home sectionhome section
Not every kitchen renovation will increase the value of your home. Learn about the types of kitchen renovations that will increase value and worth with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip.
Removing Formica laminate elements like countertops, cabinets and backsplashes and replacing them with natural materials can enhance the room and add value when it is time to sell. Renovating a kitchen can make a tremendous difference in the appearance of a home. The addition of materials like wood, glass and granite can make a kitchen appear more upscale and attractive. While some options can be a bit pricey, considering how much time is spent in the kitchen, it may be worth it.
Renovating a loft style kitchen that is raised, usually on a small platform with a step, can be a difficult task as most kitchen lofts are fairly small and have limited storage and work space. However, there are some things you can do to update your kitchen loft and make it easier to use while keeping the authentic feel of a rough, industrial space. In most cases, making just a few small renovations will breathe new life into your kitchen.
The long, narrow footprint of a galley kitchen presents challenges in maximizing the space and using it efficiently. When renovating a small galley kitchen, consider the features of the current design that work well and things you dislike about your small kitchen. In addition to making the space functional, the design choices you make are able to help the space look larger than it actually is. Plan all the details of your new galley kitchen before you begin the demolition to keep the project running smoothly.
Antique houses offer a lot of charm and value, but they are also more susceptible to maintenance problems due to their age. Renovating the home helps to prevent these types of issues. The kitchen is a common place to start, because older appliances typically aren't as efficient as more modern varieties. A renovated kitchen effectively updates the overall look and feel of your home. Renovating the kitchen in an antique house requires some care and diligence to prevent any damage during the process.
The kitchen is an essential part of the home, often used for family activities, dining and entertainment. As such an important aspect of family life, this is one room that must be both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. When a kitchen is not laid out well or the décor is outdated, a remodel is often ideal and requires proper safety and planning to ensure a quality finished product.
With the pressure of a competitive housing market, homeowners may consider remodel projects to try to increase the resale value of a home. Such projects as remodeling a room or siding the house require a thorough cost vs. value analysis to verify they are worth the time and expense. This is especially true in remodeling your kitchen. Evaluating whether renovating your kitchen will help with your resale value involves looking at several variables.
Colonial America was a make-do society with customs from England and Europe and resources from the raw forests and coastal regions of the New World. Kitchens were central to homes – when they weren’t housed in separate structures. A kitchen consisted mainly of a hearth and a table, a few stools or benches, and pots and pottery to contain food, cook and serve it. The sink may have been a tub in the corner or the yard, and lighting came from tallow candles and the flames of the cook fire.
Remodeling a kitchen takes a great deal of thought, time, expense and inconvenience to your routine. Careful thought and planning helps to minimize these factors in your remodeling experience. Though a big project can seem overwhelming in many respects, putting your focus on the most important factors will help you to avoid the seven major mistakes homeowners make when remodeling their kitchens.
Renovating a kitchen can be an exciting time as you anticipate a new and improved area for cooking and eating. Although a newly remodeled kitchen may be a dream come true, the process of transforming your kitchen can be challenging. Make plans for how to cook while renovating your kitchen. With a little advance preparation, you can have the appliances you need to prepare meals during the construction period.
The kitchen is among the busiest spots in the home, and is an integral part of home design. This is a room that must be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Small kitchens may present a challenge when it comes to optimizing space and providing enough storage. Remodeling such a space can fix any problems, and allow the homeowner to specially design the room for his needs. The cost of this type of remodel will vary greatly, depending on the extent and quality of the work.
As an activity center of the home, the style and design of the kitchen must be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A well done kitchen remodel with a carefully chosen style and pleasing materials frequently recoups 100 percent or more of the investment when the home goes on the market. Kitchens from the 1950s are often small and inefficient, especially if they haven't received an update in a while. A few projects will turn an outdated 1950s kitchen into a fun, modern space.
Kitchen sets play an integral part in your kitchen decor. Your family eats there, does crafts and works on the monthly bills. However, these practical pieces of furniture needn't look practical; they can enhance the decorative potential of the kitchen. A number of different options are available to make your kitchen set stand out.
A bathroom remodel, when done well and with a reasonable budget, is among the best investments a homeowner can make. Designing a space that is aesthetically pleasing and functional is essential. Depending on the budget, a bathroom remodel may be as simple as a new coat of paint or as elaborate as a complete head-to-toe update, including new floors, custom cabinets and new fixtures. Prior to undertaking any project, a few decisions must be made.
