AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Makeovers That Add Value to Your Homehttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/best-home-makeovers-add-value/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/best-home-makeovers-add-value/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/best-home-makeovers-add-value/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Whether you're sprucing up your home to sell or just want to give it a quality makeover, consider adding touch-ups that will boost your home's value -- and help you get a higher price when you do eventually put it on the market.

Blanche Garcia discusses home makeovers on HowcastAs Blanche Garcia (pictured at left) explains to Howcast, you should focus on your kitchen countertop and appliances, wall colors and flooring. Granite or stone countertops are always the way to go, Garcia advises. You might think you're saving money by going with cheaper laminate variety but these types of countertops typically don't outlast a year. And if you have outdated kitchen appliances, consider getting them replaced. They speak greater volumes to perspective homebuyers than you might think.

Want more advice on value-driving renovations? To find out what color never to use in the bedroom and which type of flooring works the best, check out the video above.

See more on home makeovers:
Spring Home Makeover Don'ts: HGTV's Sabrina Soto On Big Mistakes
Tyler Leone, Disabled Teen, Gets Home Makeover That Will Change His Life
Listing Fail: Even 'Ugly' Homes Need Buyers

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]]>DIYflooringhome improvementhome makeoverhome makeovers that sellkitchen countertopsselling your homeAOL Real Estate Editors2013-05-30T15:31:00+00:00Delaware's Only Frank Lloyd Wright House Listed for $1.35 Millionhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/05/19/frank-lloyd-wright-dudley-spencer-house/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/05/19/frank-lloyd-wright-dudley-spencer-house/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/05/19/frank-lloyd-wright-dudley-spencer-house/#commentsFiled under: ,

http://curbed.com/archives/2013/05/16/delawares-only-frank-lloyd-wright-house-listed-for-135m.phpDudley Spencer House by Frank Lloyd Wright

curbed logoBy Rob Bear

Location: Wilmington, Del.
Price: $1,350,000
The Skinny: The one and only Delaware house designed by iconic American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Dudley Spencer House, completed in 1958, was listed last month for $1.35 million. Tucked away on more than 6 acres, amid a dense stand of old-growth trees, the low-slung structure houses three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and ample indoor and outdoor entertaining space. The furnishings, particularly a pair of dated, overstuffed couches, detract from the architecture, but that's nothing that a new owner couldn't address, plus there is still plenty of built-in furniture designed by Wright. That the listing is lacking photos of the kitchen suggests that it is either in original condition, and thus poorly suited to the needs of a modern cook, or that it has been garishly overhauled. Still, the Spencer House is notable as one of Wright's last commissions; he died in April 1959.

This story was originally published on Curbed.

See the listing for more details.

Find more homes for sale in Wilmington, Del., or search listings in your area.

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See more on Curbed:
German Power Plant Goes Incognito as a Garden Hedge
Composer John Philip Sousa's Former Home Relisted for $28.9M
Here, Have a Look at Atlanta's Most Utterly Insane Beds

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Are You Sure About Buying a Frank Lloyd Wright Home?

 

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]]>Dudley Spencer HouseFrank Lloyd WrightFrank Lloyd Wright Delaware househistoric homesWilmingtonwilmington delawareCurbed2013-05-19T13:00:00+00:00Use a Salvaged Tub to Turn Your Backyard Into a Soothing Oasishttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/05/16/salvaged-tub-backyard-bathhouse/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/05/16/salvaged-tub-backyard-bathhouse/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/05/16/salvaged-tub-backyard-bathhouse/#commentsFiled under: , ,


By Annie Thornton

When a lilac tree died in Sloan Schang's yard in Portland, Ore., last summer, it left behind a blank corner. It also provided him with an opportunity. A secluded backyard spa appealed to Schang, a writer and creative director, but the $6,000 bill required for the necessary electrical work and a new hot tub sounded less than pleasant.

So Schang constructed his own backyard bathhouse -- in less than a week and for less than a sixth of the price -- with a salvaged claw-foot tub. "My wife was appropriately skeptical when I proposed putting a bathtub in the backyard," he says, "but she was sweet and trusting enough to just let me run with it." Let's see how he did it.

Project at a Glance
What: Backyard bathhouse
Location: Portland, Ore.
Size: 7 by 10 feet
Budget: $750, including labor and materials



Site Preparation

Schang cleared out the dead lilac tree as well as some ornamental grasses to prep the site. He dug a hole 5 feet wide, 7 feet long and 6 inches deep, framing it with pressure-treated 2-by-6s. He tightly packed 1/4-inch-minus gravel into the pad to prevent the cast iron tub from sinking. The tub sits atop the compacted gravel without additional anchoring.

The deck is framed with pressure-treated 4-by-4s, resting lengthwise on the gravel. The decking itself is recycled cedar fence boards left over from another home improvement project; Schang cut and nailed them directly to the 4-by-4s. While he says the deck was level and secure already, he additionally anchored it with foot-long garden stakes, pounded to the ground and bracketed to the deck frame.



Plumbing

The claw-foot tub was a steal at $100, and the catalyst for this backyard project. It was already in great condition, only requiring an application of paint. Because it's protected from the elements by the pergola, Schang didn't prep the tub in any other way.

He hired a plumber to install a new exterior hot water bib, tied into existing pipes in the couple's basement laundry room. Often it's possible to replace an exterior hose bib with one that can tie into a hot water line, but that wasn't an option here. Schang was happy to pass off this portion of the project. "If there's something you're not comfortable doing yourself -- like plumbing, for me," he says, "absolutely hire a professional or enlist an experienced friend. The peace of mind is worth the extra time and cost."

