Category: Brandpoint

2018-02-28T15:59:01

(BPT) – If you’re planning a wedding or you’ve just tied the knot, congratulations! Getting ready to start the next chapter of your life with the one you love can be an exciting time, filled with anticipation about your future together.

That said, combining two households can take considerable planning and preparation, especially if both parties own troves of treasured possessions. As you are getting ready to make the transition into a single house or apartment, consider how the following suggestions may make your move easier.

* Pare down possessions. After unwrapping your wedding gifts, take an objective look at your collective furniture, household goods, clothing and other items. Where do you see duplicates? Whose décor are you more likely to use? Are those old clothes you’ve had since high school really worth keeping? Now is the time to be generous in donating unneeded items to a local charity (or selling them on Craigslist).

* Nix the shopping blitz. Although those wedding checks and gift cards are burning a hole in your pocket, postpone your purchases until after you move so you don’t end up needlessly hauling them to your next locale.

* DIY on the moving. Rather than shelling out a small fortune hiring a moving company, simply rent a truck that you can drive without a commercial license. As a rule of thumb, seek 150 cubic feet of space for the furnishings of each room in your present house; that means a 12- or 16-foot Penske rental truck should accommodate the contents of a small apartment or condo. Remember to reserve your truck at least two weeks ahead, and ask for the discounts provided to AAA members and military personnel.

* Invest in packing supplies. This is not the time to skimp by using flimsy containers, newspapers and cheap tape to pack up your treasured belongings. Save yourself time and frustration later by picking up sturdy boxes, labels, tape and bubble wrap from your truck rental store so you can ensure everything arrives at its destination safe, unbroken and easy to unpack.

* Party on. Inviting friends and family to help you with your move can be a win-win for all; many hands make light work when it comes to loading and unloading your truck, and you can offer incentives by springing for pizza and beverages at your new home afterward.

* Learn how to load. Apply logistical strategy to filling up your moving truck, perhaps by following the guidelines offered by Penske’s Truck Wizard. In general, heavier items should go in the back of the truck, with lighter items in front and on top.

* Practice makes perfect. Driving a moving truck isn’t difficult, but it’s definitely different from driving a car or pick-up. Take time to familiarize yourself with those differences; for example, you must use your mirrors to navigate turns, you should avoid sudden stops or lane changes and give yourself extra time.

Need more information about the advantages of renting your own moving truck? Check out PenskeTruckRental.com for details.

2018-02-28T06:01:01

(BPT) – It’s hard to believe it, but the kids who were labeled “millennials” have all grown up and started their own families. As this next generation enters the realm of parenthood, many will be thinking about what they want to do and where they want to go for their family vacation.

Needless to say, for a young family planning a vacation, things will be a little different than when mom and dad traveled. Now it’s all about the kids, and making memories together. For those who are looking to get away with the family this year, here are some essential ingredients for making a memorable vacation.

1. Be on the lookout for “firsts.” Parenting is a series of milestones and firsts: first steps, first words, first day of school. When you and your family step off the plane or out of the car, get ready, because there’s going to be a whole lot of firsts, and it might be a little overwhelming! Travel to a destination like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where from the first step into the ocean to watching dolphins jump through the waves, you can expect some unforgettable moments.

2. Come as you are. When deciding where to go, pick someplace you can be yourself, where you can relax, experience something new and let the kids be kids. Leave everything else at home and enjoy the easy, laid-back beach-loving lifestyle. South Carolina’s iconic Myrtle Beach boasts over 60 miles of sandy beach, boardwalks, amusement parks and over 1,800 restaurants. With so much to offer, all you need to do is show up!

3. Playing is learning. Parents know that their kids learn best when they’re at play. Vacations are a fantastic opportunity for learning through play. Minutes away from the ocean at Myrtle Beach is WonderWorks, an amusement park with over 50,000 square feet of entertainment and education, what they call “edu-tainment.” Here kids can learn about natural disasters, space exploration, art, and tire themselves out playing laser tag, tackling an indoor ropes course and much more.

4. Take a day to go explore. Many parents find that one of the truly rewarding parts of traveling with young kids is that their sense of wonder and discovery is contagious. If you found a beautiful beach-side resort, it can be hard to leave. Take even a half day to explore nearby natural wonders, such as those found at Huntington Beach State Park, and you’ll be rewarded with thousands of secluded acres for you and your family to explore.

5. Enjoy the little things. No matter how well you plan, it’s impossible to anticipate all of the small, intimate moments that make a vacation so memorable. Whether it’s a perfect sunset, a newly built sand castle or a bucket full of sand dollars, there are hundreds of little details that await, so be ready!

