Caring for Your Granite Countertops

This informational article by Kari Hendel highlights some things to remember when caring for your granite countertops. While natural stone countertops are low maintenance, proper care will ensure their beauty for years to come!

Upgrading your countertops to granite is a great choice because you can get it for a great price while increasing the value of your home and if cared for, granite counters can last a lifetime. Proper care of your granite countertops will ensure the longevity and beauty of your stone. Below we have mapped out some do's and don'ts for cleaning your granite counters.

Do's
 1. Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to dust off and clean granite counters

2. Wipe down daily and as needed with water

3. Blot up spills immediately
-Acidic liquids will not etch granite, but could potentially stain the surface.
4. Clean about once a week with a damp cloth and stone cleaner that is formulated with a neutral pH
5. Reseal your countertops about once a year with a stone sealer
-A good way to check if you need to reseal your counters is to splash water on the surface and if the water doesn't bead up then you should reseal your granite. Stone sealer can be purchased at any local home improvement store.
6. If stains or damage occurs contact a stone-care professional for repair

Don'ts
1. Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners
-These can scratch, pit and etch the surface of the stone
2. Don't use soap repeatedly to clean your granite

-This can cause a build-up and dull your countertops shine

3. Don't use cleaners with vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange

If you have any additional questions about caring for your granite counters feel free to ask a granite expert online at www.GraniteDirectStore.com under the "Contact Us" page.

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"Caring for Your Granite Countertops" was shared by Selection Center. Selection Center is a home remodeling showroom located in Nashville, TN.

About Selection Center:
Our 9,000 square foot showroom is the largest in Middle Tennessee and has interactive displays for every room in the home. We offer a broad range of products and design services such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances, custom closets, Murphy beds and more. Companies within Selection Center include Designer Kitchen Distributors, Floors by Design, Granite Direct, More Space Place and Siano Appliances. For more information visit www.SelectionCenter.com or call 615.726.3755.

New Video: Home Remodeling Ideas from Selection Center

We've got a new video up with some great remodeling ideas from Selection Center for a variety of projects...check it out!

For more ideas visit us online at www.SelectionCenter.com or come by our showroom at 2960 Sidco Drive, Nashville. 615.726.3755.

Quick, Easy and Budget Friendly Remodeling & Decor Ideas from Selection Center for the Holidays!

With the holidays upon us, there’s plenty to do to get ready for holiday guests. Here are some inexpensive and quick home remodel and decorating projects that can wow your guests without breaking the budget.

Painting Walls
Changing the color of a room can change the feeling of the entire space – with darker days in the winter months consider a brighter color or warmer tone to add some life to your space. This simple project can be done in a day and is really inexpensive, with a gallon of paint running about $10-$20 depending on the brand, color and finish.


Adding a Tile Backsplash
This is one of those details that can really make a kitchen feel complete. Not only does it help with easy maintenance and cleanup in the kitchen, but it adds some luxury as well. There’s a variety of products on the market ranging from more natural travertine to shiny glass or porcelain. Eco-friendly options are also available. In the Nashville area, Floors by Design has a variety of products available that can be installed before Christmas – visit them online at www.selectioncenter.com/tile.html.

New Countertops
There’s plenty of cooking going on in every kitchen around throughout the holiday season. A quick way to update any kitchen and to give it that clean, polished look is by adding new granite countertops. The affordability of granite is surprising to most – with new installed countertops for only $36.80/sq.ft. or remnants for bathroom vanities starting at $10/sq.ft. Countertop installation is simple and can be done in as little as four hours with tear-out of your old countertops on the same day, giving your kitchen very little downtime. If you’re in the Middle Tennessee area check out Granite Direct online at http://www.granitedirectstore.com/ for more information about this product and to request a free estimate.

Fresh Window Coverings
Adding a pop of color around a window can not only brighten a space, but it can renew the look in a living room, bedroom, dining room or family room. This simple statement can add a flare that your space may need and by choosing an energy efficient option, it can also help cut those winter heating bills.

