COTY24 for Pantone: PEACH FUZZ

 

PEACH FUZZ

Pantone's Color of the Year 2024 is the warm, welcoming shade Peach Fuzz. "In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance," Leatrice Eiseman, executive director at Pantone Color Institute, said in the brand's announcement. "A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless,"

The bright but gentle shade can add softness to any room, helping you create a space that's ideal for relaxation and reflection. It also has a modern edge to it, lending itself well to contemporary design styles.

COTY24 for Glidden: LIMITLESS

 

LIMITLESS

Glidden's color of the year is a warm, nearly-yellow neutral that can be paired with almost any color scheme. The color experts at Glidden call Limitless an “anything-but-yellow honey beige," and say it was designed to blend with both warm and cool tones—though they're embracing the warm-tone trend. "This modern neutral is as adaptable as its name implies and is taking the place of cool neutral tones that are so last year,” said Ashley McCollum, color expert for Glidden, in a press release.

If you've been thinking about gray paint for your next DIY project or room refresh, consider Limitless instead. “Warm neutrals are here to stay, replacing cool tones like gray in 2024 and beyond,” McCollum says. It's versatile enough to be used on large surfaces, such as kitchen cabinets and walls, but McCollum suggests using it for smaller areas like baseboards and ceilings as well. Since the hue is both light and warm, it can make spaces feel larger, brighter, and more welcoming.

COTY24 for Behr: CRACKED PEPPER

 

CRACKED PEPPER

Behr's color of the year is Cracked Pepper (PPU18-1), a deep almost-black charcoal hue. The moody shade adds sophistication to any space. "We recognize the growing desire for using darker colors throughout spaces," said Jodi Allen, global chief marketing officer at Behr Paint Company, in a press release. "Adding a soft black like Cracked Pepper evokes a sense of confidence and individuality that we want all of our customers to feel after completing a project."

Cracked Pepper is neutral enough to adapt to any design style, from midcentury modern to rustic farmhouse. It also plays well with a variety of textures. Pair it with plush furniture and a soft shag rug for a cozy gathering space, or incorporate metallic accents and exposed architectural elements for an industrial aesthetic.

“It truly feels very organic," says Sarah Fishburne, The Home Depot’s director of trend and design. "And it feels like it definitely blends in with the landscapes and the plants. I think it’s like a really inky soil-y color, which is nice.”

COTY24 for Benjamin Moore: BLUE NOVA

 

BLUE NOVA

Blue Nova by Benjamin Moore is a rich, grounded blue that works just as well on an accent piece as it does covering a color-drenched room. The color was chosen to represent the blend of modern and traditional styles that are popular in home interiors right now. “Blue Nova 825 is an alluring mid-tone that balances depth and intrigue with classic appeal and reassurance,” Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore, said in a press release.

For more inspiration, the brand has also released a 2024 color trends report with other colors that complement the mix of modern and traditional. Creamy gray, muted orange, pewter gray, deep green, and hazy purple are all featured.

The Importance of Curb Appeal

 

Understanding the “Appeal” of Curb Appeal

They say it’s all about what’s on the inside that matters, right? True, but when it comes to selling your home, your curb appeal can make or break buyers’ decisions. Homes with an exterior that doesn’t look well taken care of likely will not get as many potential buyers as homes with good curb appeal. After all, curb appeal is what gives buyers a first impression of a property before they even step inside, so you’ll want to make sure it’s a good impression!

Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook this important step in preparing your home for sale. Continue reading to learn what curb appeal is and why it’s a necessary step to prepare your home for the market.

What is Curb Appeal?

The curb appeal of a home refers to the general appearance of the exterior of a property to a prospective buyer. Curb appeal allows potential buyers, or just anyone walking past your house, a sneak peek at the quality of home that could possibly be inside.

The more attractive the exterior of your home, the more curb appeal it has. However, the exterior of the home goes past just the architecture — things like landscaping, paint colors, porch decor, door frames, mailboxes, and so much more can affect your home’s curb appeal.

Some easy ways you can improve your home’s curb appeal are:

• Plant fresh greenery and flowers
• Mow the grass, rake leaves, and pull weeds
• Paint your front door
• Replace outdoor light fixtures
• Get a more stylish mailbox
• Power wash your driveway, porch, and walkway

Happy Leap Day, February 29th from Team Hoffmann

 

2024 is a Leap Year! Let us explain why we have Leap Years and some fun facts and folklore about Leap Years and leaplings.

What Is a Leap Year?

Simply put, a leap year is a year with an extra day—February 29—added nearly every four years to the calendar year.

