Many homeowners want to add value to their homes and aren’t sure of what makes for the best renovation investments. Whether you want to enjoy the renovations in the here and now or just get them done to make the house more marketable or valuable, you can invest in options that will benefit you. It’s important to consider what your budget is, what you want out of the renovation, and how sound of an investment it is sure to be for you now and in the future. Knowing which home renovations actually add appeal and value is the best way to maximize the value of your property.
Top Renovation Investments
One of the best renovation investments you can make is in updating flooring. Floors account for some of the largest and most visible square footage in a home, and are one of the first to be noticed, especially if they are in disrepair.
Hardwood floors make for a good sound investment as they add value to the home. Not only do you have plenty of choices with the type of wood that you use, but also the color and the texture. You should start by determining where in your home you want the hardwood floors to be as this can really help you to determine what makes for a good investment or not. Utilizing hardwood floors in a high traffic area of your home can always pay off. If you are going to invest in hardwood floors in a small or remote area, that may not be your wisest investment possible. There is no one typical cost for hardwood floor installation that works for everyone, as many factors affect the price, but it is definitely worth exploring, even if you only do one or two rooms for accent.
If perhaps the cost of hardwood floors is more than you can invest, then you may want to look at installing new carpeting. Carpeting is inexpensive and yet it can add a whole new depth to a room in need of some renovation. If you combine new carpeting and a fresh coat of paint you will get the illusion of a whole new room. This doesn’t cost much and therefore can work tremendously well as an investment. You can enjoy it while you live there and it will make your home far more marketable when it’s time to sell.
Another wise investment is to renovate a kitchen. This is where many families spend the bulk of their time and it therefore works out to be a centerpiece of the home. Adding new countertops, new cabinets, and even purchasing new appliances can really make your kitchen an amazing focal point! You may even find that the cost of hard wood floor installation is worth investing in for the kitchen directly as it offers a whole new look and makes for a lucrative investment.
Renovations That Just Don’t Pay
Many a homeowner has tried to renovate other areas of the home that don’t add up in the end.
For example, unless you plan on spending much time in your home then finishing a basement doesn’t often balance out in the end. There is a good chance that you will have to put up drywall, add flooring, paint, add carpeting, and fix anything that is out of place. By the time you try to turn this unlivable area into a true living space you have spent a lot of money—the bad news is that you often won’t recuperate that cost in a sale. This is something you do for your comfort and use, but not as a way to add value to the home.
Another unwise investment when it comes to home renovations is the bedroom. The reason for this is that people tend to make this a personal choice and add their own flair to it. Whether it’s creating a perfect living space for a child or trying to add their own finesse to their current bedroom, in the end the money spent doesn’t equal out to the money you will get out of it.
One other renovations expense you really have to weigh is bathroom renovation. Unless you are a plumber this type of renovation can be difficult. Not only that but the sort of things that you do to spruce up a bathroom often results in a full tear down and rebuild. Unless you have the money to do this and don’t mind losing out a bit in the end, then this never usually turns into a wise investment.
There are plenty of ways to add value to your home, but it’s important to be sure that you are focusing on the right ones. Go for neutral color choices and universal fixes or renovations that are sure to be appreciated by everyone. Think about what will add value to the home and get you the most out of your investment.
Last Updated on January 2, 2020
Renovation Boom: Aging-in-Place and Universal Design
There are close to 80 million baby boomers in the United States alone. The effect of baby boomers on many fronts is widespread due to their vast numbers, and the housing renovation industry will feel those effects over the next 20 years. At 80%, Americans over the age of 55 have the highest home ownership rate of any age group in the country.
In a March 2011 report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University entitled, “Housing Turnover by Older Owners: Implications for Home Improvement Spending as Baby Boomers Age into Retirement” (PDF), authors George Masnick, Abbe Will, and Kermit Baker write:
“As baby boomers relocate or downsize in retirement…they will release a very large amount of housing onto the market. Older homeowners (age 55+) accounted for about one third of housing turnover in the U.S. between 1997 and 2007, and this share will increase as the large baby boom generation continues to age into their retirement years.”
The study behind the report indicates that this housing turnover will increase renovation business in two ways. First, by baby boomers upgrading and repairing their homes pre-sale to increase marketability, and also by the post-sale remodeling by the younger homebuyers.
