3 Keys to Non-Traditional Holiday Decor

The holidays are a time when sprucing up your home hits an all-time high, but it can be difficult to find festive decorations that match your style. While there is nothing wrong with snowmen, Santa figurines and lots of red and green, it’s OK to think outside the (gift) box.

Follow these three tips for a gorgeous yet non-traditional holiday home.

Choose a fresh color scheme

Who says that holiday decor has to be red and green? Try something new, like neutrals and mixed metallics. Or try unique color combinations that may not scream holiday, but create a sophisticated celebratory look when used in the right way.

This tree was inspired by the navy, turquoise, red and peach vintage shawl used here as a tree skirt.

Carry the theme throughout your holiday home with colored ornaments, pillows and throws.

 

Surprising color pairings like this blue woven throw with the red floral pillow really freshen up your decor. But nearly any color scheme can convey holiday spirit when you bring in shiny ornaments and cozy textures.

Use natural elements

Using natural elements like greenery, pinecones and berries brings in festive charm without feeling cheesy.

Plain garlands are beautiful all on their own! They don't even need the traditional red bows. Local grocery stores, home improvement stores and farmer's markets have great selections of natural garlands and wreaths.

For an even more unique holiday look, try magnolia garlands or garlands made from materials other than traditional pine branches.

Think outside the box

Look at materials differently. Find everyday items that, when used in the right way, can be great holiday decor. For example, trims from your local fabric store can make great garlands, on their own or paired with greenery. They will feel new and unique compared to a traditional ornament garland.

Also, experiment with using fabrics and patterns that wouldn’t normally be seen as Christmas. While plaid is a traditional Christmas pattern, pairing it here with a brighter teal napkin feels unexpected.

Mint green plates wouldn’t normally be used for a holiday place setting, but pairing them with gold pinecones and collected tree centerpiece creates a stylish holiday table, ready for entertaining.

Forget the traditional holiday decorating rules and push yourself to find decor that is new, fresh and fits within your home’s current home style. Not only will you end up with a beautiful holiday home, but one that is a complete reflection of you and your family. What more could you want this time of year?

Related:

• Bright Ideas for Holiday Lights
• 10 Ideas for Small Space Holiday Decor
• Three Steps to Styling a Holiday Beverage Station

Originally published December 2014. 

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How to Carve the Best Pumpkin on the Block

While Halloween may look a little different this year, there’s no reason you can’t still have an amazing outdoor display. If you’re not interested in shelling out big bucks for a 12 foot animatronic skeleton, or if your style is more autumn chic than gothic gore, you have plenty of options when it comes to the traditional jack-o’-lantern. Before you cut into your sacrificial squash, check out these top tips for making a carv-tastic display.

Pumpkin selection

There are no rules for what size or shape makes for a great jack-o’-lantern. Any pumpkin can rise to ghoulish greatness. Do look for a pumpkin that isn't bruised and has no mold around the stem. Who wants to cut into a rotted pumpkin? Also, look for a pumpkin with a flat bottom that will sit firmly without rocking.

Tools

Every job is made easier by the right tools. A kitchen knife is not the best - or safest - thing to use for pumpkin carving. You can get a set of pumpkin carving tools at many hardware or drug stores around Halloween, but you can also use items already in your possession - power drills, awls, wood gouges or even cookie cutters. Don't forget a big spoon to scoop out the guts!

Carving

Rather than giving your jack-o’-lantern a cap by cutting it at the top, draw a circle on the bottom of your pumpkin and cut your opening there, making sure to angle your blade toward the center to create a ledge for support of the finished cut area. Clean out the guts (save the seeds and roast them for your post-carving snack!) and scrape the insides of your pumpkin until they are about an inch thick in the areas you plan to carve. If you're using a pattern, tape it on and transfer it by tracing with a poking tool. Then you’re ready to carve! If you’re using a pumpkin saw, it's easiest to keep the pumpkin on your lap, holding the saw like a pencil and using a steady up-and-down motion. Saw at a 90-degree angle with gentle pressure.

Preservation

To extend the life of your jack-o’-lantern, spritz it with water and keep it in the refrigerator while it’s not on display. Spread some petroleum jelly on the cut edges to keep them from drying out. If your pumpkin starts to shrivel, submerge it in cold water for a couple of hours. It should come back to life. Just make sure to dry it well on the inside to avoid mold. You can also ward off mold and insects by spraying or soaking the pumpkin with a water-and-bleach solution.

