7 Essential Laundry Room Solutions 

It's dark and clammy. The air is so steamy you can hardly breathe. There's unknown stuff in your path and hanging in your face. Strange noises are coming at you from all directions. Welcome to the average laundry room!
In the last few years, remodelers and home builders have finally gotten serious about bathrooms and kitchens, and have risen to the challenge of creating practical kitchens and baths that are comfortable to be in and are pleasing to the eye. Now for the final frontier: the laundry room.
In the past, there weren't many calls from homeowners looking for a reliable contractor to remodel a laundry room. Today homeowners increasingly mention that they consider this to be a key part of the home. Homeowners usually remodel their laundry room as part of a larger project, but on occasion they take it on as a stand-alone project.
7 Key Solutions to Great Laundry Room Design
1. Easy Access
Based on discussion with numerous contractors across the country, the overall trend for laundry rooms seems to be moving away from hiding the washer and dryer in the distant, dark depths of the basement. Most people now want direct access from the main activity areas of the house–certainly not to have trudge down many stairs to the basement. In fact, prospective homeowners often look for a home where the laundry is on the main level. A favorite location for a laundry room is either in or right off of the kitchen.
2. A Laundry Room with a View
The factor people are most enthusiastic about is a laundry area with an outside window—preferably overlooking a back yard play area. Some people put in a full size bay or bow window. The view seems to take a lot of the traditional drudgery out of doing the laundry, and this makes sense, as recent scientific evidence increasingly shows that light has an enormous impact on people's moods.

3. Good Task Lighting
Good lighting is important. Ever try to match socks in poor light? Many people prefer incandescent lighting, to minimize glare, but the most important element is that the lighting be uniform throughout the work area.
4. Easy Sorting System
Another useful design feature for a laundry room is the installation of sorting bins. One Bethesda couple has a series of standard plastic laundry baskets on a long shelf over the washer and dryer. Each basket is labeled: "hand wash," "permanent press," "whites," "cold wash," "colors," etc. They even have bins for dry cleaning, clothes that need mending, and clothes to give to the local shelter.
5. Plenty of Folding Space
A good laundry room will also provide a wide, flat area for folding. A countertop surface in front of a window is ideal. The larger this folding area the better, and it should be away from the inevitable loose lint on top of the dryer.
6. Room to Hang
Plenty of hanging space is a must. With so many of today's clothes requiring drip-drying, make sure the hanging rods are near the floor drain. Use plastic hangers as they don't rust and they are not as inclined as wire hangers to get tangled.
7. The Comeback of Ironing
Finally, don't neglect the ironing board. Ironing is making a comeback as the era of wash-and-wear gives way to the era of specialized fabrics and finishes. Many people like the kind of board that folds up into a panel in the wall. These fold-up units often have a light, an electrical outlet, and a space to keep the iron and supplies out of the way.
You've considered the need for good lighting (and, if you can, a wonderful window view), the need for easy access, folding areas, sorting bins, hanging space, and space for your ironing board. So if you're looking for a modest remodeling project that can really make a difference in your weekly household routine, have another look at that jungle in your basement!

Repainted Cabinets: A Smart Kitchen Update

Q: Our house was built in the 70s, and I'd really like to change the look of my kitchen. The cabinets, although in good, solid condition, look dark and dated. What are my options? A: Your problem is a common one. Many people today are opting for a lighter look in their kitchens. The most expensive choice would be to replace the cabinets completely. Another option would be to reface the cabinets. This involves applying a new wood veneer to the cabinet bases and installing new doors and drawers. You can also keep the wood look by having the cabinets stripped, bleached and refinished (a messy and expensive process with sometimes disappointing results). Your other option would be to paint the cabinets, which can be the most cost-effective of all, offering the best return on your investment.
Q: Can I do it myself?
A: While many painting jobs can be done by homeowners, it's recommended that cabinet work be done professionally for the best results. The cabinets should be sprayed whenever possible, resulting in the best finish possible.
Q: What is involved?
A: While each kitchen needs to be evaluated individually, the process generally would be done in these steps:

1. All cabinets are washed with TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) if needed, to remove any grease or dirt build-up.
2. All doors, hardware and hinges are removed (in most cases).
3. Countertops and appliances are completely masked off. The floor is covered and the room is sealed with plastic to prevent dust or paint from spreading to the rest of the house.
4. Cabinets are thoroughly sanded and dusted. Dents and scratches are repaired.
5. A primer coat is sprayed on the cabinets and they are sanded and dusted.
6. A split-coat of a mix of primer and finish enamel is next, followed by more sanding and dusting.
7. A final coat of enamel is applied to the cabinet bases. An additional fourth coat may be applied to doors and drawers, as these areas have more wear and tear.

Q: Do I have to empty everything out of the cabinets?
A: If you want to have the inside painted, yes, they would have to be emptied. Otherwise, you can leave everything inside and the interior of the cabinets can be sealed off with plastic, or the cabinet bases can be painted by hand, with the doors painted separately.

Q: What kind of paint should be used?
A: Oil and acrylic primers and enamels, high quality products, are best for this type of work. They have a hard finish that resists chips and dents. In some cases, solid-colored lacquers may be used, especially if the cabinets are brand new.
Q: How long will it take to complete the work?
A: A small to medium kitchen will take about three days. Larger jobs will take from three to five days. If you have other dark wood work in your home – bathroom vanities, doors, casings, base, etc. These can be painted at the same time as your cabinets, giving the whole house a new look.
Q: How long will the paint job last?
A: If the above process is followed, the paint job should last for many years, probably longer than the finish you currently have. Of course, this will depend on the amount of traffic that goes through the kitchen. Just as the painted wood work and doors in your home need periodic painting, so the kitchen cabinets will also need maintenance. An advantage to painted cabinets is that any nicks or worn areas can easily be touched-up, thereby extending the life of the paint job.
Q: Do I have to paint them white?
A: Not at all! Cabinets in colors can be very exciting in the kitchen –: in Postal Blue, Parfait (a light peachy-pink), Whisper Gray and Sunny Yellow. Decorating magazines often show cabinets in Spruce Green, Navy Blue and weathered or faux finishes. One of the latest trends is to combine painting and staining in different areas of the same kitchen cabinets, or stain in two different colors. If you are not sure what color to select, your paint professional may offer color consultations, or you may want to get advice from an interior designer.

