How'sHouse » Design

Choosing the right windows for your home

homeownernut — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:53:07 +0000

Choosing new windows for your home is a major investment that you will live with for the next few decades. Because it is such an important decision, it pays to take your time and thoroughly research the windows available for your home. From choosing the right material to figuring out the proper U and R values, deciding which windows you want to look out of every day can be a daunting task.

Picking the right window: Where to begin

Most homeowners start their search with a search engine, and the number of results they get can make them want to throw in the towel before they even get started. This list can help you narrow down that list and start a careful, methodical search.

Materials. The most popular window materials today are vinyl, wood and aluminum. Each has pros and cons. For example, wood is more expensive, yet it can be painted over the years to change the look of your home; vinyl is much more affordable, but doesn’t leave you with much in the way of color options over the years. Go beyond the stick shock and carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each window material.
New or replacement? If you will simply be putting new windows into the holes already built for them, replacement windows can be the fastest and cheapest route. But if you don’t like the look of a particular window or want to expand that picture window to a bay, you might need new construction in order to do so. Replacement windows are cheaper, but you get a custom job with new construction.
Styles. Think carefully about your needs when choosing a window style. For instance, double-hung windows are easier to clean. Casement windows that use a lever might be easier to open. Awning windows are great for coastal areas and places that get a lot of rain. Slider windows are great for tight spaces. Consider what your needs will be in ten or twenty years from now, and choose your window style accordingly.
Energy-saving options. It is important to figure out what R and U values are recommended for your area, as well as research the different types of glass coatings and fillers in order to choose which windows can save you the most money in the long run. To get educated on these options, start with EnergyStar.gov.
Warranties. Remember to purchase windows from reputable dealers and well-established manufacturers. This helps ensure that the warranty will still be honored if there is a problem ten years down the road.

Finally, don’t forget to choose a good contractor to handle the installation for you. No matter how good your windows are, the slightest draft from incorrect installation means that all your energy savings just disappeared. Hiring a contractor might seem an unnecessary step if you are handy with tools and don’t have to opt for new construction, but remember that you do get what you pay for. Though replacement window cost might seem to be a stiff punch to the pocketbook, keep in mind that the savings garnered from the right choice–and the right installation–can make up that cost in energy savings over the life of the new window.Similar Posts:

How Modern Is Stainless Steel?

jessica ackerman — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:51:05 +0000

Stainless steel, especially in the kitchen or bathroom, is considered an ultra-modern addition to a contemporary space. By looking at design trends and images from decades past, you will soon notice a startling fact. How modern is stainless steel if it was a popular idea even during the 1950s? The answer depends on how you look at the idea versus the execution of adding stainless steel to your home. Since the decor from yesteryear focused more on family and personalization and less on depth and perspective, the latter is a great approach to start your stainless steel journey.

In bygone years, stainless steel was found most often on the legs of furniture or in sinks, appliance and other fixtures. Today, it is far more often to be found on appliances or wall decor, which is drastically different than before. In addition, you can find those traditional applications in a whole new light; for example, you may see stainless steel table legs with glass tops or dining chairs made of stainless steel with fabric seats. In essence, the idea itself may not be modern, but the application thereof is very contemporary. The application is what makes it modern, so we can almost ignore the fact that stainless steel was a part of the design styles that would be considered dated today. However, stainless steel used in both retro styles or contemporary designs can give a home sophisticated flair.

In the past, combining stainless steel with contemporary shades, cool colors and unique textures, was rarely part of the design scheme. As a matter of fact, in most cases it was in industrial, commercial and medical settings where sleek design styles were used because of their tendency to impart a clean and sterile ambiance. Many homeowners have stuck with decor options that were warm and inviting, such as cozy neutrals or warm shades like we still see in our grandparents’ homes. Today, we have replaced the warms with cools and noticed that the home still feels like a home regardless of whether you balance the warm shades with cool metals.

The size of the furniture really does make a big difference. Stainless steel options decades ago tended to include chunky furniture on spindly legs, and wall decor normally featured still life photographs or paintings of scenery. It was—and is—an attractive option for traditional decor, but today there are many great options that are modern and interesting. A contemporary design style features clean lines and geometric shapes, driving the decor toward more abstract pieces and sleek furniture instead.

Keep stainless steel in the bathroom or kitchen but not just on the faucets. As before mentioned, stainless steel used to be limited to the bathroom fixtures and in commercial kitchens primarily as hardware rather than part of the design scheme of the room. The modern choice is to utilize it in other areas of the design as well, such as wall decor, shelving, cabinetry, and even portions of the tub or shower areas or in back splashes and hood ranges in kitchens. It looks great paired with glass and all colors of the rainbow, so choosing the rest of the room’s decor is still a matter of personal taste.

