My Home Redux

Inspiring Kitchen Designs and Remodels

Even if your kitchen is small and your budget minute, there are bound to be an idea or two in the 10 photos of these gorgeous top-end kitchens to inspire you.

For the rest of the world - literally - here's a slideshow of kitchen remodels and makeovers. Some are very reasonably done.  In fact, if you look closely there are two themes to improving your kitchen:  remove clutter and paint your cabinets. Long-time readers of MyHomeRedux.com know that I often suggest that the easiest and cheapest way to update your kitchen is to paint or restain your cabinets.  See all 24 remodels here.

[Editor Note:  Photo from www.diynetwork.com. Photography by Stephen Gary. Design by Vaness DeLeon.]

Powder Room Ideas and Photos

Often overlooked is the powder room. It's small and unassuming, yet often, it is the only bathroom your guests will see.  So make it great!  And because of it's small size, you can be a bit more extravagant without breaking the bank.  See a slideshow of various upscale powder room here.

[Editor Note:  Photo courtesy of www.diynetwork.com]

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Veteran reader of My Home Redux and long-time friend, Terri, asked about kitchen backsplash ideas to go with her granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. She was especially interested in glass tiles but didn't want something so trendy that it would go out of style right away.

Glass tiles are beautiful  As long as you use a non-scratch cleanser, they're easy to maintain.  To avoid becoming the backsplash equivalent of an avocado refridgerator, just stick to classic designs and colors. The colorless (tends to look like green) and bright blues will likely show their age before more traditional and conservative colors. Also, be sure to coordinate the tile with your countertops for a harmonious look.

Here is an excellent site that gives tips and hints and many links to see glass tiles and designs.

Also, here is a photo gallery of various backsplashes - glass tile, stone, and more - from HGTV.

These two sites are sure to get your creative juices flowing.

[Editor Note:  Photo is from homeimprovement.lovetonow.com.]

Before and After Basement Remodel and Decorating Projects

One of the best ways to expand the living space and usable area of your home is to finish a basement. Also, what worked when your children were small(er), now may not.

Here are plenty of before and after photos to show designer ideas to remodel and decorate basements. You'll be amazed of what you can do.  See the photos here.

Basements with low ceilings pose unique challenges. Get advice in this article.

The key to any basement work is to make sure your basement is suitable for finishing. Check out these five important tips.

[Editor Note:  Photo is from HGTV.com]

Dining Room Decor Ideas

Dining rooms are often one of the most luxuriously decorated rooms in your home. These examples are no exception. One interesting trend I've noticed is a dining room that actually looks like it was converted from a living room  or parlor like the one shown here.  Since it's a room more likely to be used, it may be a good use of the space, provided the traffic flow works well from the kitchen.

Take a look at all of these gorgeous dining rooms here.

[Editor Note:  Photo from Goodhousekeeping.com]

Decorating Ideas for Small Bathrooms in Photos

Check out these clever and varied ideas to upgrade the look of any small bathroom. It just goes to show that while a bath may be small, creativity never is.  I especially like this idea of using a sideboard as a vanity.  I have long recommended using dressers as vanities.

See the small bathroom photo gallery here.

[Editor Note:  Photo by marilyn819]

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas and Photos

In addition to the cool whites and blues of this kitchen, I especially like some of the ideas they show, especially how they made an island themselves and used heavy balusters for the island legs, turned an antique china hutch into a wet bar, and made a walk-in pantry so you can put all your stuff and shut the door to hide the clutter. (I have a strong tendency for clutter, myself.)

Check out these photos and get some ideas for yourself.

[Editor Note:  Photo from Traditionalhome.com]

Home Remodeling Photos

Need ideas from any project from your kitchen to your patio?  Check out this site, CalFinders.com.

Browse through their various photos of actual projects they've done and get ideas for your home.

They also provide a free contractor finder service.

Check it all out here.

[Editor Note:  Photo courtesy of Delta Builders.]

What are Plantation Shutters?

You've seen shutters on windows?  But what are plantation shutters?  Basically there is no difference, but the term refers to their origin.  Plantation shutters can be a beautiful way to filter light, add accent to a window, and still allow you the option of keeping a window view entirely free.

Learn more about plantation shutters here.

And see the many ways to use plantation shutters in any room in your home in this gallery of photos.

[Editor Note:  Photo from Shutterclassic.com]

Painted Glass for Colorful, Easy-to-Clean Kitchen Backsplashes

Glass tiles are very popular right now. However, they come in mosaics which means many grout lines and very textured look. But now you can get the same material but in solid sheets - painted glass. The paint and color is behind the glass for easy clean up, no chipping, fading, or cracking. While it lends itself to a very clean, modern, urban look, I also saw examples at a recent home improvement show of use in very traditional style kitchens. This product would be available and installed by a glass, mirror, or shower door manufacturer.  In the Chicagoland area, check out www.creativemirror.com.  Look at this gallery of kitchen backsplashes using painted colorful glass.

[Editor Note:  Photo copyright and courtesy of Creative Mirror and Shower. Please NO downloading.]