How to level a Concrete Slab Floor for Hardwood Flooring

By Mark J. Donovan

If you plan on installing hardwood flooring on a concrete slab you first need to make sure the concrete slab is level. If it is not, then depending upon how unlevel it is you either first need to apply a leveling compound, or build a shimmed subfloor.

Regardless if the concrete slab floor is level you should always build a wood subfloor for the hardwood flooring to rest on. The subfloor should be framed with pressure treated 2x4s or other wood material such that water wicking up from the concrete slab will not destroy the subfloor over time.

As you build the subfloor you can adjust its height with shims so that you create a completely level floor. Just remember to start the construction of the subfloor at the highest point in the room.

How to Stop Creaking Stairs

By Mark J. Donovan

Do you have stairs that creak and squeak? This is a sure sign that the stair treads are no longer securely fastened to the stair risers. This can happen over time due to the stair treads drying out or warping, the house settling, or just from a lot of use.

If your stairs are covered by carpet the only way to resolve the creaking stairs is to first remove the carpet. After removing the carpet, pre-drill a couple of pilot holes along the line of existing nails on the stair tread and then install some addition screws. You may also want to run a bead of glue over the screw threads before screwing it into the tread for extra support.

If your stair treads are meant to be exposed then if possible try applying glue and screws to the back side of the stair risers and treads, if you can get to them, e.g. via a basement or lower floor. If you cannot get to the backsides of the stair treads, then you can either remove the tread carefully and apply glue and new screws/nails, or add additional screws to the tread. If new screws are added, you will need to pre-drill the holes and then fill in the screw holes.

Tile to Floor Transition Solution

By Mark J. Donovan

When installing tile in a bathroom or kitchen frequently there is a floor height transition issue with an adjoining room, e.g. between a bathroom and hallway. Sometimes the tile to floor transition height difference can be as much as ¾” or more. One simple solution for this is to install a piece of marble in the threshold of the door or in the transition area. You can buy marble thresholds at any home improvement store and they come in widths up to several inches and approximately ½” in height. You can also go to any stone store and order a custom cut granite transition piece with a beveled edge to make the transition even more gradual.

Reverse Ceiling Fan Rotation to Save on Winter Heating Bills

By Mark J. Donovan

Not only can ceiling fans help keep your family feeling cooler in summer months, they can also keep them feeling warmer in winter months. Though ceiling fans do not produce cool or warm air, they do help circulate it, which can help make your family feel more comfortable during hot or cold seasons.

Ceiling fan blades should be set to turn in a counter clockwise direction during summer months and alternatively they should be set to turn in a clockwise direction in winter months..

By setting the blade rotation to turn in a clockwise direction, the ceiling fan will push warm air downwards, thus recycling the warm air that drifted up from the baseboard heaters, or floor registers. As a result, your family will feel warmer without having to crank up the thermostat, thus saving you money on winter heating bills.

Design Idea for Small Kitchens - Kitchen Ideas

If you don’t like your kitchen you are not going to want to spend time in it.So what do you do when your number one complaint is that the kitchen feels enclosed?
Here are two pictures that show how to open up a small galley-style kitchen.
The first picture shows how removing the wall cabinets and soffit from one side and adding accent lighting on artwork makes the room feel much wider.

This next picture takes the same concept a step further by removing the upper area of the wall completely creating an island. This is obviously the more expensive option since you might need to install a beam to support the ceiling in addition to the plumbing and electrical work required but the difference is significant.
Both scenarios would require a pantry or the ability to store less frequently used items nearby.
The second scenario provides more options in color choices as demonstrated by the navy walls that would never be attempted in an enclosed kitchen. The ability to add seating to the back of the island could eliminate the typical breakfast nook table providing a place to add storage cabinetry or build a pantry.

Thanks to: http://annporter.wordpress.com/

Design Idea for Small Kitchens - Kitchen Ideas

If you don’t like your kitchen you are not going to want to spend time in it.So what do you do when your number one complaint is that the kitchen feels enclosed?
Here are two pictures that show how to open up a small galley-style kitchen.
The first picture shows how removing the wall cabinets and soffit from one side and adding accent lighting on artwork makes the room feel much wider.

This next picture takes the same concept a step further by removing the upper area of the wall completely creating an island. This is obviously the more expensive option since you might need to install a beam to support the ceiling in addition to the plumbing and electrical work required but the difference is significant.
Both scenarios would require a pantry or the ability to store less frequently used items nearby.
The second scenario provides more options in color choices as demonstrated by the navy walls that would never be attempted in an enclosed kitchen. The ability to add seating to the back of the island could eliminate the typical breakfast nook table providing a place to add storage cabinetry or build a pantry.

