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23 Apr

Want to change your bedroom flooring? Here are some tips

Categories Tips

Remodeling and moving have been popular pastimes during the pandemic for those who had the means to upgrade their living space. Nearly 16 million Americans moved between February and July, according to analysis by MyMove.com, and homeowners spent nearly $420 billion on home improvements in 2020, according to the Joint Center for Husing Studies at Harvard University.

If your plans for a remodel or for a new home include replacing the bedroom floors, you may want to consider the advice of experts to help you choose the right material to install.

“Deciding on the best flooring option for your bedroom often is a matter of preference,” Marnie Oursler, president of Marnie Custom Hmes in Bethany Beach, Del., wrote in an email. “Do you like to step onto carpet when getting out of bed in the morning or is durability your number one concern? Hardwood, luxury vinyl flooring and carpet are all good options for bedrooms.”

Most high-end homes have hardwood in the bedrooms, perhaps with rugs to add some coziness, wrote architect Sean Mullin with Anthony Wilder Design/Build in Cabin John, Md., in an email.

“Some homeowners prefer the warm and plushy feel of carpet at their feet and its great sound-deadening quality,” Mullin wrote. “Laminate floors can give you the same look as hardwood with more stability and often end up less expensive than other options. Luxury vinyl tile is a great option for basement bedrooms that could be subject to water intrusion and they still look great after getting wet.”

We asked several architects and designers to share the pros and cons of bedroom floor options that you may be considering:

Hardwood

“If you are trying to decide what kind of flooring would be best for your bedroom, I always recommend going with hardwood flooring,” wrote Tracy Morris, owner of Tracy Morris Design in McLean, Va., in an email. “Hardwood is classic and will look good for many years to come. Then I add a large area rug to add warmth and softness to the space. It may sound counterintuitive to put hardwood in and cover it with an area rug, but this gives you so much more freedom to make the rug a real statement piece and you can easily switch it out in a few years if you want to get the room a refresh.”

Pros:

· Timeless.

· Good for resale value.

· Long life span — can be sanded and re-stained for new life.

· Durable.

· Softer underfoot than tile.

· Nonallergenic.

· Can be recycled.

Cons:

· Expensive to buy and install.

· Scratches easily.

· Won’t tolerate moisture or water.

· Repairing scratches and warping can be costly.

· Less pet-friendly than some materials.

· Lacks sound insulation.

· Harder underfoot than carpet.

Even if you decide on hardwood, you will need to choose between solid or engineered hardwood flooring. “With real solid hardwood flooring, each board is made from one solid piece of wood, ensuring a tight, dense grain pattern for strength,” Oursler wrote. “With engineered hardwood, each flooring board is made up of multiple component layers to achieve the desired thickness and wear.”

Luxury vinyl tiles and planks

“Luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl planks are water resistant, and some are even considered waterproof depending on their installation,” wrote Kirsten Gable, a designer with Anthony Wilder Design/Build, “which makes this material a great option for basement bedrooms.”

Pros:

· Durable.

· Scratch resistant.

· Easy maintenance by occasional dust mopping or sweeping.

· Somewhat soft underfoot.

· Easy to install, which makes them a great option for DIYers.

· Inexpensive, around the same price point as carpet.

· 10-20-year life span depending on quality.

Cons:

· Not considered a green material, not recyclable.

· May off-gas chemicals during and after installation, especially if glued in place.

· May be considered cheap at resale.

Carpet

Pros:

· Quiet.

· Warm and comfortable, with insulation against heat loss.

· Plenty of options for the color, pile and padding.

· Can be less expensive than other options.

· Better for pets because it is less likely to be scratched.

Cons:

· Hard to keep clean.

· Easily traps allergens.

· Can get worn down — shorter life span than other options.

· Can look dated.

Laminate flooring

Pros:

· Can be less expensive than carpet or hardwood.

· Plenty of options — including reproductions of more exotic wood species.

· Easier to install than some other materials.

· More stable because of how it is made.

