The Benefits of Hiring a Professional for your Kitchen Remodel

Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Hiring a kitchen remodeler carries several benefits, including saved time, saved money, and professional expertise.

When your eating and cooking space needs to be redone, you can either tackle the task yourself or hire a professional kitchen remodeler. While it may seem like doing it yourself is the most cost effective option, this may not be the case. Before you make the decision, take a closer look at what is at stake.

Save Your Time
When you hire a professional for this task, you do not have to spend every spare minute working on your space. The fact is, remodeling this part of your home takes a tremendous amount of time, if you are going to do it right. Unless you are currently not working, in which case you likely do not have money for this project anyway, you have little extra time. If you want to spend every night and weekend working in your home, then take on the project yourself. If you value your time, hire a professional.

Even if you have a lot of extra time or do not mind spending your weekends working on projects, remember that doing the job yourself in your spare time is going to drag out the project for an extensive period of time. Hiring a professional kitchen remodeler often makes the project finish faster. If you need your space to be ready at a specific time for an event, hire a professional.

Save Your Money
Yes, hiring a kitchen remodeler adds cost to the project, but these professionals are likely going to do the job with minimal mistakes, and will eat the cost if they do make a mistake. If you lack the skill necessary to do the job right, it may end up costing you more in the long run to do it yourself because of your mistakes.

Similarly, if you do not have all of the tools you will need for the project, you will want to compare the cost of these expensive tools over the cost of hiring someone else to tackle the task for you. You may find that hiring a professional is more cost effective if you will need to buy a lot of equipment. Also, professionals can purchase supplies at wholesale prices, so your costs for the wood, paint, and other supplies may be lower when you hire someone.

Use His Expertise
Have you tackled one of these remodeling projects before? You may not have the same level of expertise as a professional. By hiring a professional, you benefit from that expertise. Your kitchen remodeler will know what types of wood work best for different needs, which countertops will handle your family’s normal wear and tear, and what flooring works best for kitchens. This expertise is often worth the slight additional cost of using a professional, because it will take you many hours to do the research on information you receive in just a few minutes of talking to your professional. With all these benefits, it soon becomes obvious what the better choice is for sprucing up your kitchen.

Lakeside Interiors specializes in renovating existing kitchens as well as bathrooms and basements so, if you aren't looking for a "full contact" DIY experience, get together with us and we'll make your dream kitchen a reality for you!

We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

Get all the latest tips and articles delivered right to your inbox by signing up for our free newsletter. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, feel free to ask in a comment window or contact us directly.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or disabled free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know. 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

705-881-4456 in Barrie or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

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Insert your email address at the

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Renovating an Older Windsor Home

Replacing a GFCI outlet in an older Windsor home.....What could go wrong??

Recently I got a request to replace an exterior GFCI outlet for a client, sounds simple, right? Well, in an older home, (this particular home was built post WWII as veterans housing), nothing is simple.

Over the years, all sorts of wannabe handymen have been attempting to fix various problems whether they knew how to do so or not.

Well, to begin with, I took the face plate off the outlet & removed it only to find the hot side completely burned with the wires melted off, as seen below.

That should have been my first clue, but I continued to investigate to find out what had happened, I started by going inside the house and removing a small piece of drywall behind the outlet. As soon as I did that & opened the vapour barrier, I knew I was in trouble, the insulation was completely soaked. Now it was time to do a more thorough investigation, after clearing it with the client and informing them of the possible implications. Once the drywall was removed from the inside face of the wall, l discovered that the wall cavity below the window was completely covered with mould. Unless you know what you're doing when dealing with mould, never tackle its removal yourself! Mould remediation is serious business & improper handling can result in all kinds of health implications for you and no........bleach won't bother it, bleach turns it white.

Also, if you look closely at the above picture, you'll notice the interesting wiring configuration. It was installed by puncturing the vapour barrier at every stud and bringing the wire outside the cavity at each one, rather than drilling through the stup (apparently, this electrician forgot to bring a drill). He even went so far as to staple the wire to the stud so it couldnt move, then applied the drywall right over it, pinching the wire between the studs & drywall. Of course, the outlets were installed by simply hacking a hole in the vapour barrier, rendering it completely useless. For a closer look, see below. 

