News

Tips and tricks for carving the perfect Jack-o'-lantern

(Unknown) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:08:50 GMT

There are only a couple of weeks left before Halloween rears its spooky, mask-covered head, which means it's about time to start giving some serious thought to your holiday décor. While decorative corn stalks and leaves are all fine autumn additions to your room design, nothing says All Hallow's Eve better than a well-crafted Jack-O'-Lantern. The classic toothy grin and triangle features immediately conjure images of costumed trick-or-treaters with pillowcases full of delicious treats. However, die-hard Jack-O'-Lantern carvers have expanded this familiar design to include all manner of faces and patters. So, in anticipation of Halloween, here are some tips and tricks for carving the perfect pumpkin to adorn your home this October.

Know your pumpkin
Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes - not all of which are ideal for Jack-O'-Lantern transformations. If you're an inexperienced carver, stick with the larger pumpkins for an easier template. Make sure you choose a healthy pumpkin too. Avoid discolored, lumpy, soft or moldy gourds, as they will probably rot well before Halloween. According to About.com's Home Cooking Guide, lighter-colored pumpkins are the easiest to carve.

Decide on a design
Before you get carving-happy, you'll want to map out how you want your Jack-O'-Lantern to look. The traditional design is easy enough to carve on your own - two triangle eyes, a triangle nose and a toothy grin. However, if you're looking for something more complex, there are printable designs which you can stencil onto your pumpkin before carving. MarthaStewart.com recommends transferring your stencil using a sharp needle to poke shallow holes into the pumpkin.

Get carving
Begin by cutting a hole in the top of the pumpkin with a serrated knife. Once the top has been removed, scoop out the insides with a spoon or other suitable scraping tool. Once the pulp and seeds have been removed, you can begin carving out the stenciled features of the face. Use a smaller carving tool and work slowly to ensure a quality cut. Once complete, you can insert a candle or battery operated light and illuminate your Jack-O'-Lantern. MarthaStewart.com also suggests applying Vaseline to the exterior of your pumpkin for a longer lifespan.

That's about it! You're now on your way to creating a truly inspired Halloween home design.

And for those of you looking to keep the home-design ball rolling, consider installing rustic hardwood floors for added autumn appeal. Anderson Floors' Virginia Vintage engineered hardwood floors are beautiful and versatile additions to any room. The maple, walnut, American cherry and hickory designs come in a variety of colors, most notably: autumn.

Efficient and stylish upgrades for your bathroom

(Unknown) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:08:50 GMT

Many homeowners today are looking for ways to renovate their homes with appliances that are not only stylish, but environmentally friendly too. If you're looking to go green (and save some money) during your home design projects, turn your attention to the bathroom. Bathroom fixtures such as the shower, toilet and sink draw upon an incredible amount of water for daily functions. That's not to mention the various electrical devices strewn about the average bathroom. You can improve not only the design, but resource use of your bathroom with energy and water efficient appliances that are relatively inexpensive. You'll be happy to know that you cut costs and waste in your home when the heating bills start piling in this winter.

Air shower heads
Two decades ago, shower heads could use 5.5 gallons of water per minute, according to NaturalHomeAndGarden.com. That rate has been cut in half by most showerheads today, but you can go even lower. Air shower heads inject air into the water stream, creating an even, efficient flow without compromising the water pressure. Some water-saving models also feature a pause button, according to the news source, which allows you to stop water flow while you lather. Not only will you save water, but you'll cut costs for your hot water heater as well.

Motion-sensing faucets
You've seen them in public restrooms everywhere, and now they can come to a bathroom near you. These energy-efficient water faucets shut off whenever they sense they are not in use, eliminating wasted water while you're brushing your teeth or shaving. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, installing a WaterSense faucet attachment can save your home 500 gallons of water every year.

Low-flush toilets
Many people live in homes that were built decades ago, possibly before they were even born. This means that many of the appliances in your bathroom may be older than you, including your toilet. Older toilets use an unprecedented amount of water to function - often the most wasteful source of water use in the home - and should be updated with a dual-flush or low-flush option. According to NaturalHomeAndGarden.com, you can save about $100 by doing so.

