Holiday Decorations 101

Holiday outdoor decorations add festivity and fun to the exterior of your home. Whether you’re looking for a few small items for your front porch or want to outfit your home from roof to front lawn, consider types, styles, your climate and safety precautions while you gather your collection. 

If you’re looking for outdoor holiday decorations, keep in mind the following: 

What types of outdoor holiday outdoor decorations are available?

From seasonal lights to Halloween pumpkins to Easter eggs, holiday outdoor decorations run far and wide. Determine how much effort you want to put into decorating your home or yard as well as how much space you have before choosing your items. Go all out with a house adorned in lights and a yard filled with lighted sculptures a la ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,’ or keep it simple with an honorary American flag for the 4th of July. Even the most minimal decorations will still add festivity to your home. 

What styles are available?

Holiday outdoor decorations can range from the traditional to kitschy to the contemporary. Survey your surroundings and seek out decorations that complement the exterior of your house and your yard, and also that fall in line with your personal tastes. Dig through your grandparent’s old holiday decorations for antique pieces to fit your eclectic home, or hang fresh garlands from your front door for a traditional vibe. 

What should I consider in regard to weather?

Most holiday outdoor decorations should be weather proof, but double check to ensure they will hold up in your specific climate. If you spend the holidays on a warm coast, it’s possible the sun will begin to show its mark on certain decorations that may otherwise maintain under overcast skies. On the other hand, wet, rainy or snowy climates may deteriorate certain objects that might be fine in dry areas. 

What safety precautions should I take?

Be sure to keep safety on the forefront, especially when dealing with oversized decorations or lighting. Make sure that large decorations are securely planted into the ground and are void of sharp objects or heavy pieces that may scratch or fall, causing accidents. In terms of lighting, never overload electrical outlets or extension cords, only use plastic or plastic coated fasteners to hang the lights and avoid running electrical cords along high traffic areas.

About Me

A Realtor in Southern Nevada, rated one of the top real estate agents in the world utilizing social media, according to http://www.mondinion.com #mondREA.

To learn more, go to Linkedin.com and enter “Ron Feir” in the search bar. Cell (702) 358-7075, RonFeir@aol.com, RonaldSellsVegas@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @ronfeir and Ronald Feir on Facebook. Blogs on WordPress.com and Tumblr.com. Boards and pins at Pinterest.com.

 

Chandeliers 101

The most regal of all light fixtures, chandeliers are often reserved for formal dining rooms, grand entrances and the occasional living room. However, modern designers are always on the lookout for a dramatic focal point, which means they are now being used in kitchens, bedrooms and even bathrooms. If you’re considering a chandelier, take the time to think about your space and what style fixture will look best. 

What chandelier style works for my space?

Pick a look that’s going to complement your space. Note that this doesn’t necessarily mean that the chandelier needs to be in the exact same style as your room’s decor. Sometimes a bold fixture that almost contradicts the look of your room can make the entire ambiance work. Be original! You don’t have to go with a standard lead crystal chandelier. A chandelier can be made of just about anything, including glass, metal and even rope, so get creative with your choices. For a trendy look, opt for an unexpected black chandelier, a unique geometric pattern or bold color. Go traditional with a candle chandelier, wrought iron fixture or standard gold finish. 

What size chandelier should I buy?

While a chandelier should be the focal point of your space, it shouldn’t overwhelm all the other elements in the room. If you’re placing it in a space with lots of furniture, it might help to measure sofas, tables and chairs to determine the chandelier’s size in relation to the rest of your furniture. A common rule of thumb is that a fixture should be half the diameter of a furniture piece, like a dining table, but it’s really personal preference. 

In a room with minimal furniture, there’s less to compete with, so a bigger fixture might be better. Oversized chandeliers work especially well in rooms with a vaulted ceiling; after all, it gives both visitors and homeowners a reason to look up! In general, allow three inches of chandelier height for each foot of a room’s height. For example, if a room has a ten-foot ceiling, the maximum height of its chandelier should be 30 inches.

About Me

A Realtor in Southern Nevada, rated one of the top real estate agents in the world utilizing social media, according to http://www.mondinion.com #mondREA.

To learn more, go to Linkedin.com and enter “Ron Feir” in the search bar. Cell (702) 358-7075, RonFeir@aol.com, RonaldSellsVegas@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @ronfeir and Ronald Feir on Facebook. Blogs on WordPress.com and Tumblr.com. Boards and pins at Pinterest.com.

