On Trend at Home with the Color of the Year

If you’re like one of the millions of people forgoing a vacation this year, you might instead be looking for ways to make your home more comfortable, fresh, and even appealing to potential buyers. You’re not alone: according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau report, home centers, hardware stores, garden centers, and building materials suppliers have seen close to a 25 percent increase in sales from last year alone. Recent research from Consumer Specialists and the Home Projects Council found that 57 percent of homeowners put an emphasis on home improvement during the first three months of COVID-19. As the pandemic continues and the colder weather sets in, more and more of us will have time to focus on making those improvements that we keep putting off. 

One of the most popular upgrades that people usually enjoy doing themselves is painting which just also happens to be a fantastic project for fall. The weather is cool enough for the paint to dry quickly, but not so cold that leaving windows open for a day becomes unbearable. Indoor painting can be tedious but it’s also a job that will give your home a major facelift with a little time and effort. 

With that in mind, the question then becomes, “what color should I paint my room?” This is, of course, a very personal choice, but with the real estate market booming and many people looking at potentially listing their home in the near future, choosing something that’s trendy and modern is an option worth considering. 

Around this time of year, the major paint brands unveil their “Color of the Year”, a hue that's often chosen for its likeability, longevity, and how it captures and enhances interior design forecasting for the future. The first paint company out of the gate is Sherwin-Williams, which announced that Urbane Bronze is their Color of the Year for 2021. Equal parts trendy and timeless, the deep organic shade was chosen for both its connection to nature and the warmth it provides when incorporated into a home sanctuary.

According to Sherwin-Williams, “Now more than ever, our homes have become the backdrop to our lives, reminding us that the moments worth cherishing have always been right in front of us. As we're looking to create the ultimate retreat for reflection and renewal, we're turning to a hue whose natural simplicity and nature-inspired energy cultivate a sense of calm from the ground up.” Say that three times fast. 

If dark paint colors aren’t your style, Urbane Bronze can be used as an accent with warmer neutrals such as a popular Modern Gray or the company’s Messenger Bag, which offers a slightly more khaki feel. 

Wondering what your other options might be? Stay tuned: Benjamin Moore will be making their Color of the Year announcement on October 14th. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

DIY Home Projects To Tackle While Sheltering in Place

This week’s cascade of COVID-19 developments might have you staying home a little bit more than planned this weekend. While many of us are feeling healthy, if you’re like me, you can’t help but take social distancing seriously for the sake of others. So if you’re cooped up with not much to do and if you’re feeling well, here are a few around the house projects that you can get out of the way this weekend.

Painting

This weekend is looking cool, which means it’s a great time to give the rooms inside your home an instant facelift with a coat of fresh paint. This job is perfect for this kind of weather because you can open up the windows to let the paint dry quickly and evenly. If you’re wondering what’s on-trend this year, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year is a very pale pink called First Light 2102-70 while Sherwin-Williams has opted for a deep navy called Naval SW 6244.

Yard Pick Up

Raking leaves is a rotten task but with a little early spring maintenance, you’ll be able to pick up winter debris and give the lawn a good thatching. Invest in an ergonomic rake so you don’t hurt your back and shoulders and consider composting to enjoy beautiful soil for flower and vegetable planting. 

Mulching

My daughter had me hard at work all week helping her mulch the front beds in her yard. While it’s still a little early, it looks like winter weather is behind us so there is no reason to get started now. Be sure to rake your beds first and consider a weed treatment of your choice before you pick up your mulch. If you need some delivered, just give me a call. 

Wood Floor Treatment

If your floors are looking a bit dull, brighten them up by giving them a light sanding and a few coats of polyurethane. Wood can be tough to maintain because it’s used and abused so often, but if you have a maintenance schedule that you stick to every few years, you’ll not only keep them looking great, you’ll also lengthen their lifecycle. Keep those floors shining by putting felt pads on furniture legs and avoid any cleaners with ammonia, vinegar or harsh chemicals.

Deck Staining

Make sure no rain is in the forecast, as you’ll want a few sunny days to ensure your stain dries properly. Sweep or blow any leaves and pesky whirlybirds from the surface, cracks, and crevasses of the deck. Apply a cleaner or use a power washer to get rid of any mold and mildew and replace missing nails or screws to ensure no one nicks their toes. Always apply stain on a dry surface in thin coats to get the best result. 

Do you have a weekend project that you’re tackling while stuck around the house? I’d love to hear about it. Send me a message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Tips To Make Your Rental Property More Enticing

Owning a rental property can be a lucrative investment opportunity both for short-term stays and long-term tenants. If you own a second home that you’re thinking about renting or have an investment property that’s ready to be occupied, a few upgrades and minor renovations can make a big difference in how much you can get for your space.

The first thing I remind people who are renovating a property that they don’t live in is to try and treat it like a house instead of a home. Spending time and money creating the perfect aesthetic is a waste because the people who will be occupying the property likely won’t have the same taste that you do. Instead, focus on function while maintaining an inviting and warm atmosphere. It’s more than likely that your property will be someone’s temporary home, so keep it simple and comfortable.

Kitchens and bathrooms are key for a rental as they generally come “as-is” with less furniture and styling opportunities as rooms that are used for relaxing and “living” in. With a kitchen, be sure that there is plenty of storage and that the appliances are clean and new. Remember, people like functional spaces so if you’re spending some money on upgrades, a dishwasher will be a smarter investment than a fancy mantle or built-in wine storage. For the bathroom, make sure it’s absolutely mold-free and has good ventilation. Everyone loves a strong, hot shower but no one wants a bathroom riddled with mildew from the heat and humidity. Again, it’s important to remember that no one is going to treat a rental property with the same love and care as their own house so plan for wear and tear.

Walls and carpet are important, but most of the time they can look new with a thorough clean. Before you go ripping, replacing and repainting, see what you can do with a Magic Eraser and a carpet cleaner which can be rented from a home improvement store for around $30 per day. If your walls and carpet are damaged and you need to repaint or replace them, stick with simple, neutral colors that are easy to clean and will complement any style.

Another inexpensive upgrade is giving the fixtures a facelift. Turning some attention to cabinet knobs, door handles, blinds, and lighting can give a dated space a whole new look without spending a fortune. I can’t tell you how many homes and apartments I have been in with broken, plastic mini-blinds that make a whole room look dark and dingy. A simple replacement using wide faux wood blinds or a simple and easy to clean panel can really change a room on the cheap.

Finally, don’t even think about listing your property without investing in some good quality photography. Professional images can make all the difference no matter if you’re putting your property up on a vacation rental site or if you’re looking for a longer term tenant. Great pictures will get more people interested in your space, giving you a wider selection of better prospects to choose from. Attracting good people who will take care of your property is key and will save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run, so it’s important to go the extra mile to find them.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.