Inspiring DIY Home Improvement Projects

 

Inspiring DIY Home Improvement Projects

How many can you accomplish before Labor Day?

Home improvement projects are always hottest in the summer when the weather is nice and homeowners feel inspired to spruce up their home’s exterior and interior. There are so many different ways to increase your quality of life, boost your curb appeal, and modernize your house, one fun home improvement project at a time. You can work solo or as a family, you can invite friends over for a weekend of pizza and paint, or you can unlock your inner craftsman and really go all-out on home renovations.

Visit our blog often, we're about to share a few ideas for you to consider...

What to know about Boerner Botanical Gardens

 

What to know about Boerner Botanical Gardens

Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive in Hales Corners, is part of the Milwaukee County Parks system.  Here's what to know if you're planning a visit.

Where is Boerner Botanical Gardens?

The gardens are located inside Whitnall Park.

When is Boerner Botanical Gardens open?

The gardens are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily May 1-Sept. 10, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Sept. 11-April 30.

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12 Milwaukee-area festivals into Autumn

 

Some festivals in Wisconsin are just about the food.

Ethnic and community festivals focus on specific beverages or foods relevant to business or culture, and fairs offer regional and new food products. Local restaurants and vendors show off their specialties, and autumn brings harvest foods and wines.

Dig in, drink up and bring your appetite to these area festivals.

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Hiring a contractor in Wisconsin?

 

Hiring a contractor in Wisconsin?

What to know about licenses, insurance and lien waivers.

Hiring a contractor for your home project can be overwhelming, and people fall victim to home improvement scams every year.

Here are some questions the pros suggest asking before hiring a contractor. 

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Grilling Trend # 6 - Grilled Whole Fish and Shell-On Seafood

 

Grilled Whole Fish and Shell-On Seafood

In other popular protein news, fish and seafood is a major grilling trend for 2024. And we’re not just talking about salmon filets.

Try grilling whole fish... Get a fish basket, they work great for grilling any size fish. The pros suggest you infuse the fish with Mediterranean flavors.

If you’re in the mood for other grilled seafood in a shell, add Grilled Mussels or Shrimp with Garlic Butter to your summer bucket list.

Grilling Trend #5 - Grilled Unique Cuts of Meat

 

Grilled Unique Cuts of Meat

If you’ve taken a peek at your supermarket bill lately, you’ve most likely noticed some significant increases. Groceries are getting more expensive across the board, and one of the fastest-spiking categories is beef. (Beef prices jumped 7 percent from April 2023 to April 2024, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service.)

If you’re watching your budget, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to skip beef all together if you enjoy it. The secret lies in choosing a different kind of steak and using a marinade.

People are getting more experimental with their grilling. They are going beyond the basic steak, chicken breast, and burger. Not only are many of these cuts a better value, but they do very well on the grill.

Consider adding these value proteins to your shopping list: Denver steak, Teres major steak, Hanger steak, Skirt steak, Beef cheeks, Chicken thighs and Lamb.

Grilling Trend #4 - Bold Marinades, Rubs and Sauces

Bold Marinades, Rubs, and Sauces

There’s nothing light or shy about the flavors that will be big this summer. In 2024, grill lovers will be experimenting with bolder flavors when it comes to marinades, ribs, and sauces. Here’s what to look for...

Sassy spice blends. Shake it up with a generous dose of Caribbean flavors.

Global inspiration. There’s no need to feel like you must stick to the same cuisine for your marinade, rub, and sauce. Global meet-ups of ingredients, mixing and matching flavors from across the world even if they aren't from the same culinary culture, are a huge trend right now.

Perky marinades. Bored by your usual olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano combo? Try adding unique flavors of vinegars, a spoonful of miso, a drizzle of pomegranate or grape molasses, or a splash of fruit juice to your marinades.

