20 Trends from the 1920’s to Watch in 2023

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Glamorous. Luxurious. Sophisticated.These are typically the words used to describe interior design in the 1920’s and we’re excited to say that when it comes to home design, what’s old is new again! While the roaring 20’s were fun last time, we’re in for a real treat as we welcome 2020. Here are 20 home interior trends from the 1920’s that we see making return in the coming decade. 

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20 Trends from the 1920s to Watch in the 2020s

1) Bold Colors

 The Kardashian-West clan can keep their neutrals. The last few years have been filled with ubiquitous gray-walls-with-white-trim, so expect to see some real punches of color. Think less bright and in-your-face and more rich, luxurious, and deeply toned hues.

2) Metallic Surfaces & Accents

We thought the new millenium would bring chromed-out everything, but thankfully that was just some Hollywood fortune telling. There was a brief love affair with mercury glass and galvanized, especially galvanized corrugated metal came in with the farmhouse aesthetic of the 2010s, but expect more metal in the 2020s. We’re calling classy colors like gold, black and bronze in shiny or matte, but not weathered or worn, finishes. 

3) Freestanding Bathtubs 

Freestanding baths all but disappeared from the 1970s and 2010s in favor of shower/bath combos and jetted tubs, but the clean look and unparalleled luxury of a freestanding soaking tub will make this trend return in the 2020s. Plan on this new iteration having less of a clawfoot style and more of a sleek, minimalistic look. 

4) Large Velvet Furniture

We’ve been seeing velvet on smaller items like headboards and ottomans for years, but, really, what says “roaring 20’s” more than a full velvet couch in a bold midnight blue or luxe emerald green? 

5) Worldly Prints & Touches

The 1920s saw designers and stylemakers looking to far away lands for design inspiration — which led to some ethically questionable behavior in terms of sourcing, acquisition, and more. As globalization becomes more and more the norm, expect to see more of east-meets-west look in homes — but with an eye for ethical, humanely sourced, and sustainable goods. 

6) Earthy Prints & Textures

This one, too, has been going for a while, but don’t expect to toss your banana leaf print or hemp macrame quite yet. Do expect to see these more natural and bohemian items paired with the rich colors and metals listed above for a look that is all it’s own style in 2020. 

7) Form-function-forever

 After decades of consumerism, planned obsolescence and disposable single use products, we’ll see a return to higher cost, but higher quality, long term products. Multifunctional items that are built to last with a beautiful (some may say Instagrammable) aesthetic will dominate this decade — even if they come at a higher price point.  Think companies like Le Creuset (founded in 1925) and Rubbermaid (1920), but this trend isn’t just limited to the kitchen. 

8) Dramatic Design

The 2020’s, like the 1920’s, will be an era for gender-bending style fluidity (remember it was scandalous for ladies to wear pants at that time). This time around we’ll see norm breaking in home design — think lace mixed with leather and metal, rich wood with sparkling crystal combined with marble — a slew of feminine-meets-masculine-with-androgynous touches all done with a heavy flair for the dramatic and no time for minimalism. 

9) Tortoise Shell

While we’re not really sure tortoise shell patterns ever went away, expect it to come back in force in the 2020s. The typical black-and-brown color palette means it coordinates with everything and the unique, yet classic pattern gives it an exotic, yet familiar feel. Look for touches of tortoise shell paired with metallics and matte jewel tones in unexpected, yet charming places. 

10) Rugs, Rugs, Rugs

We’ve long said “ado” to busy, patterned linoleum and “adios” to wall-to-wall shaggy and oddly colored carpets in favor laminate and hardwood flooring, but unlike the sleek minimalist look of the 2010s, we’re calling for the return of rugs. Staircases and hallways will feature striking runners while area rugs will draw the whole room together. These aren’t your mother’s put-your-shoes-by-the-door floormats, instead these are designed to be statements of their own. Feeling extra bold? Try a LARGE circular rug for enhanced drama. 

11) Sunburst designs

The art deco that defined the 1920’s shines in sunburst designs. Often found in mirrors and wall art, this fun and sunny shape will find new life in the home and looks especially fresh being incorporated into a nursery!

12) Wallpaper

Another trend we’ve seen coming back in the last few years is wallpaper, especially the heavily patterned or textured variety. Unlike the cover-all-walls method of the 1920’s, this time around wallpaper will be used as an accent wall. Unsure you’re ready to commit or still waiting to purchase your own place? These days you can get the same luxe look with far less commitment by using peel-and-stick contact paper.

13) Displayed Smoking & Vaping Paraphernalia

The 1920’s was the golden age of cigarettes in America with many women picking up the habit during World War I. Coffee tables often displayed cigarette boxes or urns, match strikes, lighters, and opera length cigarette holders. Nowadays traditional cigarette smoking is in decline, but vaping and increasing marijuana legalization means in the 2020s you’re likely to see a renaissance of sorts of this trend.

