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A deck, patio, or garden deserves the same care and planning as any of the rooms inside the house.  Consider what ambiance you would like your outdoor space to convey and, more importantly, its purpose.  After deciding how the area will function, it is easy to complete the space.

Traffic Flow: Furniture should not block any of the entry/exit points such as sliding doors or steps.  If the outdoor space is not very big, try to place your seating facing the house rather than facing outdoors.  For example, if you have an elevated deck, place an L-shaped sofa or bench against the railings to allow easy access from the deck to the house.

Seating: The ideal outdoor space should have separate seating areas.  This is perfect for entertaining outdoors so guests can form different conversation groups.  If room allows, you should plan for a table for eating and seating that includes a sofa, bench or lounge chairs.

Accessories: To complete the look, add colorful accessories such as lanterns, an outdoor rug and pillows.  These will reflect your personal style and help your space come to life.  In addition, using the same colors you have throughout your home will make the outdoor space feel more like an extension of your indoor living area rather than a separate place. I love to use blue as the main accessory color because it naturally cools a sunny and open area.  Large planters in the corners help to anchor and define the space and, if you are going for a serene setting, add a large water feature or sculpture as the focal point.

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If you are thinking about redecorating your bedroom, there are some “musts” you should include to give your space the tranquility you deserve.

1-      Add seating. The most important aspect of a luxury bedroom is a cozy seating area where you can relax and read a book.  If space is not an issue, add a nice chaise lounge so you can stretch your legs.  If space is an issue, add a smaller chair with a side table and lamp.  Benches under a window or at the foot of the bed are also luxurious additions.

2-      Enhance with bold lighting. Proper lighting will bring any room to life and give it an updated look.  To start, add some recessed lights with a dimmer control to give the room overall lighting.  Then you can add more layers of lighting for specific purposes.  If you are going for a traditional or romantic ambiance, add some sparkle with a chandelier and some medium-sized table lamps to frame the bed.  The shape and color of your shades will vary depending on your décor.  If you prefer a more classic or contemporary feel, consider hanging long pendants on each side of the bed in lieu of your lamps.  Or add wall sconces for a sleek hotel look.  These options will help you save space and add drama to the room.

3-      Remember the ceiling. The ceiling is considered your 5^th wall and unfortunately it is often overlooked.  Rooms with tray ceilings already have some added architectural detailing.  But if a tray ceiling is not an option, you can create the illusion of a tray ceiling by adding trim work.  This gives you infinite possibilities.  I also love the idea of using metallic or shimmering paint for the ceiling.  It reflects the light and makes the room feel bigger.

4-      Perfect your bed. Your bed is your sanctuary!  The place where you sleep and regain your energy should be the most important and comfortable place of the house.  If you already have a nice bed, no need to get a new one.  Just update the linens and add many different sized pillows.  If you are investing in a new bed, I would start with a good headboard and then plan your window treatments and everything else around it.  The great thing about a large and dramatic headboard is that it will be the centerpiece of the room and you don’t need to add a lot of other focal points.  Look here for headboard ideas.

Transform your bedroom into the safe haven of calm you need after another hectic day.  It will help you recharge so you are able to conquer what life brings you tomorrow!

Why choose white cabinetry?

They are timeless! White cabinets are known to be soothing and fresh and work well with any design, style, and color scheme. The options are infinite with white cabinetry and they can be used with other cabinets. Mixing white and other wood-toned cabinets in the same kitchen is also a very popular option. Think of red and white, or white and a distressed/antique brown combination.

My favorite use for white cabinetry is to create what I call the modern French bistro style: think of white or off-white cabinets combined with a warm wood flooring, earthy countertops, stainless knobs and today’s modern stainless steel appliances. This look combines the old classic look with all the modern touches to create a welcoming and practical family gathering place in the kitchen. Très Magnifique!

Of course, white cabinetry can also be used to create contemporary kitchens. If you are going for the modern look, consider using white cabinets with frosted glass fronts, shaker style fronts, or a high-gloss finish. Add a sleek countertop such as granite or other solid surface, stainless steel appliances and a fun backsplash with a punch of color to accent the look.

White can also be used to revamp kitchens without replacing all the cabinets. Older oak or maple cabinets can be easily painted in white or off-white colors for a complete change of style. This is an excellent and economical update for homeowners who need to update their kitchen for an open house. Use the money saved on the cabinets to update other well received kitchen updates such as new appliances or a new countertop; prospective buyers will surely appreciate it.

What kind of maintenance is associated with white kitchen cabinets?

Most people stay away from white cabinets because of cleaning concerns. If your cabinets are of good quality any splash can be easily wiped away. It’s really not that different from cleaning any other wood cabinetry. They should be dusted and wiped often to prevent grease accumulation and stains. Glazed wood cabinets also tend to add an extra layer of protection to the cabinets making it easier to wipe any dirt.

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Chances are you have plenty of space in your closets, but the space you have is not being used to its full capacity.  But with a small budget and some hard work, you can transform a messy closet into a perfectionist’s dream.  If you already have a good base of wood shelving and wood rods, chances are you can just add a few accessories or more wood shelving.

