Best Tips when it comes to Furniture Restoration

Do you have old and worn out furniture at home?  Don’t just throw it away. Furniture is an investment that can last for years, and there is no reason to throw it away before its time has come.  The best thing to do is restore your furniture to make it look attractive and brand new, so you can preserve your investment by giving it new life rather than spending more money on something new.

When it comes to furniture restoration, there are certain tips that you should follow in order to make the project a success.

• Budget – Always set a budget when undertaking a home project.  There will be costs associated with buying new materials for your furniture, so give yourself a budget and stick to it.  Make your budget realistic based on the type of project it is. Also, make sure you keep your costs as minimal as possible, so you don’t end up paying more than what it would cost to buy something new.
• Schedule properly – Furniture restoration is not an easy or fast task. Most of the time, it requires making repairs, painting, staining, and drying. You will need to carve out time during the weekends or when you have time available in the evening after work.
• Know what you are doing – Restoring your furniture is a practical idea, but not knowing what you’re doing and risking doing something wrong is not a good idea. You need to properly research how to restore your type of furniture in order to make your task easier and produce high-quality results.
• Consider your safety – Doing the project yourself can open up the risk of hurting your eyes or cutting yourself.  Consider the proper safety gear and tools required before tackling the task. The project isn’t worth doing yourself if it is highly likely that you will injure yourself….in cases like that, it is better to hire a professional.
• Plan well before starting the task – Always take the time to plan in advance what you need to do in order to end up with the final result that you’re wanting. Planning will help you complete the task faster because you will have a written-out list of steps to follow.
• Hire a professional – If you think your skills fall short of what it will take to restore your furniture properly, hire a professional.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com

Incorporating Rock Wall Designs into Your Home

Rocks are one of the most widely used materials for home construction. Oftentimes, they are used as part of the foundation, walls, or floors. There are many other ways you can use rock in the interior and exterior of your home, however.  Current home designers are integrating the use of rock wall designs to add more style and natural appeal to their homes. It is a great way to make a home feel more stylish and fresh.

Here are a few ideas:

• Create a lovely landscape foundation using rock walls. Build a small wall around your flower bed to add to its overall design. You can make it curvy or straight to create a gardening style that is all your own.
• Add rocks to your bathroom wall. We all want a bathroom that makes us feel comfortable and warm. Using natural materials inside your bathroom can achieve a more relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. Use a ceiling-to-floor rock wall by your vanity with varying rock sizes and colors.  Or, take it to the next level, and use stones as the floor of your shower.
• Build natural patio seats. Instead of using wood or other materials, use a low rock wall for patio seating. It will easily blend with your patio and natural surroundings.  You can even modify the top of your seats for added comfort by using a flat and smooth stone or customized cushions.
• Install a fountain on your courtyard. According to Feng Shui, adding moving water to your home can improve the flow of positive energy. A grand fountain at the end of your yard will provide a relaxing spot, where you can rest all day or meditate.
• Surround your indoor fireplace with a rock wall formation. Normally, we see homes with fireplaces made of cement or brick. Why not use an alternative material? Large rocks piled around your fireplace can create a breathtaking visual. It will help make your fireplace a greater focal point and more inviting, especially on colder nights.
• Build a multi-layer terrace outside your home. If you have ample space in your backyard,  build three to four layers of stone terrace to cascade down your lawn. Decorate each layer with blooming flowers of different colors and watch your landscaping transform before your eyes.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com

How to Extend the Life of Your Home and Allow It to Age Gracefully

When you know you can settle into your home for many years to come, it makes you feel particularly comfortable and secure.  Your home is a great refuge, where you can relax and remove yourself from the stresses of work and everyday life.  You can incorporate any sort of decor or design into your home, knowing that it will stay with you for many years.

Unfortunately, not all homes are in a state where they can guarantee a long future, and homes can deteriorate due to poor maintenance and improper planning. There are many ways you can extend the life of our home, however, and here are a few tips for enabling your home to age gracefully:

• Check and repair any damage as soon as possible. No matter how minimal the problem is, if you take the time to repair it before it becomes too big, you will guarantee a longer lasting home. Gradual deterioration of a house starts with small damage, so address issues as soon as possible.
• Paint your home every 5 years. This will add a new layer of protection to your home and keep it looking fresh and alive.  You can hire someone to pain your home exterior, or you can do the job yourself to avoid labor costs.
• Open your home interior to possible repurposing. Your family’s needs are constantly changing, depending on how many children you have, how old they are, and if you have older family members move back in with you, etc. Take the time to repurpose old rooms to accommodate the needs of every family member.  That may mean turning a spare room into a nursery or transforming a guest room into an office. This way, you are able to address all of your needs without having to move to a bigger house.
• Constantly keep everything clean.  This does not only apply to your rooms and floors, but also to hidden corners or unexposed spaces. You need to regularly clean your chimney, garage, and gutters to keep them working properly and prevent easily avoidable damage due to dirt accumulation.
• Renovate your home. Add a fresh coat of paint to your walls or rearrange your living room furniture. You can also even add a deck or mini-porch to your backyard.  These renovation projects will beautify your home and also make you feel more comfortable and at ease inside your house.

Extending the life of your home is an investment worth making. Not only will you be able to maintain a beautiful home that you can enjoy long term, but it will help preserve memories for generation to come.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com

Useful Guide for Buying Antique Furniture

It’s fun to experiment when it comes to home decorating and renovation. When we decide to reinvent the look of our home, we usually either go with a new trend or back to the past. Incorporating antique furniture is a great way to achieve a successful blast from the past, and there are many stores, and even websites, where you can find them. However, most people fail to buy the right kind of antique furniture and they either end up spending more than they should or they bring home something that doesn’t actually fit their home.

When buying an antique, there are certain guidelines you should follow, so you buy the right thing for your home. Here are a few tips:

• Know where to shop. There are thousands of antique furniture options, but unfortunately, not all of them come from a good source. Some of them are only replicas or low-quality knock-offs, so what you get isn’t what you pay for. Visit reputable antique shops or go to auctions to find the real deal. Remember, antiques can be priceless and therefore may require a good investment. So, be sure you know that what you’re paying for is real.
• Know what you want. Prepare yourself before you begin your search by considering what kind of antique furniture you actually want. There can be many different options for an antique chest, for example, so you need to have an idea of which size, which color, which style will look best in your home.
• Know your budget. Antique furniture can be expensive, and if you only follow you heart, you will end up with an empty bank account. Always set a budget before you start looking for antique furniture. This way, if the price is beyond what you are able to pay, you can move on before you become too attached to a piece. There are still other options.
• Know more about the antique you want to buy. That will put you at an advantage, especially if you are buying from an antique shop because you will be able to ask knowledgeable questions to get more information about a piece. Familiarize yourself with the age of the furniture you’re looking for, the patina of the wood you like, its history, imperfections, etc. This will give you an idea on what you are wanting to buy and bring home.

Antiques are excellent addition to a classic home, and their distinctive beauty can make your home more elegant and unique. Learn more about antiques to find the best piece for your home at the right price.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com

How to Prepare Your Home for the Summer

Summer months are nearly here, and it is the perfect time to have parties at home, relax under the sun, and enjoy the warm weather. Though there is a lot of fun to look forward to, your home needs to be prepared properly in order for you to fully enjoy the hot days.

During the hotter months, you will be turning on your air conditions, which means you will experience a rise in our energy bills. By taking control and preparing our home now, however, you feel more comfortable during the summer months and also reduce the amount of energy you use.

• Prepare your deck. Fix any items that need to be repaired.  Check for dents, cracks, sagging, or protrusion that may cause a threat when you plan to your use deck. By feeling safe, you will utilize your deck more, which means more time outside and less of a need to keep your house as cool when you’re not in it.
• Repair your windows. Allowing fresh air to circulate inside your house is a great way to keep it cool without using any energy. Have your windows checked for cracks, damage, or leaks, so you can fully utilize them and let in the cool breeze.
• Install solar panels. This is the perfect time to make use of a free and natural source of energy – the sun. Since summer offers more sunlight and hotter days, it is a great time to maximize solar energy.  Once you invest in the initial panels, your energy is free, which save a lot of money on bills.
• Insulate your house. Summer months mean hotter days for you. To keep your home cool and comfortable, make sure that it is properly insulated, so the cool air does not escape and the hot air does not enter.
• Change your window treatments. Winter months require you to install heavy and dark curtains. When summer comes, it is time to take them down and install something bright and light to help promote better air circulation around the house when your windows are open.
• Have your home appliances ready. Be sure your refrigerator, freezer, and blender for mixed drinks are in top condition and functioning properly.
• Prepare your air conditioning system. When the hot days arrive, you will be turning your air conditioner on, so make sure that everything is operating properly, so it will work at maximum efficiency and avoid unnecessary over use.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com

Useful Tips for Properly Cleaning Windows

Clean windows allow you to enjoy views of the lovely outdoors and also add to the overall appeal of a room .  You can have all the natural light you want without the obstruction of dust and dirt.

