The Steinbridge Group: Tawan Davis Brings Social Responsibility to Urban Real Estate

Suzette

Thinking about purchasing a new home? Keep reading how this investment company in building socially resposbile homes!

The Steinbridge Group is a leading property development, investment and asset management company that takes a long-term approach to the neighborhoods and cities it works and invests in, providing attainable, high-quality housing to promote wellbeing and long-term growth.

In recent years, the Steinbridge Group has initiated an investment strategy focusing on acquiring and rebuilding attainable homes to lease to working-class families across major US cities. The company’s ultimate goal is to invest more than $2 billion, assembling a portfolio of several thousand homes.

Supported by a team of seasoned real estate professionals with billions of dollars of acquisitions, construction, development, asset management, investing, and leasing experience, the Steinbridge Group invests heavily in its staff and is always on the lookout for professionals with a passion for excellence.

Over the decades, it has become increasingly challenging for working-class families to secure quality, attainable housing options in cities across the United States. Years of gentrification is forcing many out of the area, with skyrocketing rents, rising inflation and spiraling energy bills stretching working-class families to the limit.

Leveraging Tawan Davis’s innovative new model, the Steinbridge Group presents a solution to shortages of family-friendly, attainable properties in gentrifying cities across the United States. After all, these cities could not function without millions of workers to support them, and as Tawan Davis asserts, the people who work there should be able to live there too. Teachers, postal workers, and firefighters are all hard hit by housing price increases. However, the Steinbridge Group presents a sustainable solution, offering attainable and high-quality homes to ease the strain for working-class families.

Responding to the lingering effects of the 2008 economic downturn, Tawan Davis, founder and CEO of the Steinbridge Group, crafted a $425 million strategy geared towards providing single-family rental and small multi-family residences in major transitioning cities.

For Tawan Davis, the math behind this move is simple. As he points out, US home ownership has dropped by 17%, with the average couple renting for 6.6 years before buying, compared with 2.2 years in the 1980s. For investors and developers, venturing into the rental space presented a lucrative yet short-lived focus on high-end apartments, with construction competition driving up costs and lowering returns. For far too long now, developers have failed to invest in creating attainable homes for average American families. While others were slow to grasp the opportunities, shortsightedly focusing on profits alone, the Steinbridge Group responds to core needs in thoughtful and humanizing ways.

Relocating to Philadelphia from New York, CEO Tawan Davis operated with the ethos of ‘well done is better than well said’, a phrase coined by Philadelphia’s beloved Benjamin Franklin.

As Tawan Davis pointed out when embarking on his ambitious project in real estate, less than 2% of US rental homes were owned by institutional lenders. Instead, the vast majority were owned by private individuals, many of whom lacked the resources to properly maintain their properties. The Steinbridge Group set about acquiring houses, improving them and investing resources to keep them in top condition for families.

Fueled by his upbringing, Tawan Davis’s ‘latent asset theory’ centers around recognizing the deeper value in people and communities. Behind the Steinbridge Group lies a business proposition rooted in preserving pride and investing in hidden talent rather than displacing and uprooting untapped American dreams. As Tawan Davis himself concedes, without similar grounding and good fortune, his own story would be quite different.

The Steinbridge Group not only provides working-class families with high-quality, attainable homes but also creates hundreds of jobs, fueling growth in communities as well as the businesses it partners with.

How to Properly Prepare a Room for Painting

Suzette

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-time painter, one thing remains true: proper preparation is the key to a flawless painting project!

Taking the time to prep your room may seem tedious, but it is just as crucial to the result as the actual painting. In this blog post provided by expert painters and decorators working with Fantastic Services, we’ll guide you through the crucial steps and expert tips on how to achieve a smooth and professional finish that will leave you with a masterpiece on your walls.

Protection and Painting Tools You’ll Need

What painting tools do you need to prepare the area? It is quite simple actually, and you may even have most of those in your home already!

