THE BEST REVITALIZING LIVING ROOM REMODEL TRENDS FOR 2019

If you’re looking to update your home in 2019, Décor Aid interior designers recently shared their favorite living room remodel ideas to help us inspire your next room refresh with confidence and ease.

If elevating one of your most frequently used common rooms is one of your new year’s design resolutions, then you’ll be sure to score loads of alluring inspirational cues here featuring the top living room remodel trends of 2019, to keep your creative energy charged.

LIVING ROOM REMODEL IDEAS

Make It Look As Large As Possible

If you’ve got a large grouping of common rooms to work with, our renovation specialists suggest investing in beneficial construction services to make the area feel much bigger than it ever was. By opening up the floor plan and removing a few walls to combine say your living and dining rooms together, with or without your kitchen, you’ll make your home feel larger and brighter to boot.

Refresh Where you Enter

For inspiration, walk into your living room and survey the initial first impression it gives off and think of how that makes you feel along with what you like, don’t like, and would like to see instead.

As first impressions are often made within seconds, it makes for a great starting point when considering living room remodel ideas.

Update Windows And Treatments

Since window treatments are expensive investments that feel tired over time, consider what you would like to see in their place and opt for a timeless style like the ones in the room pictured above.

By going for a more classical route, you’ll get more use of your window treatments over time and since they are such an important feature in any living room, the more sleek and streamlined, the better.

Add Stamped Tin Panels

Add a sense of vintage everyday glamor with a luxuriously decadent and decorative tin ceiling that’ll make your home unique while boosting its resale value.

You can also use tin panels to create tonal plays throughout your living room that’ll never look outdated say on an accent wall, or as a border.

Update Your Color Palette

When it comes to essential living room refresh ideas, start with a color palettethat you instinctively feel that you’ll enjoy living with for years to come. Our interior designers suggest opting for timeless neutrals and color schemes that feature no more than four colors.

By starting with a timeless neutral, you’ll be able to go in any design direction that feels right without fear of being dictated by a certain scheme or style.

Create The Look Of Extra Space

When it comes to any room, it always pays to make it look larger than it really is. And when it comes to smart living room remodel ideas, there are several routes to make your living room feel as big as it can.

To do so, paint your ceiling white, bring in a large area rug, and statement pieces like beautifully detailed mirrors or a chandelier to make it feel grander and all the more memorable. Mirrors are also an affordable and easy to source alternative that you can easily switch out as trends pass. Plus, you can place mirrors in interesting places to work as conversation-starters that’ll make your home all the more unique to you.

LIVING ROOM DÉCOR UPDATES

SLIDING DOORS

Sliding interior doors are one of the best ideas for a 2019 living room remodel and for good reason. When opened, they take up less space than your traditional hinged door and they’ll make your space look cleaner and more ‘put together.’

Traditional doors often don’t offer you much design expression, but sliding doors are different; they can become a bit of a feature, if you want, or blend seamlessly into the background. Even better when they are glass so your living room appears larger while not blocking any light.

METALLIC SIDE TABLES

Easily moveable metallic side tables are a great way of introducing high-shine reflective finishes and added glamor to any living room. They are a great way of making a striking impact in a luxurious way and they are also an essential route to adding a touch of elegance and luxury to a small living room remodel, especially when you aren’t re-vamping the entire room.

Glass topped or marble topped metallic side tables will also help to keep areas from feeling blocked off for a much lighter look. And best of all, you can easily source an inexpensive one for a quick living room refresh.

’70S RETRO-INSPIRED

By now, it should come as no surprise that ’70s retro-inspired Mid-Century Modern style trend continues to reign in 2019 as the timeless design direction continues to inspire. You can go all-out ’70s for a truly retro feel, or just add some retro accents and accessories to your living room remodel.

Choose a retro patterned wallpaper and team it with accessories and furniture that evoke the era – completing the look with a vintage wood sideboard and some orange or green velvet upholstery.

