Home Decor Ideas

With Halloween coming up, you may be wondering how to get that spooky vibe for the season. A go-to accessory for Halloween is, of course, witches. From tabletop dolls of cute, small child witches to ugly hags on the front lawn to those goofy flat hangings that make it look like a witch flew into your house, witches are completely synonymous with Halloween decor. So to get a perfect Halloween home, why not incorporate a witch or two? Below we’ll cover several fun ways to decorate with witches in your home this Halloween.

Place a witch on a banister to make it look like she’s flying through the room. Image: Mackle Construction Co.

Fun placement

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of using a witch in your Halloween decor is the fun of finding places to put her. Since fantasy witches tend to fly on brooms, they can go just about anywhere. The photo above shows how placing a witch on the banister of a staircase makes it look like she’s flying through the home.

You might also consider hanging flying witches from the ceiling using clear wire. You could place a flat witch decoration high on the wall. Outdoors, you could have a flying witch hanging from a tree. Feel free to get creative with where you place your witches on broomsticks.

A witch at your entryway is a great way to greet trick-or-treaters. Image: Mary Prince

Realistic front door props

Another good way to decorate with witches is to place them right by the entryway of the home, as the photo above shows. It makes it look like the witch is either welcoming people or chasing them away, depending on how friendly or scary she looks.

The figure in the photo above also has a strong fairy tale vibe, since she’s holding out what looks like a poisonous red apple that she’s about to offer Snow White. It shows that you can get creative with little additions. Adding a faux red apple to any decor witch’s hand gives an instant fantasy feel.

You can go more subtle and conceptual by just displaying a witch’s hat. Image: Tina M. Yotka Container Gardens

Subtle hints

You also don’t have to go completely literal with your witch decor by finding realistic figures. You could subtly get a Halloween feel by incorporating items that hint at witchery, like the witch hat that sits on top of the cornucopia in the photo above. It’s a more subtle look if you’re not into the old hag or unrealistic fantasy side of witches.

And combining a witch hat with a cornucopia makes it a more versatile, all-purpose fall décor item that works from September all the way to Thanksgiving. It’s also a great way to get deep, bright hues into a space, thanks to the red foliage and orange pumpkins.

If you have one, remember your mantel for setting the Halloween tone. Image: Sarah Greenman

Witch mantel

Mantels are a great place for incorporating seasonal décor. Because it’s the natural focal point of the room, it’s a good place to set the mood for the season.

In the photo above, notice the two witches on either side of the TV. One of the rules for decorating a mantel is to create symmetry between both sides, and the two green witch dolls are a creative take on that rule. It’s also a subtle, affordable way to decorate with witches, as some of the larger figures can run pretty pricey if you’re on a budget.

Combine a skeleton with witch accessories for a look that has double the Halloween spookiness. Image: Sarah Greenman

Skeletal touches

While witches are synonymous with Halloween, so are skeletons. This clever design manages to combine the two for a unique, creative way to decorate with witches. To reiterate one of the points above, it also shows how fixing a witch on a broom to a wall higher up can make it look like she is flying through the room.

You could find a skeleton figure and dress it up in a witch dress and hat, then hang it from the ceiling or a tree outdoors. And that’s just for starters. This is another idea that begs for your creative input.

Get fully immersed in the fantasy feel with a coven of glowing witches. Image: Grandin Road

Create a scene

Ever wish your yard could look like something out of Hocus Pocus? These witch figures will make it look like your yard is bringing magic to life. The witches pictured above are actually a set of three from Grandin Road, so if you want a larger coven of them you’ll need two or three sets. But three holding hands can work, too.

They work well placed around glowing pumpkins, like in the photo above. You could also purchase a more traditional cauldron. Or you could just have them standing in a circle or semi-circle. The glowing heads and all-black dresses will make them look fantastical and spooky, no matter what you do with them.

What are some of your favorite ways to decorate with witches come Halloween? We’d love to hear about them below!

The post 6 Ways to Decorate With Witches This Halloween appeared first on Freshome.com.