You can choose whatever ingredients you want to put into your next family vacation — sunshine, blue sky, an ocean, sand beaches, plenty of diversions. It only takes a few of these to make memories that will last a lifetime.

2018-02-26T08:05:00

(BPT) – Pests can be hiding just about everywhere — whether you can see them or not. When you know where to look, there are preventative measures you can take to help avoid a pest infestation problem in your home. Terminix shares details on the unexpected, “secret” places pests can be hiding.

Sinks and drains

One often overlooked area is the kitchen sink. When not properly sanitized, drains can become a breeding ground for pests like cockroaches, drain beetles and fruit flies. Cockroaches are one of the more common pests found in drains as they can access pipes when pushed up from sewers. Cockroaches survive in drains by feeding on available organic matter like grease, food waste and hair.

Other drain-breeding pests include drain flies, which resemble tiny moths, and fruit flies. Drain flies breed in residue found in drains. Fruit flies are attracted to garbage residue found in drains, which can contain damp, organic matter in which to lay eggs, and is a good food source to feed young larvae. Use smaller drain mesh and drain cleaner to create a less appealing environment for drain flies and fruit flies.

Ceiling light fixtures

Bugs see UV lighting more clearly than humans, making ceiling light fixtures a common place to find insects. Flies, beetles, cockroaches and wasps are attracted to the warmth and light, which, unfortunately for them, typically results in an early death.

Electrical outlets

One of the most unexpected places pests hide is inside your electrical outlets. Ants, beetles and bed bugs have been known to hide in electrical outlets and the voids behind the outlet plate. A pest control technician may use a dry residual dust product to reduce any bugs that could be residing there. If bed bugs are found in electrical outlets, it is likely there are more in other parts of the room or home, so call a professional to schedule a full home inspection.

The kitchen pantry

Equally likely to welcome uninvited guests is your kitchen pantry and cupboards. Pantry pests can include moths, weevils, beetles and mice, all of which are attracted to food stored in the kitchen. Pantry pests can quickly contaminate batches of cooking and baking ingredients, such as flour, grains, spices and pricey nuts and dried fruits. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep them out of your cabinets, including examining all packaging for damage; avoiding storing food in original cardboard and paper packaging and instead choosing airtight containers with sealing lids; buying smaller quantities of products and using them before expiration; consistently organizing and cleaning your pantry; and throwing away all contaminated food. For even more information on secret places pests may be hiding in your home, go to Terminix.com.

2018-02-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Buying paper and office supplies can seem routine, however, these simple choices matter. Choosing the right paper can help save time and money, as well as ensure the quality of documents.

So, what exactly should you look for in copy paper?

“There are many different performance attributes and categories of paper,” said Sarah Yedlick, Boise Paper office expert. “It’s important to consider all factors of your paper before making a purchase to avoid unwanted paper jams, reprints, ink smears and just downright low-quality.”

Here are the five qualities to look for in paper before deciding what is right for you.

1. Brightness — The brighter the paper, the greater the contrast between the printed image and the paper. Most office papers are between 92 and 98 on the brightness scale. Using a paper with a higher brightness makes colors more vibrant and appealing — giving graphics and images the appearance of “popping” off the page. Choose a higher brightness level for important presentations or documents with color graphics.

2. Thickness — Also known as caliper, the thickness is an important characteristic to consider when choosing paper because it determines the sturdiness of the sheet. The majority of everyday printer paper has a 20 lb. weight. Heavier weights, such as 24 lb. and 28 lb., provide more durability, stiffness and opacity for printed material. Choose a higher thickness for resumes or other important documents, or if you want to do a lot of double-sided printing.

3. Jam-free guarantee — Nothing is more annoying than a jammed printer. Look for a paper that offers a jam-free guarantee when making a paper purchase. Without this, you risk running into issues at the printer when you least expect it.

4. Run-ability — The way paper prints and copies doesn’t just have to do with the machine, it also has to do with the paper itself. Look for a paper that has consistent performance and excellent run-ability to make the most of your printer and inks.

5. Made in the U.S.A. — Papers that are made in the U.S.A., like Boise Paper, keep jobs and dollars in local communities and also adhere to rigorous quality and manufacturing standards.

“If these paper qualities are confusing, there is a simple shopping solution,” said Yedlick. “Choose Boise X-9 or Boise ASPEN — America’s Top Selling Brand — to receive paper with quality you can trust.”

