(BPT ) - Are you look ing for eye - catching and practical ways to upgrade your home? Consider investing in an outdoor renovation project!
From installing or remodeling a patio to adding an outdoor fireplace, these outdoor projects can make your home an inviting space in which you and others will want to spend time
To inspire and help you along your outdoor design journey, Belgard® - a leading provider of outdoor home products like pavers, retaining walls and other landscape features - offers five outdoor design inspirations you can implement in your next home improvement project
1. Upgrade your patio
A patio or deck can be a wonder ful addition to your home It acts as an extension of your home and provides another livable space to relax and socialize with family and friends You can even incorporate an outdoor dining area and workspace to create a multi-purpose patio
Whether you want to add a patio or upgrade your existing one, doing so also adds value to your home According to the National Association of Realtors Research Group (NAR) 2023 Remodeling Impact Repor t, a new patio typically costs $10,000-$10,500. However homeowners that installed a patio recovered 95% of the value from the project
When designing your patio, consider using concrete pavers to incorporate textures and colors Concrete pavers are a great way to complete the feel of your outdoor space and
seamlessly blend the hardscapes in with the existing layout because they complement various design styles They ’re also a great investment and have a life span of 30 to 100 years to withstand extreme weather and bear heavy weight
2. Invest in landscaping
If you want to improve the appearance of your home and get an instant return on investment, upgrade your landscape Not only does investing in landscaping enhance your home’s curb appeal, but it also extends a warm invitation into your home for visitors
Decorate your pergola with sun-block ing cur tains and hanging plants to create the per fect private getaway in your backyard For a more cost- effective option, a trellis with plants or greener y can provide both privac y and shade
4. Install an outdoor kitchen
Outdoor k itchens are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners and potential buyers They allow people to spend as much time outdoors as possible while enter taining and feeding guests It also means that you don’t heat up your house during the summer months
and 71% felt an increased sense of enjoyment with their home
Note: Ensure the k itchen is functional within your space and has shelter from rain or intense sun, so you have optimal time to utilize it throughout the year
5. Incorporate a fire feature
Whether you choose a fireplace or pit, an outdoor fire feature will add value to your home and allow you to make memories with friends and family in a coz y environment huddled around whichever feature you choose Fire features also add 32% better functionality livability and personality to your home and make your outdoor space more usable, so you can enjoy your outdoor space during a brisk summer evening or in colder climates
The NAR repor t found that lining your walkway of pavers with plants, or adding in raised beds and shrubs allowed homeowners to recover 104% of the project ’s cost However, if you want to star t small, adding flowering shrubs, shading trees or mulching are easy, cost- effective ways to revive your yard
3. Add shade structures
During the warmer months, you’ll want shade structures so you can get the most out of your outdoor space, no matter the temperature Escape the heat by installing a pergola on your patio
Pergolas are a popular option because homeowners can choose various materials styles and colors to fit their layout A welldesigned pergola can boost proper ty values and increase the usability of the backyard
Compared to other outdoor home improvement projects outdoor k itchens offer a substantial return on investment NARS found that homeowners recovered 100% of the cost of building an outdoor k itchen The repor t also found that 99% of homeowners who added an outdoor k itchen felt a greater desire to be home
Consider your budget, space layout and function for fire features to ensure you choose the right one for your backyard and family A DIY fire pit is a great inexpensive option with versatile use and style Opt for an outdoor fireplace if you’re look ing for a more premium option. It can double as a privac y wall and takes up less space than a typical fireplace
Let these five outdoor renovation projects inspire you to upgrade your home add value to your proper ty and make your home a place you and others want to spend their time For more outdoor design inspiration, visit Belgard.com.
Todd Kinsey Floor and Window Covering Connection
Colorado’s diverse landscapes, ranging from majestic mountains to high plains, have always had a profound influence on interior design trends. In 2023, flooring choices in the Centennial State continue to reflect the region’s unique character. Here’s a look at some of the prominent flooring trends in Colorado this year.