While you're remodeling your bathroom, you may want to consider projects in other areas of your home: installing engineered hardwood floors, like those found in Anderson Floors' Dellamano collection. Meaning "of the hand" in Italian, these hand-scraped and hand-crafted floors will bring instant warmth to your bathroom. Engineered floors are durable and versatile, ensuring a long life for your wood flooring. The Dellamano collection is available in beautiful maple and hickory planks.

Creating a home spa in your bathroom

(Unknown) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:08:50 GMT

Your homes bathroom can provide a number of essential functions to ease the tension of a long day. It's where you can go to take a relaxing bath, light some candles and grab a warm towel before bed. But to upgrade your modest comforts to luxurious pampering, there are a few relatively inexpensive additions that can transform your bathroom into a home spa - saving you money in the long run if you like to frequent expensive, upscale spa resorts. Here are some home design tips on giving you that much deserved rest and relaxation at a fraction of the professional cost.

Steam shower
For those who enjoy the cleaning, pore-opening treatment of a steam room or sauna, an in-home steam shower may be just the thing for you, according to HGTV.com. These sealed enclosures can provide a soothing cloud of steam while you shower with adjustable controls for flow and temperature. In addition to luxury, steam showers also possess several notable health benefits for skin care, congestion and aches and pains. The sealed glass doors will also prevent any moisture damage from occurring elsewhere in the bathroom.

Water jets
Bring the comforts of a traditional Jacuzzi or hot tub into your bathroom with a bathtub equipped with massaging water jets. These concentrated streams provide relaxing pressure to relieve tension and soreness and make for an ideal bath experience. If installing jets into your bathroom seems expensive, there are more affordable accessories that provide the same function, like massaging bath mats, according to MainStreet.com.

Heated towel rack
To extend the warmth and comfort of your spa experience, even when you're out of the bathroom, consider installing a heated towel rack. These inexpensive, plug-in accessories will keep your towels or bathrobes toasty while you indulge in your bathroom. They also operate on less energy than a standard light bulb, according to the news source.

While you're upgrading your home bathroom-spa experience, you may want to consider adding comfort and style to the rest of your home as well. With beautiful hardwood flooring from Anderson Floors, like those economically-friendly planks found in the Brevard collection, you can bring a new level of sophistication and durability into your home. Requiring 50 percent less timber to produce, these maple engineered floors are especially resistant to scuffs and abrasion - guaranteeing luxury that will last.

Green living ideas

(Unknown) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:08:50 GMT

Looking to get involved with a little environmental stewardship? Many households are turning to green tactics for ways to eliminate unnecessary waste, save money, and help protect the environment. You don't have to sign up for Greenpeace to do so, either. There are many simple ways to reuse and recycle everyday items that will greatly eliminate the amount of garbage you create, but also put a little bit of money back in your pocket. With a few slight adjustments to your daily routine, you'll be feeling better about your carbon footprint without resorting to all the organic food and Birkenstocks.

Reusable washcloths
It may seem obvious, but most people don't realize the amount of money and paper they waste buying paper towels. According to Good Housekeeping, one cloth can take the place of 60 rolls of paper towels before it needs to be replaced. Just think about how much 60 rolls of paper towels costs.

Carry your own bottle/mug
Water is free and readily available, so why bother paying for it? Artisan bottles of water can cost almost 3 dollars each. Instead of stopping at the convenience store every time you need a drink, carry a metal water bottle with you. You'll stay hydrated and avoid some of the health concerns surrounding plastic bottles. The same goes for coffee mugs. Brew some coffee in the morning and take it with you. Or stop at a coffee shop and fill your mug - and it's usually at a reduced fee.

Refill cleaning products
Buying in bulk tends to save you money. When it comes to cleaning products, buy a large container to refill you soap dispensers, window and floor cleaners. You'll save money and keep from throwing out a bottle every time you need to restock.

Unplug your electronics
This sounds like old news, but turning off your electronic devices and lights when you leave a room will save you a ton on power bills. Set your computer to sleep mode when you're away, install a light motion sensor and unplug unused appliances and chargers (they drain power even if you're not using them) to cut your consumption.

Recycled hardwood floors
Hardwood floors can be reconstructed from previously used wood. This recycled wood can come from a variety of sources - old barns, homes, and barrels among other things. This style of wood flooring also carries with it unique grains and markings to provide your floors with a design unlike any other.

The oak styles found in Anderson Floors' Baroque collection are hand-scraped solid planks made from 100 percent recycled mill byproducts. The wood comes in colors like Versailles and Chateau to give your home a rustic elegance and green appeal as only recycled wood can provide.