14) Art Deco

The combination of modernist styles with fine craftsmanship and rich materials make this style just as relevant today as it was in the 1920s. At its inception, Art Deco was meant to represent luxury, glamour, exuberance and optimism and had an international appeal — all things that make for good design today. Forget the opulence of, well everything, in the 1980s or the over-the-top design of the Tuscan kitchens of the 2000s, Art Deco feels both fresh and vintage, new and classic. 

15) Geometric Furniture

Kneeling to the Art Deco trends that shaped the 1920s, expect to see more clean lines and interesting shapes in furniture in the 2020s. Note that the new version of this look comes in new variations (lights, bookshelves, tables, you name it!) and to get the best impact for your effort you should limit items to having a fun shape or pattern– lest you take on a Peewee’s Playhouse feel.  

16) Grown-up Glitz

No glamourous style is complete without at least a little glitz and glimmer and the 2020s will not disappoint. Taking inspiration from glitzy “flapper” style of the 1920s, you can expect beaded upholstery, mirrored accents and even crystal fireplace glass rocks to turn up the shimmer in the 2020s.

17) Large Scale Items

The bold and patterned nature of design in the 1920s means that every piece in a room is competing with the piece next to it, so embrace it.While the last few years have seen a surge in the popularity of the gallery walls, in the 2020s expect to see bigger, singular pieces of wall art.

18) Horizontal multi-panel doors

After a decade, get ready to say “goodbye” to the barn door look and “hello” to solid wood doors with more interesting panels routed into them. Unlike the traditional 6-panel door look that has two rows of three vertical panels, this version may have different designs or windows added and aren’t just reserved for the front entryway.

19) Built-in Furniture

Built-in furniture all but disappeared in the last few decades as homes and buildings were purposely designed to have the greatest appeal to the largest amount of people. Gone was the character of the 1920s built in designs, but now we’re coming full circle. These days you can achieve the built in look without the built-in hassle by using smartly designed bookshelves.

20) Statement Fireplaces

During the 2010s we saw fireplaces all but disappear, that is to say visually disappear. While the function (usually) remained, the form was often painted over in an effort to blend the fireplace into the wall that held it. This decade, expect another throwback look to emerge with bold fireplaces retaking center stage in rooms. 

RealtyHive Wrap-Up

When designing your home, remember that trends come and go, but style is forever. Choose pieces that fit your style, your life, and your budget and you’re sure to create a beautiful space you’ll love for years to come.

Ready to start creating your perfect space in 2020? Whether you’re looking for a move-in ready Spanish-style home or you’ve got your eye on a vintage commercial building RealtyHive has you covered. Have a property to sell? Check out the great options available for sellers on RealtyHive!

Revamping Your Apartment? Here’s Everything to Keep in Mind

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Apartment living can be a great experience, and for many people, even preferable to homeownership. As an apartment renter, you might find yourself living in the same apartment for many years, and you might be looking for ways to revamp your living space to make it feel as fresh and new as when you first moved in.

However, renovating your apartment can come with challenges that differ from renovating a home. Because of this, you should consider a number of factors before beginning your apartment renovation project.

Determine the scope of your project

When it comes to apartment renovations, there are certain upgrades and changes that you won’t be able to make. As a renter, there are going to be building rules and regulations that will prevent certain upgrades from being made to your apartment.

In general, any renovations that change the structure of your apartment, or change its hardware, are going to be against regulations. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if your upgrade can be removed or reversed by you when you move out, you should be good to move forward.

In order to learn what these are, it may be beneficial to check in with the owner of the building to ensure that any upgrades being made follow building regulations. Building owners might even have a guidebook available to get a full picture of what upgrades can and can’t be made.

Create a flexible financial plan

Apartment renovations can be costly depending on the type of project being worked on. Because of this, it’s important to take finances into account.

The first step in this process should be creating a budget. Having an estimate and a set limit on how much will be spent on a project can prevent overspending and help prioritize the most important upgrades. Ideally, a budget should be somewhat flexible to allow for any unforeseen costs.

Depending on the scope of the project, it might also be beneficial to find financing options. When upgrading an apartment, some people opt to use a credit card for smaller projects. If the project is a bit larger, there are also personal lines of credit, which allow people to withdraw a set amount of money over a period of time while working on a renovation. Because of the different options available for different projects, it’s important to look into the differences between credit cards and personal lines of credit. Having a general idea of the pros and cons of each can help you know which one to use for your project.

Use your space wisely

Just like houses, apartments can range in size and design. No matter the size or architecture of one’s living space, it’s vital to make sure that home upgrades will complement a living space.

