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Why You Should Upgrade Your Fireplace When Renovating Your Living Room

If you moved into a home that already had an existing living room fireplace, there is a good chance that it is a builder grade feature. This means that it was added to the construction as a budget item, and will not be as efficient or aesthetically pleasing as an upgraded fireplace.

Anytime you are planning upgrades in the living room, consider the following reasons to make the fireplace a priority.

Visual Appeal

The eye is naturally drawn to the fireplace in any room, even if it’s plain and outdated. With attractive upgrades to the exterior, it has the potential to become beautiful and inviting.

There are so many options that you can incorporate modern design elements with your own personal style to create an awe-inspiring feature.

Improved Efficiency

Old masonry fireplaces are only appealing for the visual benefit because most of the heat escapes through the chimney instead of projecting into the home. Even worse is the cold draft of air that it lets in when not in use. This makes the HVAC system work much harder to properly control the temperature that is set on the thermostat.

A simple upgrade to improve efficiency is to install a fireplace insert and well-sealed doors to get a much greater level of air control.

Zone Heating

An efficient fireplace that can provide enough heat for a single room allows for the option of zone heating. If you’re home alone or everyone is gathered in the living room, the HVAC system can be set to low or turned off.

The upgraded living room fireplace should provide more than enough heating to keep your friends and family cozy on the coldest nights.

Reduced Heating Cost

Any efforts to increase efficiency of the existing fireplace are going to put more money in your pocket. The less expense you pay for heating in the winter is going to cover any investment you make in the necessary fireplace upgrades.

A lot of household upgrades have the potential to increase value, and the fireplace is a smart place to begin investing. Speak with a contractor to find out the options to improve the look and functionality of your living room fireplace.

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What exactly is marble?

The unique marble slabs are actually a porous metamorphic stone that becomes more dense from the heat and pressure in nature. Mineral deposits take on a unique veining pattern throughout each piece, making every product a genuine one-of-a-kind.

Due to the calcium carbonate element, it is very sensitive to acid and will etch from exposure. However, it does have an advantage with the strength, heat resistance, and natural durability against dents and chips.

Which colors are available in marble?

Physical appearance is the biggest advantage to marble, with guess in a wide array of colors. Neutral gray, white, and black are popular marble slab colors and are great for a more classic style, but marble countertop colors can also be found in pink, green, or yellow.

The veining is natural and may be more prominent and contrasting in some slabs. White is one of the top choices for countertop installations because it hides etching, adapts easily to surrounding decor, and it opens up any space with the brighter shade.

What kinds of finishes are available for marble?

• Polished – A high-gloss surface is created through a buffing and grinding process that enhances the intricate details of the slab. Although it is the most susceptible to damage from acidic substances, it is the least porous option.
• Honed/Matte – The process of sanding the surface makes the surface appear more smooth so that it does not show obvious flaws. It does make the surface more susceptible to stains because the pores are opened up, and the color will be slightly muted.
• Leather – Dark marbles are the most common option when choosing to give the slab a leather-like texture. It isn’t reflective but it will have a soft sheen to conceal imperfections like fingerprints.

Should marble be sealed?

Considering the vulnerability to acids and general porousness of the marble, you should consider sealing absolutely necessary. A topical sealant is going to provide a moderate level of protection, but can be damaged by heat and scratches.

If your marble is used in a kitchen application, it is smart to use a penetrating sealant to increase stain resistance. It might not protect against all acidic liquids, but it does add some degree of resistance against water and dark liquids.

What are the best cleaning and care practices for marble countertops?

Maintenance is easy if you know the basics of taking care of your marble, such as always using a cutting board. With such a fragile stone, do not use any acidic or abrasive cleaners that could cause damage.

Use mild soap and warm water for daily cleaning, and always wipe up spills the moment that they happen to avoid letting color soak in. Always have your countertop sealed professionally once a year, or more frequently if needed.

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Make Your Home More Comfortable With These 7 Tips

Home is the one place that most of us go to really unwind and relax in total comfort. Whether you work from home, or are stuck in an office all day waiting for the chance to relax, the level of comfort in the home should be a major priority.

If your home seems less than cozy, there are easy ways to make it seem more like a nice getaway. Your family deserves to feel at ease and relieved at home, and this is possible with our small investment ideas.

Circulate Fresh Air

Stale air is one of the worst things to deal with when all you want to do is get comfortable.

