If you’re planning to paint the exterior of your home, don’t go for the same boring color combinations as the rest of your neighbors. Choose colors that pop and make a statement. Check out these color combinations that are sure to up the curb appeal of your home.
1. Muted Lime/Powder Blue/White
Bright colors like lime green and blue make for a winning combination when paired with white trim. Choose muted bright colors to keep the effect from being too much and be sure to paint every inch of trim in bright white for a stunning look.
2. Gray/Blue/White
If you’re looking for something softer than the first suggestion, try combining pearl gray, slate blue, and bright white. Paint the front door/entry point blue and the rest of the exterior in gray. Finish the look with bright white trim and you end up with a sleek mid-century modern style.
3. Red/White/Blue/Beige
You can never go wrong with good ole’ red, white, and blue. But, adding a twist of beige in there just brings the trio to a whole new level. The trick to keeping this color combo from looking like year-round Fourth of July décor is to choose a light blue hue rather than navy and paint the trim both white and beige.
4. Gray/Red/Black
Sometimes simple is better, especially if your home is on the smaller side. Choosing a warm gray for the exterior and then giving the home a bright pop with a red front door and black shutters won’t overwhelm a humble abode. Any trim that’s visible should be finished with a bright white shade.
5. Purple/Lavender/White
Lavender is a surprisingly great color for the outside of a home, especially when paired with a lovely purple door. The trick to keeping this color combo from being overly feminine is to choose a lavender shade with gray undertones and finishing the look with white trim for a modern look.
6. Navy/White/Turquoise
Navy blue is a popular exterior color these days, which means it will definitely up your home’s curb appeal. When paired with bright white trim and a lovely turquoise front door, your home will not only stand out, but it will also be the envy of the neighborhood.
7. Seafoam Green/White
You would expect to see a seafoam green home on the beach, but your home doesn’t need to be surrounded by sand for seafoam green to work. Paired with bright white trim, seafoam green works well in any setting.
If you’re thinking about painting the exterior of your home, take a moment to consider a color combination that will make it pop. Hopefully, the exterior color combinations listed above give you some great inspiration.
The floor in a room makes up a big part of the room itself. As such, it has a huge impact on the look and feel of the room. For example, if the floor is dirty, it makes the rest of the room feel unkempt, but as soon as you vacuum and/or mop it, the room looks and feels cleaner and has a more welcoming atmosphere. Because the floor and skirting in a room plays such a big role, it’s important to maintain it and keep it fresh. Below are a few ideas for renewing your flooring to update any room in your home.
1. Replace The Skirting
When most people think about updating a room, they don’t usually consider the skirting to be of much importance. This is a mistake as updating the baseboards around the floor can make a big difference. Changing the skirting is relatively easy, especially once you get the old boards off. There’s a right way and a wrong way to do this, so be sure to Google skirting removal to learn the easiest way to do it. Visit your local home improvement store or go online to websites to find your new baseboards. Before you install them, though, consider updating the flooring first.
2. Restore Hardwood Floors
If you’re lucky enough to have real hardwood floors in your home, you can give the rooms a fresh, new look simply by refinishing the wood. With the baseboards removed, this job is easier than ever, especially if you rent a professional sanding machine. Alternately, if your budget allows, you can hire a professional contractor to do the job for you.
3. Install Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is probably the easiest way to renew the flooring in any room of your home. With a huge array of colors and designs available, you’re sure to find something to complement the décor in any room.
The main thing to remember when choosing laminate flooring is to be sure to get the right type for the room it’s going in. For example, if you’re installing it in the bathroom, be sure to choose one that’s designed to withstand dampness, so it lasts for many years to come.
Whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or a child’s bedroom, the floor has a huge impact on the look and feel of the room. As such, it makes sense that if you want to give the room a fresh new look, you should give careful consideration to the flooring in the room. From refinishing existing hardwood floors to installing laminate or some other flooring material, renewing the floor will update the look and feel of any room in your home.
The kitchen is often the most-used room in the house. In many cases, it is a multi-use room where not just cooking takes place, but eating, homework, office work, and more are common activities.
