Archives for October 2024

Antique Homes and Halloween

October 28, 2024

Welcome, dear readers, to a hauntingly delightful journey through time! As the crisp autumn air fills with whispers of ghost stories and the excitement of Halloween night looms, there’s no better moment to delve into the mysterious allure of old and antique homes. With their creaky floorboards and shadowy corners, these architectural gems hold tales of yesteryears and secrets waiting to be unearthed. In this special Halloween edition, we invite you on a journey through the charm, history, and occasional eerie tales that surround these distinguished residences. Whether you’re a history aficionado, a believer of the supernatural, or simply intrigued by the beauty and craftsmanship of antique homes, this post promises to enlighten and entertain.

Curious about what qualifies a home as “old”? The answer is more straightforward than you might think. According to the National Register of Historic Places, a home must be at least 50 years old to be considered for inclusion on their registry. While a home needs to reach the 50-year mark to be considered for historic status, the definition of an antique holds a higher bar. According to Merriam-Webster, an antique is defined as an “item that not only embodies the fashion and style of a bygone era but was also crafted during that period, typically being at least 100 years old.”

Doughnut graph: New, Old, and Antique Homes

According to the 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 34% of homes purchased that year were old (built between 1924 and 1972) and antique (built before 1923). Older Millennials (those born between 1980-1989) and Gen Xers (1965-1979) bought old and antique homes. Of the old homes purchased in 2023, 24% were purchased by Gen Xers, and Older Millennials purchased 22%. Of the antique homes purchased in 2023, Older Millennials purchased 29%, and 24% were purchased by Gen Xers.

Bar graph: Old and Antique Homes Bought in 2023, by Buyer Generation

Forty-seven percent of antique homes buyers said they chose their home because of its charm and character. Forty-one percent of buyers of old homes said they chose their home because it was a better price. The most cited reasons buyer purchased a previously owned home built in the past 50 years was because they offered a better overall value (41%).

Table: Why Previously Owned Home Was Purchased

Buyers of old and antique homes often had to make compromises regarding condition, price, and size. Specifically, 32% of antique home buyers compromised on the home’s condition, compared to 36% of old home buyers. Regarding price, 30% of antique home buyers and 35% of old home buyers had to settle. In terms of size, 21% of antique home buyers and 28% of old home buyers made concessions.

Table: Characteristics of Home on Which Buyer Compromised

The allure of old and antique homes remains strong, especially during the spooky season of Halloween when the charm of these historical residences is amplified by their mysterious pasts. As we’ve explored, these homes are not just structures, but stories frozen in time, offering a unique blend of architectural beauty and historical significance. Despite the need for occasional compromises on condition, price and size, buyers—particularly Older Millennials and Gen Xers—are drawn to these homes for their distinct character and overall value. Whether it’s the creaky floorboards that tell tales of generations past or the architectural details that capture a bygone era, old and antique homes continue to captivate and inspire.

11 Beautiful Kitchen Tiling Ideas to Elevate Your Space

This is your sign to go bold with tile for kitchen backsplashes, walls, and floors.

Updated on October 23, 2024

neutral kitchen with luxury appliances and textured tile — PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Kitchen and tile go hand in hand, but therein lies the crux of the issue. Given its ever-presence in kitchens across the world, it becomes very easy to opt for an expected option when designing your space. Think: a wall of white square tiles that could use a little personality, or a been-there-done-that neutral backsplash begging for the slightest hint of oomph. Expand your horizons even slightly, though, and an entire world of tile opens up, taking your space from predictable to extraordinary. From statement-making floor tiling to bold backsplashes that set the tone, let these designer kitchen tiling ideas from experts stir ideas for your own space.

1. Textured, Shiny Black Walls

kitchen with black tiling and pink cabinets — FRENCH BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY

This rich and brooding tile contrasts brilliantly with soft cabinetry, marble countertops, and simple design details. The imperfect finish on the tile itself makes the aesthetic more approachable, lest things feel tooperfect. “We selected an irregular solid colored tile that added texture and a reflective quality to the kitchen that would not compete with the beautiful countertops,” says Rainey Richardson, founder and principal of Rainey Richardson Interiors. “The design aesthetic is a modern and moody approach to the Art-Deco Style with an emphasis on geometric shapes, rich high-contrast colors, symmetry, and brass accents that allude to the era of opulence and luxury.”

