Home Improvement : Value

Most home improvement projects will add value to your home. Many times though, the wrong improvements are focused on.

Your increased home value may not be the priority.

The purpose of any work you do, or have done in your home, could be for a number of reasons. You might just be looking to make a change in colors, or you may just want to do something different.

It is important to keep property value in mind, whatever your reasons are. And its also important to spend the most time and money on improvements to the areas that will be well invested in.

All homes need attention after being lived in for a period of time, that's just normal wear. In cases of normal wear, most times you only need to do some painting and such.

In these cases, every room will need some TLC, from time to time.

But lets say your home is in good shape, and your really looking to add some property value. So, where do you begin?

This brings us to the focal part of your home. The main areas that any improvement brings the value up.

We're talking about the Kitchen and Bath. These are the rooms in any house, that buyers look at first. Why is that?

Most home buying is influenced by the woman, that's just a fact. And the most important areas of a home to women is the Kitchen and Bath.

#1- Women love a nice, bright and roomy kitchen. They want counter space, plenty of cabinets, and room to prepare meals. They see themselves cooking in there.

#2- The guest bath is also very much a focal point. This is where your visitors judge your cleaning skills, laugh but its true. When you use the bathroom when visiting a friend, what do you do besides your business?

Most times the woman is the person stuck cleaning the bathroom. She wants it nicely painted, nice floor in great condition and a new looking vanity, toilet and tub. This will make her cleaning easier and less time consuming.

If you make improvements in these areas, forget about the value you add because your wife will love you for it.

Spend your money and time wisely when doing home improvements. If your handy and take on these projects yourself, enjoy what you do. It will show in the finished project.

And by all means, finish what you start. Nothing is worse than an unfinished home improvement. There's not an improvement if its not finished!

Don't begin a project your unable to finish.

If your not so handy, and you can afford it, hire a professional.

You'll find some very qualified professionals on this page, so get some quotes before you commit. The difference in prices are too much to ignore. Be wise, ask questions, and be sure you understand what your paying for.

Get the itemized total in writing!


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Bathroom Remodeling on The Cheap By Illa Maden Platinum Quality Author

If you are thinking of bathroom remodeling, but find that your finances don't allow major changes at this time, then lesser changes will give you a quick and stunning change for a minimum of money.

Do a partial bathroom remodeling uplift by replacing the bathroom flooring. Since the flooring occupies so much space in this smaller room, replacing it can make a dramatic change.

If you are planning to do a more extensive bathroom remodel later on, choose a floor that will fit into your future plans.

Vinyl Floors

Vinyl floors are a good choice for a bathroom. A vinyl floor is easy to clean, easy on the feet, and comes in many price ranges, patterns and colors. And it holds up well in moist areas.

Tile Floors

Tile floors don't have to cost an arm and a leg if you do some careful shopping, and install the tile yourself. And tile gives a luxurious look to any room. Even when you select a tile that is a little more pricey, it is a good value because it holds up well to wear and will give you good service and look attractive for many years.

The tile laying process is a little hard on the knees, so get a good set of knee pads. The process itself is a bit of work, but not that difficult if you get good instructions, plan your project, and assemble all of your supplies and tools before you begin. Most home improvement centers offer brochures that outline the steps.

Do recognize that your bathroom will be out of service for two or three days while the various steps are curing and before you go on to the next, so make other arrangements.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Before you begin laying your new bathroom flooring, give your bathroom a fresh coat of paint in a new shade or color for a more extensive change. Primer first so that you get good even looking coverage. The extra cost of primer is worth it. Use a good enamel in either a medium or low gloss depending on your preference.

Now you have changed the two largest surfaces in your bathroom with the paint and bathroom flooring, making a dynamic change, and without breaking the bank.

Find more information about bathroom flooring and other bathroom remodeling ideas

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Laminate Flooring - A Shoo-in For a DIY Project By Illa Maden Platinum Quality Author

Laminate wood look flooring is relatively easy for a do-it-yourself project. Laminate flooring is available in many wood tones from very light tones to those that are very intense. You will find Oak in a variety of hues from very light, medium and quite dark.

