When your home is a fixer-upper, it can be difficult to even know where to start with a renovation. The list can be overwhelming—fix the patio, change out the mustard yellow carpet, buy furniture, paint the house. With a never-ending to-do list, planning a budget can seem virtually impossible.
By sorting through your list of wants and needs and focusing on essentials, you can outline a budget that won’t keep you up at night. Here are some tips on how to plan a budget for turning your fixer-upper into your first dream home.
1. Sort through the “wants” and “needs.”
Where do you even start with a renovation budget? With a limited fixer-upper budget, it’s essential to make functionality the first priority. When the roof is leaking and your fridge is dead, this is where the budget begins. First, determine what infrastructure items require repair or an essential upgrade, as these are typically big-ticket items. Next, focus on beautifying projects that will reap benefits in the long run, like bathrooms and kitchens. Hold off on budgeting fancy appliance upgrades and expensive decor if you already have working items—these can come at a later time after you take care of all the essentials.
2. Consider purchasing used over new.
Give your budget more flexibility by going for used over new with certain big-ticket items. Used appliances, for instance, can be found in great condition from other remodels or homeowners upgrading to the latest technology. Used furniture is also a fantastic way to keep your fixer-upper budget low. Don’t forget—sofas, vintage chairs, tables and more can be easily reupholstered and refinished. They’ll look brand new for just a fraction of the cost.
3. Be ready to DIY with a gift card.
As a first-time buyer, there’s a 99 percent chance you’ll be diving into the realm of DIY. Learning one or many DIY skills will not only come in handy with home repairs in the future, but it’s a fantastic way to keep labor costs low. If you’re worried your DIY supply budget will get out of hand, however, shop with a gift card to your local hardware store. That way, you’ll always be working with a fixed amount of money and won’t be tempted to add on any expensive extras. It’s a guaranteed way to keep your budget in check.
4. Get creative.
Fixer-uppers are great hands-on projects, and creative solutions are key for keeping your budget in line. For items like cabinetry that may be in good condition but out of style, get creative with refinishes to bring new life into your space. Give your kitchen a fresh take by painting cabinets in a modern shade, or reface them for a whole new look without the added cost of all-new cabinetry. Replace hardware on cabinetry, furniture and built-ins to make your pieces feel brand new. Even outdated fireplaces, doors, furniture and windows can go a long way with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. Consider this cheap alternative to help save room in your budget for the fun stuff.
5. Let the professionals help.
Whether you’re starting with the kitchen or diving into a full-scale remodel, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. No matter what your budget, a professional’s advice can help ensure that your renovation has as few hiccups as possible. City codes, minute details and hidden elements can wreak havoc on projects, so let a master guide you through those hurdles instead of trying to blindly tackle them yourself. Don’t let the potential price tag deter you from investing in having expert guidance—many architects and designers have options for paying an hourly rate. This is a great option, especially for fixer-upper and DIY projects, as it allows your plans to be looked over by professionals without the price tag of a full design scope.
What are your must haves for your fixer-upper?
—
Kerrie Kelly is a California interior designer who has helped many young couples choose their “first-home-together” decor. Kerrie writes on her design experiences for The Home Depot, offering homeowners ways to save money without compromising design.
You just moved into a new place with gorgeous built-in shelving units, but how do you decorate them? Old novels alone wonât do the trick, but these tips might!
A Florida family has embarked on a wild ride to bring a 1970s time capsule in Indiana into the 21st century.
On a whim, they bought a vintage gem in Fort Wayne, IN, covered top to bottom in shag carpet, after seeing it online. It was our most popular home of the week in early December and garnered hundreds of thousands of viewsâthe Jackson family among them.
How the time capsule was won
âSo we weren’t actually looking for a home to buy,â says Alysha Jackson, who lives in Clermont, FL, with her husband, Nate, two toddlers, and a rescue dog, Ingrid.
âWe have a home there and we love it,â she says. âWe had talked about getting into real estate one day, but it wasn’t really on our radar yet. Then this house went viral.â
Nate saw the house online and came in with his computer to show the listing to Alysha.
âHe’s like, âHey, don’t shut this down right away, but what if we put in an offer on this house?ââ she says.
âUsually, I’m the skeptical one, but I just looked at it and had this gut feeling, and I said, âYou know what? I actually love it. Let’s put in an offer.ââ
Interior of home in Fort Wayne, IN
Dustin McKibben
Interior
Dustin McKibben
Bathroom
Dustin McKibben
Like everyone who laid eyes on the photos, Nate and Alysha first spotted the colorful carpet. The deep shag is hard to miss: It’s everywhere, even on some of the walls.
