Real Estate Blog

Tag: home design

  • A Complete Guide To Choose The Right Wooden Door For Your Home

    Choosing a beautiful door isn’t enough. You’ll want to think about factors like durability and how well it can protect you and your family. A well-chosen door can make your home more comfortable and stylish.

    This guide is here to help you choose the perfect wooden door, keeping things simple and skipping the fluff.

    Understanding Different Types of Wooden Doors

    You’ve got two main choices for wooden doors: solid wood or hollow core.

    Solid wood doors are crafted entirely from natural wood like oak, maple, or mahogany. They’re:

    • Has a rich, natural wood look.
    • Durable and long-lasting.
    • Easy to refinish over time.
    • Great at blocking sound and keeping in warmth.

    In contrast, hollow core doors have a wood frame filled with lightweight materials, typically cardboard or particleboard. These doors are:

    • Cheaper upfront.
    • Lighter and easier to handle.
    • Perfect for closets or less important interior spaces.

    Common Types of Wood Used in Door Manufacturing

    Each type of wood offers its own unique style and benefits. Popular wooden door manufacturers offer species like these for entry and interior doors. Here’s a quick breakdown:

    • Oak: Heavy, strong, and full of character with prominent grains. Works well with both modern and traditional home designs.
    • Maple: Light in color with a smooth, fine grain. Great for staining and works well in rustic spaces.
    • Pine: Budget-friendly with a casual, knotty look. It takes stains well but can dent easily.
    • Cherry: Known for its rich red tones that darken beautifully over time. A go-to for elegant, formal homes.
    • Mahogany: Luxurious and long-lasting, with deep red-brown hues. However, it can be pricey and hard to source sustainably.

    Matching Your Door to Your Home’s Style

    Your door should complement your home’s architecture. For example:

    • Traditional homes: Paneled doors work well with symmetrical designs and pitched roofs.
    • Modern homes: Go for simpler door designs with clean lines to match sleek, minimalist aesthetics.
      Whether you like a classic arched design or something more contemporary, choose a design that balances beauty and practicality.

    Considering Door Functionality

    For exterior doors, you want strength and weather resistance. Look for:

    • Durable wood that can handle the elements
    • Weather stripping to block drafts
    • Reinforced panels for added security

    Interior doors focus more on soundproofing and decor. Solid wood options offer better noise control and a polished, natural look.

    Measuring for a Perfect Fit

    A well-fitted door is key to both looks and function. Standard door sizes include widths of 30 to 36 inches and heights around 80 inches. If your home has unique layouts, consider custom wooden doors, but keep in mind, they’ll cost more.

    To measure accurately:

    1. Use a sturdy tape measure.
    2. Measure width and height at multiple points in the frame.
    3. Note any floor slopes or uneven frames.

    If you’re unsure, hiring a professional can save you from costly mistakes.

    Finishes and Treatments

    The right finish will protect your door and bring out its beauty.

    • Stains highlight the natural grain, adding a warm, organic feel.
    • Paints provide a smooth, colorful surface that hides imperfections.
    • Clear seals like polyurethane protect without hiding the wood’s character.

    For exterior doors, prioritize finishes that offer weather protection.

    Don’t Forget Security

    Along with style and functionality, the security wooden doors provide also deserves consideration – especially for exterior entryways.

    As beautiful as they are, wood doors can have issues like warping over time, weak frames that bow under pressure, and outdated locking mechanisms that fail to deter intruders.

    Look for reinforced panels that resist warping, high security multipoint locks, deadbolt locks with longer throw lengths. Hinge reinforcements and glass break sensors also boost security.

    Budgeting Tips

    Wooden door prices vary based on factors like wood type, size, and custom features. Premium woods like mahogany and cherry will cost more, while pine and hollow core doors are more budget-friendly. Custom dimensions and high-security features can also increase the price.

    Wrapping Up

    When choosing a wooden door, think about your home’s style, your functional needs, and your budget. Measure carefully to ensure a good fit and select a wood type that suits your lifestyle. A well-chosen door not only looks great but can also last for decades with proper care.

    Take your time, shop around, and invest in a door that brings beauty and security to your home.

  • In Need of Remodeling Inspiration? Celebrity Kitchens to Swoon Over

    If a home is where the heart is, the kitchen is the essence of that beating muscle that keeps everything alive and intact. It’s the space where families are connected in their shared love for food.

    Yet, sometimes, you find yourself gazing over the outdated cabinetry and scratched kitchen island, thinking, “This is not what I envisioned.”

    It’s only natural to feel that way. Americans spend a lot of time in the kitchen. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 57.2% of the population prepares meals in the kitchen on an average day.