Making the decision to build instead of buying a home is the easy part. After that, the real work starts. Working with your builder to choose plans, finishes and overall budget can test your limits, but it’ll ultimately get you exactly what you want. Of course, what makes sense on paper doesn’t always work when it’s time to break ground. Unplanned setbacks, sudden changes and fluctuations in the building market can derail even the best-laid new build budget.

If sticking to your new build budget is a concern, start planning before you ever spend a dime. A little creative budgeting and a lot of foresight ensures that you’re able to build your home without ending up in the poorhouse. Here’s how.

Take stock of your major items to start. Image: Wyrick Residential Design

1. Start by categorizing

One of the easiest ways to blow a budget is by simply failing to plan. Your contractor will assist you in working out your numbers, but educating yourself helps you stay in the ballpark. Start by creating categories of the biggest costs, like land costs, exterior costs and interior costs. Then use a spreadsheet to track the various subcategories for each heading. This helps you identify costs that may have slipped your mind (don’t forget the price of moving!) and understand the bulk price for each major category.

2. Create a contingency fund

Never in the history of homes has a build been completed exactly as planned for exactly the amount planned. Speedbumps along the way slow you down and may also be expensive. Whether it’s an unforeseen land issue, bad weather or a change to some of your original finishes, time is money. Always keep a contingency fund for the things you couldn’t have planned for. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the budget your contractor gives you by 1.5, keeping the excess available so you have a safety net throughout the build.

The little extras can add up. Image: Artisan Home Tour

3. Stop scope creep

A couple hundred dollars here or there might not seem like a big deal, but scope creep can completely blow your budget. Scope creep refers to small, incremental spending that drives up the overall cost of your build. It’s when you opt for nicer finishes without plugging the new cost into your budget or authorize your builder to spend a little more on paint than you’d planned. Once you have your budget set, stick to it.

4. Choose to splurge

There’s nothing wrong with a few pricey features in your home. But making a conscious choice to splurge on select treatments or rooms in your home means budgeting for them ahead of time. When you allow yourself to upgrade the important stuff, being more budget-friendly in other areas is more manageable. What’s more, a few personal splurges makes you feel more satisfied when it’s time to move into your new home.

5. Opt for functionality first

When choosing where to budget your money, make sure to adopt a “functionality first” mindset. Spending more on a high-quality water heater, for example, might not seem all that exciting, but it’s an investment in the future of your home. Remember that aesthetics change, but the quality behind your walls will always matter. You can always repaint your living room or swap out your cabinet hardware, but a cheap furnace can cause you years of expensive repairs.

Keep careful track of every cent in your new build budget. Image: Studio M Interiors

6. Track your new build budget

A budget is a lot like a diet: Sometimes, you don’t even realize that you’re blowing it. Tracking your spending is the best way to identify areas where you can improve and where you might be spending too much. If you’re old-school, a paper planner or notebook is an easy way to jot down purchased items. Or download an expense tracking app on your smartphone and upload your receipts.

7. Add sweat equity

When push comes to shove, the best investment you make in your home is your own sweat and tears. Sweat equity is smart because it saves on labor costs and construction management premiums. While you should definitely leave the complicated stuff to the pros, getting a little paint on your clothes can help if you’ve overspent in other areas. Focus on your strengths and put some of your own work into the process and you’ll save big on your final price tag.

Keeping your new build budget low doesn’t have to be a strain, but good planning will reduce some of the stress. If you feel like you’re veering off-budget, some restraint and a few adjustments can help get you back on track. Just remember that you’ll be paying for your home for years to come, so the choices you make now will definitely affect the way you feel about your new place later. Careful categorization and good communication with your builder means you’ll love the end result.

Do you have any other tips for sticking to a new build budget? We’d love for you to share your experiences below.

The post 7 Ways to Stick to Your New Build Budget appeared first on Freshome.com.

When working with paint, the finish you choose is almost as important as the color. Sheen has a direct impact on how a shade looks, how easy it is to clean and how well it hides imperfections on your walls. With that in mind, it’s crucial to know your options for paint finishes before you get started. Read on to get a sense of the different paint finishes that are available, as well as how to use them.

A matte finish is the most common type for interior walls. Image: Martha O’Hara Interiors

Matte paint

Matte paint — sometimes also called flat paint — is the most common choice for interior walls and ceilings. It’s popular because it offers little to no shine, letting your other design choices have the focus. A matte finish goes well in just about any room in your home.