· Some options have foam backing built in, which could help with sound.

Cons:

· Can wear easily.

· Hard to replace — may not be able to find a match.

· Can be harder or colder on your feet.

“If you are moving into a new home and debating redoing the floors, I always recommend clients to do them prior to moving in,” Morris wrote. “Redoing floors after you’ve moved in with a house full of furniture is much more difficult.”

15 Apr

9 things to consider before remodeling your bathroom

Categories Bathroom

Bathroom renovation tasks can be time-consuming and costly, so it’s best to be sure of every decision you make. Here are a few things to keep in mind before remodeling your bathroom into your dream space.

1. Budget

It’s a good idea to know how much you want to spend on your bathroom renovations before undertaking the project. A set budget will help you decide what you want to include in your remodel. With a clear idea of what you have to spend, you can start to deduct from the money allotted to labor.

2. Work Flow

It is possible to save a lot of time and effort by completing bathroom renovations in a specific order. You must begin at the top of the room when you want to sand or paint the room. Replace your ceiling first, then the walls, and finally the floor to ensure protection for your new fixtures.

3. Time

Many people assume that a small bathroom remodeling will take only a few days or, in any case, a lot less time than larger bathrooms. While that is sometimes true, it’s not always the case. If you have more than one item that needs to be altered, the process is similar to a larger-scale job. Additionally, in the planning stages, you must work out the duration of the renovation works and the order and purchase of custom cabinetry to make sure it’s possible. Additionally, taking a bath or shower while the bathroom is being dismantled presents a challenge to those who have only one bathroom.

4. Bathroom Issues

When doing a major renovation to your bathroom, it’s good to go through a complete renovation plan that includes the space’s previous problems. When hiring experts to help renovate you might minimize the risk of problems arising, but they still might be there. Your house’s most significant potential hidden problem may be due to water damage in the floor, bad plumbing, rusted fixtures, non-waterproof tub or floor/wall tiles, leaky connections or bad bathroom ventilation capabilities. If you want to ensure that your bathroom is safe from water problems, you can seek plumbing services from companies like A-1 Sewer and Septic Service to determine whether you need to change plumbing and move fixtures.

5. Functionality And Style

Think about how you want your bathroom to look before choosing what types of fixtures to put in it. There are several things to think about, such as paint color choices, tiles, showers, vanities, tubs, among other things. After some time and research, the results can become bewildering. It is possible to choose a specific feature, which you may then use to formulate the rest of the design, or you can piece together the items you like into an overall look for the room. Functionality should go hand in hand with design, and if you are thinking about the eventual resale of your house, think about how the design will work for others. Things such as water monitoring and water recycling systems can help you go green and increase buyer interests.

6. Fixtures

No remodeling project is ever done without repairing or remodeling fixtures. Additional or necessary maintenance also involves having your mirrors and shower doors cleaned. Your bathroom’s appearance can be easily changed by changing faucets, towel racks, cabinet pulls, and the hardware for your shower doors. A completely new set of doors can also alter your bathroom’s overall appearance.

Here are some other simple changes you can make:

  • Shower Sills: What’s critical is that the sill built into the bottom of your shower slopes into the shower slightly. Make sure you pick a rigid material, like granite or quartz. Even though the water sits on the grout lines when it’s tiled, it can get into the framing.
  • Drawer Storage: Consider installing a bathroom drawer instead of vanity doors if you want to store your cosmetics or toiletries in the vanity area. Drawers are more easily seen and can be more easily accessed. They can be trimmed to fit around the plumbing and accommodate more prominent items in size.
  • Lighting: Include recessed lighting fixtures to lighten the ceiling. Consider lighting options to have near or over your shower, to provide the best lighting. Also consider lighting near the bathroom sink; better light fixtures make it easier to see close-up work for applying makeup or shaving. Natural lighting can also help to avoid your bathroom looking too dark.
  • Wall-Hung Toilet: Fixtures such as these have seen a surge in popularity for genuine reasons. They are no longer breaking the bank, and they save on room space because the tank is behind the wall.

