Buying Home Remodeling Items

People might purchase a home foreclosure that requires some repairs before it is considered suitable for families to live in. They learn quickly about buying home remodeling items such as sinks, bathroom countertops, and toilets that might make the bathroom useable, and for the kitchen, people think about buying home remodeling items such as double-sinks with sprayers, new appliances, and a new light fixture that will light up the stove burners with elegant lighting.

When buying home remodeling items, people focus on two issues, quality and price. There are many appliances that will typically perform the same but it is the individual styles that people look before the continue buying home remodeling items in this type of price range. 

The appliances might have a glass top that does not show burner fixtures, and would truly add to the value of the home. These cooking appliances are a large fixture in any kitchen and are considered carefully when people go buying home remodeling items.

The dishwasher is another item that many homeowners prefer to have, even if they do not use it all of the time. There are other people that plan to use it everyday because they feel that the heating elements will kill germs better than washing dishes by hand. All of these concerns are considered when people plan to go buying home remodeling items.

There are a large assortment of home lighting fixtures that need to be placed throughout the kitchen, and others that are perfectly suited for a bathroom. When buying home remodeling items for the kitchen, lighting sources can be found that fit over the stove, under the counter areas, and over the sink area.

When buying home remodeling items, people try to find discount coupons that can be used to save additional home remodeling budget funds. These discount coupons might be from the retailer, or from the manufacturer. People review all available discount coupons to make the right choice when they are buying home remodeling items.

There are home remodeling classes that homeowners can take that will teach them how to apply some of the grouts, wall textures, and wall papers items that they find when buying home remodeling items. The items will make a dramatic difference in any room of the home where they are used, and people want to do the job right on the first attempt. When buying home remodeling items, people want to be sure that they know how to create a professional finish with the items that they buy.

When people are buying home remodeling items for the bathroom, especially countertop and cabinetry, they want to take the time to measure the bathroom area correctly. Otherwise, they might not have enough room to place the bathroom fixtures and furniture items that they found while buying home remodeling items.

All fixtures are considered when setting up a budget to use when buying home remodeling items. From cabinet handles, to shower and curtain rods in a bathroom, to the knobs that will be used on certain cabinets in a kitchen. Some people prefer to use magnet closures on cabinets that are opened and closed everyday. When buying home remodeling items, the little details must be considered at all times. 

Where I Lay My Head

Almsot every surface looks likes the surface of my bed.  We're temporarily sleeping in Luke's nursey while the construction's going on.  It's working out pretty well actually. Please excuse me (and the mess!) while we get settled!!! 

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

Minimalistic Interior Design

Effective lighting is a key component of homes decorated in a minimalistic design style. Modern design’s emphasis on open space, clean lines and streamlined forms makes light fixtures that don’t take up visual space or encroach upon the footprint of the room ideal. Wall lights provide a perfect way to add sophisticated style notes to minimalistic spaces, creating a stylish atmosphere and ensuring that a minimally decorated room doesn’t look cold and bare.

Wall Lights as Design Statements

Wall lights can play a prominent role in minimalistic design, providing eye-catching focal points that add sparkling personality to the space. In minimalistic décor, it’s important that the space reflect the owner’s personal taste whilst maintaining the modern style. A wall light fixture that features a stylised pair of intertwined lilies expresses an appreciation for natural elegance. A modern sconce inset with decorative candles adds a note of classicism to the space.

Achieving Cohesive Design with Wall Lights

Wall lights also offer opportunities to unify the overall design of an interior. Whether it’s chic black chrome or antique brass, repeating finishes used in other furnishings and accessories in the space encourages the eye to take in the space as a whole. Shapes can be repeated as well. In minimally decorated rooms with curving forms, a simple wall sconce with a cylindrical shape reinforces the overall design.

Using Wall Lights for Striking Lighting Effects

In a minimally designed room, illumination is never merely functional. Whether to create a sense of serenity or to express a flair for drama, light can be used as a stylish tool to create atmosphere. Wall lights, spotlights and uplighters installed on a wall may direct light on focal points like art work or accessories. They can be employed to create focal points of illumination as well, creating pools of light on the floor or adding soft ambience to walls.

Minimal design calls for decorative strategies that add personality to an interior without compromising the modern aesthetic with unwanted clutter. Nothing adds warmth, depth and dimension to a minimally designed room like chic wall lights.

Research Confirms That The Kitchen Is The Most Important Room In The Home

It's long been suspected that the kitchen is the most important room in the family home and now there's proof. A new survey has revealed that the kitchen is the heart of the home as well as the most influential room when it comes to buying a new property.

The survey by property specialist Hamptons International found that half of respondents said the kitchen would make or break their decision to buy a new property, featuring ahead of the living room (37%) and bedroom (6%).

If you're looking to sell a property, this provides a great opportunity to increase the appeal of your home in a cost-effective way. Whether it's a complete makeover or something as simple as new kitchen doorsand cabinets, a relatively low investment could be the difference in whether someone chooses to buy your home over another.

As the kitchen is subject to more wear and tear than other rooms in the home, it's common for kitchen doors and cabinets to look tired after a few years. It's no wonder why this would look off-putting to any homebuyer that has to judge a property in a small window of time.

The good news is that when it comes to replacement kitchen doors and door fronts there are some great styles and colours available to choose from that will give your kitchen a fresh and inviting new look. From MDF to real wood to painted and wood effect, there are endless options to make the kitchen sparkle.

If you're the one buying a new property, it may be comforting to know that affordable kitchen fittings are available. So if you find the perfect home but are a little put off by the current standard of the kitchen, you may get comfort from knowing that for a small investment you would be able to create the new kitchen you've always wanted.

