Kitchen Remodeling Archives - Page 4 of 6 - Bruzzese Home Improvements

Easy Kitchen Lighting Upgrade Ideas

June 20, 2016adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Kitchen RemodelingDIY projects, home improvement, kitchens, lightingLeave a comment

A simple upgrade in your kitchen lighting will bring all the magic into your cooking space. Experts suggest that the most beautiful and effective kitchen lighting has 4 layers which include- ambient, task, decorative lightings and accent. The result is truly remarkable making your place inviting and very warm.

But having a tight budget is a downer when it comes to home upgrades. However, there are simple hacks and tricks that you can do to avoid emptying your bank account for kitchen upgrades. Adding or changing a few lighting fixtures will totally transform the kitchen.

Using under-cabinet LED light bars

Using an LED lighting fixture in your kitchen does not only add depth but it is also cost effective. LED under-cabinet light bars will last longer than incandescent light bulbs. LED lights can last up to a decade and no maintenance is needed. This is very useful to promote safe food preparation in your countertop. Apart from that, it also avoids cooking accidents since you have ample lighting fixtures while making your favorite dish or just using your perfect French press for strong coffee to wake you up in the morning.

Under cabinet rope lights

If you don’t like light bars, then under cabinet rope lights are the better option. These are easier to install because it is thin and has a circuit board, which is flexible making it easier to bend and adjust. There are LED chips attached in the board and can be cut to size depending on how big or small your kitchen cabinets are. The best part is the adhesive backing to save you all the installation sweat.

Once these LED tapes are mounted, it gives a glowing silhouette making your kitchen cabinets appealing and inviting. Experts suggest using coated tapes when mounting the rope lights because it is more durable when exposed to moisture, food spills and heat.

Decorative Flush Mount

Flush mounts in kitchens are mostly used as a focal point in the kitchen. It is mostly in dome-shaped figure and is mostly mounted in the ceiling. You can choose the design that connects with your vibe and the overall design of your kitchen. Most homeowners can freely choose either a semi-flush mount or flush mount. Both offer versatility to design and function in your kitchen.

Swap a plain ceiling light for one that multitasks

Plain ceiling lights are a thing of the past. Modern houses today incorporate recessed lights in their kitchen to help with the meal prep and cooking dishes in the kitchen. It does not only add beauty to the place but also helps avoid accidents like burning a pan-fried fish or when mixing ingredients for your chocolate cake. You have to make sure though that you chose the right lighting fixture to avoid dimming or glaring your kitchen.

When choosing to mount a multitasking ceiling light, it is important to control the lights separately. This is to ensure flexibility and efficiency in your kitchen lighting. You can opt for dimmable LED lights, or choose halogen or incandescent lights. You can control the lights by having multiple switches or a wallbox system that is programmed to control the lighting fixtures in your kitchen.

Consider plug-in wall sconces

Having plug-in wall sconces definitely add a chic vibe to your kitchen. Most of the time, sconces are added to bathrooms, hallway or in a reading nook to add more light source in the room. Today, plug-in wall sconces are added to the kitchen to have additional lighting. There are various designs to choose from but one great disadvantage is that you will need to conceal or rewire the newly mounted sconces so that the cords are not seen everywhere.

Kitchen upgrades are not just essential and pleasing to the eye but it also paves the way for effective and accident-free meal prep and cooking. Choosing the right lighting fixtures are essential to achieve your dream kitchen upgrade. You don’t have to worry about spending a lot though, since there are cheap but efficient ways on how to improve your home.

Stylish Cabinet Handles Give Your Kitchen a New Look

June 3, 2016adminKitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home trends, kitchen remodelingLeave a comment

One of the primary purposes of redoing your home is improving the functionality of the fittings and fixtures you have. Renovation and remodeling of homes should not only consider the beauty aspect and the current trend, but also to cater what you require from your home, which is easy operation and maximum utility. The cabinets are one of the most used parts of your home, just as the cabinet handles.

