Posted on Mon, Feb 20, 2012
Wake up your room with lighting! Some rooms may feel dull and uninviting until a little "sparkle" is added. By sparkle, we mean lighting. Even with the most simple architecture, lighting can make all the difference in transforming your boring living space into a stunning showpiece.
First, it is important to evaluate your space with its own natural light. Then, consider layering additional lighting for your desired look and feel of your home. In this case, by adding a lead glass door to this 1970's foyer certainly brought in more natural light but it called out for more. With the addition of an updated ceiling light, two sconces and a large mirror, which will also reflect the light, has made this area come to life!
OTHER TYPES OF LIGHTING:
Accent lighting is most commonly used to highlight your artwork or other treasures. They are usually more powerful than your general lighting. Having lighting on a dimmer switch will also add more drama to your room.
Task lighting has a specific duty to assist you when you are doing a particular task usually in the kitchen areas such as the sink or stove. These may include under cabinet strip lighting, as shown, hanging pendants or track lighting.
Recessed lights will help reduce glare and is a popular alternative to a central ceiling light in your room. It is suggested that you space these lights accordingly in order to have the light patterns overlap for best results.
Home buyers tend to respond more positively to a well lit home. Inside and out! A well-designed lighting scheme may give you a competitive advantage to make your home stand out in the market.
Check out lighting centers, or shop on-line, to see if switching out a fixture or two will give you back some "sparkle" in your life!
Posted on Tue, Feb 14, 2012
Whether you chose to design a mosaic tabletop, backsplash or a game tabletop such I am doing at the present time, the "how to's" are very similar.
Deciding to repurpose items, this project begins with a simple cabinet door in order to make a mosaic game table. This shaker style door will provide a space of 19x19 inches for tile work. Having a checkerboard design, will allow us to use mostly 2x2 inch square tiles with a decorative border with no cutting at all. (Both checkers & chess need a total of 64 squares for the game.)
- First lay out your "design" next to you on the work table making sure you are pleased with your design.
- Next, prepare your tabletop by sanding down the wood & cleaning its surface. In this case, a cabinet door, the raised edge was previously sanded, cleaned then painted.
- Begin setting the tile in the center & working your way to the edges. Attach the pieces one at a time using tile adhesive (mastic) which may be pre-mixed and comes in a bucket. Or smaller projects, a mosaic glue can be used - which can be found at a local craft store.
- Butter the back of your tiles with a notched trowel.
- Press tiles on to your top making sure they are level with those around them leaving an even space between your tiles for your grout.
- Allow your project to dry completely; usually overnight.
- Using an unsanded grout, which is formulated for small grout lines or projects with glass tiles, mix to a peanut butter type consistency.
- Spread your grout onto your project using a grout float; scraping off the excess by holding the float at a 45 degree angle. Drag it across the surface of the tile while wiping several times with a sponge & clean water until the excess grout has been removed.
- Once completely cured, apply grout sealer. This protects the grout lines and your tile against stains and keeps the color consistent.
For the base of this project, broken tile mosaic was used.
- The base is built of scraps of wood.
- Using similar tiles, place tiles in a cloth on your workspace and cover.
- While wearing "safety glasses" - use a hammer and break tiles one at a time. Not so hard that you damage the glaze of the tile.
Working with your tiles like a puzzle, place them one by one as we did in the top to a design of your liking, breaking tiles along the way. (I have also added decorative round pieces of glass to the base.)- Repeat the instructions above to finish your project.
- Assemble your top to the base and begin enjoying your game table or whatever your project may be!
Tools & supplies for this project: Tile, safety glasses, grout, grout float, grout sealant, sponge, notched trowel, hammer, tape measure, cloth to wrap tiles, sand paper, cleaning supplies & access to water, wood, screws, to attach top to the base.
Posted on Wed, Feb 08, 2012
No, this photo is not sideways. It's an accident waiting to happen. A silent but potentially hazardous ice dam glistening as it inches its way to the unknown areas below. It is one of many scenes in the Anchorage area attempting to alert us, as homeowners and as business owners that there may be other dangers lurking.
Today in the Anchorage Daily News it shares a story of two roofs that have collapsed recently due to an unusual build up of snow and ice. Even though the Municipal Building Codes require that a roof should be able to carry a snow load of 40 pounds per square foot we are experiencing other oddities with this weather.
