Category: Home Design & Decor

How to Add Curb Appeal: 5 Simple Upgrades for Your Home’s Exterior

Posted on August 9, 2023

Enhancing the curb appeal of your home goes beyond just making it look nice – it’s about creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for yourself, your family, and your guests. Whether you’re already part of the New Park community or are considering making it your new home in Montgomery, Alabama, we’ve got some fantastic ideas to elevate the charm of your home’s exterior.

Remember: Before you start giving your house a fresh look, it’s always a good idea to check in with your Homeowners’ Association (HOA) if you have one. 

1. Upgrade Your House Numbers and Mailbox. 

Consider refreshing both your house numbers and mailbox for an easy exterior update. When it comes to house numbers, there’s an endless selection of options to choose from, with a variety of different fonts, finishes, and materials to match your taste and the aesthetic of your home. Just make sure to choose numbers that are large enough to be seen and that contrast well with the background they’ll be mounted on.

A mailbox update can also work wonders to help elevate the curb appeal of your home. If rust has taken its toll on your mailbox, consider replacing it. You can also update or repair the numbers on your mailbox to create a polished look and make it easier for visitors or delivery people to find your home. 

2. Refresh Trim and Exterior Paint. 

The trim, siding, garage door, front door, and shutters of your home are constantly exposed to direct sunlight, which can lead to fading and a loss of vibrancy in the paint over time. Applying a fresh coat of paint can combat this dullness and provide an instant boost to your curb appeal. . When you’re choosing exterior paint colors, opt for shades that complement the overall aesthetic of your home and your neighborhood. 

3. Replace Exterior Hardware.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance curb appeal is by replacing outdated or worn-out exterior hardware such as door handles, locks, and lights. The key is to select fixtures that seamlessly blend with your home’s style. Mixing and matching finishes, materials, and styles can help strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. Depending on your skill level, you can install the hardware yourself or hire a professional for more complex installations.

4. Add Outdoor Lighting. 

Consider using strategically placed lights to frame your entryway, illuminate walkways, or highlight unique focal points of your yard or home. Mix and match various lighting types to create a personalized look that complements your home and elevates your curb appeal. If you want to save money and conserve energy, try going with solar-powered lights or low-energy LED bulbs. 

5. Enhance Your Landscaping. 

Crafting an inviting outdoor sanctuary is a great way to showcase your personality and elevate your home’s curb appeal. When choosing the right plants to spruce up your landscaping, make sure to pick a mix of native and well-adapted flowers and plants that thrive in your climate, plus a variety of textures, colors, and sizes to create depth and visual interest. You can also integrate outdoor furniture and water features to further enhance your outdoor space. 

Ready to make New Park your home? Contact us today to explore the perfect blend of curb appeal and community! 

 

PLUS: 30 Last-Minute Side Dishes for Labor Day

Discover 30 quick side dish options to elevate your last-minute grilling plans this Labor Day!

Maintaining an Organized Home: 8 Daily Habits for a Clutter-Free Life

Posted on July 11, 2023

a person decluttering their home and sorting clothes into boxes

a person decluttering their home and sorting clothes into boxes

Are you tired of starting your day in a disorganized space? If so, it’s time to embrace a fresh start and transform your environment! We’ve compiled a list of our top decluttering tips that you can work into your daily routine.

1. Begin Each Day with a Fresh Start.

Taking a few minutes each morning to reset your space will help you set a positive tone for the day and keep an organized mindset. The easiest place to start is with making your bed– it instantly tidies up the room and sets the stage for a productive day. After that, try quickly scanning your surroundings and putting misplaced items back where they belong to eliminate the gradual accumulation of clutter. Opening up your curtains to let in natural light is a great way to finish your morning decluttering routine and boost your mood. 

2. Conquer Clutter Hotspots.

We all have at least one spot in our home that tends to attract clutter despite our best efforts to keep it organized. It might be your kitchen counter, the coffee table that becomes a dumping ground for random objects, or even that one chaotic drawer in your bedside table. Set aside a few minutes each day to declutter and reclaim at least one of these problem areas. Making a habit of keeping your clutter hotspots tidied will ultimately make it easier to maintain order in all areas of your home. 

3. Take 10-Minute Decluttering Breaks.

Finding time to tackle clutter on a regular basis can feel impossible or overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Carving out just 10 minutes each day to focus on decluttering a specific area like a shelf or closet makes a huge difference in the long run. The key here is to choose a manageable task that you can tackle within the allotted time. Remember: With each 10-minute decluttering break, you get a little closer to the organized home of your dreams! 

4. Invest in Storage Solutions.

Setting up your home so that each item has a designated spot will help tame the chaos and make it easier to find what you need when you need it. Storage bins, baskets, and shelves are your secret weapons against clutter. Use them to do a daily round up of loose toys, cables, or other small items. With an endless variety of colors, textures, and patterns to choose from, you can easily match your decluttering solutions to your home decor aesthetic. 

5. Get the Family Involved.

Organizing can be a powerful tool for teaching responsibility, instilling good habits, and fostering a sense of pride in maintaining a clean living space.

