Latest news with #Houzz
Forbes
12 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Outdoor Lighting Part 2: Tips And Tricks
Photo courtesy of Wonderly Lights Outdoor lighting is an important consideration for homeowners looking to upgrade their curb appeal. It's also somethi ng homeowners are considering when looking for ways to create the perfect outdoor entertaining hub. In fact, the most recent Houzz Renovation Trends Report reveals that one of the most popular outdoor renovation projects is upgrading lighting systems. Outdoor Lighting: Part 1 covered lighting mistakes. Part 2 focuses on tips and tricka to take your outdoor lighting to another level. Photo courtesy of Light It Up Columbus When evaluating your outdoor lighting, consider not just how it looks, but how it feels. 'You may be tempted to treat outdoor lighting as an afterthought, layering in a few spotlights or path lights without a plan,' says Chris Apfelstadt, CEO and lighting designer at Light Up Columbus Instead, he recommends that you start begin by asking yourself how you want to use the space — for example, do you plan to entertain guests or is this a peaceful garden-focused retreat? Your lighting should reflect your intention for the outdoor space. Another tip is to consider the view from the inside of your home as you're looking out. 'A successful outdoor lighting plan doesn't just illuminate the yard—it enhances the atmosphere from key interior spaces like the kitchen or bedroom,' Apfelstadt says. 'A warm glow in the garden or subtle uplighting on trees can extend the perceived size of your home and create a more cohesive indoor-outdoor experience.' He recommends thinking in layers: for example, ambient lighting for mood, task lighting for function, and accent lighting for focal points. 'Don't forget about control—dimmers, zones, and smart timers help your lighting adapt to different needs and times of day,' Apfelstadt adds. You can certainly apply a lot of these principles yourself, But he notes that a truly great lighting designer can work wonders. 'This individual will instinctively pull all of these elements together, creating a lighting plan that reflects your lifestyle, your views, and the emotional tone you want your home to have after dark,' Apfelstadt says. Photo courtesy of Qonderly Lights Kyle Beach, COO of Wonderly Lights, provided invaluable insight for Outdoor Lighting Mistakes. He agrees with Apfelstadt that you need to consider the purpose of your outdoor space (hosting, quiet reflection, or elevating the home's visual appearance). 'With living areas such as patios or terraces, layered ambient lighting, wall sconces, bistro lights, or surrounding deck lighting, can extend your living space and establish a warm, welcoming atmosphere,' Beach says. For pathways and stairs, he recommends low-voltage fixtures, as they offer subtle safety without visual clutter. 'Planting areas and ornamental trees benefit from uplighting designed to highlight texture, form and seasonal beauty,' Beach explains. His team always recommends a layered approach, which combines ambient, architectural, and accent lighting, as this will add both depth and visual rhythm across the property. 'Above all, invest in weather-rated, professional-grade fixtures from the start, since, in our experience, homeowners who prioritize quality not only achieve superior design but avoid the cycle of wasted money replacing sun-faded, corroded, or underperforming fixtures every few years,' Beach says. As you're trying to mix and match different types of lighting, identify your focal points. 'Consider the elements of your property you want to emphasize, such as a striking tree, architectural detail, or the main entryway,' Beach says. After establishing the focal points, he says you can build a layered lighting plan that balances beauty and function. 'Introduce functional lighting in areas where visibility and safety are essential, including pathways, outdoor kitchens, and gathering spaces.' And the final step is to incorporate accent lighting to add depth and visual interest. 'Draw attention to features like water elements, ornamental trees, or sculptural plantings, as a thoughtful mix of these lighting types creates a cohesive, inviting outdoor environment,' Beach recommends. Consistency is key: Beach says you should unify the space through shared materials, finishes, and color temperature (typically a warm 2700K–3000K). He suggests avoiding overly decorative or trendy fixtures, noting they can quickly date your outdoor space. 'Instead, select timeless forms built from commercial-grade metals, solid brass, or architectural bronze—materials that age beautifully and last for decades,' Beach says. When it's done well, Beach explains that outdoor lighting is less about brightness and more about balance. 'Strategic darkness, shadow play, and restrained use of light can transform an ordinary space into something atmospheric and intentional,' he says. Even if you don't have a lot to spend on outdoor lighting, Beach warns against compromising with short-lived or disposable fixtures.' His team encourages a phased investment in quality and he prioritizes lighting the areas that offer the highest functional and visual impact, such as the entryway, main entertaining spaces, and focal points in the landscape. 'Opt for professional-grade fixtures from trusted architectural lighting brands, which have a higher upfront cost, but are designed to endure harsh climates, resist corrosion, and deliver consistent performance for a decade or more,' Beach says. On the other hand, he warns that cheaper alternatives—especially those made of plastic or thin aluminum—can degrade quickly, need to be replaced frequently and end up costing more. 