Couples who design together, stay together

Paint is prime



Adding a splash of color (or two, or three) is a low-cost way to liven up the blank canvas of your home. While neutral colors are ideal for selling your home, living with them might be a different story. If you want to evoke emotion, establish visual intrigue or set a certain mood, color is the best way to get the job done.



And you don't have to stick with just one color throughout your home. Highlight an accent wall in your living room with a darker shade or apply a funky wallpaper print. Or, paint your kitchen red with shades like Crisp Crimson or Rocket Red from Dutch Boy, as it increases appetite and elevates passion, perfect for a romantic dinner for two. Purples such as Plumes or Merlot Grape, also from Dutch Boy, have been known to induce passion, ideal choices for a couple's bedroom.



Art and soul



Bringing artistic elements into the space is an easy way to add personal flair. From wall decor and blown glass accents to picture frames and candles, no decorative piece is too small to make a big impact. Display items in groups of three for a dramatic display. Candleholders or vases in varying heights or complementary color schemes can marry two styles easily, and pairing a gothic frame with a softer, lace-applique can actually bring great dimension to an overlooked nook of the home.



Just because you're a fan of Monet and your partner prefers Picasso, that doesn't mean you can't proudly display your favorite pieces for all to enjoy. While Picasso's pieces seem more abrupt and geometric, by combining with larger, softer pieces from an impressionist painter like Monet, you can actually blend the two artistic styles seamlessly.



The perfect mix



Don't be afraid to mix various textures and patterns. This will add dimension to the space, transforming a flat and otherwise boring look into a world of wonderment. First, pick a main color you want to focus on, which will be the anchor color for the space. Let's say you choose blue for this role. Lay all blue fabrics on the floor - window treatments, rugs, pillows and blankets. You'll immediately notice some that seem out of place. Remove these from the pile and you'll begin to notice an interesting cohesion among the remaining fabrics. Next, you'll want to incorporate a complementary color. If blue is your anchor color, add hints of orange to the mix for a playful pop.



Also, be mindful of the pattern's scale. If you have too many large scale patterns in one space, they will be competing with each other, adding unnecessary drama. Keeping it to just one large scale print and several mix-and-match small and medium scale prints will create perfect harmony. In terms of texture, pairing coarse fabrics with smooth variants will add yet another level of dimension to the space. While too many coarse items can seem overbearing, by adding some softer, more feminine textures you can actually create an interesting, eye-provoking combination.



Taking the time to blend your and your mate's style preferences can be a rewarding experience. Throughout the process you'll learn his or her likes and dislikes while having fun in the process, creating a stronger, more unified couple. And by playing around with colors, textures and patterns, the end result will be a well-designed joint space that stimulates the senses from start to finish.

Surprising ways hot tubs heat up relationships

(BPT) - On average, working adults spend less than an hour per day socializing and relaxing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic's American Time Use Survey. Yet a host of research - and common sense - tells us that spending time together in a social, relaxing way is essential to building and maintaining healthy relationships.



Recreating that spark or special connection with your spouse or significant other, free from the distractions of everyday life, isn't as difficult as you may think. The answer can actually be found in your own backyard when you add a hot tub to your outdoor living space.



The therapeutic benefits of hot tubs are well documented - 79 percent of owners say they value the therapeutic health benefits their hot tubs present, according to a survey by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) - but many owners point to another significant benefit: the ability to spend more time with their partners.



Seventy-seven percent of owners say their hot tub is one of the few things that can truly take them away from the day-to-day stresses of life and allow them to reconnect with their partner.



Here are three surprising ways hot tubs can add some spice to your relationship:



* No distractions



The relaxed atmosphere of a hot tub promotes meaningful interaction, owners reveal. Hot tub owners typically say they use their hot tubs as a way to connect, and 82 percent say they are extremely satisfied with the level of relaxation it provides. Relaxing together outdoors, enjoying nature and each other's company without the distraction of ever-present digital devices, is a great way for couples to rediscover the things that drew them together in the first place.



