Life, Styled
By now, you may be over the whole quarantine thing. Sure, the first week or two was kind of refreshing. Being stuck at home was an opportunity to shift your life perspective, spend time with loved ones, and refocus your priorities. But that was a couple of months ago.
If you’re like most Americans, you’re still self-quarantining at some level, and you may be looking for new ways to stay productive. That’s where DIY home improvement projects come in. Below, you will find some practical ideas on home improvements you can make during the pandemic — some simple and others requiring a little more effort.
Cash-Out Refinancing
Your first order of business should be to consider whether or not you will be taking on any major projects and whether you will be able to pay for them. For instance, remodeling the bathroom or kitchen can add a lot of value to your home, but it also costs a significant upfront expense. And with interest rates as low as they are, right now is the ideal time to consider a cash-out refinance. With this kind of refinancing, you can use the cash you receive to complete the larger home improvements on your to-do list.
There are several options for cash-out refinancing, the three most popular being conventional, FHA, and VA cashouts. Do your research to determine which type would work best for your situation, and then contact your lender to see if you qualify.
Refreshing The Bathroom
Out of all the rooms in a home, the bathroom is generally one of the most valuable when it comes time to sell. That’s why giving your bathroom some attention can pay off in the long run. If your master or guest bathroom needs work, take advantage of being home and tackle it now. Things like repairing cabinet doors, re-caulking around the vanity and bathtub, putting in contemporary lighting, and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint can spruce up your bathroom.
Updating The Kitchen
The kitchen is typically the other most valuable room in a home, so consider any ways to boost your kitchen’s appeal and quality. For instance, replacing cabinet handles/knobs, updating the appliances, painting the walls, and adding an island can make a big difference.
If you want to make a significant investment, consider installing new countertops and/or flooring. Moreover, new cabinetry can also transform a kitchen; if your cabinets have seen better years but you don’t have room in your budget for new ones, refacing or repainting them might be a project worth looking into.
If you’re looking to boost productivity while you’re stuck at home, making improvements to your home is one of the best things you can do. Remember to consider cash-out refinancing if you need funding to pay for some of your projects, and look into DIY home security systems if you don’t already have a quality security system. Finally, pay special attention to your bathroom and kitchen to add both appeal and value to your home.
Visit Greenbrook Design’s showroom located in beautiful Uptown Shelby. They proudly serve 16 counties, including Cleveland County, Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Greenville, and Watauga.
Greenbrook DesignColor is always a fun element in design, one that can affect the mood or change the style of the room. Each company’s choice is beautiful and offers a variety of options for everyone. Don’t be afraid to try something new, you never know, but you may like it so much it will become the new favorite in your home.
Walker WoodworkingA new year means new opportunities to accomplish what’s been on your to-do list, including that home renovation. As we prepare to move into the new year, let’s discuss some of the design trends that are being predicted by those in the interior design world.
The right light can do much more than just illuminate a room. It can create a more inviting atmosphere in the room and give the illusion of a larger space. When selecting lighting for your home, there are multiple factors to keep in mind, such as size, amount, and placement. Since it is an essential part of designing an area, we thought it would be helpful to share five key considerations when selecting your lighting.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook Design 
Walker Woodworking