'If you're working within a budget, install in stages: begin with foundational lighting that addresses safety, property value, and usability, then expand to accent and ambient layers over time,' Beach concludes.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Homeowner Rips Up Carpet During Renovation—What She Finds Stuns Viewers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A video of a homeowner making a "jackpot" discovery beneath a carpet during renovation works has gone viral on TikTok. The clip was shared by Seren and Rhys (@our_edwardian_reno) and has garnered 513,000 views since it was posted on June 9. The short clip shows a woman peeling a carpet off the floor to reveal what appears to be Victorian tiles underneath it, according to a hashtag shared in the caption. Each tile features a blue star shape against a white backdrop, overlaid with a patterned centerpiece. "Oh my god," the caption simply says. According to another video, the tiles were found on the day the poster was adding a new doorway to their hallway. The discovery in the viral post comes amid a broader trend of Americans investing in home renovations. According to a recent survey by Houzz, a home design website, the median renovation spending in the U.S. surged by 60 percent between 2020 and 2023, rising from $15,000 to $24,000. Seven out of 10 renovating homeowners were reported to have invested in interior room remodeling in 2023, according to the report. The viral video also comes as the global flooring market was estimated to be valued at $360.7 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 percent from 2025 to 2030, according to a report by Grandview Research, a market research firm headquartered in San Francisco. "Increasing demand for aesthetic, superior, and durable floor covering solutions and changing consumer trends in floor design have aided the growth of the flooring industry over the past few years," the report said. 'Dream Find' Viewers on TikTok were amazed by the incredible surprise finding beneath the carpet in the viral video. Claud said: "Holy shiz. dream find right there!" and MGW wrote: "Absolute perfection." Landstack noted: "You just hit the jackpot," and Eymer Creates said: "I would lose my life if i discovered that!" Bh_London 🇬🇧 noted: "I'd be beyond happy, just stunning." User samspam29 said: "Omg why would somebody cover that beauty up!" User Caravandays said: "What a find will look fabulous." User O'Neil noted: "ohhh so perfect, so many memories stepped over those tiles xx." Matthew Cobb called it an "amazing find," and silvia said it's an "unexpected it." Annette Whitehead wrote: "That's beautiful lucky you," and @nadine_x_13 said: "I'm so jealous." Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified. Stock image of a woman removing tape from the edge of a floor during a renovation. Stock image of a woman removing tape from the edge of a floor during a renovation. Getty Do you have a home renovation-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Newsweek
03-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Shock at Hallway Discovery in Century-Old Home—'Won the Wall Lottery'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When a homeowner in a 145-year-old house peeled back part of their hallway, they uncovered more than just dust and drywall. Images of the unexpected discovery—a pair of elegant, hidden archways—were shared in a post on Reddit, where users are marveling at the structure's historical craftsmanship and urging a full restoration. The post, titled "Found this surprise in our front hallway," was shared on May 21 by Reddit user u/RudeRudyHipton in the subreddit r/CenturyHomes. Since its posting, the entry has garnered 18,000 upvotes and hundreds of comments. In the post, the user shared images of what appear to be partial remnants of two archways—one framing the front door and another massive arch along an adjacent wall. The structure, long hidden beneath steel siding and layers of renovation, revealed ornate elements of a bygone architectural style. "I want to restore but it's so much is mostly broken or missing. Outside is covered over with steel siding. Half of me wants to cover it back up and pretend I saw nothing," the user wrote in the caption. "House was built in 1880. What should I do???" The viral reaction to the post underscores a broader trend. Home renovation spending has surged in recent years, particularly among homeowners in the United States. The median renovation spend climbed from $15,000 in 2020 to $24,000 in 2023, according to a survey of over 32,000 users of the home design website Houzz, which includes more than 17,700 in the U.S. who were actively renovating. The share of homeowners spending at least $25,000 on renovations jumped from 37 percent in 2020 to 51 percent in 2023, the survey found. 