Category Archives: Home Maintenance

Driving Sustainable Design in the Luxury Home

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By Linsey StonchusThe luxury industry recently has been more conscious of the planet, with sustainability making it into the ethos of numerous  brands.

Luxury homes are no exception – everyone from interior designers to architects, and their respective clients – are demanding a more sustainable way of living.

“Architects and designers are becoming more and more comfortable with [sustainability],” said Duan Tran, partner at  KAA Design Group. “Homes are becoming much more thoughtfully designed and less impactful on the environment and everything else that goes along with it.”

California-based KAA Design Group prioritizes both overall wellness and sustainability as it considers its architecture projects.

“We’ve seen that the government regulations are getting tighter and more thoughtful in terms of ensuring that we’re designing homes that are sustainable and responsible moving forward,” Mr. Tran said.

 

More Than Ethical

In some regions, incorporating eco-friendly design is not just ethical – it is legal. California, for instance, has among the strictest regulations in terms of environmental consciousness.

“We’ve seen that the government regulations are getting tighter and more thoughtful in terms of ensuring that we’re designing homes that are sustainable and responsible moving forward,” Mr. Tran said.

“A lot of this has to do with things that relate to water conservation measures, which relate to the drought issues that we have here in California,” he said. “Also, they’re making sure that these homes are net-zero energy homes.”

Energy conversion is one of the most frequent forms of sustainability, with tactics that include alternative forms of energy and simply, smarter architectural design that organically minimizes the need for heating or cooling.

KAA Design incorporates a handful of these ideas in many of its projects.

In terms of clever design, one practice is to design a home with passive ventilation. Essentially, windows are placed on either side of a room, which creates a natural cross-ventilation and reduces the need for air conditioning.

ETHICAL LIVING IS a no brainer, considering the environmental benefits of sustainable design, renewable energy and native plants, along with the wellness benefits that a natural home provides.

 

Taking Heat

Similarly, deep overhangs from the exterior provide shade and minimize the reach of the sun, further keeping a space cool.

Looking at greener forms of energy, solar is often the go-to in California, which is ideal, of course, because of its abundance of sun, but also because many new homes feature flat roofs, making them perfect for solar panels.

Roofs at a 15-degree angle, specifically, maximize solar energy.

Geothermal, too, is another alternative energy source that uses the Earth itself to both heat and cool, rather than energy-consuming mechanical equipment.

Sustainability, however, goes beyond energy.

Looking at natural materials, using FSC-certified wood ensures that the tree is sustainably grown and harvested.

Also, when planning a garden, including native plants, instead of those not natural to the surroundings. This is better for the local ecology and easier to maintain.

ETHICAL LIVING IS a no brainer, considering the environmental benefits of sustainable design, renewable energy and native plants, along with the wellness benefits that a natural home provides.

Mr. Tran describes the beauty of a project of his, Tower Grove Drive, which featured a vegetated roof made of native succulents and terraces of outdoor living space to match the hillside placement of the home.

“In the case of Tower Grove, the project was uniquely sited because it was along a hillside,” Mr. Tran said.

“When we first started the project, we fundamentally wanted to create a house that was of the site of the hill and not necessarily on top of the hill,” he said. “It allowed us the opportunity to bring the garden from the hill up onto and through the house.

“The idea of having a vegetated roof was an extension of bringing the landscape through the house so that the house felt really connected and contextual to the site – it didn’t feel alien.”

 

Creating a Memorable Garden Combining Form & Function

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By Linsey Stonchus

A beautifully done garden extends the livability of a home outdoors, offering wellness benefits, beauty and an overall sense of tranquility.

Creating an unforgettable garden requires a balance of function and form – first considering the necessary must-haves for living, and then plants, art and other elements that enhance the overall space.

“Set up for function first – [clients] see the landscape and the garden as an extension to live in from the interior space,” said Richard Hartlage, founding principal and owner of  Land Morphology, Seattle.

“We don’t do a project without a fire feature these days and, then, dining and the outdoor kitchen,” he said.

Mr. Hartlage has decades of experience in landscape architecture, working on residential and commercial projects from coast-to-coast in the United States. What are some of the latest garden trends he has witnessed?

“All of those functional elements go in first and then we build up that theme with plants,” Mr. Hartlage said.

 

Safe Arbor

Outdoor dining, lounging and kitchens are among the top requests, according to Mr. Hartlage, along with swimming pools or spas for smaller yards.

