Outdoor living spaces

Interior decorating is not limited to indoor spaces. When we decorate our homes, we always have to remember to include the outside spaces as well. In doing so we extend the beauty of our homes beyond doors and walls. Adding visual interest outside enhances the beauty of the inside.

Focus on what you see from the window

To create a beautiful interior, it is sometimes necessary to improve what can be seen on the outside. Try to add outdoor visual interest wherever there is a window in your home to improve the look a feel of the room from the inside. You'd be surprised how much this impacts the beauty of an interior space.

Create outdoor living spaces in multiple areas

Having one deck on your home is a nice feature, however adding lots of little outdoor hidden niches creates a little surprise around every corner. Designated areas that have a lovely view, are adjacent to entries to your home create welcoming areas to sit and enjoy your home and garden.

Limited green space doesn't mean limited options

If you have a small yard or little grass doesn't mean you can't create a beautiful little place to sit and enjoy the outdoors. Focus on container gardening, lovely small scale Bistro chairs and tables are all it takes to create a beautiful exterior space. Small bird baths and bird feeders will add to the space and also bring the nature to you.

Finding kitchen inspirations that make financial sense

It is easy to go crazy when it comes to updating your kitchen. However, more important than just getting what you want, you have to factor what makes sense in the financial realm as well. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and as such have to be given the greatest priority in renovation and design. So knowing what is financially savvy is important for long term reward.

Trends Trends come and go, so be leery of jumping on a trend train. Look for timeless upgrades that will keep their value and public appreciation throughout the ages. Timeless design never goes out of style, and this is a wise move in design financially.

Hardware In a kitchen there are many different ways to update a look simply through the various finishes supplied by the hardware. Whether it's faucets, lighting, or cabinet pulls, make sure to be consistent. Pick a finish and use it throughout the design for a polished and professional result. Don't get stuck purchasing from just one place, sometimes the best deals on items come from casting a wide net. Ebay, Amazon and other online outlets often have great prices on bulk items like kitchen drawer pulls and handles.

Pick a look you already live with
 We all have our tastes in design. Some may love vintage, old world, while others appreciate the clean lines of modern design. Thumb through magazines, and save pictures of designs that speak to you. Walk through your home and look for recurring themes in patterns, textures, colors and style. Chances are these are choices you can apply to your kitchen design that you will be able to live with for a long time. Financially this means you'll live with the look a long time and be less likely to grow tired of it. That means less money spent changing things later.

Open concepts
 If your home is an open concept design, you'll need to make sure that the small details make sense.  While the kitchen doesn't have to mirror the room it is open to, it is important that it compliment the room it is connected to. Find common finishes, colors and textures to tie the rooms together. For example, if your living room is open to your kitchen and is primarily traditional in furnishings and colors, don't be afraid to go modern or contemporary in your kitchen, just make sure both rooms share common ground in colors or finishes.  A contemporary lamp with an oil rubbed bronze base, will still still compliment an Old World style oil rubbed lighting fixture because both share the same finish, just a different design aesthetic.


Enjoy your project and see the video below for more great practical tips:

7

Open concept design pros and cons

Great room (Photo credit: Dawn Gagnon)

Most of us hear this phrase constantly on television. Whether it is a real estate show, or a home improvement or renovation show, the phrase is out there. Most of us tend to place a great deal of stock in the words of the hosts of these shows and you can see it now like never before. I am almost positive home buyers were not walking into houses in the 1950's requesting "an open concept" design.

You will no doubt hear words like "great for entertaining, " from people that are house shopping. The question is, do you entertain as much as you think you do to justify the open space? Some may say they will entertain more with an open concept living space, however, this is usually not the case. Frequent entertaining of guests requires a lot of time, effort, and money.
If you are living a busy lifestyle already, that probably isn't going to change just because you have an open concept home. Entertaining may pick up in the beginning because we are anxious to show off our new home, but the time, effort and expense of hosting big parties will typically die down over time.

Not to mention more and more men are adding their input into the design aesthetic of home design and decor these days. I can't even begin to imagine  Ward Cleaver saying, I don't like those "window treatments" as opposed to "drapes." I still chuckle a little at this considering many men still need their wives to pick out their clothes for them. However, they are finding their voice in home decor and design, and many have very strong opinions now. It may be in part to the fact that a home purchase today is a risky investment in the short term.

All in all society has  been well educated in decor and design to a degree. However, open concept designs do have some draw backs. These draw backs should be considered if you have a lifestyle that tends to be short on time and big on activity. However, that being said there's different types of open concept designs and some work better for families than others.

