Dining rooms are where families meet for dinner, talk about their days, share in laughter, and enjoy one another’s company. When decorating, dining rooms can be put on the back burner to rooms like the kitchen and living room. But why not spend time making your dining room spectacular? We want to help you turn your boring dining room into an elegant escape without breaking the bank.

 

Tips for an Affordable “Dream” Dining Room: 

• Been there, painted that. 

Wallpaper can be a great solution for homeowners looking for textured walls. If you are not ready to dive back into this retro wall styling again, try using stencils and paint to create a patterned look.

• It will be lit. 

The main focal point of dining rooms is typically the chandelier. Homeowners want to captivate guest’s attention to their exquisite light fixture. If you are looking for inexpensive version, check your local antique shops for rustic chandeliers. You can even spray paint the antique fixture a solid color to make it look brand new. 

• Mix & match. 

Seating does not need to be all the same style anymore. Mixing and matching seating is trendy and affordable. Go to your local thrift shop and search for a bench to put under your dining room table. This look gives the room a modern twist. 

• Make a statement.

Statement walls are a necessity in dining rooms. From a bold color wall to a gallery wall, you can easily transform the space with a simple statement. The best part is that statement walls can be really affordable. You can incorporate some of your favorite pictures and decor to make an affordable gallery wall. 

• Bring in the outdoors. 

Add flowers and plants into your dining room to bring life into the room. Nature can give subtle pops of color throughout the room without being obvious. 

• Don’t forget the floor.

Often, the floor is the last thing on your mind when decorating.  But your entire space can be transformed just by changing the flooring type.  Replace carpet with wood or tile for a more formal dining room.  Add an area rug or simply change it for a rug with a more daring design.  You will be amazed at how quickly your room can take on a new tone!

 

Let’s continue to look at great flooring alternatives for your home…

 

Laminate 

This flooring choice is a cost-effective way to achieve a variety of looks without purchasing multiple materials.  Constructed of four layers for durability, laminate can mimic the look of hardwood, stone and ceramic tile.  No matter which style you choose, this flooring will hold up well in high traffic areas.  Be sure to install an underlayment before putting down this product in order to create a moisture barrier to protect from any possible leaking through the seams.  As an extra benefit, the underlayment also provides noise reduction.  This material is also resistant to staining and fading. 

 

Vinyl

Vinyl is another great economical choice for achieving the look of hardwood, stone and ceramic tile.  Available in sheets, planks or tiles depending on your desired look, this material also comes in a variety of glosses so you can choose your level of shine.  Vinyl is moisture-resistant and comfortable underfoot so it’s perfect for places like the kitchen, where you may be standing for longer periods of time.  Ideal for high traffic areas and durable enough to withstand your pet’s nails, this flooring is a great choice for the busiest rooms in your home.  It’s easy to install and is usually made with an antimicrobial layer, making it a healthy choice for your home.  

 

Engineered Wood

This man-made alternative to hardwood flooring has improved a lot since it became available in the 1960s.  It’s easy to install and more cost-effective than the original while maintaining the same timeless look.  This flooring can be installed anywhere you would want hardwood to go as well as a few additional areas that you wouldn’t think possible.  As this type of wood does not expand and contract as much as hardwood when placed in humid areas, it can be installed in basements as well as near heating elements.  While it may perform well in these areas this material is still not a good choice for bathrooms as standing water would be too much for it to withstand on a regular basis. 

Considering what flooring to put in your new home or existing renovation can feel a bit overwhelming.  There are multiple options that would most likely work well in your living space, but what’s the best one for you?  You may be familiar with hardwood, ceramic tile and carpet, but let’s take a moment to check out some alternative choices available in flooring.

 

Concrete

While concrete has a good reputation for outdoor use, it is also a great choice for indoors as well.  Whether you use the existing concrete slab in your home or have it freshly poured, this is an environmentally friendly option as materials are locally sourced.  Floors can be customized using different stains and dyes and can easily be given a textured surface or a sleek and shiny appearance.  It can also be stamped to look like tile or a uniquely shaped design with contrasting but complementary colors.  Once sealed it resists mildew, mold and other stains, making it a safe choice for moist areas. 

 

Cork

Another eco-friendly choice is cork flooring as its manufacturing process is easier on the environment than other flooring materials.  It is also recyclable and biodegradable.  Using stain and paint, you can achieve any look you desire from this material. Cork naturally helps retain heat, making it warm to walk on and reduces indoor noise.  The thicker the cork, the better the insulation.  This flooring requires sealing and is resistant to fire, mildew, and mold, however, it is not best to install it in a moist environment as it is not water-resistant. 

 

Bamboo

Bamboo is an easily sustainable and durable choice for flooring.  If you like the look of hardwood but want something a little more unique, this is the flooring for you.  It is technically a grass but is a very hard surface.  Natural bamboo is light in color, but there are also multiple stain options to suit your needs.  Keep in mind that the darker the bamboo, the softer it becomes because the material has been processed to alter its appearance.  Bamboo can be constructed in multiple ways depending on the look you are going for. Pieces can be layered together horizontally and vertically as well as shredded and woven together.  While this is a great material for most rooms in your home, keep in mind that extreme humidity can cause this flooring to expand or shrink. 

 

For more home flooring options, please see Your Guide to First-Rate Alternative Flooring – Part Two

An updated bathroom not only adds quality to your life it may also attract potential homebuyers.  Whether you are happily settled in your dream home or looking to sell, making sure your bathrooms are up to date is always a good thing.  Consider these bathroom renovation tips to spruce up this essential space in the house. 

 

Think about trying a sleeker design for the shower stall as this is an easy way to add value.  Barrier-free shower systems add luxury to the space, making getting in and out of the shower easier for adults, young and old alike.  Install large glass doors that will help the room look larger since there is no shower curtain separating it from the rest of the space. Consider a large shower head or multiple jets that provides adequate water pressure.  They will not only look nice but give you a spa-like feeling right in your own home.

 

Updating your bathroom floor will change the whole look of the room.  Be sure to use a material that is resistant to water and stains. Tile is a classic choice, but there is also vinyl, cork and engineered wood to consider.  Any look is possible since they are all good choices to use in a damp area, so feel free to step out of your comfort zone to give them a try.

 

New cabinets will help bring your bathroom up to speed. Determine whether you want to have more or less storage as this will help you choose what design will function best in the space. A master bath may require larger cabinets than a guest bathroom that isn’t going to get as much use.  If the space is small, using lighter colors is helpful for making the room look bigger.  If you’re cabinetry is large enough to accommodate dual sinks for your countertop area, go for it. Potential homebuyers love to see this in a home.  For single sink areas, choose a bold idea like a vessel sink or a drop-in with detailed design around the rim to add character.

 

Fixtures also play a big part in the look of your bathroom.  They come in an array of finishes to complement the rest of the room and a variety of styles that lets you choose whether you want to go for a vintage, contemporary or modern look.  Be sure to match the cabinetry, shower and lighting fixtures to keep on theme with your renovated design.