Boosted butters. Coat your grilled corn on the cob with kalamata olive butter, and we’re still on a Cowboy Butter kick after it went wild on social media last year. If you’d rather outsource the blending, try one of Churn Foods’ compound butters, which come in flavors like bruschetta, black garlic, hot honey, and pesto.

 

Grilling Trend #3 - Grilled Fruits and Desserts

 Grilled Fruits and Desserts

When in doubt about what to grill, default to fruit and pound cake! :) 

2024 favorites include stone fruits like peaches and nectarines, slabs or skewers of pineapple, thick slices of tomato, and avocado halves. The textures, slightly charred flavor and caramelization of the fruit more than satisfies any sweet tooth.

You can incorporate fruit into classic desserts like crumbles, crisps, and pies, then opt to “bake” them on the grill instead of in the oven.

WISCONSIN STATE FAIR 2024!

 

In 2024, Wisconsin State Fair will celebrate 173 years of tradition and hope to once again welcome over one million Fairgoers over the course of its 11-day run.

August 1 - 11

GET ALL THE DETAILS

Grilling Trend #2 - Other Grilled Veggies

 

Other Grilled Veggies

Turn over a new leaf and toss other vegetables on the grill too... And we’re not just talking about portobello mushrooms, onions, or peppers. Here are a few unexpected grilled veggies to add to your menu 2024.

Beans and peas. Toss chickpeas, fava beans, peas, or snap peas in oil, then cook them in a metal mesh basket over very high and direct heat. Shake the basket and keep the vegetables constantly moving to avoid burning.

Cauliflower steaks. Follow your favorite cauliflower steak recipe, but instead of searing it in a skillet, cook the cauliflower on the grill. The result is a “hearty, very savory, and filling” option

Whatever is in season. Check your local farmers market, to stock up on a variety of the season’s best to grill.

Griling Trend #1 - Grilled Salads

 

Grilled Salads

Although it’s not exactly a new concept this year, grilled lettuce is an underrated grilling trend.

People don’t always realize how much flavor and texture can be experienced by grilling little gem lettuce or charring radicchio. Adding avocado or crunchy peanuts is a great way to finish the salad.

You need not cook it on the spot if you're hosting a crowd, or are simply craving a head-start. Grill your greens an hour or two in advance, then storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and share the dish. A cool charred salad delivers all the smoky flavor you crave with grilled recipes, just with a refreshing level of hydration and a welcome chilled counterpoint to the warm weather and proteins.

2024 "HOT" Grilling Trends Everything Grill Masters Need To Know...

 

From fashion to home design to food, trends seem to come in cycles. While we’re not quite sure if we’ve circled all the way back from wide legs to mom jeans and back to skinny jeans again, one thing we know for sure: cooking over live fire is never going to go out of style.

Grab your aprons, your tongs, and your meat thermometers, because you’re just days away from feeling majorly inspired to ignite your grill to make this season’s barbecue menu your most exciting and appetizing yet. Stop back and  visit our blog often, we are about to share with you some amazing grilling trends...

Outdoor Living Trend # 6 - Added Greenery for Living Energy

 

Added Greenery for Living Energy

It’s not just about making your outdoor living spaces an extension of indoors, but about embracing the nature that is beyond your home’s walls. Think lush and layered plants, living garden spaces, green and natural accents.

Ask yourself... “Does the space feel alive?” If you need to breathe some life into your space, try adding more live plants at various heights and sizes, and different shades of green.  This will instantly be a way to refresh the space and be on trend.

Outdoor Living Trend # 5 - Folding Walls for Truly Connected Spaces

 

Folding Walls for Truly Connected Spaces

Taking cues from architectural design in areas with good weather all year, folding walls are a home upgrade feature that is standing out for outdoor living today. Create a seamless transition between indoor-outdoor living is easily accomplished through folding walls. When closed, these folding glass panels still offer a visual connection to the outdoors, but when opened, an interior living space–such as a kitchen, dining room, or living room–expands to visually and physically include an outdoor component. This allows for both the indoors and outdoors to serve as a multi-functional space for dining, lounging, and entertaining.

