Home

Hardscaping to Beautify Your Outdoor Space

October 7, 2022 Comments Off

Hardscaping has become a popular trend when referring to outdoor home improvement. Landscaping is one way to improve your yard and overall outdoor space, but when landscaping is mixed with hardscaping the results can be quite impressive.
Landscaping vs Hardscaping
Landscaping refers to things like plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, gardens and lawns, while hardscaping refers to things like pathways, stamped concrete, structures, stone and decorative rocks. When you blend these two together you can create some beautiful and distinct looks that add appeal and character to the look of your home.
Adding a curved, brick pathway bordered with flowers and plants can give a very inviting look. If you live in an area with slopes and hills you may want to add a terraced retaining wall filled with shrubs, plants and flowers to add layers and texture to your yard while also eliminating some of the hard to mow grassy slopes.
Outdoor Living Areas
Both hardscaping and landscaping can play a crucial role in the development of an outdoor room or outdoor living space, especially since expanding our living space into our yards has become increasingly popular. With our busy lifestyles more people are wanting to find a close place to relax and that space is often times the outdoor living area in the back yard. For some this has become an outdoor room with a ceiling and complete set of outdoor furniture, for others this has become a nicely designed patio with an outdoor fireplace or waterfall.
The use of hardscaping can add both convenience and luxury to your home. It also makes the square footage of a home feel like it has increased. With the help of outdoor kitchens, patio tables and outdoor fireplaces the yard can easily become a comfortable part of your living space.
Not only does it make your place feel bigger but it will also add value to your home. A nicely designed patio or outdoor room has become a big selling point. But even if you don’t plan on selling your home anytime soon an outdoor home improvement like this will make you enjoy being home even more.…

Storage, Organization and Surfaces in Small Bathroom Design

September 23, 2022 Comments Off

Whether you are adding a small bathroom or remodeling one, storage and organization in small bathroom design are very important. Careful planning and design for storage and organizing the storage spaces you have will allow you to keep your addition small and save money when you remodel your small bath or plan a bathroom addition. The way you handle surfaces in your small bathroom will also be important in how large the room looks and feels. It will also be a factor in how easy it is to keep the room clean.

The design of any small bathroom remodel or addition should place great attention on storage – not only providing storage areas, but providing appropriate secure storage areas and keeping things organized. Nothing makes a small bathroom look smaller than clutter on all surfaces. There are several traditional options for storage. The most common storage areas are in a

Vanity, where you might have cabinet space or a combination of drawers and cabinets;

Medicine Cabinet;

Closet, which can be very difficult in a small bathroom; and

Shelves.

In a small bathroom, less is always more. If you include a vanity, you will probably need to choose a very small unit. Depending on your needs, you can choose the style (cabinet or drawers or a combination) that is most suited to your needs. Recessed medicine cabinets (set into the wall, with an unframed mirror) are ideal in small bathrooms.

Most remodelers tend to think of a single medicine cabinet over the sink. But with a little creativity, you can use additional medicine cabinets in other places in the small bathroom to provide both space and the light-reflecting property of the mirror to make the room look larger. For example, a larger medicine cabinet placed in a wall at one end of or behind a tub is a great place to store soaps, lotions, bubble bath, wash cloths and even towels. All the items needed for the bath can be in close proximity yet out of sight.

Some people like the idea of dividing even a small vanity with cabinet on one side and drawers on the other. Larger items can be stored in the cabinet and small items can be organized in the drawers. If you have small children, you can also place locks on the drawers used to store potentially dangerous items and cleaning substances.

If you are planning shelves for storage in your new bathroom, consider building shelves that are recessed into the wall. These shelves can be either framed with trim or left unframed. Or you can add doors to keep things on the shelves dust free. In a small bathroom, doors with glass or frosted glass doors will make the room appear more spacious than solid wood doors (and frosting creates enough blurring that you don’t need to be quite as neat). You can use the shelves strictly for storage or you can mix storage and display of decorative items. If you cannot or do not want to build recessed shelves, you might consider installing glass shelves. Because they are clear and reflect light, they do not make the room look smaller, as wood shelves might do.

Organization is very important in a small bathroom. Creative use of nooks and crannies and recessing shelves and cabinets can conserve space, make the most of available space, and keep items close to where they will be used. There are many kinds of organizing units for drawers and for cabinets. If you are planning a custom vanity or shelves, you can insert whatever you wish in terms of dividers and such.

Walls, floors, tub and shower surrounds, light fixtures and ceiling treatment are all important in designing a small bathroom that is easy to clean and does not feel cramped. Here are a few things to consider about walls, floors, surrounds and ceilings:

Tile is very easy to clean and it can be used on floors, walls, and surrounds.

The time to install radiant floor or wall heating is before floor covering is installed. This can be a wonderful addition to any bathroom and an unexpected luxury in a small bath.

Mirrors and glass will reflect light and make the room look and feel larger

Installing sound board behind drywall, under floor covering and in ceilings is a nice addition to any bathroom.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, be sure to use cement backer board around tubs and showers and either green board or blue board for your bathroom drywall (it doesn’t absorb moisture and is less likely to mold).

