Bedrooms are overrated when it comes to seeking comfort. You would not be found in your bedroom in the middle of the night to fulfill your chocolate cravings. When it comes to sneaking around or looking for food, we can only head towards the kitchen. All this praise and yet, you have been running out of remodeling ideas for your kitchen? That’s a problem 

If you think a kitchen does not require any attention, you have been reading the wrong stuff. It is the first place a buyer would look at. It is the only place in the house that needs more attention and detailing. Without wasting any time, let’s have a sneak peek in to some great ideas that could add more value to your comfort space! 

1. Revamp Those Cabinets 

No, we are not asking you to start from scratch. It is a BAD idea and surely an expensive one too. Even if your cabinets look ancient, there is nothing to worry about. Antiques are in fashion anyways. Choose a nice paint that resonates with the ambiance of your house. A different pain coat would change the entire outlook of your kitchen. Fix them as well, they should be hanging around the hinges. Despite a tight budget, you can easily afford basic tooling expertise. 

2. Hardwood Over Anything 

Kitchen flooring needs to be safe and upgraded. Flooring ideas need not to be fancy but rather effective. Henceforth, we recommend solid hardwood that is effective in handling high temperatures and humidity. Oak and Walnut hardwood is always a top priority if you do not wish to compromise on quality. Moreover, wood is timeless no matter what the trends are. Wood is always in fashion so we say hardwood over anything! 

3. Invest In Updated Appliances 

We are absolutely not recommending you to replace all appliances with new ones. Invest money in the latest appliances that you do not have as they are more efficient and look graceful in your kitchen. It is a long-term investment that you would not regret. Your kitchen’s efficiency and performance is dependent on luxe appliances such as a latest refrigerator instead of your grandma’s would add a sleek look to your entire décor. 

4. Don’t Hold Back With Your Creativity 

The arena is yours! The ball is in your court so make decisions with free will and definitely wisely. Of course, the condition is that those decisions should not be bizarre but rather logical. Apply your creativity when choosing lighting for your kitchen. Instead of simple bulbs, go for ambient or task lighting. LED ceiling lights are highly recommended due to their eco-friendly nature. Save bills and compliments from visitors! Installing dimmers can be a great idea if you arrange frequent dinners for friends and family. Anything that you watched on Pintrest can actually be done in your house so get on with it!

5. Quartz Over Granite 

Granite material has always required more maintenance and its cost price often exceeded the customer’s budget. Therefore, quartz continues to rule the kitchen space due to its qualities. Its antimicrobial qualities make it a favorite. Over the passage of time, manufacturers have provided a variety of colors and textures in Quartz that you can choose from. The unique pattern, neutral colors never fail to add a glistening touch to kitchen spaces. 

Kitchen remodeling can be quite a headache. Too many ideas are good but don’t have too many ideas either that you end up getting confused. Save some energy and always look back to your decision before giving in the final word. Make a list of dos and don’ts. Limited opinions would save you from getting nightmares so trust yours and remodel your kitchen without any apprehensions. 

Weird things happen in the kitchen. Just a single spot of wet surface in the kitchen can make you lose your favourite dish and suffer a lifetime consequential accident through tripping. A slow leak ruins the inner foundation of any house. They are also the reasons for your skyrocketing utility bills. Through waterproofing every part of your kitchen, you will not only be able to control water leakages but also create a room for easier cleaning. Waterproofed kitchens are also under control of moisture and mildew.

Here are some simple tasks you can do to keep your beautiful kitchen waterproofed.

1. Waterproofing The Counter-tops

Cracked countertops allow for seeping of water inside thereby causing accumulation of water under them. Such waters when dirty can lead to unwanted scent in the kitchen. First, sand the outdated tops to create ideal surfaces that can easily hold premier paint. After that, apply a good coat of paint to cover up the cracks in the wood and linoleum. You will then apply polyurethane for prevention of leaks and spill.

2. Often Check And Replace Your Pipes

There exist many pipes under the sink that are normally not checked. It usually comes to the attention of many people that a pipe has broken upon an explosion. Meaning, if you rarely check on your kitchen pipes, they can leak slowly for as long as a month without you knowing.