'You Won the Wall Lottery' The discovery of the two archways in the viral post came in stages, according to the homeowner. "I had no clue. I found the arch around the door a couple years ago when running power out to the porch light. Then I found the giant side arch a week ago," they noted in a follow-up comment. The home, one of the oldest in the neighborhood, has layers of mystery. "I have checked the old fire maps. One of the oldest houses in the neighborhood. And there used to be a stable where my garage sits now," the poster wrote in another later comment, referencing historic fire insurance maps often used by preservationists to document property changes over time. Commenters speculated on the architectural origins of the arches, with the original poster conceding that "it has Victorian elements but I wouldn't call it a Victorian house. Who knows, tons of things have been changed over 145 years and many owners." The user also pointed out a curious detail: "The floor is slightly slanted out in that hallway (purposely) like it was a covered porch originally but then the arched doorway makes no sense unless it was all added after closing everything up." While the decision to restore the arches remains up in the air, the Reddit community has made its position clear, with several urging the poster to go ahead with the restoration. "You won the wall lottery! Start up the restoration savings fund," wrote user u/FreidasBoss, and u/SodaPop9639 said: "Restore! Those arched windows would be stunning! Worth the investment." U/Honoratoo said: "You have been given an amazing gift.... but I understand that it may seem overwhelming right now." Another, u/stimber, simply questioned: "Why in the hell would someone cover that up?" The emotional resonance of the find wasn't lost on others. "The way my jaw dropped. I would have to just accept the pain and restore them," commented u/deadinside_rn. Another user, u/Serene_FireFly, speculated on further hidden treasures, writing: "I bet that's not the only treasure hiding under all that siding." Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system. A stock image of a couple standing by an open door, looking at the windows of an empty home. A stock image of a couple standing by an open door, looking at the windows of an empty home. Getty Do you have a home renovation-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@ and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Pro Takes: Which Outdoor Improvements Top Popularity, Resale Trends?
Outdoor kitchens help homes sell faster and for more money. For many Americans – myself among them – Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of the summer season. This is the time of year when we start enjoying our outdoor spaces, if we have any. It's also a time when we may be working on enhancing them, having completed our tax returns. Which upgrades offer the greatest returns on investment? According to real estate platform Zillow, 'Functional outdoor space continues to help homes sell for more.' In fact, the firm's research reports home sale bumps of $10,000 for improving these spaces. Here's what you might expect, especially if you live in a region with nearly year-round outdoor living potential. Zillow reached its conclusions by analyzing keywords of more than 2 million homes listed for sale in 2024. 'New Zillow research finds outdoor TVs, outdoor showers and outdoor kitchens can help homes sell for as much as 3.1% more than expected,' commented a March 2024 blog post. 'That's the highest sale price premium of all 359 features Zillow analyzed across nearly 1 million home sales in 2023.' The Zillow study specifically highlighted outdoor showers helping homes sell for 2.8% more and outdoor kitchens and bluestone patios boosting resale value by 2.2%.' Those figures may not seem significant, until you factor in sales prices for many of the most competitive markets exceeding $1 million price tags on typical suburban homes. That's true in my San Diego market. It may be in yours too. The post also mentioned that some features, especially trends highlighted on TikTok, helped homes sell almost a week faster. 'Viral home features that appeal to younger first-time buyers can help a home sell up to six days faster than expected,' the post noted, though it should be pointed out that younger buyers struggle to afford homes and save for down payments. If your home is in a community with many qualified young home shoppers, this is definitely something to keep in mind. Bottom line, according to Zillow: 'Six of the top 10 features that help homes sell for more are outdoor features, signaling that the pandemic-era demand for functional outdoor space remains,' the post continued. The popular pro search platform Yelp supports the popularity of outdoor enhancements. In its 2025 Summer Homes & Outdoor Trends Report, the site saw a 376% jump in gardener searches and a massive 875% spike in artificial turf providers. There were also intriguing jumps in homesteading requests. 'With food prices climbing, interest in self-sufficiency is surging—planting a nursery (+58%), building a chicken coop (+163%), and searching for live chickens (+424%) are also on the rise,' the report concluded. Home improvement platform Houzz predicted in November that outdoor cooking will be one of its top 10 home trends for 2025, noting that 90% of outdoor living space renovations include a grill. Notably though, it added, 'But we're seeing homeowners embrace other outdoor cooking methods as well. In addition to traditional grills, homeowners are adding pizza ovens, smokers, ceramic kamado-style barbecues and Argentinian-style gaucho grills that use wood or charcoal.' As Zillow shared in its report, that outdoor kitchen can bring resale returns. But it might now need more than a basic grill to quench home shoppers' taste for outdoor dining! Zillow suggests highlighting resale-enhancing features in a listing if a home has them, but offers a caution: 'Keep in mind that this analysis did not examine the ROI of installing any of these individual features solely for resale. Instead, these features should be viewed as signals about the perceived quality of a home and everything else it has going for it. For example, an outdoor shower could signal that a home is near the beach or has a pool, and that may be what's ultimately driving up the sale price.'