  • Soap – Dirt, grime, and oil can prevent paint from adhering properly to any surface. Make sure to thoroughly clean the area with soap to remove all contaminants before you commence.
  • Sponge, gloves, and a bucket – This one is self-explanatory. A skilled handyman always wears gloves to protect his hands, and so should you. Get yourself a bucket to mix in the soap with water and, of course, a sponge to better prepare the surface.
  • Protective sheets – You can use protective sheets or drop cloths. Both will allow you to protect the floors, furniture, and other objects you can not remove before you begin.
  • Sandpaper – Uneven or damaged areas can cause the new paint to crack or peel. Use sandpaper to smooth rough surfaces, remove old paint or wallpaper, and create a nice, even surface for your DIY painting project.
  • Painter’s tape – You can mask off areas you do not want to paint or achieve certain forms. Make sure to properly stick it to the wall so that it stays put once you start the paint job.

Preparing a Room for DIY Painting

Now that you have your tools ready let’s look at what steps you need to take to ensure the best possible results.

Clear the Space

The most important piece of advice that any professional painter will offer you is to make sure you have adequate area in the room. Once you start painting, it will feel like everything gets in your way.

Remove the furniture pieces and wall decorations. If a particular furniture piece is too heavy or big to get out of the room, move it to its centre and cover it up with the protective sheets you got.

Inspect the Walls for Damage

After you’ve prepared your workspace, the following step is to check the area you’ll be painting over. Make sure you complete a thorough examination since this will have an impact on the final outcome of your project. If you spot any holes, cracks, or other damages, fill them in. Once done, use the sandpaper to even out the wall’s surface.

Clean the Walls

Now that you have fixed any minor or major damages you may have had, it is time to get the soap, sponge, and bucket! Mix in the soap with some warm water, put on your gloves, and go through the walls carefully, making sure you clean every inch of them. It is important to note that you should not be using sugar soap.

Protect the Floors and Other Areas

Use protective sheets or drop cloths to carefully cover the entire floor and any remaining items. Ensure you have covered everything, as you don’t want to move sheets around once you start.

Preparing Different Wall Surfaces for DIY Painting

If you have followed through up until now, that is great! You need to cover one final step before starting your project’s fun part! There are a few things to consider depending on the current state of the wall you want to paint.

Plaster Walls

What is important to know about plaster walls is that they have a high absorbance level. What does that mean? Simply put, the first coat of paint you place will get heavily, potentially unevenly, absorbed. This will not only impact the overall appearance of the output but will also significantly increase the expense of the entire procedure. When it comes to plaster walls, professional painters recommend using a primer before you begin the paint job. It will provide the smooth surface you need and protect your colours.

Gloss Wall Surface

We are not going to lie. This is probably the most challenging surface to paint. To get a gloss wall ready for painting, you need to ensure that the paint will actually adhere. To do that, you must thoroughly sand the wall, removing all the sheen/gloss. Once done, carefully clean the wall again using a warm damp cloth, and leave it to dry. Apply a primer once the surface has dried fully. Now your gloss wall surface is ready to be painted!

Wallpaper Walls

Have you decided to change the wallpapers and apply fresh new paint? If you previously opted for peelable wallpapers, you should pat yourself on the back. However, if you hang them with paste, it may be slightly trickier to get rid of them.

In such a situation, you should reach out for your tools for painting and get your stripping knife. It will be a lengthy procedure, but be certain that the wallpaper is thoroughly removed from the wall. Of course, be careful not to damage the plaster underneath. If scraps of wallpaper do not wish to come off, try soaking them with a sponge and hot water. That should soften it and make it easier to strip.

Brick Walls

Brick walls allow you to be more creative with the paint. You can use both interior, as well as exterior shades to achieve the desired result. Similar to plastered walls, you should expect the first coat to be primarily absorbed. You should apply a mist coat. To prepare a mist coat, you should take some water and mix it with the paint. It should be a seven-to-three ratio, with 70% water and 30% paint. Apply the coat, let it dry and go wild the paint afterwards.