* Stress soothing



Life can be pretty stressful. Countless studies tell us that too much stress is harmful on a number of levels - physically, mentally and socially. Common stressors such as money are leading causes of strife in marriages and even lead to divorce. The warm water and effervescence of hot tubs relieve stress and soothe sore muscles, allowing couples to refocus on what's most important in their lives: each other.



* The vacation effect



Something about vacation spells romance for couples; more than one getaway has led to a new addition to the family nine months later. While taking a trip more than once or twice a year isn't always practical - the average American family spends about $1,180 per person on vacation travel according to an American Express survey - a hot tub can create the vacation effect in your own backyard, and allow you to experience that special feeling of romance every day.



Spicing up your relationship begins with the right tub, and finding the right hot tub starts with a professional you can trust. APSP Certified Professionals adhere to the highest standards of service, performance and ethical conduct. Visit the APSP website to find a professional near you.

Create an outdoor sanctuary in your backyard

(BPT) - Coming home from a long work day to a place of peace, quiet, relaxation and even harmony is a dream for many homeowners. And by creating an outdoor sanctuary in the backyard, this private place of solace will become the first destination for all members of the family when they need a break.



Backyard sanctuaries incorporate peace of mind with a spa-like atmosphere. Some do this with plant features, others with water. Here are some tips to build an outdoor sanctuary in your own backyard.



1. Create a walkway - A beautiful walkway around your backyard, through different scenic zones, can help you to clear your mind of troubled thoughts. This walkway can be a paved path, or composed of stepping stones or gravel and woodchips. Consider planting different gardens close to the walkway, inviting walkers to immerse themselves within the blooms and scents wafting from the flowers.



2. Incorporate a seating area - This space doesn't have to be large, but give it a sense of ambiance with an arbor made of cedar to allow plants to grow taller, or a pergola to provide shade and that wonderful natural aroma that cedar gives off. Natural materials like Western Red Cedar weather naturally, and are rot-resistant, giving homeowners a durable and long-lasting material to enjoy for years to come.



"Using Western Red Cedar for backyard sanctuary seating areas gives homeowners a variety of design options to work around," says Mark Clement, a building expert and co-host of "My Fix It Up Life" which airs nationally on iTunes, Blog Talk Radio and myfixituplife.com. "This wood is sustainable, environmentally friendly, easy to work with, ages beautifully, and, when incorporated into an arbor or pergola design, makes a stunning visual element to the space."



In this seating space, place a bench, outdoor patio furniture or even comfortable lawn chairs to encourage family members to stop for a rest and settle their thoughts for the day. If the family is into yoga or meditation, consider keeping mats in a nearby storage container for quick and easy access.



3. Design for both night and day - Sometimes a sanctuary space is most needed when the moon is shining brightly. Plan for this with a lighting design in the backyard. Provide illumination to pathways, the deck area, and in garden clusters to give a new sense of beauty to the plants. When designing your lighting scheme, be careful to avoid creating any scary shadows. If you notice this occurring, adjust the lighting to come from a different direction, or try using a different light. Also consider what form of light you would like. Would you prefer low watt electric lights, or candlelight, which would require a person to spend time preparing?



Once your backyard sanctuary is built, your family will have a place handy where they can escape for some peace of mind.

Home improvements that make your home more valuable

Curb appeal



When it comes to first impressions, house hunters first notice curb appeal, or lack thereof. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal is important to 71 percent of homebuyers. So beautify the outdoor space to attract possible buyers by focusing on small exterior improvements that'll pay off big like planting seasonal shrubs, painting the front door, refreshing a rusty mailbox or replacing old porch lighting with updated fixtures. These minor details will make a major and lasting statement. At the very least, you should clean the yard of any debris, trim trees and spread mulch in planting beds.



Take outdoor renovations to the next level by transforming the look of your home completely with a fresh coat of paint. Be mindful of your home's location when selecting paint colors. Bold or bright colors might be the norm in Florida but wouldn't look right in a region like the Pacific Northwest where neutral earth tones are popular.



You can also increase the value of your home by giving your siding material an overhaul. Remodeling magazine suggests replacing aluminum and vinyl siding with a durable fiber-cement mixture, which will recoup about 88 percent of its cost upon resale. It resists fire, rotting, moisture and termites - all potential hazards that could otherwise end up costing thousands.



