The foyer often is the first place guest see, so why not add a little sparkle to the space?

This is an easy home improvement project, as the space is small and a few “wow” factors can go a long way. Here’s an example of how a designer used a foyer design with lettering around the entranceway. We can’t all have such a fancy foyer (or home), but you could take that idea and apply it to almost any foyer remodeling.

Remodeling Options for Floors
Among the top things to change in a foyer is the floor. If your house is older, the foyer may have worn wood or tile, which can leave a so-so impression when guests walk in. Many home improvement stores sell a wide range of tile, stone and wood (or wood-like) products that can dress up a floor.

Here’s a step by step look at how to tile a foyer yourself. Otherwise, look for a contractor who has done tile work before. Since it’s such a small area in most homes, the cost can only go so high.

Lighting is another way to spruce up a foyer. If your house has a fixture mounted flush to the wall, consider adding some drama with a dangling chandleier. Home improvement and lighting retailers have plenty of brass, chrome and even oil rubbed bronze fixtures that will fit with today’s housing styles.

Help From the Lighting Contractor
Ask your lighting contractor about how high it can be, as you’ll want to make sure it balance with the ceiling height and overall size of the room. Also try to match the finish with that of your door and window hardware if you can.

In a few days or even a week, you can remodel your foyer and turn it into a sparkling new space. Just line up a contractor or two (usually tile contractors don’t do lighting and vice versa), shop online or in area home improvement stores, and you’re ready to go.

Quick fixes can help transform a home little by little without the big expense of a major remodeling project. You also can work with a contractor to spread out some projects over time—doing small fixes that won’t break the bank.

One great place to start is the bathroom, where a new faucet, vanity, or sink can do wonders. The home improvement stores sell great stock vanities with granite tops and clean white undermount sinks. For perhaps $400, you can dramatically change your bathroom. In many cases, you might need a plumbing contractor to install it.

Quick Fixes in the Kitchen
The same quick fix works in the kitchen as well. If you need a new sink, why not add a sleek stainless steel double bowl sink and a nice faucet. Sprayers are a big hit these days, so look for one that will reach all the way around your new sink. It will make cleanup much easier. Here’s a good faucet buying guide!

When buying a faucet for any room, make sure the hole configuration in the countertop matches the faucet you’re buying. Ask your plumbing contractor is you have questions. Here’s an example of some single hole models!

There also are many quick remodeling fixes in other parts of the house. Do you have a sunroom without any art work or a guest room that needs new curtains? A little boost, perhaps, but it all adds up.

Painting is another great way to boost a room’s décor without spending a lot of time or money. The prep work is the most time consuming part, but is key to getting the job done right. Or, hire a painting contractor for $300 to $600 or so, depending on the size of the room and the condition of the walls.

If you’re starved for time or money, think quick fixes. They can help you weed through your home improvement list without breaking the bank.

Looking to spice up your garden without doing a major landscaping project? There are many items to add to the garden to give it personality. Start by looking around for bare spots in the garden or an area that could use a little color or texture. A statue is one idea, as it can add a sturdy permanence to a garden spot. Think about one beside a favorite perennial bed or near your patio.

Here’s a neat site that focuses on garden statues. They come in big and small sizes, and a wide range of motifs. Whether you’re redoing your entire landscaping or just looking for a pick me up for one small area, a statue can do it.

Adding a Garden Fountain
Fountains are another important source of fun for your landscaping. Some are large and require a contractor–or a few burly men–to carry, while others are easy enough to lug home in a small box. This wall fountain is a particular favorite of mine. It’s bold without being too much—and the price point seems reasonable.

Before adding a fountain, check to see if you have an electrical source. Otherwise, it might be $100 to $150 for a contractor to add an outlet. (Add a four way outlet–you can never have too much power outside).

A trellis also can add some fun to the yard and add a sense of height. Trellis will force you to think vertically with your plantings. Vines such as clematis and morning glory – or even climbing roses – can give a landscaping plan a big boost. Think fragrance, also! You can buy trellis in home improvement and garden store or try building a trellis yourself.

Look at all the fun you can add in your yard–without putting on gardening gloves or planting and flowers!

The “Do-It-Yourself” remodeling momentum has grown considerably in recent years, turning many average home owners into painting, tiling, wallpapering, and general home improvement gurus.

While the DIY craze is good in many ways, there are a few things to consider before jumping in. The most important qualification is knowledge or the willingness to learn. You don’ t have to know how to install tile but you should be prepared to go to a few classes at a local home improvement store.