Choosing the Right Hardware

People often end up choosing a design which is very catchy but is not effective in the role it is supposed to play. So while selecting your cabinet handles, look for something that remains trendy for a long time. If you are looking for handles, which can move a large door, the first consideration should be the strength of the material. You use large doors to hide the cooking area in the kitchen or the bin. You will be frequently using these pulls so make sure to avoid using handles which are fancy and ornamental. Use these for less used doors or drawers placed in your sitting room.

Give a New Face to Your Kitchen

Remodeling the whole kitchen that is sturdy enough to last for some years is a waste of money. Here are small changes that can give a facelift to your cabinets.

Changing the hardware is an affordable and innovative method of giving a fresh feel to your cabinets. Adding that sleek handle will give a modern look to your kitchen in no time.

Going for an intricate design is not an option if you do not have much time to clean and maintain your house. You need to choose the cabinet handles with ornate

Design for a traditional look.

Selecting a doorknob that needs you to make new holes in the door will destroy the flawless look of your cupboard. Measure the gap between the two ends of the old handle and choose one that shall fit into this measurement.

Correct Placement of Handles

Proper placement of the cabinet handles will contribute to increasing its functionality. Whether the pulls will be fixed on the wardrobes, on the drawers or cabinet doors is an important consideration. Consider the points given below when placing your hardware.

Use handles that are easy to pull. When fixing them on sliding doors or large heavy wardrobe doors, set the handles at the central point between the two edges of the door, opposite the hinges. If the cabinet is at a height, fix the hardware a few inches above the bottom edge. Place the knob half an inch away from the brink of a door. For heavy drawers you need to place the handle centrally for those that shall contain only light things, place them a few inches below the top edge.

Consider the height of the person who shall use the cabinet handles, when fixing them. For a short person, pull down the handles a bit. Do the opposite for a tall person.

Style Matters

Using a wrong style of handles compromises the aesthetic appeal. Choose a style that goes with the decor of the area where you are using it. If you want to give a modern look to your kitchen, use cabinet handles that look sleek yet durable. Do not use the same design for the whole house. Selecting different styles for the different rooms can give a distinctive character to your living space. For the kids’ room, use colorful plastic handles or ones that come in cartoons or animal shapes. For your old grandma wardrobes, using ornamental golden handles will enhance its look.

Think Before You Buy

Replacing the knobs and handles are an effective way to improve your home. There are a variety of styles, designs, and materials that you can choose from. Sit down and decide what you want, before rushing to the hardware store. Taking tips from your designer or browsing through the sites that provide valuable tips can help you a lot. Consider usability, style and most importantly, your budget.

Hope you found some interesting tips and ideas about these kitchen cabinet handles. If you want to explore some new and modern design of cabinet handle then get in touch with us to get detail information and gallery with bulk of images.

Author Bio:

My name is Mark Simon. I am a writer by profession and love to share my written blogs and thoughts about Home Improvement, business and Fashion that will be informative for readers who loves to gain knowledge.

How to prepare your kitchen for spring

March 28, 2016adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Organization Tips, Kitchen RemodelingDIY projects, home organization, kitchen remodeling, kitchens, springLeave a comment

Spring is coming! In order to prepare your home for its rejuvenating effects what you need is a proper spring remodeling and is there a better place to start doing so than your very own kitchen. However, there are so many things to do and in so little time, that you will have to organize yourself properly in order to make it. With this in mind, here are some things you need to do in order to prepare your kitchen for spring.

Spring cleaning

There is no better place to start with this spring makeover than to thoroughly clean your kitchen and all of its surfaces. Whatever you decide to do next, having a clean work environment is always a paramount. Take out and throw everything you no longer need and swipe clean all the counter surfaces, your fridge and of course the stove. However, seeing how your kitchen is a place where you prepare the food for your entire family, you don’t want to have it tainted by dangerous chemicals. Luckily, there are completely natural solutions made from vinegar, salt, baking soda and even bleach. At the very least a bit of soapy water never hurt anyone.

