HOME IMPROVEMENT Spring 2025
How to establish a peaceful backyard retreat
Backyard retreats can be used for dining, movie nights, parties or quiet relaxation
Backyards have undergone quite a transformation over the last decadeplus. The days when patios and decks were all a backyard living space had to offer are largely a thing of the past, as homeowners have realized just how valuable it can be to commit to a stunning backyard.
The real estate experts at Zillow estimate that homes with backyard features such as outdoor televisions, outdoor showers and outdoor kitchens command 3.1 percent more than expected upon reaching the market. If 3.1 percent doesn’t sound like a lot, it actually equates to nearly $11,000 on a typical home. But there’s more to gain than money when converting a backyard space into a relaxing respite. Such spaces can provide a welcoming escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, all the while giving homeowners and residents a comfortable space to soak in the great outdoors. With that in mind, homeowners can take the following steps to establish a peaceful backyard retreat.
Refresh the landscape
Even if your vision is centered on outdoor furniture and a space that accommodates movie nights under the stars, it’s still best to refresh the existing landscape if it needs a little upkeep. Overgrown trees, hedges and bushes can create the same cluttered vibe that dominates interior spaces overrun with items. If necessary, work with a local tree service or landscape architect to trim, or even remove, trees and hedges that are crowding the backyard and making it feel claustrophobic or giving it an unkempt look. Aim for a landscape that affords a balance of sun and shade so the space is as comfortable as possible throughout the day.
Set up multiple gathering spaces, if possible
Once a backyard retreat is established, everyone who calls the property home might find the space hard to resist. Keep this in mind when planning the space and aim to set up multiple gathering spaces. An outdoor kitchen with a nearby dinner table can be a great space to enjoy al fresco dining, but a separate area to read a book
or watch a movie or ballgame can make the space more versatile. Some may want to relax away from the noise of the grill area, and multiple gathering spaces ensures there’s always a peaceful spot to unwind out back.
Add a water feature
Running water has a way of calming the nerves, and that’s good to keep in mind when planning a backyard retreat. Water features run the gamut from garden ponds to koi ponds to fountains to hot tubs. Homeowners can identify which feature best aligns with their idea of relaxation and then work with a landscape architect to ensure it’s installed in their backyard oasis.
Don’t forget shade
Temperatures are rising in many areas of the globe, and that’s worth noting when planning a backyard retreat. Even the most ardent sun worshippers likely won’t want to be
exposed to the sun at all times when relaxing in their backyards. Strategically chosen means of providing shade can make spaces enjoyable all day long. Consider umbrellas, gazebos, pergolas, and even retractable awnings to cover patios and decks when the sun is at its highest each afternoon. If you plan to spend ample time in the
grass, make that more enjoyable by planting shade trees, which also can protect the grass from drought and make it more comfortable underfoot. A relaxing backyard retreat can make for an ideal space to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Creating Quality & Livable Homes for Hundreds of Satisfied Clients Since 1996 Home Renovation • Home Remodeling
Once a backyard retreat is established, everyone who calls the property home might find the space hard to resist.
Garage sale — everything must go (maybe)
Spring is a great time to empty out the garage and make room for the car — here are the basic tools to do it, shared by a professional
BY MICHELLE MERCURE mmercure@eastbaymediagroup.com
A garage often becomes the “junk drawer” of the exterior of the home. But when spring arrives, and garden tools or bikes need to be found, the clutter that of stuff hidden away for the winter suddenly becomes a problem, especially if there is a desire to park the car in the garage. There are several ways to tackle this issue — ignore it, clean and organize it, or hire a professional.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a startling 25 percent of people with garages can't park their cars in them because the space is used to store other things. Megan Trotter-Mayo, a professional organizer and owner of Affordable Organization in East Providence, offers some tips for those who want to take the “do-it-yourself” approach and make more room for their
cars in the garage.
