Change The Look Of Your Kitchen With Under Cabinet Lighting
A kitchen renovation is a beautiful renovation if done properly. Of course, it’s also a very costly one. Certainly, there are benefits because it will increase the market value of the home. However, if you can’t afford or aren’t willing to make such a huge investment, you can do other things. For instance, you can change the look of your kitchen with under cabinet lighting.
Far too often, people are guilty of neglecting the benefits that come with lighting. Instead, they will think of the light fixture and how it looks only. The problem with that is that there is so much more to lighting but it can really change the way a room looks with the flip of a switch.
With regards to the kitchen, when such lights are installed, many changes occur. Left on on their own at night, they provide very soft and subtle lighting to help anyone get to where they need to go. But at the same time, they can create a certain atmosphere. And they’ll change the way your cabinets and counters look in an instant.
But more than that, they’re also extremely useful. Any cook can tell you how crucial they are when it comes to preparing their meals. Any job no matter how large or small can be simplified with all this extra light that is focused on a certain area.
As a consumer, you’ll have lots of choices when it comes to purchasing these items. There are different models available. So, if there aren’t available sockets in the vicinity, you simply choose models better battery operated. Like this, you get the benefit without the high cost that would normally come with an electrician installing them professionally.
Because there are so many choices, it’s good to get acquainted with them all. Like that, you’ll be able to make a good decision with all your lighting needs being addressed.…
Kitchen Lighting Ideas – the Most Popular Lighting Trends You Can Apply in Your Own Home
In remodeling your kitchen, it is important that you do not forget about implementing some interesting kitchen lighting ideas. Lighting can complement well the interiors of any home and hence it is very crucial that all the lighting fixtures are placed strategically and accordingly. It can really go a long way in making your kitchen look brand new.
The most common error that most people commit in implement their own kitchen lighting ideas is installing just a single fixture right in the center of the kitchen. This could result to shadows which could be inconvenient when you do a few tasks around the house. To give your kitchen a total makeover through lighting, you should combine natural and artificial lighting in a balanced way.
You should also take note that your lighting should be related to the colors of your kitchen. You must also plan out your budget well since lighting fixtures can really cost a lot more than you imagine. In terms of your kitchen cabinets, you can decorate it with lights to enhance its plain look. You can install them on sides of the kitchen so that it can minimize the shadows.
The cove style of lighting is also one of the most important kitchen lighting ideas you can implement. This is utilized for the even distribution of light in correct proportions all throughout your entire kitchen. It can also be used to highlight the overall shape, design and layout of your kitchen area. Recessed lighting can also be applied if you want to enhance the architectural design of your kitchen.…
Top 7 Decorating Mistakes
Being an interior designer for over 25 years I’m quite familiar with the most common mistakes most people make (even some professionals) when decorating a home. Decorating should reflect our taste and style, and it is a very personal thing. However there are a few decorating blunders that should be avoided. Below is a list of mistakes and fixes.
MISTAKE 1: The Line Up…lining up the furniture on one wall. I see this done a lot especially in bedrooms, where several different size dressers are all shoved against one wall. This creates a “cluttered” look and feel. It’s also unbalanced.
THE FIX: Be sure to measure the space and the dimensions of the furniture you’ll be placing on each wall. Place one main piece of furniture on a wall. You want to make sure the room looks and feels balanced. Also, be sure to leave enough “walk room” between the bed and the furniture. You don’t want to be bumping into things if you get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Scale is very important here.
MISTAKE 2: Furniture people think pushing the living room sofa against the wall and by having the open space in the center of the room will make the room appear larger…False. This type of arrangement makes it difficult to carry on a conversation.
THE FIX: Since the sofa is the largest piece in the room it should be placed in the center and across from either the entertainment wall or fireplace (the focal point). Rearrange the other pieces around the sofa to create an intimate setting that is more conversational. (group all piece in the center of the room) Make sure you’re TV is hung/placed at eye level and the sofa is placed at the correct distance from the TV. The distance depends on the size of the TV and your preference. A good rule of thumb is to take the size of the TV and multiply it by 1.5. For example, if you have a 42″ Flat Screen TV, you would multiply 42 x 1.5 = 63″ or 5’1/4″. If you feel that it’s still too close you can move your sofa back to about 6′. The larger the TV the further back the sofa should go. So it’s important to know your room size before purchasing a TV. (measure to the back seat of the sofa)
Some rooms are too small for this configuration, if you have to place the sofa against a wall be sure to group the other pieces around the ‘t push the chair against another wall, etc.