Pros
You don't have to feel quarantined from the rest of the family while cooking.

Open concepts give the illusion of more space.

Easier for some parents to keep an eye on little ones.

Popular design for resale. Homeowners tend to follow trends and make many choices by what they believe to be popular with the general public. This is often given in large doses to the public via television shows that talk about real estate and home improvement. The media influence is everywhere.

Cons 
If your open concept includes no barriers between your living area and your kitchen,  you may have to work harder keeping that area of your home clean.

The smelly side of things. An overflow with the dishwasher or a plumbing issue can seep into your living room, and can cause damage to flooring, odors from a backed up sink or garbage disposal can travel throughout the living space.

Not always safer and easier to watch little ones. Homes with small children will have to be a little more cautious of children getting into the kitchen and handling dangerous utensils, touching a hot cook top or even grabbing a pot on the stove. Of course this can happen in any home, but a kitchen that has some barrier between itself and a living space is easier to block off with child gates etc. You will certainly need more cabinet locks, etc.
Big open spaces may take longer to warm up or cool down. Depending on where you live, large high ceilings and open floor plans may be more expensive to heat and cool.

Other ideas on floor plans
Alternative designs that offer some open concept. Great rooms are still a popular facet in home design. These rooms are typically the merging between a dining space and a living space. Some times the kitchen is viewable, sometimes only the dining space is from the living area. Some may prefer not to have a kitchen that is instantly viewable by someone just walking into my home. While the foyer is slowly disappearing from homes today, they do offer some privacy between your private home life and those entering the home. Some homeowners may prefer the idea of someone not walking directly into the living area of their  home.  A  foyer seem to provide that small measure of privacy.

The bottom line is to chose homes and renovations with great care. What works today may not work in the future so give things a lot of thought. A skilled interior decorator or designer will take into consideration your lifestyle needs and family activity. Do you have a lot of visitors? Do you entertain frequently?  Don't just follow what you believe is popular in mainstream society. Design what works for you specifically. In some cases open concept may not offer you the greatest comfort or practicality, and isn't that what a home should be about? A comfortable space that suits your lifestyle and your individual needs?  Don't be afraid to make your space your own.

Related articles

• Timeless home design, the key to not becoming a trend
• HGTV's 'Green Home 2012 Sweepstakes' is on
• Going retro and getting it right
• Hot interior decorating trends for 2012
• HGTV 2012 Dream home review

Why color matters

color wheel (Photo credit: unleashingmephotography)We all have a color pallet we love, and for some of us, well, we're the quintessential color "junkie" loving all colors. While we may have many passions on the color wheel, it is important when it comes to our home to be careful in our selections. Choosing colors you love is the easy part, knowing where and how to use them is another story.
While many  designers may advise you to explore all sorts of colors, and encourage you to try them in your home, it is incumbent upon them to also help guide you in the process.
Trying wild colors such as oranges, purples and reds are a great way to display your creative side, you may have to do a little self analyzing to figure out if these color additions should be long term or short term choices.

Here area few questions to ask yourself prior to making bold statements in color for your home:

1. Do I change my mind frequently?
If you tend to change your mind a lot and find yourself changing up your rooms furniture placement, etc. you may want to add bold colors in simple ways rather than to commit to large surface area colors that are often difficult to change without a lot of coats of paint. Bold paint colors that go on large surface areas can change a room in many ways and be costly to correct, often requiring primers and more paint.

2. Do I tend to follow current trends?
If you are a die hard trend follower with design, then you no doubt are aware that about every 5- 10 years you will have to switch it out. This can in some cases translate into some serious money depending on how far you go. If the trend is just about color, try adding some color into the room via decor and seeing how you "live" with it, prior to making a bold move into a bold color choice.

3. Do I mind putting in a lot of work for a temporary trend?
As stated, trends come and go, and when you go all out to create a home based on trends, there will be a time and place when the winds of change come about.  The work to undo a trendy idea can be huge.  Remember when everyone was crazy for Country blue? Well many do, and as soon as the 90's came around there were people assembling en masse at the local hardware store looking for ways to strip the colors off of their kitchen cabinets, and cover it up on the walls.

4. Will I be moving in the next five years?
If you're planning on moving in the next five years, it is a good idea to pass on the wild paint schemes. Studies have shown that homes that have wild color pallets sit on the market, translate to more work for the potential buyer and don't sell as fast. In a struggling housing market, this could be a bad idea if you plan on changing locations within the next five years.