Alyssa Davis is the top writer and creative design specialist for Metal-Wall-Art.com. She specializes in designing with coffee cup metal wall art and treble clef metal wall decor.Similar Posts:

Does Vintage Necessarily Mean Old?

jessica ackerman — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:44:53 +0000

The word vintage often makes us think about antiques, from furniture to home decor styles, but there is more than old stuff to a vintage look. You do not have to head to the thrift store to get vintage items either, although this is a great place to start looking for items for a vintage, shabby chic or eclectic design style for any room. Vintage does not mean old, although it does lend a classic, traditional, or antique look to the room. Here are some helpful tips:

A vintage look can also mean that the colors or furniture styles look antique, even if they are new. Consider a couch from a modern designer that has a great 1950s look. It is considered vintage in style, but it is a brand new couch still. Colors that are classic choices, such as striking color contrasts like black and white, are also considered vintage, although many contemporary designers use them in all sorts of design styles. Using the word “vintage” in this way indicates that the item looks antique or the color style is traditional or classic.

Vintage can indicate that you bought the item from an antique store, too. The most common perception of vintage is that the item is antique, and this is true in some cases. While many antiques are prohibitively expensive, you can also find affordable antiques at antique and resale stores, flea markets, antique shows, garage sales and from other second hand sources, including your grandmother’s attic!

You can make furniture or accessories look vintage with some creativity. There are a few painting and staining techniques that can give furniture an antique look, which is a great way to decorate with a vintage sense of style without spending a lot of money. Many websites and blog forums are dedicated to painting methods that allow the furniture to look aged but offer a contemporary twist. This is a great option if you want to decorate with a vintage look but do not have a big budget to fund the project.

Do not believe the myth that vintage items are all going to need repair or updating. Whether you purchase something antique or get a great piece from your parent’s attic, a vintage item does not have to be something that needs a lot of work in order to be presentable. This is a misconception that often causes people to avoid shopping for or purchasing vintage items.

You can decorate with a vintage look in any room of your home, not just those that have less traffic. We often see vintage styles associated with bedrooms and living rooms, but you can have a lot of fun with a vintage design throughout your home. For example, vintage dishes and colors can help you create a fabulous dining room table. A vintage coffee table from the 1960s or 70s can look terrific with a contemporary couch and you may be able to pick one up for next to nothing at a neighborhood garage sale. Mix vintage finds with modern furnishing to create unique style.

Designer and writer, Alyssa Davis of Metal-Wall-Art.com, has many ideas for bringing style to your home with coffee cup wall art and trumpet metal wall art.Similar Posts:

7 Steps to Affordable Cabinet Refacing

homeownernut — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:43:39 +0000

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it is often the first place homeowners turn when it’s time for a change. Kitchen cabinet refacing can provide the same look and atmosphere as a complete kitchen remodel for a much lower cost. These simple steps can help ensure that you get the most bang for your buck:

Do your research. Before you launch into any remodeling project, take an in-depth look at materials, styles, installation costs and time frames. Write down all the information you find and use it to organize your plans later. Though cabinet refacing is cheaper than a complete cabinet overhaul, it is still a substantial investment in the look of your home.
Plan out your choices. Now that you have done the research, consider what you want materials and styles you want to use for your project. Plan out more than one design, just in case your ideal plan doesn’t work out with your budget.
Choose the right contractor. Once you have a rough idea of what you want, it’s time to look for a contractor to handle the work. Go with only reputable contractors who have plenty of experience. Get two or three bids on your project, and remember that the lowest bid is not necessarily the best.
Make the budget work. Speaking of budgets, cabinet refacing costs can vary widely depending upon the materials you choose, the style you want and the size of your kitchen. Custom options will send the price higher. Choose the highest-quality materials you can afford. Keep a little wiggle room in your budget, just in case.
Get professional measurements. Once you have decided on a budget, it’s time to set it in stone–or as close as you can get, anyway. Ask your contractor for the exact measurements so you can double-check the budget numbers.
Prepare the area for the big day. Get your home ready for the day when the cabinets arrive. You will need to clean out all of your cupboards, clear the countertops and make plans to eat meals elsewhere for a few days. If you have pets, consider boarding them at a kennel or keeping them in a secure area of the home to avoid curious paws getting into the work zone.
Be ready for the little extras. Anyone who has ever tackled a home improvement project will tell you that going over budget is almost expected. Remember to keep that little bit of wiggle room in your budget for the small things that can add up, like replacing a faulty piece of hardware or dealing with extra meals out during a cabinet refacing job that lasts longer than you had hoped.