 

Pendant Lighting 101

Pendant lights are a great way to light any space from your kitchen island to highlighting your dining room table. Pendant lights are a fixture that hangs from the ceiling, suspended by a cord, chain or metal rod. They’re often used in multiples, and are hung in a straight line over kitchen countertops and sometimes in bathrooms. They’re able to provide ambient or task lighting and are available in a wide variety of styles to suit your personal taste. 

When on the lookout for pendant lighting, think about the following:

Do I want inverted or downlight pendant lights?

This all depends on where you’re placing your pendant lights and the function you desire from them. Are they going to provide soft, mood-evoking lighting above your dining table? Choose inverted pendant lights: these create ambient light by directing the light upward. Do you want focused lighting over your kitchen island? Consider downlight pendant lights: these are best for task illumination, as they direct the light downward. 

Should I consider mini pendant lights?

If you’re working in a small space or just want to diversify your look, you may want to consider using mini pendant lights. The width of mini pendant shades range from 4 or 5 inches to 11 or 12 inches, and generally require a single 40 to 60-watt bulb. 

How many pendant lights should I purchase for one spot?

Depending on what you’re lighting, you can choose one single pendant light or group several together. Highlight a great piece of art with a single pendant light, or use multiple lights in a circle, line or on a track to emphasize a certain part of a room. 

What style pendant light should I choose?

With a wide variety of styles available to choose from, pendant lights are a great piece to use to add an extra design element. Choose a brushed nickel plated pendant light for a clean, contemporary look, or find one finished in bamboo for a unique, Asian appeal. 

About Me

A Realtor in Southern Nevada. Rated one of the top real estate agents in the world utilizing social media, according to http://www.mondinion.com #mondREA.

To learn more, go to Linkedin.com and enter “Ron Feir” in the search bar. Cell (702) 358-7075 and RonFeir@aol.com & RonaldSellsVegas@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @ronfeir and Ronald Feir on Facebook. Blogs on WordPress.com and Tumblr.com. Boards and pins at Pinterest.com.

 

Decorator Accessories For Kids 101

Playing with the decor in a child’s room can be incredibly fun, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. The best thing you can do is have fun! Since these little accessories are usually much less expensive than furniture, they’re not as much of an investment, and can be playful and take risks. Don’t be afraid to go outside of the box — since this is a child’s room, you can take some risks that you wouldn’t normally be able to take. But be careful not to invest too much into trends. If you do, use them with smaller items rather than big-ticket items. You want to try and decorate with the next few years in mind. And of course, prioritize what is needed over what is wanted. Don’t get trapped into thinking that certain decorative items are necessary to make your child’s room a special place! Stay within your budget.

 

What wall decor works best for your child’s bedroom?

Whether you’re painting a mural yourself, or scouring for kids artwork online, there are certain things to keep in mind for children’s wall art (besides which adorable print you want, of course). Make sure that any artwork or lighting you purchase doesn’t come with a frame or any pieces that could break or hurt your child. Also, be careful when hanging things on the wall. You want to make sure that everything is fastened securely, so it won’t drop or hit anyone if it falls — particularly if it’s a heavy item. Make sure that any paint you use is non-toxic.

In terms of style, be bold, but try to choose things that you can use for years to come. Personalized artwork or classic prints are great, since they’re bound to become pieces your child will always cherish.
What textiles should I buy for my kid’s room?

When looking at rugs, blankets, curtains, and other textiles for your child’s room, make sure that you’re choosing something that’s easy to wash and easy to keep clean. Choose textiles that will hide stains, so you don’t have to wash them too frequently. Patterns with a mix of bright and dark colors work great for this — try to avoid white and cream!

Above all else, comfort and safety are the most important things. Opt for hypoallergenic textiles that aren’t dyed with harsh chemicals. Consider what the primary purpose of each textile will be, and think about what is necessary in terms of comfort, ease of cleaning, and style.

How can I organize a child’s bedroom?

Use accessories that will help with organization. Use stylish bins that can hold toys, a fun wall hook that coats can hang on, or playful jewelry racks to avoid tangled charm bracelets.

