Space Saving Tips for Your Home

It never seems like there is enough space in your home for all of your things. Finding new ways to create space can not only keep you and your family organized, but it can also make your home feel and look much bigger! Here are just a few space saving ideas to keep your home and life clutter free.

Wall of Shelves

Custom-built egg-crate shelving covering an entire wall provides plenty of room to mix storage and display. A mix of magazine organizers, baskets, and boxes provides storage for stationery, and painting and office supplies and creates a pleasant, layered mix of objects.

Kitchen

Floor-to-ceiling slide-out pantries offer great stow-away potential. This custom pantry makes the most of a wall return alongside a new refrigerator. The lowest shelves are for kid-friendly foods. Consider hanging pot racks, a grid system to save more space in your cabinets. Place spices on inexpensive turntables so that you can reach them with the spin of your finger.


Read more: Organizing Storage Ideas – Home Storage – Country Living

Buy Double-Duty Furniture

A bench can be a cool multifunctional storage/seat where you can put items like blankets or even your children’s toys. A sleeper sofa is a perfect idea for your bedroom or living areas of your home. Another good idea would be to look for coaches with built in drawers underneath the seat cushions.

Closet

To fit more into your closet you should make sure you plan storage that fits all the way to the ceiling. keep out of season clothing and suitcases high up and out of reach. Give cloths away to charity that you haven’t worn in over a year. Add hooks to closet doors to hang your belts, ties, or shoe organizers.

Bathroom

Look for a magazine toilet tank rack for your magazines and newspapers. This is a great way to have your favorite book or magazine handy but off the floor. Put hooks on your bathroom doors to hang towels, and robes. A interesting idea is to roll up your towels and put them in a inexpensive wine rack. Each towel should fit into one bottleholder.

Garage

Tack an old leather belt along the edge of a shelf to hold hand tools. Use empty glass bottles to hold your screws and bolts. Save room for parking by hanging your bikes on hooks either on the wall or ceiling for those winter months when your bike wont be used.

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Build Homes that “Pinterest” You

Are you trying to find new and exciting ideas for your beautiful new home and don’t know where to look? Pinterest is a new and increasingly popular website that allows you too look at exciting and fun ways to better your life. This post will explain how to get get a Pinterest page, how to navigate through the site and how to use Pinterest to build your dream home!

Click the picture for more kitchen ideas on our Pinterest page

Steps to creating an account:

1. You must first be invited or request an invitation from someone already using Pinterest. (hint: we’re using it, intern@callcypresshomes.com)

2. Once you’ve received the e-mail verification click on the link and it will take you to the Pinterest website.

3. Here you will create you username, email, and your password. You are then given categories to choose from so that Pintrest can suggest people for you to follow. In this case you may want to choose home.

Navigating and creating your own Boards:

Click this picture for more bathroom ideas on Pinterest

Creating boards to “pin” your pictures is really easy. First you need to create a name for the board for which you are going to categorize your pined photos. This can be things like Bedroom, Kitchen, Things I Love, or even Favorite Books. Once you have created your board it is now time to start looking for some photos to “pin” on them. Go to the search bar and search for something your interested in. Find a photo that you think is a good idea and click on the “repin” button under the picture. Your boards will be visible to you and your friends to look at and admire.

Ideas for Building your Home on Pinterest:

Click the picture for more space saving ideas on Pinterest

The Cypress Homes Pinterest page has many great ideas  for your new home. With categories such as “Unique Home Features”, “Kitchens”, or even “Space Savers” our Pinterest boards have fantastic photos of not only our custom homes, but also other people’s homes. Remember to check back, because we add pins when we see unique and interesting things.

Once your start pinning you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been on Pinterest before!

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Tips to Moving into Your New Home

After a few long weeks you’ve finally picked out your dream home, but that was the easy part. Now you have to move in. Moving into a new home can be challenging. Stress and exhaustion are a natural byproduct of the upheaval created from relocation. However, a coordinated, inexpensive and organized transition is possible and actually pretty simple if you utilize the tips listed below.

Find Boxes:

You’re going to need a place to put all of belongings so make sure you have plenty of boxes to secure everything. You can go online or go to your nearest Home Depot and order boxes for about $35. One way to save some cash is to take advantage of where you work and keep an eye out for printer paper boxes. Lastly don’t forget your move in company; they often have used boxes that they will give away for free!

Packing Boxes:

Pack similar things together and label the boxes to which room they are going to go. A great idea would be to color code your boxes with some labels to make unpacking a little more stress free. This is also a great time to notice things that you really don’t need anymore. Setting things aside for a garage sale can be a great way to not only get ride of unwanted items, but also make some cash! Donating some of these items is a thoughtful way to get rid of your things as well.

