Blog

Small Space Solutions – Easily Make a Room Feel Larger

January 17th, 2012

living room wall muralSmall space? Don’t sweat it! You can easily open up a small space and create the illusion of more room by using any of these clever decorating tricks.

1. Mirror mirror on the wall. If your small room has windows on only one wall, you can double the amount of light and make the room appear larger by hanging a mirror on the opposite wall. Using a large mirror will make it a decorative focal point while maximizing the light and space effects at the same time. If your room lacks a window, you can create a similar effect by placing a lamp in front of a mirror. More tips on how to use mirrors to increase space here.

2. Let there be light. When choosing a paint color, remember that dark colors tend to make spaces appear smaller, while lighter colors create an expansive feeling. If you have your heart set on a dark color, consider going a few shades lighter. Or you can paint one wall in a bold accent color which will make it appear recessed, thus opening up your space.

3. Clear up kitchen counter space. Create a tasteful display of cookbooks, small appliances and dishes above your kitchen cupboards. Hang a line of hooks close to the ceiling or a pot rack to display and organize those space-hogging pots and pans. Keep keys, change, and cellphones in a decorative dish.

4. Don’t over do it. One of the main reasons small spaces feel cramped is too much furniture. Take a look at your furnishings and make sure they are in good proportion to the room size. Switching out a large coffee table for a smaller multipurpose ottoman, for example, is a little change that can make a big impact and free up space.

5. Create a room with a view. Choose a wall mural of a mountainous landscape, a field of flowers, or a skyline of your favorite city. Choose an image that appeals to your color and design aesthetic and use it not only as a stunning focal point, but as an effective way to open up your small space.

6. Raise up your bed. You can free up floor space and add more storage space to a small bedroom all at the same time by using plastic bed risers. Easily conceal your under the bed storage space with a stylish bed skirt or dust ruffle.

7. De-clutter. Nothing makes a room feel more cramped and small than too much clutter. Organize and store your dvds, chargers, remotes, magazines and papers. Remember you can only read or watch one thing at a time. Store away and file the rest. Your small space will feel much more livable with less “stuff” lying around.

Use these handy tips to make a big impact on your small space. Remember, just because a space is small, doesn’t mean it can’t be absolutely magnificent!

Find 1000s of wall murals to help open up your small space at http://www.ArtisticHomeowner.com.


Pet-Friending Your Home

January 16th, 2012

If you think it is time for a new pet, consider whether your home is up for the challenge. After all, pets cause damage; especially if you don’t prepare beforehand.

Thankfully, making your home pet-friendly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style for practicality. There are several ways to protect your home from the potential perils of pet ownership while maintaining an impressive aesthetic. Here are a few home improvement projects that will allow you to exercise your creativity and do-it-yourself enthusiasm.

Pet-Friendly Flooring
Paws get muddy. Then those paws track mud into your home. Not only do those paws have mud, but they have claws that can create unattractive scratches.

The woes of paws are a fact of life, but there are many measures you can take to prevent damage. Instead of pebbled paving on your sidewalk and patio, consider using slate. This groove-free alternative will help keep mud at bay, so when your pet walks over them mud won’t stick to their paws.

When it comes to interior flooring, opt for tile or urethane-coated hardwood. Pets on carpet present all kinds of problems, not least of which are hair and stains. If you have the space, consider creating a mud room for pets to wipe off dirty paws before they run through the house. A laundry room could work for this or even a section of your garage or basement.

dog mud room

Gates and Pet Doors
Don’t want your dog around while the neighbors are visiting? Have a house guest who is allergic to cats? Interior pet gates are a great way to keep your pets in one place—at least temporarily. It also helps keep them away from where you store hazardous materials, such as cleaners and medications.

You can install and build them yourself according to the dimensions of a given entrance. Alternatively, you could make or purchase several portable pet gates to move around your home. Just make sure that gates at the top of a landing are secure to avoid pets leaning up against them and falling down the stairs.

Pet doors between the outside and mud room are also an option if you need to combat scratching on doors. To make it easier for your pet to get around, consider installing additional pet doors between other rooms, too.

