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Redesign: Which Major Home Projects Are Worth It?

March 2, 2022 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

A little sprucing up goes a long way in boosting your home’s value, but the money is not always there to do major renovations. You can always try to work on some projects yourself, but others are better left to the professionals. It is important to think about what you want for your home and what your home needs. In this article, we will discuss some major home improvement projects that may be worth your time.

1. Incorporate Energy-Saving Fixtures

Most consumers prefer home improvements that promote environmental sustainability because these improvements are also energy-efficient and help save more money. If you incorporate more of them into your home, you’ll be a step ahead not only for yourself but also towards building an eco-friendly environment. Consider doing these things:

Use sustainable building materials for your renovation
Develop more efficient waste recycling systems
Install solar panels
Rework your home’s caulk in the attic, windows, and doors
Replace plumbing fixtures with low-flow alternatives

2. Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

Your home’s exterior is the first impression your visitors get before entering your home. Therefore, you must spruce it up the best way you can. If there’s one thing that COVID-19 taught us is the freedom to enjoy the outdoors. Most people would instead buy a home or work with a custom home builder in Ocean City to create a space where they can rest outside on their own property without restrictions

These upgrades won’t cost you much but will certainly do the trick. Consider the following:

Powerwash any concrete surface like your front steps or patio
Add a firepit
Repaint your home’s exterior, including the door
Get a yard professional to reseed and tend to your lawn
Repave your driveway and pressure wash it

3. Expand the Living Area

A home is not complete without a sufficient living room space. It’s the main center for interaction, entertainment, and relaxation. If you have an underutilized space like the attic or basement, you can finish it to create a new living space. You can add a home theater, a library, or a playroom just by taking advantage of under-utilized spaces in your home. It’s typically a less expensive option than a home addition, and it’s a worthy consideration.

4. Modify the Kitchen

The kitchen is a central functional space in any home; therefore, an upgrade is worth the cost. There are tons of renovations that you can do to give your kitchen that stylish look and easier to maneuver while in it without looking crowded. Consider doing these things:

Modernize the storage places by using built-in cabinets with lighting beneath them or repaint
Replace the countertops
Upgrade the sink and faucet
Buy stainless steel appliances
Replace the lighting fixtures
Update the flooring with ceramic tiles in a pattern of your choice

5. Upgrade the Bathroom

Besides the kitchen, the bathroom is the next space you can focus your energy on when thinking of a remodel. It may be uncouth to discuss, but everyone needs to use the bathroom at some point. Here are upgrades to consider:

Install a new bathtub or replace it with a modern showerhead to get more space
Replace old plumbing fixtures
Install support bars
Update the lighting and floor
Setup storage spaces

6. Refresh Your Windows

More homeowners are opting for uncomplicated techniques of refreshing their home looks by taking advantage of the available modern window treatments, which are more energy-efficient. Depending on your choice of window treatment, the professionals can seamlessly fix blinds inside glass panes of your existing windows.

Over time, this has become a popular option since it doesn’t require a complicated fixing process. Windows with internal blinds can transform your home since you can get rid of the heavy curtains. Alternatively, if you have more wall space, you can add more windows or a skylight, especially in the darker rooms. The bottom line is to ensure that all rooms are well-lit.

7. Add Automated Systems

In a modern world, it would be ignorant not to acknowledge the effectiveness of modern gadgets even in our homes. Smart devices can make your home’s life easier, especially security, convenient operation from anywhere, and energy management. Consider adding automated systems for:

Security-house alarms, door locks
Garden Irrigation by a sprinkler system
Lighting and appliance control through voice commands
Thermostat for temperature control

8. Replace Old Flooring

Tile floors can easily stain, they’re hard to clean, and they can get freezing over the cold season. In the cold season, these tile floors are also hard to heat up, and they may increase your utility bills exponentially. For this reason, vinyl floors have risen in popularity since they’re easy to install, and you can easily coexist with them across all seasons.

At least with these, you will not need many rugs, which makes the floor look crowded. For your bathroom, however, the best option remains porcelain non-slip tiles. However, if you need wooden flooring for your bathroom, you must ensure that it’s well refinished to prevent water from sipping into it.

9. Do an Entire Interior Paint Job

Just like you did that exterior repaint, a complete interior repaint will undoubtedly refresh your home’s look. Avoid mixing unusual colors and stick to colors that easily blend in with almost everything. The most common colors are; beige, white, and grey. Use durable high gloss paint with a non-porous finish that’s also easy to clean.

10. Think About Renovation Your Closets

Storage is a crucial factor for many homeowners with large families. No matter how neat you are, your bedroom’s storage choice will always let you down if it doesn’t hide away everything in your bedroom in place. It’s also exciting to wake up to a neat bedroom, rather than one with a crowded look.

A closet redesign ensures that your bedroom is always tidy and livable and enhances organization. Depending on your space, look for the best closet system to use for your bedroom.

If you’ve wanted to revamp your home, then those upgrades will do just that. Please don’t shy away from doing your research to ensure that you get it right and hire the right professionals to do it.