Schang ran a long rubber hot-water hose 60 feet from the exterior hot water faucet to the tub site. He concealed the hose in mature landscaping rather than burying it.

The hose rests on a cedar stake; the flow is controlled with a single-handled faucet. The water temperature is controlled from the bib at the side of the house. "We rarely ever use the cold tap, except in the summer when we use it as a cool-off pool with our son - and generally just fill it with straight hot water," he says. On colder nights the water stays warm for 20 or 30 minutes, longer in summer.

Schang sealed the overflow hole and previous faucet holes with cork so that he could fill the tub entirely.

The tub drains into a 15-foot-long ABS drain pipe, extending above-ground out into the planting beds. Like the hose, the pipe is concealed by plants and evenly drains onto the vegetation through perforations.

Pergola

For backyard privacy and shelter, Schang built a pergola that's 7 feet wide, 10 feet long and 8 feet tall.

"If you've ever built a fence or a deck, you can handle this," he says.

If this is your first home improvement project, though, be careful, be thorough and don't rush through it.

"All I can say is measure, measure, measure," Schang advises.

Here's How You Can Build a Pergola the Way He Did:

1. Measure and dig the locations for the four posts.
2. If you're sloping the roof, cut the rear posts to length.
3. Set the posts and concrete in 2-foot-deep holes.
4. Cut and hang the outside box frame for the roof. (Schang bolted heavy lag bolts directly into the post.)
5. Cut and hang the joists. (Schang used using joist hanger brackets.)
6. Cut sheets of corrugated metal roofing to the right size using heavy tin snips, then attach them to the joists and frame them with screws.



Light Fixture

Schang built and designed the light fixture himself. He drilled a field of holes in the base of a soap box he bought on Etsy.com and stapled a string of lights to poke through the holes in the box. Schang calls the light "a cross between an old-timey Lite Brite and a kind of light shower." String lights already drape the perimeter of the yard, so Schang only needed to attach an extension cord.

"Night soaks are quiet and peaceful," he says, "and on clear nights we get glimpses of the stars through the trees." One of his favorite things about the tub is how drastically the experience transitions from day to night. "In the morning and late afternoon, the tub gets some choice moments of direct sunlight, and birds and squirrels are constantly popping in to see what's going on."



"The result has exceeded both of our expectations," he says, "and I can't ever imagine getting tired of this space and the simple magic of an outdoor soak. It's all somehow rustic and luxurious at the same time, very Swiss Family Robinson."

Materials

Structure and decking -- $225:

- Six 10-foot lengths of 4-by-4 pressure-treated wood posts for the pergola and deck frame
- Eight 8-foot lengths of outdoor 2-by-6s for the roof frame
- Six bags of easy-mix concrete for the posts
- Three sheets of corrugated metal roofing
- Hardware
- Bamboo privacy shade
- Ten 5-foot-long cedar fence boards for the decking
- 20 cubic feet of 1/4-inch-minus gravel
- Decorative river rock

Plumbing -- $475 (including hired labor):

- Hose rated for hot water
- Faucet to control flow at the tub (mounted on a cedar stake)
- Faucet to control water at the side of the house
- Overflow corks
- ABS drain pipe
- Claw-foot tub

Light fixture -- $50:

- Soap crate
- Strand of Christmas lights
- Extension cordOther materials:
- Clear outdoor protective sealer for all wood that's not pressure treated
- Repurposed materials for bath accessories (cedar decking shower caddy, tree stump side table, towel hooks)

See more on Houzz:
Find a Landscape Architect or Designer in Your Area
Ideas for Redesigning Your Backyard or Landscape
From Firepits to Sheds, Find the Perfect Decor Item

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Turning a Small Outdoor Space into a Backyard Spa

 

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]]>backyard DIYDIYhome+improvementsalvaged tubSloan Schangyard DIY projectsHouzz2013-05-16T15:00:00+00:00DIY Kitchen Remodels for Investment Propertieshttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/05/14/diy-kitchen-remodels-for-investment-properties/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/05/14/diy-kitchen-remodels-for-investment-properties/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/05/14/diy-kitchen-remodels-for-investment-properties/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



By ProfessorBaron.com

If you are an investor who is buying rental properties, are a do-it-yourself type or want to renovate your kitchen, there are many things you can do to reduce your costs on doing some updating. Note that most renovations run way over budget and encounter issues, regardless of where DIY, semi-DIY, or having a contractor do the job. Make sure you estimate plenty of contingency funds for those guaranteed cost overruns.

Also, be cautious about spending a lot of money on kitchen renovations. While any property renovation will add value to the property, it's unlikely to add as much value as it costs. For example, if you spend $20,000 on a kitchen, it might only add $12,000 in value. Finally, again be cautious on how much you spend as it probably won't dramatically increase your rental amount, but it probably will increase the length of time that your tenants stay at the property, and smart landlords love long-term tenants.

Some fixer-upper options:

Cabinets - If the cabinets are in good shape, but old and gray, a fresh coat of paint from a skilled painter can add a world of life to the kitchen. But the painter needs to take the cabinets off, sand them lightly, brush paint them with the proper type of brush and paint, and re-install them. And of course sand and paint the cabinet exterior fascias too! A nice job of painting on an average kitchen probably runs $750 - $1,000 if done right. And don't forget to paint the inside and bottoms!