The term soffit refers to the underside of any construction element, such as the underside of a flight of stairs, the underside of a projecting cornice or the underside of an arch supported either by columns or piers. Soffit also describes the space above kitchen cabinets where the ceiling and wall meet, as well as the exposed undersurface of an overhanging roof eave.
Turning your basement into additional living space adds both value and functionality to your home. How you finish the open and unused basement space will determine how you use it, but the basic steps towards renovation are the same.
It is possible to put together a craft room without spending a lot of money on furniture, shelving and storage units. Decorating this type of room does not have to be expensive. There are numerous ways to save money while claiming a room for your craft hobby. The room should reflect your personality, as well as provide an area for you to work that will keep you motivated to stay on task. It should also provide you with enough space to leave projects out to dry while moving on to the next one.
Galley-style kitchens are popular in small homes and apartment buildings, since the hallway effect of having cabinets and appliances on the left and right kitchen walls to create open middle space makes for easy maneuvering. Light colors will make a galley kitchen appear larger and more open, and colors in the "cool" section of the color wheel widen the kitchen space and give it a calm and relaxing feel.
Remodeling the kitchen means making the space more welcoming and appealing, often with different color choices. The size of your kitchen and the new features you've added will help you determine which colors are best. Hues that fit your decorative style, make guests feel comfortable, and even get everyone in the mood for a great meal will make your kitchen renovation worthwhile.
Installing a new kitchen faucet means removing the existing faucet, replacing the interior components and making sure the new faucet works properly. The cost of replacing a kitchen faucet includes parts and labor.
If you have an old, dusty fireplace that you don't use, consider following a few easy steps that will help to transform your fireplace into the centerpiece of your room. You do not have to invest in lengthy or expensive renovations to make your fireplace into a decorative addition to your home. Use your creativity and materials that you already have around your house.
No matter what, the bathroom is the one room in the house that every person uses, so it should be a comfortable, welcoming space. Renovating a bathroom is the perfect opportunity to give it a face-lift, changing the overall look while improving its functionality. While a major renovation may include new flooring, a new bathtub or other new fixtures, even simpler remodeling jobs like changing the hardware or paint make a noticeable difference.
Home renovation requires dedication and hard work, but it can result in a home that appeals to your personal taste and makes you feel more comfortable overall. The kitchen is a common area of renovation because of the amount of time typically spent there, combined with specific technological needs that may arise in food preparation. There are various ways you can renovate your kitchen to improve both its appearance and function.
Since the kitchen is one of the most utilized rooms in the house--not to mention one of the most commonly remodeled rooms in a home--ensuring a fast, successful renovation is critical. Creating a plan for how to tackle such a renovation can help keep the project on track and within budget.
An extensive kitchen remodel leaves you without a place to cook for anywhere from several weeks to several months. A temporary kitchen offers an area for limited cooking capabilities so you don't have to rely on takeout for the duration of the remodel. Simple meals that don't require a lot of cooking work best when time and space is at a premium. An area of the dining room typically works well for your makeshift kitchen location.
Electrical panels are not pretty. Their size and shape are dictated by building codes, so there are no better looking or more stylish options. Luckily, a relatively inexpensive cover box can be constructed to hide the unsightly gray box. The cover box is made of wood and surrounds the electrical panel. The box has a hinged cabinet door that covers the panel and latches shut with a magnetic catch.
Home renovations are adjustments made to a home for various reasons. Renovations can change the design and style of a particular room, add new features or appliances to a room and increase home value. Some investors purchase homes, perform smart renovations and then resell the home at a higher price. However, renovations can be expensive, and homeowners might want to try cheaper approaches first.
You can increase your home and property value dramatically with cosmetic improvements and simple remodeling work you do yourself. Make any area more attractive and comfortable by cleaning up, decluttering and refreshing with color and accessories. In "Home Makeovers That Sell," Sid Davis claims that owners actually make money and increase sales opportunities by simply cleaning a home or property. With a few tools and economical materials and products, you can complete inexpensive renovations on your home or property in a couple of weekends.
In bathrooms without much extra space, a walk-in shower is often used to maximize the functionality of the room. When you are renovating a walk-in shower, consider ways that you can make the most of the available area and increase the utility of the shower for your family and guests.
Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most extensive interior decorating projects you can take on. Whether you're a brave do-it-yourselfer or you plan to hire out various contractors, you can count on a major interruption to your family's daily routine. Not only will you need to temporarily adjust to life without a kitchen, you'll have to get used to the unfamiliar faces, constant noise and thick layer of dust that will surround your home for the next several weeks. With adequate preparation, your transition from old to new can be as quick and painless as possible.
