Monday, July 29, 2013

Keys to Kitchen Storage

When looking to update a kitchen space, one of the first things you should consider is improving the storage. Following a few simple principles will enhance the overall use and efficiency of your kitchen. So, trade in those deep, dark cupboards with unused pans sitting in the back for modern and simplistic designs that really will improve your whole kitchen.

Shallow Depths
For the above the counter cabinet storage, deep shelves will get you nowhere except needing a step ladder. You only need one layer of storage in the upper cabinets. This way, you can easily see and access those items, especially those on the top shelf.

Inside Scoop
Drawers are the answer to your prayers in the lower cabinets. Instead of having to bend down and reach your arm deep into the cabinet, pull out the tray and have it all out in the open for your choosing! This makes it easier to store pots, pans, appliances, and dishes in the lower cabinets without having to worry about getting them out later.

Designated Storage
Pick a place for everything and keep it specific!  When remodeling, consider what you need storage for and accommodate that need. There are specific storage solutions too that will keep dishes in places, food accessible, and cooking utensils organized.

Easy Access
Open shelving is a great solution for staying organized. With dishes and food in view, whether in the kitchen or the pantry, the open design will give you easy access, but also motivate you to keep it orderly. Wire shelving in the pantry will keep food remnants and dusts from gathering. An open design encourages a naturally cleaner space.


At D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we feel that a kitchen updateshould include updating the storage capabilities of the cabinets, drawers, and shelves. There are a lot of great designs and mechanisms for the greatest kitchen storage possible.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Bath Remodel Details

The Little Details in a Bath Remodel

It’s the little things when it comes to achieving a whole look in a bath remodel. D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling thinks the details are what pulls a whole look together. So while you’re considering the big changes like flooring and paint, tub and vanity, remember the small things as well.
Found on Houzz.com

Plumbing fixtures and other accessories
You may think that plumbing fixtures, knobs, and pulls are a pretty standard selection to make; however, they can add a great amount of character to your bathroom. The color and style will contribute to the overall style and design in a bath remodel. Even the variety of fixtures and accessories you choose to install can aid in the overall look and use of the bathroom.

Light fixtures
You’re not limited to a standard flush mount when considering the lighting for your bathroom at remodel time. Lighting really is the finishing touch to a remodel. The right amount of light will show off your new space rather than hiding the updated features. The fixture itself contributes to the look of the bathroom and enough options are available that budget won’t hem you in as much as you may fear.

Shelving and storage
You may have considered where to put toiletries, linens, and other items, but there are even more storage and shelving options such as what built-in shelves would you like to put in the shower and what unused space could be utilized for storage. You may end up with a lot more space than you thought possible by considering these details from the beginning!

Mirrors
D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling recommends putting a great deal of thought into the mirror. Whether it’s the mirror over the vanity or a full length mirror on a wall or door, if this is the bathroom you spend the most time getting ready in, make sure the mirror is what you need! There are plenty of style options to suit your tastes, so focus on how much reflection you want to do in the bathroom space.


Little details are what add up to the big picture and, at D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we want to make sure you hit the mark with your final bathroom design by planning the details from the beginning. Planning ahead will help achieve your vision for your bath remodel.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Living Room Lighting

Light up your Living Space

Lighting can make or break a room. Improper lighting will lead to less use of the room and wasted space. At D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we believe you should make every space in your home a place you want to spend time in. There are legitimate reasons the lighting in your living spaces like the living room, family room, dining area, or kitchen should have the proper glow.

Comfort
Lighting is just as important as seating in the comfort level of a living space. Too little light will strain the eyes and not allow your guests to see your faces during conversation. Your living room doesn’t need to rival the brilliance of Times Square, but too little will make it an awkward place to entertain. Like a lot of home design decisions, balance is best.

Activity
When considering the lighting of your living space, consider the activity that goes on in the room. Is it used for reading, entertaining, board games, or movies? Determine the type of use that the room will get and cater the room toward that.

Aesthetics
If you have carefully coordinated the design of the living room, don’t let the design fall apart at the lighting. With thousands upon thousands of types and styles to choose from, there is no reason to compromise your vision for the design in your living space.


The lighting in your living space affects the comfort level of you and your guests, the activities you can do, and affects the look of the design in the room. In a home, those are three exceptional reasons to pay attention to lighting.

Monday, July 8, 2013

4 Garage Updates

4 Essential Garage Updates

Your garage is a part of your home too even though it may sometimes feel like a separate space. With some simple upgrades, you can blend the garage space into your home to give yourself a little extra living space for work and play as well as great storage.

Floor
Most homes have cement garage floors which is perfectly functional.  However, garage flooring options are available and can ease in maintaining the cleanliness of your garage and make your work space an easier place to be when you’re not standing on cement floors for extended lengths of time.
 
Storage
Inevitably, the garage will serve as storage. This can be done without reducing the amount of work and play space. Add shelving and cabinetry, hooks and bins with specific uses in mind to increase the efficiency of your garage space.

 
Doors
If your goal is curb appeal, paint the existing doors an updated color. Or, replace the doors entirely with a style that suits your tastes and the look of your home.  Beautiful options exist, so you are not limited to the standard doors you are probably picturing right now. Different materials, colors, and styles available will make your home as unique as you!

Lighting
Lighting is key in making a space feel like part of your home. In the same way the proper lighting can make a deck or patio feel like another room in the house, the right lights in the garage will make you and your family more willing to utilize the space. Coordinate the lighting with what you will be using the space for the most.


At D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we believe it’s important to get the most out of your home and that means making the most out of every space in your home, including the garage! Simple upgrades in basic features of the garage will enhance the space and make it more useful to you!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Details for Fire Pits

Six Essential “S” Words for Fire Pits

Think all fire pits are the same? They offer more variety than you would think! D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling thinks you should know they come in all kinds of styles, shapes, and sizes to accommodate your needs as a homeowner.  If you are looking to add a fire pit to your outdoor living space, we have six things you should consider in order to achieve a unique design that’s perfect for you!


Surroundings
A fire pit rarely stands alone. While you are designing your ideal fire pit, consider how the elements surrounding the fire pit will affect it. Will you work it into your deck or patio? Where will it be in your yard? What landscaping do you want to add to complement? A good plan is a great start to the perfect fire pit.

Style
Make sure your goal for a fire pit aligns with the style of your home and the elements already in your outdoor living space. You can achieve a variety of styles including modern, contemporary, traditional, and rustic. Know which direction you are heading before getting to the details.

Size
This is where budget can affect your decision, but beyond budget, the dimensions of the fire pit as well as the dimensions of the surrounding area. Also, consider how far into the ground and how high above ground level you prefer. A fire pit is something for your family to enjoy, so these decisions are about what you prefer.

Shape
A fire pit has a lot of flexibility in the shape from semi-circle, circle, oval, square, to rectangle and if you want to get crazy, I’m sure you could pick another shape! Base the shape on personal preference, but also how many people you want to be able to gather around.

Stone
Stone selection for your fire pit can vary in color, size, shape, and style. Different choices in stones will achieve a different look. D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling stresses the value of having visual examples so that the end result matches what you had in mind from the start.

Seating
The purpose behind a fire pit is typically that it serves as a gathering area in your outdoor living space. Built-in seating is an option or regular patio furniture can be a great complement too! You can combine the two seating types for flexibility. Check out other patio designs to be certain you like the look of built-in seating or furniture.

Consider the details when looking to add a fire pit to your outdoor living space and you’ll love watching those elements come together to match the vision you had for your fire pit!