11 Ways to Decorate a Wall in Under an Hour

Not everyone has the time to curate a perfect collection of wall art and sink hours into experimenting with placements and mockups. A lot of us just want something that looks good but doesn’t take a lot of effort and time, especially if we’re decorating an area that’s not going to be the centerpiece of our homes. 

Don’t worry — there are lots of great options out there for easy wall decoration! Let’s take a peek at 11 of the most popular choices for decorating a wall in under an hour with no muss and no fuss. 

1. Vinyl Wall Decals

Removable vinyl wall decals are one of the easiest and fastest ways to decorate a wall. They’re available in all kinds of designs now, from sports stars to video game characters to heroes from comic books and movies. One key tip is to choose good quality decals, as cheaply made ones can damage your wall when they come off. 

2. Washi Tape

So, you’ve got some great prints for your wall, but they’re not framed. What to do? Washi tape to the rescue! This thin Japanese tape comes in colorful patterns and is perfect for decorating on the fly and on the cheap. Just tear off a few short strips (no scissors required!) and use them to create a “frame” around whatever you want to hang. Washi tape is easy to apply and remove, but it’s also surprisingly durable and it won’t damage the materials you hang with it. 

3. Large Pieces

Don’t want to mess around with hanging a bunch of smaller pieces on a wall? Choose one good larger piece and let it speak for itself. This might be a painting, a print, a tapestry or any other large-format style of art. The important thing is to pick something high-quality that complements the wall color and the rest of the room’s decor. 

4. Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Wallpaper can look great, but it’s a labor-intensive way to decorate. You can count on at least a couple of hours of work applying adhesive and making sure it’s all smoothed out. Unless, that is, you use peel and stick wallpaper! These durable, no-nonsense wallpaper products feature all kinds of cool patterns and colors, but they require just a fraction of the effort. For most walls, all you’ll need to do is draw some basic guidelines, unroll the wallpaper, apply it and smooth it down. That’s it! 

5. Plants

Plants can do so much good for a space. They bring a lively, vibrant character and have documented benefits for improving mental health. Whether it’s a few small succulents, a giant palm or something in between, a couple of well-chosen plants will make your wall come alive. Of course, it’s important to make sure that your wall is somewhere that the plants can get the right amount of sunlight, and that it’s safe for any pets and children who are frequently in the house. 

6. Wall-Mounted TV

Hanging a TV can require a little more thought about the purpose and configuration of the room than some other options on this list, but the results can be fantastic. There are lots of practical uses for a wall-mounted TV, from watching the game while you’re in the kitchen to turning on Spotify any time you need to quickly set a mood. DIY TV mounting kits are available from any hardware store, but trusting it to a professional is a good idea if you’re not much of a handyperson. 

7. Print Sets

Don’t want to go to the trouble of matching a bunch of prints from different sources? Buy a set of prints that are designed to work together out of the box! Many home decor stores now offer pre-made print sets that just need to be framed and hung, and they’re usually available in a variety of colors so you can match them to the rest of your decor. Choose a set of decorative matching frames and you’ve got an incredibly easy decorating solution. 

8. Shelves

Adding shelves to a wall instantly turns it into a practical and attractive storage space. Once you’ve got the shelves up, your options are just about limitless. Want to display some of your favorite knick-knacks? How about some books? Or perhaps this wall is a good place for your plants to get some sun? There are so many different choices, and most of them will look great. Just pick some good-looking shelves that are strong enough to hold what you put on them. 

9. Custom Decorations 

Why not use something that will make your wall truly your own? It’s easier than ever to get awesome custom decorations that give your walls something unique that nobody else has. If you’re looking for something fun and silly, try some custom standouts or custom cardboard head cutouts of your family, or use a custom wall mural of a favorite photograph to create just the atmosphere you’re looking for. 
10. Hanger Racks

Why not put that wall to good use as a place to hang jackets, hats, purses or other clothing and accessories? Wall-mounted coat racks are generally inexpensive and easy to install, and they’re really helpful for eliminating the clutter and mess that can accumulate from outerwear getting scattered around the house. Choose a central location near the entrance to your home where most guests will be removing their outerwear. 

11. Instant Windows

Instant what now? That’s right — instant window wall decals are fun, funky removable wall decals that create an image on your wall of a window with a wild scene outside. You can get them in all kinds of styles, ranging from your favorite Bob Ross paintings to (gulp!) a spooky Grim Reaper for Halloween. And unlike real windows, you’ll never have to worry about drafts or replacing the caulking. 