Simple and Streamlined

minimalist home decor

In addition to being easy to clean, a minimalist look will help you protect furniture and valuables from damage. Keep fewer items in your rooms in general, and place decorations up high so that they are out of reach from curious pets. This helps eliminate climbing and scratching opportunities.

One great way to get rid of pet-related clutter is to create a feeding area beneath a floor cabinet in your kitchen. This will keep food and water bowls off the floor—a solution that not only means less mess, but also fewer opportunities to trip over the food bowl.

dog bowl shelf

Soundproofing
Soundproofing certain rooms can be attractive and utilitarian. If you are keeping pets in an adjoining room or just want to keep them quieter while entertaining, something as simple as putting a large piece of furniture—say, a bookcase—against the wall can cut down on the noise.

You might even consider acoustic-weave wall tiles. There are any number of patterns and colors available to match the decor of your room, and installing them is an easy DIY project.

Adria Saracino is a blogger, freelancer, and marketer. She often writes for Embrace pet insurance, which offers everything from insurance for cats to dog insurance.

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3


Home Improvements That Pay You Back

January 16th, 2012

scrooge mcduck swimming in money

Some home improvements may seem like a great idea initially, until you find out that they are not all that practical. There are primarily two types of home improvements that can be considered, those that save you money while you continue to live in the home and those that help you sell your home faster.

Home Improvement that Save Money

Windows and doors
When you are searching for cost-effective methods of home improvement, windows and doors are always a good place to start. Whether you plan to stay in your home or you plan to sell your home, windows and doors are always a great option. Not only can you save hundreds of dollars a year in home heating and cooling costs, but upgrading your doors and windows make a great selling feature.

Energy audits help
Do it yourself energy audits can help you identify low-cost methods for improving your home. Simple things like upgrading your heating system, changing light bulbs and adding insulation to your home can save hundreds of dollars a year. In addition, taking the time to conduct an energy audit can help identify problem areas that could be improved if you plan to sell your home.

Kitchen upgrades
There are several minor kitchen upgrades that will pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time. For example, upgrading counter tops, adding additional storage space or a simple coat of paint are all cost effective kitchen upgrades that make your kitchen more practical and serve as a great selling feature.

Outdoor features
Changing the outside of your home can have a great impact on the value of the home. Whether you are planning to stay in your home or planning to sell your home, siding is an option that may be considered. Not only is siding practical from an energy savings standpoint, but if you are planning to sell your home it can help add curb appeal.

When you are considering upgrades to your home, it is best to avoid things like upgrading a home office, over-sizing of master bedrooms and other upgrades that won’t pay for themselves. Home upgrades can be disruptive and they can be costly if they are not well planned. Whether you are searching for effective home improvements to save money when you plan to stay in your home or you are searching for ways to make your home more marketable you’ll need a plan. It is never a good idea to upgrade just for the sake of upgrading, you want improvements that are practical, cost effective and will pay you back over time. Upgrades that are a waste of money do little to help salability or livability.

About the Author: Jon Clark is a blogger, coffee lover and home décor enthusiast. He writes for www.CaliforniaApartmentsBlog.com which provides apartment renting and living tips as well as reviews for apartments such as these Los Angeles apartments and apartments in Sacramento.


The Modern Wine Cellar

January 14th, 2012

The perfect wine cellar can make an attractive and functional addition to your home. For long, wine cellars were considered exclusive to only the most ardent collectors but now wine cellars are available to a wide range of homes and lifestyles.