Don’t be scared if you have to start from scratch.  And don’t be afraid to demolish whatever you have for a clean slate.  All you will need is some willpower, your music of choice for inspiration, spackle to fill in any voids, paint, wood screws, a leveler, and perhaps a handy helper.  I strongly suggest you invest most of your budget into buying some sort of closet organization system.  Home Depot, Lowes, or the Container Store all have easy-to-assemble melamine laminated shelves which can be customized to fit any space.

Here are some principles you should follow when redesigning or organizing a closet:

-          Make it easier to put things away. It should be easier to put something away than it is to get it out.  Use clear plastic baskets for underpants and socks and place the baskets on an open shelf so you don’t find yourself looking through an overstuffed drawer which sometimes does not even close properly.

-          Keep it open. Stack jeans, shorts, t-shirts and sweaters on open shelves so you will never forget about the capri pants you have in the dark corner of an overstuffed drawer somewhere.

-          Get shoes off the floor. Use a shoe rack or shoe bags to store shoes.  You can put them in those hard to reach corners or use clear plastic shoe boxes for the ones you use less often.

-          Double-up.  Suspend a second hanging rod in a section of your closet to increase hanging capacity.  You will need a section of your closet to hang dresses and suits, but optimize the other half for more hanging space or for open shelving.

-          Proper hangers.  Use sturdy plastic or wood hangers and recycle the wire hangers at the dry cleaners.  Buy specialty hangers for dress pants, ties, etc.

-          Use hooks.  Use every open wall space you have left over to place hooks.  They can hang robes, bags, hats, big necklaces, etc.

-          Lighting.  Closets should be bright.  If installing a ceiling light is out of the question, replace the closet door with a glass door to allow for extra natural light.

-          Make it fun for the kids.  Children love color, so arrange their closets with color coordinated baskets and leave the bottom of the closet clear of shelves so they can store baskets with their toys once playtime is over.  Paint the walls in a different color than the shelves.

When you are done, your closet will be a masterpiece of organization and you won’t be stressed out every time you open its door!

Here is a quick list of tasks (some fun and some annoying!) which you can tackle in the winter to help you maintain a better living environment:

-          Rotate your mattresses. Rotating your mattresses will help you sleep better and makes them last longer.  Also check to see if you need new pads.

-          Clean and organize a closet. Don’t overstretch yourself.  Pick one closet you know you can get done and go through the stuff that accumulates over the year.  Throw away any broken knickknacks and donate whatever you can to charity.

-          Perform an energy audit. Utility companies are now offering programs to help homeowners conserve energy.  You can go to your local utility provider and request an energy audit.  They may offer to replace your thermostats with programmable ones.  If you are serious about green living, you can also contact a private company to perform a comprehensive energy audit by measuring your home’s air leakage and its total water and voltage usage.

-          Clean your dryer vents. Move the dryer away from the wall and remove the tube that attaches to the machine to clean out all the lint.  Check and clean the outside vent as well.  By doing this twice a year, you will save on your utility bills and prevent fire hazards.

-          Change all the filters. HVAC filters should be changed every 3 to 4 months.  This will give you better air quality and prolong the longevity of your furnace.  Do you have a refrigerator with a water dispenser?  If so, you should also be changing the water filter.  Newer models have a light to indicate when to change it, but some of the older models don’t.

-          Clean window treatments. Inspect your drapes and determine if you can vacuum them rather than taking them to the dry cleaner.  You may be able to use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to clean the dust off your window treatments and save on the dry cleaning bill.  Most of the discolorations on your drapes come from dust accumulation.

-          Check for moth damage. Did you start noticing little holes in your wool sweaters?  Chances are you have moths in your closets and now that you are wearing your winter clothes you are seeing the damage.  It’s best to vacuum all your shelves and make sure your clothes are clean before you store them away for the season.  Moths only attack natural fibers.  Be sure and vacuum under your rugs and upholstered furniture.  Use pheromone traps or mothballs if necessary.

-          Clean your windows and sliding door tracks.  Vacuum your window and sliding door tracks to make sure they operate property.

-          Lubricate your locks and garage door opener. A lightweight oil such as WD-40 works easiest.

Do you have a special cleaning or organizing tip?  Feel free to leave a message below with your own recommendations.  Check out our video tips section under Mid-Atlantic’s Customer Care website.

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If you are a pro at entertaining, you should have it all planned by now:  what you will serve at your holiday dinner party, who is going to sit where, your table centerpiece, etc.  But for some of us, we get so busy preparing or worrying about the food that we forget about the other details.  So here are a couple of last minute decorations you can make in a day if you want to add some flare to your dinner party!

-          A bowl full of small wrapped gifts: Get some medium sized metal, white, or clear glass bowls and fill them up with small, beautifully-wrapped gifts.  You can use small chocolate boxes, small notepads, or artisan soap bars.  Use different types of leftover wrapping paper from the year before and create several festive bowls that can be used as your centerpiece for your table or buffet.  Then if you have surprise guests, you have something extra for them.

