fbpx ...

Making a Space ‘Your Own’

personal spaceNo matter who you are or where you live, it’s important to have a personal space that fits your personality. Maybe this place is where you go to relax, or maybe it’s where you like to entertain guests. Whatever it is, it should reflect who you are even if it is in a rental home where decorations are limited.

Creating your own personal space sounds like an easy task. After all, nobody knows you better than you know yourself. Unfortunately, this is often one of those things that seem easy until you sit down to do it. It’s quite possible that your resources are limited or that you live in a rental home or an apartment that doesn’t allow drastic redecorating. Nevertheless, everyone can benefit from making a space their own and there is always a way to go about that.

If you are interested in establishing your own space and redecorating it to better reflect who you are, here are some tips that should help.

Think About What You Want in Your Space

Before you do anything with your personal space, you should have some idea about what you want yogato put in it. If you enjoy reading, you might want to have a comfortable place to sit and read while you are surrounded by bookshelves and your favorite books. If you are into yoga and meditation, you might want a sparsely decorated room with incense and soft pillows. Music lovers may want some high-tech stereo equipment, and artists may want a place to paint or sculpt. You know who you are and what your favorite things are and that will go a long way in deciding how you want to design your personal space.

Add Some Kind of Enclosure

If you want your personal space to be private, make sure it’s behind some kind of enclosure. If your space doesn’t have a closing door, consider putting up a divider or a curtain over the doorway to give yourself some privacy. You might even be able to use a bookshelf or other piece of furniture as a partition in a larger space if you wish.

Consider the Lighting

A space’s lighting can make a big difference in how it is used and how it feels. If you want a place to read or do arts and crafts, you will want a lot of light. If you are establishing a place to relax, dimmer light might work better.

One last thing to consider if you are living in an apartment or a rental home is that you shouldn’t be afraid to redecorate to create your own personal space. Many landlords won’t allow painting or drastic redecorating, but in the end it is still your space as long as you are paying rent and living there. It’s your home, and it should still be a reflection of who you are. Many landlords will allow you to make minor changes as long as you discuss them first.

Making a space your own can be both easier and more difficult than it appears. On one hand, you know who you are and what you want out of a space better than anybody else, but people tend to balk when they are suddenly given the freedom to do whatever they want. At the same time, it can be very exciting. This is your chance to create your own perfect safe haven and you should never be afraid to embrace that.

This article was contributed by Chase Roberts, home & garden connoisseur, personal decorator, and all-around handyman. Chase recommends Home Exterior Systems, a Houston-based company offering custom-made windows that helps make your home your own.

Fun Focal Points For Your Home

upcycling ideasWhether you are moving into a new apartment or home or redecorating your current living space, creating fun focal points will make each room feel unique. Focal points are a great way to express your sense of style, reflect your personality, and are a way to take a regular old room and make it an amazing room. Just one small change can take a space from ordinary to extraordinary!

How about a new painting in a bare room? A couple of pieces of upscale furniture? Modern LED light fixtures? Perhaps a new entertainment system? You can even create fun focal points outside. How about a new play-set? A gazebo? A zen garden? A lot can be considered a ‘focal point,’ as long as it attracts people’s attention and is fun.

Here are some fun focal points you can consider for your home or yard.

Fireplace

Sometimes creating a focal point is just a matter of reworking something that is preexisting. If you already have a fireplace but it doesn’t attract much attention, consider sprucing it up. A few fun ideas are:

• Paint the brick

• Add a mantle or header – this can even be done for plain gas fireplaces

• Change the mantel or header

• Redecorate the mantel with statement artwork or vases

Decorative Walls

Creating a statement wall is another way to take a preexisting room and drastically change its Home improvement, remodeling and renovations are our specialties!appearance. You can create one wall that pops, or do the entire room in a bold wall covering. A few fun ideas are:

Add decorative wall paper: Wallpaper has really come a long way with a vast variety of colors, textures, and patterns.

Add a wall sticker: This is an enlarged piece of art that can be ordered in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Paint a wall so it pops: This could be done by creating one wall in a standout color, or painting a unique pattern, texture, or finish.

