If you’re designing a kitchen, you’re probably well aware that every choice you make has a huge impact. With the average U.S. kitchen remodeling costing a whopping $14,000, even a small mistake can be expensive!

That’s why it’s crucial to consider everything from your overall layout to the detailing. To create a space that’s both functional and fit for socialization, you’ll need to take advantage of every inch of your space. Here’s how to get it done.

1. Start With Your Layout

When you’re considering your layout’s functionality, the most crucial element is the workspace between your stove, refrigerator, and sink. These three areas should be close together, allowing you to move between them with ease as you cook. It also helps to have a prep area near your stove when working.

From there, think about where it makes sense to store food and kitchenware—such as storing plates near the dishwasher for ease of use, or cups near the teapot or stove.

2. Look for Multifunctional Use

Whether you have an immense kitchen or a tiny one, it’s important to consider multifunctional elements that make the most of your space. Things like a kitchen island with seating, wall storage racks, and window herb gardens let you use every inch of the space available to you.

3. Focus On Your Cabinets

More than any other element, your cabinets make a huge statement on your available space. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right shade or material.

If your kitchen doesn’t receive a lot of light, or if your cabinets will sit toward a darker side of the room, lighter-colored cabinets can make the room feel brighter and larger. For rooms that receive a great deal of light, darker cabinets can create a beautiful kitchen design by making the space feel cozier. While bold colors can be a fun idea when decorating a kitchen, it’s often smarter to stick with neutrals with your cabinets, allowing you to swap out your color scheme with ease if you change your mind in a few years.

4. Stay Practical

While searching for kitchen ideas that add personality can be a blast, don’t forget to consider the practicality of every choice you make. For example, consider the space between your ceilings and the tops of your cabinets in terms of cleaning and storage, decide whether you’ll need child safety details for lower cabinets and appliances, and make sure you’re adding electrical outlets where you’ll need them.

5. Don’t Forget the Social Elements

While the kitchen is first and foremost a practical space, it can also be the heart of your home—as long as you plan it right. Consider comfort when buying barstools, add a bar or drink cart, and keep the area open to foot traffic. With the right touch, your kitchen will become a welcoming social hub where your family enjoys gathering.

Designing a Kitchen With Ease

While designing a kitchen can feel like a monumental task, keeping the big picture in mind can make smaller decisions a breeze. Consider the functional design and use of your layout, appliances, seating, and more to create a space you’ll love for years to come!

Want more tips to help you make the most of your home? Be sure to check out our other posts for additional insights.

Vintage interior of retro orange armchair, vintage wooden light blue sideboard, old phonograph (gramophone), vinyl records on background of beige wall, tiled porcelain floor, and red carpet

The furniture market size will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6% from 2021 to 2025. It’s estimated the global market size will reach $850.38 billion in 2025.

The idea of decorating your home can be overwhelming. You may have ideas of what you want but may not know how to go about the whole process.

Sometimes you may think you know your furniture style but still doubt if you’re making the right decision. Even with the different types of furniture, you must find a style that matches your home decor and size.

Read on to learn some of the best furniture styles and how you can choose them for your home.

Farmhouse Style Furniture

This style is simple in form and functionality. Besides, the farmhouse style makes use of different fabric textures.

You’ll also find many vintage décor pieces with this style. Farmhouse style makes everything feel casual and comfortable. Also, it’s one of the furniture styles that present a great opportunity to mix and match everything. For example, a set of mismatched rustic plates can give a funky vibe while still feeling intentional.

Traditional Furniture Style

This style of furniture is timeless and doesn’t change with fashion trends. It’s also unique and uncommon for its rich heritage.

Most traditional furniture will have rich textured fabrics like velvet, silk, and jacquard. You’ll find gold, brass, bronze, and copper metal tones with a satin finish.

These pieces of furniture have gentle curves that combine with straight lines. Both Sofas and armchairs have rolled arms that curve outwards.

Traditional furniture styles come from dark hardwoods. These include walnut, cherry, mahogany, and oak trees.