VELVET UPHOLSTERY

Ah, velvet, where would we be without you? Certainly not in 2019, that’s for sure. Velvet didn’t let up in 2018 and that’s not about to change. It’s decadent, it’s luxurious, and there is no better fabric for upholstery than sumptuous velvet.

Though neutral velvet makes for a decidedly polished look, elegant shimmery velvet jewel tones are sure to add needed depth and color to your living room and whether you are going for a large sofa and comfy chairs, or just some throw cushions for a small living room remodel, consider velvet fabrication as a stylish go-to that’s worth the investment.

BLUSH TONES

Consider 2019 the year of the soothing and timeless blush tone. They’ve been trending throughout 2018 and they are going to come into their own as we enter into 2019.

Filling a room with multiple pinky-blush shades makes for a foolproof alternative to richer colors that’ll also never go out of style. Blush tones are impactful and soft at the same time, but without ever being overbearing. And our interior designers expect to see more and more blush tones popping up in many a living room remodel trend in 2019.

BIOPHILIA

Biophilia essentially means to ‘bring the outside in.’ Living room remodel ideas 2019 are chock full of inspiring homages to nature and the great outdoors. Whether this is by using a natural material, an earthy tone or bringing plant life into your living room, biophilia is sure to make an impact.

Choose natural, sustainable fabrics, and furnishings to embrace the beauty of the natural world. You can also master the trend inexpensively by bringing in easy to care for plants that’ll also work to purify the air in your living room while recharging the energy.

EARTHY TONES

Earthy tones couldn’t look better for a life-enhancing living room remodel. They are soft, warm, comforting, and cozy and no room lends itself better to that than the living room. Autumnal shades – browns, greens, oranges, purples, and reds are coming together alongside neutrals to create an autumnal fantasy of an oasis.

The more natural and earthier you can go, the better – making for a welcome break from the chilly tones of the past while remaining minimal in spirit to create the perfect starting point when starting a living room refresh.

GEOMETRIC PATTERNS

Geometric patterns are a great way to bring in timeless statement-making pattern in any room in your home – wallpaper, rugs, mirrors, art, prints, and furnishings are all giving way and embracing the geometric trend. Obvious, understated, bold or subtle, geometric pattern works well in large and small living room remodel ideas alike.

Metallic accents in geometric wallpapers are also a sure-fire route to creating stunning feature walls, accompanied by a contrasting geometric rug for a juxtaposition of brilliant patterns.

SOOTHING PASTEL TONES

This trend is super soothing; they are bolder than pastel tones, giving you an extra level of depth and color to your living room remodel ideas. Use multiple makeup colors in one room, broken up with some white or a light neutral, for a deliciously designed living room.

Oranges, pinks, greens, and blues are being combined together to help you create a living room that’s boldly original without coming off as heavy-handed or abrasive.

FLORAL WALLPAPER

Who else is pleased to see floral wallpaper making a comeback? We were starting to get worried we weren’t ever going to see it again thanks to today’s climate for spartan interiors and pared-back design. The bolder the better when it comes to floral wallpaper for your living room remodel.

Don’t shy away from floral wallpaper if you are looking for small living room remodel ideas, as there is stylish wallpaper available to make any living room remodel feel more alive while lending the room personality.

DEEP, DARK COLOR

We are seeing more and more darker colors pop up in living room design and in an endlessly inspiring way. Not just a glossy black or inky blue accessory here and there, but expansive walls painted in deep, powerful colors.

We enjoy how these dark colors have the ability to be surprisingly soft and comforting, at the same time as being powerful and aggressive. Plus, dark walls make for a great contrast to white furnishings and patterns alike.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability is at the top of the list when it comes to living room remodel ideas 2019 and for good reason. More and more often, our clients are concerned about where materials and products are coming from, how they are being made, and the impact those processes are having on the environment. The more you focus on sustainability, the less negative impact you’ll add to the environment.

That doesn’t just mean choosing items which are sourced sustainably, but carefully choosing where you buy your furnishings from, and thinking about the kinds of shopping experiences and handcrafted items you want to be available to you in the future.

