5 Ways You’re Using Your Dishwasher Wrong

Having a dishwasher can make home living easier for you. Gone are the days when you have to go to work late because of a time-consuming kitchen chore. Using a dishwasher is as easy as loading up the device, adding the dishwasher detergent, pushing a few buttons, and you’re good to go. It only takes a few minutes of your time to be able to come home to a clean, mess-free kitchen. 

Proper usage is key to maintaining the quality condition of your dishwasher. Here are 5 bad dishwashing habits you should break:

Overloading the machine

While running a small load can waste water and energy, overloading the dishwasher has its harmful effects too. It can result in constant overheating, which can shorten the life of your dishwasher. Read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the proper way to load the machine. 

Using cheap detergents

Always go for a top-quality dishwasher detergent. Cheap products may contain chemicals and other ingredients that can be damaging to the different components of your dishwasher. 

Leaving food waste

You can rely on your dishwasher to properly clean your dishes. However, you are not supposed to load items that are too dirty. Otherwise, the machine will be forced to work harder and consume more energy. 

Forgetting to clean the interior

Your dishwasher needs cleaning every now and then to get rid of food, grease, and soap scum residue that gets stuck inside the machine. It only takes a little time and effort to get the job done, so don’t try to skip it!

Skipping regular inspections

Keep your dishwasher’s health in check by having it inspected and maintained regularly by a pro. Doing so can save you from dealing with expensive equipment repairs and replacements. 

Are you looking for a trustworthy professional to handle your dishwasher problems at home? Get fast, efficient results when you hire a licensed Osage Beach plumber. Book a service now!

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How to Prep Your Home for an Air Conditioning Installation

An air conditioning installation is essential in a home. However, you cannot rely on your hired contractor to do all the work. If you want the job to get done fast and hassle-free, you should take the necessary steps to prepare your space. Before calling the pros into your home, here are a few things you must do:

Take the time to clean and declutter your home. 

Before your AC installation schedule, do not forget to conduct proper cleaning in your home, especially around the work area. Remove obstructions, such as kid’s toys, furniture, and appliances, and transfer them temporarily to another room. A clean and clutter-free work area allows contractors to move around freely during the installation process. 

Make sure your ductwork is ready.

If you are going to install a central air conditioning system in your home, you must get your ductwork installed ahead of time. In case you have existing ductwork, have it cleaned and sealed properly before integrating the new AC system. 

Keep small kids and pets away from the working area.

Playing kids and running pets can distract your hired AC contractors at work. Put your kids in a separate room where they can play and sleep while there’s an ongoing AC installation in your home. It would also be the best time to take your pets out on a walk. 

Hire a professional air conditioning installation Jupiter

Get the most benefits from your new air conditioning installation at home by hiring a licensed and skilled AC contractor. If you are living in or around Jupiter, there is no need to look further for an HVAC company you can trust. Hire the trusted local HVAC company near you and expect no less than fast and efficient results. Get quality consultations and estimates when you talk to the pros today! 

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Factors to Consider When Choosing New Lighting for Your House

Lighting plays a crucial role in interior design. It has a direct effect on the appearance, mood, and functionality of a room. Besides placement, your choice of a lighting fixture can either make or break your home design. In your next lighting purchase, be sure to consider these important factors to save time and money. 

Overall theme

Always choose a lighting fixture that complements the overall theme of your house and the furniture design. You must decide first whether to go for a classic, contemporary, or transitional theme. Then, you can shop for lighting fixtures.

Ceiling height

Another important factor to consider is the ceiling height of the room. If your ceiling height is 8 feet or lower, it would be ideal to choose flush mount or semi-flush mount lights. That will avoid crowding the space unlike when you install chandeliers and pendant lights. 

Room size

Your lighting should be proportional to the size of the room. Choosing a light fixture that is too small for the size of the room won’t give you the right amount of light for illuminating spaces. On the other hand, too much light can make a room feel uncomfortable. 

Energy efficiency

This is an important consideration when shopping for a lighting fixture. Opting for LEDs will help you save money on your monthly energy bills. According to the Department of Energy, LED lights use at least 75 percent less energy than incandescent lights. 

Consult a licensed San Diego electrician

Are you having a hard time deciding what type of lighting fixture to install in your home? If yes, do not hesitate to ask the experts from your trusted local electrical company. Hiring a professional San Diego electrician to perform installations and repairs in your home will help ensure your safety and the safety of your family. What are you waiting for? Call the pros now!

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5 Popular Countertop Materials For Your Kitchen

Kitchen design incorporates a variety of elements. Each plays a vital part in bringing your concept to life, from what appliances you choose to the color scheme for your worktops and interiors. One area that is not just important for function but also style is your countertops. This surface area will give you a foundation to prepare food and also ties your design ideas together. 

How do you decide on the best option with the vast array of countertop materials to choose from? Check out some of the popular kitchen countertop materials below to find out:

Quartz countertops

Quartz is an excellent example of getting a high-end look in your kitchen without the high maintenance compared to other materials. It is one of the hardest minerals on the planet and is resistant to staining and marks, which is perfect for a busy family kitchen. This material is also extremely durable, and there is more consistency within the colors from slab to slab. The finish of quartz has a glossy look and creates a luxury aesthetic in the kitchen space. Take a look at some of the best quartz kitchen countertops for examples of this material. 