Frequently requested in the Seattle area are arbors, which extend the usefulness of gardens by a month or two during colder months. Mr. Hartlage often installs heaters and roofs for extended longevity.

“All of those functional elements go in first and then we build up that theme with plants,” Mr. Hartlage said.

“If you have more space, it’s really the plants that then you can expand on, now that you have crossed the threshold of creating the living spaces,” he said.

Currently, popular plants include grasses such as bamboo, calama and hakone.

Particularly popular in Seattle are broadleaf evergreens, holly trees, magnolia trees, camellias, hellebores and pittosporum.

Additionally, Mr. Hartlage notes hedges were not trendy for a long time but are making a return as they act as “the frame that holds the picture” with their crisp lines and structure.

Mr. Hartlage also observed a greater demand in color, both in plants or painted accents, with blue, orange and yellow being among those frequently requested.

The use of color is all about creating a certain ambience, adding a playfulness to the overall design.

Florals, too, ensure a garden offers fragrance, further enhancing the overall atmosphere of the garden.

Activities ranging from swimming to basketball can be prefaced with a pleasant stroll through the garden.

 

Material Changes

In terms of materials, bluestone is a top choice throughout the U.S., whereas concrete is received differently among various regions.

In Seattle, concrete is very popular, while Northeastern clients perceive it as “cheap” and prefer asphalt or gravel.

Where concrete is in high demand, Mr. Hartlage makes the material bolder through distinctive score patterns.

One of the most exciting things to incorporate within a garden of sufficient size is trails.

Trails transform art displays or amenity placements into destinations of their own, rather than positioning everything just outside the home. Mr. Hartlage recommends at least two acres to accomplish this, but preferably more than five.

Activities ranging from swimming to basketball can be prefaced with a pleasant stroll through the garden.

Meanwhile, large art pieces will be better enjoyed individually with plenty of air around it, rather than kept cluttered together.

Mr. Hartlage’s advice is to consider function first: What are the most essential amenities? Where will they fit? How shall the theme relate to these essentials?

Following that, the theme can then be expanded through plants and art, while also taking into consideration the size of the space.

Accents and art should never clutter smaller gardens.

Meanwhile, larger properties can take advantage of acreage through the installation of trails, turning everyday use of a home’s amenities into mini-events.

BALANCING FUNCTION and form is essential to the overall feeling that a garden facilitates.

“You know when a place feels right,” Mr. Hartlage said.

“You can tell if it’s beautiful, that you’re comfortable or inspired,” he said. “You don’t have to be trained in a design tradition. It all holds together.”

 

Spring Maintenance Checklist

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Spring is the perfect opportunity for homeowners to prepare their property for the months to come. Here are tips from Pillar to Post Home Inspectors to get started:

  • Check siding for cracks, peeling or chipped paint, and general wear and tear. Have damaged areas repaired and repainted as needed for lasting protection.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts of debris that collected over the winter.
  • Check patios and walkways for cracks and any loose bricks or pavers. These are a tripping hazard that needs to be corrected promptly.
  • Clean window screens and repair any holes or tears, or replace the screen material.
  • Check around for damaged tree limbs and branches. If a large tree appears to be damaged, be safe and call a professional to address any issues.
  • Inspect the irrigation system for broken sprinkler heads and emitters. Also check for overspray and adjust the system to prevent water waste.

 

Happy Spring Everyone!

 

5 Home Must-Haves According to Millennial Buyers

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Millennials are becoming leading influencers in the luxury real estate market and, with that, comes along a new list of desired amenities and design elements such as minimalism, smart technology, wellness, entertainment, and more. The below list of homes, of which can all be seen on Luxury Portfolio International‘s website, showcases such trends and is worthy of Millennial swooning.

WELLNESS AMENITIES

Crete, Greece | Price Upon Request

Wellness is of vital importance to Millennials. Stay active within multiple calming spaces throughout this property – for instance, walking the private sandy beach or the garden with shady paths complete with Mediterranean flowers and centuries-old trees. A dip in the infinity pool is yet another activity, serving both as a place to get fit, as well as to unwind.

 

SMART HOUSE

Malibu, California, USA | US $6,885,000

The smart house is growing in popularity, allowing Millennials to customize and automate much of their living environment. This newly built, Malibu home is fully automated and 100% off-grid through solar energy. The Ring security system is another highly desired smart home benefit this abode has to offer. Along with the smart house amenities, this home is beautifully designed with 17-foot ceilings and walls of glass overlooking mountain and ocean views.