Tags: bathroom remodeling, contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, flooring, home improvement, home organization, kitchen, landscaping, paint, windows

Your Kitchen Corner: Creating a Chic and Unique Kitchen

September 16, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

When a person who has worked hard wants to show off the fruits of their labor, they often do it by buying and owning an amazing house. If you’re one of those people, then it’s a good feeling to get recognized through the compliments we receive from our visitors. This kind of appreciation heartens us to give our home a touch up—minimal or extensive.

Most of the time, we often dwell in the kitchen for every particular hour of the day. We drink our morning drink in the coffee table next to the dining table where we eat our meals. We would always dine together with our families near the kitchen. The point is, we often spend more time in the kitchen than one would think. Because of that fact, we all should need to improve how our kitchen looks.

Shop Online

Because of the pandemic that’s putting a halt on our routine activities such as shopping, going online and buying straight out of the internet is the best choice today. From extensive options for product specifications to a wide range of prices, online shopping is the ultimate way to look for stuff during the pandemic. If you have a particular set of wants and needs, then all you need is to narrow down your choices on getting what you really what.

With that said, you can shop for almost anything online. And with “anything,” that includes all the stuff you need for your kitchen’s looks. Here are a few more things to your kitchen that you can get through shopping online.

1. Kitchen Cabinets

If you fancy storing spices and utensils in the kitchen cabinet rather than in the countertop, then don’t skip this section. When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the gallery you find on online listings would seem endless, so you have to cut to the chase and rely on recommendations.

Although you won’t be able to physically see the kitchen cabinet you want to buy, pictures will be provided so you can view every detail about it. Shopping online will help you save up on delivery fees. You won’t have to pay labor to move it inside your house. With ready to assemble kitchen cabinets, you’ll also save more money and time in installing them.

2. Kitchen Countertops

Coffee lovers would absolutely prefer countertops for their coffee machines. Brewing coffee is more agreeable when you have a pleasant countertop where you would place your favorite cup while waiting for your coffeemaker to finish its job.

A kitchen without a countertop is like a garden without flowers. Sounds absurd, right? Aside from brewing your favorite cup of coffee, a countertop is where you would want to start preparing meals. From chopping the raw ingredients down to garnishing your dish, the countertop is one busy area that you absolutely need.

3. Kitchenware

If you already have a good looking countertop, your kitchen wares should also follow suit. A particular section of your kitchen cabinet should be available for kitchenware. Though having plenty of colors inside your kitchen may look good for some, it can get a bit disorienting for some. Having the proper color combinations with your kitchen wares can give your eyes that refreshing feeling.

Customized Purchases

If you are into hands-on kitchen designing, you should get your kitchen customized by a reliable professional. Though you could hire someone to plot your own kitchen, your participation in deciding on the smallest details could be more satisfactory than giving it all to the builder.

From kitchen sinks to wall tiles, it’s your job to have a say on your personal preferences as the owner of the house. If you’re a fan for everything custom-made, there are actual customization shops for kitchen wares that you can check out. Having a place that you help design and conceive is one of the best places to stay in.

Get a Kitchen Remodeling Professional

It is necessary to look into the reputation of the contractor. You need to at least check the kitchen remodeling specialist’s profile as a prerequisite for this undertaking. Remember that your kitchen is your pride booster. You wouldn’t want to trust anyone out of the line.

For homeowners who spend most of their time in the workplace away from home, getting the job done by an expert with an excellent reputation is worthwhile. Giving your kitchen an upgrade demands you to invest a lot of time and money. Making sure that you get the best person to do the job makes sure those investments don’t go to waste.

Takeaway

As a hardworking person, it would only make sense to have a home that’s uniquely you. One of the best ways to make a house look good is by upgrading the kitchen. The tips above will help you get a good looking kitchen that doesn’t sacrifice quality and functionality over looks.

Tags: average cost, cabinet ideas, cabinets, contemporary, countertops, home improvement, kitchen

5 DIY Projects that Increase the Value of Your Home

August 31, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling, Uncategorized

Home improvement is the best thing to do if you want to upgrade your home. DIY projects can provide more appeal and value to your real estate, including houses for sale in North Vancouver. Having some home projects and home decorating can also ease your mind to make sure that the value of your home will not deteriorate. Home improvement projects can also allow you to Feng shui your home to get more positive energy to come in. IF you want to have a DIY home, you can just choose some easy DIY project to make the DIY home improvement to be fun and rewarding.

1. Renew Your Landscape and Curb Appeal

If you want your real estate looking polish, you need to go ahead and do some DIY outdoor to add more curb appeal to your surroundings. You can redecorate your front porch as well as your front door. Try to use chalk paint and get some designer tips online to transform your real estate facade. That will add more appeal to your home, and you don’t even have to hire anyone to get things done. You can always find more exterior designs online and go for DIY home improvement.

Another great idea to improve your landscape is to have a herb garden. You can have a modern house number planter using some pieces of wood from your barn. While you’re at it, redesign your barn door as well and make it look prettier. You can paint it with tree stumps design so that it will blend in perfectly to your garden.

2) Replace Carpet with Laminate Floors

Another essential thing to do when it comes to doing some DIY home projects is to replace your carpet floors with the laminated floors. It will change the overall look of your house, and it will surely look brand new. You don’t have to worry about reinstalling laminated floors by yourself. There are many video tutorials from YouTube that you can watch so that you will learn how it’s done. It will save you a lot of money by doing that.

