Entries from July 2009 ↓

Black kitchen cabinets are not just for contemporary or modern kitchens. They can work even if you have a traditional kitchen. Following is some advice to keep in mind if your heart’s desire is to get black kitchen cabinets.

Using Black Kitchen Cabinets Can Spice Up Any Style of Kitchen Décor

• For Contemporary Kitchens: Black kitchen cabinets were probably borne out of this style of kitchen décor. It’s a natural fit because it provides, for example, an ideal contrast to stainless steel appliances. Because they’re a natural fit though, there’s the danger of them coming off as too cold or too bold. To combat this, install recessed lighting. It will warm up the space. Also, use a temperate color on an accent wall.

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Shutters add extra-special appeal to windows. They really make them stand out and add value to your home. Window shutters come in a variety of materials. Following are three of the most popular and the pros and cons of each.

Vinyl (Plastic) Window Shutters: You’ll find these in most major home improvement stores. The reason vinyl shutters are so popular is because they’re lightweight, pre-finished, easy to install and easy on the wallet.

Pro: Vinyl window shutters are sturdy and require practically no maintenance, which make them ideal for almost any climate.
Con: Because the shutters have a gap of space behind them when installed, they attract wasp and other insect nests (eg, bees, spiders). So be careful if you ever go out to clean them, for as soon as the water hits, you might just find yourself running from a host of mad bees.

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The book Why… Buy Replacement Windows? became an instant success when published in 2008. Why?  Windows represent one of the most fragile components of the “envelope” which surrounds the living area of your home.

Ask yourself – why is the government offering up to $1,500 as a tax credit if you replace the windows in your home with energy efficient models which meet specific requirements (less than .30 U factor)?

Immediately, you may ask what is the (U) Factor and why do you have to meet this standard to get a tax credit?  The answer – the (U) factor is the measurement of how much heat is transferred through a window.  A lower (U) Factor represents better insulation and less heat flow.

The book explains how a properly insulated window contains the heat manufactured inside for heating purposes and reflects heat gain when the air conditioner is on.

The book was written for homeowners and contains information on how to understand manufacturer specifications, how to select a contractor and how to protect yourself when contracting for products such as this. The book is simple to read and has explanations for all technical terms created and supported by Federal agencies and industry evaluation groups.

Dayo Yoho, the author, has been kind enough to share an excerpt of his book with the readers of Home Remodeling Ideas. Visit Fix The Home to read the first chapter of Why… Buy Replacement Windows?

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You’ve finally made the decision to move ahead with that bathroom remodeling project. And, off to the store you go to pick out your tile. Once there, the sheer array of offerings can seem overwhelming. One of the things you have to decide is should you go with the porcelain or ceramic tile.

Here’s some info about each to help you make that decision.

What Is the Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tile?

Many are confused by this. Actually, the difference lies in the area of quality, not type. Porcelain tiles are made using more pure, refined clay. They have a water absorption rate of less than a half percent, making them more water resistant than clay tiles. They are also denser, which means that they tend to be more frost-resistant and less susceptible to stains than ceramic tile.

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Many homeowners prefer hardwood flooring. It’s easy to care for, lasts a long time and most of all – it’s gorgeous. However, it’s not the most eco-friendly option. For this reason, bamboo flooring is a better choice.

Why Bamboo Flooring is a Better Option than Wood If You’re an Earth-Conscious Homeowner

• Beauty: You don’t have to sacrifice the beauty of wood when you choose bamboo flooring. Bamboo is technically a grass and it comes in a variety of shades.

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If you’re thinking of adding another level to your home, there are going to be stairs. Or, if you’re thinking of updating an existing staircase, a spiral staircase is an elegant option. You can even install a spiral staircase where one didn’t exist before, eg, one leading to the attic which currently has pull-down stairs.

Advantages of the Spiral Staircase

• Space: Generally speaking, spiral staircases don’t take up as much space as angular ones. So if you want more living space, they are a perfect option.
• Many Design Options: Spiral staircases can be constructed using metal or wood, so your design options are limitless. For example, you can get wooden stairs with iron railings; or metal stairs with metal railings; or wood stairs with wood railings; etc. Your choice in railings is only limited by your imagination. You can have them custom-made, or go with prefab ones you can find in any major home improvement store.

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While the arrival of a new baby is always a joyous occasion, it also comes with its fair share of costs – even before the precious little one arrives. If you’re stretched for space and money, following is how to get a new nursery without fully renovating.

Temporary Walls – An Ideal Solution for Baby Nurseries

Temporary walls are an ideal solution for getting the nursery you need because:

• They save you money: Temporary walls save you money at the exact time you need it because you don’t have to take on the expense of a full home renovation project. While babies need space, they don’t need lots of it, so carving out a new nursery using temporary walls is ideal. Furthermore, you can take your time to figure out how to make your home work for your growing family. Or, to figure out if you need to move altogether.

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When it comes to siding, most homeowners select either vinyl or wood. There are, however, a multitude of other options available. One of these is Hardie Board siding. Following is an overview of what it is, and why it should definitely be on your list of options if you’re having a home built or having your siding replaced.

What is Hardie Board Siding?

Concrete is the foundation of Hardie Board. Although it has the look of wood, it is literally a durable, fibrous “concrete board.”

Advantages of Choosing Hardie Board Siding

• Termite Resistant: Unlike wood, because Hardie Board is made from concrete, termites and other insects don’t eat it. This is extremely important if you live in a warmer climate where termites are almost always active.

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As resources become scarcer, the need for alternative energy sources has become a necessity. One of the most popular options is solar. Progressive homeowners concerned about the environment – and perhaps escalating energy costs – are installing solar roof shingles.

What are Solar Roof Shingles?

Solar roof shingles are a thin film of photovoltaic cells constructed to look like regular roof shingles. They are dark-blue, dark-purple and/or black in color. For pitched roofs, solar panels come as individual tiles or small shingles. For flat roofs, solar roof shingles are constructed as large, continuous sheets.

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When it comes to kitchen remodeling, vintage is cool – even in a modern age. But, how do you achieve the look? Here are some tips on how to go about it.

Start with Cabinets: As discussed in the post, 3 Cheap Kitchen Remodeling Ideas, “The cabinets in your kitchen tell everyone who views them just what era your kitchen is stuck in.” In this case though, you’re not going for the “stuck in an era” look, but a stylized vintage look your friends will want to duplicate.

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