Even if you are residing in a rental house, there is dire need to often check on these pipes and replace any that is broken.

3. Waterproof Under The Sink Cabinets

Devoid of how well the cabinets are maintained, water always ends up inside them. Such water if not wiped out can cause rotting of the wood or growth of mould on them. The only way to protect your cabinets from accumulating water is through waterproofing using polyurethane. Oil-based polyurethane is the most preferred. 

4. Waterproofing The Floors

Just like countertops, if not refinished with polyurethane, water will always seep deep into the cracks of your wooden floor hence ruining the overall kitchen outlook. You may need to change the older woods and replace them with waterproof ones or apply vinyl products where wetness is a problem.

5. Caulk Everything

Sometimes, almost every part of the kitchen can be rendered vulnerable to cracks due to several factors. This may also include the bathrooms and even on the roof. Caulking everything is the only sure way of ensuring these surfaces are always waterproof. Liquid polyurethane is always useful when it comes to caulking everything including the walls and other vertical surfaces in the kitchen.

6. Waterproofing Under The Kitchen Sink

You can waterproof under the kitchen sink with a stick on tile and caulk. However, you will realise that this sometimes is a bit too tedious to do. There are a number of sink mats which prevent mildew and growth of mould that can ruin the outlook of your sink.

7. Check On The Backsplash

Closely check on the space where the wall and the countertops meet. If you notice that there is a crack, more so in the sink backsplash, you will need to apply another bead of sealant.

If this process is not undertaken, water will always get into the cracks and to the countertops. The water can also seep into the wall.

8. Adopt Composite Worktops

Commonly known as quartz worktops, composite worktops are made from 90% quartz mixed with small percentages of binders. These worktops are virtually non-porous and waterproof. Apart from that, the tops are easy to clean and offer the touchy looks ideal for any meal preparation. They can be used almost everywhere, including around the sink and beside hobs.

9. Use Water-resistant Plywood

The last option in keeping your kitchen waterproof is through replacing the old wooden parts of the working tops and cabinet with good quality boiling water resistant plywood. Apart from being moisture resistant, the plywood is also resistant to frequent water splashes, a common occurrence in the kitchen.

A waterproofed kitchen is all you need to take your kitchen life to another level. With a waterproofed kitchen, you are always guaranteed of fine touch, no moisture, no pest and ideal for meal preparation.

Kitchens are the favorite spaces to design because it is the room in your home that gets the most use. It is the heart of the home and for a good reason it is a place to get together and socialize, a place where you come to cook your heart out for your friends and family. Designing your dream kitchen can be one of the most rewarding tasks that you undertake in a home remodel project but since the kitchen is filled with so many design decisions, we know that this task can be really daunting to those who are unprepared. In order to save time, money, energy and to get the most out of your dream kitchen try to avoid making these space-planning mistakes. Here is a comprehensive detail that covers everything that needs to be considered when designing kitchens.

Space Planning and Clearance Issues

One of the most common design mistakes made in the kitchen is clearance issues that have to deal with doorways and walkways. Doors have to be wide and swinging doors should not interfere with appliances, cabinets, other doors or walkways. Hang doors so they swing out rather than in, especially in small spaces for correct clearance. Consider a work triangle to improve the functionality of the kitchen.

Lack Of Countertop Space

The next design mistake that we can see common is lack of countertop space. Experts recommend at least 150 inches of usable countertop space and the lower cabinets that are at least 24 inches deep. The countertop space also includes islands. For kitchen layout with island appliances, make sure you at least have nine inches on both sides of the burner. Massive islands definitely increase your preparation area but they take a lot of room. In case if you insist on an island and you have a tiny kitchen where you do not have much space, do not make the mistake of trying to squeeze in an island in the middle of your kitchen. Make sure you have at least 36 inches around the island for passage. You will realize that reserving a lot of space for the island in a tiny kitchen is not a good idea at all where you will be left with really small square feet of usable space.

Choosing Furniture That Does Not Fit Your Kitchen.