One way of doing this could be using color theory in your home. Smaller living spaces work better with bright paint colors, whereas larger spaces can benefit from darker color schemes. Using additional accent colors on top of these base colors can also help make a space pop.

When it comes to using an existing space to fit with interior design choices, furniture can also play a major role. Some apartments are designed with naturally squarer corners and shapes and can be complimented well with round furniture and rugs. Other apartments might have been designed with rounded edges and curves, so more square-structured furniture can help create a nice contrast between the two.

Prioritize comfort

Creating a stylish space is important for many people, but making your apartment comfortable to live in is arguably the most important factor when it comes to an upgrade. This is why you should make sure that you not only look for items that add value to your unit, but ones that provide pragmatic value, security, and comfort.

For pragmatic value, finding items for your home that can increase storage and organization will help you keep your space clean and functional at all times. For security, some apartment owners might benefit from installing security devices, such as a safe to store their valuables, as well as new locks and alarms. Finally, to increase your home’s comfort, try out furniture before you make a purchase so you can be sure that it will be comfortable to sit and sleep on.

With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to make the most out of your apartment revamp and create a living space that is both comfortable and stylish.

4 Essential Upgrades to Include in a Kitchen Remodeling for Big Families

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A big family needs a big kitchen. While cozy kitchens and diminutive dining rooms are increasingly common to make room for master suites and walk-in closets, having many people under the same roof is easier when you maximize common spaces. Whether you have several young children or you’re living in a multi-generational home, these four essential upgrades for a big family should be part of your kitchen remodel.

Counter Seating

A formal dining room can be a pain to clean and set for just minor meals and snacks, so include a roomy bar or island with seating in your kitchen remodel. Counter seating provides a comfortable space for weeknight meals, busy breakfasts or lunches with friends and makes post-meal cleaning a breeze. Seating young children near your kitchen workspace also lets you keep an eye on them while you’re cooking.

Extra Floor Space

Avoid a cramped kitchen by incorporating lots of floor space into your kitchen remodeling plans. Plenty of room to move is not only important for comfort but also for safety. Tight corners and narrow traffic areas can result in injuries, especially with small children or elderly family members. Are you working with a small footprint? Keep cabinets and appliances narrow to maximize floor space.

Lots of Storage

A big family means big grocery hauls, and you need lots of storage solutions to keep all that food organized and accessible. Take your cabinets all the way to the ceiling so that no inch of space is wasted. Build in a pantry with lots of shelves and drawers. Make use of the area above your stovetop or kitchen island with hanging storage for pots and pans to free up more cabinet space for food storage.

Homework Space

Are you tired of the kitchen table being covered in textbooks, papers and pencils? Carve out a dedicated homework space in your kitchen. A kid-sized table tucked into a breakfast nook works perfectly, or use long floating desks if you’re short on extra space. The homework area also makes a great spot for crafting or working from home and can even double as a kid’s table for parties and holidays.

Remember, you don’t need a large house to have a roomy kitchen. Smart design can make even the tiniest of kitchens seem spacious. You can also move walls or rearrange rooms to make your kitchen larger. Expand a small galley kitchen into the dining room or combine the kitchen and living room for a contemporary open floor plan.

5 Things You Should Know About Upgrading From a Mid-Size to a Luxury Home

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Most of us have always dreamed of having a large luxury home that we can call our own. While it may have seemed far away just years ago, it’s finally time for you to upgrade. However, there are a few things you should know before you start your undertaking.

Association Dues Are Common

Most luxury homes are found within specific communities. These communities offer many amenities, like community pools and golf courses. To help fund the construction and upkeep of these amenities, all community members pay an association fee. This fee is a set amount of money that you will be expected to contribute to these private amenities regardless of whether you use them or not.

You May Need Some Hired Help

A luxury home can be a beautiful place to reside that has lots of character. However, the idea of maintaining your new luxury home can have your head aching. From cutting the grass to cleaning all the vaulted ceiling, it can be a full-time job in itself. You should plan to hire out professionals to handle the maintenance tasks so that your home maintains its value.

Annual Costs Are Going To Be More

While you may be extremely excited about constructing a new luxury home, you do need to put the financial demand into perspective. Luxury homes cost more to run than your typical mid-sized home. Taxes are more expensive. Home insurance is more expensive. And, you can expect your maintenance costs to be more expensive. It’s vital to properly plan for these expenses in your budget to ensure you’re living in a state of financial well-being and not a financial deficient.

You Can Include Unusual Features

Most mid-sized homes are constructed with bedrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, a garage or two, and a porch or deck. When it comes to luxury homes, they tend to have all of these features and many more. In luxury homes, you’ll find home cinemas, gyms, game rooms, bars, and so much more. Your budget is really your limit in regards to designing the luxury home you want.