The right furniture selections can take these indoor-outdoor spaces to the next level. Choose versatile furniture pieces such as sectional sofas with modular components that can easily be arranged to accommodate different activities.

Do This Before You Renew Amazon Prime (It’s Genius)

 

Next... Do This Before You Renew Amazon Prime

(It’s Genius)

Millions of Americans who refrained from online shopping due to inflation and exploding prices can now breathe a sigh of relief. Look, we love Amazon Prime (that recently got increased to a whopping $179/year). Free 2-day shipping is great and, like everyone else, we enjoyed not knowing how much it actually cost. Well, guess what? It isn’t free to move items from one location to another, and that cost gets baked into the price you pay.

The only thing you have to do is to add Capital One Shopping to your browser! It’s 100% free ​for everyone (no Capital One account required) and guarantees to find the best deals out there. And with ‘out there’ we mean the whole internet - every single corner of it. The algorithm behind it is so strong that customers already refer to it as the “insane deals” browser extension.

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The Best Amazon Prime Day Home Deals

 

The Best Amazon Prime Day Home Deals to Keep Your Eyes On

You can expect savings up to 80 percent off.

In case you missed the breaking news, Amazon Prime Day is only weeks away—July 16 and 17

We're focused on the Amazon Prime Day home deals more so than on the beauty, fashion, and tech goodies on offer this year—although we heard the savings in those categories will be pretty impressive too... 

This year's home-centric finds are hugely discounted, click the button below to see what we found...

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'Red, White and Brew'

 

'Red, White and Brew' welcome party to greet RNC delegates at Summerfest grounds

For thousands of Republicans descending on Milwaukee for the party's national convention, the first stop will be the city's ultimate party destination.

On Sunday, July 14, a day before the start of the 2024 Republican National Convention, a "Red, White and Brew" party is planned on the Summerfest grounds at Henry Maier Festival Park for the state party delegations and partner organizations. Country star Trace Adkins is lined up to perform.

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Happy 4th of July From Team Hoffmann

 

Happy 4th of July

Team Hoffmann - RE/MAX LAKESIDE

36 Patriotic Recipes for Your 4th of July Cookout

 

36 Patriotic Recipes for Your 4th of July Cookout

Show off your pride with red, white and blue recipes like watermelon salads, pork tenderloin with triple-berry salsa, frozen lemonade and more fun patriotic food that bring the fireworks to your backyard cookout.

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Outdoor Living Trend # 4 - Luxury Upgrades

 

Luxury Upgrades

Luxury upgrades are also on the minds of many designers and homeowners, according to the 2024 trends report. These projects not only increase the comfort and usability of outdoor areas, but they add to the property value, too.

Top upgrades identified include fire features as well as bars and entertaining spaces. Outdoor kitchens are another big project that continues to be a popular upgrade. If you’re looking for luxury inspiration, the report also noted the rise in hospitality-inspired design elements, especially walk-out patios and indoor-outdoor fireplaces.

Outdoor Living Trend # 3 - Continuity in Design Elements, Both Inside and Out

 

Continuity in Design Elements, Both Inside and Out

Whether it’s a small patio or an expansive exterior entertaining area, a consistent use of color, pattern, and material will visually bring together your home’s interior and exterior design. 

But continuity isn't solely through simple decorating selections, the 2024 trend report indicated that surfaces will be playing a key role in bridging interior and exterior spaces. A growing number of homeowners are seeking surfaces that can withstand outdoor elements, while providing an elevated, cohesive look to their interior design

Outdoor Living Trend # 2 - Smart Home Features for Outdoor Rooms

 

Smart Home Features for Outdoor Rooms

As outdoor spaces are being integrated into whole-home living considerations, lighting and smart home features are trending for outdoor spaces. These elements visually connect indoors and outdoors for a more congruous look, but they also offer consistent functionality.

