Homes and Design Summer 2024

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Ideas to repurpose a formal dining room

Formal dining rooms are no longer a must-have among home buyers. Reports on the decline of the formal dining room appear to have been premature, as many real estate professionals have noted that some clients still insist that a home must have such a space. However, many agents also report low demand for formal dining rooms.

Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder regarding formal dining rooms. Buyers and homeowners who see these rooms as unnecessary can consider the many ways to transform them to better suit their needs.

• Playroom: Parents of young children know that kids have a way of taking over living spaces in a home. If the living room has been overtaken by toys, homeowners can consider converting their formal dining room into a kids’ playroom. Formal dining rooms tend to be spacious places that can accommodate a large dinner table, a bar and a buffet table. That means there’s ample space for a kids’ toy chest, bookshelf, crafts table, dollhouse, and more.

• Home office: The pandemic

changed the way many modern workers go about their typical workday. Millions of workers now work from home at least a few days a week if not full-time.

When the pandemic began, that led to a space crunch, particularly in homes with more than one working adult. Workers who have been using the formal dining table as a desk for years can now fully commit to repurposing the room.

One factor to keep in mind is whether or not the room will need a door. Some formal dining rooms already feature pocket doors or even French doors, but many do not offer any such privacy. A door installation could increase the price tag associated with repurposing the room, but the end result could be well worth the additional costs.

• Game room: A large formal dining table might be similar in shape and size to a pool table, but pool players will need some space around a pool table to ensure they aren’t putting holes in the surrounding walls each time they pick up a cue stick.

If pool doesn’t tickle homeowners’

fancy, then a room devoted to gaming, complete with a flat screen or two on the wall and some new gaming chairs, can be a great way to repurpose the space. Modern parents often play video games alongside their children, making this a great way to create a fun and familyfriendly space in the home.

• Reading room: Devoted bibliophiles may aspire to turn their formal dining rooms into spaces tailor-made for curling up with a good book. Book lovers often lament they lack the space to display all of their books, so this idea can provide the perfect solution to that problem. Replace existing furnishings with some bookcases and a comfortable reading chair and then sit back and crack open a good book.

Homeowners who want to go the extra mile can convert the room into a traditional English library, complete with wood-paneled walls, a fireplace, a floor globe, and leather furniture.

There’s no end to what can be done when homeowners decide it’s time to convert their formal dining rooms into spaces they’re likely to use more often.

When to bring in a professional organizer

Skilled professional organizers have a unique talent and the expertise to create solutions for cluttered spaces and other overcrowded areas in a home.

Although some may view hiring a professional to help them sort through their stuff as a luxury, in many instances relying on an organizer can be money well spent.

That’s because a pro is specially equipped to set up areas that function smoothly and efficiently, which increases the chances spaces will remain organized after the initial job is done. The following are some reasons why a professional organizer might be warranted.

• Difficulty finding time: Procrastination is a major component behind why people do not get ahead of clutter. It’s easy to shrug off the job in favor of other tasks. Hiring an organizer is handing the job off to someone whose job it is to find the time to tidy up.

• Feeling overwhelmed: Many people admit that the idea of tackling organizational jobs puts them in a tailspin. Individuals who feel that organization has gotten away from them to the point that the job seems impossible can benefit from hiring an organizer. In addition, those who have been diagnosed with a hoarding disorder and are ill at ease at the idea of getting rid of items likely will find a professional organizer can be a saving grace.

• Moving into a new space: New homeowners, renters or office workers moving into new spaces may want to start out on more organized footing. A professional organizer can help to lay a more tidy foundation.

• Never achieved organizing goals: Many people try to get their spaces in order, but fall flat time and again. For those whose spaces have never quite been organized the way they have wanted, a professional organizer can provide the tips and tricks that work. He or she will not do the work without you, but will guide you through the process.

• One space is problematic: Some people master organizing but still have one room or area they cannot conquer. This could be a garage or another space that tends to be the catch-all for other rooms. The right pro can help tame even the most out-of-control area.

Professional organizers can assist with various tasks and provide the extra motivation needed to tame clutter.