Plan To Host Holidays And Other Special Events

It won’t take long until you’re suddenly volunteered to host Christmas or Thanksgiving at your new luxury home. It just seems natural to most to have those with the biggest space host these special events. Instead of trying to fight it, embrace it. You can enjoy showing off your luxury home while sharing time with friends and family.

Upgrading from a mid-sized home to a luxury one can be a big change for anyone. The above five facts will help you to adjust to your new standard of living with ease. Remember that your luxury home should be your ultimate dream home.

5 Inexpensive Upgrades to Make to Your Home This Fall

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Whether you’re thinking about putting your house on the market soon or being home for months on end has you thinking about making upgrades to your space, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a full renovation project. In fact, you can give your home a facelift for less than a few hundred dollars with some of these easy projects that can be completed in a weekend.

Outdoor Cleanup

Is your home lacking in curb appeal? Are your plants looking tired and faded? If you’re planning to sell your place, a well-maintained landscape signals potential buyers that the home has been cared for, but even if you’re staying put, giving your home’s exterior a boost can increase its value and show the neighbors you care. Spend a weekend cleaning and sprucing up outside; just trimming hedges, cutting back tree branches, weeding, and clearing away any brush or debris can make a big difference. Put down a fresh doormat, and make sure your exterior lights work.

Fall is also the perfect time to get your yard ready for spring. If you aerate, fertilize, and overseed your lawn now, you’ll have lush green grass when the weather warms up. Plant bulbs, or divide your perennials to create more flowering plants in the spring.

Painting

For a cheap home upgrade, it’s hard to beat painting. A fresh coat of color can completely change a room’s appearance and cover-up imperfections like stains and dings. If you’re planning to sell, re-painting rooms in neutral colors will appeal to the majority of buyers. If you aren’t selling, don’t be afraid to be a bit bold and experiment. The worst that can happen is you’ll need to repaint.

Your interior walls aren’t the only places that can benefit from paint, either. Painting your front door can add to curb appeal while repainting your kitchen cabinets can take the room from drab to sunny for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.

Lighting Upgrades

Old, outdated lighting fixtures can easily make your home look dated and neglected, even when everything else is in good shape. From the dining room chandelier to the bathroom sconces, take a critical look at the lighting in your home and change out old, ugly fixtures for newer ones. If the lights themselves are still in good shape, upgrade the lightswitches or switch plates for a small change with a big impact. Installing a dimmer switch or a Wi-fi enabled bulb that can be controlled using your phone is another simple project that creates a big impact.

A ceiling fan is also a big upgrade for little cost. A fan not only adds interest to the space, but it can help keep energy costs in check by cooling in the summer and circulating heat in the winter. If there’s already a ceiling light, you can use the existing wiring to install a fan with light without too much trouble.

Clean Floors

Even when you have a no-shoes indoors policy, your floors and carpets can get dirty thanks to pets, cooking, and dust. A thorough cleaning can make a huge difference in your home, eliminating odors, allergens, and stains, leaving the place feeling fresh and new.

If you have carpeting, schedule a professional steam cleaning before the winter to remove allergens like mold or pollen that have come in during the fall. If you have wood floors, consider renting a floor buffer for a weekend. A deep clean followed by buffing can leave your floors looking shiny and new. If the floors are in rough shape, refinishing may be an option, but it’s a more involved and expensive project.

Declutter

Decluttering your home is a must if you’re planning to move, but it’s also a good idea to schedule the occasional cleanout so you stay organized — and your house stays clean. Sellers should focus on clearing out storage areas like closets and the garage, basement, or attic since buyers are often looking for extra storage space. Well-organized closets that aren’t overstuffed creates the appearance of plenty of space. Even if you’re not selling, clearing out items that are out of season, or you just don’t want anymore, helps you find everything more easily and helps you stay organized.

A new season is also a great time to clean out and organize your pantry. Get rid of any food that’s expired and take inventory of what you have on hand. Transfer items in bulky packages into sealed containers that keep them organized and fresh. It’s a simple change that can take your kitchen from cluttered to functional in no time.

Upgrading your home doesn’t have to mean spending thousands of dollars on projects. It’s possible to make big changes with just some time and a few hundred dollars, leaving you with a fresh, healthy, and organized home.

Insurance Considerations for First-Time Homebuyers

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With so much excitement, anticipation, and planning that coincides with purchasing your first home, it’s easy to overlook certain details that might not immediately impact you before your move-in date. From coordinating inspections to dealing with financial negotiations, you are probably trying to just get through this process—rather than think about ways to protect yourself and your assets in the future. In order to help you best prepare for what lies ahead, you can review the following considerations to ensure you and your family are financially secure, no matter what life throws your way.