Marble countertops

Marble is synonymous with luxury and is used in low-traffic kitchen spaces. The material is more fragile than other options as it has a porous surface and may stain easily. This natural material is beautifully unique and can vary from slab to slab in color and veining. There is a range of matte and glossy finishes depending on your requirements. 

Granite countertops

Granite is a natural product that originates from a variety of sources across the world. It has a raw and unmatched beauty, and the look may vary from slab to slab. While this material is durable, it does require some maintenance, such as sealing every 10-15 years. This sealant protects the granite from oil penetration and staining, so ask your vendor what is required when selecting this material for your kitchen. 

Solid synthetic countertops

Solid surfaces made from synthetic materials are a popular choice in kitchens. This countertop material is nonporous and is heat and stain-resistant. Over time you may see some scratches on the surface, but these can usually be removed with buffing. If you’re looking for a consistent color or pattern match, this is an excellent option as there is a wide selection of colors and styles. Most solid surfaces have a matte finish and vary in price depending on the color choice. 

Solid wood countertops

Wood is another option for kitchen countertops, especially if you want to add warmth to the interiors. However, it is mainly recommended that wood be used as a focal point rather than the whole surface of the kitchen. Wood is high maintenance and scratches easily. It is also susceptible to damage from water and general kitchen items. This style of countertop is usually matte, but you can have a high gloss applied to the surface for a smooth appearance. 

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Weekend Reading 10.3.21

Hello October! It’s been so beautiful the past few weeks, I’m soaking up the autumn flavors and sights all around me. We’ve been lucky to not have any wildfires locally so the air is clear and crisp. So far we’re catching a break this season.

Today I’m finishing up the wallpaper in a bathroom renovation then I’m attending an Oktoberfest celebration at a local beergarden with some lovely friends. Prost!

Favorite links from the week:

What a perfect shade of blue in this sunny cocktail room.

A garden shed becomes a teen hangout.

Fab DIY: mirrored wall using IKEA stick on mirrors.

 This interior planter built into hardwood flooring. 🙂

This unexpected use for wine corks.

Very cute for your fall table: mini plaster pumpkins & tealight holders.

How to carve your pet’s face on a pumpkin for Halloween.

Remodeling expenses by region: actual cost versus resale value.

Always impressed when celebrities recycle their gowns.

Twelve places in the world where it is never cold.

What if we all measured success by these standards?

A beautiful reflection on the month of October.

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https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=79

Sculptural Mirrors in Organic Shapes

On that model home tour I shared earlier this week, I spied an amazing live edge wood mirror on the wall in the dining room of one of the staged homes. (I was also happy to see my favorite small round dining table also used in this client’s dining nook.)

 

Rounded edge rectangle and circle mirrors with pencil thin or wood trim edges have been popular in the past few years but I love that we’re seeing more organic flowing edge mirrors.

These live edge and asymmetrical mirrors mimic more of the shapes you’d see in nature. They make great focal points and as always, mirrors are that perfect solution for bouncing light around a room.

live edge 36”custom live edge

wood live edge48” live edge

 

rectangle live edge

wavy woodhickory swirl mirror

organic ovalmidcentury wood

48” brass rough edge

black wavy edge (also gold) / edgebark

black irregular edge (also brass) / brass set of 3

asymmetrical set – irregular shape

flowing woodibiza gold

gunmetalchampagne organic shape

gold asymmetrical mirror

Do you love these more organic shapes too?

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7 Smart Storage Pieces That We Rely On Every Day

Anyone who lives in a small-ish space knows that thoughtful storage can upgrade so many aspects of your life at home when it’s done right (and it can be a daily frustration when it’s not done well or at all). No matter how big your rooms are or how many you have, you just want to be able to access things easily & keep them in a smart spot – and downsizing from our 3150 square foot house to this 1400 square foot home last year definitely challenged us to be even more mindful about how we incorporate the most useful storage systems into our home. Suddenly we were living in 6 rooms (down from 14!) and we also no longer have a garage, an attic, a big outdoor shed/workshop, or even a closet in most of the bedrooms (of our 3 bedrooms, only 1 had a closet when we bought this house!).

Continue reading 7 Smart Storage Pieces That We Rely On Every Day at Young House Love.

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Model Home Tour: Design Takeaways

Over the weekend I toured some nearby model homes in a new housing development. I love peeking into model homes to look for creative design ideas. These designers/stagers had some great takeaways which I was going to share on Instagram but instead decided they were worthy of a blog post.

I shot these with a cell phone so the quality is not as good as if I had brought my dSLR camera, but they capture the the spaces and details adequately enough. I’ll share more closeups and video in today’s Instagram stories.

Think bigger: display large scale art instead of a gallery wall of smaller frames.

 

Turn macramé curtains into a bed canopy.

 

Say yes to subtle patterned wall to wall carpet.

