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A BEAUTIFULLY DEISGNED
DAY

Renovation Warning Signs

4/25/2019

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​In the kitchen we cook, clean, eat, and socialize with friends and loved ones.  The kitchen is a focal point for many homes, so how do you know when you should renovate?  It would be impossible to change your kitchen based on the trends that change like socks – every six months a new floor, back-splash, or just not have access to it during the remodel.  Who has the time or money to do that? (If you do please share some tips!)
 
So how would you know when a good time to renovate is?  I have done some research and found 7 of the best reasons to renovate your kitchen:
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  1. There is a lack of space or surface
  2. You hate your kitchen layout
  3. Your Back hurts
  4. Bad Lighting or high utilities
  5. Worn out surfaces, yellowed finishes, peeling, etc..
  6. Broken drawers or damaged appliances
  7. Others on the block are renovating
​​Having no space is a serious inconvenience and can be very annoying when you’re trying to make food  in the kitchen for your children while they are having a full-blown melt down.  You many have had to store essential tools and ingredients in other rooms of the house and not being able to have all those items in the kitchen can lead to a lack of organization and a lot of frustration.   
 
You may be like me and not love cooking in general, but if you absolutely detest cooking in your kitchen the reason could be due to the layout of your kitchen. A lousy layout could make you feel cramped, draining, or could cause you to avoiding cooking.   
 
Kitchens in the past were not designed with ergonomics in mind, which means you back could be sore from having to bend over farther to reach the counter top, or from crawling around in cabinets to find important items. 
Did you know that the right lighting can change the whole space? If you are not quite ready to throw in the towel and get a whole new kitchen, try changing the light bulbs to a more white light, or a softer warmer light.
 
Is there cracked, peeling, or other damages to the floor, counter top, cupboards, are knobs or handle falling off,  are there chips in the wall? The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the home meaning it receives the most wear and tear.  Old cabinets and counter tops often have a peeling delamination of the finishes from wear and tear, heat and steam, or even water damage – This are usually superficial and purely aesthetic, but if not looked after could lead to more impactful damage.
 
Are your drawers broken, or don’t open properly?  That is a perfect indication that your kitchen could use a face-lift.  
 
If you have noticed other homes on your block are being renovated, it could be time to start looking at new designs.  Due to the life cycles of homes there will always come a time when things become so outdated that renovating these important items will ensure the enjoyment and resale value of your home.
 
Old appliances in your kitchen are probably the biggest reason for a high utility bill.  Older appliances make more noise and work less efficiently than the newer energy saving appliances.  The dishwasher is so small, outdated, and only partly cleans the dishes - it could take a few cycles to come clean, or may be it is that electric stove top that cooks unevenly, or it could be from appliances leaking and causing moisture to leave it’s mark.  When was the last time you checked for mold? 
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Kitchen renovations are an investment, and if the right steps are taken the money you save on utilities and spending more time in the kitchen then at restaurants is a fiscally smart long-term investment. 

If your kitchen has you checking off one or two of these points, come check us out at our downtown location in Lethbridge, and let us help you want to spend more time in your kitchen.  

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​p.s. we really like cookies!
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Laminate vs. Linoleum

4/18/2019

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I don’t know about anyone else, but I always though Laminate and Linoleum were the same product, and there are so many different flooring products out there that it can get so overwhelming.   Linoleum and Laminate used to be the popular choice – some people still prefer it over Luxury Vinyl – as it is affordable, and the new styles are par with the housing trends.
 
The biggest difference between laminate and linoleum is the material used to create each flooring:
Linoleum (also called Lino) is made from natural products like linseed oil, pine resin, ground cork dust, wood flour, sawdust, and mineral fibers such as calcium carbonate, they usually have a burlap or canvas backing and look very similar to Vinyl flooring.  Pigments are often added to the materials to create the desired colour finish.
 
At our location, we have a few brands, but the Tarkett FiberFloor® Sheet Vinyl goes beyond other flooring manufacturers and is CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly™.   Their flooring exceeds all air quality standards set for schools and hospitals and has 4 distinct protective layers to help it stand up against scratches, scuffs, and stains making it a must-have.
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Laminate is a multi-layer synthetic product that is fused together with a lamination process (hence the name), it uses a composite base that is topped with printed paper layered with images of hardwood flooring or tile and a clear protective layer to finish.  The inner core layer is usually made of melamine resin or a fiberboard material.
 
Thanks to the evolutions of digital print technology the paper images are now extremely realistic – making it harder to tell laminate from real hardwood flooring.  It is reasonably durable, Hygienic (several brands contain an antimicrobial resin), and relatively easy to maintain. 
 
The majority of our Laminate is produced by EuroStyle distributed out of Vancouver, it is 100% made in Germany, with the beauty and qualities of environmentally friendly laminate flooring.  They have incorporated a high-quality structure with the exclusive Diamond Gloss Effect, characterized by a brushed, matt surface with glistening synchronised wood pores, which reflect the light differently as you move around the floor. ​
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Installation is very important to consider with each product type, Linoleum is glued down to the sub-floor, while laminate floats on top of the sub-floor over a layer of underlayment (very similar to the Click Luxury Vinyl Product), which minimizes moisture seeping through and damaging the floor, this allows for a quieter and smoother surface as well.
 
