Room Redo

Just getting started? The first task in planning your remodel project is to establish your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Your budget breakdown for all of the components of the project might resemble this model: Cabinetry = 40%; Appliances = 20%; Countertops = 10%; Paint, flooring, backsplash, plumbing, and lighting is the balance, or 30%. Realize that your particular project could be much different so the percentage breakdown would be allocated differently.

Cabinets – Designing and building kitchens is truly a specialty. A smooth functioning kitchen is achieved by careful selection and placement of cabinetry components. Popular wood species for kitchen cabinets from least expensive to most expensive are: Oak, Birch, Maple, Alder, Cherry, Rustic Alder, and Rustic Cherry. Upgrades to stained finishes will include: glazing over stain, painted finishes, painted with glaze, distressing option, and other custom treatments. Glass option and mullioned door options will also add cost to the job but also provide you with a distinct design element.

Faucet and Sink – Think about how you use your sink and make your choice on function prior to finish and style. Open bowl sinks are a great choice for those who need more space for large pots and pans. The open bowl will allow you to wash the larger item in the sink instead of half in and half out.

A lot of people have the old remodeling bug right about now, and they should if they want their homes all spruced up in time for the holidays. There are lots of things you can do now and even in the next few weeks to make your place spiffy.

The powder room or half bath is a good place to maybe add a coat of paint, buy a few accessories or get some nice new towels. As for the kitchen, if a full remodel is out of the question, how about a nice, new faucet, or just replacing the hardware on your cabinets? Those are economical and add a nice touch. And, they can even be do-it-yourself projects.

Here is another great thing you can do before a party. Go outside and clean and oil your front door, polish the hardware, clean up your house numbers and even clean the glass on the outdoor lights. You won’t believe how much this brightens everything up and all it takes is a little elbow grease. And while, you’re out there, check the front yard to see if you might want a little fall color in a potted plant or two near the door.

Good housekeeping is good Feng Shui! Keep your kitchen shiny and clean for the best possible energy. A cluttered, dirty kitchen will have stagnant energy, which interferes with your ability to cook and enjoy healthy, nourishing food. When you are poorly nourished, your ability to work hard and earn a good income will suffer.

Because the stove represents health and wealth, you want to use the burners on the stove top equally, rotating their use rather than habitually using a particular burner. This can help bring money from multiple sources. The old-fashioned stove, as opposed to a microwave, is preferred because it is more in keeping with the Feng Shui belief that we should slow down, become more conscious of each activity, and do activities with intention.

As with all rooms in the house, the kitchen should be kept neat and uncluttered. Broken appliances should be repaired or removed. Cooking and the stove represent a wealth sector of the home so keep your kitchen organized, your appliances running smoothly and frequently use your stove for best results.

Kid-Friendly and Parent-Pleasing: rooms that accommodate children don’t have to be exactly where they play full-time. Therefore, kid-friendly can still look nice for mom, dad and guests. For example, patterned or heavily textured fabrics and leather can look good and still wear well. In the actual play areas, outdoor fabrics perform well and are easy to maintain. Again, patterns and darker colors tend to hide more than light, airy materials.

Add a Punch Where is Doesn’t Hurt: go for excitement in spots that don’t get traffic. For example, a really cool light fixture, fancy ceiling fan or wall sconces usually don’t get in the way of play (unless it’s an indoor ball game.) Art on the walls is another way to add big drama in a spot that doesn’t get floor traffic.

Safety First: For rooms where very small children will be, consider a big, upholstered ottoman instead of a coffee table. This way you can be comfortable and have a nice surface in front of your sofa, but avoid the hazards of hard furniture and sharp edges. If it provides storage inside, all the better, just toss toys and blankets in there when tidying up.