Add a Guest Bed
Wondering where everyone is going to sleep this Christmas Eve when those guests arrive? Ever considered a Murphy bed? This hideaway bed is a great alternative to a sofa bed or futon, providing your visitors with the full comfort of a regular bed with easy convenience for you. More Space Place in Nashville offers a wide variety of Murphy bed sizes, styles and options. Visit www.selectioncenter.com/murphybeds.html for more information and request a free quote to find out how affordable this option really is!



Give Your Space Some Flair
Beyond the traditional holiday décor – adding a few new throw pillows, wall art, a mirror or lamp can change the atmosphere of a space. The usual holiday garb is always fun to mix in and you may even find some of the aforementioned items available with a festive twist. Accessories are easy to shop for and usually affordable too. Check local department stores of discount retailers for some unique items to give your home a little more style this holiday season.



There are countless ways to give your home extra warmth this winter, one or all of these projects might be on your list before December 25th – visit http://www.selectioncenter.com/ for more great remodeling ideas and stop by our showroom at 2960 Sidco Drive in Nashville or call 615.726.3755 for more information. As always, estimates are free and we would love to help you dream up new and exciting things for your home!

Granite Countertop and Kitchen Ideas from Granite Direct

Here are some more great granite pictures and kitchen ideas from Granite Direct that is part of Selection Center here in Nashville, TN. Start dreaming of what your kitchen might look like with upgrades ranging from new countertops to a complete remodel. For more information visit us online at www.GraniteDirectStore.com or call 615.726.3755.

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"Granite Countertop and Kitchen Ideas from Granite Direct" was shared by Selection Center. Selection Center is a home remodeling showroom located in Nashville, TN.

About Selection Center:
Our 9,000 square foot showroom is the largest in Middle Tennessee and has interactive displays for every room in the home. We offer a broad range of products and design services such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances, custom closets, Murphy beds and more. Companies within Selection Center include Designer Kitchen Distributors, Floors by Design, Granite Direct, More Space Place and Siano Appliances. For more information visit www.SelectionCenter.com or call 615.726.3755.

8 Ideas of No Cost and Low Cost Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Are you thinking about selling your home? Is your listing not showing as well as it could? Check out these great budget friendly tips from REALTOR® Magazine to make that house shine and to get it sold!

8 No-Cost and Low-Cost Ways to Tweak Your Listings

Got a listing that needs a new look? Here are some inexpensive ways to make it shine.

By Maggie Sieger

Chances are the decor in that listing you just took is a lot like most people's wardrobes: There are a few items that went out of style a decade ago, but they're so comfortable that it's impossible to see them go.

"We grow accustomed to our space, and we stop seeing it," says Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend, design, and brand for Lowe's, the home improvement giant. "People tend to become blind to their own things."

But everything needs updating eventually. Birdsong suggests home owners cast a fresh eye on their living space, pretending that they've just moved in and are assessing the previous occupant's design choices.

Betsy Westman, a broker-owner with Westman Realty in Grand Rapids, Mich., says real estate professionals can have a big impact on updating a home's look by helping clients brainstorm new ideas and by being straightforward about outmoded design elements. The following tips can help get a home up-to-date without breaking the bank.

1. Move it.
Simply rearranging the furniture can reenergize a room. Add and remove furniture, lamps, rugs, and accessories from other parts of the house to create a whole new look. Mirrors are particularly useful when it comes to updating a room. Try one out in different rooms to see where it fits best. Even just moving a mirror to a different wall can create a more welcoming feel.

2. Plant it.
Houseplants are a generally undervalued design component that can add texture, warmth, and color to any room. Just drop plants in their store containers into decorative planters. Small plants can be moved easily and regrouped to change a room's look, while larger ones make a statement on their own.

Group plants of differing heights, fullness, and color for the most dramatic effect. Jettison the scraggly specimens, Westman says. "It's important to have plants that are well maintained and in tip-top condition."

3. Paint it.
Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a substantial change. Use dramatic colors in powder rooms and dining rooms, and more neutral colors in living spaces. When selecting colors, "be sure to ask, 'What am I trying to do? How do I want this to feel?'" Birdsong says. "And always, always do a test before you paint the whole room."

