Thinking about giving your home a fresh burst of color ahead of the summer season? From vibrant florals to sun-soaked accents, there are countless ways to brighten your interiors and embrace the warmth of longer days. If you’re ready to effortlessly transition your space from winter into summer, here are five stylish tips to refresh your home for the season ahead:
1. Fresh summer flowers
Even without the time or space for a full summer garden, it’s easy to bring fresh seasonal greenery into your home. A potted lemon tree on a balcony, patio, or front entry instantly adds a bright, effortless touch that feels perfectly suited for summer. Houseplants are also known to boost mood, reduce stress, and create a more calming atmosphere, making them both a stylish and functional addition to your space.
For smaller homes or rooms with limited floor space, hanging plants offer an easy way to introduce vibrant greenery without adding clutter. Trailing varieties can soften a room while bringing in that fresh, organic energy associated with the season. And for those planning summer travel or weekend getaways, faux florals are a chic, low-maintenance alternative that keeps your home looking polished and lively without the upkeep of fresh plants.
2. Colorful Pillows
Pillows and cushions are one of the easiest ways to introduce a fresh burst of summer color into your home. Seasonal accents give you the freedom to experiment with playful patterns, textured fabrics, and vibrant color pairings like royal blue, bright yellow, or soft coral tones that instantly energize a space.
Opting for removable pillow covers makes seasonal styling effortless, allowing you to swap looks throughout the year as trends and preferences evolve. To further brighten your interiors, consider replacing heavier winter drapery with light, airy sheers that allow natural sunlight to filter through. The result is a home that feels lighter, brighter, and perfectly in tune with the relaxed atmosphere of summer.
3. Shaggy vintage rugs and runners
If your home has lots of dark colors, you may want to go for a breezier summer feel. Consider a tightly-woven runner. Vintage rugs are always an excellent opportunity to savor the gorgeous summer weather. They complement a cozy seating area, making it feel more intimate. You can add luxurious accents and artwork to brighten your space and create a more balanced look.
4. Pop of color
Summer is the best time to change dull colors and add vibrance to your home. To start, look into adding a contrasting color, vibrant enough to fit the summer spirit. Incorporating a pop of color can completely change the feel, look, and mood of your space.
If your style is more muted, start with small steps. There are alternative ways to add some color by accessorizing your room with bold and cheerful décor pieces.
5. Embrace your outdoor living space
If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor space, take advantage of summer’s fresh air and sunshine. Investing in a patio chair accented with brilliant outdoor accents transforms a simple setup into a cozy treat. Potted plants are also a great way to add some greenery to your outdoor space.
May in Los Angeles feels like a soft launch into summer. The days stretch, the light lingers, and homes begin to shift into a more open, social rhythm. For luxury homeowners, this is the moment to prepare your property not just for warmer weather, but for the elevated lifestyle that comes with it.
These May home maintenance tips for luxury homes are designed to keep your estate operating seamlessly while preserving the refined details that define high-end living.
Prepare Your HVAC System for Warmer Days
As temperatures begin to rise, your HVAC system becomes one of the most important components of your home. Scheduling a professional inspection in May ensures your system is ready to handle the demands of summer.
Replace air filters, check for airflow issues, and confirm that thermostats are functioning properly. Many Los Angeles luxury homes utilize zoned climate control or smart systems, making it especially important to verify that each area is calibrated correctly. Addressing small concerns now can prevent costly repairs later, when the system is working at full capacity.
Refresh Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor areas are central to Southern California living, and May is the ideal time to prepare them for regular use. Begin with a thorough cleaning of patios, decks, and pool areas to remove dust, debris, and any buildup from spring winds.
Inspect outdoor furniture for wear and consider updating cushions or fabrics in lighter, seasonal tones. Check umbrellas, pergolas, and shade structures to ensure they are in good condition. A well-maintained outdoor space not only enhances daily living but also sets the stage for effortless entertaining.
Inspect Irrigation and Landscaping
With the transition into warmer weather, your landscaping will require more consistent care. Review your irrigation system to ensure it is operating efficiently and delivering water where it is needed most.