 

MINIMALISM

Chicago, Illinois, USA | US $6,750,000

Millennials always seek ways of simplifying their busy lifestyles, which has resulted in the rise in minimalism in design. But keeping it simple doesn’t have to be boring. This award-winning Chicago penthouse showcases remarkable, 12-foot ceilings with dramatic arched windows and doors. The open floorplan prioritizes sleek design, but in a truly mesmerizing fashion.

 

AMAZING KITCHENS

Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA | US $3,585,000

Millennials consider kitchens to be among one of the most important rooms within the home and enjoy experimenting with different cuisines. What better space to cook than this sleek and contemporary kitchen? Offering an oversized refrigerator, two large sinks, and abundant storage space, this kitchen opens to other stunning living areas. Cooking can also be taken outside on an expansive wood deck, complete with a built-in grill, plus a gas fireplace, saltwater pool, and views of Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, and Seattle.

 

NATURAL ELEMENTS

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA | US $2,350,000

Nature-related design is expected to be huge among Millennials in the coming years. This Colorado home, built by the award-winning Brannen Homes, offers a stunning and intimate backyard with beautifully styled outdoor living and dining spaces. The surrounding, lush vegetation provide an additional nature connection, while nearby parks and walking paths allow residents to explore nature within their residence and beyond.

For more home inspiration, check out Luxury Portfolio International’s list of  favorite  work-from-home amenities.

 

Service Line Coverage from State Farm

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Do you know that municipalities and utility companies are typically not responsible for the water, sewer, electric, gas and other service lines on your premises? Any repairs are most likely at your expense.

State Farm® Service Line Coverage may be added to your Homeowners Policy for a low annual cost with a $500 deductible and a $10,000 limit per occurrence to provide coverage for loss or damage to service lines. In some states, coverage includes a limitation of $2,500 on service lines 50 years old or older at the time of loss. Ask your agent about what’s covered in your state.

 

What does this coverage include?

This is not warranty coverage. Under the Service Line Coverage, a covered service line refers to “exterior underground piping and wiring,” including permanent connections, valves or attached devices providing the following services to your home:

1. Communications
2. Compressed air
3. Drainage
4. Electrical power
5. Heating, including geothermal, natural gas, propane and steam
6. Waste disposal
7. Water

A service line failure is defined as a leak, break, tear, rupture, collapse, or electrical arcing of a covered service line not otherwise excluded. A service line failure may be caused by, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Wear and tear, marring, deterioration or hidden decay
  • Rust or other corrosion
  • Mechanical breakdown, latent defect inherent vice
  • Weight of vehicles, equipment, animals or people
  • Vermin, insects, rodents or other animals
  • Artificially generated electrical current
  • Freezing or frost heave
  • External force from a shovel, backhoe or other forms of excavation
  • Tree or other root invasions

Blockage or low pressure of a covered service line when there is no physical damage is not a covered service line failure.

 

Here’s a coverage example:

Say, for instance, your sewer line cracks as a result of tree root invasion and the covered repair costs total $10,000. With Service Line Coverage, your responsibility for the loss is your $500 deductible. Payment for the loss would be the remaining $9,500. Payment for the loss would be $2,500 if your state has a sublimit and the damaged sewer line was 50 years old or older.

 

Covered service lines also include:

• Excavation costs – We may pay the necessary and reasonable excavation costs that are required to repair or replace your covered service line.
• Expediting costs – We may pay reasonable extra costs to make temporary repairs and expedite permanent repairs or permanent replacement.
• Loss of use – We may cover additional living expenses and fair rental value due to a covered loss.
• Outdoor property – We may pay for your outdoor property, such as trees, shrubs, plants, lawns, walkways or driveways that are damaged as a result of a service line failure or are damaged during the excavation of the covered service line.

 

Choosing the right supplemental coverage is important. Your State Farm agent is here to help guide your decision.

 

Call us 24 hours a day!

Jeannie Hulse Ins Fncl Svc Inc
Jeannie Hulse, Agent

303-828-4002

525 Briggs Street, PO Box 1005
Erie, CO 80516-1005

 

17 New Year’s Resolutions to Help You Get Organized

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from SpareFoot.com

 

1. Start Small.

Simply put, don’t bite off more than you can chew.

“People usually make a resolution that says something like, ‘I’m going to get my home and office totally organized this year, and I will never misplace anything again’,” said Maria Spetalnik, a professional organizer in the Washington, DC, area. “This is not only unrealistic but would take so long that they usually run out of steam before they even see results. Then they are frustrated with themselves and have often created a bigger problem than they started with.”

