The Ready Shower is a revolutionary shower created by Sabra Wilson, founder & CEO. It enhances your bathing routine and has the remarkable ability to dispense hair shampoo and body wash from the showerhead using two dispensers that are placed behind the wall. You can select to use the shampoo or the body wash. Homemade or specially made body washes and shampoos can also be used.

“We have a refill so that you can refill your canisters from home,” said Wilson. “We also have a refill cap so that you can use your own body wash or your own shampoo products.”

And exactly how did Wilson come up with this invention?  She was sitting at home watching TV, and a Dove commercial came on. The commercial showed the shower running and a bottle of Dove body wash sitting on the counter. The commercial flashed from the running shower to the bottle of Dove body wash sitting on the counter. She wondered what was getting ready to happen. To her surprise, the commercial went off and nothing happened.

“I thought that maybe the body wash was going to come out of the showerhead,” said Wilson. “I said if the body wash would come out of the showerhead, that would be a great thing.” She immediately began working on the innovative idea by putting it all together and thinking about her next steps.

The first step was to obtain a patent. She hired an attorney and presented her idea to a group of individuals. She conducted a patent search to find out if there were presently any products on the market or in society that were similar or did the same thing that her invention did. Fortunately, there were no products like hers, and it took her about a year to obtain the patent on January 5, 2021. She had to pay $2,500 for a patent search and then applied for a utility patent that costs $7,000.

“The process is very lengthy, it takes time to do it, and you have to focus,” said Wilson. “It was very challenging, and I made monthly payments for $550 to $600 in order to obtain my patent.”      

Wilson is confident The Ready Shower will be a huge success and has never seen a product like it. She explained, “I’ve traveled a little bit and I have been to Germany and other places, and I have never seen anything that comes out of the showerhead where I don’t have to physically take the washcloth and lather it with the soap or body wash. I can actually push a button or turn a knob and it comes out of the showerhead to cut down on germs.”

These showerheads can be installed in hotels, nursing homes, and prisons to help curtail the spread of germs. We are living in the time of COVID-19, and everyone is being careful about what they touch and how they use things. Wilson is a former hotel supervisor and observed a great amount of soap, shampoo, and conditioners being wasted and left in the rooms.

“They would often be smashed, and the wetness would dissolve them so that you could not use them anymore,” said Wilson. “My invention helps to conserve these products and helps to cut down on the spread of bacteria and germs.”

The installation of The Ready Shower will be an easy process. She said, “During our prototype process, we were trying to put it where it would be plumber friendly so that consumers can go to the store, purchase it, and install it themselves. In the bigger facilities it will have to be installed, but we are trying to do it both ways so that it will be plumber friendly so that it won’t be so hard to install it by yourself.” 

The CEO is currently in the process of finding a manufacturing company who will make the product.

“We have been speaking with several companies, and we are waiting on calls to see what opportunities may be available, and hopefully we will receive some good news on moving forward,” said Wilson.

Wilson is a single mother of three: two girls and a boy, and she has two beautiful grandchildren.

Her favorite pastime is spending time with her family, and she loves to love, laugh, and live life to the fullest. She works as a Customer Service Representative for Alaska Airlines and Avelo Airlines at the Raleigh-Durham airport. She was the #1 hairdresser in Columbus County and is presently a member of a nonprofit organization called H.A.I.R. (Having Aunties In Reach).

“We have many events throughout the year for the children in Columbus County city limits and also in Wake County,” said Wilson. “We basically have back-to-school events like braiding or styling all of the kids’ hair for free for the first day of school.”

She added, “We do Valentine’s Day, Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, and everything we do for them is free of cost, and all the students have to do is show up.”       

Some of the challenges that she has faced during the invention process have been the passing of her father, the passing of two step-kids, and living in an area where a lot of violence is happening. In spite of dealing with life’s hardships, she continues to persevere and not give up.

“I have been working so hard on this for years and I tell my children and grandchildren this is for them,” said Wilson. “I have been working so hard, and I have not been able to give them a lot during the years, but I know God has given me this idea and it will be a blessing.” 

Her ultimate vision is for The Ready Shower to be in hotels, prisons, new homes, overseas, nursing homes, amusement parks, Lowe’s, Walmart, and hardware stores everywhere. When the product becomes available for purchase, she has plans to establish an online store.

If you are interested in The Ready Shower, the ultimate showering experience, and would like to become a potential investor or form a partnership, visit www.thereadyshower.com or email info@thereadyshower.com.

