budget: Kitchen Remodeling Budget and Design
- 07/23/08 08:35 AM
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)
budget: Make a Unique Kitchen Table Out of a Door
- 06/18/08 08:46 AM
For a kitchen table that is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly, consider reclaiming a old wooden door. With a bit of imagination, a few tools, and some time, you'll have a sturdy and original custom piece of furniture that will spark both conversations and imaginations. The first step is to rescue a paneled wood door from a thrift store, salvage yard, remodel, or www.secondchanceinc.org and clean it up well. Then screw in four IKEA table legs on each corner of what will be the underside of the table. Flip the door over so it is standing as a table on its new … (8 comments)
budget: Tips To Help You Start Your Home Project
- 06/10/08 06:07 AM
Envisioning your new home or simply making improvements to your residence can be exciting and challenging. The new lighter shade of paint to go with the handsome leather couch, the mosaic tiles in the bathroom - these ideas can get stuck in the mind and leave you impatient to start and finish at once. But being fast is not advisable because although exciting, home projects are also demanding particularly on the pocket. Any work that demands expenses is better tackled first with study and preparation. The following tips will help you get started: 1. Plan your goal Put the wishes and visions … (0 comments)
A bench at the foot of the bed is a real luxury. You can use it as a step-stool, a storage spot, extra seating, or just a nice detail for a room. The super-low-slung bench shown in the top image is via Bo Concept. We like the idea of using it to take off your shoes and step into bed.
This bedroom by Martha Angus shows a cool twist on the classic pair of X-benches at the end of the bed.
Cute for a kid's room or a twin bed: the End of Bed Bench from Pottery Barn Kids, $99.
A storage bench can … (0 comments)
budget: Saturday Night Go Karts Party
- 03/05/08 04:41 AM
On your mark, get set, go! Looking for a good way to exhaust that competitive nature? Are you up for some blood pumping adrnealine? I have an activity that will be right up your alley - racing alley... Saturday night is go kart racing night! You can race your friends, co-workers or significant others on some of the most extreme go karts in the world. These karts possess 6.5 horsepower, 4-stroke Honda engines with a racing inspired steering wheel. They allow you to burn out of the starting gate, turn without hesitation and careen around the hair-pin corners. These karts are certainly not … (0 comments)
budget: Dolcezza Will Be Making Parking Even Harder in Bethesda
- 03/04/08 04:57 AM
Dolcezza, the charming little gelataria in Washington D.C. will soon be expanding. They will be opening up a second store on Bethesda road in April of 2008. The gelateria will be competing against the already well known and established local frozen delight vendors - Ben & Jerry's, Haagen Dazs, Gifford's and, in the summer, Clayboy's Shaved Ice. Dolcezza specializes in making small batches of handmade gelato on a daily basis. They only use the best available ingredients: local fruits, herbs, cheese, milk and cream. They support local farmers, hand squeeze the citrus ingredients, grind the spices and roast the nuts all … (0 comments)
budget: Food For A Cause
- 02/27/08 09:52 AM
On Thursday, March 6th 150 restaurants in the D.C. area will participate in Dining Out for Life, an event where participating restaurants will donate 25-100% of their sales to Food & Friends. Food & Friends is a D.C. area non-profit organization providing daily, home-delivered meals, groceries and nutrition counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS. The funds raised through Dining Out for Life allows Food & Friends to continue providing these critical services at no cost to individuals in need. For a list of participating restaurants, click here. I can't think of a better reason to treat yourself to a great dinner out … (0 comments)
budget: And the Oscar Goes to...
- 02/21/08 03:49 AM
With the writer's strike finally over, it is time to celebrate with the 80th Annual Academy Awards. Although D.C. is a long way from the bright lights of Hollywood, that doesn't mean that those inside the Beltway have to be left out of the celebration this Sunday night. Whether you are interested in watching the nominated films or just catching the ceremony and red carpet extravaganza with friends, there are plenty of events coming up to celebrate all things Oscar! • All this week, E. Street Cinema (555 11th St. NW) is screening this year's nominees for best live-action short film and … (3 comments)
budget: Green Living: Natural Decor Better For Earth And Your Wallet?
- 02/15/08 11:09 AM
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)
budget: 5 Ways to Make a Small, Dark Room Feel Larger
- 02/13/08 03:23 AM
Apartment Therapy February 7, 2008 If you live in a small, dark apartment, there are ways to lighten the space and open it up. In general, light walls make a small room feel larger. This image is from Victor and Soeun's Loft from Small Cool 2007. There are exceptions to this rule: a dark accent wall can bring definition and scale to a small space and bright colors can definitely help to enliven a small room. Unless you're going for a cloistered, cozy feeling avoid dark chocolate browns on all four walls. If you can paint the floor white, it's a good trick for making … (3 comments)
budget: Fairfax Programs Help to Improve House Conditon
- 02/08/08 11:03 AM
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)
budget: All You Can Drink & What You Want To Eat
- 02/06/08 08:08 AM
Ardeo has recently begun offering an Unlimited Champagne Brunch to be held on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For just $25.00 you will receive unlimited glasses of Pehu-Simonet and Blanc de Blancs in addition to your choice of an appetizer and entrée or an entrée and dessert. I am looking forward to sampling the Local Mixed Greens, Ardeo Burger and I may even splurge for the Pear Upside-Down Cake. Although these choices scream boring, tried and true, blah.... Ardeo spices up the recipes with additions such as goat cheese, bourbon-peach vinaigrette and chilli spices which ultimately result in a … (2 comments)
budget: Blogging to Blog
- 02/04/08 09:01 AM
If you are reading this blog, you probably have one of your own. If you are in the D.C. area - reading your blog, writing your blog and enjoying the blogs of others has just gotten easier. The Virginia Wine Showcase has set up a Blogger's Corner where blogging aficionados can enjoy a glass of wine as they share their views on the tasting and everything else in our big, big world. The event will be held February 9, 2008 through February 10, 008 at the Dulles Expo Center. Tickets can be purchased online for $25.00 but you have to get … (0 comments)
budget: Shakespeare & Ramsey
- 02/01/08 10:07 AM
Shakespeare at Shockingly Low Prices For those of you who enjoy a good Shakespeare production - check out the Shakespeare Theatre Company's new 20/10 program. For $10.00, lovers of the bard (under 35) can get tickets for a phenomenally low price. There are some caveats... 1) The theatre only sells 20 pairs of tickets starting every Tuesday at 10 a.m. 2) Performances must be attended before the following Sunday. If you work by the Sidney Harman Hall you could easily swing by, purchase tickets and head back to work in anticipation of the show. Ramsey's Coming to Town If you have ever wondered "Why do I live … (0 comments)
budget: What's Happening This Weekend?
- 01/25/08 09:13 AM
Washington D.C. offers a huge array of activities for every age group, all interests and all budgets. This weekend is no exception. If you have the time and desire, try some of the following activities... Friday, January 25: Start your weekend with some crazy dancing-you won't be able to help yourself when you listen to the Afrofunk sounds of Chopteeth Orchestra at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. Best of all, the performance is free. 6 PM; 2700 F St., NW. If bluesy, alternative jam rock is more your style, head to Falls Church to catch the North Mississippi Allstars play the State Theatre (220 N. Washington St.). 9 … (0 comments)
budget: Inexpensive Furniture Basics
- 01/22/08 10:26 AM
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)
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. ;)
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