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Houzz Reveals 8 Emerging Summer Home Design Trends
Photo courtesy of One lesson we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic was the importance of creating a home that's stylish, functional, and comfortable enough that we wouldn't mind being there 24 hours a day if necessary. To a certain extent, there was also a shift from focusing on what's best for resale value and more of an emphasis on design choices that reflect personal style. In the years following the pandemic, we've seen impressive demonstrations of creativity, especially during the summer months. Houzz recently released the 2025 Houzz U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report, which identifies 8 new home design trends. 'As summer approaches, homeowners are embracing bold, expressive and highly-personal design choices — many of which reflect a desire to blend creativity with comfort, and style with functionality.' says Mitchell Parker, Houzz home design expert. Below, he explains Houzz's 8 emerging summer home design trends and provides photos that demonstrate the trends. Photo courtesy of Bold and espressivo color schemes are trending for the summer. 'Searches for color drenching, where a single hue is used across walls, trim and furniture, is up a staggering 4 times compared to last year,' Parker says. 'Whether opting for cool color schemes (up 3 times) or warm color schemes (up nearly 2.5 times), or getting artistic with monochromatic and analogous color schemes (up 2 times each), homeowners want to create immersive, mood-setting environments,' he explains. Monochromatic color schemes use variations of a single hue, while analogous color schemes use three or more colors that are next to each other on the wheel. Photo courtesy of Homeowners are using metallic details to add sparkle to their home interiors. 'Whether it's copper pendant lighting (searches are up 3.5 times over last year), gold bathroom vanity lights (up nearly 2 times) or brushed gold bathroom faucets (up almost 1.5 times), search insights give a nod to metal accents with sophisticated, modern flourishes,' Parker says. Also, searches for gold lamps are up 42%, and Parker explains that these lighting fixtures are a stylish way to bring both warmth and luxury into living spaces and bedrooms. 'Copper kitchen sinks and range hoods (up more than 20% each) round out this glam-meets-industrial look that feels fresh and luminous, especially in bright spaces,' Parker says. Photo courtesy of Homeowners are also elevating their entertainment options as they host family and friends this summer. Searches for dedicated whiskey bars are up nearly 2 times compared to last year, and searches for coffee bars are up 19%. Other popular searches are for beverage and wine fridges, small wet bars, and stylish beverage bars – which have jumped almost 1.5 times each. 'These additions reflect a desire for easy, accessible and visually appealing drink setups, perfect for summer evenings with family and friends or quiet mornings on the patio," Parker says. Photo courtesy of to dedicated beverage stations, homeowners also want to carve out spaces to play. 'Alongside mingling and hosting, there's a renewed appreciation for areas designed for downtime, creativity and fun,' Parker says. Searches for putting greens are up nearly 2 times compared to last year, while Lego rooms, billiard rooms and video game rooms are up almost 1.5 times each. In addition, Parker says searches for poker tables are up 77%, and game tables are up 20%. 'These dedicated zones allow people to unwind, play and create lasting summer memories together right at home,' he explains Photo courtesy of Natural materials continue to be popular among homeowners – and for good reason, as Parker says they have a calming, grounding effect. He notes that wood is really surging in Houzz's Emerging Summer Trends Report. Searches for living rooms with light hardwood floors increased 5 times compared to last year. Also, searches for wood paneled offices and woven wood shades increased by nearly 1.5 time each. 'White oak storage solutions also gained traction, particularly in kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities (up 46% and 20%, respectively),' Parker says. Photo courtesy of Houzz searches for French country bathrooms increased by 54%, while searches for French country chandeliers spiked 4 times compared to last year this time. 'Romantic and timeless, French country style is finding fresh appeal,' Parker says. Also, floral wallpaper searches have increased almost 2 times, and Parker explains that the airy elegance and cottage-core charm explains why it's being embraced. 'The style's mix of vintage elegance and relaxed comfort is also making its way into the heart of the home, with searches for modern French country kitchen up 45%,' he says. 