Sometimes we see people jammed right next to each other, knocking elbows and not just that comfortable space to sit in. You also need to make sure that you include sufficient legroom when designing a bar area.  The minimum spatial requirement for the legroom underneath the countertop is 15 inches at least. This space allows you to kick your legs and dangle freely underneath the countertop without hitting the cabinets in front of you. You also have to make sure that you specify right height stools for that space as well. If it is a counter height, choose counter stools but if it is a bar height, opt for bar stools. Measure before you shop. While talking about bar stools and seating location, another common mistake is, there is not enough space to push your stool out behind you. Consider pushing in and out of stool and people can still walk back and forth behind you while designing counter or bar top 

Bottom Line:

Space planning is one of the most common mistake that is made in kitchen designs. Always start with space planning. It is very important to measure the layout in the floor plan where you have to work with your kitchen for your remodel. Make sure that you first take the measurements of available floor space and then you can plan where everything goes. You will figure out your optimum work triangle and then start to order appliances.

Most people tend to jump into home-renovation, considering it’ll be exciting to do as they will explore their imagination and then see it happen in front of their eyes in a snap of a finger but the truth is, it isn’t as easy as it looks. Along the way, people end up making a lot of mistakes that cost them money and time and they realize this once it’s all gone to the bin. 

Here are some common slipups people make while renovating their houses which you need to avoid in every case necessary.

Unrealistic Budget

The problem which leads most of the renovations down the drain is setting an impractical budget. It is recommended to add an extra 20% to your budget and set up a contingency fund for the unexpected dilemmas you are really likely to face during the project. By setting up an unrealistic budget, you will realize half-way through the plan that you’re going overboard with the budget threshold. Then you’ll have to compromise with cheap products which will hamper everything you wished to execute. So, it is better if you ask your contractor to break-down all the expenditures that will go into the renovation, helping you plan according to that.

Hiring A Below-par Contractor 

The contractor is the person that is going to exact the look of your home, the way you wanted it to be, so be really sure about hiring the right person. Be cautious of the one who’s cheap and available straight away. Don’t hire a discounted professional about whom you have a gut-feeling is going to mess everything up.  Look for references and ask for their previous work. Don’t shy away from asking questions because it’s your job to make them understand your vision and it’s their job to understand your vision in executing a well-renovated house.

Rushing Into The Process

It’s tough to hit the brakes when you embark on such a journey but better safe than sorry. The thing that matters, in this case, is the end-product so if you want your future-self to have no regrets, take your time. Take precise measurements, assess your property, do market research, and even have some contractors take a look at the property and assess their considerations. Try to understand every ins and outs of your home and be patient.

Buying Your Own Materials

Firstly, avoid buying your own materials. Let your contractor do that for you as he’s more likely to get better prices and he knows what he is buying. But if you want to go out there and buy your material yourself. Be really thorough and examine stuff which is going to be really tough for you as you don’t have experience with most of the materials because you’ve never worked with them before. So, you’ll end up buying poor-quality stuff which will cost your project a lot in the latter days. So, just let your contractor do the buying and examine the receipts while paying them.

Small Door-ways

While renovating their houses, people focus their attention on their bathroom, kitchen, and lounge. They tend to desert their door-ways which gives off the first impression when a person visits your place. Be exact while measuring door-ways and hall-ways so they aren’t congested and are wide enough to pass furniture and appliances.

Ranking Design Over Function

Well, designing is really fun, you get to experiment with every portion of your house but it shouldn’t always be your priority because alongside aesthetics, you need functionality in your house too. When the enthusiasm of the renovation fades-away, you will want your house to have the exact same amount of efficiency as its attractive design. Think about how you will actually live in the house with the available space. Be really vigilant about the wiring or plumbing which could be a cause of safety concern later-on when the renovation is over. So, have professionals look that over, so you’re safe to proceed.

What’s not to love about indoor plants? From the freshness they bring to your eyes and the colors they add to your room Indoor plants are the best addition in any space! But what actually sucks about having indoor plants is that they just keep dying. I think I killed a good number of plants before I finally got the hang of it. Indoor plants are really delicate and would only perpetuate in a very specified environment. So, it’s very important that before you bring one of these little guys home you do your research. 

