Choose Your Make

A kitchen cabinet can typically be custom made, semi-custom made and from stock. Semi-custom cabinets are those that are available in a typical standard size with modifications. They are made in a way so as to match your interiors and look as if they are custom made. However, there is room for little additions or subtractions. On the other hand, custom cabinets are made in different shapes and sizes and are tailor made to suit your needs. The manufacturers follow your design and make them according to that. Last of all, the stock cabinets are available in fixed sizes and come off the shelf. They just need to be bought and fixed.

Choose Your Style

1. You can opt for a traditional kitchen set up where the cabinets are traditional in get up and design. They have a dark stain in cherry or rich mahogany. They have the same elements of Victorian design work in them to give them a significantly old look.

2. As the name suggests country kitchens are made to look more rustic with a glazed, rough textured paint or distressed look. They are typically of a lighter variety in color ranging from oak to pine or even white for that matter. The look is rough, yet has a used element to it.

3. Last but not the least the sleek and the smart – the contemporary kitchen. The shiny, pristine metal cabinets with clean lines. They are easy to operate and have ease of operation.

Irrespective of the style and make, it is essential that your cabinets sport good and deep storage space.

There are different ways that one can add color to the kitchen. Other than painting the entire kitchen, which only restricts you to using a single color, a more open palate is the kitchen backsplash. In common parlance, kitchen backsplash is a wall cover that is installed behind the range or sinks to keep the wall dry and typically making it easy to clean. Culinary adventures often require the use of different kinds of ingredients as well as methods. This often results in the wall getting greasy and dirty. Therefore instead of having oil or grease spluttered wall, it makes sense to have a backsplash that is easy to maintain, as well as add color to the kitchen. There are different innovative ideas – spiked up with your imagination – that can be incorporated to make the backsplash come alive.

Types of Backsplash

1. Tiles
They are perhaps the most convenient and price effective material that can be used to do up the kitchen backsplash. In addition, they can be easily cleaned only to be left as shiny as ever. One can use different colors and patterns and juxtapose them in a way to form a pattern. Use it like a mosaic and an abstract design will evolve giving it a contemporary look. They must be installed by a professional and be strong enough to withstand the temperature variations in the kitchen.

2. Faux Stone
Give it a touch of class or a more Venetian appeal with a stone finished backsplash. They are also easy to clean, beautiful looking, and are also long lasting.

3. Laminate
Lamination is also a great idea, where different designs can be digitally incorporated into the lamination to form a design of your choice.

4. Metal
Metal sheets can be used creatively. The metal sheets can be etched or stamped to give your kitchen a contemporary, clean and a shiny look. It also goes well with the other metal finish of your appliances and therefore fits in seamlessly.

5. Blackboard Style
There is no limit to creativity. For those living in small spaces, a kitchen backsplash can be converted into notice board or a blackboard, where important to dos and notes can be jotted down. It is easy to install and will certainly not go unnoticed. Go a step further and convert it to a magnetic blackboard, where you can attach things.

The sky is the limit when it comes to deciding on your kitchen backsplash. It is a great way to remodel, add color and cheer to an otherwise dull and lifeless space.

]]> http://www.messina-renovations.com/add-color-to-your-kitchen-with-a-backsplash/feed/ 0 http://www.messina-renovations.com/concrete-countertops/ http://www.messina-renovations.com/concrete-countertops/#comments Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:52:57 +0000 Messina Renovations http://www.messina-renovations.com/?p=1593 Are Concrete Countertops Durable?

As a building material, concrete has been used for centuries because of its durable nature. Like many other materials, concrete can crack and can be scratched so it is important to care for your concrete countertops properly. Concrete is a porous material, so use a sealer to protect its surface. Concrete countertops have unique care needs, just like countertops made from other materials do.

Are Concrete Countertops Expensive?

Concrete countertops are generally less expensive than granite or quartz, but more expensive than laminate. There are factors to consider, such as the size of your countertop and the extra features you want to incorporate into your designs. It is important to compare prices with your full measurements and designs to determine if concrete countertops are expensive in terms of your budget.

