Over many years as an interior designer, what would be the top 3 changes in consumer preferences during that time?

One thing that immediately comes to mind is the switch from stain cabinets to paint cabinets. White kitchens are back! Customers are leaning more towards lighter and brighter shades than the red/orange shades of the last decade. Flooring has changed quite a bit with more customers opting for LVP (Luxury Vinyl Sheet) throughout their home. LVP has come this far and is now super durable, easy to maintain and looks amazingly real. Third, quartz countertops are becoming the standard. I rarely specify granite anymore. Quartz is so easy to maintain compared to granite and the colors and patterns that are now available mimic everything from natural marble to exotic granites.

What are some future ideas and predictions? Any new trends that may take place in 2018/19 and beyond?

Natural woods are very popular right now: hand-scraped wide-plank barn flooring, as well as openly distressed furniture. What is also starting to emerge in design is more of a traditional style again. Details throughout and the use of rich jewel tones are all the rage right now along with warm metal tones (yes, bronze is back but in an updated way!).

What are some of the challenges to face in helping clients realize their dream renovation?

Many clients are afraid to trust their style intuition. They often fight between their hearts and their brains for what they want. They often try to force themselves to change the color palettes or styles of their latest home and sometimes push themselves out of their comfort zone. I always tell clients to listen to their instincts. Their home is their sanctuary and they need to feel comfortable, relaxed and love being home.

Are there certain types of renovations that tend to add the most value to a home’s selling price?

Kitchens, bathrooms and basic developments are always the spaces that are used the most, therefore, they increase the value of your home. Those rooms are the ones that potential home buyers predominantly look for because they know those are the areas where they will be spending the most time.

How do you get ideas or inspiration to help guide you as you consider renovation options?

I often suggest that clients send me photos of houses, rooms, styles, products that they find on home decor sites. Customers often don’t know what their style is, so if they can show me pictures of things they like, I can usually understand them better. Visiting show houses is also a great way to find inspiration and new ideas.

Granite is an igneous rock, with a crystalline base, hard and tenacious. It can be polished, shaped, cut, and honed to create many useful products. Granite is very durable and suitable for any type of internal structure. It is in great demand in the field of construction, covering a series of uses in shops, buildings and homes. Mica, quartz and feldspar deposits give granite its beauty which is available in various colors.

It all started in ancient Egypt, where the Egyptians mined granite for use in various constructions. Most of its beautiful monuments were built with limestone and granite. For example, the recently unearthed statue of a New Kingdom pharaoh was made entirely of granite. Many of these relics, representative of the outstanding civilization of the Egyptians, were built with granite blocks. Due to the extraordinary sculpting skills of the Egyptians, the granite blocks of these statues were built in such a way that not even a piece of paper could slide between the rocks.

This igneous rock is part of a historical legacy that goes back thousands of years, but finds relevance in our time and in the distant future. Known for its wide use, especially in the beautification of buildings, let’s discover one by one the other uses of this beautiful resource.

First of all, granite is one of the favorites when it comes to its use in kitchen countertops. Here, solid slabs of granite are cut to size, polished and adorned with quality finished edges. Due to the increased demand for this product in the average income household, the installation fees that cost a pump are now also affordable for the average person.

Granites are widely used in the construction industry. Here, the granite is quarried and turned into blocks with rough sides or, in some cases, polished to some degree. Because of this, the blocks fit together perfectly giving the exterior a rough and rugged texture that is becoming ‘fashionable’ in today’s architectural design. Museums, churches, palaces and universities are few of the many that have been built with granite blocks. Large construction projects, such as the Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC, which spans the Potomac River, use granite as both a structural element and decorative fencing. Therefore, granite blocks are also used for structural purposes.

Granite countertops are widely used as pavers, also called cobblestone; this makes the entrances and checkouts very colorful and interesting. This highlights the beauty of this magnificent material which, when combined with professional craftsmanship and expert design, becomes a true masterpiece.

A very creative use of granite can be seen at Mount Rushmore, which is a granite monument in South Dakota made as a tribute to Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson, former US presidents. This massive monument is carved directly into the mountain.

Another common use of granite is as a memorial stone; mainly as a tombstone in many countries.

Great sculptures start with a small piece of rock. While you may not be into sculpting, the reason that brings you to this article definitely means that you have something on your mind that has to do with this beautiful material. As a kitchen surface or material for your next construction project or for a rock statue on your table, granite is a beautiful piece of rock that you simply must have!

If you think reverse osmosis and alkaline water are the same thing, you need to think again. Most people think that alkalinity is associated with ionizing machines. In this article we are going to talk about the difference between reverse osmosis and alkaline water. Keep reading to know more.