Wallpaper can be a great idea in any bathroom. You might want to try to use a vinyl paper because it will be easier to clean and will not absorb moisture and mold or mildew; using fabric can be …

Small Bathroom Remodeling Design Ideas

September 13, 2022 Comments Off

When you are looking for small bathroom remodeling design ideas, it helps to have an easy clear project plan. Because designing the perfect remodel idea for a smaller bathroom is a little bit more tricky, since you have limited space. So you want to make sure the style and placements looks great within that small space.
So how can you design your dream bathroom renovation idea? Here’s a simple guide to help you make it easier…
3 Easy Steps for a Small Bathroom Remodel
So here are 3 easy steps that helps you get started with minimum tools and skills, and renovate your bathroom design like an experienced pro.
1. Search for Your Favorite Design Ideas Online
Previously your best source of renovation ideas would be your local interior design and home improvement magazine. Although this is still a great helpful resource if you are interested to pay for a semi-expensive glossy magazine, nowadays you have an ever better and more affordable option: the Internet.
You can simply find hundreds or even thousands of new trendy bathroom interior design ideas online. Based on whether you are looking for a simple bathroom design, or perhaps a more modern and classy look, you can find so many before and after photos online.
One best way to come up with your perfect design idea, is to mix and match different parts that you like, from various remodeling pictures. So you can have the best of both worlds in one easy design.
2. Pick the Coloring, the Location, and the Objects Involved
There are 3 main factors involved for each bathroom design: Which furniture or objects you plan to use, where you plan to put them, and which colors you’d like to use for the general theme of your bathroom.
So once you simply decide on these 3 important factors, you are ready to start redecorating and bringing your new small bathroom remodeling design into life!
3. Choose to Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional
The choice is up to you. Depending how complex the changes and renovations you’re planning to do are, and how skilled you are in handling them, you can either take the matters into your own hands… or get help from a professional.
Since redecorating a small bathroom is easier, many people choose to at least do a portion of the project themselves, to save money. So it is entirely up to you.…

Tips For Renovating Your Bathroom

September 8, 2022 Comments Off

Are you considering a bathroom remodel? The issue is – should you use a skilled pro or do it by yourself? Let’s delve into this subject and see which decision is best for you. You will have lots of options to consider. The first step in your remodel is the setting up stage.
Let us start with a few straightforward questions and the first would be do you consider yourself extremely handy when it comes to projects, a little handy, or do you fall into the last group of “not a chance?” No matter how handy you are there are answers for all ability levels.
You may be concerned about the difficulty level with bathroom renovation. Do you feel contented doing projects around the house? Then most likely you’ll not have troubles. If you have plenty of experience renovating houses, you can even finish the remodel by yourself. Have you ever considered an open shower? They do not have doors at all.
Does your ability level fall into the middle group? If so, you should still be able to carry out the majority of these ideas with little trouble. Change the fixtures on the sink. It is one of the simplest tasks. Another project that is easier than you may believe is installing a new mirror. If you decide to change the floor you’ll need help.
Often times, taking out the old flooring is harder than putting down the new. Linoleum which comes in a roll is a little harder to do simply because of the measuring and cutting and little room for error. Self stick tiles are simpler to put in. Mistakes are pretty simple to fix.
If you only have a basic skill level, you will have to hire a expert. When looking in your local yellow pages you’ll find many different contractors. The best way to locate a expert is to ask your family and friends for a referral from a pro they used . . .…

Exactly How Hardwood Flooring Adds Elegance and Value to a House

September 7, 2022 Comments Off

Millions of people think that wood floors are good choices when picking flooring materials, and many of them are right. Depending on your requirements, they could be tough or soft, flexible or unyielding, light or dark, bright or matte. Despite the many things that a hardwood floor might provide though, there is one thing about it that no one dares to disagree about: hardwood is an attractive and attractive product for a floor. So gorgeous, in fact, that it could possibly sometimes also contribute hundreds or thousands of dollars right into the value of your own home.
There are numerous benefits of having a hardwood floor installed for your home. Precisely how they can make one’s house gorgeous isn’t such an issue, but exactly how it could include value makes some individuals raise their eyebrows in question. Exactly what is there to hardwood that could possibly raise a house’s resale value?
1. Toughness. Really good wooden floors are durable. If they are properly looked after, they could possibly last for a lifetime and more. Some hardwood could last a century if they are well cared for.
2. Cleanliness. Floor tiles have grouts and carpets have fiber. Both of these flooring materials could be home to pests, mites and insects. The smooth, solid surface of the hardwood makes it easy to totally clean.
3. Coziness. Wood floors are ideal if you want to have that taking it easy, warm and cozy feeling when you get inside a room.
4. Maintenance. Though hardwoods aren’t probably the least needy of maintenance in the world of flooring materials, they definitely aren’t the neediest of them all. It would not require that you get a vacuum, and you can sweep it clean, wipe them dry and they will quickly look as good as new.
To put it simply, hardwood is excellent if you want to grow the resale value of a house. Nevertheless, you likewise should take note that certain individuals want certain sorts of flooring, and not all people might find hardwood as desirable as you and as others could see it. And while you could feel that your flooring choices should have the ability to add more than a thousand dollars to the value of your home, some other individual could simply find it less appealing.
According to research, houses with hardwood floors can sell for as much as 20% more than those without them, and that having them installed could help sell your home quicker by 4 to 6 weeks. So there are definite benefits to having hardwood floors.…