5. Am I sure I want large surfaces filled with this color?
You know, what seems bedazzling and lovely on a paint card/chip at the paint store may be a disaster when seen in your home on a large wall. There are many software programs,(see *link below) available that can help you see your room with the color you select in advance before you commit to buy. For those who are not computer savvy, take home a small can of paint and try a small patch of wall. Take note of which walls you paint, how light effects the color during the day and how the paint color works with the rest of the design scheme in the room.

See your home painted before you go to the paint store:

*Colorjive

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How to define and design large spaces

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As hard as it is to decorate and create space in a small area, it is equally difficult to take a large space and make it feel cozy. Add to that, the frustration of how to best utilize and define a large space and suddenly you see the challenge. Many people become overwhelmed with large spaces and after trying to paint and find ways to fill it give up. The key in pulling a large space together is to give the room a true identity or two. Yes, or two. Sometimes the best way to deal with large spaces it to make them multi-functional. The real problem emerges when you have a room serving so many functions how to pull it together in a cohesive way so that it looks less like a catch all room and more like a well planned and comfortable space to share.


Assessing your needs
In assessing what your needs are, take into consideration what the space already offers. Is there adequate number of electrical outlets? Phone jacks? Cable line? Is there a bathroom in this space, or existing plumbing for a bath room? Is there any natural light? Are the windows large enough to crawl out of in a fire situation? Many people looking to convert an unused space like an attic or basement into a room need to understand that certain rooms like adding an additional bedroom have certain criteria that must be met. For example in some states, a basement bedroom must have a large enough window to allow a person to crawl through it, as well as the bedroom can only be sold to a buyer if it has a closet. Knowing this in advance helps you plan especially if you are looking to increase the value of your home or wanting to sell it later on. If you are unsure about plumbing or electrical issues, it might be well worth consulting with a contractor, plumber or electrician before you begin.

Potential problems
Almost every home renovation or remodel runs into unforeseen problems. If you are working on a tight budget, allow extra for the unforeseen and keep things simple. Elaborate design ideas done on the cheap are almost impossible and if you aren't careful could cost twice as much through error. Instead keep your design ideas simple, practical and realistic. Rooms like basements can have issues with moisture, mildew, flooding etc. and these problems have to be fixed even if it means postponing your renovation to a later date. Attic space could have circulation problems, need additional insulation, electrical etc. Be sure to consult with experts before jumping into a project.


Possibilities and ideas
Once you have addressed any potential problems and have assessed what your family's needs are, it is time to start planning. Large spaces offer the potential to be many things. Taking a look at the rest of your home will provide some clues as to how to best utilize and allocate space in this large space.
Storage?
If your home has cramped storage, having a partition built may be a clever way to create storage. In most cases, it would involve installing a wall framed in 2 X 4's spaced every 16 inches from the stud's center point to the center point of the next stud, a few pieces of sheet rock, molding, and joint compound. Creating a hidden area or large walk in closet in a large space is a great way to add storage that may be lacking in other areas of your home.
Word to the wise: Every state is different and if you plan on making major structural changes to your home you may need a building permit. If that sounds a little too complicated, you may if budget allows, get a contractor in to do the small job.
Home office/study area
If you lack a home office, this large space may be just the place to create a home office, study area for the kids, or even a small library to read in. If you need a little privacy, consider using a room divider. This works great for many spaces.

Media room/ game room
Many homes being built today are incorporating into their design media rooms and home owners are also requesting game room/play room space. Why? Well it may be due to the fact more Americans are feeling the pinch economically and spend more recreational time at home.

Getting started
A clean slate is best. It may be best to clear out the room if it isn't already done. Take note of things like wall outlets, cable and phone lines etc. These all will play a key part in space assignment and definition. Once the room is clear you will notice the large expanses of individual surfaces like the ceiling, floor, and walls. These large surfaces have to tie in together to create a unified design. When choosing paints, or flooring, window treatments etc. remember that they will be the background for the room entirely. Creating too many colors, and varying window treatments or flooring will make the room feel disjointed. There are far better ways to create definition for a large space.

Define and unify
Once you have chosen the right details for the large surfaces of your multi-purpose room, it is time to designate space allocation. Work on the room as a whole so that you don't end up with a disjointed space. Example: If you are adding a home office, you may want to take care to make sure that the finishes you use in choice of materials is one that can be carried out into the rest of the space. Cherry cabinetry in your home office area needs to be repeated elsewhere in the space to create a cohesive feel. The same applies to fabrics. Whether it is window treatments, throw pillows, furniture coverings, they need to have one common among them all. This should be in color, texture, pattern. Try to keep it simple by choosing three main colors to work off of. Similar textures, shapes and patterns with like colors will give your space a unified feel without compromising each rooms defined purpose.

