May 29, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner
What’s a Passive House? It’s a home that utilizes little energy for a big payout in heating and cooling. By creating an airtight home, not only will carbon footprints be minimized, but it will also provide a perfect temperature in a house and slash energy costs in half. Check out Better Homestead’s graphic below emphasizing the basic principles of Passive Housing:
May 27, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner
Thrift store shopping isn’t just for vintage outfits anymore. With a few bucks and some creative know-how, simple thrift store purchases can completely revitalize a room. Here are some highlights from Buzzfeed’s article about upcycling common thrift store finds:
1. Make A Suitcase Nightstand
This one is the easiest thrift store home decor of all! Buy anywhere from 3 to 5 suitcases and stack them from largest to smallest next to a bed and turn a nightstand into a statement piece.
2. Line Drawers With Fabric
For stylish storage, apply thrift store tablecloth or curtain fabric for a pop of color and extra protection for all clothing.
3. Wrap Vases With Rope
Want a more nautical or rustic look? Use adhesive and wrap rope around thrift store vases to achieve those styles.
May 25, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner
Summer is here and in Chicago that means three things: baseball, tourists and backyard shindigs. As for the last on that list, Chicago Handyman has shared some valuable deck building tips before, but for those with not enough time or energy to take on the task, there’s finally a solution: decking tiles!
These easily installed tiles take almost no time to install and cover up any weathered wood, concrete or soil. All that’s required is snapping them together and voila! This cost-saving, eco-friendly deck solution makes a backyard looks absolutely inviting. And the focus is finally back on the barbecue… not the ugly wood below guests’ feet.
For a list of more decking tile options, check out Better Home & Gardens wide array of choices.
Ready for a brand-spanking-new deck? Call Chicago Handyman today for all summer decking needs!
May 22, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner
Couldn’t resist sharing another great graphic on home design. This one’s from PaintZen on Pinterest about how to achieve the perfect paint job every time. So before attempting another Idea Corner project, check out this handy graphic first:
May 20, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner
Ready to attack a project? Well, before swinging a hammer or pulling off wallpaper, check out A Beautiful Space’s top 4 design trends of 2015 guaranteed to amp up the style of every space:
1. Bring On The Blue!
Deep, rich blues are in vogue and for good reason! Dark navy and indigo are both bold and beautiful, ensuring an expressive but classic look. Add a splash or coat the room in the glorious shade- it’ll look wonderful either way!
2. Metallics Are A Must Have
No, this isn’t another call for stainless steel or chrome. Instead, carve a different style path with brass or copper finishes. Switch up the hues of metallics throughout the home and don’t get locked in the stainless box.
3. Take On Texture
Whether it’s texturized wallpaper or sponge applied wall contours, texture from walls to ceiling are definitely taking center stage in home design. Take advantage of this texture revolution!
4. Bring The Vacation Home
Finally, a trend that requires traveling the world for inspiration! Whether the theme’s Morocco or Tanzania, earthy tones will definitely propel the home into the glamour that is 2015 home design.