Homeowners Insurance Basics:

Generally speaking, a homeowner’s insurance policy is necessary when you purchase a home as it will protect your residence and personal possessions if during an unfortunate event such as damage or a break-in. Should you need to leave your home temporarily due to damage, your insurance policy will help you afford to do so until your home is safe to live in. Another extremely important aspect of homeowners insurance is that it protects you if someone were ever to fall or get injured on your property. If they try to sue you, your policy will cover the costs, saving you from a detrimental financial situation.

Who should buy a homeowners insurance policy?

To err on the side of caution, it’s recommended that you purchase a homeowner’s policy if you own a home, condo, townhouse, DIY tiny house. Similarly to life insurance or disability insurance, individuals and families are not required by law to have a homeowners policy after you have paid off your mortgage. However, it’s highly advised to have a policy for the entire duration of your homeownership to protect your finances and your possessions. In the unlikely event that purchase your home with cash, you will still want to have a policy in place for your own financial protection, even if not required by law.

What does homeowners insurance cover?

As mentioned, homeowners insurance covers your home, personal property, and offers liability protection, while reimbursing you if you need to move out of your home due to damage (covered by your policy). This would typically include damage from lighting, a house fire, wind, or theft. In addition, your policy will protect your family members, spouse, or blood relatives the same way if they are living under your roof.

What does homeowners insurance NOT cover?

Now that you know what basic coverage does include, it’s important to understand what type of damage a homeowner’s policy doesn’t include to determine if you need additional coverage based on the location of your property and home. If you purchased a home in an area prone to earthquakes, sinkholes, or sewer backup, you might want to consider an additional standalone policy to protect you should you experience any of those problems. Other issues like flooding, termites, bed bugs, and infestations are not something automatically covered.

It’s helpful to know in advance what environment and climate you will be living in so that you can protect your property and possessions. Not only does doing your research on the property help you prepare, but it will help you plan for new circumstances you might have to deal with as a homeowner. Especially as a first-time buyer, you don’t want to be caught off guard when it comes to damage or issues due to the location of your home. Although there is no perfect journey when it comes to purchasing your first home, there are some best-kept secrets to help you feel proactive and stay calm while trying to avoid some potential issues in the future. There is no such thing as being overly prepared as a new homeowner, so doing your due diligence now will serve you well in the months to come.

Life Insurance Basics:

Now, let’s take some time to discuss another important and highly recommended insurance purchase that will benefit you in the case of an unforeseen event. As you have seen over the last year, life can change in the blink of an eye, which is why it’s necessary to prepare for the unexpected. Reviewing your options when it comes to the variety of life insurance policies available is recommended—especially during a major life change such as moving, purchasing a home, or having a baby.

Life insurance is a tax-free amount of money that is used to replace your income if you were to pass away. Offering peace of mind and affordable financial assistance, life insurance can help support your loved ones that rely on you should something happen to you unexpectedly. The money allotted from a life insurance policy can be used to pay things like a mortgage, car loans, grocery bills, utilities, education or tuition costs, funeral arrangements, and more.

How much life insurance do you need?

This question depends on a few things but generally speaking, if anyone in your family relies on your income it’s best to have a life insurance policy in place. Again, this can help support children, a spouse, or family members who require part of your income to pay the bills and cannot afford this entirely in your absence. It’s recommended that you plan to purchase a policy covering around 10-15 times your income, but this is just a general guideline and each person has a unique set of circumstances that will influence the amount of coverage they should buy. It’s worthwhile to shop around and use an online calculator to specifically match your circumstances with what is best for you and your family.

What are some risks of not having a policy or enough coverage?

There are many people who are underinsured or not insured at all. This is unfortunate as many of these individuals might not realize the risk they are taking or the financial burden that will be placed on them in the case of an unforeseen circumstance after the passing of a loved one. In another respect, what some individuals don’t realize is that employer-provided insurance isn’t usually enough or transferrable to a new job—so it’s beneficial to have an additional policy to cover all your basic needs.

If you have not taken the time to evaluate your coverage, a major life event such as making a large investment on a home would be a great time to do so. If you do not have coverage you are putting your family, friends, or loved ones at risk of losing their own long-term financial plan since they might be unable to keep up with daily expenses. If you have a mortgage that is far from being paid off, they will have to take over this costly investment, possibly leading to major financial repercussions in their future if they do not have the funds. During a difficult time, the last thing you want your family to take on is financial stress that could have been prevented in the first place by obtaining an affordable life insurance policy. 

Other insurance considerations:

In order to make sure you have secured all your financial assets and can support the future of your loved ones under any circumstance, there are few other insurance options you might want to evaluate during this time. If applicable, you might consider the following options to help you maintain the most peace of mind.

