Lenny | Colony Home Improvement

How to Create the Illusion of Space in a Small Bedroom

January 20, 20150

Consider these bedroom remodel ideas to create the illusion of more space.

Bedroom remodel ideas can help you create the illusion of more room.

Do you have a modest-sized bedroom that’s making you feel a bit claustrophobic? In a smaller living space, where all our furniture and possessions can make us feel confined, it can get frustrating trying to arrange things in a way that makes the room appear larger. In today’s world, we sometimes live in our bedrooms. We not only sleep there, but watch television, study, work and even sometimes just relax. When making the room larger is not an option, what should you do when you’re faced with the dilemma of how to make space in a small room? Here are some ways you can create the illusion of space in your small bedroom.

Make Good Use of Color

When you use dark colors or dark paneling in your room, this gives the effect of it being even smaller than it actually is. Use light colors, such as shades of white, pale gray or light pastels. If you prefer wallpaper or other wall coverings, make sure you stick with the lighter shades and patterns that are on the smaller side.

Rethink Your Lighting

Good lighting is key in giving your bedroom a more open, spacious look. Assess the room for dark spots. Make sure your lighting adds brightness without being overwhelming. You’ll want to feel at home and at ease here. If you add lamps, be sure to choose those that are slender, not bulky. Windows are a good way to brighten a room. If you are looking into bedroom remodel ideas, installing a skylight or larger windows can really open up the room. When you are selecting curtains or other window treatments, go with simple lines.

Do you know how to make space in a small room.

Learn how to make space in a small room.

Remove Clutter

Simplify your space. Clear personal items off your bedside tables and dresser. Remove odds and ends stacked in the corners or visible under tables. While you are at it, remove any unnecessary furniture and store it elsewhere. This will open up your room and make it appear larger. Just remember, less is better.

Modify Your Storage

For home improvement ideas, meet with a reputable home builder about adding a closet, expanding closet space or creating a special storage solution that could free up space in your bedroom. If building storage is not an option for you, consider modular units for under your bed or for making smarter use of your closet space.

Add Mirrors

A simple way to create visual magic is by adding a large mirror on one wall or by decorating with mirrors or mirror art.

Furniture – Size Matters

Large, heavy furniture takes up a lot of room so swap out that king sized bed for something smaller where you can clear pathways around the room. Another option in how to make space in a small room is to custom build. Combining drawers for storage with the bed unit can free up space and eliminate the need for other furniture in the room. Go with a lighter colored finish on your furniture as well.

If you are looking for bedroom remodel ideas, contact us. Colony Home Improvement proudly offers 40 years of experience in remodeling, serving the Boston area, Southeastern and Metro West Massachusetts.

Why You Should Invest in Curb Appeal Home Improvements

January 15, 20150

Learn how to boost your exterior curb appeal.

The exterior curb appeal is an important element for any home.

Are you wondering if you should invest in exterior curb appeal improvements? Unlike basic indoor renovations, adding those finishing touches to the exterior of your home can really boost its desirability. Before you begin making unnecessary home renovation updates, take a look at some of the most common curb appeal boosters.

Exterior Home Improvements That Boost Value

Paint Your Door: Painting your front door adds more exterior curb appeal points than you might think. If you have a white, taupe or even black door, chances are you are lacking some major oomph from the street. Popular door colors include red, dark grey, sage and even coral. All four of these colors are sophisticated, inviting and bold.

Plant Shrubs: Also known as hardscaping, trees and shrubs are the foundation for your front yard. Consider adding a few shrubs that frame the pathway to your front door. If you have poor soil conditions, you can add height and drama to your exterior by planting shrubs in large urns that flank the front door.

Landscape Lighting: Once you have a few shrubs or trees in place, landscape lighting will help boost your home’s curb appeal at night. Make sure the lighting directs toward your garden elements to enhance their placement and the architecture of your home.

Remove Eyesores: If you have an eyesore on your property, such as a fire hydrant or a utility box, there are home improvements you can still make to boost your home’s appeal. Contact your city and planning department to find out what restrictions you might have with fire hydrants. If possible, consider planting colorful flowers around the base of the hydrant to help it blend in. If you are trying to hide other eyesores, such as a utility box or an old tree stump, the same rules apply. Foundation plantings that disguise or minimize will serve as a pleasing distraction.

Increase curb appeal with home improvement projects.

The right home improvement projects will make your home more appealing.

