Home Decor Ideas

Cleaning isn’t just to keep up appearances. There are some major health benefits of a clean home. Image: Studio 1 Interiors

You have a sense that you should keep your house clean. Maybe your parents instilled it in you, or maybe societal pressure has you feeling like you need to pull out the mop. But does it really matter if you let your home slip into a mess? Actually, yes. There are some scientifically backed health benefits of a clean home. Conversely, letting your home get dirty and/or disorganized can negatively affect your mental and physical well-being. So what are you waiting for?

Sometimes, you need a little push to help yourself start building good habits. And we’ve got you covered with a handful of compelling reasons to keep things neat and tidy. Here are six of the top health benefits of a clean home.

If you’re looking for a way to manage your stress, pick up a broom. Image: Corr Contemporary Homes

You’ll feel less stressed

Visual clutter leads to mental clutter. You might think you’ve learned to live with your various piles, but they’re most likely affecting you more deeply than you realize. A 2010 study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin revealed that women with messier homes have higher levels of cortisol than those with tidy houses. What does that mean? Your stress levels are linked to your space. Tackling those outstanding to-dos and getting your house in order can help you manage stress. And couldn’t we all benefit from meaningful ways to reduce stress in our busy lives?

You’ll be more active

It’s simple but it’s true: cleaning gets you moving. Sure, tidying up the house isn’t going to torch as many calories as a full-blown HIIT workout, but it’s a lot more physically involved than sitting on the couch. Keeping your house clean means that you’ll get some sort of movement for your body throughout the week. In fact, Health Magazine rounded up 10 different chores you can do that burn 100 calories each.

Boost your productivity at home by keeping things tidy. Image: Izumi Tanaka

You’ll be more productive

When you have a task you don’t want to start, do you ever find yourself scanning the room for a distraction? Disorganization makes it easy to spot something you can use to procrastinate. When everything is in order, on the other hand, your mind finds it easier to get stuff done. Don’t believe that your space directly impacts your productivity? Check out this 2011 study on the way visual stimuli compete for your attention.

You might eat healthier

Have you ever noticed that when you’re feeling stressed, you crave junk food? That’s your body’s natural response to stressors and – as we’ve already mentioned – clutter and messiness are stressful. There’s good news, though. Cleaning up doesn’t just make you less likely to want food that’s bad for you, it can actually help drive healthy choices. A 2013 study published in Psychology Science presented people with food choices. People who had been working in an organized space were two times more likely to choose an apple over a chocolate bar than those who had been working in a messy area.

Making your bed has a notable impact on the quality of your sleep. Image: Rodríguez Studio Architecture PC

You’ll sleep better

Isn’t it easier to drift off to sleep when you don’t have any leftover to-dos nagging at your brain? When your home is clean, you can look around before you go to bed without spotting any should-dos that could keep your gears turning even when you put your head on your pillow. In fact, the National Sleep Foundation conducted a survey that revealed that just making your bed in the morning boosts your chances of getting a good night’s rest by almost 20 percent.

You’ll get sick less frequently

A clean home leaves fewer places for germs and bacteria to hide. Plus, dust and allergens build up in carpeting, bedding and upholstery over time, contributing to worsened allergies and asthma. In short, the health benefits of a clean home are obvious. If you want to keep yourself and your family healthy, cleaning on a regular basis is a must. Don’t just vacuum and dust, either. Think about decluttering your surfaces. The more items you have, the harder it is to dust and sanitize. A streamlined aesthetic makes it easier to keep everything truly clean, helping your health. If you’re ready to get started, here are the nine germiest areas in your home to tackle ASAP.

Do these health benefits of a clean home put a little pep in your chore-handling step? We can help you get started. Check out these 12 things you can tackle to make your home look less messy and some easy tips to keep your countertops clear. Happy cleaning!

The post 6 Health Benefits of a Clean Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

If you have a New Year’s party coming up, you may want to think about getting a home bar – or updating the one you have. Drinking tends to be a major pastime on New Year’s, especially with New Year’s Eve toasts, so a home bar is a good choice for the upcoming celebrations. You can enjoy the company of friends and family and ring in 2019 without crowded bars, cover charges and long drives.

