Category: Home

Wrapping Reimagined

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Spice up this season by going beyond traditional wrapping

Whether you think gift wrapping is the best or the worst part of the holidays, you can spice up this season by going beyond traditional wrapping. Here are some tips and trends you can use to upgrade basic giftwrap and perfect your presentation.  

Matte Black 

When it comes to the holidays, matte black wrapping paper is a unique choice that offers an unexpected elegance to gift exchanges. This simple background provides a blank canvas that can be spruced up with twine and natural elements such as an evergreen sprig or pinecone “bow.”

Woven Ribbon

Curling ribbon is a familiar favorite, but a flat lattice design is a non-traditional accessory to add to your packages this year. Create contrast by weaving together different colors, patterns, and textures. From country chic to modern luxury, play around with combinations to find the mix that suits your holiday style. 

Monogram Tags

Identify the gift’s recipient with bold initial tags that can be made-to-order or made by hand. This is another opportunity to experiment with color and texture. Consider using glitter monograms for an added sparkle that will top off your gifts beautifully or keep it simple with vibrant red lettering to contrast neutral backgrounds.

 

Non-Traditional Paper

Skip the average store-bought wrapping paper and use an eye-catching alternative that will leave your family inspired. Newspaper, maps, and even sheet music can add a special appeal to your gifts’ presentation. You can collect these on your own or find vintage pieces online for extra nostalgia. 

Give Your Home that Fall Feelin’

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Fall is the time for gathering and reuniting. Welcome family and friends back into your home with inviting décor that goes beyond the traditional autumn elements. Whether you’re aiming for calm and cozy, or warm and inviting, these tips, tricks, and trends will help you set the tone for the season.  

Soft Neutrals 

The vibrant colors of autumn compliment soft neutrals beautifully. Using whites, creams, and golds will make your Thanksgiving dishes pop and give your home a luxurious yet welcoming aura. These timeless tones are versatile and can be easily reformed to fit your style or mood. Play around with accents and patterns such as rich plaids, metallics, or velvet pieces for a touch of texture. 

Balance Modern and Rustic Elements 

This seemingly contrasting pair is a match made in heaven for fall décor. Mixing natural-looking materials with contemporary flair gives any home an elegant feel. Wood or cork elements are a subtle, charming addition to any room that can be effortlessly paired with modern tastes such as gold accents, clean lines, or monochrome palettes. 

“Rags to Riches”  

Vintage pieces such as antiques, or thrift store finds, are a perfect opportunity to get creative with your home décor. You can discover gorgeous elements for a fraction of the price, which can be left untouched or refurbished. No matter how you decide to use them, vintage items are unique, one-of-a-kind additions that will have your guests talking about your tasteful eye. From galvanized metal containers to stunning stained glasses, the possibilities are endless.  

 

Minimalism

You can never go wrong with keeping it simple. Afterall, your home will already be full of the season’s cuisine and bustling with guests. Decorating for fall is exciting, but you want to avoid using too many elements, with too many different colors, accents, and patterns. Instead, follow this rule: less is more. Find your perfect balance of hues, tones, and decorative details to achieve a cohesive yet marvelous look. Remember, minimalism doesn’t mean mundane. 

Don’t Just Go Back to “Normal”

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Make Post-Pandemic Life Better Than That 

We know you’re ready to get back out there. With the pandemic loosening its grip, this is the perfect opportunity to explore. We’re not talking about trips or vacations — We’re talking about Knoxville. The place we call home is filled with hidden gems. Whether you’ve lived here for two years or twenty, here’s a list of Knoxville’s best-kept secrets to visit this summer:  

There’s no doubt the Covid-19 pandemic was tough, but amid our collective fear and suffering, there were some silver linings. We learned to be kind and care for our neighbor, we slowed down, parents spent more time with their children. We focused more on our physical and mental health and learned to appreciate the smallest things we need to take for granted. As we rush to get “back to normal,” there are some lessons learned from our time under lockdown that we should keep, and even build upon, to create a new normal—better than the one before. 

