Typically found in old historic cities such as Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Boston, rowhomes are typically old and ready for an update to their designs. Where many homeowners run into a problem is the amount of space in the house itself.

The reason these homes are still so popular in urban areas is because of the square footage premium. They typically range from one to four floors and have a square footage range from 800 to 1200 square feet. These row home renovation ideas can help you make the most of your urban tiny house!

Embrace the Original Structure

The best way to approach any renovation is to find what pieces of the original structure can work in the new space. Not only will this help you stay within your budget, but it also maintains the integrity of the house.

While historical buildings may not always be suited for modern residences, you should take into consideration the original use of the building. This is particularly important if it’s a renovated warehouse or commercial building. You can add a lot of charm to your home’s interior by incorporating décor that is reminiscent of the building’s original use.

Row homes also have unique architectural structures that you won’t find in new construction. Some may consider decorative ceiling panels or ornate crown moulding dated, there are ways to keep these original pieces and bring them into the present design.

It may be tempting to completely gut an old house and start from scratch, but the house’s original architect created this floor plan and the different design elements for a reason! Things like original brick walls and exposed ceiling beams add value to your home and give it a design that you won’t find anywhere else.

Create Space

Row homes will always narrower than a single family home due to the nature of the house. With small square footage, you will need to create space where there may have been none. It can all be done with strategic row home renovation ideas.

You can’t build out on a row home, but you can build up! While you probably won’t raise your roofline and build a completely new floor, this principle of vertical extension can be used in all aspects of your townhouse renovation.

If you want the benefits of an additional floor in your rowhome, a loft can help you achieve it. Loft frames have a wide range of designs from a basic wooden frame to a completely closed off room. They also have a large variety of uses, the most common being bedroom lofts and storage spaces. Not only does it give you the space in the loft itself, but it also opens up the space below. The attic is a another way to add to your livable square footage. It’s the perfect place for a guest bedroom or office!

You can also create space by replacing older elements of your home with new spacing saving solutions. Because rowhomes are narrower than your standard home, staircases can take up a lot of the available space.

Many of these homes have a traditional staircase that is large and bulky. However, a spiral staircase provides a much smaller means of access to your space. The spiral design builds on top of itself meaning the footprint won’t extend beyond a small circle in your home. Whether you plan to install your spiral in the main floor plan or tuck it into a corner of your home, you can customize it to fit into its surroundings.

Under used spaces is another way to create a massive amount of space. Closets have much more potential than some think. You can take your staircase out of the main floor plan completely by opening your closet to the upper floor. This provides the perfect nook for your compact spiral staircase and opens up space in your main living area.

Basements and attics are other underused spaces in old homes. They don’t require any additional construction to the actual renovation. This can also add an immense amount of value to your home should you choose to sell later on.

If there isn’t much wiggle room to create space, you can design your home to have the illusion of a larger space. Natural light is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel larger. Large windows and skylights fill your space with light and helps it to be brighter and open up the space.

Extend Your Design Outdoors

Outdoor spaces are a major part of your home design. It can be difficult to have your ideal backyard, deck, or patio in urban spaces because of the lack of space. It can be even more difficult with rowhomes because of their shared yards and walls.

Some rowhomes do have a backyard, but it matches the home’s narrow footprint. There are plenty of small backyard ideas that can help you make the most of your space. Zoning is a major part of a successful backyard. Having defined areas around the space can help flow of traffic and avoid a cramped feeling in your backyard.

If you love the idea of a deck, balcony designs are a great small space alternative. They have the benefits of a raised deck by opening up your backyard while still having a solid platform for entertaining and relaxing. If a backyard isn’t an option, urban rooftop decks are trendy way to still have your outdoor space. They provide great views and plenty of space for outdoor dining, cooking, and relaxing with friends!