Thanks to: http://annporter.wordpress.com/

Design Idea for Small Kitchens. Save money and make it look nice

Designing a Kitchen on a BudgetOf course you're eager to get started. But heed some advice from the experts and from people who've done the job already: Take your time at the beginning to make sure each decision reflects your taste and meets your needs. You'll want to live with and love this kitchen for a long time! Your budget will have a lot to say about materials used in your new kitchen, but so will common sense. You don't want your kitchen to be a financial burden, so make sure you really need the high-end solution in each case. Another way to stay in the black without closing off options too soon: Make a list of everything you'd love to have in your new kitchen. Now, divide this list into A) things you need and B) things you want but could live without for now. This will save time later and ensure you don't lop off something essential when you fall in love with a "could-live-without" item in the showrooms.

©2006 Publications International, Ltd.Using easy to install materials, like these pillows, can help you save on both materials and labor.Most costs fall under the broad heading of Time (actual person-hours, or labor) or Materials. You can save money on both.Save Money on LaborIn construction, time is expressed as hourly rates paid to various workers on your project. One way to save big is to invest your time instead of theirs. Put in sweat equity wherever you're competent to do so. If you can steam off wallpaper, remove old moldings, and carry away debris yourself, you won't have to pay someone else to do it. What kinds of labor can you perform yourself? Use common sense. Be careful about tearing out walls on your own (make sure you know where wiring, pipes, and such are located). And steer clear of removing old insulation that may contain asbestos or old paint that almost certainly contains lead. If your home has historical significance, get guidance from an expert before tackling anything. When it's time to put on the finishing touches, you can paint the walls, screw on switchplates, and yes, pick up the debris rather than paying someone else to do it. The money you save on labor can pay for some of those luxurious material upgrades you crave!Save Money on MaterialsMarble and granite countertops; state-of-the-art imported fixtures and appliances; hand-crafted, hand-painted wall and floor tiles; custom cabinetry in high-end, furniture-grade woods...the list of luxury materials is endless. If you can't afford them all, choose the ones that matter most to you -- and find artful substitutes for the rest. A few examples:Nice Wooden Cabinets

Marble and granite countertops. If you make pastry, you'll want a marble inset in your countertop, but you don't need to be rolling in dough to have it. Compare the cost of real marble and granite to look-alike laminates, and you may decide on the synthetic for the rest of your countertops. Specify a rolled edge to eliminate the back wall seam. If you must have the real thing, specify marble or granite tiles: Nine-inch or 12-inch squares are easier to fabricate and install than running-foot slabs and, therefore, are much less costly. If famous-name solid-surfacing material is way out of your price range, look for similar solid-surfacing brands that are less expensive. Or choose a plain, matte-finish ivory laminate, and use a rolled edge.
Handmade, custom-colored, imported ceramic wall tiles.

Beautiful, artistic, and costly, hand-colored tiles may be too expensive to use throughout but just right as borders and accents. Choose a compatible plain tile for most of the installation, and save the custom pieces for eye-level areas such as the backsplash or a border around a breakfast nook window.

This picture is form http://www.washingtonspaces.com/

Luxury flooring. Ceramic tile, oak planking with contrasting wood insets and butterfly ties, and marble or granite flooring may be out of reach, but today's handsome vinyl flooring isn't. All these looks and more are available at several price points. You probably know how easy no-wax vinyl is to keep looking new, but you may be surprised by how close to the natural materials these floors look. Choose sheet vinyl for seamless easy care, or, if your pattern includes smaller faux-tile designs, you may opt for tile squares you can install yourself. If you want the look of wood flooring, parquet is less costly than planking.

The most practical alternative at a price? Wood-look laminates that get their realistic appearance from a photographic process that captures the graining and variations of genuine wood. For a cutting-edge look, consider concrete with color added during installation. It's an easy way to bring commercial kitchen chic home.

Custom cabinetry. Many cabinets come in such a wide array of stock sizes and shapes, they assure a virtually custom fit. Use stock cabinets wherever you can, and have matching, custom pieces fabricated to fill in odd spaces. If your budget says pine or oak but your heart says cherry or maple, you may prefer painted rather than stained cabinets to disguise the more prominent grains of the lower-cost woods. The look of freestanding furniture in the kitchen is hot right now, so you may want to use mostly painted cabinets and splurge on a breakfront or other freestanding unit in the wood of your choice. To finish off the custom look, replace ho-hum hardware with novelty pulls and handles on cabinets and drawers. From pewter forks to verdigris brass leaves, a wealth of style-setting hardware options are available.While saving money on labor is important, there are some jobs that you will need a professional for. In the next section, we will examine how to hire a professional to design a kitchen.

Design Idea for Small Kitchens. Save money and make it look nice

Designing a Kitchen on a BudgetOf course you're eager to get started. But heed some advice from the experts and from people who've done the job already: Take your time at the beginning to make sure each decision reflects your taste and meets your needs. You'll want to live with and love this kitchen for a long time! Your budget will have a lot to say about materials used in your new kitchen, but so will common sense. You don't want your kitchen to be a financial burden, so make sure you really need the high-end solution in each case. Another way to stay in the black without closing off options too soon: Make a list of everything you'd love to have in your new kitchen. Now, divide this list into A) things you need and B) things you want but could live without for now. This will save time later and ensure you don't lop off something essential when you fall in love with a "could-live-without" item in the showrooms.

