Oversize Pendants for Every Style Home

Hello Friends,

Having ample lighting in a kitchen is a practical matter — being able to clearly see what you’re doing is a necessity in a space where you prepare, cook and eat food. Pendant lights above a kitchen island or table are an ideal way to cast a wide swath of light over a surface. While oversize pendant lights do not necessarily cast more light than standard-size pendants, they do provide a dramatic style statement in the heart of your home. Here are 10 on-trend oversize pendants featured in a wide range of kitchen styles.

1. Transitional. With its minimalist white color palette, traditional coffered ceiling and rustic hand-carved wood pendants over the waterfall island, this transitional San Francisco kitchen designed by Jeff Schlarb highlights a great mix of styles.

“Whether it is an oversized art piece behind a sofa or plus-size captain’s chairs at a dining table, the elevation change in a room adds dimension and charisma,” Schlarb says. “Perhaps the trend of more oversized pendants is due to consumers seeing more images on websites such as Houzz furthering the education of interior design techniques.”

The Last Inch

2. Industrial. This industrial kitchen in Mill Valley, California, is located in a former library that retains its original brick walls. Four oversized black drum pendants hang above the black Richlite-topped island.

Palmerston Design Consultants

3. Modern. This minimalist black-and-white kitchen in Toronto, designed by Kirsten Marshall, features one bold oversize Capitol pendant light from CB2 —showing you don’t have to spend a lot to hop on this trend. “We first fell in love with this great oversize pendant from Moooi, but the price was well north of $1,000,” Marshall says. “Then we found this one from CB2 for a quarter of the price, and it works perfectly.”

ZeroEnergy Design

4. Farmhouse. For this farmhouse kitchen in Massachusetts, designer Lisa Tharp commissioned Carol Collord, owner of Creations by Carol, to create these oversize pendants out of Belgian linen.

Lisa Tharp Design

5. Traditional. This classically handsome kitchen in Boston features Shaker cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone and a wood-topped island. But it’s the pair of Thomas O’Brien Goodman pendants that demand the most attention in this serene space.

DeRhodes Construction

6. Eclectic. With its hand-painted tile walls, pale yellow cabinets and walnut-topped island, this Charlotte, North Carolina, kitchen is stylishly eclectic. The oversize black-painted steel drum pendant provides the finishing touch.

Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design

7. Coastal. A pair of distressed iron Fenchurch pendants from Currey & Co. add a rustic touch to this light and breezy coastal-inspired kitchen in St. Louis.

John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

8. Asian-inspired. A Nelson pendant light adds a midcentury touch to this Asian-inspired San Francisco kitchen designed by John Lum Architecture.

High Camp Home

9. Rustic. This rustic kitchen in California’s San Gabriel Mountains features a pair of blackened steel and glass lantern pendants over an island made out of reclaimed wood.

BAR Architects

10. Updated Arts and Crafts. This lovely remodeled kitchen in San Francisco features a new take on Arts and Crafts style. The chunky lines of the wood stools and three oversize pendants have a distinctly Usonian vibe. https://goo.gl/fzhWz4

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

3376 Harrison Blvd.

Ogden, UT 84403

(801)627-6500

9 Hidden Storage Spots You Didn't Know Your Home Had

Hello Friends, 

When the unavoidable clutter of a family, pets, and a job starts to pile up, you may long for a few more rooms in your home just to contain it all. But if a move or an addition isn’t on the horizon anytime soon, the next best bet is to maximize the storage space your home already has. By reconsidering areas you’ve overlooked as potential storage spots—the backs of cabinet doors or that empty space under the stairs—you may find that your home can hold much more than you thought. Rather than simply piling belongings in a closet, these creative storage spots are strategically placed so items are close at hand and easy to find. A play set that slides under the bed in your kid’s room will end the daily hunt for lost toys, while a shelf under your kitchen cabinets frees up counter space, yet leaves cookbooks and spices within reach. When you put all of these hidden storage spots to use, it may suddenly feel as though your home gained an extra room or two.

On the Backs of Cabinet Doors

If you’re a baker, you likely have a kitchen drawer filled with a jumble of mixer attachments, measuring cups, and rubber spatulas. To avoid rummaging through this drawer while your hands are covered in cookie dough, take a cue from Jenny Steffens Hobick of Everyday Occasions and make use of the backs of your kitchen cabinet doors. To adopt the idea in your own kitchen, screw cup hooks into the back of the door, spacing them so that the hanging items won’t interfere with the shelves when the door is closed. Another storage tip to steal: Let painted pieces of molding stand in for shelf risers so you can see all of the contents at a glance and save time searching for the allspice.

