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Color Diary: Spring Green Decorating

Sara Brown — 2011-05-04T10:06:00 00:00

Filed under: Color, Design, etc, News & Trends

Welcome the warm weather with a burst of spring green in the home.

Spring is here! The leaves on the trees have popped, the spring flowers are opening -- and all the world is blanketed in green. So why not bring these same spring shades into your home?

Photos: Courtesy Photos

While a completely "spring green" color palette isn't for the faint of heart, incorporating a few refreshing pieces can bring new life and energy into an area, explains Anna Starmer, author of The Color Scheme Bible. She suggests using a spring green hue (like a pea, celery or apple color) on the walls in a high traffic area, like a hall or stairwell.

On the other hand, it's easy to add just a touch of green through the spring-inspired decor that is popping up everywhere today. If you want a burst of green, choose an area rug, which is usually less expensive than other sizable furniture items. Plus, you can move it around as you like. You can also bring green in through simple accessories, like a table runner, dishware or framed prints on your walls.

Here are a few of our favorite items that are perfect for welcoming the spring season into your home.

In the montage above, we're featuring...

(Clockwise from top left)

1990_214:Creative Concepts Bramble Rug, Capel Rugs, Call for pricing
1994_235: Creative Concepts Bramble Rug, Capel Rugs, Call for pricing
Casablanca Lanterns, Z Gallerie, from $7.95
Stuva Storage Combination, IKEA, $110
Lykta Table Lamp, IKEA, $14.99

We're also loving these great pieces:

Photo: Courtesy Photos

(Clockwise from top left)

Regatta Big Leaf Pillow, Crate & Barrel, $25
Greta Pillow, Crate & Barrel, $37
Tempo Green Apple Pillow, Crate & Barrel, $40
Maddox Jade Pillow, Crate & Barrel, $30
Eames Molded Plastic Chairs, Herman Miller, Call for pricing
Chelsea Sofa, Company C, $3,595
For a list of other colors that are popular this season, check out Pantone's Color Forecast for Spring.

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
A Traditional Kitchen Goes Modern
Crazy Rooms We're Crazy About
How Eva Mendes Will Spend This Spring

Here's a video on decorating with color at home:

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High Gloss Paint: The Best Colors and When to Use It

Sara Brown — 2011-03-21T09:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Color, Your Home, Projects, Design, etc

High gloss paint may be a little harder to handle than your average paint, but don't let that stop you from adding some serious sheen to your walls.

Here's a way to add drama to your home's ho-hum walls: Rather than adding wallpaper or artwork, try coating a wall in high-gloss paint.

A perfect high gloss moment. Photo: Benjamin Moore

But first, know that high gloss paint is more challenging to paint with, due to its high-sheen qualities that tend to show every little flaw in the surface. Carl Minchew, Director of Color Technology and Product Development at Benjamin Moore, says that amateur painters can encounter some unexpected problems when painting with a high gloss paint. "Gloss paints are known for showing every little imperfection because the gloss accentuates every curve or dent in the wall's surface," Minchew says.

It's because of this possibility that surfaces coated in a gloss finish must be prepared much more carefully than your average wall. "High-gloss paints aren't especially hard to apply, but the surface preparation is critical, so it's best to leave that up to the professionals," he adds.

If you're up for the challenge, designer Paul Sherrill of interior design firm Solis Betancourt & Sherrill insists that high gloss paint can make an impact in a variety of applications. "High-gloss paint can look very elegant and traditional, but it can also be fun and whimsical if you use a brightly colored hue on furniture or cabinetry," he says. "It's a great way to add a casual flair to create a less formal atmosphere."

Case in point: We're loving the shimmery gray walls in the dining room of designer Steven Gambrel's Greenwich Village townhouse, featured in Elle Decor. It adds just the right touch of glamour.

Photo: Elle Decor

High gloss paint is also an easy way to add drama and dimension to your home. "On a large, flat wall, glossy paint may not look very shiny because there's no curve or profile to catch the light," Minchew says. But on a curved wall or stairway, the space will become instantly enhanced by its high-shine finish. The paint also looks great on low ceilings, adding reflection and a sense of height to a space that could otherwise feel closed in, says Sherrill.

Color can also boost the impact of a glossy paint job. Any color can look good in a high gloss finish given the right atmosphere, but remember that darker colors will appear even glossier than lighter ones. "Think about it: a shiny black car will always look a lot glossier than a shiny white car, even if the paint job is exactly the same," Minchew says. Sherrill adds: "We love to take an undertone of a room and use it to punctuate an accessory with that unexpected color. Using a high gloss finish just pushes that concept one step further."

And if instant drama is not enough to sell you, consider he maintenance benefits. Gloss finishes are known for being easy to clean and resistant to staining, so they're a good choice for high traffic areas. They're also tough enough to resist scruffs and abrasions, Minchew explains. "Gloss finishes will tend to show smudges and finger prints easily, but they'll clean off with the wipe of a sponge," he says.

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
Paint Color Trends to Move On From
2011's Hot Color Combos

Here's a video about how to paint your home -- minus the mess.

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2011 Bathroom Trends

Sara Brown — 2011-03-09T13:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Bathroom, Design, etc, News & Trends

Bathrooms have a brand new look, thanks to these fresh 2011 bathroom trends.

Every year the members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) get together to discuss up and coming trends in the marketplace -- More than 100 designers who worked on a kitchen or bathroom during the last three months of 2010 participate in a survey and reveal the hottest styles for 2011. Here, Stephanie Pritchard, a kitchen and bath designer at Middleburg Design Company in Middleburg, Virginia, weighs in on the biggest bath trends of 2011. Don't miss our report on NKBA's 2011 Kitchen Trends.

Photo: NKBA

Bathroom Trend #1: Green Color Schemes
"The trend in color for bathrooms has been softer, more neutral tones, like sea greens, with natural elements like bamboo and stone added to the space," she says. And she's right: While whites, creams, beiges and browns are still the most commonly used colors in bathrooms, green color palettes rose from 14 percent to 24 percent over the course of 2010.

Photo: NKBA

Bathroom Trend #2: Quartz Countertops
A year ago, 85 percent of NKBA bathroom designers incorporated granite into a recent design, compared to just 48 percent for quartz. That gap has narrowed to 83 percent for granite and 54 percent for quartz. "The trend in bathrooms is to create more of a spa-like or hotel-like feel," Pritchard explains. "People are making their homes equipped with the items they love when they go on vacation, such as high-end countertops. They want those aspects of luxury incorporated into their own bathrooms."

Photo: NKBA

Bathroom Trend #3: Vessel Sinks
Under-mount sinks continue to dominate in new bathrooms, but vessel sinks have become the clear second choice among designers, as 51 percent of NKBA designers used them in the final quarter of 2010, up from 39 percent a year ago. "Vessel bowls remain popular due to the switch to a more transitional or contemporay home," Pritchard says. "It creates a cleaner, more calming feel, while eliminating the chance of clutter since vessel sinks are typically mounted on less countertop space."

For more bathroom makeover ideas, don't miss:
Bathroom Makeover: From Decrepit to Dazzling
3 Bathroom Renos You'll Want to Copy
Retro Bathroom Makeovers

Here's a video about how to makeover a small bathroom.

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2011 Kitchen Trends

Sara Brown — 2011-03-07T09:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Kitchen, Your Home, Design, etc, News & Trends

Granite countertops continue to reign supreme, but there are some exciting new kitchen trends coming to a cookspace near you.

Every year the members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) get together to discuss up and coming trends in the marketplace -- More than 100 designers who worked on a kitchen or bathroom during the last three months of 2010 participate in a survey and reveal the hottest styles for 2011. Here, Stephanie Pritchard, a kitchen and bath designer at Middleburg Design Company in Middleburg, Virginia, weighs in on the biggest kitchen trends of 2011. And don't miss our report on NKBA's 2011 Bathroom Trends.

Photo: NKBA

2011 Kitchen Trend #1: Dark Finishes
According to the NKBA, dark finishes overtook medium, natural, glazed and white-painted finishes to become the most specified type of finish toward the end of 2010. "The slow switch to incorporating espresso or ebony stains into kitchen cabinets is definitely on the rise," Pritchard says. The trend, which she says is a reflection of the movement from traditional styles to transitional styles (not quite contemporary, but not traditional), also translates to countertops. "Granite classics like honed Absolute Black, Impala Black and some of the new quartz countertops and leather finishes are gaining momentum," she says. "Incorporating black into your kitchen gives the space a bit of an edge."