Design

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Heather Ruenz

SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR: Melanie Bradley

CREATIVE DIRECTOR:

Tips regarding home improvement contracts

Numerous questions need to be answered before putting ink to paper

So, you’ve planned your home improvement project. You’ve done the research, interviewed candidates, and found the general contractor you’d like to hire – the only thing left is to sign the papers and get to work. But here’s where you run into this sage advice: Get everything in writing.

Your home renovation contract is a big deal from this point on. This will be the shared starting point between you and your general contractor for the project. It will also be useful if any follow-up service or issues arise in the future. A detailed contract is your best resource for keeping timelines, budgets, responsibilities, and relationships on track.

You may be wondering what exactly you need to get in writing.

Before you put ink to the page, you should answer the following questions when writing your home improvement contract.

What is the project scope?

Start by defining the scope of the project. This will ensure everyone

Tips when hiring a contractor

Contractors perform important work for millions of homeowners every day. Home improvement projects are complicated undertakings, and the experience of skilled contractors can ensure jobs are completed on time and within homeowners’ budgets.

Homeowners have undoubtedly heard horror stories from neighbors about projects that have gone awry. Projects can go sideways for a number of reasons, but a skilled contractor can help homeowners navigate such situations successfully. That underscores how important it can be to find the right professional for the job.

The following are some tips homeowners can consider as they look to hire a contractor.

Identify

which professional you need

Some contractors are of the jack-of-all-trades variety, but many specialize in a particular line of work. It’s important that homeowners identify which type of contractor they should work with prior to starting a project.

This requires homeowners to define the goal of the project (i.e., new wood floor installation), which can serve as a springboard into finding the right type of contractor.

Prioritize building safety

understands what the project is aiming to achieve. End with a review of the scope to eliminate any confusion. Make sure these elements are clearly defined. This way, everyone can understand the work being done, including you, general contractors, subcontractors, lawyers, and dispute resolution specialists.

• Your project scope section in your contract should clearly define:

• What type of work (demo, install, finishing, removal, disposal)

• Materials needed (manufacturer, brand name)

• Subcontractors needed

• Completion date and/or targeted milestone dates for different project stages

• Budget expectations (this may not be binding, but a target budget should be identified)

• Design specifications with accompanying design drawings or blueprints, if applicable

What are the payment terms?

Never pay in full upfront. Stagger your payment schedule so your final payment isn’t due until the work is complete and you thoroughly inspect it. Do not pay cash; make sure your check is written to a company, not an individual, or use a credit card. Paying with a credit card will provide some recourse should the job not be completed, as stated in the contract.

To recap, these are the most important elements to include in the payment terms section:

• Total amount due

• Payment type – check or credit (no

cash)

• Provisions for change orders (changes that may arise during construction, aka your emergency budget)

• Provisions for withholding payment if the work doesn’t match the agreed-upon scope or quality

What

is

the

renovation schedule?

There’s nothing like having a deadline to keep expectations on track. After discussing the scope and projected labor with your general contractor, work together to identify how the following elements fit into the calendar:

• Overall project timeline with the start and completion dates

• Milestones: especially for larger projects like home additions, it may be beneficial to chunk out key milestone dates

• Other deadlines (for permits, acquiring materials, project inspections)

• Contingency timelines if work falls behind schedule

• Penalties/incentives for early completion

What is included for insurance and liability?

Who’s on the hook for accidents like injuries or property damage? If you’re working with a trustworthy, BBB Accredited contractor, you may not be concerned. But do take the time to inquire about insurance and liability for your project, and make sure this language is

Safety should be the utmost priority for homeowners and contractors alike. Prior to hiring a contractor, homeowners should identify any safety restrictions that might be enforced by local governments and take note of all the permits necessary to get a job done.

Homeowners can then discuss those restrictions and permits as they interview contractors. Projects that do not adhere to code are illegal and can compromise homeowners’ ability to sell their homes in the future.

For those reasons it’s vital to work with contractors who are familiar with local codes and aware of which permits are necessary to ensure a project can go forward.