As it is springtime, there is no better way to exercise mindfulness than through a beautiful floral gift. Inspired by Scandinavian influencer and TikTok icon, Matilda Djerf, flowers are a simple way to brighten a physical space as well as one’s personal mind space. The wellness activity of using fresh cut flowers to brighten a room is proven to increase serotonin levels and lift spirits. When we purchase a bouquet of flowers, there is a conscious understanding in the activity that a traditional display of affection is being shown toward ourselves. That is, when we give ourselves an intentional present for the purpose of relaxation, we can experience true happiness. Having a living plant to take care of and nurture is a tangible illustration of the tender caretaking of our minds in wellness activities. The visual of the flowers creates a perfect metaphor for growth, strength, and new life born in light.

The author, Thomas Starr King, writes that “the spirit of a person’s life is ever shedding some power, just as a flower is steadily bestowing fragrance upon the air.” Flowers are vastly unique, presenting distinct fragrances and color patterns that shine in a room like a kaleidoscope of magic. There is a reason that brides are traditionally decorated with flowers; or tombstones are adorned with loved ones’ favorite roses. Flowers are the wondrous universal language gap. When we don’t have enough words to express sympathy, adoration, and gratefulness, the gift of a flower conveys all. Each petal and stem work together to create a harmonious symphony of beauty, boosting up the minds and smiles of all who are nearby.

Flowers are a powerful mindful tool to add towards a wellness practice. Whether it be for yourself or shared with family and friends, the gift of a flower secures anxieties and stress like no other, encouraging our minds to breathe in the sunlight and watch as peace and beauty prosper.

Five Signs it’s Time to Repot:

1. Root-bound
2. Roots coming out of the bottom or top
3. Yellow leaves
4. Loss of leaves
5. Stagnation of growth

The growth of your household plants continues based on the nutrients available, and repotting your plant gives your green some new and fitting nutrients. In varying times your plant will outgrow their containers, so depending on the plant, you may need to repot each spring or every 2 to 5 years. The plant’s roots are likely to be the first to indicate a need for more nutrients. This could be shown in roots extending past the bottom of the pot, or the roots may take the shape of your container, making the plant “root-bound”.

A root-bound plant is identified by the roots encircling the top or bottom of your pot, showing the roots need more room to grow. Additionally, the plant could be asking for a larger living space, if its roots are coming out of the bottom of the pot. The best way to check, each spring get your hands a little dirty and gently investigate the interior of your pot. 

The roots aren’t the only source the plant may use to show its needs. The leaves of a plant turning yellow can indicate overwatering or a lack of nutrients, or maybe both. If the leaves of your plant are dying off frequently, or the plant isn’t growing any new leaves (or stems dependent on the plant) the plant could be craving more nutrients. The leaves or flowers can’t grow if the plant is overcrowding its living space. The combination of yellowing, or loss of leaves and over-grown roots are strong indicators it’s time to move. 

What’s Next?

1. Repot and Re-soil
2. Trim and Refresh

There are two options this spring if your plant has outgrown its space. First, you can repot and continue the growth of your household plant, verifying with a safe source the type of soil or fertilizer your plant needs moving forward. In contrast, if you’re happy with the size, there is still work to be done so plants can live in your ideal sized pot. Learning the language of your household plants includes understanding when to repot. If the goal is to grow, change its size. If you want to maintain, trim and refresh. The best time to repot is Spring, so before the season is over make sure you’re doing what’s best for your potted plants.

Fast Facts in Repotting

1. Your Ivy plants need to be repotted every 1 to 3 years
2. The household snake plants need to be repotted every 3 to 10 years
3. Succulents need a repot every two years
4. Spring is the best time to repot (or trim)

MRM Design Group is affectionately known as “backyard architects”, and the owner, Jonathan Melvin, is known for having an eye for what looks good for picking out colors, textures, and unique geometric shapes. MRM Design Group is your one-stop shop providing comprehensive services from everything from the design of your project to the implementation, including administrative management. What does this mean for the customer? It means that MRM Design Group can offer you comprehensive services and is a one-stop shop for everything that you need to make your project a success.  In addition to MRM Design Group’s repeat customers, they are ready to take on new customers, from residential projects to large-scale commercial projects.

For the new homeowner who just purchased a new property and desires to make it feel like their own; the existing homeowner who wants to update or make changes to their property, or the homeowner who wants to update their home, MRM Design Group is your go-to choice for design renovations. “We have customers who want landscaping design to include a terrace, fire pit and seating area, and even a dining area with an outdoor kitchen”, said Mr. Melvin, “this is the type of hardscape services you can expect from MRM Design Group.”

