• Creative Ways to Make Your Home Spacious and Brighter

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    Imagine what it would be like to have a spacious and bright home — the perfect environment for relaxation, productivity, and entertainment. Creating such an atmosphere can be easier than you might think. But before you start making changes, consider your lifestyle and how you want to use the space. In the US, the average person spends 70–90% of their time indoors, so making sure your home is comfortable and inviting should be a top priority. And especially in places such as apartments and small homes, it can be even more necessary to make the most of what you have. 

    Before you know it, you'll have a cozy and inviting space that looks like something out of your dreams. And who knows, you might find something new and unexpected to add to the room's overall atmosphere.

    Here are some creative ways to make your home more spacious and brighter.

    1. Install Mirrors

    Adding a few strategically-placed mirrors is an easy, cost-effective way to make any room appear larger. Mirrors also reflect light, making them great for brightening up dark corners and adding a little bit of sparkle to your home. They create optical illusions and provide a unique focal point in your space.

    Now while you're at it, don't forget to liven up the walls with eye-catching wall art. But what about the clutter and stuff you have collected over the years? That brings us to the next point. 

    1. Declutter

    Nothing makes a space feel more cramped and uninviting than clutter. Whether it's an overflowing closet or a bunch of knickknacks that don't have a home, having too much stuff lying around can make it feel like there's no room to breathe. Take some time to get rid of anything you don't need or use anymore. Not only will it free up space, but it can also help to clear your mind and make the room feel lighter and airier. And in such a situation, you can turn to a storage facility and store your excess items. Due to the shortage of space, residents in Louisiana are increasingly opting for storage units and pod rentals to store their items.

    We recommend StrongPoint Self Storage as a reliable storage facility that provides the best solution to store your extra stuff. Especially for residents in Lake Charles or Lafayette, undoubtedly, they are the best storage option. They offer climate-controlled storage units with 24/7 access, making it easier to store and access your belongings when needed. If you're a nearby resident seeking a storage unit near you, call them or look up the keywords storage units Lake Charles for the best deal.

    1. Add Natural Accents

    Now that you have decluttered the space, it's time to add some natural elements that can make your home look and feel more inviting. Bring in plants for a pop of color and to bring in some nature vibes. Adding a few houseplants or even an indoor herb garden can add life to the room and help purify the air, creating a healthier environment for your family. Try adding a few pieces of natural wood furniture, such as a dining table or side table, which can add warmth and depth to the room. The more realistic elements you can add, the more expansive and inviting the space will feel. And as a rule of thumb, incorporate enough texture through different materials and art pieces to create a sense of depth in the room.

    1. Let in Natural light

    Next, let's talk about lighting. Natural light can do wonders for brightening up a space and making it feel more open and inviting. If you have windows, keep them open during the day so that natural light can stream into the room. You can also hang lighter window treatments or even add some skylights to allow in more light. Try to use brighter bulbs for your overhead lighting, and don't forget to add accent lights for a softer, more inviting atmosphere. Another reason to love natural light – it's free! And in the long run, it will help you save on your energy bill. 

    1. Create Zones

    So far, our focus has been on creating a more open and spacious feel for your home. But don't forget to create different “zones” in your space. You can always use furniture, rugs, and art pieces to separate a room into different areas. For example, you might place a rug in the center of the living room for a cozy seating area or put up a bookshelf to divide the kitchen from the dining area. This will help to break up the space and make it feel more organized. Furthermore, defining different areas in your home can help to make it feel less cluttered and provide a more pleasing aesthetic overall. Making your space look and feel more inviting is worth every effort.

    1. Experiment or Rearrange

    The more you experiment with rearranging and reorganizing your space, the better you'll get at creating a more inviting atmosphere. Repositioning furniture can open up a room and make it feel more prominent than before while also allowing you to get creative with your decor. Don't be afraid to move your furniture around and switch up the layout occasionally. This will help to keep your home looking fresh and new and will help to prevent it from feeling stale and boring. In addition, rearranging your furniture can be a great way to make the most of your space and create a more organized, spacious atmosphere in your home. And, of course, it's always fun to experiment with different ways of arranging furniture! It might take some trial and error, but eventually, you'll get a better sense of what works for your particular space and style. 

    1. Add a Personal Touch

    To finish off, make sure to add those personal touches. This could be anything from framed family photos, souvenirs from your travels, or art pieces that have a special meaning to you. These items will make your home feel unique and inviting, giving it a sense of warmth and personality. And don't forget about adding fun accents like pillows, throws, and plants — these small details can impact a room.

