Small Improvements to Make to Your Louisville KY Home

  • 03 Nov, 2021
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It’s fall now, but winter is right around the corner and soon you’ll be cozying up indoors, holiday hosting friends, wrapping presents with family, and decorating for the season. But is your home ready for a season of staying inside with your loved ones? Do you need to make some repairs, add functionality, or beautify your space? Keep reading for our list of holiday home improvement ideas. While it may be too late to fit in any major renovations, there are plenty of simple improvements that will have you singing  "there’s no place like home for the holidays!”

Small Improvements to Make to Your Louisville KY Home

Revamp the Old

Giving the poorly-aged areas of your home a facelift is one of the simplest ways to get your home feeling fresh and comfortable for the holidays. To start, investigate the areas of your home that have accumulated the most wear and tear over the years. 

Walls and floors are two areas that are often damaged during day-to-day life. You can clean marks off your walls or paint over them. If you’re thinking about selling your home anytime soon, use neutral paint colors since it’s easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in a more neutral space. Replacing damaged floors will also rejuvenate your home and there’s nothing worse than seeing your beautiful hardwood flooring covered in scratch marks. If you want something particularly luxurious for your floors, replace the carpet. Having plush, soft carpeting will make you never want to leave the house! 

Bathrooms and kitchens are two other areas that tend to need restoration. They’re also areas where lots of dirt and grime end up. So, take the time to find and fix any cracked caulk where mold or mildew may be hiding. You can give your kitchen a new look by using a new stain or paint on your cabinets or by replacing your countertops. New facets and drawer handles are another way to switch up your aesthetic. And, while you’re at it, try swapping your old doorknobs and other fixtures for more stylish ones!

Small Improvements to Make to Your Louisville, KY Home

Add Something New 

There’s no better way to revitalize your space than adding something new. That something new could bring added functionality to your busy life or, at the very least, it’ll give you something different to look at.

The kitchen is a great room for a few additions. You can make it more functional for holiday hosting by installing new appliances, a mini-fridge, or a bar. Consider investing in water-efficient or energy-efficient appliances to start saving on your utilities. To beautify your kitchen, add a backsplash, which can also make Christmas dinner clean-up much easier! 

Focusing your additions on the main areas of your home will make them more noticeable and enjoyable both for yourself and visitors. You can do this by adding wood trim or crown molding around your main entertaining areas to inspire elegance and sophistication. You could also open up your home and promote better traffic flow by knocking out a wall or two. 

Make it warm and cozy in your living room by adding a fireplace or redoing your mantel if you already have one. It’s also worthwhile to look into converting to an electric or gas fireplace if you have a wood-burning one.

Another way to freshen up your house is by adding new light fixtures or decorations. A new lamp or two can change the mood of your lighting to make your home more welcoming and a new rug, throw pillows, or statement wall could give your décor the refresh it needs.

Installing home electronics is another sure-fire way to spruce the place up. A flat panel television and surround sound system will make watching your favorite holiday movies way more fun! While you’re at it, installing a programmable thermostat can save you money by using less energy on heating and cooling while you’re away from home, asleep, or at any other specified time. 

Small Improvements to Make to Your Louisville KY Home

Get the Most for Your Money

When you’re making home upgrades keep in mind which ones will add to the value of your home in the future. Generally speaking, upgrades that make the home feel more spacious, like finishing a basement or attic, or improve your curb appeal, such as a new front door or garage door, are good investments. 

HGTV says a minor bathroom or kitchen remodel, exterior improvements, an attic or bedroom conversion, and replacing windows are among the best upgrades for your money. To see how much various home improvement projects cost in Louisville compared to the added value they’ll bring when you sell, check out the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report.

 

Plan Ahead

More often than not, homeownership is about preparation or maintenance and there’s always a lot of work to be done before winter comes. Here are a few things to make sure you have sorted out before the cold.

If you like to have a festive exterior, make sure you plan out your holiday light display and schedule time to put it up in advance. Or, if you don’t have time this year, you can or hire someone to come install it for you. Preparing for snow is also a good idea. You can buy yourself a new shovel and snow removal equipment or you can hire a snow removal service. Additionally, you’ll want to tune-up your furnace before the cold comes and tend to any other routine home maintenance like replacing old roofing or siding. Oh, and don’t forget to fix any damaged appliances. Check out our tips for maintaining your Louisville home or contact our maintenance experts for help!