After changing your floors, it’s about time also to repair essential items in the house. You can check your air conditioner to see if it needed service and repairs. You can also try to check your electric wires that may need more attention and have some electrical repair already. The last but not the least is your plumbing that may also need some plumbing repair to ensure that everything is running well within your real estate.

3) Add an Outdoor Space

A DIY patio is a great addition to make your real estate more sophisticated and cozy. Just add a patio umbrella and outdoor table to have your very own outdoor space. It’s great for your mental health as well as you’re family members because it can be the place for you to hang out with each other or just relax by yourself. You can also add a porch swing if you have kids so that they can also have their playground without the need to leave the real estate.

Having an outdoor space will add more appeal to your home. You don’t always have to stay indoors since you can still sit back and relax in your DIY patio. It will also be picture-perfect in case you’re planning to sell your real estate soon. The buyers will be enticed to seal the deal right away because it’s an ideal home. But you can also just keep it for your enjoyment.

4) Make a Home office

A home office is a good idea, especially because of Covid 19, people need home offices. It’s a perfect DIY home project so that you can have your workspace from your real estate. It will ensure productivity since you will get the feel of working from your own office. There are many design ideas that you can check online or just go for your design and avoid hiring interior designers.

You will need to decide about the coat of paint that you want to use for your DIY home office. It can be a simple task that you can tackle this weekend. Make sure to add storage space for relevant documents that you need for your home office. Have your contact paper and picture frame as well so that you will be comfortable in your workspace once it’s done.

5) Renovate Your Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen cabinets are often neglected since it’s being used as food storage or just to keep some kitchen utensils for cooking. But it’s best if you will also spice up your kitchen by using some faux marble that will guarantee to spruce up your space in no time. Just decide what will be the new theme of your kitchen and align it with the cabinets to make your kitchen better looking.

Of course, saving money should also be prioritized when doing a DIY home project. That’s why you’re doing it yourself. You can check some IKEA hack, Lowes, or home depot so that you can compare the prices of the materials. Then you choose the most affordable yet with excellent quality materials so that you can make sure that your kitchen will look great for a long time.

Conclusion

These DIY projects will increase the value of your home without the need to spend too much. Since you can just buy the materials from a place that you can get it the cheapest, you no longer have to pay for the labor of doing the project. You’re real estate will surely increase the value since it will look as if it’s newly built as well as well maintained. It’s best to just research the materials that you will need and compare the prices from each store so that you will not end up paying more. Once you have everything that you need for your DIY project, you can go ahead and start working so that you can already see the results. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and feel proud about doing the DIY project that looks like a PRO made it.

Tags: contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, flooring, home improvement, kitchen, landscaping, patio

DIY Projects You Don’t Need a Pro For

October 8, 2019 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

If you’re itching to fix up your home, but don’t have the cash to pay a professional to do the work for you, fortunately, there are many projects homeowners can do themselves to improve their home’s value, look, and functionality. Don’t be afraid to get creative and get your hands dirty – these DIY projects really don’t need a pro, just a little time and effort.

Backsplash

Professionals typically charge around $60 per hour for labor costs to install a new backsplash. Although they make look very difficult to install, any homeowner can do it themselves with a little research and a few tutorial videos. The only tools and materials you need are a level, tile cutter, spacers, adhesive, grout, and of course, the tile. Intricate tiling or mosaics come with a mesh backing for easy installation, so don’t let the beautiful detailing scare you.

Outdoor Fire Pit

If you own Raleigh real estate, you might want to enjoy some evenings outdoors in the warm summer season. An outdoor fire pit is one of the easiest projects to do yourself and a fairly inexpensive way to add a spot for outdoor entertainment.

You can purchase cement pavers from any major home improvement store, such as Home Depot or Lowes. Before you buy spend some time thinking about how large and how tall you want your fire pit to be. You might even try playing around with them at the store to get a better idea of how it might look. Once you’re home, you can wrap them around an old barbeque ring or place them freestanding. Small square pavers can be used for the bottom or flooring of the pit or you can use gravel or rock. Sand, cement, or mortar can help to fill in any gaps.

Refinish Wood Floors

If you have nice wood floors under those dirty carpets, it’s time to rip those old carpets out and refinish the beautiful wood underneath. While carpeting is preferred by most homeowners in the bedrooms, the look of wood floors in common areas is a popular trend. It’s rather simple to refinish them, too. Start by renting a walk-behind sander from your hardware or home improvement store – the type of sandpaper depends on the finish you currently have. Thick finishes or painted floors initially require coarse sandpaper. Every floor should be followed with a medium and fine paper to achieve a smooth finish; be sure to thoroughly clean up the dust with a vacuum and tack cloth. Next, choose between three finishes: polyurethane, varnish, or a penetrating sealer. Each has its own distinct look and various durability. Follow the instructions closely on the finish you choose.

Tags: backyard, bathroom, cabinet ideas, cabinets, ceramic tile, contemporary, countertops, deck, flooring, home improvement, kitchen

Four Big-Ticket Home Remodeling Upgrades with Resale Value

March 18, 2014 | Remodeling

Few homeowners are completely satisfied with the layout, décor or overall appearance of their homes. This often leads to big home renovation projects, many of which cost thousands of dollars to complete. As these homeowners spend their savings or take out additional mortgages to finance these improvements, they often begin to wonder whether the renovations will really increase the value of their homes or will simply take all their money.