2. Vintage Charm Backsplash

distressed kitchen blacksplash with black stove hood — LUKE GOTTLIEB

For a one-of-a-kind kitchen tiling idea that doubles as a conversation piece, consider sourcing vintage tiles and creating a focal point above your stove. This approach makes a lot of sense if you want to embrace a home’s vintage charm like the owners of this historic Victorian home in the Denver Highlands did.

“They’re antique Dutch Delft tiles sourced from Europe. I chose to source antique tiles because they display that authentic wear and patina we love to see in older homes,” says Julie Brayton, principal and lead designer of Brayton Interiors. “Even the neutral field tiles in this grouping show so much variation compared to generic subway tiles. The depth in the variation provides a subtle texture and dimension which translates perfectly in this 125-year-old kitchen.”

3. A Pop of Color on the Walls

kitchen with white cabinets and blue tile — NATALIA ROBERT

Your kitchen is the perfect place to dabble in vibrant color. When utilizing a bold tile, like this Fireclay hexite design in turquoise, the key is to create balance with more neutral details in the rest of the space. “The Fireclay adds a pop of bold color and pattern, while the main cooking area utilizes a clean white to keep the focus on the food,” says Jennifer Verruto, the CEO and founder of Blythe Interiors. “Mixing styles can be done effortlessly by using a common element for both. Here, we stuck with clean lines and organic finishes to combine the two.”

4. Rustic and Multi-Textured Walls

rustic kitchen with neutral tiles — STACY GOLDBERG

To create a rustic and organic space, but one that still has depth, opt for multiple complementing textures on one wall. “We achieved this by using a 4 x 4 handmade tile paired with the wall backsplash. I love how the tiles are uneven, creating a very timeless space,” says Tanya Smith-Shiflett, lead designer at Unique Kitchens and Baths.

5. Neutral Glossy White Walls

white kitchen with blue cabinets and white tile — KYLIE FITTS

If you want a clean, classic kitchen tiling idea, consider a neutral glossy white tile—but incorporate some unexpected features that minimize any potential for overly sterile starkness. For example, taking the tile up the entire wall creates an element of surprise while lending to the crispness, and the vibrant cabinetry adds character. “This house is a darling Denver bungalow built in 1929. We wanted to capture an authentic jewel-tone color that was present during the era in which this house was built in some capacity, and we chose to inject the color into the cabinetry,” says Brayton. “To balance out the boldness, we chose a backsplash that had a bit of depth and variation, but was ultimately light, bright, and current but exuded a timeless quality.”

To create more dimension within a simple white backdrop, Brayton recommends sourcing tiles with a handmade quality and subtle, almost vibrational texture reminiscent of the Shaker/Craftsman era. Also consider opting for a less-expected shape. “We chose a subway shape, the shape of which was prominent in America during the turn of the last century, but updated it by shrinking the scale to 2 x 4 versus the original 3 x 6 shape,” she says. “This made it feel the slightest bit more graphic.”

6. In-Lay Tile Backsplash

For an unexpected, artistic touch in your kitchen, opt for a tile-on-tile in-lay feature. Essentially a built-in art piece, it’s a simple and effective way to add pizzazz to an otherwise simple design scheme. “In this neutral kitchen, we selected a glazed cream tile and framed a fun blue patterned tile to accent other colors used in the adjacent rooms,” says Sarah Eilers with Lucas Eilers Design. Blue is a classic choice for a kitchen, but there’s an entire world of color and pattern to choose from that embrace your preferred aesthetic.

7. Patterned Kitchen Flooring

patterned kitchen floor tile — NATALIA ROBERT

“A bold floor is such a wonderful statement that also helps ground and define a space,” says Verruto, whose client wanted to lean into a classic Parisian aesthetic for this project. “Choosing the right scale for the pattern can also help make a small space feel much larger.”

According to Verruto, a well-executed bold floor is a two-choice process involving color and scale. Black-and-white patterns are an easy option, since they tend to complement most color palettes. For scale, pay attention to the size of the pattern. “If you choose a large pattern, be sure that you can see the full pattern in a few places with no obstruction,” Verruto says. “Also avoid selecting a pattern that is too small. This can make a space feel busy.”