Display

If you are using a candle, cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin toward the back to act as a chimney for smoke and heat. A candle will be more secure if you drill a hole for it. You can also use battery-operated LEDs, Christmas lights or even a nightlight to illuminate your pumpkin. If you carve a design in the back of your jack-o’-lantern, you'll produce a shadowy effect on the wall behind it, making it extra spooky!

However you choose to carve your jack o' lantern, use your creativity and have fun.

Beyond the jack-o’-lantern

For more simple and spooky outdoor decor ideas, check out these fun Halloween hacks.

Related:

• 52 Unexpected and Amazing Ways to Decorate Pumpkins
• 13 Easy DIY No-Carve Pumpkins
• Budget Decor: 10 Ways to Dress Up Your House for Fall

Originally published October 2014.

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How to Plan an Outdoor Movie Night

In the height of summer, your backyard or porch is headquarters for family time and date night alike. Combine both, and cue up a movie on your DIY movie screen for a staycation highlight.

A bedsheet or table cloth affixed to a fence or wall plays projection screen, and your at-home projector makes movie magic.

Setting up a snack station with seasoned popcorn and traditional concession stand candies will win over guests of all ages.

Creating a homemade touch is a nice way to personalize the experience. Gather a few common household materials - canvas dropcloth, painters’ tape, fabric-safe paint and a roller - and you can craft a custom blanket that feels expensive but only costs a few dollars. The stripes lend a nautical look that let this throw pull double duty as a beach blanket or picnic spread.

Whether you choose action, comedy or thriller, your backyard movie night is sure to be a hit.

Want more tips from Douglas? Watch more home entertaining and design videos. 

Related:

• Set Up Your Patio for the Best Summer Ever
• 9 Budget-Friendly Staycation Ideas for Families
• Throw an Outdoor Dinner Party With a Beachy Vibe

Originally published September 2016.

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Do It Together: 5 Home Projects for You and Your Household Helpers

While the kids are out of school, the adults are doing everything they can to keep their little ones safe and healthy at home - and find creative ways to alleviate the boredom and frustration they may be feeling after weeks away from their school friends or grandparents.

With just a few materials you can order online (or pick up curbside at the home improvement store) and some tools you likely have lying around the house, you can keep those little hands busy while giving your house some TLC.

Here are five DIY projects to improve your home and give your kids a productive outlet for their energy.

Build raised garden beds

It seems like everyone is jumping on the gardening bandwagon and creating "victory" COVID-19 gardens. A garden not only gives you the benefit of fresh herbs, vegetables or flowers, it's also a natural outdoor classroom for your kids - helping them learn measurements, basic botany facts and giving them a boost to their mental and physical well-being. 

Raised garden beds help plants thrive because they're easier to maintain, and they are a fairly easy project for children to assist with. To make a 4×4 raised garden bed, all you need are the following:

• Eight untreated 2x4s that are 4 feet long
• Four untreated 12-inch 4×4 corner posts
• A box of 4-inch wood screws
• A drill 

To construct the rectangular box, attach two 2x4s to each corner post (stacking them vertically). Have your older child hold the boards securely in place as you drill. When you're finished building your structure, kids of all ages can assist you with picking out a sunny spot in the backyard for your raised garden bed and help you pour in the soil and plant your veggies or flowers.

Give your mailbox a makeover

Brighten up your humdrum mailbox and give your heroic postal worker something to smile about when they deliver your mail. This project is best suited for those kids who can comfortably wear a face mask and use a spray paint can responsibly. To give your mailbox a facelift, you'll need the following supplies:

• Medium-grit sandpaper
• Protective masks* 
• Painters tape
• Aluminum primer
• Metal paint spray paint in a vibrant color

Tag team sanding off rust and old paint on your mailbox while wearing protective masks. Then, have your child assist you with placing painters tape over any address numbers or the mail flag to protect them from being painted. Spray primer and allow it to dry before applying the metal spray paint. To customize your mailbox and make it stand out, use stencils to create flowers, letters, or let your mini Van Gogh freehand different designs. 

* If you don’t already have masks on hand, consider waiting on this project until masks and other personal protective equipment are more readily available. Or, if you’re purchasing a new mailbox, you can do this project entirely freehand, no mask required.

