COOLhouseplans Blog - Page 7 of 34 -

February 21, 2020October 9, 2020

What’s Next In Outdoor Living? Top Trends for 2020

(BPT) – The appeal of all things al fresco has never been higher with homeowners across the country investing more time and money than ever before into their outdoor spaces. Based on insights from decking contractors, retailers and home design experts, industry leader Trex Company has compiled its annual outdoor living forecast, predicting the top design trends for 2020 and beyond.

“It’s always fascinating to compare the trends reported by our customers with those projected by the industry at large,” said Leslie Adkins, vice president of marketing for Trex. “This year, we also engaged celebrity designer Alison Victoria to take our forecast to a whole new level.”

According to the latest report, the following five top trends will influence outdoor living in the new decade:

February 14, 2020October 9, 2020

Hottest Kitchen Trends From KBIS 2020

(BPT) – Today’s home chefs want – and expect – more from their kitchens than ever before. To optimize their culinary and entertaining skills, they seek exciting new ways to push the boundaries of what they can do at home. These forward-thinking cooks also aim to prepare meals efficiently, using the best high-tech advances available. In fact, a new study conducted by The Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence reveals that kitchen designers have seen increased demand for dual-fuel appliances in the past year and that convection and induction cooking are on the rise.

Kitchen innovations on display at North America’s premier kitchen design show, the 2020 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, offer a window on the latest technology to help home chefs achieve their culinary dreams.

As best-selling cookbook author, educator and host of the “True to Food” film series, Mark Bittman observes, “The more people cook, the more interested people become in their kitchens. When you’re interested in your kitchen, you’re exploring: What can make this easier? What can make this more fun? What can make me a better cook? Appliances are certainly a part of that.”

Top appliance makers are bringing elements of professional-quality kitchens into the home, with some now catering to a new generation of forward-thinking home chefs known as “Technicureans.”

February 7, 2020October 9, 2020

Tips To Stay Warm and Safe From Carbon Monoxide

(BPT) – As temperatures drop and we crank up the heat or turn to alternative power sources, the risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning significantly increases. Often dubbed “the silent killer,” CO is an invisible and odorless gas that is impossible to detect without a CO alarm.

Recent surveys revealed more than 40% of American homes do not have CO alarms, and nearly two-thirds of homes do not comply with established CO alarm recommendations. According to the National Fire Protection Association, CO alarms should be installed on each level of the home, including the basement, and near every sleeping area.

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, so it’s vital to be prepared and aware! As one of America’s favorite TV first responders, actor Taylor Kinney knows the importance of practicing and maintaining proper home safety precautions, which is why he is partnering with First Alert to share important messages about home safety.

January 30, 2020October 9, 2020

Bringing the Indoors Out: 2020 Outdoor Living Trends

(BPT) – 2020 outdoor living trends are all about enjoying your backyard alfresco – but with the comfort and ease you expect from your indoor spaces. Today’s outdoor spaces are transforming into an extension of the home. The current outdoor design also takes into account the look and feel of your entire home, including the interior and exterior, building materials and surroundings.

January 24, 2020October 9, 2020

Embrace Timeless Design Elements For a Lasting Aesthetic

(BPT) – As trends transition in and out of style, an understanding of what takes a space beyond temporary can help achieve a truly timeless design. Whether it’s blending the past with the present for a new take on traditional, or selecting decor and furnishings with a quiet, yet self-assured air, certain elements will establish endurance and ensure an aesthetic that is – and always will remain – relevant.

Enduring interiors

Curate a space that will withstand the test of time by opting for clean lines and even proportions to create an unobtrusive look that will remain effortlessly in style. For a sense of depth and character, consider textured wallpaper, or an authentic rosewood coffee table that will develop a natural patina over time. To further establish staying power, select a complementary neutral palette of soft gray or sandy beige, then accent the clean canvas with quintessential jewel tones for stately elegance.

January 17, 2020October 9, 2020

Tips To Prepare You and Your Loved Ones For an Emergency

(BPT) – Fires can occur when you least expect it, leaving little time to plan your escape, so the time to prepare for an emergency isn’t when your alarm sounds. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), only 32% of American households have actually developed and practiced an emergency escape plan. Make time to sit down with your family to plan and practice what you would do in case of a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) emergency. Consider the following tips when helping to prepare yourself and your loved ones:

January 10, 2020October 9, 2020

New European House Plan With 4 Bedrooms

European Style Home Plan chp-60205 | Total Living Area: 4557 SQ FT | Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: Two Full, One 3/4, 1 Half Bath | Garage Bays: 3 | Dimensions: 76′ W x 64′ D

This European style two-story house plan design looks as though it comes from a time gone by. A deliberate blend of stone and shake siding gives this European classic curb appeal that is hard to beat.

You’ll love how the kitchen, great room and dining room all work together in an open floor plan to create a spacious living area perfect for entertaining.

January 3, 2020October 9, 2020

How To Keep Your House Warm – Even In Freezing Temperatures

(BPT) – With the early arrival of winter, the grip of cold temperatures and snowfall that landed along with it, now is a good time to start thinking about keeping your home warm and cozy all season long.

This winter, consider the strategies below to keep your house warm, even during the most frigid days of the year.

December 27, 2019October 9, 2020

How To Maximize AI Usage At Home

(BPT) – As the prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the home grows, so too does the amount of helpful features available to make daily tasks much easier. While the abundance of smart home technology (powered by AI) can seem overwhelming, the more you know, the better these functions can impact your life positively. Through a true understanding of these innovative breakthroughs, you can easily expand the usage of AI in your home and take advantage of its benefits.

This vision of life made better through AI was highlighted at the recent 2019 AI Summit | New York at which key speaker Dr. Nandhu Nandhakumar, Senior Vice President of Advanced Technology at the LG Technology Center of America in Silicon Valley, discussed the company’s AI innovations on improving the quality of life as well as the need for a clear direction of AI in the home in the future. LG’s vision is manifested in LG ThinQ®, LG’s brand for products and services incorporating advanced AI technologies. It aims to deliver easy, personalized, proactive and efficient solutions, bringing new intelligence to connected living.

Here are some benefits of AI you may be overlooking:

December 20, 2019October 9, 2020

8 Tips To Prep Your Home During (and After) the Holidays

(BPT) – Hosting guests, baking treats, kids on school break and managing a packed social calendar – the holidays can be a stressful, busy time. And with so much to do, household chores can fall by the wayside, leaving your home messy and disorganized.

These eight tips will help you enjoy a cleaner home so you can focus on spending time with loved ones and start the new year off with a sparkling, welcoming home.