Painting it adequately

Every now and then your kitchen will need painting and seeing how in spring we have a bit longer and warmer days, it might be as good time as any to do so. In 2016, natural colors are in but you need to be very careful when painting your kitchen and dining room since it is known that different colors can affect our appetites differently. For example, colors black and brown are made to diminish your appetite (which makes them into powerful dietary tools) while yellow and orange are known to make you want to eat more. Always keep this in mind, even if you are going for wallpaper instead of paint.

Organization

Next thing you need to pay attention to in your kitchen is the issue of organization. Try and always look for different storage solutions and methods. For example, everyone knows that it is easier to store your pots without their lids on, but later on when you need to pair the pot with the lid this doesn’t seem as such a good idea after all. This is why you can greatly benefit from such a thing as lid racks on the inside of your cabinet doors and many other similar ideas. Even if your kitchen is absolutely tiny, you always have some unused walls to hang a wall rack on so there is no need for desperation.

Make it cooking friendly

Finally, once the spring begins, days will start getting warmer and warmer and there is something you will have to do about it. Install an AC unit inside of it, or if you already have one, check if you need air con repairs. Finally, seeing how there are many fumes that will circulate the room (caused by your cooking) now might be a good time for you to purchase an aspirator. Here you have two choices, either one with recirculation as a method or one with the exhaust pipe. Simply do some homework on both of these methods and go with one that you find more fitting.

Although all of these remodeling efforts are minor in nature, they are more than necessary to prepare you for the upcoming season. By starting in due time, you should be more than prepared to enjoy the spring in your very own kitchen. This notion alone is something that is indeed hard (if not impossible) to top.

Home Renovation? Six Ideas To Give Your Kitchen More Space

December 10, 2015adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, home remodeling, Kitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, kitchens, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Updating your kitchen is not only a fun way to give your home an updated look, but it also will likely increase your property value. When planning your kitchen renovation, the following tips may help to optimize your investment of time and money.

Adjust the lighting

Replace hanging light fixtures with recessed lighting or wall sconces. Use efficient lighting that brightens the kitchen so it doesn’t appear gloomy and dim. Eliminate table lamps or countertop lighting that gets in the way, as well as candles or decorative lamps.

Install stacked appliances

Use an open cooking range over a dishwasher, or mount the microwave over a traditional stove. Look for ways to stack appliances that will free up vertical space in the room. Built-in appliances often take up less space as well, and you can double the area by installing one above another. Move large appliances that aren’t used very often, like a freezer, to the basement or another low-traffic area.

Replace the table with a counter

Replace the kitchen table or seating with a countertop eating area and stools. This will open the entire room to give a spacious impression.

Consult renovation experts

Contact renovation specialists for help in evaluating your kitchen. They have experience working with many kinds of homes, and they can offer creative suggestions and practical insight that will help you make the best of your kitchen’s available space while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Add a storage area

Convert a nearby closet to a pantry or a basement nook to a food storage area. Even adding wall shelves or a stand-alone cupboard in the basement or in an extra room could be the perfect place to store long-lasting foods like potatoes, flour, and canned goods. Eliminating extra food from the kitchen, especially the kind that sits on counters or in corners, will free up space to make it feel roomier.

Clear the clutter

Put away knickknacks, figurines, radios, computers, and other non-essentials to add more workspace to your kitchen. You may just enjoy the open feel to your renovated room as you enjoy the newfound space. This is a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted things you’ve had for years to give your kitchen a brand-new look and feel.

You will love the way your renovated kitchen looks after making changes like those indicated above. Work with professionals like those at Callier Thompson Kitchen & Bath to make smart decisions that will bring out the best in your kitchen.

Give Your Kitchen a Sophisticated Upgrade with These 7 Tricks

November 26, 2015adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodeling, Kitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchens, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Some people consider their kitchen to be the soul and the heart of their home. That’s why it is of great importance for it to look sophisticated, cozy and yet still be functional. In order to accomplish this, the best way is to try to make some changes and renovate your kitchen. Here we will offer you 7 tricks from which you can draw inspiration for upgrading your kitchen.

Extension

If you are willing to make some bigger changes to your kitchen space, you should consider hiring Bruzzese Home Improvements to expand and broaden this room. People are mostly drawn to this option if they have a smaller kitchen and feel like everything is clustered in a really small area. You could also try making some simple upgrades such as adding another counter space or even creating an open-kitchen concept by removing a wall.