A clean supply of oxygen improves alertness, eases breathing, and enhances the feel of each room. Devices that control humidity and clean the air are the go-to investment for fixing this issue.

Window Upgrades

Every home has windows, but there are plenty of ways to make them more functional for your home environment.

One way is the technique of glazing windows which effectively dampens outdoor sound that might be bothersome. Upgrading to larger windows also add another light source to make the rooms more open and bright.

Improved Lighting

If natural light is not economically possible, make sure that you have enough artificial fixtures in place.

Different light sources help to set the right mood for relaxing or entertaining in the home. Make sure that it provides a good balance between dreary and too bright.

Prioritize the Flooring

As much as we walk across the floors at home every single day, it seems to get overlooked in terms of comfort. Hardwood looks nice and it’s easy to maintain, but but you may want to consider other types of flooring. Stylish area rugs are a smart way to make your steps more enjoyable.

If you want to go even further, radiant floor heating is an exceptional way to keep from getting chilly feet in the morning.

Adopt a Pet

Animals are a very gratifying addition to any family, and they are sure to make the home feel more welcoming. The unconditional love and affection of a cat, dog, or more exotic pet is going to improve your bad days and make the good ones even more satisfying.

Embrace the Convenience of Technology

There are electronic solutions for just about any comfort need that you have at home. Control temperature, lighting, and the television without ever getting out of your comfortable spot on the couch.

Add Live Plants

Real plants look great and offer plenty of health benefits that your entire family can appreciate. Plants purify the air, prevent allergies, and decrease blood pressure without requiring a significant investment.

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Top Home Improvement Projects for $1000 or Less

Deciding to work within a strict $1,000 budget on home improvement projects is a smart way to avoid spending too much. Some of the easier projects are more affordable if you choose to do the work yourself, but keep in mind hiring a professional is not always an unnecessary expense. Check out our project ideas to get inspired to complete tasks that will not break the bank.

New Lighting Fixtures

A little money goes far when switching to more modern lighting fixtures. Check out the latest trends and pick a style that would look great with the existing decor. Larger fixtures, like a chandelier, is a luxurious touch that will make the kitchen seem more spacious. With the right lighting, it’s easy to make the room feel more cozy and inviting.

Redo the Entryway

There’s nothing like the great first impression made with an updated entryway into the home. Purchase a new door or buy a few basic materials to update the one already installed. If you save money keeping the original door, there will be more to spend on the exterior lighting, stylish house numbers, and charming potted plants.

Modernize Kitchen Features

A full remodel is not a cheap project, but it’s possible to add a few modern features to make the space more appealing. Pick a few easy, inexpensive projects that you feel comfortable completing on your own. New wall paint is easy, inexpensive, and it has the potential to change the entire feel of the room. Add some updated decor elements, like dishes and rugs, to match the updated color scheme. There should be plenty of budget left to re-tile the backsplash, change cabinet pulls, or even install a useful kitchen island.

Bathroom Updates

This small room is incredibly budget-friendly, especially if you avoid the most expensive options. Repainting, purchasing new linens, and getting a matching shower curtain can be done for very little. If the sink or toilet is outdated, look for a good price on discontinued or sale items. The key to bathroom projects is to pick projects that will make a major impact.

A Professional Cleaning

The cleaning products and devices that you use around the house do not accomplish the job the same as the heavy duty equipment used by professionals. Hire cleaners to refresh the carpets, windows, exterior walls, driveway, and any other walkways that could use a little extra freshness.

Add Wall Decor

Bare walls are boring, and it usually tricks the eye into believing that the rooms in your home are much smaller. Use open shelving, artwork, and framed mirrors to represent personal style and create a focal point.

Get Rid of Clutter

A lot of homeowners are guilty of holding onto items that they do not need and have no place to keep. Create a donation pile of unused items that are still in good shape, and hold onto items that have a designated space for containment. Organization brings out the natural beauty of your interior and it will be easier to locate miscellaneous items when needed.

If you want to start planning a home improvement project on a budget, give us a call to get professional advice and assistance.

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9 Trending Ideas for Refacing Your Fireplace

A worn or outdated fireplace is an absolute waste of what could potentially be the best feature in the entire home. There may be broken pieces of brick or stone accompanied by the wear of soot exposure over the years.