Assigning daily age-appropriate decluttering tasks to each family member is an effective way to get everyone involved in keeping your home in order. For example, toddlers and preschoolers can be tasked with putting their toys in bins and placing their books on bookshelves. Older kids and teens can help with everything from making their beds each morning to putting away groceries. 

6. Create a Landing Zone.

Say goodbye to frantic searches and clutter scattered throughout your living space! Find a designated spot near the entrance of your home, whether it’s a small table, shelf, or catch-all tray, to become your landing zone (also known as a “drop zone”). 

This is the spot where you can drop your keys, wallet, and other everyday essentials when you walk through the door. If you want to take it a step further and really customize your landing zone, add hooks for hanging coats or bags, a small basket for mail, or a charging station for your devices. 

7. Embrace the “One In, One Out” Rule.

For every new item that you bring into your home, let go of something similar. Got a new pair of shoes? Donate or sell an older pair. This is a simple strategy to stay balanced and prevent your belongings from overwhelming your space. It also encourages you to be more intentional about your purchases since you have to consider which item you will give up every time you buy something new. 

8. Master the Art of Mindful Consumption.

Practicing mindful consumption empowers you to make intentional purchases and prevents the accumulation of unnecessary items that can contribute to a cluttered living space. Try to start focusing more on the long-term impact a purchase will have on your living space and overall well-being. Invest in well-made, long-lasting products to minimize the need for constant replacement and accumulation.

Maintaining an organized and clutter-free home all starts with small, daily habits that add up to a significant impact. At New Park, a master-planned neighborhood in East Montgomery, Alabama, you’ll discover the perfect setting to put these decluttering tips into practice.

Whether you’re a growing family, empty nester, young couple, or first-timer, New Park has the perfect home for you. Contact us today to explore available homes or lots! 

 

Plus: Alabama Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday

Alabama’s next tax free-holiday is July 21-23! Don’t miss out on this chance to stock up on back-to-school essentials. Click here to see if your county is participating, and click here to see which purchases qualify. 

 

Top 7 Home Decor Trends to Elevate Your Space

Posted on June 1, 2023

living room in a new home demonstrating the top decor trends of curved edges and natural materials

living room in a new home demonstrating the top decor trends of curved edges and natural materials

Whether you’ve just moved into your new house in Montgomery, Alabama or you’ve been happily nested for a while, it’s the perfect time to dive into the top trends in home decor!

From sustainable design to bold walls and statement lighting, let’s discover the key home decor trends that will elevate your living space by making it more stylish and inviting.

1. Sustainable Design.

Embrace the beauty of recyclable, reclaimed, and repurposed materials that not only add character to your space but also minimize your environmental impact. Think salvaged wood furniture, vintage treasures, and upcycled accents that give your home that one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly charm.

2. Curves and Rounded Edges.

Bring elegance and warmth into your home with furniture and decor featuring smooth lines and rounded edges. Consider incorporating curved sofas, round coffee tables, and arched mirrors to introduce a contemporary aesthetic to your living spaces. It’s all about bringing comfort and style together! 

3. Natural Materials.

Add a touch of timeless beauty to your home with natural materials. Opt for furniture and decor items crafted from wood, stone, wool, linen, and rattan. These materials bring a touch of nature indoors while infusing your home with a cozy feel.

4. Statement Lighting.

From eye-catching chandeliers to unique lamps, the right lighting can transform any space. Experiment with bold designs and unconventional materials to create a focal point that complements your personal style and enhances the overall ambiance of your home.

5. Bold Walls.

Bold walls are a great way to infuse personality into your home decor and create visual interest! Make a statement with saturated paint colors or patterned and textured wallpapers. Explore deep blues, vibrant greens, or warm earthy tones that reflect your unique personality and make your home stand out. 

6. Mixed Metals.

Incorporate a touch of glam and sophistication by blending different metals in your home decor. Whether it’s through hardware, decor accents, or lighting fixtures, mixing metals like gold, silver, and bronze can add depth and visual interest to your spaces. Let your creativity shine as you play with various finishes and textures to find the perfect balance! 

7. Stain-Resistant Materials.

We all know life can get a little busy, especially in a family-friendly neighborhood like New Park. When selecting upholstery, linens, and rugs, opt for high-performance and stain-resistant materials. No more stressing over spills or paw prints– these materials have got you covered. 

These top home decor trends will help you transform your house into a haven that reflects your personal style. Get inspired, have fun, and let your imagination run wild!

Contact our friendly team to learn more about the available houses, neighborhood amenities, and unique lifestyle New Park provides. We’re here to help you find your perfect home!

Plus: 10 Ideas for Summer Energy Savings

A hot home and high energy bills can take away from your summer fun! Don’t worry- there are a few things you can do to keep your home cool and protect your wallet. Alabama Living has the inside scoop- check it out!

 

5 Unique Container Garden Ideas

Posted on February 16, 2023

example of container gardening with plants in pots

A container garden is a flexible, low-maintenance option for growing plants and sprucing up your living space.

This gardening method allows you to conveniently move and rearrange your plants as needed, making it easy to change the look of your garden or protect the plants from harsh weather conditions. Here are 5 unique container garden ideas to inspire your green thumb.

