Category: General Home Improvement

5 Tips for an Open Kitchen Layout

Many of us have been working from home for over a year now due to COVID-19. Even if you don’t actually work from home, chances are you’ve spent a lot more time at your house than years past. With all this time spent indoors, a lot of us are thinking about ways to improve the functionality of our homes. From smaller DIY projects to full-on home renovations, one of the most popular places to start a home design project is in the kitchen. Gone are the days of closed-off rooms and instead, design is trending towards more open-concept spaces, especially between the kitchen and living room. Below, you’ll find 5 tips for an open kitchen layout. 

Source: Unsplash

 

1) Plan The Space in Advance 

If you’re doing a full renovation and tearing walls out, you’re already in contact with a contractor. Even if you’re doing it yourself, take the time to really think about planning your space in advance. How does the room transition into other rooms? Remember to leave enough room in your living room – too big of a kitchen can result in a cramped seating and living area. 

Don’t forget the kitchen triangle theory of design. This theory states that the three main workspaces in the kitchen should form a triangle, making the room flow. Typically, the stove, refrigerator and sink should form this triangle, although design can vary from space to space.

2) Utilize Flooring

Open kitchen layouts make your home look larger. However, since you are combining two rooms, you need to ensure that the spaces flow together well. It’s fine to utilize different, complementary paint and finishing between the two rooms, but one thing to note is the flooring. 

The best way to get a cohesive look is to utilize hardwood flooring – it’s a great way to transition one space to another. One common mistake by homeowners is to use a combination of flooring in an open concept space like hardwoods and tile. This can look disjointed and a bit odd, since the point of an open concept is to have one open room. Hardwood flooring is durable and can be easily cleaned, which works well for both living rooms and kitchens.

Whether you choose oak, cherry, pine or even bamboo, hardwood benefits far outweigh alternatives. Check out this blog post that explains 7 benefits of installing hardwood flooring in your kitchen. 

3) Organization is Key

One of the main benefits of an open kitchen layout is the way your space effortlessly flows from one area to the next. However, this doesn’t come without some limitations. Instead of simply closing the door to a messy kitchen, with an open concept, everything is on display for guests. As with designing the space with intention, planning ways to remain organized is key for a functional and inviting space. 

Organization can be achieved through a variety of factors from large, floor-to-ceiling cabinets to separate pantry closets. While it may seem obvious, taking the extra time to really plan where all of your items will go will save you the clutter headache in the future.

Source: Unsplash

4) Don’t Forget Lighting

Lighting is a crucial aspect to designing any room, but especially an open concept kitchen. Your lighting will need to allow you to cook safely while also doubling as a way to create ambience in the living part of the space. 

In addition to ceiling lighting, hanging lights may also provide a stylish and effective way to appropriately light your space. While you want your hardwood floors to seamlessly connect the two areas of your space, oftentimes a kitchen requires different lighting than a family room. Direct lights over a kitchen island or sink might work better for the kitchen area of the space, while floor and table lamps work well in the living space. If your budget allows, dimmers are also an excellent investment.

5) Have Fun

At the end of the day, most design advice is not the end all be all. Pinterest and other forms of social media are great places to look for trends, but there’s also something to be said about following your gut. After you have the foundation in place (layout, hardwood flooring, etc.) it’s ok, and even encouraged, to play with aspects of the design like color and furniture that speak to you. After all, you’re going to be the one spending the most time in the space, so it’s important that it’s a reflection of you. 

For most households, the kitchen is a high foot-traffic zone. From mom’s movements during meal-making to the continual pitter-patter of hungry children searching through kitchen cabinets, your kitchen floors rarely get a break. And with having to endure the spills, stains and scraps that accompany the breakfast, lunch and dinnertime rush, your kitchen floor will likely be the dirtiest in the house too!

As such, when it comes to this area, selecting the right kitchen flooring takes thoughtful consideration. Think durability, sustainably and easiness to clean and you’ll find yourself a floor that suits your kitchen’s unique needs. It’s perhaps the reason that so many people turn to hardwood flooring as the perfect long-term solution.

So, what makes hardwood flooring so desirable in your home’s food hub? Here are 7 benefits of installing hardwood floors in your kitchen.