Creating a Cozy Family Room Where the Whole Family Wants to Their Spend Time

When thinking about family time, what comes to mind? In addition to fun activities, you probably also want a comfortable space to spend time together in the evenings and on weekends. This is why the family room has become such an important part of the home, often divided from the more formal living room. You can set your family room up with the basics, like a television, game system, and a couch, but that might not be enough to make it truly comfortable for the whole family. Here are some elements that play a role in how cozy and comfortable your family room is.

Color Scheme

A key factor in making the family room more cozy is making sure that the color scheme is inviting and pleasant. It’s amazing how influential a fresh new color is on a person’s mood. When you’re choosing the room’s color scheme, there’s no one right color or tone to focus on. 

Each color has its own function. For example, colors like red and yellow are considered happy and invigorating colors while pink and green are mood boosters. Allow the family to choose which colors would be best to apply. Keep in mind that a little color boost goes a long way, so if painting your walls a vibrant color seems daunting, you always opt for splashes of color throughout the room instead.

Seating

Of course, if you want to watch movies, play games, or simply spend time together in the same room, everyone needs somewhere to sit. Try adding a few different seating options throughout the room, and make sure there’s plenty of space for everyone. After all, no one wants to be constantly squished together on the sofa or wants to be the one always relegated to a cushion on the ground.

If you have a big family or if your family likes to spread out, you might consider adding a sectional to your family room. Sectionals are pieces of furniture that are usually made of two or three pieces to form an L- or U-shape. They can seat four to six people comfortably as opposed to a couch, which can usually only fit about three people comfortably. Sectionals can also be used to divide up a large room. It creates an intimate sitting space where you and a few family members can chat or watch a movie together while other activities go on in other parts of the room.

Fireplace

If your house has a fireplace installed most likely, it’s in the family room. This is a great place to gather all winter long or even all year long. If your fireplace looks dusty and old, though, it’s not the welcoming centerpiece it’s meant to be. Take some time to clean it up, get it and the chimney inspected, and make sure it’s in good shape. You can also make some cosmetic changes to help it better fit your family and decor.

Pillows

Pillows are an excellent way to knock out two birds with one stone as they provide color and comfort to any room. Add a few to the couches and armchairs, but consider keeping some larger pillows and cushions tucked away, too. You can pull these out late-night movie marathons and other family activities. When you have friends or extended family visiting, plush cushions can make easy extra seating for younger kids.

Getting some quality family time together doesn’t have to be complicated. Take the time to make your family room as cozy and comfortable for your family as possible. Even on a budget, a few simple changes can make your family room somewhere everyone wants to spend time.

Guest Post - Biggest Home Renovation Mistakes You Should Avoid at All Cost

While seemingly straightforward, a home improvement project will entail meticulous planning and adequate financing. And that's just for starters. Keep in mind that home renovations can be very costly. A kitchen remodel alone can take you back as much as $22,000! Smaller-scale remodels like a bathroom redo can average around $10,000.

While not as painless as roof inspection and maintenance, a home renovation project can be one of your most rewarding investments as long as you are able to navigate the process smoothly. 

If it is your first time, below are some of the most significant renovation mistakes you should avoid at all cost if you want to get the most bang for your buck and keep your sanity intact:

Mistake #01: Rushing the Job

If you have seen countless home improvement shows, you most likely have the impression it is possible to get a renovation project completed in a week. Unfortunately, TV is different from real life. If anything, you need ample time to plan meticulously, carry out the steps thoroughly, and address any unexpected scenarios.

Make it a point to respect the whole renovation process. This is especially true if you are working on a massive renovation project. Typically, planning should take at least three to six months. Ensuring there is ample time can help you assemble the right team, plan the project properly, and address anything unforeseen that comes up.

Mistake #02: Working with the Cheapest Contractor

Make no mistake about it, the lowest bid does not always translate to the best job. Ideally, you need to get written estimates from at least three contractors. Keep in mind that some contractors might give cheap quotes just to get the job then cut corners or install products that are of low quality.

The written estimate should include specific details like the hardware, flooring, exact cabinets, and install costs. Also, it should include the general contractor fee, waste removal plan, insurance, work warranty, and how design changes will be addressed. 

If those crucial details are not included, the contractor is either underestimating the project or is not being thorough. 

