Home Resource

The Royal Palm model, built by Randy Jeffcoat Builders, Inc., features spectacular detailing at every turn including radius ceilings with extensive crown mouldings at varying heights.

The radius walls of the dining room rise to 16’ ending with a coffered ceiling trimmed with crown moulding.

Successful container plantings require a focal point.

What makes a single plant the center of attraction?Is it color, form, height, uniqueness, or a bit of attitude?

Well, all of the above, but not necessarily at one and the same time.

A container wants a variety of plant material, either blending, contrasting or both, but the center plant is the one that will focus the attention for either good or bad.

The first consideration should probably be height as that will determine the relationship or proportion of the plantings to the container. It is important that the ratio be pleasing — that the height and mass of the plants be neither too small nor too large for the container.

We have all seen examples of both and it spoils the whole effect of an otherwise pretty arrangement. Even the untrained eye can detect this.

An eclectic mix can create elegant and inviting home décor.

Have you been enticed by the latest in modern furniture and the uncluttered approach to decorating? The popularity of modern designs in furniture is growing, as can be seen in most retail furniture showrooms. This sleek and sophisticated look may be very appealing, but often creates a somewhat cold, even stark, appearance in your home. The entire room does not have to be modern. Using accessories and accent pieces that are more traditional or completely opposite in style is a great solution.

ECLECTIC APPROACH

Mixing contrasting styles is known as “eclectic decorating” and the trend is leaning more in that direction than ever before. This is the perfect way to add personal items and create a home that reflects your interests. Several manufacturers have introduced sofas designed with straight lines, tight backs, no skirt and visible wood legs. A great example of that style is the sofa available in the new collection by Interlude Home, Inc. They also introduced several interesting chairs and ottomans  with a modern flair.

Whether you are planning a move just across town or a longdistance move across the country, being “PREPARED” is the key word. But where to start, and what to do first – now, this is often the dilemma.

Most people moving into the “Lowcountry” are excited about their move because of the weather, beautiful environment and recreational amenities. They may be moving because of a career opportunity and can be faced with considerations for their family such as schools, the best neighborhoods and the basic adjustments a family must make. No matter what the actual reason may be, the research and gathering of necessary information is essential.

Now that almost everyone owns a computer, or has access to one, making use of the Internet can be most helpful in your move to a new area. Check out The Chamber of Commerce (www.hiltonheadisland.org), real estate companies, moving companies, the Town of Hilton Head Island (www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov) and some general sites such as www.moving.com and www.monstermoving.com.

A thorough examination can help homebuyers avoid unpleasant surprises.

Many people wonder if they really need a home inspection. Home inspections are an added expense and usually optional, but experts highly recommend them. Imagine moving into your dream home only to discover the air conditioning is not able to cool the house. Or, what if you move in during the middle of winter, only to discover the heat is not working.

If you are planning to put in an offer on a home, make sure the offer includes a detailed statement regarding your rights to a home inspection. Your real estate professional will be able to guide you through this process. The standard contract used by real estate agents may give you the right to back out of a contract if a home inspection uncovers more problems you  are prepared to handle.

Be sure to discuss this with your agent  before you get to the point of making an offer on a home. If  the contract does not allow you to back out of the deal, look  into having a contingency added to the contract. But be sure  this is done before you get to the point of signing anything.

Take the things you love and give them a little space. With a little time and some elbow grease, any room in the home can become your spot to unwind, entertain or have fun!

Living rooms. Family rooms. Sitting rooms. It seems sometimes like there’s a room in the house for everything but the things we love. We stuff our passions into boxes and keep them in the upstairs attic. We do the activities we enjoy in the same places where we fold laundry or cook dinner. But why? Why not take the things you love to do and all of your prized possessions, and give them a place to call their own? For inspiration on giving your passions some space, please enjoy our guide to cool rooms.

Have you been enticed by the latest in modern furniture and the uncluttered approach to decorating? The popularity of modern designs in furniture is growing, as can be seen in most retail furniture showrooms. This sleek and sophisticated look may be very appealing, but often creates a somewhat cold, even stark, appearance in your home. The entire room does not have to be modern. Using accessories and accent pieces that are more traditional or completely opposite in style is a great solution.