Another benefit of matte paint is that it is very good at hiding imperfections like chips or cracks in the walls. For this reason, it’s particularly well-suited for use in older homes, which may have experienced wear and tear over time. On the other hand, the flatness of this paint makes it very hard to clean off handprints and other marks. In fact, it’s often easier just to touch up with another spot of paint, so make sure to keep some on hand if you decide to go this route.

Matte-enamel paint has a matte finish but is much more durable than normal matte paint finishes. Image: Fisher & Paykel

Matte-enamel paint

As the name suggests, matte-enamel paint is very similar to matte. Just like the option above, it comes with a flat finish and little-to-no shine. However, this finish comes with one more added benefit. The chemical makeup of matte-enamel paint has been altered slightly so that a bit of film forms on the surface as it dries, making it easier to clean.

The extra durability of matte-enamel paint makes it an especially good fit for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. If you’re looking for these paints at a local home improvement store, they will most likely be labeled as “washable,” owing to the fact that they’ll stand up to a light scrubbing with mild soap and water.

Eggshell paint is a midpoint between a matte and a gloss. Image: RS Myers Company

Eggshell paint

Now we start to get into some shine. If you can picture the slight sheen on the outside of an eggshell, you have a pretty good idea of what eggshell paint is going to look like. This type of finish is great for busy family homes because the surface is very easy to clean. Yet, you don’t have to contend with the eye-catching luster that comes with some of the glossier finishes.

If this paint has one downside, it’s that the finish begins to show cracks and other imperfections in the wall over time. Make sure you patch up your walls before using this type of paint. Additionally, always work your brush in the same direction to avoid creating lines as the paint dries.

Satin paints have a more of a shine to them than eggshell finishes. Image: Hilderbrand Interiors

Satin paint

The next step up from eggshell, stain paint is well-liked because it gives off a warm, almost velvety feel once it’s applied. It’s a particularly good choice for framing elements like doorways, trim and moldings. However, its durability also makes it a good choice for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens and bathrooms.

The upside to a satin finish is that it is very easy to clean and it resists chipping and peeling fairly well. The downside is that it’s often possible to see individual brushstrokes. In this case, touch-up painting is no longer an option.

Semi-gloss paint is great for trim work. Image: Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.

Semi-gloss paint

Semi-gloss paint is similar to satin. However, the extra sheen guarantees that more light bounces off, making the shade you choose appear darker than it would with a satin finish.

Again, semi-gloss finishes are a good choice for any rooms with walls that need to be frequently cleaned (heads up, parents with kids who like to draw on the walls). The shine of semi-gloss also makes it a perfect fit for any individual design elements that you want to emphasize. Consider using it for things like kitchen cabinets, fireplace mantels or banisters.

Use gloss paint to make a style statement. Image: Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

Gloss paint

Finally, we have gloss (also known as high-gloss) paint. The shiny, reflective surface of this paint makes it a good choice for window and door trim or furniture. However, if you want to really bring a glamorous aesthetic into your interiors, don’t be afraid to go big and put a coat or two on your walls.

Which paint finishes do you prefer in your home? Do you have any tips on how to apply them correctly? Let us know in the comments.

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Paint Finishes: What Type Is Best for Your Walls? appeared first on Freshome.com.

It’s about that time to start planning how you’d like your home to look for Halloween. And one of the most fun ways to get into the Halloween spirit is to create a haunted garden. With so many creative outdoor Halloween decorations, it’s a great way to add some seasonal fun to your yard.

You can use a haunted garden in a few different ways. If you have a garden space at the front of your house, use it to greet trick-or-treaters. If you have an extensive backyard garden, you might also think about converting it for an outdoor Halloween party if the weather isn’t too cold.

Look like you’re on a spooky burial ground with these accents. Image: Grandin Road

Skeletal hands

One of the easiest ways to get a haunted garden is to go for these skeletal hands. They’re an easy design you simply place on the ground. They instantly make your garden look like it’s actually a graveyard and that the skeletons are coming back to life. Something like this is more subtle and doesn’t take up much space, so it can work well in small garden patches near the front door, too.

