Home Renovation Trends For 2011

Due to the down economy and rising costs of living, most people are trying to add lasting value to their home through their renovations.  Smaller, environmentally friendly renovations are in for 2011.  Some of the top trends are:

1. Simple, minor kitchen renovations are increasing in popularity.  Replacing/upgrading countertops and refinishing cabinets are ways to add value to your kitchen at a fraction of the cost.

2. Popular colors for 2011 are warm, earth tones, which are calming and add a cozy feel to a home.  Homeowners are changing out fixtures and hardware for new oil-rubbed bronze, aged bronze and distressed looking ones in order to add warmth to their home.

3. Those who are taking on a bigger renovation this year are investing in their bathrooms.  It is a lot cheaper to renovate a bathroom rather than a kitchen.  Trends are showing that many people are opting to upgrade their showers, toilets, sinks and tubs and also adding dual shower heads, whirlpool tubs and even steam attachments to give their space a more spa like feel.

4. Environmentally friendly and energy efficient remodels are a continuing trend for 2011.  Many homeowners are installing energy efficient windows, lighting and appliances, as well as tank-less water heaters.  Also recycled and sustainable products like bamboo flooring, grass thatched roofs and bark siding are becoming popular.

Caring for Your Granite Countertops

This informational article by Kari Hendel highlights some things to remember when caring for your granite countertops. While natural stone countertops are low maintenance, proper care will ensure their beauty for years to come!

Upgrading your countertops to granite is a great choice because you can get it for a great price while increasing the value of your home and if cared for, granite counters can last a lifetime. Proper care of your granite countertops will ensure the longevity and beauty of your stone. Below we have mapped out some do's and don'ts for cleaning your granite counters.

Do's
 1. Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to dust off and clean granite counters

2. Wipe down daily and as needed with water

3. Blot up spills immediately
-Acidic liquids will not etch granite, but could potentially stain the surface.
4. Clean about once a week with a damp cloth and stone cleaner that is formulated with a neutral pH
5. Reseal your countertops about once a year with a stone sealer
-A good way to check if you need to reseal your counters is to splash water on the surface and if the water doesn't bead up then you should reseal your granite. Stone sealer can be purchased at any local home improvement store.
6. If stains or damage occurs contact a stone-care professional for repair

Don'ts
1. Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners
-These can scratch, pit and etch the surface of the stone
2. Don't use soap repeatedly to clean your granite

-This can cause a build-up and dull your countertops shine

3. Don't use cleaners with vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange

If you have any additional questions about caring for your granite counters feel free to ask a granite expert online at www.GraniteDirectStore.com under the "Contact Us" page.

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"Caring for Your Granite Countertops" was shared by Selection Center. Selection Center is a home remodeling showroom located in Nashville, TN.

About Selection Center:
Our 9,000 square foot showroom is the largest in Middle Tennessee and has interactive displays for every room in the home. We offer a broad range of products and design services such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances, custom closets, Murphy beds and more. Companies within Selection Center include Designer Kitchen Distributors, Floors by Design, Granite Direct, More Space Place and Siano Appliances. For more information visit www.SelectionCenter.com or call 615.726.3755.

New Video: Home Remodeling Ideas from Selection Center

We've got a new video up with some great remodeling ideas from Selection Center for a variety of projects...check it out!

For more ideas visit us online at www.SelectionCenter.com or come by our showroom at 2960 Sidco Drive, Nashville. 615.726.3755.

Quick, Easy and Budget Friendly Remodeling & Decor Ideas from Selection Center for the Holidays!

With the holidays upon us, there’s plenty to do to get ready for holiday guests. Here are some inexpensive and quick home remodel and decorating projects that can wow your guests without breaking the budget.

Painting Walls
Changing the color of a room can change the feeling of the entire space – with darker days in the winter months consider a brighter color or warmer tone to add some life to your space. This simple project can be done in a day and is really inexpensive, with a gallon of paint running about $10-$20 depending on the brand, color and finish.


Adding a Tile Backsplash
This is one of those details that can really make a kitchen feel complete. Not only does it help with easy maintenance and cleanup in the kitchen, but it adds some luxury as well. There’s a variety of products on the market ranging from more natural travertine to shiny glass or porcelain. Eco-friendly options are also available. In the Nashville area, Floors by Design has a variety of products available that can be installed before Christmas – visit them online at www.selectioncenter.com/tile.html.