If you don’t feel completely satisfied with the style or condition of your fireplace, it’s time for a full makeover provided by refacing. Whether you choose to undertake the entire project yourself or trust the expertise of a professional, you should begin with a clear project plan according to your desired result.

Stone Resurfacing

Changing the surface of an old brick fireplace is as easy as attaching decorative stone panels. The pieces weigh less than a full stone, but you still get the same advantages of natural beauty and warmth in the room. Coordinate the colors and tones to match the existing decor surrounding the fireplace.

Tile Over Old Brick

Another easy solution for covering old brick is to apply decorative tiles to the surface. Larger matching tiles make for a quick project featuring a modern look, or apply smaller tiles for a more intricate design.

Implement Natural Granite

One great benefit of granite is that the natural stone is resistant to high heat. With a wide selection of color options to select from, it’s easy to coordinate the updated granite look with your decor style.

Surround With Paneling

If you’re ready for a large renovation project, add paneling around the fireplace to give it a built-in look. Continue further with the addition of built-in bookcases or other storage solutions that complete the wall.

Extend to the Ceiling

Don’t feel constrained to update the fireplace according to the current size. By extending the fireplace all the way to the ceiling, there is more surface to cover with the attractive stones and textures that you install. Stacking thin stones enhances the texture, or use large fieldstones to build charm and character. Preview looks that would go great with your existing interior space by using the stacked stone visualizer tool found here.

Install Your Television

The natural focal point of the average living room is the television set. You’ll want to show off the refaced fireplace once completed, so consider merging the two focal points into one area. Install the flat screen TV above the fireplace and use paint colors or stones to tie the two features together.

Add Wooden Accents

Layer planks of reclaimed wood over the fireplace as an effortless and rugged accent piece. You could also use wood to create columns to one side of the firebox or use it to create an entire mantel.

Complete With A Mantel

Speaking of the mantel, if the existing fireplace in your home is without one, then this should be part of the project. A basic style is easy to achieve if you want the fireplace to seem more complete, or you could go the extra mile to make it an extraordinary architectural focal point.

Attach Hearth Seating

There’s nothing cozier than warming up by the fire on plush hearth seating. It will come in handy to have extra seating when friends or family visit, and it’s easy to add seating that features extra storage drawers.

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Top Home Improvement Apps for Apple and Android

The planning phase of a home remodel project is one of the most daunting processes. Technology has made it much simpler to find great ideas, with a multitude of handy apps for remodeling your home. We have compiled some of the best, and mostly free, Android and iOS home improvement apps for you to browse home improvement ideas directly from a tablet or smart phone.

FixApp

FixApp is a new app designed for homeowners to ask questions, post jobs, receive quotes from multiple contractors, and message contractors directly. Available for both Apple and Android phones, Fixapp makes the process of finding the right local contractor for your project a seamless process.

ColorSchemer

ColorSchemer offers a large palette of colors and helps you find the perfect complimentary shades to pair with them. If you would like to gather inspiration from other like-minded homeowners, the community at COLOURlovers submit their own samples to browse.

iHandy Carpenter App

iHandy Carpenter App is an inexpensive tool if you plan to take the do-it-yourself approach to your project. Instead of keeping up with every measurement tool, you have a plumb bob, ruler, protractor, and two types of levels right on your mobile device.

Houzz Interior Design Ideas

Houzz Interior Design Ideas is another app that features a large community of members that submit their own ideas and remodel stories. In addition to the database of high-resolution photos, you can find over one million project ideas to begin your own plan.

Remodelista LITE

Remodelista LITE is the free version of the popular design app providing inspiration to users like Gwenyth Paltrow. You can browse daily content to find new products that you may have never considered adding to your home decor.

Pinterest App

Pinterest App lets you access your account to pin inspirational ideas for easy organization. Even if you are starting from scratch, it’s easy to browse unique content submitted by other users. Available for both Apple and Android

Visit Flemington Granite’s profile on Pinterest.

Homestyler Interior App

Homestyler Interior App is an interactive design resource that allows you to use a photo to try out different paint colors, layouts, and interior furnishings.

Bedroom Decoration App

Bedroom Decoration App is a collective gallery that focuses on designs and paint schemes for all types of bedrooms, and you can easily save and share the images that you love.