Alysha says her first reaction was: âWhoa, that’s a lot of shag carpet!â Then, she noticed how much potential the house had.
âI kind of envisioned what it could look like with some renovating,â she says. âWe’re staying thing true to the vibe of it and the time period, but we have to update it.â
Aftermath of Christmas
Jackson family
Door
Dustin McKibben
Jackson family
Dustin McKibben
The Jacksons journey back in time
Just a few weeks after putting in their offer, the two former teachers, who now sell on Amazon, packed up their family minivan (including Christmas presents) and headed north. Their work offers them the freedom to work where they choose.
Since then, the family has been living bare-bones in the house, with just a few mattresses and other essential items. They have decided to live in the home as is for a while.
___
Watch: Listing Agents Answer Our Burning Questions About the ‘Silence of the Lambs’ House
___
âWe wanted to just stay in it a little while before changing anything, because we just wanted to get a feel for the house before we just came in and made sweeping changes,â Alysha Jackson explains.
âI’m so glad we did, because we actually changed a lot of our designs based upon actually living in the home for a little bit first.â
Most importantly, they staged a 1970s-style photo shoot.
Interior
Dustin McKibben
Enjoying the view
Jackson family
Even Ingrid, the dog, seems to have settled in.
âShe has a spot in the house where she can see the entire yard, thanks to the surrounding sliding doors and windows,â Jackson says.
âIngrid was so sad when she saw us packing the van for our trip here, but literally jumped up and down when we got the leash out and she realized she was coming with us on the trip.â
Kitchen
Dustin McKibben
Kitchen
Dustin McKibben
Kitchen
Dustin McKibben
The former owner of the house, James Sherbondy, a retired architect, designed the home as his familyâs personal residence. It was occupied until just a few months ago, so everything inside was in working order.
âWe walked in, brought in our stuff, and used the fridge. The bathrooms were functional. It was pretty great,â Jackson says.
Everything in the kitchen works, and the cabinets are in good shape. However, the layout may not work for the family, she adds.
Lower level
Dustin McKibben
Lower level
Dustin McKibben
Lower-level bathroom
Dustin McKibben
Lower-level bathroom
Dustin McKibben
The family made some immediate changes for safety reasons and are currently living on the lower level. Theyâre tackling that and the main level first, and leaving the upstairs master bedroom and bathroom for last.
A bathroom with green counters and blue sink will ultimately meet its demise, but the Jack-and-Jill style entry is staying.
âThe more we see, the more we want to keep, which is kind of funny,â Alysha says. âBefore, we didn’t really know too much about ’70s style, and we didn’t know too much about midcentury modern even. But the more I talk with people and more research I do on my own, the more I see the beauty and the value in it, and so I want to keep that style in the home.â
Stairs
Dustin McKibben
Toddler-proof stairs
Dustin McKibben
The Jacksons have sought input from a number of experts on the Instagram account they started for their rehab project. They had hopes of reaching 10,000 followers by the summer. As of now, they’ve blown past their goal and have over 30,000 folks tracking the renovation journey.
âI just love sharing projects with people. When we did a ’70s photo shoot, we thought it would be really fun to share these. We had no idea it would go viral as quickly as it did,â Jackson says. âIt’s been really fun to share what we’re doing with people, and we’ve gotten so much great input.â
Lower level
Dustin McKibben
Lower level
Dustin McKibben
The carpet can’t stay
Sadly, for lovers of colorful floor coverings, the carpet is one of the first things that’s going to go.
âThere’s literally carpet in every single room, including the bathrooms. It’s everywhere and it’s 50 years old. From what we know, it is original to the home,â Jackson says.
She added that there are stains in several places, and it doesnât smell particularly great, especially in the bathrooms.
Eventually, there will be new flooring in many of the rooms and tile in the bathrooms. But the carpet wonât vanish completely.
âI am going to be making an art piece of the different carpet colors,â she says. “There’s about four or five different colors in the home, and we just want to keep a piece of each. I’m going to cut some out from each colorâdeep-clean it, of courseâand then create some sort of art piece with it to hang in the house on the wall.â
Master bathroom
Dustin McKibben
Master bathroom
Dustin McKibben
People on social media had a lot to say about the carpet-bedecked bathtub in the master bedroom. The tub has purple tile and no curtain. For now, itâs the only bathtub in the house, so the kids need to take their baths there.