New Countertops
There’s plenty of cooking going on in every kitchen around throughout the holiday season. A quick way to update any kitchen and to give it that clean, polished look is by adding new granite countertops. The affordability of granite is surprising to most – with new installed countertops for only $36.80/sq.ft. or remnants for bathroom vanities starting at $10/sq.ft. Countertop installation is simple and can be done in as little as four hours with tear-out of your old countertops on the same day, giving your kitchen very little downtime. If you’re in the Middle Tennessee area check out Granite Direct online at http://www.granitedirectstore.com/ for more information about this product and to request a free estimate.

Fresh Window Coverings
Adding a pop of color around a window can not only brighten a space, but it can renew the look in a living room, bedroom, dining room or family room. This simple statement can add a flare that your space may need and by choosing an energy efficient option, it can also help cut those winter heating bills.

Add a Guest Bed
Wondering where everyone is going to sleep this Christmas Eve when those guests arrive? Ever considered a Murphy bed? This hideaway bed is a great alternative to a sofa bed or futon, providing your visitors with the full comfort of a regular bed with easy convenience for you. More Space Place in Nashville offers a wide variety of Murphy bed sizes, styles and options. Visit www.selectioncenter.com/murphybeds.html for more information and request a free quote to find out how affordable this option really is!



Give Your Space Some Flair
Beyond the traditional holiday décor – adding a few new throw pillows, wall art, a mirror or lamp can change the atmosphere of a space. The usual holiday garb is always fun to mix in and you may even find some of the aforementioned items available with a festive twist. Accessories are easy to shop for and usually affordable too. Check local department stores of discount retailers for some unique items to give your home a little more style this holiday season.



There are countless ways to give your home extra warmth this winter, one or all of these projects might be on your list before December 25th – visit http://www.selectioncenter.com/ for more great remodeling ideas and stop by our showroom at 2960 Sidco Drive in Nashville or call 615.726.3755 for more information. As always, estimates are free and we would love to help you dream up new and exciting things for your home!

Granite Countertop and Kitchen Ideas from Granite Direct

Here are some more great granite pictures and kitchen ideas from Granite Direct that is part of Selection Center here in Nashville, TN. Start dreaming of what your kitchen might look like with upgrades ranging from new countertops to a complete remodel. For more information visit us online at www.GraniteDirectStore.com or call 615.726.3755.

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"Granite Countertop and Kitchen Ideas from Granite Direct" was shared by Selection Center. Selection Center is a home remodeling showroom located in Nashville, TN.

About Selection Center:
Our 9,000 square foot showroom is the largest in Middle Tennessee and has interactive displays for every room in the home. We offer a broad range of products and design services such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances, custom closets, Murphy beds and more. Companies within Selection Center include Designer Kitchen Distributors, Floors by Design, Granite Direct, More Space Place and Siano Appliances. For more information visit www.SelectionCenter.com or call 615.726.3755.

8 Ideas of No Cost and Low Cost Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Are you thinking about selling your home? Is your listing not showing as well as it could? Check out these great budget friendly tips from REALTOR® Magazine to make that house shine and to get it sold!

8 No-Cost and Low-Cost Ways to Tweak Your Listings

Got a listing that needs a new look? Here are some inexpensive ways to make it shine.

By Maggie Sieger

Chances are the decor in that listing you just took is a lot like most people's wardrobes: There are a few items that went out of style a decade ago, but they're so comfortable that it's impossible to see them go.

"We grow accustomed to our space, and we stop seeing it," says Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend, design, and brand for Lowe's, the home improvement giant. "People tend to become blind to their own things."

But everything needs updating eventually. Birdsong suggests home owners cast a fresh eye on their living space, pretending that they've just moved in and are assessing the previous occupant's design choices.

Betsy Westman, a broker-owner with Westman Realty in Grand Rapids, Mich., says real estate professionals can have a big impact on updating a home's look by helping clients brainstorm new ideas and by being straightforward about outmoded design elements. The following tips can help get a home up-to-date without breaking the bank.

