Although you probably won’t be entertaining this Thanksgiving, now is still a great time to tidy up your home so you can enjoy your holiday fully. Instead of struggling to cook Thanksgiving dinner in a disorganized kitchen or eat at a messy table, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying time with your family. Here are some tips to help you get your home in order so you’re ready for the holiday.

Kitchen and Dining Room

If clutter is making your kitchen and dining room harder to use, here are some tips to help you get them cleaned up before Thanksgiving.

Dining Room and Kitchen

Clean out the junk drawer

Everyone has a catch-all drawer in their kitchen that’s full of pens, cords, old batteries, and other random clutter. Sort through your junk drawer and throw away anything that you don’t need. If you haven’t used something in the past six months, it’s probably time to get rid of it.

Get rid of expired food

If your fridge is full of expired food, you won’t have room for delicious Thanksgiving leftovers! Go through the fridge and pantry and toss any items that are past their prime. Don’t forget to disinfect the handles of your pantry, refrigerator, and other appliances because they’re hot spots for bacteria.

Declutter the dining room table

If you’ve been using your dining room table as a makeshift office or classroom, it probably has papers and office supplies all over it. To get your dining room ready for Thanksgiving, see if there’s any clutter you can throw out, such as old newspapers or school assignments. If not, get a filing cabinet to organize the paperwork and school supplies, or relocate them to your children’s rooms temporarily so you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at the table.

Clear off the countertops

It’s hard to prepare a big Thanksgiving dinner in a kitchen that has lots of clutter on the countertops. Decide which appliances and decor items you really need on your counter and which ones you can get rid of or put away. Once you’re done decluttering, remember to clean your counters with a disinfectant that kills the coronavirus, such as Lysol wipes or a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water.

Go through your tableware

If you feel like your cabinets are overflowing with dishes and mugs, then it’s probably a good idea to part with some of your dishware. Generally, families only need enough dishes and cutlery for one full day of eating plus a few spares for when visitors come over. Go through your tableware and get rid of chipped or cracked dishes and any extra place settings you can do without.

Living Room and Bedrooms

Decluttering your living room and bedroom will allow you to enjoy your time at home more. Here are some tips to help you tidy up.

Living Room

Put away toys

If your children’s toys are overtaking the living room, consider putting half of them away in the closet and rotating them seasonally. Changing out their toys every few months will keep your kids from getting bored during playtime and help reduce clutter.

Paring down your children’s toy collection will also make it easier to keep everything clean, which is especially important during the pandemic. It’s recommended that you disinfect plastic toys once per week by soaking them in a mixture of ⅓ cup bleach and a gallon of water for five minutes. Then rinse them off and let them dry completely before giving them back to your kids.

Declutter decorative pillows

A few well-placed decorative pillows and throws can add personality to your home and make it feel cozier. But if you have too many, they can become a nuisance when you try to turn down your bed or get comfortable on the couch.

Consider getting rid of any pillows and throws that are worn out or no longer match your decor. Try to find places to store your remaining pillows when you aren’t using them so they don’t end up on the floor, such as wicker baskets placed beside the couch or bed.

Organize magazines, books, and movies

If all the bookshelves and media cabinets in your home are overstuffed, it may be time to downsize your book and movie collection. Recycle out-of-date magazines and rehome books that you haven’t read in years to keep them from cluttering up your living room. You can also save on space by digitizing your movies instead of keeping the physical copies.

Add extra storage

Sometimes living spaces can get messy because there isn’t enough storage. You can increase the amount of storage space in your home by coming up with creative solutions like putting wicker baskets under the coffee table or shallow bins under the beds.

Downsize your knick-knack collection

Putting too many collectibles on your shelves and side tables can make your home feel cluttered. Consider parting with some of your knick-knacks or storing a few in the closet so they don’t overwhelm your space.

While you were cleaning your home, you may have noticed some issues that need to be fixed, like a leaky pipe or a broken window seal. To get these repairs addressed quickly so they don’t become bigger problems down the line, give the professionals at Brunson Construction a call.

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Some of our favorite haunted houses in the Dallas area are closed due to COVID-19. However, you can still get in the Halloween spirit by putting up some festive decor in your own home. The ten spooky home features below will give you some design inspiration and help you ring in the holiday. 

1. Batwing Fan Wing Blades 

Transform your ordinary fan into a piece of Halloween decor by replacing the blades with these festive bat wings. They’ll not only look great but they’ll also keep you cool all autumn long. 

2. Coffin Light Switch Cover 

This spooky light switch cover is shaped like an old coffin and has spider webs in the corners to show its age. It even glows in the dark and will cast an eerie green shadow on your room at night.   

3. Skull Door Knocker 

This elaborate horned skull door knocker will be the centerpiece of your entryway this Halloween.

