Top 10 Kitchen Remodeling Dont's

Image Credit: Fine Home Building

Here's our top 10 kitchen remodeling Don’ts:

1. Don’t settle for cheap drawer slides. They can be very flimsy and noisy.
2. Don’t choose tile for countertops unless you are willing to often scrub the grout clean.
3. Don’t create a small unusable counter space next to the sink, cook top, or refrigerator. You want a large enough space that can be used properly.
4. Don’t buy a cheap dishwasher. Most likely, it will clean poorly and loudly.
5. Don’t install a backsplash thats made from materials that are hard to clean.
6. Don’t buy cheap cabinets. 
7. Don’t use lights that are too hot under cabinet lights, like halogen.
8. Don’t install a  sink that will flex, dent, and scratch easily, like a light-gauge stainless steel sink.
9. Don’t go light on lighting. You don't want a unsafe or dim kitchen.
10. Don't install a floor that requires a lot of upkeep. 

Maximize Your Small Home or Space

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In a small space, every detail is important. Find the right fits for your space, and your lifestyle. Below are recommendations on maximizing your small space.

Lighting – Finding the perfect lighting for a small space can be tricky. Too little of light will make the place even smaller, where too much light will make the place one big bright box. Look for different fixtures that fit your style and space.

Appliances – Multiple functionality or smaller circumference appliances will deceive the eye into making the space look larger.  Consider a stackable washer/dryer, skinny and thin dishwasher or refrigerator, and a microwave hood and electric range convection oven.

Backyard – When it comes to landscaping a small backyard you must think of the quality you want more than quality. There will be a lot going on due to the space restraints but base it off of your lifestyle. Also it’s important to choose the perfect plants for your area.

Furnishings – In a small space every piece of furniture matters. Look for pieces that can expand for additional surface space when needed but will tuck away when not being used. There are dining tables that have fold down sides or leafs that can be removed, nesting end or cocktail tables, and sometimes you may find a table where stools can be stored underneath. 

'Must Have' Design Elements for Your Kitchen or Bath

There is always at least one element that must be included in the design of your kitchen or bath. Decide on an element that would be your wow factor! Check out the list of must haves for your kitchen or bath.

Kitchen

Image Credit: Homedit.com

• Pull out trash receptacle or Double pull out trash receptacle with one for recycling
• Drawers large enough for easy accessibility to your pots and pans 
• Backsplash 
• Storage capability which often results in custom built cabinets/drawers
• A refrigerator drawer installed in the island for convenience
• Lighting

Bathroom

• Hamper drawer
• Shower niche
• Heated floors
• Large drawer(s) for towels

Ideas for a Green Home Remodel

Image Credit: The Venice Art Terrazzo Company

You've been thinking about remodeling your home. Consider an eco-friendly and health friendly remodel with green renovations. Take a look at our list of green home remodeling ideas.

• Reclaimed wood flooring, it's renewable, versatile and durable. Plus no new trees must be chopped down to create the floor. 
• Use low or no VOCs paints or adhesives.
• Terrazzo countertops, it's made from chips of recycled glass and cast into a concrete slap. It's durable, easy to clean and available in many different color schemes. 
• Replace your old appliances to Energy Star. These will help to save money in one herm.
• Use less water with installing flow reducers and low flow model toilets.
• Place windows and skylights is places to utilize natural sunlight.

How to Choose a Bathroom Vanity

There are a few questions you need to ask your self when shopping for the right bathroom vanity. These questions will help you narrow down what features you'll need to look for and what type of mounting option. 

Image Credit: Overstock.com

1. What is the space you have available? Vanities come in a range of widths so it's important to determine the space first before deciding on other factors. Vanities come in single, double or corner units. They also have different mounting options like your standard or wall mounted. 
2. How many sinks do you need? Most vanities come with one or two sinks. Be aware that more sinks mean more space.
3. What is the amount of storage you need? There are many options for storage with drawers, shelves, and cabinets.
4. How would you like to customize it? Vanities can come with a variety of different countertops, bases, hardware, sinks, and backslashes. These all have different materials and color schemes.

Image credit: Overstock.com

Image Credit: Overstock.com