Consumer Corner
DIY Home Upgrades to Add Style and Beauty
(Family Features) Home upgrades are necessary for a variety of reasons, but many homeowners look to update their homes to add comfort and beauty. While a complete renovation can be appealing, it can also be costly and time consuming.
However, if you’re willing to take on some of the work yourself, there are ways to upgrade your living spaces to add style (and value) without the assistance of a contractor. Consider these DIY ideas to spruce up your home’s aesthetics and create a more attractive place to live.
Freshen Up Paint
When it comes to simple DIY projects, a new coat of paint can drastically update your spaces without making major renovations. Light colors like gray, beige or white can make smaller spaces feel more open while darker shades like navy and purple can create a dramatic look. If you don’t want (or need) to paint the entire room, adding a pop of color with an accent wall or touching up the trim are quick and easy improvements. Adding paint to a less traditional spot like the ceiling or refreshing cabinets with a new color can also help bring your spaces to life.
Install Mess-Free Stone Accents
If you’re looking to add warmth and texture, easy-to-install stone veneer can provide the look of natural stone without the expense. A mortarless option like ClipStone is designed to be installed with screws and common tools, making it easy to achieve the look of traditional masonry without the hassle and mess. Durable and low maintenance, you don’t have to worry about sealing or painting and it’s a perfect option for exterior or interior installation that can be installed in any weather conditions. Available in a variety of styles and colors, homeowners can mix and match to create a custom look. Plus, it features a built-in water management system, overlapping edges to minimize gaps, reversible outside corners and a variety of available accessories.
Upgrade Window Treatments
Windows can often be overlooked or left with the simple paper shades or aluminum blinds the builder initially installed. Consider replacing them with plantation shutters, wooden blinds or drapes that better suit the style of the room. In addition to blinds, curtains provide another opportunity to add design elements that align with your tastes. From geometric panels to sheers, the possibilities are nearly endless. Or simply match the curtain panels to the color of your walls or an accent color for a look that can match almost any style.
Update Accessories
Cabinet pulls, outlet covers, curtain rods, switch plates and doorknobs are easily ignored, but replacing them can be an inexpensive way to add small touches of elegance to your home. With a variety of designs and finishes to choose from, including bronze, brushed nickel, copper and stainless steel, updating worn pull handles and knobs can create an affordable look that appears expensive. The same is true for metal switch covers and outlet plates. While decorative curtain rods may be on the pricier side, adding a coat of paint in a metallic finish could provide a cheaper alternative.
Improve Curb Appeal
There are a multitude of inexpensive ways to give your home’s exterior a makeover. Start by pressure washing your siding and windows, which can make your house look almost as good as a fresh coat of paint for a fraction of the time and money. Remember to also clean your driveway, patio and walkways to maximize your investment. Pulling weeds, trimming trees and bushes, and patching bald spots in the yard can also go a long way as can planting greenery in front of your home and making landscaping upgrades like adding mulch beds, water features or decorative edging. Another idea: replace your front door or give it a fresh coat of paint to add a pop of color to your porch.
Find more ideas for improving your living spaces at myclipstone.com.
DIY Home Upgrades to Add Style and Beauty
SOURCE:
Cornerstone Building Brands
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. /PRNewswire/ — Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC (“Greystar”), a global leader in the investment, development, and management of real estate, including rental housing, logistics and life sciences, today announced that the latest Everleigh-branded active adult community Everleigh Deerfield, developed in partnership with SofMac, is now accepting pre-leases.
“Everleigh Deerfield is the type of active adult community that is in high demand, especially in a desirable area like Forsyth County,” John Roberson, Managing Director – Greystar Atlanta said. “Our Everleigh communities embrace a commitment to our residents’ wellness through programming that embraces health and fitness and social wellbeing with activities that touch on spiritual awareness, environmental stewardship, intellectual inquiry, emotional health and artistry.”
The community offers floorplans in studio, one- and two-bedroom layouts that range from 656 sq. ft. to 1,728 sq. ft. Apartment homes will feature granite counter tops, tile backsplashes, stainless steel appliances, wood plank-style flooring, full-size washer and dryer, designer lighting, tiled showers, plush carpeting in bedrooms and private balconies available in select units.
Everleigh Deerfield’s amenity offering is headlined by a pickleball court. Other amenities include a fitness center, dog park, creative arts studio, community garden, game room, outdoor grills and tech lounge.
The community is close to Avalon, a regional mixed-use development, that has more than 500,000 sq. ft. of upscale retail and restaurants. Halcyon Village, just two miles from Everleigh Deerfield, is another mixed-use development nearby that has breweries, restaurants, shops and coworking space. Nearby employers include Microsoft, T-Mobile, AT&T, GE, Northside Hospital and Kaiser Permanente.
Greystar launched the Everleigh by Greystar brand in 2017 with a focus on delivering a high-quality living experience for 55+ active adults, with sophisticated spaces and a unique environment that encourages continued growth, connection and vitality.
