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.

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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

 

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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.

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Cabinet Jewelry

Matthew Marin

 Whether your kitchen is contemporary or traditional, choosing the right decorative hardware can add instant flair and just the perk some cabinets need. Not to mention, loads of personality, reflecting the homeowner’s sense of style. And given the current economic woes, replacing knobs, handles and pulls with the newest pieces is a perfect “quick fix,” as it is an inexpensive alternative to a major remodel. As consumers are spending more time at home, it’s becoming more important for them to be happy in their living environments, so “they want to customize their space with a personal touch,” said Claire Parrish. Hundreds of the latest decorative hardware options allow them to do just that.

With multiple hardware offerings to choose from, homeowners have narrowed their search to finding classically styled, simple pieces, complementing the style of the kitchen and broadening its appeal during unsteady times. “The economy is demanding that people make sensible choices and not go too far out on a limb with decorating choices,” said Adrienne Morea, president of Atlas Homewares. “Hardware is truly the ‘jewelry’ of the kitchen, and each homeowner spins it the way they want. They are going back to basics and rethinking the kitchen. They don’t want to get tired of something in two years.”

Keeping decorative hardware simple and clean allows the homeowner to place a greater emphasis on the cabinetry and surfaces, according to Morea. “It’s important to realize that hardware cannot be the ‘main event’ anymore,” she said. “All a homeowner really wants is good functional pulls that match their appliances.” For example, a “clean” polished-chrome or brushed-nickel pull can complement modern or traditional cabinetry and truly add the finishing touches to the kitchen, “similar to the way a fabulous pair of shoes would set off a basic black dress,” she added.

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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.

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Kitchen & Bath Channel APP Now Available

 

Kitchen & Bath Channel APP Now Available

 

KnobsHingesandMore.com is pleased to anounce there association with the Kitchen and Bath Channel. Kitchen and Bath Channel now has an app that can be downloaded on Droid.

I-phone and Blackberry APPS will be available shortly.

Description

Building or remodeling your kitchen or bath is a complex endeavor, something many of us are not prepared to do without a professional at the helm. This free app connects homeowners with all types of professionals associated with your new kitchen or bathroom. With a database of over 15,000 designers, builders, remodelers, woodworkers, retailers and more coupled with a variety of searching options, you can find the right professional for your project and in many cases view examples of their work. Whether your project is as simple as finding products or repair parts or as complex as a design and build project, this app will help you find the correct source.
Features Include:
• One Touch Dialing
• One Touch Email
• One Touch Website Visits
• One Touch “Add to Contacts”
• One Touch Map Locator without leaving the app
• Geo Location
• Project Photos and Videos from our Platinum Subscribers
Search By:
• Location
• Certified Professionals and Professional Designation
• Room Preference
• Accreditation
• Product Category for Purchasing
• City
• State
• Professional’s Name
• Business Name

 

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App Screenshots

                                                                                      

                 

 

 

 

 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

 

Choosing Cabinet Hardware | Tips and Ideas

 

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 cabinet 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  cabinet  knob and 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.

Visit us at: www.KnobsHingesandMore.com

 

Now Introducing Furoli Kitchen and Bath Faucets

 

Now Introducing Furoli Faucets

Furoli Faucets

The Furoli brand was launched to serve the needs of small to medium sized Kitchen & Bath Home Improvement businesses for premium faucets at affordable prices. Our success is dependent on our ability to provide customers with tremendous value, work closely with the factory to keep costs low, and our commitment to serving the network of Authorized Dealers.

Furoli is a family owned business that traces it business heritage to manufacturing OEM and private label faucets for many U.S. plumbing supply businesses since 1994. While other manufacturers have pursued growth by supplying the high-volume brands sold through big box retail channels, the Furoli owners and managers have identified a crucial need among small to medium sized Kitchen & Bath Home Improvement businesses for style, quality, and value

Furoli is a member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

 

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Cabinet Knobs – Flower Themes For Spring

Cabinet Knobs – Flower Themes For Spring

By Jennifer Akre

 

  If you are looking for a quick way to add color and freshen up your home when spring approaches consider making small changes that can have a big impact on the room. Changing out the knobs on your cabinets is an easy but very effective way to bring color and a fresh look into the room.

You can also change them out on your kitchen, bathroom, and any other cabinets in the house as well. It’s a quick and relatively inexpensive way to make a big visual change to a room.

There are a wide variety of cabinet knobs available at your local hardware stores and also available online; but there are a few things you might want to consider before making your final purchase.

Size of Knob

When shopping for new cabinet knobs don’t necessarily look for ones that match the size of your existing ones. Think about selecting new versions that are slightly larger than the ones you have; a larger cabinet knob will make more of a visual impact.

Type of Knob

With the wide variety of available cabinet knobs, you will have a great many to choose from. There are ceramic, wooden, metal, and even plastic options available. Be sure that what you select are a good quality.

Size of Screw

If possible, take one of your existing cabinet knobs and its screw with you to the hardware store; this will allow you to measure the existing screw with those of the new ones. Matching the screw size will ensure that your new knobs will be an easy install. If at all possible, try to avoid the need to expand the existing holes for them on the cabinet doors.

Colors

The whole concept of changing the knobs on your cabinets is to bring seasonal color into the room, so don’t be afraid to pick colors that stand out and bring attention to themselves.

If you have white cabinet doors think about vivid red porcelain cabinet knobs, or bright white ceramic options with bright red flowers painted on them. Don’t be afraid to be bold with your choices. The spring season is all about bright colors and making a large impact with seasonal floral colors.

Note: If your cabinets are a dark cherry color you might struggle with selecting an appropriate color of cabinet knob. Consider, instead, selecting a black metal cabinet knob with an intricate floral pattern.

Shopping

Your local Decorative Hardware store will have a wide variety of cabinet knobs for you to choose from.  Alternatively, you can shop online; there are several websites devoted simply to cabinets and cabinet hardware. Just remember to be specific about the size of the screw.

This is a great project for someone with little to no DIY knowledge; additionally, changing your cabinet knobs is a fast and easy way to make a great seasonal change to the various cabinets in your home. With a few minutes of effort you can make-over your kitchen, or bathroom cabinets with them.

 

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