Reverse Osmosis (Ro)

In this device, there is a semi-permeable membrane that removes molecules, particles and ions. With this filtration technology, hydraulic pressure is used to separate the molecules from the water. Therefore, you need electricity to power these units.

1. Alkaline water filtration does not require electricity

As stated earlier, reverse osmosis uses electricity for particulate treatment and removal. Unlike RO units, these systems cost more. The good thing is that they are a viable solution. In general, it is easy to set up countertop filters. On the other hand, you need to have the technical knowledge to install a reverse osmosis system.

2. RO Removes all kinds of Minerals

RO units can totally remove total dissolved solids. But the problem is that they also remove many healthy minerals. For regular consumption, experts do not recommend demineralized water. If you continue to drink of this type, you will have to suffer from health problems.

Therefore, you must remineralize the filtered water by adding another system to the process. In contrast, an alkaline filter increases the mineral content of tap water. Apart from this, these systems can also add electrolytes for better hydration capacity.

3. RO wastes tons of water

The RO process wastes a lot of water. You can waste up to 80% of it. That is, you will end up wasting 8 liters of liquid in exchange for 2 liters of filtered water. Although you can also find some units that do not spend much, you should know that they cost a lot of money.

On the other hand, you can use a countertop filter to produce alkaline water. This process will add healthy minerals without creating waste water.

4. An alkaline filter is a small unit

RO units cover a lot of space as they are large units. On the other hand, an alkaline filter does not take up as much space. Plus, they are less expensive to buy and maintain.

5. RO produces acidic water

If you want to improve the pH level of your tap water, you can use an alkaline machine. The RO process removes all minerals, so drinking this type of water is not recommended.

If you want to remineralize reverse osmosis water and improve the pH level, we suggest you try an ionizer machine. Again, this approach can cost you a lot of money.

In summary, these five are the main differences between alkaline water and reverse osmosis water.

Gothic home décor and decor, you either love it or you hate it. Dreaming of gravely pale dried red roses against a medieval throne chair is enough to make the most ghoulish damsel go weak in the knees.

There are several different types of gothic decorations, ranging from engraved art on tombstones to more subdued Victorian-Gothic themes. Whatever the case may be, if you are someone who enjoys this type of interior design, then the following 10 gothic decor ideas will be of great benefit to you and the undead that cohabit there.

Gothic Living Room – If you like to entertain guests, then a gothic living room, with oak and mahogany furniture, earth tone walls, hardwood floors, long chandeliers and large antique chairs will boost your reputation among your friends and family . You can also opt for doors and window panes, given a rusty, weather-beaten look with a stained glass film, to enhance the gothic quotient of said room.

Gothic bedrooms: The gothic look can also be used to achieve a very romantic atmosphere in couples’ bedrooms. Here, grand canopy beds, in old-world patterns and rich, comfortable fabrics like satins, matte silks, foamy leathers, and velvets are an absolute must. The lighting should also be soft, to create a gothic yet romantic atmosphere. Hanging candle lanterns work especially well.

Gothic Garden: The sky is the limit, when you want to experiment with a gothic garden, put aside the references to “Jasmine and Rose”… Exotic, strange and visually stunning deadly flowers of nightshades and orchids would fit well. As for furnished accessories, you can try weeping gothic fountains, gargoyle figurines, or cast iron seats.

Gothic bathroom: these bathrooms should ideally have large area dimensions, to be able to play with darkness and light. In such a bathroom, porcelain items are highly appreciated. A black and white checkerboard floor would be great. Here, too, large mirrors with intricate medieval paneling are preferred. Even your shower and sink accessories can have medieval signatures or shapes of magical creatures. The warm glow of numerous purple and red candles shimmered on the surface of the water. Using dark candles or even dragon incense holders works quite well.

Gothic Kitchen – A gothic kitchen should play with a variety of building materials that go well with the medieval theme. In particular, woodwork is necessary to add a touch of rustic simplicity to your kitchen. In addition to these, the shelves and cabinets could make use of stone, stained glass and wrought iron. Plus, you can hang your pots and dishes from a low beam to add a touch of authenticity to the whole look for a Sweeney Todd feel. To take things a step further, try hanging a mace or battle ax on the wall. Even model your kitchen similar to the Vegan Black Metal Chef!

Gothic colors: Oh the horror, do you mean there is a color other than black? All other varieties of dark and vibrant colors go well with a gothic setting. In this document, you can choose to paint the walls of your home with different types of red, purple and stone tones.