Everleigh Deerfield is scheduled to open in Summer 2024. For more information, please visit liveeverleigh.com/communities/Deerfield.
About Greystar
Greystar is a leading, fully integrated global real estate company offering expertise in property management, investment management, development, and construction services in institutional-quality rental housing, logistics, and life sciences sectors. Headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, Greystar manages and operates more than $275 billion of real estate in 238 markets globally with offices throughout North America, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Greystar is the largest operator of apartments in the United States, manages more than 803,000 units/beds globally, and has a robust institutional investment management platform comprised of more than $74 billion of assets under management, including nearly $32 billion of development assets. Greystar was founded by Bob Faith in 1993 to become a provider of world-class service in the rental residential real estate business. To learn more, visit www.greystar.com.
About SofMac
SofMac Partners is an investment manager and developer mandated by private investors and select institutional investors to gain exposure to targeted rental housing sectors in growth markets in the U.S. In partnership with Greystar, SofMac has eight projects in different stages of development representing over US$300m in AUM.
SOURCE Greystar
SAN FRANCISCO /PRNewswire/ — Pacaso, the leading technology-enabled real estate marketplace that helps people buy, co-own, and sell a luxury second home, today announces the launch of Season Two of the “Second Home” podcast, where celebrities, athletes, doctors, designers, tastemakers, and entrepreneurs reveal how they live an enriched life and the role real estate plays in it. Hosted by Pacaso’s own Lucy Wohltman, Senior Vice President of New Development, and Andreas Madsen, Chief Revenue Officer, this season promises profound insights into the transformative power of second homes. It also facilitates intimate conversations about guests’ lives, spanning from discussions with individuals boasting numerous Grand Slam trophies to hearing artist Gray Malin’s captivating account of capturing a photo while suspended from a helicopter.
In Season Two, “Second Home” hosts a diverse lineup of engaging and influential guests, including the multi-talented designer and entrepreneur, Jenni Kayne; fine art photographer, Gray Malin; Optimism Doctor, Deepika Chopra; talented interior designer and hospitality professional, Jay Jeffers; Olympic gold medalist and decorated tennis player, Bethanie Mattek-Sands; and vintner, Jean-Charles Boisset.
“The common thread from guest to guest is they all feel as if they live their best life in their second home. Whether it is a matter of having more time for hobbies or the joy of entertaining friends around the kitchen island, a retreat can translate to happiness,” said Lucy Wohltman.
“From debating pickleball versus tennis to transporting ourselves to second homes in Tahoe, Northern California’s wine country, and beyond, this season was a blast to record,” said Andreas Madsen. “Hearing the incredible range of stories, such as Jenni Kayne’s hygge expertise, and delving into topics ranging from the art of anticipation and its impact on our everyday joy, it’s fascinating to see how each individual personalizes their primary and second homes, creating the ideal setting for their cherished memories.”
Noteworthy Season One guests included actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Eva Longoria; point guard for the Los Angeles Clippers John Wall; 16-season NFL quarterback Alex Smith; fitness and wellness pioneer Tracy Anderson; athlete and motivational coach Alex Toussaint; in addition to the well-known Jordyn Woods, Montell and Kristin Jordan, and Arie Luyendyk.
“Second Home” new episodes are released bi-weekly. The podcast is available to listen on Pacaso’s website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.
About Pacaso
Pacaso® is a technology-enabled marketplace that modernizes real estate co-ownership to make a second home possible and enjoyable for more people. Pacaso curates luxury listings with premium amenities and high-end contemporary interior design, offers ⅛ to ½ ownership with integrated financing, and, after purchase, professionally manages the home and supports seamless resale. Co-founded by Austin Allison and Spencer Rascoff in 2020, Pacaso operates in 40 top second home destinations around the world. Pacaso has been certified as a Great Place to Work and is recognized as one of Glassdoor’s 2022 Best Places to Work.
Learn more about Pacaso and view listings at Pacaso.com and connect with @PacasoHomes on Instagram and Twitter.
SOURCE Pacaso
Consumer Corner
8TH ANNUAL ELITE TRADES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES TO AIR ON CBS SPORTS NETWORK IN DECEMBER
SYCAMORE, Ill. /PRNewswire/ — Intersport and IDEAL® INDUSTRIES, INC. announced that the 8th annual IDEAL® Elite Trades Championship Series will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network on Fridays throughout December, highlighting the skills and craftsmanship of the nation’s top tradespeople. This year’s championship finals featured intense competitions across the electrical, HVAC, automotive and plumbing trades.
