With a new season upon us, homeowners are looking for ways to spruce up their homes without spending a fortune. Bathrooms are a great place to start since they are one of the most used rooms in the house, by you as well as your guests.
Here are some ideas on how to upgrade a bathroom on a budget, and give your space a facelift (without flushing too much money down the toilet):
1. Creating a neutral palette with a fresh coat of paint is a quick way to upgrade a bathroom on a budget. It will reenergize the room and allow your accessories to bring color and contrast.
2. Change or add towel racks as a way to give a new look to your bathroom. All you have to do is remove the old racks and screw in the new ones (which you can purchase at your local home improvement store).
3. Adding new towels is a fun, easy, and inexpensive bathroom update, and adds a pop of color, texture and pattern to your bathroom.
4. Replacing the shower curtain or getting new glass doors can completely transform your bathroom from shaggy to chic. If you have a shower curtain, try draping it to one side using a stylish tassel tie-back for a more elegant look.
5. New faucets and fixtures can upgrade your bathroom in no time. All you need is a plumber or handy man for a quick install.
6. Changing light switch plates is an easy way to upgrade your bathroom on a budget while adding a trendy or traditional look to your bathroom. And all it takes is a screwdriver and the new plates!
7. Declutter your countertops by storing toiletries and overflow in rustic wooden containers, wicker baskets or open shelving if you have the space. Clearing the surface will make your bathroom feel fresh and clean.
8. Accessorizing with beautifully packaged toiletries is an inexpensive bathroom update and an easy way to dress up any counter. 9. A tall vase filled with flowers adds a rustic charm to your bathroom. You can place the vase on the floor in the corner of your bathroom to create a cozy look.
Interested in giving your bathroom a makeover? Granite Transformations offers premium quartz, glass and granite surfaces for vanities, shower interiors, tub surrounds and flooring. A broad range of glass mosaic tile colors and styles are also offered, which will give your bathroom a classy, elegant look.
Schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our design consultants and see our products come to life in your space!
Last Updated on January 22, 2020
Pumpkins, crisp leaves and a nip in the air can only mean one thing – fall is near and it’s time to add a touch of autumn to your home’s décor. Simple hints throughout the home can welcome a new season and bring a renewed sense of well-being.
Here are some fun and easy DIY fall decorating ideas that are sure to beckon family and friends and make your home feel cozy and welcoming.
Fall Under Glass
Create this cheerful fall terrarium by using a shallow terracotta bowl dish lined with moss and covered with a bell jar or glass cake cover. Fill with your favorite fall foliage or create a scene all your own. Pictured here are mini pumpkins and a sprig of oak leaves. This can be used as the centerpiece of your indoor or outdoor table, on a mantel, or on a side table in your living room.
Veggie Vases
Show off the colors of fall in an unlikely vase. These unique bud vases can be made from gourds or squash by simply cutting a hole that’s big enough to hold a couple of floral tubes. (Just be sure the bottoms are flat enough so they can stand without tipping over.) Insert your favorite fall flowers and watch them become a conversation piece.
Wheelbarrow of Plenty
Be the talk of your neighborhood with this creative outdoor fall display. Fill a sturdy wheelbarrow with soil and then loosely insert plants to create a beautiful fall arrangement. Or, leave plants in their containers and tuck them in the wheelbarrow, filling gaps with more plants. Mums, pansies and Russian sage are flowers that are sure to bloom during the fall season. This is a fun and easy way to welcome fall and guests to your home or for sprucing up your backyard for the season.
A Burst of Fall
Create this stunning fall wreath in no time and welcome your guests to a sunburst of fall at your door. Simply unfold husks on the ears of Indian corn and arrange them so that they point straight out from the tops. Then, hot-glue the ears to a straw wreath and pull the husks in a way that resembles a sunburst.
Blooming Banisters
Step up your game by decorating your stairway with fragrant bunches of grasses, wheat, lavender, eucalyptus or any combination of your favorites. Simply tie bunches with rubber bands and attach them to alternating banisters with raffia.
Now that fall is quickly rolling in and the kids are back in school, are you ready for your next home improvement project? Does a new bathroom or kitchen sound appealing – with fast, hassle-free installation and maintenance-free surfaces that are guaranteed for lifetime use? Contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation and see the difference that Granite Transformations can make.
Photos Courtesy of: Midwest Living
Last Updated on September 15, 2015
Kicking off football season means Sunday-Fun Day in the homes of sports fans across the country. We’ve found some fun and delicious ways to watch the game (and your waistline) with healthy twists on some of your favorite football foods, along with some new ones that are sure to please.
Lemon Drop Wings
These delicious lemony chicken wings are perfect for tailgating or watching the game in the comfort of your living room.
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients:
½ cup vodka 1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup fresh lemon juice ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine vodka, lemon juice, sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir to dissolve sugar and salt. Add the chicken wings and mix to coat. Cover bowl or seal bag and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with two layers of foil. Arrange chicken wings in a single layer in the pan and pour the marinade evenly over everything. Bake until meat is well browned and pulling away from the bone (about 1 hour and 15 minutes). Serve hot or warm.
½ cup (2oz.) crumbled Gorgonzola 12 (1-ounce) dinner rolls
Cooking spray 6 curly leaf lettuce leaves (torn in half)
Preparation:
Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Add cheese, stirring with a fork just until combined. Divide turkey mixture into 12 equal portions, shaping each into a ¼ inch-thick patty.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add 4 patties; cook 2 minutes. Carefully turn patties over; cook 2 minutes or until done. Place patties on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Repeat procedure with remaining patties. (At this point, patties can be cooled, then covered with plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months.)
