Dawns Interior Decorating Solutions: September 2011

Monday, September 19, 2011

Sensa Granite with SenGuard product review

When doing kitchen and bathroom renovations, it is important to check out any product reviews on any major investments. Making large purchases like cabinetry, appliances and counter tops need to be done wisely and with as much consumer research as possible. This product review is for Sensa Granite with SenGuard. This brand of granite is currently offered all over the country and in South Carolina is readily available from home improvement stores like Lowes. If you live in South Carolina, see : Lowes locations in South Carolina.

Continue reading here: Sensa Granite with SenGuard product review

For more product reviews, see: Product Dudz

Project: Sunroom Addition

Is it worth it?
Definition: A Sun room, also known as Florida room, and in some cases, a 3 season room is defined as a structure which is constructed onto the side of a house, usually, to allow enjoyment of the surrounding landscape while being sheltered from adverse weather conditions such as rain and wind. However, today Sun rooms are so much more than a mere structure to enjoy the exterior landscaping. Many are also all purpose rooms, family rooms and double as a place to entertain or house overnight guests if it is properly heated and cooled. Sun rooms are seen primarily in southern regions of the United States, but they are starting to emerge elsewhere too. Many of the origins associated with sun rooms, began in Europe.
Adding a sun room on to an existing home, especially if using an existing enclosed porch is a great way to expand square footage and add much needed space. With the addition of heating and cooling capabilities a sun room can often add value to a home. How much value differs depending on what area of the country you live in, and also to what extent your addition is made livable. Sun rooms that are not heated or cooled are often called 3 season rooms and in most cases must have the ability to be closed off during certain times of the year when temperatures are too hot, or too cold to enjoy the room. Adding electric fireplaces, or window unit air conditioning may be an option to get the most use out of a sun room, provided it is well insulated and built to code.

If you are willing to do most of the work yourself, with the proper building permits obtained, enclosing a porch and making it into a sun room can be done relatively inexpensively. Do not skimp on the materials however, if you plan on this being a year around addition, as you will only add to your heating and cooling costs in the long run. If you are considering a three season room, make sure to have the ability to fully close the room off when not in use. Do not expect to receive the same return on your investment for a 3 season room. In some states, the added square footage is not included in the homes appraisal, and this could affect your ability to recoup any costs associated with it. In some states, a sun room yields far less of a return on the home value than a family room addition, so consider carefully the definition of both before adding it on. Building inspectors and appraisers have different criteria involved for both and knowing this in advance may make a difference in what you label your room.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The importance of home accessories

Accessories are the jewelry of the home. Accessorizing a home is vital in many aspects on many levels and in fact, make the house a home. When we fail to add those little touches to the decor of a home we find a home that naturally is off putting, sterile, and it offers very little in the way of comfort to yourself and visitors. The environment will give off a negative energy in many cases. If you live in South Carolina and are looking for accessories to make a house a home, see: Pier 1 Imports in Columbia, SC for ways to become inspired.

Why are accessories Important?

Accessories add the charm, the warmth, and the visual statement, testimony of the home owner. They give the visitor insights, clues into who you are, what you value and create an environment that gives off its own energy. To understand how accessorize and decorate your home you must first ask yourself what is the ultimate goal you wish to achieve with in the space. This check list should help you get started in creating a home that you will not only love but create years of fond memories in.

1. What is my ideal home?

Defining your ideal home will give you an idea of where to start decorating and accessorizing. Many people find that the ideal home starts off with large ticket

items like gourmet kitchens, in ground swimming pools, and grand master suites. One should figure out how to prioritize big ticket items versus, smaller decorative elements

that can still give you the ideal environment.

2. What do I want my home to tell visitors about me?

The impression your home gives visitors is important. For some a home is a showcase of memories and family life, for others it is a showcase of your tastes and design style. Figuring out what you want your home to say about you, usually leads you in a specific direction in design. Example, if you want your home to say "I'm successful" you may find yourself accessorizing with valuable collections, or placing more priority on big ticket items, while another may want their home to say " I'm warm and friendly" and have a home that is filled with family relics, memorabilia, comfortable furnishings and warm colors.

3. Will I be selling this home within the next five years?

This may seem an odd item to have on this list but accessorizing a home can range from a lot of money, to very little. If you are planning to sell your home you will want to be more methodical in your approach to how you decorate and design it. Big ticket accessorizing can be mean a nice return on your investment, but it can also mean a loss as well. Smaller ways we accessories, "movable" decor means the basic home will stay the same. "Changeable" decor, usually costs a little more and involves things like wall color, flooring, and perhaps fixtures. Not all accessorizing is in art work and what nots. Accessorizing a home is also in the updates, fixtures, colors and flooring choices.

4. What function does each room fill?

Each room you plan on living in needs to have a clear function and purpose. Knowing this will help you decide what accessories will work, compliment and help

the room make its statement. For instance, a home office might be well suited for you if it is accessorized and decorated in a color scheme that is conducive to

concentration and focus. Accessories can be added that will not only be attractive to the eye but also perform a function as well. Example, a beautiful desk, is an accessory but

it also is decorative and performs a function.

5. What do I want my home to provide me with?

Whether you are retired, work all day, have a busy lifestyle, or are a stay at home mom, a home is expected to provide us with more than just a place to hang our hat. Ideally a home for most should be a place of comfort, rest and rejuvenation, safety and where family can be together and share time and space in. Knowing exactly what you want out of your house will make a big difference in where your priorities lie. If your home isn't meeting your needs, it could be due to the fact that your decor and environment has not been created to cater to you and your families needs. By following this list, you should be able to get there and create an environment that is nurturing and healthy on many levels.