How To Improve Your Home’s

Curb Appeal

Michael Healy Decorative Doorbell

When people have lived in their house for a while, they tend to overlook its cosmetic flaws. They might no longer notice chips in the exterior paint, the overgrown shrubs in the garden or Christmas lights still hanging from the eaves.

Most homeowners, when they’ve lived in their house a number of years, don’t see what a new eye would see, she said. They can’t see the little things. Those little things can make or break a home’s curb appeal, which is vital when selling a home. Picky potential buyers make up their minds within the first 10 seconds of seeing a home’s exterior whether they want to see what’s inside.

That is important to note because Web savvy buyers are using the Internet to research houses for sale. They’re looking at online pictures of homes and driving by properties they might interested in. Staging can help home sellers get top dollar for their property. A professional stager will go through every room in the home, as well as the rear and front yards. Stagers note that the way people live in their home and the way a home is presented when it’s on the market are two different things. While the homeowners’ collection of porcelain dolls might look good to them, buyers might consider it clutter.

I don’t recommend people go out and spend a lot of money on staging props. I prefer to use items sellers already have. If more accessories are needed, such as plants, she works within the seller’s budget. She has spent as little as $50 to $100 to successfully stage a home. We got interested in home staging when we sold our first house, a 1,400-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath cottage style house in the Pocono Mountain area of Pennsylvania. Before putting the house on the market, the property got a makeover. Ripping out aging, unattractive shrubs and replaced them with newer ones. Also adding more vibrant, colorful flowers.

Next, repainting the house’s exterior in pastels to enhance its cottage style design. They painted the front door dark green to make it stand out and added a kickplate and new hardware for extra flair.

That house sold for above asking price the same day it went on the market. The house was listed for three hours before a buyer made an offer.

To gauge your home’s curb appeal, start by looking at it while standing across the street. What do you notice?

What is your eye drawn to? For those who can no longer “see” what their house really looks like, they might enlist someone who can, whether it’s a professional or a trusted friend. Next, take stock of the different parts and area of the exterior.

Are the shrubs and lawn overgrown? If so, trim back the shrubs and mow the lawn. Get rid of plants that look as if they’re on their last leg. This would be a good time to remove plants damaged during January’s cold snap. Get rid of

any unsightly weeds. Those about to put their home on the market might consider hiring a gardener or landscaper to maintain the yard if they don’t have the time to keep it consistently tidy. Add color. Evergreen landscapes are fine,but adding a little color can go a long way. Add some colorful annuals to the beds.

Dress up a worn front door with a fresh coat of paint and/or new hardware, such as a

decorative handle, kickplate or knocker.

Is your welcome mat more worn than welcoming? If so, replace it.

If space allows, add containers with plants of varying height (something tall with something that cascades over the sides).

Get a new address plate or find fancier numbers to use for your address.

If space allows, add a small bench or other seating on the porch or inside the doorway so guests have a place to sit.

Jazz up a plain door with a wreath. An already ornate door can be left alone if its design is striking. Give the exterior a good cleaning with a pressure washer. Wash the windows. Declutter. If you have too many accessories, pots, flags or other doodads in front of the house, pare it down. Less is more.

Visit us at :CabinetKnobsandMore.com

 

Knock Knock-Who’s There ?

. . . . Someone standing on your porch looking at your front door while waiting for you to answer the doorbell deciding just what kind of taste you have. You know what they say . . . you never get a second chance to make a first impression. This gateway into your home is nerve center of every house. It has a power all its own! The door grants protection, offers first impressions, and allows someone to cross from the outside to the inside your very life.

Now that’s important.

Door Knocker

Not paying enough attention to door hardware and fittings may prove costly to any homeowner. Investing in hardware for your door is desirable as it will add value to your home, permit you to sleep well at night knowing you and your loved ones are safe, and has potential to say just who you are to those that do not know you. Not to mention granting your home a pleasant visual appearance.

House Number

After choosing the door itself, the accessories to enhance the style are the next choices you must make. Things to decide upon and get ordered early are bolts, hinges, door knobs or door pulls, door knocker or doorbell, door stops, and finally door mail slot or mail box. You know, while you’re at it, you might consider going ahead and ordering your house numbers just so you’re sure they’ll match and you’re satisfied.

Manufacturers of door hardware are well aware of this aspect and strive to offer only the best possible products. Many companies produce door hardware made of solid brass, but can offer even gold plated brass, should a client have such demands. In order to meet the clients’ needs, producers struggle to offer door hardware that would perfectly suit the type of building it is created for. There are some companies that produce door hardware from antique black iron and flat black iron. Some of the best producers, that have been active for hundreds of years, still use the old manufacturing techniques as they did in the past. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! They understand the old ways are the best for strength and durability. It gives their products the authentic look that many homeowners strive for.