1. Move it.
Simply rearranging the furniture can reenergize a room. Add and remove furniture, lamps, rugs, and accessories from other parts of the house to create a whole new look. Mirrors are particularly useful when it comes to updating a room. Try one out in different rooms to see where it fits best. Even just moving a mirror to a different wall can create a more welcoming feel.

2. Plant it.
Houseplants are a generally undervalued design component that can add texture, warmth, and color to any room. Just drop plants in their store containers into decorative planters. Small plants can be moved easily and regrouped to change a room's look, while larger ones make a statement on their own.

Group plants of differing heights, fullness, and color for the most dramatic effect. Jettison the scraggly specimens, Westman says. "It's important to have plants that are well maintained and in tip-top condition."

3. Paint it.
Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a substantial change. Use dramatic colors in powder rooms and dining rooms, and more neutral colors in living spaces. When selecting colors, "be sure to ask, 'What am I trying to do? How do I want this to feel?'" Birdsong says. "And always, always do a test before you paint the whole room."

4. Organize it.
"Clutter just happens," Birdsong says. "So neaten up!" She advocates a variety of organizing tools to make a space feel polished while maintaining utility. Hooks and shelves inside the door give people a place to hang coats and keys, while canvas bins or natural baskets help contain magazines and mail. "Just a row of hooks preattached on a board is so easy to install," she says. "And shelves are a great way to neatly display collectibles."

5. Hide it.
Have a banged-up wall? It may be easy to camouflage. Paintable wallpaper (available for as little as $16/roll from Creative Wallcovering) will smooth out an uneven wall or hide minor dents and dings. Adventurous home owners can even try a simple two-step painting process for a more complex finish. Birdsong suggests applying a solid base coat, then a glaze.

"These days, it's pretty user-friendly," she says. Caution: Your intent should never be to mislead buyers; be sure to disclose flaws that would affect home value.

6. Replace it.
Cabinet handles, switch plates, and other small pieces of housing hardware can update a home for just a few dollars a piece. Westman suggests scanning each room to see what looks worn or outdated and then replacing it. Inexpensive quick-connect faucets can make upgrading the look of your bathroom a snap. Just be sure to measure before you go to the hardware store. Some sinks are drilled for an eight-inch spread. Others require just four inches.

"And don't forget the toilet seat," adds Westman. "Fresh towels and a new toilet seat go a long way toward making a bathroom feel clean and new."

7. Light it.
Lighting can have a major impact on a home's look and feel. Whether a room seems dark or too bright and harsh, try "layering" the lighting by adding accent pendants and lamps. Make sure they have independent controls, so that you can turn them on and off at will.

"Light is such a mood setter," Westman says. "You can create a cozy feel just by turning down the lights." Add dimmers in the dining room, bathrooms, kitchen, and even the hallways for less than $4 each. Then adjust the lighting to create the mood you want.

8. Clean it.
Turn a critical eye to the flooring to make sure it's up to snuff. Scrub grout and seal natural stone. Rub out scratches and nicks on wood floors with scratch cover. "Get down on your hands and knees and detail the floors," Birdsong says. "It takes a little elbow grease, but the results are well worth it." Vinyl flooring is a bit harder to spruce up but usually can be replaced easily and inexpensively.

http://tinyurl.com/2uz4c65

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“8 Ideas of No Cost and Lost Cost Ways to Get Your Home Ready to Sell” was shared by Selection Center. Selection Center is a home remodeling showroom located in Nashville, TN.

About Selection Center:

Our 9,000 square foot showroom is the largest in Middle Tennessee and has interactive displays for every room in the home. We offer a broad range of products and design services such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances, custom closets, Murphy beds and more. Companies within Selection Center include Designer Kitchen Distributors, Floors by Design, Granite Direct, More Space Place and Siano Appliances. For more information visit www.selectioncenter.com or call 615.726.3755.

Kitchen Organization Ideas

I found this helpful article on http://www.showmomthemoney.com/kitchen-organization-ideas/ that gives ways to organize your kitchen or remodel it to meet your needs.

When you decide that your mission this year is to get your home organized, you’ll find the kitchen has a distinct challenge as compared to the rest of the house. Unlike other rooms that may only need straightening up once a week or so, the kitchen requires constant cleaning and organizing throughout the day simply to maintain its function. But, you can save time, and your sanity, with some basic organizational strategies and ideas for clutter reduction.

