A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

Why Homeowners Need A Professional Painter

We are all acutely aware of the need to save money - but if there is a single deeply regrettable mistake that many homeowners make in an attempt to reduce household expenses it is undertaking DIY projects where they simply do not have the skills. Top of the list as far as regrets are concerned is exterior and interior painting, with tiling and hardwood floor installation following close behind.

We are all acutely aware of the need to save money - but if there is a single deeply regrettable mistake that many homeowners make in an attempt to reduce household expenses it is undertaking DIY projects where they simply do not have the skills. Top of the list as far as regrets are concerned is exterior and interior painting, with tiling and hardwood floor installation following close behind. 

If you, as a homeowner, have ever undertaken projects like this - you should be intimately familiar with that almost instant sense of regret.

The season of regret is almost always Spring. It's when that urge to spruce up the home is overwhelming - after all, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the aesthetic appeal of a home. 

However, when the flowers start to bloom, perhaps it's time to consider a professional painting company to supply this essential service. There are numerous reasons to choose this approach. 

Experience Counts.

The issue of experience - professional painters have it, the average homeowner most often does not. 

It doesn't matter if you are applying new paint to one room or the project encompasses the entire interior of the home - new paint elevates a home. It revitalizes it. However, if the painting project is not undertaken by a seasoned professional chances are you are not going to want to be exposed to a room that has been victimized by inadequately mixed paint or sloppy application. 

There's a noticeable difference between a DIY project and a professional approach/result.

Professional painters have had years - and have many completed projects (with diverse demands) under their belt. The result will reflect this experience. They are skilled at overcoming unique challenges that can present themselves during a residential painting project. This experience means that professional painters offer a service that represents an excellent return on investment. 

Color Selection is Important.

To improve the appearance of a home (and add value) a homeowner will want to consult with a company that has professionals who are color experts. It's not only the basics, the latest color that has captured the imagination of interior designers has subtle shades that can heavily influence the mood and impact of the new paint job. A professional painter is aware of this and can advise accordingly.  

Anyone who has gone to price high-quality paints will quickly have realized that great paint commands high prices. A mistake in selection can be a costly one. Professional advice can mean the difference between a good paint job - and a great one that offers exceptional value. For instance,  a homeowner will often want different colors that complement each other - and the last thing a homeowner wants is colors that clash with each other.

The Right Tools for the Job.

Professionals have an inventory of tools that enable them to get the job done right. The average homeowner will not have these readily at hand (there's a difference between professional tools and a few paintbrushes). Professional tools are of different quality and have been designed to make a huge difference when it comes to that final result. Brushes, rollers, paint trays and similar professional quality equipment, designed for specific tasks are essential.

There are also often neglected items such as drop cloths. The cost of not having proper drop cloths can be enormous. Quality furniture and floors can sustain huge amounts of damage if the correct drop cloths are not used.  

There's also the matter of cost. A professional painter has invested significant sums of money in the tools of his trade. It simply does not make sense for a homeowner to spend large amounts of money on professional equipment (even if they know exactly what tools are needed) when those tools are only rarely going to be used. 

When all is said and done - finding a trusted professional painter will provide peace of mind and a great paint job. 

There are many, many advantages to hiring a professional - and a huge number of potential challenges if the painting is undertaken as a DIY project. A professional will save the homeowner time and money and the result will add significant value to the home both in terms of dollars and cents - and provide an incalculable amount of pride and joy that comes from owning a great-looking home. 

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Things to Think About When Redesigning Your Deck

Your deck is an extension of your living space, providing you with an area where you can enjoy the outdoors. You can have a cookout, soak up some sun on a sunny day, or sip your morning coffee while the birds serenade you. If you feel that this important addition to your home can be improved, consider ways you can step up your deck with a new design.

Your deck is an extension of your living space, providing you with an area where you can enjoy the outdoors. You can have a cookout, soak up some sun on a sunny day, or sip your morning coffee while the birds serenade you. If you feel that this important addition to your home can be improved, consider ways you can step up your deck with a new design.