Flower Doorbell

A beautiful door is a terrible thing to mangle with poor door hardware choices!! It isn’t uncommon for buildings to be disfigured by people who install totally inappropriate door hardware. Manufacturers can create exact replicas of the original ironmongery, using the same production methods and molds. Instead, many opt for cheaper versions that appear similar to the original ones. At a closer look, one can observe the poor finnishes and the fake patina that producers strive to incorporate.

Visit us at: CabinetKnobsandMore.com

 

Choosing Cabinet Hardware | Tips and Ideas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the quickest and easiest ways to update a room is changing the hardware on your cabinets. The size and shape of the knob dramatically affects the appearance of your cabinetry.

When determining the appropriate knob size, pay attention to the paneling on the cabinet door and the weight of the drawer contents, For example, if a raised-panel is surrounding by a 2″ border, you’ll want a slightly smaller knob, such as 1½” in diameter.

Here’s a trick we use: draw and cut out circles on paper in 1½” and 2½” diameters, and then place them on your cabinets and drawers.

Once you’ve identified the sizes, determine the mood you’re trying to achieve. For a formal look, select and knob style and use it in one or various diameters based on the size of your cabinet or drawer. To keep it light and playful, mix up colors, styles and sizes. Or, be deliberate and choose multiple knobs styles within one color scheme.

More Tips

• For drawers over 18″ wide, try using two knobs or two pulls.
• Think directional. Pulls can be placed vertically or horizontally on cabinet doors.

Cabinet knobs and drawer pulls are elegant investments to your rooms that last for years to come.

Product Categories

Cabinet Knobs

Cabinet Pulls

Cabinet Handles

 

Visit us at : CabinetKnobsandMore.com

 

Kitchen Cabinet Knobs and Hardware

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           In the all encompassing goal of refacing or replacing your kitchen cabinets, homeowners tend to completely overlook the hardware they’re going to use (the door and drawer pulls) until the last minute. Usually this cabinet hardware is prominently featured next to the cabinet displays in major home improvement stores, but even then people either overlook it or ignore it. The differences between one style and another can make a major difference in the overall visual effect.

Ask yourself, do you want the hardware to blend with your cabinets or stand out as an accent piece? Perhaps you want something in between.

Consider these factors when picking out your cabinet hardware:

• cost
• size
• ease of use
• ease of installation
• color
• material (wood, brass, etc)

Round kitchen cabinet knobs produce a different impression than oblong or elongated handles. Shiny hardware gives a different statement than muted finishes. Homeowners who mix the two styles will usually stick with one style for doors and the other for drawers. You don’t want to mix and match styles however. Do you best to stick with matching pieces for a complete look.

Where to Buy Hardware

Generally its best to visit a hardware store so you can easily compare the handles and knobs available, and match them for size and color against your cabinet doors and drawers. It can be very difficult to look at a picture of a door handle and know if it’s going to provide the right visual effect in your kitchen. Your computer monitor resolution could be set so that it appears larger or smaller than actual size, and the colors available may be different from real life.

If you do find hardware in a store that you like, write down the item numbers and prices. You could take that information to the internet and search for the numbers to see if they are available at a cheaper price online. Be sure to factor in shipping and the total volume of pieces you need. Some suppliers requie you to buy a certain number of pieces to meet a minimum quota, others have high shipping fees. Online shopping is best when searching for highly unique pieces that are not among common stock materials at your local store

Vist Us at www.CabinetKnobsandMore.com

 

The Art of Mixing Finishes

An eclectic blend will appeal to today’s buyer. The trick is doing it tastefully.

At the height of the building boom, builders had to move fast to stay on top of their production schedules, especially with material and labor shortages. In some cases that led them to use whatever fixtures they could get easily and quickly. As a result, the master bathroom might end up with oil-rubbed bronze faucets on the vanity, a brushed nickel light fixture, chrome plumbing fixtures in the tub and a polished brass door knob. Today, those same builders are often under extreme pressure to use whatever fits in the budget, and the end result is typically the same – a combination of several finishes in a single room.

Photo credit: Jamie Kern, Design Theory Interiors Combining two different finishes, such as these sconces and faucet, adds visual interest to a room.

But if approached correctly, the blending of finishes is not necessarily a bad thing. While individual designers have their own opinions on what works and what doesn’t, there’s more latitude than one might think when it comes to mixing and matching.