Clean Your Gutters: Out with all those old leaves! Make sure your home is clean and presentable and looks maintained if you really want to boost its exterior curb appeal. Clean all debris from the home and make sure you trim tree branches as needed to open up your home’s architecture.

Pretty Windows: From the outside, elegant window coverings can really boost your home’s curb appeal. Don’t just settle on aluminum blinds. Purchase window coverings with a print or with tie backs so you can allow your home’s interior lights to glow softly through the curtains in the evening.

Make Your Exterior Inviting

Whether you are preparing your home for an anticipated sale or are fixing up a property you hope to live in for a while, you need to know why you should be investing in curb appeal improvements. While you may be convinced future buyers will fall in love with granite countertops or pedestal sinks in the bath, if you can’t get buyers in the door because your home doesn’t look appealing from the outside, it doesn’t really matter what resides behind that front door.

These simple home improvements offer the most bang for your buck and promise to beautify the exterior of your Massachusetts home. Contact us today for a free quote and a design consultation.

Home Improvements Can Save You Money During the Winter

January 13, 20150

Insulation is a home improvement project that keeps you warmer.

Installing more insulation is a great winter home improvement project.

Electricity bills can be brutal in the winter. From the up and down outdoor temps to the frigid drafts that can chill your home, keeping warm can be tricky on a budget. However, you can save energy and stay toasty at the same time this winter with these home improvement tips. Not only will you feel more at ease in your house, you won’t be shocked with high electric bills that can be overwhelming and cost-prohibitive.

Cutting Down on Drafts

Did you purchase an older home with single pane windows? Chances are you can feel the chill as the wind blows outside. The following simple home renovation ideas can really help you heat up your home without turning on the gas or electricity.

Seal Your Windows and Doors: Sealing your home’s windows and doors with a weather strip will help eliminate some of the hot air that escapes through small cracks around the frame. Easy to install, even for the novice, weather strips make sitting near a cold window a little more bearable.

Replace Windows: In addition to sealing window and door frames, replacing single pane windows with double panes will reduce your electricity bill and make your home’s heating system more efficient. Even if you can only replace one window at a time, you will be raising your home’s value with each so they are a small home renovation project that will payoff in the long run.

Add Curtains: Instead of hanging aluminum mini blinds, curtains and heavy draperies can cut down drafts. In addition, many people include the window coverings when they list their home for sale. This means if you select tasteful and elegant draperies, you will increase the desirability and perhaps resale value of your home.

If you don't have a fireplace, consider this home renovation.

Have you considered a fireplace as part of your home renovation?

Clean Your Fireplace: If you’re lucky enough to have a wood burning fireplace, make sure you get the flue cleaned every year. In addition, your fireplace or chimney may need tuckpointing. Ensuring the maintenance of your fireplace before running it all season will have it working its best. By making good use of your fireplace instead of turning up the thermostat, you could save on your electricity bill.

New Insulation: Is it time to add or replace the insulation in your home’s attic? Insulation keeps heat from escaping through the walls and the roof of your home. Consider adding padded insulation or spray foam insulation for sealing and filling small areas. A home improvement specialist can replace your insulation and help you cut down on your winter electrical bill.

Stay Cozy and Warm All Winter

In addition to these small improvements that might help you save money this winter, it’s important to remember you should always try to maintain a constant temperature in your home. Turning your furnace up and down makes it work harder than if it remains at a more consistent temperature. Find a comfortable settings for all the residents in your home and then keep it set there for greater efficiency.

Winter doesn’t have to own your pocketbook. Small changes in your home can help ensure you stay cozy without the extra costs of heating and electricity. Contact us today for a home renovation consultation in Massachusetts.

Planning and Budgeting Home Improvement Projects

January 8, 20150

Ask your general remodeling contractor to help you set a budget.

A good general remodeling contractor will help you set an accurate budget.

Plan, prepare and set your budget before planning any home improving and remodeling projects so you can ensure you have the means to get it done right, the first time around.

Why Budgets Matter

Just as many people set budgets when they shop at the grocery store or for holiday gifts, setting one for home improving and remodeling costs is vital. Unless you know exactly what your money allotment is, you might find out later rather than sooner that you don’t have the funds to complete the project. How can you set a realistic budget before renovation begins?

How to Plan, Prepare and Set Your Budget

Once you have a home project and design build plans in the works, sit down and calculate anticipated expenses. While many people contract out for home improvements, some weekend warriors plan to do all the work themselves, including purchasing supplies and equipment.

