The Benefits of Remodeling Your Bathroom
A bathroom remodel in McLean, VA, gives you the opportunity to upgrade your bathroom design to meet your changing needs. Bathroom renovations can be as simple as a new coat of paint and new bathroom fixtures, or as elaborate as installing a new shower, countertops, flooring, and cabinets. Here is a look at just a few of the benefits of a bathroom remodel. Maximize Bathroom Space and Storage If you have a small bathroom, you can maximize your space and storage options via a bathroom remodel. Installing new bathroom wall cabinets will allow you to store items out of sight while maintaining floor space. If you have a bathtub, you can replace it with a shower to make your bathroom more spacious and open. A bathroom renovation can also increase storage in a larger bathroom. A bathroom vanity construction will provide you with additional bathroom cabinet, and countertop space. Improve Your Comfort If your home isn’t brand new, your bathroom design may have some flaws that can be fixed during renovation. If your bathroom flooring is cracked or worn down, you can easily replace it during your bathroom remodel. You can also repair or replace broken tiles, bathroom fixtures, and cabinets. Your bathroom will be much more functional and comfortable after your bathroom renovation is complete and any problem areas have been repaired. Increase the Value of Your Home If you plan on selling your home at some point in the future, a well-executed bathroom remodel can significantly increase the resale value of your home. If you improve your bathroom design and make it more appealing to the average homebuyer, you can also sell your home much more quickly. Investigate bathroom design trends in your area to determine which bathroom design ideas are most popular. For instance, homes that have at least one bathtub are more attractive to homebuyers with young children. Installing new bathroom flooring and cabinetry will also improve your overall bathroom design.
Read moreWhat to Know Before You Remodel Your Kitchen
Remodeling your kitchen can be very exciting, but it can also be very overwhelming if you don’t plan for it accordingly. There will be plenty of decisions to make, and you will need to consider how those decisions will affect the entire interior design of your home. From picking out the perfect countertops to deciding whether or not you really need to blow your budget on brand new appliances, remodeling a kitchen can be a chore. Check out some of the things you should know before you start thinking about new kitchen ideas serving Washington, D.C., and McLean, VA. You will need to set a budget for your new kitchen. How much are you going to spend on your kitchen remodel? Whatever the amount is, you need to figure it out and stick to it. When remodeling a kitchen, it’s easy to spend a lot of money very quickly. One feature, like kitchen cabinets or countertops, can cost you thousands of dollars and make it difficult for you to afford other features. So before you start thinking about the interior design of your kitchen, decide what you’re willing to spend on your new space. You will need to decide what you need in your new kitchen. Do you really need to add a wine cooler to your new kitchen? And are you set on spending 60 percent of your budget on granite countertops when a more affordable option might do the trick? The key to creating new kitchens is making a list of the features you absolutely need and then making sure they are implemented into your kitchen design ideas before you add anything too outlandish. You will benefit greatly from hiring a professional kitchen designer and builder. Trying to remodel your kitchen on your own will frustrate you at times and, if you attempt to do it alone, you will likely spend more time and money than you should on it. By bringing in someone who knows what they are doing, you can cut costs and get your kitchen finished in no time.
Read moreSigns it’s Time for a Kitchen Remodel
Embarking on a kitchen remodel can be as simple as upgrading your kitchen countertops, kitchen flooring, or kitchen cabinets in Washington, DC. A simple, inexpensive home improvement or renovation project can do wonders for elevating your home’s overall interior design. Here are some signs that it’s time for you to start looking at kitchen design ideas and begin a kitchen remodel. You Don’t Have Enough Kitchen Storage As the years go on, your kitchen storage needs can change dramatically. The kitchen cabinets that once were able to fit all of your pots, pans, and dishes may now be far too small to accommodate them. If you have noticed that you no longer have enough space in your kitchen and it is becoming cluttered, you should consider a kitchen renovation. Your local home improvement store or kitchen design center should have new kitchen cabinets or custom kitchen cabinets that can transform your kitchen into a truly functional, modern kitchen. Your Kitchen Fixtures are Worn or Unusable It can be difficult to cook, clean, or entertain in a kitchen when key features are worn out or unusable. A kitchen renovation is the perfect time to evaluate which elements of your kitchen should be fixed, upgraded, or replaced. You can opt for new, more energy-efficient kitchen appliances, and freshen up the cabinet doors on your kitchen cabinets with a new coat of paint or a wood stain. You can install a kitchen island, new kitchen countertops, or replace your kitchen flooring. After your kitchen remodel, your kitchen will be a joy to work in. You Plan on Selling Your Home If you plan on selling your home, you’ll need to do a number of home improvements to increase its resale value. There are certain kitchen renovations that will make your home universally appealing to potential homebuyers. For instance, you can install custom kitchen cabinetry, new appliances, and upgrade to a sleek, modern kitchen. You should consult with an interior designer for kitchen design ideas that will help your home sell faster, and at a higher price.