7. Floors And Walls

Generally, any non-porous material can be used for surfaces in the bathroom, as long as they are waterproof. Depending on your funds and preferences, porcelain, marble, and granite wall and shower tiles are lovely and long-lasting. You may also consider cement (painted or stained) or sheet vinyl in addition to tile flooring. No matter what you decide, it’s essential to choose flooring with durability and slip resistance.

8. Ventilation

It is essential to ventilate a bathroom when it is wet. It’s an involved process: deciding on the correct location, as well as wiring, must be taken into consideration. Damp, moldy conditions can result in ill health problems. Wood trim and insulation can be protected from deterioration and saturation with proper ventilation.

9. Contractors

Your contractor must be registered with the state. Check with your city’s building department to learn local ordinances, as the state regulates them. Get in contact with all prospective contractors and check the validity of his/her license.

Takeaway

The layout, costs, logistics, and contractor choice are all essential aspects in the re-design of a bathroom. Before starting a bathroom remodeling project, it is essential to think about these things. Create a checklist of the crucial things you need to accomplish and to help avoid making mistakes on your dream bathroom remodeling project.

14 Apr

5 kitchen renovation trends for 2021 that might surprise you

Categories News, trends

Being at home for the majority of the past 12 months has made people realize what does and doesn’t work in their home. One of those areas might be your kitchen.

While it may be the heart of the home, if it’s not functioning well, adjustments need to be made.

Houzz, a home improvement and design website, has conducted a survey of more than 2,000 U.S. homeowners about recent or planned renovations. The results show some major trends for kitchen remodeling work this year.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted home design, as people have been spending more time at home,” the report noted in its Big Ideas section. “The following findings from the 2021 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study may be a result of adapting spaces to fit new needs.”

Increased storage

Since more people are spending more time at home, there’s no surprise that we need more places to put away things that may have usually been left in the office break room.

Houzz’s study found that almost all kitchen renovation projects — 94% — involved some work on cabinets and 63% replaced kitchen cabinets altogether. Some, however, chose to conduct partial kitchen updates. But of the 31% who did, 28% added at least a few cabinets, which is a quadruple increase from 2019.

A drop in desires for open-concept

Spending more time at home with your loved ones can lead to an increase in the space you may want — or need — away from them. So while open-concept kitchen designs have been the norm for nearly half a century, according to Bob Vila, it’s now been pushed out of favor.

In 2021, 43% of people wanted an open concept compared to 53% in 2019. Homeowners who opened their kitchens to an outdoor space sat at 22%.

Consistent year-on-year kitchen spend

On average, major kitchen remodeling projects — those that involve replacing all cabinets and appliances — that were done by the middle of 2020 cost $35,000. Meanwhile, a minor large kitchen remodel is $12,000 compared to $5,000 for a small minor kitchen renovation.

According to HomeAdvisor, a small kitchen remodel costing between $10,000 and $15,000 could include installing a tile backsplash, upgrading the sink, resurfacing the cabinets and painting the walls. Custom cabinetry and hardwood floor installation and granite countertops are among the upgrades that could cost $30,000 or more.

Vinyl takes the lead over hardwood flooring

Speaking of hardwood floors, it appears many homeowners aren’t interested in covering their kitchens with the material. Houzz’s survey showed the flooring type fell to the No. 2 spot, with 23% of homeowners opting for it compared to the 24% who prefer No. 1-ranking ceramic or porcelain tile. Preference for resilient flooring such as vinyl continues to gain traction as 19% elected to go with it.

Hardwood floors have several pros and cons, according to Architecture Lab, including variety, and easy maintenance and installation. However, they are costly, prone to scratching and are high maintenance.

Neutral tones are king

People renovating their homes continue to opt for neutral beiges, whites and similar hues with gray tones. Still, color isn’t completely out. Some kitchens have incorporated bright pigments including blue walls, gray flooring and multicolored backsplashes, which accounted for 18% of respondents’ color selections.