With the proper approach and patience, cabinet refacing can be much more affordable and easier than a complete kitchen overhaul. The new look will brighten up the room and you can brag to the neighbors about how you saved a bundle.Similar Posts:

Making Dark Kitchen Cabinets Work

jessica ackerman — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:58:04 +0000

For many designers, dark kitchen cabinets are oppressive and unappealing, so they avoid them during remodeling projects and remove them during the demolition phase of a renovation whenever possible. It is true that it can be hard to balance dark kitchen cabinets, and it takes the right color palette to balance the darkness and add a light, open feeling to the space. The following designs offer the right colors for making dark kitchen cabinets work:

Striking Color Contrasts

As mentioned in other articles on this website and many others, striking color contrasts are a great way to introduce drastic color differences to a room. This is especially true with really vibrant shades, such as red or yellow, and sometimes the only way to tone down vivid colors is to add shades from the opposite end of the color spectrum. When you want to use dark kitchen cabinets, by choice or by necessity, a striking color contrast is a great way to incorporate the best of both worlds.

Subtle Color Shifts

Another color palette that works with dark kitchen cabinets, subtle color shifts create an easy to follow transition from light or neutral to dark. One example of this color palette would be using the lightest shade of the same color on the floor, then the medium shade at the backsplash, and the darkest shade on the cabinets. Follow the flow into the eating space by utilizing the same shift from top to bottom, whether the dining area is joined with the kitchen or a completely separate room.

A subtle approach is one of the more popular options in the kitchen, and this contemporary idea requires only a working knowledge of dark, medium, and light versions of the same color. White, gray, and black is a good example, but shades of brown are also easy to coordinate in this way. You can use other colors as the medium shade, such as adding silver in place of gray, so long as the color coordinates with the rest of your design style.

Blended Transition

Finally, blending the shades in the middle creates an opportunity to add dark and light in the same space without seeing a striking color contrasts as described above. This is usually accomplished in the kitchen on the countertops or backsplash, although some people find other ways of blending the colors for the transition space. Multicolored tiles are the easiest way to create a blended space that utilizes both shades, but be sure that middle shades or neutrals are also included to make the transition attractive and practical or you are still stuck with contrasts.

Countertops are another way to make the transition, such as a marble finish that features several shades of your cabinet color, so long as they coordinate with the flooring too. In modern kitchens, marble, slate, granite, or faux versions are the most desirable amenity, making this addition a valuable asset if you want to add value to your home. It offers a great return on investment for a kitchen renovation and it is usually worth the slightly higher initial investment.

Alyssa Davis, is a design specialist and writer at Metal-Wall-Art.com, and she offers many suggestions and unique ideas for designing with Tuscan metal wall decor and coffee cup wall art.Similar Posts:

Using Pink without it Looking Feminine

jessica ackerman — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:45:03 +0000

Pink is often a color choice associated only with girls, although it is also paired with holidays such as Valentine’s Day since it is the color of gentle love. However, pink also has a strong effect on feng shui. Pink can create a soft, gentle look that contributes to a feeling of peace as well. It has often been used as a way to lessen aggression in various groups, and pink can be paired with different colors to give a different feel to the space.

Pink in a Master Bedroom

Most people assign the color pink to a little girl’s room in the home, but the color pink can be used in a variety of ways in other bedrooms. The color pink is a great addition to a master bedroom in the form of accent pillows or other accent pieces. Pink can be paired with black to create an elegant, romantic feel for the master bedroom. Pink can also be brought in by using pink bed linens paired with a solid color bedspread and matching pillow shams. Feng shui doctrines state that pink soothes the energy in a room with its delicate vibrations, although too much pink can create an overabundance of passion and chaos.

Pink in the Kitchen

The kitchen is the one room in a home that most people would shy away from when decorating with pink, but it is actually possible to use the color pink in this space. Pink mixed with orange gives the kitchen a bright and cheerful makeover. Coral, the color result when pink and orange are mixed, gives the kitchen a fun yet sophisticated feel, and it makes the kitchen a lively room filled with a joyous energy. Coral can be paired with golden yellow for a summer-like décor that is beautiful.

Pink in the Living Room

Pink is typically considered off limits for the living room or den because it is “too feminine.” However, when paired with golden mirrors and throw pillows, pink is a perfect accent color for the living room. Pink can give a living room the feel of royalty, and may be paired with browns, in addition to gold, to give a rich atmosphere that feng shui believes lends itself to the well being of your own personal finances.

Pink, Pink Everywhere!