Secure Your Valuables:

Using bubble wrap and padded envelopes can reduce and eliminate the possibility of breakage of your items. Felt is great to use as a cushion and prevent sliding dishes, but no amount of material or bubble wrap can compensate for carelessness. Clearly mark special boxes with the word FRAGILE, so that more care is taken with those boxes during the move.

Pick a Moving Company:

Get three to four moving quotes: talk to each possible moving companies before making a decision. Do not overdo it by talking to every mover in town, but also do not hire your movers without shopping around.  Checking out three to four companies will allow you to make an informed decision. Choose a moving company with a price which falls between the highest and lowest ones: this way, you will not be overpaying, but also can expect good level of moving service. Finding the company on their website can be a very good indicator of whom you are dealing with. The website has to be informative, look professional, and have answers most of your questions without even speaking to a representative. A rule of thumb is that if a company does not maintain a proper website in this day and age, they do not take their business seriously.

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Cypress Homes Charity Booth – Fox Cities Stadium

Cypress Homes does more than just build homes, here at Cypress Homes we are part of the community and feel it is our duty to give back.  We have done just that in a partnership with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Cypress Homes designed and built a small booth at Fox Cities Stadium.  Local non-profit groups are able to sign up to use the booth to promote their cause by becoming a Cypress Homes “Charity of the Game”.  This booth is free of charge and we encourage organizations from throughout the surrounding Fox Valley community take advantage of this opportunity.

We feel it is very important to help promote the surrounding community here in the Fox Valley.  This allows our company to give back in a small way.  The booth is a gift that keeps on giving and there are opportunities to put your non-profit organization in the spotlight.  Each and every home game that the Timber Rattlers play at Fox Cities Stadium there is a chance for your organization to showcase themselves in a great atmosphere while enjoying one of America’s great pastimes. We feel deeply connected to the community and this is our way of helping to reach out to our surrounding non-profit organizations in the community.

If you feel that your non-profit organization could benefit from being a sponsor in our booth contact the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Community Relations Department.  The best way to get involved is to visit this link: http://www.milb.com/documents/2011/09/22/25060938/1/Charity_of_the_Game_Application_Form.pdf

Fill out the application and send it in, it’s that easy!  Becoming a Cypress Homes “Charity of the Game” is our way of helping to build a stronger community.

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5 of the Oddest Shaped Homes in the World

Cypress Homes has some amazing custom homes at affordable prices. What if you could customize your home to look like a space ship or even a house with a Goose shaped roof? You won’t see homes like these in most subdivisions, but here is a list of some of the oddest shaped homes in the world.

A House shaped like a Seashell

The Sea Shell House is a luxurious vacation rental home in Isla Mujeres in Mexico, with a 180-degree view of the ocean. Designed by famous Mexican artist Octavio Ocampo, this unique house has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a private swimming pool. The seashell theme goes throughout the home including the bathtub waterspout made from a shell. To see more pictures click here.

Shoe House

Just like the popular nursery rhyme, this hose looks exactly like a shoe.  The “Haines Shoe House” was built in Pennsylvania in 1948 as an advertising gimmick by Colonel Mahlon N. Haines, the Shoe Wizard of York.

Steel House

Artist and architect Robert Bruno has been at work on his steel home since 1974. Bruno has said that he wants the shape of the structure to be somewhere between animal and machine. Bruno points out that the four legs and cantilevered design minimize the structures impact by not disrupting the earth as much as a typical home design would have. Estimated weight of the structure is 110 tons!

Read more: The World’s 18 Strangest Homes: Gallery – Popular Mechanics

Toilet Shaped House

Built to celebrate the campaign for cleaner public restrooms, this house was built in the shape of a giant toilet. The main reason for this house is the man who now lives in it, was born in a toilet himself.   He has worked his entire life for cleaner bathrooms across the world. This giant toilet house is made from cement and glass, most of the walls are glass with geometric cement shapes.

The Upside down House

This eye catching and cleverly designed house has attracted attention from visitors around the world. It is the only upside down house built with interior in the same way. Some people have reported feeling dizzy and disoriented when entering! Nobody would inhabit it permanently as it was built purely as an exhibit.

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Pet-Proofing Your New Home

The last thing you want after purchasing your new home is your pet destroying it. Pet proofing your home can be a lot like child proofing your home. Puppies and kittens can be especially mischievous so here are some tips to keep your home and companion safe.

Kitchens/Bathrooms

Childproof latching is a great way to keep paws out of your cabinets. You should also place your medications, cleaners, and chemicals either in those cabinets or somewhere out of reach. Garbage is always a magnet for pets, especially dogs, so keep your trash cans covered and inside your cabinets as well. And finally keep your toilet seats covered; you don’t want your pet drinking from them or worse falling in and drowning. Bigger dogs can wreak havoc on hardwood floors, causing scratches with their claws.  So if you have a big lovable animal it may be a good idea to lay down a floor mat or other protective covering in areas they often go.

