n How you know it’s time to renovate
n Make your outdoor spaces more livable
n Transform your home’s exterior
n The dramatic changes of landscape lights
n Bring elegance to the forgotten dining room
to the table. The company has decades of experience in kitchen design and prides their work on attention to detail and exceeding customer expectations. Their passion for space planning not only in their own kitchen but in every design speaks volumes on the dedication to customers’ visions
R ILEY KITCHEN AND BATH CO. BRINGS PLENTY OF EXPERTISE to the table. The company has decades of experience in kitchen design and prides their work on attention to detail and exceeding customer expectations. Their passion for space planning not only in their own kitchen but in every design speaks volumes on the dedication to customers’ visions
Through 3-D computer aided drafting drawings, Riley Kitchen and Bath can help you visualize your dream space. Everything from cabinets to countertops to hardware, each detail is digitally planned and envisioned. On top of digital designs, Riley Kitchen and Bath offers cabinets from stock, semi-custom, and custom product lines. Showplace Cabinetry is their semicustom product line, and considered their most flexible and prominent line offered. They also offer countertop options such as granite, quartz, and wood tops. For the finishing touches, they also offer plumbing accents and hardware from several different brands.
Through 3-D computer aided drafting drawings, Riley Kitchen and Bath can help you visualize your dream space. Everything from cabinets to countertops to hardware, each detail is digitally planned and envisioned. On top of digital designs, Riley Kitchen and Bath offers cabinets from stock, semi-custom, and custom product lines. Showplace Cabinetry is their semicustom product line, and considered their most flexible and prominent line offered. They also offer countertop options such as granite, quartz, and wood tops. For the finishing touches, they also offer plumbing accents and hardware from several different brands.
Cabinets are the first thing that draws your attention in a kitchen. They draw the eye up and can visually heighten the space. Investing in quality cabinetry is great for not only entertainers but the everyday household. One of Riley Kitchen and Bath’s most prized projects includes the airy yet earthy renovation in the classic New England Barrington home. For this familyoriented transformation, Riley Kitchen and Bath created a streamlined and functional allwhite cabinetry system with quarter sawn white oak wood and a white-washed finish. The clean style is complemented with warm, light oak flooring, beams and natural decor elements. No matter your style, there’s plenty of variety in their selection to refresh your kitchen.
Cabinets are the first thing that draws your attention in a kitchen. They draw the eye up and can visually heighten the space. Investing in quality cabinetry is great for not only entertainers but the everyday household. One of Riley Kitchen and Bath’s most prized projects includes the airy yet earthy renovation in the classic New England Barrington home. For this familyoriented transformation, Riley Kitchen and Bath created a streamlined and functional allwhite cabinetry system with quarter sawn white oak wood and a white-washed finish. The clean style is complemented with warm, light oak flooring, beams and natural decor elements. No matter your style, there’s plenty of variety in their selection to refresh your kitchen. ◆
Your creative choices are nearly unlimited, and it’s all backed by the assurance of a limited lifetime warranty! 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 scheduling an appointment to visit our state-of-the-art showroom, to view and discuss our current product selection.
Your creative choices are nearly unlimited, and it’s all backed by the assurance of a limited lifetime warranty! 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 scheduling an appointment to visit our state-of-the-art showroom, to view and discuss our current product selection.
Now is the time to consider all of the beautiful options and combinations available to you with Showplace. Take advantage of our limited-time offer today.
Now is the time to consider all of the beautiful options and combinations available to you with Showplace. Take advantage of our limited-time offer today.
To discuss our limited time offer, call us for a consultation and receive 10% off your purchase of painted Showplace Cabinetry. Please reference PROMO CODE: SALE23 to receive this discount. PROMO CODE: SALE24
To discuss our limited time offer, call us for a consultation and receive 10% off your purchase of painted Showplace Cabinetry. Please reference PROMO CODE: SALE23 to receive this discount.
