Moving or improving? Tips for a flawless painting project

Moving or improving? Tips for a flawless painting project


Did you know spring is the best time to sell your home? And now that the housing market is bouncing back, there's never been a better time to do it. But even if you're planning to stay put for the long haul, chances are there are some much-needed touch-ups you could be doing to keep your home in tip-top shape. And you don't have to break your back, or the bank, to do it. In fact, adding a new coat of paint is a quick, affordable, and possibly the most impactful, way to get your project done.

Prep, prime and primp

Misusing color can be a surefire way to turn people off from your home. For a more inviting look that nearly everyone can enjoy, opt for neutral paint colors. A subtle beige, slight grey or even white can do the trick.

First, move furniture out of the room and place drop cloths to protect the floor. Remove any picture frames, outlet covers and wall decor. Then, gently scrub the walls with a mild detergent and water mixture using a soft sponge to remove any dirt, grime or lint. Don't forget to prime your walls before applying color to ensure the best end-results.

Paint like a pro

When applying paint, start at the top and work your way down. For superior results, you'll want to fill the well of your roller tray with paint, dip the roller in half-way and then roll it back onto the tray's angled platform to easily remove excess paint. This will reduce dripping and improve overall paint cover. The best approach for applying paint? Use your roller cover to make an overlapping "W" pattern in a 2-foot by 2-foot area; then fill in and repeat.

Keeping your color conviction

If you're still feeling deprived of color after your painting project is complete, never fret. There are several ways to add a pop of color throughout your home without slathering the walls with offensive paint colors. Try incorporating fun accent pieces in your favorite colors - think lamps, frames, pillows and rugs. You can even include larger focal pieces like royal blue armchairs or a patterned couch to make a bolder statement. By keeping the overall aesthetics of your home neutral and inviting, and enhancing them with a few sight-provoking embellishments, house guests will be asking you for home decorating tips. And if your end goal is to get your home sold, consider these minor improvements a step in the right direction. (BPT)

TV tip-overs a hazard for young children

TV tip-overs a hazard for young children


Many homes have new TVs decorating the living room, bedroom, den and even the kitchen. These TVs often feature the latest wide, flat screens, which give viewers great definition and clarity. But while they provide a beautiful viewing experience, flat screen TVs are top-heavy on a narrow base, and they can easily be pulled off an entertainment center or other piece of furniture.

Many families might be surprised to know that every three weeks a child dies from a television tipping over. And nearly 13,000 more children are injured in the U.S. each year. Alarmingly, over the last 10 years there has been a 31 percent increase in TV tip-over-related injuries.

A recent report by Safe Kids Worldwide and SANUS revealed that young children are at greatest risk of TV tip-overs. The study, A Report to the Nation on Home Safety: The Dangers of TV Tip-Overs, includes data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and new findings from Safe Kids Worldwide primary research.

The research shows that seven out of 10 children injured by TV tip-overs are 5 years old or younger. Sadly, this age group also accounts for nine out of 10 serious injuries requiring hospitalization.

"Every 45 minutes, or less than the length of a Sesame Street episode, a child visits the emergency room because of a TV tipping over," says Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. "Dramas and tragedies should be on TV, not caused by them."

It's not just the newer flat screens that may cause a trip to the emergency room. Large and heavy old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs placed on dressers or high furniture can also tip over if children climb the drawers to reach a remote control, a piece of candy, a video game, or anything else that attracts their attention.

According to the research, three out of four parents reported they don't secure their TV to the wall, either because they are not aware that securing a TV is an important safety measure, or they have concerns about damaging the wall or installing the TV incorrectly.

What can parents do to ensure that their children stay safe?

* Check your TV. Assess the stability of the TVs in your home. Remember, a curious, determined child can topple a TV. Children playing with friends or pets could knock a TV over, while other kids might be tempted to climb up to reach items placed on or near a TV, such as remote controls or candy.

* Secure your TV. Securing your TV to the wall is a safe solution. Much like child-proofing with a toddler gate or electrical socket cover, TV mounts and furniture straps are necessary precautions for keeping your family safe.

"You wouldn't think to bring a baby home from the hospital without a car seat, or have your child ride a bike without a helmet," says Carr. "Mounting your TV will protect your TV, and most important, your child."