©2006 Publications International, Ltd.Using easy to install materials, like these pillows, can help you save on both materials and labor.Most costs fall under the broad heading of Time (actual person-hours, or labor) or Materials. You can save money on both.Save Money on LaborIn construction, time is expressed as hourly rates paid to various workers on your project. One way to save big is to invest your time instead of theirs. Put in sweat equity wherever you're competent to do so. If you can steam off wallpaper, remove old moldings, and carry away debris yourself, you won't have to pay someone else to do it. What kinds of labor can you perform yourself? Use common sense. Be careful about tearing out walls on your own (make sure you know where wiring, pipes, and such are located). And steer clear of removing old insulation that may contain asbestos or old paint that almost certainly contains lead. If your home has historical significance, get guidance from an expert before tackling anything. When it's time to put on the finishing touches, you can paint the walls, screw on switchplates, and yes, pick up the debris rather than paying someone else to do it. The money you save on labor can pay for some of those luxurious material upgrades you crave!Save Money on MaterialsMarble and granite countertops; state-of-the-art imported fixtures and appliances; hand-crafted, hand-painted wall and floor tiles; custom cabinetry in high-end, furniture-grade woods...the list of luxury materials is endless. If you can't afford them all, choose the ones that matter most to you -- and find artful substitutes for the rest. A few examples:Nice Wooden Cabinets

Marble and granite countertops. If you make pastry, you'll want a marble inset in your countertop, but you don't need to be rolling in dough to have it. Compare the cost of real marble and granite to look-alike laminates, and you may decide on the synthetic for the rest of your countertops. Specify a rolled edge to eliminate the back wall seam. If you must have the real thing, specify marble or granite tiles: Nine-inch or 12-inch squares are easier to fabricate and install than running-foot slabs and, therefore, are much less costly. If famous-name solid-surfacing material is way out of your price range, look for similar solid-surfacing brands that are less expensive. Or choose a plain, matte-finish ivory laminate, and use a rolled edge.
Handmade, custom-colored, imported ceramic wall tiles.

Beautiful, artistic, and costly, hand-colored tiles may be too expensive to use throughout but just right as borders and accents. Choose a compatible plain tile for most of the installation, and save the custom pieces for eye-level areas such as the backsplash or a border around a breakfast nook window.

This picture is form http://www.washingtonspaces.com/

Luxury flooring. Ceramic tile, oak planking with contrasting wood insets and butterfly ties, and marble or granite flooring may be out of reach, but today's handsome vinyl flooring isn't. All these looks and more are available at several price points. You probably know how easy no-wax vinyl is to keep looking new, but you may be surprised by how close to the natural materials these floors look. Choose sheet vinyl for seamless easy care, or, if your pattern includes smaller faux-tile designs, you may opt for tile squares you can install yourself. If you want the look of wood flooring, parquet is less costly than planking.

The most practical alternative at a price? Wood-look laminates that get their realistic appearance from a photographic process that captures the graining and variations of genuine wood. For a cutting-edge look, consider concrete with color added during installation. It's an easy way to bring commercial kitchen chic home.

Custom cabinetry. Many cabinets come in such a wide array of stock sizes and shapes, they assure a virtually custom fit. Use stock cabinets wherever you can, and have matching, custom pieces fabricated to fill in odd spaces. If your budget says pine or oak but your heart says cherry or maple, you may prefer painted rather than stained cabinets to disguise the more prominent grains of the lower-cost woods. The look of freestanding furniture in the kitchen is hot right now, so you may want to use mostly painted cabinets and splurge on a breakfront or other freestanding unit in the wood of your choice. To finish off the custom look, replace ho-hum hardware with novelty pulls and handles on cabinets and drawers. From pewter forks to verdigris brass leaves, a wealth of style-setting hardware options are available.While saving money on labor is important, there are some jobs that you will need a professional for. In the next section, we will examine how to hire a professional to design a kitchen.

How to Design a Kitchen - Kitchen Design Image Gallery

How to Design a Kitchen.

A new kitchen is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and your family. The heart of your home, your kitchen is where late-night talks, homework sessions, and casual celebrations (the best kind!) happen naturally. It's where memories are made.

Kitchen Design Image Gallery

Your kitchen is where you nurture your loved ones' souls as well as their bodies. So you want it to be as efficient, comfortable, and just plain beautiful as possible! But where do you start? The ideas and suggestions in this article will help you make that perfect new kitchen happen:

Assessing Your Kitchen Needs

Before any kitchen project can begin, you have to access what you want, what you can actually have, and what would work best for you. On this page, we will help you determine exactly what kind of kitchen can fit inside your home and how feasible some of your wildest dreams might be. We will also tell you the "triangle" theory of kitchens and show you how to stay true to your initial vision for your dream kitchen.

