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Category: Home Remodelling

Basement Renovations: How To Take Your Basement From Dreary to Dreamy

Basement

Basements: often forgotten, pushed aside, deprioritized in favor of a large kitchen renovation of bathroom remodeling project. Basements, regardless of whether they are finished or unfinished, have a tendency to be boring, dreary, and dull, hence why they are left in the stone age in terms of decoration and renovation.

This being said, there are a few ways that any basement can be elevated and transformed into a warm, welcoming space.

Here are a few ideas of the fantastic spaces that your basement could transform into with a bit of creativity and patience.

A basement bedroom.

Basements can be wonderful places for bedrooms- and no, they don’t have to be cold and stale. Basements often have large rooms and.or open spaces that are perfect for housing a bed, dresser, and a comfortable couch.

This being said, their wall space is abundant, so with a coat of paint and some stylish well decor, they can become cozy sleeping spaces.

A small rental unit.

Finished basements can be turned into small, private rental suites. When fitted with a kitchenette, updated appliances, and a spacious island, your empty basement space can be used to earn some extra income.

You may also choose to lend this space to a friend, relative, or perhaps, your child when he or she is in between jobs or apartments.

A playroom.

Children come with toys, and these toys need a place to live when not in use. Why not use the basement to house the extra toys (and the annoying toys that talk?).

Update the basement with fun colors, comfy places to sit, a child sized table, and maybe even an indoor playground or ball pit and let the kids run wild.

A craft room.

Any crafters out there? If so, consider turning your basement into the ultimate craft room.

Install a table and a stereo-system or TV, a computer and printer, and dedicate a space for all of your craft and creative supplies. Install overhead lights and spend hours making masterpieces!

A home gym.

Workout equipment is big and bulky. This being said, it needs a large space to be kept, which is where the often excessive size of basements come in.

Most basements will easily fit a treadmill, stair climber, weights, and a number of other fitness devices. While you’re at it, set up a sweet sound system and make the most of your home fitness centre.

A home theatre.

With the release of great movies on the rise, movie collectors need a relaxing space in which to enjoy their favorite flicks. This space could be your basement.

With the addition of a large TV (or two?), a sound system, comfy couches or a sectional, and a stylish shelving unit for housing the prized movie collection, your basement could become a home theatre.

For added pizzazz, consider getting your hands on an old fashioned popcorn machine and a fridge or cooler to keep refreshments.


Tips for Creating a More Functional Kitchen

The kitchen can be considered as the heart of the home as it is where meals are prepared and the place where the whole family gathers to share meals and strengthen their bond. With this, it is unsurprising that many people also consider it as one of the top priorities when renovating a home.

In this article, we will give you some tips on how to make your kitchen not only pleasing to the eye, but functional as well.

1. Appliances under the cabinet.

Full appliances such as the dishwasher can be placed under cabinets, so you can try to designate a spot for these. You can place appliances under the cabinet or use work surfaces on top of cabinets in order to maximize the space you have.

2. U-shaped central island

Your kitchen’s central island can be used for a variety of purposes. By installing a U-shaped central island, you will be able to enjoy more space compared to having a huge rectangular central island. The gap in the U-shape ensures there is no wasted central space. Plus, you can also install drawers on the sides.

3. Strategically-positioned windows

Not only will strategically-placed windows give you a good view to look at while you’re cooking or washing the fruits and vegetables that you will use, but will also allow you to have a better access to natural sunlight.

4. Installing a second sink.

Having a second sink on the central island is very practical because two persons can use a sink at the same time. Also, one can be designated for washing dishes and utensils, while the other one can be used when you’re cooking.

5. Putting up a chalkboard wall

Do you have a recipe or to-do list to take note of, or maybe a message for someone in the house? Rather than using sticky notes on your refrigerator, you can have a chalkboard wall installed instead.

6. Your very own herb garden

Compared to store-bought herbs, fresh ones taste better. You can set up your very own herb garden in your kitchen as long as there is natural light that comes in. If you want to save some space, it is recommended to mount planters on your wall.

7. Spice drawer

By keeping your spices organized in a designated drawer, you wouldn’t have to go through the hassle of looking for the spice you need because they are all in the same place. Additionally, you won’t waste any space on the counter.

8. Cupboard pantry

Storage is highly important especially if you have a lot of things in your kitchen. By having a cupboard pantry, you can easily keep jars, bottles, and small kitchen appliances.

9. Cabinets with glass doors/ open shelves

The good thing about using cabinets with glass doors and open shelves is that you will be able to easily locate the things that you need—ultimately preventing you from wasting time and making you more efficient.

Final Thoughts

Function should always be the greatest priority in home renovation. Your efforts would be useless if the design doesn’t make the workflow smoother. Hopefully, this article will give you better ideas for you to make a more functional kitchen.


The Basics of Affordable Remodelling

There are many reasons to make changes to a home; as an aging proprietor, a recent occupant, or simply a creative mind not satisfied with the status quo at any given point. A home renovation may seem like a daunting and potentially expensive task if you are not aware of the right steps to take. While it is true that expenses often times account for major changes in a home, spending money isn’t the only way to radically renovate, given the right guidance. Here are a few useful and effortless tips anyone can follow to make substantial changes to their home at little to no cost.

Colour & Moods

A change in colour is the first and most obvious  change you can make to a home. Moreover, it is the most distinct of changes, and it can be a lot of fun. Take the time to pick the colour you want before going out to buy the paint. As has been recommended by many a DIY home painter, don’t restrict yourself to once colour either, as different rooms reflect different moods. It may seem a little much but it will make the world of difference to play with different colours on different walls.  Finally, try to find the time to paint the house yourself; you never know what ideas you might come up with while you’re at it.

Mobility & Math

Moving things around is perhaps the most old fashioned home renovation method of all and not one that should be so easily dismissed. This doesn’t just involve moving furniture around, even though that is a large part of it, but one shouldn’t be afraid deduct what needs to be deducted. Letting go of a few old things might clear space and allow you greater mobility. Otherwise, replacements are always an alternative, so adding could be factor in the whole occasion as well.

Practicality & Guidance

Letting practicality dictate what is done in a home is also a great way to make the right changes. Going through the house trying to figure out what is either useful or replaceable will make all the difference.  This doesn’t only account for furniture and décor but appliances and general infrastructure as well. There may be some costs incurred in this process; after all, small replaceable things might be rid of without needing to spend, but when it comes to larger chunks of the house, you might need to spend a little. That said, if you are willing to go so far as to break down your kitchen wall or retile the bathroom, using practicality as a filter will help you avoid making more changes  than is necessary, and as such, spending more than need be.

Out & In

No renovation is complete without some work outdoors.  Even a slight alteration to reflect the changes made inside will give you the sense of completion and a job well done.

Action

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice, especially with those sharing the home with you. Even regular visitor inputs should be welcome.