Factors That Make Fall the Best Season for Exterior Painting

As a homeowner, you have many decisions to make prior to listing your home for sale. One of those decisions may be whether or not to paint the exterior of your home. While it may seem like a big task to paint your home it is worth the extra time and money spent. Painting the exterior of your home will cost around $3,000. However, it will add over $7,500 to your home’s value. That’s a return on investment of 152%! With such a high return on investment exterior painting should be at the top of your list of repairs before listing your home.

A fresh coat of paint will only increase your home’s value if it is done correctly. Painting the exterior of a home is not as easy as slapping on a coat of paint whenever you feel like it.  Exterior paint can be difficult to apply or will dry unevenly in the wrong environment. So when is the best time to paint your home’s exterior? According to professionals, the best season to paint is during the fall.  Here are the top factors that make fall the best season to paint the exterior of your home.  

Average Temperatures

Some would assume that painting when it is very hot out will cause the paint to dry quicker and make exterior painting less time consuming. However, excess heat is actually a downside to painting in the summer. Excessively high temperatures (those above 90 degrees Fahrenheit) can cause paint to cure improperly. This can result in visible brush strokes or blisters in the coating of paint.  In addition, paint may not even stick properly in excess heat and will cause flaking at a later date. 
Fall temperatures are perfect for exterior painting. There are fewer temperature spikes and daytime temperatures average between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  This range is the best for proper curing and for accurate drying time.  

Moisture and Humidity in the Air

Summers are known for high humidity, especially in the South Atlantic region. While high humidity may make this region feel like a tropical paradise, it is less than ideal weather for exterior painting. Too much humidity can interfere with the paint’s curing process. If humidity levels reach 85% or above the paint will turn tacky and will not solidify after applied. Since some degree of moisture in the air helps slow the drying rate which allows the paint to dry while preventing brush marks, it is best to find a day when humidity is around 40% to 50%. 

Direct Sunlight

Beautiful sunny days are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing by the pool. But when it comes to painting the outside of your home, excess sun can work against your painting efforts. Direct sunlight will prematurely cure paint and cause it to dry too quickly. Direct sunlight will also make the siding very hot which will make applying paint very tricky. While the sun is still shining during the fall season it is not nearly as strong as during the spring and summer. This means you can still work during the height of the afternoon but worry less about the direct rays affecting your paint.  

Less Chance of Extreme Weather

There is nothing worse than preparing to paint your home and suddenly the sound of thunder rolls in the distance.  Obviously you can’t paint your house when it is raining, but did you know you should wait 4 hours or longer after it rains before painting. Paint is generally waterproof within 2 to 4 hours. Rain isn’t the only weather that can ruin your fresh coat of paint. High winds can blow leaves and debris onto wet paint and completely ruin the finish. The fall has less extreme weather, which means less chance for wind and rain to damage or deter exterior painting.  

Cost of Painting

The cost of painting a house probably won’t change that much from season to season.  However, the cost of labor will change. Pricing falls as painters move into a slower season due to fewer customers. Painters are more than willing to allow for discounts and deals when they are running low on customers.  

Before you call a professional painter or bust out your paint rollers, talk to a top rated real estate agent. He or she can assist you in choosing the most popular home color among buyers in your area as well as direct you toward reputable painters. With a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home, you will be one step closer to selling your home quickly and for a great price when spring arrives.  

Types of Blinds and Which Is Best for You

We partnered with a window company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

It can be difficult finding the right window blinds that match your decor while also providing you with adequate privacy and shade. They are one window treatment that comes in various styles and sizes, so it can hard to know which one is best for your window. As such, the following list should help you to understand the differences between the different types of window blinds:

Venetian Blinds

These are the typical horizontal blinds that many picture immediately when talking about these window treatments in general. They are the most popular type of blinds and are usually crafted from plastic, metal, and even wood and fabric. They have slats that can be easily tilted to control how much light you want to let in and you can pull them up or down using an attached string.

Mini Blinds

These are micro forms of traditional Venetian blinds that are typically made from aluminum slats. These slats are usually only a half of an inch wide, so more light is able to filter through. They also tend to be on the more affordable side.

Cordless Blinds

These are Venetian blinds that don’t come with an extraneous cord which may pose a choking hazard to pets and small children. Going cordless also gives your window a cleaner, more put-together look.

