Winter is a great time to think about updating projects inside, given weather and spending more time inside. With a workspace and the right tools, anything can be accomplished. Around the holidays, and the end of the year, is a great time to take advantage of sales as well, as companies look to move inventory from last year off the shelves.
Crown Molding
Though flooring, paint and furnishings receive more attention, crown molding sets the tone for formality and grace in traditional spaces by highlighting and finishing the upper areas of a room. Today, many homeowners are using crown molding to enliven plain walls and ceilings.
Crown molding enhances almost any décor—from elegant colonial to rustic Southwestern looks. Aside from its beauty, crown molding has a utilitarian function as well, artfully concealing gaps that can open up between wall and ceiling.
Crown moldings come in a few basic profiles, but you can create more than just a few basic styles by adding pieces for a custom look. And, installing crown molding isn’t technically difficult if you follow the steps and use the proper tools. All you need is a miter saw and a little imagination.
Cabinet Hardware
There are a lot of projects that can be done to spruce up rooms in your home. One of the easiest that makes one of the biggest impacts is changing out old or outdated cabinetry hardware with new styles or finishes. This simple project will have a dramatic effect on the look of the room.
Updating Faucet
Installing a new faucet is a simple project and a great way to upgrade the look of a room. Changing out a faucet is a great way to add new design and functionality to a bath or kitchen. There are thousands of styles to choose from with different features, so you can get the right faucet to fit your needs. Features such as a pullout sprayer or high arch will look great in chrome or stainless steel. Old World finishes such as oil rubbed bronze, antique nickel and wrought iron can add warmth and style to any room.
Add a Kitchen Backsplash
For a quick, easy and inexpensive way to add dramatic color and texture to the kitchen, installing a backsplash is one of the best ways to create a fresh new look.
Installing a backsplash not only protects walls against water and grease splatters but also injects beauty and style into the most frequented area of the house. Backsplashes can be designed in various patterns such as a diamond pattern or a mural setting.
When choosing a backsplash material, consider that tile backsplashes offer unmatched variety and are less expensive and time consuming to install. However, metals such as stainless steel, copper and bronze provide a sleek, contemporary look.
Wainscoting
Like icing on a cake, wainscoting creates a finished look and is easy to install. The decorative term wainscoting refers to paneling or planking and trim attached to the wall. Installation is typically one-third of the room height, but real drama can be created in a dining room by reversing that proportion and making the wainscoting the main feature of the room.
For centuries Americans used it to protect plaster walls, but wainscoting today has gained huge popularity in adding architectural interest to the home. It provides an intimate, traditional feeling in dens, bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a somewhat formal look in dining rooms.
An easy do-it-yourself project, wainscoting also can make a room look more finished and can improve the quality and value of the home
Storage in Kitchen
A full-height pantry with pullout shelves, pullout spice rack and knife storage unit puts it all at your fingertips. And sliding elements, such as storage trays, towel racks, cutting boards and trash centers, help in food preparation and cleanup. Don’t forget to add easy-to-grasp deep and wide drawer-pulls for simple access.
Install a new vanity
Vanities anchor every bathroom and are a great way to update the room’s style and add storage. A new bathroom vanity cabinet can give you more counter space and better storage options. Installing a vanity is almost the same as installing a kitchen cabinet. Because vanities tend to get a lot of use and are exposed to moisture, pay particular attention to the quality of construction.
Easy-to-find storage is a top feature homebuyers look for in bathrooms, according to Houzz. Upgrade storage and transform your space with a new vanity. Most come complete with plenty of drawer space, sinks, countertops and hardware.
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