You still have two months left until summer officially ends on Sept. 22nd.  It only takes a few simple steps to create an outdoor space your entire family can enjoy well into autumn.

Here are five steps to create a fabulous outdoor space.

1. Illuminate in style.  Most design experts believe that outdoor lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of design, usually because the planning and installation can be very expensive.  Avoid breaking the bank by adding a simple lighting scheme.  For example, a few strings of globe or twinkle lights strung above the deck, patio or other outdoor space creates lot of ambience on a shoestring budget.  Criss-cross strands to create a ceiling plane illusion and your space will transform from cold to cozy.  Friends and family will be drawn to the illuminated area in the evenings.

You’ve finally moved into your dream home and most of the decorating is done.  The last question is, what will you do with that all white room?  Here are four simple ways to WOW that room.

1. Choose contrast for a dose of drama.  Many people believe that the only way to enliven a white room is to purchase a major pieces of bright furniture.  Instead of investing in furniture you aren’t sure you’ll love forever, start by selecting items that contrast the white and appeal to you.  Interior design experts caution that while people may think of contrast only in terms of color, it can occur with any design elements.  For example, if the room is a perfect square with boxy windows, choose circular accents such as curved lamps, wavy accent furniture, round rugs, frames and mirrors.  The contrasting shapes easily create a WOW factor.  Another example of ideal contrast is to use dark finishes on furniture or hardwood floors so that they pop.

Despite new construction home energy codes becoming increasingly more complicated to achieve, we were proud to announce that Echelon Home Builders is Michigan Energy Code compliant and has received the Nelson Energy Seal®.  Our commitment to creating efficient family homes doesn’t stop there—we want to help your family take eco-friendly safety steps this summer.

Here are six to get you started.

Shade– During hot, sunny Southeast Michigan summer days, it’s important to take a break from the sun and hit the shade.  Consider adding a large umbrella or shade sail to your deck, patio or even in the backyard.  If you’re hosting a party or BBQ, strategically place large shades in the most likely conversation areas.  You can minimize your air conditioning unit’s energy costs by adding shade near it or planting a tree—see below.

When selecting the perfect paint color for their dream home, many novices will paint sheets of paper or sample boards with various options.  Their intention is to get a feel for how the hues look during different times of the day as sunlight changes so that they can choose the best shade.  The challenge is that paint does not render itself correctly on anything except walls.

Instead, professionals recommend the following four tips to pick the best paint color.

1. Let there be light.  If you haven’t selected your light fixtures for the room you plan to paint, do that first.  Overhead lighting alters the way the paint color appears.  For example, off-white paint will appear as a soft honey color with most overhead lighting options.  Light bulbs also impact shades of paint, so nail down your lighting and light bulbs before you begin your search for preferred paint colors.

​What are some of your favorite memories of celebrating July 4th while growing up?  Most likely, they include family, friends fireworks, fun, festivals and food!  You still have time to plan the perfect patriotic way to celebrate Independence Day.  In the spirit of celebrating our great nation’s birthday, here is your Southeast Michigan Independence Day Celebration calendar.

June 29   Start the celebration early by heading to the annual Hudson Mills Metropark Fireworks from 7 until 11 pm on Weds., June 29th.  The entire family will enjoy beats and eats as a DJ will be spinning tunes before and after the pyrotechnic display.  The cost is only $10 per vehicle before 5 pm and $15 after 5 pm.  The park is located at 8801 N. Territorial Road in Dexter.

Today’s official arrival of summer brings a new list of tasks required to keep your newly built construction home in top shape.  Here are four simple chores to make your home safe and comfortable all summer long.

1. Keep it cool.  If you haven’t already dusted your ceiling fans as we recommended in the spring, now is the time.  Most newly constructed homes have ceiling fans with a switch that allows you to reverse the rotational direction of the fan blades.  During warm Michigan summers, blowing the air up into your home’s rooms will help you save a little on cooling costs since you will be using the air conditioning a little less. It’s also a good time to replace your HVAC filter, especially if you have pets due to dander and dust.  Most manufacturers recommend changing the filters after two or three hundred hours of use which basically averages out to once a month, so it’s important to change them once per season at a minimum.  Refer to your HVAC system’s instruction manual in case your filters can be replaced less frequently.

On May 17th, the U.S. Commerce Department announced that housing starts climbed 6.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.17 million units.  Since there are fewer existing homes currently listed for sale compared to the last few years, and given that the economy continues to improve, demand for new construction homes continues to grow.  In fact, ground breakings for single-family houses are running ahead of last year’s pace.

Despite the recent rebound, the U.S. residential market still hasn’t fully recovered from the crash caused by the subprime mortgage flood that occurred almost a decade ago.  New home construction remains below its annual pace of approx. 1.5 million during the 1990s which is due in part to higher housing costs and the aftermath of the recession.

Last week, we focused on the best edibles to grow in your Southeast Michigan garden.  Since you’ve already planned your garden and are armed with the right tools, it’s time to dig in!  Here are six steps to successfully plant your garden.

1. On your mark.  The best part about building your own garden is that you can design it any way you wish.  For example, use curvy lines if you find them appealing or consider mimicking the outline of your home’s exterior walls.  Use sand or flour to create a general guide before you dig into the dirt.

Last week, we shared five professional tips to design and plan your dream home’s garden.  Today, one in three American households grow a portion of the food that they consume.  A study by the National Gardening Association (NGA) shows that food gardening is more popular now than ever before.   If you are going to include edibles in your garden this year, be sure to follow these three steps.

1. Determine location. First decide where to plant the edible garden within your overall landscape.  It’s good to use raised beds or planter boxes because they can be moved, however if you are planting a stationary edible garden, choose an area that will receive enough sunlight.  South-facing yards typically get the most sunshine while north-facing gardens are usually shaded.  As a result, west- and east-facing gardens will receive ample light.  The location of your edible garden also is impacted by the varieties you want to plant.  For example, spinach and lettuce thrive in partial shade because they may scorch in partial sun.