4. Organize it.
"Clutter just happens," Birdsong says. "So neaten up!" She advocates a variety of organizing tools to make a space feel polished while maintaining utility. Hooks and shelves inside the door give people a place to hang coats and keys, while canvas bins or natural baskets help contain magazines and mail. "Just a row of hooks preattached on a board is so easy to install," she says. "And shelves are a great way to neatly display collectibles."

5. Hide it.
Have a banged-up wall? It may be easy to camouflage. Paintable wallpaper (available for as little as $16/roll from Creative Wallcovering) will smooth out an uneven wall or hide minor dents and dings. Adventurous home owners can even try a simple two-step painting process for a more complex finish. Birdsong suggests applying a solid base coat, then a glaze.

"These days, it's pretty user-friendly," she says. Caution: Your intent should never be to mislead buyers; be sure to disclose flaws that would affect home value.

6. Replace it.
Cabinet handles, switch plates, and other small pieces of housing hardware can update a home for just a few dollars a piece. Westman suggests scanning each room to see what looks worn or outdated and then replacing it. Inexpensive quick-connect faucets can make upgrading the look of your bathroom a snap. Just be sure to measure before you go to the hardware store. Some sinks are drilled for an eight-inch spread. Others require just four inches.

"And don't forget the toilet seat," adds Westman. "Fresh towels and a new toilet seat go a long way toward making a bathroom feel clean and new."

7. Light it.
Lighting can have a major impact on a home's look and feel. Whether a room seems dark or too bright and harsh, try "layering" the lighting by adding accent pendants and lamps. Make sure they have independent controls, so that you can turn them on and off at will.

"Light is such a mood setter," Westman says. "You can create a cozy feel just by turning down the lights." Add dimmers in the dining room, bathrooms, kitchen, and even the hallways for less than $4 each. Then adjust the lighting to create the mood you want.

8. Clean it.
Turn a critical eye to the flooring to make sure it's up to snuff. Scrub grout and seal natural stone. Rub out scratches and nicks on wood floors with scratch cover. "Get down on your hands and knees and detail the floors," Birdsong says. "It takes a little elbow grease, but the results are well worth it." Vinyl flooring is a bit harder to spruce up but usually can be replaced easily and inexpensively.

http://tinyurl.com/2uz4c65

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“8 Ideas of No Cost and Lost Cost Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell” was shared by Selection Center. Selection Center is a home remodeling showroom located in Nashville, TN.

About Selection Center:

Our 9,000 square foot showroom is the largest in Middle Tennessee and has interactive displays for every room in the home. We offer a broad range of products and design services such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances, custom closets, Murphy beds and more. Companies within Selection Center include Designer Kitchen Distributors, Floors by Design, Granite Direct, More Space Place and Siano Appliances. For more information visit www.selectioncenter.com or call 615.726.3755.

Kitchen Organization Ideas

I found this helpful article on http://www.showmomthemoney.com/kitchen-organization-ideas/ that gives ways to organize your kitchen or remodel it to meet your needs.

When you decide that your mission this year is to get your home organized, you’ll find the kitchen has a distinct challenge as compared to the rest of the house. Unlike other rooms that may only need straightening up once a week or so, the kitchen requires constant cleaning and organizing throughout the day simply to maintain its function. But, you can save time, and your sanity, with some basic organizational strategies and ideas for clutter reduction.

Step One: Inventory
Take inventory of the kitchen. Pull out all of your pots and pans, utensils, storage containers, food wraps, plates, cups, cleaning supplies, and take note of what you have. Now is the time to get rid of anything you don’t need. If you haven’t used it in a year or more, donate it to someone who will. Don’t forget your ”holiday only” items and special serving pieces. Everything is going to need a spot, so be ruthless with your decisions regarding what to keep, especially if your space is limited.

Step Two: Function
Store your kitchen items based on each item’s function. This may seem elementary, but you are not going to save yourself any steps by storing plastic food containers in the back of the pantry with the muffin pans when you need them almost daily during clean up after a meal. For instance, keep the baking sheets in one cupboard near the oven, the cutting boards and knives near your vegetable chopping area, etc. Keep often needed preparation equipment near your general work area, not stuck in a cupboard or way up on a shelf on the other side of the kitchen.

