Part 2 of the Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Renovation: Sprucing Up the Windows

Part 2 of the Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Renovation: Sprucing Up the Windows

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Category : Home Renovation

Now that you’ve improved your kitchen, you may be looking at the end product and still not feel totally satisfied with it. This could probably be because your old windows do not match your new décor. And what’s the point of renovating your kitchen if your windows do not match the new style and architecture of your kitchen? Since it is one of the most used rooms in your house, you want to choose windows that not only look great but that also enhance the room by adding more natural light to it.

But there are a lot of things to take into consideration when looking for kitchen windows. These may include location, ventilation and amount of light. While it’s okay to have more than one style of window for your home, there is such a thing as having too many different styles. If you don’t take into account the overall design of your house when choosing windows for your kitchen, you may end up with an exterior design that looks disjointed.

Read on to find out more about window options that are available to you!

The 4 Best Styles for Kitchen Windows

There are generally 5 window types that go well with almost any kitchen. These include:

  1. Garden windows
  2. Sliding windows
  3. Casement windows
  4. Double-hung windows

Window type 1: Garden Windows

What are the garden windows?

Garden windows are windows that extend past the façade of your home and that look like a glass box. The sides of the glass ‘box’ connect at the rigid and straight front of the window.

Pros of having garden windows installed:

  1. Since it sticks out, it creates space for additional storage.
  2. As every side is made of glass, it can be used to grow herbs all year round.
  3. Its dimension gives the impression that the kitchen is bigger than it really is.
  4. It brings in the perfect amount of light in the kitchen.

Cons of having garden windows installed:

  1. Most windows need thick vinyl or wood frame to be really energy efficient. Garden windows do not come with these thick frames, meaning that cold and hot air is more likely to escape through the windows or pass into the kitchen.

Window type 2: Sliding Windows

What are sliding windows?

Sliding windows are made up of side-by-side windows that open on a sliding track. Mechanically simple, it can also be designed to have both windows or just one window slide horizontally.

Pros of having sliding windows installed:

  1. Sliding windows do not take up much space.
  2. They are easy to open.
  3. Sliding windows tend to be cheaper due to their simple designs.
  4. Since you get to crack the window open just a little bit or open it all the way, this type of window gives you better control over air circulation.
  5. They are very durable.

Cons of having sliding windows installed:

  1. The tracks are not that easy to clean.
  2. The design is not necessarily modern.

Window type 3: Double Hung Windows

What are double-hung windows?

Double-hung windows are quite possibly the most popular type of window. It is very similar to sliding windows, except that in that the two large sashes slide up and down within vertical tracks instead of horizontally.

Pros of having double hung windows installed:

  1. You have the freedom of opening them as wide as you want.
  2. You have a wider selection of styles and sizes when compared to sliding windows.
  3. The springs or weights used in the design make the windows easier to open and close.
  4. The vertical tracks do not accumulate dirt easily.

Cons of having double hung windows installed:

  1. Their design makes them dangerous for little children.
  2. This type of window needs maintenance to ensure that the springs or sash cords do not wear out.

Window type 4: Casement Windows

What are casement windows?

Casement windows are very popular windows that open outwards. They open outwards horizontally via cranks mounted on hinges. These hinges are located on one side of the window and are found both at the top and bottom of the windows. Essentially, when you open the window, it will open like a door with one side of the window staying stationary.

Pros of having casement windows installed:

  1. They probably offer the best over control airflow than any other type of windows.
  2. Since its seal is pretty tight, it is very energy efficient –  it can easily keep out drafts.
  3. Their design allows a lot of light in.

Cons of having casement windows installed:

  1. Casement windows are vulnerable to strong winds.
  2. Because of its cranking mechanism, it has greater chances of breaking when compared to the other window types mentioned in this list.

Part 1 of the Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Renovation: Can I Remodel My Kitchen on a Budget?

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Category : Home Renovation

Sprucing up a kitchen generally costs a lot. In fact, a kitchen renovation can cost significantly more than the renovation of a small bathroom, the living room and bedrooms. But if you plan properly, make wise decisions and stay hands-on, you can give your kitchen the remodelling it desperately needs without draining all your savings.

The good news is that we are here to help you look at all the options available to you. You do not have to follow every tip in this post- you can pick and choose to follow only a few of those and compromise on others. Regardless, these tips will help you cut costs when it comes to the renovation.