For more information about paper attributes to be aware of when looking for quality you can trust, visit www.BePaperSmart.com.

2018-02-23T16:15:00

(BPT) – As homeowners look for ways to refresh their spaces, Scandinavian style has become ever more prominent and popular among designers and interior decor experts. The clean, modern, minimalist aesthetic shows up in interiors and exteriors, from streamlined furniture to low-maintenance landscaping. Here’s how to achieve a Nordic look in your own home:

“Slow design” and minimalist decor

Perhaps the most common association with Scandinavian style is minimalist decor. Less is more when it comes to decorating, and the concept of “slow design” focuses on fewer, higher quality pieces collected over time.

Melding indoors and out

Scandinavian style incorporates materials that meld indoors with outdoors — natural woods, slat walls, leather accents and greenery. “Cottage culture” architecture style draws on these influences and makes interiors feel like cozy cabins in the woods.

Functional furniture: Storage and good looks

Another key aspect of the Nordic style is hardworking, functional furnishings. A piece can be beautiful and also have utility — like eye-catching shoe racks and shelving, or built-in bed storage that creates a unique frame.

Cool, natural tones and light woods in flooring

Scandinavian style incorporates natural tones of whites, grays and light browns. Pale wood and whitewashed floors create a clean, spacious look. That look can be achieved with oak and maple styles, as well as wood-look tiles and laminates with wood graining. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators, who regularly publish seasonal trends reports, have an array of cool-toned flooring options to choose from, such as Dream Home X2O Misty Morning Oak, a water-resistant laminate with a soft seashell tone and realistic oak graining.

If homeowners want to be on trend with Scandinavian style in their home, the key is updating with clean, modern and light-toned accents. Functional furniture will help you organize your space and efficiently use the room. Finish off the room with sunny wood grain flooring and your Nordic look is complete.

2018-02-23T13:29:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again when you may find a little bit of extra money in your pocket, thanks to your annual tax refund. There are plenty of practical ways to spend it, such as putting it toward paying off credit cards, loan payments or even starting a college fund, but there is always something tempting about taking that money and putting it toward something just a little bit more fun. Instead, consider something that is both practical and fun that you will use every day and will help you save money throughout the year.

1. Learn something new: Maybe you have been meaning to learn a new skill or explore a subject that you have taken interest in. Your refund is the perfect solution to fund a new hobby. A little bit of cash and a few extra hours a week can go a long way in honing in on one of your new (or old) passion points. Look into your local community college, dance studio, art center, etc. and check out the various classes offered to find one that piques your curiosity. If you are lucky, these courses could turn into something far more fruitful that will last far beyond tax season.

2. Be on the cutting edge: Haven’t you always wanted to be the first among your friends with one of the latest smartphones? Often though, it becomes too expensive between the phone, the update charge and the data fees. This year, use your tax refund to purchase one of the latest smartphones and a new wireless plan that allows you to save in the long-term. Achieve balance with Straight Talk’s $55 Ultimate Unlimited* Plan, and stay in touch with friends and family, stream the latest videos and navigate while you’re on-the-go without worry. While you reward yourself with the latest technology and unlimited* data, you’ll also give yourself the gift of saving on your phone bill all year long.

3. Plan a staycation: Planning a vacation can be tough with a hectic family schedule. Between working out the details and packing, the planning process can become overwhelming. Why make it complicated when you can instead vacation from the comfort of your own home? Use your refund to have family-based experiences in your hometown — many museums, zoos, waterparks, etc. offer discounted year-round family memberships, too. Even though your staycation may end once the weekend is over, the new membership will allow for family fun to continue throughout the year.

4. Get fit: Have you faltered on that New Year’s resolution to spend a few more hours a week at the gym? Your tax return is your second chance at getting into better shape this year. If the gym isn’t for you, put it toward trying a new exercise class, or better yet, do it with a friend or partner! Many workout studios give discounted classes for your first session, so you’ll have the opportunity to “try before you buy” — and if you love it, pick up a package of classes to reduce longer-term costs.

5. Cook a homemade family feast: While you could take your hard-earned tax return to a fancy restaurant, you could also make a fancy dinner right at home. Use your extra spending cash to revamp your kitchen with new appliances and ingredients that will allow for more exciting in-home dining. Splurge on a homemade pasta maker or a brand-new mixer, then work as a family to cook up your very own secret recipe. These purchases and new creations will result in a fun night of cooking for the whole family, but also will be around for years to come!