The color pink can be used in any room in the house because it is found in a variety shades and can be mixed with several different colors to give a completely unique feel in each room in the home. Add pink in a variety of creative ways for passion and romance, from floral arrangements and flowered wallpaper to throw pillows, wall hangings, and other accent pieces. A striped pattern incorporating pink, denim blue, orange and brown, for example, is not necessarily feminine. Pink is a versatile color that is given so little thought due, in part, to the fact that society thinks of it as overtly feminine, but it is so full of life and energy that it should be part of every home.

Senior staff writer for Metal-Wall-Art.com, Alyssa Davis, offers design advice on decorating with coffee wall art and guitar metal wall art.Similar Posts:

The Year Of The Wooden Blind- Really

guestcontributor — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:49:37 +0000

We’ve all currently got Christmas on our minds, and rightly so, as it is next week. Yes, next week. If you haven’t started buying gifts, now’s the time. But what about after Christmas? When the decorations go down and the family departs, there’s still work to be done in the house. There are still interesting design trends to look for, and one of the big trends of 2012 is shared right here. I doubt you’ll guess it or expect it, but wooden blinds are making a comeback.

The variety and choice of them has grown immensely. You can get them in cherry wood, walnut, bronzed or medium oak, maple, and even mahogany. They can be painted in black, white, light blue, jade or sandwash.

Because of this choice, they can be matched with any décor and interior design. This has led to their standing within the interior design community increasing in a positive manner. As well as the fact that exuberant patterns on roller and roman blinds is becoming less popular, and more rustic yet elegant styles are becoming ever more trendy. The whole image of wooden blinds is turning from old fashioned to luxurious and homely. A strange combination admittedly, but it works and looks great.

Speaking of trends, having a green, green as in environment friendly green, home and interior is highly relevant for the coming year. This trend started with solar panels on the outside of your house, now it’s to use biodegradable material inside your home. Cellular shades and bamboo blinds are the most popular of these eco-blinds, but wooden blinds in general have the edge on the more commercial plastic or cotton window treatments.

Of course, their main benefit is the fact they don’t let light in. Or only let the amount of light in that you wish to wave. Plastic and cotton blinds often still let in a slither of light, you may not want, and with the time, the material stretches and the blind therefore droops. Not an issue with wooden blinds.

Finally, they’re easy to clean and tough. So, even if your cat decides to climb them, they will withstand the urge to disintegrate. Hope you found this small intro into 2012 fun.

Written by Sarah OxleySimilar Posts:

How to Choose Wood Flooring Colors

jessica ackerman — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:31:42 +0000

Now that you know that wood flooring is a trendy choice for remodeling your home, you need to know how to choose wood flooring colors that work throughout each room. This guide to choosing wood flooring will help you eliminate wood finishes that would clash with your decor otherwise. It will also offer guidance for narrowing down your choices if you are having trouble in that area.

1. Dark and light woods rarely coordinate. Stay away from blending light and dark wood finishes that touch each other, such as baseboards and flooring. They do not coordinate, and the color shift is too drastic when wood is the focal point in the room. In fact, the aesthetic value becomes so low that it takes away from the value of your house to mix woods within the same space when the colors are not the same or very similar.

2. Dark woods look great with light color palettes. To break up a very light decor style, dark wood flooring is a very good choice. Choose your wood flooring based on the room’s decor, and the most important choice is whether to go with the flow, such as light with light colors, or go against the grain, dark with light or light with dark. As long as you are not mixing the wood finishes, you can do a lot with colors against your wood flooring.

3. Light woods and contemporary decor are difficult to match. Many top designers recommend pairing dark woods with contemporary design styles or avoiding wood flooring altogether in favor of laminate, slate, tile, or other modern options. Wood and metal are rarely a good combination, although wood and glass or wood and fabrics are very easy to coordinate. The lighter woods tend to clash with the cool color palette of the contemporary design style, but the darker ones are manageable with the right shades.

4. Stay away from light colors if you have small children or pets. Light wood finishes show dirt and other debris very easily, and although dark can show it too, most experts agree that dark works better than light in this case. As a matter of fact, many decor experts say that real hardwoods are not a good idea at all when you have small children or indoor pets, so avoid them altogether in these cases. Instead, choose a laminate that looks like wood flooring with a color you love instead of real hardwood since it is far more durable and easier to clean and maintain.

5. Use a color wheel if you have any doubts. Many home improvement stores offer color strips that feature dark, medium, and light versions of most colors, and some even have wood samples to compare. Do not take the risk of colors and textures that do not coordinate, choose your colors with a lot of research and some expert advice when necessary. This can be a great way to save time and money as you renovate your home, making sure that you get the biggest return possible on your investment.

