PLANNING FOR YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBER
- If you have an extended family member living you, you will have to consider what room this person will occupy and what bathroom will he or she use.
- Will this room/space need a separate exterior entrance?
- Will this room need additional electrical work, a separate phone line, TV and/or cable?
- If this family member is older, are there certain products that would make their life a little easier and more comfortable?
For example:- Consider carpeting as a safe and warm flooring option.
- If you prefer a hard surface, consider a durable, matte, textured ceramic tile. Add a throw rug for warmth but make sure that the rug is rubber backed so it won’t move underfoot.
- Vinyl can also be a good flooring option because it is warmer and softer than ceramic tile. However, be aware that vinyl can be slippery when wet and rubber-backed mats are not recommended because they can discolor the floor.
- Install a shower seat, grab bar or hand-held shower heads for safe and easy bathing.
- Install a heat light to keep the bathroom cozy when getting out of the shower or tub.
PLANNING FOR YOUR HOME OFFICE
Configurations:
- Add custom built-in cabinetry to increase storage for office or computer equipment, files, binders, etc.
- Coffee / wet bar with sink and under-counter refrigerator
- Consider adding French doors to access more light and enhance the look of the space assuming they will not offer additional distractions
- Convert an existing closet by adding shelves and outlets to store office supplies and business equipment such as a fax machine.
Lighting:
- Task lighting: on the work surface (desk, table, etc.) use a desk lamp that is adjustable so that the light can be directed, table lamps also work.
- Background lighting: most commonly provided by table lamps or free-standing lamps
- Natural light: take advantage of any natural light from windows but be sure to position your desk so that there will not be a glare on your computer screen.
- Storage areas or bookshelves: should be functionally lit
Flooring:
- Hardwood: Consider the rich and warm look of a hardwood floor for your office. Enhance the feel by adding a beautiful area rug
- Carpet: Select a carpet that is different in style and color, but that complements the carpet that runs throughout the rest of your home. Choose a carpet that is low profile or commercial to withstand traffic and chair castors.
- Plastic mats can be added under chairs to protect floors
- Inset an area of hardwood, tile or stone in your carpet for your desk and chair
PLANNING FOR YOUR HOME GYM OR ARTS & CRAFT STUDIO
- Home gyms are a great addition for any household. Keeping in shape is important and that much easier when the equipment is just down the hall. For a home gym consider:
- Mirrored wall / walls
- Low profile or commercial carpeting
- Built-in cabinetry to house a sound system or TV
- A small snack bar
- Under-counter refrigerator with bottled water and juice
- Craft / art studio consider:
- Adding special task lighting and natural light
- Ventilation
- Hard surface flooring (laminate, hardwood, ceramic tile, vinyl) for easy maintenance
- Plenty of work space – solid products work best like a laminate or Corian, Avonite, etc.
- Extra storage in closets for supplies
- Add a small bathroom or sink area for easy clean-up
CREATING A FORMAL ATMOSPHERE
Natural stone: always makes a statement. Mix marble, granite and limestone in a design in the foyer; use granite on kitchen countertops, fireplace surrounds. Marble is always at home in a master bathroom on floors, counters and surrounds.
Hardwood: Hardwood floors work well in formal and casual environments depending on the stain, finish and sometimes species of wood. Some popular choices for formal homes include: Brazilian cherry, Birdseye maple, Bamboo, Pecan. Some hardwood products have the ability to be installed in patterns such as herringbone, chevron or diagonal. Hardwood floors with a darker stain are typically a good choice for the formal interior.
Ceramic tile: Larger sized tiles for floors, walls and surrounds with a high gloss finish create a formal atmosphere. For a more customized look add liners or decos on backsplashes and surrounds. Use ceramic tiles that emulate the look of natural stone. Install floor tile on the diagonal with a border around the perimeter of the room or special feature such as a kitchen island or a beautiful table in the foyer.
Carpet: Saxony or Plush: great for formal living rooms, master bedrooms or throughout the house for an overall formal appearance. These carpets are also available in higher ounce weights called Velvets. Although they show footprints these styles are very luxurious and are perfect for any formal environment.
- Patterned or cut and uncut carpets. (Geometric, botanicals, etc.)
- Thick cable carpets
- Wool carpets
OPTION PRODUCTS THAT ARE EASY TO MAINTAIN
As you know, different products have different maintenance requirements. Now is a good time to think about how often you or someone else will clean your home. By determining now how much time you want to devote to the maintenance of your home, you will be able to select products that will compliment your lifestyle and needs.
The following products are typically easier to maintain:
Solid surface materials: for countertops are great because there is no grout.
- Laminates
- Quartz products
Carpet
- Select a quality constructed Nylon carpet with stain and soil protection
- Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning is all that is needed. However, most warranties require that you have your carpet professionally cleaned every 12-24 months. By doing so, your carpet in turn will be easier to maintain.
- Consider these styles:
- Textured
- Frieze
- Berbers (looped and cut pile)
- Cut and uncut / patterned
Laminate floors: are known for their easy upkeep. A good vacuuming or sweeping and light damp mopping will do the job.
Ceramic tile:
- Larger sizes to minimize the number of grout joints.
- With a pattern or different colors to help minimize the appearance of dirt.
Sheet Vinyl:
- Select a quality constructed sheet vinyl with a protective coating or wear layer.
- With a pattern or different colors to help minimize the appearance of dirt
MAXIMIZING THE RESALE VALUE OF YOUR NEW HOME
Remember one word: NEUTRAL.
If you think that it is likely that you will sell your home in less than five years, select your interior finishes wisely.
Remember, when your house is on the market and potential buyers are touring your home, they must be able to visualize themselves and their belongings in your home.
A neutral environment provides that opportunity.
Stay Neutral
- Neutral does not have to be boring. Colors such as taupe, beige, sand, cream, white, gray and even black are all considered neutral.
- Use these colors in a combination or choose one color and decorate in a monochromatic scheme. Different textures, patterns and accessories can provide interest without locking you into a particular color or scheme.
- Select a neutral color scheme and offer color through accessories such as pillows, artwork, area rugs, etc.
SELECT PRODUCTS THAT ARE DURABLE AND TIMELESS:
- Hardwood floors
- Quality constructed carpet and carpet cushion.
- Natural stone marble, granite, limestone, slate etc.
Kitchens and bathrooms, particularly master bathrooms, are great areas to upgrade and hold their value.
Ideas for upgrading the kitchen:
Cabinetry
- Maple, cherry
Countertops
- Granite 12x12s or slab
- Larger size ceramic tile
Flooring
- Hardwood, ceramic tile or stone
IDEAS FOR UPGRADING THE MASTER BATH:
- Natural stone countertops.
- Cabinetry special finishes or glazes, different wood species and style than the rest of the house.
- Flooring textured and matte or semi gloss ceramic tile or natural stone.
- Accent liners, decos or listellos in the shower and tub surrounds and countertop backsplash
- Stylized plumbing fixtures.