‘interior design’ Category

May 6

DIY Don’ts: The Cons of Doing Home Improvement Projects Yourself

Granite Transformations is the best alternative to DIY

Hiring professionals for major renovations is the smart decision in order to avoid expensive mishaps.

 

When it comes to DIY home improvement projects involving your kitchen or bathroom, cutting corners by doing projects yourself may come back to haunt you with even bigger costs. Improvement projects in these areas of the home are tricky and require highly skilled professionals to execute properly. At Granite Transformations, we provide you with an expertly completed install with beautiful products at a guaranteed estimate.

A popular reason why homeowners try to attempt home improvement projects themselves is because they believe this lowers the cost of the job. This is not always the case due to unforeseen costs involving the renting or purchasing of the expensive, specialized equipment you need to complete these installations. Additionally, you should consider how much your time is worth since these projects take a lot of time to research and execute for non-professionals. Plus, in the event that a project goes awry, you may end up paying more than you would have in the first place.

Granite Transformations is the perfect alternative to do-it-yourself projects. During your in-home consultation, we provide you with design advice as you choose your desired products and colors to meet your remodeling needs.  We can accommodate all your remodeling needs with our large selection of gorgeous granite countertops, recycled glass surfaces, mosaic tile and cabinet refacing.  At the end of the in-home consultation, we give you an honest, all inclusive estimate which encompasses the cost of materials and installation. After the materials have been made to fit your needs, a team of our expertly trained installers will install the products in as little as one day!

This means that you get the expertise of a professional designer, contractor, installer and more, all for one cost. Plus, because our estimate is guaranteed, there will be no added or surprise costs like with other remodeling services. You also get the added benefit of a lifetime warranty with Granite Transformations products.

To learn more about how Granite Transformations can accommodate your home remodeling needs, schedule an in-home consultation with your nearby location now.

 

 

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Categories Granite and Trend stone, home improvement, interior design, kitchen remodeling, remodeling
Apr 3

Pairing Rustic Kitchen Cabinets With Granite Countertops For Simple Elegance

Granite Transformations Cabin Kitchen Island

Today’s decorating trends are quite eclectic. There is no specific formula or any proper method to “put things together”. The only rule is that there are no rules except one: Follow your instincts.

If you are comfortable with your ideas, go for it.

An example that comes to mind is the use of log furniture in a modern decorating scheme. Depending on the approach you take, you can take on a rustic log cabin theme and pull it all together with accessories and appointments that add color as well as unique touches of style while taking away the heavy impression that log furniture can leave with you.

A good balance of styles can make your home comfy and truly enjoyable. Picture a kitchen/dining space with a beautiful natural pine log table and chairs set in a space decorated with contemporary rustic cabinetry and an attractive granite countertop.

 

Granite Transformations Cabin Kitchen Counter

 

The natural look of log furniture can be dramatic when set against the right background. This rustic feel can be carried out throughout the home and mixed and matched throughout. Rustic tables with legs that have been whitewashed can make a visual impression when the tabletops are topped with a style of granite similar to that used for the kitchen cabinets.

Because granite is a natural material, it will work well when used in combination with any number of materials. Rustic cabinets are an ideal base from which a theme can be fully developed. The great thing about granite is the many colors that nature has endowed it with. Most often, you will find a highlight color within the granite that can be used as the basis for color schemes throughout the home.

About the company:
JHE’s Log Furniture Place is a leading manufacturer and retailer of rustic log furniture. This company has a huge online store offering indoor and outdoor log furniture, as well as rustic décor and accessories. Its furniture is proudly made in the USA and the company has excellent customer service.

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Categories Architecture, decorating, Design, Furniture, home improvement, interior design, kitchen remodeling
Mar 16

How to Bring Your Kitchen Alive with Color

Spring blooms and sunshine make the outdoors come alive with color: Everything is more vibrant, cheery, and refreshing.  While you’re checking off that spring cleaning list for around the house, why not bring the outdoors inside with beautiful, fresh pops of color around the home, too? A good place to start is in the most-used room in the house: the kitchen. Here are a few ways—from drastic moves to small touches—that can transform your kitchen from a design rut into a spectrum of spring.