1. Rustic Charm with Hardwood Colorado’s love affair with hardwood flooring endures, but with a twist. In 2023, homeowners are gravitating towards reclaimed and distressed hardwoods. These floors add a touch of rustic charm, reminiscent of the state’s historic mountain towns. The natural beauty of hardwood complements Colorado’s stunning scenery, and it’s a sustainable choice that aligns with the state’s ecoconscious ethos.
2. Earthy Tones Inspired by the Landscape
The breathtaking Colorado landscape, from the red rocks of Garden of the
Gods to the lush forests of the Rockies, is influencing flooring color choices. Earthy tones, such as warm browns, rich greens, and deep blues, are in demand. These colors bring the out-
doors in and create a sense of harmony with Colorado’s natural surroundings.
3. Durable Options for Active Lifestyles Colorado residents are known for their active
We do custom cabinetr y/woodwork, millwork & trim, finish work, custom furniture, custom countertops including: solid surface, laminate, live edge, and butcher block, composite & wood decks, fencing, deck coverings, kitchen/bathroom and home installations.
We also encourage all our clients and those interested in our work to follow us on Instagram @mountainmeadowwoodworks and on Facebook at Mountain Meadow Woodworks.
(719) 371-0469
jeremy.glasser@live.com
layers are popular choices. They can withstand the wear and tear of hiking boots, skis, and pet paws, making them ideal for Colorado homes.
4. Cozy Comfort with Carpet
In mountainous regions where temperatures can drop dramatically, carpet is making a comeback. Plush, soft carpeting in neutral colors adds warmth and comfort to living spaces.
Homeowners in Colorado are opting for eco-friendly, low-VOC carpet options that promote healthy indoor air quality.
5. Eco-Friendly Materials
Colorado’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in flooring choices as well. Environmentally conscious materials like bamboo and cork are gaining popularity. These renewable resources align with the state’s ecofriendly values and provide an elegant yet eco-conscious flooring option.
being used in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, adding a touch of luxury and elegance to Colorado interiors.
7. Open Floor Plans and Seamless Transitions
Open floor plans continue to be favored in Colorado homes, emphasizing a sense of spaciousness and flow. To achieve this, homeowners are using the same flooring material throughout multiple living spaces. Large format tiles and hardwood planks help create seamless transitions between rooms, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
lifestyles, and their flooring needs to keep up. This year, durable and resilient flooring options are gaining traction. Luxury vinyl planks, laminate, and ceramic tiles with robust wear
H
6. Natural Stone and Tile for Elegance
In upscale homes and mountain retreats, natural stone and tile are making a statement. Slate, travertine, and porcelain tiles with textured surfaces are
In conclusion, Colorado’s flooring trends for 2023 showcase a blend of natural beauty, durability, and eco-consciousness. Whether you’re inspired by the rugged landscapes or the cozy comforts of a mountain cabin, there’s a flooring trend to suit your style and practical needs. As Coloradans embrace the uniqueness of their state, these flooring choices reflect their commitment to creating homes that are not only stylish but also resilient and sustainable, mirroring the spirit of the Rocky Mountain state.
(BPT ) - If you love home renovation and design, you’ll be excited to discover up-and- coming trends that are transforming the look and functionality of home spaces today Home design is continually evolving - inspiring homeowners and design professionals to innovate and reimagine how you can live in and feel about your home
Here are design trends to explore this year
1. Embrace sustainability
Concern for the environment and consumer demand is spurring many companies to create more sustainable processes and materials, while ensuring that they don t sacrifice design or durability
For example, Cosentino Group, the Spanish global leader in production and distribution of innovative and sustainable sur faces for architecture and design, has created Silestone, with HybriQ® Technology, a highper formance blend of premium minerals, quar tz and rec ycled materials With HybriQ+, Silestone products have an enhanced product composition and manufacturing method that uses 99% rec ycled water, 100% renewable electric energy, zero water discharge and at least 20% rec ycled raw materials This new technology represents the first sustainable sur facing of its k ind
2. Say goodbye to all-white kitchens
Today ’s k itchens provide the focal point for enter taining, inspiring homeowners to express themselves through design, sur facing and materials Opting for custom cabinetr y colors, unique backsplash designs and dramatic counter tops are subtle ways to express your personal style through k itchen design.
