Be Safe and Put in a Shower Filter

In today's world, there is a big concern about how to live a healthy lifestyle even though surrounded by chemicals in nearly all parts of daily life. A shower filter is a smart and economical way to make a meaningful lifestyle change by lowering exposure to harmful chemicals that affect your appearance and can damage your health.

Adding a shower filter is not a complicating thing to do, and the cost is reasonable. By adding a shower filter you can help prevent grunge taking over and spend less time scrubbing tough water stains from the bathroom, and it will provide for a crisper cleaner feeling, taking away chemicals, not the performance of your shower.

Using a shower filter is one of the most effective ways to reduce your body's exposure to harmful such as chloroform, trichloroethylene (TCE), hydrogen sulfide, lead, and chlorine, which not only affect your skin and hair by drying them out and polluting them, but which cause other health issues as well. Certain chemicals like chloriform can be extremely severe, causing liver and kidney damage. A culprit of many things, hydrogen sulfide has been known to cause headaches, irritated skin, nausea, and lowered blood pressure. Lead in the body can be lethal, while chlorine can lead to cancer, respiratory suffering, dried out skin and allergic reactions.


The more steam that you get while taking hot showers, makes it easier for your body to absorb more chemicals and this process increases the higher the water temperature gets. Harmful chemicals are transferred into your bloodstream from the vapors of a hot shower. Your skin takes in lethal chemicals when showering, this occurs when the pores of your skin expand. Since the average shower consumes about twenty-five gallons of water, your body absorbs much more chlorine while showering rather than by drinking tap water. A shower filter can prevent this chemical absorption and make showering a much healthier and safer experience.

By installing a shower filter to make your water pure, there are many other benefits besides healthy ones. Many health problems can arise if you don't take the proper actions, adding a shower filter with takeout dangerous toxins; chlorine, chloroform, TCE and hydrogen sulfide, as previously noted, these can lead to cancer, respiratory problems, and liver and kidney disease. You can lessen your chance at asthma, bronchitis and other health related problems, by installing a shower filter, which will remove chlorine, chloroform and other hazardous materials, improving breathing. While your hair and skin repair themselves from the harsh chemicals in water, it will look shinier and more rejuvinated, with less dryness and breaking. By saving money through the use of a filter, you will also be able to put more back in your pockets, by saving on beauty supplies.


Making the choice to purchase a low cost shower filter would be a wise investment, since without the harmful chemicals, your hair and body will have a better appearance and you will feel more lively. Your health is extremely important, by purchasing a shower filter, you can lower your chance at ruining your hair and skin; it won't change having an enjoyable shower.
Eliminate chlorine from your shower with shower filter canada or shower water filter

Caring for your Wood Furniture

There is nothing like wood furniture to add elegance and beauty to a home. Whether it is a thick, all-natural butchers block table, an Art Deco wooden dresser, a simple mahogany dining room table or a sleek, modern coffee table, wood furniture is a staple in homes across America and the world. Make sure your wood tables, vanities and dressers stay gorgeous for generations to come with these simple solutions and guidelines.
Stain, Stain, Go Away!
Ever gasped after a child inadvertently left a giant scratch in the surface of your dining room table? Or cringed when a well-meaning adult accidentally knocked over a drink onto your beautiful wood coffee table? Well, fear not. One of the best attributes of wood furniture is that it is simple to touch up or renew its original luster.


Small nicks and scratches can usually be disguised with the help of a store-bought scratch cover product. For larger scratches, try using a felt tip pen or shoe polish in a color closely matched to the finish of the furniture piece. Shoe polish applicator bottles filled with the stain work well for the cover-up job, as do Sharpie markers. Coloring in the scratch is easy and surprisingly effective.


Get rid of pesky water spots on your wood furniture by allowing the spots to dry completely, then rubbing real mayonnaise onto it with a soft cloth, until the spots disappear. Erase color rings left on tables by cups and glasses with a homemade mixture of cigarette ashes and cooking oil. Prep the stain first by scrubbing it with an abrasive pad or sandpaper. Then, rub the oil and ash concoction into the wood.


And what about candle wax, marring the beautiful finish of your wood dining room table? Wait until the wax cools, then apply ice. Once the wax becomes extremely hard and brittle, gently scrape it off with a plastic spatula. Finally, polish the table with a rich cream polish, and buff away any residue.


Remove or Disguise Scratches and Stains

Problem: Solution:
Nicks, Scratches Magic Marker or Shoe Polish
Water Spots Mayonnaise
Color Rings Sandpaper, Ashes and Oil
Wax Ice

An Ounce of Prevention, a Lifetime of Protection
Prevent serious damage to your wood furniture by taking care not to position it in direct sunlight. Unless you are going for the weathered picnic table look, shield all wood furniture from the drying influence of the sun. Also, protect your dining room table’s finish using an inexpensive table pad when the table is not in use.


When eating a meal or entertaining guests, use a tablecloth or placemats to protect the finish of a wood table, especially when serving hot food. Place hot serving dishes atop a hot pad and candle holders over a large felt protector with a plastic top, since plastic prevents wax from running.


Use coasters beneath all glasses and mugs to protect your coffee table, dining room table and wood dressers from unsightly rings and water spots. Beware, because not all coasters are created equal. Metal coasters can sweat onto the wood, and plastic coasters can react with certain finishes on some wood furniture pieces. So consider choosing wooden coasters with felt backing and a waterproof material on top to further ensure the longevity of your wood table tops. The best coasters are those that taper up on the sides, preventing leakage.


Protect Your Wood Tables from Damage

Protect From: With:
General Harm Table Pad (when not in use)
Sun Damage Location out of Direct line of Sun
Heat Damage Tablecloths, Placemats, Hot Pads
Wax Felt Protector with Plastic Top
Water Damage Wood Coasters with Felt Bottom and Waterproof top

Proper Care and Cleaning
Polishing wood furniture every week goes a long way toward protecting the finish from damage and helping your wood tables, chairs and dressers look their best. Beware, though, of cheap polishes, or any polish that contains silicone or alcohol. Alcohol can do permanent damage to a wood surface, as can any household cleaner that contains ammonia. An excellent polish can be easily made at home, by combining lemon oil with 3 parts olive oil.


Now that you know about polishes, don’t forget to clean your wood furniture as well. Regular cleaning is especially important for coffee tables and dining room tables where food and drink are daily staples. Use a very mild soap, such as a diluted mixture of hand soap and water, as a cleaning agent for your wood furniture. And if you really want to ensure your dining room table or heirloom wood desk stays beautiful, have your wood furniture buffed and polished by a professional service once or twice a year.


