If you need guidance, call or email the Butterball Turkey Hotline. Here, you can get your questions answered by a Turkey expert.
Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids – If you need a few creative ideas to keep the kids occupied, we found this Pinterest board by artsy_momma.
Re-Defining Rooms with Interior Trim
Are you feeling that certain rooms in your home are lacking that extra pop or finishing touch? Certainly paint colors, furnishings and decor can give any room a different look, but sometimes interior trim can be the missing piece to give you the detail you are looking for. Several options exist for installing interior trim that are cost effective and can add value and warmth to your home. Here are just a few:
Wainscoting or Panel Molding & Chair Rail: A great idea for your dining room or kitchen.
Crown Molding: Instantly adds appeal to any room, particularly bedrooms, by adding this classic molding where your walls and ceiling meet.
Coffered Ceiling: A creative way to spruce up the ceiling of your dining room or great room.
If any of these touches sound like the right solution for you, contact us to discuss your interior trim project and receive a free estimate.
Your November Home Maintenance Checklist
Winter weather will be here sooner than you think, so take some time to do a little maintenance around the house to make sure it is ready to go before the snow, ice and blustery wind get here.
-
Store your outside gardening tools. Take one more walk around the house to make sure that all of your gardening tools, lawn furniture, planters and hoses are put away for the winter.
-
Clean out your gutters. While you may have already done this once earlier this fall, look at your gutters again to make sure all the late-fall leaves are removed. Debris in your gutters can cause water to dam up and freeze. If you are unable to safely check your gutters yourself, be sure to hire a professional who can take care of it for you.
-
Cut back branches. If you have trees and shrubs that are close to your home, trim back any branches that can scrape against the outside.
-
Organize your winter tools and supplies. Take a look at your winter shovels and snow-thrower and make sure they are all in good working order before they are needed. Now might be a good time to stock up on deicing agents, too, as they are often hard to find once snow is in the forecast.
-
Schedule furnace maintenance. If you haven’t already done so, have your HVAC contractor do a “preventative maintenance” checkup on your furnace. They will clean and inspect it to make sure it is in good working order all winter long.
-
Clean your garbage disposal. Before holiday cooking and baking get in full swing, clean your garbage disposal. To do so, pour a half cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar into the disposal. This will cause a frothing reaction. When that subsides, carefully pour a large pot of boiling water down the drain, and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, run tap water down the running disposal until it is rinsed thoroughly.
Building Your Custom Home – Construction Begins
Over the last few months, we’ve provided an overview of the process of building your custom home. You can find past articles in this series on our blog.
Once financing and the proper permits have been secured, we are ready to begin the construction phase of our custom home process. The first step is meeting with Janet Metzler to pick out your exterior colors and materials. She is available to assist with other selections throughout the process, too, such as kitchen and flooring materials, plumbing and lighting fixtures and paint colors.