 

Classic hue + modern shapes = this opaque blue glass tile mosaic.

 

Blend different shapes of porcelain tile flooring.

 

Consider rectangular open cabinets instead of floating shelves for storage.

For drama, stack rectangular natural stone tiles in a shower.

 

Group smaller tables to create one larger interesting coffee table arrangement.

 

Tuck an ottoman under nesting tables for texture and/or extra seating.

 

Hang wall cubbies asymmetrically in kids rooms.

 

Stained wood slats over dark paint make a dramatic backdrop to bookcases.

 

 

Better in threes: group small pendants in corners or above nightstands.

 

Hang white brick wallpaper on one wall for subtle texture.

 

Install textured tile in creative stripes inside small showers.

 

Display opportunity: Shelves in front of windows.

 

 

Small spaces are perfect spots for focal point wall treatments.

 

Group same size mirrors together in an abstract wall display.

 

Which one is your favorite design element?

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Popular Home Renovation Ideas

home remodeling

The act of home remodeling, home improvement, or renovations is essentially the same as its name suggests; it’s the process of making or updating one’s existing home interior. Additionally, home remodeling can include projects which update an existing home exterior, interior, or any other structural improvements on the property. For example, a home improvement project could include any sort of roofing improvement, including adding a new roof to replace one that’s fallen into disrepair, repairing any porch, basement, or exterior water leak, painting the exterior walls, updating plumbing, installing new windows or doors, and even adding security lighting to a house. Some homeowners also take on making their own home upgrades, such as installing a new central air conditioning system or replacing the kitchen countertops.

Most homeowners are reluctant to make major changes to their homes, and when they do so, they hire professional contractors. When homeowners attempt major home remodeling projects themselves, there are numerous issues with the renovation process itself. To avoid these problems, homeowners should hire only reputable contractors who have either completed work for well-known contractors or who are family or home improvement experts. Additionally, the following tips will help guide you through the home remodeling project:

Exterior remodeling is a great way to add value and curb appeal to your property. Many homeowners are interested in adding more character and charm to their homes, and the exterior remodeling process is a perfect opportunity to accomplish these goals. However, if you’re interested in exterior remodeling, you should consider hiring a general contractor for this project to ensure you’re doing everything yourself.

Another important aspect of any remodeling endeavor is the kitchen. In fact, many homeowners fail to completely renovate their kitchens because they’re under the impression that it’s an easy room to remodel. However, kitchens can be very complicated places to remodel, especially if you want to add new cabinetry, a new floorboard, install new lighting fixtures, or replace cabinetry. Although you may not have a lot of room to work with when redesigning your kitchen, there are some things you can do to make the room more efficient while adding more value to your home equity. For instance, you can install new floorings such as granite or wood, which will help improve your cabinets’ appearance and overall functionality.

The living room is probably the most overlooked area when it comes to home remodeling. While it may seem like a large expense, it actually involves making relatively small changes to your home. One of the largest expenses involves making structural changes to your home by replacing worn carpet, painting the walls, repainting, updating your baseboard drawers, and installing new baseboard lighting. Some of the smaller changes that you can make include adding a modern flat-panel television, installing an electrical wall outlet, adding built-in shelving units, changing your cabinetry design, adding new flooring such as hardwood or tile, replacing window dressings, adding new flooring throughout your house, and purchasing new appliances. Replacing worn carpet with new or even used flooring can increase the usable space in your living room by quite a bit, making it easier for you to do more things in your room, such as entertaining guests or host family gatherings.

While some homeowners realize that they need to hire a home remodeling contractor or interior designer for kitchen remodeling, many homeowners do not consider exterior home remodeling when they are renovating their homes. While exterior home remodeling can involve a wide range of projects, such as painting your exterior walls, adding siding, repainting, updating your foundation slab, adding guttering and roofing materials to waterproof your home, and adding landscaping to your yard, the biggest projects involved in this category include replacing your home’s siding and exterior concrete foundation slab. If you are going to hire a contractor for these projects, make sure they are licensed, experienced contractors who can handle the project properly.

Kitchen remodeling is perhaps the most popular type of home renovation idea, and this category tends to be among the most popular because it involves the most changes. Kitchen remodeling allows for a lot of customization, so it is a great way to add value to your home and create a focal point for the room. There are a wide variety of ways that you can decorate your kitchen island, including creating a new color scheme and using various accessories to create a theme within the room. Another popular option for remodeling your kitchen island is to add extra counter space by installing bar stools, bistro tables, and even a pizza oven. These additions will not only make your kitchen more usable space but will also add an attractive appearance to your home.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, homeowners will find one of the most popular ways to improve their homes is by replacing outdated bathroom fixtures and upgrades. Bathroom remodeling projects can range from adding a new faucet to a custom sink and tub to installing a new flooring type. Whatever your particular goals are for your bathroom remodel, some reliable professionals can help you achieve them. If you have decided to replace or install new fixtures, it is important to speak with your home improvement company and a plumber to ensure that you choose the right products and services for your home remodeling needs. With proper planning, bathroom remodels can truly be a remarkable project that adds value to your property and serves as a focal point for the entire house.