You can also put new hinges onto the cabinet doors if they are the ones that show on the exterior of the cabinet when the door is closed. Word of caution: If the existing holes don't match the new hinges, it can end up being a big headache and probably won't be worthwhile. Brushed nickel hinges are $2-$4/hinge.

And new handles on those cabinets are a must. You can buy the 20/30 packs of brushed nickel handles at the home renovation stores. They're about $2-$3 per handle and look great.
If the cabinets are past their useful life, you can check into cabinet re-facing or cabinet replacing - both are expensive options. If you are going to replace them, make sure to look at the in-stock and "special order" cabinets available at the stores, before you jump into custom-made cabinets. If you are going to re-face or replace, make sure to get several bids for the work.

Countertop - If you are going to keep the cabinets, a new countertop will be a big help. But, if you're not ready to replace the cabinets just yet, wait on the countertop, too. Countertops can run $15-$65 per square foot. I like the giant granite squares that can be found at your home renovation store. They are installed at 18 inches wide and 24 inches deep, so they're much better than the 12 inch by 12 inch standard granite square tiles. Cost of these installed is probably $22-$30 per square foot; granite is $10-$15 per square foot. Note: Use dark grout for rentals! You can also buy brand-new laminate counter tops, which are less expensive and easy to do.

Sink/faucet - If you are replacing the countertop, it's time to do the sink and faucet! Most home repair stores offer a stainless sink and faucet combination for about $200-$300. Make sure you buy the "combo pack."

Flooring - Flooring really should be tile (which isn't cheap) or linoleum - which doesn't last that long. It's essential to use dark grout for tile in rental floors, and a tougher grade of linoleum is best if you go that route. Skip the carpets or wood laminate flooring for any kitchen/bathroom floors.

Appliances - If you need to replace the appliances, go with moderate grade appliances. Most appliances will last a long time. I've bought many properties with 20-year old appliances working fine, but they look terrible and could be energy inefficient, so I replaced them.

Lighting - Kitchen lighting can be easily updated from an extensive selection at the home improvement stores. They're usually easy to install. Check out the ones with low energy bulbs.

Water/Electrical - If the property is older, it's probably a good time to bring in the plumber and electrician. Change out old water valves and update the kitchen switches and electrical outlets to new GFCI circuits for water-related safety.

All the items above cost money whether you DIY the job or semi-DIY it. But an updated kitchen will help in the most important goal in rental property ownership, which is to keep your tenants as long as possible. Just like you, your tenants want to live in a nice place too and a nice kitchen will inspire them to stay a long time!

More on Zillow:
What's the Best Way to Earn Wealth in Real Estate?
Rental Property Investing 101
Rental Homes: Making More Money by Keeping Your Tenants Happy

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]]>DIYDIY kitchenDIY kitchen remodeldo it yourselfdo it yourself helphome improvementhome remodelingkitchen renovationZillow2013-05-14T13:00:00+00:0010 Cities With the Greenest Homeshttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/cities-greenest-homes/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/cities-greenest-homes/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/cities-greenest-homes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

green home: solar paneled roofWith Earth Day fast approaching, real estate firm Redfin took a look at the 10 cities with the greenest homes. Redfin determined the rankings by number of homes for sale with green features in each market, as well as each city's carbon-dioxide emissions ranking. Green home features include solar panels, LEED certification and Energy Star appliances.

"The residents of these cities are reducing their environmental footprint and saving money at the same time," said Redfin agent Julie Jacobson, who has been designated an LEED Green Associate, on the company's website. "By making your home green, you can reduce monthly utility bills, make your home's indoor air quality healthier, reduce your environmental footprint and even help increase the value of your home without any sacrifice in design or comfort. It is truly a win-win."

Click through the gallery below to see the 10 cities with the greenest homes (text provided by Redfin). And to find a green home for yourself, check out AOL Real Estate's green home listings.

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See also:
Solar Power at Home Saves Money
Green Living for Renters
7 Green Home Trends: From Baby Steps to Extreme Updates

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Actor Ed Begley Documents His Attempt to Build an Ultimate Green Home

 

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]]>cities greenest homesclimate changeearth day 2013green homesgreen livinggreenest citiesAOL Real Estate Editors2013-04-19T15:45:00+00:00Want a Patio? Try Stamped Concrete as a Low-Cost Alternativehttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/04/10/stamped-concrete-patios/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/04/10/stamped-concrete-patios/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/04/10/stamped-concrete-patios/#commentsFiled under: , ,

stamped concretehouselogic logo

By John Riha

A stamped concrete patio gives you the look and texture of a stone patio for a lot less than the real thing -- up to 50 percent less than the cost of natural slate or limestone. That's not all. Stamped concrete can mimic brick, cobblestones, cracked earth, and weathered wood. Add a bit of fun with leaf patterns, animal shapes, even dinosaur footprints. Best of all, a stamped concrete patio is low-maintenance: The "stones" won't settle over time, creating uneven surfaces, and there are no grout or joints that can open up to let grass and weeds sprout.

What's a Stamped Concrete Patio?

A stamped concrete patio is simply a concrete slab with a textured, embossed surface. The contractor:

- Pours and smooths the slab.
- Presses a pattern into the surface while the concrete is still wet and soft.
- For realism, adds color to the concrete as it's mixed, or sprays it on after the surface has been stamped.