Elegant Look

The overall look of your kitchen can influence the vibe of the rest of your home. When you’re thinking about interior design, it’s often difficult to balance style with functionality; sometimes the most practical solutions aren’t the prettiest! But that’s where hardwood flooring really shines. 

Hardwood floors have the ability to completely refine and transform a space, making sure this general meeting place feels both warm and inviting. No other material can quite emulate the homely feel that the natural tones of hardwood flooring exude. With tones ranging from dark to light, each style of hardwood has its own unique character and can fit with your own personal aesthetic.

Durability

 As the kitchen is considered a major hub in any household, scuffs and marks are to be expected. That said, it is vital that you consider a flooring product that can stand the test of time while taking a daily beating! With hardwood’s strength and durability, you can be assured that your kitchen floors will keep their beautiful appearance for years to come.

When it comes to durability, it’s best to research wood species that have a high ranking on the Janka hardness chart. This rating provides an estimate of both the hardness and durability of your chosen wood style and will help you make an informed decision unique to your personal circumstances. To help you determine which style is best for your home you can use this guide.

Easy To Clean

Undeniably, kitchens are prone to mess. Not to worry, though. Hardwood floors take the chore out of cleaning as stains and dirt won’t stick to this material’s surface the same way as it does with other flooring options.

When it comes to day to day maintenance, hardwood floors are mostly hassle-free. To maintain the fresh appearance of your hardwood floors, you may want to have them refinished periodically, but when it comes to regular care, your weekly clean routine is quite simple. All that’s needed is a quick vacuum and sweep with a mop and your floors will be back in tip-top shape. 

Softer & Warmer Than Tile

Inevitably, natural wood exudes a feeling of warmth, both in an aesthetic sense and also in a physical sense. In fact, hardwood floors actually feel warmer underfoot. Often, tiles retain coolness which can be refreshing in the summertime but can feel unbearable when the winter rolls around. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, sustain their comforting feel throughout all times and seasons.

Adds Greater Value To Your Home

It’s true, wooden floors add value to your home. If there comes a time where you’re looking to sell your home, potential buyers often prefer a timeless wood over chipped tiles. Investing in decent hardwood floors now will pay off in the long run so if cost is your deciding factor, maybe you should reconsider.

Better Air Quality

Hardwood floors do not trap dust, pollen or other common allergens. This means that installing wooden floors in your kitchen will promote significantly better airflow. Often, people who suffer from allergies choose hardwood flooring as it allows them to breathe comfortably. So, ultimately with wooden floors, you won’t need to opt for an outdoor kitchen to get a breath of fresh air!

While you might think the same can be said for tiles and laminate, this is not completely true. Even though these alternative options do not have fibers like carpet, dust can still collect inside their grout lines and embossing. 

Hardwood Floors Can Make Your Home Seem Larger

No one likes feeling cramped, especially not in the kitchen. Most of the time, your kitchen is your general meeting place so you not only want it to feel inviting but also accommodating too. Given that hardwood floors are laid vertically they help create the illusion of length in even the smallest of kitchens.

 Images: Unsplash

For most households, the kitchen is a high foot-traffic zone. From mom’s movements during meal-making to the continual pitter-patter of hungry children searching through kitchen cabinets, your kitchen floors rarely get a break. And with having to endure the spills, stains and scraps that accompany the breakfast, lunch and dinnertime rush, your kitchen floor will likely be the dirtiest in the house too!

 As such, when it comes to this area, selecting the right kitchen flooring takes thoughtful consideration. Think durability, sustainably and easiness to clean and you’ll find yourself a floor that suits your kitchen’s unique needs. It’s perhaps the reason that so many people turn to hardwood flooring as the perfect long-term solution.

 So, what makes hardwood flooring so desirable in your home’s food hub? Here are 7 benefits of installing hardwood floors in your kitchen.

1.     Elegant Look

The overall look of your kitchen can influence the vibe of the rest of your home. When you’re thinking about interior design, it’s often difficult to balance style with functionality; sometimes the most practical solutions aren’t the prettiest! But that’s where hardwood flooring really shines. 

Hardwood floors have the ability to completely refine and transform a space, making sure this general meeting place feels both warm and inviting. No other material can quite emulate the homely feel that the natural tones of hardwood flooring exude. With tones ranging from dark to light, each style of hardwood has its own unique character and can fit with your own personal aesthetic. 