Keep It Simple

If you're not handy with tools or you don't want to do a structural makeover, small changes can go a long way. Try a new paint or stain that either complements your home or is a bold contrast. You can also dress up your deck with an outdoor rug. If your furniture is plain, try something that pops. Colorful cushions can breathe new life into the outdoor furniture you already have. Add a few potted plants or plant boxes to create your backyard oasis.

Add Railings or Posts

Many homeowners add a deck to their home that is slightly raised with only a few steps leading up to it. It looks more like a platform that may not truly accentuate the house. A simple addition of railings can take it to the next level. Aluminum deck railing kits can make your life easier. You can choose intricate patterns in wood if you feel like going over the top.

Transform Your Deck With a Pergola

Your deck can be so much more when you add a pergola overhead. Wooden columns are attached to your deck in order to support wooden beams that will stretch overhead in a roofing grid. You can drape outdoor lights or lanterns on your pergola, hang plants, or go wild with vinery from end to end.

Look at the Borders Surrounding Your Deck

If your deck is everything you could want, check out the surroundings. New paving stones, mulch, and a variety of plants can dress up your deck, creating a pleasing picture. If you only have a basic path leading to your deck, look at ways you can improve it. Shrubs and bushes can complete the package. Don't forget to check out the area between the bottom of your deck and the ground. Matching lattices can add a finishing touch.

Before you start your deck remodeling project, take a look at some of your options. Do an image search or talk to someone at your local home improvement store. Once you have a vision of all that your deck can be, you'll have a better chance of being happy with your results.

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Design Ben Soreff Design Ben Soreff

The Latest Designs And Furniture Trends For Your Home

Your home is a space where you come to relax and unwind after a long and stressful day. Therefore, it’s important to design it in a way that will promote feelings of peace and enjoyment every time you’re there. Tastes differ, so you should always follow your instincts and wishes when it comes to interior design and decor. Also, blindly following trends isn’t always the smarties idea, but knowing about the latest designs can help you decorate your space in a modern way. So if you’ve been meaning to spruce up your home for a bit, then here are some of those latest designs and furniture trends that might consider choosing.

Your home is a space where you come to relax and unwind after a long and stressful day. Therefore, it’s important to design it in a way that will promote feelings of peace and enjoyment every time you’re there. Tastes differ, so you should always follow your instincts and wishes when it comes to interior design and decor. Also, blindly following trends isn’t always the smarties idea, but knowing about the latest designs can help you decorate your space in a modern way. So if you’ve been meaning to spruce up your home for a bit, then here are some of those latest designs and furniture trends that might consider choosing.

1. Natural materials all the way

Opting for natural materials such as wool, stone, wood, and ceramics is a great way to make your home more in tune with nature. Unfortunately, the interior design and furniture market has been dominated by synthetic materials for too long, and choosing furniture of natural materials is a great way to add a human touch and make your home look more wholesome and elegant. Plus, such materials are easier to recycle, which makes them super beneficial to the environment.

2. Brightly colored furniture piece

If you’re looking for a special furniture piece to make a bold statement, then colorfulness is your best friend. Simply, a lively-colored furniture piece such as green kitchen cabinets or a pink wardrobe is a great way to freshen up your space and make it look trendy and upbeat. Bespoke color choices are now easy to find, as many manufacturers have them in their catalogs. If you’re looking to take things a bit further, then feel free to match and combine contrasting colors in one space.

3. Eco-friendly furniture pieces

Natural materials are having their big moment, which makes perfect sense. And eco-friendly furniture is also making big waves, for a good reason. Sustainability is a pretty big deal now, which is why it’s important to pay attention to the furniture that has been made with the environment in mind. Many manufacturers are turning to materials such as bamboo, or even concrete in order to create stunning and sustainable furniture pieces. Since everybody’s getting more focused on sustainability, we’re expecting to see more of this in the future. 

4. Fabrics that enrich the space

Fabrics do make the space look warm, friendly, and cozy. That’s why we love to have so many cushions, throw blankets, and rugs, after all. A bedroom is a place that benefits from them most, so if you’re planning to add a new dimension to it, then head to the best fabric store to find the latest and stylish bed covers, pillows, and beddings. The worst thing you could do is to underestimate the power and importance of fabrics in your own space, so next time when you’re about to redecorate, make sure to rethink that first, as changing them will likely make a huge difference.