Contact Projects General Construction for Your Remodeling Project

Projects General Construction is a leading remodeling professional serving the Santa Barbara area. We’ve worked with many satisfied customers, and often get involved in the renovation project’s early stages. We’re used to working with beginner remodelers and understand the challenges they face.

The renovation experts at Projects General Construction help you with all stages of your remodeling project. We work with you to make that list of musts, wants and dreams, and then turn it into a realistic budget before starting. We’re a great source of information. We give you affordable options and alternatives to material choices, as well as all design and permitting requirements.

Projects General Construction is your leading provider of all remodeling services.  Contact Projects General Construction today.

The Best Time of Year for Remodeling Projects

“What’s the best time of year to remodel my home?” homeowners often ask. The true answer is: “Any time is the right time, as long as you’re ready to do it.”

However, some times are better than others for different phases of jobs, as well as for cost-savings — although the two don’t necessarily coincide. With that in mind, this article from Angie's List can offer suggestions about the “ideal” guidelines to help keep your remodeling project on track from a cost and timing standpoint.

Based on our experience in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., where there is a notable change of seasons, the ideal time for work outside is fall or spring. Of course, that window of time when the weather is dry and between 60 and 70 degrees is very small, so if we want to work year-round, we need to look at other timing advantages.

Remodeling January through early March

Despite the thought of working outside in the cold winter months, this is actually a good time to start an addition. Frozen ground and dry air are better for digging foundations and pouring concrete footers than muddy ground and humidity.

If your foundation is completed and the room addition is framed before the rainy season, the space can be under cover during the unpredictable spring weather. You'll likely have fewer “rain days” where no one works on the construction site.

In addition, the winter months tend to be less busy for builders, because everyone is waiting for spring and tax refunds to start their home projects. 

Remodeling April through June

This is the busiest time for most builders, so it’s probably when you’ll pay the most money for their time and for materials. It’s the simple law of supply and demand.

Spring is traditionally home building season, not only because consumers are finding the money to do projects, but also because it’s the time we start to come out of winter hibernation and want something new.

Projects like decks, patios and outdoor rooms are good to plan for this timeframe. Decks require hand-digging, and the ground is usually softer in the spring. In addition, the homeowner will be able to enjoy the deck and outdoor space in the coming summer and fall months.

Remodeling July through September

Tackling indoor work like kitchen or bathroom remodeling is recommended during the summer months. The last thing you want to do in the sweltering heat is an attic bedroom! To most people’s surprise, however, roofing projects are often done in the summer, because the roofing material needs certain higher temperatures to seal.

Builders will be cautious about the safety of their workers, and they will tell you if it’s too hot for the job.

If you vacation in summer or have a summer home, it’s great to plan your remodeling effort for when you and your family will be away. You can avoid all the unpleasant inconveniences of living with a renovation and come back to a brand new addition!

Remodeling October through December

While the first part of this quarter is ideal for outdoor work and new construction starts, it is traditionally the time when homeowners want their remodeling finished. The impending holidays are a looming deadline for builders, and there’s a scramble to get things done by mid-November.

So, if you’re willing to have crews in your home during the holiday season, this is a good time to schedule anything from an addition to a kitchen remodel. Business is slower for contractors and materials may be less expensive. However, shipping may take longer, so work those extra days into your timeframe.

Timing concerns for any remodeling project

In general, wet weather is the least desirable for any kind of remodeling. Interior work can take place any time, once the building is under cover. Homeowners should be confident their builder and crews will respect the home at all times by:

• Being careful not to track dirt, mud or water through the living spaces

• Letting the homeowners know when they will not be on the job due to weather

• Providing the overall courtesy of clear communication throughout the job

In addition, some planning time is necessary on the homeowner’s part. Don’t decide in January to put an addition on your home and expect a contractor to dig the foundation in February.

While this may happen if the stars are in perfect alignment, you’ll probably need time to research, plan and schedule builders. The builder will need time to plan, order materials and schedule his team. Allow several weeks for planning your remodel — no matter what time of year.