Below are a few ways to organize a home bar for that New Year’s party, whether you’re looking for something temporary or you’d consider a remodel. And who knows? After seeing these ideas, hosting New Year’s parties just might become a new tradition for you.

Textured backsplash designs give plenty of style to home bars. Image: Lemaster Architects

A Place for Champagne Glasses

Any great home bar has plenty of shelving where you can put glasses and drinks. This can be helpful when you want to make the New Year’s toast. An example is the bar space in the photo above. This stylish design even shows some attractive textured backsplash work behind the shelving.

An interesting aspect of this design is the set-in counter area along the wall. Designs like these are great for New Year’s parties because they offer a space for setting out party platters and other snacks right by the drinks. A mini fridge is also a convenient touch.

Set-in wine racks are a functional trend in home bars. Image: Venegas and Company

Home Bar with Wine Rack

A popular addition to home bars is the built-in wine rack. In the photo above, you can see the cubby system that holds wine above the counter space. It’s a great way to hold wines you don’t want to cool or bottles you are keeping until the vintage is older. It’s a good place for having wine right at hand while serving, too.

The home bar above is also a good example of a sleek, dark design that works well in transitional or contemporary spaces. The white countertop contributes to the stark look of the style by adding some contrast against the black cabinets.

Go for a hidden bar if you have a sleek home design or smaller space. Image: Milan Design + Build

Hidden Bar with Wine Cooler

A great option for minimalist homes with sleek designs is to go for a hidden bar. An example in the photo above is this small bar that sits behind folding doors. Its placement just off the kitchen makes accessing drinks convenient in relation to where the food might be placed.

Designs like this are also good for small spaces. You can see how some smart organization can fit a wine cooler, shelving for glasses, counter space and bottle storage into a small space with ease. A station like this would make it easy to prepare a drink tray for guests before that big New Year’s toast.

Home bars can also be temporary and understated. Image: Le Michelle Klein

Casual Bar

If you’re not looking to go for a big remodel, you can still use a temporary option that can look classy. An example is the stand-alone tray in the photo above. A little accent like a matching potted plant or another small decor piece on the tray can help it look like it’s part of your natural decor style, too.

Tray bars sit easily along walls and make drinks accessible throughout the home. They can also be good options for placing snack trays along the walls, too. And when you’re done with the party, they fold right up and can go back into storage.

Here’s a good example of how to fit a TV into a home bar’s styling. Image: Rice Residential Design

Rustic Space with Television

When guests come over on New Year’s, people might want to watch the big ball drop or other programming. The photo above is a good example of how you can fit a flat screen behind a bar in any home style. Even this rustic space isn’t diminished by a modern TV.

The style also shows how well a natural wood-textured accent wall works behind a home bar space. Since many people are facing that wall naturally, it’s a great place for an eye-grabbing accent wall. You might try wood like in the photo or go for a deep, saturated hue. Just avoid putting a bright, funky shade around a TV, as that can be hard for guests to stare at as they watch television.

The post 5 Ways to Set Up a Home Bar for New Year’s Entertaining appeared first on Freshome.com.

It can be a relief to finally be done with the holidays. If you were particularly busy, it can feel like you finished running a marathon. Suddenly, you have more time to yourself. But now that all the presents have been unwrapped, all the guests have gone back home and the holiday food has been eaten, we’re faced with after-holiday cleaning.

Like any cleaning task, it can feel more manageable if you come at it with a plan. By tackling the chore in smaller steps, the project doesn’t feel quite as insurmountable. So below are several ways to get your home clean after the holidays.

You often can’t use everything in these packages. Image: The Happy Home

Sort Out the Gifts You’ll Actually Use

The first step in after-holiday cleaning is to go through all those gifts. After all, you suddenly have a pile of things for which you need to find places. And if you were already feeling like you had little space, this can be the biggest headache of cleaning up after the holidays.

In order to conserve space, it’s okay to go through and assess what you’ll actually use. Many of us have well-meaning relatives who still remain clueless about our personal tastes year after year. There’s no reason to take up closet space on something you’ll never use. Consider donating some of those “it’s the thought that counts” gifts.