A soffit is the underside of a beam or a box-like projection at the intersection of walls and ceiling. It may be structural or it may hide plumbing or wiring. Soffits can be used for displaying art or mounting lights. However, they also can take up valuable space and date a kitchen. A renovation is the time to reassess non-structural kitchen soffits or design around the immovable ones.
One of the biggest tasks in creating a kitchen renovation plan is sifting through the numerous products available for such projects. However, free advice from designers and remodelers is available online and in home improvement stores to help narrow down the options and create functional, appealing kitchens of any size.
The square footage of the basement within a townhouse is often smaller than that of a basement within a house. Although the space may be smaller, it can be utilized in a variety of ways for the business or pleasure of the homeowner. Whether you are seeking additional income or just want to enjoy the additional space of your home, your basement can be remodeled to meet a variety of outcomes.
A finished basement is a great way to make use of the wasted space underneath your home. Prior to the renovation, the space is dark and sometimes dank, made even worse by the cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions associated with a Canadian winter. Sealing the walls, covering the floors and decorating, makes a new and usable space in your home. Canadian basement renovation ideas focus on adding a useful room that you otherwise don't have space for.
Galley kitchens feature cabinets on both sides and are typically long and narrow. Renovating a small kitchen presents a special set of challenges, and it is necessary to maximize the space so that you can adequately prepare your meals while balancing other functions, such as entertaining friends or spending time with family. The key to success is preserving counter and cabinet space while selecting efficient appliances and attractive, durable finishes. Plan your galley kitchen renovation carefully.
The closet is an area of discontent for many homeowners and renters. Due to limited space, closets can become cluttered and disorganized, resulting in reluctance to even enter. If this is your problem, never fear, closet renovation and organization is all you need to get your closet cleaned up and kept that way.
"Divine Design" is a popular television show on HGTV that remodels rooms to make them more stylish and to fit the homeowners' needs. Kitchen renovations are popular because updating your kitchen is a sure way to increase your home's value. "Divine Design" offers kitchen renovation ideas you can apply to any style and budget.
Remodeling your kitchen doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. Tackle the most important steps, or the planning phase, first and then let your creativity run wild. With so many design possibilities and products available, you can create an artistic, functional space and still stay within your financial and time budgets. Plan wisely to help you navigate through common pitfalls, and always ask the advice of a professional when you are unsure.
Lofts present particular design challenges that inspire creative solutions. The old industrial spaces tend to be long, narrow and dark. Ceilings are high but not always high enough for two levels. Existing bathrooms and kitchens are cramped collections of low-end standard fixtures--or just plumbing pipes in the wall. Turning a loft into a beautiful, functional home takes a big investment of skill and imagination. But the end result can be chic, environmentally friendly and full of light.
Renovating a kitchen doesn't have to be an expensive proposition. With a little creativity and hard work--and not very much money--you can modernized and update your kitchen. Make old cabinets or countertops look like new, brighten up walls and improve functionality with inexpensive solutions for your outdated kitchen.
Everybody gets excited when the family gets a swimming pool, but even this instantly cool source of recreation can get a little stale over time. Beefing up the aesthetic appeal, beauty and usability of a pool with some renovations can be a simple and relatively inexpensive undertaking. Of course, if you really want to create a wow factor, be prepared to spend heavily, turn up mountains of dirt and end up with a truly spectacular attraction in your backyard.
Galley kitchens are typically very small kitchens. They present a challenge when it comes to making the most efficient use of a cramped area. Care must be taken to equip the galley style with all the things a smooth-running kitchen needs and at the same time, create a sense of order so that it doesn't feel as if it's bursting at the seams. When it's time to renovate a galley kitchen, focus on techniques to open up the area visually. Rearrange elements so there is more physical room as well.
A fresh start will make your old patio look good again. Get rid of the junk. Put gardening tools away where they belong. Give the patio furniture a good scrubbing. Wash down the walls of the house or garage of the patio if it's attached. Use a broom to get rid of cobwebs on the patio roof. You will be amazed at the bright new look. Cleaning up is the first step in a patio renovation.
Many homeowners want to add upgrades and renovations to their backyard pools without breaking the bank. A luxurious backyard that features an inviting, decadent swimming pool can add to home value and homeowner enjoyment. You don't have to dig out your current pool and start from scratch to reap the benefits of this type of renovation.
Consider many factors before diving into a basement renovation. Renovation is an investment; make sure that you are investing your money wisely. Most likely, if you are thinking about remodeling your basement, it is to create a dream space, or to add an element to your house that is not already there. Think the remodeling through, and plan it out on paper. Examine how much you are willing to invest financially versus how much it will take to obtain the desired space. Always look for the best deals and consider how this renovation affects your home's value.
