If you are one of the many people who make use of a fireplace during the winter months, you know that they can become an eyesore after years of use. Instead of rebuilding your fireplace or walling it up, give it a makeover your family is sure to enjoy. Try some of the glam ideas below to give your old fireplace a new look.
You can install a new mantel or give your old one a new look. Keep in mind, just because your chimney is permanent, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find your old fireplace a new front. You can now purchase mantels that require minimal assembly with a screwdriver all done in a day’s worth of work.
Your fireplace can become dangerous if left unattended, because unlike a gas fireplace, you can’t turn off the flames. Install a glass door to protect your investment, and it can also lend a cozy feel to your room. It isn’t hard to find a glass door that fits your fireplace, because they are sold retrofitted at your local home hardware store.
The mantel is not only a focal point in your room, but it can also serve as an architectural wonder for an otherwise boring hearth. Instead of purchasing a new mantel, consider purchasing a salvaged one. Many homeowners tear down old mantels in order to replace them with new ones. Give an old piece new life!
Jazz up your fireplace by dismissing a mantel altogether and go for a more permanent look. Colored tiles can create intricate patterns and make your hearth look wholesome. Just because many homeowners opt for a mantel, it doesn’t mean that you should too!
Build stone around your entire fireplace to create an old world cozy feel in your room. You don’t have to use real stone to make your fireplace look good. Modern cast-stone veneer offers the same appeal, and you can choose a river rock look or stacked stones. It is not only easy on your wallet, but it also has the appeal of an easy D-I-Y project.
Swap out your mantel and replace your hearth and surround it with granite slabs. It offers a more modern appeal that homeowners can enjoy, and granite can take a real beating over the years. However, if you can’t afford granite slabs, opt for ceramic or stone finish tiles to achieve a similar but more budget friendly look.
Switch out your real fireplace with a gas one. It offers you safety and you can control it with minimal effort as you don’t have to tend the fire or add wood. Modern gas fireplaces look entirely realistic and you no longer have to worry about staring at plastic molded unconvincing logs.
Your fireplace can become the heart of your home while keeping you home on a cold winter’s night. There is no reason to overlook the decorating aspects of your fireplace because it can become a focal point in an otherwise plain room. Try the advice from this article to create a fireplace others will envy!
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Kitchen Remodeling Home Improvement Projects
For every homeowner that is planning on remodeling their kitchen, it is likely time for a fresh makeover. It offers the opportunity to transform a boring kitchen into a phenomenal, modernized cooking room. Instead of simply changing out the cabinets, or adding a fresh counter top, consider rearranging the layout of the room to increase its efficiency, and add a decorative style to the home.
Many home centers, and kitchen remodeling subcontractors, can offer their services at helping the homeowner select the best layout for the room. A properly designed kitchen that has been remodeled can add a higher level of comfort while boosting its efficiency. Many do-it-yourself homeowners can save money by performing the job themselves, and taking the saved money and purchasing better cabinets and counter tops.
Eventually, every homeowner’s kitchen will require some type of fresh update to make it look refreshing and new. There are significant ways to enhance the style of the kitchen the does not take a phenomenal amount of money.
Install Better Lighting
Consider installing under cabinet lighting. This will transform the way that the homeowner can perform their kitchen duties. They can be strategically placed underneath every cabinet, and add beauty to the counter top. Additionally, consider installing recessed cans in the ceiling in the kitchen that is controlled by a dimmer switch to add an accent when the kitchen is being utilized or not.
Add More Storage
Many inventive homeowners seek out flea markets as a way to find additional storage for their kitchen. They can take an ordinary cabinet, paint it and add lacy appliqués or fancy medallions to beautify an accent piece in the home. It is the ideal location to display all of the treasures in the kitchen that are often hand-me-downs from past generations.
Chair Railing
A simple piece of chair railing installed around the perimeter of the kitchen and dining room can add a decorative feature and an instant appeal to the rooms. The installation process is simple, especially when each piece is painted before it is installed.
Paint the Floor
If the home has old, outdated wooden flooring, that needs to be refinished, consider painting it in a decorative style. Through careful taping, it is easy to create all types of designs, including geometric shapes and artistic curves to add a unique and beautiful addition to the kitchen.
Transforming the interior of the kitchen does not require expensive remodeling home improvement projects. Even the simplest basic idea with a clever touch can significantly enhance the beauty of the room. This can be as simple as adding a dark wall that accentuates or complements the colors in the room. It can also be changing existing bar chairs for something new and inventive, or old, and traditional style.
Thinking outside the box is the easiest way to enhance or remodel the kitchen. Change the doorknobs on every cabinet with something more inviting, or add appliqués to the walls to draw the attention away from the outdated appliances. With a little imagination, a home improvement project that cost very little can make a significant improvement to the room.