Next it was time to remove the vapour barrier & insulation to see how the structure beneath had fared with all the moisture intrusion.......not so well!! 

As you can see, there was mould everywhere, the exterior sheathing was eaten completely through and the structure itself was infested with carpenter ants. The picture below shows more closely the damage that carpenter ants will cause when presented with moist wood. 

This damage was all caused by the improper installation of the replacement windows above (which were installed without flashing and using butyl caulking around the perimeter, which cracks over time leaving gaps allowing for moisture infiltration. The illustration below shows how the water got in between the window & siding, running down the wall to eventually short out the electrical outlet. 

Subsequently, all the structure below the 8 foot window needed to be removed & replaced, while holding the window up with bracing so it wouldn't move out of position. This was followed with new wiring properly installed, new OSB sheeting to the exterior, new insulation, and a properly installed vapour barrier which sealed the interior electrical outlets, making them airtight, as seen below. 

The 6 mil plastic you see in the above shot is the vapour barrier around the electrical outlets which is later sealed to the rest of the vapour barrier using tuck tape, something not found anywhere in this wall when it was dismantled. The finished vapour barrier installation is seen below. 

On the exterior, the sheeting was replaced followed by the original foam housewrap & then the siding was re-installed....then and only then was the GFCI outlet replaced, which was the object of the original exercise. The following shows the progression outside from start to finish. 

Above, how the wall looked underneath the window after the siding was removed. 

Once the structure had been rebuilt & the new sheeting applied. 

The original housewrap re-installed (it's non-organic so mould & ants can't eat it). 

And, finally, all the siding re-installed and the new GFCI outlet properly installed. Also, new window flashing was manufactured & installed to all the windows which were installed in this addition and they were all subsequently sealed with exterior grade silicone to prevent a further occurrence. 

Above is sown the new flashing installed below the window, this will eliminate the possibility of any future water infiltration. If this had been installed originally, as it should have been, this problem would have been completely avoided.


After the flashing & sealant were installed, the only things left to do were to move back inside & install new drywall, properly finish it, and then prime the repairs followed by new paint to the entire room. 

All told, this simple GFCI installation took four days of aggravation as well as a good deal more expense for the client than expected. So the next time someone asks you to just run in & replace an outlet for them, and you think "easy peasy...15 minutes, in & out". Not so fast! In an older home, it's NEVER what it looks like!


Part of our new look is a completely reworked company website as well as a completely reworked company blog, there are many new pages added as well as bi-weekly articles on the blog to help you plan any projects you have around the house. These articles will be written by me as well as by "guest" bloggers from around the area.

We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, there are comment windows for you as well as a form for you to fill out to send a message directly to my personal inbox.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback you may have, especially any ideas you may have concerning future articles you would like to see.

Thank you, once again for your business and I hope to hear from you again soon!

Sincerely,

Keith

This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
 lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
In Barrie, call 705-881-4456 or,
 lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

Bathroom Renovation Makeovers, the Project of Choice in Windsor & Barrie

Whether your motivation is to enhance your usage experience or to enhance your home's resale value,  a bathroom remodel project is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. In terms of maximizing the benefits, few can argue that renovating your bathroom will offer the most bang for the buck in terms of payback when it comes time to sell while allowing you the extra comfort and enjoyment while you are still in your home.

Much like a kitchen, the bathroom tends to be one area where potential home buyers have strong emotions. A functional and stylish bathroom can literally make or break the deal when you put your home on the market. But resale potential is not the primary reason to consider your bathroom renovation. Sure we all would like as much money as we can get, but why not enjoy your home to the fullest while you are still in it? Plus, with the economy in a down trend, more and more people are choosing to spruce up their existing homes instead of moving to a new home. You can save a lot of money by remaining in your home and simply improving it instead of moving. For the long-term, that decision makes a lot of sense financially.