Written estimate a must

Handshake agreements offer no protection to homeowners or contractors, so estimates indicating what will be done and how much the project will cost should be provided.

Homeowners should insist on receiving written estimates and interpret an unwillingness to provide one as a significant red flag.

Know your rights

Laws vary by region, but in general homeowners have a right

Most people have heard horror stories about home improvement projects that have gone awry. This can happen for a number of reasons, but a skilled contractor can help homeowners navigate such situations successfully.

outlined in the final renovation contract.

• Insurance and liability details to be included:

• Types and amount of insurance coverage required

• Waivers of liability

• Who is responsible for damages or losses that may occur during the project

Have you asked about a lien waver?

A lien waiver is a statement from your contractor that says all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work.

What permits and approvals are needed?

Your contractor should have the correct permits before starting your project. They usually obtain the permits, but you will probably pay for them. Request that all final inspections be completed by the local building official prior to final payment.

Permit and approval information that should be detailed in your contract:

• Local authorities’ permitting process, especially for new construction

• Provisions for obtaining the necessary permits and approvals

• Costs associated

with this process

What provisions should be made for project terminations or disputes?

It’s not fun to think about before you’ve even started, but some projects can go south for a variety of reasons. Do not pay a contractor for poor work. This could mean stopping a project, debating if the contract was completed, or dropping the contract.

For your part, this creates a need to plan in advance by including the following provisions for a contract:

• Termination clause for failure to meet scope, schedule, payment, quality or expectations

• Termination clause for convenience

• Specifications on how disputes will be resolved (mediation/arbitration)

Are there any warranties, guarantees or future service agreements?

Ensure you know your warranty coverage and how to deal with service issues. Specify exactly what is expected of contractors. Explain how to address product defects. Outline acceptable timeframes for revisiting unfinished or unsatisfactory work.

This section should include language that addresses the following:

• Warranties and

guarantees for all work performed

• Length of the warranty period

• What’s covered under warranty (labor, products, materials)

• Guarantees of work such as quality or performance

• Future service agreements

Do you have signatures from the homeowner and the contractor?

The name and contact information of the contractor and the homeowner should be included. Additionally, both parties should sign the document on the “dotted line.”

Both parties must sign and date all documents before work begins. Copies of the signed contracts should be given to everyone.

to a written contract and contractors are obligated to provide a copy of that contract signed by both parties. That contract must be provided prior to the start of the project.

The contract should provide a detailed account of the work that will be done, as well as a timeline indicating important dates that components of the project will begin and be completed.

The contract should detail materials and who is providing them. Details regarding payments, guarantees and warranties also should be cited.

Have you requested a receipt?

Technically, this won’t be part of your contract, but make sure you request a receipt marked “Paid in Full” when the job is completed, and your final payment has been made.

Final thoughts: Keep your contract. Lastly, be sure to hold on to your contract for future reference.

One of BBB’s Standards for Trust is to “Honor Promises” this is, after all, a trusted document forged between you and your contractor. If any questions arise after the work is complete, you want to ensure that every promise made is fulfilled. For more information, contact the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. Consumers also can find more information by following the BBB on various social media sites.

Do

not pay in cash

Some contractors may suggest that the project will cost less if they’re paid in cash. However, home improvements should never be cash transactions. Cash does not indicate proof of payment, which can be problematic if a dispute arises. Contractors help homeowners turn dream projects into reality. Homeowners can employ various strategies to ensure they find the right professional for their home improvement project.

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TIPS • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

In 2023, the median age of buyers was 49, which marked an increase of 10 years compared to the average age of a buyer 20 years ago. First-time home buyers may face a more challenging real estate market than they would have encountered just a half decade ago.

Tips for first-time home buyers

Real estate has garnered considerable attention since 2020, and for good reason.

Though speculators and real estate professionals may point to a number of variables that have affected the market for homes in recent years, the pandemic certainly was among those factors.

Real estate prices and mortgage interest rates increased significantly during the pandemic and have remained well above pre-pandemic levels ever since.