To learn more, visit www.safekids.org. (BPT)

Just Listed by the Grove Team, Keller Williams

Just Listed by the Grove Team, Keller Williams

 9030 Clay Hibbins, Keller

This timeless, 2.45 acre heavily wooded lot in the heart of Keller melds old and new, history and rebirth into a one of a kind home.  The mood is set as you travel the tree lined driveway that is set back 300’ from the road and continues as you first see the expansive wrap around porches complete with beaded board ceilings. 

 

The well designed floor plan features three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and inspires the love of entertaining centered around the hearth of the home. 

  

Meticulous attention to detail is found throughout the home with fine molding, pocket doors, encased doorways, and four antique marble fireplaces. 

Enter into the generously sized kitchen complete with ample storage and counter space.  Enjoy the large island with built in cook top to gather around.  Spend time in the spacious breakfast area with abundant natural light from the large windows. 

Impressive custom built barn offers two 10x15 rooms currently used as a hobby room and workout room.  Generous in size, they are flexible space for any need.  Enjoy the 30x30 open bay area with air compressor that is equally as functional.  Don’t forget the additional attic storage available.  The entire property is fenced and cross fenced.  Horses are welcome.  Stunning design, fine appointments, extraordinary location and property setting will leave you awestruck. 

2013's hottest home trends and easy upgrades

2013's hottest home trends and easy upgrades


The top home decor trends for 2013 are already emerging, and homeowners seeking a fresh look will find a lot to love. Not only can these looks be accomplished in minimal time - they're budget friendly and easy enough for DIYers to finish in a weekend or less.

Giving your home an updated feel doesn't require a full-scale renovation. Instead, focus on simple updates for the most frequently used rooms in your house. When you're ready to get started on your home's new look, let these trends of the year be your design guide.


In the kitchen

Kitchens need to be functional, but in this hub of the home style is just as important. Upholding practicality while adding visual interest is a top trend this season. Two-toned upper and lower cabinet colors are rapidly growing in popularity as a way to let homeowners customize their kitchen spaces and express their personalities.

* Maple is the style frontrunner when it comes to wooden cabinets, but painted cabinets in white, black and gray tones are also on the rise. Whether you opt to replace your cabinet fronts or paint them, your efforts will give you impressive - and fast - results.

* On the functionality front, innovative hands-free faucets simplify cooking and cleaning tasks while requiring minimal effort to install.

* Open shelving is seeing a boost in popularity. Both glass-fronted cabinets and simple open shelves capture this trend, allowing you to put your style on display while creating a sleek, updated look.


In the bath

A luxurious-feeling bath doesn't need to make big demands on your wallet. By making a few on-trend updates, you'll give your room designer appeal guaranteed to make an impression.

* Updating the vanity, often the focal point in a bathroom, provides immediate results.

* Tiling provides the perfect solution to add extra personality to your bath. Right now, trends offer two different but equally chic directions - large-scale tile and small-scale mosaics. Tiles with wood-like appearances are also gaining popularity; they create a warm, inviting look, but offer the wet-space practicality of tile. If it's your first time tiling, home improvement stores can provide guidance to get startedwith your tile flooring.


Throughout the home

When it comes to low-effort, big-impact changes, it's hard to beat a fresh coat of paint. For walls that feel drab, boring or outdated, new paint makes a color statement and draws attention to architectural details. Follow these paint tips to make an instant, dramatic impression:

* Alter the dimensions of a space by painting ceilings a slightly lighter color than the walls.

* Create patterns and shapes using painter's tape. Stripes, chevrons and ombre effects are perfectly on-trend.

* Highlight architectural details by painting interior doors and trim in a colorful hue instead of traditional white.

In one weekend or less, these simple changes will make your home feel like an entirely new space. So when the seasonal urge to renovate sets in, don't resist - reinvigorate your home with these ideas. (BPT)

Video Tour - 421 Vasey Oak Drive, Keller

Video Tour - 421 Vasey Oak Drive, Keller

Presented to you by the Grove Team, Keller Willams

Sophisticatd style, extensive updates and fresh paint welcome you home to this four bedroom, two bath home in Chase Oaks. Offering split bedroom design on one story, meticulous attention to detail is apparent in the updates found throughout. Newly laid wood laminate floors, updated carpet in the bedrooms, fantastic fixtures, granite, stainless steel appliances & hand painted-antiqued cabinets in the kitchen are only the beginning. Truly a pleasure to see!

Give us a call at the Grove Team, Keller Williams to schedule an appointment, (817) 337-0000