8. Tone-on-Tone Backsplash

green kitchen with tiled backsplash — JULIE SOEFER

While contrast always works, you can also get playful in your kitchen via a monochromatic color scheme. “The clients’ overarching goal was an elegant, yet fun and functional home, which made the lacquered green cabinetry, walls, and ceiling an easy yes,” says Courtnay Tartt Elias ofCreative Tonic Design. “The tiles are the perfect complement to the lacquered walls, offering a touch of green against the neutral body of the tile, and the geometric shape is whimsical, but not too busy, in such a decadent and verdant space.”

Elias adds that when creating such a richly colored space, it’s important to include touches of neutral here and there. In this example, the tile backsplash is both white and green, which creates a nice break for your eyes.

9. Reclaimed Concrete Backsplash

Concrete Kitchen Backsplash — GETTY IMAGES

Using reclaimed concrete is a sustainable way to bring a unique texture and grey tone into your space. “They offer a timeless yet contemporary look, providing both durability and distinctive character while introducing pattern and texture to create a space that is as inviting as it is enduring,” says Sandy Lucas with Lucas Eilers Design.

10. Terracotta Tiled Floors

Kitchen with blue island cabinets — ERIN KONRATH

Terracotta tiled flooring adds depth to an all-white kitchen with its orange and brown tones. The variety in the shape of tiles can be used to create patterns and add a pop of color to your kitchen, resulting in a more inviting space. “Terracotta tiled floors in Los Angeles are a staple of the Spanish Mission Revival style and is an easy way to add warmth and a cozy ambiance to a kitchen,” says Alexandra Peck at Alexandra Peck Design.

11. Brick Backsplash

Kitchen with brick wall/backsplash — GETTY IMAGES

Using brick throughout any home is a timeless feature, offering texture and neutral tones. “If I want to make a kitchen feel homey and rustic a brick-tiled backsplash is a nice textural accent and especially works well in a transitional style home,” says Peck. When designing your kitchen backsplash with brick you can play around with different patterns to make it your own. “Besides the typical running bond pattern, you could consider vertical stacking the bricks or doing a herringbone pattern too,” adds Peck.

5 Strategies to Market a House with a Dated Kitchen

Remodeled kitchens help sell houses faster and for higher prices, but what can be done when the kitchen, the heart of the house, shows its age?

Key Takeaways:

To compensate for a dated kitchen, there are different strategies you can take:

Adjust the price downward to reflect work that needs to be undertaken
Have sellers make cosmetic changes to help it look fresher
Compete with up-to-date kitchens by helping buyers envision a major overhaul

Updated, functional kitchens that mirror the best on reality TV shows and hip Instagram posts help listings sell. They’re also among the top interior projects to recover cost at resale, according to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of REALTORS®. (Download the full reportpdf; a new version is expected next year.)

With competition for listings coming from new construction in many areas, sellers who don’t heed this lesson run the risk of seeing their listing sidelined, says Compass salesperson Jessica Licona. principal and founder of the Licona Team in Austin, Texas.

It’s easy to see why buyers favor houses with spiffy kitchens. Some dread taking on work because of the difficulty of hiring vendors. Increasing costs and possible overruns are another factor as averages climb to almost $80,000 for a mid-range remodel and $159,000 for a high-end change, according to Remodeling magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value report. Chicago-based broker Jennifer Ames, Engel & Volkers, has heard another reason: “Many buyers realized after [COVID-19] that their time is finite, and they don’t want to waste it doing big projects,” she says.

Is the absence of a smashing kitchen a death knell for a sale? No, but your sellers need a smart marketing strategy to compensate. Each of these strategies offers risks and rewards that depend in part on a home’s price point, the sellers’ budget and their interest in making changes. Help your clients decide which is most palatable to close a transaction at the highest price and in the shortest number of days on market.

1. Adjust the price downward.

A lower price will make the sellers’ home more attractive compared to other homes that also aren’t fully updated. Buyers get the benefit of paying less, and then, when they have the funds, they can undertake a kitchen overhaul that reflects their taste. Broker Claire Higgins with Engel & Volkers’ Vero Beach, Fla., office has found that buyers who are most willing now to tackle work are those in their late 20s and early 30s. Many feel lucky to own a home, given still high sales prices, but may be cash strapped to hire help.