Jackson says the tub is super clean, but the trick for the couple is to keep the children from enjoying their time on the floor.
âTo them, it’s like a big towel,â she adds. The first time their son took a bath, she says, âHe got out of the tub and started rolling on the shag carpet.â
Fireplace
Other modifications on the way
Back on the main level, the dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace will stayâbut with some modifications for safety.
Wood paneling and accents
Dustin McKibben
Some of the wood paneling and carved accents throughout the house will also remain.
âI stare at the wood every day. I think thatâs maybe my favorite part of the house,â Jackson says.
Some people on Instagram say the carved wood might be by an artist named Ackerman, and the Jacksons are trying to verify that.
âIt’s the first thing you see when you walk in the home on the door,” Alysha says.
Work time
Jackson family
Life outside the box
The Jacksons rehabbed their Florida house, so a huge project isnât entirely new for them and they have some family support nearby. Both Alysha and Nate are from Indiana, and much of their family still lives there. While some close to them were surprised by the somewhat impulsive purchase, they weren’t shocked.
âWe kind of joke with people that Nate and I are ‘Go big or go home’ people. We kind of live life outside the box, so they were excited for us,â Jackson says.
Some relatives thought they were crazy, she adds, but changed their minds when they saw how beautiful the home isâand they’re especially excited that the family will be closer to them.
For now, the family plans to split time between the two homes and rent the other one as a vacation rental.
We’ll be tracking the process of this time capsule transformation and can’t wait to see what’s next.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Alysha and Nate Jackson (@thejacksonfi)
The post Say Farewell to Shag CarpetâFamily Tackles 1970s Time Capsule Makeover appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Have you been wanting to try Stitch Fix, but you didnât want to pay the $20 styling fee out of pocket?
Through tomorrow evening (January 31, 2018), Stitch Fix is waiving the styling fee for all new customers when you sign up through this link! Iâve never seen them offer this kind of deal!
Here’s how it works:
1. Sign up for a new Stitch Fix account.
2. Fill out your style profile. Youâll give very specific details on sizes you wear, styles you like, colors you like, types of clothes you like, and what types of clothing you are specifically looking for (more casual, all business, a mix of both, etc.) You can be very detailed in your descriptions and even share a Pinterest board with them to give Stitch Fix some ideas of your tastes in clothing. Also, I recommend leaving your stylist a note with specifics on your budget preferences and any other preferences you have (colors/what you’d really like for them to send/an occasion you’d like to be styled for, etc.)
3. Go to checkout and pay nothing out of pocket (you will need to add a method of payment but you won’t be charged).
4. One of the Stitch Fix stylists will take your style profile, sizes, and preferences and put together a box of clothing based upon what they think youâll like and what they think will work well for you.
5. Theyâll send you this box in the mail. Youâll have a few days to go through the box, try on the clothes, and then choose to keep any that you liked and ship back any that didnât work (they provide a postage-paid envelope for you to use).
That’s it! If you decide to keep something, you’ll pay for what you keep. If you decide not to keep anything, you can just stick everything back into the postage-paid envelope and pop it in your mailbox and you’ll pay nothing out of pocket!
This outfit came in my latest box and I absolutely love it! (I took this late at night at our hotel last night. Jesse and I are on a quick getaway/business trip to NYC! I’ll share more details on what we were up to later this week!)
Go here to sign up for your first Fix for FREE! Remember, this deal ends on January 31, 2018!
P.S. This is your last chance to get in on this offer to try out Stitch Fix with no strings attached! You won’t be signed up for a subscription or anything. If you’ve always wanted to try it out, now’s your chance!
I don’t know about you, but for me, a bathroom goes well beyond its practical uses; within the past years, I’ve come to think about it as a sanctuary of sorts, that room of the house that’s dedicated to pampering, relaxing, and deconnecting — a place where I can enjoy some alone time and use that alone time to take care of my skin, hair, body, and mind.