    Final Words

    Once you get the hang of it, creating an inviting atmosphere in your home can be an easy and enjoyable task. Keep experimenting with different decor pieces, colors, and textures, and don't be afraid to rearrange your space occasionally. And, of course, don't forget to add those personal touches that will make your home feel like it's truly yours. With these tips, you'll be able to create an inviting home in no time!

    partnered post • image by Image by Pexels from Pixabay

  • Effective Ways to Future-Proof Your Living Space

    Do you ever feel as though you are constantly improving your home? If you are always decorating, changing things, installing upgrades, and refurbing tired spaces then you certainly aren’t alone. We spend a lot of time in our homes, and we want them to be at their best. Most of us are always seeking ways to make our homes more efficient, more beautiful, and more comfortable. We’re looking for ways to make them more sustainable, to show off our personality and to have a home that we are proud of. 

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    This is completely normal, and to an extent, you’ll probably always want to make small changes and improvements. But you should try your best to future-proof your home, at least when it comes to the bigger elements. A future-proof living space is safe, sustainable, cost-effective, and hardwearing. Yes, you’ll probably always want to paint walls and add accessories, but with a future-proof base to work from, you’ll save money and time, and your home will always be ready to show off to guests. 

    Invest in Good Quality Flooring

    Good quality flooring is essential. It’s a big part of the décor in your living space, taking up a lot of the available area, so you want it to look good. But it also takes a lot of footfall over the years, not to mention spillages, drops, trips and other damage. Poor quality flooring is hard and expensive to look after, and with everything the floor in a family space has to cope with, it won’t last. Investing in a hardwood floor can be a great idea if you are looking for hardwearing flooring that will last the test of time. Even better, you can quickly accessorise a laminate floor with a trendy rug if you are looking to make a quick, inexpensive change. 

    Get into Good Cleaning Habits

    Investing in good quality is often the best way to make sure your décor, furnishings, and appliances last for as long as possible. But this is only true if you look after them. Get into good cleaning and maintenance routines and your home will look good and work well for much longer. 

    Always Consider the Future

    Whenever you update your living space, whether it’s a change to the décor, a new sofa, or a bigger refurb, always do it with the future in mind. Think about whether these changes will still suit your lifestyle and family in 10 years, considering your age, and mobility, as well as your future plans.

    Prioritise

    When it comes to future proofing, don’t worry about things like accessories and soft furnishings, which can be changed easily. Instead, prioritise things like flooring, heating, windows, and important pieces of furniture which contribute to your safety and quality of life. These are the things that need to last, not those finishing touches that make a home. 

    Keep it Simple

    When it comes to décor, the best way to future-proof is to keep things simple, avoiding trends and fashions, and sticking to plain, light colours that work with different seasons, accessories and styles. Keep your walls plain and you can easily change things up with the addition of some colourful accessories. Choose bold wallpapers and designs, and suddenly you are very limited and have to make huge changes every time you want something different. 

    Perhaps the best ways to future-proof your living space are to avoid trends and to make changes mindfully. Always think about the future before you make any changes, but especially bigger, more expensive ones. 

    partnered post • photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

  • Bathroom Remodeling Ideas to Increase Your Property Value

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    So, you’ve decided to approach remodeling as a way to increase the property value of your home. That’s the first step, and an excellent choice for any homeowner who wants to see a little return on their investment. The next step in that process is choosing which parts of your home to remodel and finding ideas that fit your budget, timeline, and aesthetic.

    If you do a quick search to look for ideas, you’ll find thousands of options, ranging from modest costs to millionaire budgets. You’ll probably want to narrow those options down a little, and the best way to that is to figure out where you’d like to start. Research shows that bathroom remodels are a surefire way to increase the value of your property.

    Below, we’ll talk about five great ideas for remodeling your bathroom, while shooting up your property value at the same time.

    #1 Did Someone Say Walk-in Showers?

    An updated or renovated shower can change the look of your bathroom entirely. Sure, you can always go with a fancy jet tub or the classic clawfoot tub for that vintage look, but if you’re looking for a direction, there’s nothing that can tick up the curb appeal of your bathroom as much as an updated walk-in shower. From waterfall showerheads and multi-directional water streams to heated floors and glass doors, a new walk-in shower can become a statement piece in your newly remodeled bathroom. 

    The materials you use are crucial, like polished chrome fixtures and durable glass, but the shower walls may be the most essential choice you’ll have to make. A dingy tile wall can make even the most enthusiastic buyer turn away. 

