FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM APRIL 13, 2017 • AT HOME • THE QUEENS COURIER 33 at home 5 tips to create an aff ordable and rewarding home DIY project When it comes to home improvement, DIY is more popular than ever. Th ere’s just something satisfying about improving Thoughtful home design: 4 tips to transform any small space During the 1950s, the average-sized American home was just around 1,700 square feet. Fast forward to today, and the average size has increased to about 2,600 square feet, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While many Americans think the bigger the better, there is a growing trend of homeowners around the country opting to downsize to tiny homes, condominiums, apartments or just smaller single family homes. Deciding to scale down is driven by many reasons - the quest for less maintenance, parents recently becoming empty nesters, an increase in the cost of living or simply looking to live a greener lifestyle. However, having less square footage doesn’t need to mean skimping on style or function. If you are planning on downsizing, here are four tips for thoughtful small space home design. 1. Th ink durable material that can handle double duty. As people continue to downsize, it is important to maximize space by having rooms work double duty. If your home isn’t large enough to accommodate an eating area and an offi ce, have your kitchen island work as both. To keep up with daily wear, such as sliding pots and pans, plates, spills and more, look to a high performance countertop such as Neolith. Th is material is scratch, heat and stain-resistant. It’s also non-porous and hygienic, so there’s no need to worry about cross-contamination on offi ce papers by day and food by night. 2. Less is more. According to popular belief, it is better to fi ll a space with several small pieces of furniture. However, design savvy professionals and homeowners are turning this idea on its head by using fewer, yet larger pieces to furnish living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. By doing so, this creates an optical illusion of space and adds a designer’s touch. 3. Make a statement. When designing a small space like a bathroom, thoughtfully selected wall colors can make a huge diff erence. To really Short on space? Have your kitchen island work double duty as an offi ce. With a non-porous, hygienic, stain- and scratch-resistant stone like Neolith, shown here in the marble-inspired Calacatta design, there’s no need to worry about cross-contamination on offi ce papers by day and food by night. make a statement, think beyond paint with unexpected textures, designs and materials such as Neolith sintered stone in the La Boheme design. Th is decor is an accurate interpretation of Lebaneseinspired cedar that adds visual interest and is much easier to maintain than its natural counterpart. Finish off the look with oversized art, large mirrors to bounce light around the room, a fl oating sink and toilet, and open shower to pack a punch in a small space. 4. Bring only what you love. It may seem obvious, but when moving or scaling back on your next home, be sure to take an inventory of everything you own, and only bring items that make you happy. Without the extra storage space larger homes aff ord, downsizing is a great opportunity to really ask yourself, “Do I love this and do I need it?” When you have only the possessions you love surrounding you in your new space, it will automatically feel bigger. To start your small space project, experiment with diff erent styles and colors through online design tools, like the visualizer on www.neolith.com. While smaller rooms demand creative thinking and individuality, quality design is well within reach. Courtesy BPT When designing a small space like a bathroom, thoughtfully selected wall or shower surfacing can make a huge diff erence. Consider unexpected textures, designs and materials such as Neolith sintered stone in the Lebanese cedar-inspired La Boheme design, pictured here. your home with your own two hands and being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor, day aft er day. However, home improvement projects can be expensive, and many people shy away from tackling home improvements they know they would enjoy because of their skill level or the fear of high costs. Th is doesn’t have to be the case. While some projects - like a complete bathroom remodel - are going to be expensive, other DIY projects can be tackled in an economical and enjoyable way. Th ese projects may include repainting a room, installing a new ceiling fan or replacing old, damaged baseboards. Th e limit is your imagination, so look around your house to see what home improvements could enhance your home and then apply these tips for an aff ordable and rewarding experience. • Find your motivation. Th e most rewarding DIY projects are those that satisfy a real need in your home and those you’ll use or see every day. Whether it’s to spruce up a room’s appearance, enhance its usability, repair existing damage or another project that may increase your home’s resale value, select one that will be meaningful. Find out where your motivations lie and choose a project that satisfi es the goal. You’ll put more eff ort into the project and be happier with the result. • Know your limits. Th e “do” in “do it yourself” varies tremendously based on who you are and the skills you possess. If you’re a licensed contractor, your ability to “do” is probably quite high. But for most people, focus on projects you know you can handle. If you’re unsure, surf the web for a how-to video on your chosen project and watch it closely to see if it matches your capabilities. Tackling a project you can handle on your own will protect you from calling in a contractor last minute and incurring unexpected expenses. • Turn loose coins into value. You have more money lying around your home to support your DIY project than you may think - and it’s nestled in that jar of coins you keep on the dresser, under the couch cushions or hiding on the closet fl oor. Th e average home has an estimated $42.92 in unused loose change, according to data from Coinstar. Th at’s money that could easily be turned into a couple cans of paint or tools for your next project. So collect your coins and bring them to your nearest Coinstar kiosk to put your new\ found money toward that DIY project. • Make it a family aff air. Turn your DIY project into lasting memories by including your children in the work. Assign them tasks you know they can accomplish. Ask younger kids to sort supplies or carry lightweight materials, while older children can be tasked with painting large spaces or performing simple hammering tasks. Work closely with your kids and celebrate their victories at the project’s end. You’ll fi nd that your little helpers may even be eager to sign up for your next DIY undertaking. • Take pics to record your accomplishment. Your DIY project will spawn many memories, so take pictures to capture them all. Before-and-aft er pictures can be a fun way to see how your project improved your home, and while you’re at it, why not brag a little by posting photos of your accomplishments online. And don’t forget to take pictures throughout the process as well. Your entire family will enjoy looking back at the progression years down the road. To learn more about how Coinstar can help you fi nd the cash you need for your next DIY project, visit coinstar.com. Courtesy BPT
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