Designing a stylish and comfortable guest room

(Unknown) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:08:50 GMT

Regardless of where you are in life, accommodating guests is something that many people do on a semi-regular basis. You may be fresh out of school living in a one-bedroom apartment with a college buddy crashing on your couch or making room for the in-laws over a long holiday weekend - whatever the situation, creating a comfortable and hospitable guest space is a nice touch for the frequent entertainer. Unlike the rest of your home, designing a guest room presents the limits and opportunities of decorating a bedroom for someone who doesn't live in your home. This allows you to create a unique aesthetic from the rest of your home, while being mindful of the needs of your guest. Here are some home design tips to do just that.

Multiple bedding options
Everyone has their own sleeping habits and preferences, so it's important to remember that no two guests will sleep the same. Your great-aunt may prefer a hard pillow with a light quilt for warmth, while your college roommate may love layers of blankets and a pile of soft pillows. To accommodate these differing styles of slumber, lay out various blankets and pillows for your guests to choose from, according to A.S.D. Interiors.

Storage space
Considering that this is a room designing for traveling guests, you're going to need space to store their assorted belongings. A standard dresser with room for clothes and other personal items will make your guests feel like they're in a personal space, rather than living out of a suitcase. A small bench will also give them a place to store their bags, according to the design source.

Choose a minimalist design
While you want your guest room to feel homey and welcoming, you shouldn't go overboard with the decorations. Neutral or downplayed colors like white, beige, or blue will make the bedroom suitable for a variety of inhabitants. A few paintings or photos on the walls will provide ample decoration without going overboard with the design.

Dual function
If you don't have enough space to devote an entire room to guests, consider combining the guest room with a home office, according to CountryLiving.com. A desk and computer will mask the guest function of the room while you're not entertaining, while providing guests a place to surf the Internet and check emails when they do stay.

And while you're designing a comfortable guest room, consider installing beautiful hardwood floors, like those found in Anderson Floors' Cimarron collection. These rugged solid hardwood planks offer intricate textures and grains only found in handcrafted flooring. Available in red oak and hickory, the Cimarron collection will create an inviting look for your guest space.

Tips to keep your floors clean and green

(Unknown) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:47:31 GMT

When maintained properly, hardwood floors can last nearly a lifetime. Maximizing the lifespan of your wood flooring requires the occasional TLC in the form of waxing, dusting, and washing. And not just any old cleaner will do the job, especially when working with more delicate species of wood, like the beautiful birch and maple boards found in Anderson Floors' Exotic Impressions collection. These engineered hardwood designs bring exotic styles home without damaging tropical rain forests, so you can decorate guilt free.

Luckily, with a few inexpensive household items, you can clean green while preserving the integrity of your hardwood floors. So bust out those washrags, roll up your sleeves, and scrub those floors 'til they shine.

Tea
That's right, tea. Your favorite 4 o'clock beverage can also function as a powerful cleaning agent. Simply steep two or three teabags in boiling water for a few minutes and it's ready for action. No need to go overboard either - a damp washcloth will do the trick and allow the floor to dry in minutes. The tannic acid found in tea will have your hardwood floors shining like new. Brew a little extra tea for after and you'll have a relaxing afternoon ahead of you.

White Vinegar
Mix this mildly acidic substance with warm water and apply using a spray bottle and soft rag. Distilled white vinegar can tackle almost any mess with relative ease. Let it sit for a moment, then mop up with water, making sure to avoid any excessive moisture to prevent water damage.

Crayon
Crayon: the shortcut so easy that a toddler could do it. If you happen across any large marks or scratches, a crayon similarly colored to your hardwood floor will hide any imperfection. Just color over the mark, blow dry the area on high heat, then polish with a cloth. You'll never know there was anything wrong to begin with.

Of course, there are plenty of store-bought cleaners that you can also use, but these home items often work just as well. Preventative measures also go a long way when it comes to wood floors. Taking your shoes off or using floor mats will reduce dirt and grime and make frequent cleaning less necessary. Also make sure to prevent spills as often as possible, as water damage can reduce the quality of your hardwood.