Gothic wallpapers are now abundantly available on the market, in a huge number of interesting patterns and motifs. They are affordable to buy and you can experiment with different types of these every few months.

Gothic Lanterns: They can add a magnificent look to your living room, bedrooms, and even bathrooms. For maximum effect, choose chandeliers that add a royal touch to your abode.

Gothic Figurines: They are available in the forms of a large number of mystical creatures such as dragons, gargoyles, skulls and more.

Fireplaces: A simple fireplace, in the form of an arch of wood, is perfect for the gothic decoration of your home. If you want to feel like the vampire lord, go for a ridiculous marble mantelpiece with a lion’s head.

The kitchen is one of the most frequently upgraded areas of a person’s home. Many people are simply not satisfied with the kitchen that their house or apartment has when they move. Many people are finally looking to redo their kitchen lighting, possibly adding sky panels. There are many TV shows that can actually help people decide what to do with their houses or whether to buy a new one altogether. While watching these shows, people can see some renovations done on other people’s homes and decide if the same or similar renovations would be right for their homes.

One show that can entertain and sometimes help viewers decide what to do with their homes is the show called House Hunters on HGTV. The show features a person or couple looking for a new home. A real estate agent then takes them through their chosen city and shows them three houses to choose from. Each of the venues shown to participants generally has its own pros and cons, some are too expensive, some don’t have the right floor plan, and some are in need of too much repair. At the end of the show, the new home seeker submits an offer and then finds out what she has done with her new living space since she moved in and how she likes it.

Another program that can sometimes help people with their own home renovations is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. In the show, the team, including a carpenter, various designers, and decorators, take a family down on their luck and help them completely redecorate and redo their house. This can help people watching at home because, again, some of the renovations seen on the show might be appropriate for the viewer’s home. The people on the show are some of the best in the business when it comes to carpentry and interior design and decorating so it could be very beneficial for people looking to do home improvement to watch the show and see what think each of the experts. certain things regarding home makeovers.

Finally, one last show that can help people with home renovation ideas was Trading Spaces. Currently in syndication, Trading Spaces revolved around two neighbors exchanging homes. Then each neighbor, with the help of the show’s team of designers and carpenters, renovates a room in his friend’s house. This is another show that could ultimately help people decide what to do with their own renovations by looking at what the people on the show do.

In tough economic times and with the housing market not doing well, home improvements are a very important part of the economy. By watching just a few episodes, or for those with very little patience, a few minutes, of certain TV shows, people can figure out what they want to do with their home renovations.

Cabinet resurfacing is nothing more than giving your kitchen cabinets a new look in a cost effective way. All you have to do is replace the doors, knobs, drawer fronts, etc. without removing entire cabinets. After parts are replaced, a new layer is applied to the visible parts. Rejuvenation can be done in your bathroom or in your kitchen. You can save a lot of money and time using this process. There are several other benefits of rejuvenation. Let’s see some of them.

The most important thing is savings. Instead of spending a fortune to replace your entire cabinets, you can simply do a few finishing touches by replacing the visible parts with new hardware, paint, and finishes. Therefore, you will spend only half of the total amount. Therefore, it is a cost-effective way to remodel your kitchen.

The whole process is less complicated compared to replacing everything. The complete replacement could also take several days, while the resurfacing can be completed in a day or two. At the same time, you can make your kitchen or bathroom look like new in no time.

Most of the time, your cabinets are in good condition and only require a few replacements, such as doors, knobs, or external paint, etc. Instead of wasting the cabinets and replacing them with new ones, you can use the same ones after making some modifications. This way you will not be contributing to the landfill or accumulation of waste materials in your area.

There are several cabinet resurfacing options to choose from when planning to remodel your kitchen. You can select the finishes according to any style and match the existing design. Apply new sheet metal and matching knobs etc. to give a whole new look to the room.

If you decide to throw the old ones in the trash, you will be adding more materials that contain a dangerous substance called formaldehyde. This adds to the pollution of the environment. You can prevent this from happening by choosing to reappear. This way you’re also helping to preserve the trees because you won’t be using new cabinets.

With so many benefits, you should consider refurbishing the cabinet instead of replacing entire cabinets. You can also save money, time and efforts. You can also enjoy a new kitchen at half price. This remarkable technique can also be used when time is short.

If you are going to remodel your kitchen, you may be looking for new kitchen cabinets. Before making a decision, we suggest you consider a few important things. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the basics of buying kitchen cabinets, including construction, quality, style, size, budget, and finish. You need to consider these things before buying the desired products. Keep reading to know more.