Ask yourself these following questions:

Question 1: Is the budget I prepared foolproof?

And by this, we mean have you accounted for “hidden” costs?

Hidden costs can quickly add up and cause you to go above budget or lead to you having to compromise on other things– things that would give your kitchen just the look you want – down the road.  These hidden costs include the cost of labour, materials, delivery as well as taxes.

Question 2: Is this a need or a want?

You may already have an idea of what you want to do for your kitchen. But before going shopping for furniture or thinking about hiring a contractor install that new flooring you really want, evaluate what your idea really is: Is it a want or a need? If it’s a want, will it cost a lot? Can it cause us to go over budget? Or can we afford it?

Not only will this line of questioning force you to stay realistic, it will also discourage you from buying unnecessary items.

Question 3: Can this be a Do It Yourself type of project?

Going the DIY route means you will be able to save on labour costs. Sure, you won’t be able to DIY the project, but there are a few parts that you can complete on your own! For those that are relatively easy, consider doing them yourself. These include changing outlets and lights, painting the walls and hanging drywall.

Question 4: Can I skimp on materials?

No. Absolutely not. You want to aim for quality. Even if the materials come at a cheaper price, the chances of it being faulty are way higher. Instead of saving you money, it will inevitably lead to you spending more.

Good quality materials are relatively expensive. The best solution when you are on a budget is to buy the best quality you can afford. Do not systematically choose the cheaper alternative.

Question 5: Cabinets – replace or refresh?

It’s true that new kitchen cabinets can cost way more than just painting over your old ones. Although a classic method, your existing cabinets may not be as modern or as efficient as newer ones.

If anything, unlike flooring, the benefits of getting new cabinets are two-fold: it not only completely changes the look of your kitchen, but it can also create better storage spaces and organization solutions for you.

Question 6: What about appliances? Refurbish or replace?

If replacing appliances means moving plumbing, gas, or electrical, it would be a better idea to refurbish. Replacing them will cost too much and will not really be worth all the troubles you will have to go through.

Question 7: Will a New Layout Make My Kitchen More Modern?

A new layout can definitely change the whole look of your kitchen. BUT, and that’s a huge but, changing the layout of the kitchen is the surest way of driving up your costs.

Bear in mind that there’s a lot you can change in your kitchen to modernize it. A change in layout is not compulsory.

Question 8: What kind of flooring should I get?

First thing first: Do you need new flooring? Also, remember that kitchens are high-traffic areas that need easy-to-clean, stain-resistant flooring. And these do not come cheap.

If your floors already look good, you may not have to replace them at all. In fact, the less you replace, the less you will have to spend.

Question 9: What kind of countertops do I need?

You don’t need to get that concrete or stone countertops. Really. Yes, we know, they look cool. But a stone countertop will be just as effective as a modest ceramic tile one. And you won’t have to break your budget!

What you may want to splurge on though is the size of the countertop. The more you can fit in your kitchen, the better. You do want enough space for food preparation and your sink.

Question 10: Am I using lighting smartly?

You don’t have to go overboard when designing your new kitchen. Simply hanging a well-designed pendant can change the look in your kitchen. You can also add accent lighting that can be plugged into wall outlets. This can be attached to the underside of your cabinets to update their looks.

Getting LED bulbs is also a good way to save on money in the long term –  these energy-saving bulbs will cause your utility bills to decrease.

Rendering: Everything You Need to Know

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Category : Home Renovation

This blog post will tell you everything that you need to know about rendering if you’re not sure what it is.

Are Rendering and Plastering the Same Thing?

The short answer? No. They are not at all the same thing.

While they are both processes of covering walls and are both made of the same building materials, this is where the similarity ends. These two practices differ from each other in various ways. The main difference between them is that plastering involves coating the interior walls of a building whereas rendering refers to the coating of exterior walls. Moreover, even if the materials used in both processes include cement, sand, water and lime gypsum, plastering and rendering do not produce equally strong finishes.

1. Rendering

Meant for coating exterior surfaces of buildings, rendering contains a higher percentage of cement within its composition when compared to plastering.

2. Plastering

Since plaster is used to coat the interior walls and ceilings of buildings, its composition is made up of less cement than render. This consistency gives plastering a smooth and flat finish that is ideal for painting or wallpapering.