Step Three: Consider Specialized Storage
Take into consideration storage units designed to use with specific items. A great space saver is a pot rack that can be hung from the ceiling. You must make sure you can identify the location of the ceiling studs and you must use the right kind of anchor bolts that will support the weight of the rack and pans. If you are not a competent do-it-yourselfer, or lack the proper tools, get the help of a certified carpenter before you attempt to hang a pot rack. Also check out the vast array of portable workspaces like rolling carts. They quite often have storage space built in and can be put in a corner, closet or pantry when not in use. Items as simple as spinning racks for spices, larger spinning trays for inside bottom cabinets, stacking shelves, wire pull-out baskets, and countless ready-made units, will amaze you with the “found space” you’ll be able to use at a relatively inexpensive price tag. If you don’t have a window above your sink, measure the space and go shopping! You’ll be amazed at what sort of inexpensive dish storage pieces you can find.

Step Four: Creative Storage
You might have an old bookshelf in your hallway or back porch that could be put to use storing extra canned goods, paper products and seldom used kitchen gadgets that are taking up room in your kitchen cupboards. Perhaps you could store your towels in your bathroom and your sheets in your bedrooms which would free up a linen closet for kitchen gadget storage. If you aren’t using your dishwasher, you might want to remove the racks and get creative with an alternate use for that space. (I use my dishwasher to hold my recycling until it’s pick up day.) Don’t forget to look up, as well. There may be some forgotten space between the ceiling and the cabinets that, with a few shelves, could be used for storage or display. You know all those baskets you’ve been collecting over the years? Hang one above the sink to store your dish towels. Use an assortment of small baskets to store your tableware and napkins. Any way you can free up some cabinets and drawers by using otherwise unused space will help relieve the congestion and frustration you are now experiencing in your currently crammed kitchen.

Step Five: Food Storage
Your refrigerator, freezer, and food pantry is a different sort of challenge. Because you are restocking food items at a much faster pace than you are buying utensils, you will need to take stock of what you have on a routine basis and develop a master shopping list. This will help prevent wasteful spending by not duplicating food items, and by not having to throw out food that you’ve forgotten you have in the freezer.

The steps listed here should get you on the right track to smoothing out the kitchen traffic and congestion you experience every time you try to simply cook a meal. Of course, with any first attempts at organizing a room in your house, you’ll need to “tweak” it a bit along the way. If something just isn’t working the way you expected, give it a second go around. You won’t know until you’ve lived in your ”new” kitchen what works and what just keeps making you shake your head. This is the one room in the house that you are going to have to put in some real time until you get it just right. Have fun and don’t give up if you get frustrated or overwhelmed. Take a break… then get back in there!

Check back for even more kitchen organization ideas in coming weeks. I hope this gets you started!

“Kitchen Organization Ideas” was shared by Selection Center. Selection Center is a home remodeling showroom located in Nashville, TN.

About Selection Center:
Our 9,000 square foot showroom is the largest in Middle Tennessee and has interactive displays for every room in the home. We offer a broad range of products and design services such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances, custom closets, Murphy beds and more. Companies within Selection Center include Designer Kitchen Distributors, Floors by Design, Granite Direct, More Space Place and Siano Appliances. For more information visit www.selectioncenter.com or call 615.726.3755.

Custom Closets: What You Need To Know To Get Started

Thank you to
http://homeandgarden.whatitcosts.com/custom-closets-pg3.htm for providing this insightful article on custom closets. Hope you all enjoy it and happy closet planning!

If you have more clothing, shoes and accessories than you have space to store them, it is likely that your closets will be quite disordered. But you don’t have to waste any more time fumbling through piles of clothes in the hunt to locate your favorite pair of jeans or to dig out the mate to your best pair of shoes. Today’s custom closets feature high-end designs specially created to match your needs and your lifestyle. This can help make getting dressed something to enjoy, rather than something that makes you feel depressed.