Linoleum is often selected for bathrooms or kitchens where water spills are a bigger problem as it is almost virtually waterproof, laminate acts like hardwood and can expand and crack with moisture, which is not ideal for water spills. 
 
Both Linoleum and Laminate have various patterns many imitating hardwood, tile, and stone however Laminate more closely resembles the hardwood flooring in both the feel and look, making it a popular choice, but no matter which product you decide to go with always consider the resale value and the room where the flooring will be used – Laminate tends to be more popular over linoleum, but both can be suitable for your home!  ​​

Come visit us at our store's location and see our huge selections of laminate, Linoleum (Fiberfloor), Vinyl, Tiles and carpet.
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Renovation 360

4/15/2019

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We loved working on this full main floor renovation!
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We installed new luxury vinyl plank throughout the open areas, and added new carpet into the bedrooms.  The original space had oak cabinetry with hardwood floors and Linoleum in the bathrooms.  The space felt dated to the owners.   

The kitchen lights were on a track, which did not provide enough light in the evenings, so they were removed and updated with pot lights and some beautiful drop pendants over the island.  The oak cabinetry was painted over in a matte white, and a beautiful marble inspired laminate counter top was added to creating the look of luxury without the price tag.  This was all complimented with a light gray colour on the walls.
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Oak was originally used in cabinetry because it repelled meal-worms, but it was also a luxury wood, so many have the opinion that you should not – on pain of death - paint over oak as it is still such a  valuable wood.   Though financially it can be more affordable to paint over them, than replace the whole kitchen - the decision is yours.

Tavertine Stone was used on the fireplace to add a compliment with the new furniture.  We just cannot get enough of this beautiful space.
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​We also had the chance to renovate the ensuite with a new soaker tub and shower tile.  We used a darker grey tile with a fun 2”x2” tile accent to enhance the small space, and to line the bathroom double sink.  

The clients were a joy to work with, and we are all so happy with how the space turned out - what a difference between the before and afters.    Thank you for the opportunity to help you design your space.
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Are You Missing Something?

4/4/2019

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is not always convenient – but the right blind, curtain, or shutter can transform the room, and be that missing piece your space needs.

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Have you had the experience of walking into a room, and you know something is missing but you are not exactly sure what is?

Have you spent so much time picking out the right flooring, the right furniture, paint colours, and décor items but still find your space does not feel complete?
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Open and Empty windows cause you to continually adjust to the suns movements, which blinds,  drapes, and curtains are thought of as an aesthetic purpose, and to keep privacy.  HunterDouglas has made waves in the window treatment community as the perfect invention for heat-savings. 
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Utilizing the natural heat from the sun to keep your home warm is what the Government of Canada calls ‘Solar Heat Gain’.   By opening the window coverings on south-facing windows allows the sunlight to heat your home without needing to turn on the furnace, the warmth could be significant enough to even be able to turn off your furnace in the winter.  This can result in a lower heating bill!
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The Duette Super-Insulating Shade by HunterDouglas has a honeycomb pattern that makes it incredibly insulating as it traps pockets of air directly inside the shade, keeping all that heat from the sun inside and preventing cold winter drafts from entering.
Likewise in the summer keeping the drapes and blinds closed during the sunniest times of the day, and open overnight to naturally cool the house down.  Also Reducing fan usage and air-conditions and still have your home at a comfortable temperature.

There are 5 main reasons why you should choose HunterDouglas.

1.    Reputation. 
By providing top-quality products at the forefront of design trends for decades Hunter Douglas has a reputation and commitment for staying at the cutting edge of design and technology.
 
2.    Lifetime guarantee. 
Believing in its products, Hunter Douglas will take care of the maintenance at any time, their warranty covers the products for as long as you own them.
3.    The Choices.
The largest and most diverse collection of innovation, style, and energy-efficient window fashions is held by Hunter Douglas.  They continue to be a leader in developing advanced window fashion operating systems and enhanced child safety.

4.    Knowledgeable Staff.

The dealers take pride in their work and stay up-to-date on the very best trends and newest products.  Their goals are to make your buying experience simple and straightforward and earn your referrals.
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5.    GreenGuard Air Quality Certification.
The GREENGUARD® Environmental Institute has commissioned Hunter Douglas to verify it’s product and meet strict indoor air quality guidelines. The exquisite style and superior quality, the GREENGUARD certification ensure the products are as environmentally friendly as they are beautiful. The GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified Mark is a registered certification mark used under license through the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.

​Blinds are no longer an aesthetic room piece, but an innovative necessity to your home and environment, keeping you happy and healthy – who isn’t happy saving some money!  Come check us out downtown at L.A. Home Solutions, 716 1st ave South, and let us help you pick the perfect HunterDouglas window treatment for you!
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1 Comment

    Megan Plausteiner, IDT

    Interior Designer @ LA Home Solutions.  Creating beautifully designed spaces.

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LA Home Solutions Inc.                                            716 1st Ave S,   Lethbridge, AB, T1K 0A7                         Ph: 403.320.9680 
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