The warmer weather is here and home improvement is perfect during the warmer months! Whether you’re looking to add new color and mouldings to your dining room walls or your ceiling in your master bedroom could use some pizzazz, there’s no better way than with finished trim work. It’s always exciting to see what interior finishing manufacturers feature in their lines to take your flat walls to dynamic with the addition of baseboards, crown molding, casings and more. I’m excited to pair with Metrie Interior Finishing to show you how creative home renovation for your bathroom remodel, kitchen remodeling project or any room in your home can be reinvented using their versatile finishes.

Creative Home Improvement Ideas with Metrie Interior Finishing

How to reinvent your home improvement project with interior mouldings

I remember 15-20 years ago in interior design crown molding, wainscoting, chair rails and using extensive trim was reserved for affluent homes. Dining rooms, grand foyers, and elaborate bedrooms with coffered ceilings would offer gorgeous trim details with a hefty price tag as well. Today, trim interior finishings have become a great way to add on to the ROI (return on investment) of your home if you’re considering selling it, or it’s a nice way to upgrade your interior walls without having to perform an entire home renovation.

Take a look at these creative Metrie lines to help you discover your architectural style

(Click on each to explore the profiles available for each)

French Curves – If you’re drawn to sculptural curves and glamour, or you’re inspired by the classic forms of the Baroque and Empire periods, this line is for you.

Very Square – Art Deco meets Asian Zen. If you’re drawn to strong, crisp lines and precise geometry, this collection is a great place to start.

Fashion Forward – Each of the three scenes in this collection are transitional, melding traditional and modern – leaving enough room for next year’s hottest trend.

Pretty Simple – Are you attracted to symmetry, but don’t consider yourself a true minimalist? Then you’ll want to explore this collection, inspired by the charming aesthetic and decorative detail of the Colonial period.

True Craft – There’s nothing quite like the aesthetic created by the Craftsman, Mission and Prairie Style movements. Simple, linear, direct. Use these elements as the setting to create a Southwest Style with sun-washed tones.

Bring emphasis to your walls and don’t forget the ceiling:

What I love about the different Metrie lines are the ability to transform your interiors based on your home’s design style, your taste, or whatever trends fit your mood. Adding ceiling details are perfect for low or high ceilings and sloped ceilings get a whole new ambiance when trim mouldings are added. Metrie has a line called Ikons that feature interior trim detail rosettes to transform your ceilings, fireplace, at the top of door trim and more.

Isn’t this rosette Ikons gorgeous on this fireplace detail?

Need help designing your room before you buy? Metrie’s Room Styler is for you:

Try out Metrie crown molding, baseboards, interior finishes virtually to see how the finished look will resonate with you.

Click here to try out the Room Styler – virtual room planner.

Try home improvement before you spend any money! Here’s what you can do with the Room Styler:

• Digitally customize the look of a room using moulding and interior doors from our Then & Now Finishing Collections
• Design professionals can share with clients
• Homeowners can share with family members and friends by email or social media.
• You can even print out a shopping list of the products you selected to create your room.

We’d love to hear how you plan on reinventing your interior walls and ceilings with Metrie interior finishings.

Join the conversation with Metrie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!

However, before you decide on that old rickety house and breakout all your tools, you need to first understand what you’re getting into. If you don’t have much experience with fixing up homes, there’s a chance you could overlook something so significant that it either blows your budget or makes the home unfixable. Before you buy a fixer upper, be sure you don’t overlook these areas.

Choosing a Fixer Upper Home? Essential Tips to Consider

 

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Inspect the Home’s Foundation

The home’s foundation is one of the most important elements of a home. Damage to the foundation can make the home unstable, be the cause of flooding, or allow rodents and pests to get in and out of the home. Before you decide on a home, be sure that you thoroughly inspect the foundation. Go into the basement and walk along the walls. Look for signs of water damage, cracks, holes, or rotting. You can even look for signs of previous repair, as this will let you know that you may have a potential problem on your hands. If you find any issues, reconsider buying the house carefully. Fixing a foundation can be extremely expensive, as you may need to jack the house up in order to do so.