2.     Durability

 As the kitchen is considered a major hub in any household, scuffs and marks are to be expected. That said, it is vital that you consider a flooring product that can stand the test of time while taking a daily beating! With hardwood’s strength and durability, you can be assured that your kitchen floors will keep their beautiful appearance for years to come.

When it comes to durability, it’s best to research wood species that have a high ranking on the Janka hardness chart. This rating provides an estimate of both the hardness and durability of your chosen wood style and will help you make an informed decision unique to your personal circumstances. To help you determine which style is best for your home you can use this guide. 

3.     Easy To Clean

Undeniably, kitchens are prone to mess. Not to worry, though. Hardwood floors take the chore out of cleaning as stains and dirt won’t stick to this material’s surface the same way as it does with other flooring options.

When it comes to day to day maintenance, hardwood floors are mostly hassle-free. To maintain the fresh appearance of your hardwood floors, you may want to have them refinished periodically, but when it comes to regular care, your weekly clean routine is quite simple. All that’s needed is a quick vacuum and sweep with a mop and your floors will be back in tip-top shape. 

4.     Softer & Warmer Than Tile

Inevitably, natural wood exudes a feeling of warmth, both in an aesthetic sense and also in a physical sense. In fact, hardwood floors actually feel warmer underfoot. Often, tiles retain coolness which can be refreshing in the summertime but can feel unbearable when the winter rolls around. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, sustain their comforting feel throughout all times and seasons.

5.     Adds Greater Value To Your Home

It’s true, wooden floors add value to your home. If there comes a time where you’re looking to sell your home, potential buyers often prefer a timeless wood over chipped tiles. Investing in decent hardwood floors now will pay off in the long run so if cost is your deciding factor, maybe you should reconsider.

6.     Better Air Quality

Hardwood floors do not trap dust, pollen or other common allergens. This means that installing wooden floors in your kitchen will promote significantly better airflow. Often, people who suffer from allergies choose hardwood flooring as it allows them to breathe comfortably. So, ultimately with wooden floors, you won’t need to opt for an outdoor kitchen to get a breath of fresh air!

While you might think the same can be said for tiles and laminate, this is not completely true. Even though these alternative options do not have fibers like carpet, dust can still collect inside their grout lines and embossing. 

7.     Hardwood Floors Can Make Your Home Seem Larger

 No one likes feeling cramped, especially not in the kitchen. Most of the time, your kitchen is your general meeting place so you not only want it to feel inviting but also accommodating too. Given that hardwood floors are laid vertically they help create the illusion of length in even the smallest of kitchens.

 Images: Unsplash

 

 

Most of us are well-versed in the best ways to keep our homes in good condition. From weekly cleaning to routine maintenance, keeping on our homes in ship-shape is second nature.

But when it comes to commercial properties, a whole new list of maintenance-related issues come to the fore. Whether your business is customer-facing or otherwise, many business premises undergo much rougher wear and tear than a residential property would ever be exposed to. From high foot-traffic to a lower level of vigilance to keep things in great condition, the task of keeping a commercial property well-maintained is a tedious, yet essential one. 

So, how can you keep your commercial property not only looking great for customers but safe for visitors and staff too? Here are the top 5 most important things you should consider.

 

1. Look After Your Floors

Commercial floors take a beating, and it’s not only retail stores which are subject to extreme wear and tear. The impact of rolling of computer chairs, staff movement and other related occupational hazards in office environments must not be underestimated.

When renovating your commercial property, it’s essential that you consider the material you use to ensure it is fit for purpose. One great option is hardwood flooring if you’re looking for a real “wow” factor in your property, but it does come with certain considerations. If you have hardwood floors in your property, it is absolutely vital that you protect them from moisture and keep them well-maintained. Choosing a wood that is hardwearing and durable is also essential.

 

2. Service Your HVAC

Nothing irks staff and customers more than being uncomfortably hot in your premises, and it’s something that will impact your business on a level you may not have considered. Employees lose productivity while you lose customers! 

With that in mind, getting your air-conditioning unit serviced by a professional HVAC servicing company will undoubtedly help you avoid such an impact on your business. You must make sure you’re diligent about scheduling this in too. Regularly changing filters and having your unit serviced annually (at least) will protect your HVAC and save you money in the long run.