Here are five ways the pandemic can improve how we live on the other side of it. 

 

Keep family closer and work more flexible 

For those separated from their loved ones, “family” took on a new meaning with friends, neighbors or strangers in their community forming sacred pandemic bubbles. The word “office” came to mean a bedroom, closet, or outdoor coffee shops; but, we realized that we could be effective and productive making “work” fit into our circumstances rather than adapting our lives to fit a corporate mold. 

 

Focus more on mental health 

The pandemic affected us individually in different ways. There was no guidebook on how to get through it but collectively, there was a shift to self-care, to give ourselves space and patience in our vulnerability in order to work through it. For some, that was journaling, others took daily walks or long bubble baths. Self-care was no longer seen as an indulgence but a necessity to keep going. Be sure you do.  

Embrace adaptability 

Lockdown forced us to try new ways of doing things. It wasn’t easy but the impossible became possible and many of us now have a more empowered perspective of our capabilities. From doctors’ appointments to weddings to religious worship and concerts—everyone learned to Zoom, where many amazing things happened over the last year. Most notably, it proved that we are resilient—and hopefully the darkest days of the pandemic are behind us. 

 

More gratitude 

The bleakness of the pandemic and universal suffering helped us see the good things that happened in a new light. We appreciated what we had so often taken for granted. Spontaneous performance filled us with joy. Realizing how fortunate some of us are and being grateful for it is an important mindset for recovery. Those of us with that privilege must remember that our good fortune is an opportunity to lift others up. 

 

Improve the planet 

In spite of the pandemic the Earth’s health did improve this last year. The dip in global carbon emissions, as flights were canceled along with our daily commute, led to an improvement in air quality for more than 80 percent of countries around the world. When we ventured out, we walked more or cycled instead of taking a car or public transportation. We shopped less and had less waste overall as the majority of people were working from home. That time not spent traveling translated into an opportunity to do other things or not be separated from our loved ones; and, the added bonus is that it helped our planet too. 

Your Backyard Oasis Awaits

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Explore Outdoor Living Trends

If you’re looking for a summer project, upgrading your outdoor space should be at the top of your list. People everywhere are taking the opportunity to gear up for gatherings and turn their backyard dreams into a reality. To get those creative juices flowing, here are a few outdoor living trends you might want to apply to your design plan.

 

Going Green

Gardening has become widely popular since the start of COVID-19. Not only does it manifest feelings of relaxation and mindfulness, but upping your garden game can also be a beautiful addition to your backyard. It can be as simple as introducing a colorful flower to your space or starting a vegetable garden. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or beginner, indulge in the satisfaction of tending to your garden and watching it thrive — And look pretty too!   

 

Flexible Furnishings   

As we begin to transition back to pre-pandemic life, multi-purpose furniture is here to make your outdoor living experience seamless. These pieces are designed to accommodate everyday life and social gatherings. Look for dual-purpose items such as tables that can be pulled apart to provide extra seating. Regardless of your backyard plans, modular and convertible furnishings are sure to be a favorite this summer.  

Woven Accents

Create a bit of contrast in your backyard with light and airy, woven pieces. Search for accents made out of wicker, rattan, cane, or jute. You may find rugs, side tables, or even dinnerware. These small details add texture to your space, giving it an outdoorsy, yet luxurious feel.  

 

Extending the Season 

All good things must come to an end, but there are some ways to further the longevity of your outdoor living season. Products that help you stay outside longer are familiar friends, especially after spending nearly a year-and-a-half inside. Investing in a fire pit or portable heaters come in handy when those hot summer days turn into cool, calming nights; Installing fans makes getting through heat waves a breeze — You get the idea. Afterall, if you’re making these upgrades, surely you want to enjoy them for as long as possible.  

