Decal Details

We’re always looking for ways to bring unique interior design techniques into our homes. One of the most recent finds we’ve stumbled on via HGTV, is the use of decals. Here are a few application techniques we love.

Photo Cred: HGTV 

 

Cabinet Door Decoration

Remove the cabinet doors. If the glass panes are removable, take them out and lay them flat. Arrange the decals—these come in strips—on the front of the glass in a pattern you like, taping them down with painter’s tape. Apply the decals following the instructions on the packaging, removing the tape as you go. Cut away any excess around the glass edges with a crafts knife.

Fun Lampshades

Not all decals stick to fabric, so use a paper shade. Cut out the stars—these come on a sheet—and arrange them in a pattern, taping them down with masking tape. Apply each star following the instructions on the packaging, removing the tape as you go. Fold any excess over the top and bottom edges.

Storage, Cleaning and Decoration

Grab those dustpans, storage bins and plain vases. Find decals that coordinate with the spaces those items reside and stick them on! You’ll be surprised how such an inexpensive detail can liven up your living space.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Trim the decals—these come in strips—to fit the mirror’s four sides, and position them along the edges. For the corners, cut each strip at a 45-degree angle and line them up so the patterns fit together. Apply the decals following the instructions on the packaging.

Find decals on websites such as wallpops.com, Etsy, or empirecitygraphics.com, and inexpensive furniture at Akia, wayfair.com, overstock.com, or refurbish old furniture you’re not using anymore. Good luck, and share your final products with us on our Facebook page!

Back to School

Ready or not – back to school season is upon us! In addition to those early morning alarms, your house will also soon welcome the paper piles, lunch prep and gym bags. It’s hard to keep up with it all, even if you’re blessed with a helpful child or teen (luck you!), and before you know it the holidays will be here. Yikes!

So how can you get the family organized? Here are some tips.

Create a homework or “launch pad” hub.

Let’s be honest. School time is messy time. It’s difficult to keep it all under wraps (and not give your children an excuse to not have their homework turned in!). Create a central location in your home where the family master calendar hangs, cubbies for lunch or milk money live, and workspaces for each child. This will help cut back on clutter and inevitable “Mom, I can’t find my…” battles in the morning.

Ease the family into the new schedule.

Don’t try to change bedtime routines in one night. It likely won’t work and will likely irritate your kids. During the last two weeks of summer, close in on earlier bedtimes 15 minutes at a time, and conduct pleasant wake-ups 15 minutes earlier each day. One of the most difficult things about doing this is that it often conflicts with meal times. It’s vital that children get an adequate dinner and breakfast, so move those meals around, and have snacks available during the day to help with the transition.

Gather your papers and plan those shopping trips.

Every child needs the basics: folders, tissues, pencils. But for the random needs, create a list and collect coupons. Stores like Target will have savings on certain items and you can double up by using store deals with manufacturer coupons. Asses which child needs what items of clothing and develop a wardrobe list (and be sure to discuss this list with said child to avoid in-store tantrums and morning disagreements). Get it all done in one day and then you won’t have to worry about it.

Also – speaking of paperwork, don’t forget about immunization records and proof of medical exams for your student athletes. Get those physicals done ahead of time and be ready for when the paperwork is needed.

Do a practice run.

The first day of school is not the time to find out how long it takes to walk to the bus stop, make lunches, and get everyone ready for the day. If your kids walk to school, help them find a safe route. If car-pooling, perhaps take a test drive during busy hours to ensure everyone gets to school on tie. And make sure your bus riders know their bus number and a few friends to follow to ensure the right kids make it to the right school. 

Teen Bedroom Organization

If you have a teen, or know someone who does, you’re familiar with the inevitable disaster that is a teen’s bedroom. It’s the place they sleep, work, and play, so if you’re designing a space for your teen to live in, keep in mind some of these common problem areas and solutions.

Photo Cred: imgbuddy.com

Does your teen dump dirty (and clean) clothes under the bed or in the closet? Try taking the closet door off and open up the space. It will help provide incentive to clean up as opposed to tossing items on the floor and shutting a door. Make sure there are adequate quantities of hangars and shelves for storing jeans, shoes and accessories.

Desks can become dumping grounds for just about everything. Find a desk with lots of drawer space to keep items from cluttering, and create storage around the desk with shelves and filing solutions.

