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Home & Garden Renovation Guide
Next , you ’ ll want to design your workspace with cabinetry where office supplies and files can be tucked neatly out of sight . Shelving that is custom-designed for the way you work can transform even a tiny space into an efficient work area . Having cabinets and shelves that are suited to your exact purpose will eliminate a great deal of frustration and overwhelming feelings of disorganization . A designer and expert carpenter can help you get the most from your workspace .
Just because you don ’ t have an entire room in your house to dedicate to your home office doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t have a dedicated workspace . Even a closet can be transformed into a workspace with the right planning , and the whole office can be put away at day ’ s end by simply closing the closet door .
If you have even less space to work with , try a wall-mounted desk that can be extended when in use and collapsed flush with the wall when it ’ s not . Cubby holes built into the interior wall area can also provide places for storage in a tight space . A creative builder can help you make the most of your available space .
If your work area is not separated from the rest of your home and building a wall is not an option , there are still attractive ways to define your space . For example , tall wooden shutters can be linked together with hinges and painted any color to create a private area . Though not soundproof , they can create an intimate atmosphere of privacy when needed for yourself or for seeing clients . Tall silk plants , such as a series of ficus trees , can also be used to divide the space .
Don ’ t skimp on your office chair ! It ’ s likely a place where you will be sitting for several hours every single day . Make sure it ’ s comfortable and provides plenty of lumbar support , in addition to being an attractive addition to your office . Visit Spine-Health . com for some helpful suggestions on choosing the right chair that will work best for you .
Bathroom Beauty
Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to hold your next cocktail party , with the right accoutrements your bath can be a great place to hang out and enjoy life . And if you live with family members , it may be the only place in your house where you can truly be alone for a bit .
Besides just being a place to “ get ready ” to meet the day , it ’ s also a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week at work . Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress and help tired , overworked muscles . With tons of specialized showerheads , you can have everything from the sprinkle of a gentle rain to an invigorating massage to bring your body back to center . And a nice relaxing bath in a soaker tub can make the world go away for a while .
Does all of this sound like a fantasy ? Maybe not . You may be able to make updates to your bath for less than you might expect .
If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing , heating ducts and electricity , the makeover can start at around $ 10,000 . And the choices for today ’ s bath are incredibly enticing . Many homeowners are opting for larger showers that will not only get you clean , but can also bathe you in LED lighting that changes colors to suit your mood . You can also enjoy your favorite music in the shower to either calm you down after a stressful day , or pep you up for the daily routine .
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st century . Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to a cavernous interior with little customization . Current options for drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for storing your blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage options for makeup . And while you ’ re standing in front of that vanity applying your makeup , you can watch TV in the mirror ! New technology allows your favorite TV program to be projected onto the mirror , so you can keep up with the latest baseball scores or check the weather before going out .
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for bathrooms , but one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic wood . These tiles come in sizes up to 48 ” and can be laid to look like natural woodgrain , without the worry of water damage . The woodgrain appearance can really warm up the bathroom .
And speaking of warm — your toilet can be warm too ! Homeowners can opt for a “ throne ” with a retractable base that comes out and heats your feet , as well as the seat of the toilet . And new touchless flushing helps prevent the spread of germs among your family , along with a bidet , which ensures a much cleaner experience .
You spend so much time in your bathroom every day you owe it to yourself to make it a more enjoyable place . And , according to HGTV . com , bath remodels often offer a return on investment of more than 100 percent !
Kitchen Makeover
Whether your cooking style is Chicken Cordon Bleu , or just some great Pad Thai takeout from the corner restaurant , you need a place to prepare your meals that ’ s fun , organized and feels like home . Regardless of lifestyle , you ’ ll probably spend a significant amount of time each day in your kitchen .
Though it ’ s a significant investment to update a kitchen , it ’ s a worthwhile endeavor from both a personal standpoint and a financial one . And , like bathrooms , HGTV . com estimates that a kitchen remodel can offer returns that are upwards of 100 % on the resale of your house .
Most kitchen remodels start around $ 25,000 , and on average will range up to about $ 50,000 . You can give your kitchen a whole new look in any style from ultracontemporary to French country in this price range . Your designer and builder can assist you with computer-aided design ( CAD ) to help you envision your dream . Some trends in the kitchen include spacious farm sinks that offer tons of space for food prep . Clean , white subway tile can match virtually any décor , making it a popular choice for backsplashes . Recycled glass tiles can be found in any color for a look that ’ s great for your kitchen and great for the environment as well . Mosaic tiles are frequently used and can be laid in customized patterns for a uniquely personal look .
Although cherry wood cabinets are classic , white cabinets are also popular . Cherry will give your kitchen a warm feel , while white cabinets will brighten the space and have a clean appearance .
As for flooring , experts say you can ’ t go wrong with natural stone , and travertine is extremely popular right now . After the stone is sealed , it ’ s an easy-care option for homeowners and offers a lot of longevity .
It ’ s not just about the look you want to achieve in your kitchen , it ’ s also about the way it makes you , your family and your friends feel when you ’ re there . n
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