Pairing colors and patterns for your floor

(Unknown) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:47:31 GMT

Let's face it - unless you're an interior designer, making the right decisions about your home décor is something of a guessing game. Every little detail matters when it comes to giving your living room, kitchen, or bathroom the right look. When you close your eyes, you can see your perfect home hovering ahead like a vision of paradise. But open your eyes and you're left with a big question mark. This is especially true when selecting the right color and pattern for your hardwood floor. Do you go for a light or dark finish? What about plank vs. parquet flooring? And does it make a difference to choose engineered floors?

A good place to start before making any concrete decisions about your flooring is to think of a general style you would like for your room. Deciding on an overall theme early on will go a long way when it comes to decorating. Not every color and style of hardwood will work if you have something unique in mind. And if you are open to a variety of styles, then that allows for a larger selection of flooring.

The color of your wood floor can transform the look and feel of a room. If you are working with a spacious area, selecting a darker shade will soak up light and shrink the space for a cozier setting. Oak typically works best for this, like the boards from Anderson Floor's Jacks Creek collection. These gorgeous slats of wood are available in red oak, butterscotch and honey, meaning any homeowner is bound to find the selection that suits their interior decor aspirations.

Similarly, different patterns can optimize the space of a room, especially when paired with the right color. Parquet emulates tile floors and will add warmth to a room. Grain patterns found in oak floors can also bring more of a rustic feel to your design. And wooden planks will bring focus to a large space.

It is important to note that selecting unfinished hardwood flooring will allow you to choose virtually any color you like, while finished hardwood and engineered wood will limit your options. However, unfinished hardwood requires sanding before staining, which will add some time to the installation. Finished and engineered wood floor can be installed almost immediately.

Small improvements make a big difference

(Unknown) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:47:31 GMT

Are you looking for ways to invest for the future? Have you ever considered entering into the real estate market? Although many individuals believe that "house flipping" is a difficult and risky task, there are easy ways to improve the look of a home without spending a lot of cash. Purchasing an inexpensive house and making a few simple changes could result in huge profits after reselling for individuals who are willing to devote time and money to the cause.

If you're looking to learn more about flipping houses, it is important to first educate yourself about the standard improvements that are generally made to homes that are for sale. Although each and every house is different and may require specific modifications, there are three easy improvements that can be made to make any home more appealing to potential buyers.

Replacing old or outdated flooring materials with hardwood floors is a great way to improve a home's resale value. Hardwood flooring is one of the most highly rated aspects in homes for sale and installing wood floors is a reliable investment for individuals to make. Look for high-quality flooring materials that will last throughout the lifetime of the home. Anderson Floors has been a leader in the hardwood flooring industry for over 60 years and offers limited 30 and 50 year warranties on all of their products, so homeowners can rest assured that they are purchasing quality hardwood flooring.

Swapping out older appliances for newer brands is another great way to improve the selling price of a home. When individuals are looking to purchase a new house, they are often expecting to receive top-of-the-line appliances and trying to sell a home with older models can be risky. Look for energy brands to get the biggest bang for your buck. Appliances that should be new and efficient include dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators, washers and dryers.

Finally, taking the time to stage your home for the market can go a long way in increasing it's value. Although potential homeowners usually try to picture themselves living in a house, their imaginations sometimes need a push in the right direction. It's important to remove any personalized items from the home, so new individuals are able to see the house as being theirs and not another family's. Similarly, placing couches, chairs and other major pieces of furniture around can help potential buyers get a feel for what their new home could look like after purchasing.

Tips for refinishing your hardwood floors

(Unknown) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:47:31 GMT

One of the great things about hardwood flooring is its tested durability. Unlike carpet, which will need to be torn up and replaced as the years wear on, solid hardwood floors can last nearly a lifetime and can be sanded and refinished multiple times to reflect your changing tastes. It's a lengthy process that requires moderate skill and patience, but with guidance from the professionals at HGTV.com, your hardwood floors will be looking shiny and new in no time.

First you will need to determine the existing level of wear and tear. Oak floors, like the beautiful butter-scotch and honey pieces found in Anderson Floors Jacks Creek Collection, are by far the most common and resilient species and can withstand most minor scuffs and scratches. If your floors are covered in scratches, assess whether the damage penetrates all the way though the wood. Surface marks can be scuff-sanded and refinished. A few hours with a rental buffer can have your wood floors ready to go.