Speaking of shelving, help your teen show off awards, trophies and photos of friends by installing shelving units to serve many purposes. This will help keep items off the floor, out from under the bed and anywhere else that isn’t away and organized.

Containers and memo boards can be decorative and functional. If everything has a place on its own, like photos, notes, invitations, and calendars, there will be less of a chance of collecting clutter. Be sure to label containers so items always go into the correct space.

Don’t do this all yourself! Take a day and completely clear the room out with your teen. Plot out on a piece of paper where each space will be (sleep, play, work), and organize the space together. They’ll likely enjoy the finished product, and respect the space more if they get to choose how things will be organized.

As one of our founding fathers once said: “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

Feng Shui Tips

You’ve heard about Feng Shui, but is it legitimate? We think so – and in honor of Valentine’s Day (which is today, guys) we’ve assembled this list of our favorite Feng Shui tips to attract love and money (we can all use a little more of both, right?).

To ensure supportive communication, it’s best to put at least the front legs of all furniture on a rug as opposed to around the rug. Also – try to keep some furniture away from the walls.

According to many Feng Shui consultants, your kitchen is directly tied to your ability to attract (and maintain) money, so tidy up and remove clutter. Keep your refrigerator and storage spaces full, organized, and full of fresh items. Even more specific, to attract more money, keep that oven clean. Most importantly—make sure every burner is working and is used equally.

When picking theme colors for your interior designs, keep moods in mind. Red is considered a very powerful color, purple and green a key colors for attracting prosperity. If you love a color, paint a wall in that shade or add some toss pillows, but if you don’t, the color will work against you.

Dining room tables are traditionally square or rectangular in shape, but if you want to attract love (or create more of it), it’s best to pick a round shape. Arrange the table so everyone can see each other without stretching their neck. It’s also a good idea to set out chairs for every member of the family, even if not all members are present for each meal, because it’s a reminder of the completeness of your family.

Having a lot of space in your master bedroom is often a desire, however, as the most important room in your home for attracting love, it’s best to keep things cozy. Opt for a queen over a king, and close off adjoining rooms (offices, bathrooms, patios, gyms, etc.). When spaces get larger, people tend to gravitate away from each other, which can impact partners emotionally.

If you’re single and you tend to create your bedroom space just with yourself in mind (one accent chair, one nightstand, etc.), think about creating space for a partner. Leave one dresser drawer empty, or some space in your closet free from your items. Leave room for chance, love and opportunity.

Do you have some Feng Shui tips that you live by? Share them in the comments below. Keep Feng Shui in mind when designing your new Faber Home – and work with our consultants to design the perfect space in your home.

Last Minute Valentine's Day Decorations

You don’t want to be that house on the block that never decorates for holidays (and you probably also don’t want to be the “over the top” house, either). Valentine’s Day is just days away – so here are some quick DIY decorations sure to add some dazzle to your home.

Garland. Grab some doilies (the bigger the better) from the craft box, ribbon and a red Sharpie. Fold the doilies in half and use double sided tape to adhere them to a long ribbon. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, grab some red craft paper and a paper punch to cut out small hearts, or simply draw red hearts on the doilies. Bam – simple, cute and quick!

Cupcakes. Cupcakes are not only delicious, but they’re also decorative. Whip up your favorite flavor (we recommend red velvet or strawberry, to keep with the Valentine’s theme of course), and stick in little labels like “be mine,” “love” and “Valentine.” It’s a new take on the candy heart treat we’ve all enjoyed for years. When you’re done, display them on a tiered stand or carrier.

Wall art. This one might require a trip to the craft store, but if you keep extra cardboard and fun paper handy, that’s all you’ll need. Pick festive words like “Love”, “Sweet” or “Heart” and cut those letters out of the cardboard. Grab your favorite decorative paper and apply to the letters. Hang them on the walls, put them in window sills, or place them on shelves.

Mason jars. Most of us have these handy around the house already, so grab your favorite Valentine’s candies, like the conversation hearts, M&Ms, peeps, etc. and fill the jars to the brim. Gather your jars and set them on top of a mirror or decorative platter and you have one yummy centerpiece.

Candles. Spice up your candlesticks and glass candle jars for Valentine’s Day. Wrap jars in red or pink yarn for a simple color pop, or affix cut out hearts.

Simple and fun! Which decorations will you try?

New Kitchen Color Schemes

Whether it’s time for a kitchen overhaul or you’re in the process of designing your new kitchen with Faber Homes, there are so many options to choose from. We’ve pulled a list of popular color schemes from the DIY Network to help get the brainstorming going.