    We’d probably be more inclined to cook up a storm if our kitchens were fitted with modern appliances and bespoke detailing. “Sofia Vergara has a La Cornue stove, why can’t I?”

    Oh, but you can. The kitchen is usually the most expensive part of the house to renovate. The last thing you want is buyer’s remorse. And you can’t go into it haphazardly either.

    Let’s understand the lesser-known impact of permits on remodeling projects.

    Dealing With Red Tape

    Some kitchen remodeling projects require permits depending on the extent of the work. Whether your kitchen undergoes structural changes, foundation work or plumbing and electrical work, it’s best to consult your local city government, advises HGTV.

    Every city has specific permit requirements for construction, remodeling, and refurbishing. For example, Burbank kitchen remodeling entails checking with the Burbank Building and Safety Division for a better understanding of the requirements. Without doing so, you risk your project being stalled.

    Once you are through with the permits, you need to nail a design according to your vision. Even better, get inspiration from celebs because their kitchen designs can be replicated without spending a fortune.

    Celeb-Inspired Kitchen Decor Ideas

    We’ll share a few celebrity-inspired kitchens to access the right side of your brain and spark creativity. Continue reading before bringing out the sledgehammer and knocking down a few walls.

    Anne Hathaway’s Lighting Style

    Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B2FV81thWCX

    The Hollywood star’s penchant for high fashion extends into her home.

    Although restrained, Hathaway’s decor style is more relaxed and subdued. That’s not to say she has boring taste when it comes to her California country home – quite the opposite.

    Hathaway’s interior designer Pamela Shamshiri lined the kitchen ceiling with four clear glass flush mounts and two longer copper pendants, using the traditional farmhouse aesthetic as her inspiration board.

    The unique placement of the light fittings was in stark contrast to homeowners typically choosing only one lighting option. The use of two different styles of lighting in one space draws the eye up to Hathaway’s vertical kitchen cabinets.

    Reminiscent of quiet luxury, the turquoise cabinets and brass hardware expertly complement the wooden walls and white tile backsplash.

    Replicating the look is no mean feat. Shamshiri enlisted artisans and specialized fitters to bring the vision to life.

    Regal Construction & Remodeling offers sage advice: always work with experienced local contractors and designers. They know the lay of the land and will adhere to building codes and regulations.

    Coco Gauff’s Classic Black and White Color Palette

    Tennis pro Coco Gauff sees a lot of excitement on the court which is why she chose to focus on an understated color palette in her Delray Beach kitchen.

    A contemporary take on a classic style, Gauff’s elegant kitchen plays with black-and-white and flourishes of other shades.

    The dark-colored countertops and painted cabinets merge perfectly with the lighter walls, enthusing a sense of calmness.

    The classic color palette incorporates different textures, making the kitchen feel warm and inviting. If a timeless, versatile kitchen redesign is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the elegance and simplicity of black and white.

    Sofia Vergara’s Ultra Luxe Stove

    Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=961917065290536

    And here you thought that’s the last you’ll hear about Sofia Vergara’s French stove.

    The Colombian-born actress doesn’t do things half heartedly. When she invited Architectural Digest into her Beverly Park mansion last year, fans couldn’t stop talking about her kitchen. And rightly so.

    By her admission, Vergara doesn’t like cooking but that hasn’t stopped her from creating a chef’s dream kitchen. She tells AD that she loves entertaining with lots of food, hence the thinking behind her design process.

    Comfort is big for the Modern Family star. The white Onyx counter gives off “rich aunt vibes” while the real star is the French-inspired range (stove) from La Cornue.

    Veranda describes the European brand as the ultimate status symbol. Costing a little over $ 8,000, these appliances are more than kitchen eye candy. They’ve become worthy investments for well-heeled customers and “home cooks”.

    The Celebrity Influence

    You can salivate all you want over celebrity kitchens but when putting your mark on your aspirational kitchen, be sure to set a budget and stick to it. To stay within your allocated amount, list the “essentials” and “nice to haves.”

    Employ a reliable contractor with a good track record and positive reviews. Insist on looking at their portfolio of previous projects.

    Choosing materials should be a collaborative effort with you and your contractor. Go for durable and easy-to-maintain options like quartz countertops and appliances made for energy efficiency.

    Now go forth and create magic!.

  • How to Hide Your Air Conditioning Unit Creatively

    Every summer, during heat waves, I used to go lie down in my backyard. My eyes sometimes landed on the air conditioning unit. Why is it standing awkwardly against the greenery? A bulky metal box is just messing up with the garden I have so hardly worked on. I spend hours in my garden. I arrange my plants and make a place to have fun with my family. But this AC unit is ruining the view. It’s not just about appearance. The structure itself looks awkward.

