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Create a traditional kitchen full of personality and style

April 25, 2014adminHome Improvement Tips, Kitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchensLeave a comment

Kitchen Remodeling Tips:

The kitchen is the heart of the home … the place where memories are made while cooking, eating and sharing stories around the table. Since so much time is spent in this room, it’s important to have a kitchen that fits your personality. There are many styles to choose; but traditional remains one of the most popular because of its timeless, classic look. If you’re updating your kitchen, here are some tips to create a space that reflects your personal style.

Color matters. The right paint colors are integral to achieving the traditional look. Select paint colors that are warm and inviting like cream, taupe and gold. Light colors are popular in the kitchen because they provide a feeling of cleanliness and make the space feel larger. Infuse your room with a few stylish touches by incorporating accents in darker or richer shades, especially in the furniture, wood trim or flooring.

Quality fixtures. When designing your new kitchen, don’t overlook the faucets. They get used many times during the day – needing to withstand heavy usage and tie into the overall design of the kitchen. Growing in popularity are motion-activated faucets, like Moen’s easy-to-use MotionSense technology. The Brantford pulldown faucet adds timeless appeal as the spout enhances the curvature of the faucet body and handle, giving any kitchen a beautiful look with the ultimate convenience of hands-free technology.

For an even more elaborate style, the new Weymouth collection offers an enduring, Victorian design with functional details, such as its high-arc spout. Signature styling elements include a decorative top finial and a refined shepherd’s spout. The detailed design of both faucets will provide extra luxury and serve as the perfect focal point at the sink.

Storage with flair. Replacing cabinets is usually the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel, so take your time and choose carefully. First, think about the color and the type of wood. White painted cabinets with intricate details and raised-panel doors are a popular choice for traditionally styled kitchens. Adding eye-catching details also goes a long way. Be sure to finish the top of the cabinets with decorative molding or swap wood-fronts with glass panels. And, since it’s all about the details, choose decorative knobs and pulls, as well as a towel bar or towel ring that match both the style and finish of your faucet to add fashion and function.

Luxury countertops. Granite, Quartz and butcher block are great choices for countertops. According to the National Association of Home Builders, granite is the most desirable, must-have kitchen feature. This is likely because it’s scratch- and chip-resistant, not to mention this material is a classic design choice that withstands the test of time.

Butcher block not only adds a warm look to your kitchen, it’s also functional as it provides an ideal area for chopping food. Plus, these countertops are easy to clean – just use soap and water. For added appeal, use two types of materials, one on the main countertop area and another on the kitchen island.

Decorative lighting. Since the kitchen is the place you chop and dice, not to mention socialize with loved ones, you need both ambient and task lighting. For ambient lighting, consider a chandelier. Hang it over the kitchen island or the dining space to add a sophisticated touch. Task lighting should be brighter: use pendants and recessed lights over workplaces like countertops, the sink and stove.

We specialize in Kitchen Remodeling & Renovations! Give us a call or contact us via email to schedule your free in home consultation.

Turn a Small Space into the Best Kitchen

April 12, 2014adminHome Improvement Tips, Kitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchens, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Tips To Transform Your Small Kitchen

Have you been planning to transform your small space into the best kitchen there is but don’t have an inkling where to begin?

A small space does not have to hinder you from creating an eye-catching and impressive kitchen. With just a bit of ingenuity and a whole lot of creativity thrown in, you can easily turn a small space into an area that is both functional and fun.

Transform a small space into an aesthetically-pleasing and functional kitchen by taking the following tips in mind.

