Are you considering updating your front door and adding a little more curb appeal? According to this year's Hanley Wood Cost vs. Value report, a little curb appeal can go a long way in adding value to your home. One of the simplest and impactful ways to upgrade your curb appeal is simply through a fresh coat of paint and the right hardware to make it pop even more.

 

Here are a few of our favorite front door color schemes and hardware combinations that will help you welcome each of your guests in style.

1. Transitional refresh.

If you tend to incorporate pieces that span across different styles, you likely relate more to a transitional category. Transitional style became popular in the mid-1940s and has carried through to present day. It's a style that is both classic and timeless.

 

This transitional home with modern decor and a nod to nature with exposed wood ceiling pairs perfectly with the shade of blue-grey on this front door. It is polished off with a Camelot Style Keypad Lock and Handleset in Satin Nickel and accented by modern exterior lighting.
 

2. Unique pop.

Another way to bring your transitional style to life is to show your personality through a bold color and complementing accessories. The bright green succulents in this wreath pair well with the blue undertones of this bold purple door. The Camelot Style Deadbolt with Accent Lever in Satin Nickel looks stunning against this dark shade. It's an edgy, unconventional look for this traditional beige home but becomes refined once all the pieces come together.
 

3. Classic craftsman.

This front door look may be simple but is definitely not understated. Rectangular features in the door are carried through with the Century Style Schlage Touch Deadbolt in Satin Nickel and provides an exciting, modern edge that guests can expect to be carried throughout the style of the home. Clean lines and crisp white trim create curb appeal that is both modern and elegant.
 

4. Modern twist.

For a look that brings your traditional home in to the 21st century, try pairing Satin Brass hardware and accents with bright, bold colors. The Satin Brass finish is quickly becoming one of the more popular choices for the home as a modern update to Bright Brass. The Satin Brass lighting and handleset are carried through in the home by the modern accents in the entryway. The royal blue front door allows the subtle hints of gold in the hardware to be bold but not over the top.
 

5. Chic escape.

For a look that is both classic and unique, try pairing a popular hue with a mix of classic finishes. Color trends are shifting towards dustier, chalky tones that create an earthy feel. The soft, pale mint green door and satin nickel handleset is a feminine look that crosses style boundaries effortlessly when paired with the masculine, matte black lighting. It's a look that is both chic and refined.
 

We want to see some of your favorite front door looks. Comment below to let us know or share your own photos on our Facebook page.

Renovating your home is often a financial and emotionally taxing process that can take months of stress to complete. If you dread the thought of taking on another costly project, you are not alone. The good news is - not all remodeling projects need to cost a fortune to add more value to your home. There are several low-cost, high-impact projects that even a beginner could conquer for under $500. Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Update the hardware.

Your personal tastes change over the years and are reflected in your home's style. Whether it's to change out tired bright brass fixtures with a more updated finish, complete a room's styled look with a designer knob or lever, or add a new level of convenience and efficiency to your life by replacing mechanical locks with keyless deadbolts, door hardware can easily be replaced and makes an impact on your home's overall style and function.

2. Replace builder-grade lighting with custom lighting.

The style and function of your lighting can make or break a room. Replacing a light fixture might seem intimidating, but it's a job any DIYer can complete. Just be sure you take the proper precautions by following the manufacturer's installation instructions. A simple Google search will bring up many videos and tutorials that walk you through how to change a light fixture as well.

3. Add crown molding and trim.

Crown molding and trim can really add value and architectural detail to your home. Many rooms that lack crown molding tend to feel like something is missing. It's a small detail that makes a big impact on the room's overall style. 

 

Pangea Interior Design suggests, "for ceilings 10 feet tall or higher, consider a rule of thumb allowing 1" of width for each foot of ceiling height. This isn't a hard and fast rule, and it doesn't work for lower ceilings. You wouldn't use an 8" wide molding in a room with 8' tall ceilings, for example."

4. Install a backsplash.

A tile backsplash not only adds a pop of visual interest, but it also protects your walls. Backsplash works perfectly in kitchens and bathrooms, above counters, in between molding, above tubs and in showers.

 

One of the great things about backsplash tile, is they come in a variety of colors and materials. Take a quick glance at home improvement online outlets and you're bound to find something that fits your space and wallet.

Which inexpensive DIY remodel is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below or on Facebook!

Remodeling a new space can be both exciting and a huge burden. Unless you're the kind of person that loves to switch things up, frequent remodels can become a drain on both your energy and your budget. If you relate more to the latter, here are a few things to keep in mind on your next bedroom remodel to future-proof the design and ensure your hard work lasts for many years to come.

1. Know what your bedroom must do.

Do you need your bedroom to become a relaxing retreat you can escape to after a long hectic day? Maybe space is limited in the rest of your home so you need a bedroom that serves dual purpose. Will it also become your at-home office? A space to work on hobbies like crafts or writing? Decide what you must be able to do within your bedroom to ensure each decision you make during the remodel leaves you with a satisfying and functional oasis.

2. Start with a neutral base.

With grey and neutral palettes holding on to the lead for color trends, it's easier than ever to choose a color scheme that gives you some flexibility for changing aesthetics. Opt to create pops of color through accessories and other decor instead of choosing bright, trendy wall colors and bed linens.

 

If bright colors and trendy patterns are a must have for you, try purchasing a duvet where you can switch out patterns and colors more easily than an expensive comforter.

3. Choose furniture with options.

It's important to keep the dimensions of your bedroom in mind when shopping for new furniture. Try to resist the urge to purchase furniture that only works in one spot of the room and leave some flexibility for rearranging. A great way to do this is by purchasing pieces of furniture that serve multiple purposes, like a nightstand that is also a dresser or a bed with built-in storage below. You've now chosen pieces that are functional and give you the space to do something different in the future.