“Sometimes I feel like a car salesman,” shared Megan. Though her analogy coincided with making more room for cars in the garage, she explained that the reason she feels this way is because the advice she gives clients is the same for any space. Her biggest piece of advice is that these tips can be applied to organizing any space, not just the garage — though spring is a great time to step into the garage and reevaluate the existing system (or lack thereof).
Make a decision
The first step in organizing any space is making a decision. Megan explained, “You can either have the stuff or the space; it’s that simple.” She went on to say that this initial step often feels like the most overwhelming for many of her clients. “For a lot of people, just taking the first step is the hardest part. They don’t even know where to start without support,” she said. “I notice that people need me to walk them through each item to help them decide whether to keep it or not; decision fatigue is a real thing,” she added.
Megan Trotter-Mayo, a professional organizer and owner of Affordable Organization in East Providence, happily shares some organization tips for tidying up garage spaces this spring.
She also said she notices a lot of guilt and shame associated with needing her services. For this she offered another useful analogy. She shared, “You don’t feel shame when you need a plumber to fix your toilet, so why should you feel ashamed to need help with organizing your closet.” She noted that not everyone can be good at every skill. “This is what I’m good at and I want to help,” she explained.
Categorize what’s left
After deciding what to get rid of and what to keep, the rest becomes easier. According to Megan, “What’s left after that is just the basics of organizing.” The
next step is the simpler task of organizing by category. In the garage, that means grouping tools with tools, sports equipment with sports equipment, gardening supplies with gardening supplies, and so on.
Shopping isn’t always necessary, but it’s fun
Though it is not always necessary to do so, purchasing bins, shelves, peg boards and other organization systems can often benefit the space being orga-
Vertical storage can be used to store things like these rakes and shovels to maximize garage space while protecting items from outside elements, such as water that seeps into the space.
See FACING PAGE
‘You can either have the stuff or the space – it's that simple’
From FACING PAGE
nized, according to Megan. “I am a huge fan and cheerleader for the purchase of bins,” she shared. She went on to say, “This helps make sure evertyhing has a space.”
Label everything
Another useful but optional step is labeling the bins, baskets, shelves, or whatever is being used to store items. “Once everything is categorized and in its space, labeling not only keeps it there, but it also holds you accountable for putting items back where they belong,” Megan explained. She also said, “The labels compel people to continue the system they put into place.”
Layout the system
Laying out the “design” means deciding where things should be stored for both functionality and cleanliness. This is where pegboards can be especially useful, particularly in a garage, where vertical storage is key. Megan explained, “You can utilize the vertical space to hang things like tools, rakes, extension cords, and shovels.” She emphasized the
importance of using vertical space because garages often have water and other elements from the outside on the floor.
Perform touch up services
Another optional step is what Megan calls “touch-up services.” This involves revisiting the space and the system put in place every so often to reset it. She gave the example of a client she visits every March to reset all the holiday bins in her basement. It's a task Megan enjoys, and it proves useful for her client, who doesn't particularly enjoy it. Megan’s love of organizing things began when she was only a child. Her earliest memory of organizing dates back to when she was only four years old. “I remember trashing my room at four just so I could pick it up again,” she recalled.
She loves what she does and wants to help, even if it is as simple as offering tips with organizing. Whether choosing a professional to perform the service or using the “do-it-yourself” method, Megan believes there should be no shame or guilt in taking steps to organize any space.
ABOVE: Before this garage packed full of items could be organized, decisions needed to be made about what to keep and what to let go — the first step for organizing any space.
LEFT: After the organization process, this garage now has enough room to park the car.
There are many painting projects that homeowners can tackle as a DIY projects, but for big results and big projects, professionals may be the best call.
Why hiring a painter is the right choice
Painters already have the equipment — and the time — for those big painting projects
Few home improvements can change the look of a room faster and more affordably than a painting makeover. In fact, homeowners often turn to paint before they make any other renovations. Home Light, a real estate technology company, says painting a home’s interior can net a return on investment as high as 107 percent.
Although painting is a project that can be tackled by do-it-yourselfers, there are various advantages to calling in a professional to handle painting projects. Here is a look at some of the benefits to working with a professional painter.