Combine mayo, pickle and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Cut rolls in half horizontally. Spread about 1 teaspoon of mayo mixture on the bottom of each half of each roll; top each with 1 turkey patty and 1 piece of lettuce. Cover with tops of rolls and serve immediately.
1 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained), or 1 ¼ cups of drained petite-diced tomatoes. (See “Tips & Notes.”)
2 tablespoons lime juice
Preparation:
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring until soft and beginning to brown (about 4-5 minutes). Add beer and cook until reduced slightly (about 1 minute). Add 1 cup milk and bring to a simmer.
Meanwhile, whisk the remaining ½ cup milk and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add to the pan and cook, stirring vigorously, until bubbling and thickened (1-2 minutes). Reduce heat to low, add cheese and cook, stirring until melted. Stir in drained tomatoes, lime juice, salt, chili powder and cayenne (if using). Serve warm, garnished with scallions and cilantro.
Tips & Notes:
Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Slowly reheat on the stove over medium heat or on medium in the microwave.
Note: We like the flavor of Rotel brand diced tomatoes with green chilies the best in this dip. Choose “Original” or “Mild,” depending on your spice preference (and based on availability in your area).
Nutritional Information (per ¼ cup serving):
Calories: 84 Fat: 5g/Sat 2g Carbohydrate: 5g
Sodium: 36mg Cholesterol: 14mg Protein: 4g
Recipe and photo courtesy of eatingwell.com
Oven Fried Zucchini Sticks
They taste as good as they look. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients:
Canola or olive oil cooking spray 1 teaspoon salt
½ cup whole-wheat flour ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour 2 large egg whites, beaten
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 ½ pounds zucchini (about 3 medium), cut into ½ inch x 3 inch sticks
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
Combine flours, cornmeal, salt and pepper in a large sealable plastic bag. Dip zucchini in egg white, shake in the bag to coat, and arrange (not touching) on the backing sheet. Coat all exposed sides with cooking spray.
Bake on the center rack for 10 minutes. Turn zucchini and coat any floury spots with cooking spray. Continue to bake until golden and just tender (about 8-10 minutes). Serve hot.
Tips & Notes:
Easy cleanup: Recipes that require cooking spray can leave behind a sticky residue that can be hard to clean. To save time and keep your baking sheet looking fresh, line it with a layer of foil before you apply the cooking spray.
Nutritional Information:
Amount per serving:
Calories: 127 Fat: 2g/Sat 0g Carbohydrate: 23g
Sodium: 427mg Cholesterol: 0mg Protein: 7g
Recipe and photo courtesy of eatingwell.com
Fudgy Chocolate Brownies
For all those football fans with a sweet tooth – these chocolatey sensations will have you cheering for more!
Makes 20 Servings
Ingredients:
5 tablespoons stick margarine 1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate 1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup Dutch process or unsweetened cocoa ½ teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ cups sugar Cooking spray
3 large egg whites, lightly beaten
Preparation:
Preheat Oven to 325 degrees.
Melt margarine and chocolate in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cocoa; cook 1 minute. Stir in sugar and cook 1 minute (mixture will almost form a ball and be difficult to stir). Remove pan from heat; cool slightly. Gradually add warm chocolate mixture to egg whites and egg, stirring with a whisk until well-blended. Combine flour and baking powder. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring well.
Spoon batter into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes (do not overbake). Cool on a wire rack.
We all have our own unique styles and tastes when it comes to designing and decorating our homes, but finding the right balance between functionality and aesthetics can be challenging.
Celebrity designer, Vern Yip, weighed in on his take of up and coming key design trends at the Granite Transformations 2015 Franchise Convention in Orlando. One of the main questions for Vern from franchise owners was, “What is the best way to help our customers determine what their design style is, so we can effectively guide them in choosing the right materials for their homes?”
Determining how the space will be used will help come up with the best design plan.
Vern says the first question is to determine how the space will be used. This will determine what type of materials will be needed to best suit the space. In regard to aesthetics, the question becomes more individual and unconventional. Although he suggests looking through magazines for ideas, his recommendation is not to just look at images of home design, but to look deeper into things that bring you joy, like your favorite foods, vacation places or even clothing.
Let’s use a favorite vacation destination as an example. A homeowner who lives in the mountains – but loves to vacation on the beach – might be more willing to go out on a limb and design their kitchen or bath around more soothing ocean colors, rather than the dark woods that are traditionally found in mountain homes.
Try designing your room to reflect your favorite vacation destination or worldly style.
Those who revel in European designs might find themselves adding Old World touches throughout their homes to remind them of their favorite places or times in history. Bringing touches of personal style to our homes is one of the best ways to create a space that is comforting to us and welcoming to our friends and family. Hearing the words, “I feel so comfortable in your home, it’s so you,” is one of the best compliments one can hear.
Designing kitchens and baths around personal style is all about creating a space that reflects your passions, and at the same time functions to best suite your lifestyle. For example, if you eat dinner in front of the TV every night, then you might not want to invest in a large dining table in your kitchen. Vern also mentioned that if you are considering a kitchen renovation, do not skimp on the countertops since they get the most use of any surface in the house.
We invite you to sign up for a free in-home consultation with one of Granite Transformations’ design consultants – your dream kitchen or bath could be only days away!
9. A tall vase filled with flowers adds a rustic charm to your bathroom. You can place the vase on the floor in the corner of your bathroom to create a cozy look.
