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Category Archive : Home Kitchen

Organize an open house

Homes for sale will receive more offers when an open house is organized correctly. The reason this works so well is that by clearing out homeowners’ personal belongings, potential buyers can see their stuff in homes for sale more easily. To host a successful open house and receive more offers for the house, there are steps you need to take.

Step one

Look at your house through a buyer’s eye and see what you don’t like about the house that can be fixed for a small amount of money and a short time. One thing that is easy to fix is ​​changing unattractive paint colors. It is best that you choose neutral colors or some shade of white. This makes it easier for a potential buyer to envision walls done in their favorite colors.

second step

Once you’ve fixed any paint issues, look for solutions that need to be fixed in outdated or outdated areas of your home. For example, in the kitchen you can update the cabinets just by changing the hardware. If they have been painted and the paint is peeling off, you should scrape off the paint and repaint or varnish them. Although it could be expensive and time consuming if the floor is tile or linoleum and it is stained or cracked, it should be replaced. No potential buyer wants to walk into a room and see stained and cracked floors. This goes for the bathroom too. In the bathroom, make sure that if there is tile around the tub or shower, you need to make sure it is clean, free of mold and mildew. You should also make sure that the carpet is clean and free of odors and stains.

Step three

Many homes for sale have minor repairs that will need to be fixed before hosting an open house. Take the time to check each room for repairs such as loose floorboards, a missing handrail on the stairs, cracks in the walls, electrical outlets that don’t work, or lights that are burned out.

Step four

Rent the storage unit and move unnecessary personal accessories and furniture into the unit. This can include small or large pieces of furniture that do not need to be in the home, personal collections, and family photos. You can make rooms look more spacious by keeping basic furniture. Make sure each room has a purpose, such as a family room, a bedroom, etc. You can add accent pieces, but not more than necessary. These pieces can include plants, artwork, and pottery. Make sure the grass is mowed.

Following these tips for a successful open house will earn you more offers on homes for sale.

5 tips for buying high-quality kitchen cabinets

Today, buying the right type of cabinetry is an important decision as there are various species of wood, tons of door styles, and dozens of color combinations. Therefore, it is important that you do your homework before buying the kitchen cabinets you want. In fact, you can buy quality cabinets at various prices. Below are 5 tips that can help you buy quality kitchen cabinets. Read on to learn more.

Follow the professionals

According to experts, if you want to successfully remodel your kitchen, you may want to hire an experienced team. Also, if you look for a good designer, cabinet installer, or contractor, you are more likely to get the right product at the price you want. On the other hand, a bad installer can ruin a high-quality product. Therefore, working with a poor professional is not a good idea.

finish first

When shopping for stained cabinets, be sure to take a closer look at the finish. If the finish is cloudy, rest assured the quality is poor. For painted cabinets, don’t forget to ask about the brand of paint and the process. You must find the number of coats of paint to be applied for a good finish. Find out how they will treat the seams. This is one of the most important tips to keep in mind when making this purchase.

internal affairs

Aside from this, you may also want to rub your hand along the inside edge of the cabinet frame. Just be sure to do it carefully, as poorly designed cabinets have sharp edges. If you’re not careful enough, you can get a lot of splinters. In fact, the inside of the cabinets should feel no smoother than the front. However, it should also not be raw or rough. Another important thing to keep in mind is that the shelves must also be checked properly. In reality, you want a product with a strong interior.

Move it

If you think some parts of your cabinets are failing, it’s most likely the hardware. Therefore, when you go to make your purchase decision, do not forget to examine the hinges, the drawer guides and other parts. Ideally, you should look for high quality brand name hardware and lifetime warranties. Also, if something goes wrong, make sure you get a replacement.

check stamps

You may want to prefer drawers made with quality dovetail construction. However, other techniques are also applied in high quality cabinets. Aside from this, you may also want to check the seams by pulling out a few cabinet drawers and turning them upside down. Also, if the bottom is stapled or pinned, the drawing is likely to fail. Actually, well-made drawers have solid wood sides and a plywood bottom.

So these 5 tips can help you shop for the best cabinets. Just be sure to do your homework before you hit the market. You don’t want to go there unprepared. The fact is that this decision should be made after much thought.

Attic Remodel – Create a new space out of the old

An attic remodel is a great way to create a room without the cost of a roof, exterior walls, or foundation. Popular uses for the attic are a bedroom, an office, a children’s area, a game room, and a living room.