Interior Design App

Interior Design App showcases techniques and ideas to use in every room of the house. It covers everything from flooring, furniture, wall colors, lighting, and everything in between with easily customizable search categories.

IMAGinE Measures Free

IMAGinE Measures Free lets you upload personal photos to begin mapping out measurements and dimensions of a room, as well as adding annotations if needed. This is used by many professionals to keep their own notes, as well as homeowners looking for a price estimate.

Living Room Decorating Ideas

Living Room Decorating Ideas focuses on images for family rooms and lounging areas to give you paint, lighting, and furnishing solutions.

Planese

Planese is a collection of professional portfolios that homeowners can browse to get ideas, ask questions, and find the perfect person for the job.

Porch App

Porch App will help you find a great professional to work on projects around the house. Submit your project requests to top-rated landscapers, electricians, plumbers, and handymen in the local areas.

HB Color

HB Color provides unique tools, such as a color quiz, to help you figure out your preferences. It’s very color-oriented and can help you discover the perfect shades and tints to avoid any palette confusion.

Baby Room Ideas App

Baby Room Ideas App helps you welcome the new addition to the family with design ideas that cover every single detail, including wall borders and windows.

Teenage Bedroom Ideas App

Teenage Bedroom Ideas App is another collection of samples that are all appropriate for the older kids in the home. Look for ideas based on the gender of your child or work with specific color schemes.

home improvement Kitchen Design

Make Your Open Kitchen Feel Cozy With These Tips

It’s common for a spacious kitchen to seem a bit cold and uninviting if improperly designed. There is no reason for you to feel that your open kitchen is boring if you understand how to improve comfort and coziness with our kitchen design solutions. The simple addition of large lighting features or a unique tile backsplash can create a very noticeable improvement that your family can enjoy.

Choose A Unique Stove Backsplash

The area behind your stove should feature a different tile style than the rest of your kitchen. It’s a great opportunity to splurge on hand-painted tiles or something more unusual. Considering the limited amount of space above the stove, you can complete this job with a small amount of high-end materials.

Transitional Kitchen by Flemington Tile, Stone & Countertops Flemington Granite & Architectural Supply

Implement Decorative Lighting

Pendant lighting is very eye-catching, especially if you give it a central placement in the room. Installing decorative lighting over the central island or countertop is going to draw the eye for a dramatic balance. You could add consecutive lights of the same style if there is room available. In a large kitchen, you don’t have to worry about going overboard because it will make the room feel more cozy.

Set Aside A Conversation Space

An open floor plan often includes wasted space that is unused and empty. A small bistro table with additional seating provides another place for guests or family to relax and have a conversation. As long as it’s out of the way of the cooking area, it’s going to help fill the space in a valuable way.

Pick Panel-Ready Appliances

Metal appliances are sleek and reflective, but that might not be the most inviting style for your space. Large appliances that will match the same style and finish as surrounding cabinets are going to be more appealing than cold steel. Small appliances are easy to hide in storage areas under the counter to make the room clean and clutter-free.

We look forward to getting started designing your kitchen project as soon as you complete the contact form. Our designers have plenty of additional solutions that will help you create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

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Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2016

The value of your home can easily diminish throughout the years if you do not stay current with design trends. A few modern kitchen improvements will catch the attention of potential buyers to influence the desire to buy. Not to mention the benefit of enjoying the remodel efforts throughout the time that you reside in the home. We have compiled a list of kitchen trends for 2016 so that all of your design choices make sense.

Accentuate Neutral Shades and Natural Materials with Bright Colors

The first thought that most people have regarding modern design is the use of neutrals. Begin the entire design with this timeless element so that you have plenty of options to stylize in other ways. Soft whites, light gray, and browns are all hot shades for 2016, but they are paired with rich accent colors. Natural wood, bamboo, and stone materials are always popular design elements when you want to integrate different textures and colors.
Follow Flemington Granite’s board The White Kitchen on Pinterest.

Modernize with Thin Countertops

Bulk and thickness are quickly being replaced by slim, elegant countertops. Believe it or not, these thin countertops are still resistant to heat, moisture, or shock resistance with the elimination of extra size. A thin countertop is a great feature in a modern design, and quartz continues to lead the material options. There are plenty of eye-catching styles that feature different colors and unique patterns.