Risk. The price may be lowered but still may not be low enough to entice buyers, given concerns about escalating kitchen remodeling costs and anecdotal tales about time overruns and hassles.

Reward. Going lower offers sellers the possibility of a quicker sale and less need to invest more in a home they plan to leave.

2. Provide a floor plan to help buyers visualize changes.

A floor plan gives buyers a realistic vision of how the kitchen could look with updates. Ames says upper-bracket sellers might hire a kitchen designer or architect to measure and draw a new layout, suggest materials and equipment and estimate costs.

Risk. Plans may run several thousand dollars based on design complexity, and some buyers may feel overwhelmed by what’s suggested, spurring them to find a home with a remodeled kitchen.

Reward. Seeing a blueprint helps buyers think outside the box and imagine the kitchen transformed, from lemons to lemonade.

3. Consider the power of staging.

A professional with a keen eye can do wonders, removing furnishings and objects that are too personal, create clutter or make the whole house feel old and tired. Stagers typically try to neutralize rooms, to “remove or camouflage what’s dated and make the best of what sellers have,” says salesperson Jac Smith with Jac Smith Group, Keller Williams Realty St. Petersburg, Fla.

Timing is critical: Staging should be done before a house is photographed. “The first open house is what’s seen online so it should look as perfect as possible when it goes live,” Higgins says.

Who pays varies: Whether it’s the listing agent or the seller, staging is done with the hope the property will be sold for a better price and faster. Many buyers’ agents say staging does have an impact on price. According to National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Staging.

20% of buyers’ agents put the price increase at 1%–5%
14% put it at 6%–10%
8% said staging increased the price by 11% or more

In the survey, 34% of buyers’ agents said staging has no impact on price, and 23% said they weren’t sure. (Download the full reportpdf.)

Risk. Staged rooms may become too bland if all color and personalization is removed. It resembles a stage set minus people.

Reward. With colorful flowers, plump cushions, cozy runners, appealing scents, the rooms and house may appeal so much that buyers end up wanting not just the house but the contents.

4. Make cosmetic changes that remove eyesores.

Sellers may not have the dollars needed to remodel a kitchen, but they may be able to afford small changes, says broker Tia Hunnicutt, ABR, SRES, of San Francisco Bay–area Proxima Realty. Tweaks can help transform a space visually and functionally, especially for buyers who aren’t looking at homes at the high end.

It’s key to know what buyers find most appealing in their price range, says Boston North Shore broker Jean-Marie Minton, SRES, Minton Regan Homes with Keller Williams. Ames says sellers can never go wrong with an all-white kitchen. Lighter painted or wood cabinetry trumps dark wood, agrees broker Stafford Manion of St. Louis-based Gladys Manion Real Estate.

Other quick, affordable fixes are newer pulls and handles that turn easily, at least one new appliance with stainless-steel front, new backsplashes or countertops, and coordinated finishes for hardware, lighting and appliances.

The easiest fix is a professional deep cleaning, says Hunnicutt. “Nobody wants to move into someone else’s mess,” she says.

How much to spend should reflect the price of the home and others in the neighborhood, Ames says. “For a $300,000 condo, I would recommend spending $15,000 or 5%,” she says. Another reason to do some work is that many buyers overestimate the cost, she says. “For every project that might cost $1,000, buyers may deduct upwards of $4,000 from their offer price.”

Risk. Today’s buyers are savvy and know certain tweaks make a room look better but won’t overcome all problems. A new counter won’t compensate for the absence of an island. Some changes may even create new problems. Replacing cabinets may damage flooring; same goes for switching out a counter, which may require a new sink, Ames says. And tweaks won’t overcome an awkward layout, she says.

Reward. Freshly painted walls and new lighting won’t make up for dated appliances but will send a message that the sellers are putting their best foot forward.

5. Go for gold with a full remodel.

This approach works best with higher-end homes since it requires bigger bucks and attention to what’s trending. In Hunnicutt’s area, buyers typically expect fully tiled walls, marble countertops or some comparable material and top appliances. Higgins adds the importance of top cabinetry in a lighter tone and a lighter or white paint palette. In her upscale Austin market, Licona sees more customized kitchens with coffee bars, great hoods, interesting wallpaper in cupboards and on ceilings, undermounted lights in cabinetry and vintage detailing. Expensive transformations take two or more months, depending on the availability of materials and labor and complexity of the job, so planning is critical.