Reclaimed wood with ruby-red metal. In this design, you’re combining a farmhouse wooded look with industrial metals. Pick a mixed-tone oak wood floor and pair it with stainless steel countertops or backsplashes. The contrast can be built into other areas of the kitchen space as well – consider a large refurbished wood kitchen table with red metal chairs and red metal table accents.

Grey-blue cabinetry is gaining popularity everywhere as a new color to consider over traditional woods, or even white or black. This design technique opens up a new color wheel of options for your new kitchen. Toss up stainless steel hardware and bold backsplash tiles for a completely new look.

Photo Cred: arkesia.com

If you’re a fan of modern but still want to keep it simple, stick with a white, black and stainless steel base and add a vibrant pop of a single color like tangerine, yellow, or lime green.  Pick out one wall to paint that color, find matching seats, light fixtures or dinnerware to pull the same color in and your modern kitchen will come to life. You can even find some quartz countertops in these vibrant, fun colors.

Red. It’s welcoming, warm, and lively all at the same time. Paint your walls red, pick out dark wood or grey cabinetry and either stainless steel countertops or opt for a light woodblock look. It’s country mixed with modern, and will have you inspired to add a little more spice to your meals.

Our last suggestion is a color blend you may normally find in a bedroom or bathroom. Purples like lavender or lilac make for a soothing palette perfect for romantic meals or tea parties with friends or children. Pick a very light grey-purple color for your walls, and pair dark wood cabinets with crystal, glass, and creams for your new kitchen.

Which color scheme will you choose?

New Tools for 2015

Cutting through the clutter at Home Depot and Lowes can be a tough task. There are so many tools and gadgets that make the job “easier” but it’s hard to know for sure what you’re getting.

2014 was a great year for product development so we’ve pulled together a list of tools and gadgets we think will help make your life easier, at a reasonable price.

Dewalt Inspection Camera. This lifesaver runs around $300 and is perfect for wiring jobs and plumbing work, as the scope gives you a visual into your wall or tubes.

PermaFlow No Mess Plunger. For about $20, put an end to squirting who-knows-what when your toilet backs up. This accordion-like sanitary bag fits around your toilet seat and creates a suction when you lift the lid, pulling whatever is stuck, out, without spraying you with… well you get it.

Lenox Hole Saw. Starting at $7, now you can efficiently cut wood and metal holes for all those projects at home. It also has a handy material release that will keep you from digging out remnants and possibly injuring yourself.

Craftsman Right-Angle Impact Driver. It’s tough getting into those tight corners. For about $80, this lightweight driver will drill holes or affix screws into tight spots, and with a mini lamp on the end, you won’t miss your mark. The battery charger is super fast, too. Within three minutes, you’ll have a 25% charge. Fully charged, you can affix 300 screws.

Grip Rite Framing Nailer. At $240, this framing nail gun is a brand new lightweight yet durable tool that will help your DIY family achieve expert precision for your next job.

Have you found any other tools you’d recommend? List them in the comments!

Winter Design Trends

Is there a room in your house that’s screaming for a makeover? This winter, there are a few surprising colors that are trending – so perhaps consider trying one of these color schemes for your next redesign.

Tangerine. Yep – tangerine! Try starting with an accent wall if you’re afraid it’s a little too bold. The happy, rich shade will certainly brighten the room and pair well with dark hues like blue-greens or indigo. Toss some other orange accents around the room (vases, wall mounted frames, chairs, etc.) and you’ll find yourself gravitating to the room due to its cheerfulness! 

Photo Cred: housetohome.co.uk

Mustard Yellow. Known for its positive emotional and psychological responses, yellow is a perfect smile-inducing color to add to any room. Pair yellows with blacks, greys, and whites for a classic look, or with jewel tones like burgundy or teal for a more modern, fun look.

Burgundy. In sharp contrast to mustard yellow and tangerine, burgundy and cranberry are some of winter’s hottest colors. Mixing cranberry metallic gold and silver pairs shine with a deep, warm color, or you could pair it with mochas or golden browns for a more rustic look. Bust out the old burgundy leather chair and toss up a neutral wallpaper accent wall and you’ll be in business.

Gold. Gold isn’t just for accents anymore! Using gold as the base color for your next room, it will become your new neutral. It’s fun, classic, and pairs well with nearly any accent color scheme. Try grays and blues for a cleaner more masculine look, for opt for red and be a little more dramatic.