Living Room/ Family Room

First off, if you don’t want your pets going into a room using a child safety gate is a great idea. Make sure that children toys and other chewable items are in bins and locked up.  Many dogs don’t like the taste of lemon or bitter apple. Try spraying pet-safe products in these flavors on tempting chewables.  Heating and cooling vents should be covered. It may also be smart to choose a darker color carpet that hides stains better, just in case.

Yard

Fencing of some sort will help keep your pets from wondering off.  An invisible or electronic fence system is one option that allows you to maintain an open yard.  A regular fence, metal or wooden, is low-tech but reliable.  Just make sure the gate is properly maintained.  The fence gate should be hinged to close and latch automatically when you enter or leave the yard, with no way for your dog to nose it open.

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How to Prevent Mold from Growing in Your Home

You hear about it on TV, the news, and maybe even your neighbors. Mold is a problem that no one wants to have. Once it infests a home, it is very expensive to clean up.  To make matters worse, many home insurance companies are denying mold claims. Health costs can also be a problem. Mold causes strong allergic reactions in many people. If the mold level is high enough in the home, or if those exposed have vulnerable immune systems (e.g. children, elderly), it can also cause neurological effects. Because of all these things a mold infestation can cause the value of your home or building to drop tremendously. If it is not cleaned properly through expensive remediation efforts, it may not even be inhabitable.  Here are a few things you should know about mold as well as how to prevent it in your home.

Conditions Favorable for Mold Growth:

  • A relative humidity of roughly 50% or higher. Some people use hygrometers in their homes to track and maintain proper levels of humidity.
  • Damp, dusty conditions, such as piles of rags, clothing, or other mold food sources.
  • Areas that have had flooding or where leakage has occurred in roofs, pipes, or walls, or areas around house plants, especially ones that sometimes are over-watered.

Some places where mold can grow in your home:

Your walls, floors, appliances, carpet, or furniture – they can all provide the food mold needs to grow. But the thing all molds need most is moisture, so you’re most likely to see mold in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and crawl spaces.

Tips in preventing and solving mold growth in your home:

  • Basements is often the most likely place to find mold, so putting a dehumidifier in your home’s basement is a great way to lower the moisture level in the air.
  • Keep air conditioning drip pans clean. Make sure drain lines are free of obstructions and flow properly.
  • Check for leaks around the kitchen sink, refrigerator ice makers, and other sources of water. Repair if necessary.
  • Open doors between rooms to increase circulation, which carries heat to cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners.
  • Be sure crawlspaces are well ventilated by using fans and having vents installed on outside walls if necessary.
  • Make sure the laundry vent is clear of obstructions, such as lint, and that there are no holes that leak air. If the vent duct is damaged, replace it with a metal duct. Have the duct cleaned at least once a year.
  • Use area rugs in bathrooms, which can be taken up and washed often instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.
  • Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or in laundry hamper.

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Tips to Creating a Welcoming Entryway in Your Home

Cypress Homes realizes that foyers are all about first impressions. When done right, these entry spaces sum up a home’s style in a few square feet, visually preparing visitors for the rooms that lie beyond. Foyers have a practical aspect as well — a bench to rest on, a mirror for touch-ups that owners and guests alike look to when coming and going. Here are 8 ideas to make the first steps into your home more appealing.

1.  Coat Rack

Having a place for your guests to hang their coats is a great way to keep everyone’s belongings off the floor or on your favorite couch. This could be anything from a rack on your wall with hooks to a simple free standing coat rack that can be moved easily whenever you want.

2. Canvas Storage Bins

This creates convenient entryway storage. Whether they’re tucked into cubbies, underneath seating or into a closet, these bins will make it easy for your whole family to store their hats and gloves. These bins are also easy and inexpensive to change in case you decide on remolding or re-painting your entryway.

3. Use a Warm, Inviting Color Scheme

Warm colors are often more inviting than cool ones. Think creamy neutrals, red, orange and yellow. However, try to avoid too much of the bold colors because they can be very overwhelming, especially when you are first entering a friend’s home. Some prefer to use warm, neutral hues in the entry with pops of color in the accessories.

4. Lighting

In addition to a beautiful ceiling fixture, suited to the style of your decor, a table lamp will give you a softer glow when you need just a little light or want lighting more for ambiance.

5. Seating

Arrange a place to sit in your entryway, for taking off shoes, sorting mail, and so on. It can be a chair, of course, if you have room, but you can also get creative here, using a vintage trunk or chest, a storage bench, a garden stool. A low-slungbench set against the far wall serves as a perch for visitors and a place to set bags, scarves, and other personal items temporarily.

