SHOPPING FOR FURNITURE CAN BE REWARDING

 If starting from scratch, first decide if your space is going to be formal. Don’t want formal? Maybe your lifestyle is casual and laid back. Look through magazines, watch design shows, surf the web and choose a look: sophisticated, comfortable or casual? Find one element to design the room around and make that the inspiration for the room. While shopping, keep thinking of your inspirational piece. It could be in a form of art, a designer rug, shelving or a mural on the wall.

 It is very important not to second guess the size of your room and walls based on memory. Be certain to measure door and window openings before purchasing any piece of furniture to ensure it can fit in the room. Also, take into consideration narrow doorways, hallways and tight spaces. It can be difficult getting large pieces of furniture down a hall and making the turn with the furniture.

 Buy furniture that is built to last. You may think at the time that buying pieces that cost less is the route to go. It may be cheaper at the time but how sturdy is it? The best practice is to search for furniture that is made with solid hardwood frames. Hardwoods increase the strength and durability of the piece. This furniture will hold up to everyday wear and last much longer generally. The cushions or fabric may become worn and discolored over a long period of time, but you still have a sturdy long-lasting solid wood frame. Cushions and fabric can easily be replaced at a fraction of the cost.

 When selecting a fabric for furniture, keep in mind what and who will be on the furniture. Do you have young children, pets, teenagers, high volumes of guests and entertain frequently in your home? Micro-fiber is a great choice for all. It is very durable and can be stain resistant. Another good idea is to purchase or make it yourself slip-covers. This protects the original fabric from spills, pet hair, snags and tears. With slip-covers when they get soiled, just pop them in the washing machine.

 Give careful consideration to the color of the fabric you select. Remember that you will most likely be looking at this color and pattern for a long time. A good rule of thumb is to stay with neutral colors that are timeless and not trendy. Think long-term while making your selection. Will you still love this pattern and color years from now? What if you move? Can this furniture go easily in a different home?

If you are bold and feel that you have fairly good design skills, then go all the way and have some fun with color and make a statement!

Bathrooms are usually the smallest rooms in the house. If you choose to remodel your bathroom, you can be assured of two things. First, you will get almost all of your investment back when selling your home, as a bathroom usually gets a return of 75 – 85%. Second, you will probably need the largest number of professionals to do the remodeling in your bathroom. A plumber, one to tile, electrician, flooring installer, painter and cabinet installer will be called usually for a bathroom. If you are very handy or know someone that is, the better off you are.

If you like adventure and design, take advantage of the smallest room in your home and showcase your creativity. Colors or patterns can be used in a bathroom that you may ordinarily be afraid to use in another room. More good news is that the materials that would be very expensive in a larger area will most likely fit into your bathroom budget as the room is so small.

When it comes to bathrooms, remember that the necessities of a bathroom only include a sink, toilet, tub and shower. Everything else is frosting on the cake and can be very expensive. If you have the money, then go for it. Remember, bathrooms are a very wise investment.

The first thing you will need to determine in the remodel is whether you want a tub or shower, or both if you have the space. Do you dream of a sunken whirlpool tub for leisurely soaking? How about a claw-foot tub with an elaborate hand-held brass showerhead? How about an extra large French shower for two? In terms of expense, the cheapest route is a pre-molded fiberglass tub or shower.

Now the next decision that is very important is the toilet. Most people think a toilet is a toilet and do not realize just how many types of toilets are available now. There are almost as many choices for toilets as there are for sinks or tubs. If you want a very modern look, they offer a remote-controlled model? There are pull chain toilets that compliment an Italian based design. There are models that are designed for saving precious floor space. Toilets come in a variety of colors, shapes and designs so go shopping and find the one that compliments your style and décor.

Create a New Modern Kitchen in a Smaller Space

Many of us are downsizing our homes today, whether for economical reasons or practicality. With a smaller house, comes a smaller kitchen. With kitchens being a very important focus of our home for many reasons, how can we maintain a modern kitchen on a budget and get the satisfaction we need to be complete? With a small kitchen comes less area to work with thus getting our minds going on innovative kitchen design ideas.

 The small modern kitchen has much to do with economizing the space you have to work with. The main emphasis of the small kitchen design is planning what to keep and what to dispose of. A small kitchen cannot have a lot of extra items that create clutter. In larger kitchens we accumulate items over the years and never really get rid of them, as we tell ourselves that we may find a use for them one day. With a smaller modern kitchen, this thinking must go out the window and bring in the new thought process. You must keep accessories to a minimum in modern design.

A modern style works well in small kitchens because it focuses on clean lines and function. A small modern kitchen will feel clean and contemporary. Modern kitchens cut down on clutter and create functional work areas. You will save money using modern materials for a small space that is big on style.

Think storage when planning a modern kitchen.  Keep your countertops free of clutter so you can use every inch of the countertop as a work surface. It is best if you can store small appliances in the cabinets out of sight. Do you have enough cabinet space for storage? You may need to add a cupboard or two or a small island with cabinet space below. If you are purchasing new cabinets for a small area, make sure that you purchase ones that go all the way to the ceiling to maximize your storage space.

If you are truly designing a Modern kitchen you will want to paint the walls white to achieve the new modern affect. Bring color in the room through flooring and appliances. For the new sleek look, create a color pallet of white, silver, stainless and black.