Make use of illusion. Make your kitchen look longer by installing floor tiles diagonally.
Install more counters. Since storage is of vital importance, make sure to place adequate counters to make room for more appliances and work space.
Make use of the centre area of your kitchen. Place an island in the middle (that should be convenient from any area in the kitchen) to supply additional storage space.
Provide the entire area with adequate light. Painting your kitchen with dark colours might make it look compact, however with light beams coming in, it will definitely appear bigger than it seems. Keep window treatments to minimal to make room for sunlight.
Use downsized and compact appliances. Many appliance suppliers provide more space-saving appliances to help small kitchen designs easier to implement. They provide 24 inch deep refrigerators rather than 30 inch deep ones. Also, it is advisable to place your microwave underneath the cabinet to save more counter space.
Use proper lighting. Most kitchens appear too compact and small because they are often filled with inappropriate lighting. Create an illusion of space by putting fluorescent lights under the cabinets and pendant lights on the ceiling to expand the entire space visually and make it appear more pleasing.
Ditch the solid cabinet doors. And replace it with glass ones instead. Glass fronts help lighten the appearance of cabinetry. They allow the eyes to see right through the back thereby making your kitchen appear more spacious.
Make use of a pullout cabinet. Pull out cabinets come as double purpose storage. They can be drawn towards the centre if you need to use them and put them away afterwards when not in use to save more space.
Get rid of the mess. Avoid cluttering the counters, cabinets and shelves. They make your kitchen appear compact. Display only a few necessity and standout items and remove the rest.
Direct the eye upwards. Pick patterns and colours that make the gazes go towards the ceiling. Create vertical lines on the wall and ceiling boards to create an illusion of greater height.

Small spaces might come as a design challenge. But with a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll definitely know how to make an impeccably efficient, functional and eye-catching kitchen.

Author bio of Isabelle Clibborn

Isabelle Clibborn works for Authority Specialists as a content writer for over three years. She has a penchant for writing about SEO, social media and blogging.

When not busy typing on her computer, she’s probably playing her favourite instrument – the piano. She likes sharing advice and experiences she’s learned when she was still working at a psychiatric facility. Being a wife and a mother of two beautiful daughters, she always spends quality time with her family every time the weekend rolls around. She currently resides in the beautiful city of Melbourne. Get in touch with her at IsabelleClibborn@authorityspecialists.com.

Isabelle Clibborn for Able Doors – Able Door Services is the trusted name when it comes to domestic and commercial roller shutters. They’ve just about seen it all from designing smart access points for new facilities to replacing outdated commercial roller doors or automated car-park systems.

Ready to update your kitchen? Call Bruzzese Home Improvements and ask about our current special offer for kitchen renovations!

New Home Builders Offer Modern Remodeling Ideas

February 11, 2014adminArchitecture, home remodelingbathroom remodeling, energy efficient, green living, home remodeling, home trends, kitchen remodeling3 Comments

When you want a change in scenery, you don’t have to look for a new home builder. Modern home builders encourage you to give your current dwelling a mid-century-inspired makeover that simplifies the space and makes it more functional.

About Modern Home Design

Modern Kitchen and Open Floor Plan New Home Builders — Designed by Reworks Architecture

Modern homes are all about form and function. Modern home design refers to the time when the style was created in the 1920s to 1950s. The style uses clean lines, natural materials, acrylics and polished metals. Modern home builders construct this style of home with large windows, unadorned interiors, exposed beams, neutral colors and open spaces. The outdoor spaces also seamlessly transition inside.

Famous modern architects include:

Frank Lloyd Wright: Falling Water in Mill Run, Penn.
Frank Gehry: Guggenheim Museum in New York City
I.M. Pei: Glass pyramid entrance to the Le Grand Louvre museum in Paris, France

An Open Floor Plan

One of the quintessential aspects of a modern home is an open floor plan. For a home remodel, this may mean tearing down a non-load-bearing wall or a wall that doesn’t have essential elements in it, like plumbing or ductwork. Walls that homeowners commonly remove are the ones between a family room and living room, a kitchen and dining room, a hallway and den, or a kitchen and family room. The best walls to take down are those in the spaces that you’re willing to share.

Ideas for a Modern Kitchen

Cabinets: Reface or replace cabinets so they’re plain, smooth and flat. Forego the cabinet fixtures or use ones that are simple. Go with a neutral color. Feel free to use glass cabinet fronts or simply take the doors off the frames.
Kitchen islands: If you have the space, give yourself room to work and a place for friends to sit. Instead of having a range and cover, install a stainless steel cook top in the island and a matching free-standing range hood.
Layout: The look of a kitchen doesn’t mean anything if the layout doesn’t make your life simpler. Think about things like how easy it will be to get a heavy pot of water from the sink to the stove, where you want to store frequently used ingredients and if you want to eat in the kitchen.