Construct a birdhouse

Though birds aren't required to shelter in place, it's nice for them to have a safe spot to land in your backyard - and exciting for the whole family to watch as they come and go. You can either construct a birdhouse using a pre-cut birdhouse kit (available to order online at most home improvement stores) or you can make the cuts yourself on a 2×6 or even a spare fence post. Have older kids help you nail or wood glue it together and have little ones personalize it with paint to give the birds in your backyard a truly unique home to call their own. 

Or, if you want to give your neighborhood squirrels a place to kick back, you can repurpose almost any kind of wood to make an adorable miniature picnic table.

Stencil paint your tile floor

Want to give your tile floor a new look but don't want to invest the money, time or intensive labor it takes to rip up and lay down a new one? While this project requires patience and attention to detail, your children can pitch in and help out to make it go a little faster. Here's what you'll need for this tile stenciling project:

• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Painters tape
• Primer
• Semi- or high-gloss latex paint in both a base color and a design color
• A chosen stencil (create your own or look up one that you like online)
• Foam roller

Begin your project with a deep cleaning of your bathroom floors (and cue the complaints from your kids). Once your floors are squeaky clean, tag team a floor sanding with your kids to help the tiles take paint. Then, tape the perimeter of the room, underneath your vanity cabinet and around your toilet. 

Apply primer to the floors and let them dry. Then, paint your base color. Once these coats have dried, you're now ready for your stenciling. Have your kid help you tape the stencil in place and then paint your design color onto the floor. If your older kids have a steady hand, using two stencils will speed the process along and reveal a beautifully designed floor even quicker. This example can help you visualize a finished product.

Restyle your bathroom drawer pulls

You'd be surprised at how much of a design impact changing the drawer pulls on a bathroom vanity can have. This inexpensive DIY project is quick to complete and perfect for little hands who can help you hold the hardware while you handle the screwdriver. 

All you need for this project are new drawer pulls or knobs (have your child assist you with the measurements to see what size you need) and a screwdriver. Remove the old drawer pulls and have your kid at the ready to put all of the old pieces in a single pile and hand you the screws and the new drawer pulls as you need them. 

Feeling more ambitious? Change out the hardware on your kitchen cabinets for an easy upgrade. Or do this project on a small scale and swap out the handles or knobs on an old dresser to give it a new style.

Related:

• 9 Easy-to-Ambitious DIY Projects to Improve Your Home
• How to Grow a Spectacular Container Garden
• Personalize Your Space With a DIY Gallery Wall

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9 Easy-to-Ambitious DIY Projects to Improve Your Home

Like many homeowners, you may have eyed a home improvement project in the past only to come up short on time or inspiration.

Don't feel bad. Nearly half (43%) of all homeowners say their biggest challenge around home improvement decisions is finding DIY time, which also may explain why the same percentage of people say they have unfinished home improvement projects - typically two.

Since many of us are spending much or all of our time at home, now might be a good time to channel some of that cabin fever into a project that could add value to your home or infuse it with new energy. 

Here's a sampling of projects you can tackle alone - or with a pint-sized assistant in need of a play date.  

Beginner projects

New faucets

Attention to detail is key for this project - you don’t want to flood your kitchen because you forgot to turn off the water valve - but no previous plumbing skills are required, and a shiny new faucet can generate a lot of day-to-day pleasure for a little effort. These instructions walk you through the steps to install a kitchen faucet (and the process is just the same for a bathroom sink). 

Light fixtures and switches

Few things can change the atmosphere of a room as quickly as lighting. Swapping out an old fixture for a new one - or an on-off switch for a dimmer - can provide a mood for any occasion.  Here’s an easy guide to change a light fixture. Switches use the same types of wires, so if you can swap a fixture, you can handle a switch.   

Fire pit

This is a great one to tackle with kids. Celebrate the finished product with a s'mores party. Plus, the sales price premium on homes with fire pits is 2.8%, according to a Zillow analysis of thousands of home listings and sales prices.* Build you own backyard fire pit in 7 easy steps.

Smart tech upgrade

There are countless smart home products you can choose from, and some require little more than changing a light bulb or plugging in a device. A few to consider:

Smart doorbell/camera: Installing one is similar to changing out a light switch. The process involves removing your old doorbell and connecting the device to your Wi-Fi.

Smart locks: Do you have a family member who is always losing their house key? Replacing a traditional door lock with a keyless entry you access using a touch pad or smartphone app is an easy solution. 

