Archive for July 2014

By Heather Levin on MoneyCrashers.com So you’re ready to redecorate and redesign your bathroom. But dropping $20,000 on a deluxe spa retreat is light years away from what you can afford to spend. Here’s the good news: You don’t need mega-bucks to transform your bathroom into a relaxing, cool space. There are plenty of ways…

By Mike McClintock, Special to Tribune Newspapers Bathrooms are not much over 10 percent of the floor space in typical homes. But per square foot, they’re often the most expensive due to all the plumbing, fixtures and finishes like tile instead of drywall. That goes for remodeling, too, where estimates for updates cause sticker shock.…

Cheerful colors and nostalgic details lend their charms to these kitchens inspired by the past. Read on to learn how to re-create the look in your own home. By MARIE PROELLER HUESTON on BobVilla.com They don’t make ‘em like they used to. Today, the popular notion of a “dream kitchen” includes an an all-white color…

Can’t afford brand-new countertops? Extend the life of your existing countertops with these simple DIY tricks for repairing or refinishing them. By Kathy Barnes Better Homes and Gardens Over time, kitchen counters begin to show their age. Everyday wear and tear can leave nicks and scratches that make the countertop look old and tired. Breathe…

We love bathrooms, and with so many beautiful styles and ideas out there, it’s hard to pick just one, so we’re not! Here are decor and design ideas from more than 50 of our favorite pictures. Need ideas for other areas of your home? Our bedroom designs and living room galleries have hundreds of gorgeous…

Farmhouse sinks, whose style harkens back to the 19th century, are enjoying a revival, with more models being offered than ever before. By ROSEANN FOLEY HENRY on BobVilla.com Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron-front sinks, are a country kitchen staple. These distinctive vessels have an exposed front that sits above, not behind, the base cabinet.…

French Country. English Country. Vintage. Rustic. Farmhouse. Country Western. When it comes to decorating, these all define a particular country style. But even though characterizing country can be a subjective exercise, there are common threads that run throughout. Country decorating is about comfort and a simpler way of life. Sometimes it’s expressed with vintage or…

Thursday, July 17th, 2014 on TheVillageNews.com FALLBROOK – Bathroom renovations are second to kitchen renovations on the list of the top remodeling projects to increase home value. The popularity of bathroom renovations and their ability to transform a space has left many homeowners wondering if there are any easy and affordable ways to change the…

From the Chicago Tribune Beautifying your bathroom sounds exciting but oftentimes renovation plans begin with good intentions and end up a long, costly nightmare. The national average cost for a bathroom remodel is $10,142, according to the Cost Guide from HomeAdvisor.com. That’s a hefty investment but one that can easily be reduced with a simple…

Are you redecorating or redesigning? Answering that question will help you determine what fixtures to keep for your bathroom makeover — and how big your budget might be. By Rose Kennedy If you’re undertaking a bathroom makeover and struggling to decide what stays and what goes, remember that even seasoned pros have to balance the…