Photo: NKBA

2011 Kitchen Trend #2: LED Lighting
While the use of halogen lighting is down from 46 to 40 percent over the past year, LED (light-emitting diode) lighting has increased from 47 to 54 percent. "There will be a complete phase out of incandescent lighting within the next 8 to 10 years," Pritchard predicts. "Hopefully they will come up with a better looking energy efficient bulb for the consumer and designers to use that does not look like a corkscrew!"

Photo: NKBA

2011 Kitchen Trend #3: Smart Trash Location
Some 89 percent of kitchens designed by NKBA members in the final quarter of 2010 included a trash or recycling pull-out. Trash compactors have also become more common. Entering 2010, they were used by 11 percent of designers, but a year later that figure had climbed to 18 percent. "I'm now incorporating recycling bins and multiple built-in trash bins in one kitchen," Pritchard says. "I can't remember the last time that I didn't use a built-in trash unit of some kind in the kitchen."

To see the full story, click here.

For more kitchen makeover ideas, don't miss:
Kitchen Remodel Ideas for Every Budget
Makeover Inspiration: Color in the Kitchen
My Birthday Wish: A Kitchen Makeover

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Beautiful Headboard Ideas

Sara Brown — 2011-02-21T13:27:00 00:00

Filed under: Bedroom, Your Home, Furniture

Longing for a bedroom that packs a dramatic punch? Look no further than these whimsical headboard ideas.

When it comes to headboards, it's easy to think your options are limited: rich wooden sleigh styles, vintage-inspired wrought iron, cozy quilted pieces in neutral hues -- where's the sense of surprise? But we've discovered how to make a headboard beautiful, and it doesn't involve undertaking a complicated DIY project. Think: Fresh colors, patterns and scale.

Photo: Z Gallerie

"I definitely think upholstered headboards are going to continue to be popular in 2011, but we'll be seeing them in a lot of different patterns and textures, as well as varying heights," says Caitlin Creer of Caitlin Creer Interiors in Salt Lake City. "They'll also be paired with wild patterns for pillows and bedding."

Another up-and-coming trend: Unexpected twists on traditional favorites. "We're seeing classic wood finishes, carved and sculpted into intricate designs and patterns -- not just the wood slabs that have been popular for years," adds Creer. "These shapes and curves add an architectural feeling to a bedroom and create a real sense of artistry and fantasy."

Just flip through the pages of ELLE Decor and House Beautiful, and it's plain to see she's right -- over-the-top headboards once reserved for boutique hotels and glossy magazine spreads are making their way into the home. Here are a few of our favorites:

A little bit elegant, a little bit "Alice in Wonderland," this towering bed (shown above) from Z Gallerie combines modern architecture with comfortable textures and a touch of childish whimsy. I mean, who wouldn't love to climb into that big bedroom sanctuary and stay awhile? (Nina Bed from Z Gallerie; from $1,399.)

Photos: Holley & Gill and A Lovely Thing

A twist on the expected upholstered headboard that's been popular for years, we love these nature-inspired styles from Holley & Gill and this crocheted masterpiece, featured on A Lovely Thing. Paired with simple bedding and furniture, these designs will add instant character and interest to your bedroom.

Photo: Elle Decor

Nothing says "happily ever after" like a canopy bed, but sometimes the four-poster canopy style bed can be a little overwhelming for your space. Instead, think about incorporating a canopy headboard into your bedroom -- we love this DIY piece featured on ELLEDecor.com.

Photos: Gate Headboard, Anthropologie and Coralie Bed, Anthropologie

An old-fashioned take on a popular style, these wooden headboards from Anthropologie showcase hand-carved details that make them feel like one-of-a-kind pieces, vintage pieces. We love the romantic feel they'll bring to your bedroom, without taking the feminine feel over the top. (Coralie Bed and Gate Headboard from Anthropologie; $1,998 & $1,348)

For more headboard inspiration, check out these stories:
Beautiful Living: Colorful Headboards
D IY Headboards to Inspire Your Dreams
D iane von Furstenberg Turns Hotel Decorator

Want more bedroom inspiration? Here's a beachy bedroom makeover.

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Design Drool: Wood Wallpaper

Sara Brown — 2011-02-18T09:50:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Projects, Design, etc, News & Trends, Furniture

This wood-inspired wallpaper takes sustainable design to a whole new level.

How cool is this wood wallpaper made from real scrapwood? Created by Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek, the wallpaper actually emulates real planks of wood -- from patterns of monotone espresso-toned boards to criss-crossed, beach-inspired planks in hues like beige, blue, gray and ivory.

Photo: www.scrapwoodwallpaper.com

Piet Hein Eek first developed an interest in old materials after restoring a cupboard for his sister. After replacing the cupboard's old wood with newer materials, he realized that he liked the look of the vintage wood better. He began creating scrapwood-inspired art and furniture. Since then, his work has been sold in numerous galleries worldwide and exhibited in venues such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Milan Furniture Fair.

But now, for the first time, his artwork is being mass produced in the form of wallpaper, making it available to a wider audience. Made in Holland, the heavy duty FSC-certified paper is available in six different wood plank types and patterns, and it will retain it's color -- even after washing! It may not have the full dimensionality of real scraps of wood (it's just photos of wood printed in super high resolution), but it will bring that same nostalgic cabin feel that wood brings to a space. You can order a 30-foot roll of the wallpaper here.

Photo: www.scrapwoodwallpaper.com

Looking for more wall-art inspiration?
Unusual, Off-the-Wall Wallpaper
Wallpaper Trends 2011: New, Fresh and Fun Designs

Here's another great wallpaper idea. Check out this video:

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The Science of Single Girl Decorating

Sara Brown — 2011-02-11T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Color, Design, etc

Forget the Sex and the City single girl pad. We went home with "The Science of Single" writer Rachel Machacek and fell in love with her cozy studio.

Rachel Machacek just might be the next real life "Bridget Jones." After spending several years spending too many weekends at home with her cat in her small Washington, DC studio, she decided to take finding a mate seriously, embarking on a year-long adventure to find out "what happens when you use all of the resources you possibly can to meet and date the opposite sex." She went on blind dates, visited with dating coaches, tried online dating -- even met with professional matchmakers.

Photo: Amazon, Sara Brown

And it's in her 265-square-foot "grandmother chic" studio in the trendy Adams Morgan neighborhood where she finds solace from her dating woes.

The apartment, where she writes her popular dating blog and where she spent two weeks holed up writing "The Science of Single", is painted in sorbet-inspired paint colors, like cantaloupe and periwinkle; her kitchen is bubblegum pink. On the walls is a collection of mix and match artwork she inherited from her parents and grandparents. A red-trimmed chalkboard covers up an unsightly power box. She says that her apartment is filled with found items and special things she's picked up over the last several years. "For some reason it all kind of goes together in this weird, eclectic mish-mash sort of way," Machacek says. "I walk in now and I just love it."

While the size of her apartment is womb-like, which can be comforting, it can also get to her sometimes. "There are periods when I feel like everything's falling down around me," she says. "If I don't stay on top of my stuff, I'll literally start running into things."

Photo: Sara Brown

Plus her dates can get a little distracted when they walk in and see a bed in the middle of her living room. She beckons them to the couch. "I don't use the bed unless I'm sleeping in it, but I have invited guys up who've gone straight for the bed," she says with a laugh. "If it's after a date...at night...after a couple of drinks, it doesn't take much to make your way to the bed, so you have to make an effort not to even go there."

Because of the aparment's shape and size, there isn't really a way to avoid the situation. "When I first looked at the place, the girl who lived here before me had her bed in the closet, too," she says. "I thought I could think of a better way to lay out the space, but put the bed anywhere else and you can't really have a couch. At least now I can at least offer my dates a place to sit down."

Despite the tiny footprint, Machacek has come up with ways to break up the space. One of her first (and only) real furniture purchases, a wooden folding screen, currently hides her cat's litter box; it's also used as a room divider, creating a private nook for her writing desk. Also, by simply facing her bed and her sofa in different directions, she's created two separate "rooms" -- a sitting area to chat and watch TV and a cozy bedroom.

Machacek has considered moving to a new place, but much like her dating life, she's having a hard time singling out "the one." "When I was looking at condos last year, I had an experience kind of like dating -- I kept finding things wrong with every potential place. It wasn't old enough. Or they had renovated, so it had all of the typical trendy amenities that don't attract me. I had a hard time finding a place with real personality or soul, which makes it hard to commit to anything more than what I already have."

Photo: Sara Brown

Did she find a man after her year-long search? Nothing permanent. But that's okay with her. She's become a little hesitant about moving in with a guy.