Get Your Space Ready for Spring

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

(Indoors and Outdoors) 

After an “unprecedented” year of change, uncertainty, and quarantine, spring fever is hitting harder than ever. The best way to prepare yourself for the new season is to get your space ready for spring! Here are a few tips for preparing your home for spring, or as we like to call them, home remedies for spring fever! 

Light & Bright 

As the winter gloom fades away and the days get brighter, bring that brightness inside too! Play with light colors like white and cream to brighten up your home. Try white window treatments, a simple way to pull in the light and give off a soft glow. Add some natural pops of color by putting those fresh spring fruits and vegetables on display around your home.  

Plants, Plants, Plants 

Spring is all about plants, inside and outside. A great way to enhance your landscaping is to sit down and decide on a theme and a plan. Knowing what you want the end goal to look like helps you plan for success from the very beginning! Bringing nature indoors instantly gives any space more brightness and complexity. Edible gardens are all the rage this year (as they should be) and you can check out our guide to growing the perfect herb garden in our Quarterly Newsletter! 

Spring Clean It 

It’s time to pack up those winter items and give your home a good spring cleaning! Spring is the perfect time to declutter, organize, and clean those spots you don’t normally think about like ceilings, trim and baseboards, and blinds and curtains. To make the daunting task of spring cleaning a little easier, start with one room. Declutter, organize, clean, then move onto the next room when you’re ready! 

Prepare For April Showers Before You Enjoy The May Flowers  

With the weather hitting that sweet spot between too hot and too cold, spring is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance. Prepare your home for the summer by cleaning windows, clearing out gutters, checking smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, powerwashing decks and walkways, and giving your kitchen appliances a good deep clean.  

Get (Ready For) Outside 

Getting your home maintenance all taken care of will leave you with a fresh clean outdoor space, now to fill it up with your outdoor furnishings and entertainment! Break out your grills, firepits, string lights, and outdoor furniture and get ready to start enjoying warm summer evenings. 

Staying Sane During the Holidays

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Tis the season to be jolly… right? 

 

The holidays can spark many emotions – joy, anxiety, gratitude, and even dread for some. In the hopes of making sure each member of our Arcadia community has a lovely holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of tips to keep your mind at peace during this busy season!

Focus on the Present!

The stress and hustle of the holidays can tend to get the best of us if we don’t slow down, reframe our point of view, and appreciate everything around us. Do your best to slow down and let yourself truly enjoy the moment! 

 

Recognize What You Can’t Control.

Unexpected road bumps and challenges are bound to present themselves throughout your holiday season, especially with the uncertainty and limitations that the Coronavirus brings along. Let go of the problems that you can’t control and make the most of the things you can. 

 

 

Think Big Picture.

Make sure to come up for air in the midst of holiday to-dos. Instead of driving yourself crazy over frivolous details, remind yourself of what these holidays are really about and love the ones you’re with. 

Set Boundaries. 

The holidays can be a testing time so make sure to set boundaries with others as well as yourself! Whether it’s emotional boundaries of how you’d like to be treated or social boundaries of which (if any!) events you’d like to go to, it’s time to look out for your own wellbeing.  

 

Give Yourself a Minute (or two) to Breathe!

Let the holidays be a time for rest and recharging! Take time to give yourself the attention and TLC that you need whether it’s reading a book, putting down your phone, or spending time with friends and family (in a safe, socially distanced way). Embrace your inner lazy and take it easy! 

Seasonal Decorating: Let There Be Color!

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

Thinking about spicing up your home to match the summer heat? There are some very easy and stylish ways to add some pizzazz to your home this season. We can all agree that color is a key component in establishing the aesthetic of any home. Adding little pops of color here and there is a fantastic way to add contrast and warmth to your living space!  This can be done in a multitude of ways, and each of these ways brings something special to the table. 