Floors

When it comes to the floors, it is a good idea to step out of your comfort zone and do something different. You can never go wrong with choosing hardwood floors, as they provide the feeling of warmth and comfort. Other than this, you may consider some tiles with different patterns. Also, some people have accepted a new trend by placing a rug in the kitchen area; and the best thing is that is looks amazing!

Walls

Another thing that may help you with creating that luxurious ambiance in your kitchen is by painting your walls a new color. Do not be afraid to experiment with different shades. Some unconventional colors can drastically contribute to the elegance of the space. Even though most people opt for softer and lighter shades, you can also accomplish a great look with deeper colors such as maroon or teal.

Pipes

Of course, if you wish to achieve that sophisticated look, you must try your best to hide or cover-up some household eyesores. This especially goes for uncovered pipes, which can really take away the marvel of a nice kitchen space. Just as plumbers from Sydney suggest you could easily do this by installing steel pipes. This is because steel pipes can also serve as a decorative detail and can be paired with almost any style.

Furnishing

If you wish to upgrade your kitchen and change the way it looks, the best way to this is by refurbishing. Experiment with style and colors or make a mixture of old and new. There is no need to limit your choices on only one style. Add some vintage cabinets, some steel and copper fixtures and supplement that look by adding a new counter and a row of modern bar stools. A huge wooden table can make a wonderful addition to a kitchen space.

Lighting

An appropriate amount of lighting can greatly contribute to the complete atmosphere of the room. Because of this, it is important to invest in some adequate lighting fixtures. If you are striving for a more luxurious look, there is no reason why you should not add an elegant chandelier on the ceiling. Other than that, it is a really good idea to introduce as much natural light as you can, so consider even installing ceiling to floor windows and removing the blinds and curtains.

Details

Details are a crucial part of any space as they can create almost any kind of ambient. If you want to make simple renovations to your kitchen, consider simpler things like adding a little plant life, photographs or any kind of art actually.

The kitchen is not only a space for preparing food but a place for the whole family. Because of this, consider decorating and renovating your kitchen space together, so you would create a lovely haven for all of you.

How To Get Creative With Your Kitchen

October 29, 2015adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodeling, Interior Design, Kitchen Remodelingdecorating, home improvement, home remodeling, home trends, kitchensLeave a comment

A cottage style kitchen is one of the most elegant and ideal choice when thinking of adding creativity to it. The following post describes some unique ways of adding creativity and charm to your kitchen.

The following are a few ways to create a unique yet so simple and fulfilling kitchen for your home.

Add Glass Paneled Cabinet Doors

A shift from wood framed cabinetry to tempered glass inserts can altogether give a different look to your kitchen. You can choose from a variety of glass style from frosted to ribbed. You can use glass paneled cabinets to store dishes, glassware, pitchers, and trinkets. The glass door cabinetry is not just a way to expand storage but also add style and charm to the kitchen.

Tip! You can even paint the edges of shelves similar to the color of kitchen walls or in contrast to create a more vibrant look.

Install Open Shelves

Mounting shelves will add to the storage space and also add to the charisma of your kitchen. You can mount open shelves in the vertical spaces near the windows, between upper cabinets, next to major appliances and wherever it is practically possible to fit in. these open shelves can be used to display multi-purpose items such as old metal pitchers, crockery, plants, and charming woven baskets.

Tip! For making it visually more appealing, you can paint the shelves with the same color as that of cabinet trim.

Replace Modern Hardware with Vintage

Vintage varieties have a class of their own. You can install porcelain knobs and handles, floral accents for metal varieties. This is a less tricky job as you will find endless styles and designs for handles and knobs.

Tip! New hardware is an easy way to add a new look to the cabinetry instead of replacing the cabinets.

Decorate With A Vintage Wooden Sideboard

A vintage wooden sideboard is an excellent choice while decorating a cottage style kitchen. It is the best way to keep stacks of plates, other dishes, knickknacks, and the most treasured cottage style crockery. Moreover, this fulfills the need for extra space during a buffet meal and will not consume extra counter space needed for food preparation.