Though many people over the age of 55 will choose to sell their homes, an even greater number will decide to stay put. The results of “Fixing to Stay: A National Survey on Housing and Home Modification Issues,” released by AARP, indicate that 82% of respondents aged 45 and over would prefer not to move from their current homes. The desire to retain independence rather than seek other accommodations, such as assisted living facilities, is part of the “aging-in-place” movement.
“There’s been a growing demand for remodeling as a means to enhance Americans’ independence as they choose to remain in their homes into their retirement years,” says Leon Harper, AARP’s representative on a task force that is developing the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) program. CAPS is a collaborative effort between AARP, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and 50+ Housing Council.
According to the CAPS task force, 75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging-in-place renovations, and the aging population is the second most pressing issue to affect the remodeling industry over the next five years. “Remodelers can’t afford to ignore the aging-in-place market,” says Dan Bawden, a remodeling contractor from Houston who heads the CAPS task force.
The aging-in-place concept is growing, as is the concept of “universal design.” The two go hand-in-hand, in fact. The concept of universal design was developed by Ronald Mace, founder of The Center for Universal Design in Raleigh, NC. Mace defined the term as “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”
With this in mind, tenets of the universal design concept will be beneficial to remodelers. Homeowners will want to update and reconfigure their houses for more comfortable living, as well as accommodate any special needs due to age or health concerns.
Specific suggestions include:
Lighting – Use bright lighting under kitchen cabinets to reduce eye strain, and in other areas of the house to prevent falls.
Handles – Install handles on cabinets and faucets that are easier to grasp, or use faucets with motion sensors. Lever-style door handles are also easier to grasp than traditional door knobs. Push-button controls on appliances are more comfortable to use than tiny knobs and dials.
Flooring – Floors should be slip-resistant. Natural materials are softer, and therefore cause less fatigue for someone to stand on for long periods of time. Carpet fibers should be short to prevent falls. Entrances should have low or no thresholds.
Stairs – Reduce or eliminate the number of stairs, and install strong guard rails. Keep stairways well lit and use contrasting colors from surrounding areas.
Countertops – Place countertops and vanities at a comfortable height — 36″ is recommended. Countertops that are adjustable offer more flexibility. Keep other frequently used items within safe reach, too. Sinks should be shallow, cabinet shelves should pull down, and drawers should slide out. Avoid sharp corners and edges on counters and other furniture.
Bathroom – Install grab bars and slip prevention in showers and bathtubs, as well as a grab bar near toilets. Shower and bath chairs can add comfort. Walk-in showers and bathtubs can be very helpful.
Emergency – Phones in the bathroom and smoke detectors that utilize lights as well as sound are also smart safety concerns.
Rachelle Matherne is a professional journalist for firstSTREET Online, a leading provider of innovative retirement gifts. From the Portable Electric Typewriter to the WOW! Computer for Seniors, firstSTREET has unique products to help seniors enjoy retirement, live independently, and even stay connected in a digital world
Applying granite tiles and surfaces in the bathroom is a fantastic way of contrasting colours and textures if done correctly. Choosing the right shade and style of granite surfaces can be a huge pay off when combined with the right fixtures, colours and decoration. The first thing you may notice when you come to choosing the right type of granite textures and colours for your bathroom is that there are a range of products available. Be it smaller tiles, useful for lining the side of your bath and breaking up colours, larger tiles which are ideal for covering a large surface area on walls and floors, or granite surfaces and fixtures to match your chosen colour scheme. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the types of granite available to you and how they can be applied stylishly in your bathroom!
Bathrooms are one of the rooms in our homes with which we can truly impress family and guests, and by combining modern colours with stylish sink, bath, or shower models we can really add that ‘wow’ factor. Consider shopping around to find some matching granite fixtures such as luxurious and fashionable granite basins and sinks, this can help to give your colour scheme more consistency and certainly a touch of class. Apply this thinking to shower enclosures too; modern and well fitted granite tiles combined with the large panes of glass on your shower can look fantastic. Highlight these features with some well positioned lighting to give your luxurious bathroom a warm, comforting glow.