First and foremost, use citrus as a decoration! One of the best ways to decorate a home is through natural products coming straight from nature. Putting out a bowl of oranges, lemons, limes, or whatever brightly colored fruit your heart desires adds a lovely kick of color and insinuates a fresh and healthy home. Along that same vein, plants are an incredible way to bring a bit of the liveliness happening outdoors indoors. Implementing these pops of bright, fresh colors is a sure way to bring life and energy to your house! 

Beyond using fresh produce and plants, color can be thrown into a house easily through swapping out lamp shades for brighter colored ones, piling on decorative pillows, and even hanging up some decorative paintings, picture frames, or tapestries! As you can see, there are endless ways to freshen up the aesthetic of your home once the summer sunshine hits.  

Our decorating advice to you? – Don’t be afraid to amp up the color scheme!  

How to Keep your Construction Timeline and Sanity in Check During a New Home Build

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

In a perfect world, building a custom home would be smooth sailing without any unforeseen bumps on the road to completion. To every homeowner and builder’s demise, that is usually not the case! The building process has its ups and downs and will more than likely hit some unexpected hiccups along the way. Common hiccups that occur on many homebuilders’ journey include unforeseen weather conditions, surprise expenses, supply shortages and human error that can all push back a pre-planned construction timeline.

 

While some trip-ups like weather are uncontrollable, it is important to control what you can control. In order to stay on track throughout the trials and tribulations that may arise, we have shared 8 tips to best optimize and keep your construction timeline on track.

 

Before we get into how to keep your new home build on time, we thought it would be helpful to do a quick overview of the different build stages and their average timelines so that you can best understand why a construction process takes the time that it does.

The Average Build Stages:

  • Pre-Construction: This phase can take a few weeks or a few months depending on your level of consistency and design complexity. Activities such as planning, designing and lot purchasing all make up this crucial pre-construction phase.
  • Site Preparation (Week 1): This phase includes clearing, excavating, and leveling the lot that you have purchased for your new home. 
  • Footers, Foundation, and Framing (Weeks 2-5): This stage is all about establishing the building blocks of your home. The foundation will be poured, and the floors, walls, and roof skeleton will be constructed with wood. This stage can involve many weather-related setbacks as the foundation of your home must be set up delicately and securely.
  • Major Components & Drywall (Weeks 6-8): This is all about securing the inside your home with drywall, insulation, plumbing, heating and cooling units, as well as electrical systems.
  • Flooring & Paint (Weeks 9-11): This period is when your house starts to look like a home. Floors are lay down, cabinets are installed, and details such as trim and crown molding will be installed. 
  • Fixtures, Appliances, & Smart Home Additions (Weeks 12-13): Once the bones of the home are built, it’s time to call in the delivery trucks and subcontractors as things like faucets, light fixtures, appliances, and countertops are installed. This is an exciting phase for many homeowners as their personal style begins to show through.
  • Closing (Week 14): At this point, all there is left to do is a walk through, inspection, and last-minute security add-ons such as window and door sensors if you would like. Grab the keys and start moving in!

Now that you have a brief understanding of what activities your construction timeline will include, we can now do our best to keep those various activities on track.

Tip 1: Establish realistic expectations from the beginning.

Communication with your project manager is essential. In the planning and designing stages, it is vital to establish strong channels of communication and to be extremely transparent about exactly what your visions and goals are. This way, your builder can properly account for each component of the timeline. 

Tip 2: Plan the process out thoroughly.

It is imperative that you create a detailed plan with your project manager from the get-go. Once all your details and processes are in place, it will be easier to make a realistic timeline and stick to it. Adopting an extremely detail-oriented frame of mind and strong organizational system will help with this as well. Keeping your many important files and documents in order will help you make efficient and informed decisions to keep your timeline on time.

Tip 3: Get all of your finances in order (with wiggle room) prior to build.