Avoid THE Office with a New Home Office

With a fourth season under its belt and a fifth about to begin, nobody can call the NBC comedy The Office a surprise hit or a cult favorite anymore. Instead it seems that Michael Scott and the rest of the Dunder-Mifflin family have struck a genuine chord with viewers across the country. Could it be that there's a little truth in the mundane, mind-numbing portrayal of office politics and corporate America that dominates each episode? If so, that might explain why adding a home office has become one of the most popular home improvement trends in the industry. Whether the high price of gas has you looking for ways to eliminate a costly commute, or you're fleeing the Michael Scotts and Dwight Schrutes of the world, here's a few suggestions to help you get your home office set up right.
The Basics
While everybody's needs are different, there are a few things that every home office has to have now that we're firmly rooted in the computer age. In an article for Forbes Magazine, Betsy Shiffman notes that access to electrical outlets, a high speed Internet connection, and a telephone are all non-negotiable. And while you're at it, a good computer, functional desk, and a quality office chair might as well be standard issue, too. Beyond these necessities, everything else is window dressing—though window dressing isn't always a bad thing. Dwight's bobble heads, for example, might not be a necessary addition to his workspace, but you could make the case that they pay for themselves if the peace of mind and simple pleasures they provide the Schrute results in increased productivity and more paper sales for the Scranton branch of Dunder-Mifflin!
Designing Your Home Office
Once you've got the basics covered, think hard about what else you need to make your home office feel like, well, home. Home Office Buddy, an online resource for home office design, points out that if your home office is outfitted with a boring desk, poor lighting, and blank walls, you've really just re-created the office cubicle that prompted you to invest in a home office in the first place. "Make (your home office) a playground as much as a working environment," Home Office Buddy writes, "fill it with color, posters, pictures, plants, or whatever else makes you smile the most." In other words, make it a place where you can get work done and have a little fun. On the other hand, beware of creating distractions for yourself. While Michael Scott's collection of gadgets and desk toys might make the hours fly by at work, everyone seems to agree that productivity isn't his strongpoint.
Donýt Get Carried Away
There's no question that the popularity of home offices are booming. According to Forbes Magazine, 80% of potential homebuyers are looking for a home with a home office, or with extra space that can be converted into one. Unfortunately, reason doesn't always win out when home offices are introduced into a home. Claudia Morales of Claudia Interior Design in San Juan Capistrano, CA, notes that homeowners are often unrealistic about what they want, what they need, and what they're able to pay when it comes to home office design. "Most homeowners just aren't realistic about how much things are going to cost," says Morales. "Nine times out of ten they want an extravagant, elegant design that they can't afford. They'll expect to pay $1,000 for the entire project and won't realize that the desk they want costs $3,000 all on its own." Morales' suggestion is for homeowners to do their homework and price things out ahead of time so that they can make realistic design choices that are well suited to their budget. Our own advice is to make sure and set a firm budget to begin with. Even if you need to hire a few number crunchers like Oscar, Kevin, and Angela, in order to keep your project in line and under budget, you're smart to do whatever's necessary to make sure your new home office project stays within your means and within reason.

The Business of Doing Business at Home
Finally, at the risk of stating the obvious, don't lose sight of the fact that your new home office needs to be a place where things get done. That can be easier said than done at home, especially when kids, the breakfast dishes, and what to cook for dinner are all competing for your time. That said, here are a few ideas that will make it easier for you to put your nose to the grindstone when it's go time.

• Location, Location, Location—Nobody at the Scranton branch likes being hidden away back in the office cubicles. After all, all the fun that Jim, Pam, Dwight, and Co. have on a daily basis happens out front. If you want to be able to work in your home office and still be a part of your own family fun, by all means choose a location that's close to all the action, preferably in a room off of the kitchen or family room. On the other hand, if you're easily distracted (i.e. Michael Scott), then play to your strengths and choose a home office location that offers you a little more privacy.
• Doors & Window Shades—Michael Scott is a big fan of closing his door and pulling the shades in order to "get some work done." That goes double if you work in a home office. Make sure your office has a door that can be firmly shut, and preferably locked—especially if you've got kids running around the house. Sounds a bit extreme, but all it takes is one important phone call interrupted by the attention grabbing antics of a 5 year old, and you'll understand exactly where this suggestion is coming from. And while good windows are key for providing a breath of fresh air and some much needed sunlight in any home office setting, when a deadline is approaching, you'll be thankful you've got a good set of shades to shield you from neighborhood distractions.

Frankly it doesnýt matter whether you're starting a home based business, or just need some privacy for organizing your finances and surfing the web. Either way, the home office is a must-have in any modern home, and a home design trend that, much like the Scranton branch of Dunder-Mifflin, looks like it's here to stay.

Elegant Foyer Lighting Makes a Great First Impression

 