The spike in home prices and interest rates has had a significant impact on young home buyers, some of whom feel as though their dream of home ownership may never be realized. And data from the National Association of Realtors indicates the median age of home buyers is now significantly higher than it was two decades ago.

In 2023, the median age of buyers was 49, which marked an increase of 10 years compared to the average age of a buyer 20 years ago.

First-time home buyers may face a more challenging real estate market than they would have encountered just a half decade ago.

The following tips can help such buyers successfully navigate the market as they look to purchase their first home.

Apply for preapproval

The competitive nature of the market for buyers means it’s in their best interests to arrange financing prior to beginning their home search.

A mortgage preapproval can be a competitive advantage, as it indicates to sellers that buyers won’t be denied a mortgage or lack financing after making an offer.

The financial experts at NerdWallet note that buyers will be asked to provide details

Safety considerations when pressure washing

Water is essential to cleaning, but it can be an even more powerful asset when there is great force behind it. This is the concept behind pressure washers, which are tools that spray water at high pressure in order to clean an assortment of surfaces.

Pressure washers are typically used to clean siding, farm equipment, industrial machinery, concrete patios, and much more. The power behind pressure washers can cause injury.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says pressure washers can cause of a host of injuries, including:

• The strong spray can cause serious wounds. High-pressured water can cut through flesh.

• The fast, strong spray can strike objects and toss them powerfully into others who are close by.

• Electric shock may occur if the pressure washer is not used properly.

• The force from the washer can knock a person off balance, whether operating the tool on the ground or while on a ladder.

In most cases, injuries due to pressure washer usage are entirely preventable. Those who plan to use pressure washers should always do so with safety in mind.

Here are some precautions to take.

Identify potential hazards first

about their employment, income, debt, and financial accounts when applying for mortgage preapproval.

Gather this information and clear up any issues, such as credit disputes or delinquent accounts, prior to applying for preapproval.

Expect to move quickly

Inventory remains very low, which means buyers are in heated competition for the few homes that are on the market. In late 2023, NAR data indicated the rate of home sales were the lowest they had been in 13 years. That means buyers will likely need to move quickly and make an offer if they see a home they like, as chances are the property won’t be on the market too long before it’s sold. In fact, the NAR noted that homes spent an average of just 23 days on the market in October 2023.

Set a realistic budget

According to industry experts, it’s important to set a realistic budget and expect to offer over asking price. A financial planner and/or real estate professional can help first-time buyers determine how much they should be spending on a home.

In the current market, buyers should know that they will likely need to pay more than asking price for a home. For example, the NAR reports that 28 percent of homes sold for above list price in October 2023.

With that in mind, first-time buyers may do well to look for homes that are under budget in anticipation of offering more than list price after seeing a property.

The real estate market remains competitive for buyers. First-time buyers can utilize three strategies to increase their chances of realizing their dream of home ownership.

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to operate the washer, read the instruction manual and practice using the tool before you put it to use on the task at hand. Learn how to operate the machine and all accessories. Figure out how to shut it off in a hurry. Determine if it is safe to use an extension cord on an electric model.

Wear protective gear

Closed-toe shoes are a must because the water spray can cause lacerations. Be sure the shoes are non-slip or work boots. Fulllength pants and a long-sleeved shirt can protect users from flying debris. Wear eye protection whenever operating the washer. OSHA guidelines recommend a fullface shield for water pressure higher than 2,000 psi to avoid eye or head injury. Waterproof gloves also are wise to provide better grip. Ear protection for a gas-powered pressure washer can protect against hearing loss.

Start off with the widest spray

Pressure washers often include various nozzles or nozzle settings that may range from a 65-degree mist to a zero-degree pinpoint jet. Most people never need to use the most intense jet sprays.

Before beginning the job, identify potential hazards with each different surface. Weather, personal fatigue, slippery surfaces and nearby electrical hazards can increase injury risk.

Read the manual

To make sure you fully understand how

Begin washing with the widestangle spray tip, from around two feet away, to test cleaning capabilities, and adjust nozzle and distance as necessary, according to pressure washing experts. Pressure washers help clean any number of surfaces. Safety must always be the top priority when using these potentially dangerous machines.