Keep your child’s interests in mind. What hobbies do they have? What do they love to do? Encouraging these hobbies through the decor is something that will never go out of style. Find a fun rack to hang soccer cleats from, or an industrial bin to store baseball gloves and balls in. Expand on their personality.

About Me

A Realtor in Southern Nevada. Rated one of the top real estate agents in the world utilizing social media, according to http://www.mondinion.com #mondREA.

To learn more, go to Linkedin.com and enter “Ron Feir” in the search bar. Cell (702) 358-7075 and RonFeir@aol.com & RonaldSellsVegas@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @ronfeir and Ronald Feir on Facebook. Blogs on WordPress.com and Tumblr.com. Boards and pins at Pinterest.com.

Garage Door Skins 101

So you want to make your garage look like more than a garage? Adding a little character, and often color, to an otherwise insipid sheet of metal, plastic, or wood can provide a much needed bit of entertainment, piece of mind for your budget, or just comic relief to the stodgy neighbors passing by.

The garage skins could also come off as incredibly gaudy, so understand that the line is narrow. Using a garage door panel skin is also a good way to cover up a damaged or outdated garage without spending a lot of money completely replacing the door. This is also known as being cheap and people will absolutely know it. This only matter, though, if you care what people think. Garage door skins can be an economical way to freshen up an old, weather worn door.

Garage door skins are diverse and can range in design from plain wood, plastic, or metal toned prints that replicate a garage door to colorful pictures and scenes.Typically the humorous skins feature random objects and scenes in a garage backdrop to give the impression of an absurd object or situation happening in your garage. For many people, however, the real absurd situation is what actually lurks behind their garage doors. In this case, an absurd pictorial garage skin may actually seem innocuous by comparison.

While many garage skins do have a practical purpose of ‘beautifying’ a dingy garage door you are too cheap to replace, the coolest skins are the ones that inspire a perplexed look, scoff, or disparaging remark about the garage owner. After all, having a tacky panel skin on your garage door may just give you a reputation among your neighbors that makes you wish you had just replaced the door itself. Of course, it may not.

At first glance from a distance those enormous racks of raw, bloody meat seem oddly out of place in that garage on this nice, suburban street. Oh wait! That must be one of those clever garage skins. This is correct. Garage slaughterhouse, an improvised strip club featuring near naked dancers, or a crammed jam session of 5 sweaty guys wailing on their guitars and drums. These are all actual uses of garages, but in the context you’re probably seeing them, they are likely just garage skins. Were you fooled? Maybe you wish they were real.

The skins less likely to produce such a response are those boasting a giant pair of feet and legs standing in the space, a larger than life mug of beer, a giant white alligator, an escaped convict tunneling through the ground, or a compressed fighter jet boxed perfectly in the space. At first glance you are unlikely to be startled or aghast at the visual. Seeing giant spits of rotisserie chicken in a garage might make you look twice or spurn a sudden craving for chicken, but you likely won’t be deceived. Sometimes clever, often bizarre, and mostly just desperate, illustrative garage skins are decidedly feeble entertainment.

Warning-If you live in a home owner association and/or adhere to neighborhood covenants, conditions, & regulations, you probably can’t decorate your garage door with a decorative skin. 

About Me

A Realtor in Southern Nevada. Rated one of the top real estate agents utilizing social media, in the world, according to http://www.mondinion.com #mondREA.

To learn more, go to Linkedin.com and enter “Ron Feir” in the search bar. Cell (702) 358-7075 and RonFeir@aol.com & RonaldSellsVegas@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @ronfeir and Ronald Feir on Facebook. Blogs on WordPress.com and Tumblr.com. Boards and pins at Pinterest.com.

Weird Home Insurance Facts 101

Caution!!! Before you read on, please understand that I’m not an insurance agent. Please consult with a licensed, professional insurance agent to interpret/analyze your policy and/or determine what you need for your individual situation and region.

If you’ve looked over your homeowner’s insurance policy lately, you were likely doing so to make sure that you were covered for certain types of damage. But did you know that your insurance policy likely covers other items that you may have considered to be unconventional?

Typical homeowner’s insurance policies can actually cover everything from beasts to volcanoes. Some homeowners may consider this to be very ironic, especially since a common issue, flooding is usually not covered. Here is a brief look at the strange things your policy may actually help you deal with.