You work hard all year and deserve to reward yourself with something fun and practical that can bring a little more balance to your emotional and financial health. For more information and ways to save, visit StraightTalk.com.

*At 60GB, Straight Talk reserves the right to review accounts for usage in violation of its Terms and Conditions. Please refer to the latest Terms and Conditions of Service at StraightTalk.com. A month equals 30 days.

2018-02-23T07:53:00

(BPT) – What makes a great party on a big awards night so much fun? It probably has something to do with why we still go to packed movie theaters: We love a shared experience.

This March 4, make your red carpet viewing experience one to remember for you and your friends, and host a bash that celebrates our decades-long fascination with movie magic, celebrities and Hollywood mystique. To make it special, try some of these tips when planning your awards night viewing party.

Set a dress code: Let your friends know they’re in for a special night, and make it a dress-up affair. Or for something both glam and comfy, invite everyone to come in their fanciest lounge wear. (Think slippers, smoking jackets, dressing gowns and satin pajamas.)

Kick it off with red carpet glam: Build a red-carpet photo booth in your entryway, complete with red fabric, gold stars and topiaries and urge your guests to work it for the camera. To make it more fun, have photo-ready props handy, like oversized sunglasses, wigs and feather boas, and they’ll do the rest!

Make it interesting: During the big event, bring the spirit of competition into your living room and hand out ballots, asking your guests to predict who’s taking home the gold statue. To enjoy the unpredictable fun of live TV, make up some bingo cards. Up the stakes and prepare a few swag bags for the winners. Some ideas: DVDs with winning movie titles of yore, movie theater passes, gourmet popcorn and locally made candies.

Get bubbly: Champagne is always in style with the rich and famous. Popping open some chilled bottles of Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut will make your guests feel like A-listers, because this year, special edition bottles from the famed champagne maker will be also poured at the ceremony and after-party. To learn more, visit piper-heidsieck.com.

Serve delicious, sophisticated bites: Serving up platters of tasty hors d’oeuvres is always a simple but classy way to feed your stylish guests because it lets everyone eat, mingle and watch the show. This year, let your menu be inspired by Wolfgang Puck, the creator of the luxurious, over-the-top feast served at the awards show after-party. Try his recipe for Gougères with gruyere, and your guests will give you a standing ovation. (Find the recipe below.)

Gougères

Makes about 75 bite-sized puffs

Gougères are savory puffs flavored with cheese and served hot from the oven as a quick hors d’oeuvres.

Gougères batter:

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter

1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

3 1/2 ounces bread flour

2 extra-large eggs

3 1/2 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated

Gougères toppings:

1 extra-large egg

1 egg yolk

1 1/2 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated

Fleur de sel

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Set rack in the center of oven.

Insert paddle attachment in a stand mixer. In a heavy metal saucepot, combine the water, butter, cayenne and salt; bring to a boil over high heat. Remove the pot from the heat, add all the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined to form a smooth paste. Return the pot to medium heat and cook, stirring, for 1 minute longer.

Put the paste in the bowl of the stand mixer. Mix at medium speed for 1 minute. Add eggs one at a time, beating at medium speed until each is fully incorporated and stopping to scrape down the side of the bowl. Add the 3 1/2 ounces of grated Gruyere and mix until incorporated.

Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round tip and pipe nickel-size mounds onto a non-stick baking sheet, or a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray, 2 inches apart.

In a small bowl beat together the egg and egg yolk forming an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, brush each of the Gougères with the egg wash. Sprinkle with grated Gruyere cheese and a pinch of fleur de sel.

Bake the gougères on the center rack in the preheated oven until they are puffed and golden brown, about 18 minutes.

Serve immediately.

Source: Wolfgang Puck.

2018-02-21T15:21:00

(BPT) – Although most people envision their dream home with shiny wood floors, many consumers are unaware of the best way to care for them, according to a 2017 survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association.

“Not surprisingly, many homeowners are unsure of the best way to effectively and quickly clean hardwood floors. Some believe mopping with a bucket of water and a cleaning solution is best while others occasionally sweep or vacuum. Many cleaning methods can hurt rather than help a floor, for example, even a ‘damp’ string mop can leave excess water on a hardwood floor, and we know that water and wood don’t mix,” said Bona U.S. Director of Marketing Cate Vanegas.

The key findings in the online survey, conducted in October 2017 by Public Opinion Strategies, found that just 24 percent of consumers answered “sweeping” as the correct way to clean wood floors. This answer was closely followed by 19 percent who believe using a soap- or oil-based cleaner is best, and 12 percent who believe using water and vinegar is the best solution.