Add panels: There are a variety of textures of wood, stone, or fabric panels that can be added to your wall to create fun focal points. These panels can even be custom built to incorporate your entertainment system or to include custom-lighted walls.

A Statement Piece

Finding a statement piece that calls attention when you enter the room is a great way to create a focal point. Consider a unique piece of art, a standout couch and chairs, or a beautiful antique piece that can be used as the inspiration for how you design your entire room. A few fun ideas are:

A unique piece of art: This could be a sculpture, wall art, or a series of strategically placed vases.

• Distinctive furniture: This could have a standout pattern or color, a unique shape or texture, or be accented by one-of-a-kind pillows.

• An antique piece: An intricately crafted armoire, a table you just can’t take your eyes off of, or an antique piece reupholstered in a modern fabric.

The Great Outdoors

New Rochelle: patio and pergola additionThere are several strategies you can take with your landscaping that will not only create a focal point, but will make it the ideal place to entertain. A few fun ideas are:

Build something: This could be a beautiful patio, deck, archway in the yard, or a gazebo.

Plant an eye-catching tree: The type of tree will need to be determined by the climate in your area, but consider standout tress like a flame maple, a Japanese cherry blossom, a weeping willow, or a twisted or sprawling tree.

Build a secret garden: Create an enclosed flower garden with a small pathway that leads to a man-made pond.

Other elements: This could include a rock garden, a fountain, a bonfire pit, or a gaming area.

Creating fun focal points both inside and outside of your home allows you to express your signature style, makes your home uniquely yours, and gives you a place you enjoy sharing with your friends and family.

Guest Post By: 

This article was contributed by Chase Roberts, home & garden connoisseur, personal decorator, and all-around handyman. If a gorgeous new patio or driveway is your idea of a unique outdoor focal point, Chase recommends Houston Pavers, highly-skilled pavers in Houston TX

Renovate your outdated bathroom with a frameless glass shower screen

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home and it can be one the larger projects (along with the kitchen) to fix up. When you consider the amount of plumbing changes that may be involved as well as durable fixtures, the cost of simply updating the look, not just the functionality, may go beyond the average Joe’s budget. With this in mind, it is important to do your research when deciding to update your bathroom as there are ways to renovate your bathroom that don’t actually require completely overhauling the whole room, fixtures and all.

Bathrooms traditionally consist of a basin, bath and a shower – or shower /bath combination. In older bathrooms, the fixtures are often ceramic and a little out of date, especially when you are dealing with the older gaudy colours like pink, green and orange. You could paint over the existing fixtures to update the colour palette and you can try retiling – but this can put your bathroom out of action for a while and you risk air bubbles popping up if the job isn’t done carefully. Another option, one that is going to seem so simple and obvious when I mention it, is just replacing your shower screen! Your average framed shower screen can quickly create a visual barrier within the room, and when you have quite a compact bathroom, creating the illusion of space is very important. Frames also create more work when it’s time to clean but installing a frameless shower screen, like those from Frameless Impressions, you can instantly open up the space in your bathroom and reduce your cleaning time! A clear, frameless shower screen can turn a compact bathroom into one that creates the illusion of more space making your time in there a lot more enjoyable. Their flawless appearance adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any old bathroom.

Frameless shower

There is quite a bit of versatility with frameless shower screens too. You have the ability to choose which way the door opens or whether it slides and what kind of tint you would like, if you want one at all. They are sleek and sturdy, built with thick, heavy glass to make up for the lack of frame.Elderly people, children or people with physical disabilities will enjoy the frameless design as there is no danger of tripping on a step. There is also the freedom of creating a large, wall-to-wall shower if the extra room is available.

A frameless shower screen really can dramatically alter the appearance of your bathroom without breaking the budget. You don’t have to put up with those brown tiles and that mouldy shower curtain anymore when a comfortable new shower is this easy to achieve.

Guest Post By:

Ivy is a home renovation enthusiast who spends her time researching current and affordable renovation trends.

Ready to update your outdated bathroom?  Give us a call or send us an email for a free in home estimate! ~Gary B.

 

Creating a Woman-Cave

Woman-CaveThe “man-cave” is the space in a home where the man of the house can go to relax. The area usually includes features like a flat screen TV, a video game console, and a bar or mini fridge stocked with a variety of beverages and snacks.