Those who plan to use pressure washers should always do so with safety in mind because the power behind them can cause injury. They are typically used to clean decks, siding, farm equipment, industrial machinery, concrete patios, and much more.

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Enjoy and protect hydrangeas from hungry deer

Low maintenance, beautiful flowers, and plenty of varieties have made hydrangeas a favorite landscape plant. It seems you can’t visit a garden center or nursery without being tempted by one of the traditional favorites or newer hydrangea varieties.

By MELINDA MYERS CONTRIBUTOR

Despite their easy-care nature, hungry deer can make it difficult to fully enjoy these plants. Rutgers University rates landscape plants based on their susceptibility to deer damage.

According to Rutgers, hydrangeas are occasionally severely damaged by deer, meaning they are a plant preferred by deer and protection is advised. Your experience may be different and can vary from year to year, but it is always wise to be prepared to protect key plants in your landscape.

Deer like to browse leaves, tender shoots, flower buds, and blossoms. Damage is worse when populations are high, food is scarce, and when environmental stresses like cold and deep snow are present. Once deer find a place to dine, they tend to return. Their damage has a rough or torn appearance as opposed to a clean cut like that made by a pruner. Preventing damage is always the best way to maximize your enjoyment. Even if your plants have escaped damage in the past, continue to watch for deer tracks, droppings, and plant damage.

Fencing is one option but not always the most attractive or practical. An eightfoot fence is the recommended height for protecting large areas. The University of Minnesota found deer can be kept out of small gardens that are 8 x 16 feet or smaller with much shorter fences. Sturdy decorative posts and somewhat invisible deer fencing tend to make a less obtrusive fence. Always check with your local

municipality for any fencing restrictions.

Many gardeners report success using high-test fishing line. Create a barrier using strong five-foot posts with the fishing line spaced at two-foot intervals.

Scare tactics may provide some shortterm help. Motion-sensitive sprinklers, noise makers, and smells are often used.

Several gardeners reported success placing colorful wine bottles inverted over rebar posts. The rattling helped discourage deer browsing and added an ornamental element to the garden. Change scare tactics to increase success.

Place key plants closer to your home, in the back of large beds, or surrounded by less susceptible plants. Making it hard to reach the plants can help discourage damage to hydrangeas.

Repellents are another option. Treat susceptible plants before the deer start browsing for the best results. Look for a rain and snow-resistant product, like organic Plantskydd (plantskydd.com), which does not need to be reapplied as often. That means you’ll save time applying and spend less money.

Maximize results by treating new growth according to the label directions. Most liquid repellents need time to dry and can only be applied when temperatures are above freezing. Always check the label for the product being applied and follow the directions for the best results.

Continue to monitor the landscape for signs of deer presence and damage and adjust your management strategies as needed. Be persistent so you can increase your success.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. For more information, visit www. MelindaMyers.com.

9 signs of pest infestation

Individuals want a home that is welcoming and comfortable. Unfortunately many conditions that people find appealing also appeal to pests. Pests may be more problematic at certain times of year , such as when weather is extreme and pests like rodents or even raccoons seek refuge in a home. During times of year when temperatures are mild, certain insects may begin to hatch or swarm, becoming problematic around the home.

Some signs of pests taking up residence may be readily apparent, while others may be less obvious. The following are nine signs of pest infestation in or around a home.

1. Droppings: Small droppings may indicate that pests are nearby. Droppings will vary depending on the insect or rodent. It’s good to familiarize yourself with

the appearance of various droppings, from mice to termites to bed bugs.

2. Footprints: Footprints are another sign of pest infestation. Footprints left in dirt around a home, or in dusty areas in the attic or basement, may show that pests are tracking in and out of the house.

3. Sawdust piles or trails: Sawdust could be indicative of termites or ants. Insects like carpenter bees also may burrow into areas of wood and leave sawdust behind.