While the average costs associated with remodeling have dropped 10-15 percent in the past few years, the overall selling prices for most homes has also decreased. This makes choosing renovations that will provide the most resale value even more important.

While small remodeling projects, such as replacing a worn front door or updating to energy efficient windows, still bring the highest returns, there are opportunities for larger renovations to improve a home’s value. These are the top four big-ticket home remodeling upgrades that retain the most resale value:

1. Kitchen Remodeling Projects
While gutting and completely rebuilding a kitchen is an expense that generally will not pay off for homeowners, a fairly minor kitchen re-do can add up to 83 percent to the home’s value. By simply updating a kitchen with new cabinet doors, newer appliances and high-quality countertops, sinks and hardware, homeowners can provide a new look to their kitchen for under 20,000 dollars. Potential buyers walk into these partially renovated spaces and assume that these changes cost between 40,000-50,000, and they are willing to pay more for the homes.

A good rule of thumb for kitchen remodeling projects is to budget and spend approximately 25 percent of the home’s value. Spending more than this will be putting too much capital into a home that will not be recouped at resale. Additionally, homeowners should be cautious about building ultramodern spaces in traditional homes. Potential buyers like to see updated fixtures, but they also want kitchens that match the style of the home’s architecture.

2. Bathroom Remodeling Projects
When potential buyers view a home, quality bathrooms are often their second-highest priority. Like renovated kitchens, remodeled bathrooms can look especially high-end, clean and luxurious. These qualities can entice many buyers to pay top-dollar for homes.

Remodeling a bathroom does not have to cost a lot either. Putting just 5,000-10,000 dollars into repainting, tiling and adding high-quality fixtures can truly transform a bathroom into a home oasis that will reap a 60 percent return on investment. Homeowners with multiple bathrooms should choose their remodeling projects carefully. Buyers like the idea of spa-like master suites, and updating guest powder rooms can also impress.

3. Basement Renovations
Completing an unfinished basement or renovating an out-of-date basement can add significant living space to a home that will be reflected in value at sale time. Because homeowners are simply utilizing space that already exists in their homes to create additional living quarters, remodeling a basement is a surefire way to increase the value of their homes. Unfinished basements that are renovated into fully functional living rooms, extra bedrooms or even man caves can bring a 70 percent financial return at resale time. Of course this dollar amount depends on the square footage of the basement, but even small spaces that are made livable will see financial gain.

4. Attic Conversions
Constructing an addition or expanding the roof or foundation is a costly renovation project that typically does not offer much in resale returns. However, homeowners that can fully renovate an interior space, such as an attic, spend less money and therefore make more profit when they sell. Because attics are typically used for storage and are then considered wasted space, renovating them to become usable living area can add significant value to homes. Most often these attics are converted into additional bedrooms, sometimes returning as much as 84 percent of the cost in resale value. Older homes are particularly appropriate for attic renovations since many of them have high rooflines that yield larger spaces under the eaves. These areas can become cozy bedrooms, libraries and bonus rooms.

While big-ticket renovations see the highest yields at resale, there are a number of smaller investments that often bring an even greater investment. Remodeling projects such as swapping out an entry door, adding a wood deck or updating a home’s siding typically cost even less than these projects but see more than 90 percent in resale returns. Homeowners who want to see value when it comes time to resell their homes need to carefully pick and choose their renovation projects.

Tags: attic conversion, attic remodeling, basement remodeling, bathroom, bathroom remodeling, home improvement, kitchen, resale value

Small Kitchen Space? Why You Should Install Large Kitchen Drawers During Your Next Remodel

May 9, 2013 | Remodeling

Every cooking enthusiast dreams about having a larger kitchen, but many times the budget just does not allow for it. There are many ways to create the illusion of an expensive looking, more open feeling kitchen without having to knock down any walls or break the bank. You can start with rethinking your cabinet drawer size and opting for large drawers rather than standard sized drawers.

The primary reason why it is a good choice to incorporate large kitchen drawers in your remodeling plans is that they make the space appear larger. If you have many smaller drawers on your cabinets, it can make the kitchen look busy and cramped. The same rule about using larger tiles on your floor to give the illusion of larger square footage can be applied with cabinet drawers. The less that you have going on, the larger the space will appear.

Many homeowners are choosing to install large kitchen drawers because they offer a fresh, contemporary look. Large drawers work nicely with the clean-lined, open concept style that most people desire when doing a kitchen remodel. Small drawers tend to make kitchens appear dated, so if you want a higher-end, updated space, large drawers are an excellent choice.

Another good reason to include large kitchen drawers is that they offer more options for organization. They make it easy to incorporate all the great customizable drawer organizers that are available on the market today. Drawers are not merely for holding flatware and knives anymore. People are choosing large drawers over cupboards for heavy cumbersome items such as cookware and small appliances. The ease in which drawers slide out, allowing a clear view all the way to the back is the reason they are a great option for storing bigger items. There are pegs that can be placed in deep drawers to hold stacks of plates and bowls. Tiered organizers can be used to neatly display every spice in your collection. Large drawers are now the answer to the dreaded question of where to store all those food storage containers and lids.