However, deeper cuts require sanding down to the bare wood, a more time-consuming and costly project. Prepare your room by removing or covering any nearby furniture in plastic and use fans to keep the room well-ventilated, as sanding creates a lot of dust. You will require a power sander, edge sander, and power buffer to sand down to the bare wood and will have to be repeated at least three times depending on the damage. Consult a professional about proper handling and maintenance of such tools.

Once you have completed sanding, vacuum up the remaining dust and particles to leave your floors clean and clear before moving onto the next step.

It's time to begin refinishing. Start at the edges of the room with a three to four-inch brush and coat the entire perimeter about 12 inches in from the wall. With the edges of the room finished, begin covering the center of the room. Using a long roller brush, apply the sealant equally around the room, making sure to recover the areas along the wall. When you have finished, allow the room to dry for about a day, and then buff the floors using a power buffer. Re-vacuum the floor to remove any new particles, and then repeat the refinishing procedure for a second coat.

And that's about all there is to it! Once again, make sure to consult with a professional to ensure you're meeting your flooring needs. With some skill, your floors will be looking beautiful for years to come.

Simple tips for adding value to your home

(Unknown) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:47:31 GMT

With the housing market what it is, many homeowners are looking for simple solutions for increasing the value of their homes. Whether your intentions are to make your space more attractive to potential buyers or to invest for the future, there are several design improvements that will raise your home to the next level - be it changing a few light bulbs or installing brand new windows.

According to the home design experts at Better Homes and Gardens, one of the most basic ways to make a room more attractive is giving wasted space functionality. Empty walls can become storage or display spaces by adding a few shelves. And in the kitchen, hanging pots and pans from upper shelves can give your home a purposeful aesthetic. This same idea can be applied to odd spaces in a room, such as unused corners. Adding decorative, yet practical furniture like bookshelves or display cases can be the missing link to make a room feel complete.

Transforming your home with energy-saving improvements will also attract buyers looking for lasting, measurable value. Consider replacing your old windows with multiple-pane models that are more effective at trapping heat and keeping out drafts. According to the news source, Energy Star windows can save you up to $340 each year on heating costs. And Energy Star appliances will also reduce the amount of water and electricity you require for daily activities, instantly driving up the value of your home.

Replacing the existing lighting in your home can also brighten up any room, giving it a warm and comfortable ambiance that may have otherwise been lacking.

Hardwood has also replaced carpet and laminate as the must-have flooring in American homes. If you already have old hardwood floors in your home, hiring a refinishing professional, or attempting it on your own, will make your floors shine like new.

"Refurbishing hardwood floors will enhance the look and value of your home," John A. MacDonald of Keller Williams Real Estate in Langhorne, Pennsylvania told the design website.

For those homeowners without wood floors, the experts at Anderson Floors have the knowledge and experience to install solid or engineered hardwood in any room. Consider their popular Hickory Forge collection of individually handcrafted planks. Hickory Forge comes with a vast assortment of colors ranging from the dark Rushing Bellows to bright, Natural hickory - perfect for any design scheme.

Environmentally-friendly, money-saving improvements for your home

(Unknown) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:47:31 GMT

While summer weather may linger for a few more weeks, that autumn chill has already begun to crop up around the country, and winter isn't too far behind it. Before the snow starts fall, take this opportunity to fortify your home against the cold with environmentally-friendly home improvements that will save money, fuel, and electricity during the winter months. When you get your first heating bill in the mail, you'll be happy you did. Here are some money-saving home design projects.

Replace your old windows
According to Better Homes and Gardens, single pane windows tend not to be insulted very well and will let cold air in and warm air out. The news source reports that government-sponsored Energy Star double-pane windows can reduce your energy consumption by about 25 percent. And as with many Energy Star products, you may receive a tax credit for taking energy-saving measures in your home.

Get a fireplace
Beyond the obvious decorative improvement to your living or family room, installing a fireplace will add another significant source of heat to your home, the news outlet reports. And with today's modern and classic styles, fireplaces can fit in virtually any space in your room. Just make sure to clean your chimney regularly and close the flue when not in use or you'll be working backwards when it come to energy saving.

Use a programmable thermostat
Modern thermostats are like mini-computers that allow you to program specific energy-saving settings for your home. This will allow you to automatically control the hours in which your furnace run and the average temperature of your home. You will be free to live your life without playing with the thermostat every time you feel the temperature change. And the amount of money you'll save during the winter season will astound you.

