Make Your Next Home Renovation and Interior Design Project Shine

Knowing when it’s time for a home glow-up—and where to get started—can be difficult. Whether you want to spice up your lawn, seek design inspiration or need advice on HVAC systems, we’ve got you covered. In this article:

• 888 Log Guys details how to know when it's time to restore your log home. 
• Lorenz Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning helps homeowners know when to upgrade HVAC and water heating systems for lasting comfort, efficiency and peace of mind.
• Concepts by Design shares five signs it might be time for a home refresh.
• Erica Lea Design Studios shares a beautiful before and after home glow-up.
• JAG’s Lawn & Landscape offers three tips for enhancing your curb appeal. 

Much goes into a home renovation, so we’ve gathered tips and tricks from the best in 417-land.

Signs Your Log Home Needs Maintenance and Restoration

888 Log Guys

Location: 6701 Selmore Rd, Ozark
Specialty: Log home restoration

A log home glow-up brings back the natural beauty and integrity of the wood while enhancing the home’s character and curb appeal. Unlike conventional homes, log homes wear their age on the outside. Restoring them often means more than just cosmetic updates—it’s essential care that helps the home look better and last longer. That can include stripping away years of weathering, renewing the color, sealing for protection and preserving the logs for future generations.

Some of the most common signs that a log home is due for a refresh or restoration include:

• Faded, peeling or uneven stain.
• Dark patches or mildew that suggest moisture has started to seep in.
• Soft or punky wood, a sign of rot beginning.
• Visible gaps or failed caulking between logs or around windows.
• An uptick in pest activity, like carpenter bees or ants.

When these kinds of wear-and-tear start to show, it’s a good time to step in, prevent further damage and bring back the home’s character. The most dramatic transformations often come from deep restoration work:

• Stripping away old stain through media blasting or sanding removes years of buildup and sun damage.
• A fresh, high-quality stain immediately elevates the entire look of the home.
• Chinking or caulking helps seal out water and pests while giving the exterior a crisp, finished look.
• Restoring decks and porches with complementary stain and any needed structural fixes ties the whole exterior together. 

These updates not only make the home look refreshed but also protect it from long-term deterioration.

Smart Upgrades Start Behind the Walls

Lorenz Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning

Location: 1429 N. Cedarbrook Ave., Springfield
Specialty: Heating, plumbing and air conditioning systems

When homeowners think about giving their space a “glow-up,” things like paint colors or flooring tend to top the list. But the team at Lorenz Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning says true comfort starts with the systems you can’t always see.

Upgrading HVAC systems or water heaters can have an immediate impact on everyday life. A properly sized, high-efficiency HVAC unit keeps homes cool during blistering summers and warm through harsh winters—all while using less energy. And the difference between a dependable water heater and a failing one? Either a hot, relaxing shower or a freezing start to your day.

The Lorenz team walks homeowners through each decision by focusing on the big picture: performance, cost, long-term efficiency and return on investment. They ask thoughtful questions about how long a homeowner plans to stay, what they’re currently struggling with and how much hot water the household actually uses. From there, they provide custom-fit solutions, including whether a tank or tankless water heater makes more sense based on daily usage and water temperature needs.

Most importantly, they encourage people to start thinking about replacements before there’s an emergency. HVAC systems start aging around 15 years, and planning ahead helps homeowners avoid rushed decisions during extreme weather.

No matter the project, the Lorenz team keeps it simple: Ask the right questions, offer honest advice and make sure homeowners feel confident in every choice.

5 Signs It’s Time for a Home Refresh

Concepts by Design

Location: 4123 N. State Hwy H, Springfield
Specialty: Custom cabinets, closets and storage solutions

Luxury meets functionality at Concepts by Design—a high-end custom cabinet and closet company. Their skilled designers and craftsmen specialize in creating unique storage solutions that enhance living spaces. Wondering if it’s time to refresh your home? Shelley Wehner, owner of Concepts by Design, shares five signs it may be time for an update:

1. Lack of functionality
If your current layout or organization no longer suits your needs, it may be time to update your living space for better functionality. The Concepts by Design team can incorporate pull-out shelves, drawer organizers or vertical storage solutions in the design to maximize space and keep items organized.