1. Cabinets

cabinets

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Try adding a pop of color to your cabinets with bright or pastel paint. Or, you could paint or add patterned wallpaper to the back of your cabinets for just a hint of color that still makes a big statement.

2. Curtains

curtains

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Curtains are perhaps the most effortless way to add a color-boost to your kitchen: place them above a window, use them across an open cabinet, or add them to the tops of your doorways for an unexpected touch.

3. Walls

walls

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Add instant color to the entire kitchen with subtle shades or patterned wallpaper. For a gutsier move, try a richer, bolder hue to brighten the whole room and make your countertops and cabinets pop.

4. Accessories

accessories

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From light fixtures to dining sets, adding small, colorful touches to a kitchen can go a long way. Try a bold hanging lamp, pots and pans, or even a toaster to add instant, easy pizzazz to a boring kitchen.

5. Furniture

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Modern, antique, patterned, or textured furniture in any range of hues gives a white kitchen a sophisticated touch. Keep things simple and fresh by adding just a smidge of color (choose table or chairs) and adding more color as you feel like it (like a few bright pillows or cushions for those chairs).

Author Bio:

Molly Borter works as a home and health content specialist for Reading Glasses Shopper. When she’s not blogging about bifocal fashion or DIY projects, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her triplet nieces.

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Categories home improvement, interior design, kitchen remodeling
Mar 16

Today’s Clients Want to See Their Project Before They Build

Architects and designers have always faced the challenge of presenting a design to clients who are unable to visualize at all. There have been 3D visualization aids available for many years, but for most projects without a substantial design development budget these options were cost prohibitive.

Technological advancements in the 3D modeling industry have now made 3D architectural rendering a viable option for any project. This offers a great advantage to businesses offering design work as part of their sales process. A skilled 3D designer can use the specific finishes that their customer desires and allow their customer to see, for example, how well the finishes in a proposed renovation will coordinate with finishes in their existing home.

A typical project drawing can leave a lot to the imagination:

cad

When combined with a 3D rendering, everyone knows what to expect:

rend

A complete 3D rendering will feature the customers chosen finishes on every surface, e.g., wallpaper, flooring, paint colors, various wood species and colors, and granite countertops, etc. Various lighting options can have a big impact on the overall look of the project. Rendering the project in 3D allows the client to see what impact different kinds of lighting can have on the project, and the impact of the natural lighting of the proposed project.

This trend is reflected in the software being used in the design industry. Most of the design programs have begun to make 3D visualization a key part of their software packages. There are several programs now that allow a homeowner to visualize their proposed project without the help of a design professional, such as the iGRANITE iPad app by Granite Transformations. This app allows users to upload a picture of their own home or office and experiment with different finishes on the countertops walls and floors in realtime.

igranite

3D architectural visualization allows the construction process to go more smoothly for everyone, as the contractor can clearly establish the client’s expectations and avoid the typical “I didn’t think it would look like that” situation. This helps the contractor to avoid project delays, and the owner to prevent costly change orders. As more and more consumers come to expect to see their project before they build it, 3D presentations are becoming the standard in the design industry.

About the Author: Post contributed by Daniel Shaheen at DDS Architectural Rendering.com.

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Categories interior design, remodeling
Mar 16

Get the Most Out Of Your Kitchen with the Right Lighting

With the continuing trend of open plan kitchen and family rooms there is no reason why your kitchen can’t be entirely functional and a statement at the same time; a room in which you can entertain guests and marinate the roast turkey at the same time.

modernwhitekitchen

Lighting is a great way to achieve this if chosen and implemented correctly. Lighting can both unite and divide the room depending on your mood. Whilst halogen down lighting can open up your space, avoid it if you want to avoid the predictable and be ahead of the trend. It has also come under fire recently for not being very eco-friendly and can be a drain on your electricity meter.