Upon entry you see the back of the ‘s a great place for a console table to be placed with a few accessories displayed.
MISTAKE 3: Fear of I first moved to the dessert I was shocked at how many beige / cream colored houses I went to. Floors, walls, ceilings and furniture were all beige, which tends to look boring and lacks creativity. Many of the clients told me that they love color but were afraid to use it. Many think using a paint color, other than off white; will make the room look smaller and be difficult to match with furniture.
THE FIX: Use your favorite colors! I recommend selecting the upholstery and window treatments first. You can start with a palette of three colors in different shades and contrast – you can have one dark deep color, complimented by lighter colors. Select the main color followed by accent colors. Darker colors tend to ground while lighter colors tend to float. Don’t use all jewel tones or pastels – mix it up. After those selections are made then the paint color can be selected. It is best to select a few colors and paint them on the wall in the room. Stay with it for a day or so and see how the color looks in the natural light and nighttime light, then select. The goal of paint color is to enhance the other colors being used and to create a mood. You can use paint color to make something pop or to create a soft glow. But always surround yourself in the colors you love.
MISTAKE 4: Too Many Patterns… using too many patterns can become distracting to the eye, busy and overbearing. However, you don’t want to be “matchy-matchy” either. There are many ways to introduce patterns to the d?�cor of a room but there is also a fine line with how many to use and where.
THE FIX: I love to decorate a room with different patterns, it creates interest. However, you must stay true to your color palette and plan. Use patterns and prints very specifically to support the main color and draw attention to the accent colors. Mix it …
Bathroom Remodeling – Choosing the Right Flooring For Your Bathroom
While many homeowners believe that flooring is more for aesthetics than anything else, your flooring services multiple purposes in the bathroom. When you’re getting ready to do bathroom remodeling you need to put careful consideration in the type of flooring that you’ll install. Very specific factors come in to play with the bathroom, from water retention and absorbency, stain resistance, safety when wet, overall durability, cost, how it fits with the design. Here’s a look into the different flooring options to consider while you prep for bathroom remodeling in your home.
Carpeting: While it might not seem like the best idea in an environment that is perpetually exposed to moisture, carpet is actually a great option for the bathroom – you just have to make the right purchase decision and do your homework on the carpet you want. You need to install carpet that is stain-resistant as well as milder-resistance. The backing of the carpet also needs to hold the water back so it won’t be absorbed by the padding. If this is in line then you have no worries about carpet installation in the bathroom.
Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tile for bathroom flooring is designed a little differently than the ceramic tile you would use on a countertop or backsplash. While those surfaces are smooth, ceramic flooring tiles are made with a textured surface to prevent slipping. It’s a favored option for floors because of the custom designs, shapes and more that are available – lending an opportunity to create a truly unique floor in your bathroom.
Laminate: Laminate is made of layers of material that have been bonded together for strength and durability, including resin and wood fibers. The final pieces are formed together into compressed planks with an image that’s imprinted on the surface. This allows a custom design in various material styles and colors, most commonly wood. It’s durable and easy to clean, making it an affordable and great option for many bathroom remodeling projects.
Hardwood: It’s an added expense, but it’s difficult to replicate the beauty and character that comes from a hardwood floor. It lends a great deal of warmth and comfort to the bathroom environment, which is beneficial if you’re the type to rely on your bathroom for relaxation after a long day. Even older wood floors can be easily refreshed and to ensure safety you can apply a no-slip finish in the bathroom.
Natural Stone: Natural stone is often cut into large tiles that are placed in various patterns across the floor in the bathroom. It’s common for tiles to be cut in 12″ squares but they can also come larger. Being natural stone it’s highly durable and easy to care for. When properly sealed the floor won’t absorb water and the surface is naturally slip-resistant making it a safe option for your bathroom flooring. The only downside here is that natural stone tends to get a little cold on the feet.
