From the Floors Up

Genius Ways to Light up The Night

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Outdoor lighting is essential, especially during the summertime and holidays. Choosing the appropriate outdoor lighting for your home can become challenging and overwhelming. Before you pick and choose randomly, we want to make sure you know about all your outdoor lighting options.

Genius Ways to Light up The Night:

1. Tiki Torches.

These are perfect for outdoor parties and gathering because they embody the vibes of the islands. Plus, you can get insect repellant tiki torches to help discourage unwanted party crashers.

2. Chandelier.

If you are looking to bring indoor beauty to the outdoors, incorporating a chandelier may just be the perfect thing for you. Chandeliers are exquisitely beautiful and draw attention to the lighting by making a bold statement. If you have an outdoor dining area, incorporating a chandelier can add the perfect finishing touches.

3. Step Lights.

Do you find yourself stumbling to get inside once it gets dark out? If you do, adding lights to your steps can be a huge lifesaver. You will never have to wonder “where do the steps end” ever again!

4. Lanterns.

From paper to glass lanterns, you have a wide selection of styles to choose from when designing your backyard. Lanterns add a warm glow and are very subtle in their beauty. Do not be afraid to hang them from trees, posts or a string above your backyard.

5. Candles.

Want to create a romantic night? Incorporate some candles throughout your backyard’s dining area to set the tone for the perfect night. Candles add a warmth that many light sources cannot master.

6. Stringed Lights.

We are obsessed with Edison bulbs because they are energy-efficient and stylish. Add stringed Edison bulbs throughout your backyard to create a vintage look.

7. Fire Pit.

Fire pits add the perfect touch to outdoor gatherings. They provide a warm meeting place on chilly nights as well as a stylish addition to any backyard. 

Whether you are preparing for the holidays or the summertime, it is never too late to focus on your home’s lighting. Thanks for reading! 

Curb Appeal 101

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Curb appeal is your home’s first impression to the public. Not everyone will have the pleasure of coming into your home, but many people will have the opportunity to see your home’s exterior. Your curb appeal should never be neglected in your overall home’s design. The exterior of your home has just as much influence on the home’s overall feel as the interior. To make sure that you are giving your exterior the proper attention, we made a list of four curb appeal tips that you cannot neglect!
 
Curb Appeal 101: 
  • Lawn
Your lawn is one of the most significant contributing factors to your curb appeal. Lawn maintenance is key to making your curb appeal better. This goes further than just mowing your grass or raking leaves. Keep your shrubs trimmed, and your trees hedged. If you have a flower garden, make sure it is well kept. Try to dedicate at least one day a week to lawn maintenance to prevent it from becoming an overwhelming project and to keep up on it.
 
  • Entranceway
Your main entrance is the gateway to your home. It needs to be easily accessible whether by pathway or sidewalk. Your door can make a great statement towards your overall curb appeal. If your front entry is worn down or outdated, you may want to consider refurbishing your door or replacing it all together. Symmetry can help create balance in your entrance. You may want to invest in plants or a welcoming mat to decorate your home’s front entrance.
 
  • Windows
Windows also play a significant role in your curb appeal. Not only do you want to upgrade your windows for economic reasons but aesthetic reasons as well. Pay close attention to what people can see when looking through your windows from the curbs. If you keep the inside of your home messy but it can be seen from the road, this can hurt your curb appeal as well. Try to get matching curtains for your whole house as well or pay attention to the colors to show your keen eye for detail.
 
Adding curb appeal is essential to your home’s design and overall look. Remember to invest time into lawn maintenance and keep your curb appeal strong. For more great tip and tricks visit us at From The Floors Up. 

Outdoor Weekend Projects

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As summer is coming to an end, it can be a great time to capitalize on the beautiful weather by completing some outdoor projects. The outside of your home is the first impression your home has to offer. Take some time this weekend to give your home an external renovation with these five easy weekend projects you can do to transform your curb appeal:
 
1. Paint Your Front Door
Painting your front door is a quick project that should not take more than a couple of hours. This is not only a quick and reasonable project, but it can really make your house stand out on your street. You can do a subtle color or be brave with a vibrant, colorful hue! Painting your front door is a great way to own your house and personalize it to your taste this summer.

2. Plant Flowers
Planting flowers is a great way to show that you care about your lawn. Flowers can be hung from baskets on your home’s porch or planted in a garden. You can even add herbs to your garden for further use in your kitchen. Planters are another great option you can add to your home’s exterior. This project should not take you longer than your weekend and can make quite the impression on your curb appeal.

3. Stain Your Patio Furniture
If you have patio furniture and have not stained it yet this year, try making it a project this weekend. Patio furniture can quickly become weathered and in need of staining. Sand your patio furniture thoroughly before staining to ensure that it will stay. Staining will do wonders on how different your furniture will look after being stained.