Look Through the Attic & the Roof

The attic and the roof can say a lot about a home, so you want to be sure you really inspect these areas before deciding to buy. Check the attic and look for signs of water damage or rot. If you notice any, chances are you’ll need to replace the wood in order to keep the home safe and stable. You should also check the roof for signs of damage. If you notice any gaps, holes, warping, or rotting, you’ll need to factor in the cost of roofing materials to your budget.

HVAC – Is the Heating and Air Conditioning Working Correctly?

Chances are you don’t live in an area that offers perfect weather every day, which means that you’ll need a way to warm up or cool down the house. Be sure that you inspect the current HVAC system that’s in place. Look for signs of damage, or even try turning it on to see if it works. You also should make sure the HVAC system is up to code or made to your liking. For example, if the home window air conditioning units, you may want to splurge on a central heating and cooling system instead. If you don’t factor this into your renovation, you could end up with a pricey fix on your hand.

Check the Plumbing Pipes & System

Having underlying plumbing problems can become a major expense. This is why it’s very important you thoroughly inspect the plumbing components of your potential home. Make sure you look for signs of damage, rot, or mold. You should also be sure to turn every faucet on and off to check the water pressure and see how the water drains. If you’re unsure of the home’s plumbing, you can always hire a professional to inspect the home’s system for any issues.

Don’t Make a Home Purchase Blindly

Having a fixer upper can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be a financial nightmare. Be sure that you keep a keen eye on these areas of the home to ensure you’re not buying a money pit.

For more home maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Refreshing and renovating the home is an effective way of keeping both boredom and cabin fever at bay during the winter season. Bathroom makeovers can make your home feel warm and comfortable and can help in speeding the winter months along. Bathroom renovation is also important because family members and guests use this place frequently. Check these suggestions to give your bathroom a facelift during this nippy weather.

Bathroom Remodel Ideas: Essential Winter Updates

Image via: Castle Harbour Homes

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Change the Rug

Bath remodel ideas don’t have to be expensive, a bath rug is the first thing that your feet touch after entering the bathroom. So, it should be cozy to give you a good feel and it should be attractive to beautify the place. Dispose of your old, shaggy piece of fabric and bring an Oriental rug that will be fitting to both winter and fall decorations. These rugs tend to be colorful and their rich colors will also warm up the place. Add a rug pad too to ensure comfort and prevent slips.

Update the Walls and Windows

Many of today’s modern bathrooms are crisp and white but the thought of white during the winter season does not seem to be a warm one. Whether you use paint, tile, or wall coverings, think beyond the usual bathroom color palettes. Bring on something that will be cheering and possibly reflect the essence of holidays.  Decorate the walls and windows with removable wall snowflake decals.  Look for detailed glittering design that will reflect light. This update will not take more than just a few minutes.

Image via: John Bessler

Bath Remodel Ideas: New Bathroom Accessories

You do not have to spend much money for this update but it will greatly change the look of the bathroom. Colorful seasonal towels with embroidered snowmen or penguins are available in any departmental store. Close to the bathtub, shower, and sink, hang thick and fluffy bath towels. You can install a special towel bar for hanging decorative towels. In addition, buy new toothbrush holder, soap dish, and soap pump. These are the easiest ways of decoration that do not involve crafting.

Update the Bathing Arrangements

If you have the budget to do some expensive makeovers, change the bathtub first for one that will retain heat. Tubs made of volcanic limestone, brass, copper, or soapstone retain heat and keep hot water warm for a long time.

Another expensive winter fixture is installing a sauna or a steam shower in the bathroom. Saunas are becoming more popular day by day and taking a sauna bath on a chilly winter day will be something like heavenly. Steam shower is another luxury fix that will give you the feeling of a vacationing on a deluxe hotel. Additionally, cheer up the place with a bright and sunny shower curtain.

Image via: Mix and Chic

So, keep the chill away and keep your bathroom warm with these effective winter fixtures. This winter try these bathroom remodel ideas and see how your daily routine will instantly get a boost each day!