Look for leaks, misaligned sprinkler heads, or areas of overwatering. Adjust watering schedules to align with rising temperatures while remaining mindful of water conservation. Luxury landscapes in Los Angeles often combine native plants with curated greenery, making proper irrigation essential to maintaining both beauty and sustainability.
Clean and Maintain Exterior Surfaces
The exterior of your home is constantly exposed to the sun, wind, and environmental elements. May is the perfect time to give it a refresh before summer arrives in full.
Wash windows to maximize natural light and clarity. Pressure clean driveways, walkways, and exterior walls where needed. For homes with stone, stucco, or wood finishes, consider professional cleaning services that protect delicate materials while restoring their appearance.
These updates not only improve curb appeal but also help extend the lifespan of your home’s exterior features.
Check Smart Home and Security Systems
Luxury living today is deeply connected to technology. Take time in May to ensure all smart home systems are functioning properly.
Test security cameras, alarm systems, and automated entry points. Update software for lighting, climate control, and home automation hubs. As your daily routines shift with the season, adjusting system settings can enhance both convenience and energy efficiency.
Prepare for a Season of Effortless Living
The beauty of owning a luxury home in Los Angeles lies in its ability to adapt seamlessly to each season. These May home maintenance tips for luxury homes help ensure your property remains both functional and beautiful as summer approaches.
By focusing on HVAC performance, outdoor spaces, landscaping, exterior care, and smart systems, you create a home that feels ready for anything—from quiet mornings to lively evenings under the California sky.
There is something about spring in Los Angeles that invites a reset. The light feels softer yet brighter, the air carries a sense of renewal, and suddenly even the most functional spaces call for a thoughtful refresh. For luxury homeowners, the home office is no exception. It is where productivity meets design, and where environment directly shapes focus, creativity, and well-being.
A well-executed, serene spring home office upgrade blends natural light, intentional layout, and calming aesthetics to create a space that feels both elevated and effortless. As the season shifts, small, strategic updates can transform your workspace into a place that inspires rather than drains.
Maximize Natural Light
Light is the foundation of any serene spring workspace. In Southern California, where sunshine is abundant, the goal is to harness it in a way that feels balanced and refined.
Position your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light throughout the day. Sheer or linen window treatments allow sunlight to filter in softly, reducing glare while maintaining brightness. If your office lacks direct light, strategically placed mirrors can help reflect and amplify what is available.
The result is a space that feels open, airy, and connected to the outdoors—an essential element of a serene spring home office design.
Refine the Layout for Flow and Function
A cluttered layout often leads to a cluttered mind. Spring is the perfect time to reassess how your workspace is organized and whether it supports your daily routines.
In luxury homes, the office should feel intentional, not improvised. Invest in streamlined storage solutions that keep surfaces clean while maintaining easy access to essentials. Built-in shelving, concealed cabinetry, or minimal desk organizers can help achieve this balance.
Consider how you move within the space. Ensure there is enough room to transition comfortably between your desk, seating areas, and storage. A well-planned layout creates a sense of calm that naturally enhances productivity.
Incorporate Calming Materials and Textures
The tactile elements of a room play a powerful role in how it feels. For spring, shift toward lighter, more breathable materials that reflect the season’s energy.
Introduce textures such as linen, light wood, or soft boucle through chairs, rugs, or decorative accents. These materials add warmth without visual heaviness. A neutral palette—think warm whites, soft taupes, or muted greens—creates a soothing backdrop that allows focus to remain on your work.
Subtle layering of texture and tone is key to achieving a serene spring home office upgrade that feels both sophisticated and inviting.
Bring in Natural Elements
Spring is synonymous with growth, making it the perfect time to incorporate greenery into your workspace. Plants not only enhance visual appeal but also contribute to a sense of calm and well-being.
Choose low-maintenance options such as olive trees, snake plants, or fresh-cut florals. Placing greenery on your desk, shelves, or near windows introduces life into the space without overwhelming it.
Natural elements help bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor living, a hallmark of Los Angeles luxury homes.