For more drama and style in your k itchen sur faces, Cosentino’s new Silestone Le Chic collection, launching in July, features contemporar y designs in cream and rich- colored shades that are a modern interpretation of Parisian and Victorian inspired styles Le Chic ’s six distinctive colors with expressive veins and metallic accents por tray a sense of timeless allure, with a hint of nostalgia.
3. Say hello to wet rooms
Dreaming of a spa-like atmosphere? The European-style wet room might be your next great bathroom reno Creating a cohesive space for your shower and bath is a great solution to enhance design and functionality, especially in smaller bathrooms
Durable sur facing that can be utilized for flooring and shower walls - as well as built-in seating and storage to optimize the spacecan leave your bathroom feeling luxurious and worr y free Make sure your contractor is experienced in creating a well- designed wet room, including proper drainage, lighting and non-slip flooring to ensure safety
4. Rediscover industrials
Renewed interest in urban materials like unfinished concrete is largely driven by the desire for clean lines and calm spaces
However, today ’s industrials are softened by combining concrete with natural elements like wood, stone and plants
If this aesthetic appeals to you, check out the Silestone Urban Crush collection out next month, inspired by the diverse textures of industrial and urban style Materials like concrete, limestone, bronze and ash inspired four new colors with different shades of gray
5. Explore mixed metals
Using metallic accents in a variety of materials and colors provides visual interest and elevates any room. Thoughtfully choose mixed metals for hardware, lighting fixtures, mirrors or picture frames Even metallic accessories like vases, trays or ar twork can enhance your space Just a few touches of mixed metals go a long way
Don’t match metals, but stick with the same family For the most pleasing effect, choose only from the cool family (like brushed nickel or chrome) or the warm family (bronze, polished nickel, brass) - plus black, which can go with either family
Ready to explore the possibilities?
Learn more about innovative collections for the home at Cosentino.com.
(BPT ) - Planning a home renovation project?
You may be feeling some excitement, anxiety or a thrilling mix of both. O f course, mak ing changes to your home can be fun, but there are so many choices to be made, especially when it comes to choosing flooring that will ser ve you for years to come
Flooring can make a huge impact on your space, and choosing the right material and style can make the difference between a room you like and one you love
To help you through this process from selection to installation - and even make it enjoyable - LL Flooring created a simple, guided four-step flooring process for homeowners and pros alike to ensure that they find the flooring of their dreams “ We’ve seen how the task of selecting flooring can be challenging, especially for first-time shoppers,” said Charles Tyson, President and CEO of LL Flooring “ This four-step process draws from our deep understanding of our customers needs and our ever- evolving flooring options to provide a smar t, simple and streamlined experience that makes selecting floors easier than ever ”
1. Find the right material
First, you need to find the best material for your flooring project Between solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, vinyl, laminate and tile, there are seemingly endless options of flooring styles to choose from.
To pick the right one, you’ll need to consider your lifestyle and space to ensure the material you choose will hold up to the elements in your day-to- day life Factors to
consider can range from your family, pets, regional climate and area of the home
If you need help pick ing the right material for your home renovation project, check out LL Flooring’s Floor Finder Flooring exper ts are also available to speak with you online or at your local store
2. Find the right style
How do you want your space to feel? When choosing a flooring style, make sure it fits the overall aesthetic of your room and home by choosing colors and textures that appeal to you and your unique sense of style
You can see how your space will look using a digital tool like LL Flooring’s digital floor visualizer, Picture I t! Paired with an in-store consultation, you can find the right flooring that expresses your style and complements your home
3. Finalize your choice
Now that you’ve considered your needs and style, it s time to get your hands on flooring samples Order free flooring samples to test at home, so you’ll k now exactly how they ’ll look in your space Seeing and feeling the potential options under foot can help you make your final decision with confidence
When reviewing your flooring samples, ask an LL Flooring exper t about previous customer reviews and double - check that they will suit your lifestyle and interior design. This will help you narrow down the final purchase decision
4. Install and celebrate
Finally, you’re ready to make your vision a reality Whether you prefer to do it yourself or hire professional installers - available through LL Flooring - all the previous steps have come together to bring your home project to life Once the final piece is in place, it ’s time to celebrate your renovated space
