design: Kitchen Remodeling Budget and Design - 07/23/08 03:35 PM
Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects and is an excellent investment.  However, before diving into a large kitchen remodel, carefully consider both budget and design. 
When planning your initial kitchen remodel budget, it is useful to allocate 40-50% of your budget for cabinets, 20-30% for appliances, 20-25% for countertops, 10-15% for flooring, and 5-15% for lighting.  The primary material costs include cabinets, counters, appliances and floors, with lighting, paint, and accents topping it off.  Keep in mind that designers usually charge $50-$150+ per hour, so plan your budget accordingly if you plan to hire professional design … (0 comments)

design: 10 Steps to a Well-Designed Room - 07/17/08 03:32 PM
1.  Find a purpose.
First, determine exactly how you want to use the room in question.  Do you want a great room that combines dining, television, and family space?  Or do you have extra rooms and want one casual family room and one formal living room?  A room's purpose should be one of the strongest considerations when choosing a decorating scheme.
2.  Consider others.
Who will use this space?  Guests, family, children, pets, or any combination of the above?   Always consider a room's occupants when selecting finishes and fabrics.  For example flat finish paints and silk slipcovers might be … (2 comments)

design: Rolling Rings Beat Out Shower Hooks - 06/27/08 02:40 PM
A seemingly small indulgence, rolling shower curtain rings can make a massive difference in bathrooms of any size.  These rings make opening and closing the shower curtain a smooth, streamlined, and luxurious movement. The basic metal design lasts a long time and is an elegant alternative to plastic shower rings that often stick or break.  You can find them at most hardware and home improvement stores, design stores, and big chains for between $11 and $15 for a pack of 12 rings.  Available in a variety of metal finishes including gold, bronze, silver, and chrome, these metal rolling rings showcase beautiful … (2 comments)

design: Staging Your Condo For A Quick Sale - 06/17/08 05:54 PM
In this housing slump, sellers have increasingly been hiring professional stagers to improve the look and feel of their D.C. condo before putting up that "For Sale" sign.  Stagers are design professionals who organize, decorate, and clean a property to make it more inviting to house-hunters.  Don't confuse Accredited Staging Professionals (ASP) with interior designers.  Staging is much faster and less expensive than interior design, though it often has similar results.
When selling a house, the seller controls the price and the look, and the market determines the rest.  Just as a good real estate agent will help sellers determine the … (5 comments)

design: Design House Consumer Day - 05/06/08 05:17 PM
In April I blogged about the Design House which was open through May 11, 2008.  For those individuals who were unable to attend, you have been granted a reprieve... Come visit the Washington Design Center on Saturday, May 17 for their Design House Consumer Day.  Not only will you have the opportunity to tour the design house for an up-close look, but you can also meet the designers and discuss your design needs on the spot!  In addition, you can spend the day shopping ten beautiful luxury kitchen, bath, stone, tile, and appliance showrooms.  Throughout the day there will be product … (0 comments)

design: Children’s Hospital Design House - 04/18/08 09:54 AM
The work of top designers isn’t reserved only for the rich and well-connected.  This spring, fifteen of the nation’s top designers will showcase their talents by transforming a historic house in Georgetown to benefit Children’s National Medical Center. 
From Saturday, April 19 through Thursday, May 11, you will be able to tour Children’s Hospital Design House at 3014 P Street, NW.  It is a wonderful opportunity to admire the work of talented professional, and maybe even be inspired to try some of their ideas in your own home.  The house will also be featured as part of the Georgetown House … (0 comments)

design: Beautiful, in Spite of it all! - 04/16/08 03:17 PM
At one point or another, I'm sure we've all complained that our house is way too small.  After taking a look inside Alexandria's Spite House, you may be in awe of how much space you actually do have. 
Located in historic Old Town Alexandria, the Spite House was built in 1830 and was designed to keep traffic out of a narrow alley.  The home is two stories, 25 feet deep and 7 feet wide.  With only 325 square feet, it puts many complaints about cramped living spaces to shame.  In fact, the house doesn't even have its own walls - the … (3 comments)

design: Spring Has Sprung (Well, Almost)... - 02/22/08 02:19 PM
Despite the dreary D.C. weather we are having right now, spring is right around the corner.  For many people, that means getting started on all of those household projects you have been putting off all winter.  If your place is in need of some spring sprucing and you are in search of a little inspiration, this weekend's Capital Home & Garden Show may be right up your alley. 
From February 21 - 24, the Dulles Expo Center will be home to the show which is focused on the latest in home remodeling, gardening and much, much more.  If visiting rows and … (0 comments)

design: Green Living: Natural Decor Better For Earth And Your Wallet? - 02/15/08 07:09 PM
by Phoebe Chongchua
Sellers are looking for ways to get the most for their homes and buyers, of course, are looking for the best value. The a flowing floor plan, a spacious layout, a not-so-crowded street, great curb appeal, low HOA or planned community fees, etc. are certainly big influencers for buyers. But so, too, are some of the items in your home that you might not give much consideration.
A changing environment and more talk of all the trash that's filling up our landfills is causing more people to go green by using recycled goods or products that are renewable and … (0 comments)

design: Fairfax Programs Help to Improve House Conditon - 02/08/08 07:03 PM
By Ann Cameron Siegal
Special to The Washington Post Saturday, January 12, 2008; Page F01
Fairfax City is attempting to lessen the move-or-improve quandary that many homeowners face when their residences no longer fit their needs.
Whether residents are expanding their families, aging in place or working from home, several programs that go beyond those offered by other local governments are available to help people stay put. "These programs are targeted towards homes that need a little extra love," said Danielle Easter, executive director of the Fairfax Renaissance Housing Corporation.
Residents can tackle functional obsolescence, improve curb appeal, add a bathroom … (0 comments)

design: Inexpensive Furniture Basics - 01/22/08 06:26 PM

If you need furniture for an empty space or need to update what you have; you may be in luck.  There are some affordable options on the market that are not only inexpensive, but they look great and are versatile enough to be used for multiple purposes. 
The following items are all under $500.00 which makes them both space and budget conscious.  They are available at most large retailers so they are accessible to everyone and can work in a variety of different ways with a little personal inspiration.
1.  Expedit Bookshelf from IKEA - This bookshelf is available in multiple sizes and can also … (0 comments)

 

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