How To Update Your Existing Kitchen On A Budget

To update your existing kitchen on a budget can easily be done by updating fabric and accessories, replacing outdated appliances with modern stainless steel appliances, and updating countertops with granite or quartz.

If your budget allows, update fixtures such as faucets, sinks and lighting.

The following steps will help you to update your kitchen without blowing your budget:

• Make a wish list of the things that you want to update
• Create a sample board of fabrics, accessories, and paint colors that you love
• Choose a color scheme
• Develop a budget and stick to it
• Research the decorating style you want to implement by using design resources
• Use washable paint and wallpaper
• Purchase quality, energy efficient appliances
• Add designer details such as a tiled mural 
• Install new decorative light fixtures such as wall scones 
• Coordinate your new kitchen with the rest of your home so it is visibly pleasing.

Below are some beautiful updated kitchens, I hope  they will inspire you to create the kitchen  you've always  wanted.

                                                     Source:  House Beautiful

Five Tips To Consider Before Working With A Home Contractor

Renovating or remodeling your home is a big investment but very rewarding. If you choose to work with a contractor you should be prepared for the drawbacks and the added expense that comes with remodeling.

As a homeowner, if you are prepared ahead of time you can make the renovating journey effortless and make working with your contractor a breeze.

Here are five tips to consider when working with a contractor:

1. Verify the contractor's license. Find out if your county requires a contractor to be licensed and make sure that his/her license is not expired. 
2. Check the Better Business Bureau and verify that there are no complaints associated with the contractor. Take the time to research the company online as it might help to avoid a bad experience later on.
3. Compare bids from different contractors; obtain at least three written bids.
4. Make the contractor responsible for obtaining building permits.
5. Obtain a written contract from the contractor showing a start and completion date of the project and a detailed list of purchases.

Remodeling a home and working with a contractor takes a lot patience and cooperation, but following the above tips will get you on the path to success.

                                                                     Kitchen  Remodel

                                                        All photos  courtesy  of  HGTV

DIY Tuesday - How to easily remove outdated wallpaper on a budget

If you just moved into a fixer upper and want to tackle removing the existing wallpaper but were reluctant to, below is an easy step-by-step guide to removing outdated wallpaper:

Materials You Will Need:

Dish Detergent

Fabric softener

Tools Required:

Drop cloth

Step ladder

Wallpaper scraping tool

Putty knife

Sponge

Spray bottle

1. Place drop cloths at the bottom of the walls that are going to be stripped and remove all switch plates and outlet covers from wall.
2. Turn off power to the room.
3. Cut small holes into the wallpaper so that the solution can permeate through to the adhesive base.
4. Mix together the fabric softener and hot water in a large spray bottle. Use small batches of solution at a ratio of one to one, keeping the water as hot as possible.
5. Spray a section of wallpaper with the solution and let it saturate the paper before stripping it.
6. Start pulling the wallpaper up from the bottom and use the putty knife to remove the rest of the paper, repeating this process until all of the wallpaper is removed.
7. To remove wallpaper adhesive, mix a tablespoon of dish detergent and hot water and wipe down the wall with a sponge until all residue is removed.
8. Rinse wall with fresh water and dry with a towel.

For more DIY projects visit: http://www.diynetwork.


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                                  Photo courtesy of Target.com

Entertain in style with these beautiful outdoor rooms from HGTV

As most Americans are spending their vacations at home due to time/budget constraints they are utilizing their outdoor rooms and transforming them into beautiful living spaces.  If you don't have the budget for a summer vacation why not consider revamping your outdoor room and entertain family and friends in style.  Check out these outdoor rooms from HGTV.

 

Colorful patterned accessories, a chandelier and a chic round table embodies this outdoor room

 

A cozy and relaxing outdoor room with neutral furniture and warm tonal accessories

 

A rustic and nature-inspired outdoor room

 

 

 

An oversized table, funky lighting and plenty of foliage makes this outdoor room

an entertainer's dream

 

 

 

 

An open and airy outdoor room with plantation style furniture and comfy seating

 

Photos courtesy of HGTV