Why Apply Rendering on Exterior Walls?

Needless to state that no one can go past rendering if they are looking for an attractive, cost-effective exterior finish. However, rendering serves two additional purposes other than only making the outside facade of a building more visually appealing:

Rendering increases the safety of a building by providing both waterproofing and fireproofing efficiencies.

Types of Render Finish?

Before the invention of modern renders, concrete renders used to be widely used.  But with the leaps and bounds made by technology, modern renders are able to compete on almost equal footing as concrete renders.

Since different types of render create different types of finish, it would be ill-advised to make a choice before having looked at all the types that exist on the market. From smooth to textured and patterned, you can find several types of finishes that also come in a wide range of colours.

Below is a list of the most common types of renders:

1.      Lime render

Since lime hardens slowly, it is an easily workable material that is also less brittle and less prone to cracking when compared to concrete renders. Even if there are cracks, these areas can mend over time by absorbing carbon dioxide.

In fact, the process that makes lime hard and waterproof is called carbonation. While it sits on the wall, it continuously absorbs carbon from the atmosphere for several days. With a textured or patterned finish, lime renders are perfect for old homes and old, historic buildings. Because it is so flexible and breathable, it helps to alleviate damp problems that are common in old buildings.

2.      Cement render

Consisting of three main components (lime, sand and cement), cement render is the standard choice for external walls. Not only can this type of render be mixed on-site, but the materials used to make it are quite cheap.

However, this type of render require at least 2 – 3 coats of render and needs frequent repainting for it to look as good as new.

3.      Polymer render

In addition to having cement or lime, this type of render also have polymers and some types of plastics added to it. These polymers are added to help prevent cracking, increase flexibility and/or to provide better waterproofing features.

Polymer renders are generally pre-mixed, hydrophobic, vapour permeable and can resist even high impacts. This would explain why this type of render is gradually gaining in popularity.

4.      Acrylic render

This is a wet, thin-coat render which is often used as a topcoat over existing finishes. It comes in a wide variety of colours and can be purchased ready to use.

Acrylic renders stand out when it comes to colours because it can not only be mixed into any shade but with its ability to bond well to colour pigments, it can give very intense colours that last much longer than other coloured renders.

Advantages of the Most Common Type of Rendering: Concrete

There is a reason why concrete rendering is the most popular out of all the options out there: although usually applied to bricks, it can be applied to just about any masonry surface.

On top of that, it also has several other advantages

  1. By just changing the application technique, several types of finishes can be created. These finishes can range from very smooth to very textured.
  2. Because it is comparatively cheaper than other rendering option, it is possible to apply it to larger areas of wall without breaking the budget.
  3. It can be painted over and at any time once the render has set and dried.
  4. Since any outdoor-rated pain can be used on concrete render, you have a wider range of colour to choose from.

How Can I Keep My Bathroom Clean and Fresh?

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Category : Home Renovation

Bathrooms smell. All bathrooms smell. It’s usually the room that smells the most in a house. And it’s quite normal considering what everyone does there… As much as we hate talking about it, this is where we go to do our business – which is pretty disgusting and smelly. But again, these are bodily functions and cannot be stopped – it’s totally normal, everyone has to go!

But it is not easy to clean the bathroom on a daily basis. We all have busy schedules, and we can’t spare hours every day to clean the bathroom from top to bottom. We hear you. But it’s also crucial that this high-traffic room stays clean.

So, to help you out, we’ve come up with a few simple ways to keep the bathroom clean for longer, keep the odours at bay and ensure the bathroom smells fresh naturally. Read on find out how to get more mileage out of your efforts:

Step 1: Keep moisture away

The leading factor to pungent smell is bacteria growth. And the best way to have bacteria grow in your bathroom is to let moisture sit in the bathroom for a long time.

Moisture can accumulate in a bathroom after a shower. Notice how condensation covers the tiles, mirrors and bathroom counter after you get out of the shower? This condensation is caused by the steam of your shower. In addition to making the bathroom smell, this moisture can also cause mildew stains to form in your bathroom.