Ideas for a Modern Bathroom

Glass shower enclosure: A clear glass shower enclosure will make the bathroom look bigger and give it a spa-like feel.
Designed by Reworks Architecture
Abundant lighting: A bathroom retreat shouldn’t feel like a cave. Use skylights, frosted windows, large mirrors, cove lighting coming out of cabinetry and shelves, and recessed lights.
Sinks: Consider free-standing sinks with the plumbing in the wall or in a sleek floating cabinet.
Toilets: There is no reason to have to look at a toilet tank. Modern bathrooms commonly just have a lid, seat and bowl; the tank is in the wall.

Modern Lighting Ideas

Modern homes love the sun. During a remodel, make it a point to maximize the natural light that comes into a space by enlarging windows, adding extra windows, installing a sliding door to the outside or adding a skylight. Then use lighting fixtures to functionally and artistically compliment nature.

Use pendant lights over dining tables or kitchen islands to add color or visual interest to a space. Large arching floor lamps double as art and task lighting over a couch, bed, desk, armchair or table are both modern and functional. Or, go more compact with a stylish arm lamp. Give the space a boost of light at night with recessed lights or track lights with a dimmer switch.

Modern Sustainable Living Elements

Modern home builders construct with the health of the environment in mind, and you can too. Here are some ways that you can update your home and help the planet:

Use sustainable, reclaimed or recyclable building materials.
Install products and appliances that save water and energy.
Shop for locally sourced products.
Tighten the building envelope of your home to save energy.
If appropriate, install solar technologies like rooftop solar panels or solar water heating systems.
Avoid products with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lead, PVC and mercury.

While it was born in the early 1900s, modern home designs have staying power that will remain popular and have powerful curb appeal well past the 21^st century.

Courtesy of George Hale, owner of H. Hudson Homes, a Portland new home builder that focuses on cutting-edge design and sustainability. When it comes to purchasing new modern homes, buyers can rely on H. Hudson Home’s wealth of expertise in construction and modern building practices.

10 Big Space-Saving Ideas for Small Kitchens

January 22, 2014adminHome Improvement Tips, Kitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchens, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Just because you don’t have room in your kitchen for a six-burner stove, double-bowl sink or Sub-Zero fridge, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice function or style. Here are 10 ways to max out space in your kitchen, from chic small-scale appliances to innovative storage options and details that make all the difference. We hope at least one of them inspires you.

Amy Sklar Design Inc

1. Small but mighty appliances. Revamped vintage appliances, like the stove shown here (a 21-inch vintage O’Keefe and Merritt), and vintage-look ones, like this fridge (from Elmira Stove Works), can be found in smaller sizes that don’t sacrifice style. High-end makers like Bertazzoni and Viking also make small-space models, so even serious cooks can find something that fits the space and works hard.

2. Single-bowl sink. Simply going with a single rather than double bowl for the sink can save you a foot or more of counter space. Small-scale single-bowl sinks come in all styles — a farmhouse style like the one shown here still feels capacious.

Best & Company

3. Undermount sink. If you really want to save every possible inch, go with a small, single-bowl, undermount sink. You’ll eke out a smidgen more workspace on the counter beside the sink, because the edges of the sink will be concealed.Stove: 24 inches, Bertazzoni; sink: Blanco

Stephanie Sabbe

4. Wall-mounted storage. Have a slender bit of blank wall? Don’t just hang up a calendar or artwork — make the most of the available space by mounting rows of racks on the wall from floor to ceiling. Drape towels over a bar, use S-hooks to hang kitchen tools and install a magnetic knife rack.

Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab

The same idea works equally well for pots and pans — don’t stop at one row; use all of the space you have! And notice that in both of these photos, the homeowners painted the storage wall black (chalk paint would be nice too), which makes the arrangement feel more intentional and hides scuff marks.