Make Your Own Polish and Cleaning Agents

Type: Mixture:
Homemade Wood Furniture Polish = 1 part Lemon Oil + 3 parts Olive Oil
Homemade Wood Furniture Cleaner = Hand Soap + Water

*Stay away from Alcohols and Ammonias


Now you are fully armed to properly care for your wood furniture. And don’t be disheartened if you are unable to make a nick or small stain disappear completely. Signs of use can add character to a piece of wood furniture, and are often barely noticeable. Whether it is a dresser, coffee table, bookshelf, desk, or dining room table, wood furniture is the perfect addition to any home.

Great Tips for Choosing Furniture

You’re finally going to do it! No I don’t mean tie the knot, I mean your finally
ready to buy that new furniture you’ve been dreaming about. We adorn our
bodies with fashion which makes a statement about who we are. Your furniture
does exactly the same thing for your house. It’s your fashion statement for your
home.

Here’s some helpful tips on getting the most value for your money, and choosing
furniture that will work with your home and your lifestyle. You’re friends will be
green with envy when they see your new look.

First you need to know the size of the rooms you are going to be furnishing, right
down to windows, and walls that might not work well. You can either purchase a
piece of software that will help you design a cozy room or grab a pencil and
paper and start sketching. If you have any original pieces you are keeping, then
make sure to work them into your room plan.


Once you’ve decided what would look good where, and how large of furniture
you can purchase, you need to set your budget. Decide how much money you
are willing to part with and stick to it.

Once you know how much your going to spend you’ll be able to decide on the
type of furniture. Determine the type of use the furniture will get. Are you buying
furniture for a family room or a living room? If your buying for a family room
you’re going to want to look at furniture that’s built to hold up with high use. If
your buying furniture for your living room, and it’s more of a show room then you
might look at fancier, less functional furniture.

When deciding on the type of furniture also take into consideration your lifestyle.
Do you have pets that are going to claw or chew? Do you have small children?
Is your home air conditioned? Leather is a great example of a piece of furniture
that looks good, but can be downright uncomfortable in the hot weather, unless
you have air.

Once you’ve narrowed down what you’re in the market for, make a list itemizing
each piece you’re looking for. Include sizes that will work, color preferences, all
the fine details. You’d be surprised at what you’ll forget once you walk into the
furniture store. It’s easy to get distracted because of all the choices. But with list
in hand you’ll be prepared.

Make choices that will last you for years. Don’t choose trendy furniture that you’ll
be tired of in six months. Furniture is a big investment, so keep your tastes in
check and choose furniture that will look and feel good for years to come. You
can add some trendy small ticket items such as vases or wall décor. Keep your
furniture colors easy to work with. That way you will be able to do a room face lift
just by changing out small ticket items, like pillows, ornaments, and wall art.

Once you’ve found that perfect piece of furniture, get physical with it. Check the
construction of it, watch for low quality assembly. If you buying a couch or bed,
sit on it, move around on it, see if it fits your body well. Check to see if you can
feel springs, if the buttons are attached well, if the seams are finished properly.
Don’t take any piece of furniture at face value, get underneath and check the
entire construction of it.

Once you’ve made your choices, all that’s left to do is pay and wait for delivery.
If you have old furniture in the room, it’s easier to dispose of this before the new
furniture arrives. Prep the room, so that when the delivery guys arrive they can
place the furniture where it belongs.

Stress free furniture shopping can be accomplished with just a little bit of pre-
planning. Now all that’s left to do is enjoy your new room!

Basic Furniture and Its Place In Design

When it comes to furniture, you have several different types. There is basic, custom handcrafted, and thrift shop types to name a few. The basic type of furniture is found in any retail store and can be an affordable and fashionable way to create just the right atmosphere in any room.

Furniture can be a utilitarian device in your home or it can define your personality. In some cases it can do both. Certainly you have been in the home of a friend or relative and wondered what the heck they were thinking when they decided to put that couch and that table together. Furniture is a personal aspect of the home, and discovering ones personality in their furniture choice and decoration attempts may be frightening at best.

There are times though when financial limitations cause a slight change in what you want in furniture and what you can actually afford. Going into debt over furniture is never a wise decision. Using your imagination and utilizing that which you can afford in an imaginative way is not only fun but also it allows a whole new meaning for your personality to pour through the grand design of your home.

Lets face it we can't all be interior design specialists, nor do we all wish to be. There is nothing wrong with wanting your living space and the furniture in it to reflect a refined element. Decorating your home in the style of say, Early American Flea Market is not really a refined definition of style. However if you possess the innate quality to lean toward eclectic and have the great luck of making that work for you… Early American Flea Market is not such a bad “style” after all.

Some people have a talent for accurate furniture choice and decorating specific rooms or areas. But mostly the coming together of a room works simply because they are not afraid to let their true colors show. Basic furniture has its place in our society and in the “true colors” part of decorating a home. There should never be any qualms about utilizing all the styles and colors of basic furniture available. And you should always let your spirit flow.