  1. Upcycled container garden.

    You don’t have to break the bank to buy containers. Repurpose old, unused items as unique planters. For example, you could use a vintage wheelbarrow, a metal bucket, or even an old pair of boots as a planter.

  2. Vertical container garden.

    Vertical gardening is an easy way to maximize your garden space and create an eye-catching display. Use a series of tiered planters or wall-mounted containers to grow climbing plants like beans, peas, and morning glories.

  3. Herb spiral container garden.

    An herb spiral garden is a creative way to grow a variety of herbs in a small space. You can create a spiral-shaped garden using stacked containers with different herbs planted in each tier.  

  4. Drought-tolerant container garden.

    Drought-tolerant plants are great choices for planting in containers, especially if you’re looking for something low-maintenance. Succulents and cacti are fairly easy to care for and will thrive in containers. 

  5. Pollinator container garden.

    Use a selection of flowering plants to create a garden specifically designed to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Your garden will help provide food for the pollinators, support your local ecosystem, and promote biodiversity! 

Need some tips for making sure your garden thrives?

Choose the right containers.

Select containers that are the appropriate size for the plants you want to grow and that have good drainage. Consider the weight of the soil and plants when full, and make sure the container has sturdy handles or is easily movable.

Use quality potting soil.

Use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for containers. This type of soil is lighter and less dense than regular garden soil, so it provides the proper drainage and aeration that container plants need.

Water regularly.

Container plants tend to dry out faster than plants in the ground, so it’s important to water them regularly and thoroughly. Over-watering can lead to root rot, though, so always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. 

Ready to move into the perfect home and start working on your very own container garden? Contact New Park Living today and learn more about our homes for sale in Montgomery, Alabama!

5 Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas to Impress your Guests

Posted on October 25, 2022

Impress your Thanksgiving Guests with these Table Decor Ideas

A plate of food on a table

If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, your table should be your focal point! The entire evening will be centered around your table. This is where everyone will gather to give thanks, sip wine, dine together, and enjoy quality conversation with family and friends.

Top Design & Decor Trends of 2022

Posted on June 7, 2022

Interior Design Trends | New Park

Design and Decor trends are always changing and it can seem impossible to keep up with the times, especially on a budget! The good news is, you don’t have to completely re-furnish your home in order to keep it looking fresh and updated. To help update your space, we’ve asked Cassandra Crosby of CCI Premier ReDesign & Staging to give us some tips on the latest trends and the best ways to implement them.

5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays

Posted on November 10, 2021

5 Advantages of Buying a New Home

Soon your home will be filled with the sound of doorbells ringing as guests flood in to join the festivities!

 

The holidays bring so much joy —family, food, fun — and also a lot of preparation for the host! Here are 5 tips to get your home ready for the holidays!

 

29 Insanely Cool Backyard Furniture DIYs

Posted on September 9, 2014

29 Insanely Cool Backyard Furniture DIYs

Do you enjoy “Do It Yourself” projects?  Well we have found some cool and unique DIYs for your new home in New Park!

Check out these cool backyard furniture DIYs at the link below to spice up your backyard:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/insanely-cool-backyard-furniture-diys#4j1ccw5

Contact us at New Park today for more information about our community, builders, developer, or for assistance with any additional questions.

Master Bathroom Decorating Ideas

Posted on June 13, 2014

Master Bathroom Decoration | New Park

Master Bathroom Decoration | New Park

Are you wanting to update your master bathroom?  Well, it’s easy to make your master bath relaxing and update your bathroom with these 34 Best Bathroom Ideas for a Relaxing Retreat from Southern Living’s website.  At New Park, we have seen many of these designs and ideas used by our builders in the master bathrooms of our new homes.  Check out the design and decorating tips at the link below.

 

New Park offers an array of the area’s most respected and experienced Home Builders in Montgomery, Alabama, and New Homes Montgomery, Alabama, with a comprehensive range of new house designs and packages.

Contact us today with any questions, or to learn more about New Park.

7 Trends for Kitchen Designs in 2014

Posted on April 4, 2014

Kitchen Design Trends | New Park

We are always seeing new trends at New Park when building new homes in Montgomery, Alabama.  A blog on the National Association of Realtors website touched on some new trends in kitchen design for 2014.  The National Kitchen & Bath Association recently surveyed 420 designers to find the top kitchen trends in 2014.  7 of the top trends are:

  1. Contemporary styles
  2. A place for electronics
  3. Energy Savers
  4. Quartz counter-tops
  5. Satin finishes
  6. Granite composite sinks
  7. Pets place

For a sneak peak at these trends, visit:

https://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2014/03/31/check-out-these-7-trends-spicing-up-kitchen-designs/

New Park offers an array of the areas most respected and experienced Home Builders in Montgomery, Alabama and New Homes Montgomery, Alabama, with a comprehensive range of new house designs and packages.  Contact us at New Park today for more information about our community, builders, or developers, or for assistance with any additional questions.

*Picture of kitchen taken from blog on National Association of Realtors website.  Contemporary Kitchen by Portland Design-Build Firms