Related articles by this author:

• Giving space an identity in your home 
• Kitchen design trends that need to take a break 
• Interior décor an investment in your home's value 

Updating kitchen cabinets

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The top three biggest expenses in kitchen renovations are cabinets, appliances, and counter tops. If your home hasn't been updated in the last ten years you may find yourself in for a great deal of money to bring your home up to speed. How can you make improvements with out going broke? Well there are alternatives to updating your cabinets if you are willing to open up your mind, and abandon a few preconceived notions.

Painting- 
Cabinets can always be painted or refaced- Some may be under the impression that wood should never be painted however, this depends on several factors. Inexpensive and builder grade woods can and should be painted if they are in bad shape, dark, dingy or dated. The key is to make sure you do the job right. If you can't then have someone professionally paint your cabinets with the right tools needed for lasting beauty, research the best paint products to use for your cabinets, whether they are real wood, laminate, etc. Using the right paint product with the right material of cabinet will give you the best results.

Re-staining-
Now, for some of us that just can't bear painting our wood, consider re-staining your wood. If you have, for instance old Oak cabinets or a light finished wood cabinet that just doesn't work for you, restain them a darker color. There are several products on the market, Lowe's offers Minwax Stain and Finish In One, and it states that it can easily go over existing stained cabinetry. Lowe's also offers Minwax Gel Stain that is made to go over wood veneers, etc. Tip: Be sure to read the reviews before you make your decision. Try out the stain on an inconspicuous area beforehand.

Refacing -
Refacing cabinets can also be an alternative. Ideally real wood cabinets are the easiest to reface. They can be covered in bead board and framed out with a nice trim. There are also companies that you can order replacement cabinet doors from that will allow you to instantly improve your kitchen. Maple Craft USA has not only kitchen door replacement options but also sells cabinet veneers to reface your existing cabinets with, as well as cabinet drawers etc. See the link at the bottom of this article.

New pulls-
New cabinet pulls will definitely help your kitchen look it's best and in some cases this may be the only thing you need to do. Ebay offers a huge selection of knobs and pulls for updating your cabinets. Prices and shipping costs are competitive, just make sure you check the stats on the seller, and do comparisons. Check measurements on your existing cabinets before placing your order. Tip: Don't overlook hinges. Now that the world is abandoning polished brass finishes in the home, you may want to update your old hinges to brushed Nickle, Oil Rubbed Bronze, etc which can also be found on Ebay. Check around for the best buy and make sure you get the right size for your needs. If you can't find them, spray paint them to match.

Want more interior decorating solutions and inspiration? Check out
Dawn's Interior Decorating Solutions.

*South Carolina Kitchen Remodeling

*Lowes Minwax Stain and Finish All In One
*Lowes Minwax Gel Stain

*Maple Craft USA

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HGTV 2012 Dream Home Review

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This years newest home up for grabs offers a lot of design for the lucky winner this year. One look through the photographs of this home and you will easily be able to envision yourself in it. Why? Well the design is one that merges contemporary and traditional, along with wonderful touches of rustic flavor in décor. If you live in South Carolina and want to turn your current home into a dream home see the link below for a local contractor.

Here's a look at a few key rooms that this beautiful home has to offer.

The Dining room

The dining room in the home is not over sized, but kept in scale and adjacent to the kitchen making it a functional eating space that will no doubt be used frequently. A rustic trestle table, flanked by white Windsor chairs, and blue and white upholstered seating make this a warm and comfy place to entertain. Windows lend themselves to the back yard view and keep the space connected to the land.

Products used in the décor of this dream home's dining room can be purchased at the link supplied at the bottom of this article. For photos of this year's dream home dining room see the link at the bottom of this article:

The Kitchen

HGTV's 2012 Dream kitchen is a bright open space open to the dining room and privy to the dynamic views of the back yard space. With a unexpected color pallet that has blues, creams and gray, it easily keeps the room light and bright. High end stainless steel appliances, great lighting that highlight a great prep area make this room feel like a real home. Wonderful touches are found everywhere, and you can have them in your own home. To see specific products and where you can buy your own that were used in the design of this dream home see the link below.

The Family Room

The family room is definitely a comfy space for enjoying your family. Warm colors, comfy furniture for all and soft lighting make this room a gathering place that may even trump the kitchen. Although the designer may have been aiming for a jazzy energetic space, visually it looks comfy, and casual. A great place for family game night, movies and sitting with a good book to read. Part of the reason it may have that cozy feeling is that the room is not over sized. Roomy enough for the family and friends yet visually it is a quaint space. See for yourself by checking out the virtual tour of this room yourself below.