Risk. Anyone who’s undertaken a remodeling project, watched movies such as “The Money Pit” or listened to friends’ stories knows the pitfalls well. Also tastes change and what sellers choose today may not appeal to buyers tomorrow.

Reward. A new, gleaming kitchen that checks homeowners’ most frequent wants—even if not all—will raise the joy factor by giving them a great space for bringing family and friends together.

Accentuate the Positive

At the same time you’re helping sellers overcome an ugly-duckling kitchen, remember that a home’s other features and rooms can play a positive marketing role. Focus on what’s best in the house, says Higgins. It could be a great outdoor space, upgraded primary bathroom or finished basement. Smith stresses the importance of a stellar location, school system and curb appeal. Even ample space or the right number of bedrooms will make a difference for some buyers, Manion says.

8 Entryway Must-Haves You Should Always Include in Your Home, Designers Say

By HELEN ANDRIATSITOHAIN

Published on 10/19/24

It’s officially peak guest season and if you’re like us, you’d want your entryway to look swoon-worthy from the minute guests step in. Whatever the occasion may be—whether a Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, or a book club gathering—nothing beats a well-designed entrance that leaves a lasting impression. If you’ve been itching to update your entryway but aren’t sure where to start, here are eight staples that make an entryway according to the pros.

Statement Lighting

Statement lighting is often reserved for the living room and dining room, but not for designer Isabel Runsewe. According to her, the foyer is a great place to update your lighting and make the space feel high-end. “It can be as simple as swapping out bulbs for a more appropriate hue, to replacing fixtures and adding medallions,” she says. “Selecting the correct lighting hue(s) for your space adds a level of warmth and sophistication and sets a relaxed atmosphere for you and your guests as soon as they arrive.” Depending on your style, you can go big with sculptural light fixtures, make a subtle statement with some vintage sconces, or maybe even invest in stylish table lamps that double as conversation starters.

Any Mirror, Simple or Show-Stopping

For interior designer Laura of Laura Solensky Design, no entryway is complete without a mirror. “Any size entry can accommodate some type of mirror so that you can check your appearance before you leave the house,” she notes. What’s more, mirrors help brighten up the space, making it a must-have for any pint-sized, gloomy entrance.

Curated Artwork

Besides instantly elevating the space from bland to design-forward, artwork creates a welcoming mood that would make anyone feel at ease. And if you think that dressing up your entryway walls has to be a huge investment, you’re wrong. Simply frame your existing family photos or print out some snaps from your phone to make the area feel more personal without breaking the bank.

Oversized Pieces

If there’s one guaranteed way to make a lasting impression on your guests, it’s to add large-scale pieces. “I love adding large pieces of decor around the entryway because it allows for style to be in this space without overcrowding,” interior designer and lifestyle influencer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey explains. Think oversized lanterns, candles, and vases. Her rule, though, is to avoid overpacking the space with a bunch of knick-knacks. Doing this will only make your entryway feel cluttered and cramped. Instead, she suggests keeping this space open so as to create a flow through your home.

Storage Solutions

In addition to looking pretty and put-together, your home’s entrance should, most importantly, serve your family’s needs daily. Malarkey swears by a stylized entryway table or console. Not only does it make for a great place to add decor items that give a good first impression of your style choices, but you can also use it to store grab-and-go items.

Prints and Texture

For a dose of fun, you can’t go wrong with textured walls and statement wallpaper—just ask Malarkey. “I love a good print and good texture! Anything that will make the space pop and get your guest’s attention straight away,” Malarkey says. Runsewe is also very team wallpaper but advises keeping the general aesthetic aligned with the rest of your home. “Depending on the client, it can be fun to use a bright and bold wallpaper, but I also enjoy using more subdued tones to accommodate seasonal decor changes,” Runsewe tells us.

Stylish Floor Treatments

Just like your walls, your entryway floor deserves attention too. If your floorboards are looking a little old and tired, give them a nice refresh with a coat of varnish—or perhaps floor paint if you’re feeling bold. Of course, a runner or rug is always a welcome addition to the entry and for two particular reasons according to Solensky. One: it’s functional to wipe feet and contain mess. Two: it aesthetically infuses color, pattern, and personality into the space. And if you have the budget to replace your flooring, why not turn them into a dramatic feature? Malarkey’s suggestion: fun graphic tiles. “I love adding something unexpected to bring on the drama of the space and really create a great first impression with guests,” she says.