You can easily access these spaces without losing a ton of room or altering the overall exterior of your townhouse. Outdoor spiral staircases are durable and have the same small footprint of the interior designs. Salter Spiral Stair offers both Powder Coated Aluminum and Galvanized Steel designs that can be customized to match your home.

Popular Styles for Rowhome Renovations

You want to be comfortable in your newly renovated rowhome. A lot of this comes from the interior decorating style that you choose to use throughout the space. Any design style that you feel comfortable in is the right choice for your home, but here are three of the most popular styles for rowhome renovations for a jumpstart!

Minimalist
Minimalism has become a very popular design style in both residential and commercial spaces with a push for simpler lifestyles. It doesn’t mean that you’re getting rid of your belongings, but rather how you style them in your space.

Minimalist interiors feature clean lines and simple shapes making it the ideal choice for tiny homes and rowhomes that have a limited amount of space. It avoids the clutter that overwhelms many smaller homes.

A basic color pallet is at the forefront with whites and charcoals being the featured colors. When it’s paired with lots of natural light, the space automatically looks and feels larger.

Furniture should be simple lines and frames with raised legs on your couches and chairs. Acrylic and glass surfaces are another popular furniture option for these modern spaces. Both of these create the illusion of a larger space because of the pass through of light through each frame.

Eclectic
This bold design style is a natural choice for the interesting architecture and original features in an old rowhome. By definition, eclectic style interiors feature a mix of different styles, colors, and textures to create a one of a kind space.

There are plenty of bright colors that can create a vibrant space, but be sure to choose one core color that will be used throughout your entire design. Accent walls paired with the original exposed brick walls give you different textures to play with when building up your interior style. You should also maintain consistency throughout each of the different rooms. You want all of your home to flow together without feeling disjointed.

You will have to use some editing when it comes to your eclectic home. While you want layers of styles, you can clutter your already limited space if you’re not careful. Create interesting mixes of textures and materials while maintaining a balance and symmetry in your shapes.

Industrial
With many rowhomes being found in cities, this urban interior style is perfect for homeowners wanting to give their old house a facelift. It’s particularly popular in renovated commercial buildings. The utilitarian style is reminiscent of a functioning warehouse.

Take advantage of all of your rowhome’s existing structure. Exposed pipes and air ducts are key features in industrial interiors. The original brick walls bring in another element to support your chosen design style.

Furniture has a wide variety of material choices. Reclaimed wood and old pipes are often used to makes shelves and tables. These are paired with industrial light fixtures and exposed light bulbs similar to those found in old warehouses.

While rowhomes are typically small tight spaces, there are plenty of renovation ideas to make the most of your space. The key to a successful rowhome renovation is to keep the integrity of your home at the core of the design. These classic buildings have plenty of potential that just needs a few upgrades.

If you want to create space using a spiral stair in your rowhome, whether it’s outdoor or indoor, call one of our consultative designers for quick pricing to get a quick start to your project.

The post Tips For Successful Row Home Renovations appeared first on Salter Spiral Stair.

Think of it this way, if you have room for a medium sized storage shed in your backyard, you have room for a guest house! Guest houses aren’t just an added luxury, they have a lot of benefits and can bring a new level to your home design.

Benefits of Guest Houses

Guest houses have many benefits when it comes to what they can add to your home. The largest benefit is the added value to your home. You are extending the available living space in your home. This is a major value boost if you plan to sell your home later.

Depending upon how you design your backyard house, you can also rent it out for added income. If you plan to rent out the space, you will have to be sure to design the guest house meets building code and pass inspection. You can also choose to decide a completely separate home, or have the guest house share amenities and utilities with the main house.

This is also a popular option for homeowners that have adult children moving back from college or elderly family members that want to be close by. They are separate from the main house and have independence, but they are still nearby.

A major benefit to designing a guest house is that you can keep the extra spaces in your home that are typically renovated for apartments or guest rooms. For instance, the attic and basement are two major places for home renovation. If these spaces are already finished or you don’t want to give up your storage space, you don’t have to! By building a separate structure in your backyard, you are also able to avoid any of the interruptions that come with renovations on the main house.