Achieving clean windows, however, can be a tedious task.  Sometimes you have to clean them more than once to remove all of the specks of dust and dirt on them.  That’s why knowing some tricks for how to properly clean your windows can help reduce the time and effort required.

• Clean from top to bottom. This prevents dirt and other residue from circulating or spreading around the way they do when you start from the middle or bottom. It also prevents dirty water from dripping on areas you already cleaned.
• Use quality cleaning tools. Sometimes you cannot achieve a fully clean window if the tools you use are not good quality.  Investing in good cleaning supplies can help you clean our windows more thoroughly in less time.
• Polish scratches on your window with toothpaste. It only requires a small amount.
• Wipe your squeegee clean after every stroke in order to avoid visible lines.
• Do the washing on a cloudy day. If you wash your window on a hot sunny day, the tendency is for your cleaning solution to easily dry up before you are done wiping.  Cloudy days make things easier and faster.
• Protect woodwork. Drips from your window cleaners can easily cause damage to your windowsill. Try to protect woodwork by laying a towel down before cleaning.
• Clean corners using a small toothbrush or a cotton swab.
• Clean the screens. While cleaning your window, take the time to clean the screen as well. Dust, dirt, and other reside  become trapped in screens, which will obstruct your view. In addition, the residue on your screens will simply transfer to your clean windows if they are not cleaned also.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com

Creating an Extra Bathroom at Home

Most homeowners would like to have a little extra space in their house. Even if you have all the basic amenities, it’s always nice to be able to extend the space a little to accommodate more amenities such as an extra bathroom.

Even though you may already have one or more fully-functional bathroom, it is also nice to have a guest bathroom or at least a basic powder room. That way, guests can have a separate space to use that does not interfere with your family’s normal bathroom and that makes them feel like they have a private space.

What is the difference between a powder room and a bathroom? Why would you want to add a powder room to your home?

A powder room is simply a half-bathroom that contains a sink and a toilet, but not a shower or bathtub. Most homes have powder rooms so guests can freshen up without having to use a full bathroom. In addition, powder rooms are usually smaller than bathrooms.

Many homes find a powder room effective especially if their own bathrooms are located upstairs. Powder rooms are located downstairs so guests do not need to go up to the host’s private bedrooms just to use the bathroom. They are more convenient to both the homeowners and the guests.

There are extra spaces inside your house that can be ideal for adding a powder room without having to build an addition.  The hollow space under your stairs is one possible location for a powder room. Although the space may currently house your coats and linens, you can make use of the space more efficiently by turning it into a powder room and storing those items somewhere else in the house.

Some homeowners transform their old pantry into a powder room.  The idea is to find a less used spot inside the house, where you can fit all the necessities of a powder room and your guests can easily access it.

Planning a powder room also requires the same considerations as a fully-functional bathroom. Consider proper ventilation inside your powder room because the space is very limited. In addition, plan your plumbing well to accommodate the sink and toilet. Lastly, decorate. Make it visually pleasing to your guests and add special touches like nice scents,, soaps, and towels.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com

Design Don’ts for Your Kitchen

Remodeling your kitchen to make it more functional and attractive can be fun, especially if you have a lot of ideas in mind. You may have found new, interesting ideas in magazines or on the internet and you can’t wait to implement them.

However, the truth is, not all ideas may work perfectly for a kitchen. There may be designs that look good, but are not functional at all. There are also other concepts that may hamper efficiency inside the kitchen. So, how do you properly design a beautiful, yet functional kitchen?

