Common Mistakes People When Hanging Curtains—and How To Avoid Making Them

Common Mistakes People When Hanging Curtains—and How To Avoid Making Them   Hanging new curtains is one of the most cost-effective ways to update your home. However, it is also one of the most difficult home decor projects to complete correctly.There is a long list of things that can go wrong, from not measuring windows correctly to incorrectly placing curtain rods. Whether you're looking to update old living room window treatments or hang functional curtains in the bedroom, avoid these all-too-common blunders. Using the incorrect curtain materialStart with the right material if you want your curtains to be functional. Sheer curtains can let in light while still providing privacy, making them an excellent choice for large spaces such as living rooms. Thicker materials, such as those used in blackout curtains, may work best in bedrooms because they can block light and aid in sleep.Incorrect rod placementThe placement of curtain rods has a significant impact on the overall appearance of a room. As a result, you must ensure that it is in the proper location.Many people hang curtain rods too low, causing the room to appear smaller than it is. Installing your curtain rod 4 to 6 inches above the window frame is recommended. If you have a higher ceiling and want to emphasize it, you can place curtain rods higher. Keep the horizontal placement in mind—rods should always be wider than the window frame. Also, ensure that your rod is level. We recommend that the brackets be installed at least 2 to 3 inches on either side of the window frame.Installing wrinkled curtainsMost curtains are wrinkled right out of the box, and skipping straight to hanging them will almost certainly interfere with the polished look you're going for. Buying new curtains is exciting, but it's important to prepare them first, especially if they're brand new, before hanging the curtains, ironing, or steaming them.Leaving out the view from outside the houseThe key to selecting window treatments is to treat the outside view into the home in the same way that the homeowner does the inside view. If your curtains have a white or black backing, as is common with light-filtering or thermal options, it's critical that you add a layer behind them that matches the exterior of your home. The colors may clash if you leave them alone.If you're planning to sell your home, paying attention to this minor detail can have a significant positive impact on its curb appeal.Choosing the incorrect curtain lengthIt is critical to consider length when purchasing curtains for your home. The right curtains will make a room appear larger and more complete. People frequently hang curtains that are too long or too short for a room, making the space appear disorganized. For the best effect, choose curtains that barely brush the floor.Curtains that are at least floor length are recommended for a more formal or dramatic look. Window sill curtains may be appropriate if you have furniture or radiators. These curtains should hang approximately 2 inches below the window frame. Hanging curtains that are too narrow Getting the right curtain width is just as difficult as getting the right length. To fix this, measure the width of your window and multiply it by two. Getting the right curtain width is just as difficult as getting the right length. To fix this, measure the width of your window and multiply it by two. Curtains should be twice the width of the window to avoid appearing limp and forgotten. The goal is to be fluffy and full.

The Five Dos and Don'ts of Running a Generator: Safe Space

The Five Dos and Don'ts of Running a Generator: Safe Space   As a result of the winter storm season, millions of homeowners nationwide must deal with rain, snow, wind, and, in the worst cases, blackouts. When losing electricity, many homeowners may find that having a generator, a stocked pantry, and a survival pack might save their lives.However, using a generator improperly might have negative, even fatal, effects.In times of blackouts or power outages, generators are an excellent method to keep your home powered so you can use appliances like fans, heaters, and lighting. However, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Be ready by being aware of what a generator can and cannot be used for. Here are some pointers for safely operating one.Do keep safety in mind.When it's extremely cold outside, staying warm can seem more important than staying safe. But whenever using a generator, exercise caution. Before turning the generator on for the first time, carefully read the handbook. Pay strict attention to the manual's location specifications.A minimum of 20 feet should separate generators from your home or other structures. Also, make sure children and pets are kept well away from generators.Before starting your generator, turn off the main power supply in your house. Turn off your gas generator when it's time to refuel, and wait until it has cooled completely before adding extra fuel.Don't operate your generator indoors.Portable gas generators ought to be set up outside in a flat, dry area. Because the carbon monoxide emissions from generators are too strong for fans or open windows to adequately ventilate the space, they should only ever be operated outside. Make sure your generator is not close to any doors or windows when running it outside.Use modern extension cables instead of conventional power strips.Not all conventional indoor extension cords work with generators. Use an outdoor-rated cord that can handle the power your generator produces if you need to lengthen the length of the generator's cord. When using a power strip, stay away from plugging in large appliances like generators because they might cause the strip to overheat and catch fire.Do have battery-powered carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.Since carbon monoxide cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, it can remain undetected in a room for hours, posing a serious risk to residents long before they are aware of its presence. Verify the functionality of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms before starting your generator. Even some generator models have carbon monoxide sensors.Don't forget to perform regular maintenance, such as changing the oil.Keep in mind to clean the oil and air filter, flush the cooling system, and replace the spark plugs once a year, in addition to storing your generator in a dry place. Additionally, you should clean the generator every few months and operate it for roughly 20 minutes to charge the battery. Making a note to change the oil and do routine maintenance will keep you safe and ready because you don't want to be in an emergency circumstance only to learn that your generator has a problem.Don't forget to verify your generator's insurance coverage.Although a generator is an expensive item, you need to make sure you are protected in case something were to happen to it.Generators frequently fall within the home appliance and equipment coverage of your home insurance policy. The majority of plans will pay for theft- or fire-related damage to generators. You may be able to add equipment breakdown to some plans, which would pay for the cost of generator repairs.In order to find out what to anticipate in the event that your generator needs to be repaired or replaced, make sure to contact your insurance agent.