Transitional Kitchen by Flemington Tile, Stone & Countertops Flemington Granite & Architectural Supply

Simple Cabinetry

Plain kitchen cabinets are never in style, especially if they are worn out and old. Reach for a more spectacular look with frosted doors or decorative drawer pulls. As long as you emphasize clean lines, any renovations that you make are going to enhance the kitchen design. If the walls are already neutral, consider incorporating a touch of bright color to really make the cabinets stand out.

A photo posted by flemington granite (@flemingtongranite) on Nov 5, 2015 at 5:55am PST

Rich Wood Flooring

Hardwood is always a smart remodel choice that features a multitude of texture options. Implementing rich tones into the flooring design retains the updated look for many years after installation, especially as part of a contemporary design. Warm browns, like mahogany, pair better with a more traditional kitchen style. Gaining popularity this year is the use of gray tones in interior design because it’s an often overlooked neutral option.

Stylish Lighting, Appliances, and Furniture

Despite what some may say about stainless steel, it’s a classic style that is not going out of style. The polished look is easy to match with other decor and you can incorporate some of the same elements in other parts of the kitchen. If you are looking for something new and unique, black stainless steel finish is available through KitchenAid. When it comes to the lighting aspect, 2016 continues the trend of statement lighting design. Don’t limit yourself to the necessary fixtures because additional lighting options make it easier to change the ambiance to suit your mood.

Transitional Kitchen by Flemington Tile, Stone & Countertops Flemington Granite & Architectural Supply

Metal and Glass Accents

Enhance the elegance of your kitchen with a mosaic tile backsplash or a mixture of metal materials. Glass is easy to incorporate into a tabletop or cabinet doors for a more open, chic style. Even if you prefer the look of cool metal options, both are very easy to clean and maintain.

Industrial Kitchen by Flemington Tile, Stone & Countertops Flemington Granite & Architectural Supply

Whether you want to update your kitchen according to next year’s trends, or you prefer to stick with timeless home improvement elements, we have plenty of ideas to offer. Set up a visit with our designers through the contact form so that we can help you pick out new materials and complete the remodel project to your specifications.

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Big Ideas For Small Bathrooms

A luxurious, small bathroom can be just as valuable and inviting as a larger bathroom. It’s pretty common for homes to feature small bathrooms, so we have come up with many great bathrooms designs that you can easily implement. Smart design elements and high-end materials are sure to make you forget all about any size concerns you may have.

Create a Bathroom Retreat

A small bathroom does not have to be cramped and cluttered. Implementing natural stone, bright tile, and peaceful colors throughout the room will make it feel more relaxing. A bright room is going to feel more open and clean, especially if you use the natural light of a skylight or high window.

Asian Bathroom by Flemington Tile, Stone & Countertops Flemington Granite & Architectural Supply

Work with Neutrals

It might seem boring to use neutrals in other rooms, but the bathroom is the ideal setting for pastels and lighter shades. This gives the illusion of more space and natural sophistication. Consider bright marble countertops that will match any color touches that you choose for the rest of the room.

Traditional Bathroom by Flemington Tile, Stone & Countertops Flemington Granite & Architectural Supply

Splurge on Luxurious Flooring

Moderate room size provides the opportunity to purchase flooring and backsplash materials. It’s more difficult to afford upgrades in a large bathroom because there are so many square feet to cover. Invest in a backsplash or elegant flooring that you wouldn’t normally consider suitable for your budget.

A photo posted by flemington granite (@flemingtongranite) on Oct 27, 2015 at 5:44am PDT

Add Colors to Storage Features

Too much blank or neutral space is easy to break up with the addition of colorful features. Take advantage of the area above the toilet or a blank wall by adding colorful cabinets for additional storage. Spruce up your vanity or old drawers with fun paint colors or adhesive tape.

Add Natural Light, Mirrors, and Glass

Reflective surfaces partnered with natural light is always a great idea for the bathroom. If there’s no room to add another window, hang a few mirrors to create a similar feature. Also, replace the basic shower curtain with a glass door to make the space appear more open.

A photo posted by flemington granite (@flemingtongranite) on Oct 15, 2015 at 4:00pm PDT

Install a Pocket Door

The standard swinging door is taking up unnecessary space that you could be using. A pocket door slides into the wall when not used so it’s completely out of the way. You’ll still have the same level of privacy without all of the waste.