The second criterion is time, which is in short supply in many households. Most remodeling projects take longer than you anticipate, so make sure you allow a few extra hours or days – depending on the work – to get the job done. (It also helps to have a handy friend on call for the weekend, just in case you get in a bind.)

Do You Hire a Contractor?
If you are debating whether to hire a contractor, don’t just compare the financial results. Also think about your time. A good contractor can finish a job much more quickly than you will, so, again, add some time to his estimate if you plan to do the work yourself.

Tools are the next important asset needed for any remodeling project. If you are painting, then it’s a matter of getting a roller, brushes, drop clothes, etc. For tile, you likely will have to cut tile, which could involve a heavy duty saw. The contractor will have one. Before committing to doing the work yourself find out how much it costs to rent the needed tools or whether someone has tools you can borrow.

And, last, but not least is cost. When comparing, make sure you add in any tool rental and supplies. Also think about some low cost remodeling projects.

There is much satisfaction to be had from doing remodeling yourself, but you should be prepared. Think through how difficult the work will be and whether you should tackle it or turn it over to a contractor.

When it comes to remodeling and decorating, the master bedroom is often overlooked. That’s because we all want a fancy kitchen that people will see. If you’re tired of starting at white walls and boring furniture placement in your bedroom, there are several home improvement projects to consider. This site has some really cool ideas for turning your bedroom décor around.

Painting is, of course, my all time favorite home improvement project, as adds a big bang for the buck. Even when hiring a painting contractor you will get a big payback. If you do the work yourself, the payback is even bigger. Try a warm sienna or deep red to really give the room some pop. Benjamin Moore’s site has a cool color visualize that lets you try out some color combinations online.

Lighting also can make a big difference in a room. I’ve seen some cool treatments with rope lighting around a tray ceiling. Put the lights on a dimmer and you’re all set. Of course, if you don’t have experience with electrical, look for a contractor to handle this part.

If your master bedroom has some space, consider adding a reading nook or breakfast bar area. A contractor could hook up a small fireplace pretty quickly. Then add a countertop, cabinet and undercounter refrigerator for your chilled beverage of choice.

The final home improvement touch is the windows. If you’re still living with old vertical blinds, it’s time to get a little fancy. Look for a rich fabric drape that you can tie back, plus a sheer for privacy. Or, if your home is more casual, try plantation shutters. One word of advice, however, get a contractor or decorating store for those ones. They are harder than they look.

Check out these bedroom styles! I particularly like the round bed!

The bathroom is a highly important room of the house, from a visual perspective as well as a functional one. If your bathroom needs updating, here are some quick home improvement projects that can save you from the cost of a full scale remodeling.

The bathtub often becomes a source of frustration, particularly if the tub is old and has rusty water spots, grouting issues and plain old ugly tile. Our great solution is bathtub refinishing. We’ve tried this with a few tubs with great success.

Bathtub Refinishing
However–a word of caution–this is a job for a contractor who specializes in bathtub refinishing. There are plenty of great DIY remodeling projects, but this one requires lots of smelly chemicals and knowledge of ventilation. Besides, for about $350, the contractor will come in and spray the tub with a fresh coat of paint—well, it looks like paint, anyway. Like new in about five hours.

Next comes the tile, another source of frustration if it’s not to your tastes. If you’re having the tub refinished, ask the contractor about spraying the tile as well. You’ll come away with a fresh clean look that will last for years. Or, try painting the tile.

If your cabinetry also needs work, try applying a new stain to it. You’ll need to sand the wood and then apply a stain and varnish on top. See this thread for more details. This is a time consuming home improvement project, but a relatively inexpensive one. Once you’re finished, add some new cabinet hardware and you’re done.

Other ideas include: adding a curtain rod and draping fabric over it. Just sew the ends and twist it a few times. And, try a new shower curtain, bath mat, and accessories.

There are lots of ways to update a bathroom with spending a lot of money. You may have to put in some sweat equity or find a contractor who likes quick projects, but the end result will be well worth it.

Glance around your house. Is it neat as a pin? Everything put away in its place? If you’re like most of us, the answer is a resounding “no!” Keeping your home organized can be tricky, particularly if you have children.

Organizing your space is an important home improvement project, however, because it can give you peace of mind. Here are some tips for getting started. While this may not top your list of key remodeling projects (think—new kitchen!), it is guaranteed to help you sleep a little better at night. And, the bonus is that this type of home improvement carries a minimal cost.

Let’s start with what the blogs are saying. Here’s an interesting blog that talks about starting small. The key is that any little area you organize will help. Step by step.

I would start with the rooms you use the most and prioritize according to how much work is involved (and your time to do it) and how much better you’ll feel when it’s done. This could mean the breakfast room or kitchen or home office. Remember, each home improvement step you take will help.

