New Trends in Remodeling
Want to find out the latest trends in home design and décor but don't have hours to pour over books, magazines or design television programs? This year's knowledgeable UW Home Improvement Fair exhibitors can give you tips and ideas on what's hot now and what home improvements can really add value to your home.
Room Make-Overs
These days, people are looking at creating multipurpose rooms which are more functional, open, and airy. Furniture is becoming lighter and less bulky and people are looking at pieces that can provide a variety of functions but still have a classic look and feel. In fact, modern design and décor is on its way out and the "antique" look is increasingly becoming popular again. (Tip: keep an eye out for wood furniture and consider staining it to match other pieces in your home).
A fresh coat of paint can be a simple way to update a room and help you pull together different design elements. According to Michael Cadieux from Absolute Painting Solutions, "Painting, when it's done correctly, is the least expensive way to upgrade and protect your home," and adds, "but remember, it costs less to do it right than to do it over."
If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, look at painting and use colors that make you and your family/friends comfortable which can be more bold or trendy. If you think you will put your home on the market as soon as it improves, look at using more classic colors that might appeal to a broader range of potential homebuyers.
 Should you hire a painter?
How to choose the right painting contractor
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Kitchens
Mike Rowan of Rowan Construction advises that kitchens and bathrooms continue to be the biggest return on investment (ROI) for anyone considering a remodel. He does have a bit of advice before tackling a remodel: "Remember to stay true to the type of house you have when you look at redesigning your kitchen or bathroom. If you have a modern house, your kitchen should reflect that in its design."
There are several ways you can update your kitchen from the very simple DIY to the more advanced. Here are some tips on small projects that can really revitalize your kitchen space:
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
- Install a new kitchen sink
- Refinish or paint your cabinets
- Paint! Paint! Paint (cabinets, wall, and even floors - just make sure you use the right kind of paint for the job)!
- New hardware - you can even shop at thrift stores, flea markets and antique stores for interesting "new" ideas
- Update your backsplash - you can even try creating your own mosaic tile artwork
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Bathrooms
The beauty of a bathroom make-over is that it's usually a small project that can be done in a weekend or two. Small wall surfaces let you experiment with paint or wallpaper that lets you unleash your creativity but doesn't take too long to undo if it doesn't work out as well as you planned. Even such small things as adding a new bathroom rug or shower curtain can help revitalize your bathroom for very little money. If you want to attempt something more ambitious, consider one of the following:
- Add custom cabinetry for a stylish storage solution
- Update tile, counter tops, plumbing and lighting fixtures
- Add artwork, bold paint colors, wainscoting, or wallpaper to walls
- Create your own spa experience with a walk-in shower
- Heated floors are more affordable than you think and can help you save money on heating costs
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Basements
A basement remodel can be one of the most satisfying projects you can undertake. Many homeowners are spending less time going to movies and are increasingly remodeling their basements to become family rooms or entertainment centers according to contractor Mike Rowan. "Most people don't think about how this could be a great space," he adds, "people have a hard time visualizing this as anything other than storage space."
In fact, your basement can be transformed from a place you throw all your junk to a multipurpose, functional place you WANT to be. Consider converting your basement into a wine cellar, family or play room, laundry room, guest room or more-the possibilities are endless!
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Lighting
Desperate to avoid high energy costs, people are looking at different ways to create lighting solutions throughout their homes that take advantage of energy efficient bulbs such as Compact Florescent Lights (CFLs) or Light Emmitting Diodes (LEDs). Home Fair exhibitor Rejuvenation Inc. offers their complete line of lighting fixtures CFL-ready and even sells adaptors to turn your old lamps into ones that support this new type of bulb that offers consumers a longer life and lower energy use - without a reduced output.
Learn more about increasing your home's energy efficiency.
Regardless of what type of light bulb you use, there are tried and true lighting techniques that can help you create a warm and inviting environment in every room of your house.
Lighting experts and designers recommend creating layers of light including task (lights that shine on a source where you prepare food, read a book, etc.), ambient (warm glow that fills the room and softens shadows - it makes people instantly feel welcome in the room), accent (gives depth and dimension to things you want to highlight in a room such as architecture, or decorative elements), and decorative (light fixtures that add color, style, or even artistic elements to a room).
(Design tip: don't forget to install a dimmer switch so you can quickly and easily adjust the lighting in each room)
Keep in mind:
- Chandeliers in kitchens and dining rooms are back in!
- Recessed lights in living rooms help make it a more comfortable room
- Sconces can add a decorative touch to any room
- Light fixtures can be works of art - choose wisely and incorporate into the overall design of your room
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Flooring
Hardwood floors are still very much in style though homeowners are increasingly looking at different kinds of woods other than the traditional oak. In fact, Bamboo is one of the fastest growing materials used in flooring because of its durability and strength, but also because of how quickly bamboo is replenished. Bamboo wood can be harvested every 5-7 years unlike other more traditional trees which need 50-100 years to grow.
If you currently have hardwood floors - refinish them! That can be a quick and affordable way to revitalize any room in the house.
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Home Fair Home Page
Learn more about Green Remodeling
Learn how to increase your home's energy efficiency
For fresh ideas on how to revitalize your home join us at the UW Home Improvement Fair on April 8th at the Mary Gates Hall Commons or contact a Home Fair Exhibitor.
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