The Great Room

For a truly inspired entertaining space this year's dream home great room is top notch and where it is at! There is very little not to like in this room and if the other rooms weren't spacious enough for you this room has the wow factor you may be after with high ceilings, stone walls and a fireplace that will definitely be the star attraction this is where the dream home comes to life. See the virtual tour link below and be blown away. The color pallet is virtually the same as in the kitchen so everything works throughout the space with each other. If you see something you'd love to buy in this designer great room be sure to check out the product list link below.

The Master Bedroom and bath

Everything about the master bedroom of this home says comfort, and elegance all rolled up into one. High ceilings, romantic touches of soft fabrics, warm colors and lighting make this room the true master suite we all want. The color pallet was borrowed from the view outside of the master suite's windows and they work so well in the space. It truly is about the outdoors and at the same time, so lovely with luxurious touches. Complete with its own sitting room, you will find yourself struggling to leave. See the virtual tour below.

Master Bath

This dream home's master bath has unique touches like opposing sinks so each person get's their own sink area , lots of tiled wall space and a truly spa like experience that has a very natural look as well. The real eye catcher is the shower area which on first glance looks like a glass encased walk in closet, a large on. Complete with a bench, and the best shower system imaginable, you will certainly get clean and at the same time the windows allow for extra light and a view. If you want to soak, the dream master bath also boasts a deep soaking tub. Gorgeous and great for soaking, you may find it hard to get out of once you're in it. Find the link to the virtual tour below.

These are just a few key rooms for you to dream about in this year's 2012 HGTV Dream Home, be sure to enter twice daily at this link: HGTV launches 2012 Dream Home Giveaway , and good luck!

For help making your current home a dream home,visit here:

Dawn's Interior Decorating Solutions

*South Carolina Home Improvement Index

HGTV 2012 Dream Home links:

2012 HGTV Dream Home Kitchen products

2012 HGTV Dream Home Kitchen virtual tour

2012 HGTV Dream Home Dining Room virtual tour

2012 HGTV Dream Home Dining Room products

2012 HGTV Dream Home Family Room virtual tour

2012 HGTV Dream Home Great Room virtual tour

2012 HGTV Dream Home Great Room products

2012 HGTV Dream Home Master Bedroom virtual tour

2012 HGTV Dream Home Master Bedroom products

2012 HGTV Dream Home Master bath virtual tour

2012 HGTV Dream Home Master bath products

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Do you suffer from color phobia?

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For some slapping a coat of paint on a wall is a funky adventure and an expression of style and color.

For others, paint colors, types and choices are a terrifying commitment to change that they are just not willing to undertake. These are lovingly referred to as the “color phobes.” There are also those that take their phobia to the extremes, no color on the walls and certainly very little color in the overall décor. As an Interior decorator, I am always shocked at how little people are willing to do to break away from their comfort zone.

So how do we correct this condition? Taking the mystery out of paint is key to at least getting a color phobe out of their shell and to tap into their creative side. Paints basically come in a few finishes, glossy, semi gloss, satin, and flat/matte. Which should be used for what? Glossy is durable and can stand up to moisture, can be washed, has a longer drying time and is great for cabinets and furniture. Semi gloss is seen often in kitchens and bathrooms for resistance to moisture and easy to wipe clean. Satin has a sheen as well and is also seen in kitchens, kids rooms and bathrooms. Flat and matte, great for walls that have imperfections. Due to the low reflective quality of flat paint, marred and damages walls will not be highlighted with flat paint. Now that dealt with the different finishes, in part so we have taken some of the mystery out of paint finishes at least, right?

The other problem is society screams that one should not dare paint any wall a color other than beige. Daring not to be neutral is scary, but can it be done? Should it be done and when should you do it? All good questions a color phobe may be pondering. When should you try a color that is on the wild side? Well that is up to you, if you aren't planning on selling your home there are a few risk free places to give color a go. Closet interiors, children's rooms and hall ways come to mind. Look around your home for some inspiration. Breaking free from color phobias requires baby steps, so try small spaces first.

Should bold colors be done at all in your home? Well again, if you aren't planning on selling, why not? Worse case scenario, you have to repaint, but at least you gave it a go, and that is important when you are afraid to take color risks. Perhaps your phobia should be toned down to colors in décor first. Bold sofa pillows, drapes or an area rug may help coax you out of your fears of using color. It may also tap into a creat at is in your home and just address the colors in or on it. Use that as your inspiration. Sometimes you discover your artistic side and that starts off a chain of events that frees up your mind, and your heart. Removable décor that has bold color statements are easy ways to break out of dull lifeless schemes and a safe way to address the problem.

