10 Tips for Tiling the Perfect Backsplash!

Kitchen backsplash 2

Tiling a kitchen backslash is a great DIY project.  You don’t need advanced skills and you can save money.  Sounds great so far, right?  However, nothing drags down a kitchen remodel more than a bad tile job. You know what I mean….uneven rows, crooked tiles, weird cuts around outlets, huge grout joints at the top or bottom, a little sliver of tile on the end, grout haze on the tile.  Nothing screams “I did it myself” more than a messed up tiling project.   So if you’re going to tackle it, do it right!  Check out these 10 tips to a perfect tile backsplash…

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A Kitchen Remodel in Phases — Part 2

Flowers

Kitchen remodeling in phases has its benefits.  If you don’t have a lot of spare cash, you can pay as you go.  Also, you have the chance to live with each new project to see how it works before you commit to the next phase.  The only caveats:  you need a well thought out kitchen design with careful planning so that each project supports the next one, AND, no matter how you approach your remodel, you always need to be prepared for surprises!

We’re almost finished with the final phase of our 1936 kitchen remodel and we couldn’t be happier with the results.  We’ve incorporated some space maximizing design solutions that makes the tiny old kitchen live like a modern space.  Check it out!

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A Kitchen Remodel in Phases — Part 1

Kitchen before

What do you do when you’re renovating a “not so big” kitchen on a “not so big” budget?  Our 1936 kitchen begged for 21st century amenities–but there was just no space.  We found some pretty creative solutions to make it work.  Check it out!

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A New Garden Shed – Instant Gratification!

Shed on truck 1

We have plenty of storage issues at our house so I’m always on the lookout for great ways to store stuff.  One of our biggest storage issues is outside the house. The lawn mower, snow blower, bikes, sporting equipment, all the lawn and garden items, patio cushions…it’s overwhelming. A one-car garage and a tiny garden shed just doesn’t cut it for all our outdoor tools and toys.

LE Shed before side

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A French Door Lets the Sunshine In!

LE Back door

The best way to improve the  feel of your home–AND your mood–is to add more sunlight.  Installing additional windows or even a sunroom would be fabulous.  But, you might be surprised how  simply replacing an old door with a full-view glass door or French door can change the vibe of your house–bringing in sunshine, even on the coldest days.

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Great Kitchen Design for a Small Space!

sk vent pg 1

This is it…Day #1 of Love Equity.  But what is Love Equity?  It’s the tangible and intangible value you add to your home and life when you incorporate the things you love.  It’s about projects.  It’s about inspiration. It’s about being happy where you’re at.   What can you expect to find here? I love kitchens (who doesn’t?) so you’ll see lots of posts in the kitchen. Some large-scale renovations–with smaller takeaway ideas, quick updates like countertops and backsplashes, small accessory type projects for all over the house, storage ideas, great living spaces, exterior projects, do-it-yourself tips, sweet products…you get the idea.  Like a renovation/lifestyle magazine with cool ideas and photos, but it’s free.

Today, I’m kicking it off with my favorite recent project–my sister Sharon’s kitchen renovation. It was a big project in a small space. But it’s not just about pretty finishes. It incorporates lots of great space maximizing ideas that make a small kitchen and house–live large! Check it out.

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