Preventative Maintenance has always echoed in my mind when it comes to protecting our properties. True, the day to day grind detours us from keeping an eye out for possible dangers due to ice and snow. There is nothing wrong with calling a professional to come to your home or business for an inspection and/or to remove these hazards from your property. I would imagine that one's insurance agent would agree with this as well. With some of the icicles reaching the ground this would be classified as an "attractive nuisance." Children of all ages may become tempted to experience this Creation of Nature up close. Too close!
Winter is still going to be around for awhile so take action and be safe!
Posted on Tue, Jan 31, 2012
Looking to give your gal a little"bling" this Valentines Day?
Whether your "gal" is actually "your gal" or your gal is your "HOME", we all appreciate a little bit of bling to brighten up our lives.
How about adding a few new accessories for your Home?
Solution #1: Ever consider replacing those knobs in your kitchen or your bathroom? It is amazing the positive change that may evolve from just replacing a bit of hardware.
If you are crafty enough, you could always just use a little spray paint to your current knobs which is more of a simple and less expensive solution.
Solution #2: Replacing light fixtures can also give your home a fresh new look. You really do not have to jump into having a ceiling fan/light combo but by going this route it will allow you to adjust your heating & cooling.
Choosing a lamp
will not only add color and texture to an unused corner but it will also brighten and make this area more welcoming.
Friends may say your space appears like you have added square footage to your home.
Solution #3: Window coverings are always a quick fix for a new change. Whether you chose a new drapery or sheers, or go the extra mile and replace your blinds you will see an immediate change.
Adding new window hardware is another idea.
Solution #4: Pillows, pillows & more pillows!
Need I say more?
Posted on Thu, Jan 19, 2012
Founded in 1972, Taylored Restoration is one of Alaska's leading Remodeling and Renovation Companies. Now offering services in Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley and Fairbanks, we are a customer-focused company that has completed thousands of home projects. We strive to serve our "Customers for Life!"
Our carpenters and subcontractors are carefully screened and chosen to meet the highest standard of excellence. We have a highly skilled workforce and a commitment to stay at the leading edge of the industry. We do this by providing a learning and supportive environment for our employees.
Our family is in its third generation in Alaska and we have a strong interest in the well-being of our community. Taylored Restoration and the company team have contributed time and money to many community projects including the local Chapter of the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Beacon Hill, AWAIC, AHBA Care Endowment and Covenant House.
Posted on Mon, Jan 16, 2012
With more daylight in store you may be admiring the beautiful blanket of snow on your roof. A couple of questions may come to mind:
- Will such a natural beauty cause damage to our home? Possibly.
- Will this blanket of snow help in keep our home more insulated? Yes, but not in a good way and here's why.
By having additional snow on your roof will insulate but it is a type of insulation that you do not want as the attic area was designed to keep cool. With this blanket of snow it could create problems such as an "Ice Dam".
What is an Ice Dam? It is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof. This ridge can continue growing over time without being detected.
How does an Ice Dam form? When temperatures in your attic gets "above" the freezing mark, the snow begins to melt trickling down your shingles, again being undetected for a matter of time. During this melting phase, water will run down your roof but will begin to freeze again once it reaches the cooler area of your eaves. Repeating this process will allow the ice to build up and cause damage.
What damage could an Ice Dam do?
- You may experience leaking in your home in areas such as a ceiling fixture, above windows or any areas that the vapor barrier has been cut in the construction or remodel process allows warmer air to escape.
- The ice dam eventually will back its way up the roof, traveling under the shingles making its way to the plywood creating other leaks and problems.
What ways can we identify a possible Ice Dam problem?
- Icicles
- Unexplained areas on your roof that are more clear of snow than others.
What ways can we fix this problem?
- Carefully remove the snow from your roof either by using a "roof rake" and/or a push broom working upwards from the lower area of the dam.
- Be careful not to chop or otherwise damage the roof itself. If the ice is too thick, just remove the snow.
A word of caution: Working on a roof during the winter months is risking damage to the roof and your house. Contacting a professional may be beneficial to assure the job is done correctly thus protecting your home and its value.
Posted on Tue, Jan 10, 2012
This time of year we see all sorts of television commercials, posters, emails, etc all about organization. But where shall we begin? It is almost like we are all standing at the edge of a cliff in fear. Experts assure us that it is not all that frightening.