To prevent that frustration, Spetalnik said, make resolutions like, “I will do my shopping using a list rather than trying to remember what I need.”

 

2. Use One Calendar for Everything.

This includes reminders, vacations, tasks and anything else “to help you kick
 forgetfulness,” said Amber Kostelny, a professional organizer in Chicago.

Kim Oser, a professional organizer in the Washington, DC, area, said your calendar must be portable, whether it’s in paper or digital form. That way, you can mark down appointments and other calendar-worthy events when you’re on the go. 

 

3. Establish Daily, Weekly and Monthly Routines.

“Creating routines to
 accomplishing tasks will make sure even the mundane things get done around
 the house,” Kostelny said.

For example, make your bed daily, pay your bills weekly and clean out your wallet monthly.

 

4. Set Manageable Goals.

Either at night before or in
 the morning, jot down your three most important tasks for the day, Oser said.

“There may be more than three but these are the three things that must get 
done,” Oser said. “It allows you to build them in to your day rather than panicking at 
the end of the day.”

 

5. Divide and Conquer.

Rather than taking on a massive organizing project, break that project up into pieces, like getting the corner of a room into shape, not the entire room, said Beth Giles, a professional organizer in Portland, OR.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that a room can be transformed
 into an organized area in a matter of minutes,” Giles said. “Most rooms or offices do not
 become disorganized overnight but rather over months or years, so it will
 require hours or days to work through the contents of a space and restore
 its order.”

 

Find out what the other 12 are here!

 

Simplify Your Holidays

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from Organization & Relocation

Even if they look a little different this year, the holidays are upon us and  Org & Relo  has created 6 tips to help de-stress, organize, and get you in the holiday spirit.

 

  1. Make a holiday checklist –  Jot down all of your holiday tasks. This will have you feeling in control instantly.
  2. Take stock of what you have –  How many times have you bought something only to realize later you already own the same item or something very similar?
  3. Sort through toys –  Donate toys the kids have outgrown or never use to make room for new toys. This is a great exercise to teach your kiddos gratitude for what they have and the generosity of giving to those less fortunate.
  4. Leave time for everyday activities –  This year the holidays may look different and include fewer parties, but you may still find yourself overwhelmed so remember to plan in a time to take a walk or look at hiring a service to free up your time.
  5. Clear out the clutter –  Ask yourself: Do I use it, do I love it, do I appreciate it? We live by this at Org & Relo! This is especially important as we look at a season spent inside our homes more than ever before.
  6. Use clear bins –  to store  items! When it comes to holiday organizing, having a good system is a must. You can purchase different sizes to accommodate small items like table decorations or larger items like garlands.

 

Happy Holidays!

September is National Preparedness Month!

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from Organization & Relocation

Amidst the fires in Colorado and California that are threatening so many homes, businesses and the health of thousands, disaster preparedness is top of mind for many, including the team at Organization & Relocation.

The American Red Cross recommends developing a family disaster plan and having an emergency kit – do you feel ready to act quickly if a disaster strikes? Get prepared with tools and resources from the American Red Cross below.

PREPARE FOR FALL 🍂

Cool mornings, the smell of pumpkin spice and a sparkling clean home! Rounding up our top tips for Fall cleaning this season!

1. Store, Sort & Categorize

 

Before you begin the overhaul, determine where you will be storing your summer clothes. Make piles for keep, discard, and donate. Get rid of unwanted clothes or clothes that do not fit – if you don’t like them now, you probably won’t next Summer either!

 

2. Comb Through That Closet

 

Has work from home life changed your day to day wardrobe? Take inventory of your current “work” clothes and if that pant suit ship has sailed, place it in the donation pile! As you hang those Fall sweaters, ask yourself it that sweater brings you joy! No? Time to go!

 

3. Furnace Inspection 

Hire an HVAC professional to check heating efficiency, test for leaks and change the filter. Also, check for drafts by using a lighted candle around doors and windows and if you see a flicker, inspect for broken or cracked seals.

 

4. Organize the Shed

 

As summer items begin to fill up shed space, now is a good time to sort, purge and organize remaining items. Move summer items to the back and winter items to the front for easy access.

 

5. Set Your Kids Up For Success

   

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be a hectic experience if you’re organized! Label and organize your child’s homeschooling area – for better learning and your own peace of mind!