Smart Home technology creates a cohesive living space throughout the home by being able to control audio and lighting throughout the day and into the night. Your outdoor activities aren’t strictly limited by time of day or access to a TV, for example—if the outdoors is wired for smart home features, you have more flexibility in when and how you use the spaces. For example, entertainment walls are rising in popularity as homeowners spend more time in their outdoor spaces. It also provides enhanced security by including outdoor cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks.

Summerfest 2024 Opening Day - What You Need To Know!

 

Summerfest 2024 Opens!

Outdoor Living Trend # 1 - High-Quality Investment Pieces

 

High Quality Investment Pieces

The importance of nature and time spent outdoors has really risen to the forefront in recent years, as has the importance of investing in timeless, high-quality pieces over disposable, trendy items. Homeowners are looking for outdoor furnishings that they can expect to enjoy for years to come, both on an aesthetic level as well as a comfort level. 

Much like spending time and money on finding just the right sofa or dining table for inside your home, a lot of this trend is about doing your research and understanding what constitutes a high-quality piece of outdoor furniture that you can expect to last. Look for materials like teak wood, powder-coated aluminum, concrete, and premium wicker and rattan, and also take the climate conditions in your area into consideration when shopping for your furnishings.

6 Outdoor Living Trends Experts Predict for 2024

Homeowners are focusing on upgrading the design and functionality of outdoor spaces.

As outdoor entertaining season approaches, consider giving your space a refresh. Whether you have a small patio space or a full backyard kitchen area fit for large dinner parties, outdoor living experts suggest keeping these outdoor living trends top of mind.

Luxury additions and upgrades are on the rise, and designers and homeowners are approaching outdoor spaces with the same care as interior design. Creating an outdoor space that feels cohesive, beautiful, and comfortable is about so much more than setting some nice chairs out on your deck. The expectations we have about outdoor furnishings are also increasing. Homeowners appreciate beautiful, timeless, and functional pieces that will stand the test of time in addition to the outside elements.

Visit our blog often, as we look at these six trends that range from simple style choices and practical shopping advice, to significant architectural features meant to increase the design, quality, and luxury of your outdoor living areas.

This Wisconsin village is one of the best small towns to retire in the country...

 

The Village of Waukesha landed among the best small towns to retire in the country, according to a new study.

Researchers looked at data from thousands of towns in the U.S. with populations between 1,000 and 10,000 residents. To determine which small towns are the best for retirement, the study analyzed median incomes, cost of living, "livability" and crime rates. Here's a look at which small towns ranked the highest among the best places to retire in the U.S. READ MORE

Milwaukee property assessments

 

Milwaukee property assessments; homeowners surprised by increases

MILWAUKEE - There is sticker shock as Milwaukee homeowners get their new property assessments. On average, Milwaukee properties are up about 17%. But average home assessments are up even more. 

"It was kind of shocking," said one Milwaukee homeowner who has owned their home in Bay View for more than 40 years. They were surprised by the $30,000 increase in their home assessment. READ MORE

Make Six-Figures? A Challenge For Home Buyers

Here’s how much you must earn to afford a house in 2024

New data shows that the average first-time home buyer must earn more than six figures to comfortably afford a median-priced home. 

Clever, a real estate data company, analyzed median home prices and median incomes for 50 metro areas to find out how much yearly income a person needs to earn to afford a house in 2024. READ MORE

A guide to Milwaukee-area farmers markets open in 2024

 

Spring signals the start of the farmers market season with local growers bringing freshly picked produce and other agricultural products to parks and parking lots in Milwaukee and nearby counties. Some markets offer live music, ready-to-eat snacks and beverages, fresh-cut flowers and annual plants. Talk to a farmer, support small businesses, and use this roundup to explore a market near you.