Women need a place to feel at ease as well. So why not create a woman-cave in your home? Purchasing a few items to change the ambiance in your home space can immediately make you feel like you’re taking a mini vacation. Here are a few tips for transforming a room in your house into a woman-cave you’ll love spending time in.

Make an At-Home Spa

Few things are more soothing than a quality spa treatment. If you love to be pampered with massages, facials, and manicures, reserve an area in your home for a spa day in your woman-cave. Purchase a small fountain with smooth stones so you can hear the tranquil sound of the water running over the rocks. A humidifier or room diffuser is a smart buy as well since you can fill these devices with essential oils like bergamot and lavender that will make the room smell inviting. Fill a basin with warm water, sea salt, and olive oil to soak your feet and hands in; the mixture softens your cuticles and makes your manicure and pedicure look more professional. Play some relaxing music in your woman-cave to create a tranquil atmosphere while you pamper yourself. You can even make some spa-inspired treats for yourself like a bowl of fresh fruit dressed with citrus and honey or a carafe of cucumber water.

Stock Your Bar

Put a small refrigerator in your woman-cave just like your guy has in the man-cave. Fill it with your cupcakesfavorite healthy treats like yogurt or trail mix, or with indulgences that you only eat during your time in the woman-cave. These can include treats like your favorite flavor of cupcakes or a box of gourmet chocolates. Don’t forget to put a few small bottles of water, fruit juice, champagne, or the ingredients for your favorite cocktail in the mini fridge as well. These treats make you look forward to your time in your special space with even more excitement.

Create a Library

If you love reading, make your woman-cave into a library. Purchase a small bookshelf and fill it with books from your favorite authors. Decorate the walls with posters of the books or movies you like best. Play music in the background as you read or put a television in the woman-cave so you can watch the romantic comedies you love that no one in the house wants to see but you. Purchase a comfy chair or a plush rug for the woman-cave as well so you can watch classic films and cuddle up with that book you’ve been meaning to read. A few scented candles in the woman-cave provide soft lighting and fragrance that will make your home library even more appealing.

Make Room for Friends

While men tend to retreat to their man-caves when they want to get away from it all, a woman’s idea of relaxing often involves getting together with a few close friends. Make your woman-cave inviting for your girlfriends by purchasing a sofa that will comfortably seat three or four guests and a television large enough to make you feel like you’re at the movies watching the latest blockbuster starring the actors you and your friends love to swoon over.

Make the space your own by adding an accent wall in your favorite color to add a finishing touch to the woman-cave. Soft pastels make the room appear larger, while an eye-catching hue like turquoise or lime green emit a feeling of calm or creative energy that will make you look forward to the hours you spend in your special space.

This article was contributed by Chase Roberts, home & garden connoisseur, personal decorator, and all-around handyman. If you are a Texas resident looking to do some home improvements of your own, Chase recommends Houston Overhead Door, offering a garage door service in Houston.

Do you have a woman-cave in your home?

Feng Shui At Home

Feng Shui Arrangement And Decoration At HomeCreating a lovely and truly comfortable home environment is a dream we all want to achieve and accomplish. However, it is very difficult to combine the modern and elegant with the convenient and cozy. Sometimes that balance is missing in a premise or even in the entire house which actually leads to a serious problem and lapse in a home’s flow. There is one ancient and old,but still interesting and attractive, eastern art that symbolizes the beauty, comfort and harmony we need to maintain our personal snugness and calmness at home.

Feng Shui is an old but still modern and contemporary flow that drives balance, peace, love and harmony into your home. The only thing you have to do is to learn some basic information about this ancient Eastern flow. Then, you can easily perform some Feng Shui home decoration in your home with no difficulties. Feng Shui is the symbol of balance, peace, love and harmony inside a home because ancient Eastern people used to believe that the home is the protective stronghold of a person and the home is where people`s problems and spiritual life starts.

In a Feng Shui-decorated and organized home, there must be placed five particular elements which Feng Shui Arrangement And Decoration At Homeare balanced and arranged in harmony. Wood, fire, metal, earth, and water are the powers of the Feng Shui Art. As soon as you start placing the furniture and the decor in each of these premises in your personal home, consider the elements that will symbolize these forces. Wooden furniture such as elegant coffee tables or a massive dining table in a Gothic style could perform the wood present, while the fire may be expressed by a lovely fireplace in the corner. The Eastern wise men believed that in each of the corners of the premise should be placed one single symbol from the Feng Shui doctrine.