Homeowners renovate their homes for a variety of reasons. Renovations can increase the value of a property and make homes safer and more comfortable for their occupants. Improvements also can be made to stay current with the times or to give a home a new vibe.
A home can look dated even if it is a relatively recent build. That’s because trends change quickly. For example, dark, cherry cabinets that were popular just a little while ago have now been replaced by lighter color palettes. Homeowners whose homes do not match the looks emulated in design magazines may consider a change, particularly if they’re planning to sell soon.
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Statista projects $510 billion will be spent on home improvements in 2024. The home improvement market is generating significant revenue. In fact, nearly a quarter of Americans opting to renovate their homes will spend an average of $10,000 on their projects.
Kitchens and bathrooms often get the most attention when it comes to home improvement. However, every room and space in a home may need a renovation at some point, and following are five signs it’s time to renovate.
The National Association of Home Builders states that 50 percent of U.S.
homes are over the age of 40. That means that age alone could dictate a need to renovate, particularly if some materials are original to the home. For example, asphalt roofs typically last 25 to 30 years, while window frames can last 20 to 50 years depending on how well they have been maintained.
There may be many reasons to renovate the home, including age, deterioration or the need for better efficiency.
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Signs of water, storm or structural damage should be addressed as soon as possible. Any deterioration should be a strong indicator that it’s time to renovate.
5. Efficiency
Some homeowners scratch their heads when faced with awkward floor plan layouts. While one may live with the inconvenience for some time, typically a floor plan that isn’t working for the homeowner is a major driver of renovations.
Escalating utility bills could be indicative of an inefficient home. Homeowners can conduct energy audits and then improve the areas where energy loss may be occurring, such as windows, doors, siding, and insulation.
Homeowners can renovate their homes when they see fit, but various signs may warn that it’s time consider updating or remodeling a home.
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An inviting backyard can serve as a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After a long day at the office or an exhausting day spent transporting kids to and fro, it’s hard to resist the allure of a peaceful outdoor space in which to unwind.
Privacy is a key component of any backyard oasis. Some homes may be so remote that privacy isn’t an issue. But many suburban homeowners recognize they might need to tweak their landscapes if they hope to create a private oasis outside.
Most homeowners looking to create more privacy on their property will have to choose between fencing and planting. Fencing provides immediate privacy because, once it’s installed, no one can see into the yard. Fencing also doesn’t require watering or other immediate upkeep, which will be necessary
when planting to ensure tree roots can establish themselves. But planting has its benefits as well.
Planting for privacy is essentially creating a living fence that can grow over time and provide even more privacy as trees reach maturity. Plants also tend to be less costly than fencing.
The home renovation experts at BobVila.com estimate that fencing projects typically cost between $1,667 and $4,075. However, fencing projects can cost considerably more than $4,000, especially for homeowners with large properties they want to enclose.
Large, mature trees can be expensive, though it’s unlikely they will cost as much as fencing. In addition, fencing requires more maintenance and will potentially need to be replaced, while native trees won’t require much upkeep and can last for generations.
Homeowners who choose to plant for privacy will next have to decide which type of plants to add to their properties. Evergreens provide year-round privacy because they don’t shed their leaves, so these are the ones most often chosen when creating a living fence. A number of varieties of evergreen trees can do the job, but it’s important that homeowners consult with a landscape architect prior to choosing trees so they can ensure the trees will thrive when faced with the growing conditions on their properties.
During such a consultation, homeowners may discuss the following popular privacy trees.
n Leyland cypress: The Arbor Day
Foundation notes that the Leyland cypress is popular for hedges and boundaries, likely because a typical tree reaches a mature height of 60’-70’ and can spread as wide as 25’. The Leyland cypress grows fast, which may appeal to homeowners who don’t want to wait to establish privacy.
n Green Giant Arborvitae: There are different varieties of the arborvitae, but the Green Giant tends to be the go-to option for privacy. The ADF notes that Green Giants will grow up to three feet per year until they reach maturity, providing a fast-growing option for privacy planters. The Green Giant can spread as wide as 20 feet at maturity, which is another attribute that makes it so popular among homeowners desiring privacy.
n Eastern White Pine: The ADF notes that the eastern white pine, which can reach heights as high as 80 feet, is favored in spacious yards. That’s likely due to its height and its potential spread, which can reach 40 feet.