Foyer lighting is probably the furthest thing from your mind when you are thinking about new lighting for your house. After all, when we think about our homes, we are usually thinking about the kitchen or the den or the master suite. Entry lighting rarely cracks the list. Yet, the entrance is the first impression that your interior home makes on your guests, and your foyer lighting goes a long way to make that impression.
The Art of Shadow
The great artists are masters of shadow and light, and to have an artistic home you have to master this as well. Home lighting is most often used as a utilitarian mean, in that we have light where we need light: for cooking, to television, so we won't trip going down the stairs, so that people can walk down the sidewalk at night. However, light can be used to accent certain areas that are more pleasing to the eyes (such as a fireplace or sculpture), and downplay items that are better left to the shadows (coat racks and electrical outlets).
Perfectly placed foyer lighting can also employ shadows as a method of mystery. Leaving certain areas of your entry in shadows encourages guests to follow the light and be curious to discover what those lights are accenting. It sounds crazy, but this is how the core of home lighting affects people.
The Introduction to Your Home
Certainly the exterior of your home speaks volumes to your guests as they drive up, but who you are is really assessed by how you live, and once that doorbell rings and you open the front door, other than your warm welcome, your foyer or entryway is doing all the greeting. Foyer lighting with light and shadows can do some very smart things to welcome guests, to show off a piece of art, or to have the lighting itself by the display, as with a chandelier.
No matter what home lighting design you choose, just know that it is the introduction to your home. So make sure you show off your best side.

3 Garage Solutions: Build It, Remodel It, Organize It

For many homeowners spring cleaning brings the garage to mind. And, since you can't hire a maid service for this, a garage often proves to be a daunting task. Whether you need to organize your garage, remodel it for another use, or even need to build a garage, there is a solution for you. And, once your garage is in shape you can make it livable by fitting it with the same comforts of home: heating and air conditioning, phone wiring, even plumbing. 1. Garage Additions
Whether you use this to shelter your car, for storage space, or want to finish it to make it livable space—or all three—a garage addition is great way to add square footage to your home. Even if you already have a garage, adding a second story can be the perfect answer to carving out additional living space.
Many people find that a garage offers the perfect environment to house their home office, studio space, or workshop. Most garages can be easily fitted with the same comforts as a home: heating and cooling, phone wiring, even plumbing.
2. Garage Remodeling
Many people find that a garage remodel offers the perfect environment to house their home office, studio space, or workshop.
Transforming your garage doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your storage area. Many garages today have become multifunctional, allowing for cars, general storage, and a home office or workshop all in the same space.
And, if you find you will be losing too much storage space in your garage, consider building a small storage shed in your yard to house tools, sporting equipment and seasonal items. A building separate from the house will expand your storage space, allowing you to use the garage in ways that you could not use a shed: electricity or heating, for example.

In addition to remodeling your current garage space, you could also consider an addition above the garage. Raising the roof and adding a room for work space above your existing garage can give you additional space, not to mention increase the value of a home, without changing the floor plan.

Garage addition or remodeling ideas:

• Guest apartment
• Home office
• Laundry room
• Mud room
• Music studio

3. Garage Storage and Organization
Organizing or even contemplating organizing the garage can be a tiresome task for many homeowners. Remember that organizing your garage is about finding a designated place for everything while still keeping your tools and sporting goods easily accessible for everyday use.
Step 1: Sort and categorize all items in your garage
First things first, empty that garage. Start by sorting everything into categories. Separate all lawn maintenance tools, sporting equipment, electric tools, etc. Once you realize how much stuff you actually have, you can determine the best ways to organize and store everything.
Also, if there are miscellaneous items that ended up in the garage by mistake, return them to their proper place.
Step 2: Separate and store seasonal items
Get a handyman to install a rack to hang lawn maintenance tools, snow tools, and sports equipment that you may use regularly in an accessible yet out of the way place. Anything that is used seasonally should be stored and then swapped out when needed.
Step 3: Add additional garage storage shelving or cabinets
If you haven't already done so, now is the perfect time to add additional garage storage space to help you maintain your organization in the months to come. You could have shelves or cabinets mounted on the wall or, for a more inexpensive option, consider purchasing durable plastic totes and drawers.
Step 4: Create an efficient work area
If you use your garage as a work area, be sure to make the best use of this space. Install a work bench or table. A pegboard and a sturdy tool chest are a great way to store your tools, yet keep them easily accessible.