Consider Hiring Professional Painters

If this is your first DIY project, then perhaps it is a good idea to reach out to some professional painters and companies. Even if you know all the tips and tricks, painting is challenging, especially if you plan to renovate more than one wall. Not only will the handyman company send out people who will get the job done quickly and efficiently, but you will also be able to “steal” some painting techniques from them, which you can further apply when you are ready to paint by yourself.

Conclusion

Regardless of what paint job you plan on doing, always remember that preparation is vital. The better and more detailed the prep job, the easier the rest will be. Ensure that your walls are thoroughly cleaned. Fix any damage and apply the necessary undercoat. Place enough protective sheets to protect everything in the area, and you are good to go!

5 Inspiring Ways to Elevate Your Home Décor with Sola Wood Flowers

Suzette

Enhance your home decor with the captivating allure of sola wood flowers!

These versatile and stunning creations are not only easy to care for but also provide endless possibilities for arranging them to suit your style. In this piece, we’ll explore five ingenious ways to incorporate sola wood flowers into your home decor.

We’ll cover crafting mesmerizing centerpieces, designing exquisite wreaths and garlands, mastering the art of dyeing wooden flowers, creating your very own customized blooms, and exploring their use in various crafts. Plus, we’ll share expert tips on choosing the ideal colors and sizes to harmonize with your home’s aesthetic.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, we’ll make sure to spark your imagination and inspire your next project. So let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of wooden flowers in transforming your home!

Enhance your home decor with the captivating allure of sola wood flowers! These versatile and breathtaking creations not only require minimal care but also offer endless opportunities for arranging them to match your personal taste. In this article, we will explore five innovative methods to incorporate sola wood flowers into your home decor.

We will delve into the art of crafting mesmerizing centerpieces, designing exquisite wreaths and garlands, mastering the technique of dyeing wooden flowers, creating your very own customized blossoms, and discovering their use in various crafts. Additionally, we will provide expert advice on selecting the perfect colors and sizes to harmonize with the aesthetic of your home.

Whether you are an experienced crafter or a beginner, we guarantee to ignite your imagination and inspire your next project. So let’s embark on this journey and unleash the limitless potential of wooden flowers in transforming your living space!

Advantages of Using Wooden Flowers in Comparison to Fresh Flowers

Durability

Unlike fresh flowers that wither and demand regular replacement, wooden flowers maintain their beauty indefinitely. This ensures that you can relish in your floral arrangements for years to come, saving you both time and money in the long term.

Low Upkeep

Fresh flowers necessitate regular watering, pruning, and care, whereas wooden flowers only require occasional dusting or gentle cleaning to preserve their appearance. This makes them an ideal choice for individuals with busy schedules or limited experience in floral maintenance.

Allergy-Friendly

As wooden flowers are artificial and do not release pollen, they can be enjoyed without triggering any allergic reactions. This makes them a suitable option for households where allergies are a concern.

Wooden Flowers Decor Ideas

Craft Wooden Blooms Centerpieces

Indulge in the art of crafting wooden blooms to create visually pleasing and enduring centerpieces that will captivate onlookers in your dining room, living area, or entryway. Carefully arrange the wooden blooms with artistic flair, placing them in a graceful vase, a stylish bowl, or even a rustic wooden crate. For a chic centerpiece, consider pairing bold-colored wooden flowers with neutral-toned elements like twigs or greenery. To achieve a more rustic look, combine natural-tone wooden flowers with burlap or lace accents. The result will be a centerpiece that serves as a focal point, effortlessly infusing your space with natural beauty and creating a lasting impression.

Embrace the charm of wreaths

Discover the perfect way to adorn your home by fashioning wreaths with wooden flowers. Hang them on your front door to welcome guests, display them above your fireplace for a touch of warmth, or grace your walls with their captivating beauty. For a romantic and whimsical wreath, combine soft-colored wooden flowers with delicate vines or ribbons. If you prefer a bolder look, use vibrant-colored wooden flowers with contrasting greenery or feathers. The possibilities are endless, and each wreath will bring a unique and inviting touch to your space.