Actual-Size Architecture

5. MacGyver-style island. Instead of lining up everything galley style, try opening up the room and putting all of the necessities in a compact all-in-one island. The custom island shown here contains a sink, a stove, a range, prep space, storage for pots and pans, knives, spices and garbage. As if that weren’t enough, the opposite side has space for a few people to perch on stools.

nkba.org

6. Pullout pantry. No room for a proper pantry? A slim pullout one can be tucked into the tightest spaces, and even items way at the back are easily accessible.

post Architecture

7. Minimalist hardware. It may seem like a small thing, but in a really narrow galley kitchen, it’s easy to knock into bulky knobs and handles. Keep things looking and feeling sleek by choosing slender, minimalist pulls. High-gloss cabinets and proper lighting also help open up the tight kitchen here.

emma delon

8. Cabinets to the ceiling. Why stop a foot short when you can take the cabinets all the way up? Even if you can’t easily access what’s in the top cupboards, in a small space it’s still worth having the storage option. Having ceiling-height cabinets also helps visually expand the space.

contemporary kitchen Contemporary Kitchen

9. No door. Removing the kitchen door is so easy and helps a small room feel much larger. Better still, have the opening widened or a wall removed. Opening up the kitchen is about more than style — having extra space to move around in will help keep two cooks from bumping into each other quite so much.

10. Make paring back an art form. Keep the best and ditch the rest. Keep only the best knives, your favorite set of glasses, the most adorable teakettle, the most frequently used kitchen tools and so on. Be ruthless about purging clutter. And it wouldn’t hurt to choose clear glass and acrylic for the items you keep on display — transparent items make a room feel more spacious.

Article courtesy of Houzz.com, By:

Laura Gaskill

I’m a Houzz Contributor, and the blogger behind Lolalina… More

What Countertop Material is Right for your Kitchen?

December 27, 2013adminHome Improvement Tips, Kitchen Remodelinghome improvement, home trends, kitchen remodeling, kitchensLeave a comment

The Workbench Life: Home

Comparing Countertop Materials

By Mindy Pantiel for The Workbench Life

Good looks play a major role in selecting kitchen countertop materials. But when you consider that the average counter endures hot pots, greasy foods, sharp knives and wine spills on a daily basis, durability and maintenance are essential factors, as well. To help you decide what countertop material is right for your kitchen, here’s a guide to some of the most popular options.

Laminate

Thanks to advances in printing technology, today’s laminates mimic stone, metal or wood with ease. Made with layers of paper and melamine resin, laminate kitchen countertop options are highly affordable and stain resistant, but can be damaged by sharp knives and hot pots. In general, the thicker the product, the more long-lasting it will be. Cost: $22–$52

Solid surfaces

Solid surfaces, such as Corian and Staron, also imitate the look of stone, but have the advantage of being colored throughout, so scratches can be sanded away. That said, solid surfaces do scratch easily, but the colors don’t fade with age and there are design options that resemble glass or concrete. Cost: $70–130

Granite

Often considered timeless and elegant, natural granite comes in literally thousands of colors. Heat and scratch resistant, it will repel stains when properly sealed, but is among the most expensive kitchen countertop options and is costly to transport. Cost: $95–225

Marble

“As long as it’s sealed and well-cared-for, marble is a beautiful surface — especially in a traditional kitchen,” says Certified Kitchen Designer Patti Weaver of Creative Design Solutions in Niwot, Colorado. Marble is a porous countertop material and requires regular maintenance and resealing for food safety. Available in white, black, gray, green and pink, it’s another classic material that never goes out of style. Cost: $127–$250

Engineered stone

Formed from quartz and a binder, engineered stones, such as Caesarstone and Silestone, have nonporous surfaces, making them more stain resistant than natural stone, but not necessarily less expensive. “While granite can definitely bring a unique pop of color to a room, I’ve been moving toward more environmentally friendly alternatives like Cambria,” says Weaver. “It’s a great granite look-alike, and it’s made in Minnesota.” Cost: $105–$187

Ceramic tile

Budget-friendly ceramic tile comes in a variety of colors, shapes, textures and sizes, making it easy to coordinate with different design styles. While resistant to heat, scratches, stains and moisture, the tiles can chip or crack, and the grout requires routine cleaning to prevent stains and mildew. Cost: $23–$124

Wood

Nothing warms up a kitchen like wood, and a practical butcher block is an ideal surface for chopping food without dulling your knives. Over time, the long-lasting countertop material also develops a beautiful patina. Properly sealed, wood countertops are sanitary for chopping meat, but they are vulnerable to moisture, heat, acid and stains, so routine maintenance is essential. Cost: $32–$200