Having to wait on bank approvals or even running out of funds when construction is supposed to be chugging along is never an enjoyable way to spend your time. To avoid this modern-day tragedy, get your finances in line with room to spare before building begins! Prices can be volatile, so leaving that cushion for variation will create a great safety net for you.

Tip 4: Choose your builders carefully.

Choosing the right builder for you will make all the difference. Keep your eye out for a building crew that will be transparent and forthcoming with information regarding your build timeline, financial quotes, and the day-to-day building updates. Having a good builder that you trust and are able to communicate with is a sure way to increase your construction productivity and efficiency.

Tip 5: Choose your suppliers carefully.

All of the materials that are needed to construct your home come from a variety of suppliers that you have the opportunity to pick out. Reliable suppliers mean honest timelines, good quality materials, and open communication. Of course, unavoidable stumbling blocks such as storms or shortages may occur and set back your supply deliveries but do your best to control the controllable by doing your research and carefully picking out your suppliers!

Tip 6: Slow and steady wins the race.

Avoid mistakes by not rushing into decisions. Rushing the construction process or rushing important decisions will more than likely result in mistakes, sloppiness, and cut corners. This is not what you want to come of your dream home! Do your research, methodically plan with the help of your builders, and take a deep breath as slow and steady truly does win the race.

Tip 7: Make sure your team is making full use of their time and your time.

This one is pretty self-explanatory but sometimes difficult to address for the more passive-aggressive people out there. You must make sure that the team you hire is respecting your time by using their time productively. A good way to ensure this is by setting a precedent of efficiency from the get-go with your project manager. 

Tip 8: Expect setbacks.

Last but certainly not least – expect setbacks. Things that are out of your control will always occur, so it is vital to keep a level head and an eye on the long-term prize. We strongly recommend that you and your project manager address what these roadblocks may be and always have a contingency plan for when things go awry.

Remember to take into account that each build is unique and can take anywhere from 3 months to 3 years depending on size, complexity, and the level of customization. Once you talk with your builder and make your own unique timeline that aligns with your goals and the building company’s capabilities, we hope you will now have the insight to make sure your build stays on schedule as much as possible.

Dog Days Reading List

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

For your reading entertainment, we have compiled a short list of some of our favorite reads to help you escape into new and exciting worlds and stories. The books below are sure to provoke curiosity and keep you entertained!

Conviction by Denise Mina 

  • This acclaimed crime novel tells the story of a woman who, while diving into a true crime podcast as an escape from her real life, finds she has an unsettling connection to one of the podcast’s stories. This intense and exciting journey to find the truth and uncover justice is sure to spice up your summer. 

Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho 

  • For all the summer rom-com fans out there, I introduce you to Last Tang Standing! This new novel tells the story of a 33-year-old successful lawyer who is on her journey to choosing between two men that have caught her eye. Amid all of the voices and opinions around her, will she choose her family’s pick or her own? 

Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory  

  • This is a story of romance, scrutiny, and secrets that will heat up anyone’s summer. The novel uncovers the intertwined story of a lawyer and junior senator whose romance is put at odds when the media learns of their relationship. Written by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory, this book is exciting, steamy, and more than entertaining. 

Untamed by Glennon Doyle 

  • A powerful and intimate memoir diving into “motherhood, relationships, and the brave self-discovery that leads to uncovering one’s truest, most beautiful self”. The author’s personal story about divorce, blended families, and self-discovery that allowed her to shed the world’s expectations to become free and present in her own life.  
  • Part of Reese’s book club and a #1 New York Times bestseller  

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith 

  • For the suspense-lovers out there, do we have an oldie-but-a-goodie for you. No matter who you are, you will not stand a chance in putting this book down. This psychological thriller follows a troubled young man who grows obsessed with an old peer living the life in Europe. A summer vacation off the coast of Italy… what could go wrong?