Wood tones of Cherry, Walnut, Beech, Pecan, Chestnut and Pine are just a few of the choices. These floors are very popular for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is because they give a warm inviting glow to the rooms in your home.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is created in layers. The top layer that is seen is actually a picture of a wood floor and made from a very tough material. The core is usually a medium or high density fiberboard.

What are the benefits of laminate flooring?

1. Laminate floors can be installed over most surfaces

2. Laminate floors work well for people with allergies

3. Laminates hold up well to the high traffic of children and pets

4. Laminates are easy to clean

5. Laminates are less likely to dent or scratch compared to other flooring.

Laminate flooring is often called a floating floor, because the pieces lock together, but they do not attach to the floor underneath.

When considering a wood look floor for a bathroom, a laminate floor is a better choice than hardwood if chosen well and installed properly. Laminates with paraffin wax impregnated joints are recommended for moist areas. Consult your supplier if you are buying for a bath area. Be sure you read the warranty and install according to the guidelines so that you don't incur problems or void the warranty.

Since the flooring comes pre-finished, once the floor is installed it is done and ready for use.

Laminate flooring has only been available in North America for a few years, although it has been used in Europe for many years.

Wood flooring has a timeless appeal that will not go out of style, and will fit into any style of decor. Unlike hardwood floors, laminates are very hardy and will stand up well over the years.

It is recommended that a purchaser not buy the least expensive, but strive to at least make a purchase from the mid range in pricing to increase the durability factor. Buying up a little in quality will pay off in the long run, because you will get many more years of wear and good looks in the flooring you purchase.

More information is available about laminate flooring and choosing bathroom flooring

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Types of Showers Available in the Market By Jitesh Arora

Our showering experience has undergone a revolutionary change in the 21st Century. These are the days when a huge range of showers are available in the market and online stores. But these days the looks are also important as the bathing performance. Electric shower systems available are a great boon for the present generation following a busy schedule. The system heats the water itself and is mostly used above the bath. Before installing it either as a separate feature or above the bath, one has to thoroughly investigate the different types before deciding to choose.

An electric shower heats water just a few inches above the head. Though it may sound absurd, if correctly installed, it can be a safe investment. Also it is financially feasible. It uses only a fraction of the water that is used by a typical bath. Apart from this it heats only the water which is needed immediately.

One thing which has to be remembered is that the shower supply pipes should be independently cross bonded to earth before installation. It is also important to check whether the fuse board is capable of providing the required current.

The most preferred brands of showers are Mira and Triton Electric Showers. Triton Showers are easy to install and can be found in most of the online stores. They are comparatively cheaper also. Mira Showers are easy to install in main and en-suite bathrooms as well as dedicated shower rooms. They also come in amazing variety of colors.

If you want to know more about Showers then feel free to visit Bella Bathrooms.

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Small Bathroom Design - Medicine Cabinet to Maximize Space By Illa Maden Platinum Quality Author

In small bathroom design each inch of space is very valuable and should be maximized. This is where a medicine cabinet is very useful.

When designing a small bath, keeping it streamlined will add to the visual space, making a small space seem larger than it is.

Downplaying the items that protrude into the room can help a great deal. Since the vanity already occupies both physical space and visual space it only makes sense to take advantage of the space on the wall above it to house as much storage for your bath as possible.

This accomplishes a number of things. This convenient placement puts often used items right where they are the most accessible, at the vanity. Since this is closed storage, many small items can be kept out of sight when not in use making for more uniformity and a less cluttered bath.

Keep in mind that though they are called medicine cabinets, does not mean that they cannot contain other frequently used items such as toiletries, cosmetics, and even small appliances if they fit.

What should you look for when shopping for a medicine cabinet?

1. Shelves that are adjustable up or down as height needs require

2. Shelves that lock into place making them secure

3. Piano hinges or scissor hinges are better choices for heavy mirrored doors.

4. Inside should be enameled for durability and ease of cleaning

5. Recessed medicine cabinets require special installation. Surface mount medicine cabinets may be hung more easily, and on any wall. Many cabinets are offered in both applications.

And a medicine cabinet can also contribute to the decor of your small bathroom design with the many styles and sizes available. Whether you prefer a sleek frameless mirrored front, or a framed style in a wood or colored finish, you will find one to suit your personal taste and size needs.