Solution:

Ensure the shower stays dry. There are a few ways of doing that:

  1. You can wipe down the walls, tub, faucets and shower doors with a squeegee once you are done in the shower.
  2. Use bathmats and dry the floor once you step out of the shower.  (Wash those rugs on a regular basis so they do not harbour any smell.)
  3. Crack a window or the door open while showering. This will help dissipate the moisture.

Step 2: Keep plumbing fixtures and faucets clean 

While hard water deposits do not cause any odour, it does not look attractive, makes the bathroom look dirtier than it really is and, worst, impairs the function of your fixtures.

Because of the high moisture rate and water collection in bathrooms, faucets tend to quickly accumulate hard water deposits. No matter how new the faucet is, these deposits will make it look old and dingy.

Solution:

Everyday cleaning won’t cut it when it comes to hard water deposit – You can’t remove buildup with just water. While you still need to clean the faucets and fixtures regularly in a specific way, you don’t need to get any special cleaning products.

To keep them looking nice and working correctly, do the following:

  1. Pour regular white vinegar in a container.
  2. Soak a clean piece of rag in the vinegar.
  3. Carefully drape the rag over the faucet so the rag covers the areas that have hard water deposits.
  4. Wait 30 – 60 minutes before removing the rag.
  5. With the help of a non-scratch sponge scrub vigorously, while focusing on areas with the most buildup.

Step 3: Keep the grout clean

We can all agree that well-installed tiles can make any bathroom look modern and classy. They are also ideal for bathrooms since they are very resistant to moisture. But there is one downside to having tiles installed, and that is Grout.

It is used to keep the tiles together and looks beautiful when fresh. But because it is porous, it absorbs dirt, debris, and liquids easily and is more prone to staining. If it is not cleaned properly, it will become stained and mildewed, and can even crack. Dirty grout can have a certain smell to it and can make your bathroom smell strangely.

Solution:

To maintain grout in the bathroom and extend its life, follow these simple steps:

  1. Use a squeegee to wipe down the tiles on the walls after your shower. It will help remove excess water.
  2. Lightly spray the tiles with a mild shower cleaner.
  3. Every two weeks rub water and baking soda paste on the grout using a grout brush or an old toothbrush.
  4. Rinse with clear water.
  5. Dry using a squeegee.

Step 4: Keep the shower curtain free from buildup

Since shower curtains are in contact with water from the shower on a daily basis, they can develop mildew and odours if not scrubbed regularly. 

Solution:

  1. If you have a vinyl shower curtain, spray the bottom of the liner with a bleach-containing all-purpose. Do this several times a month to keep soap scum, water minerals, and mildew at bay.
  2. If you have a cloth shower curtain, put it in the washing machine every month.
  3. Coat the shower curtains with a water repellent.

Corrugated Roofing: What Is It and Why You Should Get It

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Category : Home Renovation

What is corrugated roofing?

A type of roofing, corrugated roofing is made of corrugated roof sheets that come in plastic or metal. These types are sheets differ from other sheets in the way their surface is designed. Instead of being flat, the sheet has an undulating and ridged surface. Additionally, the sheets are not haphazardly placed over one another. In fact, each sheet has a slim lap that overlaps with a flat lap and is overlapped while taking the wind direction into account.

Traditionally made of iron, copper, aluminum, and steel, corrugated roofing is mostly used in commercial, industrial, and farming settings. However, in recent years a trend has emerged to install this type of roofing for homes as well. More and more residential homeowners wanting metal corrugated roofing has increased the demand for the product. And it comes as no surprise, considering all the benefits it confers on homeowners.

1. Corrugated aluminum roofing

Corrugated aluminum roofing offers both value and quality, is durable and rust resistant. It doesn’t require additional coating and can be painted a wide range of colors.

2. Corrugated steel roofing

Corrugated steel roofing has a natural gray finish to it that may look drab on a residential home. While it may work on certain designs, it is an expensive alternative that won’t necessarily blend well with others. Additionally, it is harder to change the initial color of the material.

3. Corrugated copper roofing

Corrugated copper roofing is most of the time avoided by residential homeowners because of the hefty price tag that accompanies it. While it is easy to install and is naturally resistant to rust, other options come with the same benefits but at a cheaper cost.

Why install corrugated roofing for your house?

The properties and signature shape of a corrugated metal roof can give your home added protection. Durable, resistant to extreme weather, yet lightweight, corrugated metal roofs are the perfect choice for many construction projects.