However, before you begin, you need to find out if your attic is suitable for conversion and create a plan. Make sure the floor or joists are strong enough for you to stand on for inspection.

Roof: can he stand up or does he crash into the roof? Building codes require ceilings to be a particular height (typically 7 feet 6 inches above at least half of the available floor space). You must be able to stand up straight without bending over in the room. There are ways to deal with a low ceiling. If the ceiling height is too low and there are beams, you may only be able to use the attic for storage, rather than a bedroom.

Floor: The attic floor is the ceiling of the room below. The ceiling joists need to be strong enough for it to move around the attic and support furniture.

Access: how will you get in and out? If you plan to use the attic as a regular living space, you’ll want a solid, fixed ladder. Folding or pull-down stairs may be fine, but you need to consider how often the room will be accessed.

Lighting: do you want some natural light or will it all be artificial? Without natural light, the room can be dark and gloomy. Skylights and wiring may be needed to provide lighting.

Ventilation and Temperature – Attics are often uninsulated and unheated, typically hot in the summer and cold in the winter. You will need adequate ventilation throughout the room.

Increase the value of your home by upgrading your bathroom and kitchen

Is it time to sell your house? Whether it’s remodeling a home or trying to get a good price before a move, there are a few ways to gain value through a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Outdated kitchen and bath styles are the quickest way to make a home feel older and rundown. Here are some ideas to get you started with your renovations.

personalized design

A custom design makes the most sense when it comes to getting the most money for your home. Custom bathrooms are noticeable and make a difference in price. A real estate agent or home buyer will be able to tell if the tiles and fixtures were simply placed in the space or made for the space. Avoid outrageous designs that might make classic homebuyers uncomfortable. You never want a space to appeal to only one particular type of style. Exquisite stonework with classics like natural stone, granite, slate and travertine are always a good idea.

flat

The floor is important in a bathroom and linoleum is out. Linoleum in the bathroom or kitchen can make an entire house look old-fashioned, ugly, and dirty. Hardwood can take a real beating in these spaces and look old and worn quickly, even after refinish. It is best to place ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles instead. These will hold up to a lot of foot traffic, clean up well, and always look good. They appeal to modern home design and can go with just about anything a home buyer wants to decorate with.

bathtub

Bathrooms can be purely conventional, or they can be home spas and relaxation areas. One way to create a fancier and more expensive feel is to create a separate bathtub and bathroom. A hot tub can be a place to relax and separate yourself from the conventional use of a shower. Travertine or marble are great custom mosaic jobs for a custom bathroom tub. Mosaic tiles work well to add a decorative flair to a bathroom wall. IF the home buyer finds your space relaxing, they will be excited to buy it. Make the bathroom, especially the master bathroom, a place they want to be.

kitchen countertops

As with flooring, linoleum is out. A granite kitchen countertop is your best bet. It looks great and is very practical. Choose a neutral color that can go with any style your home buyer may have. Make sure it matches the cabinets, hardware, and flooring. Replace old cabinet hardware to match your new countertops. The kitchen is the most used room in the house. Make it as modern, comfortable and conventional as possible.

Selling your home can be an overwhelming process. Start with these bathroom and kitchen tips to increase the value of your home. You can always add something of your own personal style and ideas. With the right planes, rocks, and accessories, you can easily get the most bang for your buck.

Granite Countertops: An Overview

Home builders and remodelers have seen a boom in demand for granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. The beauty and warmth of granite make it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home design, and the durability and easy care of granite countertops keep them a favorite with homeowners looking to the future. Although adding granite countertops to any kitchen can be quite expensive, they are still the first choice in luxury homes as they hold their value better than most other upgrades.

Granite, like marble and other popular stones, is as old as the earth. Granite is found throughout the world. As a preferred material, granite was used in the construction of temples and other public buildings in ancient societies. In the recent past, many builders continued to use granite for pillars and exterior finishes. Stone purveyors did not begin experimenting with polished granite until 1831. The preference for polished granite began in 1851, when a finished piece of granite was displayed in London at the Great Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations.

Granite is an excellent medium for countertops as it is the most durable stone of all. The hardness of granite is only rivaled by the hardness of diamonds. The durability and versatility of granite countertops make them a favorite of home and professional chefs. Granite can withstand the placement of a hot pot and serves as an excellent surface for handling dough and confectionery. The natural beauty of granite countertops complements any wood tone or cabinetry style, from French country to sleek modern styles. Granite is an attractive stone that adds color and warmth to any room.