Find tips for selecting bathroom lighting, and other helpful bathroom remodeling topics.

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Installing a Tub Surround Made Easy By Illa Maden Platinum Quality Author

Installing a tub surround can reclaim a bathtub area that looks past it's prime. It doesn't have to be a difficult project if you just take it one step at a time, and in the right order. Tub surrounds are offered in in three or five piece kits. Though a three piece kit might be easier and quicker to install, a five piece kit gives you more play in the fit where walls are not square. Also consider that these often have corner shelves and soap dishes.

Tub surrounds are available in a variety of surfaces from smooth, to those that look like real tile, but without the care demands of tile. Once you have selected the surround that suits your preference, it's time to read the instructions that came with kit and see what adhesive is recommended before you proceed. You may also find other helpful tips.

The surface you install over needs to be in good condition, flat, and structurally solid. If you are installing a tub surround over drywall it should be a moisture-resistant type of drywall. If you need to replace the drywall get what is referred to as 'green' drywall which is moisture-resistant. This will save problems later, a moisture-resistant surface is a necessary step in order to get a good and long lasting installation that is trouble-free.

Remove faucet handles and spout and make sure the wall area is clean. Before you apply any adhesive you want to first place your panels up to the wall to make sure they fit. Panels are made to overlap to compensate for variance in wall size covered and because it is not uncommon that walls are not square.

Make a template where your fixture holes need to be and transfer these markings to your panel and cut the holes. Measure more than once to avoid any errors in placement.

Once you have determined placement of panels you can apply recommended adhesive. Cover edges with adhesive making sure flow is continuous and the entire edge is covered. Place your panels to wall and press firmly so adhesive will take. Reinstall your plumbing fixtures and caulk joints of panels as needed. Allow time for adhesive to cure before using shower.

It is also helpful if you can have a friend or family member lend a helping hand. This is not a difficult project, but the panels are sizable and they flex. It is much easier if you have a helper when you are trying them for fit before applying adhesive, and when you set them in place with adhesive.

The important steps for installing a tub surround include:

1. Selecting a tub surround with the surface and features you prefer
2. Reading the instructions provided with kit and checking to see that you have needed supplies and tools
3. Removing plumbing fixtures and inspecting the wall area
4. Enlisting a friend or family member to give you a hand as needed
5. Performing a dry run by fitting panels to wall before applying adhesive
6. Making a template for fixture holes and transferring to panel. Measure and check more than once. Cut holes
7. Apply adhesive, fit tub surround panels to wall and press. Reinstall plumbing fixtures and caulk
8. Thank your helper

Once you have completed installing the tub surround and done the clean up, you can stand and admire how new and up to date your bath area looks.

See our selection of tub surrounds. We have more helpful information as well as quality products to fulfill your bathroom remodeling needs.

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Modern Day Showers By Jitesh Arora

No one can question the role a shower plays in human life. A person gets energized after a relaxing shower. Technology has laid its hands in all fields, including bathroom industry. Innovations are coming up now and then. Electric showers have revolutionized our bathrooms and bathing has become an exhilarating experience now.

People do not prefer a cold shower in the morning with the arrival of Electric Showers. The in built heating system heats up the water in the minimal possible time. Electrical requirements of Electric Showers are:

• a fuse board installation with ratings of 60 amps
• a RCD, residual current device
• a 10 mm cable

Even though most of the showers suit one`s requirements, it is better to select one which will adapt best with the heating system at home. Also it is important to check the instructions of the manufacturers before finalizing the shower. There are many overwhelming designs and categories of showers these days. But the most popular ones are quality brands like Triton and Mira Showers.

In the field of showers, Triton showers have earned a name very fast. Here the upgrading of the shower can be done easily since it does not need heavy manpower. Manifold varieties of them are available and one can select according to one`s choices and preferences. They are available in different power ratings. They form a solution to the showering needs of the whole family. Some models have temperature safeguards such as thermostatic control and phased shutdown to ensure enjoyable showering.

If you want to know more about Showers then feel free to visit Bella Bathrooms.

