2015 Parade brings changes, but doesn't disappoint

This year's Parade of Homes event may be smaller, and further from Columbus, but offers no shortage of features or fans. The Parade's 2015 location, Northstar Community, near Sunbury, is farther outside of the Columbus area than in previous years. The Parade also features only six homes, each with a price less steep than in years past. The Parade's dates are a change, as well, debuting in fall, rather than the summer.

In spite of all these changes, builders say their homes are selling well, perhaps due to this year's more
affordable prices and realistic floor plans. The homes may be less pricey than in previous years, but
Parade attendees can still expect to see the interesting and up-and-coming designs the Parade is known for.  Non-traditional wall textures, secret grocery doors, and unique furniture pieces can all be found in homes in the 2015 Parade.

Fans of the Parade's unique touches won't be disappointed. In this case, a smaller scale doesn't mean a
lapse in quality.

The Parade of Homes runs from September 19 - October 4.

Based on an article from The Columbus Dispatch.

Insider Tips on Affordable Home Accessories

via HGTV.com

Wonder how the experts outfit their homes? HGTV magazine asked their network's design stars to share their secrets on styling a home on a budget.

From the kitchen to the hall, the designers share their favorite affordable home items. And their sources may surprise you. Target, Urban Outfitters, and IKEA, all make the list thanks to their low prices.

Click here to flip through the slideshow and find your new favorite pieces for less.

Do's & Don'ts of the Parade of Homes

With the 2015 Parade of Homes almost upon us, check out our guide to the

Do's & Don'ts of the Parade!

The 2015 Parade of Homes event will be held from September 19 through October 4 at Northstar. Click here for more information!

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!

5 ways to make your patio feel like a paradise--without breaking the bank

Everyone wants a party-ready patio, but big updates can be expensive. How can you achieve the “wow-factor” on a tight budget? Don't worry, HGTV is here to help with five ways to dress up your deck without dropping the big bucks.


Light it up
Paper lanterns lend a festive touch, yet are cheap to buy. Dollar Tree has several options, each for the low price of $1. You can string them together or hang them independently to create exactly the look you want.

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Curtain Call
Surround your patio in linen or sheer curtains for a cozy, upscale feel. Tie them back if you're entertaining or draw them if you want a bit of privacy. Curtains can also add a bit of warmth as the nights get cooler. You can find sheer outdoor curtains at Target for around $20.





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DIY masterpiece

Make your own mosaic to add some life to your porch. You can use this method to decorate table tops and flowerpots or to incorporate some color into stairs. Coordinate your furniture and develop a whole new color scheme around your creation.

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Shop in your own home

Repurpose your old furniture as patio furniture! A mattress and bedframe (or crib!) can easily become your new backyard daybed and old coffee tables can find a new life complementing your current patio chairs.



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Cozy Carpets

Warm up your space by adding an area rug. It will help your space feel more luxurious, while protecting bare feet! Browse affordable options in a variety of sizes at Target.



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Top tips for indoor plants

Houseplants can do wonders for your home. They can add life, color, and a calming atmosphere to otherwise drab spaces. Check out Houzz's top tips for growing your greenery indoors.

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1. Fill dead space with plants.

If you have awkward space or empty corners in your home, consider filling them in with a plant. They'll add a splash of color to an otherwise boring or unsightly area.

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2. Use plants to personalize your kitchen.

No paint? No problem. Use colorful flowers and interesting plants to help spice up your kitchen

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3. Put them somewhere unexpected

Here's an unexpected tip. Put houseplants in your bathroom. They'll love the moist air and routine steaming they get from the shower.

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4. Fill sunny areas with plants.

Fill porches, sunrooms, patios or windowsills until they're positively bursting with greenery.

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5. Cluster your plants together

Clustering is good for the plants, as you'll remember to water them all at once and they'll be able to create their own micro-climate. And it's good for your home, as clustered plants are pleasing to the eye.

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6. Make every meal feel alfresco

Decorate your table with a beautiful floral arrangement or surround your dining table with greenery. It'll make you feel as if you're dining in a garden every night.

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7. Don't sweat it

Most importantly- don't stress. Plants bring a calming and refreshing vibe to your home, so don't override that feeling with stress if you accidentally kill one. As Houzz suggests:“Forgive yourself, and move on.”

Dublin City Schools experience record-setting growth for 2015-2016 school year

Dublin City Schools are growing faster than the district had originally anticipated. According to ThisWeek reports, the districtwide enrollment from last school year was 15,165 students. The projected enrollment numbers for this school year are 15,446. However, enrollment numbers are already exceeding projections as the projected enrollment for elementary school was 6,855 students, but currently 6,997 students have registered. Registration will continue throughout the summer, and staff expect August to be their busiest month.

Across the district, many grades and classes have been “capped” as there is simply no room for more students. Students who are unable to register at their closest school, due to lack of space, will be bussed to other nearby schools with available space.

 

District staff say the improving housing market may be the reason they've seen so much growth lately. According to ThisWeek, the current trend represents a record-setting pace for enrollments for the district.