    I decided to find some clever way to hide the unit so that it blends with the surroundings. However, there are two challenges in the process. Firstly, I have to ensure the solution I approach does not affect the performance of my AC unit. Secondly, I must find a creative fix that doesn’t ruin the backyard but instead improves upon it.

    Blending Function with Aesthetics

    One afternoon, I was enjoying a quiet moment in my garden. I realized that hiding the AC should not be a boring task. This can be a fun project to do with my children. I called my sons and started to find the right materials. I told them that this has to complement my outdoor space rather than detract from it. We brainstormed and planned to balance beauty with practicality. We must ensure the unit still has enough airflow to function properly and easy access for maintenance. My sons wanted to box it in or cover it completely. I made them understand the problem with it and explained that the air conditioning condenser requires a steady intake of airflow. Boxing will prevent that.

    First, we looked for a wooden screen. Thought this would cover up the odd feature. But it stood still like another weird object which is trying to hide something. We tried planting some tall shrubs around the unit. There is a problem with shrubs. They grow slowly and do not fully cover the unit. I still have to consider airflow and accessibility for maintenance. Besides, dead leaves can easily get around the unit if we place shrubs.

    Discovering Creative Ideas

    I got frustrated at one point. I started scrolling through home improvement blogs. I found a treasure of creative ideas for hiding AC units. Instead of just concealing the unit, I can transform it into a feature. This will enhance the overall aesthetic of my outdoor space. I did more research and asked my friends about it. One of them suggested decorative lattice panels to build a stylish enclosure. Another said to construct a small shed that could double as storage space.

    The attempts are either too obvious or not aesthetically pleasing for us. Professional air conditioning services, Dallas’s very own local HVAC experts, suggest that we ensure the unit remains both efficient and hidden. We looked around a bit more on Pinterest and got the idea to integrate the unit into a garden feature. We can have a planter or a trellis with climbing plants.

    Putting Ideas Into Practice

    I followed a step-by-step idea for this:

    1. After thorough research, I weighed the pros and cons. I liked the combination of lattice panels and climbing plants. It balances aesthetics and functionality, allowing the unit to have a natural look and the necessary ventilation.
    2. We started looking for materials: — wooden lattice panels, sturdy posts for support, and some climbing plants. We arranged weather-resistant paint to match the lattice panels with the garden decorations.
    3. I measured the area around the AC unit. I dug small holes for the support posts. They are deep enough to hold the panels at each unit corner. I attached the lattice panels to them. I made a sturdy enclosure that kept proper space for the AC unit to function.
    4. Then I planted the climbing vines. At the base of each panel, I placed fast-growing, hardy plants. It would quickly cover the lattice and blend the structure into the garden.
    5. There is enough space between the lattice panels and the AC unit. I must also allow proper airflow. So, I built a small hinged door in one of the panels. It will provide easy access for maintenance without compromising the decoration.
    6. I painted the lattice panels. The final result was a natural, seamless cover for the AC unit.

    Challenges Faced

    • A key challenge is to ensure proper airflow. Blocked vents can affect the unit’s efficiency. I made sure of the distance between the lattice and the unit.
    • The AC unit has to remain accessible for regular maintenance. The hinged door in the lattice panel is made for this.
    • I was unsure how quickly the vines would grow and cover the lattice. So, I took help from the local plant stores to suggest fast-growing plants.

    All these challenges and recovery plans resulted in an excellent view of the place. My AC unit is now an integrated part of my garden. It blends in beautifully while still being functional.

    Other Options

    Modern AC units are about 50% more energy-efficient than the older ones from the 1990s. So, with a modern HVAC system, you can beautify your space, reduce energy costs, and also contribute to a greener environment.

    The AC unit can be incorporated into a garden feature, like a decorative trellis or a small pergola. A decorative trellis is a framework of light wooden or metal bars. You can train vines or flowers to grow over it. Then, just conceal the unit behind lush greenery. This adds vertical interest to your garden.

    A small pergola provides a structure that can support hanging plants. It serves as a base for other decorative elements like wind chimes or outdoor lighting. The pergola has an open design, so air can still flow freely around the unit. Both the trellis and pergola can have removable panels.

    My air conditioning unit was an eyesore. Now, it has transformed into a garden feature. This is a rewarding project. Before starting, I ensured that the unit was in top working condition. I engaged with my sons at every step and taught them about decoration. I highly recommend checking out air conditioning services in Dallas. Most HVAC techs in Dallas are experienced, licensed and offer professional and reliable support. They can make all the difference in maintaining the beauty of your house. From routine maintenance to expert advice, they’ve got you covered.