Guest House Structures

The actual structure of your guest house depends completely on your home style. You can have it match the main house or decide to build a unique backyard house that stands on its own. One thing to consider is whether you want to purchase a prefab building, hire a contractor, or have a complete DIY project. While it’s going to be much smaller than your main house, it still may be better to leave this one to the pros if you’re not an experience DIY-er.

One way to approach your guest house design is to look at popular tiny houses and find what works for you. The same design principles are in both tiny houses and guest houses, especially if someone plans to live in the space full time. These small structures have all of the comforts of a standard home in a compact package.

If you want to keep a traditional home design throughout the entire property, a shed like structure is the perfect solution. While the outside looks simple, you can design your tiny house interior however you want! This is a great option for those that have Homeowners Association restrictions about backyard structures.

Small cabins give your traditional shed design a different edge. Whether you go with an A Frame cabin or choose a small wood home, you can add some rustic charm to the backyard house.

If you want to really add a wow factor to your backyard, consider a treehouse guest house. While these backyard getaways are often associated with children, they’ve become more extravagant. This will surely give your home a unique edge compared to others.

Another thing to consider when you’re planning your guest house design is how it will fit into your backyard. Landscaping and pathways can help to create the overall aesthetic of your backyard house. Well-lit pathways are important for any backyard, but particularly those including a guest house design.

Guest House Floor Plans

There are a few ways to approach your backyard guest house when it comes to the interior layout. A lot of these design decisions depend on how you plan to use your space.

The first and most simple way to use the new guest house is simply as a guest bedroom. This single bedroom is exactly what you’d find in the main house, just separated and in its own space. It would share amenities with the main house, so this is best if you plan to use it for friends or family rather than renting out the space.

From this single bedroom design you can decide to add different elements as you want. Some homeowners may want to add a private bathroom in their guest house. This will obviously take a little more time to construct. You will need dig and lay new pipes for your backyard house. The same will be necessary if you plan to incorporate a kitchen and rent out the space.

One popular way to fit all of these amenities into one tiny house interior is to use lofts. By incorporating a loft into your guest house design you can free up space on the ground floor for things like a bathroom or kitchen. These lofts are usually used as the bedroom leaving the space below open for communal areas.

If you decide to design a bedroom loft, you will need a safe and stable way to reach it. This is very important if you plan to rent out the space or older family members plan to move in. A traditional straight stair would not only take up a large amount of space, but it may also make the guest house’s footprint larger. The large rectangular frame doesn’t have much flexibility in terms of size and shape.

Traditional stairs may seem like the only alternative to a loft ladder. Normally chosen for their very small frame, loft ladders can be unstable and difficult to use for some. They don’t feature handrails or full steps. The happy medium to both of these designs is a spiral staircase.

Spiral stairs are an ideal choice for those looking for loft stair designs. They have a very small footprint that won’t extend out past a small circle in the corner of your backyard house. Salter Spiral Stair provides three interior product lines that can be customized to fit your needs. Material choices and designs for everything from the individual steps to handrail options.

Guest House Interiors

When you’re decorating your main house’s interior, you want it to reflect your home’s personality. This can be done through wall colors, different textures in the space, and décor accents. Your guest house, not matter how tiny, has the same potential.

You can choose to match your home’s design aesthetic, or take advantage of a new and separate space. Don’t feel like you are tied to the interior design style that you’ve used in your main house when it comes to the guest house design. Play around with different styles and aesthetics until you find the perfect match for your backyard house. We’ve outlined some of the most popular home interior styles to jump start your design process!

Rustic
A rustic tiny house interior is the perfect match for those looking to create a cozy getaway right in their backyard. If you want to build a cabin in your backyard and continue the woodsy retreat look and feel throughout the entire space, you can use this design style that’s packed with natural beauty.

