Martin Cooper

Shopping for a new house means looking past that fresh coat of paint and doing a little digging to see if any big repairs or deal breakers are lurking beneath the surface.  Sure, it’s likely a few issues will surface during your inspection , but it’s smart to check things out before you put in an offer. Finding a problem doesn’t mean you can’t buy the house. It just helps you get a better idea of what to offer, and what you can live with. A new house is a big investment, and you want to make sure that your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Knowing the age and condition of your new home’s roof is key to understanding upcoming, potential home maintenance costs. Source: Peter Zimmerman Architects 1. Damaged roof The first thing you need to know about your potential new home is the age and condition of the roof. The realtor should be able to tell you. Do a visual check of the roof by walking around the house. Look for damaged or missing shingles, rusted flashing, moss o...

I need a hack for PAX wardrobe system, I cannot afford IKEA’s sliding closet doors and I was wondering if there are any hacks that can turn a regular wardrobe door to a sliding door? ~ by Sara *** Hi Sara The price of the PAX sliding closet doors can be steep, especially if you […] The post Hackers Help: How to make sliding closet doors for PAX? appeared first on IKEA Hackers .

Celebrities are just like us, except they have more money, more fame and bigger haunted houses. Just in time for Halloween, we present you with seven celebrity haunted mansions that vary from unsettling to downright horrifying. At these houses, Halloween is an everyday event. 1. Amy Winehouse’s Camden Flat In London Amy Winehouse’s haunted flat. Image: House Network Amy moved out of her house because she was scared to death of a little boy that haunted her. In an interview , Amy said that the ghost, named Henry, would scratch her. The night before her death, several witnesses heard screams, drums and animal howls coming from her flat. Since her death, her parents have listed her home. 2. The Benedict Canyon House Where Sharon Tate Was Murdered The home where Sharon Tate was murdered by Charles Manson’s followers had a long, disturbing history. Image: Pinterest We all know the horrific story of how Roman Polanski’s pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, was murdered by Charles ...

French Connection – the affordable Brit fashion brand known best for its basic t-shirts sporting their provocative initials, FCUK – has a new home line. Move over, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters and Zara Home. FCUK may have your wallet captive for now. Check out the best from the French Connection Homeware collection, priced between $50 and $300. Fall Bedding Look The secret to a fashionable and luxurious bed (like the one below by French Connection Homeware) is layering several elements like sheets, pillows, blankets and throws. Choose a cohesive color theme of two or three shades and mix and match patterns or textures. Here are more secrets on how to put together a luxurious bed . A zen bedroom space featuring bedding and textiles designed with understated texture and patterns. All images:  French Connection Homeware Shop this look: Decorating An Ordinary Living Room With Pillows And Textiles Adding a rug, throw pillows and a blanket adds personality and depth to...

So I turn to IKEA because they always have such fabulous ideas. Looking at their archives, I found these easy-to-recreate Halloween ideas that make a big impact with minimal effort. The post So scary! Frightfully clever and easy Halloween ideas appeared first on IKEA Hackers .

Unlike most blog posts that you’ll find here, this one has no educational value at all. Warning: Several of these photos are gross.

Pumpkins are a powerful element in autumn decorating. They pack a colorful punch. Since they’re harvested in the fall, they make everyone think of the autumnal season. They’re also extremely versatile. It’s easy to paint pumpkins , add jeweled accents or buy different types with wild textures. And one way to make the most of pumpkins in your autumn decorating is to go for a whole menagerie of them. That way, you can work with different colors, textures and styles. And a grouping of pumpkins can serve as a whole large focal point in your fall decor. Below, you’ll find several ways to work with pumpkin menageries. Separate your pumpkin menagerie to create balance. Image: Kirkendall Design Add Balance to the Doorway Pumpkin menageries work well on the porch . They add a splash of color to what tends to be a fairly neutral space. And having them on the porch sets an instant fall harvest vibe for any guests coming to your door. The photo above shows how placing a pumpkin menagerie on ...

The Inside is a great source for affordable home accents as well as textiles, similar to what you’d find if you work with a top interior designer. And now you can buy affordable, Mid-Century modern style pieces from one of the busiest interior designers around with the Katherine Carter for Homepolish collection. Her top clients include Lauren Conrad and Marianna Hewitt. Her first home collection, in collaboration with The Inside , is offered in three custom prints she says were inspired by “natural textures and organic shapes in a reduced, modern palette.” The Katherine Carter for Homepolish collection at The Inside is perfect for renters as well as apartment dwellers. The collection’s pieces are small-scale and also include removable wallpapers that are perfect for dressing up a wall and taking it down when moving out. Here’s a look at The Inside’s new Katherine Carter for Homepolish collection: The   Modern Platform Bed , shown in Black Sybil is $799 & up (d...