Budget

First of all, it is important to note that cabinets represent at least 40% of the total cost of your kitchen remodeling project. So you need to set your budget before you start. Ideally, you might want to set a budget that you can spend on this purchase. After all, you don’t want to break your budget by buying a product that is too expensive.

Quality

If you have a limited budget and are not too demanding, we suggest you look for a basic type of cabinets. On the other hand, if you want to give your kitchen the look of your dreams, we suggest you look for high-quality construction. These cabinets feature solid frames, closed backs, reinforced corners, and overall solid build quality.

Since cabinet doors and drawers are frequently opened, make sure they work smoothly. Aside from this, the finish should also be smooth.

decorative style

You may want to consider different magazines to get a better idea of ​​the style you like. It’s important to note that standard cabinets are available in some styles, as opposed to custom cabinets. Therefore, you may want to opt for a style that complements the architecture and interior of your home. Natural wood finishes are available in a large number of colors.

get the measurements

Since a professional will install the cabinets for you, be sure to measure everything on time. Once you have these measurements, the seller will have accurate information. Therefore, they will be able to give you a better estimate of the total cost of the project.

stock or customized

When it comes to price, stock cabinets are your best bet. They are manufactured in standard sizes and shapes. The good thing is that they are available in many styles and types of wood. Other than this, semi-custom ones are available in standard sizes. In addition to this, they have several options when it comes to style, design and storage.

To summarize, if you are looking to remodel your kitchen, you can use the tips provided in this article to shop for the kitchen cabinets you want. Hopefully this article will help you make the best decision and avoid making some common mistakes in the process.

Mirrors bring a special touch to home decor by adding light and creating the illusion of space. A mirror is defined as a reflective surface that forms an image of an object when light rays coming from that object fall on the surface.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the typical mirror is a sheet of glass that is coated on the back with aluminum or silver that produces images by reflection. This type of mirror came into widespread production in Venice during the 16th century.

Here are ten tips for using mirrors in your home decor:

1. Place a mirror on a wall adjacent to an interesting picture or piece of art and the mirror will reflect the image and add a sense of space.

2. Hang a decorative mirror near a window in a dark room. This will allow light to reflect off the mirror creating more natural light in the room.

3. To create the illusion of depth in a room, paint one wall a dark color that contrasts with the other walls. Then hang a decorative mirror on the dark wall to create a sense of depth in the room.

4. Create a charming entryway by hanging a framed mirror topped with floral swag. This will help create light in the entryway and also provide a last minute check before heading out the door.

5. Expand a small dining room by placing an ornate mirror on one wall. This will make the room appear larger and brighter.

6. Place a decorative mirror in front of an attractive fireplace and mantel to reflect something interesting in the room.

7. Group and hang multiple mirrors in various sizes and shapes for an attractive wall display.

8. Add mirrors (like mirror tiles) to the backs of shelving to add a sense of depth.

9. In the kitchen, add a mirror to the countertop backsplash. This will reflect light as you prepare food and is easy to maintain.

10. Place a custom-sized mirror on top of a piece of furniture that is damaged or unattractive. This can be done on dressers, tables, coffee tables, and end tables, just to name a few.

Always make sure to analyze the location of the mirrors before hanging them. For example, placing a mirror over a fireplace mantel can reflect unattractive tops of furniture or blank wall space. You can tilt the mirror down to reflect something more attractive in the room.

Also, place mirrors so they don’t cause unnecessary glare in a room. Mirrors can be unattractive if placed in front of a south or west facing window.

As you can see, there are numerous ways to use mirrors to illuminate and enrich your home décor. Decorative mirrors can be found at flea markets, retail stores, home improvement stores, and online in price ranges to fit every budget.

Lighting is a very important part of any remodel and the standards put forward by Richard Kelly (considered one of the pioneers of architectural lighting design) are still in use today. When considering a bathroom or kitchen remodel, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of well-thought-out lighting design. To get started, you should familiarize yourself with basic lighting information so you know the right questions to ask your contractor before work begins on your home.

There are three sources of electric light that are used in most kitchens and bathrooms. They are incandescent, fluorescent and LED. LED lights have become the most popular electrical light source in remodeling, but they require special dimmer switches to work properly. LED is so widely used because of the low number of watts the light uses, the longevity of the light’s lifespan, and the lack of heat produced by the light.