Personal Items

Lastly, what’s a home if it’s not personal? Let’s say you love reading. You could line your long entry hall with a built-in bookshelf. Or perhaps you’re an aspiring plant parent. In this case, add trees, flowers, and plants—and maybe even drape some vines around your mirror for a jungle-esque look. “Customizing the space with something unique about you or your family is always a great way to start a conversation when guests arrive,” Malarkey shares. “This may be honoring your heritage by showing off family heirlooms such as paintings, and dishes, or even showcasing something you love and are passionate about!”

6 Important Things You Should Never Store in Your Attic, According to Experts

If your attic has been the main source of storage for all your home items, it may be time to go through it all to sort out what needs to be thrown out or stored elsewhere.Due to seasonal temperatures and unwanted pests, it’s crucial to keep any important items out of your attic. Find out what six items home experts say you should never store in your attic.

Electronics

If you live in a hotter area, rising temperatures can damage your electronics by melting some of the plastic parts. Go through your old devices to see which ones are worth keeping and throwing out. If you are holding on to an old VCR and home videos for future viewing, it’s best to come up with another preservation plan. Lisa Dooley, a professional organizer and the owner of Your Organized Life, says the time to act is now. “These tapes were intended to have a life span of 10 years, and I’ve seen some from the early 1980s,” she says. “If possible, these should be digitized ASAP.”

Food

In addition to the extreme heat in summer, an attic will endure very cold temperatures during winter in northern areas. These fluctuations can easily cause the degradation of any food, even if it’s sealed up like canned vegetables or like your favorite bottle of wine. “Generally speaking, edibles of any kind should not be kept in your attic,” says Lauren Saltman, a professional organizer and the owner of Living. Simplified. “They will likely attract pests even if it’s stored in sealed plastic containers. And out-of-sight really is out-of-mind. Will you remember what food items are stored in your attic? Probably not.”

Chemicals

When you run out of space for your cleaning supplies, pool cleaner, or other chemical that you don’t use often, your attic can seem like a good place to get it all out of your way until the next cleaning. The heat can not only change the composition of some cleaners, but it can cause the containers to leak down into your ceiling or even explode if they are in an aerosol can. Storing such supplies near the areas they are used, in a climate-controlled space, is a safe bet and certainly more convenient.

Photos

It may be easy to stick some photos into an album and store them in the attic, but they may not stay in good condition over time. Due to moisture and fluctuating temperatures, your precious photos will yellow as the years pass by or worse. “The sticky glue and the plastic page ‘protectors’ are actually highly acidic, slowly destroying the photos,’” Dooley says. “Remove them from the attic—and the albums—and store them in a cool, dry place like a closet or even under a bed.”

Wooden Decor

It can be difficult to let go of photo frames, signs, or shelving that no longer fit your style, especially when paid good money to outfit your home. However, storing a stack of unused wooden frames may bring unintended visitors to your space since insects and pests love to chew on wood. Wood stored in the attic also reacts to the weather. If it rains a lot in your area, the humidity will cause expansion, rot, and possibly mold.2 Extreme heat dries things out and creates cracks even if the wood has been treated. Also, consider donating any intact frames. What no longer suits your taste might be perfect for someone else. “There is no need to store items you don’t actually want to keep,” Saltman says.

Fabrics

It is understandable that people want to save special furnishings or clothing that reminds them of a special event in their family’s lives. Just like wood, any fabric that is a natural fabric will be subject to the weather and little critters. Even created fabrics are likely to get chewed up by pests. This can be anything from clothing and mattresses to much-loved stuffed animals and rugs. They are all at risk in the attic. Saltman says being deliberate about what we store in the home leaves space for the keepsakes we truly cherish. Have any meaningful pieces of clothing professionally cleaned and then stored inside your home, she says. There are still plenty of things you can safely store in your attic, Saltman says: Dishware, pots and pans, holiday decorations, suitcases, outdoor furniture, and items you’ll be using in the next few weeks will be okay

“Use your own common sense about what can be safely stored in your attic, and you’ll be well on your way to protecting the items and keeping them for future generations,” Saltman says.

By JODI GONZALEZ