So when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, you have a lot of options in terms of layouts and features. It can seem overwhelming, but below, we discuss several layouts and what you can expect with each so you can choose one that suits your needs best.
The Island
Islands in kitchens are popular as they not only add interest to the room but also functionality. They work well in large kitchens with plenty of space to maneuver around. Kitchen islands can be stand-alone versions where food prep takes place or part of a bigger unit such as a wall or half-wall for additional vertical storage and interest.
Single & Double Galley Kitchens
Galley kitchens are known for their compact layouts that put everything within easy reach. In a single-galley kitchen, the cabinets, appliances, and countertops are all strategically placed on one wall. In a double-galley kitchen, all the elements of the room are placed on two walls that run parallel and opposite each other.
If space is a concern, the single-galley kitchen works well, while a double-galley kitchen is best suited for rooms that are longer than they are wide.
An L-Shaped Kitchen
L-shaped kitchens feature the sink and cooking areas on different sides of the “L.” This design is especially great in smaller kitchens where family members love cooking together as it gives ample space for everyone to work.
U-Shaped Kitchen
Common in open floor plans where the dining room and kitchen are one big space, the U-shaped kitchen helps divide the area into two separate rooms. The U-shaped kitchen can also be used in smaller kitchens to provide ample storage and workspace, but it can also give a feeling of being closed in. In this instance, open shelving helps reduce the closed-in feeling.
You have many options when it comes to kitchen layouts, so if you’re planning a kitchen remodel, be sure you understand the differences between them so you can choose the one that works best with the space you have and your particular needs.
Remodeling your bathroom increases the value of your home while enhancing your lifestyle. Unfortunately, a bathroom remodel can be quite challenging, which is why many homeowners shy away from the task. The good news is, remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to be a challenge, especially if you take the time to plan it out and you anticipate potential issues that could arise. Below are several ideas on how to remodel your bathroom.
1. Your Budget
Before jumping into a bathroom remodel, you should have some idea of the amount of money you want to spend. This budget should include a buffer that allows for unseen circumstances should they arise. For example, you may discover that the pipes need replacing or that you must hire someone to remove asbestos from behind your walls. Staying within a budget that includes extra for anything that pops up really lowers stress levels and keeps the project on track.
2. Hire A Professional Or DIY?
If you’re the handy type, you may be able to do most, if not all, of a bathroom remodel yourself. Going the DIY route saves a lot of money, for sure, but if you run into something you aren’t sure about, it’s best to hire a contractor. If you don’t think you’ll be able to complete the project yourself, it’s best to hire a professional from the start to avoid costly mistakes.
3. Supervise The Dismantle
As the contractor tears out all the old flooring, walls, and fixtures, supervise the process to ensure there are no surprises. A good contractor will catch underlying damage and suggest a replacement, but you should keep a close eye on what they unearth as they dismantle your bathroom, so you don’t have to spend any extra money later fixing something that should have been done during the remodel.
4. Add A Personal Touch
Even though a contractor may be doing all the work, you can help by suggesting little touches that reflect your personality. For instance, when it comes to tiling your new shower, be sure to choose accent tiles that you really like, regardless of the going trends in home remodeling at the time.
5. Custom Lighting
Many homeowners don’t realize the importance of proper lighting in the bathroom. It’s not until a bathroom remodel is complete that they realize something isn’t right because the lighting is too bright or isn’t bright enough.
You’ll be spending a lot of time in your new bathroom, so make sure you get the lighting right. Choose soft lighting that contributes to a welcoming atmosphere, but also make sure to include ample lighting where you need it, like over and around the mirror.
Don’t let remodeling your bathroom intimidate you. If you wish for a new bathroom, use the ideas above to help you make it happen. By planning ahead, a bathroom remodel can go smoothly, and by adding your personal touches, you’ll soon have a bathroom that’s unique and exactly what you wished for.
Not everyone loves cleaning the house but having a handy cleaning kit can make the job easier.
The list below outlines six of the most important items you need in your cleaning kit to get great results every time you clean.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
If you only have one cleaning product in your cleaning kit, make sure it’s an all-purpose cleaner. The name says it all.