Mistake #03: Lowballing Your Renovation Budget

During the renovation process, it is recommended that you make room for a few surprises that might pop up. For instance, let's say you are installing a backsplash. While rare, there is the possibility that you will damage the wall and might need to replace some of the drywall.

From there, you might also discover electrical issues inside the drywall. Before you know it, you need to deal with more than just a new backsplash. In line with this, it would be smart to set aside at least 15 percent of your total project cost for unexpected expenses. This is especially important when you are renovating older homes.

Mistake #04: Creating a Kitchen That's Too Trendy

This is something many homeowners are guilty of. It is vital to keep in mind that the bolder your kitchen, the quicker it can go out of style. A  kitchen that's out of style can bring your home's resale value down significantly. Other kitchen changes you might regret later include overdoing the kitchen appliances at the expense of space.

As a general rule of thumb, don't shove a kitchen island when there is no sufficient space. If your area does not allow at least 36 inches of clearance between the cabinets and your kitchen island, it is recommended that you skip it.

Mistake #05: Not Putting a Floor Drain Where Necessary

If you have home appliances that disperse water like the washing machine or fridge, you must put a floor drain nearby. In most places, this is required and is considered a code requirement. Unfortunately, many homeowners still cut corners and omit it. They often end up regretting it later on.

Putting in a drain can be very beneficial if a hose breaks. It can also help warrant that your house won't flood and is protected against water damage. Ensure you avoid this renovation mistake at all costs if you want to save money that might go to repair costs.

Mistake #06: Working on Too Many Rooms at Once

If you want to stick to the budget you have set, it is recommended that you don't do the entire house all at once. Instead, break the renovations based on rooms and tackle renovations one room at a time.

Breaking down your renovation project by rooms will also allow you to see clear progress and is less overwhelming in general. Any way you look at it, it is ideal to focus your energy on one area first than do a complete overhaul overtime.

Wrap Up

A renovation project should not be frustrating and should run as smoothly as possible. Avoid all the renovation mistakes above at all cost, and you'll be enjoying your newly renovated house in no time.

Author Bio:

Rachel Porter is the content specialist for Custom Contractors Insurance, LLC, an Arizona roofing and contractors insurance company. When not writing, she enjoys reading and mountain biking with her friends.

Spring Cleaning and Maintenance to Start Now for Warmer Months

As spring is here, the warm weather encourages more outdoor activities after staying shut indoors during winter. After a long, harsh winter, this is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning and maintenance that will ensure your home is ready for the summer.

Here is a spring cleaning and maintenance checklist that will ensure your house is in top shape for the hot summer months.

Inspect Your Roofing and Chimney

Start your spring cleaning by inspecting your roof for worn-out shingles, tins, or concrete tiles that need replacing. Proceed to repair damaged roof areas to prevent spring showers from damaging the inside of your home. After inspecting your roof, make sure you assess your chimney’s exterior for any indicators of damage. You should also ensure a qualified chimney sweeper evaluates your chimney.

Clean Gutters

After inspecting the roof, proceed and inspect your gutters. Get rid of the buildup that can cause clogs which cause timber to rot and attract pests. Replace or repair leaky or loose gutters that may cause water damage in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Majority of structural damage is caused by improper drainage, thus ensuring your downspouts drain water away from your foundation.

Service Your AC

Contract an air conditioning expert to inspect your AC before summer kicks in. Meanwhile, clean the coils, which help your system operate effectively and efficiently. You should also replace the air filters; murky air filters cause your air conditioner to strain, thus increasing your power bills and potentially damaging your air conditioner. You should check your air filters at least once a month and replace them when necessary.

Paint the Exterior

Winter weather may chip, damper, or dull exterior paint jobs, and spring is the best time to fix this. If you aren’t planning to do a complete house repaint, touch up every chip on shutters, trim, doorway, etc., to immediately improve your home’s aesthetics.

Inspect Hardscaping

The constant thawing and freezing associated with winter are viciously hard on asphalt, concrete, and other types of hardscaping. This may cause cracks and other forms of damage that can cause falls and accidents. Spring is the best time to power wash and your walkways, driveway, stairs, and paths and then seal any gaps and cracks with silicone caulk or concrete crack filler.

Spring is the best time to perform house maintenance. By performing spring maintenance, you can identify and fix damages that your house may have suffered during the harsh winter months and ensure it’s ready for the approaching summer.