The Ins And Outs Of Home Improvement
By: Gloria Diaz

Great design is like a masterpiece, you know it when you see it. But even if it's beautiful, an object is not well designed if it?s missing the most essential element: function.

The ever increasing attention to home products is reflected in a growing trend of integrating pleasing design into every part of the house, from showers to the kitchen sink. According to Mary Jo Peterson, a design consultant and a veteran in home improvement projects, consumers are demanding more style in their homes. However they do not want to sacrifice ease of use, either. Peterson points out that as baby boomers age, more companies are designing home products that look great while taking into account accessibility issues and the concept of universal design.

Multitasking is all in a day's work in home improvement projects, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling or a simple mixing of colors. Decorating ideas are like magic tricks, you just need to learn a few trade secrets and a bit of practice to perfect it.

Installing products that add style to the home and that can also adapt universally to owners' changing needs are vital factors both in building and renovating a house. This will serve the current occupants quite well and will also increase the house value when the owner decides to resell.

Bathroom remodeling is a definite step in home improvement. If we consider the amount of time we spend in this room, then this is one space that we cannot afford to overlook. Think of it like this, a decade from now will you be able to easily get in and out of your current bathtub? Other bathroom designs that needs further contemplating includes the height of the lavatory countertop, as well as the space beneath and if it allows legroom for a user in a wheelchair.

Universal design could also pay off in kitchen remodeling. The kitchen is typically the most used room in a home, a place for cooking, eating and spending time. As the heart of the home, there are some interesting alternatives for kitchen that go well beyond the norm. Planning for a variety of counter heights to add function is fast becoming a trend in kitchen redesign. A lot of new kitchens features two or sometimes even three different counter heights, a working area for someone who is seated, another at normal height and the third one is at bar height which is suitable for a taller person.

In kitchen redesign, appliances are also beginning to address universal design issues. For instances dishwashers that can be installed in drawers and under counter refrigerators add a contemporary impression as well as for easy access.

The primary objective of universal design is not only to add style and elegance to your home, but to make your life easier and ultimately turning your home into a more comfortable place to live.