 

A few of our favorite organizing tools

Plastic Storage Bin with Handles
$5.99

Multi-Purpose Bins
$3.99

Large Cabinet Shelf
$7.99

Expand-A-Shelf
$9.99

 

Professional Organizers Share Tips for Your Home

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Adapt Around Your Home
During Covid-19

With fall around the corner, homeschooling impending and many companies navigating towards a work from home policy, our team of expert organizers at Organization & Relocation weighed in on how you can optimize your space for spending more time in your home.

WORKING FROM HOME?

Tune in to these tips to make your #WFHlife more functional

1. Prioritize Location

You’ll likely spend many hours in your home office, so don’t stiff yourself on space (e.g. squishing a tiny desk into a windowless closet to preserve the rarely-used guest room).

2. Invest in a Great Chair 

You spend hours parked in your office chair; a beautiful, ergonomically correct, comfortable seat is worth every dime.

 

3. Organize Vertically & Horizontally

Hang floating shelves on the walls to get papers and office equipment off the desk, and use vertical file folders on the desk to keep important papers within arm’s reach.

 

4. Get Your Technology Together

Hide unsightly cords. Encase cords on the desk in a fabric cord cover, feed the cords into a desk grommet, or buy a cute cord manager!

 

5. Use Separators

Don’t get caught on a call with a need for a sticky note and you can’t find it because it’s buried in your drawer. Use separators to create nice compartments for your things.

 

6. Tidy Up

Just like making your bed every morning, close up shop at the end of each day by tidying up your desk when you’re finished with work. This is your “reset” to set yourself up for success the next morning!

 

 

19 Best Home Design and Decorating Apps

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Design your own house with apps that make decorating, shopping, and renovating a whole lot easier!

 

By  Hadley Keller, Kristen Flanagan, and Hannah Martin

Hutch’s sliding tool lets you see your space pre- and post-transformation.

 

Looking for the perfect vintage chair? Want to envision what a new paint color would look like in your space, without getting out the rollers? Need a floor plan for your home? Whip out your smartphone. From shopping and color planning to measuring and arranging, there’s a home design app for nearly every step of the process. Now you really have no excuse to put off that  renovation. Read on to discover 19 apps that will help you design a room or house from from start to finish.

Anyone who has ever tried to find the absolute perfect piece for a room knows that navigating all the options can be exhausting. But these apps will put a wide selection of antique, vintage, and new furnishings right at your fingertips—and thanks to new augmented-reality technology, many will let you see how the pieces would look in your space.

 

1. Chairish

Available for iOS; free

If you’d like to buy or sell high-quality, preowned decor, Chairish is a one-stop shop. Sellers can upload photos of furniture via the app, and then Chairish’s curators decide which items to sell. The company takes care of payment, shipping, and returns for most sales. Listing items is free, and the seller keeps 80 percent of the final sale. Buyers can look forward to finds from Knoll, Herman Miller, Christian Liaigre, Ligne Roset, and B&B Italia, among other brands.

 

2. Decaso

Available for iOS; free

A newer venture from the cofounder of Chairish, Decaso  offers high-end furniture and decor from vetted dealers. Expect to see top-notch items from such respected names as Studio Van den Akker and Fat Chance Los Angeles.

 

3. Invaluable

Available for iOS; free

Browse lots from live auctions around the world without leaving your desk, armchair, or bed. Invaluable allows you to place advance absentee bids and bid in real-time at live and online auctions.

 

4. Hutch

Available for iOS and Android; free

This app merges the worlds of rendering and shopping, virtually outfitting rooms from photos users upload and allowing them to shop the look directly. Says Ben Broca, cofounder and head of product and technology, “Our photo technology recognizes the structure of the user’s space and places products in it. It’s similar to what Snapchat filters do to your face, but for furniture shopping.”

 

COLOR & PAINTING INTERIOR DESIGN APPS

 

5. Color911

Available for iOS; $4

Create and save color palettes for your next decorating project with the Color911 app. Color specialist Amy Wax has generated more than 80 downloadable color themes, but you can also create a palette based on a photograph taken on your device and organize favorite colors into folders, then share with friends or designers by email.

 

6. Color Capture

Available for iOS and Android; free

Spot a brilliant color while out that you’d love in your home? This app from Benjamin Moore allows you to snap a photo, and its technology will spit out suggested paint options to match it. Though some users say the colors skew dark, it’s a useful starting point, and the grouped color format will give suggestions for pairing colors.

 

SKETCHING & RENDERING HOME DESIGN APPS

 

Whether you’re a professional designer or just like to approach a project like one, these apps will let you keep sketches, mood boards, and notes organized.

