Ways To Update Your Outdated Kitchen

Due to the pandemic, the kitchen has now become a place to entertain guests as well as prepare food. Whether it’s two people getting together for a date or a larger gathering of friends, a kitchen’s seating area can easily become crowded, which is why it should always look its best. Here are a few ways to update your outdated kitchen that will give you a fresh look and a welcoming and spacious feel.

Appliances

Look at your appliances. What message do they convey? Stainless steel is a classic, ever-popular look that makes a kitchen feel modern. Consider the condition and appearances of your current appliances and determine if any of them need an upgrade.

Flooring

When it comes to flooring, you have lots of options. A lot of older kitchens have linoleum or tiling. When exploring options, look at laminate and vinyl planking. These flooring materials have come a long way. Both are water-resistant.

You can get them in patterns that look like hardwood, which is always a classic look. They come in an array of colors and are easy to clean and maintain. Changing the flooring to laminate can be done in a day and can significantly alter your kitchen’s look.

Cabinetry

Many older kitchens are filled with cabinetry both on the walls and below the counters. The issue with abundant storage space is that we continue to fill it with things we don’t need or rarely use.

If you remove the cabinets and install open shelving instead, you’ll have more storage space. Additionally, if you paint the walls a fresh, light color, your kitchen will look and feel much larger.

Seating

When selecting seating, match your choice with the rest of your kitchen’s theme. Link your kitchen’s theme to the seating by using matching colors or patterns. Additionally, you want your guests to feel cozy and comfortable, so make sure your seating is comfortable, as well.

Countertops

A fresh countertop is another change that can update your kitchen. You have lots of options. If you’re willing to spend to get new and quality materials that fit your overall look, great. If you have a smaller budget but love the look of quartz, there are DIY options where you put epoxy over your existing countertops to create a whole new look.

Lighting

Consider if you’d like soft light, fluorescent, or something else. Many bulbs and fixtures work to save energy, which is great. You can also install dimmers to give you more illumination while cooking and less when you’re visiting with your guests.

There are many individual and useful ways to update your outdated kitchen. Each will get you closer to an overall look that will enhance your space the way you want. Start with your desired theme and go from there.

Guest Post - Important Questions When Choosing Flooring for Your Dream Home

To transform your house into the dream home you have always been searching for, you need to sort out its decor. You may have already chosen the paint that perfectly match for those lovely kitchen cupboards and the woodwork in the hall. But now you are going to have to face up to the most difficult choice of all - picking your home's flooring, you might think the decision's nothing more than saying yes. But it is a decision that you will need to consider before rushing in.

Just think, are you getting tired of staring at the same colors on the walls? It's so easy to change them. But what about changing your floor? Well, there is a predicament you don’t want to have to confront for a long time. It is not just the disruption of moving all your furniture, it is the expense of replacing the flooring itself.

But how do you know what you will like in the future? How can you be sure that you have chosen the right materials and designs for every room in your house? While you are thinking over this big decision, you need to keep the following questions in mind.

Is that Gorgeous Hardwood Flooring going to Please Me Long-Term?

There is an incredible choice of flooring materials that are ideal for every room in your home. You can pick linoleum, engineered wood, laminate or tiles. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice that looks amazing. However, it does have a few drawbacks. It is not only more expensive for every square foot than any other flooring, but the surface can be a bit delicate.

A popular alternative is engineered wood. It has the same classic elegance and earthy tones as hardwood. It's also really durable and perfect for busy homes where you can easily end up with spillages and a heavy footfall. Laminate is a more affordable option, but it lacks the top layer of real timber that engineered wood has. When you are trying to decide on your flooring, it's best to think how you'll be using each room.

Do You want the same Flooring throughout Your Home?

Many new build homeowners have chosen the popular mixed flooring option. They will put the same flooring throughout the lower floor, then choose carpet for upstairs. They often feel it improves the flow of the house while making it appear larger. However, you might think it's a bit too much the same, especially as some rooms can suit different styles more than others.

If you go for this option, think about how you will use each room. In a busy hallway or kitchen, you will need the flooring to be far more durable than in a less used space such as a home office or guest bedroom.

What do You Think about Colors?

The color of your flooring can make such a difference to your home. One of today's most popular tones is grey. It complements all the woody, earthy shades of your furniture without overwhelming a room with too much brown. But sometimes grey can look a bit cold. It's best to stick with all the walnut and oak colors if you love to make your rooms cozy and warm. For a classic look, you could even choose the dark, slightly reddish tones of mahogany.

A good idea is to identify how the sun streams into each room. If a room has lots of sunshine each day, it will already have a warm, bright appearance. But any room without much sun is going to start off cool and dull.

Conclusion

After that, you will have to think about the type of design you'd like to see every day. How about floorboards that are long with a good width? Or what do you think about a chevron design that has got narrow points that look great? Can a regular herringbone style stand up well to the passing years?

It is best to remember that fashion trends, even in flooring, tend to have their day, then they are gone. Whatever styles you keep seeing on Pinterest or Instagram, it is always best to choose a flooring design that you feel you will still like in five years.

Author Bio: This article was written by Martin O’Callaghan of Wood Flooring Ireland. Martin is an expert in timber flooring with over two decades experience.

Guest Post - Essential Care Tips for a Metal Roof

Homeowners across the United States are quickly realizing the benefits of investing in a metal roof. This is especially popular for those within hotter climates as roofs made with metal materials such as steel absorb much less heat than the typical asphalt option. However, homeowners who may have never had a metal roof in their life may not have the right information in terms of its required maintenance. Thus the following includes a few of the most essential care tips for a metal roof. 