Under Your Child’s Bed

Turns out there’s a lot more than monsters hiding under your kid’s bed—there’s also plenty of unused storage space. Spotted in a tour of a beautiful 1950s home on Wit & Delight, a shallow wooden tray with wheels turns an ordinary train set into a trundle play set. To make your own, attach small casters to the bottom of a large wooden tray or bin. During playtime, your little ones can wheel it into the center of the room. When bedtime rolls around, they can simply stash it under the bed for easy cleanup. To make building a wheeled storage bin even easier, check out The Heathered Nest’s tutorial for adding casters to an IKEA basket.

Beneath Your Kitchen Cabinets

If you wish you could free up counter space in your kitchen, but every square inch of cabinet space is occupied, consider installing some bracketed shelves just below the cabinets, as Nicole Lamac of The House Diaries did. “When I renovated this house, I built in storage areas wherever possible,” she explains, including adding bracketed shelves for holding the overflow of dishes and cookbooks from the cabinets above. When deciding where to place the shelves, measure the height of the dishes or canisters you plan to store. Make sure there is enough clearance between the shelf and the bottom of the cabinets, but that the shelves don’t sit so low that they block the work surface.

On Small Blank Walls

Many homes have unused walls and unoccupied corners—so why not put those underutilized areas to work? In this California nursery featured on Inspired By This, shallow wooden shelves hold a row of picture books, giving a formerly blank wall a new purpose and leaving reading materials within arm’s reach of a cozy chair. To get the look, buy several shallow picture ledges and attach them in a column on an open wall. Alternatively, if your home has empty corners, look for triangular floating shelves that fit snuggly into the corners of your home.

Above the Toilet

Between linens, toiletries, and hair styling tools, it’s easy to feel short on storage in even the most spacious of bathrooms. To maximize storage in this room, consider overlooked areas, including the space above the toilet. When Jenna Sue Design participated in a room makeover challenge, they crafted a storage ladder that fits around the toilet using just $10 worth of supplies. To ensure a custom fit, you can build your own ladder following their tutorial, or you can measure the height of the toilet and search for a storage ladder that’s the right size. Once in place, let the piece hold the overflow from your linen closet.

At the End of the Bed

Adding a storage bench or stylish baskets at the end of your bed is not only a smart way to stash the extra blankets your overstuffed closet can’t hold, but it can also help the room feel polished. When redecorating the master bedroom, the blog Hello Allison punctuated the end of the bed with a chic bench and hid woven storage baskets below. The bins can corral a large shoe collection, while the bench provides a seat for putting them on. If you prefer to keep your storage out of sight, look for a storage bench with built-in compartments. Otherwise, choose a bench that’s slightly lower than the end of the bed, and select short baskets than can slide underneath.

Under the Stairs

In most homes, the area under the stairs is a big blank wall of possibilities, making it an ideal spot to fit in extra storage. Specializing in interiors that pair style with function, the Chicago-based design firm Foster Hill Design took advantage of this area in a client’s playroom, adding built-in shelves for toys and art supplies. Metal wire baskets that offer a look inside help kids find their favorite toys quickly, while woven baskets contain dress-up clothes. For a quicker fix, install a couple floating shelves along the wall for holding books, small bins, and even a few framed pieces of your child’s artwork.

Up Near the Ceiling

If you think you’ve used up every last square foot of storage in your home, it may be time to set your sights a little higher—as in, up near the ceiling. In this orderly living room from Little House on the Corner, two high shelves set above eye level hold magazines, art, and a collection of knick-knacks. While this out-of-the-way storage isn’t meant for things you reach for every day, it does provide a perch for displaying items you love, without sacrificing space that should be used for more practical belongings. Go ahead, store your prized collection where it can be admired.

On the Side of Cabinets

When it comes to optimizing storage space, it’s important to think outside the cabinet. Katie and Erin Nathey, the couple behind Mountain Modern Life, a blog that documents their life inside a renovated RV, know a thing or two about taking advantage of storage in small spaces and, fortunately, their smart tricks can fit in any size home. In their tiny kitchen, hooks on the sides of the cabinets hold aprons and dish towels, while cup hooks secured under the cabinet suspend potholders. And rather than waste the space below a floating microwave, the couple attached a magnetic strip for spice jars. By incorporating these ideas into a larger kitchen, you can declutter your cabinets and keep essentials out in the open. https://goo.gl/6ghAfc

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline

3376 Harrison Blvd.

Ogden, UT 84403

(801)627-6500

7 Home Renovations You'll Get Your Back On

Hello friends,

We may have (almost) year-round pool weather here, but building your dream pool might leave you underwater — they’re usually home reno money pits. Instead, here are the best fix-ups (big and small) that almost always increase your home’s value.

Front Door Curb appeal, people. You might miss this focal point since, well, it’s hiding in plain sight. But a replacement door, or fresh coat of paint on it and new hardware can really refresh the overall vibe of your home.