Cut down on the job time
A professional painter can reduce the project timeline. Painters have the skill set and experience to complete a project in a timely manner. This means the job will be streamlined from preparation to clean-up.
Pay attention to details
Professional painters are likely to do a job that is nearly flawless, especially after homeowners exercise their due diligence and vet painters carefully. Professionals will pay attention to the small details that less experienced painters wouldn’t think about.
Reduce your workload
Painting can be a time-consuming job, and most of it occurs even before you pick up a brush. It can take hours to prep walls, patch holes, remove moldings, and
apply painter’s tape. Homeowners who do not have much time are better off leaving trusting the project to a professional.
Painters already have equipment
Do-it-yourselfers may need to buy new tools before beginning the job. This means brushes, rollers, tape, tarps, trays, and much more. Unless you plan to paint multiple times, this can make stocking up a considerable investment. Professionals already have all the right gear and tools of the trade.
Lasting results
Professional painters understand which products will produce the desired results, depending on the wear and tear of the space. Paints are not all created equal, and certain walls, floors and trim may require unique priming and preparation that novices are not familiar with.
Professional painters can help ensure durability and save homeowners from having to do the job again in a few months or years.
A safer experience
Painting can be a challenging job when it involves painting hard-to-reach spaces and/or climbing and balancing on tall ladders. Homeowners are not at risk of injury when hiring a professional painter. In addition, professional painters should be licensed and insured. This means if an injury or incident occurs, the homeowner will not be on the hook for the cost. A fresh coat of paint can produce amazing results. Leaving the work to a professional can ensure a job is done correctly and beautifully and completed on time.
Tips for the gardening beginner
Gardening is a passionate hobby for millions all around the world
Gardening is a popular hobby all over the world. Ruby Home Luxury Real Estate estimates there are 71.5 million gardening households in the United States alone. That translates to around 185.9 million people engaged in some form of gardening, which places the U.S. among other countries where gardening is wildly popular, including Australia and China. A greater number of people are showing interest in gardening, which is a rewarding hobby that’s good for the mind and the body. Those who are new to gardening may need a crash course to get started. These pointers can help anyone foster a newfound passion for gardening.
Choose the best location
Spend time in the yard and decide where to house a garden. A far-off corner may get the most sun, but will you forget about the garden if it is too far away? Ideally, the garden should be located where it will get at least six to eight hours of sun
each day. There also should be a water source nearby. The spot also should be convenient so that it is easy to go and pick vegetables or prune flowers.
Start small
If you’re new to gardening, begin with a small garden footprint so that you can get your feet wet. A raised garden bed can be a good starting point because it is contained and easy to maintain. As your experience (and garden) grows, you can add to the garden size the next time around.
Amend the soil
It’s possible but unlikely that the soil in the backyard is the perfect mix to grow healthy plants. It’s more likely that the
garden will need some soil modification. You can test the soil makeup with do-ityourself kits or work with a garden center. A garden typically requires a mix of compost to add nutrients to the dirt; peat moss or coconut coir to help with water retention and to make the soil lighter; and vermiculite that helps to retain water. A compost bin set up at the same time as the garden allows gardeners to continually produce nutrient-rich food to add to the garden.
Plant starter guide
It’s best to keep a few things in mind when planning the garden. Think about what will grow well in your climate. Consider how big the garden will be and the size of mature plants. A small garden will
not be able to accommodate corn, for example. Also, how would you like the space to look and what will be its function? Is this a purely aesthetic garden or one that will be food-bearing?
Start seeds inside
If you’ll be starting a garden from seeds, it’s best to start indoors before your region’s frost-free date. This way the delicate plants will get the needed care and can establish before they go outdoors in the ground. Keep them humid by covering the seedlings in plastic wrap. You can start the seeds in different containers, even empty egg cartons. Transplant to larger containers after the seedlings grow a second set of leaves. Once you’re free from overnight frost, you can place the established, strong seedlings in the ground.