The addition of large drawers in your next kitchen remodel is a great way to get the look of a large, updated custom kitchen, without breaking the bank and offering more options for storage as well.

Tags: cabinets, home improvement, kitchen, kitchen cabinet pictures, kitchen drawers

Kitchen Remodeling ROI – Best “Bang” for Your Buck

May 4, 2013 | Remodeling

If a kitchen remodel has always been on your to-do list, or if you’ve just outgrown the décor and design of your kitchen, the simplest solution isn’t to sell the house and move. You will be much happier if you put in the effort to make your house feel like home again with an affordable kitchen remodel. Remodeling the kitchen or the bathroom is the fastest and often the most economical way to add value to your home. However, kitchen remodeling price tags can often be upwards of $10,000. Of course, it doesn’t have to be that much.

In an era when more and more homeowners are looking for ways to save and keep money in the bank, smart, affordable remodeling is within your reach. Ready to embark on your own affordable remodel? Hire a kitchen contractor and use him as a reference for choosing the best, most cost efficient products and materials on the market. You can also keep these tips in mind as well.

Smart Remodelers Make Smart Choices

With any remodel, the name of the game is creating a new look and feel. Feeling like you’re walking into a brand new room doesn’t necessarily have to involve stripping the room and starting from scratch. If you love the layout of the kitchen, but hate the look, refinishing your cabinets might be a smart choice for you. By taking what you already have and refinishing it, you create something brand new out of something you already had. This saves you money, but you’ll still have great results.

When you’re trying to keep a manageable kitchen remodeling budget, you’re going to have to make tough choices about materials. It’s completely understandable if you have your heart set on having a new granite countertop installed. They are durable and, of course, absolutely gorgeous. However, in your kitchen remodeling project, it might be more cost efficient and just as attractive to use slate or granite tile instead. With the money you save on granite, you will be able to either save more, or add to your budget for another part of your remodel. Talk to your contractor about the elements of the kitchen remodel you really don’t want to live without and see if he or she can help you make your décor dreams come true without breaking the bank.

An affordable kitchen remodeling doesn’t mean a cheap and unattractive one. You can have some of the materials you want in your home and still save money. It’s simply a matter of making compromises and really understanding the pros and cons of your choices.

So if we are seeking to embark on an affordable kitchen remodeling project we might surely ask ourselves about the ROI (return on investment) of various updates.

As mentioned in our last post, ROI really depends on what sort of “return” you are seeking. For real estate investors, “return” is the sale price of the house or the rental fee they can get. Thus, ROI is essentially asking “how much more can I sell or rent this house for” divided by “how much did this project cost”.

For many homeowners, its not just about resale but also about your appreciation of where you live. Thus, gauging “return” can be a bit more vague. But you can rather easily measure the latter part of the ROI formula – the investment.

Here are some ideas for low-cost kitchen remodeling projects:

Paint – this one is easy, a new coat of paint goes a long way in any room. The kitchen is no exception. Unless you just recently painted, its hard to beat a new coat of paint in a kitchen remodeling project.

Cabinet Refacing – “reface cheaper than replace” is the slogan here. The idea is that your cabinets frames (plus the installation of them) is a big part of the cost of new cabinets. In most cases though, cabinet frames are in great condition. Most people replace cabinets because they want a new look or style. For that, you can either a) paint the cabinets, or b) reface them by replacing the doors and hardware . As such, kitchen cabinet refacing is a great ROI project. You can also refinish them but this is a bit more of a project!

New Countertops – Everyone wants granite counters, and they certainly add to a home’s value. But they aren’t cheap. Consider granite tile as a more affordable alternative, or lower-cost Corian or Ceramic. If you are replacing laminate countertops than any of these new kitchen countertops is a great option. You might even check into Butcher-block.

New Flooring – Again not the cheapest, but consider a product like Pergo or QuickStep in place of real hardwoods. Depending on where you are starting, this can really upscale your kitchen quickly and easily.

Appliance Refacing – this is a pretty new concept, but basically for $10-30 you can reface your appliances by covering them with a coating or film. This can make a regular dishwasher look like it has a stainless steel finish, without the price tag. Be careful though, you want to do a good job here so it doesn’t look tacky. Also don’t go too cheap on the materials.

*Get free kitchen remodeling estimates from local contractors by filling out the form on the upper right hand side of this page*

Tags: cabinet ideas, cabinets, countertops, granite, kitchen, kitchen cabinet pictures, kitchen remodeling

Awesome Kitchen Decor Ideas as We Transition in to Summer

April 1, 2013 | Design And Decor

It’s almost summer and for many homeowners this is the best time to spruce up their home decor for a more summery look. This need for sprucing up may be especially urgent if the rooms have been looking a bit drab and outmoded of late. One room that can really use a spring and summer makeover is the kitchen. Here are some ideas to help a kitchen welcome the warm weather.

Area Rugs
These rugs can be quite beautiful and don’t merely have to be functional. They can be made out of colorful rags, like traditional Swedish rag rugs or be striped in different bright colors. They not only provide color and interest but protect the floor.