All-purpose cleaners work great on a variety of surfaces, so you can take them room to room to tackle a wide range of jobs. They work especially well in the kitchen and bathroom as they often contain germ-fighting ingredients that sanitize surfaces as they clean.
2. Glass Cleaner
Shiny surfaces such as windows, mirrors, shower doors, and faucets require a special kind of clean – one that doesn’t leave streaks. Glass cleaner is the perfect product for these surfaces as it leaves behind a shiny finish. Be sure you choose a good brand of glass cleaner, though, as cheaper brands tend to leave streaks behind.
3. Furniture Polish
Dusting is a dirty job, but someone has to do it. Make sure your home cleaning kit contains furniture polish and a soft dusting cloth so you can clean all your furnishings quickly and easily. Don’t forget to dust your wooden furniture, any shelving in the room, and all of the end tables to really make the space feel clean and fresh.
4. Rubber Gloves
Household cleaners are full of nasty things that can, at the very least, dry out your skin. At worst, they can cause allergic reactions or illness. It’s always a good idea to wear rubber gloves when working with any cleaning solutions. Besides protecting your hands from harsh chemicals, the gloves will also keep all that dirt, grime, and who-knows-what-else from coming into contact with your skin.
5. Paper Towel
Paper towel comes in handy for a lot of different cleaning jobs, but it is especially useful when cleaning glass surfaces. Paper towel not only dries the surface as you wipe, but it also removes any smears and/or streaks as well. An alternative to using paper towel if you’re an avid newspaper reader is crumpled-up newspaper.
Newspaper works as well as, if not better than, paper towel to clean windows and mirrors, so be sure to repurpose your papers after reading them for a greener alternative.
6. Cleaning Wipes
Often considered a shortcut, cleaning wipes are nice when you don’t have a lot of time to do a deep-down clean. Since most contain anti-bacterial ingredients, they work well in bathrooms and kitchens for wiping down surfaces quickly. Keep a container of cleaning wipes handy in your kit and do a quick swipe when unexpected guests are knocking at your door.
Cleaning the house can be an arduous chore. With the right cleaning supplies, however, it is much easier and faster. Put together a home cleaning kit for your house that includes the six important items listed above for a convenient way to get the job done.
Each color has the ability to generate either positive or negative feelings. It’s important then, to choose a color that not only enhances the appearance of your home but also evokes positive emotions.
Many homeowners feel that painting the walls a neutral color is the answer. While it does enable the buyer to easily envision his belongings in your home, neutral colors can be boring, especially when the buyer has already seen several houses all painted in shades of neutral. Primary and secondary colors also make great wall colors, too.
What Do Primary Colors Say?
Reds
Although the color red is a strong color with a reputation for boosting self-confidence, it can be overwhelming for homebuyers. Often used in restaurants to stimulate appetite, red used in a home can be over-stimulating and agitating.
Pink, on the other hand, is a nice choice since it is soothing and promotes understanding. However, as pink is considered a feminine color, it could be off-putting to male buyers.
Blues
Almost every shade of blue instills a positive impression. Dark blues are thoughtful and promote concentration, while lighter blues bring about tranquility. Aqua blues are also a good choice since they also help with deep thinking.
Yellows
Yellow is a great color because it boosts brain function, stimulates intelligence, and enhances focus. Brighter shades, however, may distract and overwhelm homebuyers, especially if they are used on large walls.
How Do Homebuyers Perceive Secondary Colors?
Oranges
Orange is a positive color as its cheerful nature is associated with celebration and youth. It instills confidence and creativity. Although orange is a great color choice, it can be a distraction if used too much throughout the home.
Purples
Add an elite vibe to your home by painting the walls purple. Darker shades are often associated with royalty or celebrities, while softer shades such as lavender foster humanity and encourages connectivity.
Greens
Shades of green tend to evoke feelings of wealth. Whether it’s wealth of well-being or money, darker shades of green give the impression of stability, good health, and rejuvenation. Shy away from bright greens, however, as too much isn’t always a good thing.