Step One: Inventory
Take inventory of the kitchen. Pull out all of your pots and pans, utensils, storage containers, food wraps, plates, cups, cleaning supplies, and take note of what you have. Now is the time to get rid of anything you don’t need. If you haven’t used it in a year or more, donate it to someone who will. Don’t forget your ”holiday only” items and special serving pieces. Everything is going to need a spot, so be ruthless with your decisions regarding what to keep, especially if your space is limited.

Step Two: Function
Store your kitchen items based on each item’s function. This may seem elementary, but you are not going to save yourself any steps by storing plastic food containers in the back of the pantry with the muffin pans when you need them almost daily during clean up after a meal. For instance, keep the baking sheets in one cupboard near the oven, the cutting boards and knives near your vegetable chopping area, etc. Keep often needed preparation equipment near your general work area, not stuck in a cupboard or way up on a shelf on the other side of the kitchen.

Step Three: Consider Specialized Storage
Take into consideration storage units designed to use with specific items. A great space saver is a pot rack that can be hung from the ceiling. You must make sure you can identify the location of the ceiling studs and you must use the right kind of anchor bolts that will support the weight of the rack and pans. If you are not a competent do-it-yourselfer, or lack the proper tools, get the help of a certified carpenter before you attempt to hang a pot rack. Also check out the vast array of portable workspaces like rolling carts. They quite often have storage space built in and can be put in a corner, closet or pantry when not in use. Items as simple as spinning racks for spices, larger spinning trays for inside bottom cabinets, stacking shelves, wire pull-out baskets, and countless ready-made units, will amaze you with the “found space” you’ll be able to use at a relatively inexpensive price tag. If you don’t have a window above your sink, measure the space and go shopping! You’ll be amazed at what sort of inexpensive dish storage pieces you can find.

Step Four: Creative Storage
You might have an old bookshelf in your hallway or back porch that could be put to use storing extra canned goods, paper products and seldom used kitchen gadgets that are taking up room in your kitchen cupboards. Perhaps you could store your towels in your bathroom and your sheets in your bedrooms which would free up a linen closet for kitchen gadget storage. If you aren’t using your dishwasher, you might want to remove the racks and get creative with an alternate use for that space. (I use my dishwasher to hold my recycling until it’s pick up day.) Don’t forget to look up, as well. There may be some forgotten space between the ceiling and the cabinets that, with a few shelves, could be used for storage or display. You know all those baskets you’ve been collecting over the years? Hang one above the sink to store your dish towels. Use an assortment of small baskets to store your tableware and napkins. Any way you can free up some cabinets and drawers by using otherwise unused space will help relieve the congestion and frustration you are now experiencing in your currently crammed kitchen.

Step Five: Food Storage
Your refrigerator, freezer, and food pantry is a different sort of challenge. Because you are restocking food items at a much faster pace than you are buying utensils, you will need to take stock of what you have on a routine basis and develop a master shopping list. This will help prevent wasteful spending by not duplicating food items, and by not having to throw out food that you’ve forgotten you have in the freezer.

The steps listed here should get you on the right track to smoothing out the kitchen traffic and congestion you experience every time you try to simply cook a meal. Of course, with any first attempts at organizing a room in your house, you’ll need to “tweak” it a bit along the way. If something just isn’t working the way you expected, give it a second go around. You won’t know until you’ve lived in your ”new” kitchen what works and what just keeps making you shake your head. This is the one room in the house that you are going to have to put in some real time until you get it just right. Have fun and don’t give up if you get frustrated or overwhelmed. Take a break… then get back in there!

Check back for even more kitchen organization ideas in coming weeks. I hope this gets you started!

“Kitchen Organization Ideas” was shared by Selection Center. Selection Center is a home remodeling showroom located in Nashville, TN.

About Selection Center:
Our 9,000 square foot showroom is the largest in Middle Tennessee and has interactive displays for every room in the home. We offer a broad range of products and design services such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, backsplash, appliances, custom closets, Murphy beds and more. Companies within Selection Center include Designer Kitchen Distributors, Floors by Design, Granite Direct, More Space Place and Siano Appliances. For more information visit www.selectioncenter.com or call 615.726.3755.