The most popular materials used in this design style are wood and smaller metal accents. While it may seem like metal takes a turn into the industrial, it really highlights the natural tones and beauty of wood. Walls can feature wood paneling that’s stained to bring out rich wood tones.

Once you’ve designed the rustic frame for your tiny house interior, the right furniture and accent choices can help tie the entire space together. Leather couches and armchairs are a great choice for this design style. Finish out the space with reclaimed wood and repurposed items. The timeworn wood is perfect for exposed beams and tables in the guest house. You can pair them with old metal lamps and table legs for an updated rustic look and feel.

Modern
This chic home design style is a great choice for those homeowners looking for a luxurious space for their guests. A modern design style takes a lot of inspiration from minimalist designs and allows for a clean and bright aesthetic throughout the space. This helps your tiny house feel larger and more open.

When it comes to a color pallet, think neutral and bright. If white walls seem a little intimidating, choose slightly softer whites. Pair these clean colors with streamlined designs. Think combining smooth curves and geometric shapes to create a unique contrast without overwhelming the space.

Avoid heavy looking furniture to keep the guest house feeling light and airy. Acrylic tables and light color seating are commonly found in modern homes. You can choose modern couches and chairs that also have raised legs. This helps the room to feel even large with the illusion of open spaces.

Traditional
Traditional guest houses are more likely to match your current home design. It has a major focus on comfort and timeless designs. By using a traditional aesthetic in your guest house, your guests or tenants are more likely to feel at ease and comfortable in the space.

Traditional walls colors are calm neutrals. Sand color walls are the perfect base for almost any design you want to use in your guest house. For a 2017 update, consider using the up and coming mushroom color for your walls. It’s warmer than a standard grey, but is cooler than beige. It’s the perfect in between color for your traditional guest house design.

Don’t overwhelm your classic space with ornate details. Simplicity is the key to keeping your traditional space relaxing and comforting. Simple lines in your furniture can be enhanced with rich wood tones of armchairs and side tables.

Guest houses have so much potential in every aspect of their design. Whether you plan to rent out the space or simply keep it as a place for friends and family, you find a lot of value in these small backyard homes. If a multi floor tiny house is the right design for your backyard, call one of our consultative designers today to start your spiral stair design.

The post Guest House Decor, Designs & Ideas appeared first on Salter Spiral Stair.

Finished Garage Basics

No matter how you plan to use your newly finished garage, there are a few parts of the renovation that will be the same. Because garages are typically a basic frame without any of the usual features of the main house.

Walls
Typically, an unfinished garage has basic frame walls or wall coverings that may not be ideal for a newly finished living space. If your walls did have an original covering, you’ll want to remove it for easier location of studs, vents, and electrical writing.

Drywall is the most popular finished wall option for those looking to convert their garage into a living space. You can add whatever wall treatment you want over top of it, whether it be paint, wall paper, or even faux brick.

If you want finished walls, but don’t need the extra polish that you get with drywall, plywood panels are a great cost effective option. You can screw it directly to the frame without having to go through the finishing process that’s necessary for drywall. They also can support additional shelving and can be painted to fit into your ideal design.

Floors
Your garage probably features a basic poured concrete floor. Depending on how you plan to use the new space, a concrete floor may be a great option. However, there are plenty of ways to keep the low maintenance concrete floor without the lackluster finish.

Before you treat or cover your concrete floor, you’ll want to repair any damage that’s happened over the years. This is especially important if you plan to treat the concrete for your new flooring rather than covering it with a carpeting or tiles. You can do this with any epoxy based crack fillers. Water or latex based products won’t accept the stain or paint that you plan to use on the finished floor. You want to be sure to clean your concrete floor after repairs and before you apply any kind of finish.

Once it’s repaired, you can paint your poured concrete floor or you can use an epoxy. There are latex based paints that are made specifically for concrete floors. They come in a large range of colors and can be used in different patterns to create a one of a kind floor.

