How to Increase the Value of Your Home
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How to Increase the Value of Your Home

Home improvement is practically an American pastime, with millions of homeowners completing projects each year. while renovations will generally improve your quality of life, many don’t actually provide a financial return.

β€œIn most cases, only home projects that add additional functionality or livable square footage add to the home’s value,” says David Steckel, home expert at home services marketplace Thumbtack.

The exceptions are kitchen and bathroom upgrades, as well as extensive enhancements to the exterior such as a new roof, windows or landscaping because these projects can elevate the home’s feel.

To identify projects that can increase your property value

Bold Beautiful Summer Table Under the Stars
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Bold Beautiful Summer Table Under the Stars

summer tables

Those bold and beautiful saturated colors are perfect for a summer table setting. Whether you set up for a gathering indoors or out under the stars- using a pop of pretty with bold and beautiful colors is a perfect way to welcome guests and create a magical setting.

Summer Table Setting

This table was inspired by these beautiful coral blooms. I first thought of putting these arrangements on the table and adding a garland to the rock fireplace to echo the look. But while setting up the lion fountain and ivy wall talked to me and so, I decided to

The most popular home projects are not the ones with the best returns
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The most popular home projects are not the ones with the best returns

Millennial homeowners shift toward renovating instead of selling, says BofA's Liz Suzuki

Most homeowners are planning to remodel at some point down the road, but not everyone will get their money’s worth in improving home value.

Of all home improvement projects, the most popular are sparkling bathroom overhauls, according to newly released data from the Contractor Growth Network, followed by big-ticket kitchen and basement renovations.

In some cases, homeowners may get that money back when it’s time to sell, but more often, these home renovations rarely bring a great return.

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getting grand with flowers – MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME
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getting grand with flowers – MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME

I was recently lucky enough to spend 24 hours in the Loire Valley. We have a tour there at the end of August, and I need to check some addresses – never a hardship!

I had heard about the amazing flowers at the Chateau de Chenonceaux, and was determined to see what all the fuss was about.

I was not disappointed. They know a lot about getting grand with flowers!

Chenonceaux itself is a truly stunning chateaux that spans the Cher river from bank to bank. The history of the place dates back to the 16th century, and each age

A Flower Garden Weekend View
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A Flower Garden Weekend View

Happy Weekend everyone. This week, the weekend view looks a lot like summer- warm weather, sunshine filled days and blooms in the garden.

Garden Blooms

After a long cold, crazy low snow and atmospheric rain filled winter- the garden is giving us so much love and energy right now. And I am soaking up every. little. bit of it. I wandered the garden this morning before the hot weather and gathered up a big basket of beautiful peonies- I’m obsessed as you know. I spent a bit of time clipping the spent lavender too and will do a blog post