Today, let's begin with the closet. Some are lucky to have the stylish closet organizers. If you do then clear everything out of your closet, re-group and go back in. Suddenly, there is more square footage. If you do not, there is no time like the present to add this to your home improvement plans but still, get in there, Champ!
Time: Give yourself at least one hour without interruptions to begin this project. Make it fun by adding a little music to this event if you like. You make the rules!
Categorize: Separate your clothing into categories such as dress wear, casual wear or play wear. Hang accordingly. If that is not your thing, then go crazy and sort by color. Again, you make the rules.
Donation: Get yourself a storage tub or a simple box for the "donation" pile. You may store this tub elsewhere after your project "du joir" so the other members of your home can also contribute. Then make a point to deliver these items to your local charity or have them pick up your donated items. It's as simple as a telephone call.
Shoe storage: Ladies, store your shoes on the shelves with one toe pointing in and the other pointing out. This will allow more storage for your shoes as well as you being able to see both the color and the heel size of each pair. If you do not have those special closet organizer shelves there is nothing preventing you to use the very top shelf of your closet for this same idea. A little stretching might be good for us all!
Reward: Reward yourself for tackling this project and any other that you take on. Something simple as a nice salad, a cold libation, whatever you make it. This is your game, it's your home so have fun and get those projects done one by one.
Posted on Thu, Jan 05, 2012
There are people that have a clear vision when it comes to updating and remodeling your home and there are others that just do not. That's why Showrooms are helpful as they supply you with the visual "eye candy", so to speak, that will allow decision making a bit easier. Showroom specialists will assist you in finding the perfect design that suits your tastes for your Home or Office.
What is your current style? Your home reflects your personal style and like many things, your style may change as your family or lifestyle changes. So it is OK to have a home design makeover.
Where to begin? Do your research, if you have the time, otherwise ask friends or co-workers for referrals. It is amazing on how "referrals" are one of the top ways that people find a company that they trust for their project.
Next, make an appointment with the company you choose to discuss your ideas with the expert and to see what their Showroom has to offer. Not only you will be able to see, touch and examine these items but you may also check your favorite sample(s) out to see if they feel right in the privacy of your own home. By bringing in drawings or magazines of ideas that you may have, will also give the Showroom Specialist a visual of the direction you would like to take.
CABINETS: Many styles, colors and qualities available. A style for every budget!
FLOORING: Laminates, hardwood, vinyl, carpet and more!
Showrooms should also have photos available of projects that have completed, some hopefully before and after. So whether you are hoping for something as simple as blinds, cabinets, new flooring or more, make that call today to begin the process in order to avoid the summer rush!
Posted on Sat, Dec 31, 2011
What is your New Year's Resolution? How about a New Year's "Solution" for your Home? Whether it is a new kitchen, bathroom remodel or starting out the new year with fresh, clean carpets we have a solution for any budget.
This is a great time to begin planning for a remodel whether it is big or small. It's tempting to wait until hibernation is nearly over but that is the time that everyone is thinking the same thing.
Take the time now from day dreaming to putting those dreams towards a reality. Not 100% sure of what you want? We will work closely with you thoughout this process to develop cost-effective plans with which you are comfortable. Grab your magazine pictures and give us a call! We have an on-site Showroom full of great ideas!
KITCHEN
Sometimes just replacing the countertops is the simple fix to put a permanent smile upon your face. Otherwise we can assist you with production selection, custom design, paint, flooring choices and more to make your kitchen dreams come true!
By having magazine pictures in hand upon your visit will give our experts an idea for the direction for which you would like to go with your design.
BATHROOM
A bathroom remodel sometimes can be as simple as replacing the vanity and faucet as we have shown here. The vanity cabinet was upgraded and the vanity top is now marble with an undermount sink.
This simple and inexpensive solution made this bathroom look and real more luxurious. Otherwise we can go the extra mile to give you the spa like feel of your dreams!
CARPET & CARPET CLEANING
We take pride in our highly trained carpet technicians. They have been trained under the national guidelines established by the IICRC. These technicians use the best equipment and methods available to clean and protect your carpet and upholstery.
Hate your carpet? Give us a call - we can replace your carpet as well.
We have given you a few solutions for your New Year's Resolution! Have a Safe and Happy New Year from the experts at TAYLORED RESTORATION SERVICES in Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley and Fairbanks, Alaska.
Posted on Sun, Dec 25, 2011
Merry Christmas from the Taylored Restoration Family to you and yours!