A Guide to Good Furniture Care

During my long career in the furniture business I’ve often been asked, “What is the proper way to care for my fabric?” After all, you’ve purchased your dream furniture piece but you’re terrified to use it out of fear of damaging it. But you don’t have to live in fear! After extensive research and testing I have found the following guidelines and suggestions to be helpful.
Upholstered Furniture
Because of the wide variety of fabrics and fiber combinations, there is no guarantee that these methods will be completely successful and I recommend that a professional upholstery cleaner be contacted in particular cases. However, these simple solutions will keep your new upholstery crisp and clean for years!
• Vacuum at least once a week to remove grit that can cause abrasion, and be sure to dust vacuum the top surfaces as often as possible. Professional cleaning is the best way to make a slightly soiled sofa look new again, but weekly vacuuming will make professional cleaning a less frequent event. (Never brush any fabric with a stiff fiber or metal brush, since they’re destructive to the fibers. Instead, use your vacuum attachments like the upholstery brush or the attachment for dusting draperies and furniture. The latter brush has longer bristles and is less abrasive to your upholstery fabric. It may be your best option if your fabric deserves a softer brushing.)
• Reverse the cushions each week after vacuuming. Rearrange the furniture occasionally to ensure even wear of the cushions and other areas.
Cushions and pillows filled with down or similar cushioning material should be hand-fluffed and reversed regularly to retain their original softness and resiliency.
• Protect fabrics from the sun. Fabrics should not be placed in direct sunlight because the ultraviolet light will cause the fibers to degenerate and colors to fade. Occasionally dyes can fade from impurities in the air as well, but protection from the sun is a good way to prevent premature loss of color.
• Keep pets off the furniture. Pet urine and pet body oil can be difficult to remove.
• Use proper care with structural weave fabrics (where the design is created by the weave) to protect against snags. These fabrics may be cleaned by sprinkling dry powder cleaner over the fabric, spreading it uniformly and letting it stand for the recommended period before vacuuming with gentle suction. (However, I do recommend professional cleaning with stains on a woven fabric.)
• Caution those wearing clothing with transferable dyes, such as blue jeans, that the dye could transfer onto light-colored furniture.
Fabric Cleaning Guide
Today’s new fabric treatments improve the chances of your fabric’s survival. Fabric protection products are usually applied by the retail store for an additional cost. Most of the various brands work the same way by causing spills and soil to sit on the surface of the fiber instead of migrating to the fiber’s interior.
Today’s fiber protection products are free of ozone damaging chemicals, and most are hypoallergenic and invisible to the eye. Some even provide additional UV protection from color fading caused by intense light. One of the greatest benefits of fabric protection products is that they come with specific written warranties that provide peace of mind.
Whether your new upholstery has been fabric protected or not, you should follow the same basic guidelines in cleaning liquid spills or surface soil that can’t be brushed off (such as newspaper ink).
Fabric Cleaning Codes
Before attempting to clean a spill or spot on your furniture, you should identify the fabric and the correct cleaning method recommended by the manufacturer. This information is represented by a cleaning code (W, S, WS, or X) often found under a cushion, on the bottom of the furniture or on the manufacturer’s tag. If you cannot find this information, contact your salesperson at the furniture store where the item was purchased.
W – Spot clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner.
S – Spot clean only with water-free cleaning solvent. Do not overwet. DO NOT USE WATER.
WS – Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or a mild dry cleaning solvent. Do not overwet.
X – Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a non-metallic brush. DO NOT USE WATER OR DRY CLEANING SOLVENTS. Do not use a foam or liquid cleaner of any type.
Never apply cleaning solutions to visible areas of your upholstery fabric without first testing on areas that are not visible. It is important to pretest for color loss and fabric compatibility.
Cleaning Instructions
As a general rule, when a spill occurs, it is important to clean the fabric immediately. The longer a spot remains, the harder it is to remove. It may even become permanent.
Blot, don’t rub. If the spill is still “fresh”, use a clean, dry and very absorbent 100% cotton cloth. Should you have to use paper towels to blot out spills, be sure the paper towel (or cloth) is white, as colors in the towel may, when applied to a wet surface, fade onto the upholstery. Color from one fabric can rub off onto another fabric, even when dry -- a process known in the industry as “crocking”.
If blotting with a dry cloth doesn’t quite finish the job and you have cleaning directions from the furniture manufacturer, follow those. If none are available, use the instructions provided here.
I hope this information has been insightful. Use these tools when necessary, but most importantly, enjoy your upholstered piece -- it was meant to be used!

5 Essential Factors Of a Good Bedroom Design

Dear friends, successful design is a relative term. What is good or successful for me may not be so from your point of view.
But when it comes to interior design, there are certain factors which are always present no matter what the use of the space is. Let's have a look at the bare minimum design factors a space must have so that it can be called a comfortable and habitable space.
1) Proportions of the room.
The word "proportions" is always used in the design field. Every interior space which is being used by humans must be proportionate. Proportions are extremely important in any design.
Every 3 dimensional object has properties such as length, width and height. When these 3 are in accordance with the proportions of various parts of human body we call it a "proportionate" design.
For example a handle of a wardrobe must have dimensions such that our fingers can hold it properly for effortless and smooth action. or a chair seat must have enough are so that we can sit comfortably. Again the type of seating will change the dimensions of the chair. A chair in waiting lobby of a bank will be different than a sofa.
So proportions play a major role in interior design and furniture in your bedroom must also follow these rules. The dimensions of the double bed, it's height from floor level, height of wardrobe, dimensions of dressing table, etc...all these matter as far as function is concerned.
2) Natural light entering the room.
There is no alternative for naturally lit spaces. Sun being the strongest source of light and also helps to keep the biological balance of the planet Earth, it is very much necessary in the interior spaces.
Study shows that natural light can penetrate in an interior space up to 20 feet (Approx. 7 meters). Using appropriate position for window opening can easily achieve this.
3) Natural Ventilation
A free and unobstructed flow of air can be a great way to keep the atmosphere cool and clean in an interior space. This is possible where bedrooms are located at the corner of the building where 2 sides of the bedrooms have external faces.
Where it is not possible to provide windows on adjacent faces or opposite faces, a ventilator above the window is used. The concept behind the ventilator is simple. The lower half the bedroom height is always used by the habitants. Because of the constant use of this are the air temperature rises and air becomes light weight.
This hot air rises above and must need an escape. At such times ventilators above the window openings play a major role of circulating the flow through the room in an upward direction. When the lower portion of the room becomes empty fresh air from window takes its position, thus maintaining a balance.
4) Clear Movement Patterns.
Every bedroom has certain exit points attached to it. Such as
a) Exit to balcony/ terrace.
b) Exit to toilet block/ walk in closet
c) Exit to backyard (if on ground floor)
If we draw an imaginary line from the entry point to all these exit points, ideally the should not intersect. Since all other areas are already occupied with furniture, keeping the inside circulation space clear, helps to achieve a comfortable space.
5) Good Provision For Inclusion Of Accessories.
Accessories in a bedroom have equal importance. When all other factors mentioned above are fairly met what remains is the use of accessories which can make quite a lot of difference in the comfort level of the habitants.
a) The first and the most important is a good provision of artificial lighting. This includes basic lighting as well as special decorative lighting for decorative purposes.
b) Special provision for upholstery and linen. Small details such as curtain rods, provision for bed canopies can make the room extra decorative.
c) Use materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For example if you are using PVC flooring sheets on top of standard tiled flooring, is it washable? Think of what will happen if your child uses it as a painting canvas.
The discussion above was an attempt to look for some universal factor that can affect the comfort level of the users in a bedroom. Finally the feeling which you get when you use your bedroom is most important and is a good measure to decide the success factor of the design project.
However it is important to note that these are not the only factors that need to be looked upon, but I'm sure these can help as a starting point for further creative thinking.

Organizing Your Home: The Master Bedroom

As we move through the house, we’re going to hit the master bedroom next. I want this room to be a haven and an escape for you. You won’t see your room as that if you don’t like it and the decorations you have in it. Remember: small steps!