Modern Furniture Styles

Modern furniture styles have one of the biggest collections of designs. These styles of furniture can also apply to any home size. Besides, you’ll have an easy time cleaning and maintaining your furniture.

There’s more emphasis on straight lines and sharp angles. You’d expect to get square-edged sofas, tables, and acrylic chairs with angular details.

With modern furniture styles, there’s also major use of industrial materials such as polished steel and glass.

Contemporary Furniture Style

This versatile style borrows a lot from both old and new, hence its adaptability to different aesthetics. Besides, the contemporary furniture style accommodates a variety of designs, shapes, and sizes.

You’ll find clean lines and soft edges that are sleek. Contemporary furniture styles can get used in any homestead and blend well with other styles to give a diverse look. That’s achieved by matching up contours, wood tones, and color schemes.

Choosing the Right Furniture Style

Consider your space where you want to place the furniture, and start envisioning a few possibilities for the space. You can also come up with an inspiration board online before you go furniture shopping. This allows you to form a more concrete vision for the style you want to capture.

Keep in mind that furniture style is all about what you love and how it makes you feel. Visit this page for more information on choosing the right furniture for your home décor.

Waterfront real estate makes for amazing retirement properties, vacation homes, and rental properties. They offer the owner or renter a private slice of paradise.

However, because of the demand for these types of properties and what they offer, waterfront homes are more expensive than typical single-family homes. If you want to invest in waterfront property for personal or entrepreneurial reasons, it’s going to cost you.

Therefore, you need to ask yourself, “Is investing in waterfront property for sale the right move?”

We can help you answer this question. Keep reading for everything you need to know before you take the plunge.

What Are the Benefits of Waterfront Properties?

First, let’s talk about the benefits of buying a waterfront property. Properties on the beach grant the owner or renter private beach access as well as stunning ocean views. They also get to enjoy the smell of the sea and endless ocean and beach recreational activities.

A lakefront property will offer amazing views and access to tons of exciting experiences. This includes everything from swimming and water skiing to fishing and snorkeling.

These desirable lifestyles draw in tourists and renters. If you don’t live in the waterfront property yourself, you can earn a respectable income renting it out.

Can You Get Approved for a Loan?

When looking at waterfront property for sale, it’s important to know your finances. How much money can you get approved for? What will your interest rates and loan terms be?

We recommend getting preapproved for a mortgage before you start shopping for homes. If you don’t know your loan eligibility, you could end up placing an offer on a waterfront property you aren’t qualified for.

Do You Need a Real Estate Agent?

One of the most important waterfront property buying tips is to hire an experienced agent from the area. Not only are they familiar with the local real estate market, but they also have valuable negotiating skills. They can work with you and the buyer to make sure you get the best possible deal.

Furthermore, your real estate agent can help you gain access to waterfront property for sale so you can tour each home in person. It’s never recommended to buy real estate sight unseen.

What Will Be Your Yearly Costs?

Finally, aside from your initial expenses like realtor fees and closing costs, how much will the waterfront property cost you over time? Consider all of the costs of owning the home. This includes:

• Monthly mortgage payments
• Property taxes
• Utilities and services
• Homeowner’s insurance
• HOA fees
• Home maintenance and repairs
• And more

It’s important to understand these costs to avoid biting off more than you can chew. You don’t want to put yourself in a difficult financial position.

Looking for Waterfront Property for Sale?

Are you thinking about investing in waterfront property for sale? If so, who could blame you?

These properties provide amazing opportunities for owners of all kinds. Just make sure you consider all the factors listed above before making any offers.

And if you’re looking for more real estate advice or financial tips, you’re in the right place. Check out some of our other articles before you go to find everything you need.

Close-up Of A Person Cleaning Carpet With Vacuum Cleaner

Did you know that there is most likely an army of dust mites living in your carpet? Depending on how old and beat up your carpet is, it may also be filled with other types of insects such as carpet beetles. This is not to mention other things that can start living and growing within carpets such as mold and fungi.