Laminated cupboards, also known as laminate cabinets, have a smooth finish and are relatively inexpensive when compared to cabinets made entirely of wood. The problem is that these cabinets can look fairly cheap, which becomes a more serious problem if you're trying to sell your home or add more value to your kitchen. Laminates are made of different materials, including Formica and metal, with some having a thin wood veneer placed on the front to mimic the look of real wood. Changing the look of these cupboards is a little hard, but gives your kitchen a new look.
Vaulted or cathedral ceilings are arched, meaning that the top is much higher in the center than at the sides. This sometimes is desirable when you want to give a room the impression of openness and of being more vertical than horizontal. When a vaulted ceiling doesn't suit your taste or leaves the room feeling cold, try renovating it to revitalize your home.
The exterior of your house is the first thing everyone sees. It is something you have to live with. If you are trying to sell the home, it's going to make a big impression on potential buyers. So, consider a few ideas for renovating the exterior of your house to make improvements that will last.
Kitchens are one of the most commonly renovated rooms in a home. Outdated cabinets, appliances and finishes can leave your kitchen looking old and tired. Whether you are a gourmet cook who needs a more accommodating environment or you simply want to bring your kitchen into the 21st century, learn how to renovate a retro kitchen without breaking the bank.
The couch, the hearth and the television may all be in the family room, but somehow most gatherings end up in the kitchen. So having a space where you can work and live comfortably may be worth the investment for you--as long as you know ahead of time what that investment will be. Costs for kitchen renovations vary widely, based on the level of renovation and the location of the home.
A kitchen renovation is a major undertaking for any family. There are limitless possibilities on design ideas and the only real constraint is your budget and how much time you have to do it. Many homeowners make simple renovations that can update the look of the current kitchen. Others can do a major renovation that requires not only planning but also a lot of time and effort during construction.
Bathrooms and kitchens are the most useful rooms in the house. Renovating both rooms can help a home become more stylish and functional. When working through a bathroom and kitchen renovation it is important to consider all options. Make sure the final design you choose fits your needs, budget and lifestyle.
A renovation can transform a boring backyard transforms into an appealing oasis of relaxation and entertainment. Backyard renovations vary in difficulty level and monetary involvement, from simple updates to complete overhauls. Selecting a theme or desired tone for the space provides guidance in the planning process. Assigning functions for various areas of the backyard also helps in planning and executing the design.
Having your ideal kitchen doesn't need to be a dream. It doesn't matter how large or small a space you have, you can make a functional and efficient kitchen that is also beautiful and inviting. When renovating, think about the design layout as well as the look that reflects the heart of your home--your kitchen.
Wood trim is generally stained to medium or dark shades to bring out the natural grain patterns, but it doesn't have to be. For kitchens, where light colors tend to work better than dark ones, wood often looks better if it's kept a natural color (but well-sealed with clear-coat polyurethane, to protect against grime and moisture). If you've got a line on some really nice, subtly grained light wood trim -- say, white oak or golden pine -- put away the stain brush and consider how you might use it just as it is.
Your garage can add valuable living space to your home. The garage can easily convert into a home office, artist studio, home gym or recreation area with much less expense than building an addition. Depending on your needs, you can convert the entire space or just half of a two-car garage.
Think of your very small kitchen not as a dilemma but a chance to be creative. Kitchen elements--cabinets, appliances and other amenities--come in more shapes and sizes than just about anything else in your home, including shapes and sizes made for minuscule rooms. Keep the design uncluttered, take advantage of what space you have (especially windows, which open up the room, and high ceilings) and appreciate the fact that you'll have less cleaning to do after dinner.
Kitchens in modern homes have transformed from a strictly utilitarian room to a room in which cooking, entertaining, working and relaxing are all engaged in on a daily basis. When you consider renovating your kitchen, planning well is the best gift you can give yourself. Max Alexander, writer for "This Old House Magazine," suggests that six weeks of planning is a must to get it right. You will save time and money and reduce frustration by organizing your ideas in several key areas.
The kitchen renovation in this article is not about replacing appliances or kitchen cabinets. There are also no major plumbing jobs; this is a small budget makeover and was followed closely. So be prepared to scrub and clear all surfaces, including the inside of the kitchen cabinets before sitting down to plan. It's important to know your kitchen inside and out. When this is done, then you'll know exactly what you're dealing with. Anyone with general handy person knowledge can do simple kitchen renovations. However, to make these improvements and stick to a small budget can be a challenge.