Homeowners who choose the eastern white pine might like it for its resemblance to a Christmas tree, and in fact it is widely used for that purpose. The privacy provided by the eastern white pine is significant, but it might be best suited to especially large properties.
Whether it’s fencing or planting, homeowners have many options to consider as they seek to create more privacy on their properties.
Private backyards are now go-to spaces for recreation and entertainment and great places to recharge the body and mind.
One ripple effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was more time spent outdoors, even if it was predominantly on one’s own property.
OnePoll, in conjunction with the lawn care company TruGreen, surveyed 2,000 American homeowners and found participants spent 14 hours outside every week in 2021, which was three hours more than prior to the pandemic. In addition, respondents admitted that time spent outdoors was therapeutic.
A separate survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings Association found that people now spend more time relaxing, gardening, exercising, dining, and entertaining outside than in years past. Though COVID-19 may no longer dominate headlines, the desire to enjoy outdoor spaces has not waned. While enjoying outdoor living areas,
homeowners can do all they can to make these spaces comfortable and welcoming. The following are some good starting points.
Outdoor spaces can be enjoyed no matter the hour when there is ample lighting. That could be why the International Casual Furnishings Association reports those who plan to renovate their outdoor spaces list outdoor lighting as a priority. Outdoor lighting not only sheds light on entertaining spaces, but also makes spaces safer and more secure.
Increase privacy
No matter how friendly homeowners
With modest investments, a backyard patio can be its own little retreat.
cally as windbreaks can help.
Sit comfortably
High-quality comfortable seating increases the liklihood that homeowners will want to stay awhile in their outdoor spaces. A deep seating set complete with plush chairs, outdoor sofa or love seat and chaise lounge chairs gives people more opportunity to sit and stay awhile.
are with their neighbors, there comes a time when privacy is paramount. Fencing, whether it is wood or vinyl, or even a natural fence made from closely planted hedges, can ensure residents feel comfortable venturing outdoors to swim, take a cat nap or even star gaze in private.
Homeowners should note the direction their backyard faces and the typical daily conditions of the space. For example, a yard that faces southwest may get plenty of strong sun during the day, requiring the addition of shade trees, covered patios or arbors to cut down on the glare and heat. If the yard is often hit by winds, trees or bushes planted strategi-
A pool can be the perfect gathering spot on a warm day, while a spa/hot tub can bridge the gap to cooler weather. According to the Family Handyman, soaking in hot tubs can relax tired muscles after a long day, loosen up stiff joints, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
Homeowners may want to consider using a professional exterminator to get rid of ticks, mosquitoes and other nuisance insects from outdoor spaces. As people spend more time enjoying their properties, they can consider the many ways to make outdoor living spaces more comfortable.
A sense of pride comes from a successful do-it-yourself home improvement project. However, quite often inexperience and time constraints lead homeowners to turn to professional contractors to make sure jobs get done correctly and on time.
Allied Market Research reported in 2021 that the home improvement services market is predicted to reach $585.3 billion by 2030. Following are some reasons why renovation-minded homeowners benefit from the services of professionals.
A home remodel is a large undertaking with many different steps. Contractors who have been around the block a time or two understand how to organize and manage time to get the job done. Plus, they’re devoting all of their attention and time toward the remodel when
on the job. This differs from when a doit-yourselfer tries to work on a remodel in between other responsibilities.
A good general contractor will have a list of material suppliers he or she routinely uses. Often contractors become preferred sellers, which means they get a lower wholesale rate, and will often pass those savings on to the customer.