 

3. Don’t Forget To Look Up

While you’re looking at what’s right in front of you, don’t forget to look up! Keeping your roof and ceiling well-maintained will inevitably safeguard you from potentially property-ruining leaks. Plus, while your ceiling isn’t the make or break of your business, ensuring the upper echelons of your property don’t leave your customers with a negative impression of your business is important.

If you have a commercial metal roof, your maintenance schedule will be less rigorous than if you have an asphalt or single-ply roof. That said, all roofs need routine maintenance and they should be checked annually for early identification of any problems which may become costly down the track.

 

4. Make-Over The Right Way

Sometimes, you’ll want to freshen up your space to give it an update and present a professional look to your customers and staff. When a complete makeover is out of the question though, there are a few small things that you can do to make a huge difference. 

Firstly, look at your windows. They’re often an underestimated element of interior design but by simply changing your window treatments, you can change the whole vibe of your space. If you have the budget to take things one step further, considering new flooring, such as hardwood, vinyl or carpet can transform your property from bland to grand in an instant. 

On a budget? You can still make a difference with a splash of paint, some decorative items and indoor plants.

 

5. Remember Your Exterior

First impressions count, and that goes for your staff and your customers. So, what is their first impression of your commercial property? Is the paint on the outside of your building faded or flakey? Does your landscaping look like you care? Is your storefront inviting? Stand and look at your property as your staff or customers would before they enter and ask yourself, “Am I portraying a good impression of my business?” If the answer is no, fix the issues you identify!

 

 

 

 

With entertaining at the heart of the season, you may be considering giving your entertaining spaces a little (or big!) makeover this summer. 

Between summer cookouts and late-night movie nights out on the deck, when it comes to inviting guests into our homes, we all want to make an impression. Whether you’re looking to make big changes or you’re wanting to spruce up your space on a shoestring budget, there are a number of ideas that will help you wow!

Check out these 7 summer renovation tips which are sure to impress your visitors.

 

1. Flooring and Decking

Upgrading your floors can completely transform a drab space into a fresh, modern and beautiful area bound to make your guests take notice. Hardwood flooring is incredibly effective in entertaining areas as it not only looks stunning, but it can withstand foot traffic too (if you pick the right one!). What’s more, during summer, when many homes throw open their patio doors, hardwood flooring creates a cohesive flow between indoors and outdoors, especially if you have decking. 

If you do have decking, consider sanding and re-oiling it before summer comes around. It might feel like a big job but it’ll be worth it when you see the life breathed back into your old boards.

 

2. The Devil’s In The Detail

It’s the small things that can make all the difference. So, if you want to revamp your space without making any major changes, think about decorative items which will brighten things up. A summer vibe can be achieved with vibrantly colored kitchenware – think waterjugs, glasses and table linens – summery flowers and sweet smelling candles. 

 

3. Keep It Cool

We all love summer, but sometimes, the heat can get a little too much! Making sure your guests have a way to stay cool while you’re entertaining can make for a much more enjoyable experience. Obviously, look after the basics first and make sure your AC unit has been serviced and the filters have been changed (TIP: get a professional HVAC servicing company to do it so you don’t have to!), but then have fun with your cooling options. Opt for some outdoor fans which suit your aesthetic, offer your guests water spray bottles and create a stylish ice-box area so your guests can keep their drinks cool.

 

4. Think Of The Children

Entertaining isn’t just for adults, backyard BBQs are often a whole family affair. So, as well as creating a space for the big kids to enjoy, think of the little ones too. Think inflatable pool, playground equipment and giant backyard games. If there are teenagers in the mix, create an outdoor chill-out zone they can enjoy.

 

5. Remember: it’s all about the food!

Summer isn’t summer without the food! If you don’t have a high-quality grill, it might be time to invest in one. Creating a focal point around your outdoor food-preparation area is a wise idea in terms of design and functionality; the grill itself acts as a design piece and the food is right near your guests, just where they want it!