Painting is only a cosmetic change, it's not a life time commitment. No more than changing your hair color is, which to some is equally daunting. Truth is, it's only color people. If painting is too scary, try the other suggestions mentioned here and see if there's a sleeping artist inside, chances are there is.

Interior décor an investment in your home's value

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Interior decorating has come a long way. No more are the days where simply placing an item that caught your eye in a shop on a shelf was enough to make for a well decorated and designed space. Decorating today is a fine science where strategy, composition, balance and scale all come into play. Today the modern home owner is privy to tools and ideas that not only make their home stylish, but a vessel for profit as well.

Years ago, selling a home simply meant giving it a good clean, and hoping a prospective buyer liked what they saw. Today, there is a true strategy with much depending on how well versed the home owner is on décor, design, and marketing their homes best assets. Your chances of making a profit or scoring big in a soft market is hard, but it all depends on one's definition on what big is. A big score to some may be acquiring enough over their home's pay off to put ten percent down on the next home, while to others it may be recouping your improvement costs and then some.

So where do we go from here? Especially in a sluggish economy and with limited funds? Consider updating your décor if nothing else. A home painted in contemporary neutrals and polished off with a clever mix of well placed and balanced décor can go a long way. This may mean replacing drapes, removing items that are not functional nor decorative, and painting as well.

Image via WikipediaOne thing that can not be ignored today is that home buyers today are well schooled in décor and design compared to their parents and grand parents. Not to mention they are deluged with oodles of inventory to pick from right now. Young home buyers are less interested in a home's “potential” and more interested in things like updates, location, and room to grow.

Standard is no longer desirable, above and beyond the competition is what will get your contract signed. So if you find yourself needing to sell your home remember a well decorated interior is a minimal investment, but an investment nonetheless. Sometimes, it is not the amount of money you spend, it is what you spend it on that makes
it pay off.

 

 

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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

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Renovation points to ponder

Image via WikipediaRenovations in a down market are a scary thing. You often wonder if you are making the right choices and if you are only throwing good money after bad. With the real estate
market in such dire straits, how do you know which renovations are worth it? Do you invest in high end upgrades with the hopes that it will boost your home's value? Or, do you let your home
stay as it is and ride out the market.

If you aren't selling-  The real estate market and design industry spend a great deal of time telling the homeowner and consumer what to have in their homes. Often times you will see a real estate show where as a couple won't even consider a home without the typical bells and whistles of stainless steel and granite. However, this is what the industry has spoon fed into the mouths of the consumer. There are plenty of alternative  counter tops out there that can be used. Don't shoehorn yourself in by what the design industry dictates. You never regret what you love and if you love Butcher block, and black appliances, by all means have it. Especially if you aren't interested in selling within the next ten years. After ten years, reassess your situation and go from there. Design that you love, is never regretted. Upgrades that are part of a media induced trend could come back and bite you, so please yourself first.

If you may sell-  What does your neighbor have? If the bulk of the neighborhood has laminate counter tops, and you run out and install granite, don't expect a whopping return on your investment. Consider a high end laminate upgrade. Laminate has come a long long way in its visual appeal and many offer the exact same look of granite, but at about 45 percent less per square foot installed. If you are selling, recognize in a down market, any upgrade is a good upgrade it doesn't always have to be the high end choices. Don't over improve for your neighborhood, that doesn't mean make no improvements, just make smart ones.  If most of your neighbors have hard wood flooring, by all means you should probably follow suit. If they have carpeting, make sure your carpeting is newer, and of good quality and that will give your home the edge of the neighborhood competition. As always, all upgrades to heating, cooling, roofing, electrical and plumbing are always recommended in every instance.


Older home renovation-  If your home is an older home, think long and hard about which renovations will help, and which will hurt your home. Example, older Victorian style homes
lose their appeal if they have been overly modernized. Always think in terms of what works with your homes style. If your home has a specific Victorian style, don't muck it up with a lot of contemporary changes if you are looking to sell in the next ten years. Instead think of the upgrades people won't see, but will appreciate. New air conditioning, roof, upgraded energy efficient windows, electrical updates, plumbing, heating etc. Older homes are notoriously known for not be energy efficient, so these upgrades will be a real eye opener if you sell and won't mess with your home's design and character nearly as much as contemporary lighting, or zen inspired decor for example.