Professional designer Jessica Ackerman, writes for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, and specializes in decorating with contemporary metal wall art and large wood wall art.Similar Posts:

Fiber cement siding styles can transform a house

homeownernut — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:46:44 +0000

Take a drive down any subdivision lane and look at the houses on either side of the street. In many cases, they will look quite the same–comparable sizes, identical landscaping, the same type of siding and even the same colors. But every now and then you might come across a home that stands out from the crowd with bold colors and an unusual style.

If you want a house with that unique look, fiber cement siding could be the answer.

Fiber cement styles that wow

There was a time when siding was available in only a few styles and even fewer colors. Today, fiber cement siding manufacturers offer a wide range of styles and colors, including customized siding that can be created to suit your vision for a unique home.

Fiber cement siding styles include basic lap siding, stucco, flat styles and notched panel, among others. The siding style you choose can completely transform your home. For instance, basic lap siding that has a large exposure–eight inches or more–can make a house look much bigger. A smaller exposure, such as five inches or less, can make an imposing house look a bit more compact.

Blending different styles can also lead to an eye-catching look; imagine flat boards for a modern look, complemented by traditional lap board for an interesting change of pace. Notched panels mixed with beaded boards can instantly add sophistication and age to a home. Stucco siding can offer a Mediterranean flair, especially if it is complemented with a tile roof.

Surprising splashes of color can make a unique style stand out even more. For instance, a porch that offers bright colors in contrast to the pale, more sedate colors of the rest of the home can make the house stand out from the crowd.

Don’t forget the impact trim can have on your home’s look. Wide, thick trim in complementary colors can make a house look more sturdy, while thinner trim in contrasting colors can make a home look whimsical. Those minor details can mean the difference between a house that is simply appealing and one that truly engages the eye.

Fiber cement siding styles have come a long way from the days of plain, flat lap board. From stucco to logs, fiber cement siding styles can mimic any other material you might want to put on a home. This flexibility can mean the style you want without the maintenance you loathe, and often for a better price. Do your research into fiber cement siding, then hire a contractor to get the job done.Similar Posts:

Vinyl siding and historic homes? It can work

homeownernut — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:43:04 +0000

There is a battle raging between preservationists and vinyl siding manufacturers. The preservationists, those who are determined to keep up the integrity of historic homes, point out that vinyl siding looks as natural in a historic district as a neon sign would look on a mom-and-pop corner grocery store. In response, vinyl siding manufacturers point to new products that were created to mimic the look of clapboard and other traditional materials so precisely that it is difficult to tell the vinyl from the real thing.

Which camp is right? They both have valid points. The bottom line comes down to neighborhood requirements or restrictions, personal taste and in some cases, budget constraints. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

The cons of vinyl siding

Let’s start with the preservationists’ side of the picket fence. Just as there are downsides to almost everything, so is the case with vinyl siding. The following points might cause some concern for homeowners:

Vinyl siding is not historically accurate. Vinyl siding is popular today, but it wasn’t around when most historic homes were built. No matter how good the vinyl looks, it is only a mimicry of originals, and that isn’t enough for some homeowners.
There are questions about vinyl siding safety. Vinyl siding is made of a plastic resin that is suspected of being carcinogenic. The production of vinyl siding is a concern for many communities.
Vinyl siding can fade over time. The colors of vinyl siding have long been a bone of contention among preservationists because they don’t accurately portray historical colors. In addition, the colors can fade over time, making it even more obvious that a home is covered in vinyl.

The pros of vinyl siding

But before we get mired down in the downside, let’s look at the advantages vinyl siding brings to old-house homeowners and historic neighborhoods:

New product lines look like the real thing. Vinyl siding colors are now available in a wide range of colors that are historically accurate. Carefully replicated wood grain is also a nice feature.
Minor architectural details are now available. In the past, the minor details that made a house unique were covered over with vinyl siding. Today, vinyl siding can replicate even the smallest details for a more accurate look.
Vinyl significantly reduces maintenance. Homeowners who are accustomed to painting that old clapboard every few years can appreciate the draw of a product that requires no painting at all.

Vinyl siding products that work for historic homes

Vinyl siding manufacturers have heard the concerns of historic homeowners and are constantly working toward making their period-relevant products even better. A few companies have led the surge into vinyl siding lines that are historically accurate. Certain Teed has seen its products used in many historical districts, with the approval of historic commissions. Crane and Revere are also two good names to turn to when looking for siding that makes your historic home look just as it should.Similar Posts:

How'sHouse » Design

Choosing the right windows for your home

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How Modern Is Stainless Steel?

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The Year Of The Wooden Blind- Really

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Fiber cement siding styles can transform a house

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