1. Walk in to your bedroom as you walked in to the family room and look at it critically. Is it cluttered? What’s the first thing that you notice? Do whatever that is first. If it’s making the bed, do it. If it’s putting dirty clothes in a basket, do that. Whatever it is, get it done.

2. Does your bedroom fall under the Law of Flat Surfaces? If so, start by clearing off the dresser(s) and headboard. If you have papers there, look through them, pitch what needs to be pitched, and file away (as you did in the study) what needs to be filed. Once you can see the tops of the dressers and headboard, run over them quickly with your duster.

3. If you have lots of things on your dresser tops and top of the headboard, the next challenge is to de-clutter. You’ve already done the paper-aspect of this—now look critically at the other things you have. Do you have too many jewelry boxes? What about baskets that are supposed to organize things? Now is the time to determine what you absolutely love and wear all the time and what you hardly look at and almost never wear. Pull out the things you’re not crazy about and get rid of them. Give them away, throw them away, or sell them online. It doesn’t matter—as long as what’s left is what you truly love. If you have too many “organizing baskets,” now is the time to realize that more things to hold your clutter isn’t “organizing”—organizing is paring down what you have and then keeping it orderly. Go through your baskets and determine which perfume bottles are your favourites and which ones you just don’t use anymore. There’s no glory in keeping 35 scents on your dresser if all they do is collect dust and make things look messy.

4. Let’s move on to the floor. Can you walk freely in your room? If not, use the laundry-basket method and pick up the things on your floor. Deposit the items in their correct location and run the vacuum. No moving the bed or dressers—just sweep where you can easily walk.

5. Look at your windows—are they grimy? What about the window ledges? Grab your rag and window cleaner and give them a quick once-over. You’ll be amazed at how much dust you pick up and how clean your ledges will look after that!

Keep going in the master bedroom—we’re going to go inside closets and dressers next! On to Pt. 2!

Tiles are the foundation stone for your stylish bathroom!

Tiles can increase the value of any home. Ceramic tiles, mosaic tile, floor tile all add an extra quality to your home. Tile can be found throughout a home from the kitchen, bathrooms, and even the flooring. Tiles are widely available in most home improvement stores and also in specialty stores throughout the company. Finding the right tile for a home with the right color, design, and even pattern can seem overwhelming. But, the results of this project can be beneficial for years to come.

Ceramic tile is one of the strongest that can be purchased. It comes in many colors and textures as well as designs and patterns. Mosaic tiles, or tiles that form a pattern once laid properly are an elegant element that can be added to a home. Mosaic tiles also offer a wide range of selection.

Bathroom tiles add quality as well as extra security. They can protect drywall and paint from water damage if properly installed. Floor tiles provide the same level of protection. These tiles are usually easy to clean and maintain. While normal mopping and washing can be effective, often an extra measure to keep them up to standard is to scrub the grout and edges with a brush. Elbow grease being the best cleaning product. While this does not have to be done each time the tile is cleaned, doing it regularly will improve the look of the tile overall.

Proper installation is important when adding tile to a home. If done improperly, the tile can often break or chip away. Consider hiring a professional so that the tile lies smooth and even and looks its best. When choosing the tile, do not forget to choose a grout that will benefit it. Grout, or the substance that is used to fill in the cracks between tiles, comes in many different colors and qualities. Again, this item is widely available at home improvement stores.

Tile, whether mosaic tile or ceramic tile, can enhance the quality of a home. It is an added investment into a home and should be done so with the overall supervision of a professional.

Home Improvement

is an art that most women have imbibed in them. Home Improvement increases the worth of the family residing in it. Also By maintaining it and improving it, you’ll ensure it continues to increase in value.
Maintaining Your Home
Taking regular care of your appliances and checking plumbing and heating/cooling systems regularly can save on costly repairs or even more costly replacements. Review your home inspector’s report to help you prioritize tasks. It is worthwhile to consult a professional for anything you have a hard time fixing or inspecting. Some professionals may charge a fee.
Cosmetic Changes vs. remodeling
you have visions of color and comfort. The back porch could use a fresh coat of paint. The kitchen cabinets need to be updated. When do cosmetic changes (paint, window treatments) turn into major remodeling and renovation projects?
To keep the cost of remodeling from increasing dramatically it’s best to set a budget first and work to maximize the features you want within that budget. This may also help set the limit between cosmetic and major improvements
Many homeowners believe that any improvement will automatically increase the value of their property. Appraisers offer a more cautious perspective.. In other words, if you live on a street of modest two- and three-bedroom bungalows, don’t turn your home into a six-bedroom mansion.
Cosmetic changes such as new paint, flooring and window treatments are considered matters of personal style and therefore, add the least amount of value to a home.
Your home is your greatest financial asset. Take proper care of it and most likely, it will do the same for you.
Planning takes time and includes lots of mundane tasks such as getting permits and financing. But the benefits are immeasurable both in time and money saved.
Individual plans will vary depending on the scope of the project. Steps overlap and sometimes changing in one aspect of your plan forces changes in others. But almost every plan will include at least these five steps.

1. Dream It
Make sure your concept for the addition blends with the existing houses materials and design. For example: Adding on a Cape Cod family room to a 50s ranch style home would look silly at best.
Do a quick sketch of the addition you're planning even before consulting with a builder or designer.
2. Design It
If your plans require the removal or alteration of a supporting wall, contact a building engineer or architect to learn if your idea will affect the strength of the existing structure. Major structural changes may increase the time and cost of your project. A consultation may provide you with alternatives.
3. Paying for It
Establish a budget for this project and determine where the money is coming from. The money available will impact the scope of the project.
Remember that anything not included in the original contract will cost extra. It's tempting to start making changes and expanding the original plan. Try to control yourself or you might be adding hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars that will shatter your budget and your time line.
4. Permits and Codes
If you've hired a local contractor or architect, he should be able to tell you if your idea will pass the building inspection. A professional should be able to handle the entire permit process, from drawing up plans, applying for the permit and scheduling inspections.
If you're doing it yourself, visit your planning department and research the codes that pertain to your project. If the agency requires certified plans, you may still have to consult with an architect or engineer who can provide them.
5. Timing
Establish a time frame for the project. Much of an addition is exterior work and will need to be accomplished according to the seasons. Your start date should be the date you actually beginning construction, so make sure your financing is in place before this date.
Your time frame needs to take into account who is doing the work. If this is a do-it-yourself project, your time will probably be more limited because of job and family. If the job takes eight full days to complete, and you can only work weekends, it will take you four weeks. Consider if the money saved by doing it yourself is worth the extra time.