An automatic watering system, such as a timer hooked up to the sprinkler, can keep the garden well watered, which increases the chances of success. Then it will only be a matter of weeks before the garden can be enjoyed throughout the season.
With
Tips to renovate on a budget
a mix of smart budgeting and creative thinking, renovations are still possible
Renovations around the house require an investment of time and often considerable amounts of money. Findings from the 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study show that home renovations are becoming more expensive. The median renovation spending for homeowners has gone up 60 percent since 2020. Angi, a home services website, reports the average renovation cost for homes between 1,250 and 1,600 square feet is $51,772, but the final cost of home renovations depends on the scope of the project.
Homeowners who are conserving funds can rest assured that it is possible to make meaningful changes both inside and outside a home without breaking the bank. Here are some ways to renovate a home on a budget.
Create a budget and don’t waver
Figure out exactly what you can afford for a renovation and then make that your maximum dollars spent. Research comparable projects in your area and be honest about whether you can afford the renovation as-is or if you must adapt ideas to fit your price. Make sure to build in a cushion of around 15 to 20 percent for any unforeseen expenses that may arise once a renovation is underway.
Maximize an existing floor plan
This Old House suggests looking for ways to maximize your current layout before you invest in major renovations like an expansion. Bring in a designer with an eye for utilizing space. For example, see how you might be able to replace shelves with pull-out drawers in the kitchen. Moving furniture around or rethinking floor plans also can help to lower costs.
Balance DIY with hiring contractors
You can save money by tackling some projects yourself, but only if you are confident in your renovation skills. Rather than risk making costly mistakes and having to redo things, hire well-vetted professionals but ask if there’s any DIY work you can do to cut costs.
Check clearance and resale stores
Shop discount stores for building mate-
rials to save money. For example, if a builder ordered too many cabinets they may offer them to Habitat for Humanity
ReStores, which are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers. Checking the clearance and markdown sections of other stores may yield considerable savings on items needed for a renovation. Warehouse retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club also can be great places to find certain home improvement materials and furnishings.
Take advantage of free services
Certain stores may offer things like free consultations with designers who can show you what a renovation can look like. This is advantageous to the stores because once you see the potential you’re more likely to buy the products, even if it’s not mandatory. Resurface instead of
new with minimal effort. Paint is a relatively inexpensive tool that can transform walls and more. A good hardwood flooring company can buff out a floor and put a new coating instead of an entirely new floor. Kitchen cabinets can be resurfaced instead of replaced as well.
Finding ways to perform home renovations on a budget may require some creative thinking, but it’s possible to get results at the right price point.
Pros and cons of open concept floor plans
Experts say open concept floor plans are desirable and increase property values
Open floor plans that make it easy to move through primary living and entertaining areas have been popular for decades. Open concept floor plans join the dining room, kitchen and living (great) room into a communal space where sight lines are maximized and walls are minimal.
According to JJones Design Co., the origins of open concept floor plans may be traced to the deaf community. An open layout allows for better visual communication and awareness of one’s surroundings, and some deaf individuals modified their kitchen and living spaces to facilitate more room for social gatherings and signing. Nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to find a new construction with closed-off rooms. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of having an open-concept home.
Benefit: Open concept plans make small spaces feel bigger. When smaller homes are broken up by walls, they can seem even smaller. By tearing down walls, one can trick the mind into thinking there is more square footage.
Drawback: The space may feel too large. An open concept floor plan in a large home can make interior spaces feel cavernous. A cozy home can be difficult to achieve with fewer walls.
Benefit: Open concept plans facilitate the flow of natural light. Without walls to break up rooms, homeowners can maximize light coming in through their windows. This also may help to brighten darker rooms that do not get as much natural light.
Drawback: Privacy can be hard to achieve. Unobstructed views from windows and doors can make it more challenging to create privacy when desired. When window shades are open, passersby can see into a home. Also, sunlight may end up wearing out flooring and furniture throughout the home.