Your renovation project can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. It is amazing what a new mirror and a new coat of paint can do for a bathroom. If your budget and energy allows, you can get really ambitious and knock out walls, install a new tub or shower, add new cabinets, and a number of other things. The only limit to your project will be budget and imagination.

Before you begin any project, you need to plan carefully. the last thing you want to do is begin a bathroom renovation that renders it useless for weeks because you didn't realize the impact of changes you made or because you ran out of funds before you finished. The best way to avoid these types of planning mistakes is to use the services of a professional contractor. A professional will know the process, know the right subcontractors, and be able to steer you towards a successful completion. If your project is relatively small, then you can probably do it yourself without any help. But when pipes need to be moved or electrical outlets need to be moved, unless you really know what you are doing, do not attempt these types of tasks by yourself. Always leave these types of jobs to the professionals.

A bathroom renovation can make a big difference in your enjoyment of your home while adding potential resale value. If you don't have the bathroom of your dreams already, look into an upgrade. Whether you want a major facelift or just new counters and lights, you will be happy you did. And the older and more worn your current bathroom is, the more you will probably enjoy your new one. The best part is that there are many options available regardless of your budget, just get creative and enjoy the experience.

Lakeside Interiors specializes in renovating existing bathrooms as well as kitchens and basements so, if you aren't looking for a "full contact" DIY experience, get together with us and we'll make your dream bathroom a reality for you!


We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

Get all the latest tips and articles delivered right to your inbox by signing up for our free newsletter. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, feel free to ask in a comment window or contact us directly.


If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or underpriviledged free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know. 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

705-881-4456 in Barrie or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

To receive this blog in your inbox,

Insert your email address at the

top of this page.

To receive our FREE newsletter click here.

How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell in Windsor

Due to the economy here in Windsor, we've been getting quite a few requests for information on how to get your home ready for sale in order to maximize the value . Since I don't profess to be an expert in this field, I've asked my good friend, Randy Rock of rockhomesales.com to write this post.

This article is in the form of a printable checklist so you can use it to check your progress, just print it out and go, I hope it will be of help.