 

01 Apr

Shaking off a dark winter with a spring cleaning, refresh

Categories trends

A spring cleanup and décor refresh have always been able to lift moods. But after this long pandemic winter, there’s special satisfaction in clutter removal, extra joy in being creative, particular pleasure in making a space even more your own.

“This time of year, I can often feel buried after so much time indoors, and with many of us working from home, this is even more crucial,” says designer Mel Bean in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Or as New York-based designer Thom Filicia puts it: “Be brave. The new year is a chance to create spaces that allow you to live your most beautiful life.”

Some suggestions from the experts on bringing a sense of harmony and happiness home this spring:

A GOOD CLEAR-OUT

“`Bright and light’ is my motto, and when the days get warmer, I can’t wait to purge and donate some things,” says New York designer Michael Wood. He gives to Housing Works, a New York City non-profit fighting AIDS and homelessness.

Wood takes the change of season as an opportunity to get a professional firm in to deep clean.

“Every piece of furniture is lifted and cleaned by the crew — all lighting fixtures, fans, walls, blinds/drapery and ceilings are wiped,” he says. “They clean the outside, inside and behind all appliances, inside closets, shelving and cabinetry, all windows inside and out. Everything feels new again!”

Hiring pros might not be doable for all of us, however. Thankfully, cleaning can be free therapy.

Organizing expert Marie Kondo says that visualizing what a happy home would look like to you is a good first move on the de-cluttering, cleaning journey.

“Think about what kind of house you want to live in, and how you want to live in it,” she says. “When you imagine your ideal lifestyle, you are really clarifying why you want to tidy and envisioning your best life. The tidying process represents a turning point.”

Decluttering might spark some new ideas for old belongings, says Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

“Heirlooms are a great way to accessorize and bring happiness into a home. Those ancient trinkets and doodads found while spring cleaning could make for a wonderful coffee table conversation piece,” he says. “There’s something special about preserving memories and respecting history that feeds the soul.”

LITTLE IMPROVEMENTS

Not up for anything big? After you’ve done a declutter, reward yourself by bringing home some green.

“Plants are known to boost mood and productivity,” says designer Jay Jeffers. “Add a floor plant in ample natural light to elevate your space, and put smaller plants where you spend most of your time, like your kitchen or your desk.”

There are lots of easy-care options, like succulents (including aloe and jade plants) and pothos. Or try cut flowers.

“Investing in a pretty vase and making a commitment to fresh flowers is a great way to bring happy into your space,” says Houston designer Mary Patton. “Even if you’re Instacarting, you can have inexpensive flowers delivered. Flower arranging is an easy, creative activity.”

Filicia advises paying attention to the pieces you touch most every day. “Your home should not only be a place where you feel inspired and energized, but also where you can kick back and relax. Create an environment that allows you to recharge,” he says.

“Bedding, pillows and throws create those welcoming environments.”

Paint or paper a wall, replace a rug, or reupholster a chair, he suggests.

Color is a simple way to create an upbeat feel, says John Cialone of Tom Stringer Design Partners in Chicago. The firm recently completed a Palm Springs, California, project where they brought in a vibrant kiwi green. Cialone also likes coral on walls or furniture for “giving you a healthy glow.”

BIGGER FIXES

Changing finishes or buying larger furniture costs more, but packs a punch.

Jeffers suggests drawing inspiration from your favorite destinations. “Think about the places where you feel happiest. Whether it’s a beach with tranquil blue water and warm white sand, or a cozy cabin surrounded by evergreen trees, incorporating design elements from your most-loved destinations will mentally bring you back,” he says.

At-home gyms have been one of his most requested additions this year. Whether you set up a few pieces of equipment or just some mats and pillows, that private oasis can pay off in both your fitness level and your mindset, Jeffers says.

Changing the finish or color of kitchen cabinets can be a big job, but the payoff, Cialone says, is also big.