The Lamps in Your Home!

A lamp is more than a light. Lamps allow the owner to set mood and too add to the design of a room. They are very functional and sometimes the only source of light in a room. Floor lamps are very popular these days, but table lamps are still bought and used as well. There are many types of lamps, and of course they come in many styles and colors to fit anyone’s home.

A lamp is a statement of taste. Lamps can be soft and inviting or bright and useful. They can have a decorative lamp shade or a glass bowl shaped top. Floor lamps are often tall, thinly shaped lamps that bring light to a large area by cupping the bottom of the bulbs and forcing light up. Table lamps tend to force the light down and out to lighten up a smaller, more intimate space. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a lamp that fits your needs as well as your tastes. In fact, you can even custom order lamps and lamp shade to match your desired look.

But, before you decide to make that decision, check out the lamps in department stores and specialty stores. While most home improvement stores offer a wide variety of floor lamps, hanging lamps, and table lamps, you can find an even larger selection in a lighting store. These stores are few and far between due to the overtaking market of home improvement stores. But, check the yellow pages for your area lighting store and you should find a few. There you will be in awe of all the different options you have. There will be choices in every style imaginable. If you still can’t find what you are looking for, check catalogs and even the Internet. Specialty stores nationwide will ship lamps and accessories to you.

Adding some extra light to your home may have been your initial quest when trying to find a lamp, but you will soon see that there is more to look for in a lamp. The design will fit your home and the color should match your home. The details on the lamp or lamp shade can even be found to match your furniture, tables, or other items in your home. Finding a great lamp is a fun adventure into the world of lighting.

Do You Make These Window Replacement Mistakes ?

Whether it's a misguided baseball, or storm damage, sooner
or later most homeowners will have to deal with window
replacement, a chore that is not high on any handyman's
list of things they want to do with their spare time.

This could involve storm window replacement, replacement of
window screens, or installing an entire replacement window.
No matter the reason for the work, you really need to take
a few things into account before heading for the building
supply store.

The first consideration is the age of your home. Older
houses, particularly farm-style or country houses, tend to
have very old types of windows, consisting of wooden sashes
and hardware that is no longer made. If you wish to keep
the antique look intact, you might have to search out a
supplier of obsolete or out-of-date locks and fastenings to
complete your work.

Most modern houses lean towards convenience, and window
replacement for them is fairly simple, involving a building
industry standard sized window that is easy to acquire.
These are also the type of windows that have such features
as sliding multiple panes that save you the bother of storm
window replacement.

They do, however, have screen panels for summer, but screen
window replacements for modern windows are also easy to
obtain, and pop right into the sliding tracks.

If you're considering window replacement for energy
efficiency, it is unlikely you will get exactly the same
dimension windows that you have now, unless they are custom
made. In that case, it would be wise to seek the advice of
experts at your building supply store, or hire a
professional to make sure you get the most out of your
remodeling dollars.

Marble Floors and How to Maintain Them

For honed marble used as traffic surfaces, care should be taken to prevent accumulations of liquids or other materials that result in safety hazards and staining. Regular daily mopping should be performed. Floor marble is any honed finish that is used as a traffic surface. These surfaces should be mopped and scrubbed in a manner that will not leave a hazardous slippery film.

Again, wet with hot, clean water and then lightly sprinkle an abrasive cleaner (i.e, chlorine bleaching type household scouring cleanser) over the wet stone, or put 1-2 handfuls into a pail of 2-3 gallons of hot clean water.

Using a scrubbing motion, mop the marble surfaces with this solution (or with hot clean water if you are sprinkling the cleaner directly on the stone). Rinse with clean hot water and dry with mop or cloths. Power scrubbers can also be used for the procedure.

Often it is also desirable to protect special interior areas and to enhance the coloration of
Honed marble in areas where a polished finish is not practical. In such cases sealers may be applied after the marble has been cleaned. This minimizes maintenance and prevents staining - especially around toilets and urinals in restrooms or in food preparation areas and busy building entrances.

Sealers should only be applied to clean interior marble. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for proper application. Terrazzo sealers are excellent for this purpose. So are silicone based stone sealers.

In all cases sealers should be made of a clear, hard finish type suitable for traffic surfaces and definitely non-yellowing. Do not use soft finish waxes, paste wax or resins. These coatings can collect dirt and grit. Some acrylic-base liquid floor waxes can be used in place of permanent sealers, but may give limited life.

Home Improvements – The Fun Stuff

Planning home improvements necessarily involves addressing numerous practical matters. That doesn’t mean you should ignore the fun stuff!
The Fun Stuff
The first thing to plan for in home improvements is the practical stuff. The second thing you need to talk to family members about is the fun stuff.
Most people have colors they like and colors they don’t like. They have things that interest them and things that don’t. Get your family to talk to you about those things. Each person’s bedroom, or bedroom area, should reflect his or her taste and interests.
A boy who likes green, football, and backpacking can easily have a sage green (it “reads” as more neutral than many shades of green if re-sale of your home is a concern) room with cream woodwork, cream interior shutters, and cream ceiling. Framed football posters and wilderness scenes might be pleasant. Bedding with a rustic motif (rows of stylized pine trees?) from L.L. Bean or Plow and Hearth would work right in. Add a touch or two of a bright color like red or yellow.
Does he need a desk in his room? A chest of drawers? A bookcase? Would he enjoy having a bulletin board? Even if they’re small, most rooms need at least three lamps so that illumination is general and even. The shades are usually best in warm, neutral colors. (Light coming through green shades tends to make people look sick.) Lamp shades should be level and the seams should be toward the wall so they’re not visible. When the bottom edge of most lamp shades in a room are the same height from the floor, the room tends to look serene and cohesive.
Hanging pictures usually look best if the bottom edges of the frames are the same height from the floor and level with each other, too. There are exceptions to this and every generalization of course. A grouping of pictures can have the bottom tier follow the “rule” while all of the other pictures are higher. A picture over a fireplace often looks good higher than the other pictures in the room.
Pictures usually look best when they have a relationship to furniture or an architectural feature. Pictures centered over a chest, bed, bookcase, or fireplace are good examples. Pictures don’t tend to look good if they’re scattered willy-nilly around a room, or if they’re up near the ceiling (unless they’re part of a grouping), or if the height at which they’re hung varies wildly with no rhyme nor reason.
A girl who loves pink, the ballet, and swimming can have woodwork the same cream as her brother’s while her walls are a soft pink (a pink with a hint of yellow in it tends to go well with cream), and her art work reflects her interests. If she loves to read, make sure she has a good reading lamp near her bed, or near a comfortable chair, or both.
A cream colored dust ruffle with widely spaced pink stripes and a quilted plaid coverlet in pink, green, yellow, and blue on a cream background might look nice. Add cream fabric window shades with large pink polka dots and I’ll bet she’ll smile.
The bigger point is to simply have fun with some of your home improvements. There is no need to look exclusively at practical matters.