Concrete

If you are looking for a good looking complement to other countertop materials like wood and stone, durable, heat-resistant concrete might be the answer. An extremely versatile material, concrete can be tinted and sculpted for maximum design possibilities. On the downside, it requires sealing and regular maintenance to combat stains and water. It’s also extremely heavy. Cost: $75–200

Green alternatives

A number of environmentally friendly options are available on the market. A blend of bamboo, recycled paper and wood fiber EcoTop offers good looks at a reasonable $35 a square foot. Another eco-conscious offering, Fuez, is a mix of glass, fly ash, stones and shells that is more durable than marble but needs to be sealed upon installation. Made from 60–80 percent recycled materials, it is manufactured in Portland using 100 percent wind energy. Cost: $80

Like this article? Get more by following us @WorkbenchLife or friending us on Facebook at The Workbench Life.

Mindy Pantiel frequently writes about home-related repair for design and architecture magazines.

Kitchen Remodeling – What to Consider in Creating an Amazing Kitchen

December 19, 2013adminKitchen Remodelinghome improvement, kitchen remodeling, kitchens, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

A kitchen is rightly called the heart of a home. It is the most vibrant part of your home, where the family enjoys spending time together while cooking meals and dining. A kitchen renovation not only makes your lifestyle easy but also increases the value of your home. A renovated kitchen enhances the appearance of the entire home. If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, certain factors need to be kept in mind.

Make your Kitchen Spacious so that you can walk around freely

Factors to consider when remodeling a kitchen:

Use good quality materials:

When good quality materials are used to create the hinges and drawer slides, it will prevent the sticking of drawers. Do not choose drawers that are made up of particleboard or are stapled together. Choose wood veneer for the interiors of the cabinets since it has more durability than particleboard, MDF, laminate or melamine.

Determine heights for the cabinets:

In case you have 8 foot ceilings, choose cabinets that reach the ceilings. Such cabinets offer more space for storage allowing you to utilize the extra space in walls for open shelves or artwork. In case your ceilings have a height greater then 8 feet, leave a space of about 15 to 18 inches above cabinets.

Choose between painting and staining:

Though stained wooden cabinetry looks good, most of the finishes do not last long and cannot be altered easily. Painted cabinets present a unique personality to the kitchen.

Choose an attractive countertop:

Stained wood and white Carrara marble present a look reflecting warmth and elegance. Counter-tops also look good when made up of plastic laminate, Wiarton limestone, soapstone and honed Kirk stone slate. They present a sophisticated appearance to your kitchen.

Install a suitable island:

Do not ever place a bulky cube at the center of your kitchen. Islands are better that are open and airy in look. Do not place appliances on the island. However, if you wish to use the island to hold a cook top or a dishwasher-sink combo, try to lend a light look to it.

Avoid overdoing the details:

Design accents like plaster moldings on the cabinet fronts and pediments on stoves can prove to be an excess of decoration. An important thing to keep in mind is that your kitchen style should fit the style of the rest of the home.

Avoid materials that need excessive maintenance:

Materials having textured surfaces like tumbled marble, brick, terra-cotta and slate can camouflage the odd spots but are quite difficult to clean. Instead, materials with smooth surfaces coming in light colors like ceramic floors or white laminate counters can be cleaned easily but are quite transparent. You need to keep your kitchen neat and clean so it is better to go with materials offering ease of cleaning and requiring less maintenance.

Conclusion:

These are the basic factors to keep in mind when remodeling your kitchen. The consideration of these factors will help you to build a kitchen with greater functionality as well as enhanced aesthetics. Incorporate unique designs in your kitchen so that it reflects your individual tastes and preferences.

Mary James is an experienced writer about basement remodeling. She suggests visiting Charlotte remodeling or finishing by finelineconstruction.net for more useful information about basement construction and remodeling.

Summary: A renovated kitchen is more comfortable to work in and also increases the value of your home. The renovation should be carried out faster considering the tips listed above.

Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen? Give us a call at 914-576-2572 for a free in home estimate. We’ve been helping families in Westchester County create their dream kitchens since 1957! Gary B.

6 Steps to designing your dream kitchen

December 11, 2013adminhome improvement, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Choosing your appliances

You may have a rough idea of the appliances that you want. When you meet with the kitchen designer he will ask what oven and fridge you are going to choose. This is important for them because they need to know exactly how wide the fridge space needs to be, do you want a freestanding or dish drawer dishwasher? What type of oven do you have in mind? I have learned that it’s so much easier to have the dimensions of the appliances on hand as this will save you time and make things flow smoother. Plus there can be a lot of decision making when it comes to taps, sinks and cupboard colours so it makes sense to get appliances like the fridge, oven and dishwasher first.

Know your budget

Before you start designing your kitchen and choosing various accessories, it is important to know exactly how much you would like to spend. This can be a complicated process especially if you don’t have a ballpark cost for the renovation. It is recommended that you get a quote for any renovation or building work before setting a budget for other aspects of the project. I definitely underestimated the costs of building work and also flooring. Grab a pen and paper and make a list of everything you need, how you plan on funding the project, and how much you can afford to set aside for emergency work.

Choose durable materials that are easy to maintain

Many people dream about the kitchens they see in magazines and the white marble filled spaces. While they look absolutely amazing, your kitchen will probably be a 15 year investment, so it’s important to choose materials that are durable. While marble can look fantastic, it is also extremely porous, meaning it can absorb stains and needs regular maintenance. Stainless steel is another great looking material that takes a lot of maintaining. Choosing the materials all comes down to personal preference, so just choose materials that meet the needs of you and your family.

Seek inspiration

Many people do not know what they want until they see it; this is why it’s important to seek inspiration from as many sources as possible. This will give you fresh ideas about the various styles and designs of kitchens. Interior design magazines usually feature photographs of unconventional kitchen styles and explain exactly how they created them. The internet is probably your greatest resource; there are a vast amount of interior design blogs that can provide you with fresh ideas.

Analyze your existing kitchen

Analyzing your existing kitchen will give you the best idea of what you want from your new kitchen. Take a walk around your kitchen with a pen and paper; make a note of the areas that you dislike and the areas that could be improved. Maybe your kitchen is lacking in workspace? Make a list of five things you like and dislike about your existing kitchen; this will give you a much better idea of what is needed to create your dream kitchen.

Hire the best professionals

Even though your budget may dictate who you can hire, choosing the right professionals is one of the most important aspects of remodeling a kitchen. Ask your family and friends for a recommendation, chances are that whoever they recommend will be of a decent standard. Or you could ask another professional to recommend someone, with their reputation on the line; they will only recommend the best person for the job.

Author byline:

This is an article by David at Leekes, a home improvement company that specialize in Fitted Kitchens and kitchen remodeling.

Ready to start your kitchen remodeling project? Give us a call for a free in home estimate! We specialize in kitchen renovations. – Gary B.

Go-big upgrades that can help a lingering home sell at last

September 15, 2013adminhome improvement, Tips to sell your homebathroom remodeling, DIY projects, home improvement, kitchen remodeling, remodeling tips1 Comment

Everyone knows spring and summer are the best months in which to sell a home. If your house has lingered on the market, you may be eager to find ways to freshen its appeal for potential buyers. Perhaps you’re even ready to go big and invest in upgrades that will improve the home’s value, curb appeal and interior allure so much that potential buyers just won’t be able to walk away from it.

If you’re at that point, first figure out how much you can reasonably invest. Will the improvement increase your home value enough to allow you to recoup its cost? Maybe not, but if your priority is a faster sale, return on investment might have a different meaning for you.

Next, look at areas of your home where improvements will have the biggest impact – spots that are the least appealing or those that have the most appeal. Upgrading a less-than-great room can bring it up to snuff, but upgrading a good room could make it absolutely smashing. For example, painting a small bathroom in a bright color could make that cramped space feel bigger. Adding a skylight to your kitchen, bath, or other area in your home however, will really make a splash with abundant natural light and fresh air.