In a market where resale value is a high priority, using suites of matching finishes is the safest thing to do, if not the most interesting. But when people intend to live in their homes longer – as is the case with most buyers today – they will respond more favorably to eclectic touches. “With the slow economy and people living in their homes more, we’re looking to create differences, not uniformity,” says Irvine, Calif.-based interior designer Kelli Ellis. “Now it’s okay to mix things.”

Bellevue, Wash.-based interior designer Gail Monica Dent, owner of Provanti Designs, likes to create what appears to be a collection of fixtures, rather than a set. She finds that people respond favorably when the various fixtures in a room look like a collection of items that were purchased by the same person at different times. “It’s much more fun and interesting, although it takes a little work to do.”

If there’s a general guideline about mixing and matching finishes, it’s that mixing two contrasting finishes in a single space is fine, while three or more will appear cluttered or confusing. Jamie Kern, ASID, president of Design Theory Interiors in Atlanta, says that when working on a kitchen or bathroom she prefers faucets in one finish, with a contrasting finish on cabinet hardware. “I like the dynamics of the contrast, as it allows each element to have its own identity,” she says. “And it also gives you some flexibility.”

Another method of blending finishes in a bathroom can be used when a shower, tub or vanity is treated as a focal point. Examples might be a shower with the luxurious Waterhill® Spa suite or the nature-inspired Bamboo® Shower collection, both from ShowHouse® by Moen®. In this situation, Kern recommends using faucets with a different finish than the other fixtures as another means of setting it apart and adding visual interest.

The above guidelines apply to wood finishes as well. In fact, contrasting wood finishes within a space are a must to prevent “visual monotony,” according to Kern. She says that the contrast will highlight each piece much more effectively than a sea of identical finishes, making for a more interesting space.

Call For Pricing on all Motiv & Ginger Products: www.CabinetKnobsandMore.com

 

The Advantages Of Keyless Door Locks

 

The Advantages Of Keyless Door Locks

    

Nowadays we can hardly recall our lifestyles before the advent of luxuries like cell phones, high speed internet and keyless vehicle entry. With the demand for convenience rising and keyless door locksbecoming increasingly affordable, a growing number of people are upgrading to keyless door locks in order to protect and streamline both their homes and businesses.

Keyless door locks are a type of door locks that can be controlled using a combination, an access code or fingerprint recognition, thus eliminating the need for a key. Keyless door locks allow each person who lives at a residence to enter the home without a key, and also give employees easy access to designated areas of their workplace. Lost, stolen or forgotten keys are now problems of the past. For most people, the convenience of not having to toil with a key is enough, but numerous other benefits are associated with installing keyless door locks.

Using a keyless entry system is especially beneficial when a contract worker or house sitter needs temporary access to your home. It is not necessary for contract workers to have a permanent key to your home, since key duplication is effortless. Fingerprint recognition door locks allow admittance only to those who have pre-programmed access, and many even allow you to grant access for a specified period of time. For instance, a housekeeper or contractor will be given permission in advance to enter on a certain date within a scheduled timeframe. And since fingerprints cannot be duplicated as easy as keys, fingerprint recognition systems have a tremendous authentication advantage over traditional door locks and even keypad locks. Similarly, access codes to keypad locks can be shared with temporary workers and then they can be easily changed when access is no longer necessary.

Keyless entry systems are no longer reserved for an elite few. Along with more affordability, the security and convenience that keyless door locks provide are transforming them into a common consumer commodity.

Visit Us at : www.KnobsHingesandMore.com

 

Things to Consider When Picking Cabinet Hardware

Century Hardware

By J Richardson

Home remodeling can be a big task to take one for any homeowner. Deciding how you want your house to look requires a lot of research and shopping around to find the perfect design elements and furniture. Just like every other room in the house, when it comes to remodeling a kitchen there are numerous decisions that need to be made. From what type of flooring or kitchen countertops you want to install to the type of cabinets and cabinet hardware you want to use, each decision is equally important to get your dream kitchen.

When it comes to choosing the right kitchen cabinet hardware for your house there are numerous factors to consider. One of the first decisions that needs to be made is what type of material and finish you would like the hardware to be made of. There are numerous finishes to choose from such as oil rubbed bronze, satin or weathered nickel, antique copper, polished brass and matte black. When it comes to choosing the material and finish you would like to use there is no right or wrong answer.