We’ll tell you our top picks for beginners, these plants are easy to care for and would still add the breath of fresh air to your room that’s missing! 

1. Snake Plant 

As a beginner this is the best choice! It’s almost impossible to kill the snake plant, even if you leave it for a month it’ll survive. All you need to do is find a good light-spot but not in direct sunlight since the leaves tend to lose their color and pigment in direct sunlight. Other than that water it once a week, make sure to check that the soil is dry or else you don’t have to. This low maintenance plant with its tall, stiff and fleshy leaves with a mild grey-yellow variation is good for any room in your house. Fun fact; in south African and Asian regions people also refer to the plant as “Mother-in-Laws” Tongue due its pointed tips of the leaves symbolizing the former’s sharp tongue. 

• Aloe Vera 

The rescuer plant, Aloe Vera, always ready for our first aid is a lovely addition to a new plant lover’s home. It’s literally evergreen, if there was one plant that always survived my careless behavior was this one! There are many varieties of Aloe, for indoors we’d suggest choosing smaller ones as they’ll fit in anywhere. Give Aloe Vera a spot where the sunlight is not too harsh, keep the soil a little damp and try to water as less as possible in winters, and you’re done! I really love how neat and orderly this plant looks so putting it in your drawing or a formal seating area on the table will always look very nice.

• Monstera Deliciosa

One of the most popular indoor plants and for all the right reasons! Beautiful leaves with distinctive holes that look like someone curated the leaves with hands and their easy care routine have made them a popular plant among enthusiasts. They do prefer a warm climate but still away from direct sunlight and water only once a week. Occasionally cleaning their leaves with a soft damp cloth will maintain their beautiful leaves. They also like to climb so providing them with some kind of stake would be a good option. Oh, and the best part about this plant is that you can cut off the top, as long as it has air roots attached and replant it! This means that with one monstera you can populate your whole house! 

• Succulents 

These are the perfect bedside plants. They’re so cute and small it’s hard not to want them if you see them at the nursery. Some popular succulents like Living Stones or Lithops only grow a few centimeters above the soil occupying no space. So you could put them anywhere you want but make sure that it’s getting enough sunlight and water. This plant is a little difficult to handle but a good amount of sunlight without letting the plant get sunburned will ensure its longevity. Succulents really aren’t big fans of water so make sure that the plant is completely dry before you water it. 

• Cactus 

Their spiked, tall and rugged texture is a very distinct feature and one that makes them very collectable. A lot of different varieties of cactus are available in the market but our personal favorite is the Bunny eared Opuntia which produces prickly pads. Even the moon cactus is such a cute edition to your house, with its colorful round tops it’ll look very good in kitchens and bathrooms of neutral shades. When it comes to their maintenance they aren’t very troublesome. Due to their desert origins they don’t need a lot of water and obviously stay the happiest in sunny spots. 

If you’ve just started taking interest in indoor plants these are the best options for you! Out of all the delicate indoor plants they may be able to sustain the most maltreatment but with a little care and attention these plants can add the perfect modern touch with colors to your home!

In most homeowners life there comes a time when you feel the need to add your personality to your house. This purpose leads you renovating or upgrading your home. Whether you want to add space, upgrade material or add more functionality. Knowing what to do is as important as knowing what not to do. 

Below are some things to keep in mind while renovating, whether you have hired a contractor or not:

1.Unrealistic budgets

While we all cover our grounds in terms of the material, labor and miscellaneous remodeling funds but never assume it wont go over budget. Always have an over budget funds period. Many unforeseen circumstances or rather plumbing and wiring surprises will come up while opening up those walls. Older homes can also unveil molds, rotting wood and leaking pipes etc. Keeping these in mind creates a budget lower than what you think you will need.

2.The power of pictures

If you choose a contractor rather than taking on the project yourself, communication and conveying your intention is key. Pictures of those beautiful cabinets and kitchens you collect from pinterest or some magazines helps tremendously. Most people ignore this fact and we all know how that ends. Don’t delay the pictures and rely on your contractors’ interpretation to get the results you want.