The Easiest Steps For Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal

September 3, 2022 Comments Off

When thinking of giving your home a new look, where do you usually want to start making changes? Do you want to focus on your living room, or maybe your bedroom? Are you very particular when it comes to how your bathroom looks?
All of these home improvement plans are effective enough for boosting the aesthetic value of your home. However, if you wish to attract more potential buyers, you should think about improving the curb appeal of your home instead of focusing on its interiors. More buyers are drawn to a home with neatly painted walls and well-maintained lawns. Hence, you should be more concerned with the task of improving the curb appeal of your home rather than its interiors. Here are some of the easiest things you can do in order to improve your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank.
What are the best features of your property?
The first thing you should do before pursuing your planned home improvement project is to observe your property with keen eyes. Try standing outside your property and looking at it from afar. What strikes you most as its most attractive feature? Do you admire its intricately designed banisters? Were you amazed of how much potential your garden actually possesses? Once you have noticed some of its best features, you can come up with a home improvement plan that would help you highlight those strong points.
It would be a good idea to bring out a piece of paper and to jot down some of the things you can do in order to highlight the striking features of your property. This way, you would not forget any idea that you might come up during this short exercise.
How can you identify its major flaws?
You should also include your home’s major flaws in your important notes. Is its paint starting to fade? Are there mold and mildew in its walls? Whatever these flaws are, you should think of ways to change them for the better.
Now that you have known some of the weakest and strong points of your property, you can already proceed by doing some of your initial plans. Start with the least demanding tasks such as cleaning mold and mildew, scrubbing its patio, and cleaning its gutters. After doing these things, you can proceed to more challenging tasks such as pressure washing its walls and landscaping your garden.
How can you beautify your garden?
When landscaping your lawn, you should invest on plants that are eye-catching yet easy-to-maintain. You should look for local plants that are resistant to insect-eating plants and other pests. This would show your potential buyers how much they could enjoy tending your garden once they decide to purchase your property.
How can you make it look attractive during evenings?
Your home must not only look enticing during mornings. It should also look its best even during nighttime by standing out from other properties in your neighborhood. A good way to make it look better amidst a dark and dull night is to install some lampshades around it. Placing a decorative street lamp in front of your porch might also do the trick.
These are only some of the easiest ways to improve the curb appeal of your home. Always remember that the important thing here is to make it look appealing and striking without going over your limited budget.…

The Best Laminate Flooring for a Bathroom

August 27, 2022 Comments Off

The best laminate flooring is the kind of floor that not only stands up to spills and splashes, but also continues to look great with a minimal amount of upkeep. Laminate is renowned for its durability and lasting style – making it one of the most popular choices of flooring for any room in the home. But you may not give much thought to the bathroom – arguably the “most popular” room in the house! Here’s how laminate “stacks up”.
Incredibly Resistant to Scratches, Dents and Fading
Laminate floors are highly resistant to things that would damage or degrade cheaper floors – like scratches, dents, scuffs and fading. The mimics the look of more expensive floors, such as hardwood, stone and tile – and comes in a variety of colors, patterns and designs so you can create the perfect look for your bathroom that fits in with your color scheme and style. Laminate lets you express your creativity like few other types of flooring can.
Easy to Maintain and Care For
Unlike traditional hardwood floors, the best laminate flooring never needs to be re-sanded or refinished. There’s no need to wax or polish them either. Just regular floor care is all that’s needed to maintain your floors and keep them looking clean and neat. Because laminate “floats” over your existing floor, it can be installed over nearly any type of sub-floor, including plywood, vinyl flooring and concrete to name a few. You do want to be certain that the area is level, however, to ensure your new laminate floors won’t bend or bow.
Do it Yourself Installation
Depending on the type of laminate you buy, you may be able to install it yourself. The best laminate flooring features a simple tongue and groove installation feature that lets each piece lock together – sort of like a puzzle. There’s no special glue or installation needed – just snap and click the pieces together. You can also buy trims and moldings to make your laminate floors look like authentic hardwood. Some of these trims are actually made with hardwood and are designed to accentuate your floors with a more realistic look.
Get a New Floor in as Little as a Day!
Laminate floor makes for a great do it yourself project that requires no glue, staples or nails. It’s a floor that not only looks good in your bathroom, but its beauty can also be the perfect fit for your living room, den, dining room, bedroom and more. Laminate floors feel right at home in nearly any space – giving you the freedom you want to create nearly any look imaginable while adding aesthetic space and easy care maintenance throughout your home.
To learn more about the benefits of laminate, ask a flooring retailer near you or browse their laminate selection to be inspired by different ideas and even bold, fresh new patterns. It can be an exciting time to imagine the possibilities with this versatile and remarkably sturdy type of flooring.…

INSIGHT

Magnificent House