Install hardwood floors
It's no big secret that when it comes to flooring, hardwood floors are a long-lasting and renewable resource. Much of the wood used in flooring comes from carefully-managed forests and can also be recycled from old buildings. Furthermore, unlike carpeting, which must be replaced every several years, solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times to last nearly a lifetime.

Consider the Jacks Creek collection from Anderson Floors to bring affordable luxury to your home. Available species range from traditional oak, warm American cherry, rustic hickory, and rich walnut in a variety of colors and styles. And when the snows start falling this winter, you'll appreciate the natural charms of hardwood floors amid your seasonal décor.

Fireplaces and hardwood floors, a match made in heaven

(Unknown) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:47:31 GMT

With winter fast-approaching, many homeowners are bracing for the expensive heating bills and heavy sweaters necessary to survive those icy chills. For those looking for a practical and decorative heating solution to the impending winter wonderland, installing a cozy fireplace in your home can reduce fuel costs, provide a bright center to any room, and improve the value of your home. Consider selecting one of these classic or modern fireplace styles for your next project.

Simple brick
The most recognizable and common designs, the standard brick fireplace will bring a touch of simple, down-home living to even the most modern spaces.

Cultured stone
With a floor-to-ceiling fireplace made of cultured stone, you'll bring a little culture to your living room as well, according to Better Home and Gardens. The material is manufactured, making it lightweight and versatile when it comes to installation. And a fireplace that extends to the ceiling will emphasize the space and warmth in any room.

Limestone
Rough-hewn limestone, according to the news source, "suggests the coziness and comfort of a vacation hideaway." So if you're after that winter, ski lodge look, limestone might be the perfect match for you.

Repainted brick
If you already have a fireplace, but it's looking a little shabby, applying a fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive and quick fix. Find a color scheme that already matches your room, or get experimental and take your space in a whole new direction with the fireplace as the center point.

Mosaic tiles
Another improvement on an old fireplace is to create a new surface out of mosaic tiles. The design website recommends laying the tiles directly over the existing brick with mortar. Mosaic tiles can be arranged in a variety of patterns and colors to create a look unique to you and your home.

And to really take your home design project to the next level, compliment your fireplace with rustic hardwood flooring from Anderson Floors. Add natural beauty and solid performance to the area around your fireplace with Appalachian wood from the Blue Ridge Collection. You can choose from traditional oak, warm American cherry, rustic hickory, or rich walnut - whatever suits your design needs. And with so many styles and colors, your fireplace will have some strong competition for focal point of the room.

Inexpensive ways to upgrade your kitchen

(Unknown) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:47:31 GMT

Whether you live in a bachelor pad or a family home, kitchens tend to see a lot of wear and tear as the years go by. The kitchen is the epicenter of any household - friends gravitate there during social occasions, teenagers run in and out raiding the fridge, family meals are held there, and homework is done by the kitchen table. Inevitably, a well-loved kitchen space is going to need a touch-up at some point, if not a whole new makeover. Here are some budget-friendly room design ideas to upgrade your kitchen.

A fresh coat of paint
Maybe your cabinets were a little faded when you moved in, or maybe they've faded since you have been living in your home. Whatever the reason, a fresh coat of paint will make even the most ancient cabinets look brand new. You can also experiment with new color patterns to give your kitchen an entirely different vibe than before.

Create a makeshift island
According to Better Homes and Garden, a kitchen island is often one of the most desired items in any island-less home. If you have space enough in your kitchen, you can create one yourself using a refurbished cabinet or table. For a do-it-yourself project, adjust the height of your desired surface with added wheels or extended legs. In addition to providing your kitchen with another surface, you'll also increase the available storage. With a little time and effort, you'll have an attractive island for a fraction of the cost of having one professionally installed.

Add a hanging pot rack
For an addition that is as functional as it is decorative, the news source advises homeowners to consider installing an overhead shelf with a hanging pot rack. It should fit onto just about any wall in your kitchen and will not only store, but also display, your various pots and pans.

Install hardwood floors
With modern engineered hardwood floors, you can now rest easy in regards to potential water damage in moisture-prone areas like the kitchen or bathroom. Engineered hardwood consists of a finished wood surface layered over soft, plywood planks, making them easy to install and extra resistant to minor water damage.

