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Even if you’re remodeling on a budget, you can have those luxuries that seem out of reach. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, basement or even considering an addition, architects and interior designers have the insider tips to making those remodeling luxuries more affordable. Read on so you can, too.
Affordable Kitchen Luxuries:Granite countertops: Natural stone
countertops, such as granite, marble and soapstone, are considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than
most kitchens. While natural stone looks very attractive, when installed in solid pieces it is the most expensive countertop
option.
Make it more affordable: A less expensive option that will offerthe
same appearance is to have the stone installed in pieces. Once the stone is cut into squares it can be applied like ceramic
tiles with grout. An added bonus: the individual squares can be easily replaced if severely damaged. Or consider a granite
overlay on your existing countertops.
Stone tile backsplash: Whether
it be granite, marble or other natural stone, if you have a stone countertop, you'll want to finish it off with a stone tile
backsplash to protect your wall. But,as always natural stone is expensive.
Make it more affordable: Rather than adding the usual horizontal backsplash, consider turning those tiles sideways (like a diamond).This provides
a unique look and also saves on the number of tiles you will need.
Custom cabinets: With a seemingly unending selectionof finish options, trims and cabinet configurations designed specifically to fit
your kitchen, custom-built cabinets can truly personalize a kitchen in a way that standard cabinets do not.
Make it more affordable: Get the look of custom-built cabinetsat a
lower cost by ordering
semi-custom cabinets. Simple modifications such as height, depth and width can provide a more finished look.Mixing cabinet
heights throughout the kitchen creates a further customized appearance.
Wood flooring: Wood flooring is a beautiful option throughout a home, but it may be out of your budget.
Make
it more affordable: Consider laminate. Laminate woodflooring, such as Pergo™ , is much less
expensive and available in avariety of wood grain patterns. Even more important, the average eye will not be able to discern
the difference.
Ornate crown moldings: Crown moldings is a great way
to add architectural elements and interest to an ordinary room. The more ornate the molding, however, the higher the cost.
Make it more affordable: Rather than using large, expensive moldings, try purchasing smaller
molding that can stack together to create the illusion of the larger, more ornate pieces.
Affordable Bathroom Luxuries
Brass
bathroom fixtures: Brass and nickel are at the top ofthe line when it comes to bathroom fixtures,
but they also come with a top-of-the-line price tag.
Make it more affordable: Yes, brass or nickel bathroom fixtures are more expensive, but combining one of these finishes with chrome creates
a popular, two-tone look which can stretch your budget further.
Jacuzzi tub: Bathrooms have become a haven from the rest of the world and there's no better way to relax than to soak away your
stress in a jetted tub.
Make it more affordable: Consider installing
a one-person whirlpool tub. Not only does this cost less than the traditional two-person, but it can also fit in the footprint
of standard bathtub so you will not need to do additional construction on your bathroom to create space.
Radiant floor heating: Waking up to a warm bathroom on a chilly morning is certainly a luxury.
Radiant floor heating is installed underneath your bathroom tile to heat up the floor and keep the room warm, helping you
ease into the day on the coldest of mornings.
Make it more affordable:
For a less expensive option to heating up that bathroom, try recessed infrared heat lamps to beat the cold.
Affordable
Basement Luxuries:
Fireplace: A fireplace can do wonders to cozy up a basement,but installing
a traditional brick fireplace after a home is built can be very costly not to mention difficult. A gas fireplace will cost
less, but also requires the proper ventilation which may be difficult to install later. And, a difficult job always costs
more money.
Make it more affordable: A simulated fireplace is all electricand
requires no ventilation. Though not providing a real fire, the fireplace does provide the illusion of flames as well as some
heat,offering a nice spot to cozy up in front.
Natural stone flooring:
Natural stone flooring, such as granite, marble, or slate is very hot right now, but also expensive.
Make it more affordable: Install ceramic tile reproductions for the same look at a lower cost.
These reproductions are a great alternative at a lower cost and many homeowners can't tell the difference by looking at them.
Expensive wall treatments: Adding texture to walls has become a popular way to finish them.
Walls can be covered in wood,fabric, heavy natural papers (not wallpaper) and other materials, but the cost of these materials,
not to mention the labor, can add up.
Make it more affordable: If you
can't afford it, faux it. Fauxpainting can mimic nearly every texture that exists and some you've never thought of putting
on your walls. Faux painting incorporates decorative and special paint finishes, such as glazing, sponging,ragging, wood graining
and even freehand designs. Textured products can also create three-dimensional effects. Products applied in can look and feel
like real stone, crumbling masonry, or peeling paint for an European country look. Textured paints containing solid materials
like silica can make walls resemble suede. Other popular finishes includelinen, grass cloth or denim.
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