On the other hand, you might have the opposite problem: you have all these great gifts you want to keep, but no room for them. In that case, take stock of what you do own and consider donating some of your older items that are worn out or haven’t been used in years.

Remember to keep those holiday cards; they make great home decorations. Image: Thyme is Honey

Decide What to Keep for Decorations

After you have all the gifts sorted and put away, next it’s time to tackle the holiday decorations. It might be tempting to take everything and throw it in a box in storage. However, you’ll end up with a mess to sort through next year. A good way to put away your decorations is to take an inventory of what you’d like to keep for decorations and what you’d like to throw away.

For instance, many people use their favorite holiday cards as decorations in the home. Sort through your holiday cards, figure out which ones are good for future use and throw away any old ones. You can also use the same method for other holiday decorations. If you got a new decoration that can replace an older or worn out piece, don’t be afraid to part with the latter.

Sure, it’s pretty now, but this jerk is planning to ruin your new year by leaving needles everywhere. Image: M&S

Remember to Vacuum Thoroughly During After-Holiday Cleaning

There’s nothing weirder than finding pine needles from the Christmas tree in the sofa cushion in July. To avoid unpleasant surprises year-round, make sure to clean thoroughly to remove any remaining tinsel, pine needles or other debris like glitter from gift bags. Take the cushions off the furniture and make sure to use an extension on the vacuum cleaner to get everything clean. Plus, this also helps get rid of odors.

Be aware, however, that many home vacuum cleaners cannot handle picking up pine needles or tinsel. In large amounts, both can easily clog many home vacuums, and tinsel can stop the roller bar from turning. Your best bet is to sweep hardwood floors with a trusty broom. For carpeting, you can use a rubber broom or lint brush. You may also want to use a shop vacuum if you have a lot of needles to clean up.

After the holidays, it’s a good idea to organize and clean the refrigerator and freezer. Image: Normandy Remodeling

Clean Out/Store All the Holiday Food

After-holiday cleaning is a great excuse to take stock of the refrigerator and freezer. Make sure to clean out any holiday food that has already gone bad or you don’t plan on eating. For things you want to hang onto longer, try vacuum sealing them and putting them in the freezer for extended storage.

If you just didn’t get around to cleaning the refrigerator or freezer before the holidays, now is a good time to do it. Clean out any old or expired food to make room for the new. While you’re at it, give your fridge and freezer a good once-over with your favorite cleaning product. (A half and half water/vinegar mixture works well for cleaning the fridge and freezer.)

Remember to clean the linens in the guest bedroom. Image: Murray Homes

Thoroughly Clean Where Guests Slept and Food was Prepared

This isn’t to say our fondest friends and family are filthy, but it’s a good idea to disinfect the house as part of your after-holiday cleaning. The flu and colds like to hitch a ride on anyone this time of year, so after the holidays, launder the guest bedroom linens if anyone has stayed over.

You should also give your surfaces a once-over with a disinfectant solution or wipes. Target areas like the bathroom, the kitchen and tables. You’ll want to focus on areas where food was prepared in the kitchen to reduce any bacteria from raw meat.

The post 5 After-Holiday Cleaning Tips to Get a Renewed Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

Painting your home’s exterior is a massive project, and you may have been putting it off due to time or budget restraints. But now that the temperatures have dropped, is it too cold to paint outside? Below is advice from painting professionals on the ideal temperature range for exterior painting, the lowest temperature to paint or stain at and general tips for painting and staining your home’s exterior.

How Low is Too Low?

When the temperature is too low, dust and insects will be attracted to the wet paint. Image: John M Holmes Architect

To a certain extent, optimal temperatures for exterior painting vary by the type of paint. “When taking on exterior paint projects, always keep in mind that the best temperature for latex paint falls between 50 and 70 degrees F, while the best temperature for oil-based paint falls between 45 and 90 degrees F,” explains Tina Nokes, Owner of Five Star Painting of Loudoun, VA. However, she says that some paints are rated down to 35 degrees.

When you go below 35 degrees, Nokes says you can encounter several problems. “You risk the paint taking too long to cure, which attracts insects, dirt, grime and other debris to the wet surface,” she says. “Oil-based paints will also thicken in low temperatures, causing stiffer brushing, heavier application and less coverage per gallon.”