-          Dress up your chairs: Add a decorative ribbon to the back of your dining room chairs.  This will add some drama to your dining room.  Buy thick ribbons that coordinate with the holiday you are celebrating, cut large sections so you have enough left over to create a nice bow, and tie it around the back of your chairs.  If you have time, you can use hot glue to add small ornaments such as faux greenery, pine cones, or berries to the bow.

-          Candles: Candles are your best friend if you are running out of time.  Just adding a few candle holders to your table will give you that warm and comfortable feeling you want in your home for the holidays.  Combine a few decorative candles with any of the suggestions above and you are set to go.

So, I hope you can include some painting projects in your 2012 to-do-list and keep the following in mind:

Neutrals: Saturated neutrals are back.  These are the modern neutrals found in nature, such as pebbles, grains, clay and anything raw and organic.  Khaki, taupe, camel and orange tones are also in this category.

Rich earthy tones: These are the rich, deep hues found in nature.  Reds, amber, and wine-inspired colors such as violets and burgundy are all in this category.  These colors derive from fire, fruits, fossils, and Pueblo pottery and inspire passion.  They are great as accent colors.  There is also a big Southwestern inspiration here.  Expect to see a lot more tile accents, fabrics, and rugs with these colors.

Blue inspired hues: Everything that has to do with water and ice, blue skies, and jeans.  What is more royal than blue?  Nothing, in my opinion!  Blue tones are useful in so many ways and combine well with lots of other accent colors; I could paint my entire house in blue hues.  You could go from a calming décor with sky and oceanic blues or a vibrant décor with indigo or Mediterranean inspired colors.

Sherman Williams has a very nice 2012 color wheel inspiration that you can download as a PDF.  Imagine the possibilities!

THEN: Two-Story Spaces

NOW: Usable Square Footage

Buyers are opting for smart, energy-efficient floor plans that utilize all the space in the house.  Two story spaces are now viewed as wasted areas.  The open family room can be used for an extra bedroom, or the two-story foyer can be used for extra closet space.  More than half of the buyers I help end up customizing our floor plans to use the open spaces to create a bigger master bedroom, more storage space or extra bathrooms.

THEN: Big Jacuzzi Tubs

NOW: Bigger Showers with “Spa-Like” Features

Although many buyers are hanging onto their Jacuzzi tubs for reasons such as perceived resale value, fewer and fewer buyers are spending the extra money to add massage jets to the tubs.  Younger buyers are now adding more lifestyle options such as body jets, rain showerheads and steam showers.  Mid-Atlantic Builders has been ahead of this trend for years, by offering our award-winning Spa Bath 2000 designs to buyers who really want to make the most of their master bathroom by adding whatever they can to transform the space into a retreat.

THEN: Formal Living and Dining Rooms

NOW: Big and Open Family Rooms

Keeping with the trend of functionality, home buyers now understand that they spend most of their time in their kitchen and family room.  Most buyers want to use the living room for other purposes, such as a guest area or other multifunctional area, and keep their kitchen open to the family room.

PVC lattice panels are usually used for porches and fences to create privacy.  They are very lightweight, easy to cut, easy to paint, and inexpensive, so there is nothing wrong with repurposing them for interior uses.  With today’s innovations in manufacturing, you can find some really unique lattice décor panels with different shapes and sizes.  I am a big fan of geometric and oriental inspired designs.  Home Depot and Lowes have many options available, but there are also many online companies that will even custom make a pattern for you.

Take, for example, your dining room.  Mid-Atlantic Builders’ dining rooms already come with chair rails and crown molding.  You can quickly transform your dining room without buying new furniture simply by applying a fresh coat of paint and some vinyl lattice décor panels to an entire wall or to the portion of the wall below the chair rail.  I would choose a medium to dark shade of paint for the background and paint all the trim in a light color such as white or a light shade of gray for contrast.  This will emphasize the specific shape or design of the vinyl panel.  Take it a step further by customizing a window treatment with a fabric that resembles the shape from the panel and you’ve got a rich decorator look!

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We don’t have to settle for gray winter days after the colorful fall foliage goes away.  Fortunately, the Washington metropolitan area lies in a temperate zone.  Whether you decide to create a winter garden outside or move your plants indoors, there are plenty of opportunities to keep colorful plants around all year.

Creating an indoor container garden is an easy task.  Some nurseries even arrange the plants for you and all you have to do is care for them.

The pretty blue tones of African violets will certainly provide a surge of happiness during the winter months.  Combine them with a Sierra White cyclamen in a terra cotta planter and place it on the floor by a window or window seat.  The white flowers of the cyclamen with the blues of the violets will create a perfect winter arrangement.

Kafir lilies and begonias are also fall and winter favorites because of their long green leaves and their orange and yellow blossoms.  They fit right in with holiday decorations.

Your bathroom is another place where you can keep plants, especially if you have a window.  Tub decks are a perfect location for an orchid – my favorite.  Orchids love partial light and moderate amounts of water.  They thrive in bathrooms because of the humidity from the shower, but you should also spray them with water a couple times a week.  The Showgirl Cymbidium orchid has small white blossoms and fits in perfectly with any color scheme.