Posts with tag 'Home improvement'

The coronavirus pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, including the colors we should use to decorate our homes. Paint companies have already rolled out their top hues for 2021, and it's no surprise that the pandemic has had an enormous impact on what's expected to dominate home décor in the year. Many of the chosen colors are warm and comforting, with shades of aqua showing up more than once. If you're craving some color therapy or want your home to stand apart from other Minneapolis homes for sale or Saint Paul homes for sale, you're sure to find some inspiration from these colors of the year.

• Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year: Urbane Bronze
  Sherwin-Williams selected a warm, grounding shade of gray-brown as its 2021 color of the year. Urbane Bronze is intended to reflect the current need for serenity, stability, and renewal. The shade can make a sophisticated statement when used as an accent or primary color. Try it on all four walls in a den or bedroom to create a cozy atmosphere. You can also use Urbane Bronze on kitchen cabinetry or built-ins and then finish surrounding walls in a warm white for a sleek, contemporary look. The bold shade can work well on your front door or an accent wall in the living room.

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Cold weather is upon us, and with the furnace running more often, our heating bills are climbing. On a budget this year? Here are a few tips for lowering your heating bill, based on what our real estate agents see in the most energy-efficient Minneapolis homes for sale.

1. Turn down the thermostat. One of the most simple ways to save money on your heating bill is to turn down the thermostat, especially when you don't need the house to stay warm. For instance, overnight and when you're at work are two times when you can turn the heat down and save some money. If you keep forgetting, you might invest in a programmable thermostat that will do it for you. Smart thermostats are also a popular feature we see in Saint Paul homes for sale.

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Home remodeling improves your living environment and enhances your home's resale value, both while you're living in it and when you decide to sell it down the road. But many home improvement projects are incredibly expensive. Because of this, you'll probably wonder whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. Of course, there are so many resources that you can use for your DIY project, and in the end, you can save money on labor costs and get a sense of accomplishment.

Still, some projects are best left to the professionals, especially if you're planning to add your home to the list of Minneapolis homes for sale or Saint Paul homes for sale. Whether you're remodeling one part of a room or planning to spruce up the entire home, here are tips to help you decide whether you should DIY or call in the pros for your next remodeling project.

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Your driveway is one of the parts of your home that tends to be taken for granted. Home and garden magazines usually give driveways a short shrift. But as it's a large space on the exterior of your home, it helps form that important first impression for visitors and potential home buyers. If your driveway is showing signs of age or damage, it can also make that final stretch of coming home more distressing than de-stressing. Renewing your driveway can be the move that makes your house the envy of all the Minneapolis homes for sale. 

Knowing the benefits of the most common driveway materials will help you decide if repair or replacement is your best option. If you want to match your neighbors' driveways, know what challenges they may be facing with the material. If you want to contrast and stand out among the Saint Paul homes for sale, make sure your choice is an outstanding one.

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One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your house look better is to tend to your walls. Those scuffs and dents make a home look dingy and older than it is. But you can shed the years and the damage in no time with a few tools and basic techniques sure to make your home stand out among the Minneapolis homes for sale. 

1. Start With A Clean Slate 
   Dust and wash your walls at least once a year. You may want to dust your walls more often if you have seasonal allergies. Use a microfiber cloth and a telescoping mop handle to reach up to the ceiling and into corners. Spray all-purpose cleaner onto a second cloth to remove additional grime. Tackle stains and spots with dish soap and a sponge. Never use abrasive cleaners on your walls.

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