And just like any other space in my house, the more beautiful my bathroom is, the more I can enjoy the time I spend in it. But re-designing a bathroom or remodeling it altogether is quite an investment. That’s why today we’re going to look at a few handy ways in which we can improve our bathroom’s design without having to spend a ton of money in the process. Here are some tips to help you maximize your bathroomâs function and style while saving money — both on the short and long run:
For example, solid wood or plywood may not be a good choice for furniture, as it will likely warp and crack (and it can even lead to mold). Instead, a way better — and longer-lasting — choice would be PVC, which is extremely durable, completely waterproof and offers a great look and feel as well for bathroom cabinets. When buying blinds for your bathroom windows, choose waterproof blinds because they are stain and mold resistant, as well as fade-free. When picking appliances, make sure to avoid any metal that might rust, and preferably stay away from plastic; some of your best choices are brass, stainless steel, and zinc (or zinc alloys), as they stand the test of time and add a note of style to your bathroom.
Overall, focus on materials that can withstand humidity and water. This way, you donât have to spend money replacing them and you can rest assured that your bathroom will maintain its clean and brand-new look over the years.
#2 Widen and brighten your space with mirrors
Instead of adding a skylight or a new window to brighten a rather gloomy bathroom (which would call for a pricy renovation), consider using a large mirror, re-painting your walls in a light color, or adding extra light fixtures. These can all help create the illusion of space, making your bathroom look wider and brighter. Obviously, this technique is much more affordable than having to install an additional window to your bathroom space and you’d be surprised at how much of a difference adding a large mirror can make.
If you feel like you don’t have the space to add an additional mirror to your bathroom, consider replacing the mirror above your vanity with a far larger one. Bonus tip: choosing an unusual shape or a unique frame for the vanity mirror (like the one in the image below) can give an impressive look to your bathroom, and act as the centerpiece of the room.
#3 Update by regrouting
If youâre looking to update your bathroom quickly and on a tight budget, consider replacing the existing tile grout. Regrouting is a two-step manual process by which you first remove the hardened old grout from the seams, or joints, between the tiles in your bathroom, then apply fresh new grout to make it seem like you have just installed your tiles (here’s a full walkthrough of the process). You’d be surprised how big of a difference this fairly simple update can make — especially since tiles rarely show signs of wear and tear, but the grout’s initial color fades away, and often gives a sense that it’s dirty, discolored and old.
This idea works best if the tiles in your space are still in great shape, that is, they donât have cracks or missing pieces. Although it may take a bit of work, itâs surely faster and cheaper than a major bathroom overhaul. Fresh grout will make the tiled area look brand new, and you can even apply a new grout color to make a more dramatic change to your bathroom.Â
#4 Get creative with designer tiles
Now, if you’re looking to add a splash of sophistication to your shower or bathroom tiles, but don’t have the budget to splurge on designer tiles, there’s a super easy trick you can turn to: use regular, budget friendly tiles across the walls of your bathroom, then add a pop of design and color in a small area using more expensive designer tiles.Â
Or, you can keep it simple and use classic tiles, but arrange them in an unusual pattern or install them at an angle to create an eye-catching effect. If you’re looking for the maximum effect, create an accent wall (preferably right where either the shower or bathroom vanity go, to highlight that space), like the one pictured below. It won’t cost as much as replacing all of your bathroom tiles, but will definitely give your space a great, updated look.
#5 Try to avoid current trends
We all like to think that we’re aligned with the latest trends and fads. But the truth of the matter is, the best way to waste money is to follow fads that in a couple of years will seem so outdated that youâll feel the need to renovate your bathroom all over again. You can make your design last way longer if youâll use natural finishes and neutral colors.
Classics also tend to be considerably less expensive than their trending counterparts, and they’re much more likely to stand the test of time. See below for a marble-themed bathroom that was all the rage a few years back, but that seems a little out of place in the more minimalist-inclined era that we live in today.
Because of this, you may be forced to buy new coordinating pieces, too. However, if youâll stick with traditional finishes, it will be simpler for you to create a cohesive look while still sticking to your budget.Â
#7 Re-use old furniture to create a unique look
If you have an old desk, table, dresser, or TV stand, consider using it in your bathroom (provided it can withstand humidity and isn’t easily prone to water damage, as we’ve stated above). Repurposing old furniture will give you a chance to show your personality while adding much-needed bathroom storage. Consider doing this as a DIY project, which can help you save money while also being earth-friendly.Â
Replacing bathroom elements will usually require removing or replacing plumbing fixtures, which comes with additional costs. It can also involve construction changes, demolition work, and new installation. Before deciding on replacing any of these fixtures, determine if they really need replacement. If youâre replacing them for aesthetic reasons, you might have the option to refinish them instead of replacing them altogether.Â
For example, you can refinish your old tub with a nice-looking, protective coating instead of completely replacing it. You can also paint your cabinet anew instead of purchasing a new one — and you can even get creative with the color you use. Check out this elegant bathroom below, whose owners chose to refinish the bathtub and paint it in a slight pinkish hue. Isn’t it just lovely?