As the pandemic waged on, Lisa and Peter Kinsman of Westchester County, New York, got fed up with their kitchen’s dark cherry cabinetry and black countertops. Inspired by a photo Lisa saw of a kitchen designed by Studio McGee, the couple chose a creamy gray paint to cover the cabinets, and changed out the counters for crisp white Silestone. The updates brought more light into the smallish, back-of-the-house space and improved the vibe in many ways, Lisa said.

“The light, definitely, but we’re surprised how much bigger it looks,” she says. “Hard to say if that’s why I find it more pleasant, or if it’s because it looks so much more current.”

Philadelphia-based interiors firm Marguerite Rodgers added a playful, cheery red pocket door to a recent kids’ room project on the Jersey Shore.

“The pop of color really ties the space together,” says designer Kaitlyn Murphy. “You can easily refresh existing millwork by adding a wallcovering, textile or a fun paint color.”

31 Mar

5 home remodeling trends to watch for in 2021

Categories Tips, Uncategorized

After a year of spending more time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes fit their new realities. Open floor plans are out; dedicated spaces for remote work and learning are in. Yards are being transformed into entertainment spaces and walls are being repainted. At the same time, increased demand and safety concerns can make the remodeling process much longer than before.

Here are five trends to watch for this 2021 home-remodeling season.

1. A focus on dedicated spaces

At the start of 2020, “the most requested design concept was open space,” says Jimmy Dollman, principal of Dollman Construction in Roanoke, Virginia. “But now, we face a different set of design implications because everyone’s living conditions have changed.”

Dollman notes that remote workers and learners need privacy and quiet. “A year ago, it was rare for one family member to work from home,” he says. “Now, [parents] and kids find it difficult to get work done because of the noise in the open design.”

This year, expect to see homeowners spending less time knocking down walls to open up shared areas, and more time transforming spare rooms or nooks into dedicated spaces. That might mean adding a home office or home theater, for instance, or transforming a nook into a space for distance-learning.

2. Making room for home offices

To add home offices to residences, “homeowners aren’t adding square footage,” says Doug King, owner of King Contracting, a design-build firm in St. Petersburg, Florida, and president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “Rather, they’re taking out rarely used closets, like in the hallway, and moving interior walls to make space.”

The home office trend isn’t going away anytime soon, he notes.

“Even when the pandemic is over,” King says, “there’ll be a lot of people still working from home.” He notes that because of this trend, use of home technology is also increasing as households install items such as ethernet cables for computer networks and Bluetooth speakers.

3. More outdoor living

One cure for that cooped-up feeling is outdoor living areas.

“People want their backyards to be their oasis,” King says. In his area, he says pools are the No. 1 thing being added to backyards. Outdoor kitchens and fire pits are the next most popular.

Homeowners spending more time at home may also start to seek out remodeling projects that bring beautiful outdoor views inside — for instance, by installing larger windows or glass doors that let in more natural light.

4. Longer wait times

Besides shifts in design trends, homeowners can expect a continued slow-down in the industry. In some cases, safety concerns have changed how contractors and workers approach projects. For example, Dollman has suspended all work in occupied residences to avoid exposure to COVID-19 “to protect the homeowners and our crews,” he says.

Getting permits can also take much longer than usual as demand increases and those who approve the permits adapt to new working conditions — for instance, working at home rather than in the office, or working with a limited staff.

5. Bold colors

For homebound do-it-yourselfers looking for affordable ways to make rooms more welcoming this year, adding a colorful fresh coat of paint will likely be high on their list.

A sign that bold colors and color combinations could be gaining favor: They featured prominently among Color of the Year winners for 2021 announced by brands including Sherwin Williams, Pantone and Benjamin Moore. Sherwin Williams selected Urbane Bronze (a dark brownish-gray), for instance; Benjamin Moore selected an Aegean Teal (a blue-green color); Pantone selected a color duo: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (a gray tone alongside a bright yellow color).

For homeowners, striking paint colors like these could be an appealing low-cost way to add depth, excitement and personality to a room without overwhelming it.

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