New Versus Remodeled Kitchen

Maybe your old kitchen is falling apart and is not inspiring you any longer. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to tear the whole room apart and start from scratch. On this page, we will show you the pros and cons of remodeling your kitchen as opposed to completely building a new one. You might be surprised how a few decorative changes can go a long way to revitalizing your kitchen.

Designing a Kitchen on a Budget

It's easy for home projects to spiral out of control. Whenever you are rebuilding or renovating a room there are always hundreds of small expenses you never considered when your were in the planning stage. While these costs are unavoidable, there are ways to keep the price down. In this section, we will show how to design your kitchen on a strict budget. There's no reason why the price of your dream kitchen has to be a nightmare.

Hiring a Professional to Design a Kitchen

While designing your kitchen will save you money the headache it cause might not be worth the extra dollars. A professional who designs kitchens for a living can really simplify the process. In this section, we will show you when it is time to admit defeat and bring in a pro. We will also show you how to maintain control of your kitchen once a designer is brought in and how to check your designer's credentials.

Basic Tips for Kitchen Remodeling

Once you have assessed your kitchen needs and decided how you want to go about executing them, it's time to put pen to paper and start designing your new kitchen. On this page, we will give you some general concerns you should keep in mind when you are planning your new kitchen. For instance, you don't want to end up with a kitchen that has the sink positioned too far away from the fridge.

Kitchen Size Considerations

Despite the picture of the dream kitchen you have in your head, the actual space you have in your house might not be compatible with your ideal. As with any home project, you have to balance practicality with your grandest wishes. In this section, we will show you how to plan around the size of your kitchen space and use every inch to its maximum potential.

Kitchen Shape Considerations

Next to size, the shape of your kitchen space can your biggest design headache. In this section, we will show you how to plan around an oddly shaped kitchen. There are three main types of kitchen shapes the U shape, the L shape, and the G shape. We will also show you how to manage a small, or galley, kitchen.

Eat-In Kitchens

Many people prefer the informal, casual style of an eat-in kitchen. There are three styles of kitchen dinning. First there is counter dining, which would naturally require a counter top. Next there is a breakfast nook, which requires a small space or alcove. Finally, there is the traditional eat-in kitchen. On this page, we will show you which option is right for you and your home.

Kitchen Islands

A kitchen island can be a cheap and attractive way to expand your counter space. An island can also help you add a second sink, dishwasher, or oven to your kitchen. On this page, we will show you all the benefits of a kitchen island and whether or not it would be right for you. We will also discuss the growing trend of having a desk in your kitchen.

Materials from : http://home.howstuffworks.com/ Thank you...

How to Design a Kitchen - Kitchen Design Image Gallery

How to Design a Kitchen.

A new kitchen is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and your family. The heart of your home, your kitchen is where late-night talks, homework sessions, and casual celebrations (the best kind!) happen naturally. It's where memories are made.

Kitchen Design Image Gallery

Your kitchen is where you nurture your loved ones' souls as well as their bodies. So you want it to be as efficient, comfortable, and just plain beautiful as possible! But where do you start? The ideas and suggestions in this article will help you make that perfect new kitchen happen:

Assessing Your Kitchen Needs

Before any kitchen project can begin, you have to access what you want, what you can actually have, and what would work best for you. On this page, we will help you determine exactly what kind of kitchen can fit inside your home and how feasible some of your wildest dreams might be. We will also tell you the "triangle" theory of kitchens and show you how to stay true to your initial vision for your dream kitchen.

New Versus Remodeled Kitchen

Maybe your old kitchen is falling apart and is not inspiring you any longer. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to tear the whole room apart and start from scratch. On this page, we will show you the pros and cons of remodeling your kitchen as opposed to completely building a new one. You might be surprised how a few decorative changes can go a long way to revitalizing your kitchen.

Designing a Kitchen on a Budget

It's easy for home projects to spiral out of control. Whenever you are rebuilding or renovating a room there are always hundreds of small expenses you never considered when your were in the planning stage. While these costs are unavoidable, there are ways to keep the price down. In this section, we will show how to design your kitchen on a strict budget. There's no reason why the price of your dream kitchen has to be a nightmare.

Hiring a Professional to Design a Kitchen

While designing your kitchen will save you money the headache it cause might not be worth the extra dollars. A professional who designs kitchens for a living can really simplify the process. In this section, we will show you when it is time to admit defeat and bring in a pro. We will also show you how to maintain control of your kitchen once a designer is brought in and how to check your designer's credentials.

Basic Tips for Kitchen Remodeling

Once you have assessed your kitchen needs and decided how you want to go about executing them, it's time to put pen to paper and start designing your new kitchen. On this page, we will give you some general concerns you should keep in mind when you are planning your new kitchen. For instance, you don't want to end up with a kitchen that has the sink positioned too far away from the fridge.