Darker granites such as the Nero range found in stock at Granite Transformations can look great when combined with rich, vibrant colours as well as contrasting it with whites and creams. For example, in the summer you may choose to re-colour the upper section on your wall with a fresh mint green; darker shades of granite can accompany such a dynamic colour with ease.
As the winter season approaches, you may choose to switch to warming colours such as creams and beiges. These can be matched with darker granite textures just as well but may benefit from a lighter shade if you are looking to bring more light into the room. Finally, consider the colour of your bathroom flooring beforehand; if you are interesting in purchasing granite tiles for your Bathroom Suite then this could truly be the icing on the cake. Matching the colour and texture of your granite wall tiles with granite flooring can bring the entire room together, and give you a fantastic looking room to relax and unwind in.
Written by Daniel Travis-Brown on behalf of Bathshop 321. Follow him on twitter @DanTravisBrown
Last Updated on November 4, 2011
Without a doubt, the arrangement of your home’s furniture can be a make or break portion of the overall look and feel you are aiming for. Even if you have found the perfect pieces of furniture, catchy accessories, and gorgeous wall colors, a poorly organized furniture scheme can ruin an entire room. Whether you are a new home owner or are simply hoping to rearrange your existing furniture, there are several guidelines to follow which should help you in creating the most effective and pleasing arrangement.
Although it seems obvious, it bears mentioning that you must first and foremost consider the physical properties of your room. Where are the doors? Do they open inward or outward? Are the windows high enough that furniture can be placed under them? Which walls have the most space to accommodate furniture? These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself before you start arranging your furniture.
Arranging your Living Room Furniture
More often than not, it is a good idea to consider your largest piece of furniture as the focal point of your arrangement. Therefore, in the living room, it is recommended that you start with the sofa and work off of that. It’s best to place the sofa against the wall with the most surface area, for two reasons. First, the largest wall obviously has the most space to accommodate the sofa. Second, placing the sofa on a large wall can help make the wall look smaller and add continuity to the room.
Once you have found the best place for your sofa, you can move on to other seating items. At this point, it is important to consider the traffic patterns of the room. If the room connects to two others, consider the path which you would walk in order to pass through. You want to keep traffic lanes open and as natural as possible. For a point of reference, most doorways are approximately three feet wide. This is a good standard for the width of your traffic lanes, but you can make them a bit wider if you like.
Image courtesy of roblisameehan (CC by 2.0)
Arranging your Bedroom Furniture
In the bedroom, your bed is the major point of focus and requires careful consideration. The most visually appealing place for a bed is in a centralized part of the room. Again, if this can be done by placing it against the largest wall, then you should certainly consider it. Many people adhere to a rule of thumb that the bed should not be in the path of the doorway. For some, this creates a somewhat cumbersome look. Of course, there is also the possibility that you may want to be in bed (and out of sight) with the door open.
As you are considering your furniture arrangement, always think about the purpose of the room and what the object of focus is. Family rooms typically revolve around fireplaces or the television, so keep these aspects in mind when planning your design. The best arrangement is the one that makes you and your family feel most comfortable and doesn’t interfere with the natural flow of traffic in your home.
This is a guest article by Jürgen Heidenreich. He owns a German website with information on different types of sofas, which include corner sofas (praktische Polsterecke) and XXL sofas (riesige Megasofa).
Last Updated on November 3, 2011
As a family grows, the bathroom seems to shrink. A small bathroom can easily become cluttered and untidy, and finding a home to store toiletries, towels and other accessories can become a challenge. When space is limited, some creative thinking is needed to make a bathroom both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It is possible to make the bath area seem much bigger by making simple changes in design and storage options.
Visual Appeal
Making the bathroom look bigger is easier than building onto it, especially in an older home. Try the following ideas to create the illusion of more space:
• Survey the bath, and remove objects that can be used in other places or are just creating clutter.
• Paint all of the walls, doors, and cabinets in similar shades, the lighter the better.
• Add mirrors, or mirrored tiles, in several places to reflect opposite walls.
• Add extra light sources in shadowy corners.
• Install metallic tiles running horizontally around the room so that the eye is almost following an arrow.
• Inset tiles in a diamond pattern to make the ceiling seem higher.
• Consider a slender pedestal sink or a hanging vanity.
• Think about installing lighting strips under the toe-kick areas of the cabinets in the bathroom to serve as a night light and to give the illusion of more room.
