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Everyone wants a great kitchen. One of the most enjoyed spaces in the home, the kitchen is used for cooking, gathering and entertaining with family and friends. However, a great kitchen doesn’t necessarily have to be a large one. If you have a tiny kitchen, below are a handful of tips to help you get the most out of it and make it feel larger:

Make use of walls.Instead of hanging pictures on your kitchen walls, hang your pots and pans. You can even find great fixtures to hang your plates and wine glasses from the ceiling or walls.

Add a mirrored backsplash.While you may not want to take up precious wall space with mirrors, a mirrored backsplash can add depth and girth to your room, making use of an area that would otherwise have no purpose.

Build up.Need more cabinet space? Look up! If your existing cabinets don’t extend to the ceiling, you’re wasting precious footage. Consider having additional cabinets built where you can store things you rarely use, like that Crock-Pot that comes out once a year or your holiday china dishes.

Abolish clutter. Nothing cramps an already small space more than clutter, and a clean countertop can do wonders for a small space. Streamline your gadgets, sell or donate what you don’t need and store away what you don’t use every day.

Light it right.A well-lit space can really open up your kitchen and make it seem not only more inviting, but also much larger. For natural light, consider adding a bay window or skylight, if possible. To lighten up your kitchen during the nighttime or gloomy days, install energy-efficient lighting throughout your kitchen to maintain that airy, open feel.

These are just five ways you can maximize your tiny kitchen. There are many other tricks, as well as storage products, that can help you get the most out of your space. Do some research to get inspired, and be creative!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Are you considering installing new hardwood flooring? Think it over carefully to decide whether it’s right for your home and your family.

Aesthetics

Hardwood flooring can enhance the appearance of your home and impress your guests. You can choose from a wide range of wood species and stain colors.

Longevity

When properly installed and cared for, hardwood flooring may last a lifetime. Save money in the long run and lessen worries about replacing the flooring in the future.

Easy Maintenance

Wood flooring is relatively easy to clean and maintain. You can use a vacuum and dust mop to remove dirt, dust and pet hair.

Health

Wood flooring doesn’t trap allergens and dust mites the way carpet can. For those with allergies or asthma, hardwood may be the best choice to protect your health.

Cost

While the price tag for materials and installation can be high, this worthwhile investment can last so long and can increase value.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Are you living with termites without even knowing it? The wood-devouring insects can often go undetected and wreak havoc on a home, potentially compromising its structural integrity and causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. Even worse, because termite damage is considered preventable, it typically isnt covered by homeowners insurance. That puts the onus of any necessary treatment and home repairs on you and your wallet.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to help prevent a termite infestation. Follow these 10 tips from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA):

1. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including entry points for utilities and pipes.

2. Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Termites need moisture to thrive.

3. Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and exterior AC units.

4. Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles. Some termites are drawn to deteriorating wood.

5. Replace weather stripping and loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.

6. Divert water away from the house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.

7. Maintain an 18-inch gap between soil and any wood portions of your home.

8. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground.

9. Routinely inspect your homes foundation for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), uneven or bubbling paint, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

10. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.

If you suspect a termite problem, the NPMA urges you to contact a pest professional right away to confirm that a problem exists and determine the best course of action.Also, consider scheduling a professional inspection annually to catch potential termite problems before they get any worse and, thus, more expensive to fix.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

These easy upgrades will take your bedroom to a whole new level of luxury.

Wet Bar

A small wet bar is a great convenience for a quick night cap with your partner or a coffee in the morning.

Washer and Dryer

Make your life much easier by having your dressing area and laundry area in one place.

Smart Blackout Shades

Smart shades can be set to open at a specific time each morning so youre woken up by natural light.

Grooming and Makeup Areas

A built-in vanity for makeup in the dressing room, or a grooming area in the bathroom, will make your morning routine a breeze.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

As hard as we try, it often seems like there’s never enough space for everything we want to do. However, if you’re a homeowner who finally won the war on clutter, you might be wondering what to do with a now-empty garage.

Here are five great ideas for what you can do to transform your garage:

Home Gym
If you want to work out but hate schlepping to the gym, turn your empty garage into a versatile home gym. Depending on which types of exercise you prefer, you can look online for inexpensive pieces of equipment. You can check out local yard sales or go online to find gently used equipment. You can also invest in mats, free weights and whatever else motivates you to work out.

Playroom
As your family continues to grow, you might find yourself with less wiggle room. If your garage is suitable, you can transform it into a kids’ sanctuary where they can play in the sand, have painting stations and even play on a few low-sitting swings. The key is to make the space as child-friendly as possible, so that means upgrading your garage door opener, if necessary. It’s important if you do use your garage as a playroom that your little ones aren’t able to open the garage door. In addition, don’t forget to pad the floor with high-quality padding and carpeting for your little ones to play on.

Spare Bedroom
If you love to entertain but simply don’t have the room for overnight guests, you can transform your garage into a spare room. But before you start decorating, you need to make sure the space is insulated to keep guests warm. You also want to make sure it remains pest-free. Depending on the space, you might need only a coat of paint and a comfy bed to make your guests feel at home, or you may also need to invest in carpeting.

Office Space
You can use your garage to create the home office of your dreams. Even if it’s only in a corner of the garage, you can liven things up with a fresh coat of paint and new office furniture. Since the floor is probably concrete, you can easily warm things up by using throw rugs around your workspace. The garage makes a great office space because it’s separate from the rest of the home, meaning you’ll have minimal distractions.

Mudroom
If you need a place to store coats, boots and book bags without cluttering up your entryway, use your garage as a mudroom. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can install wall hooks for everyone’s coats, as well as backpacks. You can also create a space where your family can leave wet umbrellas and muddy shoes outside.

When it comes to making use of an empty garage, there are a lot of things you can do. The key is knowing how to make the most of the space without pushing your budget.

Source: Anita Ginsburg/RISMedias Housecall

Published with permission from RISMedia.