Even if you take relatively good care of your carpet, it is still likely to be covered in dust, pollen, and other materials that may irritate your allergies. So, how often should you get your carpet cleaned by a professional? To answer this carpet cleaning question, let’s take a look at the different factors that can determine how often your carpet needs cleaning.

Consider How Well Trafficked Your Carpet Is

You might not think about it this way, but some of the carpets in your home are likely not as popular as others. Traffic refers to how often you and the members of your family walk over a certain carpeted space. For example, if you have carpet at your front door, then this carpet will have seen a lot of traffic because you will have to step over it every time you enter your home.

If you have kids, they might forget to take off their shoes and track dirt and mud all over the carpet. Even if you walk over your carpet with socks on or bare feet, you can still track all sorts of dust, skin cells, and sweat over the fibers of your carpet. And if you have a pet such as a dog or a cat, you can expect that your carpet will be infused with countless pet hairs as well.

You will notice that a trafficked carpet will usually not look all that great. The carpet fibers may be frayed or matted and the color of the fabric may look dirty or washed out. Your carpet may also emit an odor if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while or if it’s old.

A carpet that doesn’t see a lot of traffic, on the other hand, will remain in great condition. For example, the carpet in your closet looks new compared to the carpet in your living room or hallway. For a trafficked carpet, you’ll need more than a vacuum cleaner to get the job done.

That’s why professional carpet cleaners exist. Fortunately, it isn’t hard to find a good carpet cleaner like Chem-Dry of Fort Worth. Getting your well-trafficked carpets steam cleaned every quarter is always a great idea.

Pets, Allergies, and Smoking Habits

While carpets that don’t receive a lot of traffic naturally won’t need as much cleaning, the question of how often to clean your carpet still can depend on a variety of other factors. In this carpet cleaning guide, you will find that traffic is only one of many things you will need to consider when it comes to carpet cleaning advice. You will also need to consider if you or your family members have any allergies.

Your smoking habits are important as well, along with whether or not you have pets. If you have allergies, then you know that anything that irritates them can make you feel seriously unwell. People with allergies tend to experience more allergy problems from dirty carpets than they realize.

This is because, even though a carpet may look clean, it can still hold on to dust, pollen, insects, mold, and plenty of other microscopic debris. As you spend time in your home, you breathe in everything that your carpet may be harboring. This, of course, is not ideal for your lungs or your allergies.

For that reason, if your allergies are a real problem, you should have a professional cleaner clean your carpet every quarter. This will ensure that there will be no excess dust or mold piling up unseen within your carpet. If you have pets, you should also consider steam cleaning your carpet every quarter.

This is because pets, even if they’re clean, can bring mites and other insects into your home if they have been playing or walking outside. If you smoke, you might want to think about having your carpet cleaned as often. This is because smoke has a tendency of sticking to carpet fibers and leaving an unpleasant smell in your home.

Consider the Color of Your Carpet

The color of your carpet can determine how often you should clean it because, with some colors, dirt may show up easier. For example, a white carpet can make your home look bright and clean. However, its downside is that it can easily get dirty.

For that reason, you might need to have a white carpet cleaned more often than a carpet of a different shade. Carpets that are black, brown, or another dark color tend to hide dirt more compared to carpets of a lighter color. On white carpets, even the slightest scuffs can be prominent and make your carpet look older and dirtier than it really is.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t wash colored carpets too much because the color may start to fade. This is especially true with brightly colored carpets such as red or orange. You can clean a lot of scuffs off of your carpet on your own, but if you find that there are some marks that you can’t get out, it may be time for a deep clean.

How Often Should You Get Your Carpet Cleaned

If you were wondering how often should you get your carpet cleaned, you should now know all about it. From considering how trafficked your carpet is to the color, there are many things that can influence how often you should clean your carpet.

To learn more, explore the home and garden section of our website.