Save Space with a Pedestal Sink

A spacious sink with storage underneath is a bit bulky, especially in a small room. The pedestal sink is a very attractive alternative that takes up very little space. Add simple skirting to hide the ugly hardware and make the entire sink more stylish.

Contemporary Spaces by Flemington Tile, Stone & Countertops Flemington Granite & Architectural Supply

There are a lot of great ideas that will help you achieve greater satisfaction with your bathroom, no matter how small the space. Call to set up a visit so that we can get a look at your space and help you discover the upgrade potential.

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Beginner’s Guide to Color Coordination

You don’t have to be an interior designer to appreciate exceptional color schemes in the home. With so much confusing industry-specific lingo, it can get confusing when you’re trying to coordinate colors.

We’re going to lay out the basics that you need to know so that you have total confidence in any color choices that you make.

How To Use the Color Wheel

The color wheel is an easy visual representation that most of us learned about in early childhood. Primary colors are represented an equal distance apart with a total of 12 categorized shades and tints filling in the empty spaces.

Rather than try to memorize the entire color matching chart, it can be accessed on any mobile device the you the next time you’re out paint shopping.

What Are the Basic Colors

It takes at least 12 shades to create a complete color wheel, but some are even larger. Most interior design pallets begin with a single selection from this color matching system. These colors are on the very basic wheel:

Primary colors (blue, red, yellow) stand on their own and cannot be created from a mixture of any other colors.
Secondary colors (green, orange, purple) are created when a combination of the primary colors are combined.
Tertiary colors are the shades created from a mixture of different primary and secondary colors

Changing Colors With Neutrals

After the first color is decided, lighter and darker variations (tint, shade, tone) can be created by using a neutral color.

Tint is the color that develops after the white is added.
Shade is the color that results from adding black.
Tone is a slightly darker version created by adding gray.

Understanding Color Temperature

The spot where the color falls on the wheel can help you identify the temperature. Warm, vibrant colors (orange, red, yellow) make a room feel lively and intimate. Cool, calm colors (blue, green, purple) create a relaxed feeling in a room.

It’s a smart idea to consider the feel that you want in the room to choose the correct temperature.

Complementary Color Scheme

Any two colors that are positioned opposite of one another on the wheel are complimentary. The color scheme typically has one color working as the dominant shade while the other is only used as an accent.

Keep in mind that the colors are going to have a high contrast and need to be accompanied by neutrals as well.

Split-Complementary Color Scheme

A safer choice for designers that don’t want to add bold colors into their home could choose a split-complementary scheme. Instead of working with the color across from your base shade, you can choose a color two shades to the side of the opposite.

It’s going to provide more opportunity to use the muted shade instead of additional neutrals.

Analogous Color Scheme

Using the 60-30-10 rule, the analogous scheme is created by using three consecutive colors on the wheel. The dominant shade will be used the most, with the middle shade coming in as support.

The remaining color is only used as a vibrant accent to make certain areas pop.

Triadic Color Scheme

Three different colors spaced equally on the wheel, such as the primary colors, create a triad. It’s not an arrangement that is recommended for all rooms because it is typically high contrast and lively.

The triadic color scheme is great for a playroom or children’s bedroom as long as the nearby rooms are neutral.

Tetradic Color Scheme

Using a rectangular configuration, the tetradic scheme incorporates a total of four colors. You should have two pairs of complimentary colors, with a balance of two warm and two cool.

It’s easy to go overboard with saturation if you do not use the colors equally to create a natural balance.

Square Color Scheme

The only real difference between the square and rectangle scheme is that the colors are evenly spaced on the wheel. There should be a total of two tertiary colors, one secondary, and one primary to complete the square.

Pick a dominant shade, but make sure that you have an equal number of warm and cool colors.

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5 Tips for Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

The cabinets and drawers are one of the most basic necessities inside of every kitchen. A smart layout will help you put the size and floorplan of the room to good use. Aside from general placement, the aesthetics and functionality are important to the overall value of the room.

You need to start off designing the perfect kitchen cabinets with a durable base material that will provide years of use without damage. Once you have the basics figured out, you can begin moving forward to choose door styles, hardware, and an attractive finish that complements your personal style.

Cabinet Materials

Solid wood is always a popular choice in the kitchen, but you should not feel limited to this option. Although rich cherry or bright maple wood might easily match your current decor, stainless steel is a sleek alternative. Melamine and thermofoil are other materials becoming more common in modern kitchen designs.