Feng Shui Arrangement And Decoration At HomeWater may be either a decorative fountain in the living room, if you have enough free space, or a vase with fresh flowers. In order to bring in something that will symbolize the earth, you may either put a super cool globe or a décor in earth nuance – brown or green. Finally – the metal – is the easiest element from the Feng Shui tendency. Metal pieces of furniture or metal shelves on the walls are the perfect solution for your interior design. However, Feng Shui is also about the balance of the colors at home. According to the Eastern flow, they should be perfectly combined if you want to achieve a healthy and harmonious atmosphere at your home . The positive energy should be coming from one single bright nuance – green, red or yellow – and the surrounding area should be colored in a neutral palette – white, beige or light blue.

Guest Post By:

Bio: Ella Andrews is writer and blogger with great flair for home decoration and home maintenance themes. Ella is constantly searching for new sources of inspiration. Therefore she is presently focused mainly on stylish and sophisticated home decoration thematic. For further helpful tips, visit: http://www.movingservicesremovals.co.uk/removals/NW6-movers-kilburn.html

Do you use Feng Shui in your home?  We’d love to hear your comments!

Top 10 Home Improvement Ideas

Exterior Paint ProjectMoving into a home can open the flood gates of new creations in your mind. You instantly notice things that can get changed and improvements you would like to see. Your home is something to be cherished and taken care of. In this article you will read about the top 10 home improvement ideas, and guess what? They aren’t all trying to break your bank.

1. Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Sometimes the only improvements you want to see are the little things. Energy saving homes are becoming very popular among consumers and changing these little things can make a huge difference. Something as simple as changing a light bulb could be all the home improvement you could be looking for.

2. Home Security

When you think of your home, you think of a warm safe place. If your home does not already have a security system, this could be the time to get one. You don’t always have to rely on the security system though. You can try and place special security locks on the door, gates or fences around the yard, or even install security screens over the windows. If you are not accustomed to the jailhouse feel, try finding the security system you feel will keep your family as safe as possible.  We recommend  Premier Audio Video Designs, based in Westchester, NY.

3. Replacing Plumbing Fixtures

This one might not be a task to take on alone. Waiting too long to replace your plumbing fixtures can call for more money jumping out of your pocket. Call your handyman to take a look and fix all of your plumbing issues before they leak or cause other pricey damages throughout the house.

4. Changing Paint

It is not uncommon to get bored of staring at the same colored walls all the time. Something as organized bathroomsimple as changing the colors in your house can make everything feel brand new. Make sure you start with a primer and add multiple coats of the color you have picked.

5. Storage

You can get pretty creative when it comes to storage. If you don’t have the shelf space, think about investing in something to condense everything down. Hang racks on the walls, use baskets instead of drawers, or even use metal crates for a more rustic look. Finding storage can be fun.

6. Roofing

Overtime roofs can become worn down and need to be replaced. You can even replace the roofing with a new material if you choose to go for a different look. Always remember to check the roofing. This is what keeps you dry in the storms.

7. External Walls.

We can always get carried away when it comes to interior improvements that we forget about the Be sure to have your roof inspected twice a yearexterior. You have to think that these are the walls exposed to all the weather changes. Every once in a while make sure that the outside of your home is staying sturdy.

8. Redoing a Room

Sometimes we want to go for more of a larger scale project. Remodeling can be time consuming and messy, but the after effect can be all you ever dreamed. When remodeling make sure you have the time, money, and ideas ready. Looking for more cabinet space? A brighter window? Make sure you make the best use out of the area you are redoing, especially when a lot of time and money is being put into it.

9. Curtains

Sometimes all you need are a new pair of curtains. Spice up your home with a new texture or color of curtain. Your eyes will thank you.

10. Rugs

Open spaces sometimes need a little extra something to make it feel homey. Look for area rugs that match your color scheme and styles.