Young woman trying out new wallpaper at home holding the roll up against a newly painted white wall for visual effect

In the United States, it is estimated that at least 80% of the houses will need renovating or remodeling since they’re over 20 years old. While 20 years isn’t a lot of time, it’s still enough for the house to need some updating and improving.

Whether you’re fixing your own home or flip houses for a living, renovating can be challenging and stressful if you don’t plan well for it.

Wondering how to renovate a house without getting overwhelmed in the process? Keep reading to learn our best tips.

1. Make a Plan

The key to any successful home renovation is having a solid plan. No matter how many rooms you plan to renovate, make a plan for each one. This will be your personal home makeover guide that you can refer to and get ideas from.

Sometimes, planning a big kitchen and bathroom remodel can be more costly than you anticipated so make a plan B for that as well. If you only plan to do small improvements like replacing the tiles, floors, or windows, you may have some money left for some additional sprucing up.

2. Set a Budget

When brainstorming home renovation ideas, it’s easy to get carried away. This is where you set a strict budget and plan based on what you can afford right now. For example, if you want to change the windows in the entire house, you may want to leave your kitchen remodel or floor replacement for another time.

It’s all about prioritizing and finding the best deals out there, so start researching months ahead. If you’re in the flipping home business, it’s a good idea to apply for fix-and-flip loans and know exactly what you’re working with.

3. Hire Contractors

Unless your budget is tight and you want to do it all by yourself, hiring contractors will not only speed up the renovation process but also give you a better end result.

They’ll also give you tips about remodeling a house and work with you to bring your vision to reality. Make sure to double-check the contractor company, ask for recommendations, and read online reviews.

4. Prepare Your House for Renovating

One of the most important things on your home renovation checklist should be prepping your house for renovation. This means packing all rooms, removing light fixtures, carpets, heating and cooling devices, ceiling fans, and everything you want to protect from damage.

It’s best to rent a storage unit and keep your belongings there during the renovation. Once some of the rooms are completed, you can start moving the items back and get a smaller storage unit.

5. Trust the Process

The best home renovation advice we can give you is to trust the process. When your house is empty and there’s mess everywhere, it’s easy to get discouraged. It’s important to keep your vision in mind and know that things may be messy and chaotic now, but there’s an end in sight and you’ll love the results.

Now You Know How To Renovate a House the Right Way

Whether you’re fixing up an old build or renovating your first-ever home, having a solid plan, quality contractors, and a clear vision are essential for a successful renovation. These tips will help you learn how to renovate a house the right way, without getting stressed and overwhelmed.

Want more home improvement and home maintenance tips? Head over to our blog where we share the best posts, news, and trends in the home industry to help you turn your home into a sanctuary.

new apartment, kitchen view

Purchasing real estate is one of the fastest ways that you can grow your net worth. However, this doesn’t mean you are limited to residential real estate.

If you own a commercial building like a warehouse or factory, installing concrete floor finishes in your indoor space can go a long way when it comes to increasing value. However, not everybody understands what they should about concrete floor coatings.

Let’s explore the different types of finished concrete floors you should keep in mind.

1. Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring is a finish that is made up of two main components: resin and hardener. When these two are mixed together, they create a chemical reaction that results in a durable, abrasion-resistant surface.

Epoxy flooring is often used in industrial and commercial settings because it can withstand constant wear and tear. It’s also slip-resistant, meaning it is a good option for areas that see a lot of traffic.

One drawback of epoxy flooring is that it can be expensive. Additionally, it can be difficult to install and maintain. If you are looking for a durable concrete floor finish that will withstand heavy use, epoxy flooring may be the right option for you.

Poured epoxy flooring is a popular choice in a warehouse and industrial settings. It is durable, slip-resistant, and easy to clean.

2. Polyurea Flooring

Polyurea flooring is a type of coating that is made up of two parts: polyurethane and acrylic.

Polyurea flooring is often used in industrial and commercial settings because it can withstand constant wear and tear.

It’s also resistant to chemicals and UV rays, making it a good option for settings that see a lot of exposure to the sun.

