Ideas for Remodeling a House

Eco-Friendly

• With the push to go green these days, you can choose from many environmentally friendly materials to remodel your home. For a natural, unique look in the kitchen, install bamboo countertops, which come in a variety of styles from parquet to tiled. Bamboo is also becoming a popular flooring and cabinet material, so you can coordinate your whole kitchen. Bamboo is a natural and rapidly growing resource that is attractive, holds up well and is easy to maintain.

  If have a little more money to spend and you’d rather have an antique look, use reclaimed wood countertops in the kitchen or bath. These counters are made from wood recycled from old buildings and mills, and complement a country or rustic décor theme.

Flooring

• Sometimes all you need to make a dramatic change to a room is to change your flooring. Most homes typically have either carpet or wood floors, with kitchens and bathrooms in laminate or tile. There are, however, other viable options. Consider natural stone flooring for the kitchen or bathroom for a unique look. It is relatively easy to install and can also be custom cut and fashioned to fit any room.

  Try a cork floor in a child’s room, workout room or basement. Cork is a softer material, and it holds up well to moisture, making it an appropriate choice for basements that may be prone to flooding.

Solar Windows

• Give your home a whole new look from the inside out with a simple change in the style of your windows. Replacing your windows can potentially help your home become more energy efficient as well if you choose windows that are more secure and less drafty than your last set. There are many options on the market, from the popular sliding models to fixed, ornamental styles. If you’re looking for something to set your home apart, install stained glass in your doors or to accent a large picture window. Solar blocks will also give you a unique look and allow you to have optimal privacy. These blocks of glass mixed with an acrylic with a smoke color tint block solar heat and restrict viewing, making them perfect for bathrooms or rooms that tend to become extremely warm in direct sunlight.