New home improvements-  Most of us may think a new home would not need any improvements, but a lot of first time home buyers can't always afford the upgrades, or may change their minds
about what they like after living in their new home. Some choices made earlier on may not work any more and it calls for a change. The question is should you make costly improvements on a new home?
If you have bought a new home within the past five years, you may have discovered that you have fallen prey to the real estate market. Some new home owners may be dealing with an upside down mortgage due to small down payments and long mortgage terms. If your home is already in this predicament, you may be well advised to hold off on any major renovations, especially if you are thinking about charging improvements, or tapping into some assumed equity you may not have. Make sure that any renovations are warranted and not just on a whim. Check your homeowners warranty to make sure you aren't waiving your coverage, and don't expect a return on your investment any time soon. If you still wish to go forward with renovation to a new home, do so, and make sure you research your project well. If you are in doubt, hire a architect before ripping down what may be a weight bearing wall, and make sure you have all the necessary permits, as well as checking to make sure your home owners association will allow for changes to your home.

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Some easy kitchen design ideas

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Whether your kitchen is looking somewhat worse for wear or you just feel like you need a change, we all enjoy decorating the room and making things look a little better from time to time. At first, decorating a kitchen sounds like a costly and difficult task that involves a lot of chaos and hard work. However, you don’t have to start ripping out your kitchen units to make the place look better.
Here are some simple, yet tasteful kitchen decorating ideas that will not cost you a fortune but will make your life a lot easier and more pleasant, see: Kitchen decorating ideas.
A simple coat of paint goes a long way towards making any room look good. Paint the walls or even paint the kitchen cabinets. As long as you find a pleasant color scheme that blends in with the rest of the room, you may find that this makes all the difference.
Jazz up your tiles with self-adhesive waterproof stickers. This is far less effort  and less costly than replacing the tiles.
Say it with flowers. For a nice decoration that makes any room look great, add some natural greenery. This can be in the form of a pretty vase of flowers placed in the center of the kitchen table or as a cute potted plant on the edge of the kitchen island. Flowers are eco-friendly, they look and smell beautiful, and they add a touch of vitality to every home.
What about changing the decorations on the walls? If you don’t have any pictures, why not add one or two – a poster of your choice or a pretty wall-hanging can give an new touch to your kitchen. You could also go farmhouse style and hang up some pretty china plates on the wall. This kind of look may remind you of the past, but it never goes out of style.
How about adding a neat area rug? This will make the floor look better and also cover up any unpleasant stains on the linoleum or carpet.
Another way to make your kitchen look pretty is to use kitchen accessories. You could, for example, light scented candles. These banish unpleasant cooking smells, look good, and create a special atmosphere. You could also create your own accessories. For example, you might like to keep your glass spice jars, wash them out, and paint them. Then they can be used for a pretty display on one of your shelves or countertops. If you are not sure what to do, there are plenty of kitchen design articles out there that could help you find inspiration.
Another important tip (even if it is not specifically a design idea) is to keep your kitchen at a certain level of tidiness and cleanliness. No matter how well-designed or pretty a kitchen is, if it is messy it will always look terrible. Therefore, if you get into the habit of making sure to put away everything that you use and never to leave dirty dishes lying around, your kitchen will definitely look a lot better.

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Top 5 articles on painting your home interior

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If you live in South Carolina and would like to see a complete listing of the finer paint stores in your area please visit this South Carolina Retail Paint Stores Directory. This list is a thorough list of paint stores spanning over most of South Carolina.






Grey the new beige in home décor

Ten years ago, if someone had said grey would soon be the new beige in home decor, one might would have scoffed. However, in recent years consumers have softened towards this not-so-new color and it is turning up everywhere in homes. Grey is no longer the dull and drab institutional color it once was. Today, the average homeowner is more skilled in design than ever before. Most consumers are quite design savvy and have access to information and know that in the right settings, and paired well with supporting colors, grey is the new hot neutral. Continue reading on Examiner.com: Grey, the new beige in home decor 

Making neutral paint colors work

We have all heard on television that neutrals are the way to go when painting a room, especially if you are planning on selling sometime in the near future. So you went and bought some beige and went to work "neutralizing" your home. Did you run across a feeling of boredom? Did you feel you toned your home down to the point it could be used for a sleep center? Well what a lot of these decorating shows on television fail to mention is that neutrals work but to get them to "pop" requires, bold compliments in trim and accents.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Making neutral paint colors work

Painting basics for beginners

Few improvements you make in your home will be as affordable or easy as painting the walls in your room. The impact can be huge and gratifying. Knowing the best paint for the particular type of room you are working on is an important first step before your project should begin.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Painting basics for beginners