3. Concrete Polishing

Concrete polishing is a process that uses abrasives and polishing tools to buff the surface of concrete until it is smooth.

This leaves a shiny, polished finish that can be used in commercial settings. One advantage of concrete polishing is that it is a relatively affordable option compared to other floor finishes.

You can check out this resource by Garage Force to learn more about a reputable servicer.

4. Stained Concrete

Concrete stains are pigments or stains that are applied to the surface of the concrete to give it a specific color. There are a wide variety of colors and finishes available, so you can create a look that is unique to your space.

Concrete stains can be used in both residential and commercial settings, and are a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas. If you are looking for a beautiful, unique floor finish, stained concrete may be the right option for you.

Choosing The Right Concrete Floor Finishes Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult

Most people find that it is actually easier than anticipated. With the above information in mind, choosing the right concrete floor finishes will become a relatively simple process that you will likely enjoy.

Looking for other useful tips like these? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog.

Many people may consider their homes their safe havens to return to following a long day. After many years living in a home, you may notice that it needs minor or extensive repairs. You’ll want the upgrades for your property but may hesitate because home improvement services can be complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. However, described below are some reasons home improvement is so significant and why you should pursue repairs, renovations, and remodels in order to keep your home functional, safe, and comfortable.

Home improvement projects can increase your home’s functionality.

Some people may notice wear and tear throughout their homes, especially in frequently used and popular rooms like the kitchen, bathrooms, or living room. Doors, seals, flooring, walls, siding, roofing, windows, and more can decay over time. In some cases, some of these fixtures break down completely. Consider having improvements made before items are total losses, as preventive actions can save you some money and peace down the line. Reach out to the best local contractors and repair professionals in your area to make the improvements you need.

For homeowners in Wisconsin, this means identifying professionals who provide the most excellent home improvement in Milwaukee. It’s in your best interest to hire workers from a reputable business that offers quality repairs on your house. The best team will install replacement windows, siding, bathroom remodeling, and kitchen refacing. They know how to use durable materials that withstand unpredictable, harsh environmental conditions and don’t need constant maintenance. Such upgrades enable you to make your home more functional and stylish in order to boost its property value.

Upgrades can improve your home’s safety levels.

A functional home is a safe home. Home improvements are essential because they can help you avoid emergencies. For instance, installing security systems packed with cameras, secure locks, and alarms equips you to prevent dangers and vandalism associated with attempted break-ins. Likewise, doing away with old, malfunctioning home appliances and replacing them with newer models can save you from the risk of an electric shock or fire.

Furthermore, improvements like cleaning your roof and fixing any holes and leaks can keep you and your home safe. Having roof contractors check for cracks, missing or broken shingles, or other issues is a good idea. Doing so can allow you peace of mind that your roof and home are safe enough to withstand all environmental conditions. For example, it’s exceptionally hazardous to have cracked roofing material if you get a lot of rain in your region because the water that runs through your roof’s holes can cause serious damage to your home. Likewise, any debris that falls through cracks in your roof can result in rotting or mildew formation.

Don’t wait until disaster strikes to get a roof replacement. Take preventive measures like having your roof inspected, repaired, or replaced regularly. Considering how extensive some roof projects can be, you should leave such tasks up to roofing professionals. Don’t let just anybody fix your leaky roof—enlist the services of professionals at a reputable roofing company. Roofers with an excellent reputation for reroofing, gutters installation, roof insulation, and metal roof installation with years of experience providing such services will be an ideal solution to your roof problems.

Home remodeling gives you the chance to prioritize comfort.

You should feel as comfortable as possible within the walls of your home. Even if nothing needs repairs, you may decide that it’s time for a change. Home projects give you the chance to do away with what you don’t like and make more relatable, more comfortable changes. For instance, consider room additions and expansions if your home feels cramped. Not only can additions increase your home’s property value, but they can give you extra space to entertain loved ones or relax in solitude in the place you love the most.