New Paint A new coat of paint is like a facelift for your house, changing the appearance from meh to mmmm-hmmm. For reference: Wood should be re-painted every three to seven years; stucco, five to six.

Anything eco-wise Replacing appliances with low-water, low-energy options mean you can brag about it in a real estate listing, which makes your home sound up-to-date. Tankless water heaters, front-loading washing machines, even new insulation in the attic are all smart-money options.

Kitchens Okay, a gut reno of the whole shebang — including stealing some square footage from a neighboring room — is every home chef’s dream. But just changing the cabinet doors, countertop and flooring can be enough.

Bathrooms Kitchens and bathrooms, the old real estate sales maxim goes, are what sell houses. If you’re flush, go for a gut renovation with luxe surfaces like marble or tile mosaic, as long as the design is clean and classic. (Read: Appealing to the average buyer.) Otherwise, swapping out sink and bath hardware and re-grouting tile are happy options.

French Doors Want your home to feel more spacious? Try this trick tailor-made for warm climates: Replace windows on a family room, den or dining room with French doors that open onto an outside patio. Suddenly we’re on the Riviera.

Upgrade the outdoor space Instead of expanding your home’s square footage (which doesn’t necessarily add value to your home), take advantage of our beautiful weather by adding an awning to a patio area and create an outdoor living space. https://goo.gl/UcFznG

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline

(801)627-6500

3376 Harrison Blvd.

Ogden, UT 84403

10 Smart, Family-Friendly Ways to Tame Kitchen Clutter

Hello Friends,

Keeping your kitchen neat and orderly is possible, but it's a family affair. Here are some easy ways to get the clutter and chaos under control.

Keep It at Kid Level

Place go-to snacks, utensils and dishware in lower cabinets and drawers so little ones can help themselves (when appropriate).

Self-Serve Healthy Snacks

Like most parents, you've realized that portion control is the name of the game for a healthier diet. Pre-package healthy treats into small bags, jars and plastic containers so when snack time hits, portions are just right.

Lunch Prep Station

Streamline the process by creating this simple lunch prep station. Keep lunchboxes, water bottles and utensils, along with pre-packaged snacks, all in one area for fast packing.

Kids' Cutlery Caddy

Separate the grown-up cutlery from the kid stuff by adding hook-and-loop tape to a drawer organizer, then attach it inside a lower cabinet or door for easy kid access.

Keep a Lid on It

Organize plastic lids by mounting an old magazine file to the inside of the cabinet so you can easily find the correct lid. If you have a million lids, hang a file designated specifically for each size lid.

Wrangle Water Bottles

Repurpose that old wine rack into something you'll use. Every. Single. Day. The small-scale cubbies are perfect for wrangling your expansive water bottle collection.

A Place for Everything

Kids are more likely to stay organized when they know exactly where their stuff should go. Playful labels can ensure lunchboxes end up inside the cabinet rather than strewn across the kitchen table.

Easy Drink Station

Encourage healthy hydration by keeping lightweight cups close to the water dispenser. Assign a color for each child, then glue a medium-sized magnet onto the back of each cup.

Corral Shopping Bags

Make the most of the pantry wall space by repurposing old file organizers. They’re the perfect spot to store recycled paper bags or grocery totes.

Next-Level Chip Clips

If your pantry has wire shelving, take your chip-clip game to the next level by adding S-hooks into the mix. Hang kid-appropriate snacks at their level and others up higher.

https://goo.gl/1ow2yn 

Thanks so much!

ERA Skyline Real Estate

3376 Harrison Blvd

Ogden, UT 84403

801-627-6500

How to Make a Big Statement With a Small Yard

Hello Friends,

Not everyone dreams of a lush and sprawling backyard. So playing down diminutive outdoor space in your listing could be a missed opportunity to connect with a buyer who sees a postage-stamp lawn or a compact front stoop as a plus, says Meridith Baer, owner of Meridith Baer Home, a staging firm based in the Los Angeles area. “Actually, it’s sometimes easier to make a small space charming. It might be as simple as adding shutters in a pretty hue and painting the front door, or putting that perfect set of chairs on the front porch,” she says. Whether you’re dealing with a small backyard in a single--family home or simply a balcony or patio for a townhouse or condo, these tips can help homeowners or stagers make a bigger statement.

Watch the Scale 

Decluttering is just as crucial for outdoor spaces as it is the rest of the house. “It’s important not to do too much and overcrowd a small space,” says Dennis Hammett, sales associate with Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®, in Dallas. Too many chairs around a table or even too large a tree can make a smaller yard feel confined. “Placement and size of plants becomes very important with a small front yard. You want to make sure that none are so big that they will block any of the home’s architectural features,” says Jason Evans, marketing manager for The Davey Tree Expert Co. in East Bay, Calif. Keep garden statues and ornaments to a minimum, Evans adds.