4. Jack-o-Lantern Doormat 

This festive jack-o-lantern doormat will welcome guests and give them a taste of the spooky decor they’ll find throughout your home. 

5. Skull Wall Sconce 

Add some Halloween flair to your hallway or bathroom by installing these skull-shaped sconces. They’re made of clear glass which gives them a creepy iridescent glow. 

6. Spider Web Shelf 

Display your mini pumpkins and other Halloween knick-knacks on this cool spider web shelf. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit any space. 

7. Skeleton Beer Tap Handle

Take your Halloween party decorations to the next level by putting this skeleton beer tap handle on your kegerator.

Need some more decor ideas for your basement bar? Check out these fifteen stylish home bar designs. 

8. Gothic Chandelier 

This tiered chandelier has dark gray patterned glass that gives it an edgy, gothic vibe. It will complement the rest of your Halloween decor and add a little drama to whatever room you put it in. 

9. Freddy Kreuger Fire Pit

This show-stopping fire pit is the perfect place to sit around and tell scary stories. It’s made of hand-forged steel and was inspired by Freddy Kreuger from the famous horror movie Nightmare on Elm Street. 

10. Skull Crystal Snow Globe 

This simple, festive “snow” globe can be placed almost anywhere to set the Halloween mood. Shake the globe for a spooky cool effect that will have glitter, a spider, and bats flying around the two skulls inside.

We hope that these unique Halloween home features will get you in the spirit of the season and help you make this holiday one to remember. If you need assistance with a home remodeling project, spooky or not, give us a call to get your free quote today! 

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Fall officially starts September 22, so now is the perfect time to do some home maintenance to prepare for the cooler weather. The days are getting shorter and the kids are back in school (in-person or virtually), which probably means you have less time to complete home improvement projects than you did over the summer. To help you prioritize, we’ve put together this ultimate checklist of the ten most important home maintenance projects you should consider tackling this fall.  

1. Clean the chimney

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it’s a good idea to clean out the creosote from your chimney. Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires, which can spread to the rest of your home. Traditionally this job has been left to professionals, but you can now purchase drill attachments that make quick work of creosote. 

If you don’t have a fireplace but want one to keep your family warm during the fall and winter, now is a great time to install it. Here are fifteen beautiful fireplace designs to give you some ideas and inspiration. 

2. Upgrade insulation

Upgrading your insulation can keep your home warmer during the winter ahead and lower your heating bills. You may even be able to get a rebate from your gas or electric company to lower the cost of installing it. 

3. Insulate vulnerable pipes

Although Texas has relatively mild winters, your pipes can still freeze if they aren’t properly insulated. If you have any exposed water supply pipes outdoors or in your basement, consider adding some extra insulation or heating tape to protect them from the cold.  

4. Switch the ceiling fan’s direction 

Did you know that your ceiling fan can help keep your home warm in the winter and even lower your heating bills? If you change your fan’s direction so that it moves clockwise, it will force the hot air down and make your home feel toastier. Most ceiling fans have a small button on the hub that controls the direction, so simply press it and your fan will be ready for fall. 

5. Prepare your pool for winter 

Now that summer is coming to an end, you should start preparing your pool for colder weather. Before you close your pool, you should clean the filter, remove debris from the skimmer baskets, and perform a shock treatment to kill any bacteria. If you’re planning to leave your pool open during the winter, consider installing a freeze guard to protect your pool equipment from damage when temperatures drop. 

If you don’t have a pool yet but have been contemplating building one, here are five gorgeous in-ground pools to give you some design ideas. 

6. Clean the gutters 

Clogged gutters can cause issues like foundation damage and basement flooding, so it’s important to clean them. We recommend purchasing a gutter cleaning kit for your leaf blower so you can remove the debris without getting on your roof. 

7. Prune dead tree branches

Dead tree branches not only detract from your home’s curb appeal but also pose a safety risk. They may snap off and fall, especially if snow or ice builds up and puts extra pressure on them. To prevent this from happening, carefully prune diseased branches with a tree trimmer, making sure to cut at a downward angle to prevent rot. If the branches are large or near power lines, you may want to hire professionals to remove them instead. 

8. Maintain your lawn 

Taking care of your lawn this fall will help ensure that it looks healthy and vibrant next spring. Keep mowing it, water it as needed, and fertilize it to give it the nutrients it needs to survive over the winter. 

9. Repair your roof 

Cold weather can make shingles more brittle and difficult to work with, so it’s a good idea to inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs before the temperature drops. 

10. Change the furnace filter 

A dusty, clogged furnace filter can cause your energy bills to go up and the air quality in your home to go down. It’s recommended that you change it once every ninety days so it stays nice and clean. 