Anderson Floors' top-selling Mountain series of engineered wood flooring is the perfect fit for any room. Mineral streaks, knot holes, and complex grain patterns showcase the natural beauty of its hickory, maple, and oak floors - all available in a wide variety of colors. Have a professional from Anderson Floors install them for you, or pick up a do-it-yourself guide and handle it on your own. The choice is yours with the versatile Mountain series.

Design ideas to upgrade your bathroom

(Unknown) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:47:31 GMT

In certain respects, the bathroom is the most vital room in any home, and certainly takes its fair share of abuse. Between showering, tooth brushing, hair combing, flossing, makeup applying and every other strange activity, the bathroom functions as something of a private sanctuary for self-improvement and self-reflection. As such, it's important to create an inviting and cleanly atmosphere in this space. Here are some home design ideas to keep your bathroom looking its very best.

A trimmed shower curtain
Standard shower curtains are great at preventing water from splashing out of a running shower, but they can easily trap moisture long after the water has stopped flowing. Accumulating water can damage the shower curtain and easily drip onto the floor. MarthaStewart.com recommends using a trimmed option that ends at the edge of your tub - preventing moisture and dust from getting trapped in long folds.

Long mirrors
If you have enough space, a long mirror can transform the look and feel of your bathroom by reflecting additional light and creating a greater sense of space. A longer mirror can also accommodate additional counter space for duel sinks, says the news source.

Bring in some plants
Adding some flowers, small trees, or shrubberies are an easy fix for an otherwise lacking bathroom space, according to Good Housekeeping. Plants tend to have a soothing effect, no matter where they're found, and will provide a natural perfume in a room that needs it most.

Install a unique shower
Traditional shower and bathtubs are generally the same in every household and do little to inspire a unique look in your bathroom. By installing a circular shower, you'll earn instant design points even if that's the only change to make to your bathroom. You can also play with the details of the shower design by including hanging showerhead for additional elegance.

Hardwood floors
Hardwood floors may seem like a bad idea for the bathroom, where excess water can pool and damage wood. However, engineered wood flooring, which is versatile enough to be installed in tight spaces like bathrooms, is more resistant to water damage than sold hardwood.

Consider using Anderson Floors' natural Mountain collection when remodeling your bathroom floor. Wood flooring provides warmth unavailable to ceramic tiles and vinyl floors, while remaining durable enough to handle regular moisture. The Mountain series is available in hickory, oak, and maple in a variety of colors and widths to fit any room design.

Three small changes that can make a huge difference in your home

dpearson — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:38:00 GMT

Although many individuals people believe that they must go through lengthy or expensive remodeling projects to change up the look of their homes, this simply is not true. Modifying the look and style of a living area can be easy for homeowners who know what they're doing. Changing just three aspects of a room can make a huge difference in the look and feel of the space, and these projects can be easily accomplished by homeowners on a budget in just a few weekends. Here are the top three ways to modify the style of a home without spending a whole lot too much.

1. Installing hardwood floors is an easy and inexpensive way to improve the overall quality of a home. Because these floors can actually help to raise the selling price of a house, they are an excellent investment for new homeowners who believe that they may choose to sell their home for a profit later on in life. Individuals should look for high-quality flooring materials to make sure that they are getting the most for their money.

Anderson Floors has been a leader in the hardwood flooring industry for over 60 years and sells only the highest quality products to help homeowners improve their homes. These American harvested floorboards can help to improve even the smallest space and are an excellent choice for use in hallways, kitchens, living rooms and other highly-travelled areas of a home. Individuals should look into the limited 30 and 50 year warranties offered by Anderson, to protect their investment for several years after purchasing.

2. Changing up the paint color of a home is another easy way to add style and class. Homeowners who are unfamiliar with painting may wish to practice in a basement area or unused storage room, to give themselves an opportunity to test out their skills before going to work on the main house. Individuals will need several tools to accomplish a professional looking paint job, including several cans of primer, paint, brushes, tarps and tape.

3. The final step toward improving the look of a home lays in the accessories used to decorate each individual room. Homeowners should take care to clear their houses of junk or debris, leaving behind only items that have a place for storage throughout the home. A clean and well-maintained house is sure to look a lot better than a messy one, and individuals should make sure to pick only a few decorative items to prevent their houses from appearing cluttered.