However if you are still keen on halogen lighting, place it in unusual places, choosing up lighting and cabinet lighting, to allow the light to bounce around the kitchen in an unexpected yet functional way. Lighting that can be dimmed can also be a great way to set the mood after dinner has been served and you’re on to the dessert wine. Ikea has some inexpensive cabinet and countertop lighting fixtures that will mean you’ll have some spare change left over for some of their famous Swedish meatballs!

If your kitchen has an island or a breakfast bar you can deliver the wow factor with art décor light fixtures. Scandinavian design is particularly on trend at the moment with the combination of clean lines and practicality. If you’re looking for inspiration take a look at MOMAs light installations. The Amsterdam based design company Droog’s 85 Lamps Chandelier which is part of MOMAs permanent collection and is a particular favourite. The 85 Lamps Chandelier consists of (you guessed it) 85 light bulbs roped together to form a chandelier. It is a stunning example of how simplicity, functionality and style can combine to really deliver.

Droog Chandelier

If you don’t have the budget to buy Droog’s light fixture after installing your kitchen there are other creative ways to get the wow factor. A friend, after installing their kitchen in their seaside holiday home, bought an old dinghy in a flea market, installed some low cost lighting and hung it over their kitchen island. Not only was it a fantastic statement piece put together on a budget, it also became a great conversation piece.

After installing your kitchen remember to pause for a moment and consider how you want your kitchen to be seen and used. Lighting can transform it from a functional space into so much more.

+ Roomservice by CORT

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Categories interior design
Mar 9

Small Bedroom Solutions: Make Your Small Bedroom Feel Like a Big Space

When your bedroom is smaller than you would like you’ll want to be creative and make thebest use of your space.  Following a few simple principles will help keep your bedroom a cozy sanctuary instead of a cramped mess.

Beds:

For your bed a metal frame or a divan with a headboard and no footboard both have the clean open lines that make your room look bigger.  Buying a bed with built-in draws underneath is a good option but if you don’t find one you like purchase bed risers which will give you an extra six inches of storage space under your bed and a bed skirt.

Choose simple bed furnishing schemes. Large and crazy patterns make your bed look like a soccer field in concession stand.  Instead try palates of solid colors; on your bed neutral hues will make your room look the largest.

bedroom

Vertical space:

Utilize as much vertical space as possible.  Make effort to get dressers that are taller than normal. The more your personal belongings have their proper place the less cluttered a room appears.  Sometimes entertainment centers or wardrobes add excellent visual interest and give more vertical storage space than dressers.  Don’t forget to consider “lingerie” dressers which are narrow but tall.  They may be just what you need instead of a bed side table because they can hold more and take up the same amount of floor space.

A coffered ceilingwill instantly make your bedroom look much bigger.  Also known as a tray ceiling, it is when the center of the room is raised into the attic above.  If this is at all possible for your bedroom it is worth the effort to install.

bedroom 2

Reflections:

Light colors make a room look bigger.  Use darker colors as accents inyour throw pillows, bed linen, and curtains.

Mirrors make any room look bigger.  Take care not to overuse mirrors in a bedroom.  One or two mirrors, well-placed across from windows to reflect natural light will make the most of the room’s size and emphasize the open spaces.

Use sconces that clip to the headboard of your bed, and small table lamps that sit on your dressers instead of floor lamps to free up extra floor space in your room.  The more sources of light, the bigger the room will appear.

Magic tricks:

Eliminate clutter as much as possible with pretty baskets.  Use a table skirt to create a hidden space for books and magazines.  Keep a box in the bottom of your closet for things that you may want to give away and if they stay in the box for more than six months than commit to letting them go.

What people notice first when they see a bedroom is not the size but the overall style impression.  If your bedroom is small, focus on clean lines and add your personal warmth so that the word that you and your guests first think of when they enter the bedroom is cozy.

