Tag: homedecor

Entertainment, Style

Chilly Fall Evenings

Lora Knows...

Hot days are gone and the average temperature, where I live in North Carolina, is in the low 70s with much cooler evenings. This means it is time to change our outdoor space from summer to fall. This can be achieved by adding some decorative touches, but mostly by adding a heat source so no one gets chilly while we hangout. Here are a few options:

Firepit

Wood-burning firepits are popular, for some there is nothing like the smell of burning wood on a cool evening. However, I’m not a fan of building a fire and all the cleanup that follows – so for me, I love a gas fireplace table. There are numerous types of firepits, choose the one that suits you best and enjoy.

Patio Heater

When it gets even more chilly through the season, use a patio heater. These can be either gas or electric and vary in size. I love when a restaurant has them and you can enjoy a cozy night with friends over drinks and charceuterie.

Outdoor Fireplace

You can have a custom fireplace built in your outdoor space. These fireplaces are much larger than firepits and can warm a large area. The only drawback, for me, is it is there all year long. Unlike a gas fireplace table that is smaller, decorative and gives off some heat, I can’t see many using a wood burning fireplace on those hot July nights.

Real Estate

Fall Home Projects

Lora Knows...

Soon the days will grow shoter, the leaves will start to change colors, and the temperatures will cool down – all this will mean fall has arrived. Fall is a great time to do some home maintenance projects, here are a few to consider:

Prep Fireplace
A good rule of thumb is to have your wood-burning fireplace checked by a professional chimney sweep once a year. A professional can clean the inside of your chimney to remove materials, such as soot and creosote, that are common causes of house fires. They’ll also check to make sure the chimney cap and damper are working correctly, as well as point out any masonry damage. If you have a gas or electric fireplace, this is a great time to clean it and make sure everything is good.

Clean Gutters
Your gutters have the significant job of channeling thousands of gallons of water away from your home each year, but they can become clogged with everything from leaves to dirt, which may lead to water backing up onto your roof or inside your home. So, take time to inspect and clean your home’s gutters. You may want to wait until later in the season to perform this task to avoid leaves ruining your hard work, or you can install a mesh guard that will prevent leaves, twigs, and other large debris from creating blockages.

Prep Furnace
With winter on the way, autumn is the perfect time to get your furnace ready for the colder months ahead. Make sure to change your furnace filter, as debris caught in the filter may reduce airflow and cause an energy deficiency. Fall is also a great time to have your heating system checked by a professional to ensure it’s prepared to run efficiently throughout winter.

Organize Garage
Your garage may become a catchall space for various outdoor items, including bikes, patio furniture, and lawn care equipment. However, you can avoid this clutter by organizing your garage. Make use of the wall space with cabinets and shelves to open up floor space. However, ensure any storage you install can sufficiently hold the weight of the items you’re adding. You can also use ceiling hooks to keep items like bikes out of the way.

Real Estate, Style

2023 Colors of the Year

Lora Knows...

Throughout the year, there are moments of home transformations. As January arrives, all the decorations are neatly tucked away, and Spring is dedicated to thorough cleaning. Summer is all about enjoyment, but what about Fall? Personally, I believe Fall presents an excellent opportunity for painting projects.

Here are some of the top colors for 2023!

“People are ready to bring color back into the home, taking a step outside their color comfort zones. Raspberry Blush 2008-30 and the Color Trends 2023 palette empower the use of statement colors that deliver delight and personality, while transforming rooms for incredible results.” — Andrea Magno, Color Marketing & Development Director, Benjamin Moore

“Blank Canvas effortlessly offers a clean and inviting blank slate that allows individuality and creativity to flow freely. This white easily harmonizes with a wide range of hues, including neutrals, earth tones and pastels for a charming and cozy appeal. Blank Canvas also pairs beautifully with black for a dramatic impact, and with bright accents like green or cobalt blue to instantly lift your mood.” — Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services, Behr Paint Company

“Redend Point‘s subtle pink undertones make it easy to incorporate into any space. It delivers an enveloping warmth that instantly makes you feel at home. Build on its earthiness by utilizing the hue alongside natural-looking textiles and wood accents or create a desert oasis by layering terracotta shades and clay materials.” — Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing, Sherwin-Williams