Auto Insurance:

Moving or purchasing a home is no time to lose sight of your auto insurance needs. Since you will be driving to a different location, possibly moving areas, and communing at different capacities, it’s important to make sure that your automobile is financially protected. It’s recommended that you reevaluate your auto insurance needs as there is a good chance you might be able to save some cash by bundling home and auto or revisiting your coverage needs. In addition, a new home calls for a fresh new start! Take the time to make sure all your financial needs are aligned and properly allocated.

Pet Insurance:

For most people, pets are entirely part of the family, but like most things in life, they come with a cost. With all the time, energy, and attention you put into your pet, it’s likely that you’ll want to keep them happy and healthy for a long time! Pet insurance reimburses you for expenses should anything bad or unexpected happen to your pet (similar to health insurance if something happens to you). Pet insurance can save you from paying the big bucks when it comes to vet bills, so if your pet was injured or become ill, you don’t have to panic over the monetary implications of this event. There are certain instances where pet insurance might be really helpful for your financial situation, in which case you can determine if pet insurance is necessary by talking through your options with a professional representative.

Purchasing your very first home is such an exciting time for you and your family. Although it can feel overwhelming emotionally and financially, there is light at the end of the tunnel and working hard now to prepare for the future will allow you to fully enjoy this investment for all its worth.

When Is It Time to Replace Your HVAC System?

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Striking a balance between good maintenance and replacing the HVAC system can be hard. You do not want to invest in a new system if the old one is perfectly good. But you also don’t want to wait too long to replace your HVAC. Luckily, there are some signs that indicate it might be time to get a new unit.

Higher Utility Bills

Your energy bills can fluctuate throughout the year depending on the weather. But if you notice that the cost of cooling or heating the property is much higher than the same time last year, then it might be time to get a new system.

As a system gets older, its efficiency will drop about 5 to 10 percent. However, if your energy bills suddenly spike, you might need to have a company come out to evaluate it. You may need extensive repairs to keep the system running, and it may be a better option to replace it with another model.

The efficiency of your system decreases over time because of normal wear and tear. As corrosion occurs inside and dirt builds up, a greater loss of efficiency can occur. A very cold or hot season might cause the cost of energy to go up, as well.

Older System

It is a good idea for you to replace the HVAC system every 10 to 15 years. Many times, the units made today are more durable than the ones that were made in the past. However, some of the major components might still deteriorate as time goes on. You can expect a typical lifespan of an HVAC system to be around 10 years. But if you do regular repairs and maintenance on it, you can often extend the lifespan of the system.

Another thing that can influence how cost-effective it is to replace an HVAC system is the kind of refrigerant that some older systems use. Because of federal regulations, the component R22 has started to be phased out since it could have a negative influence on the environment. This means that any existing R22 would have become much more expensive. If you have R22 in your older HVAC system, it might be too expensive for you to replace the refrigerant. In this case, you may decide that it is worth getting a new system.

Increased Repair and Maintenance

Many HVAC systems need regular maintenance to continue to operate well. You might need to have certain parts replaced, such as the electrical switch or capacitor. But if the system begins to leak refrigerant or the compressor no longer works well, you might need to have extensive repairs that could make keeping the unit not worthwhile.

Instead of paying high repair bills, you might find that it is better to replace the system altogether. When you call in an HVAC company, you can get both a replacement quote and a repair quote, so you can make a more informed decision about when you need to replace your system.

Poor Climate Control

If you notice that one room in your home seems too warm but another one is very cold, you may need to replace your system. In some cases, aging systems do not have a high enough level of power to heat or cool the home efficiently. When this happens, energy costs can rise since your unit will need to run more to do the same amount of work.

Of course, the temperature is not the only important thing that your HVAC system controls. If the unit is not effective, there can be issues with too much dust left in your air. Or the humidity might increase in your home. Too much humidity can cause mildew and mold. If you notice these issues, you also should assess your home for inadequate insulation or air leaks.

Closing Thoughts

When it comes to replacing your HVAC system, knowing the signs to look out for can help you to make a better decision. That way, you can save money by not having unnecessarily high energy bills. At the same time, you will also not end up paying to replace a system that can still be repaired.

How to Design Small Kitchens for Easy Use

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A small kitchen can be challenging to use efficiently and can easily end up cluttered or cramped. However, with the right eye for design, it’s possible to turn your kitchen space from a nightmare to a thing of beauty. Our article shares some tips on how to streamline your kitchen design for convenience.

A vast, spacious kitchen is the dream of most serious home cooks. However, a small kitchen does not mean the end of your dinner party dreams. In fact, smaller kitchens can be cozy and convenient spaces with the right interior design. In this article, we look at some ways you can arrange your kitchen to make the most of your space. We’ll also take a look at the best tools to own if you’re working with limited storage.