Getting Your House Ready to Sell in Windsor When getting your home ready to sell, you need to look at your house in a new way. Think of your house as a product about to go on the market where it is probably competing with brand new housing. It needs to show well – which means clutter-free and well kept. Today’s homebuyers lead busy lives and may not be interested in taking on major repairs or improvements upon moving in. You need to make your house a “10”. This document will help you spot what is right and what is not so good about your "product". It will give you the opportunity to take corrective action to ensure your house looks fresh, clean and well maintained when the “For Sale” sign goes up. Fix It First If you need to make improvements to your home, do the work before it goes on the market. Potential buyers are not interested in hearing about your good intentions to look after defects before a transfer of ownership takes place. Even if fix-up work is underway, buyers may not be able to visualize what your home will look like when the work is finished. They will just remember it being in a state of disrepair. Professional Inspection: Yes or No? A serious buyer may want to have a professional home inspector check your house from top to bottom before making an offer. Even though this guide will help you identify problems on your own, the option of hiring a professional home inspector is open to you as well. If you can afford it, an inspection in advance of putting your home on the market is a good idea. It is your best way of finding and taking care of serious deficiencies before an inspector hired by a potential buyer discovers them. Homeowner’s Inspection Checklist This practical, easy-to-follow guide for homeowners will help you identify common house problems and deal with them. In it, you will find how-to tips offering effective solutions for every room of your house. Let’s Begin Outside Check Your House’s Curb Appeal How does your house look from the street? That is where prospective buyers will be when they first see your home; and, that is where they will form that all-important first impression. Stand at the curb in front of your house and note what you see. Remove any clutter in your yard. Repair cracked or uneven driveway or walkway surfaces. If your lawn has bald spots, apply some top dressing and re-seed. Prune trees and shrubs of dead wood. Weed and mulch flower beds, if you have them. If it is the right time of year, consider buying some flower-filled planters to enhance the eye appeal of your property. Make sure your lawn is mowed regularly. Ensure that the composter area is tidy. Are your windows and walls clean? Does your front door need paint? Ensure your eaves and downspouts are clear of debris and in good repair. Are your backyard deck and walkways clean? If not, use a power washer and do any necessary painting, staining or sealing. If you have a swimming pool, are the deck and pool clean (when in season)? Do all outside lights work? Replace any burned out bulbs, and clean fixtures of dirt and cobwebs. Is there a shed? Does it look presentable? Do windows and exterior doors need recaulking? Even at 6-7 years of age, the caulking may be dried out and in need of replacement. Do you have decorative wooden poles on the porch? Is the wood at the bottom in good condition? Overall, does it need a new coat of paint? If you have a gate, is it well oiled? When you have completed the curb appeal inspection, carefully check the rest of your home’s exterior. Will Your Roof and Chimney Pass Inspection? If you are uneasy about climbing onto your roof, you can inspect most items from the ground using binoculars. Otherwise, be careful when working or moving about on your roof. Unless roof repair is a simple matter of applying new caulking, you will probably need the services of a professional. Check the general condition of your roof. Sagging sections, curled shingles, pooled water on flat roofs and corrosion on metal roofing mean it is time for repair or replacement. Both masonry and metal chimneys need to be straight and structurally sound, have proper capping on top and watertight flashing where they penetrate the roof. All roofs undergo stress from snow and rain loads, so a truss or rafter may become damaged, resulting in a noticeable small depression. A professional should do this inexpensive repair. Examine Your Walls The condition of your exterior walls directly affects the look and curb appeal of your home. Replace old caulking. You may have to cut or scrape away old caulking to get a good seal. Do not seal drainage or ventilation gaps. Is your exterior paint looking good? If you see faded colours and cracked or peeling surfaces, you need to repaint. Be sure to get competitive bids if you hire professional painters. You can clean vinyl siding but defects or damage to it and to metal siding usually means replacement. Stucco can be repaired but some skill is required to blend patches with existing stucco. Now, Let’s Go Indoors A prospective buyer will usually enter through your front door; so, that is where you should begin your interior inspection. You want your buyer to see a neat, clean, well-lit interior. Get clutter out of sight; ensure that carpets are clean and floors are scrubbed and polished; and that walls and trim show fresh paint (preferably neutral or light colours). Take a sniff. Are there any unpleasant odours in your home? If so, track them down and eliminate them. Ensure all your lights work and are free of cobwebs. You want your home to look spacious, bright and fresh. If you have considerable family memorabilia, consider thinning it out. Your objective is to help potential buyers feel as if they could live in your home. That mental leap becomes more difficult for them if your house resembles a shrine your family. Professional realtors and decorators say the most important areas of your home to upgrade and modernize are the kitchen and bathrooms. Buyers also want to see new or recently installed floor coverings throughout. General Interior Check stairs for loose boards, ripped carpeting, and missing or loose handrails and guards. Most problems with interior walls are cosmetic and can be repaired with spackling compound and paint. Ensure doors open and shut properly. Minor sticking is normal but excessive binding indicates possible structural problems. Open and close all windows to ensure they work properly. Fogging between the panes of a sealed window indicates the seal is broken and the unit needs to be replaced. Keep furniture to a minimum so rooms do not appear smaller than they are. If your room contain bookshelves or cabinets overflowing with books, magazines and knick-knacks, remove some of these items. Ensure closets look spacious, organized and uncluttered. Create space by getting rid of old clothes and junk. Remove or lock away valuables such as jewellery, coins, currency, cameras and compact discs. Kitchen and Bathrooms People splash water around in the kitchen and bathrooms so check around sinks, tubs and toilets for rotting countertops and floors. Problems could be due to poor caulking or plumbing leaks. Fogged windows, molds and sweating toilet tanks indicate high humidity levels, which you can remedy with exhaust fans. In the kitchen, clean all appliances, including your oven. Clean or replace your greasy stove hood filter. Clean your cabinets inside and out, as well as your countertops and backsplashes. Repair dripping faucets. Remove anything stored on top of your fridge and remove artwork and magnets. Remove any items stored on countertops. Remove items stored under the sink. In bathrooms, scrub sinks, tubs and toilets, taking care to remove any rust stains. Remove mildew from showers and bathtubs. Fix dripping faucets or trickling toilets, and vacuum your fan grill. Clean mirrors, light switch plates and cupboard handles. Consider installing new 6-litre toilets if you currently have water-guzzlers. If you have ceramic tile in either your kitchen or bathroom, ensure grouting is intact and clean. Basement The condition of the foundation and main structural members in the basement are critical to the fitness of any house. The purpose of your inspection is to make sure these are sound and durable. Look for cracks, water seepage, efflorescence (white powder-like substance), crumbling mortar or concrete, and rotting wood. If any of these problems are present, you need to do further research to learn about causes and possible solutions. If your basement is damp or musty, consider using a dehumidifier. Like all other areas of your home, your basement should be organized and clutter-free. Change the filters in the furnace and have it cleaned–this is the number one item purchasers want done after a home inspection. If you have a pet with a litter box, ensure the litter box is clean. Garage Get rid of the broken tools, old car parts, discarded bicycles, empty paint cans and the hundreds of other useless items that accumulate in garages. Again, you want a clutter-free zone. Use cleaning solutions to remove oil stains from the floor. When it’s Showtime! You have inspected your house and taken care of problems. Now you are ready for showings. You will need a plan of action that assigns duties to each family member so the place can quickly be whipped into shape. Open all drapes, blinds, etc. and turn on lights to make the house bright. Air out the house to get rid of cooking, pet odours, and so on. Have fresh flowers in view. Pick up clutter, and empty garbage. Make sure everything is spotless. Set your thermostat at a comfortable level. Remove pets from the house or put them outside. If you have an agent, leave when the house is being shown. In poor weather, provide a place for boots, overshoes and umbrellas. Display photos of the house in summer to show landscaping if selling in the winter months. Leave out heating and hydro bills. For those on a septic system and/or well, leave out inspection and maintenance information.