Here’s a room-by-room game plan for high-impact upgrades that could make buyers fall in love with your home:

Anywhere

Buyers are, universally, looking for beauty and value. Any improvement that gives both can directly impact your ability to sell your home. Adding a skylight is a great way to enhance a home’s visual appeal, livability and energy efficiency while improving indoor air quality by introducing much needed fresh air into the home.

Natural light can make a small room look bigger and brighter, and create a more healthful environment. Adding a traditional or tubular skylight to any room in the house brings more natural light into your home. Add remote-controlled, solar powered blinds, and you can boost a skylight’s energy efficiency.

Kitchen and bathroom

Any Realtor will tell you great kitchens and bathrooms can sell a house. If yours are only so-so, they could be what’s standing in the way of getting an offer. If you’ve already done the basics – cleaning and decluttering, repainting and replacing dated cabinet hardware – it may be time to pull out the big guns.

New appliances and fixtures will cost you a few thousand, but can go a long way toward wooing buyers. New appliances look great, are more energy-efficient, and provide buyers the peace of mind knowing they won’t face repair or replacement costs any time soon. New fixtures such as rainfall shower heads and touch-free faucets add an element of luxury to the most common bathroom.

Adding a tile backsplash or new wood-look laminate flooring in the kitchen, and new tile floor in the bath can also create a big impact – and for less money if you do the work yourself. Replacing lower-quality or older countertops is also an eye-catching upgrade. The trick is to find the improvement that will have the biggest visual impact in your space.

Living room/family

When buyers enter your home, chances are the living room or family room will be one of the first rooms they see. Their impression of that room can set the tone for how they perceive the rest of the house. Again, assuming you’ve done the basics – painting, window treatments and accessories – a major upgrade in this room can have a winning impact.

If your home already has a fireplace, take a close look at it. What can you do to make it more appealing? Does it need a new facade? Larger gas logs or a better blower? Can you upgrade the mantel? If your home lacks a fireplace, adding one can be a great selling point. It’s possible to add a gas fireplace for less than $5,000 in most homes. Adding a gas insert to a wood-burning fireplace is even cheaper.

Modern styling, technology help homeowners refresh their nests

September 11, 2013adminhome improvementbathroom remodeling, DIY projects, home improvement, kitchen remodeling, remodeling tips2 Comments

Flipping through the television channels, it’s hard not to find a home improvement show about remodeling and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. From “Property Brothers” to “Design Star,” these popular programs give homeowners ideas on how to modernize their spaces. If you’re planning your own DIY projects, here are three areas of the home that will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to a makeover.

First stop: the bathroom

Bathroom remodels are the most popular remodeling projects because they have a high return on investment, according to the National Association of Home Builders. When you’re ready to sell your house, renovating the bathroom typically has a return of 62 percent. A low-cost way to modernize the bathroom is installing new faucets. With signature styling featuring cylindrical, geometric shapes and distinct 90-degree angles, the new Moen Arris collection is an ideal choice for an iconic, modern update. Sleek, contemporary pieces like the new Arris faucet can add instant luxury.

Another idea for modernizing the bathroom is to add additional light sources. Bringing in more light will open up the space and make your bathroom come to life. The bathroom is often a place to unwind, and adding the right lighting can set the tone for a spa-like atmosphere. One way to do this, without breaking your budget, is by simply replacing the light fixtures. Add a modern touch to your bath with dramatic choices like chandeliers and sconces.

Second stop: the living room

Modern design doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable. Homeowners love modern interiors for the sleek and streamlined look, which leads to less clutter and visual stress. Expand the modern theme throughout the home by updating furniture with unfussy and relaxed pieces. You don’t need to buy everything new. Fabric covers, in an array of prints and colors, can instantly bring new life to old furniture. For pieces that need to be replaced, consider purchasing solid and neutral furniture. As trends change, you can switch out pillows and blankets to stay up-to-date.

Keep neutrals in mind when selecting paint colors, as well. White, black, brown and gray will go with just about anything. For a pop of color, paint an accent wall with a bold color, or add extra personality with drapery or area rugs. Use lamps, paintings and accessories to give a personal touch throughout the rest of your living space.