If you’re more into the fun, funny side of Halloween, these decorations will be right up your alley. The heart, thumbs-up and peace sign give this look a playful feel. It turns out your haunted garden is full of some friendly, playful ghouls.

These broom trees are a good way to light up a pathway in your haunted garden. Image: Grandin Road

Broom trees

Planning a party at night? These broom trees are a wonderful idea for lighting walkways. You could use them to light the walkway leading to your front door if you’re planning an indoor party. But they’d also be a great addition to a haunted garden along outdoor walkways. You might also think about placing them randomly in a garden space for some fun accent lighting.

The fact that they look like witches’ brooms makes them a great addition to a haunted garden. The orange lighting and black brooms give a uniquely Halloween vibe.

Get any monster you can dream up with this design. Image: Sarah Greenman

Spider silhouettes

One great way to get a Halloween look outdoors is to work with silhouettes. Thanks to how abstract these are, you can get any character in your haunted garden. The photo above shows how large spider silhouettes make the home look like it’s having some problems with Halloween monsters.

You can also use the same idea to get witches, Frankenstein’s monster, ghosts or mummies. It’s a great idea if you’re going for a certain theme to your haunted garden, like “Monster Mash” or “Witch Coven.” Spooky silhouettes are easy to find for purchase, or you can make your own with plywood and black paint if you have an artistic bent.

Homemade ghosts are a fun and easy way to get a haunted garden space. Image: beckbhill

Easy DIY ghosts

Outdoor Halloween items can get a little pricey, so here’s a DIY option if you’re on a budget. This homeowner’s homemade ghost project is cute and deceptively simple. How they did it was quite simple, yet ingenious.

First, they placed small kick balls and basketballs on plastic funnels. Those funnels were set into PVC piping, which forms the body of the specters. Then they set the PVC piping onto galvanized pipe pieces that they drove into the ground. The fabric is attached by snaps. It all comes together to form a ghostly dance that’s great for a Halloween haunted garden.

This creative addition to a haunted garden looks both scary and fun. Image: Grandin Road

Monster haunted garden

Here’s one of this year’s most creative decorations to come out of Grandin Road. This one is perfect if you’re going for a “Monster Mash” theme for your haunted garden. Easily make it look like your yard has become overrun with a land-based tentacle monster by placing these pieces right on the ground.

A wonderful aspect of this idea is how versatile it is. It’s a great accent in a garden space that isn’t growing anything in the fall, like an old vegetable patch. You can also place it along walkways or in the middle of the lawn.

Halloween is fast approaching; do any of these ideas spark your imagination for the coming season?

The post 5 Ideas for Getting a Haunted Garden This Halloween appeared first on Freshome.com.

If you have 24 hours and $4K to $10K to spend, you can print out the custom home of your dreams. Several companies have been playing around with the idea of printing up a house using the latest 3D printing tech — and that dream is now a reality. Check out these six innovative 3D-printed houses:

Built in March 2018, the first permitted 3D-printed home in America features two bedrooms and one bath. Image: Icon

1. 3D-printed house in Austin, TX by Icon

Icon has partnered with New Story, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness by providing shelter in distressed and poor communities, to print 800-square-foot houses in under a day for roughly $4,000.

How they did it: The Vulcan, a large 3D printer, uses digital blueprints created by engineers to print 3⁄4-inch-thick layers of concrete in layered “slices.”

Insulation keeps this sunny yellow home warm in any environment. Image: Apis Cor

The interior of the round 3D-printed tiny home is light and airy. Image: Apis Cor

2. Tiny 3D-printed houses by Apis Cor

This round tiny home built by San Francisco-based Apis Cor is only 400 square feet and costs $10,134. The company claims that the concrete mixture will last 175 years.

How they did it: A mobile 3D printer on-site erects the house from the foundation up.

Eindhoven is set to be the first city to create a small community of 3D-printed homes. Image: Houben & Van Mierlo Architecten B.V.

3. A neighborhood of 3D-printed houses for rent in Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Eindhoven University of Technology is set to 3D print a neighborhood of concrete houses for rent named Project Milestone. They are most interested in the environmentally friendly potential of 3D printed houses by lowering concrete waste and transportation costs. 