Contact me anytime for a free home evaluation!!!                                                                                                             

Randy Rock - Sales Representative

Coldwell Banker Essential Realty Brokerage                                                      

Office - 519-251-1611

Cell - 519-792-4373

e-mail  randy-rock@coldwellbanker.ca

Web - www.rockhomesales.com

ROCK SOLID SERVICE 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

Incredible, Ask Anyone!

How to Survive a Renovation in Windsor Ontario

Despair and misery are oftentimes the common emotions that surface when partners begin a home renovation project. She wants a cozy living space, similar to a cottage in the countryside while he wishes for a recreation room with futuristic furnishings. Both refuse to give in to the other.

A full-blown domestic disturbance can develop anywhere between the time that the building materials are delivered and the moment that the final wallpaper is in place in its destined location. Below are some tips that can help ease the brewing tension when partners decide to go for a major home renovation.

Tip # 1: You and your partner should agree what type of renovation is needed. Couples often fail to draw up a master plan before a major home renovation starts. Usually, they take it for granted that they know which areas around the house call for fixing up. Then, when the renovation is already underway, they discover that certain areas also require repair or remodeling; however, their money has already been used up for another renovation going on at another part of the home. This causes tension. So, to avoid this, the simplest thing to do is to take time to sit down, talk about, and agree as to what parts of the house need to be fixed or spruced up.

Tip # 2: You must never forget what is most important in your life. Can you really squander away a bond that you’ve forged with your better half over the color of the bathroom tiles, kitchen counters, or the bedroom walls? Some couples lose sight of the most important thing when they are so caught up with their crusade in home renovation. Always remember the most important thing whenever things begin to get out of hand and tempers are running short. Never sacrifice the relationship because you and your spouse cannot agree on whether to use granite or Formica for the new kitchen countertops.