1. Corrugated roofing has a long lifespan.

Metal characteristics allow for metal roofs to last for a long time. While average quality, flat metal roofs usually last for about 30 years, corrugated metal sheets can last for over 50 years on average. This is thanks to its shape, which makes it less prone to corrosion.

Recent advances in technology, such as galvanizing, has upgraded this metal roofing from simple sheets to a corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant material that is highly sought-after.  

2. Corrugated roofing is durable.

The rippled surface of corrugated sheets creates a larger surface that has increased durability. This type of roofing can, hence, withstand impacts from large objects that fall may fall on it. These include impacts from pebbles and branches.

It may be hard to believe, but even lightweight materials that are usually considered to be flimsy, such as aluminum, can become sturdy. All thanks to the shape and positioning of the sheets!

3. Corrugated roofing offers excellent weather protection.

Corrugated metal panels are able to withstand extreme weather conditions. Whether it is hail and snow, heat waves, hurricanes, this type of metal roof is highly resistant to harsh weather.

Metal rooftops also now have fire-resistant properties that make them non-combustible.

Installing a corrugated rooftop

Installing this type of roof can be a fun Do-It-Yourself project that you can complete with a friend or family member. Below is a list of tools you will need for the installation:

  1. Gloves
  2. Safety goggles
  3. Measuring tape
  4. Hammer
  5. Cement (especially for meant for the roof)
  6. Nails
  7. Screwdriver
  8. Washers and wood screws
  9. Roofing felt
  10. Staples
  11. Staple gun
  12. Metal panels
  13. Polyurethane sealant
  14. Ridge peak

You are now ready to start installing the corrugated sheets.

1. Get all measurements right

Start by measuring the width, length, peak, and slope of the roof.  

2. Install the purlins

Install the purlins on the roof and ensure that they are equally spaced.

3. Purchase and cut the panels

You will need more panels than the dimensions you got when measuring the roof. This is simply because the sheets will overlap. Buy the corrugated roof panels and cut them to the length of the roof by using circular saws, tin snips, and angle grinders.  

4. Drill holes in the sheets

Before even placing the sheets over the roof, drill holes in them vertically and have the hole be around 6 to 8 inches apart.

5. Installation of the sheets

Place the panels on the purlins in an up and down pattern.

6. Seal the panels

Seal the panels with water-resistant sealant.

7. Screw the corrugated sheets in place

Fasten the panels to the purlins using a polycarbonate washer for the screw. Repeat until you’ve affixed all the screws. You can now add the side ridge flashing, headwall connector flashing, and ridge cap if necessary.

Checklist for Buying Furniture for Your Office

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Category : Home Renovation

Purchasing office furniture for your company is a major responsibility because it involves getting furniture that not only fits the décor of your office but that also supports the comfort of your employees. Uncomfortable employees suffering from back pain will have decreased efficiency, inevitably leading to decreased productivity.

Even though you may be swamped with several people’s opinions and many special requests, do not abdicate the decision to finding a low-priced vendor just to simplify your task. It might alleviate the trouble of searching and meeting various requests, but you want to look for something that has long-term value. Take a careful approach to the decision process, aim for comfort and ergonomics. Skimping here will only lead too deferred costs down the line. Trust us on this. You don’t want to have to throw out bad pieces of furniture barely 1 to 2 years after getting them.

Below is a list of suggestions that will help you as you shop around:

Step 1: Determine Your Needs and Budget

This is, evidently, the first stage of any project. Before looking at your budget, make a list of the furniture that you will need. These can include computer desks, tables, meeting room tables, seating pieces, and cabinets, to name a few. Then, figure out your space and the number of pieces that can fit in this space. How will you fit tables, chairs, and desks for 20 employees in this room? Will the table you want for your meeting room be large enough? Or do you need something smaller?

After determining all these, you can finally start looking at your budget. Budgeting is important because every dollar spent in a business is an investment. You need to ensure that your investment is spent wisely. Using the information you’ve compiled before-hand, allocate specific amounts for chairs, desks and so on. If necessary, eschew aesthetics for superior functionality. Once you have taken note of all budgetary and space constraints you can move to the next stage.

