Unique Ideas for Home Improvement

Atrium

• Atriums have become popular in the world of commercial design, but if you've got the room and love plants, there is nothing to stop you from improving your home by adding on one. An atrium is just a fancy word for an interior enclosed garden. This home improvement idea brings nature from outdoors to indoors. An atrium is best positioned in a part of the house that connects several different rooms so that it can be enjoyed from all perspectives.

Attic Game Room

• Attic space is often used for a spare bedroom or home office, but it may not immediately come to mind as a spot for your playroom. The plethora of video games today means that kids are indoors more than they have ever been before. This often means bringing the Wii or PS3 out from the bedroom and into the family room. Soundproofing the attic will provide an extra measure of serenity for yourself. This home improvement idea allows you to take back some space for relaxation, while also providing much-needed privacy for growing kids.

Fireplace Banquette

• Take advantage of all that wasted space in front of the fireplace that you have never figured out how to use by installing a curved banquette. The banquette was created during the reign of Louis XIV and is basically just an upholstered bench. Putting in a banquette that circles around in front of your fireplace immediately gives you an impressive focal point. Consider having a shelf that curves along behind it for holding food, books, remote controls and pillows.

Indoor Barbecue Grill

• Barbecues are not just for the backyard. Ideally, you will want to place an indoor barbecue close to a door that exits out onto a patio or indoor dining table. Indoor grills can use gas, electricity or charcoal, so it's almost like grilling outdoors on a warm Saturday afternoon. You will need to make sure you've installed a high-powered fan to exhaust fumes and a filter for catching grease.

Newspapered Bathroom

• If you really want people to remember visiting your house, make them remember your guest bathroom. One creative home improvement idea for this often overlooked room is to create a striking monochromatic look by essentially wallpapering with newspaper. If black and white doesn't do it for you, accomplish an equally striking look by using glossy color photos from your favorite magazine.