Just in time to open the doors and windows and welcome in spring, Bona has introduced its Premium Spray Mop for Hardwood Floors with a larger mop head for faster cleaning, and a full-size cleaning cartridge of cleaner. The new pressurized cartridge dispenses the perfect amount of solution designed to care for and sustain hardwood floors.

Lifestyle and design blogger Jennifer Rizzo (jenniferrizzo.com) recently refinished her wood floors, and notes the simplicity firsthand: “After all the dust bunnies are cleared away, I use a Bona spray mop to clean my floors. It’s odorless, non-toxic and doesn’t leave any residue. It also leaves my floors looking beautiful.”

With an estimated 25 million homes in the U.S. with wood floors, understanding how to clean them is essential to maintain and protect the investment. Try the following tips to keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful.

Regularly: Dust/sweep. While using a broom can be effective, it also just pushes the dirt around, so using a microfiber mop or cloth is the best daily defense against scratches and surface damage.

Often: Dust and mop. After a quick spin around the floor to grab dust, use a microfiber pad mop and residue-free, neutral cleaner. Look for third-party certified cleaners that will be healthier for your floors and your family.

As needed: When scratches pop up or the finish looks dull, consider a recoat or refinish to keep floors durable and beautiful. Ask an outside contractor for a water-based finish and dust containment system to ensure the job is VOC and toxin free.

Things to avoid: Water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax or steam cleaners. Vinegar (remember, it’s an acid) and water will damage and dull the floor’s finish, while soap and wax leave residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on the floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.

Want more cleaning tips? Visit Bona’s Wood Floors 101 tutorials.

2018-03-07T14:01:01

(BPT) – Outdoor hardscape projects add resale value to a home as well as bring extra enjoyment to homeowners while they are living in the home, according to the “Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features” by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

The report confirms that investing in landscaping and hardscaping is a win-win, whether you plan to stay in your home or prepare it for market.

“This report validates that outdoor remodeling and landscaping improvements are a necessity when it comes to improving your home’s resale value,” said Missy Henriksen, NALP vice president of public affairs. “Homeowners working with a landscape professional to embark on renovations — whether that means enhancing their turf and growing a lush lawn, overhauling their entire landscape, or incorporating new features like patios or exterior fireplaces — can rest assured that they are making a smart, worthwhile investment.”

Curb appeal

Real estate agents suggest that a home’s first impression is paramount when preparing it for sale. Simple updates such as adding retaining wall units or paving stone edging around gardens add value and curb appeal. More ambitious projects like a front paving stone entrance with patio and a seat wall or two add major curb appeal plus the enjoyment factor from adding a beautiful, functional front yard.

Varying hardscape colors and textures in the front outdoor living space lends maximum visual appeal. Hardscapes also can make routine maintenance easier, such as creating a tree ring from retaining wall units and surrounding it with pavers to reduce the need for trimming after mowing.

Making unusable space usable

A family in Maple Grove, Minnesota, had a hill behind their home that sloped down to a pond. They knew that excavating would be required and contacted Villa Landscapes in St. Paul to help them decide how best to make use of the space.

“The Versa-Lok Standard retaining wall system was perfect for retaining the soil behind the garage when we excavated to create their outdoor living space,” said Lonny Sekeres, a designer with Villa Landscapes. “There are no voids in the units to backfill, and the top-down pinning system made the installation easy. By back-splitting the retaining wall units, we easily created matching freestanding seat walls around the fire feature area too. Plus, the same unit was used to create columns that provide a base for a pergola while giving a nice definition to the outdoor living space.”

Prevent erosion

Damage to your property can devalue a home plus create major headaches. Retaining wall systems are essential in preventing erosion, controlling grade changes in a yard, and preventing damage to the landscape, and in certain environments, even damage to your home.

One homeowner in Apple Valley, Minnesota, had a steep, unusable backyard that sloped toward the home’s foundation. Over the years, water damage to the foundation occurred.

“The negative flow caused water damage, a leaky foundation and the accumulation of dirt that had been eroding down the slope for years,” said Paul Devine, owner and principal of Devine Design Hardscapes in Rosemount, Minnesota. “There was no flat, usable area at the base of the hill, and the client had never been able to grow grass because of constant erosion. The Versa-Lok wall design created a positive flow away from the home’s foundation, steps to the top of the hill, and a flat, usable area for a backyard.”

Devine created a tiered retaining wall design with ample space for perennials and a staggered staircase with landings that feature seat walls for resting.