For more bathroom ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you live in an older home or one that has minor roof leaks into your home, you know firsthand the effects of an old ceiling can give to your home. Wet drywall that discolors or a popcorn ceiling that no longer looks fresh are common challenges of old ceilings. Armstrong ceiling has an answer to your outdated and discolored ceilings with a variety of finishes to match any decorative style. Before you think you have to live with brown spots, peeling drywall and more, take a look at these creative options to replace give your ceiling a makeover with Armstrong.

Giving your Old Ceiling a Makeover with Armstrong Ceilings

Image via: Armstrong Ceilings

Replacing your old drywall ceiling with panels

In many homes the presence of water damage is a big challenge and should be addressed by a roofing professional to see where the leak is occurring. Once the source of the leak has been found, then repairing and replacing the damaged ceiling is priority. Armstrong ceilings have a wide variety of panels to choose from to fit your decorative needs for your ceiling repair job.

 Image via: Armstrong Ceiling Planks – Woodhaven  

Your choice for ceilings finishes from Armstrong

Every home has a unique style and your lifestyle can help dictate what type of ceilings work best. I love the look of rustic finishes, so the wood plank varieties are especially nice – like the Woodhaven pictured here. For many homes, especially in basements where ductwork and beams may need to be concealed, a drop in ceiling is ideal to hide the mechanical and electrical work. The Drop panel ceiling tiles are ideal. Choose your choice of finishes and colors to meet your home’s decorative style. I like the TinCraft Squares pictured here.

Image via: Armstrong Drop in Ceiling Tiles – Tin Craft Squares 

If you’ve been trying to determine some creative ways to update your old ceiling, use these ideas from Armstrong. Other options include tin ceilings, coffered ceilings and a variety of finishes and colors for your discriminating taste.

Note: I was compensated by Armstrong Ceilings to provide my opinion on their ceiling products. All opinions are uniquely my own. 

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Have you ever thought of making a New Year resolution for you home? A home renovation could be perfect in the winter as construction prices are lower and less demand for building is generally being performed.

People make so many New Year plans for themselves but only a few pays attention to their living places. Bringing some little changes can increase your home’s appeal apart from making it more livable.

Image via:  Kate Marker Interiors

Make It Decluttered & Cozy

It is obvious that you are going to spend a lot of time inside between now and spring. So, for the winter months, make your place super comfy by decluttering and re-organizing the furniture items and other things. It will also let you to start the New Year with a clean slate.

You can buy new books for your bookshelves. Books have a charming way to create a cozy environment. Moreover, they will gift you some relishing moments besides the fireplace or the window.

Get rid of the furniture and other decorative items that you do not need. The basic and simple way to make a place comfortable is to declutter it. You can do that by dumping unnecessary things, making a clever use of the available spaces, and creating new storage space. Use walls, ceilings, and storage furniture to keep things in an organized way.

Image via: Homedit

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Fill the Place with Your Favorite Things

Everybody has some favorite things like a bunch of friendship bands, replicas of different things and structures, a collection of coffee mugs, etc. Whatever they are, keep them in a place that can be easily noticed. It will bring a smile on your face whenever you see them. If any specific color attracts you, do not forget to bring it inside your home. Incorporate the color into your décor simply by painting your old chairs or your little coffee table.

Refurbish the Kitchen

Kitchen is an important place that should be taken special care of. If the kitchen looks tired and old, try to bring some life in it. Change the color, add new furniture, repair the window, and fix the lighting system. You can also add a music system too if you want. Music has a magical power and it can make household chores feel like fun. So, surround yourself with your favorite music and play it often.

Image via: Premier Painters

Do the Necessary Fixing

Minor repairs like fixing windows and fireplace, removing creaking of doors, and repair leakage of water lines should be done in time. You can also cover the doors and windows with glass, blinds, curtains, drapery, etc. Cellular blinds will be a good option if you want to control the room temperature.

A healthy home is essential for a healthy life. To make your home healthier and more comfortable, apply these aforementioned tips. They will keep your home shipshape for this year.

For more home renovation ideas on Stagetecture, click here.