Elevate the Details
In a refined workspace, it is often the smallest details that make the greatest impact. Consider updating your lighting with a sculptural desk lamp or adding a piece of art that inspires you.
Curate your desktop with intention. A beautiful notebook, a well-designed pen, or a simple tray can transform everyday items into part of the overall aesthetic. These finishing touches bring personality into the space while maintaining a polished look.
A Space That Supports You
A thoughtfully designed, serene spring home office design is not just about aesthetics. It is about creating an environment that supports your lifestyle and enhances how you work.
As spring unfolds in Los Angeles, let your workspace evolve with it. With the right balance of light, layout, and calming design, your home office becomes more than just a place to sit. It becomes a space where ideas flow, focus deepens, and each day begins with clarity.
In Southern California, luxury and sustainability are no longer separate conversations. As water conservation becomes an essential part of homeownership, outdoor spaces are evolving to reflect both environmental awareness and elevated design. For homeowners across Los Angeles County, the challenge is clear: how do you create a landscape that is water-wise without sacrificing beauty?
The answer lies in thoughtful, intentional design. Water-conscious landscaping for luxury homes blends native plantings, sculptural materials, and modern layouts to create outdoor spaces that feel both refined and effortlessly in tune with their surroundings.
Embrace Native and Climate-Adapted Plants
At the heart of drought-conscious design is plant selection. Native and climate-adapted plants thrive in Southern California’s environment, requiring significantly less water while maintaining visual impact.
Consider incorporating species such as California lavender, sage, agave, and olive trees. These plants offer texture, movement, and seasonal interest without the need for constant irrigation. Layering greenery at different heights creates depth, while a curated mix of soft and structured forms keeps the landscape visually engaging.
For luxury homes, the goal is not abundance for the sake of it, but balance. A well-edited garden with intentional plant groupings often feels more sophisticated than one that is overly dense.
Elevate the Look with Gravel and Hardscape Design
Gravel is no longer just a practical solution. In high-end landscapes, it becomes a design element in its own right.
Decomposed granite, crushed stone, and fine gravel can be used to define pathways, frame planting beds, or replace traditional lawns. These materials add texture and contrast while reducing water consumption. When paired with large-format pavers or natural stone, gravel creates a layered, architectural look that feels both modern and timeless.
In Los Angeles luxury properties, hardscaping often plays a central role. Clean lines, geometric layouts, and thoughtful spacing elevate the entire outdoor experience while minimizing maintenance.
Create Zones for Living and Entertaining
A luxurious landscape is not just about what you see. It is about how the space functions.
Design distinct areas for lounging, dining, and relaxation using a combination of hardscape, greenery, and outdoor furnishings. A gravel-lined fire pit area, a shaded dining terrace, or a quiet garden nook can each serve a purpose while contributing to the overall flow of the property.
By reducing large expanses of water-intensive lawn and replacing them with usable, well-designed zones, homeowners create spaces that feel both intentional and indulgent.
Incorporate Water-Wise Elegance
Water-conscious design does not mean eliminating luxury details. Instead, it invites a more curated approach.
Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to plant roots, maximizing efficiency while maintaining lush plantings. Strategic lighting enhances the landscape at night, highlighting textures and architectural elements. Sculptural planters, natural wood accents, and stone features add warmth and sophistication without increasing water demand.
Even small touches, like a minimalist fountain with recirculating water, can introduce movement and serenity without excess usage.
Redefining Luxury in Southern California
Today’s water-conscious landscaping for luxury homes reflects a shift in how beauty is defined. It is no longer about excess, but about harmony between design, environment, and lifestyle.
For Los Angeles homeowners, this approach offers the best of both worlds. A landscape that is sustainable, low-maintenance, and deeply connected to its surroundings, yet still undeniably elegant.
Because true luxury, especially in Southern California, is not just about how a space looks. It is about how intelligently it lives.
Spring in Southern California brings an unmistakable sense of renewal. Sunlight lingers a little longer over the hills, gardens begin to bloom, and interiors naturally call for a subtle seasonal refresh. For homeowners in Los Angeles’ luxury market, spring décor is less about bold statements and more about refinement. The right palette introduces color while preserving the elegant balance that defines high-end interiors.