Which home remodeling project do you plan to take on next? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Contact Projects General Construction for Your Remodeling Project

Projects General Construction is a leading remodeling professional serving the Santa Barbara area. We’ve worked with many satisfied customers, and often get involved in the renovation project’s early stages. We’re used to working with beginner remodelers and understand the challenges they face.

The renovation experts at Projects General Construction help you with all stages of your remodeling project. We work with you to make that list of musts, wants and dreams, and then turn it into a realistic budget before starting. We’re a great source of information. We give you affordable options and alternatives to material choices, as well as all design and permitting requirements.

Projects General Construction is your leading provider of all remodeling services.  Contact Projects General Construction today.

How Much Does a Backyard Renovation Cost—and What Can You Get for Your Money?

How much does a backyard renovation cost? It's a question that many homeowners ponder if they're on the verge of upgrading their yard from an overgrown thicket to a beautifully landscaped oasis. But how much money should you budget for this project? This article from Realtor.com helps to get you started.  

According to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, the average cost (including labor) to put down a new lawn with modest plantings and trees on a quarter-acre of land runs $7,500 to $10,000.

Looking for a more detailed breakdown? Here's what you can expect to pay, how far your dollar will go, and tips to help you save.

How much does a backyard renovation cost?

Several factors go into the cost, including the size of the lot, the quality of the soil, and how extensive you plan to be with new plantings and irrigation. But some of the most common line items on an average backyard renovation bill are sod installation, a deck or patio, and landscape design.

Here is what you can expect to get in three ranges of renovation costs:

$1,000 to $5,000: In this price range, you'll be able to buy plants, plant grass seed, and cut back trees.

"Plants usually make up about one-half of the landscaping," says Robert Himmaugh, manager of Acadian Windows and Siding, a Gulf Coast outdoor renovation company. "The costs will vary on the type of plant that you use."

A small tree can set you back $100, while a hardy Leyland cypress hedge costs $34.

$5,000 to $15,000: For this much money, you'll be able to do the same sort of landscape upgrades highlighted above, and you can replace the lawn with new sod.

"Lawns that come from sod rolls can be anywhere from 25 cents to $1 per square foot," says Himmaugh.

You'll also likely meet with a landscape designer who will lay out your backyard and charge you $2,000 to $6,000 for a detailed plan.

"The price also jumps if you do anything with masonry work, because you have to hire a professional, and permits are mandatory," says Triple Kocurek of Trine Agricultural Services, in Buffalo, TX.

$15,000 to $50,000: This price range includes the same renovations mentioned earlier, plus hardscaping: any human-made features such as a patio, gazebo, path, or pond.

"A new patio can cost anywhere from $3,000 up to $50,000, depending on size and materials," says Himmaugh.

Another popular backyard renovation is an outdoor kitchen. According to Home Advisor, the average cost to build an outdoor kitchen is $10,670, with some projects reaching $50,000. This is mostly due to installation costs of electric, gas, and water lines.

Keep in mind that additional costs can crop up quickly.

"If the yard has poor drainage, laying underground pipes to address the issue will add hundreds, if not thousands, to the bottom line," says HomeAdvisor's home expert, Dan DiClerico.

Or you may discover that you need to regrade the lawn—to direct water away from the foundation walls—to the tune of $2,000 on average.

How to save on the cost of a backyard upgrade

The American Society of Landscape Architects suggests that homeowners budget the cost of a major landscaping project at 5% to 10% of their home’s value. But that doesn't mean you can't use your smarts and DIY skills to save more than a couple of dollars on the cost of remodeling a backyard.

Here are some tips to keep your bottom line down:

Go native: "Look for plants that are native to your region, as these will cost less and also be easier to maintain," says Himmaugh. Native plants are also more likely to be naturally hardy, meaning you won't have to replace them down the road.

Use crushed stone: Using crushed stone or garden rocks is one of the most budget-friendly backyard renovation tricks. Instead of paying for sod or plants, simply use crushed stone to fill spaces.

Bonus: You'll save a ton on watering costs.