Make sure you hire a contractor who's done stamping and has the examples to prove it. Check references.

What's the Deal With the Stamps?

The patterns are made using large, flexible polyurethane stamps. The stamps are about 2-by-2-feet square and an inch or two thick, and they're pressed into the wet concrete to create the textured finish. A concrete contractor may step on the stamps to press them into the concrete or use a tamping tool. Before putting the stamp on the concrete, the contractor sprays the patterned side of the stamp with a release agent that prevents concrete from sticking to it.

Using a colored release agent accents cracks and grout lines, giving the finish an "antique" look that enhances realism. One pattern usually is a set that includes several stamps, each one with varying textures and shapes, so the overall pattern isn't repeated too frequently. Stamps also have interlocking tabs so any grout lines align perfectly.

What's It Cost?

A stamped concrete patio costs $10-$15 per square foot, professionally installed. Here's a quick price comparison:

Plain concrete: $6-$12 per sq. ft.
Brick: $14-$20 per sq. ft.
Stone, slate, or marble: $17-$28 per sq. ft.
Concrete pavers: $13-$20 per sq. ft.

More: Love concrete (or at least its price)? We've got great ideas for concrete inside the home, too.

Can I Do It Myself?

Making a stamped concrete patio is a fairly simple process, but only skilled DIYers should attempt it. That's because concrete can be a tricky medium to work with:

o. It requires a properly installed base of compacted sand and gravel.
o. It's heavy; you'll need to be strong.
o. Concrete requires specialty tools to shape and smooth the surface (any specialty tool performs best in the hands of an experienced worker who knows how to use it).
o. Concrete sets up relatively quickly. Once it starts to harden, it's difficult to apply the stamps.
o. A mistake in concrete is permanent.

You can rent concrete stamps at rental outlets and concrete supply stores for about $25 per day per stamp. Doing your own work saves 20 percent to 50 percent of the cost of a professionally installed slab and stamped concrete finish.

Any Drawbacks to a Stamped Concrete Patio?

Very few:

Deep depressions. Although stamped concrete is a good choice for ADA accessibility, be wary of deeply embossed patterns; all that texture may be tempting, but it creates uneven surfaces that make patio furniture wobble and may be hazardous for those with limited mobility. Accessibility guidelines require bumps and ridges on walking surfaces be no more than ¼-inch high.

Fair-weather color. Although you'll have more color options with surface colorants, the colorants may flake off over time. Have your concrete dyed while it's being mixed for a more permanent solution.

It's got a "tell." As good as stamped concrete may look, aficionados of real brick and stone will know the difference.

Can I Add a Stamped Finish to an Existing Patio Slab?

Yes, you can, as long as your old slab is stable and in good condition. You'll be raising the height of the old slab by an inch or so, so you'll want to make sure the new level doesn't interfere with existing steps or vents in your foundation walls. The new concrete shouldn't touch your siding, either. A pro will prepare the existing slab by cleaning it and covering it with a bonding agent that ensures good adhesion between the old concrete and the new. Then, your contractor will cover the old slab with new concrete and apply the stamps.

This article was originally published on HouseLogic.

See more about patios on HouseLogic:
DIY Paver Project: A Backyard Rescue in Action
Evaluate Your Yard for a Patio
Awe-Inspiring Patios Made of Stone

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Learn about Stamped-Concrete Patio Floor

 

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]]>DIYhome improvementpatiosstamped concreteHouseLogic2013-04-10T10:00:00+00:00Yep, It Can Get Smaller: A 130-Square-Foot Apartment in Parishttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/tiny-paris-apartment-130-square-foot/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/tiny-paris-apartment-130-square-foot/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/tiny-paris-apartment-130-square-foot/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tiny Paris apartment

Like many of you, we're obsessed with tiny homes. New York City microstudios measuring 325 square feet, San Francisco apartments at 160 square feet -- good things come in small packages, we say! And just when we thought it couldn't get any smaller, we saw this: A teeny, tiny 130-square-foot apartment in Paris!

Though many of you would automatically think "nightmare," it's actually a pretty clean, uncluttered and streamlined space! Storage is largely hidden inside sleek, built-in shelving, and a split-level floorplan was implemented to ensure greater flexibility and the illusion of space. (The bed, for example, can be tucked right underneath the raised "kitchen area"). Like NYC's microstudio, all the furniture is custom-made and modular, and it gives the apartment the feel of a jewel box.

Thibaut Menard, a student and the son of the apartment's owner, is the Paris microstudio's current inhabitant, and he told Wired that he noticed "new architectural features every day." The studio was designed by Julie Nabucet and Marc Baillargeon. We dig it (being located in Paris doesn't hurt, either), but do you? Would you live in this 130-square-foot apartment? Tell us in the comments below.

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See more on tiny homes:
Tiny House for Sale in Arkansas Has Everything but Room
NYC's Amazing 'Transformer' Apartment Puts 6 Rooms in 1
Tiny House for Sale in Arkansas Has Everything but Room

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Top Tiny Apartments You Won't Believe

 

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]]>130-square-foot apartmentmicrostudioparissmall spacestiny homestiny house movementAOL Real Estate Editors2013-04-09T17:00:00+00:00Re-Use Hawaii Recycles Home Demolition Waste for New Homeshttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/re-use-hawaii-recycle-demolished-homes/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/re-use-hawaii-recycle-demolished-homes/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/re-use-hawaii-recycle-demolished-homes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Home demolition, Re-Use Hawaii

You'd think that once a home is demolished, it's gone for good, right? Wrong. In Honolulu, a nonprofit organization called Re-Use Hawaii tears down old, abandoned homes and gives them new life -- by providing the leftover materials to residents to build new houses.