Hooked on Bedroom Remodels

Peter Pan and his adventures battling Captain Hook are equal to our wildest, most enjoyable dreams. Is it any wonder, then, that all of Peter Pan's escapades started in a bedroom? If you're looking for a way to turn your boring bedroom into a place where dreams come true, then maybe it's time that you give your bedroom a facelift, or more, with a bedroom remodeling project.
Finding Your Happy Thought
You might think that a professional designer has all the answers when it comes to creating the perfect bedroom design for you and your home, but much as Robin William's middle-aged Pan couldn't fly until he discovered his happy thought in the 1991 Peter Pan movie "Hook," interior designer Corinne Matthews, owner of Dream Room Designs in Atlanta, GA, says that each homeowner has to figure out for themselves what it's going to take to turn the bedroom they have now into the bedroom of their dreams. "Ask yourself, how do you want to use the bedroom? How do you want it to feel?" she suggests. "If I come in and just tell you (what to do)," says Matthews, "then it's my bedroom, not what you're looking for." Instead, she encourages homeowners to do their homework, and think carefully about what they're trying to achieve. If aiming for the brightest star in the sky and then veering a little to the left isn't helping you get on course, here are a few more of Matthews' proven suggestions to help you find your bearings.

Magazines—It's unlikely that Peter Pan or any of the Lost Boys ever read a book cover-to-cover, but we doubt they would have objected to picking up a comic book now and again. For homeowners looking to create a perfect Neverland of their own, Matthews says that looking through design and home magazines is "a great place to start and get ideas."

Websites—Websites can be equally helpful. "There are sites now that have galleries of finished bedrooms for you to look at," Matthews points out. That allows you to see for yourself how different design ideas might translate into a finished product.

Think Tinkerbell—In other words, take note of even the smallest details. "Even if you see a single bed or chair that you like, it can help generate ideas to go on," says Matthews.

Keep Your Radar Up—Peter Pan never let his guard down, and you shouldn't, either. Matthews recommends that homeowners keep their eyes open when they go on vacation, visit hotels, and visit the homes of friends and family, as all of these can end up being sources of inspiration for your upcoming remodel.

Note What You Don't Like—Peter Pan knows what he doesn't like, including pirates, bedtimes, and gravity. Understanding what turns you off can be a valuable tool in bedroom design as well. "What you don't like is just as helpful as what you do like," says Matthews, "especially in working with a designer."

Still Looking For Some Pixie Dust?
Despite following all of Peter Pan's advice, and no matter how hard Lady Wendy tried, she still couldn't fly on her own. It ended up taking a little sprinkle of Tinkerbell's pixie dust to finally get her up and off the ground. If you're still having a hard time getting started, here's some pixie dust of the bedroom design variety to help you fill your sails and get your head up into the clouds, where it belongs:

Think Cozy—"Most homeowners are interested in creating a fairly warm space," says Matthews, who recommends that homeowners "focus on things that make it feel intimate, romantic, and warm and cozy." That means choosing soft, warm colors, carpet instead of tile, flowing window treatments, and comfortable bedding.

Don't Overdo It—You'll never hear those 3 words uttered in Neverland, but in bedroom design land, they're words to live by. Designbiz.com stresses the importance of not overcrowding, noting that "the bedroom is your personal space, and should be open and not claustrophobic." That means getting rid of the computer desk, the dressing table you never use, and replacing unnecessary furniture with less obtrusive storage solutions, like getting rid of your bedside table and installing out-of-the-way shelving instead.

Dream Big—If you like dreaming about your future bedroom as much as you like dreaming, period, then designing your new bedroom is a good time to let your imagination run free. After all, nobody ever accused Peter Pan of thinking rationally and keeping his feet firmly anchored on the ground. "A lot of people are looking for a master bedroom suite," says Matthews, "including things like a built in spa, and an adjoining master bathroom." Bedroom remodels are one place where luxury is often the rule, rather than the exception. Know How Much Treasure is in Your Pirate Chest
On a final note, Peter Pan would much rather crow like a rooster than act in a sensible manner. Unfortunately, homeowners often adopt the same mindset when it comes to splurging on bedroom remodels. Despite the fact that the bedroom is a great place to cut loose when it comes to pampering yourself, Matthews is quick to encourage people to stay within their means as they transform their dreams into reality. "High end isn't as popular as it used to be," observes Matthews. "There are a lot of people, particularly now, that are making changes on a more modest budget." That's an insight worth paying attention to, especially if you've been counting pennies instead of sheep. Just keep reminding yourself that the goal is getting more sleep, not losing it, and you'll be well on your way to making all of your bedroom remodeling dreams come true!

