Posts from February 2024
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13
Should You Do Home Upgrades Now or Right Before You Sell?
Home sellers are often told to make upgrades to their house before they sell. But when is the best time to get those home improvements underway, in terms of scoring the best ROI?
It's a tough balance to strike. After all, the sooner you remodel your kitchen or retile the bathroom, the more you'll get to enjoy it all yourself. But if you make those improvements t...
12
Navigating Mortgage Rates in 2024
After reaching their peak for the year of 7.9% in October of 2023, the tide is finally turning for mortgage rates in 2024. According to an emailed statement reported by Forbes, Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, had this to say. "Mortgage rates will continue to ease in 2024 as inflation improves and Fed rate cuts get closer. Mortgage rates could near 6.5% by the end of the year, a key factor in starting to provide affordability relief to homebuyers."
Over the past few years, rates hit their highest peaks in decades. A forecast of lower rates is a welcome relief to those looking to buy, sell and refinance — but what exactly does it mean for each one? Below, we'll briefly summarize the opportunities lower rates could ope...
12
A Minifridge in the Bathroom?! This Latest Decor Trend, Explained
We know—you've seen it all when it comes to design fads, from the resurgence of avocado kitchens to "blob chic." Still, the latest trend in home decor might just surprise you: putting a minifridge in your bathroom.
Although it seems a bit weird, there are plenty of reasons you might consider hopping on board this latest decorating must-have du jour—and not a single one involves needing your favorite snacks within arm's reach of the toilet.
You might, for example, want to store your top-shelf serums and...
11
Glossy and Glam: Bling Up Your Bathroom With These 5 Glass Tile Ideas
Punchy decorative tiles have long been a design staple in modern bathrooms. But lately, one popular iteration of this trend is giving ho-hum ceramic stalwarts a run for their money.
We're talking about glass tiles, especially in unexpected pairings: set against matching wood tones, contrasting matte textures, and patterned penny tiles.
While glass might seem like a fragile material that's challenging to work with, many of these so-called glass tiles are just ceramic with a glossy sheen and glasslike appearance.
To help you better visualize what your bathroom might look like under the spell of this latest trend, we selected several standout looks from Instagram to illustrate all the chic ways you can incorporate glass tiles into your space.
So consider these five glass-tile styles for the ultimate wow factor in your bathroom.
1. Upscale subway tile
These subway tiles have come a long way from their plain Jane, all-white ancestors. Set vertically, these extralong glass tiles featured by @smukke.hjem are made even more elegant with contrasting rows of black tile.
"These tiles are popular because of their bespoke look," says designer Devin Shaffer, of Decorilla. "This particular color resonates with people the same way rose gold iPhones do—there's a magic in the color, especially when mixed brilliantly with metallics and black."
Get the look: Serve up some simmering magic in your bathroom by shopping for this exact tile from Mandarin Stone, the Loki Pink Gloss Tile.
2. Earthy contrasts
There's something to be said for taking a color—like the rich jungle green of this tile from @morphed_studio—and creating an entire theme around it. Namely, this earthy chic oasis of a bathroom is a real stunner.
"The glossy finish of the green tile is such a beautiful moment in this bathroom that pulls you in with its captivating color," says designer Megan Nelson, of @nestwiththenelsons. "The understated simplicity of the matte finish of the concrete allows your eye to rest and feel totally Zen in this swoon-worthy space."
Get the look: Create an eye-catching space by pairing these Wabi Sabi Emerald Green Tiles with this concrete wall finish.
3. Pretty in pink
Another smashing idea for glass tiles? Pair them with a busy mosaic tile, as we see in this design from @heidicaillierdesign.
"We're seeing an uptick in the rise of the pink bathroom," says designer Carmen Smith, of Living Letter Home. "Now we're seeing it paired with patterned mosaic or penny tile and a coordinating wallpaper. It's a really fun and unique twist that's both nostalgic and classic."
Get the look: Go for the vintage vibes by setting this Park Hill Pink Tile against this Marrakesh tile.
4. Matchy-matchy
Sometimes, great design originates with a single color. In this case, it's a blue-green from @thehouseondolphinst that works as well on tile as it does for wainscoting.
"Create an Instagram-worthy bathroom with a touch of marble and a vertical board-and-batten look in a pop of your favorite color," says Nelson.
Get the look: Couple this Lake Basil Glazed Tile with the Lake White for the ultimate green-on-white checkered backsplash. Then, grab a can of Oakmoss for your wainscoting to complete the look.
5. Wood-toned tile
Find the perfect glass tile for nearly any bathroom by starting with the earthy hues, like the ones we see in this look from @hw.interiors.
"Shiny wood tones are a great play on the monochromatic look," says Smith. "This style is great for smaller bathrooms and works best with places that either have a lot of natural light or plenty of warm lighting to give that extra dimension to an all-neutral space."
Get the look: Have a small bathroom that would do well with glossy wood tones? Shop the collection of brown bathroom tiles at TileBar, or opt for a light-toned pick like this Paint Terracotta Glossy Tile.
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/glass-tile-looks-for-your-bathroom/
11
The Housing Market Sees the 'Biggest Jump' in 3 Years
For those who believe in what it means when a famous groundhog doesn't see his shadow, spring might be coming early—particularly for the housing market.
The biggest indicator that the largely frozen market is thawing is the massive spike of fresh listings that sellers added to the market, according to the latest data from Realtor.com®. New listings were up by a whopping 12.8% for the week ending Feb. 3 compared with the same time...
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