Step 2: Find Your Style 

What you are looking for is a piece of furniture that blends seamlessly with and that complements the color of the walls, the flooring and the space available. Everything has to come together in a neat way and be in a pristine condition while also successfully making the space comfortable and attractive. As you try to create a good office atmosphere that increases productivity, try to find items of furniture that complement and reflect your company’s brand, identity, and culture.

But remember that this does not mean that all coordinating pieces have to match. If well-planned and well-displayed, even an item of custom-made furniture can add character to a room. Whether it’s the meeting room or the reception area, an uncommon piece of furniture can tie in all the other pieces in the area to create a truly unique space.

Step 3: Buy Green

Gone are the days when eco-friendly decor was tacky and just plain ugly. Chances are, like everyone else, you have become more mindful of the planet and the impact of humans on a now more vulnerable ecosystem. In line with that, you will be right to make a conscious decision of supporting sustainable production by choosing eco-friendly options that have been recycled and that will last a long time.

Not only will buying “green” make your company stand out it will also send a message to your employees that the company cares about the environment and the well-being of its employees.

Step 4: Consider the Quality of Wooden Furniture

While it is true that wooden furniture adds warmth and beauty to any space, the quality of the piece will play a major role in its durability. If the construction of the item is not done properly, the item will not last long, will not be able to retain its looks and will lose its level of comfort. Therefore, you should inspect each piece of furniture carefully.

High-quality wood furniture is sturdy and has properly aligned doors and drawers that open and shut smoothly. Even if the furniture has texture, the finish should be smooth and pleasing to the touch. Steer clear of any wooden furniture that has:

  • Rough patches on its surface
  • a cloudy surface
  • scratches
  • dents
  • splintered edges
  • dull spots

You can ignore these if the furniture you are looking at is distressed. Just ensure the distressed furniture is well constructed and is sturdy.

Step 5: Learn Your Fabrics 

Whether you are getting chairs for the meeting room and computer desks or a sofa for the reception area, examine how the fabric looks and feels. Not only must the upholstery fiber complement the style of the space, but it also has to be easy to maintain. You don’t want something that only looks good – you also want to take durability and longevity into consideration.

Making A Statement with A Stylish Ceiling

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Category : Home Renovation

If like us, you had to borrow from the bank to purchase a house, you know how mortgage repayments take a considerable chunk out of your salary. What with moving in and furnishing, it can be years before you can truly have a home that’s to your taste. After spending a decade only repainting walls and ceiling, we’ve decided that is was high time to invest time and money to revive every room in our house. Well… Easier said than done.

We did want to start right away and get rid of those things we could barely stand but had to keep due to lack of funds. But renovating a house isn’t something that can be done haphazardly, especially not when you are on a budget! So, of course, we started with the living room. It’s the first thing people see when they walk in the door and it’s where we spend most of our time. And it’s not like there were no hiccups along the way! But we learned from our mistakes and we are ready to share a few tips with you. Since we were tired of changing only the wall color, we decided the overhaul the whole room. Keep on reading if you want more details.

The house we bought came with an atrocious popcorn ceiling. Not only is it hard to clean, but it is also difficult to paint over and even more difficult to repair if broken. So, it was the first thing I had gone when we first moved in. The worst part though was that our popcorn ceiling was painted over. I cannot overstate how long it took us to get rid of that and paint it over! And when we finally had the budget to change the ceiling? Well, suffice to say we went to various contractors and spent hours looking at and debating over the many types of ceiling more than was really necessary. From suspended ceilings to tray ceilings and coffered ceilings, we saw everything! And although we initially wanted a tray ceiling, we just had to come to grips with the reality that it just didn’t fit the layout of our living room and would unnecessarily complicate matters for us.

So, we settled for what we considered to be the next best thing: stretch ceiling. We wanted something that would bring a certain flair to the living room, would be durable and that would also be flexible. We could pick from 3D patterned shapes to glossy colors, add in lighting, backlight surfaces and acoustic solutions. What’s not to like! Since we knew that not everything always goes exactly according to plan, we chose not to take another gamble with the ceiling. Hence, we didn’t skimp on quality and chose not to just go for the lowest bid. Ceilings are meant to be a long-term investment after all! After doing some digging around, we chose Melbourne Ceilings to help us out with our project. And my opinion on the finished product? Loved it! It visually enlarged the space and was completed within a few hours with absolutely no mess left for us to clean up!