Tip! In all, adding this sideboard will avoid the chaos during the dine time and will help you in managing things better.

Wall Decor Ideas

Even if you have the world-class kitchen accessories, expensive kitchen shelves and cabinets, your kitchen is still incomplete without a wall décor.

You can choose any decorating theme to glorify your kitchen which reflects your presence in the kitchen. Choose a wall art considering the theme and color of the kitchen. Floral canvas wall art and elegant wrought iron wall decor are classy choices which are available in all sizes, colors, and varieties that would fit to your budget.

Tip! A beautiful wall art can make your kitchen vivacious.

Author Bio: – Dan Kogan is owner of NY handyman NYC, one of the leading handyman in New York City, with more than 20 years of experience. He is passionate about all things related to home improvement.

Kitchen-Remodeling Tips to Make Your Life Easier

July 2, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, home remodeling, Kitchen RemodelingDIY projects, home improvement, home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

The kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of any home. It is the place where a homemaker spends most of her time, where friends get together over a cup of coffee, where the kids do their homework, and where most of the important discussions concerning the family are held. Though each family’s needs may be different, the fact is that a kitchen should not only be pretty to look at, but also practical, functional and easy to maintain.

Here are a few kitchen-remodeling ideas that will go a long way towards making your life easier and more comfortable. Though you can always choose to go the DIY way, it makes more sense to hire a professional who knows the latest trends and can come up with a plan that best suits your family’s requirements.

Quartz countertops for easy maintenance

Planning to upgrade your countertop? Switch to quartz. Quartz countertops do not require sealing at any stage, whereas granite needs to be sealed upon installation and then again every year to prevent stains. Quartz is also tougher than granite and more resistant to scratches and burns. Granite slabs may also have invisible striations that may just crack open one day – a problem that you would not have to face if you choose quartz for your countertops.

More storage

Kitchens need lots of storage, and if you’ve done your homework well, you can design your kitchen in such a way as to get maximum storage and zero wasted space. For example, you can turn your dead corner space into usable storage by installing a lazy Susan with multi-tier carousel shelving. You can replace your base cabinets with deep drawers that can hold your big cooking pots and pans. Full extension drawers that slide all the way open can be used to store your kitchen knick-knacks and spices. Wide cabinets over the refrigerator can give you some storage space for your holiday dishes.

Brighten up

Evaluate your work areas carefully to find out how to give each spot the light it needs. A line of mini-pendants can enhance the look of a kitchen island and provide sufficient overhead lighting. For under-cabinet lighting – you can use LEDs or fluorescents – they provide plenty of lighting on countertops for preparation tasks and also function as mood lighting.

The right kitchen island

A kitchen island adds plenty of counter space and also a gives a place for guests to sit and have a drink while the host putters around the kitchen. The space below the island is great for extra storage and can be used for storing utensils that you don’t need on a daily basis. But don’t forget to make sure that the island is in the right spot, does not hamper the kitchen triangle and still has enough space for people to move around freely. Experts advise you not to go for an island unless the kitchen is at least 12 feet long and eight feet wide.

Easy-to-use faucets

Install touch-free or hands-free faucets that come as a blessing when your hands are covered with dough or sticky goop. Many of the models in the market today also come with water flow and temperature adjusting features.

Kurt Jacobson is a snowboarding enthusiast with a background in real estate. Having moved 11 times in the past nine years, he thrives on helping others learn from his experiences. When he’s not out shredding the mountain, he writes about all things rental related for the website RentFinder.co.

5 Tips for Decorating Your Walls With Tile

June 16, 2015adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodeling, Kitchen Remodelingbathroom remodeling, decorating, DIY projects, home improvement, home trends, kitchens, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

If you’re tired of the same old boring paint and flat walls, there is a solution that adds dimension and a modern flare to your walls – wall tiles. Tile can be anything from stone to 3-D wallpaper tiles, or even tiles made into beautiful murals.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, most tiles are some type of clay or a clay mixture and are classified as porcelain or non-porcelain – red or white clay fired in a kiln. What you need to know for your decorating needs is that porcelain tiles have better water resistance and hold up longer to wear and tear or heavy traffic. Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are less expensive but better suited for lower traffic, such as walls or out-of-the-way places.