When Space Is Limited
Whether you live in a very old house or a very new one, and whether the design is a sprawling mansion or a cozy little space or whether it falls somewhere between these extremes, chances are you probably just don’t have enough closet space. Most people today have more items than ever before and it makes it difficult to be able to put everything neatly away in a designated place. As a result, chaos reigns.

Part of the problem is that most older homes were designed for a time when people had much smaller wardrobes and much fewer possessions, and even newer homes with their larger scale rooms can be focused on getting in as much living area as possible, often at the expense of allowing adequate storage space. Yet despite these challenges, with the hectic pace of life today, being organized is more important than ever before. So what’s a person to do, then, you may wonder. The answer may be to hire a professional closet designer to assess your situation and reconfigure your closets so they will work with you in the most effective way. This can make getting dressed in the morning much easier and can also take much of your stress away.

The Choices That Exist
If you want to get custom built closets but aren’t quite sure how to accomplish this goal, the easiest way may be to hire a respected company that specializes in closet design and installation. There are likely to be at least a few companies in your local area that specialize in closet design and organization. In fact, one of the best known closet vendors is More Space Place, which has franchises throughout the country. Many people who have used this service like the concept, which pairs homeowners with a designer that can help them to envision the most functional use of their closet space and turn it into a reality. Better yet, the options are endless, from basic storage components out of inexpensive material to more complicated fittings made from the highest-end imported woods. Regardless of what you select from this or other similar closet installation companies, the final results can be easily changed or expanded as your needs shift over the years.

Or if you prefer, you can also hire an independent contractor to build up your closet to better accommodate your wardrobe and other items you need to store efficiently. A builder may be less skilled at envisioning the best storage options, but can certainly follow blueprints or photos of examples you like. Another negative of a builder is that those closets are built-in whereas other custom closet providers such as More Space Place are able to rearrange or move your custom closet.


In either scenario, just keep in mind that ordering a built-in closet organizer can be an investment, but in return, you will get lots of benefits. For instance, you will finally have a closet that is tailored specifically for your unique needs and your clothing, and this can save you frustration and time in the morning, while also helping to preserve your clothing and accessories. Further, the experts say that a high-end custom closet can add value to your home should you ever decide to sell in the future. While these are certainly worthwhile goals, though, most people with custom closets admit that more importantly, they just truly enjoy the neat and orderly storage of their clothes.

Find A Pro
To find a professional company or individual who can handle this project and give you expert results, you can do a search online, look in your local yellow pages or check for ads in your community newspaper from custom closet design companies. Most people will be willing to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your needs, see your existing closet space and your wardrobe and come up with a proposal and price estimate for you to consider.

It is also worth noting that before you meet with anyone, though, you may want to weed out anything you don’t wear or use anymore, so the closet designer doesn’t waste your time or money planning organizing tools for things you don’t even need to store.

Details To Consider
When meeting with a closet design company or contractor, you will want to find out how much experience they have in designing closets of the caliber you desire. You will also need to know how long they have been in business, if they offer a warranty on the final results and what it covers and who will be doing the work and installation.

It can also be helpful to determine the quality of the materials the closet will contain so you will know exactly what you are paying for. For instance, you can ask what type of wood or laminate will be used, what the finish will look like, if you can get metal hardware (not plastic) to ensure it wears well, what the closet rods are made from (chrome or metal are usually stronger than wood), and details about the quality and construction of the drawers. Finally, make sure to find out if all labor, installation and material are included in any price you get. You don’t want to get any unexpected surprises at the end.

The Sky Is The Limit
When it comes to crafting a custom closet, there is no end to the features you can find to incorporate into your design. In fact, the custom closet business is a booming field these days, creating closets that offer storage racks for hanging dressy clothes, shelves for sweaters and jeans and racks to hold shoes, belts and hats and even baskets or cubbies perfect for purses, scarves, belts, sporting equipment and other small items that need a place to keep them safe.