If the bathroom is your biggest home improvement nightmare, perhaps a little organizing will spare you from tearing it apart and remodeling it right now. Here’s a link to get started!

As you organize, look for bins, baskets, shelving, etc. that will help you group items. Art supplies in one, homework in another, forms to send back to school in another. Also think about larger storage containers that can be tucked out of sight. This is great for items you use infrequently. Out of sight. Out of mind!

Remember, one little step at a time. Or, if you have time – take a few leaps to get it done!

Have you ever looked for bathroom tile? This seems like a quick home improvement project, but it can get trickier than you’d realize. For starters, you have to tear out the old tile (more on that later), and then you have to weed through the beautiful tiles on the market and the options are almost endless. Check out this glass tile site!

Aside from glass, the natural stone tiles are a hot item. I’ve seen a lot of the larger tiles and they really do look cool. An 8 to 12-inch square can really add some drama, particularly if you haven’t remodeled in awhile and are living with tiny four by fours.

Tile Replacement: Do It Yourself or Hire a Contractor?
This is one remodeling project that a contractor can do or you can do yourself. If you’re not very handy, however, ask a friend to help or hire a contractor. You don’t want to be living with a bathroom that is 20 percent done—for months on end.

f you’re not hiring a contractor and need to worry about the “how to’s” yourself, here’s a primer on replacing ceramic tile. The big thing is to get the right remodeling tools so you can cut the tile easily….well, sort of easily…and be on your way. Most home improvement stores sell the supplies you’ll need and also offer free classes on how to do this type of remodeling.

As I said, it’s a bigger home improvement process than you’d think to select tile, pull out the old and install new. But, the alternative is to live with the old, yucky tile for another minute and many people just can’t do that!

If you’re looking to add some drama to your landscaping, consider climbing vines. Whether it is wisteria or clematis or even climbing roses, the look can transform your landscaping.

I was looking at vines recently and found a cool site for clematis information. You might be surprised to find out how many vines there are for your landscaping. This site lets you search by the name, then it gives pictures and information on the bloom time, zone, etc.

If you’re working with a landscaping contractor, ask which clematis (or other vines) do well in your area. Unfortunately you can’t go by the hardiness zone only. If your area has lots of clay soil, for example, the contractor may recommend certain soil amendments to help a vine prosper.

Planting Vines
It’s fairly easy to plant vines, whether you are doing it yourself or through a contractor. Most require full sun, but examine the details carefully to make sure you get the right location. Also look for a place that is highly visible, whether it is from your patio table or your kitchen window. Why do to all the trouble changing your landscaping if you can’t enjoy the results?

We often think of home improvement as indoor projects, say a kitchen or bathroom. You’ll be amazed at how much improvement you’ll do with some simple changes to your landscaping. (Check out these landscaping photos for more!) With a good landscaping plan, you can have vines combined with a wide assortment of perennials to provide a texture and contrast.

Most landscaping contractors will provide a plan for changing your yard. If you are revamping, consider how vines can add height and lots of color. Even if you have to buy one vine and plant it yourself, the results can be dramatic!

Want to update your kitchen in a hurry? Here’s a look at some quick home improvement projects that can make a big bang. Some of these projects might require a few hours of a contractor’s time, but most can be done by a homeowner with some remodeling experience.

The kitchen backsplash is a great place to start, as it is highly visible and can make a big impact. One popular remodeling project is to remove old tile and add 12-inch squares that look like natural stone, as this gives a kitchen an Old World look. For those with contemporary kitchens, try putting stainless steel or copper squares along the backsplash. Click here for backsplash ideas!

Adding tile requires some remodeling experience, as you have to plan out the space, measure carefully and probably cut some tiles. A local tile contractor or handyman could do the job for you in three to four days.

Kitchen Remodel: Don’t Forget the Cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets need a facelift, try cabinet refacing or painting. If your cabinets are in good shape, you can change the color, style, and finish, transforming your room in short period. Refacing is more complicated for a homeowner, so check out local contractors for estimates. Painting is something you can do yourself, although it requires lots of time and patience.

Window treatments also can make a big impact in a kitchen and are a moderately priced home improvement addition. Here’s a look at how window shades can transform a room, along with the many popular styles. Consider your sun conditions and whether you want extra light blocking shades or window treatments that are m.

After picking some or all of these changes, look for cabinet hardware to provide the finishing touch. The options range from simple knobs to funky fork and knife designs. You can do this home improvement project yourself or have the cabinet refacing contractor add the hardware as part of that project.

What a different a week can make!