Storage Surprises
Even if a complete bath renovation is not possible in the next few years, space in the bathroom needs to be used as efficiently as possible. Creative storage solutions can make a real difference in the usability of a bath, and the following are all excellent ideas:
• Use the spaces between the wall studs to make recessed shelving to store bath linens or toiletries. Recessed medicine cabinets will not take usable area from the rest of the room.
• Consider tossing the clothes hamper and building a laundry chute into the wall.
• Either hang the bathroom door so that it opens into the hallway or bedroom or use a pocket door instead.
• Add several hooks on the back side of the bathroom door and on the wall behind the door.
• Roll towels and wash cloths so that they fit into a smaller storage area.
• Build storage units in any useful corner or stack baskets for storage.
• Use the space above the toilet by adding shelving or a floor to ceiling storage unit.
• Install wire shelving in convenient places near the tub or shower to hold razors, shampoo, and cleansers.
• Insert drawer dividers to keep hair clips, cotton swabs, or cosmetics neat and orderly.
• Replace a standard tub with the corner variety to gain additional space.
• Make a wall of towel bars and display all of the prettiest designs as a form of artwork.
Some of these ideas are quick and easy to implement; others may require a professional. All of them will improve the cosmetic appeal and usability of a tiny bathroom. Because it is one of the most frequented rooms in the home, changes made in the bathroom is will be appreciated by the entire family.
Mike Genner writes for a team of plumbers that issue gas safety certificates and has used some of the ideas above when renovating his family bathroom.
Last Updated on November 3, 2011
Garden sheds can help crowded families get the most from their homes by providing desperately needed additional space without the hassles and high cost of building an extension.
Whether as extra storage space or as additional special-purpose rooms for children or prolific hobbyists, the right garden building can increase the liveability of a home whilst adding to the beauty of the property.
Garden buildings were once mostly commonly used for storing gardening tools and equipment and perhaps the odd item bulky item that did not fit anywhere within the home, but these structures are being used for many other purposes now.
Today’s garden buildings are beautiful additions to a home, not the flimsy tin sheds or unsightly wooden shacks of yesterday. Some have porches and windows and are divided into multiple rooms. Some sheds are even designed to look like log cabins.
These modern new buildings still provide extra storage space, but since sheds are now sturdily built, secure from pests and leaks and can even have climate controls installed, they are perfect for storing even the most important items. Families often use them to stow out-of-season clothing, unused furniture pieces and other important household items.
Garden buildings are also a good choice for housing noisy or messy hobbies that some family members may not want cluttering up the home. A dusty woodworking hobby is right at home in its own building, and so is a gardener’s potting bench and young plants.
Even quieter hobbies like writing can find a home in a beautifully designed building of its own. In this case, being away from the house means being separated from the noises of the household so better concentration ispossible.
Children especially like having their own playroom that is completely separate from the house, but parents can be sure children are safe when they are playing just a few feet away in the family’s garden building. (more…)
Last Updated on November 2, 2011
Not everyone is lucky to have the luxury of endless amounts of space in their home but there are ways in which you can deceive your visitors into thinking your rooms are a lot bigger than they are. With a few simple tricks you can sometimes even double the feel of a room. Here are a few to get you started.
Pick your colours wisely
The colours you decide you use for your room will have a major impact on its feel. There are some colours that are used to help open up a small and dark room. Cream colours and icy blues are just a few of the best colour combinations that can increase the size of your room or living area. It’s mainly an illusion but you will find that what little light you do have coming into the room bounces off and reflects around the room. But what it you don’t just want a bright white or cream coloured room? If you’ve seen a colour you really like but you are worried it will darken the room, consider only painting one of the walls that colour and create a feature wall.
Think about furniture placement
As with most rooms, they look one size when they are empty and then so much smaller when you‘ve moved all your stuff in. The key here is to keep your furniture to a minimum. Use pieces that have multiple functions such storage that can sit in the middle of a room and act as a coffee table or maybe an extendable dining table. Always try to place the larger furniture around the edges of the room as if you place them in the middle, they can look over powering and may block walkways. Another illusion can be by not having furniture that is almost as high as the ceiling, this can make it seem as though the ceiling is much lower than it actually is.