Licensed and bonded contractors not only have the skills for the job, they have insurance protection behind them. Therefore, if an injury occurs or the job goes awry, the homeowner will be protected from liability. A license means the contractor will have to uphold licensing standards, which could mean staying current on trade practices and skills.
Experienced contractors have done the work they have been hired to do many times, which means their skills are fine-tuned. Knowing the correct way to do a job results in fewer errors (and
There are projects you can handle yourself, and projects you probably can’t. Be sure to know the difference — and why.
thus fewer repairs), shorter time periods to get the work done, and potentially lower costs overall.
Homeowners who hire out for remodels can utilize their time in other ways, such as on the job or spending time with family.
Putting the work in capable hands means homeowners do not have to educate themselves about how to do the task, purchase tools, prevent injuries, and/or deal with potentially negative outcomes. Certainly having extra people in the house can be challenging, but it may not equal the stress caused by tackling a job on one’s own.
There are many advantages to hiring contractors to renovate a home instead of taking the DIY route.
Contracts provide protection for all parties signing on the dotted lines. According to LegalMatch.com, a contract is an agreement between two parties that creates a mutual legal obligation. Oral contracts are possible, but written contracts are preferred for a number of reasons.
Any time a person sets out to do a home improvement project that involves the use of contractors and other professionals, he or she should have a contract drawn up. A contract can ensure that the work will get done safely, within a given time frame and according to specifications. A contract should contain certain details.
Here is where the scope of the job should be spelled out in detail. This portion should include the materials being used, what the homeowner has requested, special details, and who will take care of each facet of the job.
For example, if the homeowner will be providing the materials, it should be noted here.
To be comprehensive, renovation contracts should note the process that will be followed for any alterations or additions to the project.
In some instances, the contract will include floor plans, architectural drawings and other details.
The contract should include a clause that indemnifies the property owner against legal liability should any dam-
ages or injuries take place on the property.
The contract also should include a work schedule that identifies the requested start time and estimated end time for the project. Parties should understand that inclement weather or other delays could affect the schedule.
The contract should reference the agreed upon bid price, highlighting the agreements for procedures if additional materials are needed or if the job runs long
If a warranty is being offered, the details should be included in the contract. Homeowners should expect a reasonable one-year warranty to cover any defects in the contractor’s work. Renovation contracts are essential anytime there is an agreement between homeowner and contractor. Good contracts will include various components.
A good contract can help ensure a good working relationship.
The interior of a home may be where homeowners and their families spend the majority of their time, and there’s no denying that a well-planned interior goes a long way toward making a house a home. However, the exterior of a home, including its landscaping, can serve as a source of pride and catch the eye of prospective buyers when the home hits the market.
has been well maintained.
In addition, shade trees can be used to create the look of a backyard oasis. A wellplaced bench beneath a large shade tree can entice buyers who want a relaxing spot to enjoy warm summer days outdoors without getting a sunburn.
ers along each side of the walkway. If it’s necessary and within budget, lengthen the walkway to create the feel of a more grandiose entryway.
It’s easy to walk past a home with an eye-catching exterior and assume the homeowner has a green thumb or has spent lots of time and money working on the landscaping. Though that may be true, often the simplest strategies make all the difference. Homeowners can keep these strategies in mind as they look to transform the exterior of their homes.
A longer walkway can give guests a strong first impression of a home and won’t break the bank. Create new planting beds and plant bright plants and flow-
A messy landscape can give a poor first impression, even if the area features some beautiful plants. In such instances, a little effort to make things more symmetrical, with equal parts grass and vegetation, can create a cleaner, more inviting look.
landscape. Freshly mulched beds beneath trees and flowers creates a clean and organized look, and the mulch also serves a practical purpose, as it reduces weed growth and helps the soil retain moisture so plants stay healthy and look better throughout the warmer months when rainfall may not be steady or significant.