Kitchen Size Considerations

Despite the picture of the dream kitchen you have in your head, the actual space you have in your house might not be compatible with your ideal. As with any home project, you have to balance practicality with your grandest wishes. In this section, we will show you how to plan around the size of your kitchen space and use every inch to its maximum potential.

Kitchen Shape Considerations

Next to size, the shape of your kitchen space can your biggest design headache. In this section, we will show you how to plan around an oddly shaped kitchen. There are three main types of kitchen shapes the U shape, the L shape, and the G shape. We will also show you how to manage a small, or galley, kitchen.

Eat-In Kitchens

Many people prefer the informal, casual style of an eat-in kitchen. There are three styles of kitchen dinning. First there is counter dining, which would naturally require a counter top. Next there is a breakfast nook, which requires a small space or alcove. Finally, there is the traditional eat-in kitchen. On this page, we will show you which option is right for you and your home.

Kitchen Islands

A kitchen island can be a cheap and attractive way to expand your counter space. An island can also help you add a second sink, dishwasher, or oven to your kitchen. On this page, we will show you all the benefits of a kitchen island and whether or not it would be right for you. We will also discuss the growing trend of having a desk in your kitchen.

Materials from : http://home.howstuffworks.com/ Thank you...

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen remodeling is no more about shuffling some shelves or adding a new paint color to the walls. Like any other room of your house, a kitchen is also about style and luxury. A modern and stylized kitchen can be the envy of everyone. With attractive decor and different ideas, kitchen remodeling can be done in a budget now.

Today’s modern day kitchens have broken out of the confinements and now have come out with the modular kitchen concept that are open faced and invite a comfortable ambience for all. The kitchen spaces now open up to an extended dining space giving the entire family an easy communication to everyone else. So let’s look at the different kitchen remodeling tips and ideas and give a completely new look to our kitchens and homes.

Bright Interiors

One of the easiest ways to brighten up your kitchen space is by giving it lively interiors. Mostly in the modular kitchens the look and feel is blended in with the rest of the living spaces. Your kitchen will incorporate a dining space as well, so keep uniformity but also on the same time break the monotony. One simple tip to do this is by avoiding ceiling touching cabinets that makes the kitchen look closed and stuffy. Keep your kitchen space separate while at the same time keeping it as a part of the entire dining space.
Remodeling an Old Kitchen

If you want to give a fresh look to your already existing kitchen then avoid making solid walls all around. Keep your kitchen adjustable and easy to approach. Have open spaces so that while you cook you can also maintain a conversational contact with your family members and even guests in the close by areas. This will also keep you in a better frame of mind without cutting you off from everyone else. Keep in mind how an island or peninsula works and keep that approach.

Add to the Kitchen Space

While going about kitchen remodeling one can even add to the kitchen space. Go for coffered or pitched ceilings, as this will easily help you to divide the kitchen space from the rest of the house. Also another idea is by having a high ceiling in the kitchen so that it can add to the feel of added space. On the other hand having a low ceiling in the dining area will add to the intimate and cozy ambience of the place.

Kitchen Cabinet Space

Most of us like to fill our kitchens with over stuffed and towering cabinets. But with modular kitchens, storage space is a bit less. But having too many cabinets will also not solve the problem. If you have a storage space other than your kitchen then keep all your rarely used goods there like your special dinner set, party crockery etc. and whatever crockery can go on display should be displayed like in the dining area.

Break Up with the Dull Look

What gives the kitchen a very plain look is the rigid and static way it is designed. Once you set about remodeling your entire kitchen experiment with the height, length and depth of the cabinets. Break away from the horizontal lines and add some rows and racks in between so that your kitchen also looks attractive like any other room in the house. Another remodeling tip is to have the counter tops at different heights. Like your cooking top can be at a lower height as compared to the other space. Also keep in mind the electrical appliances that you are going to have in the kitchen. Make individual spaces for them so that they are not all lined one after the other on your work counter.

Have Variety in the Cabinet Doors

If you look closely there’s a lot you can do with the cabinet doors. Avoid having rigid cabinet doors in the entire kitchen. Use a mixture of glass paneled doors and solid doors so that it gives an attractive look to the kitchen. One can also go for different colors for cabinet doors.

So no matter how big or small is your kitchen space you can always give a completely new look to it by

Materials from : http://www.dreamhomedecors.com/ ... Thank you DreamHomeDecors

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen remodeling is no more about shuffling some shelves or adding a new paint color to the walls. Like any other room of your house, a kitchen is also about style and luxury. A modern and stylized kitchen can be the envy of everyone. With attractive decor and different ideas, kitchen remodeling can be done in a budget now.

Today’s modern day kitchens have broken out of the confinements and now have come out with the modular kitchen concept that are open faced and invite a comfortable ambience for all. The kitchen spaces now open up to an extended dining space giving the entire family an easy communication to everyone else. So let’s look at the different kitchen remodeling tips and ideas and give a completely new look to our kitchens and homes.