A popular choice of designers for decades, granite countertops have now become popular with the public. There are literally hundreds of colors of granite, from variations of white to browns, reds, greens, blues, and blacks. Shades of brown and beige are the most popular, as they work well with most kitchen color schemes, allowing for more flexibility in redecorating over the years. Some of the granite colors exhibit “”movement”” or a pattern within the natural color. The movement of large patterns can quickly draw the eye over the counter surface, while small patterns have a calmer appearance. The combination of color and movement means that no two countertops are exactly alike.

While granite countertops are a favorite choice due to their beauty and durability, they are not immune to damage. Regular care includes proper cleaning and the use of sealers to prevent staining. Although granite is quite hard, it can easily chip. A qualified professional can perform repairs that are almost invisible.

Granite countertops can cost more than other countertop materials, with prices starting at $60 per square foot installed. Most of the cost is not in the stone, but in the quarrying, cutting, transportation, polishing, and installation work. It is not recommended for the DIY homeowner to take on this project. Despite granite’s strength, large slab sheets must be precisely cut to fit countertops and are very delicate when shipped. Special care must be taken to reinforce base units, and the slab must be placed perfectly level. If you don’t lay a granite countertop properly, it could break during regular use.

When a homeowner wants the utility of granite countertops but is unable or unwilling to pay a premium, discount granite for countertops may be a good option. Retailers maintain stone groupings or levels based on popularity of color and movement. Lower level stone cuts maintain the characteristics that granite is known for consistent, but the hue of a color can vary depending on current fashion trends.

Granite countertops will continue to be a favorite of homeowners, architects, and interior designers. The timeless beauty and durability of granite make it a home improvement treasure that will last a lifetime.

The benefits of using silicone cookware

Today’s cookware can be made from rubber, wood, plastic, glass, stainless steel, and metals with nonstick coatings. The latest addition to this list is silicone or silicone coated cookware. They have become an important part of modern kitchens. Silicone is found in kitchen products ranging from cookware sets to baking pans to pastry brushes.

Silicone is a synthetic rubber polymer made by combining silicon with oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and other elements. If you have doubts about the use of silicone kitchen utensils, these are some of the advantages they offer:

variety– A wide variety of silicone kitchen utensils are available in a range of colors and designs. They are not only beautifully designed, but also highly functional. They can add a splash of color to your kitchen. You can also find a variety of bakeware and storage items.

easy to maintain– These utensils can be cleaned just like normal ones, either by hand or in the dishwasher. They do not accumulate residual substances or stain easily. They are easy to clean and maintain and retain their vibrant colors. They do not retain odors and flavors of food cooked in them. They are hypoallergenic and contain no open pores to harbor bacteria.

rust proof– Unlike other metal utensils, silicone utensils are stainless and less likely to corrode. They use very little oil for cooking.

Accessible– They can be easily found in local stores at good prices.

High temperature resistance– They are resistant to heat damage and can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them ideal for a variety of cooking, serving, and hot food storage tasks.

non-stick ability– Silicone cookware has excellent non-stick ability that allows you to use a little oil or fat.

environmental friendly– They are a good replacement for disposable containers such as baking paper and cupcake paper. They are biodegradable and can be recycled. They can be used for many years and are not dangerous when discarded.

Some of the other benefits include:

– Suitable for freezer, refrigerator, oven and microwave.
– Dishwasher safe
– Can be easily folded and stacked without spoiling its shape
– Cools quickly after use
– Non-porous

The various benefits that silicone cookware offers have earned them a large number of loyal customers. You should always use high quality food grade utensils for durability. It is always safe to cook utensils with premium quality silicone that has been approved and certified by the appropriate authorities.

6 Metal Sculpture Materials And How To Determine The Difference Between Them

There are a number of circumstances where the owner of a metal sculpture may need to determine exactly what material a piece is made of. They may need to write a description of the item to sell or insure. In other cases, a piece has been damaged and when requesting its repair, the restorer/conservator needs to know the material in order to give a quick estimate.

In any case, people often assume that metal sculptures are bronze, which is not a bad assumption as it is the most commonly used material for cast metal sculpture. But cast metal sculpture can also be poured from iron, zinc, lead, gold or silver. There are several indicators that can lead to a conclusion of what metal you have.