"The whole idea of merging things and styles with a guy makes me a little anxious," she says. "Alot of guys' apartments turn me off. I understand that a lot of guys are less prone to coming up with a real design scheme, but it's a good thing when a guy puts some thought into his home. That's how you can tell that he's a grown up."

Since Machacek has designed a comforting respite from the ups and downs of her dating life, we asked her for five must-haves to help our single readers do the same.

1. Invest in a comfy place to lounge. Machacek swears by her big, billowy, chenille couch -- it's the perfect spot for that much-needed pre-date nap or a good cuddle with her cat after coming home.

2. Give your place a signature scent. Like an invisible security blanket, Machacek loves the smell of Anthropologie's Capri Blue Candle. "The aroma is soothing after bad dates and romantic for good dates," she says.

3. Stock your shelves with picture books. "I have a hard time reading when I'm nervous about meeting someone new, but I do find that browsing picture books like "Bitter With Baggage Seeks Same" calms me down and makes me laugh," Machacek says.

4. Make Room for a Full-Length Mirror. Even in the smallest spaces, it's important to get a good look at yourself before heading out on a date. Plus, as Machacek points out, it's a must-have when playing dress-up and trying on potential outfits for future meetings.

5. Don't Underestimate the Tiny Bathroom. Not much bigger than a phone booth, Machacek admits that her bathroom is a wee bit tight, but close the door, turn on the shower and it turns into her own private "shed the bad date" steam room. Brilliant.

To learn more about Rachel Machacek, buy her book here. Or check out her hilarious dating blog, ScienceofSingle.com.

Want to find out how single men live? Check out Shelterpop's bachelor pad transformation. And check out more Valentine's Day stories!

Got a small space? This video shows you how to decorate one.

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Decorating Styles 101: Flirty

Sara Brown — 2011-02-10T09:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Projects, Fun Stuff, Holidays, Furniture

A fresh take on romantic style, today's hottest decorating trend is fun and flirty -- without all of the fuss.

It always feels like all 28 (or 29, depending on the year!) days of February revolve around Valentine's Day. So yes, we admit it's easy to get lost in romantic thoughts of silk, lace and ruffles. But can those thoughts translate into a timeless style for your home? Of course! You just have to use them in moderation.

Products courtesy of: IKEA, Anthropologie, Plexicraft, Overstock, ZGallerie, Waverly, Serena & Lily, Bellacor, The Rug Company, Pillow Decor, Diane James Home, Lamps Plus

"Romance in decor is back," says Jenny Komenda, owner of Pearl Street Interiors and author of the popular home-design blog, Little Green Notebook. "I think we're rebelling from the tragic beige microsuede sofas and boxy pleather club chairs of recent past in search of softer lines and colors. Personally, I love feminine and romantic pieces because they add a softness to a room, which looks amazing in contrast with sleek and modern pieces."

For example, if you're thinking of purchasing a curvy and tufted velvet headboard, like this one from Urban Outfitters, Komenda suggests balancing the look with more modern nightstands, like these from West Elm. And maybe consider something more traditional for lighting, like these Robert Abbey brass swing-arm lamps.

Some of our favorite romantic-style looks can be seen above in the photo montage. Master of the "modern feminine" look, Komenda created this living room to exemplify the look. Products include, clockwise, from top left: PS Maskros Pendant Lamp, $89.99, IKEA; Coat of Arms Mirror, $198, Anthropologie; Light Foot Mural Wallpaper, Waverly; Robert Abbey Swing Arm Wall Lamps, $179.91, Lamps Plus; Tea Table, $368, PlexiCraft; Pink Peace Rose, $110, Diane James Home; Willow Sofa, $999, Z Gallerie; Ikat Pillow, $130, Bellacor; Round Corner Hot Pink Throw Pillow, $34.95, Pillow Decor; Ponti Yellow Cushion, The Rug Company; Turquoise Moroccan Leather Pouf, $395, Serena & Lily; White Marble End Table, $208.99, Overstock.com.

"You want a room to look collected and curated, rather than appearing like you chose every piece the same day, from the same store," Komenda advises.

A romantic and rich room, courtesy of Armonia Decor. Photo: Armonia Decor

Love this look, but don't know where to start? Here are Komenda's five favorite ways to ease into the "new girly" style:

1. Think pink. "I think almost every room can benefit from just a bit of pink," says Komenda. "I love blush, almost peach, pinks for wall color and upholstery. I just put a small hot pink velvet pillow on my sofa and it's the star of the show in my living room. Even my husband agrees (though he'll only admit that to me)."

2. Go soft. Steer away from the stand-by fabrics (think denim, microsuede and leather) and add softer textures to your space. "I love silk, velvet and faux fur," says Komenda. She also suggests using a flokati rug for added softness with a glam factor.

3. Make a statement. "A good focal point for a room is a big mirror, like this white scrolly mirror from Ballard Designs that reminds me of a delicate coral," says Komenda. "Mirrors are key to opening up and brightening a space." Also check out Craigslist or flea markets for vintage models.

4. Mind the details. Pay attention to the small stuff when it comes to upholstered pieces. Some of Komenda's suggestions: Spring for tufting, add nailhead trim in polished nickel or unfinished brass, or glue a pretty flat tape trim to the skirt of your chair or sofa.

5. Add pops of pattern. "Floral patterns aren't for everyone, but they can be really great in small doses, like on a pillow or a small upholstered bench," says Komenda. Also, remember if you use a patterned fabric in pleated drapery or a bedskirt, the pattern usually gets a bit lost in the folds, which can be a good thing if you really want a floral but your partner isn't as thrilled about the idea.

Check out more great Valentine's Day stories!

Want some more decorating inspiration, don't miss:
Best Beds for Sex
Cleaning-Obsessed Celebs
Best Wallpapers for Kids Rooms

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Jeff Lewis, Reinvented

Sara Brown — 2011-01-28T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Design, etc, News & Trends

When the housing market crashed, house flipper Jeff Lewis could have lost everything. But his quick tongue and impeccable taste has made him one of the biggest names in home design.

To say that Jeff Lewis is outspoken would be an understatement. From zinging his staff members with his sarcastic sass to voicing his opinions on everything from paint swatches to patio furniture, when Jeff Lewis speaks, the world listens -- and it's easy to see why.

Photo: Lou Mara

A savvy businessman with a quick tongue and impeccable taste, Lewis has been one of the top house flippers in the market for more than a decade. And he's created a name for himself in the television world along the way, thanks to his hit Bravo show, Flipping Out. But his real estate unraveling has forced him to reinvent himself in the last few years -- He's done singing the praises of flipping.

"If I had all the money in the world, I would buy homes, fix them up, rent them out and hang on to them forever," says Lewis. "Look at my grandmother who bought her house for less than $50,000 and now, even in this market, it's worth $750,000. Real estate is such a great bet and a fantastic way to build wealth -- in the long term."

Lewis, who began aggressively flipping properties in southern California in his mid 20s, has always dabbled in real estate. Lke his investor father, Lewis spent his summers working for mortgage brokers, real-estate brokers, appraisers -- you name it. "I started off buying things and adding value, but I was always holding them as long-term investments," says Lewis. "But then when the market really started rapidly appreciating, a light bulb went off -- I had the potential to make a lot of money!"

And quite the opportunity it was. After jumping into the "make money - and fast!" business of house flipping at age 29, Lewis quickly hopped his way up the real estate ladder. Before he knew it, he had flipped 50 homes and was selling his most expensive home for $4.4 million. "It wasn't just like one day I decided to flip houses," he says. "It really was an evolution."

Made from 100% organic cotton denim, Jeff Lewis's line of super durable (and super stylish) throw pillows can be purchased through Alluminare and Shop.JeffLewisDesign.com. Throw them on any bed or sofa for an instant pop of pattern! Photos: Courtesy of Jeff Lewis.

But when the market started to take a nose dive in 2007, Lewis knew he needed to get out -- and fast. He was holding about seven homes with enormous mortgages, so he drastically started cutting prices and selling properties. "I made a quick evaluation of what I could hold on to long term, and what I couldn't afford to hold on to," says Lewis. He needed to get liquid quickly to pay back family and friends, as well as his lenders. "Unfortunately, I sold some of my properties at losses, but I managed to come out on the other side without destroying my credit or defaulting on any of my loans. Can you imagine going to holiday gatherings and having to face someone who you owed $200,000? I couldn't have lived with myself."

When the dust had settled from the housing crash, Lewis was left with a handful of properties that he could afford to hold on to. You'd think such a blow would leave this veteran house flipper with a substantial amount of extra time on his hands, right? Wrong.