Kitchen Table and Island Centerpieces
Flowers aren’t the only things that make beautiful centerpieces. Fruit and vegetables can also make wonderful pieces that may be placed on your island or kitchen table. A nice display would be a group of Transvaal daisies in an urn-shaped, milk glass vase, a tiny, green porcelain vase that holds just one yellow rose, a straight-sided vase full of white, red, yellow and orange ranunculus and a white, porcelain footed bowl full of fresh, ripe peaches.

A single, shallow bowl of red or green apples or walnuts is also good. Not only are these centerpieces good to look at, they’re also good to eat. The same is true, of course, for the peaches. As the comestibles disappear, they can always be replenished.

Another centerpiece idea is a large clear glass vase filled with pink peonies anchored in place by seashells artfully arranged in the bottom of the vase then covered with water. Some of the seashells can be scattered around the vase on the table as accents.

A grouping of candles is also lovely, especially votives that aren’t in danger of being knocked over. These too, can be paired with flowers. A sleek, white, porcelain tea service along the lines of Luigi Colani would also be a topic of conversation.

Replace the Dishpan and the Dishdrain
Now’s the time for the dishpan and the dishdraining rack to be replaced, because they’ve both seen better days. They are both cheap, easy to find and come in any color that can match the rest of the kitchen. Homemakers may think that guests don’t notice what’s in and around the sink, but they do.

Window Dressings
Now is the time to change the window dressings. With the warm weather and abundant sunlight, some people will get rid of curtains or blinds altogether and allow the window to go undressed to allow in the most light. Other people might change their old cafe curtains for new ones made of sheer, light-colored fabric like cambric, which also lets light into the room.

Wall Ideas
First of all, the wall should be thoroughly cleaned because, let’s face it, they’re grungy after all these years. Then, they should be painted a light, summery color. Shades of white are excellent, as are bright yellows, pale greens and pale blues. The homeowner might go for a combination of all of these colors, though care needs to be taken to make sure that they don’t clash. But a kitchen that’s in shades of white like off-white, cream, pearl, ivory or brilliant white does give an impression of airiness. It also makes the room look bigger than it is.

New Drawer Pulls
This is just about the most inexpensive way to give a summery feel to a kitchen. The amount of draw pulls to choose from is bewildering. They can be basic black knobs, either round, square or oval, to contrast with white cabinets. They can be made out of clear or colored cut glass or carved out of stone. They can be bar shaped cabinet pulls made out of polished, oil-rubbed or hammered metals like brass, bronze, steel or iron. They can be simple or very ornate.

Lighting
If the kitchen has fluorescent hoops, they need to go. There are now fluorescents that come in compact form. The hoops that once hung above the kitchen table or the kitchen island can now be replaced by a multi-armed chandelier with little fabric shades or a triplet of pendant lights with ribbed glass shades and shiny chrome accents.

Tags: area rugs, kitchen, kitchen island, lighting, summertime, window dressings

Squeeze Some Sunny Spring Cheer Into Your Kitchen

March 6, 2013 | Design And Decor

Lemons are just the spring touch that your kitchen is craving after a long, chilly winter. If properly placed, they can add modern zest, a fresh, clean look and sunny cheer. A creamy, crisp lemon color is paired well with the modern and sophisticated tone of black, and toile is a delightful way to introduce it. Black and white toile will add French country sophistication to your kitchen, and it is easy to access. Typically found in fabric, wall paper and even linens, this is a fun, fresh way to usher in a bit of boldness with a traditional and timeless pattern to instantly update and enhance your kitchen space. Black and white toile is a lemon’s long, lost love. They just belong together like meringue atop lemon custard. Whether you are in for a full kitchen overhaul or looking to simply update, the buttery, golden yellow of lemons blended with black and white toile will squeeze some irresistibility into your kitchen space.

Sunny Side Up

A subtle splash of color is essential to lay the foundation for your French Country kitchen redesign. There are so many yummy and refreshing lemon tones available. Avoid a stark, primary yellow and instead introduce milder tones for the softness that this look requires. Great places to apply paint are the walls to start, then the backsplash, and even possibly the ceiling. If you’re shy about committing to a new color on every wall, choose an accent wall to paint then perhaps the window casings, door frames or trim as well. Be certain to reserve some paint for unfinished wood bar stools or to coordinate the back panel of your dining room hutch.

If you decide to leave the ceiling white consider painting a lemon yellow star around the base of your light fixture in place of a traditional ceiling medallion.

Create Crowning Cabinets

Never overlook the cabinetry, your kitchen’s “furniture,” as it should become part of the action too. Not sure about committing to completely sand and paint the cabinets? There are other fun ways to update and add distinction. Try applying wall paper to the inset portion of cabinet doors. This is a perfect place to introduce a black and white toile patterned paper. Measure, trim and apply the paper once all of your cabinet doors have been removed. Glue a roping or black trim to the edges of each panel to finish the look. Also, try removing the center panel of a few key cabinets (perhaps those above the stove or sink) and stapling in chicken wire. This will become a favorite place to display a few plates or a jar of faux lemons.

Love the look of custom soffit lighting? Create it by laying white stringed mini lights down flat on the top of your cabinets. They should be well hidden behind the upper cabinet molding. When lit they will provide ambient lighting that your guests will think was professionally installed.