Add an elegant touch with garlands

Elevate any special occasion or infuse your home with a sense of refinement by creating a garland using sola wood flowers. Delicately arrange them to adorn your mantel, add a touch of whimsy to your windows, or even encircle your bed for a dreamy atmosphere. For a festive garland, mix colorful wooden flowers with sparkling fairy lights. If you desire a more rustic charm, combine natural-tone wooden flowers with twisted branches or dried leaves. The natural beauty of wooden blooms will create an enchanting ambiance wherever they are placed.

Personalize with custom colors

Inject a burst of color and personality into your home decor by dyeing sola wood flowers in any shade of your choice. With this simple yet impactful technique, you can create your own unique flowers that perfectly complement your style and interior. Consider dyeing wooden flowers in shades that coordinate with the season, such as pastel hues for spring or warm tones for autumn. Experiment with ombre effects by blending different shades of dye, or create a monochromatic display using varying intensities of the same color. Let your imagination run free as you experiment with various hues and create a vibrant atmosphere in your living space.

Unleash your creativity in crafts

Explore the endless possibilities of incorporating sola wood flowers into a myriad of crafts. Design captivating wall art by arranging wooden flowers in a geometric pattern or creating a floral mosaic. Create stunning jewelry pieces by attaching wooden blooms to necklaces, earrings, or bracelets. You can even embellish photo frames, candle holders, or decorative boxes with wooden flowers to add a unique touch to your home decor. Allow the beauty of wooden flowers to inspire you and let your imagination soar as you infuse them into your artistic endeavors.

Below are a few additional suggestions on how to incorporate wooden flowers into your home design:

  • Opt for suitable hues. Consider the existing color palette in your living area when selecting sola wood flowers for your decor. Aim for a cohesive look by choosing hues that complement and harmonize with the colors already present. Take note of the undertones and shades in your space to ensure the wooden flowers enhance the overall aesthetic instead of clashing with it.
  • Embrace the art of mixing and matching. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different shades, dimensions, and forms of sola wood flowers. Mix and match various colors and sizes to create unique and captivating displays. Combining different elements adds depth and visual interest to your arrangements, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
  • Dare to be adventurous. There are no set guidelines when it comes to utilizing wooden flowers in your interior adornment. Engage in different floral arrangements and discover your personal preferences. Furthermore, try out different placements, experiment with different containers and accessories, and discover the arrangements that resonate with you and your home’s atmosphere.

Remember to trust your instincts and have fun experimenting with different combinations until you find the perfect balance that harmonizes with your home’s aesthetic. And infuse every corner of your living space with the timeless elegance and natural charm of sola wood flowers to delight in the joy they bring to your home decor!

Sleek Ways to Incorporate Your Audio System into Your Décor

Suzette

Sometimes, an audio system can look out of place inside your home. Audio systems are often bulky. It can be a challenge to properly position them to fit your interiors!

Photos By: Unsplash

Dell is known for its sleek designs and advanced technology. It has a variety of audio system components on its website. You can find a great assortment of products that can match your home’s design. You can use your Dell coupon code to purchase the right type of audio system to match your interiors.

Below are some sleek ways to incorporate your audio system into your home’s décor.

Create a Media Wall 

Creating a dedicated media wall is a clever way to blend in your audio system with your interiors. The wall should have enough space to contain the wires and cables. Making the wall a little darker or lighter than the rest of your interiors can make this wall pop. You can hang your TV at the center with a screensaver to accentuate the wall. Positioning the speakers at certain angles or hiding them behind the wall through custom screens concealing them are good ideas.

Build a Home Bar

If you love entertaining guests, then you can have a home bar to place your audio system in. Just make sure to  use the right model of audio components to fit into your design. A home bar is a great place to watch games or even the news. You can even watch TV there from anywhere in the living room if you placed the bar near it.