Yearly Corrosion Inspection 

It is well known that metal is susceptible to corrosion if enough water interacts with it. That is why it is so important to have a yearly inspection of your metal roof to see if any water has been pooling up. Pooling is caused by a variety of things, such as a strong thunderstorm or heavy rain season. However, they are also caused due to poor drainage system installation or a lack of maintenance on them. Your gutters are essential for a long-lasting rooftop and need to be regularly cleaned to prevent water from trying to find a way through your roof instead of just off of it. Corrosion is extremely damaging and often the reason why there's a need for total metal roof replacements. 

Cutting Long Tree Branches 

It is often not the lack of maintenance on the roof that causes damage to it but rather the tree branches around it. During violent wind or thunderstorms, branches can snap and slam hard onto your roof. If the branch is heavy enough and thrown with enough power, it can penetrate the material and, due the natural durability of metal roofs, is the one of the more common reasons you can incur damage. This is why it is imperative that either you or a professional take the time to trim these branches each year. 

Keep It Clean

Although it is certainly important to take steps to diminish potentially dangerous and costly repairs, it is also important to concentrate on maintaining your roof's aesthetics. After all, your roof is one of the most noticeable things on your home and a big factor in your overall curb appeal. You can keep your metal roof looking great year-round by simply ensuring that you take the time every few months to clean off any dirt, mud, and other debris that has accumulated. In addition, you may take this time to inspect your metal roof and apply the tips listed above. 

Metal roofs are a great addition to any home; however, it is important to understand the maintenance requirements that they come with. Utilize the tips listed above to ensure that your metal roof will last you for years to come.

Author Bio

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.

The Ultimate Guide to Emergency Electrical Repair

Electrical emergencies can be unpredictable and occur at any time. If you notice any faulty wiring or equipment signs, you could end up in a dangerous situation.  

Hiring an emergency electrical service will reduce your electric shock risk, house fires and work with you to decide what options work best for your electrical needs. 

Signs Of Electrical Emergency

Never solve emergency electrical situations on your own. A qualified electrical service will make sure everything is functioning as it should be. 

If you’re unsure about what constitutes an electrical emergency, some signs to look out for are the odour of burning, unwanted sounds and occurrences of power outages.

Some common signs of an electrical emergency include the following:

1. Your circuit breaker trips occasionally 

A circuit breaker is one of the most critical aspects of your electrical system. They generally trip when too many appliances are plugged in at once, but there could be more at play if it keeps happening, and there is likely an issue with your electrical system.

2. Lights are dimming or flickering

If your lights have been flickering or dimming when you switch on various outlets, you may have problems with your electrical system. Multiple factors, like old wires or home pests, could be negatively impacting your home’s wiring. Be sure to hire an expert team to check your wiring or if you need an upgrade to your system.

3. There is a burning smell from your outlets

If there is a burning smell coming from your electrical outlets, you could be experiencing an electrical emergency. When an outlet overheats, then a burning smell will occur, or you may even see discoloration. If you notice any of these things, be sure to turn off your outlet immediately, unplug all your items and appliances, and call an emergency electrician team right away. If you don’t act, you could experience a hazard like a fire.  

4. Buzzing or humming noises

Another indication of an electrical issue is hearing any buzzing or humming noises coming directly from the breaker box. If you notice this problem, then there is significant damage or issues with your wiring. Your circuit breaker offers protection to your home from surges, and if you hear noises that could signify damage, you could be exposing yourself to a dangerous situation. Even if you hear small noises, never neglect them and call an emergency electrician team to deal with them.

5. Small sparks coming from your outlets

Small sparks could be a sign that you have an electrical issue at home. If you notice a little spark when you plug in an appliance, this should be no cause of concern. On the other hand, if your outlet has too many devices plugged in and becomes overloaded, small sparks maybe indicate faulty wiring or inferior installation methods. 

Some red flags to look out for include significant sparks that fly out of the outlet, sparks that last more than one second before they go out, and white or yellow ones rather than the typical blue coloring. 

How To Choose The Right Emergency Electrical Company

Choosing the right emergency electrical company is essential. You’ll want to find a team with the proper credentials and who you can trust.

First, look for a 24/7 emergency service that can solve the issue at the earliest. Then, consider the following:

Choose the Electrical Company Depending On Your Needs

First, you must identify your electrical needs and choose the one that matches your unique requirements. When selecting the service, it is wise to understand the standards of emergency repairs. Every person’s home is different, so it is best to determine your needs and then go from there. 

Electrical Services Will Guarantee Good Communication

Every top caliber electrical company is a pro at communication with their clients. The service people should be available on the phone and give proper updates on the emergency area situation.

Make Sure They Provide 24/7 Services

Since an electrical emergency can happen at any time, the right company will offer 24/7 service. Be sure to check that they do offer this option so that you can contact them at any time when needed. 

Verify Their Work Experience

Before hiring any electrical company, you’ll want to look into their reputation. Verify their work experience in solving electrical emergencies by going through their website and reading their reviews. You can also check out past work they have done and if it will meet your standards. 

Cost of Emergency Repair

In case you have budgetary constraints, you’ll want to know beforehand how much an emergency repair costs. To learn about this type of repair cost, you can contact a company and get them to provide you with a free quote. You can’t be sure that you will have a handful of money at the time of electrical emergencies. So contact a service that provides emergency services.

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Emergency

Before any emergency electrical service team arrives, you’ll want to do your part to ensure the work runs smoothly. Be sure to prepare a plan to deal with these emergencies and do not touch any wires until the electrician team gets there. You’ll also want to switch off all the electrical equipment.