One example of what a homeowner can expect from MRM Design Group is as Mr. Melvin explains, “we had a homeowner completely gut their home and we did a master plan design to include a circular driveway with lighting and landscaping. We also designed and placed an outdoor building which served as a structure with an outdoor kitchen.”

Mr. Melvin also stated, “Our creative practical approach, with the courage to be different. We don’t follow fashion; we create it. I always say, a good design saves money, so you are not chasing rabbits with marginal ideas. Any successful attempt has a plan. As people go through lifestyle changes, we are there to help them make the transition as they update and upgrade their grounds. One area of specialty for MRM Design is custom design pools which can also include spas, pool decking, fencing, storm drainage, lighting outdoor structures, and pool and bathhouses.” 

Jonathan L. Melvin

Are you looking to add a water feature such as a Koi Pond? MRM has you covered! For your complete outdoor vision, MRM Design can create and implement it! For the property owner who is getting ready for a new build, MRM Design Group can advise on the placement of the building on the lot, taking advantage of topography. MRM Design Group offers options that will be more functional to a homeowner’s lifestyle. For coastal builds, MRM Design can design your ground, considering the environmental easements for the property. “We place the house so that it fits and stays within the setbacks and easements, and in compliance with local regulations.” MRM Design Group has done many waterfront properties. MRM Design Group also offers construction administrative services that consist of checking on the general contractor and providing their client with feedback. This includes handling administrative actions such as getting bids and applicable paperwork associated with the project.

MRM Design is strong on communication and educating its customers on the services they are providing. MRM Design services address code, zoning requirements, and applicable regulations. MRM Design Group’s founder states, “We like to do things uniquely and stay within the budget.” 

For the commercial developer or property owner, MRM Design Group offers services that will benefit your plans. MRM has an impressive portfolio of projects they have worked on, such as providing services to Beaufort Community College, of which they created a master plan design to layout new roadways and parking, “our work at BCC improved campus circulation”, explained Mr. Melvin. East Carolina University has also been a former client. MRM Design Group provided many different services to ECU, one being the design plan for the Geometry Building on campus. MRM Design Group has also provided services for one of North Carolina’s community colleges by designing a parking lot. When designing parking, they also can handle the engineering that goes with it.

Residential developers can find MRM Design Group as a great choice for providing design services for subdivision entrances, in addition to working with designing signage and logos for signage, and working with the naming of properties. MRM Design Group can assist with many different aspects of your commercial project.

More than just providing plantings, MRM Design Group is your one-stop shop for all things related to retaining walls, plazas, courtyards, pools, and water features such as drives, arbors, lighting, draining, and more. “I have done work from Murphy to Manteo”. MRM Design Group is your choice for an experienced landscape architect. MRM Design offers a holistic design covering anything exterior, including site planning and parking layouts. For some commercial design work, MRM Design Group has provided its services to include Nortel when it was Northern Telecom. MRM Design Group’s expertise in designing walkways and plaza areas is one area that really makes a building aesthetically pleasing. Additional services MRM provides are grading engineering.

“I have done work from Murphy to Manteo”

Jonathan L. Melvin

For both residential and commercial projects, MRM Design Group can provide you with options that require less maintenance. MRM Design Group prides itself on making wise choices for its clients and not wasting money on non-beneficial items. Their administrative management is a plus for those who want to add quality control to the project.

MRM Design Group, one of a few landscape architectural firms in North Carolina, is your one-stop shop for your exterior design plans, providing a holistic approach. “We look at the big picture and put all of the components together as a good design saves the client money”, stated Mr. Melvin. MRM Design Group has been in the business for many years, they are sensitive to what will save their client money and have a variety of resources that only time, and experience can bring. Make sure to get in touch with them immediately if you or someone you know is in need of a landscape architectural firm that truly cares about the finished product!

Visit us at www.mrmdesigngroup.com or Call 252-972-4400!

Advances in digital photography and printing have made it possible for the computer illiterate, mediocre photographer to have an edited collection of great photos. Most photo-printing facilities have helpful technicians and user-friendly options for cropping, color enhancing, and conversion to black and white or sepia, all of which can correct, disguise or distract from a poorly taken picture.