Bright Interiors

One of the easiest ways to brighten up your kitchen space is by giving it lively interiors. Mostly in the modular kitchens the look and feel is blended in with the rest of the living spaces. Your kitchen will incorporate a dining space as well, so keep uniformity but also on the same time break the monotony. One simple tip to do this is by avoiding ceiling touching cabinets that makes the kitchen look closed and stuffy. Keep your kitchen space separate while at the same time keeping it as a part of the entire dining space.
Remodeling an Old Kitchen

If you want to give a fresh look to your already existing kitchen then avoid making solid walls all around. Keep your kitchen adjustable and easy to approach. Have open spaces so that while you cook you can also maintain a conversational contact with your family members and even guests in the close by areas. This will also keep you in a better frame of mind without cutting you off from everyone else. Keep in mind how an island or peninsula works and keep that approach.

Add to the Kitchen Space

While going about kitchen remodeling one can even add to the kitchen space. Go for coffered or pitched ceilings, as this will easily help you to divide the kitchen space from the rest of the house. Also another idea is by having a high ceiling in the kitchen so that it can add to the feel of added space. On the other hand having a low ceiling in the dining area will add to the intimate and cozy ambience of the place.

Kitchen Cabinet Space

Most of us like to fill our kitchens with over stuffed and towering cabinets. But with modular kitchens, storage space is a bit less. But having too many cabinets will also not solve the problem. If you have a storage space other than your kitchen then keep all your rarely used goods there like your special dinner set, party crockery etc. and whatever crockery can go on display should be displayed like in the dining area.

Break Up with the Dull Look

What gives the kitchen a very plain look is the rigid and static way it is designed. Once you set about remodeling your entire kitchen experiment with the height, length and depth of the cabinets. Break away from the horizontal lines and add some rows and racks in between so that your kitchen also looks attractive like any other room in the house. Another remodeling tip is to have the counter tops at different heights. Like your cooking top can be at a lower height as compared to the other space. Also keep in mind the electrical appliances that you are going to have in the kitchen. Make individual spaces for them so that they are not all lined one after the other on your work counter.

Have Variety in the Cabinet Doors

If you look closely there’s a lot you can do with the cabinet doors. Avoid having rigid cabinet doors in the entire kitchen. Use a mixture of glass paneled doors and solid doors so that it gives an attractive look to the kitchen. One can also go for different colors for cabinet doors.

So no matter how big or small is your kitchen space you can always give a completely new look to it by

Materials from : http://www.dreamhomedecors.com/ ... Thank you DreamHomeDecors

Homeowners and apartment dwellers alike need a basic household tool kit.

Homeowners and apartment dwellers alike need a basic household tool kit.

helloween Decor

You may have lots of tools for particular projects that you use infrequently, and they can be kept in a garage or workroom. But having basic tools handy in your living area makes it much more convenient to do simple home repairs.

You might keep these basic tools in a hall closet, a kitchen drawer, or in a handy tool box or plastic box on a shelf in the entry or mudroom.

It doesn't really matter where you keep them, as long as they're easy to get at for quick home repairs. You'll save lots of inconvenient trips out to the garage or down to the basement.
Your in-home basic tool kit should include these basic do-it-yourself items.
Tape MeasureYou may not think you need one, but a 25-foot measuring tape will work for most jobs. Whether you measure for a tablecloth or window treatment, or a whole room for new flooring, choose one large enough to easily measure your home's spaces. A second smaller tape of 6 to 12 feet can be put in a pocket or purse for shopping trips or for hanging pictures.
ScrewdriversTwo basic screwdrivers are a necessity. Choose both a good quality flat head screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver in a medium size. A set of tiny screwdrivers will come in handy when you need to tighten a pair of eyeglasses or fix audio or computer equipment.

PliersOne pliers will not do. Get a small assortment in various sizes and shapes. You'll use a needle-nose pliars most frequently, but have a heavy grooved pliers for removing nails or large staples. Wire cutting pliers are good for wiring and craft jobs.

LevelYou get what you pay for here. It's important to get an accurate level for accurate positioning. A good sturdy level will last a lifetime. (These are also called "torpedo levels" due to shapes of the tapered ends.) A level is a must for straightening up pictures, drilling holes in a level line, checking tabletop alignment, or mounting towel bars perfectly.
HammerWhether you're hanging pictures or putting shelf supports up, a medium weight hammer will cover most household jobs. Consider other sizes if you'll be doing either delicate projects or construction. Vice GripThis tool resembles a pliers, but has a locking mechanism that grips and holds things tightly. Use it to grip a screw you want to remove or use two to twist sticky things apart. They provide a slip-free hold when you need it.
Assortment of Nails and ScrewsYou might find prepackaged sets of basic sizes at a home center or get a small divided box and put together a custom assortment that will come in handy when you hang pictures or make minor repairs.
Wire CuttersSave your scissors with this essential tool. A wire cutter makes it easy to snip wire for crafts, electrical repairs, and other household projects.
PencilsYou'll probably need to mark a drill hole or record a measurement. Have pencils handy and write on post it notes or bits of blue painter's tape if you don't want to write on the wall.
Blue Painter's TapeEven professional painters use this tape to mask off areas they don't want to paint. It's available in several widths and looks like plain masking tape. But this special tape is blue and can be removed from most surfaces without damage. You can use it for other household jobs besides painting. Mark stud locations with a small square when hanging a picture or installing molding. Tape off the edges of a door frame when painting a wall, or tape down runners of heavy kraft paper to protect floors from dirt and scratches when moving.