Read moreThe Do’s and Don’ts of Bathroom Remodeling
If you’re considering undergoing a bathroom remodel near McLean, VA, you should talk to an interior designer about the best bathroom remodel ideas for your space. A bathroom renovation should make your bathroom more functional, beautiful, and modern. Here is a look at some of the key do’s and don’ts of bathroom renovations. Do: Create a Working Budget Before you even begin your bathroom renovations, you should create a working home improvement budget. To determine your general bathroom remodel budget, you must first thoroughly and honestly evaluate your finances to find out how much you can afford to devote to the project over the next few months. Next, consider how much longer you plan on living in your home. If it is less than five years, your bathroom remodel is a home improvement on investment. Find out how much your bathroom renovations will increase your home’s resale value, and then compare that figure to the prices of other homes in your neighborhood. You don’t want to over-improve your home’s design. Do: Consult with Professionals While homeowners can complete some simple home improvements successfully, there are many elements of a bathroom remodel that are best left to professionals. You should consult with an interior designer, contractor, home builder, or bathroom renovation expert to ensure that your remodel is completed safely, efficiently, and successfully. If you attempt a renovation on your own and make a mistake, you will end up spending more money correcting it than you would have if you had hired a professional in the first place. Don’t: Ignore Your Overall Home Design Your bathroom remodel should fit seamlessly within your home’s overall interior design. Don’t opt for costly bathroom remodel ideas that are dramatically different from the aesthetics of the rest of your home. This will make your home much harder to sell in the future. Instead, focus on key home improvements that will improve your bathroom’s functionality, storage, safety, and comfort. Any bathroom design elements you choose should complement your existing home design.
Read moreIs It Time for Home Renovation?
Undergoing home renovation or construction near Washington, DC, can make your home more comfortable, improve the aesthetics of your overall interior design, and increase the resale value of your home. While it may be overwhelming to embark on a total home remodeling project, the end results will be extremely beneficial for you and your family. Here is a simple guide to determining whether the time is right to consider a home renovation project. Your House’s Design is Out of Date and Impractical Whether you have just moved into your home, or have spent years living in it, you will need to modify your house’s design to meet your needs. You might have no use for a spare bedroom, or perhaps you are considering basement remodeling to create a spare bedroom. You might need to improve your bathroom design to facilitate mobility or create more space. You might be interested in a more modern kitchen design that is functional and practical, yet still beautiful. You Need More Room or Storage Space As your family grows and your life changes, you will find that you need more room in your home, or more storage space throughout. A home renovation project gives you the opportunity to redesign rooms to create space exactly where you need it. You can hire contractors, interior designers, and home construction experts for basement finishing, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom renovations that will improve storage issues and make your home more spacious. The perfect home improvement project is one that makes your home meet your needs and become more functional. The Basic Structure of the Home Needs Repair If you live in an older home, it may need structural repair in one or more room. Damage to the structure of your home can make it unsafe and even uninhabitable over time. If you suspect that your home has structural damage, you should hire a contractor for a full inspection. You can then hire a licensed home construction expert to repair walls, flooring, ceilings, and other support structures in your home.
Read moreTips for Maintaining Your New Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances can be great home additions give your modern kitchen near McLean, VA a sleek and up-to-date look. However, it can also be difficult to keep your stainless steel home additions in great condition without the proper care. While stainless steel will not tarnish, the surfaces of stainless steel appliances can quickly become covered with thumb prints, nose prints, smudges, and water marks. There are a number of specially-designed cleaning products on the market, but many of them contain toxic chemicals. You may not want to use harsh chemical products on your appliances, especially if you have children or pets who may touch or lick surfaces. There is an effective, natural way of cleaning your stainless steel. Clean With the Direction of the Grain Stainless steel, like wood, has a grain. The grain of steel is more difficult to see, but if you look closely you will notice very faint striations in the material itself. If you clean at right angles or perpendicular to the grain, you may push particles of dust and dirt between the striations, making them more difficult to remove. Instead, clean along the lines of the grain, using a lint-free cloth, such as an ordinary dish towel, and ordinary dish soap. First, dampen a cotton cloth and apply a little soap. Wash the surface carefully, following the grain. Next, rinse off the soapy solution, using a barely damp cloth. For particularly stubborn stains, repeat this procedure several times. Finally, dry carefully, with the grain, using a dish towel, to remove any water marks. Polish with Baby Oil Once the stainless steel surface is clean and dry, you are ready to begin polishing. Dampen a clean cotton cloth with a few drops of mineral oil or baby oil. Polish by moving the cloth carefully along the grain, in either direction. You should now have a beautiful, clean, shiny stainless steel appliance. For optimum results, clean and polish your stainless steel appliances regularly. Use a clean cloth each time to enhance your overall kitchen design.