One thing to keep in mind when you are choosing the finish and material you would like your cabinet knobs to be made from is to make sure that you are consistent. If you choose to use satin nickel for your kitchen sink faucet and lighting fixtures, than you are most likely going to want to go with satin nickel for the cabinet hardware in your kitchen. Making sure that all of the hardware on your kitchen matches the other accessories in the room is a small detail that needs to be taken into consideration. You can even go one step further and make sure that your bathroom cabinet hardware matches the hardware that is in your kitchen.

Once you have chosen what type of finish and material you would like your kitchen hardware made out of the next step is to choose the actual design of the pieces. There are a number of ways to go about this, but ultimately it boils down to your own preference when it comes to kitchen design. Kitchen cabinet pulls and knobs come in a variety of different designs, shapes and sizes. If you have intricately designed cabinets then homeowners are better off going with simple and sleek handles. If your goal is to spice up the plain kitchen cabinets with the hardware, then you can choose knobs and pulls with intricate designs.

Updating your kitchen cabinets with hardware is a great way to get a new look in your kitchen without paying a fortunate. By updating all of the knobs and the pulls in the kitchen you can make old cabinets look like brand new. You can also update the cabinets by putting a fresh coat of paint or even stain on them. The kitchen cabinets will look like you spent a great deal of money on them, but your wallet will show that you actually saved a great deal of money.

Visit Us at : www.KnobsHingesandMore.com

 

Cabinet Knobs – Not Just For Putting on a Cabinet Anymore

Cabinet Knobs – Not Just For Putting on a Cabinet Anymore

By Jennifer Akre

 

       You might be thinking, the only use for a cabinet knob is to put one on a cabinet so you can open and close it. Well, you are wrong because this fixture actually has a lot of other creative uses too.

Really, a cabinet knob can be used for a number of different things and the first one is how you can actually make a pretty nice shelving unit with less than a handful of them. It actually is pretty simple. All you have to do is screw in two of them parallel to each other in the wall and then two more about two to three feet below them depending upon how big you want the shelf to be. What you do next is get a board and attach some string or rope to the top sides of it. Then, set the board on the two lower knobs and then tie the string or the rope you used to the top two knobs. And, just like that, you have a shelf in place and you can store almost anything you want on it from books, to DVD’s, CD’s, and even special keepsakes and knickknacks. This shelf idea is perfect for a child’s or teenager’s bedroom.

Another way that you can use a cabinet knob is as a coat rack and you can actually build an upscale looking coat rack area on any wall throughout your home. Just start with picking out a few eye-catching knobs either online or at the hardware store, then when you have them at home you just have to install them on your wall. What makes it fun is that you can install them in a pattern, which really gives your coat rack a fantastic look along with the stunning knobs that you picked out. In addition to hanging coats on them, you could hang other things on them as well including hats and you could even use this same set up in your kitchen for hanging utensils and pots on your wall.

A final great use for a cabinet knob other than just installing on a cabinet is a decorative one. You could put them wherever you like in your space as an interesting ornamental touch. Like, take your child’s bedroom as an example, you can get fun shaped ones, like in the shape of a bear or candy, and place it on the wall to accent the décor of his room.

And, these are just a few of the different ideas that you could use a cabinet knob for because there are quite a few other uses for them as well. To check them all out, just do a little search on the Internet. And, remember the Internet is also your best bet for shopping for them since all you have to do is browse through all the different online stores and their products. When you do come across something you like, it generally is at the best possible prices and your selection will even be shipped right to your home. Shopping has never been so convenient since you don’t have to go anywhere to do it.

In the end, a cabinet knob is a pretty versatile fixture and now you know that there are a lot of different ways to use one besides just a way to open and shut a cabinet.

 

Visit Us at : www.KnobsHingesandMore.com

 

Cabinet Knobs Can Invigorate Your Space in a Flash

By J Richardson

 

Are you tired of your plain, dull design in your bathroom, bedrooms or kitchen? With the continually downward slump of the economy, you probably think you cannot possibly afford a home renovation project. But what many homeowners do not realize is that – yes – a home renovation project can be affordable and spice up the design of your room instantly! Don’t believe it? By simply updating your old, worn cabinet knobs, you can transform any design from boring to beautiful.

Gather Your Tools
Unlike most home hardware installations, replacing your knobs and pulls in any room does not require the help of an experienced professional. Count that as money well saved already! Plus, this project requires minimal tools and minimal effort – it is so easy, even your children can help you. Prior to beginning your new project, be sure to have the following tools on hand:

  – Tape measure
– Pencils
– Cabinet pulls, knobs, or handles
– Matching screws and hinges
– Screwdriver

Get Rid of the Old Stuff
With these tools on hand, you are now ready to remove your old hardware. Be sure to unscrew each cabinet knob entirely before removing so that you do not cause accidental or unnecessary damage to the wood or plastic cabinet front piece. Before you throw these items into the trash, however, consider donating them to another home (if they are in good condition, of course). If you are not prepared to host a yard sale, auction them off online on eBay.com or even craigslist.org; your home renovation project just might inspire another family to update their cabinets with your trash-turned-treasure.