4. Understand less is more.

Again, don't fill your room full of furniture and accessories that make it impossible to rearrange and switch things up. The quickest way to get bored with your bedroom design is to eliminate any possibility of using what you already have. Start with your basic necessities then slowly add accessories as time goes on.

5. Avoid expensive, trendy items.

Graphic wallpaper is in, but for how long? Unless you want to makeover your room again in a few years, avoid choosing trends that require labor and time to switch up. Instead, look for less permanent details like artwork, peel-able wallpaper, curtains and/or graphic pillow covers to get the look you want. 

6. Look to the future.

If you know you'll need to replace your current bedroom suit in a couple of years, don't buy that expensive comforter set just because it matches the suit perfectly. Invest in thoughtful pieces you know you'll keep for many years to come, even as your style evolves.

What bedroom items have remained a constant for you throughout the years? Comment below to let us know!

Purchasing a new home is an exciting investment. It's fun to picture how your daily life will be different when you have the right space to accommodate your lifestyle. But, it doesn't take long for that overwhelming feeling to sink in as you start to consider how to make your new house a home.

 

Before you feel like you're in over your head, here are a few tips that will help you decorate and furnish your new home while on a tight budget.

1. Don't buy everything right away.

There is no reason to have every corner of your living room occupied with furniture or for each wall in your home to have an interesting piece of art. That vintage chair you just had to have may have looked really cool in the store but only gets in the way as traffic flows through your home. It's best to start with the basics, live with it, and then decide what items you need most to fit your lifestyle and needs.

2. Prioritize.

Once you understand what missing pieces are keeping you from enjoying each day in your new home, then you can start to prioritize your purchases. For example, your dining room walls can remain a blank slate while you organize books and movies in your living room that were once hidden away and hard to access. Or maybe you've started to entertain more than you originally thought you would. Investing in a large kitchen island that friends can gather around or more seating in the living room may become a higher priority.

3. Find your inspiration.

While you live with your home as is for a while, use that time to define the look and feel you want to achieve. Start collecting images that inspire and appeal to your personal style. Identify one or two elements they all have in common and start selecting what you need from there. This is a great exercise to narrow your focus and make sure you only purchase what you really need.

4. Re-purpose.

Think about the items you already own. Are any of them in good shape but just don't meet your design tastes? Try to breathe new life in to those pieces by adding your own creative, DIY touch. A slightly outdated couch could look brand new with a new slipcover and a few decorative pillows.

5. Take your time.

While you take the time to prioritize what you need, be patient and search for the best deals. Take some time to browse thrift stores and garage sales for great finds. There are many hidden treasures that  - with a little love and attention - could be re-purposed into the perfect conversation piece for your new home. Also, keep an eye on your favorite home furnishing and decor retailers. Throughout the year, they often run special promotions on certain items. This is a great way to save big on the more expensive items like couches or rugs.

6. Leave room for evolving tastes.

The latest trends always provide a fun way to switch up your look. Just be careful to not purchase too many trendy pieces. A bright, colorful couch may look great now but you'll likely wish you'd gone with a more timeless style. That way, you can play around with trendy accessories like artwork and throw pillows to switch your look up as your tastes and style evolve.

Have you recently moved to a new home? Leave your tips below to let us know how you approach decorating while on a budget!

Just as in the fashion industry, old - sort of retired - designs come back around with new life and a contemporary twist. Thanks to many designers and homeowners shifting to the past for elegance and style, many of our old favorites that we once abandoned have made a comeback with a whole new look. Take a walk down memory lane and check out these top interior design trends.

Bold Wallpaper

In the early 2000's, homeowners began drifting from printed wallpapers, opting for solid paints instead. In the last couple of years, wallpaper began to make a comeback in a whole new way sporting large geometric prints and bold colors. Try adding a creative pop to an accent wall, a small bathroom or even in unexpected places like the back of a bookcase or the front of your steps. The key to making this look work is pairing the prints with complementing - not matching - accessories.

Wood Panels

While the dark wood panels you remember from the 60's may still haunt your dreams, wood paneling has become a popular design choice but not in the way you may remember it. Say goodbye to dark and dreary and hello to whole new level of warmth and depth. Whether you're motivated by sustainable design elements or are more drawn to a retro-cool vibe, wood paneling can add just the right amount of rustic to your modern home. 

Brass

Soft gold tones have quickly made their way back in with jewelry and furniture but don't forget your hardware and fixtures! Homeowners are choosing to modernize the bright brass accents in their homes by replacing outdated hardware with new finishes that take a softer tone to brass, such as Schlage's Satin Brass. Whether you’re looking to match brass lighting and plumbing, or just accentuate a traditionally elegant home while keeping it up-to-date, Satin Brass is an ideal finishing touch to a current project—or an intriguing first step in a new one.

Tin Ceilings

For this trend, we're going way back to the 1880s! During that time tin ceilings were chosen for both aesthetic appeal as well as safety. When cooking, heating and lighting were often accomplished with open flames, homeowners sought out tin ceilings as added fire protection. Many years after its prime, homeowners are still drawn to the old historic patterns that could be found in tin ceilings in the early 1900s along with a wider array of colors and DIY installations.

Standalone Bathtubs

The days of large garden tubs are over and standalone tubs are in. Thanks to a renewed love for claw-foot tubs, standalone bathtubs are quickly becoming a popular choice as homeowners remodel their bathrooms. Whether you choose claw-foot or a more modern pedestal style, these tubs add both charm and a sense of luxury in a variety of interiors from modern to traditional.

What home remodeling trends have you seen make a comeback? Comment below to let us know!