'Altogether, this aesthetic offers a perfect approach to home refreshes that feel both tranquil and transportive.' Photo couortesy of Water conservation is front and center as homeowners search for low-water landscape options. Searches for succulent gardens increased 3 times in searches year-over-year. 'Mediterranean gardens and landscapes are gaining popularity, with searches jumping almost 2 times,' Parker adds. Another popular search includes decomposed granite landscapes (up 37%). 'These sustainable choices are ideal for summer when water usage typically spikes, blending form with function in outdoor design,' he says. PHoto courtesy of Consistently popular in home interiors, vintage style is now surging in popularity, and Parker says homeowners want to incorporate character, charm, and authenticity. 'It may also offer an alternative solution to tariff-related pricing and supply chain challenges facing the industry,' he adds. Searches on Houzz for vintage bathroom vanities spiked 4 times year-over-year, and searches for China cabinets and hutches increased nearly 3 times. In addition, Parker says searches for vintage living rooms and vintage kitchens nearly doubled. Read the full U.S. Houzz Emerging Summer Trends Report Also, these are some of the items that can help you incorporate the emerging summer trends in your home: Photo courtesy of One way to add wood-based elements in your home is with the Cangshan OLIV Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set, which contains a 9' honing steel, 8' bread knife, 8' chef's knife, 7' santoku knife, 5' serrated utility knife, 3.5' paring knife, 9' forged come-apart shears, and maple knife block. The knives also have ergonomic olive wood handles. Photos courtesy of The 6' x 9' Ruggable Ionia Sapphire & Natural Outdoor Rug is durable enough to withstand the elements, but can also be used indoors. The easy-to-care-for rug resists fading, mold, and mildew, and is machine washable. Photo courtesy of You'll enjoy spending more time lounging in the bed on this Riley Organic Cotton Sheet Set. The 300-thread count sheet set is garment-dyed, and includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases. Photo courtesy of Your HVAC may need a little help during the summer months, and this stylish Shark TurboBlaze Bladeless Tower Fan looks good while providing a cooling effect. It's a bladeless fan that pivots, twists, and oscillates. Photo courtesy of Regardless of your kitchen's color scheme, Kilne makes cookware that can complement it. The Cookware Set has a nonstick ceramic coating and is oven safe up to 750 degrees F. The Ceramic Pan Pair (also oven safe to 750 degrees F) consists of a full-sized ceramic pan (11.5') and a smaller 9.5' ceramic pan. Photo courtesy of Never push a lawn mower in the summer heat again. The Eufy E15 Auto Robot Lawn Mower cuts your lawn while you sit in the house lounging on the sofa. Unlike robot lawn mowers that use wires or an RTK station, the E15 uses pure vision FSD technology with high-precision cameras and intelligent algorithms. The obstacle avoidance feature ensures it doesn't roll over obstacles in its path, while the smart coverage detection system ensures that there are no uncut areas. You can use your smartphone to control the robot lawn mower, map the yard, and view the lawn mower's progress. Photo courtesy of Relax in bed or on the sofa with the Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Body Pillow, which is made of cooling gel bead-infused memory foam and microfiber. The fill is also adjustable, so you can add or remove fill as desired. The pillow also has a cool-to-the touch outer cover for additional comfort. Photo courtesy of If your mattress is too hard, or has seen better days, the Coop Sleep Goods Cool+ Mattress Topper can make it more comfortable. The fill is made of a proprietary gel plus-shaped memory foam and microfiber blend. The mattress topper provides full body support and also pressure point relief. Clean your home without lifting a finger – well you will need to lift one finger, but that's all. At the press of a button, the Ecovacs X9 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum can vacuum your carpet and also vacuum and mop your floors. Strong suction (16,600 Pa) removes debris from floors, and the robot vacuum provides edge-to-edge cleaning, while the brushes resist hair tangles. The rob Photo courtesy of ot vacuum can also mop hard floors, and the mop self-washes and dries itself, while dust and debirs are auto emptied. The AI assistant helps the vacuum work even more efficiently and you can control everything via smartphone. Photo courtesy of Available in several finishes ranging from vibrant brushed modern brass to polished chrome, the Kohler Purist 2-in-1 Shower Combo Kit can provide a spa-like experience. It has a rotating rail for various shower head positions. Three shower options include full cover spray, pulsating massage spray, and silk spray, in addition to a pause function.