For instance, your blah, washed out photo of Uncle Jed telling stories to a bored audience at a family reunion. Crop it to an off-center close-up capturing Jed’s storytelling face, and then convert it to black and white with increased contrast. The way his eyes crinkle, the crook in his nose, and the tar-stained fingers clutching his Bud Lite, now give you a photograph of depth and interest. What to do with the consummate banal pet photo: a cat asleep on some household surface, with three quarters of the photo insipid carpet and couch background. Crop it right up to the feline’s head and frame it with a thick white mat.

Once you’ve played with your photographs and created some masterpieces they need to be displayed effectively. Pick a wall in the house that can be transformed into a gallery wall. Begin collecting frames of various sizes that have a common trait.

The currently popular transitional style home would be complemented by champagne frames of varied thickness, patterns and sizes. If your home tilts toward a Victorian style, chose heavier frames in aged gold each with unique rococo patterns. For a mod look, select black or stainless angular frames. Select different kinds of green frames, painted, upholstered, and glass for a playful effect.

Rustic wooden frames or wrought iron would function well for an old-world style. The key is to have a common element in your frame collection which compliments the feel of your home and ties the photographs together.

For a tighter collection in your gallery, select photographs with a theme. Dig up all the beach photos you have and frame them in a driftwood color for a relaxed look in the bathroom. If you like more color and pizzazz, you might prefer sea glass mosaic frames. Use whatever beach-y trait floats your boat.

Enliven your mud room with a smattering of camping and outdoor photos framed in knotty pine. For warmth and romance in the bedroom, hang a triptych of photos above the headboard of you and your spouse in young love. (It’s nice to remember those younger, thinner days.) For some sizzle, mat them in a luscious chianti!

Be creative, have fun. Since you want your home to reflect your personality, let these suggestions be merely suggestions. Regardless of your choice, the result will be a gallery of well-framed personal photographs to give you pleasure to see on a daily basis and leave an indelible imprint of your character in your home.

Here are a few simple and economical ways to make a great project for you and your family.  Try growing any of the veggies on the list below and see how easily they produce. 

• Celery– After you have used the stalks and leaves on your celery, save the base end of the plant and place it in water to root or in small pot of soil and watch it regenerate new stalks. Celery is also an easy vegetable to grow indoors.
• Sweet Potatoes– Cut a third of a potato with a few eyes (the natural dimples on a potato) remaining.  Bury it in a deep pot of dirt and new shoots will bud from the eye of the potato creating new plants.
• Onions / Garlic– Got an onion sprouting in the bin?  Place it root side down in a pot of soil exposing part of the bulb. As the green tops or scallions grow, snip and use as desired.
• Tomatoes– Slice the tomato in round circles exposing the seeds.  Place each ring on of top the potting soil, cover it with a small layer of dirt, and spritz it with a little water each day until it sprouts.  Transplant when it reaches 5-6 inches tall where it can grow in a larger space.  Note: Seek out heirloom varieties because hybrids seeds may not regrow.
• Romaine Lettuce– Just like the celery, save about two inches over the base end.  Either place it in a shallow bowl of water to root or upcycle a produce clamshell* and let it regrow there.
• Herbs –Many herbs can be rooted from the stems if placed in a small jar of water such as cilantro, basil, oregano or sage.
• Carrots– It’s amazing how easily root vegetables like carrots can propagate themselves if you place the tops in a shallow plate of water. Once they develop new roots, transfer them to the soil to produce new plants.
• Peppers– Save the seeds from your pepper plants and tuck them into the soil to sprout, or you can start the seeds in an old egg crate. Transplant to a larger container when it reaches 3-4 inches tall.

What You’ll Need

• Banana Peel– I got this idea from watching a movie, but discovered that banana peels delivers a dose of potassium and other essential nutrients to the soil that feeds hungry plants.
• Orange Peels– This citrus scrap not only adds nutrients to the soil, but it also deters small animals from trespassing into your garden.
• Crushed Egg Shells– Dried egg shells when crushed are a great source of calcium for the plant while warding off those creepy crawly pests.
• Coffee Grounds/ Used Tea Bags– Love your java or herbal tea in the mornings?  Coffee grounds and tea bags are compostable as well as a great source of nutrients for acid loving plants.
• Potting Soil – If gardening indoors, use a good organic potting soil for vegetables.  According to Better Homes & Garden, the nutrients in the soil will give the veggies more flavor.  But if outdoors, you can mix compost, top soil, and a good fertilizer to create a good foundation for your plants to thrive.
• Cayenne Pepper & Dish Soap–For outdoor gardens, this solution mixed with water can also keep insects and rabbits off of your vegetables.
• *Produce Clamshells –These are those hinged clear plastic containers that salad greens are sold in.  Instead of tossing these out, they make great mini greenhouses to help sprout new seedlings.
• Egg Crates – Also great for starting seedlings.
• Large Plastic Storage Bins / Kiddie Pools – Both are quick and economical ways to create large containers for your patio garden.  Just be sure to add a few vent holes for water drainage.
• A Sunny Spot Indoor/Outdoors for Everything to Grow – Plants get their energy from lots of natural sunlight. Look for a spot where they can get around 6-8 hours of direct sun.

