To maximize every square inch of your home, look for ones with open floor plans and utilize spaces that are often neglected, says Pat Perrino, president of Perrino Homes in Mayfield Heights. Make your home look and feel larger with these tips.
Island Hop: Consider installing a kitchen island for more seating. "You can seat six to eight people there, in addition to five to six people around the kitchen table," Perrino says.
Look Up: Ever wish you had a three-story home? Chances are you already do. "Finish the basement so it looks like the first and second floors," says Perrino. "It's less expensive than adding an extension."
Durable tile flooring and backsplashes can stand up to your household messes and still look stunning, says Heather Fisher, showroom manager at Virginia Tile in Warrensville Heights. She offers tips on how to pick the perfect complement for your dream home.
App Design: Find inspiration online. "You can make photo boards on Pinterest on what styles you're interested in," says Fisher.
Illusion Game: If you like the look of wood, try going with a porcelain tile in shades of gray, white and brown. "You can have the soft, wood look paired with the durability and strength of porcelain," says Fisher.
Blending iron structures inside your space can make your home stand out from the rest of your neighborhood, says Frank Finelli, owner of Finelli Architectural Iron and Stairs in Solon. He recommends three ways to bring elegance inside.
Stair Master: Think about combining wood and wrought iron. "Take the components out of the staircase, like the intermediate spindles, and replace those with the wrought iron," says Finelli.
Gate Keeper: Create an alluring curb appeal with a driveway gate made of wrought iron. "It's a grand entrance, and gives a look of grandeur," Finelli says. "It gives someone the anticipation of 'What am I going to see?' "
Get Personal: Use iron as decorative accents to make your space feel more special. Think about a contemporary wrought iron end table with a glass top or a sliding library ladder, says Finelli. "There's all kinds of things you can do to add different types of touches," he says.