This spring color palette for luxury homes focuses on muted, sophisticated tones that elevate a space rather than overwhelm it. Shades like sage green, dusty rose, warm cream, terracotta, and pale blue provide the perfect seasonal transition while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.
Muted Sage: Nature’s Neutral
Sage green has become one of the most sought-after spring color tones in luxury interiors, and spring is the perfect time to introduce it. Soft and organic, sage adds depth without feeling overly vibrant.
In Los Angeles homes where indoor and outdoor living blend seamlessly, sage reflects the surrounding landscape beautifully. Consider incorporating the color through linen throw pillows, ceramic vases, or upholstered accent chairs. In kitchens, sage cabinetry or subtle tile accents can create a calm, contemporary feel that pairs well with marble and natural wood finishes.
Dusty Rose for Subtle Warmth
Dusty rose offers a refined alternative to traditional pinks. With its slightly muted undertone, the shade introduces warmth and softness without feeling overly feminine or trendy.
Luxury homeowners can incorporate a spring color like dusty rose through velvet cushions, sculptural décor pieces, or artwork. When layered with neutral tones such as cream, taupe, or warm gray, dusty rose adds a sense of quiet elegance. It works particularly well in bedrooms and sitting areas where a calm, welcoming atmosphere is desired.
Warm Cream: The Foundation of Sophisticated Design
Every elegant spring color palette begins with the right neutral base. Warm cream provides that foundation while adding more dimension than stark white.
For Los Angeles luxury homes, warm cream works beautifully across walls, upholstery, and drapery. The tone reflects natural light in a soft, flattering way that enhances open floor plans and high ceilings. Paired with textured materials like boucle, linen, or plaster finishes, cream creates a layered aesthetic that feels both modern and timeless.
Terracotta for Earthy Depth Spring Color
Terracotta brings a grounded, Mediterranean-inspired warmth that feels perfectly suited to Southern California architecture. Rather than bold orange tones, luxury interiors favor softer terracotta hues with muted undertones.
This spring color can be introduced through handcrafted pottery, accent tiles, decorative bowls, or woven textiles. In outdoor living areas, terracotta planters filled with spring greenery reinforce the connection between interior and exterior design.
Pale Blue for a Breath of Air
Few colors capture the effortless elegance of spring like pale blue. Soft and airy, it evokes coastal breezes and expansive skies, making it ideal for homes throughout Los Angeles County.
Pale blue can be introduced through throw blankets, decorative glassware, or upholstered benches. In bathrooms and bedrooms, the spring color adds a serene quality that complements natural stone and brushed metal finishes often found in luxury properties.
Bringing Sophisticated Spring Color Into Your Home
When working with a spring color palette for luxury homes, restraint is key. Instead of dramatic transformations, focus on subtle layers of color that enhance existing materials and architecture.
A few well-chosen accents can shift the mood of an entire space. Swap heavier winter textiles for lighter fabrics, incorporate seasonal florals, and introduce soft decorative pieces that reflect the palette.
For luxury homeowners in Los Angeles, spring décor should feel effortless, elegant, and connected to the natural beauty that defines Southern California living. With thoughtfully chosen colors and textures, your home can embrace the season while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic that never goes out of style.
There’s this notion going around that everything needs to be “smart” for ease of lifestyle — even your home. Fortunately for you, the market is saturated with smart-home tools, with new ones added almost every day. Below is a list of a few smart-home tools for your home that you did not know you needed.
Voice Assistant
The most common way that homeowners get started with smart-home technology is by purchasing a voice assistant device such as an Amazon Echo (Alexa) or Google Home Assistant. These come in a variety of sizes. From the Google Mini or Echo Dot to the larger hubs such as the Google Hub or Echo Show (which offer touch screens and more robust speakers). You can place them in popular areas in the house, such as the kitchen or bedroom, to look up information, play music, and control other smart-home devices. From there, homeowners can choose other smart-home products that are compatible with their voice assistant.