As a final note, it’s always a good idea to paint your home’s walls when selling to get rid of any scratches and nicks that make them look shabby. A fresh coat of paint, no matter the color, always gives a fresh, new life to old walls and, barring any off-the-wall color choices, promotes a positive first impression for prospective buyers.
On average, we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, and thanks to COVID-19, it’s likely even more for some people. Now that you know that, it’s also important to know that many studies suggest that you can improve your physical and mental wellbeing by bringing the outdoors in.
Your home should be a place to collect your thoughts and refresh your mind and body. As such, bringing Mother Nature into your home is a great way to make your indoor space into a sanctuary. Here are several ideas that will help you bring nature into your home.
1. Build Around A Tree
The idea isn’t new, but it is timeless. If you’re building your dream home, try building it around a large tree to instantly bring the beauty and ambiance of nature indoors.
2. Kitchen Herb Garden
To bring nature into your kitchen, plant an herb garden along a wall or two. Hanging flower boxes make for the perfect garden setting, and when stuffed with fresh growing herbs like thyme, rosemary, mint, parsley, basil, and tarragon, you might be inspired to release your inner chef.
3. Build A Greenhouse
Greenhouses aren’t just for commercial growers. You can build one in your home or in your yard where fresh fruits and vegetables abound and beautiful flowers spring forth. There’s nothing quite like harvesting home-grown veggies in the summer and cutting fresh flowers for the table in the winter.
4. Choose Rustic Finishes
Rustic touches such as a natural wood countertop or a wood paneled accent wall can transform a room from cold and uninviting to warm and welcoming in an instant.
5. Bring In A Houseplant Or Two
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, there are many varieties of houseplants that can thrive in an indoor environment with little care. Spider plants, for example, require little care but will add a lovely natural touch to the space and will improve air quality, too.
6. Choose Earthy Colors
Earth tones such as shades of gray, green, and blue bring a sense of nature into the home, lending a soothing vibe to any room.
7. Use Raw Wood Accents
Raw wood accents such as reclaimed barn wood beams, trim, and cabinetry can give a room a warm atmosphere that’s both rustic and beautiful. Most people marvel at the effect old barn wood has as a décor accent in a country home.
8. Use Natural Fibers
Adding natural fibers to a room is an easy way to bring the outdoors in. Wicker furniture, woven sea grass rugs, faux fur, etc. are all nature-inspired fibers that instill a sense of the great outdoors inside your home.
9. Incorporate A Water Feature
The sound of running water works wonders to soothe and relax. Try adding a desktop fountain or, if possible, build an actual babbling brook right through the center of your home.
10. Nature-inspired Art
Another easy and effective way to bring the beauty of nature into your home is to hang nature-inspired artwork on the walls. From a simple sunset landscape to wildlife shots and nature scenes, you are only limited by your own imagination.
Sure, slippers were invented for a reason, but once you’ve lived in a home with heated floors, you’ll throw every single pair you own in the trash.
Heated floors are more than just a luxury. They are energy-efficient and help lower your heating bills in the winter. While the initial expense might sound like a lot, heated floors pay for themselves via your energy savings in a very short time.
2. Dimmer Switches
Installing dimmer switches in your home is probably the cheapest upgrade on this list. However, don’t underestimate the impact it will have. You’ll be surprised at how much changing the lighting in a room can change the ambiance instantly. If you hate how harsh your overhead lighting is, try installing a dimmer switch and see how warm and cozy the room becomes.
3. A Mudroom
Having a functional mudroom is something that many people overlook. This room is especially helpful when it’s situated between the house and the garage. A mudroom is meant to get a little messy, so whether someone is coming home from the gym, coming in from the garden, or shoveling snow, the mudroom catches all the dirt and mess before it enters your home.
4. A Finished Basement
If the basement in your home is unfinished, it may seem like the only thing it’s good for is storage. Give the space a little TLC, however, and it’ll change the way you live in your home forever.
A finished basement gives everyone extra space to live the way they want. If you add separate rooms down there, it’ll open up even more possibilities for its use.
5. Upper-Level Laundry
Sure, having a dedicated laundry room is nice, but having one on the second floor right outside the bedrooms? Priceless!
Doing laundry is so much easier since there’s no need to lug heavy loads of laundry up and down the stairs.