Benefits of Using Concrete for Countertops

• Custom shape and size – One of the greatest benefits to concrete countertops is that they can be any shape or size that you want. The options are endless. Perhaps an oval kitchen island is something you would like. If the location is a long expanse, your concrete countertop can be created to fit the whole space with no seams.
• Custom Color – With your new concrete countertops you have the ability to design them in any color you choose. If you want to match a color in the fabric of your dining room chairs, or a piece of pottery that will be displayed in your kitchen, your concrete countertops can be any color you want.



• Custom Edges – Your concrete countertop edges can be sleek and smooth, rounded or beveled, or even created with a rough finish if that is the style you are looking for.
• Embeds – A unique feature of concrete countertops that is highly sought after by home designers is the ability to embed something into the concrete as it is being manufactured. The item embedded into your concrete countertop can be a functional item, such as a trivet near the stove, or a drain board beside your kitchen sink. The embedded item can be a designer touch that reflects your personal style, such as a glass inlay in a flourish design around the sink or bassinette. Or you can incorporate unique rocks from the area in your bathroom that has a rugged, outdoor design.

  Fiber optic lighting can also be embedded into your concrete countertops to incorporate function with design and intrigue to your personal design style. With just one touch of a button your concrete countertops bring lighting and style to your home!

• Custom Backsplash – You may want your concrete countertop to go beyond the horizontal surface. With this unique feature, you can design a backsplash that matches the color and style of your countertops using the same concrete material to cast your backsplash.

No matter what your design plan is, concrete countertops offer a wide variety of options for you to choose from.

Given its use, perhaps it is a good option to have it remodeled when not in use. Like other features of the house, a fireplace can also be updated and made to look modern and contemporary. Based on the décor of your room one can think of remodeling the fireplace. It can be remodeled keeping all the safety and the esthetic factors in mind.

Keep the Budget in Mind

To begin with, one has to consider thinking of the budget one has in mind before going ahead with the remodeling plans. If you want to replace the conservative fireplace with a no hassle switch operated one, one would have to replace that with electric ones that add a whole new paradigm. On the other hand, if you want to redo the look keeping the basic features the same, a complete remodeling of the mantel, paint and structure will certainly give it a new look. Of course whatever you choose to do would depend upon your own personal preference and style.

Determine the Size of the Project

It would be an interesting concept if you plan to remodel it yourself. On the other hand, if it entails a structural change one should perhaps hand over the job to a professional who know the nuances of breaking down and rebuilding a new structure, which leads to a more detailed remodeling. In this case the entire new structure can be made with a new design. It can be given a straight lined contemporary look or a heavy and an ornate Victorian style.

Decide on the Design

It is true that fireplaces are a room’s attraction and add a look to your room. Given its appearance it can distinguish a room as contemporary or more of the classical one. The other two important aspects are working on the texture and the color of the fireplace. Even if you want to save on expenses of replacing the structure, you could perhaps consider redefining it with a change in the texture and the color.

The texture can be a solid base, or one that can be textured by using sponge or other material. Sometimes wood and other material in the form of backsplash can be added to the mantel to give it an enhanced appeal. Add a touch of color to give it a new dimension too. You can consider painting it the same color as that of your room to create the illusion of space, or give it a contrasting color for it to stand out and in turn draw attention.

Crown molding has been around for quite some time and it is likely you have seen it in both domestic (homes) and urban architecture. Crown molding is the process of fitting a series of moldings together so that they gradually flare out into a shape. They can be a variety of shapes but the most common are rounded or rectangular.

Crown molding is most commonly done at the top of walls where they meet the ceiling. When this is done it adds a very graceful and dynamic image of the wall-to-ceiling relationship and makes a home look fantastic. Many people are choosing to have crown molding done in their homes because this seemingly small aspect can add an entirely new image to your home. During your renovation or remodel consider crown molding for your home and see why this is so popular.

One place to start is take a small inventory of your home and see what you think needs to be replaced. Most of the time there isn’t anything that is a “Must” and the majority of things in your home could just use either replacements or even repairs. This is great first step before beginning, but if you can’t think of anything in particular then just go from room to room and give it a good long look.

In the Kitchen:
If you start with your kitchen you may notice that your appliances are a little dated. One common thing people do is to just have them replaced. The great thing about this is that it keeps the majority of your kitchen intact. Most remodeling companies can assist you in this as well. Another great part of your kitchen to remodel is cabinets. There are many materials that are durable, good looking, as well as relatively inexpensive that you can choose from and you likely only need a few of them. Choosing durable, but cheaper flooring is also a good idea. Granite or marble isn’t always in the budget, but linoleum and tile is typically cost efficient.

