Showing posts with label breakfast nook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breakfast nook. Show all posts

Monday, March 22, 2010

Investing in your home with Lunada

For those who have been able to weather the storm on the housing market, there is no time like the present to invest in your largest asset: your home.  Better Homes and Gardens just published an article talking about the top 20 small remodeling projects that will increase the value of your home and I thought they had some great points. (I won't list all of them, but the top 10)

1. Add a fireplace
       -Everyone loves them, they add warmth and a natural focal point to any space.
2. Install a bay window
       -In case you missed our breakfast nook blog (see below) window seats are great architectural elements that add square footage without effecting your floor plan!
3. Replace windows and doors
       -This will save you tons of money on your energy bills and add curb appeal!
4. Refinish wood floors
       -A messy job that can be done on your own, but we suggest using professionals to get a big impact that will make you fall in love all over with your wood floors.
5. Add a bathroom
       -Buyers often feel that older homes don't have enough bathrooms and can be a deal breaker!
6.Replace old plumbing fixtures with new ones (and they don't have to be the most expensive)
       -Faucets, showerheads, tub fillers, etc can be a weekend project and make all the difference.  Go with a finish like a Brushed Nickel, it always looks great and will prevent dating your home. 
7. Create a master bath suite
      -By adding a second sink, closing off that toilet to create a water closet, converting your shower so that it can be a steam shower, are all easy solutions to create a master suite in a snap.
8. Replace countertops
      -Nothing looks dingier than an old crusty countertop.  The kitchen is the heart of the house and the Rep. your local stone yard can be your most valuable asset. They will do all the work for you!
9. Upgrade appliances
      -2 words: stainless steel. OK 4 words: stainless steel, Energy Star. Done.
10. Create a backyard oaisis
      -We are lucky enough to live in Southern California and the weather has started to get nicer.  Grab some new patio furniture, a fire pit (those can be found for as little as $50), replace those old light fixtures (or string up those white X-Mas lights that are sitting in the attic anyways) and clean up the old BBQ to create a beautiful space to spend time with family and friends.

In the end, all of these small projects will create drama and put money in your pocket.  Most of these you can do yourself, but if you start to feel overwhelmed, just know Lunada is here for you!

To read the entire article go to Better Homes and Gardens

To get a little inspiration, be sure to visit Lunada's Website.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Breakfast Nooks

One of the things that Jane always talks about with clients is that they should be honest about the way they live. When people hire designers, they have the opportunity to design their home for the way they live. For example, formal dinners are things that are now done only a couple times a year, and people's formal dining rooms are collecting dust and taking up valuable real estate. Now I am not proposing that homes be built without dining rooms, but instead of families eating around the TV every night breakfast nooks are a great alternative for everyday dining. Located conveniently off of the kitchen you are able to sit across the table from your family as opposed to next to them at island seating or in separate rooms. Moving even further into breakfast nooks, you can add a bench seating that offers hidden storage beneath the cushions or even a window seat. Window seats are great opportunities for increasing your space without affecting the square footage!! You can also add elements like a butlers pantry, skylights, pantry, etc. Casual dining is realistic. And just because you just redesigned your formal dining room doesn't mean you are going to use it more. Don't feel guilty, just realize the potential for other rooms in your home, like your breakfast nook.

Here are 2 great examples of Lunada breakfast nooks:








Be sure to check out Lunada's website to view more projects: www.lunadaconsulting.com