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Tips For Remodeling Your Kitchen By Amanda Bashore Platinum Quality Author

With the holidays just around the corner, the last thing you want to spend money on is a home modeling project. However, remodeling your kitchen might make your holidays just a bit more cheery without the leaky fridge, the oven that takes forever to heat up, or the cracked cabinet door you've been trying to hide. All these aspects and more can be accomplished without over-spending or cutting into your monthly budget. Follow these simple money saving tips for remodeling your kitchen this year.

Tip #1: Plan to Replace

Before undertaking any home makeover, it's important to be able to finance the remodeling project. Evaluate your kitchen, noting the aspects (big and small) that you'd like to change. From wood work, window treatments and door knobs to appliances, countertops and splashguards, chances are one or more of these aspects haven't been updated in the last 5 years. Now is the time to change, before your family and friends arrive to celebrate the New Year.

Tip #2: Create a Budget

Before you begin any aspects of the makeover, be sure you have a more than adequate budget to handle the costs. Where are you going to find the extra dough to fund this new project? Consider cutting down on the daily luxuries such as coffee at the local café, fast food lunches and other unnecessary pit stops-they can add up quickly. Research and estimate how much each replacement will cost. Add an extra cushion to the budget in case you don't like the replacements you purchased the first time.

Tip #3: Replace the Small Stuff

Oftentimes, simply replacing the cabinet hardware can instantly transform your kitchen. If you have white cabinet drawers and covers, consider installing a dark finish, such as oil rubbed bronze cabinet pulls. The contrast between dark and light is attractive, elegant and sleek. If you do decide to replace the drawer pulls, be sure to make the hardware match throughout the room-including locksets, door knobs and cabinet hinges.

Tip #4: Look to the Stars

Whether you're entertaining a party of fifty or just cooking for a family of five, having updated appliances can make life a lot easier and save you money in simultaneously. If you're looking to replace your refrigerator, dishwasher or oven, look for appliances with the Energy Star logo; these products are designed to provide optimal performance at just a fraction of the cost of typical older models.

Tip #4: Direct the Traffic

The holiday season means gathering loved ones together- but it doesn't mean cramming everyone into one room. Establish and keep the traffic moving through the kitchen, not ending in the kitchen. Be sure there is adequate space between the counter tops, dishwasher and sink so that the chef or host of the party can juggle dishes and cooking without bumping into guests or children.

Tip #5: Celebrate in Style

What's a holiday party without decorations? Instead of rushing out to purchase expense decorations, look elsewhere first. Before you throw out that old soup can, consider creating a tin candle holder with the kids; just lightly tap holes into the sides and create unlimited decorations. Not only is this budget-friendly, but this is also a great way to involve your family.

If you've already received tons of holiday cards and do not want to throw them away, hang them with style. Cut a 12 inch piece of fabric or ribbon and hang on your kitchen door. Attach the cards one below another to showcase friends' and families' pictures this year.

Tip #6: Let it Shine in 2009

With these tips in mind, you and your loved ones can celebrate the season comfortably, without worrying that you've just spend a year's worth of savings. So sit back and relax with family and friends and ring in 2009 with your newly designed, budget-friendly kitchen makeover.

Amanda works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of products to help customers with common household repairs, as well as decorative accessories for the home. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

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Lighting Up the Kitchen - It's About More Than Just Adding Lighting Fixtures By Amanda Bashore Platinum Quality Author

If you're like a lot of homeowners, you're always dealing with lack of lighting in the kitchen. Many of us tend to live with an inadequate overhead fixture and maybe a small florescent under the counter. But when it comes to kitchen lighting it's about a lot more than just lighting fixtures. Light comes from many sources including the natural light that comes from windows, artificial sources such as lighting fixtures and the reflective lighting that comes from appliances and kitchen hardware such as cabinet door knobs and pulls.

Natural light: Not enough and Too Much

The amount of natural light you get during the day will have a lot to do with the number and types of lighting fixtures you'll need in your kitchen. If you're fortunate enough to have a window or two to provide lighting during the day you may not need any additional light, but if you have a small apartment or home kitchen with little or no natural day light, you'll definitely need to add some task lighting fixtures. Have a look at your kitchen to determine the areas you use most and add task lighting over each area.