6. Double Sinks in the Bathroom
Once you’ve experienced the convenience of a double sink, you’ll never be able to go back to a single again. Having a double sink in the bathroom makes sharing the space with a partner or roommate tolerable, especially when it comes to coordinating spit and rinse cycles while brushing. If you have the space, installing a double sink in your master bath is definitely worth considering.
Many smart homeowners make upgrades to their homes. Unfortunately, not all upgrades are worth the time or expense you put in. Avoid luxury upgrades that require a lot of maintenance (like the hot tub) and instead, focus on projects like the ones mentioned above that are totally worth the consideration.
Painted floors are hardly a new concept, but in today’s modern home design, they can lend warmth, charm, and a rustic touch that fits any budget. If you’re the DIY type and are considering painting your floors, here are a few things to think about before you begin.
1. Do You Have Time And Money To Prepare The Floor Professionally?
When you hear of a painted floor that didn’t last, likely, it wasn’t prepared properly in the beginning. Preparing the floor correctly is the key to getting a painted floor to last a long time. If you don’t know how to prepare the floor correctly, hiring a professional to do it will greatly improve the chances that your floor will last. Even if your budget doesn’t allow for an entire professionally completed project, consider hiring a professional for the preparation part to ensure a good result.
2. Do You Have A Historical Home?
If you own a historical home with original flooring, keeping it as-is is often preferred. That said, historical homes often have additions with newer flooring that can be painted to enhance modernization or keep with the historical décor.
3. The Room’s Natural Light
If you have a small, dark room that gets little natural light, painting the floor a bright shade (white or off-white) will help bounce light around, so it feels bigger.
4. How Thin Are Your Wood Floors?
If the original wood floors in your home have already been refinished several times, it could be that they are too thin to refinish again. In this case, rather than the expense and hassle of replacing them, painting offers a way to breathe new life into old floors without breaking your budget.
5. Your Modern Home Lacks Charm
New constructions can lack charm and history, so painting the floors can give yours the character it lacks. Consider a design that works with your home’s architectural style, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your painted floors.
6. Are Your Floors Damaged Beyond Repair?
If your floors are damaged beyond repair or they are structurally unsound, painting them only covers up the problem without addressing the real issues. If they are warped or uneven, paint won’t be able to cover them. If your floors are beyond repair, it’s best to bite the bullet and get them fixed, so they look great and you know they can support you and your belongings the way they should.
7. Will You Want To Go Back To The Original Floor?
Painting is pretty permanent, so if there’s a chance you’ll want to go back to your original finish, it’s a good idea to skip this project. If you do paint your floors and ever want to “undo” it, keep in mind that it’ll be another major undertaking to do so, and there’s no guarantee the floor will be the same as it once was.
Millennials are the biggest generational group of homebuyers. If you want to be competitive and appeal to this group when selling your home, you must be sure to include features they are looking for. Below, we discuss several home renovations you may want to consider if you hope to appeal to this generation of buyers.
A Dedicated Workspace
Working from home is something many companies embrace. As such, a large portion of the population now works from home, at least on a part-time basis. For millennials, a home must contain a dedicated workspace complete with plenty of outlets and room for shelving.
If your home contains a spare room, adding a few tweaks here and there to make the space feel like a home office is recommended. If no spare room is available, a nook or something similar in a kitchen that has good lighting works, too. The space doesn’t have to be large, just something an up-and-coming remote worker can picture themselves using daily.
A Smart Home
Millennials are all about the digital age, and as a result, they crave smart technology. From smart thermostats and keyless locks to smart doorbells and more, millennials appreciate the convenience and added security these smart options bring to a home.
If you’re hoping your home appeals to the millennial generation, be ready to discuss your smart home features as well as the wi-fi carriers and signal strengths in your neighborhood.
Charging Ports
The younger generation has their smartphones with them all the time. As such, these devices need regular charging to keep up. Switching out some of the regular outlets in your home with USB outlets will be a huge plus with the millennial generation.
Adding USB charging ports in bedrooms, living spaces, and in the kitchen is a great way to market to the millennial generation.
