Waukesha County Home

(StatePoint) — While all homeowners may wish they had unlimited resources to make upgrades, most peo- ple need to prioritize a bit due to time and money. For many these days, the goal is extending living and entertaining areas outdoor. Fifty-six percent of home- owners are making updates to improve their yards for entertaining, according to a Houzz Landscaping Trends study. To that end, the No. 1 design element in outdoor renovations is a fire fea- ture. This could be because outdoor fireplaces extend the season by adding warmth, provide a visual focal point around which to gather and offer an oppor- tunity to personalize the space. If you are looking for a great return on investment, this addition can be benefi- cial when it's time to sell: an outdoor fireplace can increase a home's value up to $3,500, according to the Marshall & Swift Residen- tial Cost Handbook. For free resources on selecting the right fireplace for you, visit fireplaces.com/ outdoor. Consider renovations that offer greater comfort now and greater profit later. HOMES PLUS JULY 2017 4 Consider an outdoor fireplace (StatePoint) — Feeling uninspired in your space? Bring the bright, cheerful feeling of summer into your home with these DIY décor tips that won't break the bank. Make it pop with paint Add cheery pops of color with paint. An accent wall is an easy, inexpensive way to brighten home design. The first step is to select the right location. Accent walls look best when they don't have windows or doors, and are highlighting a focal point, such as a fireplace or wall used to anchor furniture. Next, select color. Accent walls look more organic when they're darker than the other walls in the room and harmonize with the adjacent wall color. When in doubt, remem- ber that painting your statement wall the same color but two shades darker than the others is always a foolproof look. For best results, tape off trim and adjacent walls with a premium painter's tape to prevent paint bleed. It's a small investment that will make a big difference. Up the ante with accents Embrace summer by restyling tablescapes with natural décor items, like a bouquet of garden roses, fresh fruit or beachy treasures. Position white candles or a large piece of coral inside an indoor fire- place. Swap out pillows for ones with sum- mery floral designs. By adding a few accents, your home will feel fresh and reju- venated. Let in more light Invite more light into a room by painting dark wood accents and trim white. It may seem like a large undertaking, but with the right tools and some patience, this project can completely transform your home to make it look brighter and feel larger. One of the most important tools you'll need is a premium painter's tape, like FrogTape brand painter's tape, to protect walls and floors. Treated with PaintBlock Technology, FrogTape Multi-Surface and Delicate Sur- face painting tapes can be used on a variety of surfaces to deliver the sharpest paint lines possible for professional-looking results. Look for a new view While a fireplace is a great focal point in winter, consider rearranging furniture in summer to focus on a window or French doors instead, so you can enjoy the sunlit mornings or sunsets. This will give you a good reason to clean underneath every- thing, and offer you an opportunity to add a colorful rug. Greet guests A bold front door will give guests a warm greeting. Just as a sunny day can boost your mood, a burst of yellow or vibrant blue will make guests feel happy as they enter your home. A fresh paint job on a front door can also increase your home's curb appeal and provide a protective barrier from the ele- ments. The paint finish selection is important for the front door, no matter the color. While you can choose any finish, glossy paints are typically preferred for doors and trim, as they stand out, highlight architectural fea- tures, and hold up to nicks and scrapes bet- ter than other sheens. Make this pop by adding a color contrasting wreath. With a pinch of creativity and a dash of design inspiration, you can easily freshen up your home for summer. Tips to bring your home from bland to bold this summer Emily A. Clark for FrogTape Color and accents can make a room pop, particularly with summer appeal.

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