Think Ahead: Is it just materials or supplies you need to factor into your budget? For example, if you plan on painting your home, will you need to purchase drop cloths, paint brushes and rollers in addition to the paint? These small expenses might seem unimportant, but they can really add up at the checkout counter. Think ahead about every little thing you’ll need to purchase to get the job started and to complete the project.

Set a Budget: Besides just calculating expenses, you’ll need to decide how much money you’re willing to sink into your home improvement projects. Put a cap on what you want to spend and stay below it. If you want to focus on small improvements that add to the resale value, consider replacing dated light fixtures and fans, updating the toilet and window treatments and removing wallpaper, as well as adding decorative paint colors to your walls. These rather inexpensive updates make it simple to stay within a realistic budget and really add style points and improvement to your home.

Work with your contractor on planning home improving and remodeling.

Home improving and remodeling requires careful planning.

What Happens If You Go Over Budget?

The fact of the matter is, not everyone has an endless cash flow to pour into home improvements. So what happens if you start a project you can’t finish? If you’re working with a general remodeling contractor or home improvement specialist, find out if they offer any financing options. If you have to stop a project mid-job, try to save and secure the completion of the job as quickly as possible. Nothing can hurt your home’s value more than having many unfinished jobs taking place at once. Find out exactly what is needed to finish the work and save to get it done.

Planning and preparing your home improvement budget will allow you to make changes to the exterior or interior of your home without the possibility of unexpected expenses. By planning properly and staying under your initial budget, you will likely have enough set aside to deal with any setbacks, if or when they arise. While it can be exciting to plan home improvements, it’s important to be smart with your investment and plan projects you can finish within your budget.

Are you seeking a general remodeling contractor? Please contact us today for a consultation and to begin your next renovation.

How to Make Your Sunroom Versatile Year Round

January 6, 20150

Make the most of your sunroom additions.

Sunroom additions can be used throughout the year.

Did you know you can enjoy your sunroom additions year round? It doesn’t have to be summertime to make full use of the most seasonal place in your home. The following sunroom addition ideas will make your room a four-season destination spot for a cup of tea, reading your favorite book or birdwatching from a rattan couch.

Tips for Sun Room Living

What makes a sunroom design so special? The unique area is a private, though often underused, space in a home. If your sunroom is left without the sun, you might be wondering how to make it inviting, even through the dark days of winter. These sunroom addition ideas will help make this room the coziest spot for intimate or relaxed gatherings.

Invest in Furniture: The key to creating a comfortable sunroom is in the furnishings. Rather than purchase regular outdoor furniture, consider placing slip-covered couches and loveseats, or perhaps even a recliner, in your sunroom. Add bold colored toss pillows to create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. With a few throw blankets, you have the perfect spot to snuggle up with your morning cup of Joe.

Add Twinkle Lights: There is something so enchanting about a string of twinkling lights. Why not illuminate your sunroom surroundings by hanging a strand above the windows or around the doors? The glowing lights are sure to add a festive, romantic touch to the space in the evenings.

Add Plants: Whether they are real or artificial, adding greenery to your sunroom will make it even more inviting. Consider a few tall plants placed in small groups for a table display or flank both sides of the windows with tall potted trees. For a whimsical touch, you can even perch a few artificial birds in your plants to add to the ambiance.

Sunroom additions can be a great place to relax.

Did you know you can enjoy sunroom additions year round?

Garden Art: Garden art isn’t just for the garden. A favorite sculpture or gazing ball might be just the thing to enhance your coffee table in your sunroom. Bring a little of the outdoors in and create a living space that is fresh and packed with garden goodness. A potting shelf with old garden tools, watering cans and a few coffee table flower books will make your sunroom a welcoming spot. Keep a few garden journals around for when you are struck with inspiration for your spring-planting plans.

Hang Curtains: Curtains make sunrooms even more intimate because you can change the privacy of your home. If you have an abundance of windows in your sunroom, perhaps it’s time to invest in window coverings so you can enjoy the room without feeling exposed to the neighborhood. Plantation shutters, lace sheers and even muslin drapes look rustic and right at home in sunroom additions.

Book a Consultation

If you’ve found you’re not enjoying your sunroom during all four seasons, perhaps you need a little bit of decorating and redesign. Please contact us and speak with one of our Connecticut home improvement specialists today. We’d love to help you plan or redesign the sunroom of your dreams, even when it’s cold outside.

Author: Lenny