What if you have the opposite problem of too much light streaming into the kitchen at certain times of the day? Then you won't need additional lighting fixtures but you can add blinds or curtains to block out some of the unwanted light. Adjustable blinds work well because you can control the amount of light and create some privacy at the same time. Even if the day is cloudy you can open the blinds completely and still reduce the amount of artificial kitchen lighting needed.

Reflective Lighting Can Set the Mood

Reflective lighting in the kitchen is more about the glamour and ambiance it provides than the actual usable lighting. Appliances, especially stainless steel, along with kitchen knobs and pulls can reflect the light in a kitchen and add a warm glow. This is where color plays a big part. It your kitchen is predominantly red or dark blue, your appliances and cabinet handles and pulls will create a warm glow while lighter colors such as yellow or light blue will create a cooler feel.
Of course changing your kitchen hardware is going to be a lot more affordable than changing your appliances. So if you want to add a specific atmosphere to your kitchen lighting, consider changing your cabinet door knobs and drawer handles. Stainless steel, nickel and clear or colored glass work well for this. The only tool you'll need is a screw driver and you can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen. Just remember that cabinet door knobs usually only have one screw hole while drawer pulls will have two. You'll want to replace your old hardware with the same type if you don't want to be drilling or patching holes.

When You Still Need More Kitchen Lighting

Still you may find yourself needing to add some extra kitchen lighting for times when natural lighting isn't enough. You can get lighting fixtures that are hidden under the cabinets, or recessed in the ceiling. Some may be easy do-it-yourself projects while others may require the services of an electrician. Determine the types of lighting fixtures you'd like to add before calling an electrician for an estimate. This can help you save time plus the electrician can tell you if there are any structural problems with what you have in mind. He can also help you to determine what additional lighting will work best for your kitchen.

Amanda works for Your Home Supply (YHS), the definitive website for Home and Garden products and information on a variety of home improvement products. Your Home Supply offer selections on cabinet knobs and stainless cabinet handles.

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Space Savers For a Smaller Kitchen By Tori Spade Platinum Quality Author

We have all been there at some point in our lives - you find yourself living in a place with a kitchen that is less than spacious. If you live in an apartment, this is pretty much just a fact of life, but houses can also suffer from a lack of much needed space from time to time.

So what do you do when you are faced with limited kitchen space? You can always just deal with it, of course, but life is much easier when you have a kitchen that works with you rather than against you. The good news here is that there are things you can do to save space in your small kitchen and give yourself the room you need to move around in.

You do not have to go all out and knock down some walls to make your kitchen more spacious, though that is certainly an option. There are other, simpler ways to go about doing it and many of them do not require too much effort on your part to implement. The first thing to do is take stock of your kitchen in its current state to determine where the most problematic areas are.

On top complaint for people is a lack of available counter space. If your kitchen is low on counter space to start out with, then the addition of small appliances like toasters, blenders, microwaves and coffeemakers eat up prime real estate that you cannot afford to sacrifice. One solution to remedy that issue is to find a cupboard that you can stow those appliances in. Pick one that is easy to access so it is not too much of a hassle to get the appliances out whenever you are ready to use them. An even more convenient solution is to make use of the space underneath upper cabinets. You can get microwaves, electric can openers and other appliances that can be mounted underneath those cabinets, leaving them out in easy reach, but not taking up space on your countertop.

Another way to make use of that space underneath the cupboards is to install some hooks and use them to hang coffee mugs and other items. Those will also be in easy reach, but save space inside your cupboards that can be put towards other uses, like stowing appliances. Cabinet organizers inside your cupboards will give you more compartments and shelf space to organize canned goods, boxed food, dishes and flatware. You can find special rotating racks designed to organize and store your plastic food containers, and a rotating spice rack will allow you to keep your spices readily available without taking up a ton of room.

Those are just a few different things you can make use of to save space in your smaller kitchen and therefore boost how smoothly the time you spend in there goes. With a little elbow grease and some creative maneuvering, you can give yourself more room to work in.

Tori works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of satin nickel cabinet knobs and door knobs to help customers with space savers for a smaller kitchen.