The other major things left to tackle were flooring and windows. Considering the commitment that windows represent, we believe it deserves a blog post of its own. When it came to flooring though, it was an easy choice. The house came with carpets, and while we managed to keep them clean and as stain-free as possible, we wanted something that doesn’t require constant attention. Carpets are just too hard to maintain – without constant vacuuming they quickly start to look dingy and dirty. We all know that! And despite tiles being easier to clean, we knew the installation process would be above our budget and very time-consuming. Which means we were left with floorboards. Although the hardwood floor we had installed does not absorb noise like carpet did and is more scratch-prone, it is easier to clean and is relatively easy to repair.

Once these were sorted out, we were left with choosing the wall color. Obviously, we couldn’t just go for a color we both liked. We had to pick a color that would not only work in that specific room and but one that wouldn’t clash with our existing furniture and the new items we planned on adding to the living room. Keeping a few old furniture facilitated this stage to some extent as it meant that the first step to picking a color would involve working around those items. Since some of our focal pieces were shades of yellow, we wanted a more neutral color to contrast with the bold color of the accent pieces. We also wanted the room to look larger and brighter while also having a relaxed atmosphere. And there’s one color that can suit just about any room, mood, and setting while also lending a sense of trendiness to a room. Yep, you guessed it! We went grey and we don’t regret it.

The Type of Home That’s Perfect for You Based on Your Zodiac Sign

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Category : Home Improvement

Your perfect home can be determined by much more than your preferred location or favorite color palette. Today I have made a research on each and every zodiac sign to be able to determine what kind of house would suit your personality. Whether you are a beach loving Pisces, city-dwelling Capricorn, the houses mentioned below would wonderfully suit your personality and traits.

Let’s get started!

1. Aquarius – Pacific Yurt

Since you are incredible unconventional and unstructured, a pacific yurt would be the perfect house for you. It is also the best choice as we all know that you care a lot about the environment. Pacific yurt is a modern adaptation which was initially used by nomads from Central Asia. These homes are built by using sustainable energy which impacts the Earth as minimally as possible.

2. Pisces – Beach House

Artistic, imaginative and dreamy as you are, your ideal spot will be a beach house as it will rhyme perfectly with your vibe. Beach house is perfect for people who want to be distinct from others, on top of that being it is perfect for an ocean lover as it allows Pisces to be closer to their element.

3. Aries–Mid-Century Modern Home

Aries are known for being adventurous, open and have an intense need for space that is why they need a mid-century modern home. This house style has a focus on keeping the entire house open as if each room flows into the next one. This space also allows you to be closer to nature and bring it in you. Aries don’t like to live in places which makes them feel closed off. This layout is perfect for the space that you crave for.

4. Taurus- Victorian-style Home

Since you are practical, timeless and are attracted to gorgeous and aesthetic things, a Victorian-style home would be perfectly suitable for you. These home are timeless classics and the attributes which will attract a Taurus would certainly be their regal and elegant vibe. Everything about this house will merge with your personality as it has stained glass windows and intricate staircases.


5. Gemini-Mediterranean-style houses

Electric as you are, your home should be able to reflect your lively personality. That is why Mediterranean-style houses are the perfect type of home for you. These styles have large glass panels which make your home feel larger and connected with the outside world. Since Gemini like to be social and create a fun atmosphere, the structure is perfect for outdoor social events. Plus Mediterranean houses are surely going to make you stand out from the rest of the world.


6. Cancer-English Cottage

Cancers are known to be cozy, compassionate and love to feel at home people. An English cottage will be the perfect abode for Cancerians as they have a big heart and enjoy creating a relaxing atmosphere for their family at home. The cottage’s structure will give you a classic “ feel at home” feeling while it also gives others the chance to feel comfortable and relaxed with you.


7. Leo-Castle

Excitable and charismatic as you are, Leos are destined to be kings as a castle would be the perfect place for them to be. Since Leos are determined and stubborn, they can live their lives on their own terms in their castles. They can host gathering and parties or they can retreat and be alone as well when they need to.

8. Virgo-Modern Style

Practical and efficient, Virgos like to keep their outer life simple. That is why a modern style would be perfect for them. The modern and sleek approach allows you to keep everything how you want it to be and put your ideas on display to represent who you truly are.