Bio- Sunny Popali is the Marketing lead at Mattressnextday. Mattressnextday offer the full range of common mattress sizes including: small mattress, single mattress, double mattresses, king size Mattress, super king Mattresses, and odd size mattresses.

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Categories Design, home improvement, interior design
Feb 13

5 Must Have Features When Shopping For New Appliances

Keeping up with appliance trends can be difficult since most of us do not shop for appliances on a regular basis.  Appliance companies have made some big improvements to appliances over the last 5-10 years.  New appliances have more technology than ever, and they use much less energy than they did in the past.  But, what should you look for when shopping for new appliances?  Here are five must have features when shopping for new appliances.

kitchen appliances

Fully Integrated Dishwasher Controls
A common new feature that you will find when shopping for dishwashers is fully integrated controls.  What this means is that instead of the buttons being located on the front of the dishwasher, they are now located on the top part of the door.  With the controls on the top side of the door, it gives the dishwasher a nice clean look on the front panel.  It also makes cleaning easier because there are fewer grooves for stuff to get into.  To select and start the cycle on an integrated model dishwasher, you will open the door, select the cycle, hit the start button, and after you close the door the dishwasher will start the cycle.

Steam
Have you heard the buzz going around about steam washers and dryers?  You may be thinking to yourself, I don’t need steam in my washer or dryer.  Steam washers can be very useful for removing stains in clothing, and on some models the steam will even remove allergens.  If you don’t like ironing, then a steam dryer is just for you.  Steam dryers have a short steam cycle (usually around 15 minutes) for you to throw a garment in the dryer and it will remove odors and wrinkles, almost getting rid of the need for ironing.

Convection Oven
If you bake a lot, then getting a convection oven should be on your top priority list.  Convection ovens use a fan or multiple fans on the back side of the oven to circulate the air around the inside of the oven.  Doing this shortens the time things take to bake, and evens out the heat inside the oven.  There are two kinds of convection ovens that you will find, one has a fan on the back of the oven, and the other has a fan with a small heating element that goes around the fan.  The fan with the heating element around it will do the best job of baking and giving you consistent temperatures.

High Efficiency Washers & Dryers
Washers and dryers have changed a lot in the last ten years.  They used to be something that people would hide in their basement, but now people are showing them off on their main floor of there house.  Not only do they look a lot differently, but they also work and perform a lot differently too.  Washer and dryers now come in “High Efficiency”, HE for short.  The high efficiency washers have a larger capacity drum, use less water, and have a faster spin speed to cut down on drying times.  High efficiency dryers use sensors inside the dryer to sense when the clothes are dry to prevent over-drying and use less electricity.  A high efficiency washer/dryer set can really help cut down on the utility bills and save you money over time.

French Door Refrigerators
The old side-by-side style refrigerator has been popular for years, but lately french door model refrigerators have become increasingly more popular.  French door refrigerators put the refrigerator section at eye level, so you don’t have to bend over to access the items in the refrigerator section.  Since most of us use the refrigerator section more than the freezer, this is a big benefit.  Ever had trouble fitting something wide into your side-by-side refrigerator?  Pizzas, platters, and anything wide will easily fit into a french door style refrigerator.  And now the french door models even offer the ice and water dispenser in the door, so you won’t loose out on any of the features that your side-by-side model had.

This article was provided by www.partsdr.com, an appliance parts retailer.

Now here are some tips on how to save money on these appliances.

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Categories home improvement, interior design, kitchen remodeling
Feb 6

Three Home Improvements that Will Make Your Neighbors Jealous

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Whether we want to admit it or not, most of us are in a friendly competition with our neighbors – whether it’s to have the greenest lawn, the biggest deck, or the newest addition to a home. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition – especially when the additions that you make to your home could increase its appeal and market value.