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Finish Your Kitchen Remodeling With Satin Nickel Door Knobs By Tori Spade

Have you undertaken a kitchen remodel project and are not sure if it is complete? Do you feel like despite the new pots, pans, fancy gadgets and new appliances, something is still missing? You are probably correct! One of the most overlooked aspects to most in-home renovation projects includes removing and replacing door handles. Check out the following tips to finally give your kitchen that finishing touch.

Tip 1: Choose Your Color and Finish
Once you have begun your kitchen remodel, the thought of entirely repainting the walls or tearing down the hand-hung wall paper may seem too daunting to even begin. However, with the proper door hardware accessories, you can change your style-without the added stress, hard work or additional finances. Typical door hardware materials include: nickel, chrome, brass, stainless steel, iron and copper. Depending on your kitchen's style, you need to determine what material will work best. For homes with smaller children, generally installing stainless steel hardware parts works best; these pieces are easily cleaned to reduce germs. However, if you like the look of stainless steel but are looking for a more affordable price, choose satin nickel door knobs; they compliment any style and are also easily cleaned.

Tip 2: Create a Unique Style
If you are concerned that your style seems mundane or run of the mill, try to incorporate unusual yet trendy aspects to your kitchen accessories. Door handles are available not only in just round knobs but also in drawer pulls and pull tabs. But, believe it or not, door hardware is also available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Why not try to weave your family's hobbies and extracurricular into your decoration? By choosing door knobs that match your hobbies, you'll create a truly unique kitchen design. This is a great solution to getting children involved. However, if you do have children, avoid shapes that have sharp angles or edges that can cause accidents.

In addition to fun shapes, why not consider alternating the size of your cabinet door knobs? Depending on your height, certain cabinets - either extremely high or low - can be difficult to reach; by replacing certain levels of knobs with larger handles will enable you to quickly navigate throughout the kitchen and cook meals faster!

Tip 3: Choose the Placement of the Door Knob
Similarly to the size and shape of your door hardware, installing the door handle in a different location may make life easier as well. Especially for those hard to reach areas, reaching for the corner of a cabinet close to the ceiling can be next to impossible. By reinstalling your new knob in the center of your cabinet, you and your family members will access your pots, pans and dishware much more conveniently.

Tip #4: Don't Forget the Extras
While you are installing new kitchen hardware, be sure to keep your themes consistent. Floor registers, hinges and screws should all be purchased in the same or similar material and finish, unless you are aiming to produce an eclectic theme. To accentuate your style, choose the appropriate lighting fixtures that best suite both your style and your needs. If you are a busy home, a single hanging fixture over the center of your room might not be the most practical choice. Similarly, having multiple racks of track lighting may be excessive for single or small family-sized homeowners.

Tip #5: Show it Off
There's no better way to show off your newly renovated kitchen design than by throwing a party! Gather friends, family, neighbors or just your immediate family to come to your home. Whether intentionally or not, congregate in the kitchen. You'll be instantly rewarded with the compliments you receive for your unique, complete kitchen style. You'll probably even be asked to divulge some of the home renovation tips you've employed in your design-it's a sure sign of success!

Tori works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of satin nickel door knobs and cabinet hardware

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Add Color Accents to Your Kitchen By Tori Spade

When it comes to kitchen layouts, contemporary designs typically call for plain, mundane styles and arrangements. Why not kick up your kitchen design a notch by incorporating color? Appropriately mixing and matching elements of color with your current kitchen appliances and eating areas will instantly give your home a boost in energy and brightness no matter how cold or dreary the weather.

Decorate the Appliances

If you have purchased your home or apartment within the last two decades, chances are your kitchen includes all or mostly stainless steel appliances. Or, maybe your home features all black or off white fixtures. By replacing some of your home hardware, such as oven door handles or microwave frames, you can create a truly unique style of your own. If you do decide to pair your otherwise boring appliances (sinks included), be sure to select a few colors that match an overall theme. Otherwise, you can easily get carried away; you do not want your home hardware project looking like a rainbow exploded!

Trim the Countertops

Whether laminate, wood or metal, your countertop is an easy area to incorporate color. Unlike your appliances, however, using subtle hints of color to match your already existing materials is wise. Often, simply refinishing the wood or relaying a more decorate laminate top is all you will need. Speckled, multi-colored laminates work best as they look and match practically any color scheme as well as disguise burn marks and grease stains that can make wooden counters look messy and warn.