With a spotlight on both trades professionals and apprentices, the month-long broadcast series will highlight the importance of critical trades and underscores the importance of nurturing new talent in these imperative fields. Each event will air at 7 p.m. CST on CBS Sports Network’s Friday night line-up on the following dates:
- December 8: IDEAL Electrical Championship (7p.m. CST)
- December 15: ServiceTitan HVAC National Championship (7p.m. CST)
- December 22: U.S. Auto Tech National Championship Driven by Yokohama (7p.m. CST)
- December 29: inaugural Plumbing National Championship (6pm CST)
“The skilled trades are the backbone of our infrastructure, and the Elite Trades Championship Series aims to shine a light on the exceptional talent of these dedicated professionals,” said ETCS General Manager Scott Mendel. “We look forward to highlighting the importance and achievements of this year’s finalists with communities nationwide on CBS Sports Network this December.”
The top three finalists of each field shared a prize pool of more than $300,000 in cash and sponsor-provided awards. Finalists were culled from a rigorous series of qualifying events over several months before dueling head-to-head in a custom-built arena that challenges and honors their vital skills. Below are the 2023 winners from the October 26-28 competitions at the Tampa Convention Center, highlighted by Craig Childress who won in both HVAC and plumbing.
“I don’t think anything’s really sunk in yet. This has been an unbelievable experience,” said Childress on securing multiple titles. “It’s a wonderful accomplishment to be able to be the first person to compete in and win two competitions. Means the world to me. I’ve put a lot of time into the trades, but something like this—to be able to give back and show the future generations of tradesmen and women coming up—is important.”
| Competition | 1st place | 2nd place | 3rd place |
| IDEAL Electrical Championship | Jose Renteria(Elk River, MN) | Dino Gualandri(La Salle, IL) | Devin Slifer(Greenup, KY) |
| ServiceTitan HVAC National Championship (professional) | Craig Childress(Peabody, MA) | Dagner Espinosa(Tampa, FL) | Lee Morris Jr.(Charleston, SC) |
| HVAC (apprentice) | Patrick Boldt(Leipsic, OH) | Johnathon Helms(Portville, NY) | Billy Dahmen(Niles, MI) |
| U.S. Auto Tech National Championship Driven by Yokohama (professional) | David Borer(New Riegel, OH) | Bill Woods(Delta, PA) | Andy Buehler(Sidney, OH) |
| Auto Tech (student) | Yanick Tanguay(Lima, OH) | Randy Giroux(Lima, OH) | Grant Disser (Lima, OH) |
| Plumbing National Championship | Craig Childress(Peabody, MA) | David Shanor(Fairfax, VA) | Joe Jaspers(Cincinnati, OH) |
In addition to the prize packages, sponsors also provided products and software used in the competition. For instance, all four competitions featured ladders from Little Giant Ladders. The Auto Tech portion saw finalists use Challenger Lift portable mid-rise car lifts, AutoZone’s ALLDATA OEM repair information software, Yokohama tires and parts from Wagner, MOOG, Monroe and Champion. Plumbing finalists used fittings courtesy of Sharkbite. HVAC competitors used Flex power tools, ServiceTitan software, Johnstone Supply material and tools, RLS fittings and Trane and American Standard condensers, coils, CleanEffects filters and furnaces. For the electrical competitions, Cerrowire service and feeder conductors and branch circuits were used. Service installation also used IDEAL hand tools and electrical supplies and Siemens exterior load center and meter.
About Intersport
Intersport is an award-winning agency and leader in the creation of ideas, content and experiences that attract and engage passionate audiences. Its industry-leading team offers expert insights in content marketing, customer engagement, experiential marketing, hospitality, production and sponsorship consulting. The Chicago-based agency also owns and operates events across the professional and collegiate sports landscape, including basketball, football, golf, pickleball and volleyball. The Elite Trades Championship Series is one of the flagship platforms developed by Intersport to recognize and elevate various trades across the nation. Intersport has been headquartered in Chicago since its inception in 1985, with additional offices in Boston, Detroit and New York. Learn more at www.intersport.global and on social media (LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook).
About IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. is a global, diversified family-owned business designing and manufacturing superior products for the electrical, lighting and infrastructure industries. The 105-year-old company was founded in 1916 to forge ideal relationships with customers, employees, partners and communities. The company has consistently grown and expanded under five generations of family ownership. For more information, visit www.idealindustries.com.
SOURCE INTERSPORT INC
-
Community9 months agoDiana Gregory Talks to us about Diana Gregory’s Outreach Services
-
Senior Pickleball Report10 months ago
ACE PICKLEBALL CLUB TO DEBUT THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED INDOOR PICKLEBALL FRANCHISES IN THE US, IN EARLY 2023
-
Entertainment12 months ago
The Absolute Most Comfortable Pickleball Shoe I’ve Ever Worn!
-
Blog10 months ago
Unique Experiences at the CitizenM
-
Automotive9 months ago
2023 Nissan Sentra pricing starts at $19,950
-
Senior Pickleball Report10 months ago
“THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS OF PICKLEBALL” – VOTING OPEN
-
influencers9 months ago
Keeping Pickleball WEIRD, INEXPENSIVE and FUN? These GUYS are!
-
Blog11 months ago
Assistory Showing Support on Senior Assist Day
