Thursday, December 27, 2012

Tips To Upgrade An Old Kitchen

Kitchen
Kitchen (Photo credit: Tomas Rawski)
Probably one of the biggest added value options you can consider, is to improve a dated kitchen.
I know that it’s the first thing my wife looks for in a new home and it certainly can be a deal breaker when you come to sell.

Some quick to implement, ideas for breathing new life into a tired kitchen:
  • Replace existing work surfaces.
  • Install new, contemporary handles to units.
  • Resurface the floor.
  • If you don’t have budget to replace the cooker and hob - consider having it professionally cleaned. You might be surprised how well they come up.
  • For next to nothing you can buy and install a new sink and drainer.
  • Repaint the unit doors.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Lanterns Light The Way To A Better Exterior

EspaƱol: Fuente de la Plaza Alta en la localid...

Finding the right set of exterior lights isn't always easy. There is such a huge selection to choose from on aesthetics alone. Some of the more popular varieties in recent years come in brass or copper, but even if you select a material there's a long way to go before selecting the style.

I won't even get into selecting the style, but there are definitely some general guidelines to follow when it comes to where you put your lanterns, particularly if they're next to an entryway. These guidelines come from the folks at Light Innovations:

  • If you plan to place a lantern on only one side of the door it should measure one-third the height of the door. The center of the bulb should rest 66″ above the threshold of the door.
  • If you plan to use two lanterns they should each measure approximately one-fourth the height of the door. The center of the bulb should rest 66″ above the threshold of the door.
Another huge question to ask is whether you'll go with a gas or electric lantern. Obviously, there's going to be a cost differential and it's good to know which is more expensive in your area before making that decision. Some would argue there is a difference in lighting quality as well, and that's something that should certainly be looked into in your decision making process. 

Regardless of where you go in this decision process, making a good choice can lend an elegant charm to your exterior and possibly increase the value of your home. So do your research and speak to a professional to make sure you do the right thing.