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Stop Waiting – Organize The Garage

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed every time you look into your garage because it has become quite cluttered with items that you really don’t need or want, it is time to start clearing the clutter and organizing to make the best use of your space. This can be a simple task if you go in with a plan and create organized storage space. You can transform the garage in a short amount of time, and here is how.

First thing? Throw out or donate items that you do not need anymore. After you’ve done that task, sort out the remaining items into groups. The items that can be used together, should be stored together. You might want to consider using clear storage containers with lids, since it might be easier for you to locate items and also it will help to encourage you to only keep what you need and use.

Once everything is grouped and stored, you will want to consider where you wish to position the storage containers. What items do you use most? You will need to make sure those items are the most easily accessible. Put rarely used or seasonal items in the harder-to-reach spots.

The main focus of keeping a clean, organized garage is storing the containers up above on shelves and off the floor. Capitalize on your wall space! This will help you fit more items while keeping it all visible and easy to access. There are many types of wall storage units, and many homeowners opt for one or a combination of the most popular choices to include pegboards, open shelving, closed cabinets, and panelized systems. For your most infrequently used items, the ceiling or garage attic space can provide an ideal storage space, but keep in mind that ceiling storage must be placed in back, so that it doesn’t interfere with the garage door.

Now is the best time to get your garage in order and get to work!

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Is It Time to Update Your Bathroom?

Just like your bedroom, your bathroom should be a relaxing place. Whether you unwind in the shower or with a hot bath, making sure your bathroom is a place of comfort and not stressful is key to making your home a happier place. Because it is a room you will definitely spend time in every single day, these signs might indicate that it is time for some changes and some tips to help you do so.

Bathroom Light Fixtures

1. Poor Lighting
You can consider investing in brighter bulbs and updating your light fixtures. You might want to check-out some great LED light fixture options. They’re environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

2. No Storage Space
You may want to install a larger vanity, or additional shelving.

3. Outdated Paint Color
Updating your wall color with something more neutral, light, and timeless can help bring your bathroom back to life. You may want to consider using Low VOC paint, since it’s less toxic and also it has a low odor than other paints.

4. That ‘Bathroom’ Scent
Checking for mold, fixing any leaks, or adding ventilation can help relieve any scent you can’t seem to get rid of.

5. Leaks
Calling a plumber to make repairs is usually necessary if you have brown water stains or water leaks.

6. Time to Sell
If you’re getting ready to sell, you may want to consider updating whatever needs updating can increase your home value.

White Bathroom
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5 Tips to Create a Home Bar

Tips For Creating A Home Bar

So many Twin Cities businesses have been affected by the events of 2020, causing permanent and temporary closures of many of our favorite spots—including the corner bar. The local watering hole has always been a great place to meet friends, watch sports, and unwind after work.

Many Twin Cities homeowners have used this time at home to work on home improvement projects. Why not consider adding or improving a home bar to the list? Making simple changes can have a large impact.

Moody Paint – Carve out an unused nook and paint it a dark, masculine color. Think of the old speakeasy with dark wood and soft lighting.

Sophisticated Seating – If your space allows, create a lounge-style
atmosphere with barstools or a bistro set. A black or wood finish will
emphasize the feel of a bar.

Stock Up – The key to a great bar is having the right tools and ingredients. Retailers offer a variety of styles for such items as shakers, muddlers, corkscrews, among others. Don’t forget the alcohol and mixers.

Open Up – Open glass shelving will showcase your style. Save money by displaying the liquor bottles themselves instead of decanters.

Make It Mobile – If you don’t have extra space for your bar, there are a multitude of bar carts to not only suit your style but allow you to go where the party is.

If you’ve exhausted your weekend to-do list, consider spending a little time to create a home bar. With a little thought and attention, you can entertain in style, even if you’re alone.

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Heated Flooring – Is It Worth the Cost?

MN Heated Floors

It seems like everybody is remodeling these days. With everyone spending more time at home, not only are the dated features of our properties more obvious, but we also have the time and flexibility to meet contractors and supervise changes. New flooring is always a popular upgrade and heated floors are one option worth considering, especially in the Minnesota cold winter months.

Twin Cities Bathroom

Heated floors involve adding heating elements under the flooring materials. Many people love a heated tile floor in the bathroom, or heated laminate in a chilly basement. Today’s radiant heating systems are more durable and energy-efficient than ever before and, with proper maintenance, can last over 30 years.

While more expensive upfront, heated floors save money by lowering the amount of heating needed from the furnace. Since heat rises, the furnace does not need to work as hard to warm the same space. Radiant floors are also great for allergy sufferers. Forced air furnaces push dirt, dust, and pollen through the vents, which can be irritating—especially during winter months when homes are closed off to outdoor breezes.

Even with these advantages, the decision to install heated floors is not necessarily an easy one. Radiant floors can be rather expensive. A radiant floor system could cost more than replacing a furnace with a new energy-efficient model; however, the radiant floor can also last about 3 times as long. Heated flooring also heats up more slowly than a furnace, so upgrading to a smart home version will help ensure the floors are heated when they need to be.

Modern Bathroom

Radiant heated floors are becoming more popular and affordable. When remodeling or replacing flooring, they are a great upgrade to traditional floors and will save in energy and maintenance costs over the years while providing comfort and warmth in the home.

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7 Carpet Cleaning Hacks You Need to Try

Carpet is making a comeback. While the last couple of decades have trended toward hardwood floors and travertine tiles, 2020 has seen a resurgence of wall-to-wall carpet in interior design. With bold designs and colors that have modernized an old standby, carpet has once again taken center stage. Whether you have wall-to-wall carpet or just a few rooms of it, keeping carpet clean and stain-free is always desirable.

Of course, you can always call in a professional carpet cleaner, but it’s not that scary to tackle carpet dirt and stains on your own. You can save on professional cleaning services with these do-it-yourself carpet cleaning hacks.

  1. Try a Lint Roller – Dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and spills like flour, rice, glitter, and other tiny particles can be pulled from the carpet with a good old lint roller.
  2. Use a Squeegee – A damp squeegee will remove even stubborn pet hair from carpets.
  3. Blot, Don’t Rub – Carefully and gently blot stains with your cleaning solution to keep them from spreading and soaking deeper into the fiber.
  4. Deep Clean with DIY Cleaning Solutions – White vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and more can be used to safely and cost-effectively clean your carpet. Consider these eco-friendly solutions the next time you clean.
  5. Bring the Heat – Carefully heating a stain with a blow dryer will help loosen the stain and make removal easier.
  6. Shaving Cream – This budget-friendly solution is an excellent cleaning solution for small spaces and leaves carpet fresh and clean.
  7. DIY Deodorizer – Keep carpets smelling clean by mixing Borax, baking soda, and a few drops of essential oil; sprinkle and vacuum after a few minutes.

    Whatever your opinion about carpet, it’s here to stay. Keep yours clean and long-lasting by using these carpet cleaning hacks in your home.
Carpet