DIY: A backsplash in a flash!

Want a kitchen update the adds value but doesn't break the bank? Barbara Ballinger of The Chicago Tribune has a project any homeowner can do on their own: a tile backsplash.

Here are some of her tips to get you started.

• When deciding on the colors for your backsplash, remember white is always a classic. Or if you're going for a fresh, modern feel, consider pale green glass.

• If you're not sure how to begin, Lowe's has a video that breaks down the project step-by-step.

• Buy more tile than you think you'll need, as some may get dropped or broken!

• Porcelain tile is easier to work with for beginners.

• Don't forget to buy plastic spacers and grout.

• Tiles mounted on mesh provide an easy and quick to start to the project

Happy tiling!

Everything you Need to Know About Painting

Painting is a relativity inexpensive project that many home owners tackle themselves. However, successfully creating an accent wall may prove tougher than you think. Here’s some fast facts about painting as highlighted in HGTV magazine:

You should dip your paint brush one third of the way into a paint can. Many people over-submerge, and waste paint.

Pull off painter’s tape right away. If you wait longer, you could pull off some paint and forgo the opportunity to wipe off any misplaced paint.

The best way to unclog the nozzle of a spray paint can is to flip the can upside down and pray for five seconds. The can will spray compressed air, thus clearing the nozzle. Two cans should be bought to spray paint a medium sized side chair.

Ceiling paint is NOT the same as wall paint. Ceiling paint is formed of white paint that streaks less and covers better than wall paint. If you want a dark color on your ceiling, you may have to use wall paint.

At the end of the day, if you’re not finished painting, wrap your brushes with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Leaving the brushes in water could saturate them and dilute the paint. Leaving them in a paint can lets in too much air and may dry the paint out.

Skim coat your walls if they’re uneven. Applying a thin layer of compound to even out the wall before its painted can prevent a bumpy finish.

A good exterior paint job should last 8-12 years. 100% acrylic exterior paint with a long-term warranty is your best bet. Don’t use latex paint over something previously painted with oil-based plaint. This could cause your paint to bubble and crack once it’s dry.

Buy low VOC (volatile organize compounds) paint. These chemicals can cause headaches and irritate eyes.

Canvas drop cloths are better than plastic drop cloths for covering floors. Plastic is slippery and not very durable; it’s better used for protecting furniture and fixtures.

You need about a gallon of paint per 400 square feet. Also consider layers, doors, and windows. The paint calculator at sherwinwilliams.com is a good resource.

Finally, when you’re shopping for paint, you may wonder why some are more expensive than others. This is most often due to the fact that they’re made with high-quality, concentrated pigments, which make colors look rich on walls but contain pricy ingredients.

For a detailed demonstration on how to paint a wall, click on the video below. 

The Latest Home Decor Trends

Colors

This year, home decorators have made it known that color is not simply for art hanging on the wall. Mint Green is the color of the summer. And it's not just reflected in clothing and jewelry: furniture and home accessories also come in this fresh color. Silver has been the metal of choice for years, but now yellow metals--gold and brass--are in. Gold accents with softer finishes (rather than full-on shine) and antique brass finishes have made their way into kitchens, bathrooms, lighting fixtures and more. Also making a comeback is wallpaper. Despite it's bad reputation, wallpaper comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles. If you're weary about using wallpaper, consider covering an accent wall, or a small space such as an entryway, rather than an entire room. Painted front doors freshen up a home's exterior, and painted furniture is also trendy. Dated pieces found at flea markets or secondhand shops can be transformed by a coat of paint and new hardware. This DYI project is great for creative people who like a good deal. Watercolors are also popular, not just on art, but also on fabrics and accessories. This, too, you could try yourself, by picking up watercolor paint at a craft store and applying it to lamp shades and fabrics. For more DYI projects, click here.

Materials
Exposed brick often gives a home character and style. Now, raw wood and rope are becoming just as popular. Wood is compatible with many different styles (cottage, vintage, contemporary, etc). You can find raw wood pieces at architectural salvage stores and flea markets. You can also buy new items that are meant to look distressed. Repurpose wooden objects you already own but don't often use--that latter in your garage would make a great bookshelf! Barn doors enable people to close off rooms separated by a large doorway. Simple track hardware can be found at a farm supply store. The resulting sliding door will be both practical and stylish. Like raw wood, rope also lends itself well to a variety of styles--from nautical to industrial. It provides a natural, earthly feel to any room. Woven chairs and baskets can be found at many stores, and wadded rope used as book ends or door stops are also available.

Decor
Curvy and colorful gourd lamps look great on side tables and nightstands. Statement installed light fixtures are also trendy ways to brighten up a room. Lighting show rooms and home centers showcase stylish fixtures in various styles, such as industrial. Block Prints are noted for their global appear and exotic flare. They are becomming more common (and thus affordable!) in mass produced products. Nailhead trim continues to be popular. It adds sophistication and timelessness to a piece of furniture. Lattice or trellis prints (most commonly a color pattern on a white background or the inverse) make great window treatments and throw pillows. You can also stencil patterns onto a wall, or use wallpaper.

Watch the video below for a demonstration on how to paint, sand, and distress furniture:

What you Need to Know About Home Security Systems

Choosing the best home security system is a big commitment that should not be underestimated. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2/3 of fire-related deaths in homes occur when there's no working smoke detector on the premises. Below is some information about what security systems can do (and cost!):

Price. Professionally monitored systems come with an equipment and installation cost ($250-$700) and a monthly monitoring fee ($35-$75), plus the cost of adding additional detectors ($150-$250 each). You can save money by purchasing a DIY system for as low as ten dollars and as much as several hundred dollars. While smoke, carbon dioxide, and motion sensors can be bought on your own, they may be installed incorrectly and do not monitor your home 24/7 the way professional systems do. That is, they may alert you that a fire has started, but they won't tell the police and fire department.

Features. Professionally monitored systems all have a control unit with a battery pack, keypad, and siren. You can also choose additional features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, motion detectors, temperature gauges that can detect a broken furnace and freezing pipes, and water sensors that gauge when your basement leaks. Make sure everyone living in the home is present when the installer explains how the system works, including how to arm and disarm the system. Also, be sure to place a sign in your yard advertising your new system--this is a powerful deterrent to burglars.

Construction. You should allow three hours for a professional to install your new security system, unless you are building a new house, in which case the wires can be run through open walls. Another option is to go wirelessly by installing a battery-powered monitoring device in touch with a remote cellular network. However, wireless systems are easier to disable than wired ones.

Benefits. After installation, tell your insurance company about your new alarm system. Some insurance companies, such as Liberty Mutual Insurance,  offer discounts on homeowners insurance for customers with home security systems. Some companies will shave up to 20% off of your yearly premium if you have an electronic alarm system. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a basic security system can pay for itself in three years with an average national premium of $800.

Looking for more? Full home automation complexes can monitor just about everything. In addition to the features listed above, an automation complex can adjust your home's temperature,  turn lights on and off based on room occupancy, and water your plants when soil becomes dry. The elderly can get a wearable "panic button" should the person ever fall or need assistance. These amenities come with a cost: expect to pay around $5,000 more for a complete automation system.

Going out of town? Check out my previous post on how to secure your home while you're away. If you want to be as safe as possible, you could hire a professional house sitter. They charge $15-$50 per visit, and will often look after pets as well. If you don't have a neighbor you can trust to water your plants, bring in the mail, or take out your garbage, a professional house sitter can do these tasks instead. Also, they can act on emergencies. Be cautious when hiring house sitters: ensure they have clean backgrounds, good references, and insurance.

For a list of top home security systems, click here.