INSIGHT

Log Home Lighting Ideas and Tips

When it comes to decor, this is believed to be a challenge faced by log homes. It is assumed to be a challenge especially when based on the design of the home and other decorative things that have been added. Due to this, many people have ended up with poorly lit log homes which can be caused by log color and richness. The solution is that you have to choose the best bulbs for this type of home so as to have good lighting and an unique setting. There are certain factors that you have to consider when you want to achieve a well-lit atmosphere in these homes.

* Ambient lighting

This is the common type of brightness that is used to illuminate a house. When you have a log home, you can achieve this with the use of single bulb or fluorescent bulbs. You can also use pot lights, chandeliers among other types of lighting. These types of lighting gives full amount of light without affecting the decor with some ugly fixtures which can be caused by unsightly bulbs. In order not to completely see the fixtures, you have to fix the chandeliers in the ceiling. It is recommended that you opt for small lighting for logs are known to absorb light.

* Ancient lighting

When you have a log home, you need to consider having accent lighting. This is a common feature of home lighting decor and it can also be used in setting the mood of the day in the house or at home. There is certain lighting that can be used to achieve this like wall scones which can be used to illuminate artwork. You can also incorporate overhead lighting which can be used as a spotlight on a specific area in the house.

* Task lighting

These are lights that tend to be a bit darker, hence they add their own importance in the home. These lights are ideal for kitchen lighting where you can add another light bar at the top of the cooking area. They can also be used in a cabin to offer light to the items in it. You can also select from standalone lamps, antler or rustic which can offer more light when you are cooking.

On the other hand, antlers and rustic lighting can be used in most parts of log homes like living rooms or bedrooms. You have to know how to buy these lights so as to select on those that will perfectly fit your log home lighting needs.…

Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen is easily one of the most important rooms in the house. The gathering of family and friends for the holidays, special occasions, or just daily conversation at the dinner table provides the memories that make a house a home. However, not all kitchens instantly provide the ambience for which homeowners seek.

Renovations and updates in the kitchen have the highest return on invest for a home’s resale value. Changes such as changing out countertops, installing new floors, or changing cabinets all fall under types of renovations. Some estimates state that a well done renovation would add up to 92.9% of the cost to the resale value of the home.

Very common changes that have a big impact are kitchen countertops. Choosing countertops often are based on function, durability, and appearance. The most popular types of counter tops are: laminate, stone, and ceramic tiles.

Laminate countertops are priced the lowest, and can come in a variety of colors and patterns. However, since laminate is often comprised of mainly bonded paper & particle board, it is prone to chips or scratches. Maintenance on laminate is relatively easy, however there are things owners should avoid. Avoid cutting directly on the countertop since the soft laminate could be easily cut, do not stand or sit on the countertop because weight could separate the piece from the wall, also be careful not to burn cigarette butts on the countertop as they are nearly impossible to erase, and be careful not to let water sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Stone countertops include the most popular countertop in recent years, granite. Not only does granite offer beautiful coloration that is attractive, it is also incredibly durable. Marble, and other types of countertops are included in this grouping, however granite tends to be the most popular. Maintenance for stone is also easy, be sure to avoid using abrasive cleaning pads since they could dull the polished finish. Cleaning the countertops can be achieved with a cleaner comprised of one part water to one part bleach. Also a licensed contractor can polish countertops to remove some stains, scratches and burns.

Another form of countertops is ceramic tile, which is priced somewhere in between stone and laminate. However, many complaints come from the fact that tile chips easily. Many homeowners also complain that cleaning the grout between the tile is very difficult.

If you wish to change the counter tops in your kitchen, look into professional companies. The licensed contractors can more easily handle any problems that arise, and some companies also offer limited warranties on their products. Also, researching companies and their practices could help make your decision.…

You Do Bake in the Kitchen?

What in the world drove some idiot to love a kitchen? How is it possible to love something that just makes you have to work more? I have a difficult time understanding this dilemma! Maybe, I can come to a conclusion.