 

Ready to Create Your Perfect Home for the Holidays? 

There’s no one better to handle your home improvement projects than Louisville’s #1 Handyman — and that’s us! We offer a wide variety of services to meet our customer’s needs and we’ll provide you with an experienced handyman. While you’re busy making holiday preparations, let us take care of your home!

 

Schedule your consultation to remodel or repair your Louisville KY home

Discover the Latest Design Trends for 2024
As we head into spring, exciting new design trends are emerging, ready to transform your house into a haven of comfort, beauty, and functionality. Here's our take on the hottest trends that will be taking over: Beyond the Backsplash: A Focal Point for Kitchens: Forget the simple tile squares! Kitchen backsplashes are becoming a statement piece in 2024. Think larger-scale from the countertops to the ceiling behind the cooktop with accent tile/pattern behind the cooktop, creating a dramatic focal point. Explore colorful tiles or bold patterns, mosaics, or unique materials like natural stone for a touch of luxury. We can help you select the perfect backsplash material, size, and design to create a show-stopping kitchen that wows. Fluted Finesse: Adding Depth and Dimension: Fluted details are taking the design world by storm, adding a touch of texture and visual interest to various elements in your home. Imagine sleek, fluted vanities in your bathroom, a striking fluted island in your kitchen, or even stylish fluted furniture in your living room. We can incorporate fluted elements seamlessly into your existing design or create entirely new pieces with this captivating detail. Comfort Reigns Supreme: The Warm Neutral Resurgence: Bid farewell to the stark coolness of recent years. Warm neutrals are making a delightful comeback, infusing homes with a sense of warmth, comfort, and timeless elegance. Think creamy whites, soothing beiges, and comforting taupes. These versatile hues create a welcoming ambiance that serves as a perfect canvas for pops of color or bold statement pieces. Our design team will work with you to create a warm neutral color palette that compliments your existing décor and personal taste. Embrace the Blues: A Color for Every Mood: Looking to add a dash of personality? Look no further than the color blue, the undisputed trendsetter of 2024. From calming sky blues to rich navy shades, there's a perfect shade of blue to suit every mood and design aesthetic. Imagine a tranquil spa-like bathroom in serene blue hues, a sophisticated living room with a bold navy accent wall, or a playful children's room painted in a cheerful turquoise. We can help you incorporate this versatile color into your remodeling project, whether through paint, tile accents, or statement furniture. A Touch of Time: Vintage Finds with Modern Flair: Vintage and antique pieces are making a grand return, adding a touch of character and storytelling to contemporary spaces. Imagine a mid-century modern sideboard juxtaposed with sleek modern furniture in your living room, or a stunning antique mirror gracing your newly remodeled bathroom. Our team can help you integrate these unique pieces into your design, creating a space that's both timeless and personalized. The Beauty of the Handmade: A Personal Touch: Uniqueness and artisanal touches are becoming increasingly sought-after in home design. Expect to see more handcrafted elements like pottery, handwoven textiles, and artisan lighting in 2024. These pieces add a personal touch and infuse your space with warmth and character. You can collaborate with local artisans or source handcrafted pieces that perfectly complement your vision, creating a home that truly reflects your individual style. Functionality with Finesse: Stylish Storage Solutions: Gone are the days of bulky, cluttered storage spaces. In 2024, functionality and style go hand-in-hand. We can help you design clever storage solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Imagine hidden appliance garages that keep your kitchen sleek and streamlined, or custom-designed shelving that adds a touch of elegance while keeping your belongings neatly organized. Reimagining the Classics: The Modern Herringbone: The classic herringbone pattern is getting a modern makeover in 2024. Expect to see unexpected materials like metal tiles or wood in herringbone patterns, alongside bold color combinations. This adds a touch of sophistication and visual interest to any space, whether used on floors, backsplashes, or accent walls. We can help you incorporate this classic pattern with a modern twist, creating a timeless yet unique design element in your home. The Mudroom Makeover: More Than Just a Boot Room: Mudrooms are no longer just functional spaces for dumping dirty shoes and sports gear. These hardworking rooms are being reimagined as stylish and functional entryways. Imagine a mudroom with built-in storage for coats, backpacks, and shoes, complete with a designated cleaning station or charging area for electronics. We're here to turn these design trends into reality. Our team of experienced designers, craftsmen, and project managers will work closely with you to understand your vision and create a personalized remodeling plan that reflects your unique style and functional needs. Whether you're looking for a complete kitchen overhaul, a luxurious bathroom retreat, or a stylish mudroom makeover, we have the expertise and passion to bring your dream home to life. Contact us today for a free consultation and let's start creating your dream space!