How they’re doing it: The 3D printer that builds the homes lives on-site and consists of a large robotic arm fitted with a nozzle that squirts out a special cement formulation. The cement follows the architect’s digital blueprint in layers for high strength.

A family in France may be the first to move into a 3D-printed home. Image: BBC

The four-bedroom home is the largest so far at 1,022 square feet. Image: BBC

4. The first inhabited 3D-printed house in France

These homeowners splurged on their 3D-printed home, spending roughly $220,000 on the four-bedroom, 1,022-square-foot structure. Curved walls, smart appliances, digital controls for disabled people and many standard finishes are some of the highlights.

How they did it: Benoit Furet headed up the project at the University of Nantes and oversaw the design and printing. Although the home is the most expensive in this list, Furet claims that the printed home, which takes 33 hours to print, is 20 percent cheaper than a traditionally constructed home.

The striking black texture serves as more than a design element – it also adds to the insulation and structural stability of the house. Image: DUS Architects

5. Recycled plastic tiny 3D-printed houses

DUS Architects decided to create a recycled (and recyclable) tiny cabin called the Urban Cabin. It’s just 250 square feet in size.

How they did it: They printed the home using a sustainable bio-plastic, which can later be taken down or shredded and recycled and/or reused to print a new house. They’re hoping to showcase the speed of 3D printing in order to provide temporary housing in the event of a disaster.

This 3D-printed home premiered during Milan Design Week. Image: CLS Architetti

High-end finishes add an earthy and luxurious feel to the printed home. Image: CLS Architetti

6. Italian-Chic 3D-printed house

A partnership between architecture studio CLS Architecti and engineering firm Arup has produced one of the most elegant printed homes to date. The one-bedroom, one-bath home has a striking living room and kitchen laid out over 1,000 square feet. The finishes feature marble, stone and concrete with warm bronze hardware and accents.

How they did it: A portable 3D printer printed the home on-site in Milan’s Piazza Cesare Beccaria. To keep the process streamlined, the home was printed in 35 modules. It took 48 hours to actually print the home and an additional five days to complete the flooring, windows and finishes.

What do you think of these 3D-printed houses? Do you think you’ll live in one in the future?

The post These 3D-Printed Houses Can Be Printed Today and Move-In Ready Tomorrow – for Under $10K appeared first on Freshome.com.

The wait is over. Valspar and HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams have officially revealed their 2019 color trends – and these colors are spectacular! HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams has one 2019 color of the year and three color collections. On the other hand, Valspar, a part of the Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group, has twelve 2019 colors of the year.

We asked the senior designers from Valspar and HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams for photos of these magnificent colors, along with commentary on their choices.

HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams 2019 Color of the Year

HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams: Reflecting Pool 

Reflecting Pool is the HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams 2019 Color of the Year. “We are on a path of self-discovery and internal reflection, and Reflecting Pool speaks to our desire to have a life of balance, but with a bit of flair embracing our optimism and sense of humor,” says Ashley Banbury, senior color designer at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams.

In addition to their 2019 Color of the Year, HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams is releasing three Color Collections of the Year: Sophisticated Whimsy, Mystic Light and Everyday Balance.

“Reflecting Pool is a color of many personalities. While it lives within the Sophisticated Whimsy Color Collection, it can be combined in any combination with all three Color Collections to provide harmony to the home,” Banbury says. “In Sophisticated Whimsy, it is creative and fun, but when combined with Mystic Light Color Collection, which is vivid and bold, it provides contrast,” she explains.  “When brought together with Everyday Balance, it is soft, calm and quiet.”

HGTV Home By Sherwin Williams: The Sophisticated Whimsy Color Collection

The Sophisticated Whimsy Color Collection

In addition to Reflecting Pool, the color palette for the Sophisticated Whimsy Color Collection includes Passive, Dress Blues, Afternoon, Tricorn Black, Salute, Cardboard and Dover White.