The organization collects building materials from home demolitions and construction (that would otherwise end up in a landfill) and stores it in a warehouse. Homeowners can "shop" at the warehouse for items to build their own homes or embark on DIY projects, KITV in Honolulu reported. According to Re-Use Hawaii, 80 percent of waste from home demolitions can be reused for other construction projects.

"It's cheaper for us and better for the environment," said Travis Edwards, the owner of a custom furniture business. Watch the video below to learn more bout Re-Use Hawaii, and see their inventory. Also, the Building Materials Reuse organization lists a nationwide directory of groups that recycle used and leftover construction material, and the U.S. Green Building Council supplies a list of the most common recyclable building materials.

Re-Use Hawaii Takes Unwanted Materials and Turns Them Into Housing


See more on recycled building materials:
Homes Made Mostly From Recycled Materials
Marin County Man Ordered to Tear Down Sustainable Home He Built for 40 Years
Castle Made of Car Parts and Other Junkyard Finds

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]]>abandoned homesbuilding materialsRe-Use Hawaiirecycled homesrecyclingrecycling home buildingAOL Real Estate Editors2013-04-09T08:00:00+00:00NYC's 'Steampunk Loft' Finally Under Contract -- And Our Hearts Breakhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/nyc-steampunk-loft-sold/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/nyc-steampunk-loft-sold/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/nyc-steampunk-loft-sold/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Steampunk loft, New York City

Our dream of owning New York City's "steampunk loft" has come to an end, when news broke that the property was (finally) under contract. Though we were huge fans of the loft's psychedelic, steampunk-inspired decor (we even did a video on it), it seems that the owner's decision to strip it of its steampunk theme was for the better.

Last December, owner Jeremy Noritz re-listed the loft with a serious make-under -- although if you look closely, you can still see subtle little remnants of the apartment's old steampunk days. (The kitchen, for example, still boasts repurposed wrenches as kitchen handles). It's now under contract, the property's listing agent, Nikki Beauchamp, confirmed to AOL Real Estate. The success, she says, can be credited largely to the fact that potential buyers were finally able to see beyond the home's crazy furnishings.

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"Following the transformation, we saw an increase in inquiries and open-house traffic," Beauchamp said. "[Interested parties] mentioned several times that they had been tracking the apartment online, and the change was a deciding factor to revisit considering the apartment." No word on how much exactly it was sold for, but it's most recent listed price was $1.59 million. It's still fun to reminisce about its glory days, however! See the "Inside Look" episode we did on the loft last year below.

AOL Real Estate's Inside Look: Steampunk Apartment


See more on steampunk: Decorate Like a 'Steampunk': Mix History and Futuristic Sci-Fi

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]]>New York City real estateNYCsteampunksteampunk loft NYCAOL Real Estate Editors2013-04-08T16:40:00+00:00What Does Your House Style Say About You?http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/04/02/what-does-your-house-style-say-about-you/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/04/02/what-does-your-house-style-say-about-you/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/04/02/what-does-your-house-style-say-about-you/#commentsFiled under: ,





People across the United States long for and love their homes. And why not? It's their own little corner of the world! But it also might be a window into their personality! What messages are you sending if you're the owner of a colonial, Tudor or bungalow home?

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See more on Homesessive:
Avoid the Most Costly Home-Furnishing Mistakes
Make Your Rental Feel More Like Home
Creating a Healthy Home Office

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]]>home designhome styleHomesessive2013-04-02T16:00:00+00:0010 Quick DIY Projects You Should Do This Weekendhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/03/27/quick-diy-projects/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/03/27/quick-diy-projects/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/03/27/quick-diy-projects/#commentsFiled under: , ,



By Libby Kane

Springtime brings bugs: D.I.Y. bugs, to be exact. And if done right, D.I.Y. can be an affordable way to refresh your home. There's just one caveat: Doing things yourself takes time -- and patience. There's the planning, the research, the scavenging for materials, the first coat of paint, the second coat of paint ...

Knowing that your patience could wear out long before that paint dries, we've found the perfect compromise: 10 projects from around the web that are cheap (you'll be using things that you already have) and quick. You can knock each of these projects off in under an hour.

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See more on LearnVest.com:
House Damaged in Natural Disaster? Claim Your Loss
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]]>DIYhome improvementquick DIY projectsLearnVest.com2013-03-27T08:00:00+00:00Spring Home Makeover Don'ts: HGTV's Sabrina Soto On Big Mistakeshttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/spring-home-makeover-donts/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/spring-home-makeover-donts/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/on/spring-home-makeover-donts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,




Springtime is upon us, and you know what that means. Well, yeah, all that spring cleaning, but now's a great time to do something else with your home: give it a makeover. You may be considering repainting your home, buying new furniture or even going all the way with a remodel. You may also think you know what you're doing -- when you actually don't. In the video clip above, HGTV design expert Sabrina Soto dispels some common myths about home makeovers and explains what NOT to do when redesigning your home.

Here's what you definitely can do, though, that doesn't take a lot of time (or money): update your home accents by switching out your drawer and door hardware, spot-paint boo-boos and scratches on bed frames and walls, and use decorative paper to cover the switch plates on electrical outlets that complement your decor scheme. These are just a few quick and easy home makeovers you can do in a flash and on the cheap.