Whether you’re looking to install a pool before the ground freezes or build a fireplace to keep your family warm all fall and winter, we’re here to help! Give us a call today to get your free quote.

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Because of the coronavirus pandemic, many bars and restaurants are closed for the foreseeable future. But luckily, you can recreate the cocktails and ambiance of your favorite local spots by setting up a bar at home. These fifteen stylish home bar ideas will give you all the inspiration you need to create a beautiful entertaining space for your family to enjoy while you’re stuck inside. 

1. Sleek & Modern

This luxurious waterfall edge bar is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a drink. The white marble adds a crisp, clean look to the room and contrasts nicely with the dark blue cabinets.

2. Bright Mediterranean-Inspired

Turn your wet bar into a focal point by installing a fun patterned backsplash like this Mediterranean-inspired white and gray tile. 

3. Sweet Escape

If you don’t want your liquor out in the open, consider concealing it in a custom wood cabinet like the one shown above. 

4. Under the Stairs Elegance

Why waste the space under your stairs when you can turn it into a stylish and functional wine bar? To make the area look more inviting, use bright paint colors and install lighting on your shelves to illuminate your favorite stemware. 

5. Blue Living Room Bar

Don’t be afraid to play around with color. Buying colorful accessories or painting your cabinets a bold shade of blue can take your bar to the next level. 

6. The Barn

The live edge wood, metal chairs, and industrial light fixtures give this bar a rustic, cozy vibe. The chalkboard wall is another nice touch that adds charm and gives you a place to write your at-home drink specials. 

7. Retro Arcade Basement Bar

Adding a few arcade games and televisions to your basement bar will turn it into a gathering place your family will never want to leave. 

8. Beachy Keen

The shiplap walls, butcher block countertops, and rustic chic accessories give this bar a beachy vibe that’s perfect for a lakehouse. 

9. Closet Bar

Don’t have much space in your house? Consider converting one of your coat or utility closets into a bar. Using bright paint colors and patterned wallpaper will help make the space pop even though it’s small. 

10. Breakfast & Bar Nook

Don’t forget to incorporate a seating area like this banquette into your bar design. Otherwise, you won’t have anywhere to relax and enjoy the drinks you’ve worked so hard on! 

11. Stone Style

The stone bar, coffered ceilings, and dark wood wainscotting give this basement hangout a luxurious, sophisticated vibe. 

12. Garden Bar

Who says bars have to be inside? This functional outdoor bar has open shelving to display your wine collection and a fridge to keep your bottles ice cold until you’re ready to drink them. 

13. Bleached Wood + Mirror

Putting a mirror behind your bar will make it look bigger and add a welcome touch of elegance and glamor. 

14. Party Lights

Installing lights under your bar and in your open shelving can help set the mood and make you feel like you’re in your favorite restaurant or nightclub. 

15. Barrel Bar

Adding unique details to your bar can help personalize it and make it stand out. The Jack Daniel’s barrel sink and gear-shaped mirror turn this otherwise run-of-the-mill bar into something special. 

If you’re interested in turning an underutilized space in your home into a stunning bar your family can enjoy now and for years to come, now is the best done to get it done. Give us a call to get a free quote!

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Summer is the best time of the year to roll up your sleeves and tackle big home improvement projects. The warm weather makes many tasks like landscaping and installing new windows easier. You won’t have to battle the elements, so your projects will go much more smoothly with fewer weather-related delays. If you’ve saved most of your vacation days for the summer, you’ll also have more free time to coordinate with contractors or do the work yourself. If you have kids who are home from school, they can even help you cross some projects off of your to-do list. 

Need some help deciding which projects to take on first? Here are six summer home improvement ideas that will upgrade your home and increase its value without breaking the bank. 

1. Paint your home

Fifteen percent of homeowners don’t like the color of their house. If you’re one of them, now is a great time to repaint your home. Exterior paint dries best in warm weather, so you may get a better result if you put up a fresh coat during the summer rather than fall or winter. 

As for what color to pick, neutrals like white, brown, and gray tend to be the most popular choices. But you can also make your home stand out by painting it a more vibrant hue like blue, green, or light yellow. 

2. Build an outdoor kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is a perfect place to entertain and can take your summer pool parties and barbeques up a notch. Installing one is also more affordable than you think. Outdoor kitchens start at just $5,000, which is much less than the cost of a real interior kitchen. 

Building your outdoor kitchen yourself means that you can customize it however you want. You can keep things simple by installing a grill and fridge, or add extras like a sink, pizza oven, griddle, or smoker. 

3.  Install new windows

If you have old, drafty windows, you may be losing up to 30% of your heat and air conditioning, which can cause your electric bills to skyrocket. Depending on what type of windows you have now, you could save hundreds of dollars per year just by replacing them. New windows are much more energy-efficient, so they’ll keep the cold air in and reduce your total cooling costs. 