Smart home hub: Amazon, Google, Apple, Nest, Samsung and others offer smart home hubs, which allow you to interact with compatible devices through a central system. The hub itself is typically "plug and play" and easy to set up. But you may need to do some initial troubleshooting to get all of your devices connected.  

Smart lights: This project is as simple as buying and installing light bulbs. However, the upgrade requires coordination with a smart home system because each one has its own requirements and controls. If you already have a home system, be sure the lights you choose are compatible. If you're thinking of buying a new system, keep in mind that it needs to work harmoniously with the products you already have.

Intermediate projects

Cabinet refresh

Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to involve major renovations. You can create a whole new look by changing out the door and drawer pulls, painting your cabinets or removing cabinet doors to create an open-shelving effect. Or, if you have too much wall space and too few cabinets, you can easily install open shelving from scratch. An added bonus: Homes with open shelving sell for 4.2% more than expected. For cabinet tips and other ideas, here are seven ways to upgrade your kitchen without remodeling.

Barn door

Switching out a traditional swinging door or a closet slider for a barn door that glides on a rail can give your room a striking look, as well as open up space and change the furniture arranging possibilities. And your effort might pay off in other ways: Barn doors are associated with a 5% price premium. You’ll need a few tools, another pair of hands, and these step-by-step instructions which cover all the details of how to build and install your own sliding barn door. 

Advanced projects

Board & batten

You may not be familiar with the term, but you’ve probably seen this classic design feature in a number of homes. Precision is required for this one, and that means you need the right tools, namely a measuring tape, a level and a miter saw. Also patience. But if you can imagine a 3D element atop your drywall, you're ready to go, and this guide will walk you through each step of the process. 

Garden shed

If you have the know-how to build a garden shed, you can find any number of plans and tutorials online to suit your taste. And if you’re not quite up for that challenge, you can still improve the one you've got or buy a garden-variety one and make it your own. Start by imagining whether you need it for storage or extra work or living space, and go from there. Homes with a "she shed" are associated with a 3.6% price premium. Here’s some inspiration to create your own custom garden workspace. 

Heated floors

This is the kind of project you can tackle if you missed out on your real vocation and ended up in a desk job. Labor-intensive and requiring the confidence of an accomplished tradesperson (and some math skills), your success in warming your dwelling from the bottom up will make you a hero or heroine in your own home. This project is ideal if you already planned to replace the flooring in a room and have the opportunity to add a heating element in the process. Learn about the different types of radiant flooring and tips for DIY success. Homes with this feature sell for 4.9% more than expected.

 Whatever you decide to do, measure twice and have fun!

*Home sale data is based on a Zillow analysis of listing language and the sales performance of thousands of homes nationwide in 2018 and 2019. Adding these design features to a home does not guarantee or definitively cause the ultimate sale price to increase as much as observed.

Related:

• Before You DIY: 12 Safety Precautions and Best Practices
• Home Improvement Projects: DIY or Hire a Pro?
• 5 Ways to Refresh Your Space

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7 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors at Home

In this current moment when many of us are staying home, one of the best remedies to help alleviate some of the stress is to head outside and get some fresh air - preferably at least six feet or more away from your neighbor. If you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space, whether you have a sprawling backyard or a smidgen of a patio, make the most of it with these seven ideas for improving your outdoor area.

Curate an outdoor lounge space

Had to cancel a beach vacation you planned for spring break or summer? Set up an outdoor lounge space on your patio or in the yard to give your outdoor space a tropical feel. You can either scour the internet for lounge chairs, chaise lounges, hammocks and outdoor sectionals, or create your own, like a one-of-a-kind outdoor lounge bed. All you need to complete this project is a platform bed frame, a futon mattress and outdoor fabric to cover it. (If you're not handy with the sewing machine, this would be a simple task for a local upholsterer to tackle.) Plop some outdoor pillows on top for added comfort and style. 

To complete your lounge, add in some side tables, a few candles and maybe a glass of wine to create that all-inclusive atmosphere.

DIY outdoor movie theater

The movie theaters may be off limits for now, but that doesn't mean you can't re-create the experience in your own private outdoor space. Though you've likely seen elaborate backyard movie theater setups, it doesn't have to be complicated: All you need is a white sheet that can be tautly mounted on a flat surface (a shed or siding on your apartment patio will do just fine), a projector and your phone to play movies, TV shows or whatever else you're binging these days. 