Here are more basic items to put in a household tool kit.
Cordless DrillYou may feel this is a luxury, but there are nearly endless uses for this handy tool. The obvious use is drilling pilot holes for nails and screws, but you can also insert screwdriver bits to help insert or remove screws.
Utility Blades and HolderThere are several varities to choose from in knives. A fast easy one has breakaway blades which is especially useful when doing a wallpaper or a delicate craft project. They are also handy when opening sealed boxes.
Metal StraightedgeChoose a heavy ruler, long level or angle. It can be used to measure or mark, and serves as a cutting guide for heavy materials when using a utility knife.
Felt, Plastic, and Carpet DotsKeep an assortment of these sticky-backed furniture protectors on hand. Felt dots can be applied to the bottoms of vases, candleholders, boxes, or any accessory that might scratch a table surface. Plastic or rubber dots applied to the bottom back corners of a picture can help keep framed pictures level. Carpet dots are heavier and thicker and used under chair and table legs to avoid scrape marks on hardwood floors.
SpackleYou'll need spackle for filling nail holes in sheetrock before painting or to repair small scratches, holes, or dents in walls. Unless you do lots of repair jobs, we'd recommend buying a small tub. Spackle dries out even if you seal the container well, and then it will not go on smoothly.
Putty KnifeTo apply spackle, you'll need a putty knife. Other uses include scraping up a bit of paint or smoothing down a corner of repaired wallpaper. Putty knives come in either metal or plastic and are very inexpensive.
Paint Can KeyThis simple tool will come in handy when you need to open a can or paint, varnish, or stain.
Package Sealing TapeThough it looks like wide Scotch tape, sealing tape is actually stickier and heavier weight. Use it to re-seal cardboard boxes, to tape together a number of slippery items (such as sticks of molding, etc.), or just to prepare boxed gifts for mailing. Get a large tape dispenser which will let you apply tape with one hand if you're moving and need to seal a lot of boxes.

GluesA supply of super glue, carpenter's glue, and white glue should cover most household needs. Follow manufacturer's directions for best results.
SolventsTo remove scratches or sticky substances, paint smudges or tape residue, a small tube of "Goof Off" or "Goo Gone" are good addition to a tool kit. Follow directions on the lables for proper use.

Materials from: http://interiordec.about.com/

Homeowners and apartment dwellers alike need a basic household tool kit.

Homeowners and apartment dwellers alike need a basic household tool kit.

helloween Decor

You may have lots of tools for particular projects that you use infrequently, and they can be kept in a garage or workroom. But having basic tools handy in your living area makes it much more convenient to do simple home repairs.

You might keep these basic tools in a hall closet, a kitchen drawer, or in a handy tool box or plastic box on a shelf in the entry or mudroom.

It doesn't really matter where you keep them, as long as they're easy to get at for quick home repairs. You'll save lots of inconvenient trips out to the garage or down to the basement.
Your in-home basic tool kit should include these basic do-it-yourself items.
Tape MeasureYou may not think you need one, but a 25-foot measuring tape will work for most jobs. Whether you measure for a tablecloth or window treatment, or a whole room for new flooring, choose one large enough to easily measure your home's spaces. A second smaller tape of 6 to 12 feet can be put in a pocket or purse for shopping trips or for hanging pictures.
ScrewdriversTwo basic screwdrivers are a necessity. Choose both a good quality flat head screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver in a medium size. A set of tiny screwdrivers will come in handy when you need to tighten a pair of eyeglasses or fix audio or computer equipment.

PliersOne pliers will not do. Get a small assortment in various sizes and shapes. You'll use a needle-nose pliars most frequently, but have a heavy grooved pliers for removing nails or large staples. Wire cutting pliers are good for wiring and craft jobs.

