Looking to add elegance or change to a room, with your own touch of flair? Consider these options: wainscoting, crown molding and chair railings usually are simple to install but any of them can dramatically change the look of a room.

Wainscoting

Wainscoting is a paneling, usually made of wood, that can be purchased plain or with decorative markings. Ceramic tile and vinyl also can be used for the same purpose.

The paneling is most often adhered to the lower portion of a wall, from the floor to about three or four feet up the wall, creating a unique, but decorative, look to a plain wall. At the top of the wainscoting, some type of molding must be used to adhere the paneling and to protect the wall above the paneling from chairs. 

Chair rail

Chair rails often can be found above wainscoting, which can be a little tricky to install. However, a simple chair railing, a plain piece of molding that runs about three feet horizontally above the floor, is a little easier to install.

Chair rails were originally installed to protect walls from bumps and dents received when chairs were shoved against a wall. However, over the years chair rails have become more of a decorative fixture. Chair rails are usually wood and also can be found plain or with decorative touches.

You’ll want to apply chair rails between 24 and 48 inches above the floor. Small markings should be made on the wall prior to installation to ensure the railing is straight, which doesn’t necessarily mean it is level to the floor in every area.

Crown molding

Another graceful change can be to add crown molding to a bare room. Crown molding comes in a variety of styles and widths and can be stained or painted to any color. This form of molding is usually added to angled areas such as where the floor or a ceiling meets a wall. It also can be used around doorways, windows or any other corner area, but is most often used where walls and ceilings join together

Usually made of wood, crown molding also comes in vinyl strips. Since corners are not always proper, applying crown molding can be a little more difficult to install than a chair rail.

With any of these options, you’re looking at a fairly straightforward home project, which will make a huge difference to the elegance and appeal of a space.

Add interest to your walls, and you may add value to your home!

In case you missed our recent series of cost-effective ways to improve your kitchen, take a look at these specific areas where kitchen upgrades really add up:

Cabinets
Counters
Backsplashes
Sinks/Faucets
Lighting
Decoration

Never underestimate the power of lighting: it sets the stage for usability, ambiance, and a gleaming appearance. That’s why it’s an excellent area to consider improving in your kitchen. After you’ve examined cabinets, countertops, backsplashes and sinks, you still haven’t exhausted all of your cost-effective options for improving your kitchen’s value: you still have to take a look at lighting.

LIGHTING

Where
There are several places lighting is needed in a kitchen, including over the dining area and above the work area. Other lights in the kitchen include inside and underneath the cabinets and ambience lighting. Take a look at what is and isn’t working in your home’s current design; then decide what to update.

How
When choosing the type of light for your kitchen, take pictures of the room with you to the store to give you a better idea of how the fixture will look when installed. Remember you will want something that will provide an abundance of light over the area where you do most of your food preparation.

What
If you have a larger area, track lighting might be considered. A chandelier or a decorative fixture with a dimmer switch could be appropriate over the dining table area. Lighting inside the cabinets creates a dramatic look, but is only needed if the doors have glass or Plexiglas. Lighting underneath the cabinets can be functional or just add flair. Both areas can be illuminated inexpensively and quickly with small battery-operated or plug-in fixtures.

Because of its value in relation to the rest of a home, the kitchen is too important of a room to overlook when selling a property. Even small improvements can drastically increase selling power and marketability. See previous articles on cabinets and countertops for a few ideas, and be sure to consider this:

Possibility #3: BACKSPLASH

A whole new look can be created by adding a backsplash in your kitchen.  A backsplash traditionally lies above the counters and below the cabinets, and it is available in a variety of forms. There are tiles, laminate and new stainless steel backsplashes. 

Tile/Laminate

Pictures or patterns can be created with tile backsplashes, but these can be more time-consuming to install. Laminate backsplashes are usually cut to fit the area and can easily be glued down.

Stainless Steel

With stainless steel appliances, matching backsplashes are very popular, as they add a modern feel to the room and clean easily. This stainless steel option is available in tile form or in a single sheet, and it’s fairly simple to install.

For even more information on kitchen backsplashes and the options involved, see Buy Owner Blog article ad Value to a Kitchen: Backsplashes.”

If you’re like most homeowners, odds are you spend a majority of your time in the kitchen. You want it to be a room that’s inviting, functional, and attractive. So when it comes to selling your home, you’ll want to keep this important room at the top of your priority list. In other words, you’ll want to consider renovating.

Renovating doesn’t have to be expensive to be dramatic. In fact, even minor changes can net thousands of dollars in added value.

Intimidated to get started? Don’t be. The truth is: major remodeling isn’t always needed to update and improve your kitchen’s look. Take a look around and see what qualities you like in your kitchen and make a list of what you would like to see changed. Then do a little research into your options.

Possibility #1: CABINET UPGRADES

Usually located on at least two walls and often positioned near the floor and at eye level, cabinets are always noticed. Replacing them can cost thousands, but updating them is a lot less expensive and possibly just as full of impact.

Hardware

The easiest way to create a new but inexpensive, look for your cabinets is to replace the hardware. Remove the old drawer pulls, hinges, and cabinet handles and take a sample of each to the hardware store. Choose a new option that matches the holes from the old hardware for easy installation. Purchase a sample set and install it to ensure you are pleased with the new look. 

Paint/Varnish

A fresh look can quickly be created by retouching the doors. The first step is to remove the previous paint or varnish. A substance called trisodium phosphate is available at most hardware stores and can prep your cabinets for a change. Next, sand and clean the doors. Then, apply the new paint or varnish, and voila: a new look for less!

Glass/Plexiglas

Handier than most people? Enjoy a challenge? Then you may choose to transform your kitchen by cutting out the inner portion of one or more of the cabinet doors and replacing it with glass or clear Plexiglas. Although the task is time-consuming, it will dramatically change the look of your kitchen.