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Retro Furniture Type #10 - The Walnut Dining Table

 

The Walnut Dining Table

The walnut dining table pictured above is another example of how retro style can seamlessly merge two different aesthetics. The handsome walnut finish reminiscent of older and more traditional interiors combined with the tapered legs so predominant within 50s and 60s furnishings makes for a stunning piece that balances innovative silhouettes with familiar textures – and a completely mid-century modern feel.

Retro Furniture Type #9 - The Arc Lamp

 

The Arc Lamp

Whether it’s innovative silhouettes crafted from rustic wood (like the above coffee table) or classic fixtures made from progressive chrome, mid-century modern tends to merge two styles into one design. Perhaps most reflective of this ‘merging’ is the steel arc lamp; the subtle curves and the bold glass lampshade make for a design both minimalistic and full of flair.

Happy Memorial Day 2024 from Team Hoffmann

 

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

Team Hoffmann - RE/MAX LAKESIDE

Retro Furniture Type #8 - The Triangle Coffee Table

 

The Triangle Coffee Table

It’s been mentioned before, and it’s worth mentioning again: nothing spells out the charm of mid-century modern quite like geometrical lines and shapes. Consider, for example, the coffee tables in the above living room; triangular tabletops contrast with the tapered legs to bring sharp definition and focalize the entire space.

Retro Furniture Type #7 - The Sleek End Table

The Sleek End Table

Part of the charm of retro living rooms is that every piece, no matter how big or small, contributes to the room’s mid-century appeal with its own exciting features. With bright colors and patterns, this can mean a bold array of designs, each competing for attention. However, by restricting the color palette to one or two neutrals, the focus is kept on texture and silhouettes, making it easy for each piece – whether it’s a sleek end table or a cozy shag rug – to shine without clashing with the surrounding décor.

Retro Furniture Type #6 - The Platform Bed

 

The Platform Bed

There is a reason the mid-century bedroom is making a comeback for both adults and kids: platform beds and sleek nightstands in natural colors create a timeless aesthetic, while rugs and ottomans in groovy patterns add a whimsical touch.

Retro Furniture Type #5 - The Tapered Chair

 

The Tapered Chair

If you take anything from the mid-century modern rulebook, take the geometry. Ovals, squares and even octagons, whether in an papasan chair or coffee table, are retro-chic at its finest – and can do wonders for plain spaces in need of a defining statement piece.

Retro Furniture Type #4 - The Minimalist Pendant

 

The Minimalist Pendant Light

Mid-century and minimalism go hand-in-hand, and perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in mid-century lighting. No-frills, bare-bones lamps, pendants and chandeliers create a sleek aesthetic – and help to balance out any unexpected flares and colors often inherent in surrounding mid-century décor.

Happy Mother's Day from Team Hoffmann - RE/MAX LAKESIDE

 

Team Hoffmann - RE/MAX LAKESIDE

Retro Furniture Type #3 - The 70's Couch

 

The 70's Couch

Partly out of a need to save space and partly out of a penchant for bold style, mid-century designs saw a deviation from the lavish cushions and graceful roll arms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries – and a rise in retro couches and chairs in minimalistic silhouettes. To incorporate mid-century modern seating into a contemporary or eclectic living room, keep the majority of the furniture (like the coffee table, end table and floor lamps) in a neutral hue – and restrict pops of color to one or two pieces (like the chair or sofa) to maintain a cohesive look.

Retro Furniture Type #2 - The Flared Desk

The Flared Desk

In fashion, architecture and interior design, flared edges defined the late mid-century, encompassing a collective desire to step away from the straight lines of traditional silhouettes. Opt for a desk with tapered legs or a chair with a flared back to effortlessly give any space a hint of the rebellious charm reminiscent of the 60s and 70s.

150th Run For The Roses! - Kentucky Derby Day

 

Enjoy the epic photo finish of the 150th "Run For The Roses"!