5 Paint Trends That Will Be Popular in 2023

5 Paint Trends That Will Be Popular in 2023   It can be difficult to choose paint colors for your home, especially if you want to appeal to prospective buyers.Even though you could adore a guest bathroom painted a vivid shade of purple, it might not be the ideal choice for first impressions.Everyone has heard the standard recommendation that when picking a paint color, house sellers should stick with brilliant white.It provides a blank slate for potential purchasers to picture their lives in your house.But here's the thing: There are plenty of chic and fashionable paint colors that can instantly improve any space and entice purchasers.Check out these 2023 paint trends that have been recommended by experts if you want to paint your walls in the new year. They might even help you sell your house.You might just find your color match among the cozy neutrals and navy blues.1. Mustard YellowsWarm mustard-yellow hues offer vibrancy without becoming overbearing to a space.You can naturally include simple-to-use mustard tones in your home.Choose Dijon Yellow if you want a versatile yellow tone. Remember that darker walls require lighter furnishings, so blend creamy whites with this hue rather than gray because it actually has a warm base.2. Modest RedsThis year, soft reds are making a huge comeback.Soft, subtle reds offer a pop of color while maintaining the exposed brick's neutral aesthetic.This means that potential purchasers will be impressed by your space's well-kept appearance and be able to picture themselves living there.If you want your room to have a warm red color,One of Benjamin Moore's most popular hues is Boston Brick, which has versatile undertones and understated grandeur.3. Navy BlueIf you want to make a statement but don't want to stray too far from the norm, consider using navy blue paint.Over the previous few years, navy blue has gained popularity and is predicted to be a key color trend in 2023.Any room that uses navy blue benefits from the depth, refinement, and mystery it brings.This may entice prospective homeowners.For a more subdued look, try using it as an accent wall or in combination with light blue hues.4. Ingenious gray tonesGray paint colors will still be a readily accessible and well-liked choice in 2023.Customers have grown tired of the limited palette of grays that contractors and painters often use.Fortunately, new, creative colors keep appearing.Dutch Boy's Rustic Greige, the brand's 2023 Color of the Year, is one such shade.According to Shaffer, this color has both chilly tones and real warm neutral undertones.Living rooms, foyers, and bedrooms all look great in this color. It might serve to create a welcome atmosphere when placed at an entrance.It can promote emotions of relaxation and calm if applied in the bedroom.Many of our clients use the phrases "sanctuary" or "retreat" to describe how they want their homes to feel, and gray paint colors inspired by nature can help them do this.5. NeutralsIn 2023, homeowners and sellers will continue to favor the universally appealing neutral colors.It's true that neutrals are timeless, and warm neutrals are particularly popular right now.People are choosing more soft, earthy neutral tones rather than glaring whites.They offer a base that you can build upon, alter seasonally, and update sometimes.Homebuyers can imagine their own version of the room and how treasured objects, heirlooms, and artwork might personalize it against that blank canvas. Neutral walls are also simple for homebuyers to alter.