Tip # 3: Never forget that you and your better half must work as a team. Never, ever argue in front of the home renovation contractors. Because of this, the people you hire to renovate your home might lose their respect for both of you; as a result, they might give you substandard results since they figure that you would not mind anyway since you are both busy taking each other down. Always remember that you and your spouse are in this together. Show those around you that you and your spouse support each other, that way, you will earn their respect.

If you require assistance in crafting your plan for the upcoming renovation, we will be glad to assist you, just ask us.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

The Classic’s Back – Why Granite Kitchen Worktops Should Never Go Out Of Fashion in Windsor

Granite kitchen worktops are back in a big way. Why? Because people finally woke up to the fact that flat plastic kitchen worktops are not only ugly but impractical. It’s true, of course, that an MDF (Medium Density Fibre Board) work surface covered with that horrible rubberised vinyl kind of marble effect stuff is a lot cheaper than granite – but it also lasts a few years at most before all the water in the kitchen starts getting inside it and rotting out the chip board. Granite is impervious to pretty much everything, up to and including being hit with a hammer (well, a small hammer anyway) – it cleans easily and well; it looks amazing; and it goes with virtually every kitchen decor.

Put like that, one wonders why granite kitchen worktops aren’t in every home. There are of course cost limitations – not everyone can afford to pay the amount of money required for a stone work surface, even though that total price, when averaged out over the years of unending good service the granite will give, costs less than the cumulative cost of replacing MDF every few years. There are also limitations according to the quality of the rest of the fittings in a kitchen. It’s not just about looks – low cost cabinets simply won’t support the weight of granite kitchen worktops, so installing them in a budget range kitchen simply isn’t practical.

What we are talking about here, of course, is two different types of investment. The kitchen with the quality and longevity of granite work tops and mid to high range cabinets and so on, represents a large single sum in terms of initial outlay – followed by absolutely no maintenance costs. Good quality kitchen fittings pretty much last forever – so it’s only a change of style that warrants a change of kitchen. Your other kind of kitchen, with low mid to budget range fittings, represents a significantly lower single sum to outlay. However, its absence of granite kitchen worktops and good quality cabinets means that it is extremely susceptible to wear and tear – which, in turn, means that it will need replacing on a regular basis. That makes a whole series of lower cost single sum outlays, which add up, as a whole, to the same or even more than the cost of just having a high quality kitchen installed in the first place.

The return to popularity of the granite worktop, and its associated quality items, is as much a reflection of the shift in attitudes towards homes as it is a simple change in tastes. The average Canadian is now spending an average of just over 20 years of his or her life in the same property. That means that he or she is buying, building and extending to last. New kitchen fittings need to be of high quality to last 20 years. Granite kitchen worktops, and all the associated bits and pieces, are that, and will do that. And that’s why they will always be in style.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