In the Living Room:
The living room is another area you can take a look at. Furniture is an easy way to change the way things look as well as changing fixtures. As opposed to redoing the entire room you can also knock down space in a wall for easier passage. This is cost effective because you’re not changing the entire room, just one small space.


In the Bathroom:
The bathroom is always a popular choice amongst remodels. If you want to save some money but want to change the look a little consider changing the fixtures or the sink and faucet. A toilet and a bathtub may be out of your budget, but small things like the former can easily be purchased and installed at relatively low prices.


In the Bedroom:
Bedrooms are another popular area. Many people want to change the furniture in their bedrooms but the space just isn’t right. This is extremely common because most bedrooms aren’t large, perfect squares that easily accommodate furniture. Many rooms, because of design, have parts of their walls that come out from the rest making in difficult to fit in that California King you’ve been eyeing. A simple wall remodel can save you some money because just like the living room idea it is just a small area.

Remember that the best way to save money on a remodel is identify what you want done first. Doing things over time is a great way to lower the impact on your wallet. Consider the small things that you want changed and keep the end goal in mind and you are sure you have an inexpensive remodel!

Historic renovation is the process of remodeling or altering a home whose age and design fit into category of historical homes.
Some of these homes are registered (or can be registered) with the state to be classified as historic for various reasons and others simply have just been built with a particular historical design or architecture in mind.

The Historic Renovation Process
The process of renovating a home that fits into one of the two categories listed in the former can be tricky. Many companies will boast that they “can do it” but aren’t experienced in the process or familiar with that particular set of rules and guidelines that are attributed to historical remodeling. Choosing a company that is well versed and familiar with this process is essential to preserving the character of your home while creating new life for it.

Popular Areas of the Historic Home to Renovate
The most common areas of a historic home that undergo renovation are the kitchen, bathrooms, and regions that house ducts, water pipes, and electrical wiring.

The reason these are so common is because some older homes were not built in a time of convenient heating or cooling and have minimal convenience in terms of electrical use when compared to modern homes. Because of this, historic home owners or potential buyers become unjustifiably discouraged. However when a proper historic renovation is done these areas are modified to modernize your home, but not alter its ultimate character and design. Laying new wires and pipes through walls, installing new appliances, and creating air ducts for heating and cooling are often done so your home has modern comfort with classic style.

Bathrooms are often very common where pipes are replaced, new fixtures are installed, and things like new toilets or bathtubs are set in place while still maintaining the majority of original architecture and design.

With the effective use of an experienced historical home remodeler having to choose between a modern home and historical home can be eliminated the result of which is a home that emanates both. By keeping the historic value of your home intact while simultaneously modernizing it you create a new comfortable residence whose uniqueness permeates the entire property.

Before you call a contractor to come over and give you an estimate, research the types of product you want to use in your remodel. This will give you an idea on what the products cost and this will allow the contractor to give you an estimate using products that you want, not what the contractor thinks you want.

Set a Realistic Budget

Determine what your budget is going to be – the minimum, the maximum, and a “stretch” budget. Budgets for normal bathroom remodel are $10K – $15K depending on the size of the bathroom and extent of the remodel. Kitchen remodeling is typically $20k – $35k including appliances. Don’t forget to budget for electrical and plumbing costs.

Know Your Contractor

Don’t forget to ask for references and check out your contractor with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Verity that your contractor is licensed bonded, and insured – if they are not, don’t use them! Ask your contractor for a certificate of Liability Insurance to ensure that in the event of damage to your home that contractor is insured to cover the costs.

Get a Detailed Written Quote

A detailed written quote shows the customer that the contractor has spent the time to accurately determine the cost of your project that will include man hours and materials. If a contractor gives you a quote on the spot after spending only 5 minutes at your home the yare only guessing and most likely start issuing ‘Change Orders” which are costly to cover their additional expensed. Ask for a start date and a completion date plus when deposits and payments are due.

Communication is Key to a Successful Project

Finally don’t be afraid to ask questions to your contractor. This will allow both the customer and the contractor to develop an open line of communication. Remember a stupid question is a question that is not asked!