How to Choose the Right Flooring to Fit Your Lifestyle

(ARA) – Choosing the right floor for your home is a big decision. It sets the tone for the whole interior of your house, and is the foundation for everything else you put in a room. Your choice should fit not only the way you want your home to look, but also the way your family lives.

“When making a decision about flooring, keep in mind such factors as design options, comfort, warmth, safety and maintenance,” says Piera Marotto of Forbo Linoleum, Inc. “And don’t forget you can have fun with color!”

Each family is unique and will have different demands and expectations for their flooring choice. A large family with kids will have a different set of needs than a retired couple. Pet owners will have particular requirements as well. Allergy and asthma sufferers will need to keep a clean and dust free environment.

For households that have light traffic, carpet is one option. It is an attractive addition to a room and the color choices are virtually unlimited. It is however, high maintenance -- regular vacuuming and shampooing are mandatory, and stains are a constant worry.

Hardwood floors are a classic choice for many homes, and they work with most kinds of décor. However, they are sensitive to climate changes and may expand and contract throughout the year. They are also susceptible to water damage and need constant maintenance. These kinds of floors can also be quite cool in the wintertime.

A flooring choice that has a lot more flexibility is Marmoleum. Made mainly from organic materials, it is an environmentally friendly surface that is easy to maintain and is enhanced by time. Exposure to the air serves to increase its durability, yet it remains a comfortable and warm surface on which to walk.

“Homeowners today want a flooring product that is easy to clean, comfortable to live with and one that looks great too,” says Marotto. “Marmoleum is an exciting alternative.”

Cleaning involves just the occasional dust and damp mopping. Unlike with other surfaces, muddy footprints and other stains don’t sink in. They can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth.

Not only is Marmoleum practical, it can enhance any interior design style from retro to modern to country. Available in sheet or tiles, it can be customized with decorative border and corner pieces. Colors range from solids to cubed or spattered effects and can be mixed in unlimited ways. Some of the color palettes offered include mixed greens, rhythmic blues, grey-dations, sunsets boulevard, and neutral color collaborators.

“If you can imagine it, you can create it,” adds Marotto. “Have fun with it!”

For more information about Marmoleum, or to find the dealer nearest you, log on to www.themarmoleumstore.com or call (866) MARMOLEUM.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Organizing Your Home: The Kitchen

Arguably, the kitchen is the heart of the home. We cook there, eat there (hopefully as a family), entertain there, chat at the table, do homework, and any number of other family-related things. A disorganized kitchen discourages us from doing the above; we don’t want to cook and eating will likely then take place in front of the TV. We don’t want to entertain others or sit and chat because the clutter distracts us and makes us feel ashamed of not keeping things in better order. So let’s get to it!

Please understand that this room CANNOT be done in one day or in one chunk of time. I’m willing to bet it took more than one day for your kitchen to look the way it does—so it will take more than one day to un-do it. Be patient and attack these different tasks in small chunks of time—small steps! You’ll find that as each one is done that you’ll be motivated to do another and another. And then when it’s all done, you’ll not want to mess it up, and so be motivated to keep it organized! Oh happy day!

1) Unload your dishwasher. If your dishwasher is full of clean dishes and not put away, you won’t have a place to put your dirty dishes as you clean up. If you don’t have a dishwasher, take a look at your sink. If you’ve got clean dishes in your dish rack, put them away now. Then move your dish rack to the counter and put an empty dishpan under the sink. You’ll see why as we keep going.

2) Take a look at your countertops. Are they piled high with papers, dishes (dirty), and appliances (some you haven’t used in weeks or months)? Are they stained (underneath the stuff on them)? Let’s clear off one countertop at a time. Pick your smallest one and clear everything off. Put it on a table or other surface where you can go through the things. Put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher (or dishpan under your sink), go through the papers (junk mail = trash can, bills go to the study, etc.). Put the other miscellaneous things you’ve found in separate piles to be schlepped to the appropriate rooms where they belong. Then look at the naked countertop. Take a cleaner of your choice (I love the Lysol disinfecting wipes, but you could use a spray cleaner, a bleach cleaner, or simple window cleaner) and a rag and start wiping from back to front. Sweep the crumbs in to the garbage can. Now put only the things which are *necessary* back on the counter. That means no excess paperwork, no hairbows, etc. If you need space for a coffee maker or other small appliance, you now have it!

3) Move to the next counter and repeat the same steps as above.

In Part Two of Organizing Your Kitchen, we’ll take a look at the next round of steps to create a kitchen you’re proud of!

Principles of Interior Design

Whether you are working with existing furnishings and fabrics or “starting from scratch” with an empty room, you should always use the elements and principles of design as a guide in choosing everything. The elements are your tools or raw materials, much like paints are the basics to a painter. The elements of design include space, line, form, color, and texture. The principles of design relate to how you use these elements. The principles of design are balance, emphasis, rhythm, proportion and scale, and harmony and unity.
Principle #1: Balance
Visual equilibrium in a room is called balance. It gives a sense of repose and a feeling of completion. A well-balanced room gives careful consideration to the placement of objects according to their visual weight. The elements of line, form, color and texture all help determine an object’s visual weight, which is the amount of space it appears to occupy. Balance also refers to how and where you place the elements (line, form, color and texture) within a room. To maintain balance, try to distribute the elements throughout the room.
• Formal balance, often referred to as symmetrical balance, creates a mirror image effect.
• Informal balance uses different objects of the same visual weight to create equilibrium in a room. It is more subtle and spontaneous and gives a warmer, more casual feeling.
Principle #2: Emphasis
Emphasis is the focal point of the room. The focal point should be obvious as you enter the room; it is the area to which your eye is attracted. Whatever is featured, as the center of interest –a fireplace, artwork or a window treatment framing a beautiful view – must be sufficiently emphasized so that everything else leads the eye toward the featured area. You can add emphasis to a natural focal point or create one in a room through effective use of line, form, color and texture.
Principle #3: Rhythm
Rhythm supplies the discipline that controls the eye as is moves around a room. Rhythm helps the eye to move easily from one object to another and creates a harmony that tells the eye everything in the room belongs to a unified whole. Rhythm is created through repetition of line, form, color or texture. It can also be created through progression. Progressive rhythm is a gradual increasing or decreasing in size, direction or color.
Principle #4: Proportion and Scale
Size relationships in a room are defined by proportion and scale. Proportion refers to how the elements within an object relate to the object as a whole. Scale relates to the size of an object when compared with the size of the space in which it is located.
Principle #5: Harmony and Unity
A well-designed room is a unified whole that encompasses all the other elements and principles of design. Unity assures a sense of order. There is a consistency of sizes and shapes, a harmony of color and pattern. The ultimate goal of decorating is to create a room with unity and harmony and a sense of rhythm. Repeating the elements, balancing them throughout the room, and then adding a little variety so that the room has its own sense of personality accomplishes this. Too much unity can be boring; too much variety can cause a restless feeling. Juggling the elements and principles to get just the right mix is a key to good design.