Soto has much more advice on home makeovers besides what not to do. Watch the full segment on Huffington Post Live, where we even asked her a question of our own: What room is the easiest and cheapest to makeover? We weren't expecting the answer she gave. And since we're on the topic of home makeovers, click through the gallery below to see some of the best and worst we've ever seen.

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Extreme Home Makeovers: From Sorry to Stunning
Quick and Easy Home Makeovers
Disabled Teen Gets Home Makeover That Will Change His Life

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Sabrina Soto: spring makeover tips on HuffPost Live.

 

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]]>home designhome makeoverremodelingrenovationsabrina sotospring cleaningAOL Real Estate Editors2013-03-18T10:00:00+00:00California Wave House Is So Weird That It's Awesome (House of the Day)http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/25/california-wave-house/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/25/california-wave-house/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/25/california-wave-house/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wave House, Goleta, Calif

By Erika Riggs

Normally you wouldn't be able to hear the sound of waves in a home perched 60 feet above the beach, but the Wave House in Goleta, Calif., was engineered to not only look like a wave but to capture the sound as well. "You hear the waves pounding even though they are quite a ways away," said Montecito listing agent Steven Richardson of Coldwell Banker. "It's part of the treats offered up."

Wave House, Goleta, CalifThere are several other design "treats" revealed throughout the home, from the spectacular views of the ocean to the curved exterior. The residence near Santa Barbara was reportedly designed by Michael Carmichael, who was given free rein to engineer the one-of-kind home. The two-bedroom, one-bath home includes an office, a large kitchen and a living room that looks out onto the water from windows shaped like a curling wave.

"It's hard to put into words the sensation that you get when you're inside the property and around the grounds," said Richardson. "Most of the inside of the house draws the outside in. From the sounds and the views, [they] all blend and mix around you." A guest tower provides additional whimsy. Measuring 30-feet high, the tower is topped by an ocean-facing observation deck. At the edge of the property, another deck and a hot tub also have an unobstructed view of the water.

Newly constructed stairs lead to the beach below. The California home is also situated beyond a gated street, ensuring privacy. And, as you could guess, Richardson said the sunsets are incredible.

See the listing for more details.

Find homes for sale in Goleta, Calif., or search listings in your area.

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See more on Zillow:
House of the Week: Mid-Century Class in Bothell, Wash.
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]]>California homes for salecalifornia real estateCalifornia Wave HouseHouse of the DayWave HouseWave House Goleta CaliforniaZillow2013-02-25T06:00:00+00:00Art Collective Penique Productions Wraps Buildings in Colorhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/14/art-collective-penique-productions-wraps-buildings-in-color/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/14/art-collective-penique-productions-wraps-buildings-in-color/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/14/art-collective-penique-productions-wraps-buildings-in-color/#commentsFiled under: ,



They're like works by Christo, but in Techicolor. Like the artistic duo famous for wrapping the Sydney Opera House, the Reichstag, and other landmarks, the Spanish art collective Penique Productions wraps architecture -- but from the inside, and more colorfully. They spread giant plastic sheets across the interiors of ornate buildings, taping the sheets to the floors and walls, then turn on high-powered fans to blow the sheets outward. The result is ... well, amazing. If you look through the gallery below, you'll see just what we mean.

Penique targets buildings with an ornate mix of architectural elements, and the goal is to homogenize the atmosphere. By blanketing spaces with the plastic sheets, "the space is simplified, emphasizing the shapes and textures, ultimately generating a different atmosphere within the same structure," wrote real estate blog CollabCubed. The group's art installations -- erected only temporarily, of course -- have hit Mexico, Italy and Paris' Fashion Week.

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See also: Narrowest 'House' in the World Is Unveiled
Artist Makes Luxury Home in a Dumpster

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The Renowned Environmental Artist Christo Discusses His Next Project,

 

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]]>architectural artarchitecture artart installationsbuildings wrapped in plasticenvironmental artpenique productionsAol Real Estate Staff2013-02-14T14:00:00+00:00Frank Lloyd Wright's Tonkens House in Cincinnati Hits Market for First Timehttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/12/frank-lloyd-wright-tonkens-house-cincinnati/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/12/frank-lloyd-wright-tonkens-house-cincinnati/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/12/frank-lloyd-wright-tonkens-house-cincinnati/#commentsFiled under: ,

Frank Lloyd Wright's Tonkens House in Cincinnati

Here's your chance to own a piece of architectural history: Iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright's famed Gerald B. Tonkens House in Cincinnati has just hit the market -- for the very first time ever, Zillow reported. Built in 1955, the home is a rare Wright masterpiece, and it's asking $1.788 million. Other Wright homes have been at risk of demolition, such as the David and Gladys Wright House in Phoenix, which a developer planned to tear down to make way for a couple of McMansions. (Luckily, the home was saved -- at least temporarily.)

The Tonkens House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to Curbed. The home, though designed by Wright, was built by his grandson, Eric Lloyd Wright. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home sprawls across 3,100 square feet and "fits seamlessly onto the parcel, giving the home tremendous privacy," Zillow said. It has custom-made Philippine mahogany cabinetry, gilded ceilings and a large hearth. There's a separate cottage on the property, and, as Curbed points out, the home is being sold with much of the original furniture in place.

See the listing for more details.