A wine cellar is first and foremost a climate-controlled space in which to store one’s collection of wines. If wine collections are not properly stored, the fragile chemical balance of the wine can deteriorate, causing its value to decline. Thankfully, wine cellars offer a way to organize and enjoy one’s collection while maintaining the value and taste of one’s collection.

wine wall

Also, with improvements in cooling and insulation installation, wine cellars can now be installed in homes of many shapes and sizes. Whether you are a more casual wine collector or a serious wine connoisseur, there is a wine cellar to fit your home and lifestyle. Wine cellars have been built from preexisting rooms, as additions to homes, and even on yachts! If you are interested in wine collecting, there is a wine storage solution out there for you.

vintage view 043

Many often associate wine cellars with older more traditional architecture and decor. However, wine cellars have become increasingly modern in both style and functionality. Traditionally, wine was stored so that only the top of the cork could be viewed. Today, more modern racking displays bottles with labels facing out. The effect is to create an impressive mosaic of wine bottles that cover a wall or section. Additionally, the use of glass doors and windows can create a more open contemporary feel in a wine cellar.

CARMEN CREST 029

Wine cellars have also become more technologically advanced. The latest software allows wine collectors to electronically catalog and track each bottle of wine in their collection. These systems not only allow you to quickly recall any wine from your collection, but also access to professional ratings and critiques with a intuitive. Many also come with an intuitive touch screen interface. Technological improvements such as these have made wine cellars a far more modern experience.

vintage view 091

Furthermore, wine cellars can serve as a social space in which to share and enjoy your collection with friends and family. Many wine cellars include an area in which to sample and entertain. Even if your visitors are not wine collectors themselves, a wine cellar can be a wonderful place to spend time and enjoy a glass of wine. Wine cellars are a great addition to the modern home, offering owners the opportunity to share and enjoy their collection attractively and effectively.

Warren Howe is a wine enthusiast and writer for Vintage Cellars, a custom wine cellar design company. Vintage Cellars is located in San Marcos, California and has designed and constructed wine cellars throughout the country. Vintage Cellars’ work has been featured in Wine Enthusiast and South Coast Style Magazine.


Easy Bathroom Makeover

January 13th, 2012

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

blue paint via Decor Pad

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

mason jars via Liz Marie Blog

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

wine towel rack via Imperfect Home

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.


7 Ways to Winterize Your Home

January 12th, 2012

It’s January and if you’re like most people you’re kicking yourself for putting off weatherproofing your home for the winter months. Freezing temperatures and snow are here (or on the horizon if you’re one of the lucky ones who haven’t yet received a blast of winter). There is still time to winterize your home and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re ready for old man winter and whatever he may throw at you.

1. Inspect the Furnace:

Give the furnace a tune up (either by you or a professional) to ensure it’s clean and working efficiently. To keep it running smoothly, change the filters every month when the furnace is being used. Dirty filters cause the furnace to work harder which wastes energy and it also costs you more money to heat your home.

2. Clean those Gutters:

Clean out the leaves and other debris from your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause leaks, ice jams or water back up which can damage the roof, siding, or trim.

roof-icicles

Image Via

3. Seal leaks around Doors and Windows:

Examine the interior and exterior doors and windows and pay close attention to their joints. Look for ice building up on the window, and air leaks or gaps between the windows, door frames and the siding. If the gap is larger than the width of a nickel, the gap will need to be sealed. Seal the exterior side of the windows using Silicone caulk (it’s resistant to the elements). For the inside, you can purchase a window insulator kit from your local hardware store and install it yourself. For doors, add weather stripping as needed.

4. Stop Pipes From Freezing:

Pipes located in your attic, crawl spaces, basement, or near outer walls are vulnerable to freezing in cold temperatures. Insulate the pipes in these areas to prevent the pipes from freezing. You can also keep cabinet doors open to allow the warm air in to keep the pipes warm in the kitchen and bathroom. If your home doesn’t have frost free faucets outside then shut off the water to them prevent the pipes from bursting.

frozen-pipes

Image Via

5. Insulate the Attic:

Keep the heat in your home and not outside by ensuring there is enough insulation in the attic. Without enough insulation, the heat will rise and leave your home causing the furnace to work harder to keep your house warm.

6. Close off Vents:

Turn off any vents you have to attic, storage areas or any areas of the home you don’t use during the winter months. You should also regularly vacuum your vents to keep them clear of dust, debris and children’s toys.