First, look at the surface of the part. If it has been exposed to the elements without proper finishing and waxing, the part may show corrosion. Corrosion will have a different appearance on different metals. Second, if a part of the sculpture breaks, this is an opportunity to look at the unfinished material, which can be very helpful. There are a couple more tips for different metals that I will discuss in each topic.

BRONZE. Most of the older European bronzes were poured into what is called “red brass,” which is 85% copper, 5% tin, 5% lead, and 5% zinc. This combination of metals was used to improve the performance of the metal during the pouring, finishing and patination process. A corroded bronze sculpture will have a light greenish hue and possibly a patchwork of irregular black and green areas.

In a breakout, the metal will have a slightly reddish golden quality. When you try to scratch the inside with a sharp object, it may leave a slight scratch, but it will be somewhat hard and will not leave burrs on the cut edges.

ZINC. A very common metal for less expensive sculptures, but one that can still be highly prized. The casting process requires a reduction in heat as the melting temperature is lower. Zinc is a metallic element and is normally silver-gray in color. Corrosion on zinc will be white. Many of the fine zinc pieces are copper plated and then patinated and sealed. Over time, both the patina and the coating can wear off and completely disappear.

The color of the metal when broken will be very bright and it will have a large crystal structure. Some of the facets of the structures will be extremely bright, especially if it is a fresh break. The inner surface of the tear is smooth and can be easily scratched and you will feel a raised burr on the edge.

GOLD. Very few sculptures are made of pure gold except for many Egyptian and pre-Columbian pieces. A more widespread use of gold is to coat bronze sculptures with a layer of gold. Gold does not tarnish over time, but if not kept clean it can become discolored by dust and dirt.

SILVER. There are some sculptures made with pure silver, but a more common use is to coat bronze or zinc sculptures. Like silver jewelry or tableware, they will tarnish when not kept polished.

MOLTEN IRON. Place a small magnet near the surface of your piece. If it attracts, then your piece is probably cast iron.

LEAD. There are some sculptures made of pure lead. They are extremely heavy and the corrosion will be white.

Obviously, it would be more useful to have sculptures of different materials to compare with each other to illustrate the differences described in this article. If you’re so inclined and have the time and interest, I recommend visiting a museum or art gallery to compare what you see with your piece and perhaps have a chat with the curator or installation expert. In the end, you may still need to contact a professional to help you with the process. However, with a little observation and research on your own using the information above, you will at least be well informed and ready to discuss conditions in a way that will be useful and helpful.

Home Decor for a Claustrophobic

The main factor that contributes to that cramped feeling one gets in small spaces is clutter. Newspapers, magazines, or books thrown haphazardly in the living room add to that “locked-in” feel. Simply stacking magazines or placing them neatly on a table will add space to a room. The kitchen or dining room table is another culprit when it’s stacked with mail, keys, or other things that one tends to drop there because it’s quicker and easier than putting them away. The author had an aunt who lived in a very small house (so small that people called it a dollhouse) that was always neat and clean and never made one feel cramped. Aunt Leta’s motto was “everything has a place and everything is in its place.” Above all, she keeps the floors clean and tidy.

Light or neutral colored walls and floors add a sense of space to the room. Leave windows uncovered and decorated with shutters that can be opened during the day and closed at night for privacy and/or consider curtains that frame the windows rather than cover them. Too many pictures on the walls can close off a room. Too much furniture can reduce your space and make it feel cluttered. Furniture should not only be small in number, but should be light or neutral in color with perhaps one or two colorful accent tables. Light gray furniture comes to mind accented with hints of blue and orange pillows.

Let’s move on to the dreaded kitchen, a place that seems to be especially susceptible to that closed feeling. If one can afford it, a skylight is extremely helpful in providing light and ventilation. White cabinets and light neutral countertops with just a few strategically placed frequently used items can add a lot of space to the room.

Children’s rooms can be helped by offering convenient places to store unused toys and games. A desk and bookcase in an older child’s room will provide space for storage of those items that often contribute to clutter, such as books, CDs,
etc.

If you’re looking for a new home, look for one with high or vaulted ceilings. It’s amazing how high ceilings can open up a small house. Large windows will open up the house and make it appear larger. Hardwood floors are less limiting than wall-to-wall carpeting. Imagine hardwood floors with some strategically placed rugs.