The more exotic an exterior landscape is, the more maintenance it’s likely to require. Lawn and garden enthusiasts may not be turned off by landscape features that require steady maintenance, but homeowners who don’t have much time for such work should keep things simple.
Mulch is a relatively inexpensive but effective way to add aesthetic appeal to a
Shade trees can be especially useful when selling a home. The shade provided by trees can shield grass from blistering summer sun, potentially helping it stay green. A lush green lawn appeals to buyers and gives the impression the home
A poorly maintained landscape, even if it includes exotic plants and elaborate designs, will adversely affect curb appeal. Another feather in the cap of low-maintenance landscape features is they could prove more appealing to prospective buyers, who may view elaborate, exotic landscaping as a lot of extra work they won’t want to do.
Some simple landscaping strategies can help homeowners transform their home exteriors without requiring a significant investment of time or money.
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These rooms can be a bridge between the home and the lush surroundings of the property
Many homeowners express interest in creating fewer barriers between the interior and exterior of their homes. Some may have backyards built for entertaining and want to facilitate the transition between the inside of the residence and the outside when guests arrive. In other instances, homes may back to a nature preserve that homeowners want to enjoy more readily.
Whatever the reason for bringing the outside in, all-season rooms can serve as a welcoming bridge between indoor and outdoor spaces.
What is an all-season room?
Also known as a four-season room, all-season rooms are specially engineered spaces that provide a connection to the outdoors no matter the season. They are like sunrooms, but climate-controlled so that they will be comfortable throughout winter, spring, summer, and fall.
What is the difference between a three-season room and an all-season room?
The biggest difference between these two spaces is the level of usage and the capacity of the room to be heated and cooled. Individuals who reside in climates with moderate yearround temperatures may get by with a three-season room. However, those who experience all four seasons may need a more insulated space to make the room usable throughout the year.
One of the more notable features of an all-season room is an abundance of windows, which allow plenty of natural light to shine in. All-season rooms also can feature creature comforts like a reading nook, outdoor kitchen spaces and televisions. Retractable screens can be installed when privacy or shade is desired.
Maintaining a comfortable temperature
All-season rooms can be built with adequate thermal insulation and energy-saving features. Insulation will be
installed in the walls and roof, and homeowners may have a choice of window ratings for efficiency. Some all-season rooms are specially equipped with HVAC systems that may or may not be tied in to the home’s
general heating and cooling system. Some people use portable heaters or air conditioners to control the temperature in all-season rooms. It’s best to speak with an all-season room contractor to identify heating and cooling needs.
How much does an all-season room cost?
Prices vary by region and are contingent on the features homeowners desire. According to the outdoor resource Garden Center Care, a threeseason room can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000 to build. A four-season room can cost $20,000 to $80,000 to add.
If there is an existing three-season room, it may be more affordable to upgrade the space into an all-season room, but an architect and contractor should inspect the space to determine the scope of the project.
All-season rooms can be an ideal addition to a property, providing extra space for entertaining or lounging and a connection to the outdoors.
Homeowners who decide to renovate one or more rooms in their homes may be excited about the changes that are in store. Even simple modifications to paint color or accessories can change the look of a space. Larger renovations can produce even more dramatic effects.
When contractors provide cost estimates, they may predict how long they expect the job to take from start to finish. It is impossible to plan for every scenario, however. Jobs may be delayed for various reasons, and it’s rarely the fault of the contractor. Here are some reasons a renovation could experience snags along the way.
n Preexisting conditions: Opening up walls or removing flooring could reveal hidden problems. These include prior insect damage, leaks and water issues, asbestos, mold, or even pests. The presence of unforeseen issues will require remediation that can extend the project timeline.
n Schedule backup: Contractors often
have busy schedules. When one job experiences delays, that causes a domino effect on others on the calendar. Homeowners should realize that the estimated start date of their own project is just an estimate and not necessarily set in stone.