4. Shed wings, skins and casings: Many insects molt and, during this process, will shed certain parts of their anatomy to grow larger. Roaches, bed bugs and beetles are some pests that might be scattering sheds or egg casings in a home. Termite wings are discarded once the swarmers choose a new location for the colony.

in hidden areas, may indicate pests are nesting nearby.

6. Unexplained noises: Scratching or scurrying in walls or floors often indicates pests are present.

7. Bites: Waking up in the morning with welts or red areas on the skin might indicate the presence of bed bugs or other biting insects.

8. Presence of nests: Those who can see nests in corners or undisturbed areas of the home likely have pests present. Rodents often use chewed cardboard, insulation, paper, and other scavenged items to create nests, according to exterminators.

9. Increased number of beneficial insects: An influx of spiders and other predatory insects may indicate there are plenty of food sources in the home for them to feast on.

5. Foul odors: Musty or foul smells, particularly

Pests can be problematic, but homeowners who recognize signs of infestation can take prompt action.

Hydrangeas are a favorite of hungry deer making them susceptible to severe damage. There are several strategies homeowners can consider to protect these plants so they can be enjoyed.

PHOTO COURTESY MELINDA MYERS Homes & Design

Give your living room a new vibe

An “out with the old, in with the new” mentality can extend to people’s visions for their homes. A home in need of repair or renovation can serve as a catalyst to take inventory of personal style and help make interior spaces reflect one’s unique vibe.

A living room can grow stale over time and often serves as a catch-call for clothing, blankets, gadgets, and other items.

Upon recognizing a living room has seen better days, individuals may decide it’s time to give the space a new vibe. That transformation can start with these strategies.

Organize first

Clutter frequently is the culprit behind a living room that may not give off the vibe individuals desire. As families grow and people add belongings, space may be at a premium. Less is more has never been a more important concept.

Remove extraneous items before purchasing new furniture or transitioning to a new design. You may even want to remove everything and start from scratch before reintroducing desirable elements to the space.

Seek the assistance of professionals

Some people are adept at decorating and designing spaces. But just as you wouldn’t perform your own medical procedures, you should leave jobs like interior design and renovations to the professionals.

Hiring a professional interior designer and contractors can really bring a living room together in ways homeowners may have never imagined. These pros can build off of your ideas and truly create a space that may be worthy of a magazine spread.

Promote wellness

You may want to consider adding natural materials in the design to promote well-being. Eco-friendly furnishings, raw fibers and organic textures will create an environment from sustainable choices. Plenty of plants also can create a welcoming environment that helps you surround yourself with positive energy and the items you love.

Light it up

One of the easiest ways to transform a

room’s vibe is to utilize lighting. Change draperies to allow more natural light to shine in. Consider additional windows or skylights if yours is a particularly dark home. If you desire to create a more vivid or cozy ambiance, use a combination of accent, task and supplemental lighting in the space so there are no dim corners.

Create an industrial or urban vibe

Industrial-chic design celebrates the

bones of a building. It’s what makes city lofts so appealing, with their exposed beams and brick. Even those who live in suburbia or out in the country can give a living room this look with subtle nods to the style.

Unadorned windows, clean lines on furniture, oversized, gallery-style art, and metal accents can add touches of this popular look to your home.

Revamping a living room doesn’t have to be difficult. With an idea in place and some professional touches, an entirely new vibe can be achieved.

5 benefits to Florida rooms

Snowbirds heading south to escape cold winters is a phenomenon that has been popular for decades. Places like Florida often beckon vacationers and retirees who are eager to enjoy the sun and surf.

Individuals who have traveled south are likely familiar with outdoors spaces known as “Florida rooms.” While they are commonplace in Florida, these rooms are not exclusive to the Sunshine State. In fact, they can be beneficial additions regardless of where one lives.

What are Florida rooms?

Florida rooms used to be spaces that people could retreat to when central air conditioning wasn’t so prevalent. Today, the term is largely synonymous with sunrooms. Florida rooms tend to be enclosed, screened-in lanai spaces that expand a home’s living space outward. They may be outdoor patios, living rooms or even areas that surround covered swimming pools. Florida rooms can be tailored to homeowners’ personal preferences and lifestyles.