LevelYou get what you pay for here. It's important to get an accurate level for accurate positioning. A good sturdy level will last a lifetime. (These are also called "torpedo levels" due to shapes of the tapered ends.) A level is a must for straightening up pictures, drilling holes in a level line, checking tabletop alignment, or mounting towel bars perfectly.
HammerWhether you're hanging pictures or putting shelf supports up, a medium weight hammer will cover most household jobs. Consider other sizes if you'll be doing either delicate projects or construction. Vice GripThis tool resembles a pliers, but has a locking mechanism that grips and holds things tightly. Use it to grip a screw you want to remove or use two to twist sticky things apart. They provide a slip-free hold when you need it.
Assortment of Nails and ScrewsYou might find prepackaged sets of basic sizes at a home center or get a small divided box and put together a custom assortment that will come in handy when you hang pictures or make minor repairs.
Wire CuttersSave your scissors with this essential tool. A wire cutter makes it easy to snip wire for crafts, electrical repairs, and other household projects.
PencilsYou'll probably need to mark a drill hole or record a measurement. Have pencils handy and write on post it notes or bits of blue painter's tape if you don't want to write on the wall.
Blue Painter's TapeEven professional painters use this tape to mask off areas they don't want to paint. It's available in several widths and looks like plain masking tape. But this special tape is blue and can be removed from most surfaces without damage. You can use it for other household jobs besides painting. Mark stud locations with a small square when hanging a picture or installing molding. Tape off the edges of a door frame when painting a wall, or tape down runners of heavy kraft paper to protect floors from dirt and scratches when moving.

Here are more basic items to put in a household tool kit.
Cordless DrillYou may feel this is a luxury, but there are nearly endless uses for this handy tool. The obvious use is drilling pilot holes for nails and screws, but you can also insert screwdriver bits to help insert or remove screws.
Utility Blades and HolderThere are several varities to choose from in knives. A fast easy one has breakaway blades which is especially useful when doing a wallpaper or a delicate craft project. They are also handy when opening sealed boxes.
Metal StraightedgeChoose a heavy ruler, long level or angle. It can be used to measure or mark, and serves as a cutting guide for heavy materials when using a utility knife.
Felt, Plastic, and Carpet DotsKeep an assortment of these sticky-backed furniture protectors on hand. Felt dots can be applied to the bottoms of vases, candleholders, boxes, or any accessory that might scratch a table surface. Plastic or rubber dots applied to the bottom back corners of a picture can help keep framed pictures level. Carpet dots are heavier and thicker and used under chair and table legs to avoid scrape marks on hardwood floors.
SpackleYou'll need spackle for filling nail holes in sheetrock before painting or to repair small scratches, holes, or dents in walls. Unless you do lots of repair jobs, we'd recommend buying a small tub. Spackle dries out even if you seal the container well, and then it will not go on smoothly.
Putty KnifeTo apply spackle, you'll need a putty knife. Other uses include scraping up a bit of paint or smoothing down a corner of repaired wallpaper. Putty knives come in either metal or plastic and are very inexpensive.
Paint Can KeyThis simple tool will come in handy when you need to open a can or paint, varnish, or stain.
Package Sealing TapeThough it looks like wide Scotch tape, sealing tape is actually stickier and heavier weight. Use it to re-seal cardboard boxes, to tape together a number of slippery items (such as sticks of molding, etc.), or just to prepare boxed gifts for mailing. Get a large tape dispenser which will let you apply tape with one hand if you're moving and need to seal a lot of boxes.

GluesA supply of super glue, carpenter's glue, and white glue should cover most household needs. Follow manufacturer's directions for best results.
SolventsTo remove scratches or sticky substances, paint smudges or tape residue, a small tube of "Goof Off" or "Goo Gone" are good addition to a tool kit. Follow directions on the lables for proper use.

Materials from: http://interiordec.about.com/

Prevent Mold and Mildew on Home Exterior

By Mark J. Donovan

Do you have mold or mildew forming on your roof shingles or home siding? If so there are a few basic things you can do to prevent this situation from reoccurring after you remove what is already there for mold and mildew.

There are three main reasons why mold and mildew form on your home’s exterior. They are (1) high moisture levels, (2) lack of airflow, and (3) lack of sunshine.

To prevent mold and mildew from forming on the exterior of your home you need to address all three of these issues.

For preventative care on an existing home, look at the shrubs and trees around your home. Keep the shrubs trimmed and away from the home siding. Second, if your home is enveloped by large trees remove them, or at least thin them out. This will allow sunshine to come through and hit the home, as well as allow air to circulate around the home. The sunlight and airflow will help keep the home drier and thus prevent mold and mildew from forming.

If you have plans to build a new home, make sure you consider where your roof valleys will lie relative to the sun. If your roof valleys are planned to face north, chances are you will eventually have mold and mildew forming on the roof shingles and siding that is constantly shaded. Remember from your boy/girl scouts days and the training that moss typically forms on the north sides of trees. The same is true with houses.

Consider positioning your home so that the roof valleys get sufficient sunlight throughout the day, or eliminating the roof valleys where they would otherwise face the north. Of course changing roof valleys in your home design might sound drastic, but on the other hand dealing with mold and mildew on your home can alternatively become a big problem for you and your number one investment.

Modern Living Room with 4 Elements

This is a perfect modern living space that fused the four elements – earth, air, fire and water into an oasis that served as a retreat from the overload of everyday life. Within 600 square feet, It's created a space where one lives among features that are most often sacrificed in small home living. An indoor garden and candle-powered fireplace, along with a foldout wall bed create the perfect home for the modern nomad.