Reduce Your Trips to the Grocery Store

Earth Day and warmer months are coming up so with a little patience and plenty of sunshine you can start your new plot and be kind to the planet.  When I’m out at the local nursery or home improvement stores, I’m noticing more people giving thought to food they can grow at home. Creating that renewable garden not only reduces your grocery bill, but it’ll save you a few trips to the store.  Besides, there’s nothing like having the convenience of fresh produce right at your fingertips when you’re ready to make that BLT sandwich or that next batch of spaghetti sauce. 

Tell us in the comments below what you’re growing in your garden!

Why not consider smart upgrades for right now, instead of waiting until you’re ready to sell? You can certainly appreciate the upgrades now, while confident that they will pay off later. Here are some ideas.

Timeless hardwood floors

Designers and real estate agents agree that installing or refinishing a hardwood floor can boost not only the look of a room, but will make the room easier to design around — and to sell. Most homebuyers look at replacing aging carpeting in a new home, to refresh and put their own stamp on rooms. Hardwood floors have long been coveted by real estate agents and luxury homeowners alike, as they provide a blank canvas to work with, allowing new homebuyers to choose area rugs and accents to create their own design aesthetic.

Energy-efficient windows

This is one of the smartest upgrades you can make, as it improves the aesthetic from the outside (that all-important “curb appeal”), enhances your enjoyment of rooms from the inside and reduces energy costs. Advances in technology behind high-performance window glass have made a huge difference in terms of the amount of insulation and energy-efficiency they provide. Low-emissivity coatings on glass help control heat transfer through windows that have insulated glazing. In addition, the latest window frames — from metal or fiberglass to vinyl — offer superior insulation and long-lasting performance over standard wooden frames. Installing the best new windows for any room, or the entire house, offers an outstanding return on investment.

New doors

Like windows, doors also present a face to potential buyers from the curb, and can help decrease energy costs. The front door is an obvious place to start. You’ll want to consider your local climate and its needs, such as good weather-stripping to keep out the cold or sturdy screen doors to keep out bugs. Garage doors are also a great choice for updating, especially if they are large and highly visible. An upscale garage door is built from highly durable materials and looks as good as it functions. For any door facing the curb, including the garage door, choose a color and style that matches the overall look of your home, and that will last many years, through a variety of weather conditions.

Cleansing seats

Haven’t you always wanted a toilet with a heated seat, plus warm-water cleansing and warm-air drying, operated by remote control? How about an automatic LED light to help you see in the dark? You can elevate your daily routine with a Kohler Cleansing Seat, designed to fit most toilets. The seats are ergonomically designed, and will complement a range of decors. The Cleansing Seat also offers carbon filters to help keep the space fresh, and the wand that sprays water is self-cleaning. The flush and lid are both motion-activated. This toilet upgrade with customizable amenities will make you feel like you’re at a spa or luxury hotel. Then you may wonder how you ever lived without it.

Beautiful outdoor living space

Everyone today is looking for ways to spend time outdoors comfortably — whether this means a deck, patio or gazebo. If you have a functional area outdoors, consider improvements — is the space big enough? Could you add privacy fencing or shade? Do you want a better cooking area or fire pit for entertaining? If you don’t currently have a usable outdoor space, look at your property as a whole and consider what makes sense for the space and your lifestyle. You could consult a professional to help you design a more beautiful and comfortable outdoor space.

Making smart choices about home upgrades means planning for the long-term life of the house, and improving the enjoyment and functionality of your home right now. With so many possibilities, consider what upgrades would add the most benefit for your everyday routine.

In modern times, technology offers a wide variety of artificial choices for trees, which in some cases if just from appearance only, will require a double tack. Artificial trees can come either pre-lit or not. Some maybe frosted or in different color and different materials. They come in varying heights and shapes, and they can be stored and maintained for years to come. They can also be passed down to future generations as a memento or heirloom.