Set a Focal Point

Smaller spaces often benefit from an attention-grabbing feature, such as a water fountain, outdoor fireplace, or a restful nook in a compact garden. “If you have a small space, pick a focus to start with,” says Justin Hancock, garden expert with Costa Farms in Miami. “You might want to rent or borrow a small patio set or fire pit to get buyers thinking about how great the backyard will be for entertaining or outdoor living.” You can also draw attention verbally to a focal point. For example, call out the benefits to the home’s outdoor plantings—if they, for example, attract butterflies or hummingbirds, Hancock says. “A quick handout that highlights the upsides to areas of the yard can be helpful to consumers who may not realize those benefits on their own.”

Outdoor Reflections

“Try a trick borrowed from interior designers: Hang an outdoor-friendly mirror on an exterior wall to reflect light and to make these yards feel more open,” says Missy Henriksen, spokeswoman for the National Association of Landscape Professionals. While there’s no wrong or right style of outdoor mirror, Henriksen offers some suggestions: Hang the mirror no lower than eye level, ensure it’s rustproof, and try a mirror that mimics shapes and styles of real windows. Pay attention to what you’re reflecting, too. “You want to show off the gorgeous greenery of your landscape, not a bare wall or barbecue,” Henriksen says.

Go for the Vertical

Taller plants can add height to a doorway that feels closed off, Henriksen says. A spiral topiary in a container beside a front door can nicely accentuate a space. Another tip: Prune plants so they’re more vertical, training them to grow up rather than out. Also, consider a vertical wall of planters, like containers of ornamental grasses. You can also raise plant height by several feet using retaining walls, raised beds, or extra long, slender containers.

Accent With Container Gardens

Container gardens are portable, which make them an easy way to enhance a small space, particularly for a townhouse or condo where a homeowners association or shared space may limit what you can install. Matching containers placed on each side of a stairway or doorway can create a bookend look, suggests Hancock. Or, group a small cluster of different sizes of containers. Choose plants that complement or contrast with the color of your front door. For example, with a red door, choose red geraniums, salvia, or petunias, Hancock suggests. For a high-contrast look with a blue door, try planting easy-care golds and yellows, such as zinnias, marigolds, or celosia. “If floor space is at a premium, try a hanging basket or two,” says Hancock.

Layer the Light

Turn a spotlight on what you do have, from above and below. “Outdoor lighting is an easy way to showcase the entry and complement your landscaping,” says Hammett. Solar lights can be added affordably and without extra wiring. Point lights up at trees, and place them along the driveway and planting beds to create a landscape with a soothing glow, Hammett says. Also, consider wall-mounted task lighting, such as sconces, to spotlight outdoor cooking areas. “Gas lanterns can add a touch of elegance, “ Hammett says.

Fuse in More Greenery

Use the colors of nature to add lushness and texture to the space. You’ll be in good company with designers on this one, as the Pantone Color Institute’s color of the year is a verdant shade called “greenery.” NALP is also highlighting simpler greenery for 2017. A formal hedge of green velvet boxwood, a border of green lily turf, or dense Boston ivy-colored trellises can have just as much impact as a garden full of colorful flowers, NALP notes. “Everyone loves a pop of color, but don’t shy away from the striking simplicity of outdoor neutrals, especially in smaller yards,” Henriksen says. Try ornamental grasses and trees potted in a container. In drought-prone areas, consider a small patch of low-water options like Kurapia, a ground cover with white flowers that can work in various soils and requires little watering to maintain.

Increase Privacy

Small yards often lack privacy, and neighbors are usually in close proximity. Taller plants, vines, bamboo, or an arbor with a large flowering vine can help create a more intimate space. A trellis on a balcony of a condo can also help. “Privacy doesn’t have to be expensive—even a lattice panel or two can do the job,” Hancock says. A hedge is the easiest and most affordable way to add privacy in a yard, Baer says. “If you want to save money, get a younger specimen and have the broker point out that in a year’s time you won’t see the neighbors,” Baer says.

Extend the Indoors Out

Connect the indoor space to the outdoor space to make the living space feel larger. Use the same colors you find inside the home in the exterior color scheme, starting with cushioned furnishings and outdoor throw pillows for an easy match. Add a waterproof rug to ground the space as an outdoor room. Consider a pergola or gazebo to extend the interior feel. “Outdoor structures can help define your space and do not have the confinement of four closed walls, so they are typically good choices for smaller properties,” Henriksen says.

https://goo.gl/YOxQW2

Thanks so much!

ERA Skyline Real Estate

3376 Harrison Blvd

Ogden, UT 84403

801-627-6500