Designing a Pet-Friendly Home: Crafting Spaces for Our Furry Friends
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how people view their pets. Instead of merely being animals that share our homes, they're considered family members, affectionately termed 'fur babies.' This change in perspective is reflected in the design of modern homes, where more and more homeowners are considering the needs of their pets when crafting living spaces. From flooring to feeding areas, pet-friendly homes have unique features that cater to the comfort and well-being of furry friends. Here, we explore some of the essential elements that make a home more pet-friendly. 1. Pet-Safe Flooring: Flooring is a crucial aspect of a pet-friendly home. While hardwood floors are beautiful and add warmth to a space, they can be easily scratched by pets' nails. Similarly, carpets can trap odors and are more challenging to clean, especially if pets have accidents. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are more durable options that are easy to clean and resistant to scratches and stains. Ceramic and porcelain tile are good options but are much more costly. You will also want to consider an epoxy grout or grout with an additive to avoid noticeable stains or discoloration from potential pet issues.. 2. Pet Washing Station: A dedicated space for washing pets is incredibly convenient. A pet washing station typically features a large sink or tub, with a handheld showerhead, and storage for pet grooming supplies. This area can be designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the bathroom or laundry room. The washing station should have a non-slip floor to prevent pets from slipping and injuring themselves. A lower cost option would be changing out the shower head in the bathroom and making it removable, or increasing the size of a sink to be more conducive to washing your furry friends. 3. Pet Doors: Pet doors provide freedom and independence to pets while keeping them safe. These doors can be installed in exterior doors, leading to the backyard or a designated pet area. They come in various sizes and can be electronic, allowing only your pet to use them. It is essential to choose a pet door that is the right size for your pet and that seals tightly to prevent drafts and pests from entering your home. 4. Feeding Area: A built-in feeding station can house pet food and water bowls, preventing spills and making it easier to clean. These stations can be as simple as a raised platform with storage underneath or as elaborate as a custom-built cabinet with automatic feeders. It is essential to choose a feeding station that is the right height for your pet to prevent neck and back strain. 5. Built-In Kennels: For pet owners who want to keep their pets confined while they're away or need a safe space during storms or fireworks, built-in kennels are an excellent option. These can be integrated into the laundry room, garage, or even under a staircase, providing a cozy spot for pets to retreat. The kennel should be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. 6. Space for Pets to Hang Out: Animals love to be where the action is, so providing them with a space to hang out near the family is essential. This could be a window seat, a corner of the living room with a comfortable pet bed, or even a dedicated pet-friendly piece of furniture like a couch with a removable cover. It is essential to provide your pet with a comfortable place to relax and rest. 7. Cat Bathroom with Auto-Cleaning Station for Litter Box: For cat owners, a litter box can be a necessary but sometimes unpleasant part of pet ownership. An auto-cleaning litter box eliminates the need for constant scooping and odor control. It can be housed in a dedicated cat bathroom with easy-to-clean walls and floors. This area should be separate from the rest of the home to prevent odors from spreading. 8. Ramps: As pets age, they may develop mobility issues. Installing ramps or steps can help them navigate the home more easily, especially if they struggle with stairs. These can be designed to blend in with the home's decor and can be easily moved or removed as needed. It is essential to provide your pet with a safe and comfortable way to access different areas of your home. Designing a pet-friendly home is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a space that enhances the quality of life for both the homeowner and their beloved pets. By incorporating elements like pet-safe flooring, washing stations, feeding areas, built-in kennels, hangout spaces, auto-cleaning litter boxes, and ramps, homeowners can create a home that is comfortable, convenient, and safe for their furry companions. Pet owners can take inspiration from these ideas and work with architects or interior designers to customize them to their specific needs and preferences. With a little planning and creativity, it's possible to create a home that is not only stylish but also perfectly suited for the needs of our furry friends.