Lewis is now taking his 20 years of design and renovation experience and managing client projects across the country, from hour-long consultations where Lewis gives home or business owners his expert opinion on any advice they may need for their project to managing full-scale remodeling projects. He even took some time out of his jam-packed schedule to design House Beautiful's 2010 "Kitchen of the Year", which was showcased in Rockefeller Center last summer.

In addition to these individual projects, he's also launched a new line of home accessories by Alluminare. The master of what House Beautiful has dubbed "soft modern," Lewis has parlayed this contemporary-yet-comfortable aesthetic into a collection of lighting, pillows and wallpaper that you can customize to fit your space perfectly. "The colors were picked from a palette of my favorite colors, so you can use my choices as a guide, while still having the flexibility to make it your own," says Lewis. "Plus, the products are priced reasonably, so you can change the items out with your mood. In case you didn't know, I'm very moody."

Oh, trust us, we know. Which is why we're all wondering: Will this master of house-flipping have a change of heart and return to the biz anytime soon? "Knowing me, I'll get bored and I'll want a project. Will it be a full-time project like before? Who knows," he says. "Because of my decisions over the last few years, I was able to recoup some of my money and my credit is in tact. So now, if and when it's time to go back in, I'll be in a position to do so. I'm very lucky."

In the mean time, you can check out Jeff and his team on the new season of "Flipping Out," coming in 2011.

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The Best Times to Buy Home Items

Sara Brown — 2011-01-19T09:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Projects, Design, etc, News & Trends, Furniture

Ever noticed that mattresses are marked down at the same time every year? Well, so are power tools and cookware. Here's a month by month guide to great deals.

When it comes to shopping for home goods, the key to getting the most bang for your buck is simple -- plan ahead. So, to help our ShelterPop readers do just that, we spoke with the experts at Consumer Reports to find out the best times of the year to find great deals on particular items for your home.

Photo: Getty | Alamy

"We compile our list by speaking with our testers, who know their products manufacturing cycles, and our own in house market research division, which can also track pricing," says Amanda Walker, senior project editor at Consumer Reports. They also speak with industry groups like the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Home Furnishing Association to find out why some things go on sale when they do.

Sales are often triggered by manufacturing or seasonal cycles. For example, indoor furniture tends to go on sale some time after the furniture shows in High Point, North Carolina, which take place two times a year in April and October. "When you see snow blowers on sale in August and September," she says. "It's a good bet that stores are trying to cut rates on older inventory."

Keep in mind that none of these tips are set in stone. "Over the years we've seen a trend of items going on sale at the same time each year, but that can change at any time," explains Walker. "Most of this depends on the retailers' inventories; if one store manages to sell their entire grill inventory one year, there will be no sale."

But just because there's no sale, doesn't mean you can't get a great deal. "Three words for you: negotiate, negotiate, negotiate," says Walker. "In-store shoppers should go when retailers are less busy, like the early morning or late in the day on weekdays, so salespeople won't be in as big a rush. Ask for a better price, but always be polite. If they won't budge, ask to speak with a manager who is authorized to negotiate."

Are you ready to get your shop on? Follow this calendar for the best times to buy.

Photo: Doozzi Photography, Alamy

WINTER
(January - March)
Early in the year is the time for White Sales: unbeatable sales on sheets, pillows and other linens, with price cuts as high as 50 percent. Also look for cheap electronics left over from the holiday rush and even "open box" reductions on high-tech gifts that were opened and then returned. And once the weather starts to take a turn for the better, showrooms will be chomping at the bit to clear out some space for their new outdoor furniture displays, which means a good chunk of their indoor furniture will go on sale.

Keep your eyes peeled for great deals on:
Bedding
Carpeting
Cookware
Indoor furniture
TVs and small consumer electronics

Photo: Alamy

SPRING
(April - June)
Tax season brings specials on home office furniture and supplies, like computers. Another great use for that tax refund? Home improvement and lawn-maintenance items. Then, once Mother's and Father's Day roll around, you'll see specials on home appliances and guy-friendly items, like lawn mowers.

Keep your eyes peeled for great deals on:
Computers
Lawn Mowers
Carpeting
Cordless phones
Indoor furniture

Photo: shopics, Alamy

SUMMER
(July - September)
In preparation for the nation's biggest furniture trade show (the High Point Market), mid-summer is a great time to scope out major clearance sales from high-end furniture and accessories dealers. (Also look for "public" shopping days at local design centers and showrooms that usually cater to design professionals.) Once the weather starts to cool off, you'll also find deals on air conditioners and gas grills, as well as snow blowers and other winter-specific items that most people aren't thinking about yet.

Keep your eyes peeled for great deals on:
Indoor and outdoor furniture
Air conditioners
Snow blowers
Lawn mowers
Gas grills
Small consumer electronics

Photo: James Houck, Alamy

FALL
(October - December)
The much anticipated holiday season will bring sales and promotions on dining rooms and dinettes around late October and early November. Once we get into December, though, sales drop off since retailers know the public is already pre-disposed to spending during this time. After Christmas, look for major markdowns!

Keep your eyes peeled for great deals on:
Computers
Gas grills
Lawn mowers
TVs
Home appliances

For more shopping inspiration, don't miss:
ShelterPop's Best Shopping Stories

Looking for information on specific holiday sales throughout the year? We're here to help. Check out a few of our favorite ShelterPop Sales stories.

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Color Diary: Technicolor Countertop Ideas

Sara Brown — 2011-01-18T11:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Color, Kitchen, Your Home, Design, etc, News & Trends

So long, neutrals! Color is making a comeback in the kitchen, and countertops (yes, countertops) are leading the charge.

For anyone renovating a kitchen, choosing a kitchen countertop has been as easy as deciding which neutral you'd go with: crisp white marble, slick black or gray granite, maybe tan Corian. But kitchen countertops are getting a major makeover. Think: fiery reds, soothing aquas -- In other words, color.

"We're definitely seeing a growing trend toward solid colors for the kitchen counter," says Stephanie Pritchard, kitchen designer at Middleburg Design in Middleburg, Virginia. "Variations of slate gray and white are still popular, but braver souls are taking the plunge with choices like lime green, orange and fiery varieties, like Red Dragon granite."

Photo: Jeremy Bronson, Flickr

It's easy to see why these counters are so alluring -- they can brighten up the dullest of kitchens -- but Pritchard says to think it through before settling on something so bold. "Color is great, but it has to be in the right home or setting," she says. Still, it's an exciting development in kitchen countertops, especially since designs needed some shaking up.

If you do live in a colorful setting or just fancy yourself a home design risk taker, we say go for it! Joining the ranks of other colorful trends (think red refrigerators and cobalt blue dishwashers by companies like LG and Whirlpool), many of these punchy possibilities are also made from eco-friendly materials, making them stylish and smart. Here are a few of our favorites:

Photo: CaesarStone

Quartz
Made from one of nature's hardest materials, quartz surfaces like Silestone and CaesarStone are pressured into dense, non-porous slabs, before being polished to a high-gloss shine. Vibrant color options include Apple Martini, Magenta Energy and Ruby Reflections. Unlike granite and other natural stones, quartz is also more consistent, with virtually no veins or surface flaws.

Photo: Alkemi

Recycled Scrap Metal
Made from aluminum milling scraps, these stunning countertops are filled with eye-catching metallic flecks, as well as a rich colored background (available shades include Plum, Paprika and Root Beer, just to name a few). Plus, it's extremely strong and durable, and it can be polished to your preferred level of shine. For more information, check out Alkemi.

Photo: Pyrolave

Lava Stone
Available in an unlimited amount of colors and finishes (it can actually be dyed to match any area in your home), this ultra-resilient material is made from enameling natural volcanic rock (aka lava) at more than 1,000 degrees. Plus, it can be used outdoors, as it also holds up to freezing, thawing and heavy impacts. If you're interested, learn more at Pyrolave or check out these blue counters from Bis Bis.

Photo: ThinkGlass

Solid Glass
No longer just for dishware, glass countertops are available in a variety of colors (both solids and patterned variations) and textures, such as bubbled designs that mimic the look of a babbling stream. Plus, it's surprisingly sturdy (it comes in 1.5-inch slabs or thicker), and it can be customized with swirls of color to create your own personalized touch. We like this example from ThinkGlass.

Photo: Vetrazzo

Recycled Glass & Concrete
Strong like granite and heat-resistant like stone, countertops made from recycled glass and concrete are also an eco-friendly option since the majority of the countertop consists of old multi-colored glass from curbside recycling programs, windows, stemware, stained glass -- even traffic lights. Check out the colors at Vetrazzo and IceStone.