Final stop: the kitchen

Opening up shelving is a way to put a fresh, modern spin on your existing kitchen layout. You can order new cabinets with glass panels or simply remove the doors from your existing ones. Just make sure the exposed areas are not cluttered. Open shelving is a perfect place to display dishes. For a crisp look, try stacks of white plates and bowls. If you’re looking for an edgy feel, try patterned or bright-colored ones. Adding new hardware to cabinets is also an inexpensive way to improve the look of your kitchen.

Since faucets are the most-used item in the kitchen, a new model can make a big impression. Swap out your old one for a new one. To complement your new faucet, look to update your counters as well. Granite remains a popular choice because of its high style and durability.

Integrating technology into home design

It’s not just about making your life easier, technology can also aesthetically enhance your living space with modern touches. Mirror technology allows homeowners to disguise the TV when it isn’t in use. Available for all TV models, it will look like a mirror is in the room until the unit is turned on. The iCon Bed from Hollandia features a headboard equipped with speakers, an amplifier and docking stations for two iPads. The NestLearning Thermostat shares the same designer as the iPod, and automatically creates a temperature-control schedule personalized around your lifestyle; while also saving energy.

Budget Home Improvements: Seeing Home Repair as an Investment

June 14, 2013adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, home remodelingbasement renovation, bathroom remodeling, home addition, home improvement, home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

It may be that your house hasn’t seen any home improvement for quite some time: the bathroom is covered with wallpaper, the kitchen appliances are avocado green, and the shag carpet in your living room keeps asking you to a Gloria Gaynor concert. It just may be time for renovation.

Renovating your home not only makes it a more enjoyable and comfortable place to live, but it is a wise investment. However, not all renovations are worth the time, the effort, and the cost of improvement. According to a report by US News, there are certain renovations that offer larger returns than others.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Most realtors will tell you that bathrooms (specifically the master bathroom) and the kitchen are typically the most important rooms of the house. The kitchen, in particular, is the first area potential home buyers notice. This is where people tend to congregate, thus it needs to be both welcoming and modern.

Bathrooms, on the other hand, aren’t really known for crowds. Instead, they are known as places where people can relax and pamper themselves. When a bathroom remodel is done correctly – with a custom shower, dual sinks, stellar lighting, or granite countertops – they can yield an average investment return of 62 percent.

Additional Notable Areas

Other renovations that are worth the investment include adding more livable square footage and new windows. When it comes to the former, more is definitely better. Turning an attic into a bedroom or finishing a basement can have a positive effect on the selling price of your home. People are drawn to homes that offer larger areas in which to play, rest, or simply hang out.

Adding windows can also be quite profitable. New windows may be expensive, but they add value to your home in several ways. They are aesthetically appealing, but they are also practical. Old windows tend to leak, letting in cold air in the winter and warm air in the summer. This leakage can sky rocket the cost of heating and air conditioning.

Home Offices and Sunrooms

On the flip side, home offices and sunrooms aren’t typically the best investments. While working from home has become commonplace in the job force, most people don’t require a full office to do it. Usually a computer and some storage cabinets can suffice. Home buyers often find that there are other things they would rather do with this space.

A sunroom renovation may be equally futile. This is particularly true in areas where the weather is extreme. In states with winter weather, sunrooms are usually too cold; in states with hot summer weather, sunrooms can get way too stuffy to be comfortable. Thus, they are really only good investments in areas where the weather is mild for most of the year. There’s no point to a sunroom if you can’t use it.

To Build or Not to Build

Making the choice to remodel, modernize, or build an addition is a big decision. It takes a significant amount of commitment and money. However, as demonstrated above, certain updates may well be worth it. Renovating may also be necessary.

According to CNN, remodeling is surging among homeowners, who are hopeful with the surge in home values. In fact, spending on home improvements reached $131 billion in 2012. This was the highest mark since 2006. With so many improvements, homeowners might have to renovate merely to keep up with the Joneses.

This article was contributed by Chase Roberts, home & garden connoisseur, personal decorator, and all-around handyman. Chase recommends Remedy Roofing for homeowners in Dallas looking to make a great long-term investment in their home.

Bruzzese Home Improvements specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovations, additions, window replacement and pretty much all your home improvement needs. Give us a call or shoot us an email to schedule your free in home estimate! ~Gary B.

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