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Updating the interior design of a kitchen requires a considerably huge budget. Would you believe that five years ago, remodeling an average kitchen can go as high as $26,000? No wonder the National Kitchen and Bath Association consider it to be one of the most expensive remodeling projects undertaken by American homeowners!
Don't despair even if you among the thousands (and perhaps even tens or hundreds of thousands!) of people inspired by the pictures of ideal kitchens featured in glossy magazines but don't have enough funds to undertake a remodeling project. There are several ways to furnish your kitchens with that modern interior design without going broke!
Truth is, updating the interior design and improving the functionality and value of the kitchen do not always need to be expensive. You will be pleasantly surprised at the number ways in which you can cut costs!
Practical Fix-It-Up Ideas
If you are currently financially strapped in, you may consider updating your kitchen's look rather than undertaking a major remodeling project. You may want to consider these low-cost fix-ups in updating the interior design of your kitchen.
Update your lighting. Installing modern lighting fixtures are one of the surest, fastest and most economical ways to boost a kitchen's look and value.
. Halogen lights directed towards the ceiling bounce off to provide indirect working light. They also come with a dimmer so you can adjust the lighting intensity to fit your needs. Brighten it up or tone it down, how you set it is completely up to you!
. Consider installing task lighting. Task lighting mounted to provide efficient lighting in the countertop, the sink and near the cooking area makes preparing dinners a breeze!
. Provide accent lighting. If you want to highlight unique architectural designs, your antique china collection or any items of interest, you may do so by installing accent lighting. This will surely bring the interior design of your kitchen into focus!
Play with paints! Another surefire hit in cutting kitchen remodeling costs is by modernizing its look by splurging on a fresh coat of paint.
. Hesitant to paint stained wooden cabinets? There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of! Painted wooden cabinets are just as good and as efficient as stained ones. Plus, painting them up allows you to get the color and finish that you want for a fraction of the cost!
. Old kitchen appliances can also be given a smarter look. Appliance refinishing companies and automobile repainting shops can indeed give your range, your dishwasher and your refrigerator a brand new appeal!
. Get artistic with your walls! You can get creative and spend your energy in painting your walls for that updated look. Special painting techniques such as sponging, mottling and rag-rolling can definitely work wonders!
Install new moldings. Installing moldings can transform an otherwise unappealing kitchen into a visual delight. What a great and economical way to improve the interior design of your kitchen!
Put sparkle into your kitchen! Heightened visual interest can be achieved by simply installing new knobs and pulls on your cabinets. You may pick anything from the wide choices available since they come in almost all materials and styles imaginable. Cabinet knobs and pulls are available in glass, resin, metal, rubber, stone and wood.
There you have it, some of the most affordable ways to enhance your kitchen's visual appeal and functionality! Now, do you agree with me that updating the interior design of your kitchen does not necessarily have to be such an expensive project after all?
There are a number of individuals who have made the choice to work from the comfort of their home. However, many of these people realize that adding an office to the home may not be as comfortable as they may have once believed. This is often due to the general limitations of the space available in the home. Throwing in an "office" in the mix may really complicate things. However, it is quite possible to create a productive amount of space in the home office. Here, you will discover many home decoration secrets that have proven to be successful for a number of individuals.
There are a couple of essentials when it comes to the furniture that you will require in the home office. The first, and essential, piece of furniture that is required is the desk that will be used. There are a variety of different home office desks that can be purchased. You can select from small, simple desks, to large modular type desks for the home office. You can choose from a variety of styles, colors, materials, and features. It is important to carefully consider the home that you designate as your home office when purchasing a desk.
If your home office is located in an area in which there is little physical space, you may elect to purchase a desk that is modular for storage. The storage should be in a vertical manner. This will decrease the amount of actual floor space that this type of furniture takes up. There are many different types of features that can be included on this type of desk. You may enjoy cabinet space, shelves, and drawers. If you have a large room to work with, you may choose a large desk unit that will help fill the space. These, too, come in modular type units.
When creating your home office, you must ensure that you create it in a way that provides a level of comfort for you. Many individuals make the mistake of making their office "stiff" and uncomfortable. This can actually affect the general productivity of the work in which you perform. You must work to bring out your natural personality to ensure that the home office is comfortable for you. This is where you will spend a lot of your time, it is essential that you are extremely comfortable in this space.
Many individuals implement the use of different paints, wallpapers, and even color techniques in order to bring out the "personality" of their home office. If you are working to maximize the space of this room, you will want to ensure that the colors that you use are "light". If you are attempting to make a larger room seem "small", then the use of dark colors would be appropriate. In addition to the actual wall colors, you should also consider the theme, color, and length of the curtains that you will be using in the home office.
Many professionals who specialize in home decoration, state that specific colors can bring about certain moods when it comes to applying them in the home. For example, many colors, such as blue and purple can provide an atmosphere that is calm. Earth tone colors, such as soft browns, can add a hint of professionalism to a room. Colors like red and orange can make an area seem friendly and inviting. When choosing your colors for your home office, take special care in doing so.
The next consideration that should be made when it comes to the home office is the lighting that will be used. Many individuals simply underestimate the potential of lighting when it comes to the space of a room, as well as the productivity that occurs within that room. Generally, it is important to have lighting that is bright when it is placed in the home office. Bright lighting will help you to remain alert and focused while working. If you deal with clients in your home office, you may elect "natural" lighting, or dim lighting. This type is comforting and makes the atmosphere inviting.
When creating a home office, it is important to design it in such a way that you can easily access all of the necessary items. If you must often answer the phone, it is important to place the phone near the area in which you conduct the most work. If you are required to store, or file, various items in your office, you will want to consider placing a filing cabinet in the area. If you implement the use of a fax machine, copier, or a printer on a consistent basis, it is ideal to place these items near to your desk for ease of access.
When designing your home office, it is important to take into consideration the amount of time that you will be spending in this area. You must also design it in such a way that you are easily able to keep it organized. Lack of comfort and organization can be two major issues when it comes to your general level of productivity. By selecting furniture, accessories, and other similar items that will compliment your comfort and organization, you are allowing yourself the potential to maximize your productivity and achieve the success that you desire.
Do not forget the personal touches that can help make your home office more "you". You may want to place a few pictures of the kids on your desk, or a few decorative items that reflect your character and general personality. Many individuals elect to place a stereo in the home to break the silence when working, or a fish aquarium in the office that will produce a calming effect. If you enjoy plants and flowers, you may consider placing these notable items of interest in your office. Creating a "personal" touch while decorating the home office can make the area more inviting.
There are many different methods and ways that you can use in order to decorate your home office. Listed here are just a few steps that can assist you in this process. If you want to achieve success, remain productive, and creating an appealing space that you can work in, the methods listed in this article can be extremely beneficial. Many of these methods are often overlooked by people who work in the home. Could this be a reason why so many home businesses fail? It certainly is a possibility!