"Let your insurance agent know whenever you complete a renovation project to make sure any new upgrades to your home are properly covered under your existing policy. If not, your agent can work with you to make sure you get the coverage you need," says Erie Insurance Vice President and Product Manager Joe Vahey. "In addition, some home improvement upgrades may entitle you to discounts, especially if renovations make the home safer or more secure." For example, Erie Insurance offers discounts for installing smoke alarms or a central station alarm. Erie also provides a discount for installing sprinkler systems in your home.



Bed, bath and beyond



As house hunters head indoors, there are a few things that are likely to increase a sale. Most tend to look at kitchens and baths first. Experts recommend timeless fixtures instead of trendy ones since they hold their own over time and appeal to buyers who favor both contemporary and classic looks. Don't waste your money on fancy fixtures and features - they rarely make or break a sale.



Most people seem to think that a huge kitchen overhaul is necessary to snag interested buyers. However, Remodeling Magazine reports that you'll actually recoup 8.5 percent more of the costs of a minor kitchen renovation compared to a major kitchen renovation. So instead of redoing the kitchen completely, accomplish a few minor DIY kitchen updates like changing out faucets and lighting fixtures, painting cabinets, adding new hardware to drawers and cabinets, and replacing old appliances with newer (and often more energy-efficient) models.



Experts also say that adding an attic bedroom and finishing the basement are two of the largest renovations that give you the best return on your investment, allowing you to recoup more than 84 percent and nearly 78 percent of the cost, respectively.



Before jumping into complicated or expensive DIY projects, take a moment to assess which ones are worth your time and money. Test your knowledge of which home improvement projects give you the most bang for your buck at www.eriesense.com.



No matter what updates you end up doing, it's always a good idea to regularly assess the value of your home. This will assure you're asking for an appropriate return on investment when you finally decide to put it on the market.

Create an outdoor sanctuary in your backyard

Backyard sanctuaries incorporate peace of mind with a spa-like atmosphere. Some do this with plant features, others with water. Here are some tips to build an outdoor sanctuary in your own backyard.



1. Create a walkway - A beautiful walkway around your backyard, through different scenic zones, can help you to clear your mind of troubled thoughts. This walkway can be a paved path, or composed of stepping stones or gravel and woodchips. Consider planting different gardens close to the walkway, inviting walkers to immerse themselves within the blooms and scents wafting from the flowers.



2. Incorporate a seating area - This space doesn't have to be large, but give it a sense of ambiance with an arbor made of cedar to allow plants to grow taller, or a pergola to provide shade and that wonderful natural aroma that cedar gives off. Natural materials like Western Red Cedar weather naturally, and are rot-resistant, giving homeowners a durable and long-lasting material to enjoy for years to come.



"Using Western Red Cedar for backyard sanctuary seating areas gives homeowners a variety of design options to work around," says Mark Clement, a building expert and co-host of "My Fix It Up Life" which airs nationally on iTunes, Blog Talk Radio and myfixituplife.com. "This wood is sustainable, environmentally friendly, easy to work with, ages beautifully, and, when incorporated into an arbor or pergola design, makes a stunning visual element to the space."



In this seating space, place a bench, outdoor patio furniture or even comfortable lawn chairs to encourage family members to stop for a rest and settle their thoughts for the day. If the family is into yoga or meditation, consider keeping mats in a nearby storage container for quick and easy access.



3. Design for both night and day - Sometimes a sanctuary space is most needed when the moon is shining brightly. Plan for this with a lighting design in the backyard. Provide illumination to pathways, the deck area, and in garden clusters to give a new sense of beauty to the plants. When designing your lighting scheme, be careful to avoid creating any scary shadows. If you notice this occurring, adjust the lighting to come from a different direction, or try using a different light. Also consider what form of light you would like. Would you prefer low watt electric lights, or candlelight, which would require a person to spend time preparing?



Once your backyard sanctuary is built, your family will have a place handy where they can escape for some peace of mind.

FEBRUARY 2016 MARKET UPDATE

February 2016

Included in this blog post is a link to my Real Estate Update Newsletter. Please click on the link below to get the latest Real Estate Update for February! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office. 

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