1. Choose Your Material

Your first step is to choose which tiles will appear in which part of your home. For example, a glass tile may look perfect in your bathroom but not look quite right in a master bedroom. If you’re unsure which tiles to add where, ask to take home a few samples of each and set them up against the wall. This will show you how they blend with the other décor and also give you an idea of how well the tile colors go with the overall color scheme and look of your home.

2. Decide on a Color Palette

Tiles come in every color you could possibly imagine. You may want to think of about three to five colors you’d like to use throughout your house to tie everything together. You can also choose a general color palette before you ever go shopping for tiles to make sure color combinations work well together and have enough contrast.

3. Paint Existing Tiles

If you have tile in your home but it is outdated or a horrendous color, take heart. You can paint tiles for a more uniform look or just to update the overall theme. Most painters use either latex or epoxy paint to freshen up old tile. Use a combination of colors to create a textured look, paint the tile wall a solid color or paint a mural on the tiles. You can even leave plain tiles alone but add a detail such as a floral accent or geometric pattern.

4. Create a 3-D Pattern

Another option for wall tiles are 3D patterns. Typically, these tiles come in sections, but when placed side by side you can create forms such as waves, circles or flowers. You can combine different types of tiles to create a wall story or simply stick with one design and paint it a simple white. You can make this an accent wall with touches of color or create the pattern in an entire room.

5. Don’t Be Afraid of Unique Materials

Don’t be afraid to try unique ideas, especially for accent. For example, create a beautiful mural backsplash from tiny glass tiles of the French countryside. Take copper or stainless steel ceiling tiles and use them behind your sink for a sleek, modern, industrial look. Use huge marble floor tiles for the walls in your bathroom for a Grecian design.

When it comes to adding interest to your home by placing tiles on the walls, take the time to lay a few pieces against the wall, hold them up and make sure it is a look you’ll love for years to come. There is only one thing that is more challenging than choosing the tile you want for your home: That’s trying to take it back out if you decide you don’t like it. With just a little planning, you’ll find something you love and the time and effort will be worth it. You’ll be thrilled that the tile is there to stay.

5 easy kitchen and bath upgrades that take only hours to complete

March 24, 2015adminBathroom Remodeling, home improvement, Kitchen Remodelingbathroom remodeling, DIY projects, home improvement, home remodeling, kitchen remodelingLeave a comment

Do your kitchen and bathrooms look a bit drab? If you don’t have the time or budget for a full remodel, there are still many simple updates you can do to refresh these spaces and invigorate each with impressive style. From affordable faucet updates to pretty paints, each takes one day or less to complete, instantly providing a dramatic effect.

Freshen the faucet
Almost anyone who enters the bathroom or kitchen will use the faucet, which means it’s a functional focal point of the space. Installing a new faucet is a simple way to redefine interior design and reflect your own personal style. The new line of Kohler faucets available at Home Depot offers exceptional quality at an affordable price. For example, set the ambience in your bathroom with the Georgeson line of faucets, inspired by the Gatsby era with chic detailing and unique shapes to provide a decorative, eclectic touch. For those who prefer traditional silhouettes, the Mistos kitchen faucet’s soft lines and classic aesthetic provide a timeless, upscale look.

Update hardware and accessories
Cabinet hardware and other accessories do for a room what jewelry does for an outfit – they provide the finishing touches that really elevate the space. Fortunately, it’s simple and economical to swap out dated hardware for new handles, knobs and pulls. Popular metal finishes include brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and chrome. For bathrooms, update accessories to match your new Kohler faucet – each line includes coordinating accessories like towel bars, showerheads and tub fillers.

Experiment with paint
Paint is one of the most affordable ways to dramatically change the look and energy of a space. If you have dated tile, research if tile paint is an option for your kitchen or bath. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color – a rich or vivid color on a focal wall can add instant style, like on the wall behind the tub or stove. Don’t forget the fifth wall: a fresh white ceiling instantly brightens the area and visually heightens the room, which can make the space feel larger and more modern.