3.Don’t start until everything is on sight

Before you start taking down those bathroom or kitchen walls, make sure that all the materials and appliances you need are on sight. Oftentimes our anxiousness to start puts us in jeopardy. Reason being the delivery dates could get confused or delayed leading to your kitchen or bathroom being inoperable for days.

4.Installing the items last

Installing appliances last causes the age old problem of design not accommodating the huge or the very tiny appliance you have ordered. Always install the appliances first to help you understand how the overall design accommodates them or if at all. One more recommendation would be to wait on buying the appliances till you are ready to get them installed.

5.Don’t ignore what the house wants

Some people can pull off wearing a high top sneaker with a tuxedo but it can horribly go wrong for others . Houses are like this as well. Can a modern kitchen work in a Victorian style home?. Absolutely, but make sure the house can pull it off. Not to say that the house hasn’t evolved in all those years. We recommend living in it for a few months and getting to know the style before pulling out a sledge hammer. 

6.No friends and Family

While friends and family’s help can come in handy while moving belongings, cleaning furniture and other household chores but when it comes to renovation bad idea alert. Some home owners in the hopes of saving money ask friends and family to help them. This can lead to not only very disastrous and expensive mistakes but is also a health hazard to you and your house literally. Only let experienced acquaintances help you with the renovation.

7.You cant handle every remodeling project

Do your homework !! While you might think oh this is just a light fixture change, take out the current one and add the new one. One little mistake of turning off the electricity and other necessary things and boom goes the dynamite. Now you have an entire electrical disaster on your hands. Determine what kind of expertise and experience is required for your project before you start, whether you hire a contractor or DIY

Last but not the least, always be open to change. Renovation projects cant work on hard and fast rules. While you may have one thing in your mind but the functionality and the design could suggest a completely different thing. Let us know about some of your experiences of home renovation disasters in the comments below.

If you had worked from home, and felt like your home isn’t exactly large enough to keep your workspace separate from your living space? However, at the same, a thought might have popped up about its expansion but it seems to be excessively expensive. Well, if you want to expand the functionality of your home without tearing down the entire house or spending loads of money, then optimize your space and imagination by turning your empty garage into a home office. 

Why Garage?

Transforming it would be cost-effective and liberate you from all the hassle and hassle of dealing with home renovation problems. The garage is the place that most of the time left ignored. The experts at Hempstead Epoxy Floors completely transform garages floors from old and deteriorating to brand new and shiny. Shake your head, start brainstorming, and convert your garage into a home office in your humble abode. Don’t try to rush and think whether you need an office just for yourself, or will you be inviting your valuable customers there. Once you are done contemplating, you are all set to transform your garage.  

Preparing For The Remodel

To build your dream office, you first need to clear everything you’re currently in the garage. Find some new location and space to relocate your items like motorbikes, motorcycles, gardening equipment, and accessories. Throw the things which are no longer in your use, and store those which might be useful in the future. Start to disinfect the garage thoroughly before you do anything else. Also, make sure there’s no leftover cobwebs or automotive grease stains. Moreover, ensure the new home office has a sound ventilation system so that space becomes more open and relaxing.

Lightning In The Home Office

Lucky are those who get a window in their garage, which allows the natural light to enter. But most of the garages don’t have windows since lighting positively affects the creativity and mood, you can’t compromise on it.  For that purpose, you need to spend some money on lamps and overhead lighting to make your office a vibrant and efficient office. Even if your garage is windowless, you can also get natural light by just getting a glass garage door. These elegant and trendy doors are an excellent option. 

Temperature Setting Of The Home Office

Because the garages are not intended to be an all year living space, so you need to ensure that your room temperature is right and balanced for both winters and summers. To overcome the temperature issue, install a portable heater to be used in winter and an air conditioner for summer. If you are in tech, make sure you place your computers at the right place, and properly wired to prevent any short circuit.