9. Libra-French Provincial

Libras are known to be romantic, artistic and love to have people around, that is why they should opt for a French provincial which represents a structure of harmony and balance as these houses are pretty symmetrical. On top of that, they tend to give a lot of indoor and outdoor space.

10. Scorpio-Log Cabin

Since Scorpios are mysterious, private and intriguing, a log cabin would be their perfect hideout as this type of shelter can be built as simple or extravagant as you would like. These types of home are private which is perfect for you.

11. Sagittarius-Tiny House

An optimistic traveler who is forever ready to take on the world which is why a tiny house is the best option for you as you hate anything which tries to hold you back from living the life you want. A tiny house allows you to travel as much as you want and not worry about the ramifications of a fixated structure.


12. Capricorn-City Apartment

Career oriented, stubborn and dedicated, a city apartment would totally fit your lifestyle. Being located in a larger city is more profitable for you as you could network with potential clients also an apartment’s structure is something you can live with and appreciate.

Things to consider before A Kitchen Remodel Project

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Category : Home Improvement

Undertaking a kitchen remodeling project can be quite stressful that is why it is necessary to sit with a professional and carefully plan your project. If you are considering to renovate your kitchen, it will be good to browse through the internet and get some ideas about what kind of kitchen you need and if you have appropriate space for it. When I had planned my kitchen renovation, I went through a lot of trouble at first and things were not appearing to be as I expected. The whole process was very stressful as things were going completely out of the budget. That’s is why I am listing 3 most important things that anyone should ponder upon before planning a kitchen remodel.

Whether you have already been through ideas and samples or in the beginning stages to have your space measured, I would suggest that you take a step back and consider the bigger picture of a house renovation project. There are a lot of factors that we should consider . Read to learn more about them.



How much your project is going to cost?

Costing is never something interesting to discuss, but unfortunately, it is one of the most important things to discuss. Sometimes people tend to go beyond their budget when they undertake a new project which can later become a problem. That is why it is better to be realists and discuss the cost of a kitchen remodeling project so that you can have an idea of how much you are willing to spend on it. We all want our kitchen to be trendy and classy but do you really have a lot of money to spend on it?

You can call a professional for advice as how much your house costs and how the kitchen will add value to it. You can browse through the internet and magazines to get an idea of the design and cost. If you are tight in terms of budget, you might consider getting a home equity loan. Always explore financing options for your furniture and electrical appliances. You can as well save a lot of money by doing some of the jobs yourself.

Calculating your space


Space is the fundamental need when it comes to remodeling a kitchen area. Before you decide on smashing any wall to add some extra space, it is necessary to sit down and think whether it is necessary to add on or you can renovate without adding on space. Let’s be honest here, creating the extra space costs money. If you have the funding, you can opt for the knocking out of the walls, else you can save the money to get yourself some quality cabinets or trendy appliances. The decision is all yours. First of all, you need to sit down and review the main objective behind your kitchen renovation project. If you still want spaces, you might consider checking out all the rooms from which you might steal some extra square footage such as bathrooms or laundry room. Most importantly, make sure that you discuss your project with a professional kitchen remodeler. A good space planning will save you from future troubles.

Leave your existing layout intact

When you are planning a kitchen remodel, the best way to save money is to keep your kitchen’s current layout intact. That does not mean that you cannot replace your cabinets or change their location. I meant that you leave all your major systems such as plumbing, electric and gas intact. In that way, you will not have to pay for electrician or plumber. Rearranging your major systems will result into extra water lines for refrigerators and sink, moving gas piping, adding wiring and other major expenses.

Appliance size and style

Before buying any cabinets or appliance, it is wise to measure the size of the space available in your kitchen. If you choose a large range of appliances, you will need additional construction to accommodate it. Make a list of all appliances that you need and window shop to get an idea of the size and how much is it going to cost you. You might as well discuss with a professional to get a better overview.

Brighten up your kitchen

A great lighting plan can make a major difference in your kitchen. If you still have that one of two ceiling lights and a tiny window near the sink, well it is time to upgrade! You can replace your windows with larger ones, that way you will be receiving more sunlight. Make use of layers of light like undercabinet lights, chandelier or pendant fixtures. It will create more efficient and you will have more lighting options. Make sure that you place your switches at convenient and easily accessible places such as at each entrance which leads to your space.

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