Neutral Color Palette
A neutral color scheme is very popular among millennials. If you want to appeal to this group of buyers, consider giving the rooms in your home a fresh coat of paint in a palette of gray variations, white, and soft neutrals throughout. If your kitchen has cabinets in vibrant or dark hues, think about painting them a lighter, neutral color and switch out the hardware for a look most millennials will appreciate.
Outdoor Living Space
If you want to hook younger buyers, having an outdoor living space where they can spend time entertaining family and friends is a must. Whether your yard is big or small, millennials will be able to see themselves hanging out in it around a fire pit in comfortable seating under some urban-chic lighting. Even if you’ve never used your yard like this before, it pays to stage a space like this in your backyard while selling your home.
Since millennials make up a large portion of homebuyers, it makes sense to market to them as much as possible when selling your home. Add a few of these upgrades and/or renovations to your home to appeal to this generational group.
If we had to choose one word to describe modern home décor, it’s “simple.” Modern décor features clean lines, a neutral palette, and geometric shapes, which may sound boring, but it’s really anything but. Modern home décor is warm, inviting, and stylish in any home, so if you want to upgrade yours with a modern twist, here are several design elements you’ll need to include.
1.Simplicity
Now, we’re not talking four bare walls and a chair here, but modern home décor is simple and minimalistic. Studies have shown that clutter can lead to stress, which is something modern home décor does not contribute to.
As you go about redecorating, remember that less is more and try to keep things as clutter-free as possible.
2. Functionality
Functionality is important in modern home décor. In addition to the clean lines and clutter-free spaces, you also want to make sure your room(s) are easily identifiable as to their use and that their various features and elements are easily accessible.
For example, a modern kitchen will have plenty of workspaces, and all its equipment and tools will be readily available.
3. Technology
What is modern décor without technology? Technology is a huge part of everyday life, so it makes sense that it should be part of your modern home décor. It’s not enough to just say “technology,” though, but rather, technology that is streamlined (think flat-panel TVs and built-in computers) to keep those clean lines modern home décor is all about.
4. Open Space
This design element may not be possible in some homes, but modern home décor has an open and airy vibe. Large, open rooms with light color palettes and plenty of natural lighting work to create that feeling of freedom and openness that modern home décor is known for.
Even if your home has small, enclosed rooms, you can create that feeling of openness by using light, neutral colors and keeping windows uncovered to allow as much natural light to flood the space as possible. You can also hang mirrors on the wall to reflect the light, which will add depth to the room and make it appear larger than it actually is.
5. Character
Although modern home décor’s main focus is neutral, there’s no reason not to explore your wild side by adding a pop of color here and there for character. An accent wall painted a nice red or throw pillows in a bright yellow can add just the right amount of fun to an otherwise neutral palette for an exciting touch.
Creating modern home décor isn’t difficult, and you have a lot of room for creativity and personality. All you need to do is remember these five design elements and you’ll be able to achieve the modern décor you want in your own home.
Home is a lot of things for most people these days. From being the place you rest and relax to it being your workspace and much more, the home front can get a bit stale after spending so much time there.
If it’s time to give your home a fresh look and feel, try these simple, yet effective, ways to brighten, freshen and revitalize the ambiance of your home.
Take Advantage Of Natural Lighting Sources
Natural lighting not only makes your home look and feel better, but it also has the ability to make you feel better, too. Instead of turning on the lights when you get up in the morning, throw open the shades and let the sunshine in.
Not many windows in the room? No worries. Try hanging a mirror or two opposite a window to reflect light. In addition to brightening the space, mirrors also make a room appear larger.
Consider Light Colored Furniture
Light-colored furniture looks fresh and clean, giving your space an instant pick-me-up. Try choosing furnishings in whites, light grays, and beiges, to brighten any room.
Not sure you want to commit to white furniture? Try putting light-colored slipcovers on instead. You’ll get the same effect and be able to remove them to wash them if need be.
Let Nature Inspire You
Think wicker, cotton, woven materials, etc. for décor and accent pieces to give your home the freshness of nature.