4. Update your bathroom

Summer is not only a great time to complete outdoor home improvement projects—but it’s also the best season for tackling interior updates like bathroom renovations. Remodeling your bathroom can create a lot of debris if you need to haul out your old bathtub, cabinets, and toilet to the dumpster, but this is much easier to do in warm weather. You’ll also be able to use outdoor amenities like poolside showers during the reno, which makes going without a functioning bathroom less of an inconvenience.

Although summer is an ideal time for a full-scale renovation, you don’t have to rip everything out to give your bathroom a fresh look. Painting the cabinets, installing a new countertop, and swapping out the faucet are great ways to update your bathroom if you’re on a budget. 

5. Renovate your kitchen 

If you’ve been thinking about renovating your kitchen, summer is the perfect time to do it.  Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value. It’s not unheard of to get a 100% return on the cost of your renovation. Redoing your kitchen will also increase your enjoyment of the space, improve its functionality, and give your family a beautiful place to gather. Warm weather means you’ll be able to cook most of your meals on the grill, so you won’t have to deal with the hassle of setting up a temporary kitchen. 

If you need some inspiration, here are a few things you can do to upgrade your space. 

• Install new countertops. Even if you have older cabinets and appliances, installing a granite or quartz countertop will give your kitchen a sleek, updated look. 
• Replace your appliances. New appliances not only look great but are also more energy-efficient. Upgrading your appliances could save you over $100 per year on your power bill. 
• Paint your cabinets. If you can’t afford to replace your cabinets, repainting them is a great way to freshen them up. Go neutral by painting them gray or white, or choose a trendy color like navy blue or sea green to add a fun accent to your kitchen. 

6. Landscape your yard

Landscaping is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to increase your home’s curb appeal and value. Adding a few flower beds and trees to your front yard only takes a few hours and can boost your home’s value by as much as fifteen percent. Even if you’re not planning to sell your home soon, landscaping is still worthwhile—it can beautify your yard and make it a more relaxing, enjoyable space for your family.  

Although you can complete many of the summer home improvement projects on this list yourself, hiring a contractor will ensure that the work gets done right the first time. Big projects like installing new windows or kitchen countertops can be challenging if you don’t have much construction experience. If you need help making your dreams for your home a reality, call us today for a free quote. 

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Summer is just beginning here in Texas and it already feels like the inside of an oven. It’s not too late to consider installing a pool in your backyard as the heat will just keep increasing until we reach the temperature of the sun. With public pools likely to continue to be closed, or have many restrictions this summer due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, at-home pools are becoming ever more appealing and convenient.

There are many benefits of having an in-ground pool at home including increased family time, at-home swimming lessons, a boost in your home value, and more opportunity to reap the health benefits of swimming (like reduced stress, improved sleep, toned muscles, and more!).

There are many different styles of in-ground pools to choose from so where do you get started? We’ll help you by sharing some exceptional, in-ground pool designs.

Oval Hybrid With a Divider

This oval-rectangle hybrid with a divider is a simple, yet unique pool design. This is a good choice if you don’t have much space to spare in the backyard or you simply want to save space yard space. Bonus: If you’re extra careful, you can use the divider to balance a beer or margarita for easy, quick access.

Rectangle With Mosaic Tiles

Beautiful mosaic tiles really give this basic rectangular shape a beautiful pop of color. Whether indoor or outdoor, this elegant yet simple design could be the simple solution to the summer heat. Interested in viewing more mosaic tile designs? Check out these 13 unique mosaic pool designs.

Macaroni Elbow Shaped

This simple yet unique design will make your home feel like a slice of paradise. It’s a good space-saving shape that will give your backyard some elegance and will give you some much-needed relaxation.

Freeform

Get creative when you choose to install an in-ground freeform pool. There are no limits on the shape you can make (besides spacial limitations) so get as creative as you’d like. It’s easy to adjust the size and shape for any given space.

Lazy L

Your family can spend much quality time together in a Lazy L shaped pool. There’s enough space to toss a ball, throw a frisbee, or race each other across to the other side without worrying about bumping into each other all the time. If you have a large backyard and want maximum relaxation, this is the in-ground pool design for you!

GET A FREE QUOTE

BRUNSON CONSTRUCTION

3120 Halifax Street
Dallas, Texas
214-637-2967

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With all this extra time at home, there are so many opportunities to be productive like rewatch Inception, eat your 4th (or 5th) meal of the day, or do some home improvement projects. Some home improvement projects can be expensive and timely but we have provided 7 simple, cheap, and quick home improvement projects.

1. Paint the front door

We see our front door everyday (now more from the inside), but how much do we really pay attention to it? It might be time to liven up your house by painting the front door. It’s a cheap and simple project that can really make a difference.