n Lack of materials: Builders sometimes have difficulty procuring materials from vendors. Whether it’s concrete or a special-order appliance, the contractor is at the mercy of the vendor. If there are shipping delays or other issues, the job
will have to be pushed back. Many steps to a project hinge on the one before. For example, walls cannot be put up until electrical work and plumbing has been completed.
n Prior errors: Corrections may need to be made to what a previous contractor or even the homeowner did. Problems need to be fixed or they may compromise the look and safety of the project. Issues may arise if prior renovations were not done to code.
n Obtaining permits: The application process for obtaining permits can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the municipality and the scale of the project. Long permit lead times can delay the start of the job.
n Weather: Mother Nature can affect everything from the availability of materials to the job itself, particularly if work is being done outdoors.
n Finances: The overall cost of the job may change, especially if issues arise during the work. If funds dry up, the project may stall.
Certain factors can affect how long a renovation project will take. Homeowners should know that timelines are estimates and not set in stone.
Summer is a season of relaxation when school is not in session, vacation season is in full swing and people everywhere are getting outside and soaking up the summer sun. It’s hard to imagine how that can get any better. But it can for people thinking of installing a pool in their backyard.
Pools definitely have a wow factor that’s hard to replicate. Homeowners considering pool installation can take note of these factors as they try to decide if a pool is right for them.
The cost to install a pool depends on a host of factors, including which type of pool homeowners are considering and where they live. According to the online home improvement resource Angi (formerly Angie’s list), the average cost to install an above ground pool in the United States in 2022 was $3,322, while the average inground pool installation in the same year was $55,000.
That’s quite a disparity in price, and homeowners should know that the average cost of each project is higher in certain regions and under certain circumstances. Potential ancillary costs, such as excavation and plumbing relocation, will add to the final cost of the project. The erection of fencing around the pool if no fencing currently surrounds the area where the pool will be located also will add to the final cost.
As noted, above ground pools, on average, require a considerably smaller financial investment than inground pools. This is an important consideration, but which option may ultimately prove the better investment is worth researching. Homeowners can speak with a local real estate professional to determine if an inground pool or above ground might yield a significantly higher return at resale. If an inground pool is likely to increase property value by a substantial amount, it could be well worth the extra upfront costs.
Pools are undeniably fun, but they still
require maintenance. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens note that vinyl liners in pools last approximately six to 10 years, while painted concrete may require a fresh coat of paint every five years. Plaster finishes may last as long as 15 years, while cement-coated products can last a lifetime.
Pools also need periodic cleaning, and chemicals to keep the pool operating safely and cleanly will require an addi-
tional, if somewhat minimal, financial investment. Homeowners investing in a new pool should be aware of the maintenance required to keep the pool clean and be willing to do that maintenance. And though homeowners typically can open and close pools on their own, it’s also possible to hire someone to do it for a relatively small fee each season.
A survey of the land in a yard can reveal how smoothly a pool installation may or may not go. Though it’s possible to install a pool in just about any yard, some spaces might require greater preparation and pre-installation effort than others. Sloped backyards, for example, may require the services of a landscape architect to prepare the space, which can extend the time it takes to complete the project and add the overall cost.
These are just some of the factors that merit consideration when mulling a pool installation. A homeowners’ best resource might be a local pool company who can visit a home, provide an estimate and point out any challenges that may arise during the install.
A pool this elaborate, with unique design and accompanied by a hot tub and intricate patio, is likely to cost a lot more than “the average” inground pool project.
project a concentrated and narrow beam of light that’s usually around 45 degrees. Spotlights are often chosen to highlight specific features on a property, like a component of the landscaping.
Home improvement trends come and go, and one trend that has become wildly popular in recent years is recognizable in yards every night. Landscape lighting has transformed how people see and enjoy their properties at night, making it one of the more sought-after upgrades among modern homeowners.
Curb appeal is often seen through the lens of how homes appear during daylight hours, but landscape lighting can make homes look better and more modern, and potentially safer, after the sun goes down. With such potential, landscape lighting is worth exploring for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties.