Benefit: Open floor plans allow more space to spread out when entertaining. One of the biggest plusses of open floor plans is that it makes it easier to host crowds. Guests can enjoy the communal space, while hosts can still interact with friends and family
even while preparing meals in the kitchen.
Drawback: Homeowners will likely need to do more cleaning ahead of hosting guests, as multiple rooms will be on display. Also, cleanup afterwards may be more arduous since guests have spent time in multiple spaces.
Benefit: Open concept plans can improve property value. The home renovation experts at The Spruce note open floor plans are desirable and increase the value of a home by up to 7.4 percent a year.
Drawback: Some home buyers are beginning to shy away from open floor plans. This may have been prompted by stay-at-home requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, when multiple family members were working and doing school work at home. In that environment, an open-concept layout didn’t provide the privacy or distraction-free spaces residents may have needed.
Open floor plans have been around for more than 30 years, but they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. The pros and cons of this design style merits consideration when renovating or shopping for a home.
How to keep indoor air clean during allergy season
Seasonal allergies may be inevitable, but there are steps to improve the home environment
Seasonal allergies can turn a warm and welcoming spring or summer day into something else entirely. Congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes are just some of the unpleasant symptoms of seasonal allergies, which are most often triggered by high pollen counts during spring and summer.
The Mayo Clinic advises seasonal allergy sufferers to stay indoors when pollen counts are high. But what about indoor air quality? The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that eight out of 10 people are exposed to dust mites and six out of 10 are exposed to cat or dog dander. Dust mites and pet dander can each trigger allergic reactions. Pair those two triggers with higher pollen counts common in spring and summer and it’s no wonder that many seasonal allergy sufferers are ambivalent about the warm weather seasons. Fortunately, steps can be taken to keep indoor air clean during allergy season.
Close windows and doors
Many people embrace opportunities to open their windows and doors on warm days, but doing so allows outdoor allergens like pollen to get inside. Pollen can attach to furniture and clothing, and that can make time indoors unpleasant for allergy sufferers. Maintain indoor air quality by closing windows and doors on windy days and/or days when pollen counts are high.
In most homes, items such as bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting provide an ideal environment for dust mites.
Employ air cleaning devices
The AAFA notes that air cleaners with Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® filters can filter nearly 98 percent of allergen particles in the air. The AAFA maintains a list of certified air cleaners at asthmaandallergyfriendly.com.
Keep a clean home
The Mayo Clinic notes that, in most homes, items such as bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting provide an
ideal environment for dust mites, which are microscopic bugs that trigger allergic reactions in many people. The AAFA recommends keeping surfaces in a home clean and uncluttered to control dust mites. Washing bedding and uncovered pillows in hot water each week also can help to corral dust mites and improve indoor air quality.
n Vacuum frequently. Frequent vacuuming is another way to improve indoor air quality. The AAFA maintains a list of Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® vacuums that have been tested and found to prevent allergens from reentering the air.
n Prevent mold and treat areas where infestations have occurred. Mold also contributes to poor indoor air quality. Dehumidifiers can be used to reduce mold and dust mites, making these beneficial additions to allergy sufferers’ homes. Minimizing house plants around the house and addressing leaky fixtures immediately are some additional measures to prevent mold infestations. It may not be enough to simply stay indoors to avoid allergic reactions on spring and summer days. Embracing measures to improve indoor air quality can be vital for allergy sufferers as well.
“Go everywhere else, then come to us.. Let our experience show YOU the difference”
We are your kitchen and bath specialists in Bristol, RI, with many years of professional design and spacial planning experience. Learn more about us by scheduiling an appointment to visit our state-of-the-art showroom, to view and discuss our current product selection.
Tips to make a living room a more comfortable, welcoming space
With planning and smart choices, the living room can compete with the kitchen for most popular room
A kitchen is widely recognized as the most popular room in a home. Though it might be true that the hustle and bustle of home life runs through the kitchen, many a memory is made in the living room as well.