In your living room, for example, switch out heavy, dark-colored blankets for lightweight, colorful throws and remove any dark accent pieces and replace them with woven baskets and colorful pieces instead.
Bring The Outdoors In
One of the best ways to freshen your space – literally – is adding potted plants and flowers. The addition will add a fresh, clean vibe and instill the air with extra oxygen, which is always a good thing.
If you are cursed with a black thumb, you can add faux plants around your home to get the same green vibe without all the hassle of keeping the plants alive.
Whatever reason you have for wanting to give your home a fresh look and feel, the ideas above are perfect for the task. From flooding your space with natural light to adding lots of green plants and colorful flowers, you can transform your home into a bright and breezy space with just a few easy changes.
If you’re looking to increase the value of your home and bring it up to date at the same time, remodeling your kitchen is a great choice. The kitchen is the heart of most homes, and as such, it should convey a welcoming, functional atmosphere.
Today’s kitchens are more advanced and sophisticated than ever, so the task of remodeling can be a bit challenging. You have to pay close attention to the functionality and efficiency of the changes you make, as well as the attractiveness of it all. Whether you go for simple surface changes or an entirely different look, it’s important to stay true to your lifestyle and budget.
Here are five kitchen remodel ideas to consider if you’re in the market for a new kitchen.
1. Cabinetry
If your budget allows, replace all your old cabinets with new ones, opting for solid oak, cherry, or even stainless-steel varieties. Darkly stained cabinets add a touch of warmth and hominess to any kitchen, so keep that in mind as you’re browsing the options.
If your budget isn’t forgiving enough to allow for new cabinets, you may want to think about revamping your old ones. Reface the old cabinets to freshen their look, and then rearrange their placement to give your kitchen a whole new feel. Changing the hardware as well will make it look as if you spent a fortune on remodeling your kitchen.
2. Make Greener Choices
Green living is the going trend these days, so why not instill that same thinking in your kitchen remodel? Choose things like recycled glass or concrete countertops, which are available in an array of designs and colors or opt for something a little more maintenance-free by choosing quartz instead.
3. Open Kitchen Concept
Open, airy spaces are very appealing to homeowners, and the open kitchen concept is one of the most popular. With nary a wall separating the kitchen from other rooms like the dining room or living room, it gives a feeling of openness that many people love.
If this appeals to you, be sure to check your home’s blueprints to make sure the walls you want to get rid of aren’t of the supportive variety.
4. Kitchen Islands
Adding a kitchen island is a great way to increase usable space in your kitchen as well as increase the value of your home. Kitchen islands are very popular among homebuyers, which is a plus if you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future.
5. Add Backsplashes
If your kitchen sink doesn’t already have a backsplash, consider adding one. Not only are they a great way to add pizzazz to your kitchen décor, they are quite functional as they protect the wall behind the sink from moisture.
Backsplashes come in a variety of sizes, designs, and colors, so choose something that coordinates well with the countertops in your kitchen.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to remodeling your kitchen. From surface changes such as adding a backsplash behind the sink to more dramatic renovations like knocking out walls, remodeling your kitchen adds appeal to your home and increases its value at the same time.
Homeowners are always looking for ways to update their homes for aesthetics and convenience, but what about eco-friendliness? Making your home eco-friendlier decreases its carbon footprint on the planet, and in most cases, makes your home more energy-efficient overall.
If you’re looking to make some upgrades in your home, look to these green renovation ideas for inspiration.
Renewable Heating Systems
The biggest benefit of installing a renewable heating system is that your supply of fuel for heat will never run out. Renewable heating systems include biomass boilers and air source heat pumps, both of which use heat sources found in nature or are easily replenished anywhere.
Water-saving Appliances
Want to save money on your water bill and save the planet at the same time? Consider installing water-saving faucets and showerheads to start, and if you have a garden, seriously think about installing a water diverter that flushes wastewater out to your garden where it can once again be useful.
Triple-pane Windows
Although triple-paned windows can be expensive to install, their benefits far outweigh the cost. Adding that extra layer of glass will reduce outside noise and provide extra protection against the outside elements. Your energy bills will decrease significantly, and your home’s interior temps will stay steady and comfortable all year long.
