Capital Kitchen and Bath
Q: What kitchen trend has been most popular this year?
A: Fresh new versions of mid-century modern design are huge this year. Homeowners all over Columbia are selecting natural wood tones for cabinetry, sleek simple cabinet hardware, and bold patterned or textured tiles. Quartz remains king of countertops and low maintenance Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is hugely popular. Clients are making their kitchen material selections based on color tones found in nature.
Spray Net
Q: I want to paint my brick house; what should I consider?
A: Consider using a brick stain instead of a brick paint. When latex paint is applied to brick, the film simply lays on top of the surface. This stops moisture inside of the brick from evaporating, leading to blistering and peeling. Silicate mineral stain travels deep into the pores of your brick. Through the chemical process of crystallization, it becomes part of the brick itself and allows it to continuously breathe.
Paradime
Q: Is now the right time to build a home?
A: Yes! As always, now is the right time. The important fact the media is not reporting is that the cost of everything is going up, not just lumber. Commodities may go up or down but everything else is trending up. If you wait for lumber to come back to normal, everything else will have gone up and you are still spending more for a home.
Palmetto Construction and Renovations
Q: What are some things to consider when adding an outdoor living area?
A: Outdoor kitchens remain a top priority. Often these will include custom exterior cabinets and granite countertops. Built-in grills, gas burners, and smokers are popular features as well as refrigerators and ice makers. Outdoor kitchens offer flexibility and ultimately become an inviting extension of your home. The addition of a wood-burning fireplace may also be something to consider. This can allow you to enjoy your porch or patio as the weather turns cooler. Options include a custom-built masonry fireplace or a metal insert fireplace. Masonry fireplaces give you more design flexibility but are often more expensive. Either option will help create a nice gathering space when entertaining.
The Art of Real Estate
Q: In this competitive real estate market, what are some tips to help buyers win in multiple offer situations?
A: Use an experienced buyer’s agent. Don’t make an offer without a pre-qualification letter from a reputable lender. Make your first offer your best offer — you may not get the chance to negotiate. Consider shortening your inspection period. Put down nonrefundable earnest money to show you’re serious or consider paying some of the seller’s fees (i.e., commission, deed stamps, transfer fees, etc.). There are multiple ways to win; it’s all about implementing the right strategy.
Southern Custom Doors & Hardware
Q: Is it okay to mix hardware finishes throughout the same space?
A: Absolutely. There are a few key points to consider when mixing finishes in a space: don’t overdo it, stick with two different finishes, too many may be distracting. Keep a little bit of distance between the finishes as well — a faucet, appliance, or light fixture can be a different finish from the cabinet hardware. Lastly, pay attention to the undertones in the finishes. Stainless steel and brushed brass look spectacular together and can give your space a unique and updated look.
Top Hat Sweepers
Q:What is the best wood to burn in my fireplace?
A: Seasoned, dry, split wood is absolutely the correct wood to burn. Hardwoods like oak or maple will burn longer and soft woods like pine will burn more quickly. However, the key to all burning is to have the wood be dry, cut, split, and stored out of the rain for at least six months, so now is the best time to get wood for next season. Store it off the ground with adequate covering over the top of the stack, like a roof with overhang, allowing air to flow through the wood.