Photo: PaperStone

Recycled Paper
With more subtle color options (think hues like Chocolate, Gunmetal and Cabernet), recycled-paper countertops (made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, resin and natural pigments) are a nice alternative for those with more understated tastes. Worried about it absorbing liquids? Don't be -- paper countertops' non-porous surface is extremely solid and stain resistant. For examples, check out PaperStone and Richlite.

Interested in other countertop alternatives? Check these out.

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Shout Color Catcher Review: Laundry Game Changer?

Sara Brown — 2011-01-12T11:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization, Cleaning

Shout claims that their new Color Catcher sheets allow whites to be washed with colors. But do they work? One writer puts the spin cycle to the test.

You know the saying: "If it's too good to be true, it probably is." Well, let's just say that was the thought running through my mind as I walked out of Target the other day with Shout Color Catcher in hand.

Yep, Shout has come out with a new product that claims to put an end to the old "white + colors = pink laundry" rule. Maybe you've seen the commercial, where an enthusiastic woman brags about how she can wash her husband's white shirts with her red dress. There's a "dramatization" of the sheet in the washing machine, absorbing all of the red dye while the spiffy work shirt remains untouched and then -- tada! -- a perfect white shirt, right out of the laundry. But really, how could this be? Even I, the dunce of all things domestic, know that mixing laundry is a recipe for disaster. So, when my ShelterPop editor asked me to put the new product to the test, I decided to throw in a load of a laundry.

Photo: Sara Brown

Things didn't exactly go as planned.

After purchasing three brand-spankin' new Hanes white t-shirts, I rounded-up the boldest blue and red t-shirts I could find:

Photo: Sara Brown

All of the t-shirts' tags specifically said to wash in warm water with LIKE colors. I cranked my washing machine up to warm and tossed them all in together, along with two of the Color Catcher sheets and the designated amount of laundry detergent. (Instructions suggest using 2 to 3 sheets when washing brand new items.)

Thirty minutes later the load was done and here's what I found:

Photo: Sara Brown

Two purple dryer sheets and -- whoa! -- three Hanes t-shirts, as bright as white could be!

Shocked? So was I. Here's how the Shout Color Catcher technology works: The sheets, which look and feel just like your average dryer sheet, absorb and trap loose dyes in your water, safeguarding your laundry from color bleeds and runs, and helping to preserve your clothes. No more wasted time spent sorting your laundry and waiting to finish two loads when you could be doing one!

Photo: Sara Brown

Not to mention saving money by eliminating half-size (or in my case: one-item) loads from your wash routine. Call me over-the-top, but I'm naming this product one of the coolest cleaning innovations of 2011! Step aside Magic Eraser, Shout Color Catcher just put a whole new spin on cleaning up fast!

For more cleaning-product reviews, click here.

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Trend We Love: Wall Tape

Sara Brown — 2011-01-10T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Projects, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects

Love the look of wallpaper but can't take the plunge? Give temporary tape a try.

With all the design choices out there today, sometimes it can be hard to commit to just one look. And if you live in a rented place, you probably don't have the option of committing, even if you wanted to. So how can you spice up your space without doing anything permanent?

Just grab a roll of colored masking tape, a bottle of glue and voila! -- you've added instant character that you can take down whenever you'd like.

Photo: Left, Apartment Therapy; Right, Caitlin Creer Interiors

Case in point: The two projects shown above. Can you believe that the stripes in the dining room on the left were created with wall tape? Featured on Apartment Therapy, the wall was prepared with masking tape to create painted strips. But once the renters discovered that the tape matched their series of prints, they decided to leave the tape up as instant wallpaper.

In designer Caitlin Creer's entryway (above right), she used floral tape to create the cube-like pattern. You can create a similar pattern with solid or patterned ribbon, attaching the material to your wall along the way.

According to Jonathan Fong, author of "Jonathan Fong's Walls That Wow", the best tape to use on walls is called Permacel, a kind of high-strength paper tape that's typically used on film sets to secure camera and light cables to the floor. But you won't find this style of tape at your local home-improvement store. Instead, you'll need to check out a craft or art-supply store. There you'll find that the tape comes in a variety of different colors and widths, allowing you to create whatever type of design you desire. And when you want to change the look, the tape peels right off (without taking your paint with it).

Photo: Pearl Street Interiors

Jenny of Pearl Street Interiors designed her own geometric-inspired wall art in her entryway (above). To pull it off, you'll need to play with the tape on the wall until you find the right proportion for the diamonds, and then start taping. You may want to mark a few spots with a pencil to help guide the placement of the tape. Once you're finished, just use an X-acto knife to clean up the loose ends along your trim and base boards. For more detailed info on the project, see Jenny's post.

For more simple DIY projects, click here.

We're also reading:
-My Nook Will Not Replace My Bookshelf
-Living in the Other Woman's House
-QUIZ: What Era is Your Home Decor?

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Love a Vanilla-Scented Home? You're Not Alone

Sara Brown — 2010-12-30T12:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Bedroom, Your Home, Bathroom, Living Room

Would you believe that vanilla is the most-preferred home scent? We reached out to a panel of "experts" to find out why.

According to Mintel Research News, 44% of air freshener users say they choose vanilla-scented air fresheners most of the time, making it the most popular fragrance choice for the home. But why? We hit up the usual -- and some unusual -- suspects to get the scoop.

Tammy Hanratty, Corbis

"I find it so ironic that the word vanilla is often used to describe something bland and boring," says Jacqui Snow, creator and foodie behind The Recipe Diva. "The scent of vanilla is so powerful in its ability to immediately evoke feelings of warmth and comfort -- it's proven to have a calming effect. While honest and simple, it's definitely not boring."

And Caitlin Creer of Caitlin Creer Interiors in Salt Lake City, Utah, agrees. "Vanilla makes me think of the holidays and baking cookies as a child," says Creer, who typically leans toward grapefruit or pine, but opts for vanilla when the holidays roll around. "Everyone loves to come home to the smell of vanilla. It definitely completes the ambiance of a warm home with a roaring fire."

Self-proclaimed vanilla purists can't convince everyone to jump on the sweet-smelling bandwagon. "You can't deny the popularity of vanilla," say Gretchen Hollingsworth, the owner of Paddywax Candle Company. "It definitely appeals to a wide audience, but we don't offer it because it's already available from so many other candle companies. We're kind of known for our imaginative blends, so we're constantly challenging ourselves to come up with unexpected ideas, and vanilla is already a home-scent staple."

And personally, Hollingsworth isn't even a fan. "I'm probably one of the few people who's not that into vanilla," she says. "It's too sweet and I prefer crisp, greener fragrances. To me, it's just, well, vanilla."

As for this writer, I'm a devoted member of the Church of Vanilla, and I'd gladly cover every inch of my home with vanilla frosting if it wasn't so darn sticky! Like Snow, who admits that she avoids burning vanilla candles when she's hungry for fear she might actually start lapping up the burning wax, I can't resist the sweet icing-inspired goodness of a vanilla candle or air freshener. My cousin Charlie Flynn, 11, understands where I'm coming from.

"If I could eat one thing forever it would be a big bowl of sugar," Charlie admits. "Hot fudge, whip cream, rainbow sprinkles -- all on top of vanilla ice cream. It's my favorite food. It's pretty much the most awesome thing ever."

I couldn't have said it better myself. Yep, with vanilla on top. We're living in one sweet world.

Not sold on sweet? Check out the Top 5 Serene Bedroom Scents or learn how to create your own personal scent blend.

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Kids Room Decorating Ideas: Project Nursery

Sara Brown — 2010-12-29T11:17:00 00:00

Filed under: Bedroom, Your Home, Projects, Furniture

Two moms started a home design site that specializes in decorating kids rooms. We love their most recent project: They gave our writer's baby a nursery.

If you've ever been faced with decorating a baby's or kid's room, you know the feeling: You're so excited to create a whimsical getaway for your little bean, but picking a style and color scheme for the space has left you feeling paralyzed. Do you go with the standard pink or blue? Stripes or polka dots? Modern furniture or classic silhouettes? And once you've decided on a look, how do you find the pieces that you have in mind? Yep, creating a room for a tiny person can actually turn out to be a huge dilemma. Luckily, the ladies behind Project Nursery can help.

Photo: Courtesy of Little Apple Nursery

Founded in 2008 by moms, business partners and design enthusiasts Melisa Fluhr and Pamela Ginnochio, Project Nursery, an online resource for moms, is a virtual jackpot of kid-friendly design ideas, from hip finds for the family home to do-it-yourself projects to clever party ideas and to how to create an amazing kid's room on a budget.