Grape. HGTV selected grape as December’s color of the month a few years back, and it’s making its rounds again this winter. Use it in smaller doses alongside various shades of gray, or pair it with light blues and metallic for a classic-chic winter look.

Which palette will you try in your next design?

Hosting the Holidays

The holidays are crazy, there’s no doubt. Especially if your house hosts the family for a big meal. There’s so much to prepare, from decorations to place settings to the meal itself, if we don’t lose our marbles at least once it’s not been a success.

To cut through the clutter this season, we’ve assembled our favorite list of ideas and festive recipes that will be sure to get your mind buzzing before the big day.

Photo Cred: flickr.com

Table Settings

1.     Dip (or spray) pinecones in silver or gold paint and tie a nametag to each. Fold a napkin and place the napkin on top of the plate and the pinecone will just rest on top! Easy and elegant.

2.     Grab some extra cinnamon sticks from the store, cut to a size you desire, and tie a festive ribbon around the sticks to harness a nametag. The cinnamon will add a festive fragrance to the dinner table, and your guest will leave with a small parting gift!

3.     Extra ornaments lying around after decorating the tree? Place a couple on each plate! Keep it monochromatic for a classic look, or spice things up with colorful bulbs.

Centerpieces

1.     If you cut your own tree this year, snag a few branches from the back of the tree and lay them down along the center of the table. Add some candles and ornaments for a little extra color. If you don’t have a real tree, a faux garland will do!

2.     Pick up a big silver or glass bowl from the Christmas Tree Store or dollar store and load it up with your favorite ornaments. Pile them high for drama, or mix in pinecones and tiny wrapped presents to keep it fun.

3.     Tall styrofoam cones can be painted any color, so pick your favorite and decorate them and place them along the table. Varying sizes will bring a different look to the table. Stick with silver, gold and white for a classic look, or opt for green, red, blue, or even purple for a warmer look.

Perfect Cocktails

1.     No table is complete without a delicious holiday drink to share. Prep pumpkin pie martinis for the adults and have them ready to toast for dinner. Mix pumpkin spice liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, Kahlua, and half-and-half. Crumble graham crackers and tip the rims before you fill!

2.     Mix up your normal glass of champagne by trying this yummy spiced pear sangria. You can make it the night before so it’s a quick pour and serve when dinner is ready.

3.     After dinner drinks are always appropriate. Make the kids some hot chocolate, and for the adults: add some raspberry liqueur and crème de cacao and top the glass with fresh whipped cream. Yum.

Countertop Materials

Choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom is an important decision. After all, it’s where you clean up and prepare food, and also has an effect on your home’s value.

Photo Cred: interiordesignable.com

 

Granite. Granite countertops are among the most elegant materials available. They’re also among the most expensive. But if you are up for it, the natural stone has outstanding strength and other beautiful qualities. Granite is highly resistant to scratches and heat, making it an asset to cooking. One downside to granite is that it must be sealed because it is a porous stone and absorbs fluid. If not sealed, it can harbor bacteria. This only needs to be done every 10 to 15 years, however. Granite can run between $100 and $225 per square foot.

Quartz. Known as “engineered stone,” quartz countertops are made from about 90-93% quartz crystals, but are fabricated instead of cut from solid stone. Quartz countertops maintain all of the advantages of natural stone, such as durability, hardness, and beauty, in addition to overcoming stone’s natural weakness. They are not porous so they will not harbor bacteria, and come in a wider range of colors compared to granite. Less per square foot next to granite, quartz will run about $100 to $190 per square foot.

Laminate. Laminate countertops are among the most popular surfaces because of their affordability ($20 to $50 per square foot) and widest range of colors and patterns. Comprised of hard particleboard core and layers of plastic laminate bonded over top, laminate surfaces are tough and fairly durable.

Butcher Block. Rising in popularity in recent years are butcher block counter tops . They are excellent surfaces for food preparation and are often used in conjunction with other surfaces like granite and quarts. Many choose to surface an island with butcher block, while countertops under cabinets remain another material. Because of the wide variety of woods available, prices range anywhere from $30 to $200 per square foot.

It’s important to consider how much maintenance you’re willing to accommodate when selecting a countertop. Families with young children often opt for less expensive surfaces, while avid foodies require more elaborate options.