Despite the state of the economy in the past few years, home improvement spending is on the rise. As of 2011, money spent on remodeling increased by 9.2% to $125.1 billion – up from $114.6 billion in 2010, according to data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies from Harvard University.

So where is your money best spent when it comes to home renovations? Check out these top three must-have home improvements that will make your neighbors jealous:

1. Wooden Deck

According to Remodeling Magazine, adding a wooden deck to your house will yield a return of roughly 80% of the cost of the project when and if you sell your home. Basically, this home improvement is a smart investment when it comes to making a convenient addition to your home.

Not only will you use a deck often in warmer weather, but it will up the resale value of your house so that you earn more money years after the project is finished. For most people, a deck provides an attractive addition because it creates the illusion of more space in a small to medium-sized home.

2. Home Security System

Choosing from one of the many alarm systems on the market is a sound upgrade to make to your home. First and foremost, it will protect your family and ensure all of your valuables are kept safe when you are out of the house or on vacation.

For most people, a home security system is the best investment that they can make because it guarantees peace of mind both inside and outside of the home. And, once again, installing a state-of-the-art home security system will increase the value of your home and up the market price if you choose to sell in the future.

3. Interior Décor

If your home is in desperate need of a facelift, or if you’re in a pinch to sell your home quickly, hiring a professional decorator for the task is a wise investment to make. When you hire a professional decorator, you will pay one flat fee. This means that you won’t have to take on the task of decorating your home yourself and attempting to buy all of the coordinating furniture, knickknacks, pictures, and other accessories to fill a room.

A professional decorator could cost anywhere from $35-$500 per hour and will quickly remedy any aesthetic issues that may prevent your home from being sold quickly. If your home isn’t on the market, the touch of a professional decorator may be all you need to stylishly upgrade your home and enjoy it for years to come.

Improvements to your home can do more than add value to it; it can add to your overall quality of life. A new wooden deck might be the feature you need to help you relax after a long day. A home security system will solve that anxiety you’ve been feeling when you travel. New decorations around the house will make it feel “new” again. Most importantly, these home improvements are sure to get the neighbors talking.

This article was brought to you by BuyerZone’s Home Security Systems writer, Sylvia Rosen.

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Categories decorating, Design, home improvement, interior design, remodeling
Feb 6

Give Your Kitchen a European Flavor

In recent years it has become increasingly popular for homeowners to remodel and design their homes to take on a more European style. This design is not only attractive and contemporary, but can look progressive and still be efficient. While there are some general European trends, this guide will also specify which ideas can give your room a more Italian, French or continental style. There will be some information on decor choices as well as some suggestions for simple remodeling tips to transform the home without an extensive budget. Your family should wake up everyday to exotic flavors in an exotic kitchen, and your home insurance should be protecting a kitchen that will make your guests and family alike feel like world travelers.

What is Mediterranean Style?

mediterranean kitchen

One of the most popular European kitchen designs is the Mediterranean look. This represents the areas that border the Mediterranean Sea, such as some Italian and Greek regions. As the climate in these regions is typically quite warm, there is an emphasis on outdoor seating areas, open kitchens and elements of nature. The color schemes greatly resemble that of the architecture in the area, with lots of blue and white tiles, ornate materials and a background of stark, clean whites. To incorporate this in your own kitchen, opt for white walls and a tiled backsplash in blue and white.

What is French Country Style?

french kitchen

This European style is not quite modern, but relies on more rustic, rural touches to look throughout French. The color scheme should not be limited to one or two colors, but include softer hues like blue, red and yellow. The decor is not upscale or ornate, but can include embellishments like carvings in the wooden cabinets or in the wooden chair-backs. For a quick way to transform your own kitchen into a French country home, add in some brightly colored cafe style curtains, mismatched china from a flea market and fresh floral bouquets. This French style can be elaborated upon for the whole house.

