A major complaint that many people voice when it comes to granite is that it is too harsh and unwelcoming. And yes, if that is the approach you want to take, granite can be rather cool and imposing. But with a creative outlook and some expert advice, you can transform granite so that it becomes a warm and natural centre to your home. All you need is a sense of adventure, the right feel and type of stone, and the nerve to follow your heart, and before you know it you will have granite that glows with warmth.

Embrace Nature

For some reason, people who feature granite in their homes tend to forget that they are working with something that has been harvested from nature. Engineered granite is an incredible material because it shows off the natural hues of granite while offering slight improvements.  Too many people treat their granite like something that is foreign and alien, and as a result it stands out like a sore thumb. Using a natural array of colours to bolster the image of the rock is a great way to bring out the natural quality of the stone. Work with the colours that you have, and don’t try to disguise your granite – it is beautiful and versatile, and it can easily serve as the focal point of any room. Dress it up and draw attention to the actual surface.

Create an Atmosphere

Any material that is left to operate in isolation is not going to conjure up any significant emotion, and you cannot expect the addition of granite to your home to suddenly make things natural and warm. You need to combine lighting, layout, design and texture to get an atmosphere where granite works. Lead your guests into their granite-floored shower with a granite inlay in the bathroom hallway, set in cream and pale grey. Clash blood orange with bold granite slabs along your kitchen wall to create a sense of excitement and heat. Just do not settle for something you saw in a magazine, and don’t be scared to love a little.

Colour is Your Friend

I alluded to colour earlier. Remember that granite comes in many shades, each with its own mood and texture. Think carefully about what you select, and then maximize that natural warmth with a complimentary colour scheme. Think warm and inviting, not cold and shut off!

This guest post was written by freelance writer Victoria. She has been writing about Precious Metals such as the Australian Gold Nugget Coin.

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Thinking of remodeling your kitchen or bathroom? Consider renovating in an art deco style. Art deco’s clean, neat, yet highly decorative style is perfectly suited for the kitchen or bath. Remodeling your kitchen in the art deco style now will put you ahead of the trend. Next year a remake of The Great Gatsby is being released and like Mad Men fueled the revival of mid-century modern, Gatsby is predicted to do the same for deco.

Art deco style has roots in Paris in the 1920. The style flourished through the 30’s, spreading internationally and making a big impact in America. The style influenced all manner of design including architecture, fashion and jewelry, film, and interiors. Art deco represented modern glamour and elegance. It drew influence from Egyptian and Aztec forms and placed an emphasis on symmetry, geometrical shapes and is very linear. This was a refreshing, modern departure from its predecessor, art nouveau. Unlike other design movements in the 20^th century, art deco came about without political or philosophical beginnings.

This style was truly decorative, though not indulgent. Many of the materials that were once considered “luxury” were starting to be mass produced and so they became available to more people. Common materials for art deco include: chrome, stainless steel, lacquer, and Bakelite.

Deco is perfect for the kitchen and bath because it embraces the spirit of luxury while keeping things sleek. Characteristic of this style are all things that sparkle and shine. The sheen of polished black granite countertops in the kitchen or bathroom is well suited for this style. Add in a few extras like stainless steel appliances and chrome details and the kitchen is well on the way to being decked out in deco. It’s easy to keep things shining in the bathroom with glossy porcelain, chrome hardware, and mirrors.

For the kitchen, consider graphic, geometric details. When selecting cabinets, look for something with embellishments like thick borders, or other linear accents. Lighting is another important consideration in the kitchen, especially if you entertain. Finding genuine art deco era fixtures is not difficult and will lend an air of authenticity to the space. Be sure to install proper lighting over the work areas and opt for something with a little more drama for the seating area.

Chandeliers and other crystal accents make a bathroom feel much more glamorous, and resonates with the feeling of the art deco era. But as much as this style represents glitz and glam, it is also very functional so keep other decorative accents to a minimum.

As for color in either room, keep things mostly neutral and let the materials and accents shine. Pick one accent color and make it unique. Consider using a metallic like a rich gold or a dramatic eggplant tone.

Don’t forget to plan for some period art work or accessories. Hang a poster print in a simple frame to jazz up the walls a bit. If you want to add a rug to make the room feel cozier, opt for something with a bold geometric print or something a little more luxurious, like zebra stripes!

This article was written by Erie Construction. Follow Erie Construction on Twitter for updates on home improvement.