Are there different types of landscape lighting?
When considering landscape lighting, homeowners should know that there are various options to consider. According to the lighting experts at Lumens, spotlights
Individuals who want to cast light over wider, more general areas may consider floodlights, which Lumens notes spread light up to 120 degrees.
Inground lighting is among the more sophisticated landscape lighting options.
Lumens notes that inground lighting illuminates the whole of a tree or structure, often creating a dramatic look. These circle-shaped lights also are great at illuminating walkways and driveways.
Post lights are another outdoor lighting option, and these are often used to light up long walkways and pathways so it’s easier and safer to navigate dark areas at night.
Is landscape lighting a job a DIYer can handle?
Many homeowners consider a do-ityourself approach when pondering a potential home renovation, and a landscape lighting project is likely to inspire such curiosity as well. The home experts at HGTV note that the feasibility of DIY in
regard to a landscape lighting project depends on the type of lighting homeowners want to install and where they want to install it.
Replacing an existing electrical fixture may be well within the skill of a seasoned DIYer, but installing a new fixture is a job best left to the professionals. Homeowners whose homes currently have no or very little landscape lighting are almost certainly better off working with a professional. Solar lighting that does not require any electrical work can be installed quickly
and easily by anyone, but such options may not provide the look homeowners are aiming for.
The amount of lighting homeowners want to install is up to them. If the home currently has little or no landscape lighting, a consultation with a professional can help to determine how much lighting to install and where to install it. When discussing landscape lighting, homeowners may want to inquire about dimmers. Dimmers can increase or decrease lighting depending on the situation. For example, homeowners may want a little extra light during a party, but less when relaxing alone outside at night. Dimmers allow homeowners to adjust as necessary. Landscape lighting is a popular home renovation trend. Homeowners considering adding landscape lighting to their property are urged to work with a skilled professional to devise and install a set-up that makes their homes more appealing at night. n the situation. For example, homeowners may want a little extra light during a party, but less when relaxing alone outside at night. Dimmers allow homeowners to adjust as necessary.
Some lighting projects are within reach for do-ityourselfers, but some may not be
The kitchen may be the heart of a home, but when it comes to entertaining, a dining room — if one is present in a house — tends to be the prime gathering spot for meals.
Dining rooms may not be top on the list of spaces to renovate, as they tend to be used infrequently. But a dining room makeover may still be a worthy endeavor. Here are some simple ways to make the dining room more elegant and functional.
The first step toward improving a dining room eating area is to remove any extraneous items from the space. If the dining room table is not used very often, it likely has become a catch-all for other items, such as bills, newspapers or kids’ homework.
Rather than using the dining space as a makeshift office or homework station, invest in a rolling cart to store those papers and other items. Simply roll it into a closet or another room when it’s time to
host a party.
Hang a statement light
Few decorative items add as much drama and ambiance to a dining space as a new overhead light. People hear chandelier and think a bejeweled or crystal
design. But various chandelier styles can fit the aesthetic of a home. The light will be a focal point and instantly make the dining area more elegant. Install the light on a dimmer to adjust the illumination as needed to set the mood.
Purchase coordinating table linens that will be used for special occasions. A decorative table cloth or table runner coupled with cloth napkins and placemats helps to set the scene of the dinner party.
Add a piece of
Many modern homeowners have eschewed the China cabinet that once was standard in dining rooms. Rather than a bulky piece of furniture, a large piece of statement-making artwork or framed photos over a more minimalistic buffet table or small service bar is preferable. Choose artwork that complements the colors in the space.
Include a centerpiece
Centerpieces add sophistication to the table and tie into the event. Floral arrangements, a bowl or basket of fruit, pine cones or greens from outdoors, or collectibles like shells in a tall canister can serve as centerpieces.
There are many simple ways to dress up dining spaces and make them more elegant.