Just keep in mind that today, it is not only functionality that comes into play, though. You can also create a closet that is as pleasing to look at as it is to use. To this end, some of the upscale closet design companies offer many upscale wood finishes, as well as extras like carved molding, raised panel designs, stained glass accents and ornate lighting fixtures. Other special features to consider include a valet rod, an ironing board, built in-hamper and jewelry drawer. By incorporating all of these special details, you can create a closet that will continue to provide the perfect space for your favorite possessions for many years to come.

How to Choose Home Flooring Materials: Pros and Cons of Different Flooring Materials

This is a great resource for those of you trying to pick out a flooring choice but just don't know the pros and cons. Take some time to look through this article I found on http://home-flooring.suite101.com to help you decide what matters most to you in flooring.

Laminate
This is one of the fasting growing products on the market. On the pro side, it's inexpensive compared to some other products, it's easy to install, and it's readily available. On the con side, it is not recommended for wet areas such as bathrooms. Kitchens fall in the gray area. If the homeowner is know to splash a lot of soapy water around while doing the dishes, it should be avoided. Also, in large rooms (25' or 7.62 meters), most laminate flooring manufacturers, such as Pergo, recommend adding an expansion joint in the field since this is a floating floor and expands and contracts. Some home owners consider this unsightly.
Traditional Terrazzo
This is a great product to install over a concrete slab. It's durable, lasting for the life of the home. It's attractive and can be installed in virtually any color scheme desired. In some installations a metal grid is first installed into which the mix is poured. The mix is usually a epoxy resin combined with scrap marble chips or even recycled glass, which makes it a green and sustainable building material. The mixture is leveled, and after curing, it's polished with a terrazzo grinder. The downside is the labor cost. It is not really a DIY project and the marble chips can be expensive.
Classic Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is one of the most time-tested construction materials. Cost? It's a wide open field. The price ranges from cheap to very expensive. Styles, colors, borders, and shapes are so varied that any imaginable pattern is possible. As long as the grout is well-sealed, it does well in wet conditions, making it ideal for bathroom or kitchen applications. It's a safe bet for raising home re-sale value since its popularity has remained constant, from ancient Rome to today. The downside is that if it's installed over a wood or engineered wood subfloor, the subfloor must be beefed up and covered with cement fiber board to prevent future cracking.
Natural Stone is a Green Building Material
This includes marble, granite, slate, limestone, and onyx. It is a beautiful and durable material, and also a green product (remember the scraps from cutting may be sold to a terrazzo installer). Like ceramic, it demands a sturdy and level subfloor to prevent cracking. Natural stone floor maintenance is rather straightforward. Regular dust-mopping to remove abrasive substances like dirt should be done often. Damp mopping is also recommended. Strategic use of runners and area rugs is helpful. Be prepared for a hefty price tag, but it won't go out of style and will bump up home equity.
Hardwood Floors
Installing a hardwood floor is a great DIY project. Hardwood is generally manufactured from oak, hickory, pecan, poplar and other deciduous trees. Even so, others like pine ( a softwood or evergreen) and bamboo floors (actually a grass) are often lumped into this category. This is a very traditional building material and not likely to go out of fashion. The two most common types are tongue-in-groove planks and parquet tiles. Unlike laminate, these need to be sanded and refinished periodically; but on the upside, when finished with high-quality urethane, they do well in moist conditions, unlike laminate floors.
Economical, High-Maintenance Carpet
This is the old stand-by. It can be had cheaper than any of the other floors. Why else would rapid-turnover apartments use it? The downside is that needs frequent vacuuming vacuuming and shampooing to stay clean and it traps mites, pollen, dust, and animal dander that are bad for people with allergies.

Kid Conscious Design

Kitchens Children can easily be injured in kitchens between appliances, dinnerware and utensils. That is why it’s important to know these key child-friendly kitchen ideas. First of all, keep knifes and sharp utensils out of lower, easy-to-reach drawers. If you choose to use reachable drawers, make sure to put child proof locks on them. When shopping for an oven, make sure your oven has a lock. This is standard with today’s ovens but it’s always something to make sure you have or add. Also, go for reusable plastic ware; it won’t break if dropped and lessens the chance of causing glass injuries.