Vinyl: This has long been one of the most popular options for bathroom flooring, coming in sheets or tiles that can be easily placed and bonded to the subfloor. It comes in a variety of shapes and patterns to fit most designs and personal styles. While easy to clean, vinyl tiles have a lot of seams which creates potential for mold. The bonding glue can also give after time, causing your vinyl to release from the flooring.
Ultimately you’ll need to choose the flooring that best suits your personal preferences, your budget and the overall look of your room. If you’re not certain which type of flooring suits your bathroom, take the time to consult with a general contractor. They can help you make an informed decision on what material is best for your bathroom remodeling project.…
Preparing Yourself for a Bathroom Remodel
Each year, homeowners around the country consider having one or more of their bathrooms remodeled. Most start with a simple coat of paint. After they realize the amount that this paint transforms their previously boring bathroom, they start thinking about the other possibilities. There are many different aspects of a bathroom remodel, including the floor, light fixtures, the bath and shower, and more. Because of this, you will want to spend some time thinking about exactly how extensive you want your bathroom remodel to be. Although there are many simple things that you can do to update and transform your bathroom, conducting a complete overhaul is a very extensive and costly endeavor. Because of this, you will want to prepare yourself, and work closely with a company that specializes in remodeling in your area.
Choosing an Overall Look
After you have decided on the extent of your bathroom overhaul, you will want to determine the overall look that you are going for. There are endless options when it comes to toilets, baths, showers, vanities, light fixtures and tile. Your best bet is to browse online, and in your local hardware store to get some ideas for what you might want. Choose tile, fixtures and paint that goes well together and start putting together your plan. If you need help making sure that you have covered all of the bases, call a builder in your area for assistance. There are many that are more than happy to help you with your plans.
Decide on a Budget
Whenever you start a bathroom-remodeling project, you will want to keep in mind your total budget. Depending on what you have in mind, this type of undertaking can become very expensive very fast. If you do not keep an eye on all of the decisions that you are making, you could end up surprised with a very large bill when everything is said and done. When you start working with a local contractor, be up front with your budget. They can help you put together a plan, including all of the necessary supplies that will fit into your budget.
Choosing a Contractor
Because budget is so important with a big job like this, you will want to choose a contractor that fits your budget. This doesn’t mean choosing the lowest cost contractor. Take some time to do your research and choose the contractor that provides the best value for the price that they charge. You can start by calling some of your local builders and requesting estimates. As they provide estimates, get a feel for how easy each company is to work with, and ask to see examples of their work. Taking a little extra time in this department can save you a huge headache later.
When properly carried out, a bathroom remodel can make a huge change to your home. Not only can it make your bathroom more attractive, functional and appealing, it can raise your home’s value when you are reselling. Because of the importance of your plumbing and this area of your home, working with a certified contractor is very important to a successful renovation. Try not to get so excited that you rush through things, and you will thank yourself later.…
How to Complete a Home Renovation Project Quickly and On Time
It is rare to meet someone who has undergone a home renovation that hasn’t complained that it took too long. Having worked on home renovation projects of varying scales for homeowners getting their house ready to sell or prior to move in or even when they’re living in the home, I have found that there are certain things that help make a project move quickly and efficiently. Whenever I see projects drag on and on for months, even years, it’s because they’re lacking in one or more of these areas. Granted, there are things that come up that are out of your control, but I can promise that if you follow the tips below, you’ll reduce your project timeline significantly.
First and foremost, Have a Plan – Sounds simple enough right? I want to renovate my kitchen or bath. That’s a start, but there’s much more to it than that. Consult with your contractor about your project and find out a realistic time frame to start and complete the work. I recommend you get a calendar and use it as a project tracker. If it’s going to take 6 weeks for example, mark what the finish date is on the calendar. Then, reverse engineer or back track everything that needs to be done and assign a date to everything. For example, Day 1 Demolition, Day 2 Remove popcorn ceiling, Day 3 electrical rough-in, etc. This will also help you know what materials you need and when. For example, if you’re doing demolition on Day 1, you’ll need a dumpster on site. If you’re hiring a General Contractor to work on your project, they will handle these details, but it’s good to ask what you need to provide and what they will provide. If you are installing cabinets on Day 30, and it takes 4 weeks to order the cabinets, that means you need to get the floor plan designed immediately so that an order can be placed and delivered in time.