Smart Thermostat
The next item that energy-conscious homeowners will want to purchase is a smart thermostat. Popular brands include Ecobee, Nest, and Honeywell. Nest has been acquired by Google, which is transitioning the “works with Nest” program to work with Google Assistant and offer additional products such as a video doorbell, a smart-lock, cameras, and a security system. Ecobee is our personal favorite since it includes an additional occupancy and temperature sensor that can be placed in any room of the home. Both systems have scheduling and geofence features that will adjust settings based on whether the owner is home using their phone as a presence sensor.
Video Doorbell
Ring has helped video doorbells gain popularity with their aggressive advertising on Nextdoor and Facebook. There are other great options from Google, Simplisafe, and Skybell. A video doorbell allows the homeowner to see who’s at the door, monitor when packages arrive, and avoid those pesky door-to-door salespeople. Beware: if you don’t have a strong Wi-Fi connection you’ll be disappointed with the video quality.
Smart Lighting
Whether you install a switch at the wall or just replace a few lightbulbs, smart lighting is a popular choice for convenience, security, and entertainment. We recommend going with a system such as Lutron, which does not require a neutral wire and can be controlled via voice or application with a smart bridge device. Philips Hue or LIFX bulbs are both great options for lighting up a room with color, and each includes a variety of scenes that can help set the mood. Smart lights and switches can also be integrated with a home hub such as Hubitat and connected to other devices such as door or motion sensors. Smart bulbs can also be compatible with Alexa and Google Devices.
Smart Plugs
Plugs are another cost-effective way to control dated devices such as lamps, fans, or holiday lights. This allows the homeowner to setup a variety of automations and use his or her smartphone or voice assistant to turn them on or off. Some versions also include energy monitoring, which can be used to trigger other automations or to simply let the owner know how much power they’re currently using. Perk: You can set these to go on or off on a timer so that your pets aren’t left in the dark when the sun sets.
With only a couple weeks left in the first month of the year, there is no better time to ditch some of those 2018 home trends. While certain statement pieces will last through the seasons, the round-up below are so last year! So read below and start off fresh in 2019!!
It’s time to cool it with nailing 20-piece photo collages onto our walls. Instead, make a bigger splash with one large piece that leaves an impression.
“I love family photos, but the stark black or blond wood frames—thank you, Ikea!—that we’ve put up on the wall are a little, well, not trending,” says Los Angeles home designer Kim Gordon.
A wall full of little frames, Gordon says, fails to make a statement and ends up being overlooked and ignored. Plus, those frames will just accumulate dust and fingerprints.
In the new year, Gordon says the tedious clutter will give way to “big, potentially colorful, and absolutely impactful” art that wows—think charcoal sketches or watercolors—“anything to relieve some of the monotony.”
Three years later, and we’re still ringing the closing bell on this exhausted look. It seems old habits (and Edison bulbs) die hard.
So, we’ll say it again for the people in the back: Industrial chic is played out. It’s time to flip the switch on cage lighting and aggressively exposed pipes and beams.
“More often than not, [this look] fails and lacks the authenticity the designer is ardently trying to create,” says David Shove-Brown of Washington, DC–based architecture and design firm //3877.
Industrial kitchens are “not the most inviting place to be the heart of your home—more like living in a Costco,” O’Neill adds. “So, unless you are a professional chef, let’s retire this trend.”
Make the swap for lush, opulent hues in the kitchen—deep (almost black) greens and blues, and dark woodwork—and lean on matte metallics for contrast, recommends Debbie Schamberger of Elite Kitchen & Bath.
“Gold is strong for hardware, faucets, and lighting fixtures—a soft gold, like Champagne,” she says.
We can already hear the boos and hisses on this one, but Portland, OR, designer Justin Riordan isn’t having it.
“Boho has to die,” he says. “It’s totally flippin’ over.”
You know what we’re talking about: The macrame wall hangings, the waxy-fake succulents (“You’re not fooling anybody,” Riordan says), and your Moroccan lanterns all had a good run, but it’s time to rein it in.
