ON-TREND
Kitchen and Bath Upgrades
(Family Features) Kitchens and bathrooms remain among the top picks for homeowners looking to upgrade because their functional contributions to the household can’t be overstated and they typically provide high return on investment.
KITCHEN Bigger functional spaces
Other features like icemakers, tall wine refrigerators and walk-in pantries are high on the frequent request list. Another growing trend is a kitchen designed for two, complete with a second fullsize sink, dishwasher and microwave drawer, along with a larger island.
When it comes to physical Not only do many kitchen space, a popular choice is renovations result in added removing or relocating walls square footage, they also add to make the room larger. practical features to make living and entertaining more comfortable and enjoyable. When it comes to physical Clever storage space, a popular choice is removing or relocating walls Making the most of storage space has always been a top to make the room larger. desire, and homeowners are This added space can be getting increasingly clever instrumental in adding about how to maximize their an island or peninsula for cabinetry. Drawer organizers bar seating, which many are in high demand, along homeowners view as a with pull-out waste baskets necessity when it comes to entertaining.
If you’re considering a renovation project for either in-demand space, consider some of these on-trend ideas from Doug King, CR, MBA, owner of King Contracting, Inc. and president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
BATHROOM Spa-like setting
that hide recycling bins within. Another popular is large base cabinets with pivoting shelving mechanisms for storing large items like mixers and other taller countertop appliances. Making use of every inch of space is common; even the toe-kick area for drawers are proving useful to hold smaller items or put kid-friendly essentials in easy reach. Glass tiles are taking on a bigger role with many homeowners or opting for pebble-like tiles...
Feature-rich appliances Appliance manufacturers are adding all kinds of bells and whistles, and those features are increasingly attractive to homeowners. Upper-end appliances are becoming more mainstream as homeowners discover features the more expensive models offer for ease of use and comfort. Larger freezer and column-style refrigerators are especially growing in popularity.
One long-term trend that is still in top demand for the master bath is design that mimics a serene spa. This plays out in cooler colors like white, blues and grays. Glass tiles are taking on a bigger role with many homeowners using them as artistic focal points in showers or opting for pebble-like tiles that spill from walls onto the floor. Upscale practicality Little touches that may have once gone unnoticed are now trending as opportunities to add elements of style. For example, curbless showers with offset lineal drains are preferred to traditional centered circular versions. Similarly, homeowners are upping the ante with lighting such as fixtures integrated with fans and mirrors, and even below floating vanities for ambient light at night. One more place you might find lighting: on the bidet, which is also an increasingly hot addition in the master bath. A splash of tech Whether it’s used to control smart features or simply add entertainment like TV or soothing music, technology has a permanent place on the list of bathroom trends. The available features make it easy to make a full escape from the daily grind of life. Find more inspiration and trending ideas for your next home improvement project at remodelingdoneright.com.
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AVAILABLE TRACTS AVAILABLE TRACTS AVAILABLE TRACTS AVAILABLE TRACTS TRACT ACREAGE PRICE TRACT ACREAGE PRICE TRACT ACREAGE PRICE TRACT ACREAGE PRICE 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 6 202020 20 232323 23 242424 24
10 ACRES 1010 ACRES 10 ACRES ACRES 10 ACRES 1010 ACRES 10 ACRES ACRES 10 ACRES 1010 ACRES 10 ACRES ACRES 1010 ACRES 10 ACRES 10 ACRES ACRES 1010 ACRES 10 ACRES 10 ACRES ACRES 1010 ACRES 10 ACRES 10 ACRES ACRES 10 ACRES 1010 ACRES 10 ACRES ACRES
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UPGRADE YOUR HOME
DOWNGRADE YOUR ENERGY USAGE
7 Effecient Home Improvement Projects
The best home upgrades not only make spaces more livable and energy-efficient but are also cost-effective. Making energy-efficient improvements is a savvy way to save money on utility bills, curb energy usage and add to the house’s value. Consider a variety of home improvement projects, both big and small, that can reduce the financial burden of maintaining your home throughout the year and improve energy efficiency.
common problem areas where air can escape such as basements, crawl spaces, fireplaces and ductwork. Seal Doors and Windows Windows and doors are common culprits for energy loss. While a complete replacement of doors and windows can be pricey, adding exterior caulk and weather stripping to fill in gaps where air can escape around these openings can make a noticeable difference for a fraction of the cost and make it cheaper to heat and cool your home. Install Skylights
Skylights are a cost-effective option for transforming any room in the home with natural light while also delivering energy-saving benefits. For example, Sun Tunnel Skylights from Velux can be installed Add Insulation in as little as 90 minutes and funnel natural A cost-effective way to save light from the on heating and cooling bills roof through the is adding a layer of insulation attic and into the in the attic where heat loss is room below with typically greatest due to hot an aesthetic that air rising. While many newer resembles homes are adequately recessed insulated, those that are several lighting. decades old (or older) may benefit from an upgrade in not only the attic but other
Customizable with six diffuser film styles to complement interior design, the skylights can make a home more energy-efficient by reducing reliance on artificial lighting. An optional daylight controller makes it easy for homeowners to adjust natural light entering a room, and a solar nightlight provides a moon-like guiding light at night. Installed with the solar nightlight, the skylights qualify for a 26% federal tax credit on solar property.