2. Change in lifestyle
Major life changes, such as a new family member or working from home, can make your existing setup less effective. Updating your space to accommodate these changes ensures your home continues to serve your needs.

3. Signs of wear and tear
Visible damage—such as cracked or peeling finishes, scratches, dents, water damage or hard-to-open drawers—can signal that it’s time for a refresh. Addressing these issues not only improves aesthetics but also functionality and durability.

4. Outdated decor
If the decor throughout your home feels out of date or no longer matches your personal style, it may be time for a refresh. 

5. A desire for a fresh look
Sometimes, a desire for change or a new aesthetic direction is all the motivation needed to update your living space.

“When in doubt or unsure of the direction you should go, reach out to an expert,” Wehner says. “An expert can save time, money and many headaches for the client.”

Check Out This Stunning Before and After

Erica Lea Design Studios

Location: 380 E. State Hwy CC Suite D105, Nixa
Specialty: Interior design

Erica Lea Design Studios, based in Nixa, aims to create a positive sense of place in homes, enhancing family belonging. “Our goal is for people to enjoy an exciting design experience and beautifully finished project,” says Owner and Founder Erica Hendrix. 

Recently, they renovated a home for a couple, creating a more inviting space for friends, children and grandchildren. After decades in their home, it was time to elevate the way they wanted to live for the next phase of their lives. “One of the first things I noticed was Helen's posh, colorful and preppy outfits,” Hendrix says. “She was a ray of sunshine in contrast to her husband who is equally kind but analytical, and her balance. I loved them from the start.” 

The team focused on enhancing and elevating the layout, ensuring the homeowners had a cozy place to read, a functional kitchen with easy movement and places to store their treasured antique items and family heirlooms.

The redesign included brightening the kitchen and dining room by replacing dark wood cabinets with white ones, complemented by gold accents for cohesiveness. Serving beautiful dinners, snacks and beverages is now easy with a new orientation of each space. 

In the living room, new shelving was installed for the couple’s antiques and heirlooms. “Nothing gets me more excited than organizing someone's lifetime of love and tchotchkes,” Hendrix says. Furniture was carefully selected to meet the couple’s evolving needs, adding both elegance and comfort. “While I love the result,” Hendrix says, “what brings me the most joy, is their new enthusiasm for life in their little slice of heaven.”

How to Enhance Your Curb Appeal

JAG’s Lawn & Landscape

Location: 4913 S. Farm Rd. 223, Rogersville
Specialty: Landscaping and lawn maintenance

JAG’s Lawn & Landscape is a seasoned landscaping and lawn maintenance company with over 30 years of experience. What makes JAG’s stand out amongst its competitors is its ability to design and install new landscapes, while also providing the proper services to maintain and make improvements for each of its customers. Their business thrives on building and nurturing long-term relationships with clients and addressing all their landscaping needs, whether they are new or old projects.

The team at JAG’s has a wealth of knowledge and is offering three tips for enhancing your curb appeal:

1. Sign up for monthly maintenance
JAG’s provides monthly maintenance services, including mowing, irrigation and weed control. They take pride in their work, delivering the quality and attention to detail that their customers deserve. Simply switching to JAG’s for your monthly maintenance needs can significantly boost your curb appeal.

2. Update or renovate your flower beds
Speak to one of JAG’s experienced landscape professionals about refreshing your flower beds. They will consult with their customers and plan plantings that will provide changes of color all season long so there is never a lack of curb appeal.

3. Add landscape lighting
JAGs’ customers all have beautiful landscapes, but what really sets them above the rest is their landscape lighting. Outdoor landscape lighting is a great way to accent some of your favorite parts of your landscaping or even your home, and this can provide a huge boost to the curb appeal of your home all year round.