Because of the wonderful weather year round, Floridians are fortunate to enjoy outdoor entertaining on patios and kitchens much of the time. They become an extension of the indoor kitchen and add character to the home. When you’re building for the first time or remodeling an out-of-date kitchen patio keep in mind the amount of exposure to the elements your kitchen will face. Choosing certain materials for countertops and cabinets will ensure the longevity of your new outdoor kitchen. When guests come out to the patio, you want them to feel a smooth transition from the indoor kitchen to the… read more →
There are good ways and bad ways to renovate a home. For the sake of adding value to a home for resale, not every type of renovation will increase the asking price of a home. For a successful resale, stick with basic remodeling practices that are important to all home buyers. The front of the house is the first impression, like the cover of a book, of your home when potential buyers walk up to it. The curb appeal should be inviting and comfortable, not over the top. Mowing the lawn, planting shrubs, or installing a new front door can… read more →
More homeowners these days are planning kitchen remodels around a new island. These are functional pieces of cabinetry for kitchens of all sizes for several reasons. At first glance you’ll notice islands create a certain shape to the room that is very pleasing to the eye. Usually built with beautifully stained wood and a marble counter top that matches the rest of the kitchen color scheme, they help to break up the room and designate each zone. It also helps to direct traffic going in and out, allowing the cook to work in peace. Under the counter top is a… read more →
Activity-based, or zone, kitchen designs are a new approach to a simpler kitchen layout. They are an expansion to the traditional essential work triangle of sink, stove, and refrigerator created with the idea of convenience. They cater to homes with larger families, homeowners who entertain, and people who spend most of their time in and around the kitchen area, making it the focal point. The first three necessary zones include the cooking zone, storage zone, and washing zone. The cooking zone includes the stove and its adjoining spaces. You will most likely find cooking and baking prep counter space, smaller… read more →
Just like other parts of the home, bathrooms are just as important, if not more, when it comes to decorating and designing. Many people fear that they don’t have an eye for style, but if you make it an adventure decorating can become easy and enjoyable. Make a wish list- As you begin the brainstorming process of bathroom remodeling, create a list (on paper, on a web document, in your head) that includes features you like and don’t like, such as the space around the toilet or the height of the sinks, and explain to yourself why so that you… read more →
The center-of-attention in American family homes has been the television for many decades. When thinking about a remodel, a custom storage and entertainment center is the perfect way to showcase the new flat screen with style and functionality. Start your planning by deciding on what and how many items you will be displaying. Think about current and/or future time frames in order to map out the right amount of cabinet space for electronics, cables, and proper ventilation. Are you interested in disguising everything? Closing off the television and hiding unused items with a pair of beautifully finished doors can turn… read more →
Every homeowner wishes for a stress-free and successful remodel, but, chances are, an issue may occur during the process. It is inevitable, especially when dealing with a very old home. Don’t let it discourage you from reaching your goals. Have no fear! We’ve provided you some tips that will help you to avoid any snags. Hire a proper General Contractor- DIY is a great way to be thrifty and creative, but this is not the place for it. Kitchen remodels are time consuming and costly jobs so it is best to hire someone who knows what he or she… read more →
 With all the information available on the internet, many homeowners have decided to plunge into remodeling their kitchen DIY style. Although many dreamy home-and-garden magazines may break it down into easy steps, much of the creative process isn’t laid out in these mini-guides. Before you take a hammer to the wall, here are three tasks we find many people forget to consider. 1.Find specific inspiration. Organize photos you find and categorize them by what strikes you the most, such as the countertops, backsplashes, cabinets, lighting, etc. If they’re from a magazine, circle it, or write a small description if it… read more →
Backsplashes are quick and effective additions to kitchen remodels and refacings. Their main purpose is to provide an easy-to-clean surface for after-cooking cleanup, as well as to add some style to the stove top. Materials such as tile, ceramic and stainless steel are primarily used for that reason. They can be designed with any color palette to match an existing or future kitchen. Having a hand-crafted piece of artwork is an excellent centerpiece for a fabulous new stove.
Besides the enjoyment and lower stress levels you might experience in a new kitchen, there are also very practical financial benefits that can come with a kitchen remodel. One thing to keep in mind when researching products is the resale value of your new kitchen, whether you plan to sell in the near or distant future. Remodeling Magazine’s 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report states that mid-range minor remodels can be close to $20,000; this includes new countertops, appliances, cabinet fronts, and hardware. A mid-range major remodel can near the $58,000 mark, including new appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring, and lighting renovations…… read more →