Do as much as you can yourself: "There are thousands of videos on YouTube to teach you just about any backyard improvement you might want to do," says Kocurek.

Think twice before adding pricey amenities: And if you're tempted to splurge on a fun but expensive amenity for your backyard, weigh the pros, cons, and return on investment before breaking ground. Swimming pools, for example, have one of the worst returns on investment out there.

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, for every dollar you spend on a pool, you'll probably recoup only 39 cents when you sell your home.

What's the best return on investment on a backyard remodel?

You'll feel the pinch of any remodel, of course. But you will get some of that money back if you ever decide to sell your home, because curb appeal is real. According to landscape economist John Harris, landscaping can contribute to 28% of your home’s overall value.

You'll see even more if you add a deck, according to the 2019 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling magazine. A decking project that costs $19,150 in 2019 will deliver a 69.1% return (or $13,232) when you sell.

Bottom line: If you have a few extra dollars, it makes sense to spend money on beautifying your house now in order to make money later.

Contact Projects General Construction for Your Remodeling Project

Projects General Construction is a leading remodeling professional serving the Santa Barbara area. We’ve worked with many satisfied customers, and often get involved in the renovation project’s early stages. We’re used to working with beginner remodelers and understand the challenges they face.

The renovation experts at Projects General Construction help you with all stages of your remodeling project. We work with you to make that list of musts, wants and dreams, and then turn it into a realistic budget before starting. We’re a great source of information. We give you affordable options and alternatives to material choices, as well as all design and permitting requirements.

Projects General Construction is your leading provider of all remodeling services.  Contact Projects General Construction today.

EXTERIOR REMODELING GUIDE

If you'd like to make some updates to the exterior of your home or landscaping, it can be difficult to know where to begin.  This comprehensive article from Sunshine Contracting provides an excellent step by step guide to get your started.  

Exterior remodeling can be a challenge for beginners.  TV renovation shows make remodeling look so quick and easy, but for those new to the process, it can be a different story. You hear about newbies experiencing nightmares with cost overruns, shoddy work and shady contractors. But it doesn’t have to be like that for beginners.

The key to successful exterior remodeling is in planning. It begins with a common question: “I want to renovate my house, so where do I start?” Knowing how to start a renovation and exterior remodel of your house begins with having a clear vision of what you want to achieve, understanding the renovation process and contracting with a reputable company that produces quality work.

There’s a lot to do before signing an exterior renovation contract, though. You’ll often hear the term “due diligence” used in business investments and transactions. That simply means you’ve done your homework and understand where your best value lies. It’s the same principle used in remodeling the exterior of a house. You identify the priorities that will deliver your best renovation value, then plan how to achieve them.

It’s a tremendous help for remodeling beginners to have a clear guide. Having a resource to walk you through the necessary steps to take before starting an exterior remodeling project is more important than having a how-to manual on doing the actual construction work. More beginners get themselves in renovation trouble from failing to properly plan than any other cause. The good news for beginners is that’s totally preventable.

Have a Clear Vision 

So where do I start remodeling a home? What to do first when remodeling a house is to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. You also need a clear vision of why you want to renovate your exterior. There are many reasons that can motivate you to renovate your exterior. They might include:

No matter what your motive for remodeling the exterior of your house, you must have a clear vision of your goals. Once you clearly know your overall purpose, it’s time to get on with the planning process. A step-by-step priority layout will guide you through the planning.

The Planning Process

There’s an old saying that goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” It’s true. But it’s so easy to succeed when you properly plan out your renovation process. You need to have that vision of where you’ll end up before you start any physical renovations. The two biggest failures beginners suffer that shatter remodeling dreams is failing to be realistic in their expectations and not setting an accurate budget. Both of these flaws lead to bad contracts and potentially disastrous work.

The first thing to do when remodeling a house is to make a list. You have to be honest with yourself about what you want to achieve and if you can actually afford it. Include these three groups in your list:

Now that you know your exact remodeling purpose and have narrowed down your necessities, it’s time to get specific about money. Unrealistic financial ability is a disaster waiting to happen. Begin by knowing your purchasing limits and your capability of handling that financial load. Do this before going any further in starting designs, picking products and especially before contacting contractors.