Tracy Tesmer is founder of Tracy Tesmer Design • Build • Remodel • Repair, a Gainesville, GA bathroom remodeling company specializing in kitchen and home renovations in North, Ga.  Tracy has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and hosts a weekly home improvement radio show on WDUN discussing home renovation in North, GA.

Can’t decide whether to remodel or renovate your room? Or perhaps now you’re second-guessing the difference between the two… Often the words “remodel” and “renovate” are used interchangeably, but this is not technically correct. How do you know which one you need? And which factors do you need to consider when deciding whether to remodel or renovate your home?

1) Long Term Plans

What you are planning on doing with your home matters. Renovating might be a good thing to do if you are considering selling your home in the near future. New appliances in the kitchen and faucets in the bathroom will help your resale value. Some home remodeling projects take on a more personal touch, such as an added sun room or finishing the attic, but might not add value to your home. In fact, some may even make it harder to sell when you decide it is time. Considering your short and long term plans will help your decide whether remodeling and/or renovating is right for you.

2) Budget

How much money you are going to spend on your project is most likely one of your primary concerns in choosing remodel or renovation. Obviously knocking out the structure of your house is going to be more expensive than added a new refrigerator to your kitchen and putting some new paint on the walls. Prior to beginning a project having an ideal budget in mind will keep things from getting out of control and help you be happy with your choices in the end.

More tips on how to renovate on a budget

3) Timeline

The question you must ask yourself is how long am I willing to deal with the inconvenience of a work in progress?  Remember, what television programs complete in one hour often requires weeks and sometimes months.  It is important that you realize that remodeling and renovations can restrict certain areas of your home for a period of time. Deciding to finish your basement on Thanksgiving by the time the family gets home for Christmas may not be realistic and could become a source of stress.

Step back and ask yourself, what am I trying to accomplish? There are many variables and moving parts that go into answering this for each individual. Whether you choose to remodel or renovate your home, both are great ways to rediscover your home and make it your own.

Looking to spruce up your bathroom space without having to retile or tackle major plumbing projects? Don’t worry! It’s easy to do! There are plenty of ways to give your bathroom a beautiful updated look without breaking the bank. Check out some of these quick tips to revamp your bath on a budget.

14 elegant bathroom designs

Paint

The easiest way to change the whole look of a room is to paint it a different color. The good news is that painting a bathroom is cheap. Small rooms mean less money spent on paint (and less time spent painting)! It’s a good idea to pick up a few swatches and bring them home with you to check out under the lighting conditions in your bathroom. This way you’ll see exactly how the color will turn out in your home. Keep in mind that darker colors absorb more light, making rooms look smaller. If you have a small bathroom already, consider using a lighter color to open up the space

Paint isn’t just for the walls you know. If you bathroom cabinets are looking a little shabby, why not give them a fresh coat of paint too? Neutral cabinetry looks great against bright walls, while bold colored cabinets work best with neutral toned walls.

Organize

Sometimes all the bathroom needs is a little TLC to start looking like new again. Give your bathroom a thorough clean-up. Toss any old medications, makeup, magazines, or whatever is collecting dust and taking storage space. If you share a bathroom with your significant other, consider organizing your bathroom essentials on separate shelves to keep things neat. Getting a couple of baskets or jars to keep makeup, shampoo, or soap in can make all the difference. Also, keeping everything except for hand soap off the counter top will make your bathroom look much neater.

Swap

Instead of running out and buying all new items for your redecorated bathroom, consider recycling items from other rooms of the house. For example, mason jars not only make great containers for jam, they can be used for storing cotton balls, Q-tips or makeup sponges. Have a wine rack that isn’t being used in the kitchen? How about mounting it to the wall and using it to hold rolled towels in the bathroom? You could even use a framed mirror or picture frame as a vanity tray, for a decorative feminine touch.

Accessorize

Once you’ve repainted and tidied up the place, invest in a few inexpensive pieces that will make a world of difference in your bathroom. A new shower curtain that corresponds with your color choice is a good way to go. If you have a light colored fabric curtain already, use fabric dye (up to $3.00 per box!) to save a few bucks. Another way to bring in new color is with your hand towels. Hand towels and wash cloths can be purchased in 4-packs from big box stores like Target, for as little as five dollars.

Finishing Touches

Finally, add a few finishing touches to pull it all together. Changing the cabinet pulls and switch plates to match your new style may seem like a miniscule change, but it will really make the room look finished. These small items are also cheap!