Have a realistic budget. How will you fund your project? Savings? Loan? Credit Cards? A gut kitchen or bath renovation is not inexpensive. Be prepared to spend several thousand dollars even on the low end. Make a list of everything you’ll need: cabinets, flooring, lighting, appliances, fixtures, sinks, disposal, toilet, tub, knobs, and more. Also, who is going to do the work. Is this a DIY project or will you be employing professionals? If you’re going with the DIY route, be realistic about your abilities and how much time you have to contribute to the renovation considering your other responsibilities – full time job, family, etc.
Know What You Want. Do you have a particular style that you like? How do you want the space to function? How do you envision using the space? What all needs to fit in the space? In the kitchen, consider storage for all the dishes, pots, bakeware, glassware and cookbooks. In the bathroom, consider the number and kind of people using the space (adults, children, pets, guests), storage needs, privacy, etc. These are important things to consider so that you can design a space that fits your lifestyle. Additionally, what kind of material do you want for flooring, countertops, cabinets, etc. Doing some research in advance will help you narrow choices to fit within your budget. If you truly don’t have any idea, I recommend looking through trade magazines and tearing out pictures of rooms that speak to you. Put together an inspiration folder which will help you and/or a designer create your dream space.
Have Your Vendors Lined Up. Whether this is a DIY project or completely outsourced, you need to have the right people to help you. Get referrals from friends and family who have had good experiences. Use online referral resources. If there are red flags, listen and turn the other way. A good friend of mine and her husband used a contractor to renovate their bathroom in their old home and had a horrible time getting him to complete the job in the time frame he promised. When they moved into a new home and was interviewing contractors, they considered him again even though their previous experience was not good. Guess what? They had a similar, if not, worse experience when they hired him to work on their gut kitchen remodel and ultimately had to hire someone to finish the work. Price for services should be a consideration, but never the determining factor.
Have all Your Materials Chosen and Purchased. This is extremely important because without material, the contractor can’t do anything. Last thing you want is a contractor showing up at the job site ready to work and not being able to. By creating the project timeline with your contractor initially, you know what the general time frame …
Tips On Landscaping In A Dry Climate
Is your lawn looking bad? Could your bushes and shrubs use a little makeover? If so, then your home may be in need of some landscaping. A good landscaping can make your home look completely different and add a bit more attractiveness. Here are some landscaping tips that will spice up your yard.
While it may be tempting to have a solid cover installed over your out door space, it is a much better idea to install shade bars that are open. Less of the area will be covered, since there is open space, but it will allow more heat to escape so that you will be cooler.
If you fear damaging power lines or other infrastructure the next time you need to dig for your landscaping project, contact a ‘dig safe’ helpline first. The service, popularized in the northeastern United States, allows you to double check before digging to ensure that you don’t damage anything while performing your landscaping work.
If you are landscaping your yard, you should consider your lawn’s appearance during various seasons. For example, if you only have leafy trees in your hard, but experience a long winter, your yard will look awfully bare. If you instead have a few conifers, you can have green year round, not to mention how nice they look with snow on them.
A lot of people don’t think about shopping on the Internet when they think of landscaping. You not only will find online shopping more convenient, but will discover more choices if you look online. You may be able to buy rarer plants that are not native to your area at online stores.
You don’t have to pay a designer or landscaper for your projects, regardless of what many people believe. This just ends in your spending a lot of money. However, it can never hurt to speak with landscaper who can set you in the right direction as far as what you should do.
Do not forget your hardscape when it comes to your landscaping plans. A deck or patio is an important aspect in your landscape’s appearance. There are many options for decks and patios that include rock designs or woods that coordinate with the colors of your trees, shrubs and flowers. Do not forget this important aspect.
If you want to change your landscaping, consider using plants that are native to your area. These types of plants are pests immune and drought resistant. This means you will be using less water for upkeep of your landscaping and less pesticide. It will also help you with lowered fertilizer costs because these plants are adapted to the soil in your area.
Hopefully, now that you have these great landscaping tips, your home will look a little better. Your home will be seen by many people, whether it’s friends and family, or random strangers, who happen to pass by. Why not make sure it looks good? These tips will give your home a new vibe and make it look sensational.…