Cabinet Door Styles

There is no reason to stick with a boring single-panel door if you really want your cabinets to stand out. A breaded frame or raised panel will add depth, even if you are simply changing the doors on existing cabinetry. Complex detailing is a very luxurious style, but keep it mind the extra difficulty this will cause when cleaning.

Function

There are plenty of options that you may not have considered for improving the functionality of your basic cabinets. A frameless cabinet is going to open up more storage space and accessibility than the bulky framed style. Inexpensive soft-close hinges added to all doors and drawers eliminate the noise and impact when they are slammed. If you want to splurge on an added luxury, touchless cabinets are becoming more common in residential kitchens.

Finish

If you do decide to stick with wooden cabinet material, a finish or stain can be added as a final touch. Some homeowners prefer to leave them with their natural color for a more rugged design. A lighter color and different decorative finishes are going to help camouflage any dirt easier than a dark stain.

Cabinet Hardware

The most customizable accessory in your kitchen is the hardware that you use to complete the cabinets. Drawer pulls and knobs come in so many different styles and they are incredibly easy to change if you ever want to update the appearance in the future.

There is a lot to learn about kitchen cabinets, but we will guide you through the process as soon as you complete the contact form.

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7 Unique Ideas for Improving Kitchen Storage

The storage solutions in your kitchen should provide freedom from the clutter of kitchen tools and small appliances. Disorganization and inefficiency leads to sacrificing countertop space that could be used more wisely. If you constantly find yourself in uncomfortable positions digging through messy cabinets to locate items that you need, it is time for a remodel. Follow along with our tips to make sure that the effort and investment that you put in is completely worthwhile.

1. Cabinets Should Be High

Believe it or not, some kitchens are designed with open space between the ceiling and the cabinets. This is not only wasteful of the available space, these empty areas are good for nothing but dust collection. Start your kitchen design by making cabinets reach all the way to the ceiling to lengthen the appearance of the room and provide extra storage.

2. Install Pull-Our Shelves

Say goodbye to the days of reaching into dark cabinets trying to find small appliances or dishes. The addition of pull-out shelving allows you to conveniently bring your items out with a simple sliding motion.

3. Add Organizational Racks

It’s possible to store more in one space by putting a couple of racks on the new pull-out shelves. You can easily organize pots, pans, baking dishes, Tupperware, and any other items that would otherwise pile up into a mess.

4. Simplify the Spices

Most kitchens have an entire cabinet of spices to sift through each time a meal is prepared. Feel free to alphabetize a pull-out spice rack or use a different storage solution in a drawer. When everything has a designated place, it’ll be easier to find exactly what you need in an instant.

5. No More Junk Drawer

Get rid of the familiar clanking sound of trying to locate utensils thrown into a messy drawer. Simple insert organizers help separate silverware, cooking utensils, Tupperware, or entire dish sets.

6. Add Open Shelves

There isn’t a requirement to stick to the traditional closed cabinets or drawers when storing dishes, cookware, spices, and other items you use frequently. Keep important items in a convenient location by installing open shelving for easy access.

7. Install Drawers in the Base of Cabinets

Kids love to dig through cabinets as you prepare meals in the kitchen. Add a toe-kick drawer to store their toys, art supplies, and other safe items that will keep them entertained as you work.

If you want more ideas that work to improve the storage of your kitchen, we are happy to help. Our designers understand the value of organization, especially if the space you are working with is limited in size. Call us to set up a time that we can discuss your remodel project and find more ways to help you make the most of your kitchen storage.

home improvement Kitchen Design

Selling Your Home? These Upgrades Will Give You The Biggest Return on Investment

When selling your home, you want to be sure that you get the most out of your investment. Although you may be very pleased with the way your home looks, there are a few inexpensive upgrades that can help increase the value of your home and may make your home more appealing to buyers.

Make Your Kitchen Look Amazing

Kitchens are the most important room in the house when it comes to selling. A dated kitchen can make the difference between a buyer who falls in love with your house and one that simply walks out the door without interest. One simple way to update your kitchen is to refinish or repaint cabinets and update the hardware, adding new handles and hinges.

Choose colors that appeal to a wide range of home buyers and not those that are trendy. Consider replacing plain white appliances with stainless steel or laminate countertops with granite. There are builder-grade granites available that are less expensive than higher-end cuts. Granite countertops can add significant value to your home and be an excellent selling point for buyers.

