Joe Sells The Poconos
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, granite countertops are in less demand today, while the use of quartz is on the rise.
Why? For one thing, man-made quartz countertops are offered in a far greater range of looks and feels. Reason number two: it’s a bit easier to maintain over the long haul, and it’s deemed a better environmental choice because it emits lower levels of radon—a potentially cancer-causing agent. To be fair, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains...
Preparing your home for a winter storm can be a hassle, especially when done last minute, so make sure to plan ahead and take these necessary precautions this winter season.
Double check for supplies
You may think you have shovels, flashlights, and extra fuel ready to go, but don’t rely on last year’s stock to get you through the season. You don’t want to be forced to go on the dreaded last-minute hardware or grocery store run. If a storm is on the horizon, make sure to make a list of what...
If you’ve purchased a home with an existing fireplace or are interested in installing one, there are a few things you should know. There are a handful of different fireplace types—each with its own unique maintenance and operating requirements—that homeowners need to be well-versed in for safety and cosmetic purposes.
Woodburning fireplaceLooking for a traditional type of fireplace? A woodburning version may be right for you. It requires a chimney (which adds on maintenance costs) and you’ll ne...
Winter is a tough time for our well-being. Hygge (hoo-guh), a Danish lifestyle concept that emphasizes comfort, minimalism, togetherness, and coziness, is your secret weapon for preparing your home for winter. Shut out the cold with plush throws, pleasant scents, and wooden accents.
Create a cozy atmosphere with textiles
Textile art was a major trend in winter 2019, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Display a macrame tapestry to make your space feel comfortable and welcoming. Cuddle up...
While older homes are full of charm, characteristics and nuances that won’t be found in a newly constructed home, the odds are good that unless there have been some major upgrades over the years, its energy efficiency rating will be nowhere near that of a new home.
A stroll through leaves can be the best of times, but cleaning them up can be the worst of times—unless you know how to do it efficiently and effectively.
Tips for leaf removal
Check with your township first to see what’s allowed and what leaf-removal services it offers. Use a lawnmower or a leaf blower to mulch leaves, and spread the mulch around your yard for better grass. If you have a compost pile, add your unmulched leaves to it. Add leaves to your garden to create soil-enriching garden...
Some people see a small living room as a cozy, intimate space. Others say they simply feel cramped. For those who fall into the latter category, professional decorators offer the following seven tips for making any living area look more spacious:
Clear out the clutter. Nothing makes a room look cramped like having too much stuff in it. Move magazines, collections and small décor items onto shelves, into drawers, or behind table skirts.Open the pathway. When furniture blocks the view into a ro...