Add Colours

Since most garages have a concrete base, either use some rugs to cover the floor or invest some dollars on hardwood or laminate floors to give your garage a fast, simple face-lift and more inviting look. Depends on your budget, type of business, and how long you intend to use it.Grab a paintbrush and start painting the dull and stained looking walls with a light color for a modern, fresh, and more spacious look. 

Accessorize The Office

One critical step in turning your garage from a practical storage area into an elegant and cozy room that will keep you motivated and excited is installing the right decor. Take some time to select a suitable desk and chair and a few other main furniture pieces, such as a small sofa, bookshelf, file cabinet, or armchair. Also, make sure to upgrade your garage office with stuff like hanging artwork and paintings on the walls, getting in some tasteful decorations, and putting up some pictures of your family and friends.

Designating a space as your home office improves your productivity and creativity and adds more value to your home. Think of what suits your needs and how to build a room that would fit well for work conditions. With some planning, strategy, and imagination, you can turn an unused garage into a new looking home office.     

There are various reasons people choose to renovate the kitchen. It can either be to increase the value and style of the house, add a change, improve its practicality and deterioration. Whatever the reason, the task of remodeling a kitchen requires proper budgeting and planning. But to make this task easier for you, here is an estimated budget breakdown for the renovation of a kitchen.

Cost Of Labour

It accounts for a significant portion of your budget if you are hiring a team of professionals to carry out the entire project. As the team will require designers, plumbers, electricians, and construction workers. Almost 25% of your entire budget will be spent on this component of the renovation budget. This also includes the cost for construction material, which depends on your remodeling needs.

Cabinetry

Next up is the cabinets, which will take up almost 25% of your budget as well. According to experts, the average cost of installing cabinets ranges from $6000 to $11000. Their prices vary based on customization, type of wood, size, and quantity of cabinets, etc. You cannot choose to cut short the budget for this part as they are the most significant element of your kitchen. Since they will be responsible for storage, decluttering, and beautification of the kitchen.

Appliances

Appliances will require around 10% of your remodeling budget as they are the essentials of a kitchen. These will include;

• Stovetop
• Refrigerator
• Microwave
• Oven
• Dishwasher

You can save up on these if you buy during a holiday sale or any other discount deals.

Countertop

Their cost depends on the shape, size, and material used for making them. They will account for almost 10% of the total budget. However, if you decide to keep the old one and install a granite overlay, you will end up saving a lot of money. But make sure the final products align perfectly with the demands of your lifestyle and kitchen.

Ventilation

Proper airflow and exchange are essential for a comfortable and practical kitchen. No one likes to work in a kitchen that heats up as soon as you turn up the stove. You can avoid this by installing a hood, exhaust fan, and windows. This part of the renovation will take up almost 5% of the budget.

 Plumbing

Hiring a plumber for installing faucets and dishwashers cost more than the hardware itself. Moreover, you cannot dial down the cost of this part otherwise improper plumbing can cause leakage which results in the growth of molds and bacterias. Almost 5% of the entire budget will be needed for this task.

Electricity Supply

Improper lighting can compromise the quality of cooking and work done in the kitchen. Therefore, invest in good quality and bright overhead lights as well as led lights for under the cabinets. Furthermore, the smart placement of power outlets throughout the kitchen must be a part of the electricity plan. You will only have to set aside 5% of the total budget.

Floor

The cost of flooring is usually estimated to be 5% of the whole budget but you can easily avoid this by using old tiles under the cabinets and appliances. On the other hand, you can buy cheaper tiles for the covered area and expensive high-quality tiles for the exposed area. The cost of flooring can change based on the dimensions of the kitchen and the type of tiles used.

Paint

The cost of painting is often estimated to be around 10% along with other final touches. Although you can easily save money on this part by painting yourself. Instead, you can use that amount for buying a high-quality, stain-resistant, and waterproof paint.

All these price estimates can vary depending on the size, design, and current condition of a property. For example, if a kitchen already has sufficient lighting and ventilation, then it can save you a lot of money. Avoid cutting down the budget at any cost, as this remodeling will pay you back in the form of increased resale value. Don’t forget to set aside some money for any surprise!