Whether you love to cook or you enjoy sitting down for meals with your family and the kitchen table, there's no doubt that it make a difference to the enjoyment you get from your home.

Maximise Savings for the Winter with Triple Glazing

Most of us are now familiar with upvc double glazing, and a lot of us now have this installed in our homes, not only for increased security purposes but also for increased insulation. As a result of taking measures to stop heat escaping from the house, many of us feel contented with the results; especially in the chilly autumn or during harsh winters. However does this mean that as a result we are still okay with the monthly bills from October to January or February? There is now a more popular solution being taken by those people thriftier with their pennies. Initially installed in Scandinavian countries such as Norway and northern Sweden due to extremely bitter conditions, triple glazing proved to be the most cost effective solution for both businesses and home owners, even out of season. With this cost saving trend moving into southern Sweden and other countries that experience similar autumn and winter climes such as Germany and France; many people in the UK are now starting to think strategically.

With many energy companies raising tariffs, and using penetration pricing tactics due to the economic instability, many of us can ill afford to ignore investing in making long term savings for the sake of short term expenditure to maximise thermal insulation. It is imperative for many of us to take note of the benefits of triple glazing and to take strides to not only to support the wider environment, but also to increase savings and enjoyment in those colder months! Other benefits of triple glazing have already been seen in areas such as Milton Keynes and Bedford, with a company known as ‘All Regions Glazing’ hot on the case of installing this solution for many homes and businesses there, and the surrounding areas. Case studies and testimonials forwarded by the company highlight the other many benefits, such as ease of installation and increased sound proofing. Argon is utilised by many companies including All Regions to maximise heat insulation. This works by pumping gas between two air gaps, making doubly sure to reduce any loss of heat. This eco-friendly solution is now very popular with experienced glaziers and many glazing companies, with many notable window manufacturers such as Pilkington increasing their level of production to meet the demand!

So there you go, with a few months to plan and prepare; what better time other than now is there to stop shelling out for exorbitant monthly gas and oil heating bills?

OH. MY. GOSH.

 

We spent the weekend moving & it was crazy.  Really really crazy.

 

We moved into this:

(Well, minus the boxes...  We threw them there in an attempt to get some normalcy happening upstairs.)

 

Our new house is pretty much down to the studs. 

{You can spy our kitchen through the dining room in this pic.  We're expanding the kitchen 2 feet closer into the dining room & a wall will be going back up.}

 

There's a lot of this (below) going on because we're trying to live here through the construction.

 

(our foyer, quarantined ;)

 

We live up here now:

 

{The upstairs loft living room.  There are 2 bedrooms & a bathroom off of the living room.  Dave & I are squatting in baby Luke's nursery for now.   We're eating most meals outside or at the little table on the left.  }

 

We still have a few things at our old house to do & touch-ups there of course, but we're almost completely done.  It's pretty surreal.  I haven't really had a minute to think about all of the design decisions I need to make for the new place.  There are sooooo many coming up that I'm really excited about but I've got too much other stuff on my plate to even really go there right now.  I'm trying not to delay anything constuction-wise!!

 

And....

 we have a new office! 

 

Check it out:

(The Garage = stylin' new digs for Lauren Liess Interiors ;) ;)

 

rigggggght.

 

Although I'm kind of in love with working basically-outside.

 

Here's my new spot:

 

We epoxy'd the floors last week before moving everything in.  

My job was to sprinkle the sparkles. 

(I had waaaaaaay too much fun with that.)

Have a great week!!! I'll keep you posted!




If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

Hiring The Right Home Improvement Louisiana Contractors

At some point, homeowners will require major renovation or improvement to the house. And for any home improvement or renovation projects, it is important that the right contractor is chosen to carry on the renovation works. This is to ensure that everything in the renovation plan is followed and carried out. Whether it’s a bathroom renovation or changing roof or construction of additional space or structures, an experienced contractor should be able to manage the renovation works professionally and without delay and unnecessary wastage.

Hiring the right renovation contractor from the many Louisiana contractors can be a difficult task especially if it is the first time you are undertaking such a task. But some people can help you. Ask for referrals from people you know. One of them must have done some home renovations in the past and know some contractors as well. You can check local directories or phone books. Online directories can also give you a list of contractors specializing in home improvements. You can check some names and make online research about their background and experience. 

You should look for Louisiana contractors that specialize on the type of renovation work you need for your home. If you are renovating the entire house and not just replacing wood floors or electrical wirings, you will have to find a general contractor. They will be in-charge of providing you with all the services you need for the renovation of your home. They will provide you with the electrical contractor, carpentry contractor, plumbing, etc., and make sure that all the components of home renovation are complied with according the working plans. Essentially, the general contractor will be your supervisor-on-site as they will be managing the daily activities on the construction site.

In order to be assured of the credibility and integrity of the contractor you wish to hire, it is important that you check their licenses, permits and insurance for validity. The contractors should be able to provide you with copies of the licenses, permits and insurance certificates. When all the documents are properly checked, request a written and detailed estimate of cost for the project. Their estimate should include details on specific materials to be used and construction methods used (if applicable) and estimated completion per phase or stage. The estimate or quote should also contain payment terms. There should be no lump-sum payment. Negotiate for payments to be made after completion of each construction stage. And allow for a retention fee that you will keep until a specified time. This retention fee should cover for incidental expenses or repairs that might crop up after the project is completed.
The last part of the process is signing the contract. But before any document is signed, have a lawyer browse through the terms of the contract to make sure there are protection clauses for both parties and not just for one. The contract or agreement should also clearly spell out the specific responsibilities of the contractor with respect to the implementation of the renovation plan.