Hey, maybe your kids can help you out as “homework.”

To paint a door follow these steps:

1. Remove all removable hardware.
2. Cover all built-in hardware with painter’s tape.
3. Use fine-grit sandpaper to prep the surface for new paint.
4. Clean off all dust using a damp cloth.
5. Place drop cloths on the floor, patio, entryway around the door.
6. Select an exterior-grade paint-and-primer-in-one paint with the color you’d like.
7. Allow the paint to dry, drying and recoat times vary per paint, check the paint canister for this information.
8. If you want, paint the trim around the door.
9. Reattach all previously removed hardware once paint has dried to the touch.
10. Remove all painter’s tape.

2. Refresh your kitchen cabinets with some wallpaper
Giving your cabinets a refresh is a quick, straight forward, and relatively simple DIY kitchen remodeling project you can do during quarantine.

All you need is scissors and adhesive wallpaper for this easy project.

First, grab your favorite patterned wallpaper and cut it to fit inside the cabinet panels.

Then, pull down the adhesive backing by 2 inches, line it up at the inner corner, slowly peel back and adhere the wallpaper.

3. Rearrange your furniture

This free activity is a great way to liven up any room in your house. Get creative and find new possible layouts you could do.

Move your couch, rearrange your plants, turn the rug, you can rearrange anything that’s been bothering you. Make it all new and all you.

4. Organize your drawers

Let’s admit it. We all have that one drawer in our kitchen with random sauce packets, like Whataburger’s spicy ketchup and soy sauce. Instead of tossing in more packets and running away, it might be a great time to tackle this project. Don’t stop at your sauce drawer, do your other kitchen drawers, or a bathroom drawer, or your shirt drawer, really any drawer will do.

After organizing the draws in your bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms; you might just be in a better place to determine if you really do want to remodel the rooms in your house. Prior to deciding to go through with
a Dallas bathroom remodel, organization can go a long ways to helping you see your vision more clearly.

5. Clean your vents and baseboards

Your baseboards and vents accumulate dust over time and sometimes we forget to clean it with all the business going on. With more time at home, it’s time to get those vents and baseboards cleaned.

For the vents, use either a dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a dusting brush attachment. This will not only reduce allergens, it will also increase your air conditioning efficiency.

For the baseboards, a simple duster or microfiber cloth will do.

6. Liven up your wooden cutting boards

Did you know that you have to moisturize your wooden cutting boards and other wooden utensils once a month to prevent warping and cracking? Many of us forget, but now is the time to get that cutting board looking like it did when you first bought it.

First handwash the board or utensil and let it dry.

Then use food-grade mineral oil and let it soak overnight.

7. Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

If your smoke detector isn’t one that lets out that annoying beep when the battery is low, now is the time to test your alarm. If needed, replace the batteries.

It’s a simple yet very important project that can protect you and your family.

We hope these 7 simple and inexpensive home improvement projects help keep you busy, less bored, and help you make the most out of your time in quarantine.

Door photo courtesy of Lina Kivaka
Furniture photo courtesy of Vecislavas Popa
Baseboards photo courtesy of Buenosia Carol
Featured photo courtesy of Binyamin Mellish

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Winter has come and gone (and we’re not sad about it) but your fireplace isn’t going anywhere. Draw inspiration from these 15 amazing fireplaces and turn it into a stunning focal point. The fireplaces are perfect for homes in warmer locations, especially homes in the south. Featuring detailed stonework, modern mantels, and over-the-top decor, they make any living space look awesome.
Let’s look at them.

1. Brick Detail Fireplace

If you love spending time outdoors, you can create a cozy gathering space with a freestanding fireplace made with bricks. Add seasonal features on the mantel to reflect the season. To give the fireplace a relaxed, aged look, set the brick in sand and not concrete.

2. Statement Stone Fireplace

Whether used in an indoor or an outdoor fireplace, stones make a lovely style statement. If you’re using them in an indoor fireplace, be sure to choose a natural theme to bring the outdoors in. A stone fireplace with the right decor invites guests to stay awhile and relax by the fire.

3. Raised Patio Fireplace

If you want to dress up your backyard patio with a gorgeous, outdoor fireplace, go right ahead. A raised outdoor patio with a fireplace is a great place to relax and entertain. The fireplace makes a beautiful focal point in your backyard and the lush vegetation makes it come alive.

4. Firewood Wall

Fall and winter are gone, but they will be back before you know it. A built-in firewood storage space is not only appealing but also very practical. A vertical wood storage system adds warmth to your fireplace. If the fireplace is made with a natural material like stone, it looks simple and stands out.

