Many homeowners are ambivalent about bathtubs, but definitely want luxurious, large showers. The trend is for frameless glass shower surrounds or even a “wet room” shower – bathroom. If you are not familiar with the term, it is basically a shower room that does not have a shower screen and has an open, fully tiled…
A home addition is one way to get more out of a house and can be a financially responsible alternative to selling and buying a larger home. Additions add value to a home as well, which can pay off when it is time to sell. The best additions are those that balance current needs with…
A common reason given is that they are tired of the old look and want a new style. Another reason often given is a life-changing event, anything from an increase in the family to a need to increase accessibility. What if you are ready to remodel but can’t decide if you can come up with…
The shower is becoming the focal point of the bathroom; some homes are even foregoing a bath with a tub. The shower has shown itself to be a more versatile bathing unit than the tub! Homeowners can individualize the shower with rainshower heads that gently provide the feeling of rain as it pours down on…
Today is the first day of Fall! Hard to believe . . . except that the trees are turning bright yellow, orange and red; plus the furnace is coming on in the morning now. If you are nervous about the company coming for the holidays, because your kitchen just isn’t up to the job, then…
Appropriate lighting sets the tone for your home; too harsh and it feels like a warehouse store – get what you came for and leave; if too soft, it can be just too poorly lit to be comfortable. Any home remodel should include an thoughtful review of the lighting scheme. Get it right, and it…
For some, this will not be hard to determine; but for those sitting on the fence, here are some helpful decision-making steps. Is there enough space for you and your family? Counter space, cabinet space and floor space? The refrigerator’s location and shape of counters could be taking away useful workspace. If you find that…
Today’s shower is fast becoming the center piece of the bathroom. Homeowners like the idea of an individualized bath with a style that reflects their personality. Multiple outlets in the shower, with a body spray or hand-held showerhead are preferred by many customers to personalize their shower. Homeowners are introducing texture, such as pebble tile…
Basement game room bowling alley: Library ceiling net: Living room slide: Laundry chute porthole: Let your dreams come true!
You walk on them; the kids spill things on them; the dog – well, enough said. So it may well be time for that new flooring you’ve been thinking about. Here are a few ideas to help in deciding what type of flooring is best for your kitchen. 1. Durability. Porcelain flooring tile is the…
This is a small part of your kitchen, yet it has a big impact. It’s location guarantees that as soon as you walk into the kitchen your eye will see it first. The splashback is the most fun design decision during a kitchen remodel. Stone and tile are the most popular backsplash tiles, but there…
You may say, “Cooking, of course!” But the evidence shows that kitchens in today’s homes are becoming more the activity and socializing center of the home. People are requesting computer work stations in the kitchen area and recharging spaces for electronic devices. Kitchen islands are desired for their facilitating family activities while meals are being…
If you are tired of having hair dryers (and their electrical cords), and curling irons cluttering up the countertop, have a pull-out built with storage for the items and hidden electrical outlets. It will be so nice to walk into the bathroom and be able to see that beautiful new countertop, totally bare. Another popular…
How did your deck fare this summer? If your deck is at the point where it should be replaced, or you are considering a brand-new deck, here are a few things to consider. Materials: Wood, and the several types that are appropriate for deck construction, are the first things that come to mind. Cedar, pressure…
Sooner or later you may join the millions of people who remodel their homes each year. Perhaps it’s at that moment when you realize that you haven’t cared for the avocado green and harvest gold color scheme in your kitchen for several years. Or maybe you can’t take it any more one day when you…
Ah, tiled showers with frameless glass shower doors and no-curb entries: the perfect home spa. After all, the best bathrooms aren’t all about functionality, they’re also a sanctuary; a spa-like space where you can relax and wash off the cares of the day. Plumbing considerations will ultimately decide where you place the shower, toilet and…
If you have a great marble countertop on your new lav and a spectacular tiled shower, you still might be unhappy with your bath remodel if every time you try to turn off the faucet your fingers slip and you whack your knuckles against that marble counter. That’s why the details of bathroom upgrades are…
If your old bathroom is getting to be a dismal experience, it’s probably time to remodel. A remodel can consist of anything from replacing some fixtures to a complete gutting and makeover. Here are some ideas to consider: Fresh paint in a totally new color scheme is always a budget-friendly place to start. Have the…
Do you tire of the same-old, same-old? Have dreams of hobbit houses and fairy tale woods? Want to get away from the city and concrete? Check out bored panda for some fantastical homes in fairy tale woods settings, you’ll get a fix for your fantasy home dreams. Not much room for the kids and for…
Kitchen exhaust hoods can be very decorative, but don’t forget to have them sized right. It is recommended that they pull at least 100 cfm of air, but 150 to 300 cfm is better. Oversizing the exhaust fan is not a good idea, as it will pull unconditioned air into the home while it is…
Your dream kitchen is the kitchen you’ve always wanted; plenty of just the right kind of storage, a nice pantry, engineered stone countertops with undermount sink, pull out faucet, and maybe one of those neat drawer-style dishwashers. Custom cabinets and natural wood floors are popular items as well. Every homeowner has a unique concept of…
If your kitchen annoys you because of all the appliances and other items stored on the countertops, maybe it is time to remodel. Of course, getting rid of someof those items might be in the cards, but usually the things we keep on the countertops are there because we use them. A lot. So, what…
Let’s face it; some homeowners like antiques and classics, and others prefer modern efficiency and style. Both inclinations are valid, it’s just a matter of finding out which is “you” and going with that! Here is a great modern transparent washbasin mixer from Hansgrohe’s design, Axor. Water is propelled up through the Axor Starck V…
If you have enough square footage, if the ceiling is high enough . . . forget the details, let’s just design the greatest bathroom ever! You can always incorporate some of these ideas into your master bath! Have a gas fireplace installed in the bathroom, for the ultimate in luxury. Your vanity can be a…
The ever-useful, and necessary bath vanity has come a long way in recent years. Popular colors, oval-shaped bowls and tiles that were popular in the 50’s are rarely seen anymore. One recent trend is floating vanities and taller heights, as well as furniture-look styles. Lots of organizational accessories, lots of drawers and hidden electrical outlets…