Dual-pane Windows
If your home has old, single-pane windows, installing new, dual-pane windows will make a huge difference in terms of comfort and energy efficiency. Dual-pane windows have two panes of glass with a small space in between to form an air pocket. This air pocket keeps the outside temps from affecting your indoor temps, which helps your heating and cooling systems work less.
Skylights
Take advantage of natural lighting and use electric lights less by installing skylights throughout your home. Skylights can come with ventilation and radiation heat control features as well.
Insulation
Insulation is one of those things you really can’t afford to overlook. If you live in an older home, having extra insulation installed can greatly reduce your energy bills and thus, your home’s impact on the planet.
Sustainable/reusable Building Materials
The home building industry is under great pressure to use sustainable and/or reusable materials in the construction of new homes. Reusing building materials is a great way to cut down on deforestation and save money. If you’re planning to add on to your existing home or build a new home, consider using as many sustainable and/or reusable materials as possible in the construction.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bills while taking advantage of natural energy sources. Unfortunately, many people don’t like the way they look, so if they’re visible from the front of your home, it could impact its value. With that said, the money you’ll save and the energy the panels produce naturally are well worth the risk of devaluing your home a tad bit.
If you’re considering making some upgrades to your home, be sure to consider these greener renovation ideas that are sure to save you money and the planet.
Many homeowners spend a great deal of time and money remodeling their homes. From adding a coat of fresh paint to the walls to tearing out a wall to open up a room, remodeling takes many forms. While renovating tends to add value and beauty to a home, doing so without the proper permits can be devastating.
According to a recent study, of every 100 homeowners who make renovations to their homes, only 10-20 percent actually acquire the proper permits to make those renovations. Many people think minor remodels don’t need permits, but the reality is, even just adding a light switch could require permission first.
Types Of Renovations That Require Permits
Anytime you make any structural changes to your home, you need a permit. In fact, you may need to acquire multiple permits for one project. No remodeling project is too small when it comes to needing permits. Kitchen, bathroom, and additions definitely need permission, but even small modifications such as installing new windows, replacing a tub surround, or even adding additional electrical outlets require a permit.
Why Permits Are Necessary
Before starting any remodeling project in your home, it’s best to acquire the proper permits. If you aren’t sure if the project needs a permit, contact the city where you live to ask. In terms of building permits and home remodels, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here are the four main reasons building permits are necessary.
1. Permits Help Ensure The Safety Of Your House
Whether you do the work yourself or you hire a contractor to complete the renovations, it’s possible that some parts of the job won’t get done correctly. When you acquire a permit, it includes a list of specific do’s and don’ts to follow as you work to ensure the safety and accuracy of the job. The permit will also have safety guidelines to follow and what to do if certain situations occur.
2. Homeowner’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover Renovations Made Without A Permit
If a mishap occurs while renovations are being made, or if something happens to the home because of a remodel, an insurance adjuster will probably ask if you have the proper permits for the remodel. When you tell him that you don’t, it’s likely that the insurance company will deny your claim to cover the damages.
3. Permits Ensure A Smooth Sale
If you ever have to sell your home after making renovations, you’ll be asked to divulge any information about the home that may be important. You’ll have to include the fact that you made modifications, which will likely trigger a home inspection.
When the inspector comes in, he or she will need to know that all renovations were done correctly and if those renovations included things like hanging drywall or installing electrical wiring in the walls. It’s possible the walls will need to be torn out to verify structural and electrical safety. As the homeowner, you’ll be responsible for repairing the damage of this verification before the house can be sold. If you acquire the proper permits beforehand, all that beautiful ceramic tiling you installed in the bathroom will remain untouched.
4. Permits Ensure City Records Include The Right Square Footage Of Your Home
If you don’t get a permit before making an addition to your home, the added square footage will not be recorded in government records. This means if you must sell your home, it will not be worth as much as it should be. It also might mean that a bank might deny financing to a buyer interested in purchasing your home.
You might think your small home remodel isn’t worthy of a permit, but the reality is, almost any renovation you make requires a permit. Be sure to inquire if your project needs a permit before you begin to avoid unsavory consequences.
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