5.Pool House Fireplace

A pool house is a perfect spot for alfresco dinners, watching football, and celebrating special occasions. Create your own “home by the sea” with a pool house and a beautiful fireplace. On a hot summer day, it will provide a shady respite from the heat. This pool house adds old world charm and perfectly complements its surroundings.

6. Pergola Fireplace

If you love entertaining and happen to have a pergola, add a fireplace with enough space for seating and a few cushions. You’ll have enough space to entertain your family and friends throughout the year. When it’s cold, you can sit around the fireplace till nighttime.

7. Farmhouse Fireplace

A farmhouse is the archetypal southern building. These days, we are seeing more modern farmhouses that push the boundaries of farmhouse style by incorporating sleek and timeless pieces. If you happen to have a home with high ceilings, emphasize them. Clad your fireplace in stone to draw the eye upward.

8.Cobblestone Fireplace

Cobblestone has the ability to enhance any fireplace. If you love its character and appeal, don’t install it outside as no one will be able to appreciate its beauty. Use the stones to frame your fireplace and draw eyes to their lovely, soft texture. You can display your beautiful porcelain dishes on the mantle.

9. Limestone Fireplace

Enjoying evening cocktails next to an outdoor fireplace is a dream for many people. But dreams come true. The limestone used in this fireplace gives it an inviting atmosphere. The Versailles stone flooring, on the other hand, creates a perfect link between the outdoors and the indoors.

10. Arched Stone Fireplace

If you’ve always loved the look of an arched fireplace but you’re worried about the cost, there’s a way around it. You can hire a stonemason to arch stonework around your square firebox. They can use matching stone to cover any metal that is exposed under the curve. This fireplace makes you feel like you are in a lodge with your family, gathered around the fire and drinking hot cocoa.

11. Wood and Stone Fireplace

You can easily elevate your stone fireplace to give it a new lease on life. Use salvaged wood to add a natural touch to it and to give it historical character. Reclaimed wood can create a beautiful mantel for your fireplace. Also, add antique furniture pieces to the room for added character.

12. Multifunctional Fireplace

A multifunctional fireplace can save you a lot of time. You’ll also save money as everything will be in one place. This fireplace has a storage space for firewood and a wood-burning pizza oven. Cozy outdoor seats and a plush rug complete it perfectly, enhancing its appeal.

13. Preserved Stone Fireplace

Preserved stones usually go through a specific treatment that prevents them from decaying. If you have a modern home in the south but still want a touch of country, create a fireplace surround with preserved stone. You can add small plants, artwork, and stones to make your fireplace look even more grand.

14. Courtyard Fireplace

A gas fireplace in the courtyard perfectly blends artistry and function. It usually comes with ultra-realistic logs that light up at the flip of a switch. The captivating flames provide instant relaxation and create a calm ambiance. If you have a spacious courtyard, don’t let it go to waste.

15. Porch Fireplace

A fireplace can elevate your porch and give it a lovely ambiance. It transforms the porch from a summer refuge into a comfy outdoor room that can be used on cooler days and nights. Be sure to add furnishings and fabrics with textural appeal and neutral tones as they work well with the exterior.

The fireplace is the focal point of whichever space it occupies. It is a great conversation starter and makes a house feel warm and welcoming. Choose the perfect fireplace for your home and it will look its best all year round. Whether you want a custom floor-to-ceiling design or a prefabricated limestone hearth, you’ll find the perfect fireplace for your style and space here.

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Visit your favorite interior design website and you’ll end up thinking that everyone has a huge kitchen and bathroom with big double sinks. The reality is quite different. Homes have been shrinking the last couple of years and living spaces have become smaller than ever. If you’re looking for a sink that can fit in a smaller space for your next bathroom remodel or kitchen remodel, draw inspiration from these 15 designs.

1. Roca’s Sink and Toilet Combo

Roca has a reputation for making ordinary things extraordinary. This toilet and sink combination is an artistic centerpiece. not only is it a saves space, but it also makes conventional bathroom fixtures elegant.

2. Philips Chopping Board Sink

This eco-friendly microbial sink also serves as a biodigester and breaks down organic waste. Built into a kitchen island with a chopping board, the unit allows you to make food easily in your kitchen. It will infuse your kitchen with a bit of earthly charm and create a luxurious, unique focal point.

3. Philip Watts’ Spoon Sink

A sister product to the company’s award-winning spoon urinal, it mimics the form of a teardrop. You can install a monobloc mixer tap or a wall mounted tap above the sink. It allows you to express your love for art and to be bold by thinking outside the box.