Living rooms tend to be go-to spaces for family movie nights, game watches with fellow fans and places to gather during holiday celebrations. That’s a lot of quality time spent in the living room, and those moments can be more enjoyable if the space is as comfortable as possible. With that in mind, people can consider various ways to make living rooms more comfortable.
Prioritize comfort over aesthetics
In an era of Instagram, it’s easy to fall head over heels with images when designing a living room. Aesthetic appeal certainly has its place in a living room, but it’s important to remember
how much living will be done in these rooms when designing them. Comfortable couches and furnishings like ottomans can make it easier to relax in the living room whether you’re watching a movie, cheering on your favorite team or reading a book.
Ensure there’s ample seating
It can be hard to feel comfortable in cramped quarters whether you’re wel-
coming friends and family into your home or simply lounging around on Sunday mornings. If comfort is your top priority, arrange the room so there’s ample seating throughout and people don’t feel like they’re sitting on top of one another when spending time in the room.
Consider neutral paint colors
Furnishings are not the only things
that can affect how comfortable people feel in a living room. The home improvement experts at The Spruce note that neutral paint colors with warm undertones help to establish a cozy feel in a living room. Various shades of white, beige, tan, or even gray can help to establish a warm, comfortable vibe in a living room.
Incorporate the outdoors into the room
The great outdoors can have a calming effect on anyone, so it makes sense that incorporating the outdoors into a living room can make the space feel more comfortable. Furnish the room with plants and look for items with earthtoned furnishings to create a calm and comfortable vibe in the space. In addition, new windows that allow for more natural light and offer views into a yard can help lift spirits and make the room feel more comfortable.
A comfortable living room is a space where people will want to spend their time. A few simple strategies can help create an inviting and comfortable vibe in any living room.
A quiet room can be designed for soft spaces with barriers to outside sound
Home for most people is a sanctuary that offers comfort, familiarity and a place to gather with family and friends. Although home can be a welcoming place, with so many people in the average household humming along from day to day, it may not always be the most serene setting.
From teenagers playing video games to video meetings in a home office to dogs barking at the postal worker doing daily rounds, there are plenty of potentially distracting sounds in and around a home. Lawn care workers with their mowers and blowers also may contribute to ambient noise. A dedicated quiet room can be beneficial for anyone, and most especially for people who experience sensory issues.
What is a quiet room?
A quiet room is a space where a person can enjoy peace and quiet in a distraction-free environment. According to designer Rachel Cannon, “a quiet room is
a sanctuary from the stimulation and overwhelm that we encounter every day.”
A quiet room may go by various names, including a mindfulness room or cozy cove, but the common goal is to remove as many sensory distractions as possible so that an individual can disconnect from the outside world and reap some calming benefits. According to School Specialty,
LLC, an education resource provider, schools are now providing quiet rooms for over-stimulated students, and homeowners can take similar cues to create these relaxing retreats at home.
How to create a quiet room
The first step in establishing a quiet room is to identify a location that is far
away from the main action of the household. A bedroom, basement, nook in the garage, or even an attic can be a good spot for a quiet room.
Soundproofing the space can make it even more inviting. Sounds will bounce off of walls and floors, but acoustic panels can help muffle noises. If acoustic panels are not in the design plan, thicker draperies, wallpaper, carpeting, and wall art can help counteract echoes and noise infiltration. Soft furniture also can absorb sound.
Small rooms work better as quiet spaces, as such areas can feel more cozy. Less is needed to decorate the space if it is on the smaller side. Bring in warm, soft lighting and soft decor. A sound machine playing favorite ocean or natural sounds also can mask outside noises even more.
Establish rules that govern how the quiet space is to be used. When someone is inside the area, they should not be disturbed. If possible, use the quiet room during naturally quiet times of the day. Keep the room stocked with books, journals, crafting items, or whatever it is you need to unwind and relax.
Quiet rooms can be special retreats homeowners use to escape the hustle and bustle of a household.
How to boost home value before selling
Focus on kitchen and bath, paint and landscaping before putting the house on the market
People considering buying or selling a home are facing a unique market. The real estate market has been in flux for several years, and high interest rates have made it more expensive to borrow.