Storage Especially with young children around, storage is important. Where can you put the toys so it’s not an eye sore? There are several alternatives. You can use storage ottomans. Be careful of the ones that come with hinges to lift the top verses the separate top. Children’s fingers can easily get caught or crushes in the hinges so stay clear of that. Another alternative is shelving with baskets in them for easy clean up.



Offices At home offices need to be functional to be used for other purposes. Usually also used as spare bedrooms which is made possible my using Murphy Beds or alternative. Custom shelving can give extra room because it will be made to fit your needs. Multi-functional rooms are great for big families where space is tight.

Furniture Try to steer clear of glass and sharp corners on furniture. If you want a hard surface top, try to get rounded surfaces that are securely attached to their base. Table clothes are also not a great idea since children will want to play with them or pull them if they start to fall which may cause injury.

Garage Solutions: Organize and Declutter

Here are some easy solutions to organize your garage to return it to original purpose- storing your car and equipment. Many items are stored and projects are worked on in the garage so we look at the best ways to keep your garage organized.

Shelving This is easier then it seems but first tackle your stuff. What do you need? What can you sell? What can you give away? After making these decisions, the first step would be to add shelving. Get yourself organized. Save money by knowing where your stuff is so you don’t end up buying doubles. You can get simple shelves or get special shelving for bikes, sports equipment or painting supplies. Ceiling and wall shelving/hooks will keep you organized and your family safe.

Fold Away Work Benches Work benches can take up a lot of garage space, an easy solution is one that folds away. You can also use the bench as multipurpose table for painting projects, potting/gardening bench, or just for tools. Keep shelving next to the workbench to easily put away any projects/tools. This will keep you organized and save you from any possible mishaps with the tools sitting out and possibly injurying someone.


Cabinetry It’s great if you want your garage to have covered storage. It’s easy to keep items put away and looks better. Open shelving can be an eye sore so this is a great solution if that worries you. Also, can be a great seller if you are selling your home. Most garages don’t have custom cabinetry in their garage, so it would make yours stand out. There are a wide range of finishes you can get. If you're afraid of stratches get a thermofoil finish that resembles metal.

Kitchen Remodeling Trends

I came across this article on craftsmennetwork.com and thought it went through the "green kitchen design" trend very well. Check it out, get some ideas and put them into action!

Going green in home remodeling has taken the real estate industry by storm, and is bound to stay with the long term benefits that it affords homeowners. So before we mince through all the amazing array of stylish craze, let’s understand how it came about with this long lasting effect and makes them so attractive. Green kitchen remodeling trends:

• Are fine integration of fashion and functionality,
• Features advanced components that gets better and better
• Pose no harm to the environment as waste is minimized and resources saved
• Use up lesser energy
• And save you more money in the long run making the investment payback for itself.

Now that I’ve got your interest, let’s get the ball rolling with kitchen remodeling trends that are green and long-lasting.

Eco-Friendly Appliances
Green appliances are great additions to your kitchen remodeling project, not only in keeping things trendy but to make the area achieve its most efficient functionality as well. Today, shopping is made easier with the wide array of style and sizes you can choose from. Advances in technology have not only bred designs that enable the use of lesser energy even for hard-working appliances like ovens, dishwashers and refrigerators. It has also implemented downsizing and manufacturing of smaller units that work as hard as their larger counterparts. This characteristic also makes green appliances ideal for small New York kitchens, making them fit nicely into more limited available space.

Energy Efficient Lighting
Being a place that serves a lot of important functions, lighting is essential and has become one of the least expensive green kitchen remodeling trends that could change how your kitchen looks considerably. Other than opting for cost and energy efficient lighting fixtures, like florescent ones that are Star Energy qualified, the strategic location of these lights is also important.

Bamboo Flooring
Other than being a highly renewable resource, bamboo also have intrinsic durability, beauty, resistance to spills and stains, low maintenance, and resistance to fading from sunlight; that makes them ideal materials to be used as flooring. There are also other areas that you might want to look into and consider having bamboo for them like backsplashes.