7. Make Sure Detectors and Humidifiers Work:

If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide detector then purchase one from your local hardware store. Furnaces and fireplaces give off carbon monoxide, a lethal, colorless and odorless gas. Furnaces and fireplaces that are not properly inspected can leak this gas into your home. If you already have a carbon monoxide detector, install fresh batteries. For the smoke detectors test, inspect and install new batteries. Clean your humidifier at least two to three times during the winter.

The above tips and suggestions which most of it you can do yourself, will help save you money this winter. It will help lower your utility bill, protect your home from unnecessary winter disasters and more importantly, give you peace of mind and allow you to join your favorite winter activities.

Jeremy is excited to spend this winter in his new home. Jeremy wrote this article on behalf of EasyApplianceParts.com, the complete online resource for the DIY repair market and appliance parts retailer.


Design Question

January 11th, 2012
Click on Image to Expand

Click on Image to Expand

Q:  What color countertop and kind of design for the backsplash will go with medium beige stain cabinets and cream color porcelain tile floor?

A: You have described a natural palate to work with, so there are a number of options to choose from. If you choose to go with a contemporary look, I would suggest warm tones, such as a deep brown countertop, like our Vetro Moretti with Bronzite glass subway tile backsplash. For a more conservative look I would go for a natural tone countertop, such as Bianco Modena with a full 18” backsplash, adding a 6” strip of our Karma 962 ¾” x1 ½” Staggered Glass. This will create a modern twist on a traditional look.


Granite Transformations Recipe of the Month

January 11th, 2012
Click on Image to Expand

Click on Image to Expand

Each month, Granite Transformations’ newsletter will feature a recipe from its “My Table” cookbook, a collection of delicious recipes from around the world.  For those who have the New Years’ resolution of eating healthier, our chilled gazpacho is delicious, healthy and perfect for 2 or for serving a large group.

Want to win your very own copy of the My Table cookbook? After a successful giveaway last month, we wanted to offer this cookbook again for the first 5 people who email granite@trevelinokeller.com and provide their name and address.  The first five will automatically win a copy of the cookbook, perfect for personal use or as a gift.


Top Paint Colors for 2012

January 11th, 2012

jan-newsletter-2

According to Benjamin Moore paint color experts, below is a list of the top paint colors for 2012.  These paint colors can help freshen your home and change the look of any room.

  • Big Blues: In addition to Wythe Blue, two other shades stand out to the color experts at Benjamin Moore. The first is Montpelier, which is more on the steely side, continuing the attraction of gray-toned hues. Montpelier, like Wythe, was described as having a “timeless quality.” The second is Amethyst Shadow which, as the name implies pulls in a purple influence. Also bordering on the gray scale, Amethyst Shadow bridges the gap between purple and blue.
  • Great Grays: Rich and smoky, soft and dreamy, shades of Stardust, Sharkskin, Nimbus Gray, and Revere Pewter and viewed as “hotties” for this category.
  • Soft Neutrals: The public’s “perennial love affair” with whites and neutrals will be satisfied with whispering shades like Ballet White, White Dove, Refined and Pashmina. These hues are “go tos” that never go out of style.
  • Color Kick: Urban-dwellers are known to be a bit more daring when it comes to paint choices. Spicy tones like Gypsy Love and Persimmon which offer a burst of robust, ruddy color, are a hit with this crowd.
  • Mother Earth: The warm safety of earth tones make a big play in the 2012 palette. The troubled economy lends a hand to this trend as consumers are more likely to play it safe in terms of color in times of financial uncertainty. Tones here include Masada, Farm Fresh, Dunmore Cream and Fresh Olive.

Power of Mosaics

January 11th, 2012
jan-newsletter-4

Click on Image to Expand

Granite Transformations’ Trend Mosaic is an elegant product offering that emphasizes aesthetics and craftsmanship. It is designed to be great-looking and low maintenance and now, it can be more than just your typical backsplash.  Customize any photo or artwork utilizing Granite Transformations’ Trend Mosaic and create custom artwork – large or small – for your home or office.  Inquire at your local showroom regarding the process.