You’re sure to have some picture of what renovation funds you have, but you may not be sure of what’s available. Talk to your financial institution and ask where your limits are. That’s not just your borrowing power if you need a loan. It’s also about your debt-service ratio and if you can handle extra payments.

You also need to take a hard look at value. At this point, ask yourself if you really need to proceed. You might be in an immediate situation where your roof has to be redone. But maybe you can put off cosmetic remodeling until you’ve saved extra money or cleared other debt. Something to consider, though, is current economic trends. It might be to your advantage to go ahead and renovate this year before prices rise and an upcycle restricts labor and material supplies.

Setting a Remodeling Budget

The key to setting a successful remodeling budget is to be detailed and realistic. You know why you’re renovating, and you know what you need, want and dream about. You also know what you can afford. Now it’s time to figure out exactly what your renovations will cost.

Set your budget with line-by-line expenses. You need to break down your anticipated costs in detail. Make these line items your budget checklist. Just like your “must-haves” list, anticipate every expense you might incur during your exterior remodeling project. Some suggestions are:

Unexpected events are common in remodeling jobs. In fact, they’re so common that veteran contractors expect them to happen. You never know what you’ll find when you pull off old shingles. You might have rotten sheathing that must be replaced. Once your windows are out, you might find water-damaged sills. Removed siding could reveal nearly anything.

Make sure you allow a cost overrun contingency in your remodeling budget. Ten percent is a good rule of thumb. 15 percent is even better. Whatever you allow, it’s vitally important to have wiggle room for inevitable cost overruns. That includes items you’ve overlooked and items that come with the “that’s extra” clauses so many contractors have.

Being diligent and thorough in setting a realistic budget is your best return on time when remodeling. Many cases of cost overruns aren’t truly a matter of going over budget. They’re the result of under-budgeting in the first place. Take your time in planning your process and setting your budget. You’ll be glad you did.

Take Your Time

Time is your remodeling friend. Don’t turn it into your enemy. The more time you take in carefully planning your process, setting a proper budget and sourcing the right materials and renovation contractor, the more successful you’ll be. Ask any remodelers who were once beginners, and they’ll tell you it’s true.

The truth in remodeling is that everything takes longer than you think. Unfortunately, it’s also true that things usually cost more than you anticipate. You can reduce your stress by accounting for time, as well as money. Here are some time management suggestions:

Nothing beats talking with renovation contractors. They’re the real industry experts. Many have years of invaluable experience in remodeling exteriors. Most have seen and solved more problems than you can imagine.

But not all remodeling contractors are equal. Not by any means. Some are reputable professionals who have built remodeling companies that have survived years. They’re successful because they know their business, they know their costs and they know how to work with their clients.

The best use of your planning time is in selecting your renovation contractor. Start early on this, and you’ll be rewarded with minimal stress and a smooth job.

Selecting a Remodeling Contractor

As a beginning renovator, you’ll never regret the amount of time spent in qualifying and selecting your remodeling contractor. You’re going to spend a lot of future time with them, and you want that relationship to be excellent. Renovators are people like anyone else. They have different skills, experiences and personalities. Here’s what to look for in a contractor who complements you:

Contact Projects General Construction for Your Remodeling Project

Projects General Construction is a leading remodeling professional serving the Santa Barbara area. We’ve worked with many satisfied customers, and often get involved in the renovation project’s early stages. We’re used to working with beginner remodelers and understand the challenges they face.

The renovation experts at Projects General Construction help you with all stages of your remodeling project. We work with you to make that list of musts, wants and dreams, and then turn it into a realistic budget before starting. We’re a great source of information. We give you affordable options and alternatives to material choices, as well as all design and permitting requirements.

Projects General Construction is your leading provider of all remodeling services.  Contact Projects General Construction today.