What is Tuscan Style?

tuscan kitchen

This European kitchen style is part Mediterranean and part country, with airy spaces and colors that reflect the natural environment. Tuscan chefs are famous for using copper pots and pans, which add a unique color to the scheme. Consider the addition of an island to recreate a Tuscan style kitchen in your own home, along with large windows that look outside. Instead of modern appliances try to hide their facades with wooden veneers to give it a more natural look. Luckily a Tuscan kitchen does not need to look polished, and reclaimed woods or distressed secondhand furniture can look striking in a Tuscan style kitchen. Consider these simple tips for a Tuscan style that many will pay a fortune for.

Contemporary European Kitchens

contemporary european kitchen

While the Tuscan, French country and Mediterranean kitchens are all very popular styles, a more progressive and modern style is that of the contemporary European kitchen. This style is efficient and sleek, using high quality materials and awareness of space to create the perfect room for preparing, cooking and even eating foods. Kitchen islands are very popular, as long as space permits. In some kitchens the island takes on a curved appearance to better fit the given space. This gives the room an even more unique touch. While many modern American kitchens embrace lighter colors, the contemporary European kitchen might very well consist of darker materials paired with stainless steel appliances. Lighting underneath the cabinets still provides illumination so that the space does not feel too small or constricted.

How to Decide on a European Kitchen Style

Unless you are building a home from the ground up, it is important to pay attention the rest of the home’s style before deciding on a kitchen theme. A progressive, contemporary European kitchen with dark cabinets and a sleek island will look out of place in a rural barn, but a French country kitchen might be perfect. Stick to a cohesive look throughout the house whenever possible. Consider minor renovations like refinishing cabinets or purchasing new kitchen furniture rather than redesigning the entire space. Minor renovations like these can still drastically transform the look and feel of a space without taking months to complete and a large budget.

Whether you dream of creating a contemporary kitchen in your modern apartment or a Mediterranean feel in your open plan home with a view, one of these European kitchen styles is bound to be the perfect solution.

Author Bio: Donna M. is an interior designer and freelance writer. She enjoys offering her expertise to homeowners looking to go beyond the average designs below the average budget. She has also written articles about saving money in many other areas such as car insurance. Check out her guide here:  http://www.carinsurancecomparison.com/car-insurance-guide.

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Jan 23

Giving Granite the Respect it Deserves

granite kitchen

When you use granite, be it in your bathroom or kitchen, you are sending a distinct message. This material more than vulgar marble or cold steel lends itself to a balance of practicality, wealth, and style. Too many home owners use granite in a way that does not fully capture the power and cleanliness of this wonderful stone. Here are a few tips on how to get the very best out of your granite surfaces.

Location, Location, Location

Granite is so attractive because it is versatile. Positioning it as a splash back is a practical application, as is using it as a floor or kitchen surface, but why not make the most of it. Granite aficionados will point out the beautiful seem, shading and composition of quality stone, and this is well worth showcasing. Kitchens lend themselves to bold statements with granite – broad horizontal stripes can expand your room and make it look unique. Create a statement piece with your granite instead of tucking it away and you will come to love the space for it.

Lighting is Crucial

Like most stone, granite takes on a different appearance depending on the way lights and shadows fall across its surface. One of the more unusual ways of drawing attention to your spectacular granite is to light it with lights that capture the drama of a piece. Every home has standard lighting on the granite, but why not use a shifting optic light, or perhaps some back lighting to create a sense of drama and uniqueness?  There is no reason why stone should fall into the background of your home.

Clash Colours

Adventurous colours are always great if you want to bring aspects of a space to the fore, but people do not ever think to clash natural material with bright colours. The result is dark rooms that are all natural, but end up looking flat. Rather incorporate a combination of natural stone (well-lit and positioned) against a splash of colour, like blood orange or electric blue. The contrast will add depth and interest, and finally you will get the stone popping out in the manner that it should. It sounds simple, but the difference is immediately evident and tangible.

This guest post was written by freelance writer Victoria. She is currently learning about small business website builder.

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Categories Design, Granite and Trend stone, home improvement, interior design, remodeling
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