The Mortgage Bankers Association is projecting that 30-year mortgage rates will level out to 6.5 percent for the forseeable future. That means that people who have been waiting for changes in the real estate market could be disappointed, and hesitant buyers may finally just bite the bullet and buy even if mortgage rates are not where they hoped they’d be in 2025. Homeowners with properties they are considering listing for sale would be wise to make certain changes that will help garner the best prices from buyers.
Make kitchen and bath improvements
The kitchen is the heart of many homes. Real estate agents may recommend that homeowners make minor to moderate kitchen upgrades like resurfacing cabi-
nets, upgrading countertops and changing fixtures or hardware to give the room
easily done if the home isn’t overrun with the current homeowner’s belongings.
Get to painting
Painting a home is a cost-effective ren-
ovation with a lot of oomph. Freshly painted rooms appear clean and updated, says HGTV, and that can appeal to buyers. Homeowners should choose neutral colors to accommodate the widest array of potential buyers.
Improve the landscaping
The exterior of a home is the first thing potential buyers will see as they roll up to view a property or look at a listing online. Homeowners should start by evaluating and enhancing the landscaping. Ensure the lawn is well-maintained and add plants that provide color without a lot of maintenance.
Expand usable space
Homeowners can think about adding to the usable space in a home. This translates into finishing basements or attics or even converting garages to rooms. Or it may involve adding a three-season room. Homeowners can consider a number of improvements to increase the resale value of their properties.
What to know about kitchen cabinet projects
Because
they are the heart of the home, kitchens are ripe for reovation
Kitchens have long been characterized as the busiest room in a home. Kitchens are where meals are prepared and cooked, but they also tend to be gathering spaces where families connect at the end of a day and where guests congregate during holiday celebrations and birthday parties.
All that time in the kitchen makes these popular rooms to renovate. Homeowners who want to give their kitchens a new look and feel without doing a full renovation can consider kitchen cabinet projects. An understanding of kitchen cabinet projects can help homeowners decide if this undertaking is for them.
n Cabinet renovations do not necessarily require replacement. Some cabinets may not need to be removed and replaced. The renovation experts at HGTV note that kitchen cabinet refacing can be a budget-friendly way to give a new look to cabinets that do not require replacement. Refacing can be as extensive as homeowners prefer, but such projects can create a whole new aesthetic in the kitchen depending on the extent of the project.
n There are many different types of kitchen cabinets. Homeowners who have never been involved in a cabinet project should know they will have many different options to choose from. Face-frame cabinets are a traditional choice made with a frame around the door and any drawers that might be included as part of the cabinets. Some additional options include full overlay cabinets, frameless cabinets, recessed panel cabinets, and Shaker cabinets. Homeowners hesitant to choose their own cabinets can work with a contrac-
tor and/or interior designer to find the option that aligns best with their current kitchen.
n Cabinet materials and finishes vary as well. Cabinets can be made from an array of materials, including wood, laminate, metal, and plastic. Cabinets also can be finished with paint, stain, glaze, and lacquer. Each finish has its own unique characteristics. For example, painted cabinets may need to be tended to with greater frequency than other options because paint can fade. However, painted cabinets remain popular because homeowners can paint them any color at any time.
n Consider the countertops when adjusting kitchen cabinets. Kitchens tend to have color schemes, and that scheme is often reflected in the color of cabinets and countertops. When tweaking just the cabinets, homeowners should give ample consideration to the overall color scheme of their kitchens. Interior designers can be invaluable resources for homeowners who aren’t quite sure how new or refaced cabinets will fit into an overall color scheme.
n Consider replacement if necessary. A kitchen cabinet replacement project will be more expensive than refacing the cabinets. But there are instances when cabinets require replacement. Excessive wear and tear, insufficient storage, a dated appear ance, and cabinets that appear to be sagging off the wall are some indica tors that replacement is necessary.
Updated cabinets can give a kitchen a whole new look, even if the cabinets are refaced instead of replaced.