Creative Living Room Design Can Reinvent a Space

 

In the home, where do you spend most of your time? Which room is really lived in? Just a guess, but it's probably your living room (it's called that for a reason). So it's important that this room is designed properly since it sets a tone for the rest of the house: it says a lot of about you as a homeowner and as a person. Though you could hire a trained interior designer to help achieve a specific look, most of the time these professionals will initially try to get a sense of your style and taste before they come up with a plan. For that reason, it's a good idea to have some ideas of your own before hiring an expert. The following creative tips for your living room design are sure to help get you started.
Living Room Design Tips

• Define the Room: The best way to plan a room is defining its purpose. Is it supposed to be a playroom? Is it for entertaining? Is it formal? Is it for looks alone? Or do you want it to have multiple functions? The more specific the function, the more appealing the area. In other words: when people know how to visualize a room's purpose, the more comfortable they feel in that space. This preliminary decision will help determine the room's overall shape.
• Find the Focal Points: Once the purpose is defined, you now have to find a centerpiece: that one feature that draws the eye. Most of the time, it's the TV. But why? Entertainment centers take up a lot of space and can often look clunky. Instead, consider being more original with your living room design. Focus on the fireplace, a painting, or something more personal to you. But if it has to be the TV, try to find a way to camouflage. Buy a cabinet that can be closed off. Or invest in a TV that can hang on the wall, thereby blending into the décor when not in use.
• Arrange or Rearrange Furnishings
  Once the focal point has been defined, the next step is living room furniture. In order to make things look fresh, you don't have to buy new stuff. And unless you're changing the room's entire color scheme, you shouldn't even have to reupholster. Instead create a whole new atmosphere with just a little imaginative rearranging. Before you start moving around heavy couches and love seats, it's a good idea to make large templates of your living room furniture from newspapers or old bed sheets in order to test out different arrangements. Remember, not everything has to be against the wall. Some contemporary designs use "floating" living room furniture in the middle of the room to help divide up the space (this is especially important if the room is taking on two different functions, such as an office and a den). Also, while arranging, don't forget to supply ample walkways for guests.

Create Space in Your Living Room Design
Many times these spaces can become cluttered. Not because of poor housekeeping but because there's too much going on. Here are some popular pieces that could use some re-evaluating in order to create more square footage:
Coffee tables: Why walk around these objects and risk bumping your knees? End tables are more user-friendly and less in the way. But if you still want to put your feet up then get a recliner or an ottoman, which save space and are easier to negotiate.
Couches: Maybe get a smaller love seat instead. Or if you like big couches, possibly invest in a sectional or a wrap-around, and make it the room's focal point.
Bookcases: These are an elegant feature to any room, but to save space you could invest in some simple shelving or have them built directly into the walls. Most of all, remember that they don't have to be used just for books, but also knick-knacks, picture frames, etc.
Antiques: It's cool to have decorative living room furniture but beware of them getting in the way. Antiques set a mood, but they can also clutter an area, especially if they're never used. Be judicious in your selection, which should also help on your costs.
Professional Living Room Designers
To hire a living room designer for comprehensive design and decorating services, you can expect to pay as much as $1,000. Most homeowners, however, don't require this level of professional service. Many designers offer consultation services and charge per hour, allowing you to customize the professional assistance you receive. Maybe you're having trouble getting started. Maybe you've reached the end but still feel something is missing or not quite coming together as it should. Professional living room designers are expert problem-solvers, and you shouldn't hesitate to use this underrated home improvement resource.