According to Mike Mundwiller, Benjamin Moore Field Integration Manager, you should always check the information for the product you plan to use. “While some exterior paints can be applied down to 35 degrees, it’s not only important to be aware of your ambient temperature but also the temperature of the surface you are painting.” In addition to the current temperature, Mundwiller advises painters to be aware of the forecasted temperature, since this will determine how long it will take the paint to dry.

Follow the Sun and Avoid the Warmest Part of the Day

For better results, follow the sun when painting. Image: CK Building Design and Repair

“Following the sun around your house will prevent painting in direct sunlight and on an overheated surface, which can be a problem even in cooler temperatures,” explains Nokes. What does it mean to follow the sun when you’re painting? “In other words, move around the house behind the sun as it moves so the surfaces are warm but not so hot that paint dries too fast.”

The warmest part of a winter day seems like the perfect time to paint, but Nokes advises against it. “While it can be tempting to paint at the warmest parts of the day, make sure you leave enough time for the paint to dry before sunset, which will bring even cooler temperatures and the formation of dew.”

If You Have to Paint When It’s Bitterly Cold

Some paints are formulated for colder weather. Image: Mark Winter Constructions

“If you have no choice but to paint in temperatures below 45 degrees F, purchase latex paint specifically formulated to perform in temperatures as low as 35 degrees,” Nokes advises. “This paint contains coalescing agents that bolster film-forming attributes during low temperatures.” Different types of paints are rated for different temperatures and she says it’s vitally important to use a paint rated for the colder weather.

When the air temperature is 35 degrees F, substrates may be colder. “Prior to painting, check to be sure the air, surface and material temperatures are above 35 degrees F and at least 5 degrees F above the dew point,” advises Mundwiller. “Do not apply when air or surface temperatures may drop below 35 degrees F within 48 hours.”

Exterior Painting Tips

Cover imperfections before you start painting. Image: Moissev-Gordon Associates

“Prior to painting, remove surface contaminants with an appropriate cleaner, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry,” advises Mark Eichelberger, Senior Product Manager at Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group.  “Remove peeled or damaged paint, sand glossy surfaces until dull and make sure that cracks and imperfections are patched or caulked.” To avoid occasional paint drips or splatters, he recommends starting at the top and working your way down.

When painting vinyl siding, Eichelberger says you should repaint with a color similar to the original color to avoid excess heat absorption, which prevents buckling or warping.

What About Staining?

There’s also a temperature limit on staining. Image: Hickman Construction Company

There’s also a temperature limit when staining in cold weather. “Applying stain finishes becomes more difficult as the temperature gets colder, as it won’t dry or adhere as well in low temperatures,” says Jenny Burroughs, Senior Product Manager of PPG’s Architectural Coatings. Depending on the product, you can apply a stain when the temperature is as low as 40 degrees F.

It’s important to protect your home’s exterior wood surfaces by applying a stain or sealant before temperatures begin to drop, as cold weather and snow can cause peeling, leading to moisture intrusion and wood rot.

Burroughs also recommends assessing your home’s exterior wood surfaces for vulnerabilities before you want to stain or seal. Some key signs that your home’s exterior wood surfaces need to be refinished include:

• Water is being absorbed and is not being wicked from the surface.
• Paint and/or stain is peeling, pulling or lifting from the surface.
• Areas of the home appear to be faded or discolored.

The post How Cold is Too Cold for Exterior Painting? appeared first on Freshome.com.

Minimalist fireplaces prove that function can follow form and still, well, function. Image: Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

In the winter, having a fireplace is a little slice of heaven. When the sun sets behind the horizon, it invites you to grab a cozy throw, a book and a mug of something warm. The only problem with having a fireplace is that it can take over your room’s design. That is, if you let it. Fortunately, modern and minimalist fireplaces are delivering design-savvy homeowners and renters an alternative to the stodgy hearths of yesteryear.