Honeycomb Blinds

These are hybrids between shades and blinds and are truly the best of both worlds. They get their moniker because they appear like honeycombs from their side view.

These window treatments look louvered like blinds, but they pull down like the pleated shades they really are. They are usually manufactured from polyester fibers. And, though they lack slats that you can tilt to allow light in, their solidified front can insulate a room, allowing it to become more energy efficient.

Vertical Blinds

These are simply blinds with vertical slats instead of horizontal ones. It is similar to what you’d see from a company that provides window shutter installation for Franklin homeowners. They hang up and down rather than left to right. Though they are not common, they work well for oddly-shaped and larger windows. They can be made from PVC, fabric, or decorative wood.

Panel Blinds

These are wide fabric panels that hang vertically from a track placed above the window. These tracks can be tricky to hang, so you may need help. Ask your local blind retailer if they offer window blind installation along with the product.

You may see these commonly used on large sliding glass doors, such as those that open up to a porch or patio. They block the sun well enough to cover a large area and still be considered room-darkening.

In conclusion, there are so many types of blinds out there that it is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, if you do your research, you are sure to gain a better understanding of what each type is designed to accomplish.

6 Ways to Make Your Bathroom More Beautiful

Bathrooms are often one of the most neglected rooms in the house when it comes to decor. However, they are certainly just as important as any other room to create a beautiful and inviting space. Then, with just a few simple changes, your bathroom can become a gorgeous and relaxing oasis. Here are a few ways you can make your bathroom more beautiful.

Paint the Walls

Painting the walls is one of the quickest and easiest ways to transform any room in your home. It can make a huge difference in the overall feel of your bathroom. If your bathroom looks a little dated, consider painting the walls in a fresh, new color. You could also try adding a wall decal or mural for a unique look. Ensure you match or coordinate the new wall color with the room's towels, rugs, and other accessories to create a cohesive look.

Put up Some Wallpaper

Wallpaper has come back around into style and people are using it with incredible results. It’s also easier than ever to apply and, when the time comes, easy to remove. This can also be a renter-friendly option if you use wallpaper that is meant to be removable. Depending on the pattern you choose, you can do all the walls or just one or two. Some may opt to also install wainscoting, then put up wallpaper just to the bottom of the edge. This allows you to use a busier, louder pattern without overwhelming the room.

Update the Plumbing Fixtures

One of the easiest ways to give your bathroom an updated look is to swap old fixtures for new ones. Swap out your old sink faucet with a new style. You can change out your showerhead for a beautiful waterfall head, just be sure you also buy a matching handle and tub spout, if applicable. You might be surprised at how big of a difference this can make in the overall appearance of your bathroom. Look for professional plumbers if the update requires more intense plumbing work, or if you’re concerned about the house’s plumbing needing an update.

Update the Lighting

Light fixtures are a simple, but extremely effective way to enhance and update a room. Swap out those old dome lights with a flush lighting fixture or something that fits your style. Depending on the location of the light, you can even incorporate a small chandelier for a glamorous feel. An important consideration when you’re updating light fixtures in your bathroom is to ensure they’re approved for a location in which they’ll be exposed to water or steam. Any lights within a certain radius of your shower or tub must have a certain level of resistance to water. For these lights, do your research and consider hiring a professional electrician to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.

Add Some Greenery

Adding some plants to your bathroom can help to liven up the space and make it feel more inviting. Choose plants that thrive in high-humidity environments, such as ferns, ivy, or bamboo. Also, include sweet-scented roses or other fragrant flowers to add fragrance and beauty to the room. Plants create a natural and relaxing ambiance, so be sure to add some if you want your bathroom to feel like a true oasis. Your local greenhouse will be able to assist you in picking the perfect plant for the room. Pick out some beautiful pots or hanging wall planters to complete the look.

Accessorize

Like any other room in your house, your bathroom can be personalized with accessories that reflect your style. Adding a few decorative towels or some pretty soaps can make a difference in your bathroom's overall look and feel. Hang a vintage mirror on the wall or place a scented candle on the counter to give the space a more personal touch. You can also hang some art on the walls. Art can help personalize any space and can also be a great way to add color and interest to a room. Just be cautious in your placement of artwork so it doesn’t risk being splashed from the shower or tub. 

Another way to accessorize is to change out the hardware. This includes handles and drawer pulls on your cabinetry, towel racks, toilet paper holder, and even the flush handle on your toilet. All of these things are relatively easy to swap out but make an immense difference in the appearance and feel of the room. 