6. Mirror/ Artwork

Having a mirror too look at when you walk in is something that every guest will enjoy. Being able to fix their hair after a windy day or just checking to make sure they look good is something a guest will appreciate. It is also a good way to reflect light to your entryway and maybe even give it an illusion of a bigger space. The artwork should be simple but it should also give your guest an idea of the theme of the rest of your house.

7. Inside or Outside Welcome Mat

Keep the snow and muddy shoes off your tile or carpet with an ultra-absorbent mat traps water and dirt so that your floors stay clean and dry.  The indoor/outdoor mat will protect your entryway for all seasons.

8. Slim Coffee Table

A slim, hand-welded steel table fits perfectly into narrow spaces, such as the foyers often found in condos or apartments. A delicate design camouflages a durable construction that can support a surprising amount of weight.

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Spring Cleaning Tips

It may have been a mild Wisconsin winter, but that doesn’t mean the house isn’t in need of a good spring cleaning! It’s that time of the year again, to get out your trusty cleaning gloves and tackle what winter has left behind. Here are 6 spring cleaning tips that can make cleaning your house seem like a breeze.

1. Formulate A Plan & Set Reasonable Goals

There may be areas of your home that need more cleaning than others, so it is important that you make a list of those rooms that need the most attention. Make this plan reasonable so that you don’t become frustrated after a few hours of cleaning. This list may look something like this:

  • Wipe walls and ceiling
  • Vacuum and shampoo rugs
  • Dust Books and Shelves
  • Wash window screens
  • Clean window treatments
  • Ensure fire safety

2. Check for Cleaning Supplies

Make sure that you have all the supplies you’ll need to clean your household. Nothing is worse than starting a project and not being able to finish it because you ran out of something like window cleaner. It may also be a good idea to stay away from chemicals in your cleaning supplies; white vinegar and baking soda are some safe cleaning aids.

3. Clean each Room from Top to Bottom

Gravity can be your best friend when cleaning your household. Starting from your ceiling to your floor is a good way to make sure you don’t miss some dust bunnies that may have fell while you were cleaning the ceiling fan. You done want to have to re-clean your glass table just minutes after finishing it.

4. Involve your Children

This may be a difficult task but if you can it will make cleaning your house a easier and less stressful experience. It is also a good way to have family bonding time so try to make a game out of it. Creating a game like who has the cleanest room will keep them focused on the task of cleaning. Bribing your kids with an ice cream treat or their favorite toy can be a great way to keep them motivated. This may also be a great opportunity for you to just sit down and relax.

5. Focus on a Small Job First

If you tackle a large job first it may become overwhelming. Start with something small so that you have a sense of accomplishment early. Also starting with a larger room may distract you from other areas that really need to be cleaned.

6. Make a Daily Cleaning Schedule

You don’t want all that hard work to go to waste in a week. Making a daily schedule will ensure that your house continues to look like a model home, at least until the next spring cleaning!

Please feel free to stop by, give us a call at (920) 734-2324, or visit our website at www.callcypresshomes.com.

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Home Security for You and Your Loved Ones

Whether you have just purchased a new home or have been living in the same home for years, home security should always be a priority. Cypress Homes knows the importance of keeping your family and possessions safe.  Protecting you and your family from carbon monoxide, burglary, fire, and floods can not only save your life but also your wallet. The question is what security system should you use and how much will it cost?

One of the most popular security systems to look into would be ADT. One advantage of ADT is its 24 hour alarm monitoring. When an alarm signal is received from your home or business, an ADT professional is there to contact you and the police, fire department or emergency personnel right away. One of the best features is the remote arm and disarms system. You can arm/disarm your system quickly from your web-enabled cell phone, computer or other mobile device. Imagine that you’re across the country on vacation and all you have to do is pull out your phone to make sure your new home is safe! Water can be deadly to any home; ADT gives you alerts of water leaks early to avoid potential severe water damage.  Another cool feature is the interactive touchscreen. You can adjust lighting and thermostat; check instant weather, traffic and news reports all in one place.

The initial installment of all of this is just $99. The monthly fee is $40.99. This two way voice package includes the following:

  • Combination of 3 Door or Window Sensors + 1 Motion Sensor
  • 1 Key Fob Included
  • 2 Way Voice Included
  • 1 ADT Yard Sign – Window Decal
  • Phone Land line or approved data / internet connection

If you already have an alarm system it is always wise to look into an upgrade. Your current alarm system may not be as effective as it once was. Would you go 10 years without getting your car tuned up? Would you wait five years to go to the doctor for a checkup? Statistics show that single-family homes are the most likely target for burglars. Can your current alarm system stand up to a break-in? Upgrading your alarm system can put the odds in your favor by reducing the chances of a criminal getting into your home.

Taking extra precaution to protect your home is a wise investment.  It can offer you peace of mind while you are home and away.  There are many other home security options out there and each one has its own list of pros and cons.  It is in your best interest to research several options and figure out the one that best fits your lifestyle.

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