9 Simple Strategies for Home Organization

Home organization means being able to find your stuff when you need it, not after an hour or more of searching. But home organization doesn't necessarily mean you're neat or clean. It doesn't even mean you're not a pack rat. Home organization just means everything has a place and you know where that place is in your home.

Of course, when you practice "home organization" and "clearing clutter" together you do inevitably get a neater and more organized home. Why? Because you can find your stuff when you need it AND you're not tripping over your stuff. So instead of allowing yourself, or your family, to consistently put your shoes in the entryway (where you do know their location), you designate another spot such as a shoe rack in the foyer closet. That's blending home organization with clutter clearing techniques. Here are 9 strategies for home organization that also may help you clear clutter in your home:

1) CLUSTER LIKE ITEMS - When you organize an office storage closet at home or work, put the different types of paper beside each other on a shelf. And what goes with paper? Envelopes. Put the different types of envelopes adjacent to the paper. Adjacent to that you might put writing instruments used on paper like pencils and pens. And so forth. Organizing holiday ornaments? Keep bins of Christmas supplies together. Keep bins of Easter decorations together. Then put all of these holiday storage bins in one clustered area in your garage or attic. You can also use the cluster mindset for toys and sports equipment.

2) MAKE THINGS CONVENIENT - This simply means put most frequently used items toward the front of shelves or on shelves within arms reach or at eye level of the user (whether that's you, your spouse or your children). Put infrequently used items in those hard to reach cabinets in corners, cabinets above your refrigerator, in the attic, etc. Put shelving or other organizers in convenient places such as put shoe racks, umbrella stands and hanging baskets for gloves in a closet near the entryway you use most often.

3) LABEL IT - Invest in an inexpensive label maker. You'll have fun labeling items (e.g. home recorded DVD tapes) or labeling places where items should go so they always get returned to the same spot. For example, label specific garage shelf spaces for hand tools or power tools. That way nobody in your family will ever forget where they got an item they're using and they'll know where its exact "home" is.

4) DON'T KEEP AN ITEM IF... - ...you can find it elsewhere. So much research, forms and other paperwork is easily accessed these days through the Internet. Just keep a simple list of Websites and useful phone numbers and then you'll always know where to return to or who to call in order to access that information again.

5) HANDLE IT ONCE - And handle it now. That's how the organizing professionals suggest you handle paperwork, whether it's incoming mail or something on your home office or work desk. If you can't handle it now, then put it in a tickler file labeled with a specific intention (e.g. holiday cards to mail by month, bills to mail by week).

6) MAKE IT YOUR SYSTEM - I once knew a woman who placed labels inside her kitchen food cabinets. So cans of green beans and peas always went on their designated label or row and a can of tuna went on its labeled space. When you could see the label that just meant it was time to buy more tuna or green beans. Was this a bit over the top with detail? Not for her. The system suited her personality. It worked for her. Lesson learned: Own your home organizing system. You can use other people's home organizing tips but only if they suit you, they suit your thought process and they mesh with your daily routine. You're the ultimate user of the home organization system.

7) BE FLEXIBLE - If your entire home organizing system, or just part of it, is not working, change it. Try a different method. Put something in a different spot. Observe other peoples homes and work spaces for ideas. Look at photos in home decorating magazines for ideas. Don't be afraid to admit temporary home organization failure and start again as often as needed. It's okay!

8) BE PATIENT WITH OTHERS - You know the cliché...you can't change other people. Unfortunately, that cliché is usually true though so many of us choose to learn it the hard way. Don't expect everyone in your family to start immediately singing your home organization tune. They may never do so. But you can try for compromise and understanding. And you can make subtle polite requests like "honey, will you put your shoes in the closet for me so I can vacuum that area" or "will you put the car keys here when you get home so I can find them in the morning without waking you."

9) GET HELP WHEN NEEDED - Not everyone is good at clearing clutter, especially quickly; nor is everyone good at thinking in an organized, almost analytical, way. And that's okay. But if that's you, consider calling in a paid professional home organizer (search online or in the phone book). Even if you just hire an organizer for a few hours or a day, he or she will at least be able to help you brainstorm about organizing your home in a manner that suits you. Then you can take that next step toward home organization on your own. And keep stepping until you get it done eventually. You will!