These easy updates are all inexpensive ways to change the look of your bathroom. All you need is a fresh coat of paint, and a little creativity to stretch your budget!

This article was written by Erie Construction. For tips on home remodeling, follow Erie Construction on Twitter today.

Remember that when you install a granite countertop in a room where you’re planning to have hardwood flooring, always compare and match samples of both materials.  Darker red granites go well with blonde woods.  Green granites naturally complement browns, and so on.

But before you worry about the more elevated aesthetic concerns, you have to establish what your budget is.  You know what they say: you’ve got to spend money to make money!  You have to invest in your home’s appearance to increase your equity and standard of living.  But you’ve got to have money to spend it!  That’s always the kicker, isn’t it?  So there’s an art and a science to selecting and installing the ideal materials to decorate your home.  The art involves discernment.  The science involves budgeting and expertise.

Remodeling a home is a large investment. Not just with funds, but with your time. If you’re trying to save money by remodeling your home yourself, the task is a large one to undertake. Between new cabinets, countertops, expanding the space in your home by knocking down and building new walls, it can take months to complete. One of the biggest tasks is installing a new floor. Whether you’re laying new carpet, tile, laminate or hardwood, careful attention to detail and budget is important when installing a new floor.

But installing a new floor doesn’t have to bust your remodeling budget. One inexpensive option we recommend is laminate floors. It looks just like hardwood, but is more friendly to your wallet than real hardwood flooring and cheap laminate flooring is easy to clean. This flooring can also handle high traffic areas.

Prep Before You Buy

Before buying any new flooring, determine the condition of your current floor. Fix any rotted wood subflooring by placing in new plywood. Although many laminate flooring manufacturers claim the laminate flooring can go over existing carpeting, consider pulling out the old carpet to give the most even and stable surface. If the new floors are going on top of concrete, apply patches of cement in places where the floor dips. You may have to skim a light coat of cement over the entire surface if there are too many dips or humps to the floor.

When you make your purchase, always buy more flooring than you need. Even if you are only adding laminate flooring to one room, you’ll have extra if you make any mistakes in cutting the pieces during the initial install, or if the laminate flooring becomes nicked or gouged in the future.

Do-It-Yourself Flooring Installation

Remove the baseboard in the room, if necessary, and lay down the underlay pad onto the floor.This is a type of vapor barrier that will protect the flooring from moisture and mildew. Set down the strips according to the manufacturer’s instructions, either by laying side-by-side or abutting the pieces. And make sure to check the underside of the laminate wood. Sometimes the manufacture creates flooring with the underlay already attached.

Place the new laminate flooring in the room where it will be installed. Take off the plastic and let it sit for 24 to 72 hours. This allows the floor to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the room.

While you wait, this is a good time to measure the height of the boards to the doors of the room and decide whether you will cut the door jambs so you can slide the boards underneath. Also, if you have places along the wall where there are gaps where the drywall doesn’t meet the subfloor, this is a good time to install pieces of plywood into those gaps. Simply use the circular saw to cut the 1/4-inch plywood about two-inches to three-inches wide and add it as facing strips.
Time to lay out the flooring.

Start at the longest wall in the room. Place the first row of boards down on the subfloor without interconnecting them just yet. You want to get an idea of your end cuts. Have the boards with the tongue side facing the wall and the groove side facing you. Cut off the tongue with the circular saw (a table saw works great for this also). You will only have to do this with the first row.

Place in the 1/4-inch spacer against the wall and set the floor piece up against it. This gap allows the floor to contract and expand during seasonal temperature changes. Connect the next adjoining piece of laminate floor board based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the tapping block and rubber mallet to make sure the seams are joined securely.

Continue to join pieces, with spacers placed every 12-inches, until you get to the side wall. Often, you will have to cut this piece of flooring to fit. Take the measurements and mark the underside of the wood board. Use the circular saw to cut the wood, bottom side up, to the correct measurement. Tap the floor piece into place.
Start with your next row of laminate boards.

Stagger the boards 8-inches to 12-inches offset to the seams of the first row. This gives a unique pattern and strengthens the seams without leaving gaps. Place down the flooring until reaching the far wall, rip cutting the last boards down the width to fit. To attach the tongues into the grooves for the last row, place a pull bar on the board and tap the mallet against it unto the board snaps into place.

Now it’s time to remove the spacers. Reinstall your baseboard to cover the gap, and add a bit of shoe molding by nailing it to the baseboard.
Follow these instructions and voila!  Your floor is finished!  Now you’ll have a beautiful space to stand on for years to come.