Smart Home Trends

Posted on | by Bandera Admin

With technology becoming increasingly prominent and useful every day, humans are growing more and more connected to our smart devices. Day in and day out, the aid and efficiency of technology is at our fingertips, so it only makes sense that these high-tech helpers are transitioning into the household as well. Not only can technology in your home be helpful, it can also be extremely conducive to safety, entertainment, sustainability, and can even help you save money over time! The trend of integrating technology into homes to create what are called “Smart Homes” is expected to increase tremendously over the next decade. Tremendously as in – the home device market is expected to increase $120 million over the next 10 years! 

So, what are smart home devices exactly? Some of the most common and available options we have come to notice are smart doorbells with integrated video technology, smart speakers like the Amazon Echo, and even smart thermostats and smart lightbulbs that can adjust their temperature or vibrance depending on the time of day and other weather conditions. There are many more exciting innovations in this field, and the options and opportunities only continue to grow! Below are 5 exciting smart house trends that could be taking center stage this year.

Connectivity across platforms. 

With countless options for smart home devices being introduced to the market every day, narrowing down your choices can be overwhelming. Different manufacturers follow different standards and operate on different platforms. Having varying apps, platforms, and quality levels for each smart device in your home can grow a bit tedious and can even result in security vulnerabilities. This market is beginning to see industry leaders like Amazon, Google, and Apple band together to set standards for the quality and connectivity of smart home devices to ensure safety and efficiency within their customers’ homes! With moves like this being made in the industry, it will be much easier for customers to purchase devices and solutions that can be connected with many existing smart home systems.

Truly “Smart” Homes – Machine Learning Leads the Way.

Many of the existing “smart” devices that we are familiar with are indeed helpful and high-tech but are not necessarily “smart” in the sense that they can learn and make decisions over time. For example, automated window blinds can be programmed to be raised and lowered at certain times of the day, but without pre-programming those actions the blinds themselves cannot learn your waking and sleeping habits and react to them. So, while these blinds are in fact innovative and high-tech, they cannot claim the title “smart”. 

However, capabilities like machine learning, voice and language processing, computer vision, and various kinds of AI-driven technology are expected to be developed and implemented over the coming years to make our technology truly “smart”. AI-driven technologies making their way into homes include products like the smart refrigerator. These refrigerators can “see” what you have in your fridge with the use of computer vision and have the ability to then make grocery lists based off of what products are usually kept in the fridge.

Domestic Robots.

Ever seen the robotic vacuum cleaners that maneuver their way around a home and miraculously don’t get stuck against walls? That’s a domestic robot! It helps its owners complete a task and is able to regulate its own movements and actions. With innovations being made in the field of artificial intelligence all the time, the capabilities of smart robots are only expected to grow and grow. 

Domestic robots are being developed to provide aid in a range of services from cooking to cleaning to companionship and even to healthcare! Robots specializing in healthcare can be a massive aid to young and elderly people alike by measuring day-to-day statistics like one’s quality of sleep, movement, and nutrition as well as more interventionist capabilities such as calling for help, connecting with medical professionals, and even aiding in illness diagnosis.  

Intuition in the Kitchen.

Let’s get to the pièce de résistance here – smart kitchens. As one of the busiest focal points of a home, a kitchen needs all of the smart tech help that it can get! The latest smart kitchen technology is extremely smart yet sleek so that the products integrate nicely into the aesthetic of your kitchen. AI features that are exciting smart home fans everywhere include voice and gesture reading technology that can open cupboards, change the lighting, turn on the sink, and even compile your grocery list. For example, Moen has developed the U smart faucet that is completely hands free and capable of dispensing precise amounts of water at whatever temperature you desire just by the sound of your voice. Who knows – as smart kitchen technologies continue to evolve, you just might get the (electronic) sous-chef you’ve always wanted!

We hope you agree that smart home technology is an industry to keep your eye on! It is an exciting space full of innovation and efficiency that has a bright future in enriching the lives of homeowners everywhere. The smart home tech features stated above are just the beginning, and personally, we can’t wait to see where it goes!