Things You Should Know About Gardening

Gardens come in different varieties like the plants you find in them. There are several gardening tips that can be used for all type of gardens.
1.Mulching protects your garden topsoil from being blown away. It also provides nutrients as it decomposes and improves the appearance of your gardens. Mulching has other benefits and is one of the most recommended gardening tips by gardeners and farmers alike.
2.Healthy plants are more disease resistant. Plant are like people, a person with a strong immune system can combat diseases. A healthy plant does the same.
3. Pests can be eradicated by cleaning the plant with a watery solution of soap. Just make sure to rinse after. This gardening tip is best heeded for fruit bearing trees or edible plants.
4. Using compost fertilizers are a great way to have healthy plants. It is also a great way to save money on expensive fertilizers. Non -organic fertilizers also tend to leave chemical residues that can accumulate in garden soils and harm not only the plants but the gardeners as well. They cause toxins to go to the water supplies. Another gardening tip recommended not just by farmers and gardeners but also by environmentalists.
5. There are several plants that are only suitable for a specified climate, a certain kind of soil or can only grow with certain plants. You have to know what plant grow in the conditions you have in your area this is for you to avoid unnecessary purchases. This is a money saving gardening tip.
6.Landscaping is a good investment which can double the value of your home. This is one gardening tip that can earn you money.
7. Growing grass on bare ground is an easy way to make your home look better and appreciate in value. This is one gardening tip that promotes earning money while growing grass legally.
8. Aside from looking great in your home, trees also provide some sort of protection from direct sunlight exposure and strong winds.
9. Vines on the walls, fences and overhead structures also would offer some protection and would also look great.
10.Flowers are beautiful, but they are also expensive. Get one that is resistant to many elements. Flowers from your local community already have developed resistance to conditions present in your area.
11.For most gardens plants, their roots go only as deep as 6 inches. Putting fertilizer deeper than that would be a waste of money. Put them shallower as they seep down when the plants are being watered.
12.Earthworms are important to plants. They till and aerate the soil for the roots to breathe. Non-organic fertilizers can kill them. This gardening tip dates back to the old days of gardening.
13. Having several kinds of insects that are beneficial to your garden would be good. These insects can be encouraged to stay by having diverse plants in your garden.
14. Spot spraying weeds with household vinegar, instead of using commercial weed-killers, can eradicate them. This is another environment friendly gardening tip.
15. Avoid putting too much mulch on tree trunks, this would encourage unwanted pests to reside on them.
16. Use plant varieties that are common to your area or have been taken from an area with similar conditions.
17. Be sure to know the plants that are poisonous. If you are intent on growing them, make sure to have the necessary cure available in your household. Take note of this gardening tip, it can save your life.
18. The best time to water plants is during mornings.
19. Before planting a new plant in your garden, you must consider its height and size when it matures. This garden tip can help you save money in the future.
20. Newly transplanted plants may require special attention during its first week. This is to reduce the stress and shock it got during transplantation.
And last but not the least of the gardening tips...
21.Plants are living entities. If you want them to grow in your garden you have to treat them as such. They need to be taken care of. They are like your pets, you look out for them. In return you get that feeling of contentment watching them thrive.
A good way to take care of them is to consider that plants might have some feelings too.

Kitchen Decorating Tips

Small changes can have a big effect on how your kitchen looks. Below are 11 decorating ideas that you can do yourself in a day or less. Not only are these simple changes are easy to do, but they are inexpensive too!

1. Afraid of changing your drab white kitchen walls? Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral such as beige or gray which will not date the room or create a jarring palate that you will easily tire of.

2. Brighten up the kitchen. Use mirrors to capture the sunlight and bounce it around. Try putting a mirror across from a window or on a wall that corners against the window wall for the most light distribution.

3. Make seasonal changes. Moving the kitchen furniture into a 'summer arrangement' can optimize your space and give it a more airy feel. Make it light and breezy - think about removing some of the furniture and decorations for a lighter feel. Open those curtains and let the sun shine in!

4. Use slipcovers. Slipcovers over your chairs can soften the room and add to your decor. For the holidays, try using special covers in holdiay patters or colors. For a nice summer change use white cotton or canvas slipcovers on the chairs.

5. Get ideas from the pros. Look in magazines, books, television or the internet to get a flavor of the accessories and designs you would like to see in your kitchen. IF you see a kitchen decorated in a way that you like, think about how you can duplicate the same decor in your home.

6. Decorate with cookbooks. You can make a nice display with your cookbooks. Try grouping them in interesting configurations with some laying down and some standing. Don't put small books next to tall books but align them in graduating sizes.

7. Warm it up with rugs. Area rugs can add a splash of color or cover up an old or unmatching floor. When buying rugs, measure the space so you can be sure to get the right size. Rugs used under a table should be large enough to also accommodate the chairs when fully pulled out.

8. Bring the outdoors inside. Don't be afraid to hang plants from any bare ceiling corner to give a lived in feeling to a plain kitchen. Plants provide interest and soften up the room. For above the cabinets or hard to reach places, silk plants work just as well as real ones, however, if you do buy silk, go with a good quality arrangement that looks realistic.

9. Change your look with accessories. A few strategically places accessories can change your kitchen from dull to dramatic! Maybe you want to go with a certain theme and you might be able to give your kitchen a whole new look just by replacing some key accessories like toaster covers, dish towels, cannister sets, salt and pepper shakers and pot holders.

10. Change your cabinet pulls. Theres so many different styles of cabinet pulls these days - figural, wooden, ceramic, glass - you should be able to find a design that matches your new decor easily. They are easy to install yourself and your friends will think you got new cabinets!

11. Add a border. wallpaper borders are easy to put up and can add color and interest. You can use them at the top of the wall or go with a less traditional use underneath the cabinets. Use them at chair rail height to break up long walls. An even less expensive (but more labor intensive) alternative is to use stencils and paint.

How To Plan For Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most desirable home improvement projects for many homeowners. A new kitchen increases the value of your home and makes your life easier. The first step to your new kitchen is to set a budget. Decide how much money you are willing to spend. This will help drive your other decisions. Be sure to leave a cushion in your budget for additional, unexpected expenses.
When determining your budget, consider how long you intend to stay in your home. If you are planning to sell in the next year or so, you may want to spend less money. Decide which features you must have in your new kitchen. You can cut corners in other areas by substituting less expensive materials for the counter tops, flooring or cabinet doors.
Research Kitchen Trends
Before you start planning your remodeling project, do some research on the current trends and designs being used in kitchens. Look for information on the internet or in home decorating magazines. Visit your local home improvement center for more ideas. Start a file for pictures of kitchens you love, furniture, appliances, fabric swatches or anything else you find interesting. This will help when you are ready to start purchasing items for your new room.
Options in Kitchen Remodeling
Cabinets are an expensive item in any remodeling project. They often take up half of the overall budget for the room. If you can’t afford the cost of brand new cabinets, there are cheaper alternatives. Consider cabinet refacing rather than replacing the entire cabinet. In refacing, the doors are replaced and exterior wood areas are covered. This is much less expensive since you are using the same cabinets. An even cheaper alternative is to paint your existing cabinets and buy new hardware.
If you must have new cabinets, consider adding some extra features. Features such as tilt out drawers, pull out garbage cans or a lazy Susan inside a corner cabinet are great space savers and make the room more functional. The doors can be either solid wood, clear glass or stained glass. Shop around to find out what is available before making a purchase.
You can save money on flooring and countertops as well. Substitute vinyl flooring in place of more expensive ceramic tile to save money. If you can install ceramic tiles yourself, you can have them for about the price you would pay a contractor to install vinyl flooring.
Countertops vary widely in price depending on the material that is used. Counters that are more durable are also more expensive. You may want this if you want to be able to cut food directly on the counter. For most people, this is an easy way to cut the overall cost of your kitchen. You can find less expensive material that gives the look of marble, butcher’s block or other expensive materials.
Once you have decided what you want, consider how much of the job you can do yourself. Contractors can eat up a large portion of your budget. The more you can do, the more you will save in the overall cost of the room. Use the savings for great new furniture.