4. Mulch, Gravel, & Woodchips
Mulching your flower beds and around your trees can present a clean, well-kept look. You can even get woodchips or gravel as well as an alternative depending on your local environment. Adding these to your yard can really make your landscape more aesthetically pleasing.

5. Build a Firepit
Building a firepit is a quick and easy project that can also be used for entertainment. Adding a stone firepit to your yard can be a fun project with a reward at the end. Firepits are great for having over friends and enjoying the evening weather. 
 
All these projects can be done in a single weekend. They are quick and easy, yet the reward is very satisfying. Keep in mind your landscape this summer and try out some of these fun projects to amplify your curb appeal.

Tips & Tricks for a Small Backyard

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Want the backyard of your dreams, but lack the space? For families that living in small spaces, it can be a challenge to enjoy a tiny outdoor space. So how can you stretch a little square footage into a space that rivals the magazines? We are going to show you inexpensive ways to maximize limited outdoor space. Let’s take a look! 
 
1. Take Advantage of the View. 
When arranging your outdoor furniture, you need to capture the widest point of view; therefore, you will need to avoid positioning your furnishing against the house, especially if plants, a fence, or other elements are obscuring the view. Find out what areas in the yard allow for a clear view of the length of your backyard.
 
2. Limit Your Planting.
Since you want to fully enjoy your backyard retreat, you do not want to place too much emphasis on plant life. Sometimes a garden can take up too much space in your backyard. Opt for a few low-maintenance potted or container plants that are a few inches tall. They can be easily moved so that they do not obscure the view, but still, fulfill your need for the wildlife.
 
3. Small Scale Furniture.
When shopping for outdoor furniture, you should lean more towards smaller-scaled furniture for a small backyard. Pick out pieces that feature thin frames and petite seating areas. For example, round bistro-style tables and chairs are perfect for a tiny backyard. Invest in furniture that is multifunctional. Tables that serve as seating options and ottoman style tables that allow you to store items can be a perfect choice! 
 
4. Furnishing Needs.
You will need to consider your furnishing needs before making the final decision. Elaborate outdoor furniture may look stylish but is it ideal for your lifestyle? If you do not plan on entertaining guests, you may be best suited with modest, simple type of furnishing.
 
5. Simple Color Palette.
Keep it simple when coordinating colors for your outdoor living space. Implementing too many different types of accents, colors and plants will make the space look chaotic and disorganized. Choose a couple of your favorite colors, make sure that they harmonize with one another and add in accessories that embrace the palette.
 
Check back weekly for more design tips and tricks! Thanks for reading. 

Budget-Friendly Curb Appeal Updates

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Are you looking for budget-friendly and quick updates that make for amazing curb appeal? Then you came to the right place! With our top six tips, you can have your neighborhood’s best-looking home in no time. Let’s take a look! 

Budget-Friendly Curb Appeal Updates:

1. Fresh Coat of Paint.

Oh, the vast wonders that a can of paint can do. Not only is paint valuable on the inside of your home but it can immensely impact your outdoor area and ultimately, increase your curb appeal. For easy and budget-friendly updates, we recommend repainting items like your front door and window shutters, especially if they are in good condition. A simple coat of paint can bring your home back to life. It will help spruce up any unsightly marks and renews the appearance of your home’s exterior. 

2. Updated Hardware. 

The next step would be to replace outdated hardware like your door handles and house numbers. You will want to replace your door handles once you repaint your door to ensure no paint drips onto your new hardware. Also, it is important to replace house numbers because it is the first thing that guest will see when they come to your home. If you think about it, when you go to a location for the first time, you are essentially looking for their house numbers and in essence, directly at them. That is why you will want to replace rusted or worn-down house numbers with a more trendy set. 

3. New Mailbox. 

Another simple tip is to replace your current mailbox. An outdated mailbox can bring down your curb appeal without you even realizing it. Luckily, replacing your mailbox can be inexpensive and a quick fix.

4. Plant Flowers & Trees.

There is nothing better than a little nature for a gorgeous, colorful addition to your home’s exteriors. Try to incorporate some plants throughout your front yard for a little bit of greenery and beauty. 

5. Upgrade Exterior Lights.

Not only can exterior lights help with safety and security but they can also help your home look better during the nighttime. Plus, you may find it helpful to add a couple of lights surrounding your walkway to help you get to and from your home during the night.

6. Maintenance & Upkeep. 

Maintenance is an essential part to curb appeal. Without proper upkeep, your yard could become messy and undesirable. Be sure to mow your lawn, rake away leaves, and sweep away debris from your sidewalk to keep your home’s exterior in tip-top shape. 

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks and that your home becomes your neighborhood’s shining star. Be sure to check back weekly for more design and decorating advice. 

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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