4. “Invisible” Bathroom by Matteo Thun

Matteo Thun, has designed the “Invisible” Bathroom. It has a sink, shower, and toilet that magically disappears. The bathroom fixtures are disguised behind sleek wooden slats that resemble the shelves in a beautiful sauna. When you want to use any of the fixtures, you simply lift up the wooden slats.
This eco-friendly sink only weighs 45 lbs and features a bamboo surface that is designed to protect the organic material underneath. You can’t use abrasive agents or steel wool to clean it. Lenova recommends that you clean it with mild dishwashing soap and dry it with a soft cloth afterwards. The company sells both single bowl and double bowl models.

5. Silence Wall Mounted Sink By Antonio Lupi

If space is an issue in your bathroom, a wall-mounted sink is a great option. It appears to float above the ground and is perfect for those who do not want vanities which can clutter a small room. This eye-catching bathroom sink has a futuristic shape that seems to fade seamlessly into the background. It’s built-in light beautifully complements its design.

6. Invisible Sink by Victor Vasilev

Bulgarian designer Victor Vasilev created the aptly-named Kub Basin which fuses intelligent and minimalist design. The sink features a transparent glass frame and is supported by a marble stanchion. It appears to hang in the air and disposes dirty water into the understated mount.

7. Sink Tub Combo by Desnahemisfera

If you don’t have enough space for a bathtub and a vanity, simply get the Symbiosis sink tub combo. Created by Desnahemisfera, the sink merges into the tub’s backrest. Both the sink and tub use the same drain, but there are different temperature and pressure controls for each. Symbiosis also features built-in speakers for an iPhone or another device.

8. Lando Convivio’s Modular Kitchen with Angled Sink

Created by Enzo Berti for Lando, Convivio is a collection of modular Italian kitchens that comprise sinks, worktops, stoves, storage units, and much more. While the idea of modular kitchens hasn’t caught on in the United States, it is a genius European concept. A modular kitchen is awesome because you can take it with you when you move house.

9. Sink and Washing Machine Combo

If your house is really small and the washing machine can only fit in the bathroom, worry not. This space-saving sink has been designed to make the most of space in a small bathroom and allows the installation of a standard washing machine beneath it. Once installed, the washing machine will not prevent access to the rest of the bathroom facilities. The sink’s drain is pushed to the back corner, creating space underneath.

10.Duality Minimal Kitchen by Phillipe Starck

The idea behind Duality Minimal was to create a beautiful, compact kitchen that would fit into small spaces. Combining cooking and living, function and design, the kitchen has a sink, a small countertop, and storage features. The unit oozes an atmosphere of coziness and there’s interplay between the two sections for work and storage.

11. Floating Vanity with Sink by Cote Maison

The great thing about floating vanities is that they offer the same storage as freestanding vanities. However, they take up less space because they are just as small as the sinks. The floating design makes the vanity look extra light while the two cabinets underneath provide ample storage. You can install the vanity right next to the bathtub to save space.

12. EBB Bathroom Sink, Shower, and Tub Combo

The EBB bathroom concept with a sink and a shower was the first one presented to the public by the UsTogether design team and LG Chem. It received many positive reviews, motivating the team to create the EBB sink, shower, and tub combo. The innovative unit boasts a stunning fusion of high-end ultramodern design with functionality. It is made of LG HI-MACS, a natural acrylic stone material and showcases a striking sculptural design.

13. Corner Bathroom Sink by Signature Hardware

Whether you are updating your bathroom or adding a new sink to the space, a corner sink is worth considering if your bathroom is small. It fits nicely in the corner and works well in small bathrooms that lack the space for a full sink and vanity. This space-saving corner sink that’s designed by Signature Hardware only occupies 8¾ inches on each wall.
This kitchen addresses the future of everyday objects built through new technologies. Michael Harboun designed this prospective kitchen concept comprising a sink and a faucet that will be created using claytronics. Both the sink and faucet can move across the surface of a wall. To turn the faucet on and off, you simply touch its tip. The faucet has a conical shape and a small circle at the end that differentiates it from the sink.

14. The Living Kitchen by Michael Harboun

In the world of contemporary interiors, the name Boffi is known for excellence and innovation. This sink is a true reflection of the company’s love for quality. While it does not hold too many dishes at a go, that’s actually a good thing if you like to keep your kitchen spotless. The gorgeous faucet and almost-invisible drain make it a must-have in every modern kitchen.

15. Boffi Kitchen Sink

In the world of contemporary interiors, the name Boffi is known for excellence and innovation. This sink is a true reflection of the company’s love for quality. While it does not hold too many dishes at a go, that’s actually a good thing if you like to keep your kitchen spotless. The gorgeous faucet and almost-invisible drain make it a must-have in every modern kitchen.

