Blog by Beebe Cline, PREC*

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How Lumber Shortages Are Affecting Home Builds Globally

May 28th, 2021
Covid-19 closedowns coupled with a building boom — even bushfires and a beetle plague — have combined to dramatically limit the amount of wood available for home construction around the world. Houzz editors in affected countries have examined the origins of the problem and the ripple effect on their construction industries and talk to professionals and homeowners on the ground to see how they ...

10 Ways to Turn Your Backyard Into a Resort-Inspired Retreat

May 26th, 2021
Imagine stepping into an outdoor space and seeing a swaying hammock, glowing garden lights and bold tropical foliage, and hearing the sound of water trickling from a fountain. Can you already feel yourself sinking into vacation-relaxation mode? With a handful of design moves, your backyard can become a daily oasis designed just for you. Take cues from high-end resorts for furniture choices a ...

How to Choose a Paint Color

May 24th, 2021
Putting a new paint color on the walls is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to transform a room. But where do you start if you haven’t already picked out a color? An interior designer or color consultant can help you hone in on the general color you want, such as yellow, gray, white or green. A pro can also advise you on the specific paint color to choose. But before you commi ...

How to Declutter and Organize Your Things When Downsizing

May 4th, 2021
When it comes to downsizing space, moving may not be as simple as just packing everything in boxes and unpacking them at your new home. Moving in any situation can be overwhelming. But if the new space is smaller or the room configurations aren’t the same as in your current home, it will take some planning and thought on where you should place and store your belongings. Moving may feel intim ...

How to Design a Kitchen That’s Easy to Clean

April 30th, 2021
The kitchen tends to be the room in our home that needs the most cleaning. The good news is that, with a little planning, you can have a design that makes cleaning a breeze and allows you to spend less time mopping and more time enjoying your space. Check out these expert tips from Eva Byrne of Houseology; Nicolle Whyte, designer at Harvey Jones; and Louise Delaney, design manager at Cameron ...

7 Tips for Designing Your Bedroom

April 28th, 2021
Have you ever been in a room that just feels right? Nine times out of 10, it’s because it has a simple design that functions well. But creating a simple design is harder than it looks — particularly in bedrooms. Why? Because every bedroom absolutely has to have a bed in it. And beds are big and ungainly, and dictate the placement of every other object in the room. But if you’re lucky enough ...

10 Ideas to Make Every Day at Home a Little Better

April 26th, 2021
When imagining how you can improve your daily life, it’s normal to think big: outfit a new kitchen, redesign the bathroom or extend the loft. But little changes — like giving yourself a future present or creating a “done” list — can go a long way too. Check out these suggestions for more happiness right now.1. Put Up a Picture We’re not talking about investing in expensive artwork — this is ...

The Well-Stocked Minimalist

April 14th, 2021
Is it possible to maintain a well-stocked and clutter-free home? On the surface it may seem these are polar opposites, but I like to think of them as more akin to two sides of a scale. Whether I’m decluttering or making a purchase, the goal I keep in mind for my own home is to have just enough of just the right stuff. This is stuff that helps make life easier or simpler, or saves time and mon ...

When Simplifying, Which Papers to Keep and Which to Toss?

March 28th, 2021
Downsizing to a smaller home often makes it necessary to rethink your paper stash — especially when you are shifting from a large home office to a workspace the size of a cubbyhole. Sorting paper can be time consuming, so it can help to have some guidelines as you declutter. Here are some tips for dealing with nine specific categories of paper, as well as ground rules on what you should keep ...

Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

March 24th, 2021
With the days lengthening and weather warming, spring is a good time to get outdoors and tackle some larger home projects. With the threat of winter storms past, you can look for damage and make any needed repairs, as well as prep your home and garden for summer. We spoke with an expert to get some tips on what to watch for this season, from proper irrigation to mosquitoes and termites (oh my ...

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