Spring cleaning season is upon us, and if you’re like me, removing the six months of winter clutter can cause renovation fever! With home shows, bright sunshine and new decorating ideas on Pinterest, the projects can be coming at you like trying to drink from a fire hose! Moving a lamp could start off a whole new direction in a room and could cause an avalanche of house projects. I’m serious. I once bought new lampshades for my sage green and gold bedroom that caused new paint, bedding and furniture refinishing. My room is now white and gray with bold horizontal stripes on a 12-foot wall. Don’t ask how that happened, but it did, and I love it! So, here’s what I used to help me keep things in check and keep me from having panic attacks and night sweats wondering where I put my paint samples and whether the dresser look as good on the right wall as the left.
I’m not quite sure how our ancestors handled house projects and remodels without smartphones, but the tools I found were nothing short of essential. I will share a few of them here.
- Color Smart behr.com (free app for iOS and Android)
If you’re using Behr paint for your interior, you’ll want this handy app. You can actually upload a photo and the app will create a color scheme for you based on the image. Want your home to evoke memories of your honeymoon in Belize? There you go. You can also apply colors to a photo of the room you intend to paint. What, you ask? Yes, you’re welcome, no more painting small patches and buying $3.99 paint samples.
- Houzz Interior Design Ideas houzz.com (free app for iOS and Android)
If you haven’t found enough inspiration from Pinterest, magazines, the neighbors or your own imagination, you’ll definitely want to download Houzz. The app is a collection of photos of nearly every type of room, location and product. The company’s editorial team curates products and the app includes a directory of local professionals, including designers, architects and contractors. Be careful here, you may end up with designer overload. Stay on track, stay focused, one room at a time…
- Color Capture benjaminmoore.com (free app for iOS and Android)
Gone are the days of carrying around color samples. Benjamin Moore helps you set favorites and even add notes. You can also get more information on paints and colors and find your nearest Benjamin Moore store. Oh yeah, the grey in my room? It was a viral pin on Pinterest. I’m sure most homes in America now have Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore. Reminds me of the days when every home in America was Navajo White!
- Homestyler homestyler.com/mobile (free app for iOS and Android)
By far, this app is my favorite! Upload a picture of the room you want to redesign. You can try furniture, rugs, hang light fixtures, mirrors…the possibilities are endless! It features high quality 3D models of real furniture in your rooms. Best of all, you can share your designs with friends and family through Facebook or email. This app is like your own interior decorator living in your phone! Oh, and let me mention it again…it’s FREE!
So now that I have shared a few of my handy dandy tips to save your sanity during remodeling or redecorating projects, I have one thing to remind you. There are some things that DIY is just not a great option for. Plumbing and electrical are two areas I would hands down recommend a licensed contractor. Those are much better left to the professionals! Happy spring renovation! QCBN
By Beverly Golin
Beverly Golin is with Yavapai Plumbing and Heating, LLC., located at 5860 N. Fulton Dr. in Prescott. She can be reached at 928-776-7025. For more information, visit www.ypeinc.com.