The benefits to having a Florida room

Florida rooms are popular and sought-

after, and the following are five notable benefits of having such a room.

1. Help to maintain a connection to nature: Florida rooms blend the outdoors with the interior of a home. The rooms may be on the side of a house or overlook a backyard, enabling residents to enjoy the great outdoors without full exposure to the elements.

2. Make it possible to enjoy outdoors for most of the year: People who live in temperate climates can enjoy outdoor spaces all year long.Those who find it is pleasant outside for most months of the year can retreat to Florida rooms when conditions are less inviting. Heating and cooling capabilities can be added to the spaces to make them full four-season rooms.

3. Get extra vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common, affecting 42 percent of the United States population, according to the National Institutes of Health. Florida rooms enable people to soak up some extra sunshine and vitamin D.

4. The rooms add value: Adding a Florida room gives homeowners additional space to enjoy with friends and family. Also, it has the potential to increase a home’s resale value without committing to

an extensive renovation.

5. Rooms can be tailored to unique needs: A Florida room can be customized based on what homeowners desire. Companies who specialize in Florida rooms can design these spaces according

to the parameters chosen by homeowners. Florida rooms add comfort, space and value to homes, making them a worthy consideration for anyone looking to improve the creature comforts of their home.

Many health and wellness regimens include treatments that promote relaxation and comfort. According to IBIS Worldwide, revenue for health and wellness spas across the United States has risen at a rate of 1.1 percent over the past five years, reaching $23.3 billion in 2023. The International Spa Association said that while spa visits fell in 2020, likely due to the global pandemic, visits rebounded a year later.

The popularity of spa visits is one indicator that people enjoy being pampered and frequently make time for treatments. While visiting a spa is one way to rest and recharge, individuals may be able to enjoy similar perks if they incorporate these spalike features in their homes.

Hang artwork

Any space is made more welcoming and classy with the addition of some artistic touches. Hang pictures that will create a relaxing atmosphere, such as floral prints or beachscapes. Integrating large prints or a gallery wall can add a different dimension to the bathroom.

Change the color scheme

Spas are typically bright and clean and evoke feelings of purity. This can be achieved by choosing white, off-white or pale gray in the color scheme. An all-white design for fixtures and tiles also makes it easy to swap out accessories when the mood strikes.

Incorporate natural materials

When decorating the space, use natural materials like stone, wood and marble rather than plastic or metal. This can add to the luxury appeal.

Install a rainfall shower head

Upgrade fixtures to make them more

Plan a spa bathroom remodel

luxurious. Multi-head shower fixtures and rainfall shower heads can help anyone unwind and relax. Rain showers can evoke calmness and relaxation as they gently cascade down. Additional shower upgrades can include steam functions, soothing lights and aromatherapy.

Keep the tub

While many adults admit to not bathing

nearly as much as they shower, there are benefits to having a deep, spa-like tub. Soaking away the stresses of the day, lounging in the tub with a good book and listening to music while enjoying a bubble bath are all ways to slow down and eke out a bit more quiet, personal time to unwind. Tubs can be outfitted with waterfall features to add to the ambiance even further.

Invest in quality linens

When stepping out of the shower or the bath, individuals can wrap themselves in thick, luxurious towels or robes. Guests also will appreciate comfortable towels if they come to visit.

Certain features can transform home bathrooms into spa-like retreats with a few touches.

FURNISH A HOME FOR COMFORT

The pandemic changed much about the way people live, including a propensity for spending more time at home. In 2020, people spent far less waking time, roughly an hour and a half less on average, with people outside of their own households.

Though restrictions that limited social interactions have long since been lifted, spending at home has remained popular. More than two-thirds of Americans are spending more time at home, according to the American Time Use Survey from the U.S. Department of Labor. Inflation and the looming threat of a possible recession are undoubtedly keeping more people at home. With all that extra time on their hands, respondents have been poring their energy into fixing up their homes. Lawns, kitchens and living rooms are popular spaces to renovate.