Retro Furniture Type #1 - The Tufted Sectional

 

The Tufted Sectional

If retro style is anything, it’s all about going bold – especially through tufting. For the ultimate in retro style, incorporate monochrome hues like avocado green, sleek grey and rustic brown in major staples; a grey sectional like the one in the living room above focalizes the room while bringing a standout mid-century appeal.

10 Retro Furniture Types You'll Totally Dig

Check out what Southern Living has to say about the return of the 1970's! READ MORE

And visit our blog often as we share some of our favorites... Get groovin’ with these ten retro room ideas – each featuring one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by 60s and 70s interior design.

Best Air Purifiers for Allergy Season

 

Keep your home allergy-free with the right air purifier.

Spring brings warm weather, blossoming flowers and hard-hitting allergies many of us have to deal with. To keep spring the enjoyable season it should be, an air purifier can help filter out the pollen and dust mites that cause allergy symptoms.

Whether you need to stay on a budget, want to clear your home of pet dander or need to clear out a large room, our list has options for anyone looking to keep their immune system healthy.

Amazon is currently having their huge spring sale, with a large number of air purifiers in stock.

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NOW is the time, it's time to SELL...?

 

What makes the third week of April a golden opportunity?

Historically, median home prices are about 1.1% higher than the typical week. This year, the week of April 14–20 is the best time to sell—that is, if sellers want to see lots of interest in their homes, sell quickly, and pocket some extra cash, according to Realtor.com® data.

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Buying a home using retirement savings? Financial expert weighs in...

 

Nearly 1 in 10 American homeowners say they pulled money from their retirement savings to cover the down payment and closing costs associated with buying their house.

A recent survey by Bankrate found that 9% of homeowners withdrew from their 401(k) or other retirement account to make the purchase, and younger generations were most likely to do so.

But is it a smart financial move?

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Simple Landscape Projects Can Have Huge Impact on Curb Appeal!

 

Spring is almost here and now's the time to start thinking about easy projects that can add big curb appeal to your home. Here are a few tips from the experts...

Removal: Plant removal can be a delicate process, as the roots and branches often get intertwined with those of surrounding plants. Go slow and gently remove the the unwanted plants, without damaging the ones you want to keep.

Edging: In order to keep your garden looking its best edging is a must. Without proper edging, plants can overgrow their boundaries, making your garden look messy.

Planting: After clearing out the space, plan out the type of new plants and flowers you need to add to your garden. 

Fertilizing: There are lots of different types of fertilizers on the market. Do your research before heading to the local garden supply store to make sure you get the "right" mixture for your garden.

Mulching: Mulch will help to hold in moisture during those long summer days while adding a "finishing touch" to the appearance of the garden.

Ceiling Paint Color Trends for 2024 Unveiled

 

Did you notice the ceiling paint color in the HGTV Dream Home?

As designers like to call it, the fifth wall requires as much attention as the traditional four walls when you plan a brand-new design or a makeover. Moreover, unlike ten years ago, when the ceiling color was associated with white only, now you are free to go any way beyond white. Unless your room needs a spacious effect ensured with light paint only, experts suggest opting today for dark or vivid ceiling paint colors to add personality to the space or make it feel cozy. So, exploring the top trendsetters’ color palettes, we discovered the primary ceiling paint color trends for 2024. READ MORE

Discover the Earthy, Relaxed Colors of the 2024 HGTV Dream Home

Last month we reviewed all the 2024 Colors of The Year! Since the colors for 2024 work so well together, we wanted to do a follow-up and share a perfect color case study. Hopefully you'll get inspired to freshen up your home this spring. READ MORE

What is the Magic Mortgage Rate?

 

What does the housing market need to rev back up? Lower mortgage rates.

Many Americans believe homeownership is still achievable—that is, if high mortgage rates fall, according to a recent survey from Realtor.com®.

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Housing Market Predictions For 2024

 

When Will Home Prices Be Affordable Again?

As the spring home-buying season approaches, there are signs that buying and selling activity in the market may not fully bloom.

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