Once you determine which electric light will work best in your home, you need to consider how it is measured. Light is measured in three ways, flux, strength, and quantity. All three are important considerations when planning an effective design. What will I do in the space I am remodeling? What items or objects will I need illuminated? Do I need spot or flood lighting? Is mood important to my space? Is decoration important to my lighting design? Finally, you have to take into account your age. People over the age of fifty-five on average experience half as much light as twenty-five-year-olds, therefore more light must be added to compensate for this factor.

There are six types of fixtures that can be used to add light to a kitchen or bathroom. They are recessed, ceiling or surface, semi-surface, pendant, wall and portable. A well thought out design will often include several different accessories, each with its own function. These features include task, ambient, accent, wall and decorative lighting. For a built-in kitchen, lighting combined with under-cabinet lighting will offer both task lighting and ambient lighting. While pendants hanging over an island are often used as decorative lighting. In a bathroom, wall sconces are often used as accents, while surface mount sconces are used as ambience.

With so many fixtures and lighting features, deciding on the free (natural) light source is often overlooked, but it plays an important role in reshaping a space. Natural light or sunlight has a lot of benefits. Sunlight is free, renewable, saves energy, provides a natural source of light, positively affects mood, production, and health, and can heat a room. If possible, when designing a lighting plan, include natural light. The two most common ways to bring light into a design are through the use of windows and skylights. To enhance the illumination of sunlight through these sources, the use of reflective finishes and reflective surfaces should be considered. If your space already has a window or skylight, be sure to do your best to keep this source of natural light a part of your design.

There are many ways to design a lighting plan, so having a clear idea of ​​the wants and needs of the space is crucial to having the right lighting for the project.

Whether you’re looking to redecorate your kitchen or ready for a complete remodel, you’ll want to make sure the job is done right, and preferably with style! Any makeover, no matter how big or small, requires inspiration, which you’re likely to get from countless magazines, billboards, blogs, and the decorating touches of your friends. But how do you go through all these options and choose a style that will stand the test of time? If you’re ready to leave the noise behind and make choices that are sure to last, it’s time to get acquainted with the popular trends that many modern, quality kitchens are embracing. Read on for the five biggest and boldest traits taking the industry by storm.

1. Stylish color options

If you’re looking for a neat and elegant look, white cabinets stand out above the rest. White not only creates a light and friendly atmosphere, but it is also timeless, perfectly complementing everything from natural tones to bright bursts of colour. So you can’t go wrong with this clean and versatile look, especially if you’re prone to frequent redecorating projects.

While white is undoubtedly the leader of the pack in quality kitchens, you can also opt for darker shades if you want to swim against the tide and bring your space to life. Colors like stone grey, plum or even black are gaining ground and are sure to give your space a dramatic touch that will wow your visitors. Keep in mind, however, that these shades can make your kitchen too dark, especially if natural light is low.

2. Fully extendable drawers

Many quality kitchens still have top and bottom rows of cabinets with doors, but this trend is clearly trending downward. After all, who still wants to have a row of lower cabinets with doors when you could have elegant drawers that extend all the way instead? This ingenious storage solution not only allows you to get a complete overview of the drawer’s contents at a glance, but also allows you to effectively maximize and organize your space. That’s right: no more partially empty cabinets because you can’t reach the farthest corners. Drawers save you the hassle of bending over and rummaging through your cabinets, and they look beautiful too!

3. Versatile kitchen islands

Along with base cabinets with doors, more and more quality kitchens are saying goodbye to wall cabinets to create a brighter, less cluttered space. As a result, the islands are getting bigger and better, simultaneously functioning as an area for food preparation, casual dining, and storage. Its versatility is illustrated by a hot trend in open-plan homes, where islands that extend into the dining area or living room are becoming more common. Never underestimate the functionality of these multifaceted wonders!

4. Fabulous flats

Solid hardwood floors are and always will be the top contenders in this category, but let’s take a moment to consider the popular alternatives. Engineered wood and ceramic tiles are more practical when it comes to maintenance and are available in a wide range of styles and textures. So why not opt ​​for one of these materials, which can mimic the sophistication of hardwood floors, but won’t stain and don’t require regular refinish? Ease and elegance all in one.

5. Technology takes over

Control your lighting from your smartphone, have your fridge tell you what groceries you need to buy, and wake up to the smell of fresh coffee without lifting a finger. These are just some of the ways that technological developments can take your space to new heights, making everyday tasks easier, faster and of course cooler! From voice-responsive virtual assistants to motion-sensing faucets, the future of quality kitchens is digital. Are you ready to take the leap?

While there are plenty of industry fads you could get in on, we know these five trends are here to stay. Don’t forget to check them out when your next kitchen makeover arrives! They are guaranteed to start off on the right foot.