Why Are Leap Years Necessary? READ MORE

COTY24 for C2: THERMAL

 

THERMAL

C2's 2024 color of the year is Thermal, a mid-tone blue reminiscent of crisp fall skies and cozy winter scenes. "C2 Thermal reminds us of a vast blue sky and the infinite array of blue hues nature offers to help restore and redefine our mood," Philippa Radon, interior designer and paint color specialist for C2, said in a press release.

The color is bright yet calming, making it an excellent choice for large spaces. Use it throughout the kitchen for a relaxing hang-out spot, or color-drench your bedroom with the hue to create a soothing space. "This bespoke pale yet punchy blue is poised for adventure and brimming with hope, evoking feelings of loyalty, trust, and confidence," Radon says. "Its contradictory nature has the dual ability to uplift us and provide a sense of calm and tranquility."

To complement their color of the year, the paint experts at C2 created a 2024 color capsule that includes a soft, warm neutral and a moody, deep green. Radon says the brand wanted to provide color palette inspiration with hues frequently seen together in nature. “Color is never seen in isolation," Radon says. "Our annual capsule tells a story where our colors become the characters: the lead being Thermal, with Brulee and Marshland as support roles.”

COTY24 for Sherwin-Williams: UPWARD

 

UPWARD

Sherwin-Williams' 2024 color of the year is a bright and breezy blue that was designed to infuse peacefulness into any space. "Upward SW 6239 represents the gentle forward momentum in all of our lives," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, in a press release. "It brings to life that carefree, sunny day energy that elicits a notion of contentment and peace. With this color, we invite our consumers to take a pause and infuse a new sense of ease and possibility into their spaces—one that doesn't overwhelm, but rather establishes meditation and tranquility."

Use this shade of blue as you would a neutral, painting walls or ceilings with the light blue, and accenting with light, earth-tone accents. Or use the cool hue on an accent wall to make wainscoting or wall paneling pop without overwhelming the space.

2024 Colors of the Year (COTY)...

 

It’s official: Color of the Year Season is upon us. The designation—also referred to as COTY in the industry - applies to colors that paint companies and trend forecasters crown as the "it hue" for the year ahead.

Everyone is already excited about the return of "blue" and these stunning shades. Earthy, nature-inspired tones will be especially big, according to the color experts that release their predictions each fall. This year's trend forecast features earth tones like terracotta and moody forest-inspired picks that include a rich deep green. There's also an influx of coastal-inspired blues, from light pastels to bold teals. And while everyone still loves the bold, expressive paint colors of 2023, experts are already planning to incorporate this year's shades into renovation projects.

Happy Valentine's Day From Team Hoffmann!

 

Therapy dogs visit Children's Hospital on Valentine's Day... Team Hoffmann's charity partner is the Children's Miracle Network, so remember your referrals help the kids!

Snappower Lights for Your Home

 

Upgrading your home should be simple and hassle-free. Snappower makes it easy for you to add extra lighting, whether it be elegant hallway lighting or functional kids' safety/night lighting, without using any additional power sockets. Here are some reasons why SnapPower lights are a great addition to any home. READ MORE

Valentine’s Day Dining in Milwaukee

 

Valentine's Day Dining

Love is in the air in Milwaukee’s vibrant culinary scene, with an array of dining destinations...

READ MORE

Where to watch the Super Bowl

 

SUPER BOWL anticipation...

Die-hard football fan or in it for the commercials, here's top spots to watch the game Sunday, Feb 11th

READ MORE

Only in Wisconsin... Stories from 2023

 

Only in Wisconsin...

Here are 10 stories from 2023 that highlighted life in the Badger State and it's been a doozy.

READ MORE

Final Tip Tip To Refresh Your Home And Get Ready For 2024!

Quickly And Easily Refresh Your Rooms for 2024!

Pulling out a new accent color from your existing decor can make the whole room seem fresh. Pick an underused color in the room and add more of it in the form of a new pillow (maybe just a pillow cover for under $10) or throw to update your look. A colorful rug or runner can also help anchor your space.

Take some time to rearrange your furniture so it is oriented in conversation groups and not just facing the television. That just might up for chances for real conversation and connection in the New Year.

New Year's Resolution #5 - Get Your Home Ready For Entertaining

 5: Get ready for entertaining

Each year most of us vow to spend more time with family and friends. To make you feel like inviting people in, why not give the areas you entertain in a little update?

You don't have go for broke here and invest in a new kitchen remodel. All it takes to get a fresh new look is a little bit of rearranging and a few updates.

One easy update that makes your home seem more "finished" is the addition of plants. They bring in new energy, help clean the air and it's a great way to decorate if you're on a budget. A couple of dramatic presentations like a larger flowering plant or a potted palm in a bright ceramic planter that complements your existing color scheme will do the trick.

Ready for 2024!

Pulling out a new accent color from your existing decor can make the whole room seem fresh. Pick an underused color in the room and add more of it in the form of a new pillow (maybe just a pillow cover for under $10) or throw to update your look. A colorful rug or runner can also help anchor your space.