Common Problems with a Small Kitchen

Usually, when people complain about limited kitchen space, they refer to one of three things. They complain that their kitchen is dark, easily becomes cluttered, or is impossible to cook in comfortably. Lack of storage space and minimal room for furniture and appliances are also common concerns.

Many renters and buyers can even be put off by properties with small kitchens as they worry that they will never make the space work. If this is something you worry about – or if you currently live with a small kitchen – it may be time to reconsider your space. With some simple interior design hacks, you can change a cramped, dingy kitchen into a delightful nook where you love to spend time.

Small Kitchen Interior Design Tips 

  1. Lighten Your Walls

One of the best interior design tips for making a small space look larger is to tone down any dark colors on your walls, ceiling, or cabinets. While dark shades will close a space down, painting your walls a lighter color will help them reflect light and create an airy, spacious feel. Pale tones, like white, cream, or light blue, are ideal for this.

You don’t need to paint your whole kitchen stark white to get the benefits of this either. Instead, choose light, complementary shades for cupboards and backsplash to inject some personality into your design. Monochromatic or patterned tile stickers are also a great option if you want to brighten up your small kitchen without repainting the whole thing.

  1. Use Wall Space

Rather than opting for cupboards or bulky cabinets in your small kitchen plans, shelves and empty walls can be handy places to store cookware and utensils. A magnetic wall panel is perfect for storing knives within easy reach of your stove and preparation surfaces. You can also use pot racks with hooks to hang pans, mugs, and other kitchen equipment. These handy space savers can be attached to the ceiling or can hang above the stove or countertops.

Shelves and drawers are also better space-saving options than cupboards. Consider choosing shelves that have hooks underneath to hang utensils from or that have an in-built wine rack. You can also easily add shelves to any unused nooks or wall spaces without having to overhaul your small kitchen arrangement totally.

  1. Easy to Stash Furniture

Chunky or antique furniture may be fashionable in many dining rooms, but it is totally impractical if you only have a small cooking and dining space. Small kitchen tables and chairs need to be neat, compact, and easily stored away when not in use. If your home has a small kitchen, hideaway furniture or pull-down countertops are excellent safe saving options.

Choose stools that can easily be piled up or stashed underneath counters, and that don’t take up too much room. A fold-down table or food preparation counter is another great option if space is extremely tight. Make the most of space underneath countertops too and opt for a roll-out table that you can store once you’re finished eating.

  1. Be Smart with Lighting

Dark kitchens make it hard to do your best work. It can be difficult to see what you’re cooking and hard to get surfaces and appliances clean if your space is gloomy. Attaching LED light strips to the undersides of cupboards or shelves can make small kitchens feel brighter and make cramped areas easier to use. You can also have spotlights fixed inside glass-fronted cupboards to double up on wall space, or mount sconces on your walls for a warm, cozy vibe. Ceiling spotlights are also a great solution for smaller kitchens as you can space them out, meaning that light spreads further than with a traditional single bulb.

  1. Buy Small or Multipurpose Appliances

When designing small kitchen layouts for refurbishment, or if you’re moving in somewhere new, it’s important to think about how your appliances will fit into your kitchen. After all, you don’t want a huge fridge if it’s going to take up all your floor space. Try to organize appliances so that they can be kept underneath counters or so that one appliance has multiple functions.

For example, a combined washer and tumble dryer is an ideal choice for a small kitchen. Small kitchen trends also commonly feature microwaves built into the wall or cabinets, freeing up vital countertop space below. Remember to find places to store portable appliances when you’re not using them so that they don’t clutter up your surfaces.

Conclusion

Living with a small kitchen does not mean that your cooking space needs to be dowdy or infuriating to use. Even the smallest of spaces can be trendy and effortless with a few design tweaks. We hope these small kitchen ideas have given you food for thought!

Final Call: Do you live in a house with a tiny kitchen? How do you arrange your cooking space for convenience? Do you find it cozy, or wish you had more room? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Author’s Bio:

Kevin is a content writer for about 3 years. He studied Design and Arts at College in Pennsylvania. A fan of home interior design and, he has taken it upon himself to spread his love for decorating homes by informing people on some of his ideas through his articles.

5 Important Factors to Consider when Investing in Healthcare Real Estate

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Healthcare is one of those industries that is on a never-ending upward trajectory around the world. Simply put, every country has a need for a better healthcare system and a greater number of top-quality medical institutions from a variety of fields within the medical profession. As a highly lucrative and ever-expanding industry, healthcare is one of the best industries to invest in in the real estate realm.

Whether you own a real estate business and want to make a long-term investment or if you have a team of medical professionals who are looking to buy a property and build a thriving medical practice, you need to know the key variables that are at play before signing on the dotted line. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the five key factors you need to consider when looking to invest in healthcare real estate.