5. Retro 70s inspiration

The 1970s are one of the most exciting decades of the 20the century. And since people generally love all things retro, that means adding some 70s-inspired details is a perfect way to spruce up your living space. Mid-century furniture is versatile and easy to combine with more contemporary pieces. Roundness and flowing lines are big characteristics of this style, so opting for a round sofa or an armchair is an appealing solution if you want to infuse your home with some retro greatness. There will also be modern updates that will also include Scandinavian and minimalist details to reflect the current trends better.

6. Multi-functional spaces are here to stay

Since lockdowns happened, many people were forced to stay indoors and convert their living room or bedroom spaces into home offices. Therefore, using furniture to create multifunctional spaces is an amazing way to breathe a new life into your home. For example, a large dining table can act as a work desk for multiple family members. Also, use a bookcase as an elegant and pleasant backdrop for your video calls. If you have an empty corner in your living room, you can use it to create a small, but the functional home office, or even better, make a relaxing and cozy reading nook, for cold and rainy afternoons.

Final thoughts

These are only some of the latest furniture and decor trends that we’ll see more of in 2022. You don’t need to stick to them all, but considering those that are most practical and appealing to you will surely transform your living space for the better. You deserve to have a stylish and well-designed home, and with these tips and ideas, that will be easy to pull off, as long as you focus on sustainability, functionality and comfort. 

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Tips for Organizing Your Home Before the Holiday Season

We have tips that’ll help you organize your home before the holiday season so you can focus on the joyous festivities and not worry about the aftermath too much.

The holidays are quickly approaching and if you’re planning on hosting festivities this year, now’s the perfect time to deep clean and organize your home. Even if you aren’t hosting a big shindig, these tips can also be helpful if you’re planning on selling your home or just want to add a little more organization to your life!

Prioritize what needs to be done first

We all have rooms in our houses that are more cluttered than others and although we may have the best intentions, there’s no way we can get to everything in a few short weeks! That is why you’ll want to prioritize what rooms need to be cleaned and organized first. It’s easier to manage your expectations that way. 

Set a cleaning schedule

After prioritizing what needs to be done, you can then plan a cleaning schedule around it. THis will give you a timeline of what tasks need to be done first and how long you have to do it. We find that a schedule just helps us stay on track and not miss anything along the way.

Enlist the family for help

Cleaning and organizing isn’t a one man job - it takes a whole household to make the mess so it should take the whole household to clean it! Now understandably if you have young children, this isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but if you turn it into a game, they may be less inclined to complain. 

Limited edition scents can add to the festive feel

You can make the whole house a little more festive by using limited edition holiday/seasonal scents to deodorize your home. There are air fresheners, soaps, and cleaning supplies that are themed around the holidays, but you can also use essential oils and an oil diffuser to achieve that seasonal fragrance, too.

Organize the entryway

Organizing the entryway is one of the best ways to keep your home tidy because that tends to be the place where everything is dropped and forgotten. When the kids come home from school, instead of leaving their jackets, backpacks and shoes by the door, have them take their belongings to their room. When it comes to guests, set up a space in your laundry room or hall closet where guests can hang their jackets, instead of leaving them on a coat rack near the door.

Declutter the guest room and bathrooms

If you plan on having guests stay over during the holidays, you’ll definitely want to take the time to declutter the guest room and bathrooms. The name of the game here is to give your guests a space that feels like a home away from home and they can’t really do that if the dresser or closet is filled with everything under the sun and there’s no space for their things!

Declutter and organize the children’s spaces

Cleaning the kids’ rooms and play areas is always something that feels like a monumental task, especially around the holidays! You have to make room for the new stuff they’re bound to get throughout the holidays and, let’s face it, there’s probably a lot of stuff your children don’t even use anymore! This is the perfect time to go through their stuff and donate items that have been all but forgotten. Not only will doing this teach your kids about charity and giving to the less fortunate, but it also teaches them how to clean and organize their toys as well. 

Cleaning and organizing can be a daunting task even without the holidays coming up, but for new homeowners that are hosting their first gathering… It can be down-right overwhelming. Hopefully these organization and decluttering tips can help get the ball rolling!

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