Don’t hold back on the lighting
Whether it’s natural or artificial, lighting will instantly make a small room look bigger. If you are lucky enough to have access to natural light, make the most of it with full height glass panels. This removers a barrier between one room and the outside and makes the two areas seem as one. When it comes to curtains, try to keep them sheer or at least kept open when possible.
Storage and organisation are a must
One thing that can make a small room look even smaller is when it’s full of stuff. Organised or not, it can overcrowd a room and bring the walls in. Try not to cover your walls with lots of pictures and instead opt for one large image. It’s so refreshing to see a room that uses their space cleverly and is able to contain a large amount of stuff but so discreetly, you’d never know it was there. Also, if you have a large rug, take this out to create more floor space.
Just as magicians use mirrors to deceive the eye, you can use them in your own home to deceive your guests. If you’ve created a focal point, angle your mirrors towards it to help give the illusion of depth. It’s also a great way to spread a little bit of light around the room during the day and at night, especially if your mirror is near a window or some glass doors. Why not combine a storage solution with a mirror and using a mirrored cabinet.
Simply applying just one of these ideas can help the room you are stuck in seems so much bigger than it is and for rooms that you spend a lot of time in, such as an office if you work from home, or a small living room, it’s worth really thinking about these sort of tips to help you make the most of your space.
Nobody likes a bare wall. Whether it’s a pop of color paint or a display of funky mirrors, we love to liven up our homes with all types of unique décor. And sure, incorporating our favorite framed photos of our best friends and family gatherings is a necessity, but sometime your walls need a little sprucing up that even a lovely black and white photo can’t fix. Instead of spending loads of money re-doing your décor, give your picture frames a creative makeover for instant appeal. With embellishments and unique subject matter, you’ll prove that pictures aren’t the only things worth a thousand words.
1. Centerpiece a scarf.
Got a couple of old fashioned or bold patterned scarves you’re not using? Try framing one or a couple for an eye-catching piece of artwork. Silk scarves can be a little difficult to frame (they tend to want to bunch up or wrinkle easily), so make sure any creases are ironed or steamed prior to placing it in the frame. Stylish fashion can be worn by your walls, too!
2. Construct a collage.
One of my favorite hobbies, magazine collage-ing is both a therapeutic craft and a way to modernize your frames. Collect a couple of magazines and try clipping a monochromatic design with words and pictures or opt for an abstract geometric pattern like the one above. A beauty-themed collage is perfect for the bathroom and a cocktail theme adds a whole lot of sophistication to your bar area.
3. Showcase sentiments.
The holidays are on their way, and what better way to showcase some of your favorite Christmas cards by framing all of those meaningful messages? Framing cards and mementos not only adds a decorative flair to your hallways and kitchen (framing old recipes are the perfect touch for above your counter tops!), but also trigger the happiness you felt from receiving and collecting those precious keepsakes.
4. Zoom in.
Have a favorite photo or piece of artwork you just can’t get enough of? Try getting it enlarged at your local photography or print studio and cut it into a grid for a chic twist on the traditional. This usually works best with identical or similar frames and offers a fresh, sleek alternative to a large framed poster.
5. Nix the pics.
If all else fails, try this elegant alternative: ditch the photographs and paint your existing frames one color (neutral hues look best on bold walls and bright hues look best on light paint). Add a classic centerpiece—such as your monogram—and alternate frame sizes for a Martha Stewart-worthy dining room.
Looking for more ideas? This photo post offers endless amounts of photo and frame creativity. More Design Please is a blog that always impresses me with its innovative photo design findings, too.
Explore, embrace, and enhance your walls to match your moods and interests. Good luck and happy decorating!
Author Bio: Molly Borter loves trying out the latest decorating and DIY projects for her home. When she’s not sprucing up her walls, she works as a content writer for the Affordable Style Network and blogs about fashion trends.
Last Updated on November 1, 2011
Solar energy, heat and light from the sun, is one source of energy that humans have been using since the beginning of time. The evolvement of technology has resulted in different ways of harnessing solar energy. The most popular way of doing so is to utilize solar panels. A solar panel is an interconnected congregation of photovoltaic or solar cells that can be used to capture energy from the sun to be used as electricity. Since one solar panel produces limited power, you will need to install several panels to really be able to utilize solar energy. The more panels you install the more solar energy you will be able to harness.