Going green is a rapidly growing worldwide movement that is making a profound impact on the furniture and home building industries. Homeowners are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment and are beginning to request eco friendly homes and products.

With more green homes being built all over the country, furniture and home accessory manufacturers are going green too.

Living in a resort community offers the opportunity for numerous houseguests and the best way to relax and enjoy hosting is to have a terrific guest room and accommodations. It is easy for an unused guest room to become a forgotten “catch all” room.

If you would like to make sure your guests feel completely at home during their visit this year, consider a few changes and freshen up that room. Think about some of your favorite hotels or a cozy Bed and Breakfast. It is possible to create a similar atmosphere in your guest room and your guests will appreciate the relaxing environment.

Learn about the latest for kitchens and bathrooms.

Most homeowners agree that the two most important rooms in their home are the kitchen and bath. If you are about to embark on a new home construction, or major remodeling of your current home, it is beneficial to spend some time planning, researching and obtaining advice.

KITCHEN STYLE

CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS:

There are various dangers in the home that can cause accidents, but most of them are something you can see, feel or touch. It’s easy to forget that something as simple as breathing in your own home could turn fatal. In the fall and winter months, carbon monoxide exposure is at its greatest because homeowners are staying indoors and turning up the heat.

Carbon Monoxide is considered the “silent killer” because it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless and forms from the incomplete combustion of gas. It can come from numerous sources in the home including, furnaces, stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, fireplaces, generators, space heaters, combustible appliances, and motor vehicles. It’s almost impossible to detect if carbon monoxide is in your home, so taking precautions is the only way to insure the safety of your family.

We’ve all heard the term ‘curb appeal.’ When getting your home ready for sale, it’s the absolute most important goal you should have. Whether you keep your house immaculate out of habit or you have a tendency towards that ‘lived in’ look, there’s always something you can do to give your house that special something that dazzles buyers.

There’s a reason they refer to this process as ‘staging’ your home; you are not just cleaning up, you are setting a stage, you are creating a sense of peace and wonder. You are giving buyers the feeling that they are already home, much like a set designer of a play gives the audience a sense that they are in another time and place.

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You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that home renovation can be a major undertaking. Nor do you have to send NASA all those calculations, presumptions and conclusions in order to buckle in for the thrill ride of home repair. But how easy is it to ensure that your project is less house of horrors and more tunnel of love?

WHERE TO START
According to the 2005 Cost vs. Value Report midrange bathroom improvements of about $10,500 yielded a national average 102.2% return on investment (ROI). The same report also noted that kitchen upgrades classified as “minor” (costing around $14,900) offered a 98.5% return while “upscale” improvements averaging $81,552 only offered a 84.8% recoup of investment. This proves that how you spend your money will be largely dictated by where you spend your money when improving your home.

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Living in the Lowcountry, residents learn to adapt to the various kinds of pests invading yards and homes. Although these pests are sometimes unavoidable, keeping them under control is essential to enjoying our area. Fire ants, termites, and the infamous Palmetto Bug are pests commonly found in the Lowcountry. Most homeowners can tell you how fire ants once took over their backyards or how Palmetto Bugs always seem to find their way indoors. Knowledge of pest control options and prevention are essential in keeping your home free of creepy crawlies.

And while a little knowledge goes a long way, it’s important to remember what a huge investment your home is, and how devastating an infestation can get. One ant hill, for example, can be one branch of a larger nest.

There’s so much to think about when choosing a fireplace for your home. Would you prefer a gas burning, wood burning or electric fireplace? What type of mantel would best accent your home? What kind of accessories will you want for your fireplace?

Fireplaces not only keep us warm; they add a certain feel to the home. They remind us of sitting around a warm fire sharing good conversation with friends, cuddling up to loved ones, sipping a cup of hot chocolate or enjoying a romantic evening with that special someone.

Fireplaces should be the focal point of a room. What do you want to convey to your guests about your home and who you are? Is a Victorian style fireplace your style, or would a more modern electric fireplace be more fitting for your home? There are fireplaces made of stone, metal and brick. There are even two-way and three-way fireplaces found in upscale homes.