Painting green for a healthier home
A few decades ago, painting a room involved a major process of opening windows and doors, sleeping in other rooms, and hours and hours of dry time. Little did the consumer know, the walls they were painting were laden with lead, and high concentrations of VOC's. Now the homeowner has options like never before to make their home beautiful, healthier and Eco friendly.
Continue reading on Examiner.com: Painting green for a healthier home 

How to find inspiration for color in your room
When deciding my color choices in a room, It's a great idea to use what is already in the room. Often our own decor can give us the greatest help when we need to decide on what color to paint a room that will not only appeal to us, but also enhance the existing decor elements.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: How to find inspiration for color in your room

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Laminate counter top restoration

Melamine paint in the simplest terms is a liquid plastic paint. For items composed of plastic or plastic materials, Melamine paint is one of the few paints that will adhere to it. It is also naturally fire resistant. While Melamine paint is thick and sticky, it has some qualities that will make it a great option for some. It is self leveling, extremely durable and can be found in a variety of colors that will allow the homeowner to liven up, or completely change the current look in their kitchen and bathroom. Melamine paint has been used for repairing and restoring Melamine cabinets for years. It is typically an oil  based paint, and thus all brands come with their own set of manufacturers suggested instructions with regards to applying it. Some manufacturers recommend applying a Melamine primer, others  suggest applying two coats, etc. Depending on what brand is purchased the recommendations will vary.

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If you are interested in updating your kitchen or bathroom laminate counters or cabinets with a fresh new look for around  $20.00 per can, you can check online for local paint stores that carry  Melamine paint. If you have difficulty finding laminate/Melamine paint, see: White Knight Paints. This site has a lot of information on the paint, regarding how to prepare surfaces, dry time and health and safety.
Another alternative is Modern Masters Countertop Transformations. This is a three step kit that is currently carried by Lowes.Image via Wikipedia

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Trends to look out for in color in 2011

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Neutral colors are going into exciting areas in home interior design. No longer is beige, ecru, tan and taupe the only neutrals that will emerge. Keep a sharp eye out for these trending neutrals.
Gray is becoming the new neutral of choice in many posh apartments because it lends itself so well to the ever so popular stainless steel, brushed nickels, and dark woods seen on  modern sleek furniture. Paired with crisp white it can go as modern and contemporary as any color, or you can take it straight to the ocean and keep the colors soft and light. Gray is one of those neutrals that can fit into many design aesthetics depending on how you couple it with other colors and fixtures.

Look for grayed down pastels, and see smokey hints in purples, greens and blues to re-enter the neutral color pallets in the future. By incorporating gray and beige into pastel colors you end up neutralizing them, especially if enough white or cream color is added to the mix. By controlling this, you can come up with your own unique neutral and also decide whether to make it a cool neutral or a warm neutral.  

If you stick to the basics, you can have a great looking room inside your home every easily. Large surfaces should be neutral. You may be one of those that hates the idea of beige all over the walls, but don't worry, beige is just a backdrop for your true style to come out.

By sticking with a safe neutral backdrop, you have the ability to focus your attention to the really fun part of decorating a room and that is in the accessories! They can be as colorful or wild as you like in fact, you'd be surprised how well classic neutrals go with animal prints, blacks and reds. Your limit is your imagination, and you've played it smart in the meantime. By keeping your back drop neutral, should you sell in the future, you will not have to do any painting, and accessories can always be removed and switched out when showing a house.

Going bold with window treatments, and interesting elements will allow your style and taste to come through without being overwhelming at the same time. This is where style is born. True style is not about overwhelming the senses. Its about melding the senses into one. Your environment should have a great energy and flow.

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Top Home Maintenance articles

Image via WikipediaOnce a year, homeowners need to evaluate condition of their home
Old man winter has definitely made his presence known all over South Carolina as well as the United States. Often times bringing to mind the condition our homes may be in. This is also a good time to start making lists of areas of your home that need winterizing, weather-proofing and over all maintenance. These tips will give you a starting point.  
Read more on: Once a year, home owners need to evaluate the condition of their home

Dealing with damaged drywall
In today's world of interior decor, wall-papering has somehow gotten a bad wrap. Actually there are times when not only is it appropriate, but down right necessary to use wall paper. Often times removal of old wall paper alone, calls for a remedy that is easy and much more forgiving. 
Read more on: How to repair damaged drywall


Maintaining a home renovation and repair file
When we renovate, decorate or make any improvements it is a good idea to keep track of each and every improvement. Not only will this be handy for yourself in the future, but a well maintained and detailed file offered to the next buyer of your home is a great added bonus/incentive. If you keep this file in a safe place, it is also a handy reference if you should need it for insurance purposes.
Read more on how to:  Maintain a home renovation and repair file

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