As people continue to fix up their homes, they may be interested in ways to make them more comfortable. Certain furnishings can ensure living spaces are comfortable places to pass the time.

Ensure an abundance of light

One stark overhead light will not create a cozy environment. Introduce groupings of illumination where you hope residents and guests will congregate to engage in conversation. Utilize different lighting sources, such as task lighting, table and floor lamps, recessed or ambient lighting,

and even candles. Warm temperature light bulbs will add to that comfortable feeling.

Coordinate designs for each season

Crisp cotton and breezy linens are great for the warm weather, but when the colder temperatures arrive, it’s time to swap for flannel or jersey. Folded quilts or throws on the sofa also can be handy

for chilly evenings. Make subtle changes to the home as the temperature changes to epitomize comfort in your spaces.

Splurge on your sofa and bed

Much time will be spent lounging on the couch or sleeping in your bed. It’s worthwhile to invest in pieces that are durable and, above all else, comfortable. While these items may be more expensive

up front, the comfort they provide will be well worth it.

Soften harsh lines

Tricks like incorporating round area rugs or using oval or round pillows can break up the straight line of rooms and even modern furniture pieces. Opt for soft and inviting textiles as well. Textural elements, such as woven decor baskets, also can soften harsh lines.

Introduce organic elements

Home entertaining expert Julie Blanner says plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables bring life to a space. Choose easy care plants if you do not have a green thumb, or swap out freshly cut blooms in vases as pops of color and fresh elements are needed.

Utilize warm paint colors

Cool-toned paints can make a space seem colder and more utilitarian or clinical. When looking at swatches, select paints that have warm undertones. Eggshell and satin sheens will be more inviting and evoke a cozy feel more effectively than flat or matte finishes. These are just a few ways to build a cozy and comfortable home. Working within these parameters, homeowners can customize their interior spaces to maximize comfort.

How to clear out home office clutter

Home offices have garnered more attention in recent years. Restrictions implemented as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic forced many professionals to start working from home, which created a greater need for home office space.

Though millions of professionals have now returned to the office full-time, millions more have continued to work from home five days a week or are now working on a hybrid schedule. As a result, home office spaces have maintained their utility even as restrictions related to the pandemic move further into the rearview mirror.

Since home office spaces remain vital for so many, it’s important that these spaces are conducive to productivity. Conquering home office clutter is a step in that direction.

• Cut through the piles of paper. Home offices have a tendency to transform into paper depositories over time. Work files, notes, monthly bills, receipts, and junk mail can quickly overwhelm a home office. Professionals who spend ample time working from home can resolve to cut through the piles of paper. Use a paper shredder to discard documents with sensitive information, such as bank statements and utility bills. Signing up for e-statements can prevent the piling up of paper in the future. Invest in a small file cabinet to store important personal and professional documents.

• Discard old devices. Old devices are another space eater in many home offices. In fact, a recent survey from Material Focus found that more than 20 million unused

electrical items are currently hoarded in homes throughout the United Kingdom. Old smartphones and laptops that users are afraid to throw out can be wiped clean and discarded in adherence with local laws. Contact your local government to determine how to safely discard old devices rather than simply tossing them in the trash once they’ve been wiped clean.

• Buy a bigger bookshelf. Home offices often double as reading rooms, which makes them vulnerable to clutter associated with leisure time as well. Books stacked in a corner or taking up space on your desk can create a cluttered look, but also compromise your ability to concentrate. A 2011 study from researchers at Princeton University published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that clutter can make it difficult to focus on a particular task. If books are strewn about your office, purchase a bookshelf that can hold them. Once books are shelved, the less cluttered space can make it easier to concentrate.

• Go digital. If space is limited, forgo traditional file cabinets in favor of digitizing important records and documents. Scan important receipts and statements and store them on a desktop or backup hard drive so they’re never out of each. This creates space and makes it easier and quicker to find important files.

Home offices can quickly become overwhelmed with clutter. Some simple strategies can help any professional transform their home offices into more organized spaces.