Add Reflective Window Film When the sun shines through windows, it can heat up the home’s interior quickly and trigger the air conditioner to turn on. Window coverings, such as blackout curtains, can help, but adding low-e reflective window film to your windowpanes, particularly southern-facing ones, can provide an additional shield from the sun’s hot rays and reduce energy costs. Install a Programmable Thermostat A programmable thermostat is an efficient way to control
the climate UPGRADE YOUR HOME inside DOWNGRADE YOUR ENERGY USAGE your 7 Effecient Home Improvement Projects home, and models provides both cost and those with smart energy savings. Additionally, technology take homes more than 15 years old programming could benefit from updates to to a whole the air conditioner or heater new level. as systems 15-20 years old Today’s smart or older may be candidates thermostats for replacement as they’re not only let inefficient by today’s standards. homeowners control Add Ceiling Fans temperatures from their smart devices In comparison to running your while air conditioner consistently, on-the-go but can also the cost of running a ceiling learn daily habits and fan (or several) is significantly adjust the temperature less. Particularly on days that accordingly with no other may not require cooling the manual adjustments necessary. entire house completely, fans In addition, some utility can provide a gentle breeze companies offer incentives and circulate air in the spaces like money back at the end of you use most often. Simply the year for installing a smart adjust the switch to the thermostat because the energy counterclockwise position savings are so substantial. to ensure it’s pushing air Replace Appliances
downward during warmer months.
Because appliances like refrigerators and ovens, among For more information and others, are major energy users, home improvement ideas, visit whyskylights.com/livelighter. investing in more efficient
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killen,TX:
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killen,TX:
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PLAN 1571
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SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killen,TX:
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killen,TX:
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Specializing in Custom Homes and Commercial Construction
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SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killen,TX:
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killen,TX:
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Bidet Seat Innovation How it Became the Luxury Hiding in Plain Sight
(BPT) - The coronavirus inspired shoppers to load their carts until they overflowed with toilet paper. However, the shopping frenzy and the shortage of supplies also inspired many to take a fresh look at a bathroom appliance they long ignored: the bidet seat. Until then, most people had no idea that innovations driven by WASHLET like dryers, jets of warm water and heated seats existed, let alone could transform their lives. For those who are new to bidet seats and how they’ve evolved into a necessary luxury, here’s a brief history of how they came to be. THE TRADITIONAL FRENCH SOLUTION: Bidets started appearing in the late 1600s to early 1700s in the palaces and chateaus of the French nobility as a more civilized method to clean up after using the chamber pot. Fast forward to the middle of the 20th century, and bidets earned a place as an essential fixture in bathrooms across Europe, South America and parts of Asia. The U.S. stands alone: Despite its global reputation for modernization and redefining culture, the U.S stood alone as a bidet holdout. Americans didn’t have the space or the budgets to accommodate another bathroom fixture that required plumbing. Even if they encountered one on their travels, it didn’t
“When it comes time to choosing [a bidet], TOTO is the trusted, most durable brand that stands by its high -quality products with superior after-sales service”
win many converts. Jets of cold water, the inability to customize spray position and water pressure, and the challenge of drying off, all added up to an experience they found unpleasant. For these reasons, we stuck to good old toilet tissue. INTRODUCING JAPANESE INNOVATION: WASHLET, developed by the Japanese plumbing company TOTO in 1980, combined the toilet seat and high-end bidet into a single appliance and added a number of unheard-of luxurious additions. First and foremost, they made it possible to get access to warm water to cleanse. Then, engineers worked tirelessly on the details. For example, they conducted many rounds of product testing to find the ideal angle at which water should spray from the wand, which extends from beneath the seat. (In case you wondered, it’s 43 degrees.) They added a heating element in the seat, and warm air to dry. These transformed the bidet from an unwieldy European relic to a sought-after luxury item, quickly catching on in Japan and other bidet-friendly nations. In fact, Japan’s Cabinet Office started tracking electronic bidet seat penetration as a way to gauge consumer confidence. In 2020, ownership reached 80.2%.
UNSTOPPABLE PROGRESS Though Americans stuck to their standard toilet paper, which stayed relatively unchanged and may even seem primitive, WASHLET, introduced to U.S. consumers in 1989, cultivated its reputation of creating the ultimate, best-in-class experience by focusing on four major areas: cleanliness, comfort, convenience and ecology. For starters, TOTO pioneered an eco-friendly way to cleanse with Air-In Wonder Wave. The air-rich water droplets not only create a more pleasant washing experience, but water consumption is reduced by 30%. During use, the pulsating and oscillating cleansing massage gave people a way to personalize their cleansing ritual. TOTO engineers also developed ways to automatically clean the wand with EWATER+ before and after each use and reduce toilet scrubbing time, as PREMIST sprays the bowl before each use and EWATER+ after. One of the downsides of innovation is that it inevitably inspires imitators, and it’s no different for WASHLET. When it comes time to choose, TOTO is the trusted, most durable brand that stands by its high-quality products with superior after-sales service. If you need help, simply reach out to a technical support team member either by phone or chat. To learn more, visit WASHLET.com.
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