Kitchen Renovations - Finding Your Perfect Colour Scheme in Windsor

Colours matter. That is an undeniable fact. A room's atmosphere can be pleasant and relaxing, or it can be cozy and invigorating, depending on the colour of the walls or the furniture. That's why, if you are planning to do a kitchen renovation and  you want to do a total make-over, then it would be nice to pick a fantastic colour for your kitchen that will uplift your mood. So here are some suggestions from our great kitchen renovation ideas compendium that will surely help you find the perfect colour for your kitchen.
If you want the more upbeat and happy colours, you can choose from the bright tints of red, yellow. Studies show that red could increase one's food appetite, yellow gives off a cheerful atmosphere. A deep red colour puts on a very romantic, serious ambiance but it's not really good to paint all the kitchen walls red since it quickens your pulse rate and has a tendency to induce feelings of anger or annoyance. A bright and sunny yellow is a playful colour and kids really like it. Fast-food restaurants usually use either a combination of these two colours or some tints of both to influence the costumers' mood and appetite.
And you could take a good shade of blue, if you want to achieve a calming ambiance and a classy, elegant look. Studies tell us that this colour is an appetite suppressant, which is why we often skip this colour in the food we prepare. But it could be a good colour for the kitchen if you use it to balance the very vigorous feeling that red and yellow exudes. It's very tricky to use in the kitchen, but when you select a good colour that would match this, it would look wonderful in your kitchen.
Brown is also a warm and homey colour, which emits a comfortable feeling because this colour is very natural. Old-style kitchens usually have brown colours for their cupboards, cabinets, tables and chairs. A perfect shade of yummy brown increases your appetite, so it would be great in the dining room, and it would be nice for your kitchen. If you combine it with colours like blue or pink you would achieve a modern yet classy kitchen look.
White probably is the favorite kitchen colour because of its clean look. If you want a more contemporary look, you could take white and combine it with another clean color such as black, or pair it up with some glossy or metallic color. It provides for a futuristic and modern atmosphere in your kitchen. There's also the colour purple, which is very chic and elegant, and would be a good addition to the white and black colour scheme. However, it's also tricky to use purple in the kitchen. So instead of a white-black-purple kitchen, it is easier to have white and peach. Peach is bright and relaxing, and cozy, which is why it is a very popular colour for the kitchens. A white and peach colour combination would give a clean and comfy atmosphere.
It would be better to avoid a monochromatic colour palette so that your kitchen won't look too boring. You can mix and match any of these colours, or you could take one colour from these suggestions and combine it with your favorite color. Don't be afraid to show your personality when trying to find a good colour for your kitchen. You can have a bold and daring colour scheme, or you can choose a serene and calming one. It's your kitchen, so it's you and your choice that matters, even if you do consult a designer.
Just a little reminder from our collection of kitchen renovations ideas - make sure that your lighting goes well with your kitchen colour scheme so you will have a wonderful kitchen that will be the subject of people's admiration.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

Discover The Amazing Benefits Of Solid Wood Flooring for you Windsor home

Solid wood flooring enhances the aesthetic quality and appeal of your home.  In fact, it can easily increase the value of your home substantially.  No one can deny that wood flooring evokes a unique sophistication that easily blends into any type of home decor and furnishing.  In other words, wood is a perfect flooring option for your home.  It is stylish and offers numerous advantages for every homeowner.  And the most amazing thing is that solid wood could last for hundreds of years as long as you take good care of it.   


There are several benefits that you can enjoy from solid wood flooring.  First of all, hardwood is a highly versatile flooring material.  It can match any type of home decor and furniture.  It can provide a special accent to your home furnishing whether contemporary or classic.  The timeless appeal of wooden floor provides warmth, neutrality, and soothing elegance.  These qualities will give you flexibility in decorating and redecorating a room.  Most interior designers love homes with solid wood floors.  That’s because the material gives them enough opportunity to unleash their creative talents.

You too can have an easier time furnishing your home if you have wood floors.  

The incredible strength of solid wood flooring is simply amazing.  This is one of the biggest benefits of solid wood.  With proper maintenance and care, your floor could last for generations.  Wood floors also age well and will always look elegant as if they are new.

The good part is that the technology in preserving wood is far superior nowadays.  You can easily find waterproof hardwood.  Before the materials are released to the market, wood producers apply state of the art treatments to make the floor boards extremely durable and longer lasting.  Because of their proven durability, wooden floors can provide good savings for you.  It is true that wood is expensive. But you can get the full value of your investment because of its proven longevity and durability.

This might surprise you, but did you know that solid wood flooring is easier to maintain?  It actually requires a minimum of care and maintenance.  All you need to do is to follow the recommended maintenance procedures approved by the manufacturer.

As the years pass by, the tone and grain of wooden floors will improve.  This will make your home more elegant and sophisticated.  And in the event of accidental scratching, there are many effective treatment solutions that can restore the original beauty of your floors.  

Lastly, wooden floors promote a healthy home environment.  There are so many homeowners today who are struggling with allergies, respiratory problems, and mite control simply because they have carpeted floors.  With solid hardwood floors, all these problems can be eliminated.  You will not have to contend with fibers, allergens, and bacterial or parasite accumulation on the floors.  You can easily sanitize wooden floors and keep them clean for longer periods.  So if you want to make your home healthier and child friendly, then your best option is solid wood flooring.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com