Safety and privacy

Seat walls can add a measure of privacy and protection against the elements, and energy-efficient landscape lighting can be installed along patios, paver walkways and under retaining wall caps for nighttime ambiance and functionality. Landscape professionals can suggest how adding these and other hardscape elements can increase value and offer measures of safety and privacy.

In the end, investing in your home’s landscape with hardscapes is a long-term win-win, no matter how long you stay in your home or if you are preparing it for sale. Says Henriksen: “Further, that investment is coupled with the immediate happiness received by beautiful landscaping and the long-term enjoyment of outdoor living spaces, which are priceless.”

2018-03-06T06:01:00

(BPT) – As the hub of activity in a home, the kitchen serves many purposes: meal prep base, dining area, family gathering place, celebration zone, and entertainment center, to name a few. Does your high-use, heart-of-the-home kitchen meet the challenges and needs of your family life?

If not, then it’s time for a renovation. A kitchen remodel can be inspired by lifestyle changes, the need for energy efficiency, upgrading of decades-old styling, or simply that you are ready for a change. The good news is that remodeling the most used room in your house not only improves the space itself, it increases the overall value of your home.

Research from Remodeling magazine shows homeowners who undergo a mid-range kitchen remodel can expect to recoup 81 percent of their spend upon selling their home. A major kitchen remodel will recoup 59 percent, according to the same study. With statistics like these, remodeling your kitchen has the potential to be good for you now and in the future.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your kitchen remodeling project today. Here are six ideas, ranging from minor to major:

* Replace your faucet. For the amount you use your kitchen faucet, functionality and ease-of-use should be top priorities — highlighted with stylish designs lines, of course. The Avery Selectronic hands-free pull-down kitchen faucet from American Standard features a three-function spray that can handle any kitchen challenge. Plus, this high-arc touchless faucet offers flexibility to suit user preference — simply switch to manual function for guests not familiar with touchless operation.

* Paint your cabinets. If replacing your kitchen cabinets is not in the budget this year, repainting them is the next best thing. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the appearance of your kitchen. Select a paint that dries hard so it can stand up to wear and tear; choose a satin finish paint to hide imperfections in the cabinet surface. To complete the look, consider replacing the cabinet hardware. Pick the style that appeals most to you and remember knobs are more common on cabinets, handles on drawers.

* Add a backsplash. Create an instant wow factor by enhancing the walls above the work areas of your kitchen. The use of varying shapes and materials can really showcase your creative side. Today’s homeowners are choosing larger sized subway tiles, introducing a bit more color to this traditionally neutral-colored area of the kitchen, experimenting with varying tile patterns, and choosing metallic and mirrored finishes. Extending the backsplash all the way to the ceiling, with the use of shelving instead of cabinets for storage, is a new trend gaining ground. Whatever your choice, a new backsplash can delight you every time you enter the kitchen.

* Elevate your faucet. For homeowners who enjoy crafting delectable meals for family and friends, an upgrade to the GROHE Essence semi-pro faucet provides the perfect combination of modern functionality and high style. It features convenient one-hand operation, full 360-degree sink mobility and two high-performance sprays. Plus, this high-arc faucet features a flexible silicone hose that can be easily replaced in a variety of rainbow colors for an instant kitchen “perk-up.”

* Explore sink options. Whether it’s for food preparation, dish washing or bathing a small child, families depend on the kitchen sink for a lot of things. The DXV Hillside stainless steel sink exhibits the rich character of popular farmhouse sink styling with a refined sophistication ideal for the modern kitchen. Made from 16-gauge stainless steel, its clean apron-front design makes it perfect for under-counter, flush countertop or above-counter custom installation. The result is a high-style sink that can meet any kitchen need.

* Change out those cabinets. While repainting cabinets can change the look of your kitchen, replacing them can totally upgrade the room’s core style and functionality. Select new cabinets based on the current needs of your kitchen, considering accessories that can improve functionality. Think slow-close drawers and doors, turntable corner cabinets, pull-out trash can cabinets, plus many innovative storage features. The choice of design styles — framed or frameless — will impact your kitchen’s look. Cabinets vary in price, depending on whether they are stock, semi-custom or custom. With kitchen cabinets accounting for up to 40 percent of a full kitchen remodeling budget, invest time in choosing the style and function that will make you love your new kitchen.

Whatever your level of kitchen remodeling, these upgrades are sure to make life easier and more enjoyable in a room that is the focal “living” room in any home. Go ahead and plan your renovations today — and experience the benefits for years to come.