Guest Post By:

Selina Gough – Internet Marketing Specialist
 

Secrets Of Upcycling Success

Upcycling: Breathe new life into decor with a dash of DIY inspiration

upcycling ideasIf you’ve ever looked around your house and gotten the urge to purge, you might consider pausing and first thinking about how you could transform that old, damaged piece of furniture or outdated light fixture into a fresh-faced showpiece for your home.

Not only are you doing something good for the environment – and likely your pocketbook – by restoring something, you’re embracing your inner creativity. You can make a truly one-of-a-kind decor piece, tailored to your personality and style.

This notion of restoring and reusing items that would otherwise be cast aside to the junkyard or thrift store is called “upcycling,” and it’s a trend that has caught on quickly, especially in home design. With a little inspiration, creativity and the right tools, you can tackle countless decorating projects with things you already have around your home. And the best part? Upcycled pieces make for great conversation starters, often tell a good story and can even be sold for a much higher price than you put into them.

So where do you start? Here are some helpful tips for tackling your own upcycling projects.

Start with a little inspiration

Take a look through magazines, home design blogs and websites to gather inspiration. Look for pieces that catch your eye and have the same structure and “bones” as the items in your home that you’d like to restore.

Shop around without breaking the bank

Decorating your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Look around your basement, attic, or at yard sales and consignment shops for free or inexpensive items that you might be able to breathe new life into. The old adage “never judge a book by its cover” would apply here. Do your best to look beyond an item’s current condition and let the inspiration you’ve gleaned take over as you see its full potential in a different light. If the piece has some defects, don’t immediately overlook it. Sometimes perfection and personality can be found in the imperfection.

Secrets of upcycling success

The secret to any do-it-yourself project is to plan ahead. Beyond finding the inspiration for a project, gather the supplies and tools you’ll need, read up on step-by-step instructions, dedicate a roomy workspace where everything is at your fingertips, and be sure to carve out time to focus on the project.

But the No. 1 secret of upcycling success is to be patient and not get discouraged. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. It’s OK to make mistakes because sometimes you’ll uncover hidden beauty during the process. The important part is that you find the whole experience of restoring and reusing rewarding.

The FamCave: Part 2 – Selecting a Space For Your Family’s Entertainment

Finding the perfect room for your FamCave is very important. Here are some things to ask yourself when thinking about which area of your house is most ideal:

FamCaves do not require much space

Is there enough space?

FamCaves do not require much space. If you can fit a TV in the room, chances are, you have enough space. Things like in-wall and in-ceiling speakers offer more flexibility, since they each take up about as much space as a recessed light fixture. We have worked in rooms as small as about 10’ x 10’ and the results were quite nice.

Is the room functional?

To check if the area you’d like to use will be functional, see if it has the necessary electrical outlets, and design flexibility. You want this room to have the appropriate design feel for your family, so having the ability to add certain design elements is very helpful. The best thing to do is consult with an audio/video installer like me. A good installer will know about which products to use, based on the size of the room, where to place things, and some can even offer ideas for the room layout. You want everything to work and also be a comfortable, enjoyable place for your family to spend time. Being comfortable in the room is an important factor for enjoying it.

Make your FamCave Multi-Functional!Can the room perform its multiple functions?

Like most common rooms, FamCaves need to be able to perform multiple functions for the family. Areas for playing, video gaming, and reading are things to consider while thinking about your FamCaves functionality. The idea is for the entire family to be able to enjoy the room in their own way. It should be able to accommodate various activities.

Guest Post:

Article written by Damon Della Greca, owner of Premier Audio Video Designs, based in Westchester, NY.  Damon has been involved in pro audio since 1991 and in the consumer electronics industry since 1998.

Need help transforming an existing room in your home into a FamCave?  Give us a call or send us an email.  We can help! ~Gary B.

Introducing The FamCave

Entertainment the Whole Family Can Enjoy!