Stampeding Animals

If you live beside a goat farm, and your neighbor`s herd gets loose and does damage to your property, you are likely covered for that damage. However, if the damage was caused by animals that you own, then you won`t be covered. In addition, stampeding animals are defined as those which are non-domestic, meaning cows, horses and everything-eating goats.

The Sky Is Falling

If you’ve looked at your policy lately and noticed something called ‘open peril’, then you are likely covered for everything that isn’t listed as a specific exclusion on your homeowner’s policy. But what does this really mean? Simply put, if debris from an old satellite, a meteor or some other stuff from space happens to land on your home and property and cause damage, your insurance company will likely cover you for it.

Your Garden

Believe it or not, your garden is likely covered for damage that occurs to it as a result of weather. While most homeowners don’t think they have any such thing, garden damage is usually something that’s included on every policy. In addition, removal of debris following a weather event, such as with a tree that’s fallen onto your garden may also be covered. Damage from vehicles not owned by the homeowner, a riot, theft and explosions are also covered.

Dearly Departed

Many homeowners aren’t aware that they are likely to be covered by their insurance company in the event that something happens to the tombstone of a loved one. While no one wants to think about this, vandalism, theft and damage due to natural disasters does happen. As well, in most cases damage to any mausoleums is covered as well. Some policies may cover damage up to as much as $5,000. For those who are wondering why this kind of thing is covered, it’s because these items are considered to be personal property.

Forgery

If you receive a forged check from someone and it results in you losing money, your homeowners insurance will cover you if you have purchased this additional coverage. While it may be unusual, it is still a form of property damage. But checks aren’t the only items that homeowners insurance may cover. You may also be protected by any forgery or theft attempts made on your credit cards. However, even additional purchased coverage is not unlimited. You may only be eligible for $500 toward counterfeit or forgery claims.

Some Things That Aren’t Covered

Should a fire or another emergency occur at your home and you fail to take action to prevent further damage, then you may not be covered. One example could be a fire that occurs at your home that you unsuccessfully attempt to put out yourself, but don’t call firefighters to handle.  The same is true if a tree falls onto your home, but you don’t do anything to protect the interior of your home from further weather damage.

Interestingly, personal aircraft are not covered by homeowners insurance should that aircraft become stolen or damaged.

The best way to go about figuring out what you’re covered for is to consult with a profession insurance agent. Read your policy carefully. Knowledge is power, and should the time come to file a homeowner’s insurance claim, you won’t have to guess if you are covered for damage.

About me

A Realtor in Southern Nevada. Rated one of the top real estate agents utilizing social media, in the world, according to http://www.mondinion.com #mondREA.

To learn more, go to Linkedin.com and enter “Ron Feir” in the search bar. Cell (702) 358-7075 and RonFeir@aol.com & RonaldSellsVegas@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @ronfeir and Ronald Feir on Facebook. Blogs on WordPress.com and Tumblr.com. Boards and pins at Pinterest.com.

 

Modern WiFi Thermostats 101

If you’re still using an old style thermostat where basically all you can do is set the temperature by walking up to it and changing the settings, then it’s about time you took a serious look at the latest generation of smart thermostats.

For those of you who may not be familiar with this technology, they are basically replacements for your old thermostats which can perform a range of tasks from setting temperatures days or even weeks ahead, and can give you complete control from wherever you are using your smart phone.

In addition to their versatility, they also produce energy savings. Smart thermostats can do this by ensuring your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems aren’t using energy when they don’t need to be – in other words they regulate your HVAC system more efficiently than you can do it yourself. Additional savings are gained when you’re not at home but you suddenly remember you’ve left the heating on – just a few taps on your smart phone and the waste is stopped.

According the information I got from energystar.gov it appears the savings for a typical household are enough to pay for the device in just under 17 months, which is a fairly reasonable return when compared to a lot of other installation projects around the home.

The two leading manufacturers are Honeywell and Nest, but they’re not the only ones in the game as more and more companies are coming out with new products in America and Europe. For an excellent breakdown of the top 10 manufactures see The Top Rated Thermostat Manufacturers at www.ThermostatWiFi.net

About me

A Realtor in Southern Nevada. Rated one of the top real estate agents utilizing social media, in the world, according to http://www.mondinion.com #mondREA.

To learn more, go to Linkedin.com and enter “Ron Feir” in the search bar. Cell (702) 358-7075 and RonFeir@aol.com & RonaldSellsVegas@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @ronfeir and Ronald Feir on Facebook. Blogs on WordPress.com and Tumblr.com. Boards and pins at Pinterest.com. 