16. Smart Tuler Kitchen by Offmat

Created by Italian design studio Offmat, Tuler is a smart kitchen countertop that incorporates various interactive functions. When you wave your hand over the sink, it appears out of the surface. When it’s not in use, the sink’s base rises to the top and seems like part of the countertop. There’s a motion sensor embedded under the stone’s surface that is activated when you wave your hand over it. The kitchen countertop is made from Quartz composite.
Bathroom and kitchen sinks have transformative power. They can enhance a space and help you to achieve your design goals. Whether you want a space-saving unit or a wall mounted one, we hope this post will help you choose the right sink for your home.

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Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting undertaking, but it can be very stressful. Changes in the budget and unexpected delays can make you feel like abandoning the project altogether. In addition, a kitchen remodeling project can take up to three months, disrupting your life longer than you expected.

As the saying goes, “if you don’t prepare, you prepare to fail.” Here are 6 tips to help you manage and reduce the stress of a remodel.

1. Plan Ahead

Planning your remodel in advance should be the first step you take to ensure you are not stressed when the project starts. A lot of the problems that crop up during remodeling are caused by unforeseen changes, going over budget, and confusion over some aspects of the project. Make clear, specific plans from the very beginning and communicate your goals to the contractor effectively to ensure you get the results you want.
When planning, remember that not all kitchen products are bought off the shelf, some are special order products: like unique lighting fixtures, faucets, and countertops. You may need to buy these items early as they may have longer lead times.

2. Choose the Best Time to Remodel

The best time to remodel your kitchen will depend on a variety of factors. First, you have to check your family’s schedule. It’s usually best to have a kitchen remodel in the summer because schools are closed and schedules are more relaxed. Renovation work is inconveniencing, add that to an already busy schedule and it’s very easy to get stressed.

Another important thing to consider is the weather. If your project won’t involve replacing the windows and doors, you can do it any time of the year. But if it will, try not to do it in winter when temperatures are less than ideal.

If you want to cut down remodeling costs, wait and buy materials when there are deals and discounts. You can get very good deals on Black Friday and during spring promotions. Even if you won’t remodel right away, you can store the products till you do.
Many people prefer to remodel their homes before the holidays or special events in their lives. Have your kitchen remodeled 6 months in advance to leave time for unexpected delays.

3. Plan Where You’ll Be Cooking or Eating

It is not practical to eat out every day during the remodeling period. What’s more, it isn’t good for your budget or your waistline. Set up a temporary kitchen in your home where you can prepare some of the meals. Pick a room that will be easy to access during construction and add tables and a fridge. You can use the tables for food prep. If your fridge is too large to move to the temporary kitchen, you can buy an inexpensive mini-fridge.

If you’d like to be preparing hot meals, stock your temporary kitchen with small appliances such as a microwave, an electric skillet, or a toaster oven. If you’re remodeling in the warmer months, make the most of your outdoor grill. It works just like a stovetop and you can cook almost anything on it.
Preparing meals in your temporary kitchen may not always be easy. You can make some meals before construction starts and put them in the freezer. Whenever you want to eat, you can defrost and reheat them.

4.Budget for the Unexpected Costs

On average, a kitchen remodel costs $150 per square foot, or $23,864. This is why homeowners are always looking for a good deal. One of the biggest complaints when it comes to kitchen renovations is the budget. Nothing is as stressful as seeing your money dwindling faster than it should. Set a budget and build a contingency fund and you will stay calm when any remodeling issues arise.
When undertaking a remodeling project, you have to expect the unexpected. Items you wanted may be discontinued, and minor problems may arise. All these have an impact on the bottom line. When you have a contingency fund, you can afford to be flexible and not get stressed by the small stuff.

5. Hire a Professional

Selecting a contractor is without a doubt the most important step. Be sure to get a lot of input and choose wisely. A professional contractor uses all their knowledge and expertise to ensure the outcome is great. They have all the tools needed for the job and are familiar with problems that may arise during construction.
If you’ve found a contractor you would like to hire, do some research to make sure they are perfect for the job. Search for online reviews written by their previous clients. Before you hire the contractor, check whether they hold all the licenses from the local and state authorities and any certifications from professional associations. The good thing about a professional contractor is they always try to stick to the budget, communicate effectively, and work in a timely manner. Don’t go for the cheapest contractor; quality work, expertise, and experience should prevail over cost.

6. Get Ready for Dust

If you are extremely neat, dust will be the thing that bothers you most during a remodel. But there can be no remodeling without dust. Prepare yourself mentally for dust and it won’t bother you as much.
While the project is going on, do not leave doors and windows open as the dust may seep through and make your home almost uninhabitable. Quickly vacuum or sweep any dust that gets into the other rooms. To control remodeling dust, you can put plastic sheets on the floors, walls, and other surfaces.
Renovating your kitchen is thrilling because, in the end, you will have the kitchen of your dreams. But it can be stressful because it disrupts your normal routine. If you prepare for the inconveniences in advance, you’re more likely to get through unscathed.

All photos provided by pixabay

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