Final thoughts
The bathroom is one part of the house that needs some upgrading every now and then, and said upgrades can turn out to be quite expensive. However, with some rather small, but well-thought changes, you can spruce up your bathroom design without spending a pretty penny. And if our suggestions are not to your liking, there’s tons of helpful resources out there that can give you some great ideas to get you started.
More interior design tips
Hereâs Everything You Need to Set Up a Meditation Corner in Your House How to Turn Your Kitchen Into Every Coffee Loverâs Dream Design Trends that Add Extra Flair to Your Fancy Home How to Add a Touch of Luxury to Your Home without a Costly Renovation
The post 8 Money-Saving Tips for Improving Your Bathroom’s Design appeared first on Fancy Pants Homes.
A gorgeous, sprawling Connecticut estate with ties to The Beatles, Prudence Farrow, and the Gershwin brothers is up for sale in Westport for $9 million.
The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom, 9,360-square-foot property at 157 Easton Road, also known as River Run Estate, is being marketed by Compassâ Susan Vanech. It was originally built in 1955, and completely renovated in 2020, pairing old-school charm with modern-day amenities.
The marketing for the resort-style estate is inspired by John Lennonâs âImagine,â as a reflection of the home being restored and getting a new lease on life. But there is also another, far more fascinating connection to The Beatles.
Westport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: Compass
Their song âDear Prudenceâ was based on Mia Farrowâs sister Prudence Farrow, who fell into a deep depression during her teenage years after her fatherâs sudden passing. John Lennon and George Harrison, who were in the same social circles as Prudence, wrote the song to help lift her spirits — and it ended up becoming a massive hit.
At the time, Prudence Farrow was living at the River Run Estate, and in her memoir, she describes hiking in the woods near the property, canoeing, skating on the pond, and playing with the neighborhood kids.
Back when Prudence resided at 157 Easton Road, the property was owned by violinist and photographer Leopold Godowsky Jr., and his wife Frankie Gershwin, younger sister to George and Ira Gershwin (the songwriting team whose songs were synonymous with the sounds and style of the Jazz Age). The frequent parties and gatherings at River Run Estate are said to have maybe inspired some of the Gershwinsâ most popular compositions.
The estate is the epitome of relaxed, outdoorsy Connecticut living, featuring personal tennis courts, a home gym, and access to the river waterfront with waterfalls to canoe, paddle, or swim.
Westport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: CompassWestport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: CompassWestport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: Compass
There are also plenty of walking and hiking trails, as well as a pool and spa with a steam room. The outdoor area also includes a river house and a greenhouse, so the property would be an ideal fit for someone who loves the outdoors and enjoys being in nature year-round.
Inside the property, there is an exquisite ownerâs suite, as well as separate guest quarters for when friends or family come to visit. The home incorporates quiet offices, perfect for a work-from-home setup, a spacious dining room, multiple fireplaces, and fantastic views.
Westport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: CompassWestport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: CompassWestport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: CompassWestport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: CompassWestport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: CompassWestport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: CompassWestport, CT home with ties to The Beatles. Image credit: Compass
Keep reading
A Charming Home Featured on HGTVâs âProperty Brothersâ is Looking for New Owners Shigeru Ban-Designed Home in Sagaponack, NY is the Prized Architectâs Only Project in the Area New Jerseyâs Gloria Crest Estate, Once Home to Hollywood Silent Film Starlet, Is on the Market These 5 Unique Listings Will Remind You of Everything that Makes NYC Real Estate Special
The post Charming Estate With Ties to The Beatles On the Market in Connecticut appeared first on Fancy Pants Homes.
“Fixer Upper” fans will be in a tizzy to hear that Chip and Joanna Gaines have returned to TVâthis time to help friends renovate their first house on the premiere episode of the new Discovery+ show “First-Time Fixer.”
In the premiere episode âSalt Lake City Condo,â Chip and Jo head to Salt Lake City to give old-time pals Brittany Baker and Annie Hawkins tips on their first flip: a $305,000 midcentury condo. Baker and Hawkins have a renovation budget of only $50,000, so they’ll need a lot of help from the Gaineses to get this project done right.