And the Project Nursery empire is growing. Melisa (left) and Pamela (right) recently launched Little Apple Design, which provides clients with their own personalized "e-design" based around a kid's room of their choice. Here's how it works: Simply fill out the detailed questionnaire on the company's website and send over any photos you may have of your existing room. From there, Little Apple Design will custom create an electronic design board of 15 to 20 items, along with a list of product links for you to check out. Costs range from $50 per hour to chat with the designers over the phone to $525 for a customized design board.

Sound easy? I can tell you from personal experience that it is. As a new mother to a 10-month-old baby boy and the recent owner of a new home, I decided to try out the design service myself (the nice moms at Project Nursery waived their fee). After filling out the questionnaire, here's the design dilemma I submitted to Melisa and Pamela:

My family and I are about to move into a new townhouse after living in a rented apartment. In the rental, we weren't allowed to paint or hang window treatments, so I'm really looking forward to creating a baby space for my son Sam (10 months old) that I couldn't create in the old place. With that said, we want this new baby room to be somewhat gender neutral so that it can be our next baby's room -- whatever the sex! Also, because our house isn't that big, it's important to me that the room flow with the rest of the home. (In other words, no childish characters on the wall!) Any advice?

And here's what they came up with!

Photo: Courtesy of Little Apple Nursery

In planning Sam's nursery, Melisa and Pamela said their top priority was to ensure that the room was designed with versatility in mind, since we planned to use the room for another baby. If our next child is a girl, the light blue, green and white palette is gender neutral and can easily be brought to the feminine side with pops of pink.

They also saved us money by working around our existing white Da Vinci Jenny Lind crib, and they picked a rocking chair, changing table and shelving unit in more modern styles so it would flow seamlessly with the other rooms in our home. On the other hand, they did accessorize the space with kid-inspired, easy-to-change items, like tree and bird wall decals and a giraffe growth chart (see more of the room below). Both added a bit of childish whimsy without having to commit to a particular theme.

The total cost of their suggestions, about $3,000. It's quite a bit more than my husband and I planned to spend, but I definitely got some really great ideas that I do plan to incorporate, like the paint choices, the sheepskin rug, the pennant decal and the bright green floor cushion and shelving units.

Here's what they planned for the room, by the numbers:

1. Pendant Light, $298, Taley; 2. "Lake Placid" Paint, Benjamin Moore; 3. Little Lion Baby Mobile, $40, Modern Baby Co.; 4. New Garden Tree Wall Decal, Surface Inspired; 5. Custom Alphabet Print, $50, Modern Pop: 6. Ryder Simple Shelving, $59, Pottery Barn Kids; 7. Arm Shell Rocker, $349, Sparkability; 8. KiteLinen Pillow Cover, $35.95,sukanart; 9. Martini Side Table, $129, West Elm; 10. HiyaDresser/Changer, from $845, by Spot on Square; 11. Sheepskin Rug, from $159, West Elm; 12. Sprout Star Crib Sheet, $36, Serena & Lily.

13. Pennant Decal, $72, Petit Collage;14. Linen Bulletin Board, LG Designs; 15. Hiya Book Shelf, from $549, Spot on Square; 16. Mimi's Frames, $34, Paula Prass; 17. Brady Stripe Window Hardware, from $40, Pottery Barn Kids;18. Suite Ribbon Drapes, from $59, PBteen; 19. Giraffe Growth Chart, $100, Petit Collage; 20. Wild Green Floor Cushion, $75, Boujiandnouna.

Impressed? So was I. So, why not try it for yourself?

Looking for other kid-inspired design ideas? Check out a few of our ShelterPop favorites:
Going to Paint a Kids' Room? We Found the Best Colors
Designing a Home With Baby in Mind
Seriously Stylish Nurseries

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The Best Christmas Lights in America

Sara Brown — 2010-12-22T12:09:00 00:00

Filed under: Color, Fun Stuff, Holidays, Design, etc

Meet "Mr. Christmas" and several other homeowners responsible for the most illuminating (and illuminated!) over-the-top Christmas decorations in the country.

There are only a handful of occasions when it's perfectly acceptable -- no, encouraged -- to leave your taste at home and bring on the tacky! Yep, 'tis the season for gawdy lawn ornaments, and lucky for you we've picked out a few of the best over-the-top Christmas displays in the country.

(Love Christmas Lights? Check out the video at Holidash.)

Here's what their creators have to say about why they do it, how many lights they use, and just how much their electric bill is every December.

Traffic is jammed along 34th Street in Baltimore as revelers take in the street of lights. Photo: Cory Brown, Flickr

Christmas Street, Baltimore, Maryland
"I could live on a dead-end street in the middle of the desert, and I'd still be doing this," says Bob Hosier, one of the original residents behind the "Christmas Street" tradition in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland.

Hosier and his wife of 28 years, Darlene Hughes, started the annual decorating extravaganza in 1982 at the 34th Street rowhouse that Darlene grew up in. Today, nearly all of the residents of the 700 block of West 34th Street, or "Christmas Street", bust out their best holiday decorations, creating a street of lights so bright it can probably be seen from outer space. Think: Hundreds of thousands of lights, menorahs, snow globes, wreaths, life-size Santa figurines and Grinches, a hubcap Christmas tree and a bicycle-wheel snowman -- oh, and did we mention that there are also crabs pulling a sled? (The crab is Maryland's mascot.)

It's only fitting that a display that lights up like the Las Vegas strip would draw a crowd -- and inspire a traffic jam. Insiders warn that the 34th Street traffic can be bumper to bumper around Christmas time. Pedestrians crowd the sidewalks and streets, dodging cars and the occasional tour bus that rolls through the neighborhood to check out the world class lights.

The exterior of Bob and Raquel Cox's house lit up at night. Photo: Bob & Raquel Cox

Steel City Christmas, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Forget lighting up the neighborhood! Some Christmas-light enthusiasts draw a crowd with just one over-the-top home.

Take Bob and Raquel Cox. They started decorating their home at 1736 Beryl Street in 2004 as a gift to their baby daughter, Alyvia. "We just wanted to put up a few strings for our daughter who loved Christmas lights," says Bob, 29. "But the more we put up, the more she liked it."

Photo: Steel City Christmas Lights

Now six years old, Alyvia and her three year old sister Demetria still love the lights, as do the residents in and around the Pittsburgh area. Located in a cul-de-sac, the Cox home draws crowds of holiday enthusiasts who walk through the impressive light display. In the last few years, it has been expanded to include light-filled Christmas trees, archways, candy cane walkways and towers of twinkling snowflakes, among other things. In 2006, the Coxes began using a computer to set their lights to the soundtrack of holiday music.

Decorating their home for Christmas has become a year-round hobby. "The most lights we put up was last year at 265,000, but we downsized a little this year to only 150,000 lights," says Bob, who underwent back surgery over the summer, which kept him from dedicating as much time to the display. "We have a ton of lights in storage (somewhere around 500,000), and next year we plan on putting all of them up for our most extreme year yet." Rage on, Christmas warrior!

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, New York
"Every Christmas, the Dyker Heights neighborhood turns into a sea of lights," says Tony Muia, owner and operator of A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours. As the story goes, Lucy Spata, the "Lucy" behind the "Lucy's Sausage & Peppers" started the trend of extreme decorating in the neighborhood. "I grew up with this," says Spata, a longtime Dyker Heights resident in the New York Daily News. "My mom was a fanatic, so some of it is her stuff to keep her memory alive." She begins putting the decorations, which include illuminated angels and large wooden soldiers, up in early November, and she keeps everything up until January.

When Spata first began decorating her home in the 1980s with hundreds of four-foot soldier figurines, reindeer and angels "in honor of her mother who loved angels," says Muia, the neighborhood complained about the crowds drawn by her displays. "If you don't like it," she told them, "Move!"

A drive through Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood is an enlightening experience. Photo: Tony Muia/A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours

And so the neighborhood joined in on the fun, and now, more than two decades later, everyone's getting in on the action, including local decorators and landscape artists. "Companies that were light on work in the winter realized that homeowners would gladly hire someone to help them deck out their home for the Dyker Heights display," says Muia. "Many residents have professionals come out to decorate, and then store the decorations until it's time to put them up again next year."

About two dozen homes along 84th Street and 12th Avenue in Brooklyn participate, decking their houses and lawns in thousands of lights, gigantic Santas, reindeers and elves, for a top-of-the-line Christmas driving tour. (Insider tip: Park your car a few streets away and walk -- driving through the display can take forever.)