Don't have access to a projector? It's surprisingly simple to make one out of a shoe box, some cardboard and a magnifying glass. Round up your favorite patio chairs or arrange your outdoor cushions, make some popcorn and enjoy your movie with the background noise of the crickets chirping.

Create an outdoor bar

It may be a long while before you can go back to your favorite dive bar or swanky cocktail lounge, so why not create your own for your outdoor space? You can, of course, buy a bar online, or you can repurpose an old table or desk - or even get crafty with some cinder blocks, concrete glue and a few 1 x 6 boards to create your very own. Gather your Bluetooth speaker, your favorite cocktail ingredients and a few glasses to get the ambiance of your favorite bar right at home.

Beautify a barn or shed

A barn or a shed is a utilitarian structure, but that doesn't mean it has to be an eyesore. Spruce it up by painting it a bold color, attaching some shutters, adding some flower boxes, installing a stone path or even stringing up some lights to zhuzh up that forgotten space in the backyard. 

DIY fire pit

Just because many of the state parks or campsites are closed doesn't mean you have to miss out on everyone's favorite camping activity: the campfire. You can easily create a DIY fire pit for your backyard in seven steps, which only requires a few supplies you can pick up curbside at your local home improvement store. Not a big DIYer? You can always buy a prefab fire bowl that's just as effective at creating that warm, cozy campfire glow.

Make an al fresco dining destination

We're all getting a little tired of eating in our kitchens (or, maybe in front of our televisions) night after night. Mix it up a little by making an al fresco dining destination in your backyard or patio. In addition to an outdoor dining table and chairs, lay down an outdoor rug and string up a strand of lights or craft yourself an outdoor chandelier to transform your evening meals. 

Create a meditation zone

Missing your yoga studio? You can still do a restorative practice and a shavasana at home - and make it even better by creating a meditation zone in your backyard. Plant a garden with calming scents like lavender or jasmine, create a stepping stone path to your meditation spot or even build yourself a standing tent or cabana with curtains that blow in the warm, calming breeze. 

 

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Looking for a New Place? Use This Time to Create Your Wishlist

Now that many of us have spent several weeks living inside, we've become quite familiar with our homes - in some cases, maybe too familiar. If you were planning to move before COVID-19, and still plan to do so when the timing is right, you might want to take this time to reflect on what's working and what's not in your current home. For instance, those stairs you've climbed 10 times a day may have kept you moving while you've stayed home, but maybe you'd like stair-free living in your next home. Or perhaps the yard you thought you could do without has now become a must-have.

We've come up with a list of questions to help you pinpoint what you like and don't like about your current home so you can find more comfort and pleasure in your next one.

What's working for you - and what's not?

• On a scale of 1-10, how do you like your current home?
• What's your home's best quality? 
• And its worst quality?
• Do you like the style of your home? If not, is there an architectural style or era you prefer?
• What's your favorite room, and what makes spending time there pleasurable?

Space and flow: How do you feel when you're at home?

• Do you have enough space or too much? Where could you use more/less space?
• How would you describe the layout - an open floor plan or more compartmentalized? Does it suit your lifestyle?
• Do you have enough or too many bedrooms? Bathrooms?
• Do you like the number of levels (single or multistory)? 
• Are you happy with the windows (enough natural light, well-placed, too sunny)? 
• Do you like the fixtures and finishes?
• Is there a specialized room you've never had but have always wanted (such as a home office, workout room, sewing room, laundry room or mudroom)? 

What's outside - and how does it affect your experience of home?

• If you have an outdoor space, do you enjoy spending time there?
• If you don't have one, do you feel like you're missing out?  
• Do you enjoy taking care of a yard… or feel burdened by it (be honest!)? 
• Does your home have curb appeal? If not, what needs to be improved?
• Do you have adequate parking? Is a garage or carport a must-have?
• How much time and effort does the exterior require for upkeep (painting, staining, etc.)?

Your neighborhood: Community connections can make life all the sweeter

• Are you happy with your neighborhood? Think about all its characteristics, including walkability, parks, nearby activities, density, noise level and neighbor involvement.
• Do you have to travel far for basics such as groceries or a doctor's appointment?
• Are you happy with your commute?
• Are there enough activities going on around you - or too many?

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