Media Room Must Haves

It’s the room in your house for relaxing, dishing up some popcorn and watching movies. Some may call it a man cave, others: a family room. No matter what you call it, every home needs a comfy media room. So get ready to design… here are some tips to make your perfect media room.

 Photo Cred: homeit.com

For basement entertaining, consider light-colored flooring like laminate wood or vinyl. This will help brighten up the space void of natural light, and make the room look larger. For a more masculine look, paint the walls a dark blue, grey, green or even red.

A variety of seating options will allow you to move things around and constantly update your space. Couches for lounging, bean bag chairs for tossing around, and even high-top tables for cocktail parties or watching the football game.

Lighting is another important feature to consider. If you have low-hanging ceilings, consider building fluorescent lights into the paneling, or even track lighting for a more modern look. For taller ceilings, tray lighting can add a special ambiance.

If you’re going for a movie theatre-inspired room, opt for dark furniture, blackout lights, and red window treatments. While a 60-inch television is everyone’s wish, high definition projectors (onto a white wall) can be a better alternative. Toss a starry-night sky mural on the ceiling, a popcorn machine in the corner, and movie posters on the walls and you’re in business.

Don’t forget the kids. Without a designated play area in your home, toys and games tend to pile up everywhere, so square off a section for the kids and keep everything away and tidy so you can enjoy your media room space. 

Garage Cleanup

They tend to become a catch-all in our homes for our miscellaneous items. No, not the basement, we’re talking about the garage. Does your garage need an overhaul? Here are some tips to help you reclaim your garage space and restore functionality.

1. Set aside time. It’s hard to find time for daunting tasks (especially those that likely contain dirt and bugs). If you can find a weekend to dedicate to the task, you’ll thank yourself in the weeks and months to come. Aim for a dry weekend and allow yourself the garage space and driveway to sort all of your items.

2. Group and label. Sorting in the following categories will help you see what can be stored elsewhere in your home: recycling, sports, automotive, seasonal décor, gardening gear, tools, and other equipment.

3. Dump or donate. If you haven’t used it in a year (discounting holiday items), you probably don’t need it taking up space in your home or your garage. Unsalvageable items can find a new home in a dumpster, while surplus items can be donated to a charity. Give AMVETS a call if you have a load ready to be picked up, or research other charitable organizations in need.

4. Determine a layout. Designate areas in your garage for certain functions. One area should be devoted to recreation, another to lawn maintenance, perhaps another for tools. Seasonal items stored in bins should be stored above everyday items on shelves so they are visible yet out of the way.

5. Storage storage storage. Invest in shelving and containers that allow you to label and see the contents within. Oftentimes, we purchase new items to replace those we think we’ve lost or misplaced. Being able to see your entire inventory will prevent such purchases. If you can hang it, hang it and keep it off the ground where it will collect dust and likely become part of a pile.

Don’t forget to keep your garage clean. A tidy garage that is swept monthly will aid in preventing unwanted clutter from gathering. Do you have other tips to share on keeping your garage clean? Share them in the comments here!

Party Ready Kitchens

It’s where you cook meals and gather with family and friends. Especially in open-concept layouts like those you’ll find in every Faber Home, kitchens can be designed with entertainment in mind. So where do you start when designing the space?

  Islands and peninsulas not only create approachable areas for gathering, they also provide additional counter space and storage space. Toss a few bar stools on one side and you have a space perfect for simultaneous food prep and conversation. This allows you the space to cook and clean up while still entertaining your guests.

Tall cabinets offer lots of storage for entertaining. It’s a pain to walk to different areas of the house to retrieve platters, trays and other serving essentials. Ample cabinet space will keep everything within grasp, which is not only convenient for your party, but for cleanup afterwards.

Organizing the contents of your kitchen will also assist in hosting the perfect party. Designate areas each for food prep, cleaning and storage, and cooking. Having enough space between cabinets and tables/counter spaces will ensure easy traffic flow (because there’s nothing worse than people running into you when you’re pulling a hot pan out of the oven!).

The big game is on and you just can’t stand to miss it, yet the television is in the living room out of sight. Never fear: install a hanging television or a unit that pop up from underneath your countertop. Not only will this keep your mind at ease while everyone else gets to enjoy the occasion, but it will encourage company while you cook and dine.