    If you go with a solid surface corner shower, on the other hand, you can cost-effectively transform your bathroom. These showers are made with materials generally associated with kitchen countertops. However, you can use this material on shower walls with great results. They’re nonporous, can be cleaned and refinished with ease, and look fantastic.

    #2 A Bathroom Counter that Shines

    Speaking of counters, your bathroom counter is another part of the bathroom that can affect your property value. Just like with shower walls, the materials you use are probably the most important decision you’ll have to make when considering this particular remodel. 

    Solid-surface countertops, which are designed to look like stone, have a high-end, beautiful look while remaining nonporous and easy to clean. A porcelain tiled counter is both cheaper and can be more durable than granite alternatives. Or you can go with quartz bathroom counters, which are designed to look like limestone or marble but are more durable. They’re also nonporous so they won’t absorb moisture and they’re easier to clean.  

    #3 Pull Up Those Old Tiles

    Some bathrooms have floors that are three decades old, stained and chipped, and that kind of damage or degradation can negatively affect your property value. There are plenty of options for remodeling your floors that can be both cost-effective and look great.

    Stained concrete floors, for instance, are an ideal option. A lot of the time, you can pull up those old tiles, and there will be a perfect concrete floor sitting right underneath it. A little polish and staining and your bathroom floors will look luxurious and expensive. Of course, concrete can be a little cold when stepping out of the shower, but that’s nothing a small bathroom rug can’t fix.

    #4 A Fresh Coat of Paint

    This may go without saying, but a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any bathroom. It isn’t a complicated process, either, though it can be tricky. Choosing the right color scheme, the appropriate tools, and the best quality paints are paramount. When in doubt, go with neutrals. 

    Plus, the best thing about this option is that it’s very cost-effective, and you can do it yourself. 

    #5 When in Doubt, Go Green

    Energy efficiency and water conservation are so crucial in our society, and if you remodel your bathroom with that in mind, it can skyrocket the value of your home. Water-efficient toilets, showers, and sinks are perfect options for updating your bathroom and increasing the value of your property. These options not only decrease the amount of water you’re using; it can also lower your water bill. Any prospective buyer is going to see this as a great benefit and added value.  

    Remodeling is the Key to Increasing Property Value

    The options don’t stop there. There are so many ways to increase the value of your property by remodeling, and it is one of the best ways to guarantee a return on your investment. Your bathroom is the perfect place to start because it’s an integral part of your home.

    You can’t just wait for the housing market to swing your way. Relying on the ebb’s and flows of the market can be a waiting game nightmare. Instead of letting time determine the value of your home, fix it up. Change it. Spend a little on remodeling and renovation, and you’ll thank yourself later. And above all, make sure who you hire – whether it’s contractors in Olympia WA or elsewhere – has great recommendations & experience.

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  • A New Focus for Hewn & Hammered

    I want to start out by apologizing for the infrequent posts here in the last six months. Family responsibilities have kept me (happily!) very busy.

    Thus, in an attempt to increase the amount of interesting, useful, readable content here, I've decided to change the focus of the site somewhat. While we will still focus on architectural and design issues, we'll expand a little bit – we'll still include content related to old homes & the modern and historical Arts & Crafts Movements, but I'll also be posting regular articles on more contemporary, non-A&C work.

    Modern furniture, architecture and design objects – still, always, with an emphasis on the wood, the hand-made, the product of skilled craft – will become a big part of this site. I know some of you are not nearly as interested in this sort of thing, but I hope this will bring a large number of new readers here. I promise to keep posting things that fans of Arts & Crafts will appreciate, though!

  • Jay Curtis: “ArtGlass & Metal” in the Arts & Crafts tradition

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    Jay Curtis is a craftsman specializing in etched glass and metal, and his techniques include "water-jet cutting, hand painting, airbrushing, leading, beveling and glue-chipping." His work ranges from the whimsical to the elegant, and much of it is very strongly influenced by the floral designs of the Arts & Crafts Movement.

    One recent line of products includes etched "special occasion" bowls, available for sale through the website.

    Photos of Jay’s more Arts & Crafts-influenced work are up in our art glass album on Flickr.

  • finding arts & crafts in unexpected places

    One thing we talk about regularly is finding Arts & Crafts vernacular in what can only be called unexpected places. Sometimes the use might be inappropriate but still well-executed; sometimes neither. Reader Jean Emery wrote to tell us about her own experience at finding Spanish Colonial architecture in the last place you’d expect – upstate New York:

    This is a visual response to the post about transplanting or recreating the arts and crafts vernacular. I hope this picture comes through. I’m a fourth generation San Diegan transplanted to upstate New York and I’ve always taken a great interest in a group of about twenty or so Spanish colonial homes built in Albany, probably in the 1920s or so. They’re so California!  But, as you can see, they haven’t fared very well here. I would love to buy one, but they generally are in pretty poor shape, have been terribly re-muddled. The stucco doesn’t take well to repeated freezing and thawing, and the original windows weren’t at all energy efficient so have been replaced with ugly double-panes.