Find homes for sale in Cincinnati, or search listings in your area.

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Learn About Frank Lloyd Wright

 

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]]>CincinnatiFrank Lloyd Wrightfrank lloyd wright cincinnatiFrank Lloyd Wright Tonkens HouseFrank Lloyd Wright Tonkens House for saleGerald B. Tonkens HouseGerald B. Tonkens House CincinnatiTonkens House CincinnatiTonkens House for saleTonkens House for sale CincinnatiAOL Real Estate Editors2013-02-12T10:00:00+00:00Kitchen Remodeling Trends That Will Make Your Home Fabuloushttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/06/kitchen-remodeling-trends/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/06/kitchen-remodeling-trends/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/06/kitchen-remodeling-trends/#commentsFiled under: , ,


By John Riha

If you're looking to remodel your kitchen, we've got good news and bad news. First, the good stuff. According to trend experts Lita Dirks and Dominick Tringali, you don't have to shell out major cash to add space. Instead, look to expand what you already have. Vault your ceiling, add windows, squeeze in clever storage ideas. Make the space work harder, not bigger. Plus, relax. Casual kitchens are trending, with doo-dads and gee-gaws (think elaborate trim and vent hoods that look like medieval castles) going away, and simpler, sleeker designs coming on strong.

Speaking on kitchen trends at the 2013 International Builder's Show in Las Vegas, interior designer Dirks and architect Tringali teamed up to describe the new American kitchen as one piece of a larger, open floor plan. It's all part of a new kitchen gestalt that Dirks describes as the "prep-eat-play" triangle, with flexibility and casual living as key ingredients. The notion tosses the kitchen into a design blender along with living, dining, and family rooms, and frappes everything into communal happiness. Example: You can eat at a comfy banquette, or in front of the TV (don't tell your child-development counselor), or in the breakfast nook, or you can belly up to the island. No rules!

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The bad news (OK, it's not that bad) is that we've heard some of this before. Open floor plans have been around since the moon landing, and, yes, we like them. A lot. What we really have here is affirmation -- and freedom to create kitchens that are less ornate and yet have more personality. Just like you. Of course, Dirks and Trengali definitely have the pulse of today's home owner and offer some great takeaways. We've combined their goodies with our own kitchen trendspotting for 2013. If you're planning a kitchen redo, here's what you need to know:

Contemporary kitchens are in. Specifically, they're getting simpler and more modern, with less elaborate detail and trim. In fact, the National Kitchen and Bath Association reports that in its annual survey of kitchen designers, "transitional" design -- meaning a simple, more modern aesthetic -- has surpassed "traditional" as the preferred design for the first time in the association's history.

Kitchen cabinets are dark, or white. Darker, furniture-like finishes are popular, but so is pure white. The middle ground -- think natural oak -- is going away. Dark finishes help the kitchen integrate into the overall scheme; pure white is the ultimate accent color that readily complements the rest of the living area.

Islands rule. Kitchen islands are becoming more multi-dimensional, serving as food-prep areas, snack stations, wine storage, and display cabinets for objets d'art. Also, they're essential for directing traffic flow within an open floor plan, channeling guests toward comfy seating areas, for example. Small kitchen? Go with a rolling cart that's there when you need it.

Countertop revolution. Say hi to porcelain and ceramic slabs that look like stone, wood, and fabric, says Jamie Gold, a California designer. The product is made from clay, quartz, and feldspar that's subjected to high heat -- just like regular tile. Unlike other engineered countertops, this product doesn't use cements or resin binders. It's not readily available in the U.S. yet.

Appliances are disappearing. In the past, we loved our commercial-style kitchen appliances that made us look like we really knew how to cook. Now, appliances are hiding behind wood panels and faux veneers so they integrate better with the overall living space. New finishes, such as GE's slate and Whirlpool's Ice White, are bucking the stainless steel trend, but don't bet on stainless going away anytime soon -- it's still hot.

Espresso yourself. An eye-catching extra gives a kitchen a blast of personality. Cool sinks and high-tech faucets are au courant. Other possibilities include:
o. Stylish vent hood.
o. Ventless fireplace.
o. Espresso machine.
o. One-of-a-kind tiles as accents on kitchen backsplashes and countertops.

Glass finishes. Glistening glass is popping up everywhere in the kitchen, especially glass tiles installed as backsplashes. Applying clear glass panels over walls painted soft colors gives a deep sheen that harmonizes with today's contemporary looks. Bonus: It's easy to clean.

Grab some fresh air. Outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas are hot. Your indoor kitchen should have an outdoor doppelganger close by, available through wide glass doors.

This article was originally published on HouseLogic.

See more on HouseLogic:
How to Avoid Foundation Problems
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Small Bathroom Design Tips

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How to Remodel Your Kitchen Without Spending a Fortune

 

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]]>home improvementkitchen remodelkitchen remodel trendskitchen remodelingkitchen remodeling trendskitchen trendsremodelingrenovationHouseLogic2013-02-06T10:00:00+00:00Design of Google's Tel Aviv Office May Leave You Agoghttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/05/google-tel-aviv-office-design/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/05/google-tel-aviv-office-design/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/02/05/google-tel-aviv-office-design/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google Tel Aviv office

We thought the AOL-Huffington Post Media Group offices were snazzy, but then we laid eyes on Google's new offices in Tel Aviv and found ourselves humbled. Dramatically. Our offices at 770 Broadway might have nap rooms, a gym and even an art gallery, but that pales in comparison to the floor-to-floor tunnel slides, aquariums, indoor fruit trees and picnic tables found at Google Tel Aviv.