Read moreHow to Create a Great Kitchen for Entertaining
Kitchens often serve as a gathering point at parties. Guests love to congregate in the kitchen, which often feels like a warm and cozy place to eat, drink, and chat. At the same time, however, the kitchen needs to be convenient and functional for those preparing the food. If you have been thinking of remodeling your kitchen, consult an interior designer near Washington, D.C. for help. There are a few elements to bear in mind when designing an ideal kitchen for entertaining. This kitchen remodeling guide can provide some help. Consider Your Specific Needs First of all, take a look at your current kitchen. What kind of parties or dinners would you like to host there? This will impact the kind of kitchen remodeling design you will need. You may wish to host smaller sit-down dinner parties, or larger self-service buffet events. Perhaps you let guests help themselves to food in the kitchen or maybe you prefer to plate the food first and then serve it in another room. You may like to cook on your own, let your guests help with the cooking, or hire a professional catering service. Take your personal needs into consideration when choosing how to adapt your kitchen design. Some Features to Consider There are some specific features which can help make your kitchen a great space for parties. Sleek stainless steel appliances can be both practical and stylish. Refrigerator drawers and wine coolers can help to keep beverages cold until you are ready to serve them. If you wish to prepare hot food in advance, warming drawers will help you keep the food warm. If you expect to do a lot of entertaining, you may wish to purchase a double dishwasher. Consider installing a flat screen TV if you would like to watch sporting events, the Oscars, or movies with friends. Raised countertops and kitchen islands can also be attractive features. They can provide a space around which friends can gather.
Read moreLooking Ahead to This Year’s Kitchen Cabinet Trends
Washington, D.C. is known for its unique and current residential architecture. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in your Washington, D.C. area home, make sure you’re up-to-date on some of the latest trends and innovations in modern kitchen design. This year, smart and sophisticated cabinet design tops the list of kitchen makeover must-dos. Here’s a look at three new kitchen cabinet features to talk over with your kitchen remodeling service. Functional Design Using space efficiently in your kitchen cabinets has always been important in the remodeling process. But many remodeling experts are going a step beyond being well organized. Today, cabinets are being custom made to suit very specific purposes, which helps your kitchen to be more functional and comfortable. Toe-kick drawers, pull-out shelving, and built-in containers are examples of innovative features that are projected to be popular kitchen remodeling projects. Tech Integration With tablets and computers making their way into the kitchen, your cabinets need to be better prepared to handle the influx of technology. Homeowners are demanding purpose built solutions to using technology in the kitchen without having to invest in things like “smart fridges” and other expensive appliances. Simple features like charging stations, built-in tablet stands, and other updates can dramatically change the way you use your devices in the kitchen. You’ll have to make more room on your iPad for those cooking apps you’ve been waiting to use! Horizontal Kitchen Cabinets You might be wondering whether horizontal cabinets are really a breakthrough. While cabinets are custom made in all kinds of shapes and sizes, the trend for modern kitchen cabinets is overwhelming horizontal. Wider cabinets and drawers make storing items of all sizes easier. They also create a less cluttered feel in the kitchen, which means you’re more likely to whip up something tasty yourself instead of ordering take out again. Horizontal kitchen cabinets also create a cleaner and polished look by minimizing hardware and playing up clean, long lines.
Read moreUnique Ideas for Your Kitchen Remodel
Ready to breathe new life into your home? Kitchen remodeling in Washington, D.C. can help to add beauty, value, and functionality to your dated cooking and food prep spaces. Working with a professional kitchen design and remodeling studio can bring your vision to life on time and on budget! Here are some great kitchen renovation ideas to suit your unique style. Themed Kitchens One way to approach your kitchen remodel is to have a big, unifying idea that integrates all of your upgrades. Are you looking for sleek and shiny? Consider a maritime theme with bright white countertops and steel fixtures and appliances. For something more old-world, an English country theme can help bring some elegant simplicity to your kitchen. To spice things up, a hacienda style kitchen with Talavera tiles and archways may do the trick. Go with what inspires you most from model kitchens, vacation pictures, or fond memories in the kitchen. Color Coordination One important factor to consider with your renovation is to plan colors carefully. In many remodels, the basic rule of thumb is a granite countertop and darker cabinets. But that doesn’t leave much room for exploring interesting colors and patterns, which can really change the mood of your kitchen. A classic all white kitchen with stainless steel appliances and soft gray countertops can be nice and bright. For something more festive, think retro colors and consider incorporating some throw-back inspired appliances. Warm Wood Features Exposed wood is a returning trend in many D.C. area kitchen remodel projects. The great thing about exposed wood features is that they can fit into virtually any theme or style. For a midcentury modern vibe, minimalist wood cabinets with a dark teak oil stain are perfect. If you’re looking for something more rustic, consider adding exposed beams in you ceiling. For something more contemporary and versatile, a butcher block island can be the perfect touch of wood in an otherwise traditional kitchen space.
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