The pros of owning vs leasing medical real estate

Many medical professionals who are looking to open their own practice will first look into leasing a space instead of owning, and there are some wise reasons behind it. Firstly, leasing allows you to move fairly easily to a new location once the lease term is up, and it doesn’t incur the risks and responsibilities associated with ownership. However, over the long-term it can be overly expensive and wasteful. While you might be tempted to lease, any experienced real estate agent will tell you that buying is the best long-term option.

Owning medical real estate brings numerous advantages to the table, like avoiding the risks of elevated rent, which is bound to happen at some point. If you do your research and pick the right location, then you won’t have a need to move and will retain full ownership of the property so that you can build your brand’s reputation and visibility in the local market.

Conducting due diligence on the property

Of course, you shouldn’t invest in healthcare real estate without conducting thorough research and ensuring a comprehensive due diligence process. After all, this is a grand investment you’re about to make, so you have to make sure that all papers are in order and that there are no liabilities that might catch you off guard in the following months and years.

With that in mind, be sure to check the property’s tax history and make sure everything is in order. Next, check the property’s condition and assess the amount of work and investment capital needed to bring it up to code. Lastly, make sure that the property has a clear title by checking for any outstanding liens.

Purchasing a property with sustainability in mind

As an investor in such a competitive and oftentimes wasteful industry, one of your primary goals should be to ensure sustainability and eco-friendliness in order to minimize financial waste and build an appealing brand. After all, medical professionals want to work in a top-quality workspace, while modern patients want to enjoy their stay at their chosen institution.

You can start by considering the long-term potential for energy savings, and plan to install LED light fixtures like those made for clean rooms that serve a specific purpose while helping with energy conservation. Next, consider the equipment you’ll be using and how it helps conserve energy, as well as the potential of the property to be outfitted with sustainable materials.

Calculating and preparing for operating costs

All this talk about sustainability isn’t for naught, because it will help you minimize operating costs in the long run. In turn, this will allow you to plan your investment and allocate financial resources more efficiently. You might even be able to take out a smaller loan than you initially planned. Be sure to talk to your key players to assess all the costs and prepare your budget for procurement, maintenance, and even expansion in those first few crucial years.

Consider the market trends and locations

Choosing the right location for your medical practice, however big or small it may be, is crucial for your long-term success. On the one hand, the property needs to be accessible and close enough to make it worth the patient’s while to drive over, but it should also be far away enough from the competition so that you don’t have to compete with other clinics. Make sure to do extensive market research to find the ideal location, one that will facilitate long-term growth and help you build a recognizable and trustworthy brand in your local market.

Wrapping up

The healthcare industry is growing around the world, and it’s important that investors know how to choose the ideal properties to build their medical practices. Take these considerations to heart to find the best real estate opportunities in the healthcare sector.

About the author:  Mike Johnston is an avid blogging enthusiast and experienced freelance writer with a focus in real estate, home improvement, and the construction industry. He is a regular contributor to the Smooth Decorator blog.

How to Stage Your Home to Sell It Quickly in a Competitive Market

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One of the most important steps of selling a home is proper staging, and a little bit of work could make a huge difference. Making your home as eye-catching as possible will help you stand out in a competitive real estate market and attract motivated buyers.

Start With a Deep Cleaning

The very first step in this process is deep cleaning every single room in your home. While some buyers might not care about a little bit of clutter or dust, it could turn others away. When certain buyers walk through a messy or cluttered home, they might think that the current owner hasn’t been properly maintaining the home either. Luckily, hiring a professional cleaner can be fairly inexpensive if you don’t feel like cleaning.

Remove Most Personal Items

You don’t have to remove every single personal item from your home before you sell it, but the majority of your belongings should be boxed up and stored elsewhere. That includes items like paintings, old family photos, and knick-knacks. You might also want to spend a little bit of time boxing up any extra clutter that is in the closets, under the beds, or in the garage.

Stay as Neutral as Possible

The best realtor in your area is most likely going to tell you that you need to keep your furniture and decorations as neutral as possible. As a general rule, you want potential buyers to be able to walk into a home and envision themselves living there. Having neutral furniture and decorations is going to create a blank canvas for them. Some sellers even rent neutral items to place in their homes if their current décor is too eclectic.

Don’t Neglect the Lighting

One of the easiest and most effective ways to make a home more eye-catching is to improve the lighting. At the very least, you should make sure that all of the bulbs throughout your home are bright and working correctly. You can also clean the windows and pull back all of the curtains if the buyers are going to be walking through your home during the day. Painting the walls a bright and neutral color is another simple way to improve indoor lighting.

If you don’t feel completely comfortable staging your own home, then you might want to consider working with a professional. An experienced staging specialist will be to transform your home in the blink of an eye, and many of those professionals charge very reasonable rates.