1. New Zealand
This country is on top because of how easy it is to get everything going. If you want to start a construction business in New Zealand the government makes it really easy for you. All of the paperwork that you will need can be found online. In addition to that, once submitted it will all be reviewed in a timely fashion so that you can get your company off the ground in no time at all. The process can be complete in a matter of days.

2. Australia
The reason why it is easy to start a construction business in Australia is because it is somewhat easy to get credit there. As you know, starting your own construction business will require some capital. In Australia you can get the capital that you need in a short period of time. Of course, it helps if you already have a history of running successful businesses. This will make the creditors look favorably on your application. The end result is that you will get your cash in no time at all.

3. Canada
Canada is a growing nation that has a friendly business environment. This means that there is actually an abundance of new construction that is needed all across the country. With the global economy the way it is these days it is nice to know that there are still some places where you can get work. A new construction company in Canada could expect to get some business in a quick amount of time if they play their cards right.

4. Singapore
The thing that makes Singapore ideal for starting a construction business is that you can get the permits you need relatively quickly. This means that you can start your business and begin working in a quick period of time. You do not have to jump through a bunch of red tape just to start on a project. In addition to that, credit is abundant in Singapore. This means that you will be able to get your hands on startup capital if you qualify.

5. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is making reforms that help new business become successful. In addition to that, the area is growing very rapidly. This means that there is a good opportunity to enter the construction business here. Hong Kong will make it easy for you to get your hands on everything that you need to be successful. This can even include startup capital. You better act quickly if you want to start a construction company here. The market is still wide open but becoming more crowded every day.

6. Macedonia
In Macedonia it has become pretty easy to get your hands on credit as well as the permits needed to start a construction business. It is estimated that you can have your business registered and running in as little as three days. This is nice because you can hit the ground running. There is not much red tape to cut through in Macedonia. Simply set up shop and start marketing your services. You could be landing your first big project in a matter of a few days.

7. Georgia
Even though Georgia is considered a low income country it is still doing things to foster growth. They have made credit easy to obtain which will help in the financing of a construction business. Getting the credit that you need is important as it is quite expensive to buy the machinery needed to start this business. The nice thing about Georgia is that this is a moot point. Once you get your hands on the credit that you need there should be nothing holding you back.

8. Rwanda
Believe it or not, Rwanda is doing things to enforce economic change. A few of those things make it easier for startups like construction businesses to operate. The main thing that Rwanda has done is developed some online processes that allow you to start a business in a matter of a few days. This has helped boost the number of new entrepreneurs that choose to do business in this country.

9. Belarus
Not many people know this, but Belarus has middle to upper class type of society. Most natives of this country do very well for themselves from an economic point of view. Because of this, there is always a need for new construction as growth is ever present. When starting a construction in Belarus you can expect to have many prospects for work in a very short amount of time. The fact of the matter is that there are construction jobs out there to be had.

10. United States
Even though the US economy has been up and down recently, there is still a need for expansion. A new construction business can expect to thrive in the United States if it has the capital to get started. Getting credit in the US is not easy.

Alex Dough has written this article for Paterson Simons – leading provider of forklifts and Reach stackers in Nigeria and West Africa.

One of the foundational choices for designing your new space is deciding what style fits you best. The following are a few examples of some popular styles.

Victorian

The strongest denoting feature of external Victorian architecture is points – steeply-pitched roofing and pointed arch or lancet windows, predominantly. The roofi trim tends to be elaborate and decorative, all a bit gothic. Inside you’ll see mood lighting with chandeliers and sconces (wall-mounted lighting). Walls and cabinetry will be weathered and made of real, often heavy, wood with metallic fixtures. Think Addams Family without the “creepy and kooky.”

Southwestern

Southwestern style is highly detailed – like you are home on the range. Outside, you will see a lot of stucco and adobe materials with squared windows and an entryway covered by an awning. On the interior, vibrant colors, earth tones and ceramic tiles create a desert atmosphere – usually with warm oranges, browns, greens and tans. Kitchens designed in the southwestern theme incorporate ceramics and terra cotta coatings and tiles.

Country

“Were you born in a barn?” would not necessarily be a bad question when it comes to the country style. Country design uses exposed beams and rustic, weathered pinewood or barn paneling for the exterior. Inside, earth tones and wallpaper is used to give the room a warm, “down home” look.