Read on to find out Chip and Joanna’s best tips for these first-time flippers, which might inspire some changes around your own abode, too.
Polished concrete floors are beautifulâand easy on the budget
Chip Gaines suggested using concrete floors.
Discovery+
Baker and Hawkins need to stick to a strict budget, so they’re excited when Chip suggests they rip up the carpet and simply use the concrete floors underneath.
They remove the carpet and repair the cracks in the concrete themselves (which saves a lot of money), then they hire a professional to polish the floors.
“Weâre actually going to save a lot of money doing concrete, because itâs only going to be 2,000 bucks,” Baker says.
Once the floors are finished, the concrete looks amazing, giving the condo a cool industrial look. Who knew you could get that for cheap?
Save as many original features as possible
Chip thought this vanity could be saved, but some mold meant it didn’t work in the end.
Discovery+
Chip has another money-saving tip for Baker and Hawkins: Save the bathroom vanity.
“I would keep this,” Chip says when he sees the wood vanity. “This is great quality stuff, y’all. And this is something you could do in a kind of DIY sense and save a little money.â
Hawkins and Baker are willing to fix it up, but don’t end up keeping the vanityâand for a good reason.
“Brittany discovered so much mold that we did not want to salvage it,â Hawkins explains.
With a new vanity, this guest bathroom is complete.
Discovery+
They’re forced to spend money on a new vanity, but they find a new piece with similar charm and style.
___
Watch: This Gorgeous New Farmhouse by Chip and Jo Gaines Is No ‘Fixer Upper’
___
When the bathroom is finished, Chip and Jo approve of the choice. It proves that while saving an old piece can save money, sometimes it’s simply not worth it.
Call in the professionals for a polished look
This shower definitely needed some new tile.
Discovery+
With all of Chip’s talk of DIY projects, Baker and Hawkins want to do as much as they can themselves. They even cut their own baseboards and do all the painting. But after some debating, they decide to hire a professional to do the bathroom tile.
“We decided not to tile as first-timers,” Hawkins says. “We felt like it was advanced for what we wanted to do, so the money that we saved from carpet, [we] put it toward tile.â
Sometimes it’s best to bring in the professionals.
Discovery+
The modern gray tile they choose fits the condo’s midcentury style and, in the end, Hawkins and Baker are happy they hired someone to make it look so good. And Baker’s learned an important lesson.
“Know your limits,” Baker says. “And maybe next time weâll try tiling.â
Sometimes the right materials cost only a little more
This kitchen was closed off from the rest of the house.
Discovery+
Sometimes the biggest renovation challenge is simply choosing the right materials, a lesson Baker and Hawkins learn when trying to design the kitchen.
The condo was built in 1964, so they want to lean into the midcentury aesthetic by using walnut in the kitchen. Right away, Joanna loves the idea.
“I love walnut,” she says. “If I walk in and see your kitchen with walnut wood, I donât think âoh they did this on the cheap.ââ
The walnut cabinets make the kitchen look sophisticated.
Discovery+
Hawkins and Baker know that walnut won’t be too pricy, but it will require taking some money out of the budget elsewhere.
They build a beautiful kitchen out of this medium-tone wood and, in the end, it pays off. These cabinets give the whole condo a midcentury look.
An open walkway can save money
This doorway to the den has midcentury style.
Discovery+
Throughout the renovation, Baker and Hawkins realize they’re really cutting it close with their budgetâand it doesn’t help when they keep finding unexpected costs.
One big expense they weren’t expecting is the door to the den.
“So guess how much a freaking door costs?” Baker asks. “A freaking door costs five to six thousand dollars!â
While they want to create a private den space, they know they can’t afford to put a door there. So they get creative with glass windows and a midcentury-inspired opening. This doorway ends up working even better than a traditional door because it keeps the den open, improving the flow into the living room.
It’s a great solution to the budget issue, and it ends up being one of the more beautiful features of the home.
When Baker and Hawkins are finally finished with the renovation, they know that they’ve gone way over their timeline. While they expected the project to take only nine weeks, it ends up taking four months. Still, they don’t go too far over their budget, spending $56,000 instead of their originally planned $50,000.
In the end, these novice flippers are proud of their workâand so are Chip and Jo!