Shop Around for Sizes
Now is your chance to update the out-dated décor with new bathroom cabinet knobs (or any room, really). Consider what size handles, knobs and pulls you already have in your bathroom. Are some drawers harder to open, certain cabinet handles harder to grasp? Changing the size of your cabinet hardware might make life easier. But before you purchase tons of hardware in one size, you should buy a few various sizes to test out just in case. Larger sized cabinet handles in close proximity with one another could end up just cluttering an area and not making it any easier, such as in your kitchen.

Create a Colorful Effect
Once you have decided on what sizes work best for which locations, you should also consider changing the color or finish of your kitchen cabinet knobs. Traditional cabinet knobs are available in a variety of finishes such as oil rubbed, satin, matte, weathered and polished. Additionally, each knob can be of a different metal such as chrome, brass, iron, pewter, nickel, bronze and copper. For the bold homeowner, try mixing and matching to create a unique look in your home.

Try a New Style Combination
Replacing your cabinet knobs does not just include removing and installing fresh, new knobs but rather creating a new look and feel. One contemporary renovation style includes mixing cabinet knobs according to the layout of the room. Cabinets and drawers below the waist are adorned with darkest finishes-such as matte nickels or bronzes. Next, mid to waist level drawers feature a lighter shade of handles like a copper or brass with a weathered finish. Finally, the highest shelving units and cabinets should feature the lightest colored finishes and metals. Creating this layered look keeps the eye moving upwards; if the look was reversed, the eyes would lock in on the dark finishes at the ceilings and never even glance at the floor-level handles. Remember to purchase corresponding hinges and screws so that your newly renovated area is complete, without mismatching accessories. The easiest way to avoid this decorating disaster is to write down a count of how many cabinets you have, what finishes and what metals; you’ll stay organized and create the flawless look of your cabinetry in any room in your home.

Visit us at: www.KnobsHingesandMore.com

 

Helpful Tips When Buying Door Levers

By James A Jackson

 

An excellent means of updating the look of your home is by choose new door levers. Interestingly, little thought is given to this particular door hardware yet when a more modern, exotic, or interesting lever is installed, it quickly becomes the first thing people see. Today, the vast selection of door handles is not designed simply for functionality but also aesthetics. Manufacturers of door hardware have taken the demand of consumers seriously and in return, created some of the most stunning designs imaginable. Literally any style home, room decorum, or personal preference could be complemented with door levers now being offered on the market.

Before going out to buy just any door lever, it would be important to consider any unique architectural features of the home. Additionally, while the decor of the room would be an important consideration, you also want to focus on choices that would enhance any new decor you might choose in the future, as well as what potential homeowners would be most attracted to if you plan to sell the home within the next few years. Even the door itself would be a factor in the decision-making process in that you want the door lever to blend in with the style.

Typically as you look around, you will discover that door levers, as well as other types of door hardware are broken down by category to include antique, vintage, country, contemporary, classic, European, etc. However, one category that offers a multitude of possibilities regardless of the architectural features of the home or room decor is transitional. This style incorporates elements of both old and new so the lever designs would blend in beautifully with a period home or an ultra modern home recently built.

Although the aesthetics of door handles and levers are a major part of choosing, be sure the lever provides the needed functionality. For instance, door levers come in both right and left-handed designs, some feature a locking mechanism and some are simply stationary levers used more for appearance. It would also be beneficial to purchase door levers of the same style, material, and finish throughout the home. With this, the lever would complement each room but also provide a cohesive look, which is cleaner.

The material and finish of the door lever will also make a bold statement or provide a more subtle look. Remember, some of the door hardware now being designed and sold is truly a masterpiece. Therefore, if you want a particular room or door to stand out where the door lever actually becomes a focal point, then you would go with something more dramatic. The list of materials and finishes used for door hardware is long but the most popular choices include brushed nickel, antique brass, pewter, and satin stainless steel.

Finally, you want to know your budget prior to starting the shopping journey. After all, knowing the cap of what you can spend would steer you away from more expensive door levers. Just because you may be somewhat limited financially does not mean the level of options would decrease. Manufacturers of door hardware have hundreds and hundreds of different options to fit within any budget while creating a gorgeous door and home without spending a fortune.

 

Visit us at: www.KnobsHingesandMore.com

>