Residents of Dyker Heights aren't afraid to go bright on Christmas. Photo: Tony Muia/A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours

The Hyatt Family's Extreme Christmas Home, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The Hyatt's home at 11201 NW 14th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been drawing crowds for five years. "My husband and I have been decorating our homes together since we got married back in 1990, but we bought this house specifically because we knew we could create a great Christmas display here," says Kathy Hyatt, 44. "My husband Mark's family always decorated the inside and outside of their house while he was growing up here in south Florida, and now he's carrying on that tradition. My family, on the other hand, was only able to put up a small tree, so it's been fun for me to learn how to decorate and build the display."

Team Hyatt's masterpiece in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo: Michael Zimmerman Photography

To complete their extravagant, the Hyatts start planning for the set up and power issues back in July. (Their electric bills for the month of December typically run about $1,000 more than an average month.) In August, they start preparing the property, tackling projects like painting the house, trimming the trees and hedges, and power washing the roof and driveway. In September, the decorations start going up. "This production is really all about the lights, which take a ton of time to get up," says Mark, who covers the home's exterior and roof entirely in green and white lights; he covers the foyer with lights and disco balls. "Let's just say it takes a lot of juice to get this going."

Team Hyatt takes their job decorating their home seriously. Photo: Courtesy of Kathy Hyatt

And this year, they say, will be the best yet. Drawing on ideas they gleaned from Christmas conventions (yes, there is such a thing), trips to Disney World and holiday movies, the Hyatt Extreme Christmas is becoming a true holiday experience. After journeying along the "lollipop walkway" where you pass a 20-foot ferris wheel and a 30-foot tree of lights -- complete with 21,000 lights -- you duck into Santa's Workshop. Continue through the Land of Snow White, Playful Penquins, Winter Wonderland, Disney and Loony Tune Wonderland, a life-size display of Santa taking off into the air and a nativity scene. This year they also added M&M characters and a 24-foot mega sign of lights that says, "Believe in the magic of Christmas."

Tacky Light Tour, Richmond, Virginia
Spanning across multiple neighborhoods in Richmond, Virginia, the Tacky Light Tour is a driving tour, designed to make it easy for holiday enthusiasts to find the craziest lights in town. Local residents can register their own home on the site to be included in the tour (there are 80 this year). Fair warning: Your home needs to boast at least 20,000 lights to be worthy of such an honor. Each listing provides a wealth of information, including the number of lights, the number of animated displays, the number of inflatable displays, the hours that the lights are turned on, and the number of years that home has been on the Christmas Tacky Light Tour.

Photo: Adam Sowers, Flickr

According to the creator of the tour, Matt Burgess, one of the most popular homes on display is Frank Hudak's -- aka Mr. Christmas (shown below) -- "Christmas House," located at 2300 Wistar Court. Featured on TLC's "Crazy Christmas Lights" show, the house has been a Richmond holiday legend for decades. "There are two reasons Frank's house is so popular," says Burgess. "First of all, Frank typically dresses up for and greets tourists each night. Secondly, he was one of the first homeowners to broadcast a live radio signal from his home featuring his favorite Christmas tunes -- he sometimes even pauses the music to speak on-air."

Frank Hudak (aka Mr. Christmas) with Matt Burgess, founder of TackyLightTour.com Photo: Tacky Light Tour

What makes this particular holiday display so amazing is the house is literally dripping in lights, from the trees to the roof. Plus, every tree is trimmed with oversized ornaments and twinkling snowflakes. And the tacky doesn't stop there, oh no. The lawn is entirely covered in plastic figurines, from reindeers to penguins -- even woodland creatures like squirrels can be found mingling with angels and toy soldiers. The yard also includes a stable, a guardhouse, a church, candy canes and a multi-colored star, most of which were created in Hudak's own workshop. No wonder they call him "Mr. Christmas!"

Can't get enough Christmas lights? Check out these over-the-top displays.

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Falling in Love Over Christmas Lights

Sara Brown — 2010-12-17T09:12:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Projects

There's sparkle in this couple's marriage, thanks to Christmas tree lights.

Every girl has their deal breaker. You know, that one thing that someone does or wears or says that just turns you off, and you know right then and there that you're simply not compatible. For some girls it's what kind of car a guy drives, or maybe you have a little Charlotte York in you and you have a strong aversion to carnations. For me, it was Christmas lights.

Photo: Sara Brown

Yep, before I got married, when I'd first start talking to a guy, I'd make it a point to casually ask them what kind of holiday lights he preferred -- even if it was summer. I'd find a way to work it into the conversation: How do you feel about colored lights? Or perhaps white is more your style? What's that you say? You couldn't care less? Well, why don't you just pick one? Thanks.

From his answer, I quickly knew if there was any potential for long-range likeability. If his answer was white, he was a goner -- much too boring to ever be co-captain of my "Go Big or Go Home" holiday team. But if he said he liked colored lights, he was getting warmer. And then the clincher: What were his thoughts on my all-time favorite, the old-school Charlie Brown-style lights? You know, the throwback glass bulbs that get so hot they can shatter at the blink of an eye? (Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like first-degree burns and stitches, wouldn't you say?) If he had no objection to willingly creating a safety violation in his place of residence in the name of Christmas, I was sold.

Sound like a complete crazy person? I was. And although I consider myself to be a pretty fly-under-the-radar kind of gal most of the time, when it came time to decorate, my enthusiasm easily rivaled Clark W. Griswold. From my childhood home to the porches of my college apartments, I would go absolutely overboard with lights and decorations, talking my family and friends into my over-the-top style along the way. Lights outlining every doorway and window? Of course. Movable snowmen and carolers decorating the yard? You bet. A life size Santa and reindeer perched on the roof? Yes, please.

Then I met my own Clark W. Griswold, or "Captain Christmas," as I like to call my now-husband.

When we first got together back in 2004, the holiday season was still a few months away, but I had a sneaking suspicion he'd be a great addition to my decorating team. So one November morning, I laid it all on the table: After years of working with less-than-ideal decorating conditions, I finally had the perfect platform to create the out-of-this world Christmas display I'd always dreamed of. Bottom line: I wanted, nay needed, the little Cape Cod-style house that I was renting with my friends to be dripping in lights for the holiday season.

And would you believe it? That very next weekend, with Starbucks in hand, my roommates and I perched ourselves on the porch and watched in awe as he wrapped the entire perimeter of our yard and lined our stairway with bright, beautiful lights. He even climbed into our ancient maple tree and wrapped each and every branch. By the end of that afternoon, I knew that I had met my match.

Swoon. Christmas was our holiday.

Photo: Sara Brown

But things are a bit different this year for Team Christmas. For the last six years, we have spent Christmas in four different tiny, one-bedroom apartments with no balconies to speak of and strict rules against hanging lights in the windows (stupid fire hazards). And now, while we wait to move into our new house -- complete with sprawling front staircase perfect for an outdoor light extravaganza -- it seems our yuletide creativity will be stifled for another season.

You'd think all these years without our dose of seasonal holiday cheer would be leaving us grumbling "Bah! Humbug!" But, as it turns out, there's more to Christmas than having the best and brightest yard on the block. (Novel idea, I know). Sure, we can't wait until our time comes to bust out the lifesize gingerbread houses and snow globes, but with all this extra time on our hands, we get to spend our days enjoying the season. And, better yet, each other.

Now, instead of driving through the Home Depot parking lot and giving the stink eye to the happy families purchasing the latest and greatest lawn ornaments, we've decided to be adult about our situation. We're going to spend this Christmas season focusing on a few alternative activities that we really love doing. Together. As a family. Like wrapping presents while Bing Crosby croons in the background. Or watching my top 12 favorite holiday flicks during the "12 Days of Christmas Movies" event we invented a few years back. Or, my personal favorite, cruising the neighborhood to get our fix of decoration eye candy (not to mention next year's competition). Either way, this year is going to be more about slowing down and enjoying ourselves.

At the risk of sounding like a complete cheeseball, the sight of a house covered in blinking lights will always melt my heart. And whether we have our own Christmas lights up or not, me and Captain Christmas will always have each other (and our beautiful new baby boy). Sure, we can't wait for next year to introduce the holiday dream team to our new neighbors with our tacky, gaudy, over-the-top decorating ways, but for now I'm happy watching my son make a finger-paint Christmas wreath out of red ribbon and glitter.

What can I say? Some girls like jewelry, others like designer shoes. But me, I've always loved a little twinkle. I'm just finding it in different places these days.