The Google offices boast every kind of design aesthetic you can imagine. Beach? No problem. Edgy and futuristic instead? Done and done. There are even three restaurants (non-kosher, kosher dairy and kosher meat)! The offices at Electra Tower, which Google moved into last year, were designed by Camenzind Evolution in collaboration with Setter Architects and Studio Yaron Tal. The offices span across eight glorious floors and 850,000 square feet. Check it out for yourself in the gallery below.

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]]>googlegoogle officesgoogle tel avivgoogle tel aviv officeAOL Real Estate Editors2013-02-05T16:55:00+00:0015 Greatest Cities in Historyhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/01/24/greatest-cities-history/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/01/24/greatest-cities-history/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/01/24/greatest-cities-history/#commentsFiled under: ,

Carthage: Biggest city in the world in 300 B.C.

By Robert Johnson and Gus Lubin

What New York City was in the 1900s, London was in the 1800s, Constantinople was in the 600s, and so forth, back to Jericho in 7000 BC. They were the largest cities in the world, and arguably the epicenters of human civilization. These cities led mankind to new heights of culture and commerce -- though in the end each of them was surpassed and some of them destroyed.

Historians Tertius Chandler, Gerald Fox and George Modelski identified the largest cities throughout history through painstaking study of household data, agricultural commerce, church records, fortification sizes, food distribution, loss of life in a disaster, and more. We have parsed their work in the following slides.

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]]>best cities in historygreatest cities in historyhistoric citieslargest cities in historymost historic citiesBusiness Insider2013-01-24T09:00:00+00:00Artist Christina Lihan's Paper Architecture Is Mind-Blowinghttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/01/24/christina-lihan-paper-architecture/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/01/24/christina-lihan-paper-architecture/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/01/24/christina-lihan-paper-architecture/#commentsFiled under: ,

Christina Lihan paper sculpture

Christina Lihan builds houses and buildings -- but not with plywood and heavy machinery. She's done the skyscrapers of the New York City skyline, the domed basilicas of Italy and the beachside McMansions of Florida. Her material of choice? Paper.

Christina Lihan paper sculptureWith painstaking precision, Lihan, an artist based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., makes architectural reliefs of cities, famous landmarks and private homes by cutting, folding and carving heavy-duty watercolor paper into three-dimensional masterpieces. Her replicas of the Brooklyn Bridge, downtown Charlotte, N.C., and the Taj Mahal, among others, are nearly as detailed and precise as the actual buildings themselves. Lihan "houses" her works -- which range from 2 to 6 inches deep -- in shadow boxes that can be hung on a wall.

She starts by making charcoal sketches of her subjects, then enlarging them and cutting them into paper art. She's turned her art into quite a business as well. Lihan told AOL Real Estate that she often works with Realtors who sell luxury properties across the country, making replicas of those homes that the Realtors then give to their clients. She said that she sells these smaller, 16-by-20-inch replicas for less than $1,000.

You can see more of Lihan's work on her website and in the gallery below. (All photos are courtesy of Christina Lihan.)

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See also: Tetrabrik Pavilion Made of Milk Cartons Takes Our Breath Away
'Scribe's House' by Artist Pablo Lehmann: Life-Size Apartment Made From Books
Homes Made Mostly From Recycled Materials

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]]>artist Christina Lihanbuildings made from paperChristina LihanChristina Lihan paper architecturehomes made from paperpaper architecturepaper sculptingpaper sculpturespaper sculptures of homesGraham Wood2013-01-24T08:00:00+00:00Tetrabrik Pavilion Made of Milk Cartons Takes Our Breath Awayhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/01/08/tetrabrik-pavilion-made-of-milk-cartons-takes-our-breath-away/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/01/08/tetrabrik-pavilion-made-of-milk-cartons-takes-our-breath-away/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2013/01/08/tetrabrik-pavilion-made-of-milk-cartons-takes-our-breath-away/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tetrabrik Pavilion made of milk cartons.

We're no strangers to oddball architecture -- we see the weirdest buildings all the time. But we haven't seen anything quite like this: a pavilion made of 45,000 recycled milk cartons. Be still our hearts: It's environmentally friendly, too!

The Tetrabrik Pavilion in Grenada, Spain, was the brainchild of architecture firms CUAC Arquitectura and Sugarplatform. As our friends at Curbed noted, the pavilion snagged a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest structure made of recycled materials. (It was 100 feet long by 50 feet wide.)

The firms gathered discarded milk cartons from 100 colleges to make their masterpiece. The structure was built in 2011 as a way to create awareness around World Recycling Day. Eventually, the whole project was shipped off to a recycling plant. But, hey, it's legacy clearly lives on. Click through the gallery below to see the dynamic Tetrabrik Pavilion.

%Gallery-175381%See also:
Home Sweet Church: Amazing Repurposed Dwellings
'Scribe's House' by Artist Pablo Lehmann: Life-Size Apartment Made From Books
Green Real Estate: Homes Made Mostly From Recycled Materials

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Breaking Down the Savings of Green Building Construction

 

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]]>CUAC ArquitecturaGrenada Spainmilk cartonsmilk cartons pavilionrecycled materialsSugarplatformTetrabrik PavilionGraham Wood2013-01-08T16:38:00+00:00