Outfit and Accessorize

Accessories are an essential when creating cohesion throughout your space. Consider items that are not traditionally found in the kitchen. An antique step ladder painted black and distressed a bit will become a fun, funky place to hang hand towels or pots and pans. Also, window shutters are a great place to pin recipes.

The counters are best kept free from clutter, so choose a few key accessories that will bring the theme home. Fill glass apothecary jars with lemon drops or white meringue cookies for all to see. Embellish the outside of the jar with black grosgrain ribbon and monogramed labels. Display your yellow dish soap liquid in a glass olive oil bottle embellished to match your apothecary jars.

Have fun outfitting your table with yellows or black toile linens that will help give life to the look. Remember napkin rings, plates and cups should all coordinate with your new look too. Use table runners laid across a rectangular table instead of place mats for a new and interesting look. Also, if there is any black and white toile wall paper left over from the cabinet project, be sure to cover light switch plates by wrapping them like a gift and securing the back with tape.

From concept to completion, this is a sunny and stylish spring kitchen that would appeal to the palette of even the most style conscious epicurean. Whatever life gives you– make lemonade!

Tags: cabinet ideas, cabinets, country kitchen, french kitchen, kitchen, lighting, paint, toile

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas and Pictures

December 27, 2012 | Remodeling

If you are coming up on a kitchen remodel or renovation and you are looking for some great designs and ideas to incorporate into your plans, have a look below. We have put together a collection of kitchen pictures that you can then use to share with your builder. Use the form on the right to get in touch with a local top rated kitchen remodeling company if you have yet to take that step. We hope you enjoy these great kitchen ideas!!

Here is a modern traditional kitchen. Notice the island which mixes white into a otherwise wood look.

The long and narrow kitchen below uses a great deal of white colors to accentuate the natural light. The mix of stainless steel appliances and antique finished cabinets is more common in kitchen remodeling plans lately.

The kitchen below also incorporates a great deal of white that blends with the stainless steel appliances. However, this kitchen is contemporary / modern because of the cabinets and lighting.

This luxury kitchen below is designed to accentuate the vaulted ceiling. The built in wine space on the right includes a wine rack above and wine cooler below. Glass cabinetry and classic lighting and chairs give this kitchen a unique, sophisticated look.

Below is a bright, modern country style kitchen that features contrasting colors and a stand out kitchen island.

To contrast the kitchen above, this pic below shows a modern city style kitchen. This type of kitchen is great for a condo in city highrise. True stainless steel with dark cabinets and white oversized tile flooring, this kitchen is perfect for city-slickers.

Many people these days are building their stovetops into their island. This usually comes with an exhaust fan directly above the cooking unit which can often be a centerpiece of the kitchen.

Some kitchens feature a backsplash that is worth building around. In this case, the backsplash sets the look of the kitchen and gives is a country and comfortable feel.

This kitchen is designed to accentuate the eccentric vaulted ceiling.

This kitchen exudes a look and feel of a rustic cabin in the woods.

Here is a modern version of the 1950’s kitchen. The use of light wood and the general color scheme give it the 1950’s style look while the modern sleek appliances and contemporary exhaust fan bring it in to the future.

We hope you enjoyed our collection of kitchen pictures and ideas!

Tags: cabinets, contemporary, countertops, glass cabinets, granite, granite countertops, green cabinets, hardwood flooring, kitchen, kitchen cabinet pictures, natural stone, tile, wood

DIY – How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

December 4, 2012 | DIY

A new backsplash in your kitchen can do wonders for the room. Not only will it improve the appearance of your kitchen, but it will also serve to protect your walls and make cleanups easier.

Although you may need professional skills to install a wood, granite or stainless steel backsplash, ceramic or glass tile is relatively easy for even an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer to install.

You will need the following supplies:
· Tape measure
· Tile
· Tile adhesive or mastic
· Tile nippers
· Tile cutter or scriber
· Tile spacers, unless you use self-spacing tile
· Notched trowel
· Grout, either powdered or premixed
· Grout float
· Sponges
· Level
· Pencil
· Grout sealer
· Silicone

1. Get Ready for the Project
Measure the area you want to cover with tile. Multiply the length times the width of the space to determine the number of square feet involved in the project. Check the label on the box to find out how many square feet each box of tile will cover. Purchase 15 percent more tile than your calculations indicate you need to ensure that you have enough to repair mistakes or damage that may occur later. Keep the leftover tile after completing the job, and if possible, store a few pieces where they will have exposure to light similar to that in your kitchen. In that way, you can make a repair several years later if needed, and the repair will match the tile already on your wall. Protect your countertop with a layer of heavy cardboard before beginning your project.

2. Prepare the Surface
If there are electrical switches or outlets in the area, turn off their circuit breakers and remove the switch plates and outlet covers. Remove wallpaper from papered areas, scrape flaking or cracked paint and gently sand glossy paint on painted areas. Scrub and rinse the area thoroughly and let it dry completely.

3. Mark Guidelines
Mark the approximate center of your backsplash area with a pencil. Make a vertical line a few inches to the left or right of the center, from the top to the bottom of the area you will cover. Use a level to ensure that you make the line exactly vertical and straight.

4. Apply Mastic or Adhesive
Spread the tile mastic or adhesive on the wall with a notched trowel held at a 45-degree angle. Cover areas just large enough for about four tiles at a time.