If you’re looking for a fireplace that will meld with your design vision, rest easy. There are a wide range of indoor varieties. You might want something larger-than-life that completely defines your living space. Or you might want something that will play nicely with the other elements in the room. If the latter speaks to you, read on. We’ve lined up 25 gorgeous minimalist fireplaces that will keep you warm all winter long.

White minimalist fireplaces

When you have an intriguing, textured element in the room, your fireplace can take a comfortable back seat. Image: Folds Inside Ltd

Setting your minimalist fireplace on the floor gives you maximal ambiance will freeing up more wall space for art. Image: Shinberg Levinas Architectural Design

This room blends a lightly textured rug, floating glass coffee tables and the streamlined fireplace to create a decidedly airy feel. Image: Michael Downes – UA Creative

In an all-white living space, a simple, architectural mantel is all you need. Image: Designer Premier

Unobstructed sides are a major trend in minimalist fireplaces – and for good reason. They help the design feel light and give you better access to your cozy fire. Image: The Interiors Project

Interesting architectural details – like this art cutout – help root minimalist fireplaces in the space even while leaving room for other elements to play. Image: Clark | Richardson Architects

The shape of the fireplace mirrors the shape of the high-impact table behind the couch, drawing the eye to it without detracting from its intricate detailing. Image: NICOLEHOLLIS

Dark minimalist fireplaces

Adding a fireplace to an accent wall doesn’t have to mean losing the impact of the accent. Image: Stephenson Design Collective

The soft glow of this streamlined fireplace design also highlights the warm tones in the stone wall. Image: SKG Designs

Minimalist fireplaces let the view shine. And with a view like this, why would you choose anything else? Image: Bacic Group

When you have an architectural element meant to draw the eye up, keeping the fireplace minimal ensures it doesn’t get weighed down. Image: Lango Works

Glass-enclosed minimalist fireplaces

A simple glass cutout helps this fireplace shine even in the midst of so many other visually interesting elements. Image: Pixers

Glass on either side of the fireplace connects the living and dining spaces. Image: JAWS

A glass-encased fireplace inset in a heavy, dark wall gives this dining room a cozy but elevated feel. Image: Swiss Milk Studio

This minimalist fireplace serves as a way to connect the living area to the space beyond – even through a towering wall of concrete and wood. Image: Rustic Fire Place

Minimalist fireplaces in the bedroom

A fireplace nestled among your dresser drawers adds warmth without limiting your storage options. Image: Krista + Home

If you like a streamlined aesthetic in the bedroom so your mind can drift off to sleep undistracted, minimalist fireplaces are for you. Image: Tierney Conner Architecture

Alternately, minimalist fireplaces also work well in darker, more moody spaces where you don’t want to disrupt the feel with too much light or warmth. Image: Ownby Design

Traditional fireplaces often feel masculine, but this simple and bright alternative helps the room establish its feminine air. Image: The Cross Decor & Design

Mixed material minimalist fireplaces

In a room where multiple shades of grey are at play, the black of the fireplace also provides an anchor. Image: Design 2 Finish

A floating row of cabinets, an inset for firewood and a textural accent wall all complement the fireplace in this room. Image: J.E Keating + Associates

The small black inset of this minimalist fireplace breaks up the creamy expanse of concrete in this space, adding character. Image: Matt Gibson Architecture + Design

In this living room, the simplicity of the extremely minimal fireplace helps balance bright accents. Image: LEIVARS

This backlit, white expanse proves that the space above minimal fireplaces can be simultaneously sleek and also visually captivating. Image: Barc Architects Ltd.

What do you think of the minimal fireplace trend? Would you add one to your home or apartment? Let us know in the comments.

The post 25 Gorgeous Minimalist Fireplaces to Keep You Cozy This Winter appeared first on Freshome.com.

The color yellow symbolizes happiness, positivity, warmth and energy. A vibrant yellow color is wonderful for brightening up a room. Forget the do’s and don’ts about how to decorate with color – if yellow makes you happy, decorate away – you can’t go wrong decorating with yellow.

Check out these 21 ideas for decorating with yellow for a little inspiration on how to add more warmth and sunshine to any existing room.

The ultimate color combination: grey and yellow

Cool, understated grey and warm, bold yellow make a perfect pairing. Include black and white in the design plan to add contrast to your room.

