The Best Home Improvements To Complete by Tax Season

While there are thousands of things one can do to their home to improve its appearance and funcationality, there are a few improvements you can make now to save big this tax season. Don’t delay, though- many of these incentives expire at then end of 2010. So read on and prepare to save loads of […]

WARNING: This Might Disgust You

Of all the things I tried to prepare myself for in owning my first home, nothing could have prepared me for the horror I’ve seen. On the morning of August 25th, a typical weekday, as I took my normal morning shower before work I noticed water pooling around my ankles. Frustrated, I knew this was […]

Trend Watch: Ceramic Tile That Looks Like Hardwood?

…Its out there and homeowners and designers alike are loving it! I’ve installed it in a few homes since its debut a few years ago and have claimed it as my favorite flooring material. My reasons? The look of hardwood without the price. The look of hardwood without the maintanance. The easy installation process (gets […]

Anatomy of a Staged Home

In previous posts I have mentioned the importance of a staged home, briefly outlined the things a professional stager will do for your home and even blogged about things you should look for in a professional stager. Still not convinced that this approach to selling a home pays off? You’re probably visual, so here’s hard evidence. […]

Insurance Claims From Hail

Hey friends!  So, in the last few months, all hail broke loose!  Okay, now that I got the cheesy jokes out, let’s talk insurance!  On May 16th, 2010, Oklahoma City was struck suddenly with a large and violent hail storm.  My little house, (and my car) took a beating.  The hail came down the size […]

Wallpaper Is Making a Comeback! Is It Right For You?

Just when you thought you were done with it. Just when you have finished scraping and peeling the last of it. Now that you have had the entire house faux finished from top to bottom. Wallpaper is back. And its coming for you. (Cue “Jaws” theme music here.) Fear not! This isn’t your 90’s “fruits and […]

DIY Tile * Can-Do Attitude, Naïve Optimism, Tight Budget

When I bought my house all of seven months ago, the previous owners were offering a flooring credit, which I didn’t take. I figured I’d just do the carpet in the den, tile in the laundry and refinish the hardwoods all myself. Boy was I naïve. When I priced carpet for the den I thought […]

What Your Painter Wishes You Knew

Over the years I’ve seen some pretty amazing transformations take place in clients’ homes, largely because of the painters who changed the entire mood of the space with a well-applied change of color. While designers work very hard towards making those transformations occur in a timely manner, at an affordable cost and without hiccups, sometimes the client is their […]

Making Your Lawn Happy and Ready for Spring

With Spring being ever so close, I’ve begun thinking about what to do for my lawn. Currently, it looks pretty sad. The house at the end of my street appears to be in full bloom with lots of bright yellow daffodils and a green lawn greeting me as I turn onto my street. I might […]

Transitioning From Roommate to Landlord

So, I’m 5 months into homeownership and my “To Do” list has somehow expanded as quickly as waistlines in the winter. I’ve had to learn to be realistic and learn to “trim the fat,” so to speak. Having been spoiled for years as a renter, I’m now realizing that changing the air filter, seasonal pest […]