Take some time to rearrange your furniture so it is oriented in conversation groups and not just facing the television. That just might up for chances for real conversation and connection in the New Year.

New Year's Resolution #4 - Set-up A Weekly Cleaning System

4: Set-up a weekly cleaning system

Here are a few tips for keeping the mess under control from the experts.

Baking soda paired with warm water and bleach will knock out stubborn grout stains on tile floors and walls. If you need a heavy-duty cleaning, amp up the bleach but wear gloves to protect that manicure.

Daily: Dishes go in the dishwasher every night - no excuses! Dirty clothes go in the hamper and jackets or clean clothes are hung in the closet. Bring everything back to its assigned place.

Weekly: Clean your entire house, using these tips:

• Keep all of your cleaners, as well as rubber gloves and spare cleaning cloths - in a portable carryall that moves with you from room to room.
  
  
• Stash cleaning implements such as a toothbrush, scraper, sponge, a few cleaning cloths and plastic bags in a builder's apron that you wear when you clean. Hook your glass cleaner and all-purpose cleaning spray on the loops to keep your hands free as you work around the room clockwise, cleaning from high (cabinets) to low (floors.)
  
  
• Focus on one type of cleaning at a time. Wipe down fingerprints on all of the cabinets, for instance, before moving on to spraying and wiping counters. Then move on to windows and mirrors and appliances. Once that's done move on to sweeping and then mopping floors.
  
  
• For optimum efficiency, enlist the help of your family. If you can, divide the jobs among at least three parties: One of you can do the dusting/vacuuming and changing beds, the other can do the bathroom cleanup, leaving only the kitchen and trash emptying for you to handle. The upside? You can get the whole house done in approximately 45 minutes, leaving more time on the weekends for fun. 

New Year's Resolution #3 - Shrink Your Bills

3: Shrink your bills

By shrinking your bills, you can shrink your carbon footprint in the process. When people think of going green, they often think it takes solar panels or a hybrid car to make a difference.

The best place to start is by cutting your energy usage in your home:

• Remember your mom's advice and switch off the lights when you leave a room.
  
  
• Turn off your air conditioner when you leave the house and dial your heater down to 55 degrees at night.
  
  
• Install LED bulbs and low-flow showerheads.
  
  
• Try drying some of your clothes on the line and wait for the dishwasher or washing machine to be full before you run them.
  
  
• Turn off your power strips and/or set your home computer to revert to sleep mode when not in use.
  
  
• Water your yard less. Put in drought-tolerant landscaping if necessary.
  
  
• Give composting a try. Your garden will thank you.

New Year's Resolution #2 - Make Your Home Safe And Sound

2: Make it safe and sound

Your home may be beautiful, but is it safe? There are a few things that every homeowner should do to ensure that they're not living with a potential health hazard or fire risk.

First, check your house for radon. This colorless, odorless gas causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year from the radioactive particles it traps in your lungs as you breathe, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One in every fifteen homes has elevated levels. And with test kits costing as little as $20 at your local hardware store, there's no reason not to get right on that.

While we're on the subject of deadly gas, make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector on every bedroom floor in addition to fire detectors. If a chimney flue or furnace vent gets blocked or leaks, carbon monoxide could back up in your house and kill you. Like a radon test, this is a small investment — $40 or more — for such an important safeguard.

Watch out for dryer lint. We know you clean the little trap inside the door, but most people neglect to clean the vents and ducts behind the dryer. Lint may seem innocent, but it's highly combustible, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, accounting for more than 15,000 building fires a year.

New Year's Resolution #1 - Streamline The "Stuff"

 1: Streamline the stuff

One of the best and least expensive ways to feel better about your home is to clear it of clutter.

Each year most of us acquire a mountain of stuff. Without some regular purging, cabinets and drawers get jam-packed and it becomes hard to find the things you use and enjoy the most.

This year resolve to go room-by-room periodically clearing anything that you don't use, wear or love and donate it to charity. After that, think twice about what you bring in.

Stash useful (but not beautiful) items such as DVDs, remotes and those kicked-off shoes in simple woven baskets.  Clear your counters of everything you don't use on a daily basis. And get ready to breathe a little easier in your own home.

2024 New Year's Resolutions for Your Home

Every year when January rolls around you vow to lose weight, save money or spend more time with family and friends. But what goals do you set for your home?  In the spirit of new beginnings, the experts have come up with some resolutions that will make your home more beautiful, efficient, clean and enjoyable in the coming year. Our next few blog posts will share specific resolutions for you to consider this year.

Happy New Year 2024 from Team Hoffmann

 

Wishing everyone a safe, prosperous and happy 2024.

Team Hoffmann