Similarly, your coffee bar or eat-in area should be consistent with your countertops. It is crucial that you consider your color palette prior to purchasing and renovating any aspect of your kitchen!

Get Fancy With the Flooring

As a child, it is endlessly entertaining to sprint full on into your kitchen and zip across the floor in your socked feet. Ensure that your flooring is safe and installed correctly to avoid any permanent water damage (critical around the dishwasher if you have one). What many homeowners make the mistake of doing is simply overlooking your flooring, erring on the side that plain is enough. Wrong! Simply replacing a few feet of your kitchen floor near the eating area will instantly add character to your room. Accent tiling that matches your overall style is uncommon and sophisticated, instantly transforming your room.

Wallpaper & Curtains

While many homeowners choose simple floor patterns, they conversely go overboard with loud, oftentimes obnoxious wall paper and curtain patterns. Keep it simple! By limiting the number of colors and bold designs (note: never choose checkers) used, you allow the eye to travel around the room instead of focusing on one area. This is crucial, as wall paper can easily become an eyesore competing with your kitchen cabinet hardware.

Dress the Door Knobs

What is a cabinet without proper door knobs and pulls? Again, as you paired your appliances with matching plastic frames or other drawer handles or pulls, do the same courtesy for your cabinets. Keeping the same colors consistent on varying eye levels will again help any onlooker's gaze move throughout the room, noticing how well the colors of your cabinet knobs compliment each other instead of how they compete for your undivided attention!

Accessorize With Pizzazz

Last but certainly not least, any properly decorated kitchen must include the proper accessories. From utensils to copper pots, you should again be consistent, especially if you plan to utilize any of these elements as decorations. Additionally, towel racks should match the same metal and finish as your cabinet knobs. If you think your kitchen colors are too bland, add an instant splash of color with bright, cheerful pot holders and hand towels. If you can't decide whether to add more color or not, slightly close your eyes and notice the overall colors, they should all mesh and blend to create a soft look, not a glaring reminder of the once popular neon colors!

Tori works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of cabinet hardware and matte black cabinet knobs. Visit them now to see their selections. With a wide range of finishes and styles Your Home Supply can help you add color accents to your kitchen.

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Remodel Your Kitchen With Kitchen Cabinet Hardware By Tori Spade Platinum Quality Author

When you are planning a home remodeling project for the kitchen, do not overlook your kitchen hardware as an important component of your new kitchen design. A kitchen renovation is not complete until all of the little details are taken care of, and your cabinet hardware is one of those little details that should not be overlooked because it can make or break the look of your kitchen! When your cabinet hardware is in good shape and works well, then you likely don't think about it much, but when that hardware gets shabby or starts to come loose from the cupboard doors and drawers, then you notice there's a problem, because it is throwing both the look and the functionality of your kitchen off.

So when you are planning your next kitchen makeover, be sure to include new cabinet hardware on the list. New cabinet handles and knobs can serve several different purposes. For a complete kitchen makeover, they provide the great finishing touch the room needs to tie the whole look together and let the room look and feel "done." But installing new kitchen cabinet hardware is one of those kitchen ideas that is really effective and versatile, because you do not even need to install all new cabinets to take advantage of its benefits. In fact, you do not even have to paint or stain your old cabinets again to get a new look with new hardware.

When you set out to choose your new hardware, take a moment to think about what you want it to accomplish. Obviously, you want it to look good and work well, so keep that in mind while you shop. Look for pieces that are well made and easy to clean. Ease of cleaning is definitely important for kitchen hardware, because it is going to be exposed to food spills and liquid spills and grubby hands. It is important that the pieces be well made, because they will see a lot of use in their lifetimes and you want them to hold up. And, of course, you want to choose something that fits in well with the decor of your kitchen. A warm, traditionally decorated kitchen would pair well with oil rubbed bronze knobs and pulls, and a contemporary and modern styled kitchen pairs well with stainless steel and other sleek metal hardware. Choose the pieces that suit you and your lifestyle best and you'll love what a difference your new hardware makes on your cabinets and your kitchen as a whole.

Tori works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of kitchen cabinet hardware and home lighting.

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