A photo wall of yellow prints flows well with the graphic yellow area rug. The prints were framed with a white mat to add some contrast to the yellow art and grey walls, making the artwork “pop.” Image: ZGallerie

A restful grey bedroom gets a warm pick-me-up with the yellow throw pillow, table lamp and blanket. Image: Gold Dust Interior Design

The modern rustic dining/kitchen space would be fabulous in just grey and white. But the yellow accents add a fun and inviting feel to the room. Image: Amory Brown

This living room would feel dull without the yellow decor thoughtfully placed in all areas of the room for balance. Image: Bespoke Design

Decorating with yellow paint and wallpaper

For a quick infusion of yellow in your room, paint a wall or two in a rich yellow color. For more depth and texture, try decorating with yellow wallpaper.

The rich yellow wall looks like paint, but it’s actually wallpaper with a subtle texture to give the flat wall some depth. Image: AGSIA Design Group

The wall behind the headboard features a rich and contrasting yellow wallpaper to showcase the bed and add warmth and vibrancy to the room. Image: Luis Muñoz

The wall of the dining area in this open floor plan home was painted yellow to create a designated dining space. Image: Alair Homes

Go mod with a bold, retro yellow and white wallpaper, like the one shown. Image: Anthony Baratta

Adding yellow accents to a room

You don’t have to throw out your existing furnishings and replace them with bright yellow ones. In fact, if you’re room is already neutral and simply needs a little lift, a few affordable yellow accessories will go a long way. Go with an odd number of yellow accents. For example, add two yellow throw pillows and one yellow vase.

The area rug in the entryway is carried visually throughout the room with a few accents like a pouf ottoman, photo frame and a throw pillow. Image: Araxan Interiorismo

Yellow was used throughout the room for balance. From the bowl and lemons on the left to the curtains in the middle to the painted yellow focal wall in front of the dining space, the touches are small but make a big impact. Also notice the yellow napkins on the table. Image: Style My Room

Layering yellow onto an existing neutral room and everyday grey bedding makes it look like an integral part of the space. Image: Amsterdam Living

The warm golden yellow on the headboard carries into the beautiful silk pillows and flat sheet. Image: Zac and Zac

The yellow chairs and accessories add vibrancy to a neutral room. The room feels balanced because the chairs and throw pillows mirror each other. Image: Nobo Home

Paint your doors in a welcoming yellow

Most doors are a neutral color or occasionally red. Stand out from the crowd in your neighborhood with a bright yellow door. If your community restricts you from a colorful front door, paint the inside of the door or other interior doors in yellow.

A painted yellow barn door brightens up the rich blue room. Image: Nat Rea Photography

This fun and casual family home starts off with a bright yellow door that carries over into the dining area. Image: Chango & Co.

Decorating with yellow in the kitchen

Yellow is second only to red as one of the most complimentary colors in the kitchen. The color is bright and feels as clean as a fresh lemon.

The yellow backsplash of this Mid Century Modern kitchen is an unexpected addition to the sage and blue grey cabinets, yet the combination looks fabulous. Image: Danny Broe Architect

The odd number color accessory rule works well in this kitchen. The two yellow hanging pendants ties in with the yellow backsplash. Image: Sanctuary Kitchens and Bathrooms

A white open dining and kitchen space gets some personalization with a yellow backsplash. Image: Denise Quade

Vibrant yellow dining spaces

Create a fun and high energy look by adding yellow to your dining room. Some ways you can add yellow include:

• a yellow pendant lamp
• yellow table linens
• yellow dining chairs
• yellow walls or wall art

Steal this look for a fun and casual dining space. Yellow pineapple wallpaper and mixed and matched dining chairs give this large dining room a fresh, unique look. Image: Chango & Co.

If you rent and can’t paint your walls, hang a large piece of art in primary yellow on the wall to add color to the room. Image: GATH Interior Design

When decorating with yellow, don’t forget to bring in your sense of fun and whimsy. Choose accents with unusual details like pompoms or an interesting print. Where would you add yellow in your home? Let us know in the comments.

The post Decorating with Color: How to Brighten Your Space with Yellow appeared first on Freshome.com.