5. Set the Tile
Leave a 1/8-inch gap between your countertop and the bottom of the tile, and set your first tile on the vertical line you made. Twist each tile slightly as you set it, pressing it firmly into place. Unless your tile has self-spacers to ensure uniformity of spacing between tiles, place tile spacers snugly alongside the set tiles. Set the spacers by standing them on end to make then easier to remove before grouting the area. Continue setting tile out from the beginning point, spreading more mastic or adhesive on small areas as you go. Clean the tile surface often to remove any adhesive while it is still wet.

6. Cut the Tile
Cut the tile to fit around corners and electrical outlets with a tile scriber, cutter or nippers.

A handheld scriber scores the tile so you can snap it on the edge of a straight surface to break the tile evenly. However, it can be difficult to make even breaks without damaging the tile unless you have had practice using the tool.

A tabletop tile cutter holds the tile firmly as you pull a cutter along a guide.

Use nippers to cut odd shapes by slowly and carefully nipping small bites out of the tile until you get the desired shape.

After cutting the tile, smooth cut edges with 60-grit sandpaper or a rubbing stone.

7. Let the Adhesive Dry
Allow plenty of time for the backsplash to dry according to the package instructions.

8. Apply Grouting
If you used spacers when setting the tile, remove them before applying the grout. Wear rubber gloves to work with grout because it is caustic. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the grout unless you have the premixed variety. Hold a float at a 45-degree angle to spread grout on the tiled surface, working the grout into every space. You will get the best coverage by working diagonally to the grout lines. As you work, keep the surface of the tile as clean as possible.

9. Clean the Backsplash
Use a damp sponge to wipe the surface, and use your fingertip in a glove to clean the grout lines as soon as the grout feels firm. Waiting too long will make it difficult to remove the grout from the tile surface. Wipe the area again with a damp sponge. After the tile dries and appears hazy, use a clean cotton T-shirt or other soft rag to buff the tile vigorously.

10. Seal the Grout
Apply grout sealer from an aerosol can according to the directions on the can. The sealer will protect the color as well as prevent moisture from getting into the grout.

11. Fill Gaps
After the entire area is dry, run a generous bead of mildew-resistant silicone caulk all along the perimeter of the tiled area, smoothing it with your wet fingertip as you go. Remember to fill in the gap between your countertop and the bottom row of tiles.

When complete, your new tile backsplash should look something like this:

Tags: backsplash, ceramic tile, kitchen, tile

Three Unique Kitchen Cabinet Looks for a Contemporary Kitchen

| Design And Decor

Whether you are designing the kitchen for your new home or remodeling an outdated kitchen to accomplish a more contemporary look, you will want cabinets that not only bring the whole space together, but give your kitchen a unique style all its own. Some of the more modern materials used in making contemporary cabinets include glass, exotic woods, and stainless steel. While there are dozens of contemporary design schemes to choose from, here are three unique kitchen cabinet looks you may be interested in when considering your contemporary kitchen design.

Black, White and a Splash of Color

Black and white has always been at the forefront of the classic kitchen design, but now it is coming into its own as a wonderful combination color palette for contemporary kitchen cabinets. Try installing glossy white kitchen cabinets and pairing them with black marble or granite countertops. Once you have the basic cabinetry down, you can choose one or two colorful accessories, such as fire-red pendant lighting above the black and white island/bar seating area or a vivid color tile for the kitchen backsplash. The cabinets in this design should be sleek and tall with little or no adornment on the doors to give the area a clean, industrial look. This design is perfect for smaller kitchens because the slim, light design can make the space appear larger.

Smooth as Glass

The open cabinet design is used when you have an eclectic mix of beautiful dinner and glassware you intend to showcase, but the openness of the design doesn’t quite fit within a contemporary kitchen where everything must appear in order. To be able to display your wares without giving your kitchen a farmhouse look, you might want to consider using glass inserts in your cabinets. Glass can be used many ways. It can be etched, fluted, or frosted to obscure the contents behind.

Dark wood such as mahogany turns any kitchen into a contemporary masterpiece. The glass inserts fit nicely into this type of cabinet. Stainless steel cabinets, by themselves, can appear too stark for some modern kitchens, but if you use glass inserts, such as the fluted type, it can transform your kitchen into a most inviting modern space.

Contemporary Glass Kitchen Cabinets

The New Green

One of the best ways you can do your part to save the environment is to consider using green materials in your contemporary kitchen cabinet design. Thinking outside the box will enable you to create a unique-looking kitchen starting with the cabinets. Renewable materials such as bamboo/plywood and lyptus, taken from a hybrid of the eucalyptus tree, are not only as sturdy as traditional hardwoods, but they are extremely beautiful woods that fit perfectly within the contemporary design scheme. In addition to their unique appeal, cabinets fashioned from green materials also offer additional health benefits by emitting less chemicals into your environment than those made from traditional cabinet materials.

Whichever contemporary cabinet design you choose, be sure that it fits within your overall modern design scheme. A qualified interior design expert can help you decide which materials and colors to choose to accomplish a unique look that you and your family can enjoy for many years to come

Tags: cabinet ideas, cabinets, contemporary, glass cabinets, green cabinets, kitchen, kitchen cabinet pictures