Being an older woman (and a grandmother, to boot), I find fascinating treasures in my kitchen. I bake, boil, fry, steam, etc., in this inviting room. The wonderful aromas which prevail keeps my family (and friends) coming back for more. Vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, all those scents which make your nose dance. How can anyone resist?

Roasts, turkeys, pickles, casseroles and stuffing. Oh my god, how terrific the smells which make people drool! I enjoy that I can persuade my loved ones to do most anything with the magic I perform in my little kitchen. My grandchild squeal with delight every time their tongues taste a new cookie!

From the nifty gadgets people have gifted me, over the years, I create masterpieces. Cakes, pies, breads, soups, stews, salsas! Blenders, toasters, shredders, shavers (for ice and chocolate) and juice makers. My kitchen is equipped with everything I need to put smiles upon faces. I do, once in a while, put a special smile on my face!

But, there are days I simply want to enjoy my kitchen all by myself. I make a large cup of hot cocoa and put miniature marshmallows in it. I sit by the window and see nature pass by. Even though I do have a minor kitchen, I have so much space outside I never feel smothered. I do appreciate this so much. I feel safe within the confines of these walls.

I just love the way cocoa makes me feel! So warm and cuddly inside! The sweetness of the marshmallows makes my tummy somersault. I made this cocoa in this kitchen! In this cute room which makes me laugh, smile and even sometimes cry. What would I do if I did not have this in my life?

It is not always appropriate (I am told) to get emotional about the home you are in. Especially, the rooms in the home! Well, I must beg to differ. I truly want to spend the rest of my days here and hope that I will be allowed to do that. The world spins to fast for me and the slow pace of my kitchen, keeps me sane.

My tiny kitchen has all the amenities I could possibly want. I do not want one more thing inside it’s walls. It gives me peace. It gives me strength. I could not love it more.…

Top 5 Benefits Of Kitchen Floor Tiles

Many homeowners are happy after tiling their kitchen floors as they have many benefits. Kitchen floor tiles make the floor look good and give you a clean and sparkling kitchen at all times. As many of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen, either cooking or eating, create a bright and cheerful atmosphere for everyone here. You also need a hygienic space, as the whole family’s food comes out of this space. Here are the top five reasons why you should tile your kitchen floors.

1. Durability – Use of kitchen floor tiles will enhance the life of the floor. Many tiles like ceramic and porcelain have great durability. They withstand a lot of pressure from foot traffic and do not break easily. Some of the natural stones like limestone, granite, and marble too last a long time and give you the preferred look. When compared to a floor without tiles, this will definitely stay a longer time and save you money in the long run.

2. Beauty – Though we have listed durability as the first reason to use floor tiles, beauty of the space is equally important. We love to work in a space that is elegant and pleasing to the eye. Without compromising on durability, you can choose your preferred colour and pattern for your working space. While you are surrounded by something that will cheer you up, beautiful ambience gives you sense of peace and calmness at all times. And without doubt, the number of styles and patterns will overwhelm you. Such is the range of floor tiles in the market.

3. Easy to clean – Cooking and eating areas witness a lot of spills and messes. Some of these spills can be acidic or hot or coloured. By choosing tiles for the floors, you can clean these messes easily. Wiping them with a wet cloth will clear them completely. For certain stubborn spills, you can use mild cleaners. As the tiled surfaces prevent any spills to be absorbed into the floor, the space is hygienic and devoid of bacteria.

4. Easily replaced – Tile floors can be easily replaced. Sometimes, even after many precautions, you might encounter a broken tile or a chipped tile. It is a simple procedure to replace the damaged tiles. Many homeowners do these themselves, without incurring major costs. The replacement of the damaged tiles, gives rise to clean and fresh floors all over.

5. Easy on the pocket – The kitchen floor tiles are available in a range of prices that is bound to suit every budget. Compare the prices of different materials and choose the best ones after considering the quality and durability.

Tiling the kitchen floors is definitely beneficial and gives you the happiness of working clean and durable floors for many years.…