“You can, of course, continue to buy $19 batik pillows at Target, but stuff like that is just fodder for your next garage sale,” Riordan says. “It comes on really fast and goes away really fast.”
If you just can’t tear yourself away from that gypsy-soul-world-citizen vibe, Riordan suggests channeling those feelings into an authentic piece that reflects a real ethnic tradition—say, a kilim rug—and building the room around that.
We know—we can’t believe it either, but the word art trend is still happening. In 2019, however, the pros are determined to make it finally stop. Even if you can live, laugh, and love with the best of them, those words don’t belong on your walls.
“Any text art hung in the home meant to be positive just comes across as cheesy and predictable,” says Jessica Boudreaux, an interior designer in Miami and New York City. “Stuart Smalley called, and he wants his signage back.”
Ana Cummings of Ana Interiors agrees: “It’s about as hokey as you can get.”
But isn’t the island sort of ultimate #kitchengoals? Diana Blaszkiewicz, an associate with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington, DC, doesn’t think so. Her clients increasingly want to ditch the kitchen island, and she’s happy to oblige.
“They’re bulky and often don’t provide adequate storage space; plus, they’re very easy to bump into in the middle of the night,” she says.
In lieu of an island, situate the dining table closer to the kitchen, Blaszkiewicz recommends, or use modular, moveable storage instead.
“From walls to napkins, from Florida to Maine, it has been all about gray for so long now, I can hardly remember when it snuck in,” O’Neill laments.
“Because we’ve concentrated on cool grays for so long, it just feels dated at this point,” Riordan adds. “Everything I see in that palette just feels really cold to me.”
Plus, gray has become the go-to neutral for home staging—and that means this hue often “screams ‘newly flipped,’” Blaszkiewicz notes.
That doesn’t mean neutrals are out, but designers are ready for a shift to warmer tones, like sandy taupes.
Certain residential features are the brainchildren of home builders—notinterior designers. Such is the story of microwaves situated above cooktops.
“It was never a good design choice,” Cummings says. “Microwaves are so ugly, to put it bluntly.”
The microwave-over-the-range setup is not even functional, says Doug Lewis, a kitchen and bath remodeler in Richmond, VA. The combo’s popularity is driven entirely by the need to economize space—and it sacrifices the ventilation capabilities of a full-size hood vent (as opposed to the scrawny item built into the bottom of over-range microwaves).
“With those, you’re maybe getting 25% venting function,” Lewis says. “Plus, it’s just an awkward height for younger or shorter people to use. Ever tried to reach over your head to get hot soup out of the microwave? Not good.”
So what’s a space-starved homeowner to do? Undercounter microwaves are gaining popularity, Lewis says, and a growing number of cabinet manufacturers offer designs that accommodate them. You can also mount your microwave under upper cabinets while still preserving that precious counter space.
For years now, microfiber has been the hero of home furniture—an affordable and practical choice for its durability. So durable, in fact, that this vaguely suede-like fabric is ready for a rest.
Why? Most microfiber furniture can make the overall design of a room appear dated and cheap, says Beverly Hills, CA–based designer Kita Williams. And while it’s not impossible to find a microfiber piece in a modern shape, aren’t you ready to try something new?
“Err on the side of caution, and stay away from microfiber,” Williams says. “Stick with linen, leather, pleather, tweed, and canvas-type fabrics.”
One of the best and least expensive ways to feel better about your home is to clear it of clutter.
Each year most of us acquire a mountain of stuff. Without some regular purging, cabinets and drawers get jam-packed and it becomes hard to find the things you use and enjoy the most. (All that clutter also makes your house look dated and dirty, designers say.)
This year resolve to go room-by-room periodically clearing anything that you don’t use, wear or love and donate it to charity. After that, think twice about what you bring in, says Antoinette Nue, an Atlanta consultant who specializes in helping people simplify and go green.
“Fill your home with the things that raise your energy level and make you feel good, and get rid of the things that drain your energy or are broken,” she says.