    Also, the new Stickley arts and crafts reproductions are big here in town because we’re near the manufacturer in Syracuse, but they just don’t have the soul and the patina of the originals. And American Bungalow has recently had some vulgar, expensive houses with customized woodwork run amuck!

    I’m not really sure what the moral of all this is. I do love these bits of Mediterrean architecture plunked down in the snow belt!

    Jean notes that one such home – 17 Rosemont Street in Albany (pics) – is for sale at an asking price of $178,900.

    Thanks for sharing these, Jean. We do love to see this kind of thing, so if other readers have pictures to share, please do send them in!

  • Mission Hills Development in Northern California

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    "Mission Hills Development builds finer homes that
    are based on the Arts and Crafts movement from the early 1900’s.
    Featured architects are Henry and Charles Greene of Pasadena, CA.,
    circa 1900 to 1920."

    These are indeed "finer" homes – finer, by far, than most of the new development I see, and at first glace at least look to be far better designed and constructed than even the chicest McMansion.

    Sebastopol, CA – "the World in upheaval" is the site of Mission Hills
    Development’s current project. Situated on 5 acres in a valley between
    rolling hills, this 6200 square foot house is part Gamble House and
    part Blacker House. Build with the same detail as these two famous
    Greene & Greene homes in Southern California, it encompasses five
    different hardwoods for its central hallways and grand rooms.

  • The Sun Valley Seasons: Greene & Greene-ish in Idaho

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    The "Sun Valley Seasons" (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) are four luxurious 4,000+ sq ft single-family homes designed by Ruscitto / Latham / Blanton and built by Intermountain Construction on three lots in Sun Valley, Idaho. What makes them interesting is the level of detail – they were designed and built to resembled Greene & Greene homes, and the gabling, roofline, and much of the interior architectural woodwork is certainly in that vein.

    I can’t speak to the quality of the homes – I haven’t visited them or seen construction pictures – and I sometimes feel a little odd looking at new construction that is so self-consciously "antiqued," in that it’s made to look very similar to a particular designer’s work in a particular era. However, you can see that at the very least the designers and builders certainly had a thing for the Greenes.

    The people who staged the homes and did some of the finishing, though, included a few items that are completely incongruous in such a home – an ornate chandelier and other light fixtures, for instance, that owe more to Louis XIV than the Arts & Crafts movement; white beadboard in the kitchen; fake-paneled appliances, and a fountain that looks like something out of a Berkeley hippie commune. Overall, though, the level of detail is certainly impressive.

  • Mendota Mantels in St. Paul, Minnesota

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    Each Mendota mantel – made from antique reclaimed old-growth timbers and "rescued wood" – is unique, and uniquely beautiful. The wood has been salvaged from old barns, mills and warehouses, most built from the mid 19th to early 20th century, and each piece is sculpted with hand tools. Custom carving – like this piece by Jock Holman, on a rescued beam from a Norwegian ship – is available, although much of their work simply celebrates the natural grain and shape of the wood without any additional decoration. They describe the provenance of their materials thus:

    Antique Reclaimed timber mantels are recycled beams that have
    been salvaged from old buildings. They have an estimated age of 300 to
    800+ years. They are antiques. They grew from old growth forests that
    flourished in America through the 1930’s – forests that are now mostly
    gone.

    Our reclaimed timbers were milled into beams in the
    late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to become mills,
    factories, warehouses, and barns – buildings now being demolished.

    Unlike water-salvaged timbers, our Reclaimed timbers have been air-aging for over 100 years. This slow air-drying enhances color, beauty and character.

    Most importantly, air-dried timbers are more stable and much less
    likely to twist or check (crack). Reclaimed antique timbers are a
    limited resource.

    Our ‘Rescued’
    timber mantels are milled from present day trees that have been
    discarded. They are most often logs from urban tree services, storm
    blown trees, or ‘ends’ from logging operations.

    The artisans at Mendota are comfortable working in the Craftsman / Mission Revival style, as in this piece by Dan Guion, just as much as doing much more contemporary-styled work like this backlit mantel made from heart pine reclaimed from Wabasha’s Big Jo Flour Mill. Check out a gallery of their work.