Got Minor House Issues? We’ve got solutions!
Every home has some little bothersome quirk or issue that needs attention and makes your space less functional than it could be.
Whether you’ve just moved into a home and are discovering some new challenges, or if you’re thinking about a long overdue renovation, we’ve got some creative solutions to common house problems that could turn your that pain point into your favourite feature.
Common kitchen problem: outdated/insufficient cabinets
Solution:
Modern cabinetry offers so many cool storage options, with slide-out features and dedicated functions. Pull-out spice racks maximize narrow spaces, sliding garbage disposal units divide your recycling from your garbage and tuck neatly behind closed doors, drawer dividers keep you organized – and the list goes on. Consider what you need in your kitchen, plan your space carefully, and you may find that replacing your cabinets will not only make your kitchen look better, but it will also be create a whole new functional world for you making day-to-day kitchen life more relaxing. As a bonus, updating your kitchen tends to be a value-add-on for your home.
Budget-Saver: Painting existing cabinetry and replacing fixtures will give your kitchen a facelift. You can also retrofit your existing cabinets with organizational features to make the insides more functional.
Common bathroom problem: too small
Solution:
Making smart design choices will not only maximize the space that you have, but it can also be a good place to express your creative side. With careful thought, a small space like a bathroom can become one of your favourite rooms. If you have children, options like a trough sink means two of people brush their teeth at once at bed time. Selecting a curved vanity over one with sharp corners can gain you a little space when every inch counts. Create the illusion of more space with a clear glass shower door, or the appearance of higher ceilings with oval shaped mirrors. If you don’t have a vanity, add a floating shelf above the sink to hold your essentials. Tall, narrow shelving with tasteful baskets can provide much-needed storage. A beautifully framed mirror door over built-in shelving can double as artwork. Let your imagination take over this small space, and the constraints will become your inspiration.
Common living room problem: not enough functional living space
Solution:
If you are feeling spry, knocking down walls to open up the space between your kitchen and living room or underused dining room can change the way your family interacts. Great rooms are popular for a reason. The space becomes multi-functional and you can spend time with each other without being on top of one another. If you are not in the market for a great-room, maximize the space that you have by assigning your furniture double duty. Look into seating that doubles as storage, or storage that doubles as coffee or end tables. Create built-in shelving around a fireplace to mount your television and hide wires, remotes, and dvds. There are clever ways to tuck your cable box neatly behind your wall-mounted television or hide the tv itself behind artwork or shuttered doors.
Photo: https://www.stylid.org/types-of-built-in-wall-units/
Common bedroom problem: dark, boring bedroom
Solution:
Make sure that the windows are unimpeded by heavy curtains or blinds. Dull, older windows can be replaced to let the light in; this can also help to reduce drafts. A dramatic, natural wood wall feature can transform your room into a sanctuary. You can now find adhesive versions of most natural materials, reclaimed wood or stone make an elegant backsplash to frame your bed. These are quick and easy to install. Switch-out your end tables for ones with mirror or metal which reflect light and consider adding lighting to vertical surfaces such as above artwork or on walls. Add pops of colour with throw rugs and pillows and paint your walls with light colours to brighten up a space.
Photo: http://rumovies.co/reclaimed-wood-accent-wall-bedroom/
Common garage problem: too small or poorly configured space
Solution:
Think outside of the box. The garage does not need to be a place that simply holds your shovels. Transform a tiny garage into a useable, favourite outdoor space by turning it into a social BBQ area or a bar. Or, if you need your garage to function just as a garage, add some generic cabinets, plywood countertop, task lighting, and peg board backsplash for a combination work area/storage. These clever folks added a layer of chalkboard paint to help keep compartments organized with labels that are easy to change. (You can also add more details about what each cupboard contains this way as well.)
Common yard problem: uninspired and underused
Solution:
Creating dedicated feature spaces can transform the way that you spend your time. Start by thinking about how you want to use your space and then divvy up your yard accordingly. If you are the campfire sort, building a fire pit area can inspire outdoor evenings and social gatherings. If you spend time outdoors, invest in outdoor living room furniture and a gazebo to keep the bugs out for a second seating area. A raised garden box can maximize small yard space, reduce weeds, and give your garden more appeal. A beautiful garden box spilling over with fresh herbs and vegetables is an inspiring sight to behold.