HGTV Home By Sherwin Williams: The Mystic Light Color Collection

The Mystic Light Color Collection

The color palette for the Mystic Light Color Collection includes Nomadic Desert, Magical, Naval, Dishy Coral, Refresh, Bunglehouse Blue, Emberglow and Alexandrite.

HGTV Home By Sherwin Williams: The Everyday Balance Color Collection

The Everyday Balance Color Collection

The color palette for the Everyday Balance Color Collection includes Grizzle Gray, Pure White, Quaint Peche, Interesting Aqua, Borscht, Flimsy Green, Dark Night and Believable Buff.

Valspar 2019 Colors of the Year

“Our color forecasting process involves a yearlong observation of movements in various industries. We zero-in to the trending colors that are inspired by the landscape of lifestyle trends at home,” says Sue Kim, Valspar senior color designer at Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group. “From shades that evoke stability and strength, to those that spark introspection and growth, each color represents an opportunity for people to feel empowered in the spaces where they live.”

All 12 of the Valspar Colors of the Year are available at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and independent retailers nationwide – however, the color names and shades may vary slightly at each retailer.

Valspar‘s Metropolis Lilac

Valspar Color of the Year #1: Metropolis Lilac

“The immersive purple invites us to step away from ‘what is’ and open up to exciting and unexpected new realities,” Kim says.

Valspar‘s Angelic Blue

Valspar Color of the Year #2: Angelic Blue

“This breezy blue has healing qualities but doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Kim says. “Its weightless quality seems to push past the walls and welcome us into the controlled sanctuary we call home.”

Valspar‘s Green Water

Valspar Color of the Year #3: Green Water

“This harmonious green-blue is perfectly balanced, neutral enough to inspire our growth in any direction,” Kim says.

Valspar‘s Twilight Mist

Valspar Color of the Year #4: Twilight Mist

“Anticipating uncharted territory ahead, this light, clean violet reflects the edge of artificial space, where light is both comforting and strangely familiar,” Kim explains.

Valspar‘s Spring Squash

Valspar Color of the Year #5: Spring Squash

“This light-hearted yellow has a touch of active orange to help us rebalance our responsibilities and count on our new smart-device helpers,” according to Kim.

Valspar‘s Martinique Dawn

Valspar Color of the Year #6: Martinique Dawn

“This optimistic green has a heart of linen to remind us that we become stronger when we are woven together,” says Kim.

Valspar‘s Wishing Well

Valspar Color of the Year #7: Wishing Well

“This true blue reflects honesty and clarity, without shading or apology,” Kim says. “Wherever you use it, it’s a bold statement of your own truth.”

Valspar‘s Blushing Bride

Valspar Color of the Year #8: Blushing Bride

“This rosy neutral injects an element of spirituality into everyday life, giving us a rosier view of reality,” Kim says.

Valspar‘s Seattle Haze

Valspar Color of the Year#9: Seattle Haze

“This quiet, thoughtful blue has a touch of purple to free our thinking and a hint of gray to ground us in our own glorious — but imperfect — human nature,” according to Kim.

Valspar‘s Lime Mousse

Valspar Color of the Year #10: Lime Mousse

Kim explains, “Flip the fearless switch to on and use this citrusy green to create surprise in a corner of your home with a dash of healthy luxury.”

Valspar‘s Homey Cream

Valspar Color of the Year #11: Homey Cream

“This raw wood shade is the light, unencumbered backdrop for a minimalistic lifestyle that is full of life,” says Kim. “The lightness has just a touch of comforting yellow.”

Valspar‘s Orange Slice

Valspar Color of the Year #12: Orange Slice

Kim says orange is always an adventure, but the artificial intensity of this orange invites an open, experimental mindset that keeps you guessing.

Tips for using and blending Valspar’s Colors of the Year

Pairing the mood of a color with the function of a space is one way that Kim recommends using these colors. “For example, Valspar Orange Slice evokes a sense of playfulness, which would lend itself perfectly to a patterned office, and Valspar Twilight Mist brings an aura of mystery in a nook where you can let your imagination run wild,” she says.  “I love using low sheen with these distinctive colors. The low reflection on the wall is easy to live with and works best in different lighting throughout the day.”

The post Valspar + HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams 2019 Color Trends appeared first on Freshome.com.