Storing Your Artificial Tree

By purchasing tree wraps or tree containers for your tree, it will protect and maintain it from the elements such as bugs, dust, etc. If you do not have a wrap or storage box, place the tree as it comes in different

sections, in heavy duty black trash bags to protect from dust and damage. Avoid storing tree in attic spaces where there is exposed insulation. Also avoid storing your tree near open flames or water. You may also want to gently brush your tree to remove dust, etc., before you begin to decorate it.

The “Real” Christmas Tree

Live trees, on the other hand, can come potted or as we know it to be most frequently, cut. Live trees come in a variety of species and produce the smell of “Christmas” in your home. One of the best parts of a potted tree is that with proper care, you can recycle those trees for future use. Live trees are usually grown and transported locally from Christmas tree farms, therefore supporting your local economy and local farmers. Cut real trees require care and attention, most importantly, remembering to water them. There are more variety of live trees in terms of shape and size for you to choose from and to customize the fit in your room(s). Trees varieties that make great Christmas trees are Balsam fir, Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir, Frazier fir, Scotch pine and White fir.

Maintaining Your Fresh Tree

When you are looking for a tree to choose, one usually looks for one that has little to no brown needles or dried out bark. Be sure to gently shake your live tree and look for pests. When looking for pests, you are searching out for spiders and eggs sacs in particular. Inspect the tree trunk for small holes and lines of sawdust as well. Finally, be sure to remove bird nests which may contain mites and more. Remember, you are bringing this into your home so whatever is on your tree will also be inside with your family.

Another important tip is to be sure to trim the trunk of the tree. Bounce or shake the tree once again before carrying it inside of your home. Fill the stand with water immediately after it is cut but no later than 24 hours after being trimmed. There should be quart of water for every inch of the tree’s diameter.

Place your tree away from heat sources like the fireplace, radiators, direct sunlight, space heaters, heat vents, etc. Keep water in the base it should be above the base of the tree trunk.

Just before you decorate your tree, and this pertains to both live and artificial trees, consider the size of your ornaments and the size of the branches when decorating.

For live trees, be sure to take your tree down before it dries out.

Whether you choose the real or artificial tree, proper care will ensure a magical and safe holiday season for all.

“The outside of a house is an open palette, and there’s so much opportunity to add curb appeal with colorful accents,” says color expert Kate Smith, chief color maven with Sensational Color.

Here are 10 ways to give your house a colorful facelift:

1. No matter what style your home is, the roof is a major aspect of its curb appeal — sometimes as much as 40 percent of the view. So think about it first. Use free online resources like the new Top Down Color visualizer from DaVinci Roofscapes to quickly visualize how different colors and products will look on your home.

2. Make landscaping decisions with color top-of-mind. Either go for a vibrant and natural look, or create a stylized look with patterns and designs.

3. Replace the numbers on your house or clean the old ones. Brass will certainly stand out on most housing materials; however, you may prefer to use large colorful accent numbers to contrast with your home exterior.

4. Forget about your bland, boring garage door. Use free online resources like HaasCreate, an online visualizer, to select one with color and distinction. Available from Haas Door at haascreate.com, the tool allows you to upload a photo of your home then select different garage door styles to see what will work best on your home.

5. Give your mail carrier a warmer welcome. Spruce up your mailbox with a fresh coat of paint. Or, if it’s rusty or splintered, replace it. There are many styles available, so consider selecting something with character.

6. Add decorative glass windows for a distinctive accent to your home  exterior. An assortment of square, geometric and oval shaped options are available in both fixed and operable styles from such brands as Hy-Lite. Certain windows feature black, satin or brass caming to offset beveled glass pieces and other privacy textured glass, while other windows boast silkscreened designs.

7. Soft touches, such as adding new colorful pillows to a front porch swing, laying out a new welcome mat or hanging a flag, can give your home cozy, colorful curb appeal.

8. Add color to shutters, door and window surrounds, and other trim pieces. Start with low maintenance polyurethane pieces that are moisture-, insect- and rot-resistant. Through the Classic Color Program available at Nu-Wood, you can have pieces pre-painted in any of 9,000 Sherwin-Williams paint colors and ready to install out of the box. The company includes a touch-up container of paint for convenience.

9. For natural hues that accent and add contrast to siding, consider applying mortarless stone veneer as full accent walls on your home’s exterior or as a half wall/wainscot application. Check out easy-to-install products, available at manufacturers like ClipStone. Colors of their Ledgestone and ProStack styles include Ash, Poinset, Sand and Tan.

10. Pressure wash and repaint where necessary to restore your home to its original colorful splendor.

Using color strategically, you can make your home more valuable to potential buyers or just more personalized for your own tastes.