Not sold? Check out these stories dedicated to decorating your home for the holidays:
5 New Holiday Decor Favorites
Solar Christmas Lights Even the Griswolds Would Envy
All is Calm, All is Bright: Crazy Christmas Lights

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Sara Snow's Guide to Easing into Eco-Friendly Living

Sara Brown — 2010-12-14T09:34:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Projects, Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization

Photo: Polina Osherov Photography

Step off, green divas! Sara Snow tells us how to ease into eco-friendly living.

When life gets crazy, the last thing you want to do is change up your routine. Which is exactly why so many people resist incorporating green practices into their daily life -- when you've got your busy schedule down to a science, why rock the boat?

But, like most things in life, there are different levels of living green: mint green, kelly green, forest green -- you get the gist! So, green amateurs, fear not! According to Sara Snow, natural and green living expert, TV host and author, easing into the green lifestyle is totally achievable.

"We try to do our best, but I understand -- life can get insane," says Snow. "First thing first, don't beat yourself up over what you can't do. Instead, focus on the little, easy things that you can do."

So what habit can you easily make routine in your life? Here are Snow's five tips for easing into the green lifestyle:

Photo: jupiterimages / Getty Images

1. Make healthier food choices.
"Food is an appropriate place to start because it's something we all need, and it's something we all make decisions about multiple times a day," says Snow. "You won't hear me telling you to go out and buy 100% organic food, because that's just not feasible for most people. Focus on the foods that you and your family eat the most of and try to go healthier with those few things."

Need some examples? Choose cage free or organic eggs, which indicate that the chickens that laid the eggs were living in conditions similar to their natural environment and weren't fed genetically modified feed and corn. Or opt for honey over regular sugar; not only is it healthier than sugar, but it also fights off allergens and bacteria, heals wounds and fights off night cough.

2. Simplify your body products.
"Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it can absorb as much as 60% of body product contents directly into your blood stream. So going for body care products that contain less synthetic ingredients (aka junk) is very important for adults, but it's especially important for kids and babies," says Snow.

Since children's skin is so much thinner and their bodies are smaller, they have a harder time processing synthetic ingredients. Her personal favorite: Johnson's Natural Baby Care Line, which is mild enough for new skin, and is derived from 98% plant, mineral and fruit ingredients.

3. Switch out your cleaning products.
Cleaning products come with a whole slew of chemicals, and who wants that in their home? Not to mention, store-bought products can be a huge waste of money.

"If you have to buy a new cleaning product for every area of your home, you'll wind up spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars that you could be saving," says Snow. "Instead, focus on natural cleaning products and five kitchen staples that you can use to clean your entire house: baking soda, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice and a basic liquid soap."

Sara's favorite house-cleaning concoction: Fill a spray bottle with 50% vinegar and 50% water and use it to clean the most basic surfaces in your home, from your countertops to your kids' toys. Here's a great story about homemade cleaning solutions.

4. Use less single-use items.
Americans generate trash at an unbelievable rate of 4.6 pounds per day per person -- almost twice as much per person as most other major countries! According to Snow, this is an embarrassing statistic that we could easily remedy.

"By simply using less single-use plastic baggies, paper towels and napkins, we could make a huge difference in our individual trash production," she says. "Instead, opt for cloth towels and napkins, and try to remember to use those reusable bags. I keep mine in my car door so I always see them before heading into the grocery store." I always forget my bags. Oops!

5. Turn everything off.
"This probably sounds like a no-brainer, but taking the time to turn the water off when you're not using it can make a big difference over time," says Snow.

Also, turn the computer off when you're not at it, turn the lights off when you leave the room -- even turn your cell phone completely off at night. "In a world where we're addicted to our smart phones, I know it sounds like a lot to ask you to completely power down your cell phone, but it's less wasteful if you plug in and charge your phone only when it really needs it," says Snow. Also, if you're not using it, unplug your charger -- it uses energy even when it's not connected to your phone.

Eventually these green habits will become second nature, says Snow. "Just start with a few simple changes, and before you know it those things will become habit."

And then, if you're feeling daring, you can add a few more things to your routine. Or you can give yourself a break, pat yourself on the back, and celebrate the fact that you're doing your little part in creating a better environment for the future.

Happy greening!

Learn more about Going Green with these great stories.

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Quiz: Is Your Home Cluttered?

Sara Brown — 2010-12-13T12:13:00 00:00

Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization, Cleaning

Take our quick-and-easy quiz to find out if your clutter is taking over your home.

It's easy to spot clutter at a friend's home. But at your own? That's trickier. Because you know you need that extra throw pillow or stack of magazines. And you know you'll get to that overflowing hamper and that crowded mantle.

But try to look at your home in an objective way and take our quiz. Who knows? It might make you proud (or it might launch you right into an organizing spree).

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http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/personality_quiz/personalityquiz.swf

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Tape Measure Decorating: Plan a Room, Inch by Inch

Sara Brown — 2010-12-07T12:19:00 00:00

Filed under: Kitchen, Bedroom, Your Home, Living Room, Projects, Furniture

Did you know that there's actually a formula to creating the perfect house? Neither did we...until now.

From a creative perspective, designing and decorating a home is a very right-brain type of activity. Matching paint colors, choosing textures, pairing furniture and fabrics - it's like an artist's dream job! But what about those of us who are a bit, well, challenged in the "just wing it!" department.

Luckily, the experts behind the National Kitchen & Bath Association and Design Works, Inc. have created a formula to follow for just about every space in your home. Use these helpful measurements to help your home flow better:

Photo: Getty Images

Bedroom
When picking furniture for your bedroom, you'll want to include at least 4 feet of uninterrupted space in front of closets to allow for adequate dressing room. Also, plan for 30 inches of walking space between large pieces of furniture -- in particular, extra large dressers and armoires, which sometimes require lots of room to open.

Dining Room
Your dining room table should provide 2 feet of space per person. So if you're planning on hosting a total of eight people at a time, you'll need a table with a 16-foot perimeter (or 2-by-6-feet) to keep things comfortable. If traffic will pass behind seated diners, allow for at least 44 inches to walk by comfortably. If you will simply need to edge past, you can minimize the space to 36 inches.

Also, if you're thinking about hanging a chandelier over your table, measure the table (for rectangular and oval table, measure the width; for round tables, measure the diameter) before subtracting 12 inches. A chandelier looks its best if it is about 6 inches in from the edge of the table, therefore the width or diameter minus 6 inches will give you the size needed.

Photo: Getty Images

Living Room
Your living area's conversation space should be approximately 10 feet across. For cozy conversations, reduce the space between furniture to 15 to 24 inches. This way everyone will be able to reach the coffee table without getting up and will be able to talk to one another without shouting.

The path between low objects (think sofas, coffee tables, ottomans) should be 18 inches wide. At first you may think that's too narrow, but give it a try -- we think you'll find it's plenty of room.

Photo: jupiterimages

Hallways
A hallway is a great place to incorporate furniture like a chest or console table. But make sure to consider depth and height, as well as the length of the piece of furniture. For example, a table that's 5 feet long may be a perfect length for the space, but if it's 2 feet deep, it will be too large for a standard 3-foot-wide hallway.

And if you have the luxury of planning your spaces from scratch...

Bathrooms
Plan a clear floor space of at least 30 inches from the front edge of all fixtures (lavatory, toilet, bidet, tub
and shower) to any opposite bath fixture, wall or obstacle. The distance between the centerlines of two vanity sinks should be at least 36 inches.

Entry
The clear opening of a doorway should be at least 34 inches, which means your entire doorway should be 3 feet wide. The average person needs between 3 to 5 square feet of space to comfortably put on and remove a coat, so if you have the luxury of designing your own foyer, keep in mind the volume of guests that could be arriving or departing at one time.

Kitchen
The recipe for a successful kitchen lies in its work triangle: the refrigerator, sink and range/stove. To optimize efficiency, the sum of the triangle should total no more than 26 feet, with no single leg of the triangle measuring less than 4 feet. A total of 158 square inches of countertop, 24 inches deep, with at least 15 inches of clearance, is needed to accommodate all kitchen uses.

Storage/Closets
In closets, a pole should run parallel to the wall, about 12 inches from both sides, so that all garments can hang at a right angle. In the kitchen, designers recommend at least 18 square feet of general storage. Add another 6 square feet to that number for each additional family member.

Happy house planning!

Are you a plan-aholic? Check out a few of our favorite stories for the home-design perfectionist:
Our Fave Organizer Notebooks
Recipe for the Perfect Mudroom
Organize Your Medicine Cabinet

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