Making even just a few simple changes to your bathroom can help to transform the space and make it more inviting. So don’t neglect this vital room in your home – take some time to make it beautiful. You’ll enjoy getting ready and doing your daily hygiene practices so much more if the room you do it in is calming and attractive. 

Guest Post - 6 Interior Design Ideas & Tips for Designing an Easy-to-clean Home

If you are constantly cleaning up after your kids or pets, it can feel like you are never really able to relax in your own space. A home can quickly become cluttered and messy even if you don't have a kid or pets.

Creating a space that is both comfortable and stylish is essential. But designing a home that is easy to clean is also crucial. You can make a few simple house design choices to ensure your home is easy to keep clean. Read on.

6 Interior Design Ideas for Designing Clean Home

By following these 6 smart ideas and tips, you can design an artistic home that is easier to clean at the same time.

1. Flooring is the Key to a Clean Home: Choose the Right One.

Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions you'll make when designing an easy-to-clean home. For rooms that see a lot of traffic, like the kitchen or living room, opt for flooring that's easy to clean and maintain. Marble flooring has been the preferred choice among the wealthy since ancient times, and the trend has not changed. A marble floor design adds elegance and value to a property. It can be employed in practically any interior style and become a key component or focal point of the overall design.

Marble is an excellent option for such areas. They're easy to wipe down and don't show dirt and grime as quickly as wooden or other carpeting options. Also, marble flooring looks luxurious and beautiful in every room.

2. Keep Your Furniture Off the Ground

Another way to make cleaning more manageable is to opt for elevated furniture. This means choosing bookshelves, couches, and coffee tables that are off the ground. Elevated furniture is easier to clean around and under. And it can also help to make your space feel more open and airy.

Also, choosing furniture with a storage option is a good way to declutter. You can quickly dump the magazines, blankets, and old toys in them. But make sure don’t touch the ground

3. Choose Your Upholstery Wisely: Opt for Easy-to-clean Fabrics

When it comes to home maintenance keeping your furniture upholstery clean and stain-free is one of the significant tasks. There are a few things to remember to spend less time cleaning your sofa. First, choose fabrics that are easy to clean. Microfiber and leather are both good options.

Second, avoid light colors. The dirt and stains look more prominently on them. And third, opt for patterns or textures that can help to disguise dirt and grime.

4. Install Multiple Built-in Storages to Minimize Clutter

In modern homes, innovative use of available space is vital. Thus another way to make your home easier to clean is to install more built-in storage. This means things like built-in shelving, cabinets, and drawers.

Built-in storage helps to cut down on clutter. And it's easier to clean around and under these pieces. Some smart examples are using canisters or wicker baskets to store your bathroom essentials and, as already mentioned, choosing furniture with a storage option.

5. The Type of Wall Color is Extremely Important

When it comes to the walls in your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, choose paint colors that are easy to clean. The high-gloss paints are much easier to clean than the mat ones.

It is imperative if you have kids, as the walls of your home are the most attractive canvas for them. Also, avoid wallpaper. It's difficult to clean and can be a pain to remove if you ever decide to change it.

6. Cabinet &Countertops: Critical aspects of Any Kitchen layout

When it comes to the kitchen, there are 2 main aspects – One is your countertop, and another is Cabinet.

• Cabinet

It's wise to have kitchen cabinets in dark colors and gloss-painted in an Indian kitchen. They are easy to clean and maintain. Also, avoid open cabinets. You can opt for the glass window cabinet, which helps you look inside without opening them repeatedly.

• Countertops

Marble and quartz countertops are popular these days because of being aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain. If you are redoing your kitchen, don't forget to install a new countertop made from either of these timeless natural stones.

No matter what home style you have, there are ways to make cleaning easier. By following these 6 interior design tips, you can design an easy-to-clean home that will save you a lot of time and effort.

Author Bio:

Aparna Rao has a great passion for interior design and decor. Her design mantra is that the interiors of any space should be designed keeping in mind functionality and aesthetics. She works as a content marketer for Stonex India, a leading marble manufacturer, and has gained valuable insights into the marble stone industry. Her extensive knowledge of different types of stones and their properties as well as interior design is what makes her content stand apart and is appreciated by her readers. Through her content, she also offers creative, innovative, and effective design and decor solutions.