The post Chip and Joanna Gaines Are Back (With Friends) in ‘First-Time Fixer’ appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
Anticipating some last-minute company? While you may not have time to scrub down the house, some simple tricks of the trade will make it look like you did. Prepare your home for the unexpectedâeven if the unexpected is your mother-in-law inviting herself over for dinner.
Take a whiff:
Burning a few candles around the abode will not only brighten up the space, but it will also upgrade the usual aromas of your home. Light up a rich Mahogany Teakwood in the den, or perhaps indulge your guestsâ senses with a fresh Vanilla Bean scent in the kitchen.
Pillow talk:
Upgrade your low-key loveseats and couches with hints of color. Take decorative pillows and throws out of the closet and add them as accents to the coziest spots. Be sure to fluff them, and then watch as everyone sits back and relaxes.
Reduce, reduce, reduce:
Having a magazine or book at armsâ reach in every room may be convenient, but there are stylish ways to hide them away. Minimize your reading materials clutter by stashing them in a basket or bin. It instantly improves the ambiance of your living space.
Show off your green thumb:
Pick out a simple bouquet from your garden and proudly display it on the dinner table. Also, swap out the run-of-the-mill vase with an empty wine bottle to highlight your creativity and charming style.
Feng shui the space:
If you havenât moved your couch since it was first delivered, nowâs the perfect chance to rearrange and harmonize the room. Even the simple act of angling your furniture a few inches can make each living space look brand new.
Throw it down:
Every room needs an anchorâand for those who are missing one, a bright throw rug brings the space together.
The post Be My Guest: How to Get Your Home Guest-Ready in 15 Minutes first appeared on Century 21®.
Just because you’re going out less frequently doesn’t mean you have to let your eye shadow game slip. I mean, you want to glow like a goddess on those Zoom meetings, right? And now you have plenty of time to perfect your look and find new colors to make your eyes pop.
You know your go-to colors, sure, but why not try something fun and new? Here are some excellent eye shadow palettes that offer a wide range of shades and won’t break your budget. (See also: The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Beauty Essentials)
Top 5 Eye Shadow Palettes
Lamora Nude Eye Shadow Palette
The Lamora Eye Shadow Palette in nude is a best-seller for a reason. It was created with high-quality ingredients into a waterproof cream formula. In order to enhance the wearer’s natural beauty, this palette offers 16 rich colors from rose gold to dark brown. The palette comes in a sleek case that’s small enough to take on-the-go.
It includes a message inside that says "Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful," which is a reminder we all need, and it’s backed by over 9,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Currently $15.95 at Amazon.com
UCANBE Twilight and Dusk Eye Shadow Palette
The UCANBE Twilight and Dusk Eye Shadow Palette includes 18 incredible shades — 10 matte, seven shimmer and one metallic glitter colors that will make your eyes catch everyone else’s. All shades are waterproof, easy to blend, safe for sensitive skin, and has not been tested on animals. With the wide range of colors, you can easily take your look from day to night.
This palette is also backed by over 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Currently $9.98 at Amazon.com
L.A. Girl’s Beauty Brick Eye Shadow Palette
L.A. Girl’s Beauty Brick Eye Shadow Palette is the ideal palette to take on-the-go because of its magnetic case, double-sided applicator, and mirror so you can apply your shadow wherever you are. It has 12 highly pigmented nude shades featuring smooth mattes and dimensional shimmers. You can create a look for every occasion using the double-sided brush to contour, line, and highlight your lids.
It also has over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Currently $6.99 at Amazon.com
Beauty Glazed Shimmer Eye Shadow Palette
The Beauty Glazed Shimmer Eye Shadow Palette offers 15 gorgeous colors in a long-lasting formula that you’ll never want to take off. It’s waterproof too, so no need to worry about the weather interfering with your look. From light pinks to bold blues, this palette is bound to make your eyes pop.
And it’s backed by over 2,000 four-star reviews on Amazon.
Currently $9.99 at Amazon.com
SHANY Bold and Bright Eye Shadow Palette
If you want a complete palette to meet all of your makeup needs, the SHANY Bold and Bright Eye Shadow Palette is it. This palette has 120 bold colors to match every item of clothing in your closet, every mood, and every occasion. Each color is highly pigmented and won’t smudge. Whether you’re a beginner in eye makeup or a polished veteran, this palette will be your new favorite makeup item.
It’s backed by outstanding online reviews, including over 1,000 four-star reviews on Amazon.
Currently $17.96 at Amazon.com
And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread’s Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!