Stash useful (but not beautiful) items such as DVDs, remotes and those kicked-off shoes in simple woven baskets. Group similar items together on sleek trays, says Stuart McCormick, a designer with Liz Levin Interiors in Washington D.C.
Clear your counters of everything you don’t use on a daily basis. And get ready to breathe a little easier in your own home.
2: Make it safe and sound
Your home may be beautiful, but is it safe?
First, check your house for radon. This colorless, odorless gas causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year from the radioactive particles it traps in your lungs as you breathe, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One in every fifteen homes has elevated levels. And with test kits costing as little as $20 at your local hardware store, there’s no reason not to get right on that.
While we’re on the subject of deadly gas, make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector on every bedroom floor in addition to fire detectors. If a chimney flue or furnace vent gets blocked or leaks, carbon monoxide could back up in your house and kill you. Like a radon test, this is a small investment — $40 or more — for such an important safeguard.
Watch out for dryer lint. We know you clean the little trap inside the door, but most people neglect to clean the vents and ducts behind the dryer. Lint may seem innocent, but it’s highly combustible, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, accounting for more than 15,000 building fires a year
Make sure your house can breathe. Many people’s bathrooms and attics aren’t vented to the outside (or the vents are covered over with shingles.) This makes you a prime candidate for mold.
And if you’re considering a remodel — and your home was last built or remodeled before 1978 — consider testing for lead paint and asbestos flooring. It will have to handled properly during removal, or particles can be released into the air for you to ingest.
3: Shrink your bills (and your carbon footprint in the process)
When people think of going green, they often think it takes solar panels to make a difference.
Not so, says Bob Schildgen, who wrote the “Hey Mr. Green” column for Sierra magazine. It just takes a little old-fashioned common sense.
The best place to start is by cutting your energy usage in your home:
– Remember your mom’s advice and switch off the lights when you leave a room.
– Turn off your air conditioner when you leave the house and dial your heater down to 55 degrees at night.
– Install LED bulbs and low-flow showerheads.
– Turn off your power strips and/or set your home computer to revert to sleep mode when not in use.
– Water your yard less. Put in drought-tolerant landscaping if necessary.
– Give composting a try. Your garden will thank you.
4: Work out a weekly system for keeping your house clean
Here are a few tips for keeping the mess under control from Jeff Campbell. He is the author of the book Speed Cleaning and owner of the Clean Team housekeeping service in San Francisco.
Daily: Dishes go in the dishwasher every night – no excuses! Dirty clothes go in the hamper and jackets or clean clothes are hung in the closet. Bring everything back to its assigned place.
Weekly: Clean your entire house, using these tips:
– Keep all of your cleaners in a portable carryall that moves with you from room to room.
– Focus on one type of cleaning at a time. It’s faster, Campbell says. Wipe down fingerprints on all of the cabinets, for instance, before moving on to spraying and wiping counters. Then move on to windows and mirrors and appliances. Once that’s done move on to sweeping and then mopping floors.
– For optimum efficiency, enlist the help of your family. If you can, divide the jobs among at least three parties. One of you can do the dusting/vacuuming and changing beds. The other can do the bathroom cleanup, leaving only the kitchen and trash emptying for you to handle. The upside? You can get the whole house done in 45 minutes, Campbell says. Leaving more time on the weekends for the park or the movies.
5: Get your place ready for entertaining
Each year most of us vow to spend more time with family and friends. To make you feel like inviting people in, why not give the areas you entertain in a little update?
You don’t have go for broke here and invest in a new kitchen remodel. All it takes to get a fresh new look is a little bit of rearranging and a few updates, says designer McCormick.
One easy update that makes your home seem more “finished” is the addition of plants, she says.
“They bring in new energy and help clean the air,” she says. “And it’s a great way to decorate if you’re on a budget.”
Pulling out a new accent color from your existing decor can make the whole room seem fresh. Pick an underused color in the room and add more of it in the form of a new pillow or throw to update your look, McCormick advises. A colorful rug or runner can also help anchor your space.
Lastly, take some time to rearrange your furniture so it is oriented in conversation groups and not just facing the television. That just might up for chances for real conversation and connection in the New Year.