Traditional

Traditional design uses detailed architecture such as crown molding, embossed wood paneling and rich, deep colors both inside and out to give the home a Norman Rockwell-inspired look. When it comes to furniture, dark-stained wood like oak or maple accent the room well. Using deep, lush colors for paint, like hunter green or burgundy, help give a more formal feel and sets apart traditional from country.

Modern

Modern style is rather nebulous. One year it may be straight lines and angles; the next year plush curves may be in style. One aspect that always holds true, however, is that minimalism is key. Hidden appliances, furniture with defined edges and a general lack of accessories make the room feel modern. Sterile, cold materials like stainless steel, marble or granite, or frosted glass give the room a futuristic vibe. For the few accents, go with basic geometric shapes and vivid colors like blues, reds or yellows.

Eclectic

The eclectic style is one of the harder styles to describe. It rarely conforms to one genre or another. Instead, it draws from several of the aforementioned design themes. Vintage or hand-me-down accessories accent an eclectic room well. Feel free to recycle your grandmother’s old cast iron basin sink and incorporate it next to your brand new spa-style tub. With any color palette or pattern fitting well into this style, it’s hard to go wrong.

The most important thing about choosing a style is finding the one that fits you and your family. A person’s home is his or her own space. Try to make it reflect yourself, but don’t be afraid to be adventurous and play around with ideas.

This guest blog post was written by Tracy Tesmer, founder of Tracy Tesmer Design • Build • Remodel • Repair, a Gainesville, GA kitchen remodeling company specializing in kitchen renovations. Tracy has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and hosts a weekly home improvement radio show on WDUN in North Georgia.

When planning your bathroom remodel, what are the items on your list? You probably first consider flooring, the countertops, walls and lighting. But did you even consider the small details, such as the mirror? The dimensions and type of mirror in your bathroom influence the larger decorating theme in the room.

Let’s use the lighting for example.

When arranging your task lighting, what do you arrange it around? You arrange it based on your mirror. Task lighting is the most important type of lighting in your bathroom. It does the job of illuminating your head and face. This lighting is necessary for day-to-day grooming. Your mirror is the centerpiece of your grooming needs in the bathroom. Without the mirror, the task lighting serves no purpose. What about side lighting? Again, all based on the mirror. The side lighting gets rid of shadows under the eyes, nose, chin and cheeks. The placement of the side lighting is set on the distance from the mirror.

Your mirror also reflects and accentuates the chosen design style. A few different options include:

• Victorian: If you decide on a Victorian style bathroom, you might want an old, polished metal mirror with a heavy oak frame to fit the motif, such as a Grandezza- or Naples- style frame.

• Traditional: For a Traditional style bathroom, an embossed cherry Bellemeade frame would accentuate the mirror and give wonderful accents to your warm, rich-colored bathroom.

• Modern: For a Modern style bathroom, which uses shades like stainless steel, white and black, a mirror framed in a Soho-style frame or Pacifica silver sheen would bring the room together. You could even go with a simple white Permaquid frame.

Lastly, and as was briefly touched on before, your mirror keeps you looking your best. It can also take up very little room to implement. Without a mirror, grooming would be nearly impossible. How would you give yourself a quick trim or makeup touch-up? Why not look at yourself in something equally pleasing to look at?

This guest blog post was written by MirrorMate Frames®, which offers custom cut mirror kits to attach beautiful frames to boring, builder grade mirrors. This mirror framing system, frequently used on bathroom wall mirrors, can be installed in 20 minutes and come in over 65 different frame styles to complement any type of décor.

Q: I have white cabinets with silver hardware and beige tile floors. Which colors would be the best for my kitchen?  I have beige walls too. In the past, I have seen granite in home magazines that are a light color with some tan stripes or black ones. Help!!!

A: With your particular color palliate, I would recommend going with a warm color like Bianco Modena (seen pictured above in Cabin kitchen). This choice will highlight a contemporary look to compliment your silver hardware and beige floors.

To submit your own questions for Samara, email here! Include a picture and we will iGRANITE your kitchen or bath for you.

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Each month, Granite Transformations’ newsletter will feature a recipe from its “My Table” cookbook, a collection of delicious recipes from around the world.  A twist to the traditional after-dinner coffee, Deep Chocolate Coffee Brownies, shown above, are delicious and easy to make, perfect for the chef at every skill level.  Want to win your very own copy of the My Table cookbook? For the first 5 people who email granite@trevelinokeller.com and provide their name and address, they will automatically win a copy of the cookbook, perfect for personal use or as a gift.