10 Tips To Avoid Getting Burned By Kitchen Remodels

When it comes to making magic happen during a kitchen remodel, there is a lot that can be cooked up - there are oodles of options. There's also a lot that can go wrong.

Here are Forbes 10 key tips to avoid getting burned on a kitchen remodel:

1. Don’t Overspend

Before you start planning, consider the market and decide whether a low-, medium-, or high-end kitchen remodel makes the most sense. Costs can run the gamut from $2,000 for a simple paint-and-hardware upgrade to $50,000 if you’re installing expensive countertops and luxury appliances. Knowing your neighborhood will help keep from overspending – you may not get your investment back installing travertine in your tiny starter – or worse, underspending. Let’s face it, you’ll never see Formica in a high-end home, and in fact, it may become a barrier to your sale.

2. Avoid An Identity Crisis

Don’t try to remodel a 50's ranch-style kitchen into a contemporary cook space.  All homes, however humble, are built in a certain architectural style. Work with it, not against it. You’ll be spending too much money and time on complete overhaul, and you’ll end up with a kitchen that looks like it belongs in someone else’s home.

3. Don’t Lose Track Of Trends

There’s always something new in the world of kitchen improvement. By staying on top of the latest technological trends and improvements, you may be able to find less expensive, more eco-friendly versions of the hottest looks.

4. Keep The Plumbing Where It Is 

Moving water and gas lines to accommodate the reconfiguration of sinks, ovens, stoves, or dishwashers is extremely costly, especially in older homes. Keep any pipe-connected elements where they are, and keep some extra cash in your pocket.

5. Watch For The Wrong Floor Plan

If you do have the budget to rearrange appliances, make sure to keep your floor plan in mind. Does it follow the natural triangular traffic pattern between the refrigerator, stove, and oven? Is the dishwasher next to the sink? It should be, because otherwise, you create a mess every time you walk across the room with a dripping dish in your hand. To save money, I once put a dishwasher in the counter opposite the sink – and as a result, I cleaned up drips on the floor for years.

6. Don’t Trash Existing Cabinets

If they’re quality wood and still in good working order, you’re in luck. This is one of the first things I check when sizing up a pre-remodel kitchen, since cabinet frames are the most expensive component of the entire space.  It’s quite simple to give salvageable cabinets a face lift. Three common ways to repurpose and save thousands include: adding new doors and drawer fronts, re-laminating fronts and sides, or repainting – which leads us to......Don’t Just Paint – Spray Paint. Have all the cabinets cleaned and lightly sanded, then have a painter come in to spray them. Don’t try to DIY this one; a couple of cans of spray paint from the hardware store just won’t do the trick. A professional spray job can make ugly cabinets look factory-new. And you can’t get the same look by painting or rolling the cabinets yourself.

7. Don’t Scrimp On New Hardware 

Home remodeling superstores carry a great selection of door hardware.  Choose knobs and pulls that complement your architectural style, and don’t cut corners. This is what I call a brooch – an added touch that makes the whole room work! Also, remove and replace any old painted-over hinges with shiny new ones. It is time consuming, but very inexpensive. And it makes a huge difference.

8. Take Advantage Of Free Advice

Check out the larger home improvement centers for free, computer-based design services for help laying out your kitchen. Their professionals are at the leading edge of today’s decorating trends, and their services include one-on-one client assistance as well as in-home consultations, complete project management, and installation services.

9. Don’t Mismatch Appliances 

When buying new fridges, ranges, and dishwashers, stick with the same brand. Fortunately appliance manufactures have begun to create good-looking, low-priced lines that include matching sets. With a little research and some smart shopping, you can find affordable appliances that look very high-end – and when they all match, you get a designer look for much less.

10. Don’t Forget To Budget For Sinks And Fixtures

Get the best possible faucet, one with a pull out spray attachment or a gooseneck with detachable head. It’s a necessity AND a brooch – and the difference between good and great is only $50 -$75. Stick to one consistent fixture finish since mixed finishes can look like patch work.

ALL: What's the one thing you've done in a kitchen (past or present) that really gave it that 'wow' factor?