Hands-Free Faucets
Other than adding that state-of-the-art feel and functionality in the kitchen, sensor or hands-free faucets have made it to the green kitchen remodeling trends due to drip-free characteristic enabling homeowners to conserve water. Other than having germ-free washing each and every time, these models also come in the most stylish forms.

Going green as a kitchen remodeling trend has revolutionized the way homeowners achieve luxurious looking, versatile, functional and environmentally friendly kitchens. By implementing such trends, you are also ensuring a healthy and excellent quality of living for the whole family.


http://www.craftsmennetwork.com/ideas/kitchen-remodeling-trends.html

Backsplash: What Are Your Options?

There are so many options today so how do you decide? Here is described the pros and cons of backsplash choices. Besides these options, you can always continue whatever countertop you have for your backsplash. Also keep in mind that you don’t have to have a full wall backsplash but can get just a 4” or 5” backsplash of your choice. More commonly full backsplashes are done because of the beauty and easy clean up rather then the wall where grease splashes are harder to get rid of.

NATURAL STONE Granite has stood the test of time and shown it is the most durable natural stone but must be resealed yearly for maintenance. While marble is low maintenance, it is very porous taking in dirt and anything else. Since it is a kitchen, several things can splatter on the backsplash which make marble not the ideal choice.

METALS In recent years, metal tile has become more popular. It gives more of a modern, industrial look that people are looking for. It also can be incorporated with other tile to make a softer look. Easy clean up and metal naturally doesn’t collect bacteria which is why it is commonly used in restaurants for preparation areas.

MOSAICS Using Mosaics gives more of an artistic look in your kitchen. It has been used back in ancient Rome, art museums, civic centers and luxury homes. Mosaics are inexpensive and the materials making mosaics vary such as glass, ceramic, etc.

CONCRETE The industrial look of concrete has been put into homes as flooring, countertop and now even backsplash. With concrete they can create tile, panel or standard 4” backsplash. Now they can also customize the color of concrete by different polishing.

GLASS Since the 1950’s glass backsplash has come such a long way. Now there are several more colors and textures that are available in glass now. It is definitely an option that is able to flow with contemporary, modern or country design.

CERAMICS This has been the most commonly used tile for both backsplash and flooring. It has proven durable and affordable. Something to be aware of is the maintenance. Although it’s not high maintenance, from time to time you will have to clean and reseal the grout.

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Budget Friendly Home Improvements

Does your home need a spruce but you just don’t have the extra money? No need to worry, there are many easy improvements that you can do on any budget.

Spruce up with new paint. Whether you choose a color or stick with the same, putting up a fresh coat of paint will make it smell and look new. Want to switch to a bolder color? Pick an accent wall or go all out by painting the entire room. Offset the vibrant paint with more tame colored furniture and accessories. For example, if you paint the room navy blue, use lighter furniture to offset the darkness of the walls. Using multiple colors will also help add contrast making the room more appealing to the eye. If you don’t have the money to buy new furniture then try painting your current pieces to bring some life back into them.

Update your hardware. Switching out light fixtures, knobs, or sink faucets can change a room without spending much money. There is an assortment of finishes available and some of the more popular ones are:
• Antique Brass
• Brushed Nickel
• Chrome
• Oil- Rubbed Bronze
• Stainless Steel

Most finishes are also available in a polished version if desired.

Refinish or replace flooring. One of the key features of a home is the flooring--so scrub them down, get them clean and if it’s too worn in, replace it. When it comes to choosing new flooring going with laminate or vinyl might seem like a good choice for a budget-conscience consumer but unfortunately they are not as durable as some other options. Investing in wood, ceramic or stone flooring is a great option that will last longer and add value to a home.

Get organized. Multi-use areas are the key to working on a budget. If you need to create more space in a room then custom storage and pull-out beds might be the best option. “Custom” might seem expensive but there are actually many budget friendly options available. With options like a murphy bed you can have an office or library that doubles as a spare bedroom when you have company visiting. Try adding extra shelving and dividers to create a more organized closet or pantry.

Replacing Countertops. A cheap and simple upgrade to a kitchen or bath is updating your countertops. Granite and solid surface are both affordable options that can add value and beauty to your home.