If you don’t have a particularly large kitchen space, that’s still OK. Building “garages” for your appliances can free up much needed counter space. Have a clunky knife block? Why not install a drop-in knife block that becomes part of your counter. Not using your range or sink? Design countertops a couple inches higher so you can slide in a custom-fit chopping block. Workspaces can be created anywhere. Turn long drawers into pull-out counter surfaces that are perfect for buffets.

Have a unique need for your kitchen? Just ask our experienced design professionals in the Claridge Design Centre. Faber Homes will work with you to design your perfect kitchen space and get you ready to entertain.

Your Outdoor Space

School is out, sun is out – it is summer time and the cooler is stocked and the grill is always hot. Is your outdoor living space ready to entertain?

Photo Credit: HGTV

 

Whether you have a deck or a patio, or just a fabulous green backyard space, there are a ton of ways to decorate and accessorize. Here are a couple ideas to get you started:

Grab an outdoor rug and think outside of big-box retailers. Outdoor rugs add color and can completely define or refine the space. While big shops like Target and Lowes are convenient and their inside displays are stunning – check out Overstock.com or Wayfair.com for deals. These online retailers have much larger, one-of-a-kind inventories and often offer free shipping.

Patio sets with enormous umbrellas are always popular, but if you’ll use your outdoor space more for conversation, you may consider furniture that will make the space more like a living room. Check garage sales and consignment shops for comfortable chairs and large tables that sit low to the ground.

A common problem with outdoor spaces is lighting. You’d like to be able to enjoy your space once the sun goes down, but not at the expense of being able to see your guests. Instead of floodlights, which are effective but not decorative, try up-lighting trees and shrubs. As another more romantic option, use outdoor lights to light up a pergola.

Need more inspiration? Check out our Pinterest board dedicated to outdoor spaces.

Designing the Perfect Kitchen

You’ve been pinning ideas to your Pinterest boards for what seems like years, and you’re finally ready to put your dream kitchen together. You might know what color cabinets you want, but do you know what style? Will your ideal floor match those cabinets, and how can you select the right countertop to pull it all together?

Here’s a few things to consider when you start building your culinary space – it is, after all, where you spend most of your day!

Cabinet materials can make a huge impact on your kitchen’s look. Darker stains are much more modern, while lighter woods remain very traditional. Flat cabinet doors give a minimalist look, louvered cabinet doors give the kitchen a very distinctive appearance, and beadboard doors give a more cottage-feel to your kitchen.  Consider glass panels if you have unique China to display.

Dressing up your cabinets with unique hardware can enhance your cabinets, while sleek, traditional knobs and pulls can help to tame your design. Test out a few in the hardware section if you have a couple extra minutes – you’d be surprised how they can make or break your kitchen’s design and flow.

Have you thought about a wet bar or island in your kitchen? Islands are great for creating pathways in your home (especially in Faber’s open floor plans), storing extra items, and creating more space to craft delicious meals. Islands are also fantastic places to seat a few people for a quick dinner or a couple cocktails.

 For flooring, it’s best to choose for your family’s need. Porcelain tiles are low-maintenance and match nearly any design, while stone tiles are appealing in formal setting, Generally, the more texture, grain, decorative options and finish your selected cabinets have, the more your floor is able to aesthetically handle.

Countertops, like hardware, can enhance or tame your design. Two of three of these components should have the same tone or accent color: cabinets, flooring and countertops. Dark cabinets and light countertops should have a dark floor counterpart, for example, helping to solidify the design.

There’s a lot to consider, so get designing!

Designing Your Bathroom

When you build a new home, you start completely from scratch. With Faber Homes, you even have the ability to change our floor plans based on your needs. Not a fan of sharing a sink? Make it two. Don’t like to reach down to your counters? We can raise your cabinets and countertops. You can even upgrade windows to add more natural light to your bathroom space. But what are some of the other aesthetics you should take into consideration when you schedule your preconstruction meeting and design meeting at our Claridge Design Centre?

  

Functionality. Ultimately, you need a functional floor plan depending on how many people will use the bathroom, and how often those using it will do so simultaneously. Also keep in mind, by International Residential Code, toilets must be at least 15 inches from any other bath fixture, wall or other obstacle. Always try to leave 24 inches of clear floor space in front of the shower, to ensure you have enough room to enter and exit safely. For roomier floor plans, you can always opt for taller toilets, wider doorways or even curbless showers.