Knowing the different design do’s and don’ts for a kitchen can help you avoid making mistakes in your remodeling project. Here are a few you might want to avoid:

• Improper Ventilation – An effective ventilation system is one of the most essential parts of a kitchen design. Whether it is a state-of-the-art range hood or a bigger window to let bad air escape, proper ventilation keeps the kitchen smelling fresh and clean.
• Obstructing the Kitchen Triangle – The busiest part of the kitchen is centered in three areas: the sink, stove, and refrigerator, also known as the kitchen triangle. Blocking the efficiency of these areas with a cabinet or a counter can make things slower around the kitchen.
• Upper Cabinets That Do Not Go Up to the Ceiling – Avoid the impression of floating cabinets in your kitchen. Instead, make your cabinets go all the way to the ceiling to avoid having an empty space between them. This will prevent dust from collecting, which is not sanitary, especially if near the area where you prepare food.
• Poor Drainage – Kitchens need a working sink at all times. Unfortunately, there are kitchen designs that lead to leaks due to the improper placement of the sink. When designing your kitchen, always consider working with a good plumber.
• Inadequate Counter Space – When preparing food, it is important to have ample counter space to work on. Unfortunately, however, there are many kitchen designs that do not have enough counter space. Always consider your kitchen activities and the space where you will need to work. Consider having a place to put your small appliances and a place to prepare your meals.
• Overdoing – Never overdo your kitchen design. Not all designs are meant to be included in one kitchen plan. Try to finalize a few of your good design ideas and avoid overcrowding your kitchen. Leave more room to breathe. Sometimes, a simple kitchen is more beautiful than a trendy one.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com

Design Tips for Your Staircase

Depending on where they are located, staircases can serve as the focal point of your home. Not only do they serve a functional purpose of connecting the upper and lower floors, but they also add to the overall beauty and appeal of our home. It is important, therefore, to carefully consider how you design and decorate your staircase, so it will complement your existing interior.

There are several design options when it comes to staircases. The most common design is the straight staircase, which provides a straight up and down path from bottom to top. Straight staircases are prevalent in homes that have long, but narrow spaces for a staircase. You can augment the plain look of a straight staircase by enhancing its balustrades or adding printed designs on the risers. Some homes may even be able to remove the risers to achieve an open staircase effect.

Another widely-used staircase design is the spiral staircase. This is often used in areas leading to an attic or basement. Though spiral staircases may not be a popular choice for main staircases, you can choose them for stairs with secondary purposes. This is another instance in which you can customize your balustrades to create a more attractive look.

The L-shaped staircase is usually used in houses with wider, but shorter spaces for stairs. It changes the direction of the stairs halfway up, either to the left of the right, since space is too limited for a straight staircase. There are also many homes, however, that use L-shaped staircases simply because they want to add more style to their stairs.

The curved staircase is commonly found in offices or commercial spaces, but can also be used in modern homes. Instead of the traditional straight stair, homeowners try to create more appeal to their staircase but curving it slightly to the sides.

When choosing a design for your home’s staircase, consider the space you will be working with.  In addition, take into consideration the people who will be using the stairs. Do you have little kids, older people, or pets living inside your home that would require a more easily accessible style of staircase?

Lastly, choose a good material for your stairs. There are many materials to choose from when it comes to staircases, such as metal, timber, stone, or even glass. When choosing your material, always consider how it will complement the rest of your house and the safety of the people using it.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com

Decorating Tips for Long and Narrow Rooms

A long and narrow room can be very tricky to decorate. Its limited, yet long space may not appear to give you enough space to decorate nicely without having certain areas that remain bare and plain. However, decorating a long and narrow room beautifully is very feasible, and it hinges mostly on how you arrange your furniture to create a wider impression of the room.

Knowing a few good decorating tips will help you take control of the room and make it look great.

• Divide seating. Creating only one section of seating will leave bare, empty spaces on one end or the other.  But, dividing your seats into two groups will help you utilize these few spaces better and also create a more intimate setting. Group two to three similar chairs with complementing coffee tables. You may arrange them side by side or divide them with a long high table.
• Place rugs so they will be completely out of the way or can be walked over. If you want to add an area rug under your sofa set, make sure that the end of it is away from traffic. If space is too limited to do that, pull it out all the way, so it can be walked over and bridge the gap between spaces.
• Avoid lining furniture in a row. It only emphasizes the length of the room. Create a balance on each side by arranging furniture in clusters on both sides.
• Create a focal point in the center of the room. This will divide your view and detract your focus from the length of the room. Avoid creating a focal point at the end the room and leaving the center hollow or bare.
• Integrate stations in the room. Adding a few stations will make a long room cozier and shorter. For instance, add a mini-library on one end with a reading nook in the center and a small office area on the other.
• Add more shapes to your furniture. This will reduce the linear impression that your room already possesses. Offset the narrow and straight line of the room with circular or oval-shaped furniture.

Heather & Alan Davis
Oklahoma City Realtors
http://www.alanandheatherdavis.com