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Posts tagged urban

Getting the Look of a Loft

Mar04
2010
1 Comment Written by Carrie

loft

Have you always dreamed about living in a trendy industrial loft? What if you could do that without moving to a big city, giving up a backyard or paying a hefty price for your pad? The Buy Owner Blog is here to show you how to get the look of a loft without making a big move, sacrificing space or spending too much money.

First, consider the location…within your home. If you don’t have an open floor plan, a loft-like living room might look a little awkward next to your country kitchen. Also, at the risk of redoing your entire home, rather than just one room, you may want to choose an unused space like the basement, the attic or the bonus room over the garage. These spaces typically don’t fit with the rest of the house and take on a personality of their own when finished and decorated. By choosing to redecorate one of these low-traffic spaces, you can still pursue your dream while having a functional home that meets your needs and possibly the needs of a new owner should you ever sell the property.

Now, on to the construction…

Exposed Brick: If you know that brick exists behind the plaster in your finished basement, you need to consider the condition of the bricks and the absence of insulation before you knock down any walls. Cut a small hole in the wall first to test the waters. If you need to install brick, you can do so easily by applying veneers, as the process of creating a brick face is similar to adhering a backsplash onto the wall of your kitchen.

Exposed Ductwork: You would most likely deal with exposed ductwork in an unfinished basement. So if your basement is not finished, you may already have a loft-like ceiling! If your home boasts a finished basement with a tile ceiling, you can easily lift up one of the tiles to see the condition of the ductwork. Consult a professional contractor before you knock down a drywalled ceiling.

Flooring: Hardwood floors are typical of lofts. Feel free to choose any type of wood you want. However, if you want to keep costs low, a Pergo or laminate faux wood flooring is the best option. You can always add area rugs for added flair and comfort.

Painting: Where is your “loft?” And what kind of look do you want? If you constructed this space in an unfinished basement, inexpensive spray paint allows you to create your own custom designs and replicate an urban graffiti style. If you’re working with a finished basement or attic space, paint the drywall yourself. Neutral hues like black, brown, tan and gray are good base tones. A bold-colored accent wall is common in many lofts and may make a smaller room appear larger.

Artwork: A typical urban loft shows somewhat like a gallery. However, you don’t need to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on an original Monet or DaVinci. Create your own unique works of art by framing personal photos, magazine clippings or even travel calendar pictures.

Mix & Match Design: Today’s “modern” décor is all about mixing new pieces with old. This look is easily achievable by purchasing a new expensive piece and complementing it with vintage pieces from yard sales or thrift stores. You can also divide and open space into separate areas using multi-functional dividers like a long dresser, a trunk, lockers, or an island, depending on the look you’re going for and what is available to you.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged artwork, brick face, drywall, exposed brick, exposed ductwork, faux wood, flooring, graffit, home decorating tips, industrial loft, modern, paint, Pergo
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Buying Based on Location

Aug25
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

city

One of the most important aspects of buying a home is choosing a location. Do you want to live in the heart of an urban community near public transportation, close to everything imaginable? Or would you prefer to be tucked away in a quiet country setting, with big-city amenities located within 20-30 minutes driving distance? Before making a decision, let Buy Owner be your guide to city and country living and inform you of the benefits and drawbacks of each lifestyle.

City/Urban

Benefits

• Almost everything is within walking distance or at least a train/bus/cab ride away.
• You don’t need a car, so you won’t pay for insurance or gas.
• Because you can only carry so many groceries at a time, you shop more often, incorporating daily (or every-other-day) exercise into your routine.
• There is a vastly larger selection of entertainment: bars, clubs, restaurants, theaters and sports venues.

Drawbacks

• If you do own a vehicle, it may be difficult to find parking. And when you do, you’ll have to pay a lot of just a few hours.
• Noises of the city: buses/trains, crowds of people, loud neighbors, etc.
• Most city dwellers live in high-rise buildings, with little privacy due to the close proximity of next door neighbors.

Country/Rural

Benefits

• Wide open spaces and a large distance between neighbors means having total privacy and living in a quiet atmosphere.
• You are more likely to find a farmer’s market, with fresher produce, than if you were to shop in the city at a fruit and veggie stand.
• You may be able to acquire different zoning permit capabilities while living on such a large, open property. There is much more land on which to expand your home.
• Many charming, family-owned businesses operate in small towns, giving you a more personal relationship with your grocer, butcher, etc.

Drawbacks

• With big corporations like Wal-Mart being erected all over the U.S., many country folks have end up driving a long distance to a big supermarket to do all of their shopping.
• While the cost of living in the country is cheaper than living in the city, you will spend more money on gas, as you have to drive everywhere.
• Because everything is more spread out, it may take up to an hour’s drive just to visit a friend or family member.

As you can see, there are several positives and negatives to living strictly in an urban or rural setting. Perhaps you can find a happy medium and live just outside the city limits. You’ll have the charm and tranquility of a small neighborhood with city conveniences just 5-10 minutes away by car. Always consider the location of a home before you purchase one, as it may make or break your decision.

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buying a home, choosing a location, city, country, real estate, rural, suburban
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