Frame the mirror
Every bathroom has a mirror, and some kitchens and adjacent dining spaces feature mirrors as well. A mirror provides a focal point while reflecting light to make it appear brighter. But if you have a builder-grade mirror, you’re probably longing for more style. Instead of investing in a costly new mirror, simply add a new frame around your current one. You can buy a prefabricated frame or create one yourself fairly easily from supplies at your local craft store. Your boring old mirror will be transformed immediately into an upscale alternative.

Swap light fixtures and bulbs
If your current bathroom and kitchen light fixtures evoke nostalgia from a lost era, it’s time for a swap. Pick out a new overhead fixture to instantly dress up the room – modern chandeliers, track lighting and recessed lighting are popular options. For bathrooms, installing task lighting by the mirror can help streamline daily routines. Keep in mind, cool, bright white bulbs with a high color-rendering index (CRI) closely reflect natural light and therefore are a good option for bathrooms as well as cooking spaces.

5 Tips For Designing A Forever Kitchen

December 10, 2014adminHome Improvement Tips, Kitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchens1 Comment

Kitchens are the heart of the home. It’s where you prepare meals, help your kids with homework and entertain guests. It’s the room in the house where everyone gathers, where memories are made, and, with solid investment, can single-handedly increase the value of your home and help you build more of a nest egg. Even if you’re considering selling your home, all eyes of prospective buyers will inevitably be on the kitchen.

“When making investments in your home, the kitchen is unanimously the best place to start,” says Nate Berkus, renowned decorator, designer and artistic advisor for LG Studio appliances. “For me, a great kitchen is one that feels timeless. To accomplish that, reach for what feels classic for the space like subway tiles and stainless steel, and allow the elements that tell your story to come through in the non-permanent fixtures like the furniture, fabrics and details.”

Here are Berkus’ five tips for designing a forever kitchen that will sustain its value, whether you’re looking to put your house on the market or simply updating it for your family’s enjoyment:

1. A timeless look: When it comes to making big design decisions in your kitchen, put aside trends and go with timeless and elegant. Reach for what feels classic like white subway tiles, brass and stainless steel appliances – things that will look as good 10 years from now as they do today. The entire LG Studio line of premium, built-in appliances, for example, was designed with a signature look, feel and style that will easily transition with you through the years.

2. Paint: I don’t know why people always grimace when I say to paint wood. It isn’t a cardinal sin, especially in the kitchen. Tearing out cabinets isn’t always an option, but painting, while a bit of work, is one of my favorite things to do. Reach for black. It sets off all the appliances and makes for a dramatic change.

3. Brighten with lights: I tell my clients this all the time – lighting is one of the most important decisions you can make in any room, including the kitchen. I love vintage pendant lights over an island or table. Since lighting can often add to a dated vibe of the space, swapping it out for something more timeless immediately makes the space appear more modernized – perfect for illuminating any potential buyers.

4. The long haul: Making over a kitchen is no small feat. It’s expensive and time consuming. Trust me when I say I get it. So, your best asset is information. Start building that Pinterest board to identify what you like. Once you have that, you can start to attach costs. Mine always starts with what’s permanent like the cabinets, appliances and tiles. These, along with the appropriate team to help you make and install all of it, are your best investments. From there, consider ways that you can have what you want at a price you can live with. I’ve seen the most amazing islands fashioned from unique things like a farm table, or hutches that are free standing on a wall as opposed to extending your cabinets. These can all be ways to get a big look without the big price tag.

5. Consider technology: The home of the future is actually here today. It’s one that is wired for sound, TV and Wi-Fi. Simply put, our kitchen island is command central for more than meal prep. For many of us it’s also the office. So, to add value to this space, don’t undervalue what will make life easier, like outlets that have USB ports in the wall and island, charging docks and TVs. We do so much more in this space than cook. So, to add value, add ways for you be connected … just not at the dinner table.

Call Us