 

6. Think About Your Windows

Window treatments are an often overlooked part of interior design, but with a little love, your windows can actually change the whole feel of your space. Depending on the look you want to go for, you have a multitude of different options open to you. That said, the versatility of roman blinds in terms of style and color makes them extremely effective when trying to create a certain feel in a room. As a pro tip, make sure your window treatments don’t clash with your floors ie, if you have dark hardwood flooring, lighter window treatments would work; if you have white tiles, colorful blinds and drapes may be ideal.

 

7. Infuse Your Home With Scent

Creating an inviting atmosphere for entertaining doesn’t just stop with what you can see. When guests walk into your home, you want them to feel the fresh, vibrance of summery delight! Using fresh lemon in your detergent when cleaning, lighting a summery candle or diffusing some zesty essential oils will go a long way to setting the scene for summer in your home. What’s more, if you do have hardwood flooring or wooden furniture, consider polishing them with a lemon-scented polish.

Many wise investors realize that rental property is a great way to grow long-term wealth. With the homes being well taken care of, the maintenance of multiple houses is not astronomical, and you make a decent amount of money on a monthly basis from each rental property you own. While this seems like a simple process, there are a few things that you need to be aware of before beginning a rental agreement. The better prepared you are for various situations to arise, the more successful you will be in the long run.

Here are five facts about rental investing you can’t ignore.

Fact #1: Choosing and Purchasing Rental Property Can Be Stressful

Regardless of how many rental properties you plan to own and rent out, you need to make sure you can purchase them all at a reasonable rate. The cost of the home will have a direct impact on how much you can make each month. If you end up financing the house and then turn around and rent it out, make sure you can make more money by renting out the home than what you owe in a mortgage payment. Work with the real estate agent and try to get the lowest possible amount for each house you rent out. The location of the home is something that heavily weighs into the process because if you are buying a home in an excellent area, you will always have a steady stream of income with people wanting to live in your rental property.

Fact #2: You Most Likely Have to Make Updates to the Home

If you are getting a home at a low cost, chances are you are going to have to drop a few thousand dollars to update the house. You want the house to be appealing for potential renters to want to live there. Updates might include new flooring, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, new appliances, updated countertops, and modern light fixtures. Your goal should be to have the home looking as sharp as possible, so you are sure to have tenants ready to sign a lease with you. All of the work needs to be as professional as possible and closely reflecting the latest trends. If you are not willing to update the home between tenants living there, then you might not be successful when it is time to find a new family to live in the property.

Of course, hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for rental homes because it’s durable and easy to repair or refinish.

Recommended Reading: 

• How to Choose the Best Hardwood Flooring for any Home
• Design Ideas to Revamp Your Rental Interiors (Renter’s Warehouse)

Fact #3: Choosing Tenants is a Tedious Chore

As soon as you complete your updates, you are ready to find someone to live in your home temporarily. While it is easy to jump at the first person who shows any interest, make sure to take your time with the process and choose a renter you trust will take care of the home and be responsible for making their monthly payments on time. Waiting for the perfect tenant will be worth your time in the end as you will not have to worry about them causing severe damage to the home.

Fact #4: Someone Must be Available to Monitor the House

If you are living close to the rental property, you can make it part of your weekly or monthly routine to drive in and check on the status of the home. If you are far away, however, there are property management crews that can take care of this job for you. Either way, you need to keep an eye on the home and make sure that the tenants are properly caring for the area and helping to make the house stay as beautiful as it was the day the tenants stepped inside.

Fact #5: You Need to be Prepared to Manage Repairs Right Away

One thing people often forget when they take on rental properties is that if anything goes wrong inside or around the house, it is your responsibility as the homeowner to handle these issues. Renters do not have to replace broken dishwashers or plumbing issues that arise, because that is the responsibility of the landlord. Make sure you can handle the financial burden of fixing these issues yourself or have access to professionals that can resolve the problems. You need to remain patient in the process and keep your schedule open to address the problems as they arise. If you want to be a good landlord, then handle the problems without letting tenants know you are upset or stressed, even if it is a financial strain on you.

Final Thoughts

Owning rental properties is a lot more than just collecting a monthly check. You need to have to have the finances available to fix up your rental property before listing it. You need to be prepared to handle the different problems that will arise while the tenants are residing in the property. Being aware of the entire process and all responsibilities associated with owning a rental property will make it a smooth and easy way to make extra money each month. As long as you keep this in mind, get ready to make a wise investment.