Trending Now: Geometric Decor

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David Hicks, the most famous decorator of the 60s, was a leader of modern decor whose influence went against the grain of traditional design standards and has stood the test of time. His spirit has been revived in this new collection of fabrics for Groundworks, containing variations of his original works that exude the essence of David’s design aesthetic—bold geometrics that are contemporary, sharp & extremely precise.

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Candice Olson Modern Luxe Wallpaper Collection

Candice Olson’s new Modern Luxe wallpaper collection for York is a shimmering delight that pays homage to the angular and opulent Art Deco style. From a metallic chevron named after The Great Gatsby to golden trellises in large and small scales, these patterns will bring a lavish & contemporary look to your home.

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Property Value Warning 101

It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare:

Your new neighbor has decided to tear down the charming colonial and build a monster home. Or he’s turned his backyard into a junkyard. Or she’s having noisy parties. Nice homes transition to rat-traps & poorly presented homes improve. Ditto on neighborhoods and individual streets. Properties in home owner associations (HOA) provide a little extra protection.

Yes, having bad neighbors can be awful. And did you know they also can lower the value of your home by up to 10 percent.

A recent study by the US Appraisal Institute indicates that your neighborhood – and your immediate neighbors – can be game-changers when it’s time to sell. You may be looking at a 5-10 percent drop in your home’s value. And a lower selling price.

And it’s not just close neighbors; it’s your street and often your whole neighborhood. Barking dogs, poorly maintained properties, utility towers, and even funeral homes can make your neighborhood less desirable, and your home less saleable.

What can you do? Not much after you’ve bought, although you can approach your neighbor and/or a lawyer to try to stop the offending behavior. But you can practice due diligence before you buy.

Visit your potential neighborhood at night and during the day. Drop by on weekends. Drive around neighboring streets to get a feel for the area. Note the proximity of commercial properties. Chat with the neighbors to find out if you share the same commitment to maintaining your properties. Consider contacting the local police and checking crime stats.

Whether you’re buying for the long term, or may sell in the next few years, checking out your neighbors and the neighborhood only makes sense.

About me

A Realtor in Southern Nevada. Rated one of the top real estate agents utilizing social media, in the world, according to http://www.mondinion.com #mondREA.

To learn more, go to Linkedin.com and enter “Ron Feir” in the search bar. Cell (702) 358-7075 and RonFeir@aol.com & RonaldSellsVegas@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @ronfeir and Ronald Feir on Facebook. Blogs on WordPress.com and Tumblr.com. Boards and pins at Pinterest.com. 

 

How To Make Your Home Light & Airy 101

The properties of natural light are well-known. It expands your space, brightens dark corners and gives your home an airy feel. If you’re selling your home – or even if you’re not – try adopting some designer tricks to increase your home’s natural wattage.

Paint is one of the least expensive and most effective ways of lightening up your home. Light colors reflect light and bounce it back, making a space look larger. And yes, painting your woodwork cream or white is allowed and does increase your light quotient.

Mirrors also bounce back natural light, but they should be used sparingly. Bring in the outdoors by hanging a mirror opposite a window.

Light-colored gauzy curtains or plantation shutters also contribute to that airy look. Louvered blinds can be tipped to take advantage of the sunlight as it makes its way around the room. And don’t forget that slipcovering your furniture in lighter-colored fabrics is another easy way to lighten up.

If you’re prepared to make structural changes, adding a skylight to a dark room is effective, but trimming back outdoor trees and shrubs that are filtering the light may do the trick for less money.

For open houses, turn on indoor and outdoor lights. Even during the day, inside lighting can make your dwelling feel homey, prevent harsh shadows from sunlight and brighten dark corners. Dust and vacuum well, as illuminated dust bunnies won’t do anything for the appeal of your home.

About me

A Realtor in Southern Nevada. Rated one of the top real estate agents utilizing social media in the world according to http://www.mondinion.com #mondREA.

To learn more, go to Linkedin.com and enter “Ron Feir” in the search bar. Cell (702) 358-7075 and RonFeir@aol.com & RonaldSellsVegas@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @ronfeir and Ronald Feir on Facebook. Blogs on WordPress.com and Tumblr.com. Boards and pins at Pinterest.com.