Get a Concealing Cabinet

A cabinet matching your interiors can conceal your audio system well. Smooth design and ergonomic handles can make the shelves seamless when the audio system is not in use.

Use Decorative Wall Covers

You can choose to place your bookshelf speakers on space-saving shelves in the wall. Some people like seeing them. Others do not. You can hide the speakers with decorative wall covers like those made of bamboo or rattan. These materials can deliver the sound while concealing your audio system. The effect can even add more life to your living space.

Hide in Plain Sight

If you do have a large bookshelf, you can place your audio system within those books. The speakers can go on each shelf without anyone noticing it. Positioning the speakers behind the books can also work well.

Enhance the Background Décor With the System

You can have your audio system colors customized to match background décor. Making them part of the wall can make your sound system seem like part of the wall.

Show Them Off

Getting large speakers can be the answer to your design problem. You can choose to put your speakers on display instead of hiding them. This can work if you get an audio system with a sleek, eye-catching design.

Conclusion

You can get the audio system that you want and incorporate it into your existing décor. Concealing or putting them on display is up to you. It depends on your taste and how you want your audio system to appear in your space.

23 Lighting Ideas that Brighten Up Your Event Space

Suzette

Are you interested in some lighting ideas that could brighten up your event space? Know more in this article!

 

Photos By: Blingle

When planning an event, it’s important to consider every detail to make your guests feel comfortable and excited. Never miss out on lighting for your events! Lighting can set the mood and create a specific atmosphere for your guests.

In this blog post, we will discuss 23 different lighting ideas that will brighten up your event space!

Let the event dictate how your lighting circumvents

One of the most important things to consider when planning your event’s lighting is the type of event you are hosting.

If you are hosting a formal event, then you will want to use softer and more subtle lighting. However, if you are hosting a party or other informal event, then you can be more creative with your lighting!

There are many different types of lighting design that you can use to brighten up your event space, so be sure to experiment with a few different options before settling on the perfect one for your event.

Here are unique ideas that you can utilize for your event space:

Customized neon letters and signs

The neon sign fad appears to be gaining steam. If you want to make your event space unique, this eye-catching illumination choice is ideal—you may use the neon sign to display your last name or a cheeky phrase for an amusing photo backdrop behind your head table.

Make your theme glow with GOBO

Using a custom GOBO created with a source-four light fixture adds a unique branding opportunity and interesting aesthetic to any room. GOBO or stencil lighting is particularly appropriate for small companies since it may be customized to match any brand or concept.

LED for pixel tube lighting

These lights have caught fire in the planning business to brighten up your event space, not only because of their unusual appearance but also due to how simple they are to use and install. These wireless baton-shaped tubes can be placed just about anywhere to illuminate an area and provide a unique aspect to a keynote presentation while also generating a variety of lighting effects.

You can make them come to life when you have individual LEDs or pixels under your control, which results in spectacular effects.

Integrate moving LEDs and GOBO’s

This excellent combination may be used to set the tone of the event, entertain guests, and call attention to any structural elements you want to emphasize even if you don’t have a lot of room for additional décor items.

Fairy lights to greeneries

Fairy lights are used to decorate a range of DIY natural greenery displays to create garlands in interesting ways that you may easily duplicate for your occasion.

Waterfall of string lights

If you’re going to use individual string lights to aesthetically brighten up your event space, save the walls of the venue by using clear wall hooks or thumbtacks to create your design. Alternatively, look for ones that are already completed on sites like Pottery Barn and Amazon.

Hanging rustic bulbs

Create stripped-back, rustic effects by using string-lit light bulbs with obvious elements to mimic vintage lighting. Replacing traditional bulbs with soft lighting can help set the tone for an evening event.

Outlining corners with LEDs

This fantastic LED entrance is a great way to spice up tents or temporary structures. It also serves as a distinct transition from the outside world to the gala within, altering the mood and vibe of those in attendance so that they are ready to enjoy themselves!