So one does not have to spend a lot of money to provide an open atmosphere. This entire article seems to be devoted primarily to the importance of good cleaning, doesn’t it? I’m sorry about that! But it is important. So let’s get rid of the clutter, declutter the dining room table, and put an inexpensive accent or talking point in the center. Then sit back in your favorite chair, look around the room and maybe out the window, and enjoy the space you’ve just created.

Distinctive Design: Ancient Doors and Architectural Artifacts

Restoring old historic homes provides the design and architectural potential to add character with reclaimed architectural doors and reclaimed woods. The quality and workmanship of traditional and authentic Haveli doors, handcrafted from teak with old world designs, ornately carved headboards and finials, these beautiful and stately doors from the past can be fully integrated into urban interiors. Exteriors are refreshed with older architectural features. Real dense woods, authentic antique materials and vintage home décor create a new energy field needed to rejuvenate an older property adding character and transforming the boring into the extraordinary.

Using antique Indian doors salvaged from old mansions and beautiful carved teak columns, the arches in the architectural design bring the true vintage aesthetic to an urban property. Architects and interior designers love working with castle doors and architectural elements that were once a part of old world design. Whether your final style is rustic farmhouse, bohemian, Spanish modern, industrial, contemporary, or vintage bohemian, the stunning appeal of vintage elements brings new life and ambience to your renovation.

Designers and architects understand the appeal of unique and exclusive items to prospective buyers, antique architectural doors and artifacts heighten the perception of distinctive design. Custom carved barn doors and antique door cabinets are features that add character to the home.

Here are some suggestions for you:

Ornate carved blue patina or white washed rustic wood fireplace surround is the focal point of a stunning modern fireplace

Antique cabinet with carved doors in rustic greens and red patina used in the kitchen as a standout piece alongside modern cabinetry.

Use an old manjoosh or indian sideboard as a kitchen island, give it a granite top and open the back for convenient storage.

Add carved wood panels in elaborate reliefs of the Tree of Life, giving meaning to your interior design and bringing good vibes of energy.

Antique door sideboard used as elegant vanity unit with marble top and copper sinks.

Cover a study wall with the triple arch of the terrace and hang colorful paintings in the corners.

Use the ancient Haveli gate in your courtyard to create a bohemian sanctuary along with marble and granite statues.

Accent the entryway with teak columns that have stone bases and carved corbels, the intricate detail that makes them unique and eclectic.

An antique framed jharokha mirror on a contemporary vanity with a pedestal sink.

Old bullock cart benches and an Indian swing add to the old world design vision.

Adding value in historical and architectural design gives the property distinction and makes it stand out from the crowd.

The 5 best nail polish colors for summer

It’s summer, it’s hot and you need a nail polish that matches the weather and your mood. What colors immediately attract you? In my opinion, these are the 5 best nail polish colors for summer. They are suitable for both the pool and the office, and you can find one that suits your taste no matter how tanned you are or not.

And if you can’t choose, multicolored manicures are always popular in summer!

bright lime green

Do you want a color that screams sun and good weather? Lime green is your answer. Neon colors contrast with tan and look great in Christmas photos. Green in particular suits both cooler and warmer skin tones and should be a part of your summer nail polish wardrobe.

If you’re not a fan of greens, a strong turquoise, deep blue or even a bright coral are summery shades in the same neon spirit.

pastel coral orange

This is a color that reminds you of sherbet ice cream and is definitely worth a try in the summer. Or spring, or anytime you want to look at your nails and smile.

metallic gold or silver

If you don’t like the idea of ​​wearing jewelry to the pool or the beach, let your nails take its place. A shimmering metallic gold works great for warm, tanned skin, while paler or cooler complexions will look great with a silver or chrome manicure.

white nail polish

If there is a time to wear a white manicure, it is summer. But if white is too much for you, you can also combine it with other summer shades like neon green or coral that we mentioned earlier. Get a nail stamping kit and white stamping polish and enjoy nail art with little effort.

smoky gray

A smoky gray or taupe is appropriate for both summer and the office. If the only beach you’ll see this summer is on TV, give the season a nod with the nail color of your choice. Choose a color that reads nude with your skin color and your fingertips will look longer and sleeker. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can’t go wrong with a sparkly accent nail.

Whether you’re a fan of gel manicures or prefer to regularly change the color of your fingertips, summer calls for brighter, sharper colors than any other season. Leave the pastel shades of spring behind and embrace colorful nudes and lighter shades.