What is the Difference Between Types of Countertop Finishes?

After the purchase on your new home there might be a few updates you want to do to make it your own.  Kitchen updates such as new countertops could be the easiest and least expensive place to start, but how do you know which option to choose or what best fits for your home?

• Laminate- Popular and well-known choice for countertops that is budget-friendly often costing less per linear foot than its competitors.
• Granite- Granite is durable, heat resistant and is less porous than other stones.  However, it requires annual sealing to help resist stains.  It can also add value to your home’s kitchen.
• Soapstone- Soapstone is recognized by consumers for its use in classroom labs.  It is durable, beautiful, honed and fits into a sleep kitchen.  It is also non-porous and does not require sealing.
• Solid Surface- This countertop is unlikely to stain but can discolor if exposed to heat.  It can also be nicked or sliced with sharp utensils that can be permanent.
• Wood- The most well-known wood countertop is butcher block which consists of several strips of solid wood glued together.  This provides a natural organic look to any kitchen but are subject to burns, gashes, discoloration, or staining.  They can be repaired by sanding and resealing!
• Stainless Steel- These countertops are impervious to heat and highly durable.  They are very easy to clean and sanitary.  

How to Define Your Space with Area Rugs?

Curtains, a coat of paint, or even new furniture can change a room but how can a rug redefine your room?  Area rugs are a key organizational tool for designing rooms within large spaces. A beautiful may outline your foyer, create a dining room, or define a conversation area.

1.     Creating an Inviting Foyer- If your front door opens into a room without a designated foyer, add an area rug.  A chevron wool rug creates a welcoming entrance and makes a nice contrast to hardwood.

2.     Anchor Your Living Room- Big and tall spaces bring a challenge for organizing a cozy space for hanging out- add a patterned rug to add a cozier conversation area.  The rug will draw a persons eye down from the big spaces and make the room feel friendly.

3.     Define the Dining Area- If your home lacks a traditional dining area- create one! Add a rug under your table to designate a dining area but make sure the rug is large enough for the chairs to scoot back from the table without falling off the edge.

4.     Outline High Traffic Areas- Large spaces can tend to have more than one entrance and exit to the outdoors or other rooms.  Create a traffic pattern with a large are rug.

5.     Go Outside- Transform your outdoor living space by adding a rug under your furniture.  Make sure the rug is durable and can carve out a great outdoor living room without definite borders.

How to Revive Your Home’s Most-Used Rooms?

Home renovations can be stressful and expensive but it’s smart to focus on improving your home’s most used rooms.  Kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and game rooms are generally the most used rooms in a home and you may need to revive them often.

• Boost Air Quality- Air flow is essential especially in kitchen and bathrooms to carry away excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew.  Adding extra ventilation will help with the excess moisture.
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• Freshen the Foundation- Repaint walls and woodwork to freshen up your rooms- it will make the room look bright and newer.
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• Max Out Storage- Maximize your closet space with ready-made units that you can install yourself or create an organizational system in rooms where there is a lot of clutter.
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• Swap Appliances and Fixtures-Out with the old and in with the new! Update your out of date fixtures and appliances to give your rooms a whole new look.
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• Welcome Natural Light- Add a skylight to your room or open the curtains everyday to add more natural light to your rooms.  It will help reduce artificial light.

How to Ditch the 10 Money-Wasting Habits?

Whether it’s skipping the coffee and bagel run in the morning or going without that cute pair of shoes that you don’t need, there are always ways to cut out items you may be waiting your money on. 

1. 1.     Paying Bank Fees- Do you know how much your bank is charging you?  From checking fees to overdraft fees to third party ATM fees, you should do everything you can to avoid those charges.
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3. 2.     Tossing Leftovers- Whether you cooked too much food or couldn’t eat your whole meal at the restaurant, avoiding throwing away the leftovers the next day is a huge and avoidable waste of money.
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5. 3.     Buying Items at Convenience Stores- Think twice about buying that pop or candy bar at the gas station.  Convenience stores tend to increase the price of all of their items and you can find them cheaper at a grocery store.
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7. 4.     Heating and Cooling Costs- Insulate your home properly and fill in the cracks/crevices under doors can save you money
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9. 5.     Unclaimed Rebates and Returns- If you are throwing away cash you are not redeeming on rebates or neglecting to return even the littlest items you purchase, you are throwing away money.
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11. 6.     Bottled Water- Purchase a filter for your fridge or faucet or start carrying your own water bottle from home instead of paying for bottled water and clogging the ecosystem.
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13. 7.     Not Buying Generics- Some generic brands may not fit your standards but for the most part, generic brands are just like name brands with half the cost.
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15. 8.     Buying Everything New- Trying buying items through a second-hand store and prove to yourself you don’t need to buy everything new.
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17. 9.     Ignoring Discount Stores- Try purchasing some items you use on a regular basis at the dollar store or only purchase them when they are on sale.
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19. 10.  Paying for Services You Can Do Yourself- Why pay for lawn mowing or changing the oil in your car when you can do it yourself.
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