Walls as a canvas of stage light shows

For situations where you can’t make any modifications, such as a church, altering the tone of the occasion and generating a background color with lighting is an option.

Combining LED wash lights with GOBO moving lights inside created the cobweb effect against a backdrop to produce greater stage intensity.

Light your centerpiece up!

Battery-powered light discs placed underneath items like centerpieces, flowers, buffet displays, and pictures create a modest yet noticeable impact. They provide warmth and color to any event and go above and beyond typical candles by projecting light from below.

Candle markers for aisles and walkways

To create a lovely, intimate ambiance, use pillar candles to brighten up your event space or ceremony aisle. This is one of our favorite lighting ideas to reproduce at any kind of location, from garden weddings to formal ballrooms.

Play with bistro lights

Strands of bistro lights or Christmas lights will provide instant appeal and distinctiveness to your event, whether you’re hosting it at an outdoor location or an indoor venue.

Suspend them in rows from the ceiling over your lounge area, dance floor, or wedding reception tables to make a beautiful canopy of fairy lights.

Showering strands

To create an awe-inspiring atmosphere, hang dozens of draped LED string lights over a clear-top wedding tent—it’ll feel as though you’re celebrating beneath a glamorous night sky. A sailcloth tent will look fitting for this wedding lighting concept.

Chandelier supremacy

Why stop at one chandelier when you can have ’em all Crystal chandeliers provide a lavish and dramatic touch to your wedding decorations. If your venue does not already include chandeliers, consider hiring them from a local event stylist or decorator.

Accentuate with hurricane lanterns

To make it easy for your visitors to move about the location after dark, use candlelit lanterns on the main pathways at your site. If candles aren’t an option, you may achieve the same effect using battery-operated alternatives.

Uplight bare corners to add drama

To get the best out of LEDs, use them in conjunction with other lighting techniques, like certain uplighting planning trends and techniques that you can find online.

Oversized bulbs as lighting strands

When hanging them, begin at the plug end so you don’t pull them too far away that they can’t reach the outlet. Also, glass bulbs are a must-have. They’re more attractive and produce better illumination.

Varying pillar candle-lit staircases

Beautiful candles on staircases are a versatile way to brighten up your event space because they could fit both a minimalist and maximalist event style.

Vintage lanterns to dark areas

Old fashioned lanterns provide a unique touch to off-the-radar event locations. If you don’t have time to go thrifting for genuine vintage lanterns, you may make your own that are configurable for your event.

Disco balls, mirrors, and glittery chains

To add a little glitz to your top lighting layer, hang lights inside or around them. Or, if you want to really focus on them, shine an additional light or two.

Custom-theme your background scenery (night skies, blue seas, etc.)

If you want to display a particular picture, individual LED projectors are available for small spaces. If you’re confined to a smaller area, combine GOBOs and stencils or filters to produce the effect.

Associate lanterns with columns and tree branches

Make sure you test out your extension cord ahead of time to wrap trees with outdoor lights. Choose a good foundation (bare, leafless trunks are ideal) and double-check that it’s enough.

Uplight pipes and drapes

Fabric panels, when used in conjunction with appropriate uplighting, can be a fantastic technique to conceal unsightly features and set the tone for your event. “Pipe and drape” is the industry term for the exquisite fabric treatments observed at weddings of all sorts.

The lighting you choose sets the tone for your visitors’ experience. It’s critical to deal with reputable lighting professionals that are known for their efficiency, innovation, and exceptional service. Improve your lighting with Blingle! and bump them up to a whole new level!

These guys can help you decide on the perfect lights and can brighten up your event space by shouldering the entire installation process cozily. They are just one call away, so waste no time!

No matter what type of event you are hosting or planning, there is a lighting option that will accentuate your entire space suitably and make it more enjoyable for your guests! Be sure to experiment with the above mentioned lighting ideas until you find the one for you!