 

7. Paper by Fifty Three

Available for iOS; free

The Paper app lets users make sketches and take handwritten notes that can be combined with photos and typed text. It’s a popular tool for architects and designers such as Daniel Libeskind and Kelly Wearstler.

 

8. Morpholio Board Pro

Available for iOS; free for basic use and $4/month or $12/year for pro tools   

Designed to make life easier for professionals, Morpholio Board Pro merges mood boards, shopping lists, cut sheets, and specs all into one app, making client presentations and project management a breeze.

 

MEASUREMENT INTERIOR DESIGN APPS

 

Who hasn’t bought an amazing piece only to bring it home to find that it’s not quite the right size—or, worse, that it won’t even fit through the door? These apps will help you make and store measurements so everything will fit correctly the first time.

 

9. Photo Measures

Available on iOS for $7 and Android for $5

No need to constantly carry around a tape measure; this app allows users to snap a photo of a space and write the measurements right on it. Next time you’re shopping for furniture, there’s no need to wonder whether the amazing piece you’ve found will fit. Just pull out the app for reference.

 

10. MagicPlan

Available for iOS; free

MagicPlan takes photos of your space and converts them into floor plans with accurate measurements. For an added fee, these plans can be exported in PDF, JPG, and DXF formats to share with contractors, designers, or real-estate agents.

 

11. Measured

Available for iOS; free

Lowes recently debuted this handy app, which uses augmented reality to let users measure a space or an object using only the phone’s camera. Measurements can be saved for those trips to the furniture or home improvement store.

The Zillow Digs app provides inspiration and estimates for remodeling projects.Photo: Courtesy of Zillow 

STYLING & ARRANGING HOME DESIGN APPS

 

Find the ideal furniture arrangement, try out art, or just get inspiration with these apps that will help you put the finishing touches on your space.

 

12. Rooomy

Available for iOS; free

Visualizing how new furniture will look in a space can be a challenge. With the ability to convert 2-D photos into 3-D renderings, Rooomy allows homeowners and designers to envision different configurations of art and furnishings in a specific space, with direct links to retailers when they settle on the perfect pieces.

 

13. Artfully Walls Try on Wall

Available for iOS and Android; free

Settling on art for your home may not always be as easy as buying what you love. Online art destination Artfully Walls helps you decide on an arrangement with its Try on Wall app, which uses augmented reality to display a preview of art you’re considering hanging on your own walls.

 

14. Room Planner by Ikea

Available for iOS; free

Would that Billy bookcase look better in the living room or office? Now there’s an easy way to see. Everyone’s favorite Swedish furniture purveyor has unveiled an augmented-reality app that lets users “try on” furnishings without having to navigate through the store’s maze-like aisles.

 

15. Art.com

Available for iOS; free

The online art purveyor’s new augmented-reality app lets you see how artworks will actually look on your actual wall before you purchase them, so you know that gallery wall will be perfect.

 

MAINTENANCE & UTILITY INTERIOR DESIGN APPS

 

Keep your home running smoothly with these apps that will remind you of repairs, help you with DIY tasks, or organize chores.

 

16. BrightNest

Available for iOS and Android; free

This app, from the company behind Angie’s List, acts as a personalized reminder system for the maintenance tasks that homeowners commonly forget (e.g., changing smoke-detector batteries). BrightNest also asks users a set of questions to determine which of its thousands of cleaning, organizing, DIY, design, and maintenance tips show up in the app’s feed.

 

17. Housepad

Available for iOS and Android; free

The brainchild of 1stdibs founder Michael Bruno, Housepad stores notes and visual instructions on household maintenance—shareable with family, guests, and staff. Decorators can use the to-the-trade component to catalog a home’s furnishings.

 

18. iHandy Carpenter

Available for iOS; $2

Don’t own a toolbox? Fear not. This handy app integrates some of a carpenter’s most useful tools, including a surface level, plumb bob, and steel ruler.

 

FUN & INSPIRING HOME DESIGN APP

 

19. Design Home

Available for iOS  and Android; free

If you can’t get enough of home design, then you’ll want to download this top-rated app on the double. True, you won’t actually be working on your own home, but you’ll be designing gorgeous interiors using real furniture from brands like Lexington, Article, West Elm, DWR, Brownstone, Badgley Mischka, Cynthia Rowley, and more. You’ll definitely get inspired as you design living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, outdoor spaces, and more—and you just may find some stunning furniture pieces you’ll want to buy IRL.