Introducing the FamCave!Most people have heard of the term “Mancave.” If you haven’t, a Mancave is a room a guy can turn into a personal hangout for him and his buddies. Mancaves often include a big screen with surround sound, so he and the guys can watch the big game. You are also likely to find gaming tables, a bar, sports memorabilia and other “manly” items he holds near and dear. Wives love these spaces because it gives their husbands their own dedicated space and prevents them from turning the rest of the house into their own version of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Although we love the idea of a Mancave, a FamCave is a similar concept to the Mancave, except it is a common area the entire family can enjoy. Typically, this would be considered a den or family room – an area that serves multiple purposes, such as a playroom for the kids, the main spot for the entire family to watch TV, and a place to just relax and read a book when the day is nearly done. FamCaves, however, add more of the audio/video features from the Mancave. They often upgrade the technology in the room and add features like a big screen TV, surround sound, video game systems, high quality music systems and more –we call this multipurpose room a “FamCave!”

When adding a FamCave to your home, one of the most important features is the audio/video system. Many people call this a home theater, but it’s not quite a true home theater. What exactly is a home theater? Is it just a big screen TV with surround sound? No. Although these are important parts that make up a home theater, there are other things to take into account. For instance, a dedicated room with a projector with a very large (70” to over 200”) screen, high-performance surround sound, acoustical wall treatments, controlled lights or shades and luxury, theater-style seating is an honest representation of a true home theater, since it has been designed to perform more like a real movie theater does. With a slightly more basic version of these features in your FamCave, your home will have the perfect spot for your family to spend time together and really enjoy being entertained.

(This article is part 1 of a 2 part series.  Stay tuned for Part 2!)

Guest Post By:

Article written by Damon Della Greca, owner of Premier Audio Video Designs, based in Westchester, NY.  Damon has been involved in pro audio since 1991 and in the consumer electronics industry since 1998.

Need extra room in your home to incorporate a FamCave?  Give us a call at 914-576-2572!  We can discuss your options such as adding an addition or renovating your basement.

Tips for optimizing small spaces

Tips for optimizing small spacesThe trend toward smaller, more efficient homes is still in full swing, with new home builders offering floor plans that lower square footage while amping up usability. If your home is older, however, or you live in an apartment, your smaller space may just feel … well, small.

Being short on space doesn’t mean you have to be short on style or efficiency. Even older small spaces can get an open, useful feel with the right design and decorating tactics. Here are a few ways you can optimize your small space:

Be size wise

Nothing makes a small room look more cramped than filling it with furnishings that are too big for the space. For example, if your living room is 10 by 12, a 9-foot-long sofa is going to dominate the room and leave little space for anything else. Conversely, placing a smaller bed (such as a twin or single) in a modestly sized bedroom is a classic trick designers and home stagers use to make a bedroom look larger.

When buying furniture for your small space, keep scale in mind. Furnishings should fit the space well, leaving plenty of area for you to move around them.

Open up floor space

Smart use of wall space can open up floor space, which is often at a premium in small rooms. Some items must occupy floor space, such as sofas, tables and chairs. Others – like lighting, TVs and electronic components – don’t.

Wall-mounting TVs, especially flat screens, can be a great way to conserve floor space and create an appealing focal point for a petite room.

Work with your walls

Your walls can work for you in other ways, too. Even in small rooms, the walls are one of the largest spring home designsdesign elements. Choosing a bright or light wall color can help a smaller room feel more open and airy. Adding mirrors is another way to make a room appear larger. You don’t need to install a full-length mirror on one wall; a series of smaller mirrors attractively positioned in a cluster can do the job just as well without being overwhelming.

Carefully consider accessories you place on the wall, and don’t overdo it. Too much on the walls will make them look cluttered and even smaller. Sometimes, one or two thoughtful graphic elements are all you need to make a design statement.

Let there be light

A lack of lighting can make a small room look positively cramped. Whenever possible, enhance the size and appeal of your rooms with plenty of light. Natural light is optimum and adding a skylight or updating older windows to newer, larger windows is a great way to bring sunshine into your home.

If that kind of renovation isn’t in your budget, however, maximize natural light by keeping window treatments light and open. Avoid dark colors around windows, as darker hues absorb more natural light. Recessed lighting overhead can help a room feel loftier, and wall sconces provide illumination without occupying valuable floor space.

When it comes to home decorating, bigger isn’t always better and smaller doesn’t have to mean cramped. With the right blend of furnishings, colors and accessories, it’s possible to live large in any small space.

Copyright © 2024 | Bruzzese Home Improvements | All Right Reserved | Web Design & Development by QualityMust