In today’s society where our bills are getting higher and higher it is vital that we find ways to maximize our natural resources. One way to do so is by installing solar panels. Here are some of the benefits of using solar panels.
Save on electricity. By installing solar panels you will get to save on electricity. Even if you do not amass enough sunlight to cover for all your electric needs you can still collect enough to considerably decrease what you use. The more solar panels you install the more energy it can gather.
Environment friendly. Using solar panels will not only help you save on electricity, it can benefit the environment as well. There are many ways to create energy. And one way is by burning fuel. The disadvantage here is that fuel emits a by-product that is harmful to the environment. You would be doing mother earth a favor by using alternative energy sources such as solar energy.
One time installation – a lifetime of savings. Unlike electricity where you regularly have to pay the bills, you only need to spend once with solar energy. Solar panels do not come cheap. But you only have to buy them once. The moment they are installed you can enjoy “free” energy for as long as you want.
Sets a good example. By using natural energy like sunlight you will set a good example to others. People today are slowly feeling the wrath of Mother Nature. There are climate changes happening all over the globe. There are earthquakes, tsunamis and floods occurring in different countries. At least in a small way we are helping save Mother Earth. In this way we can show other people that we can help save nature where we are.
There are many ways to generate energy. And one way to do so is by harnessing what is naturally there. Why spend a fortune on electrical bills when we can use solar panels at home and save a lot of money? In the end it’s not only about being frugal. It is also about helping our environment.
“Amy C. is an interior decoration aficionado and online marketer. She also likes testing and trying new home and office decorating themes. In addition to being an interior decoration hobbyist, she enjoys designing calming solar fountains and glass art. Amy invites you to browse her delightful collection of glass vases”
Last Updated on November 1, 2011
You’ve decided you want to replace the windows in your house. Your reasons for taking this important decision are very important. Perhaps you wanted to give a new flair to your interior design. Maybe you realized your old windows were not very energy efficient or did not provide enough soundproofing. Alternatively, you might want to update your windows to ones that make use of more modern materials or techniques. Whatever your reasons, the decision is a smart one, as winter is coming up, and homeowners everywhere opt for upgrades that will make their homes warmer and their maintenance less costly. But what about the specific functions that a good kitchen window must accomplish? Specifically, what makes a good kitchen window good?
Easy-Peasy Cleaning
First off, unlike the windows in the rest of the house, kitchen windows tend to get dirty much easier. All the frying, baking, boiling and subsequent dishwashing create residue. But since they say that “a dirty kitchen is a happy kitchen” (and we couldn’t agree more), the key is not to minimize the effects of kitchen activities, but to design your kitchen with the plan to make it as easy to clean up and keep in good order as possible. As such, good replacement windows should always be easy to clean from the inside of your home. Those seeking replacement windows CT, will find that casement windows are a great solution to this potential problem area.
Maximize Space
Another popular adage says you can never have too big of a kitchen. No matter how much space you’ve got, the kitchen always tend to overfill with kitchenware, dishes, pots, appliances big and small, storage items and so on. The number one principle to remember in order to deal with this problem is to provide your kitchen with plenty of storage cabinets and compartments and to keep everything handy. But what about the windows? What happens when you want to air your kitchen and opening the windows instantly eats up a quarter of the space available in the room? The situation is definitely unpleasant, but now there is an easy way to avoid it. Choose to have awning windows put in – you can open them to the exterior, allowing your kitchen space to remain whole and untouched. Additionally, awning windows and casement windows are great to put in above counters or other areas that require reach. Gliding windows are also a good solution when you don’t have that much space at your disposal. Have an awning window put up right above the sink. Looking out the window and admiring the surroundings will also provide you with a welcome diversion as you do the dishes or wash the veggies for that delicious soup you’re about to cook.
Let in the Sun, Keep Out the Weather
The final aspect to bear in mind, especially for those who live in rainier or windier areas, is choosing a kitchen window that will allow them to air the room even when the weather isn’t stellar. Awning windows are great for this purpose, since you don’t have to open them completely, and they also open up toward the exterior. They will boost ventilation, let the sun shine through and won’t even cram up your limited kitchen space. Feel free to combine them with any other style of window – they are versatile enough to allow for mixing and matching.