The Bathroom of Your Dreams

Bathrooms are the second most important room in the house to buyers. Today, many buyers are looking for bathrooms with a spa-like feeling. Replace your plastic tub surround with tile, giving it a modern look with inexpensive white subway-style ceramic tile. For just a little more money, you can even add a recessed wall shelf in the bathroom as well. Old pedestal sinks are trending right now, so instead of replacing the sink, change the faucet fixtures to a more retro style and hang colorful towels next to it.

Many buyers now are seeking large, walk-in showers rather than whirlpool bathtubs. Neutral colors in bathrooms are the most well-received, so consider tones in light blue or green with white accents. Add some scented candles and fresh-smelling soaps to increase the spa feeling. Consider replacing a regular shower head with a handheld model that can be adjusted for different types of spray or add a rain shower for more of a spa feeling. Replace dated lighting and replace wallpaper with textured finishes.

Don’t Forget to Paint

One of the least expensive ways to update your home is by painting each room. A room that is freshly painted looks clean and updated. In addition, painting may force you to eliminate clutter which may also be a turn-off to buyers. Choose neutral shades like cream or beige so the buyer looks at the room as a blank canvas. If you have bright furniture or accessories, earth tones will mute those colors and look perfect with wood flooring. Consider bright pops of color in small rooms, like powder rooms and alcoves.

Reasons to Improve Your Flooring

Wood floors are trending today and it is possible to get a hardwood floor look at a reasonable price. Today, laminate flooring is affordable and other Earth-friendly options like bamboo and cork are growing in popularity. If you have covered hardwood with carpet, consider removing it and refinishing the wood to increase the value of your home. If you have hardwood floors that are scuffed or dull, consider renting a sander and refinishing them or hire a professional to do it for you. Many buyers are turning away from carpet completely, even in bedrooms, so consider replacing all carpeted floors with wood to increase the value of your home.

These tips can make your home look more appealing to buyers and can increase the value of your home without costing a significant amount of money. Selling your home? Give us a call or complete our easy contact form so that we can help you get the most value for your home without emptying your wallet.

Before Flooring home improvement

Home Improvement Money Saving Tips

Saving money is always a necessity when it comes to planning a remodel and improving parts of the home. The financial commitment is often more than the original budget so it always helps to find ways to save money whenever possible.

Check out our budgeting tips for reducing expenses and ensuring that you can complete your projects without disruption.

Prioritize Needs over Wants

Divide your list of renovation goals into changes that you want and improvements that you cannot live without. If your entire goal is to make certain household features more functional or to replace kitchen appliances that do not work, put the necessities at the top of the list. It might be possible to hold off on parts of the project that are not needed to achieve your basic renovation goals.

Handle the Demolition Yourself

Knocking down walls and removing old materials is a part of the cost that a professional will charge in a home improvement project. As long as you feel confident and understand how to properly tear out areas that will be replaced, why not handle it yourself? Take note to avoid any live wires, plumbing, and load-bearing walls that could put you in danger or cause the repairs to become an additional expense.

Leave the Kitchen Sink

It’s expensive to relocate plumbing so it might be smarter for your budget to simple plan the project around existing hookups. This is also true of electrical wiring that would have to be installed or removed by a licensed electrician. Only do what is necessary to keep from sacrificing a considerable part of the budget to move one sink.

Start with the Small Projects First

Before you jump into an entire home renovation, begin with something easy and inexpensive. Once you complete a front porch addition or replacing an entryway door, it will be easier to understand the process of buying new materials, paying for labor, and going through construction. Prior experience will help tremendously when it’s time to negotiate larger projects with contractors.

Budget for the Unexpected

No matter how prepared you are to take on a project of any size, there is a good chance that you will hit a snag at some point. Set aside a separate budget specifically to cushion these unforeseen expenses so that you never become stressed with the unexpected.

Get an Estimate from a Professional

The average homeowner is not able to complete a renovation without going over their set budget. It’s always smart to have a professional contractor provide a more realistic estimate based on the labor, materials, and details of the project. In the long run this is going to help save up an adequate amount before you ever decide to get started.

We are happy to come out to your home and provide an estimate on your project so that you can plan ahead. Call us to set up an appointment that is suitable with your schedule.

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