Create a color palette. This might sound like an after-construction tip, but in reality, understanding what colors you’re working with will help you design the space. Keep your color palette consistent by choosing hand and bath towels in similar shades found in your wall coverings (paper or paint) and window treatments. Being too matchy-matchy will keep your bathroom looking one-dimensional. Instead of matching colors exactly, select colors that are just slightly off from one another.

Lighting. We mentioned perhaps choosing larger windows for your bathroom to bring in natural light, but if you’re a fan of even more privacy, there are ways to bring the best light in your bathroom. For example, choose diffused lighting or fixtures with frosted-glass, as this will mimic natural light best, and allow you to see yourself in the most flattering light among true colors.

Bring your ideas to preconstruction and design meetings and our experts can help you decide how to implement your ideas to create the best bathroom in your brand new home.

Choosing the Right Carpet

Chances are, you’ll likely have to select carpet in your new home. It might seem like an easy task, but choosing carpet is very important. Carpeting provides a soft, plush spot for children to play and even a slip-free surface for animals in your home. There are different textures to take into account, varying colors, and designs – so where do you start?

With these top five tips on choosing carpet, we hope to help you select the best option for your family’s needs.

1. Skimping on carpet padding. This may seem like a trivial tip, but you’d be surprised how another quarter-inch of padding can transform the feeling of your carpet. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, the cushion not only helps to buffer sound, but also provides increased insulation. As a general rule, select a cushion with no more than 7/16-inch thickness, and no less than ¼ inch thickness.
2. Keep maintenance in mind. Homeowners with dogs, cats, and kids should always avoid shag carpets, as they can harbor hair, dust and dirt, and they’re also much more difficult to keep clean. If family members routinely wear shoes indoors, lighter colored carpets probably aren’t the best choice.
3. Texture. In high-traffic areas, selecting carpet (and rugs) that are darker and have patterns will help to conceal tracks. In those high-traffic areas, it’s best to stick with level loop or high-density loop carpets, while multilevel loop carpets are best in medium-traffic and low-traffic areas.
4. Don’t forget about the staircase. Your staircase will get a lot of wear as perhaps one of the highest-trekked places in your home. Choosing a thinner carpet may mean you’ll see the unsightly backing when the carpet finally does wear in and curl over the step. The best choice for staircase carpet is one that is a woven wool, as it is the most durable.
5. Dust mites and allergies. If you or someone in your family is overly-prone to allergies, both indoor and outdoor, carpet may not be for you. Depending on where the allergy-affected individuals spend the most time, vinyl, tile or even laminate flooring can provide a sanctuary. Bedrooms can be a good place to replace carpeting with another option.

Bring your concerns and design ideas to your Claridge Design Centre meeting and our experts will make sure to accommodate all of your flooring needs.

Selling Your Home

You’re ready to build a home but there’s one thing standing in your way: your current home. It’s sellable, yes, but could some upgrades help you get it on and off the market quickly? Don’t worry, there are ways to increase the value of your home without breaking the bank.

Some of the best upgrades you can make to your home are undoubtedly the kitchen and bathrooms. Unfortunately, these are often the most expensive rooms to upgrade. A full-blown kitchen upgrade can cost upwards of $40,000, and a bathroom remodel can cost more than $10,000.

Replacing a sink and/or bathtub can be a very expensive endeavor. Instead, these items can be resurfaced for a fraction of the cost. In the same vein, cabinets do not have to be replaced. With a fresh coat of stain or paint, cabinets can take on a whole new personality.

Another way to save is with tile counters, walls, and backsplashes. These surfaces often just need a good deep clean, followed by a re-grout. You’d be surprised how much the appearance will change and improve—and for a much lower price tag to boot.

Don’t forget about the exterior. Curb appeal can make or break first impressions. Rent a power washer or even hire a professional cleaning service to clean the exterior of your home. If the weather permits, a fresh coat of paint can greatly reduce your investment dollars and can really improve the appearance of your home.

Some other smaller tips that help to sell your home quickly include:

• Clear out cluttered rooms and remove as much furniture as possible. This will help the prospective homeowner visualize how their environment will look. This goes for closet space, too.
• Steam clean carpets and furniture and wash walls. You may think your home smells fresh and clean, but you also live in the home and are used to its odors. Often times, people with pets or who smoke do not realize how their home smells.
• Bright rooms are inviting. If you’re able to put up a fresh coat of paint in dark rooms—do it. Learn to love white walls for a little while. Also, open blinds and let the natural light in.