Epoxy coatings for your garage floor are durable and customizable. Unlike paint, it bonds to your current poured concrete flooring to create a long lasting flooring solution. You can add in different color acrylic flecks to your top coat or even a slip resistant mixture for a safer garage floor.

For living spaces that require a more typical home flooring option, you can add hardwood, vinyl tiles, and carpeting with the right subflooring. The main concern with these options is the amount of moisture that your garage is exposed to, compared to your typical living spaces.

Doors
The most defining feature of any garage is the large garage door. It’s an added element that you’re not going to find in any other part of your home. There are a few ways to approach the large entryway when going through a garage renovation.

There are some benefits to keeping your garage door as a functional part of your design. If you live in an area with all four seasons or a mild climate year round, you can open this large door to create an indoor outdoor room that’s ideal for relaxing at home. This is also a great option if you plan to create an entertaining space in the newly finished garage.

If you want to keep your large garage doors closed, you can paint or panel their inside of the door to create a unique design element. For a bold design, you can replace your traditional garage doors with glass panels to create a full wall of windows. Of course, you can install curtains inside of the newly renovated space to ensure privacy when it’s needed.

Pretty much all garages have another door already built into their design for regular access to the space. You can keep this door as your access point, or you can choose to install a new one. This is particularly important if you have a second floor to your garage. You can have a separate entrance installed to reach the space above your regular garage. You can access the space using any outdoor deck stair that fits your design.

Livability
There are certain aspects of your main house that probably aren’t found in an unfinished garage. While you can renovate either an attached for unattached garage, these steps will differ a little bit when it comes to adding amenities and utilities to your space.

Your garage is probably already wired for electricity, but if you plan to use it as a living space, you’ll want additional outlets and a large light fixture. Most garages will already be on the same electric grid as the main house, especially if they are attached. Depending upon how much power you’re looking to add to the grid, it may make more sense to put it on its own power grid. Consult your electrician and power company to find the best solution for your home.

Insulation and temperature control is a major concern when finishing your garage. Because it’s not typically used as a living space, proper insulation isn’t always a feature of your original garage design. Foam batting is one way to insulate your garage before you install drywall or plywood boards. If your walls are already finished, you can cut a hole and use blown spray foam insulation between the studs. Don’t forget to install insulation panels around your garage door as well!

The last utility to add to your garage is plumbing. This is only necessary for those who plan to finish their garage as an apartment or simply want a convenient bathroom while spending time in the garage. This project may be one for professional, as it can involve running pipes through your yard and driveway.

Finished Garage Designs

There are a million different ways to use you’re newly finished garage. Whether you simply want a nicer place to store seasonal decorations or you’re looking for a new man cave, your garage is the perfect place to create that space.

Storage Space
Storage is the most common use for a garage. It’s an easy place to put and landscaping tools and seasonal decorations that you only use a few times a year. However, just because it’s acting as a storage space doesn’t mean it has to be a mundane grey space.

By finishing the walls and floors of your garage, you can create a bright space and that will actually make things easier to find. Installing pegboards or slat walls over your empty frames can open up your limited floor space and create a larger spot for your car. It also makes things much easier to find than digging through piles Take your renovation as a chance to overhaul your storage solutions! There are a few weekend garage organization projects that are simple and can make a major difference.

Bonus Room
Bonus room designs are the perfect solution for families with young children. The concept behind a bonus room is that you can design it to fit whatever your need is at that time. If you have young kids, you can create a play room for them that you can change as they get older and their interests change. For instance, as your kids get older, you can use the space as a home theater or a game room. It gives them their own space without them completely leaving the house or sacrificing the family room.

Use this space as something that you wouldn’t typically have in your home. You’re creating extra living space in your home, so why not use it as a fun rec room? Whether you’ve always wanted a craft room or a yoga studio is more appealing to you, you can create it in this bonus room space.

Tiny House
Tiny houses have been taking the home and garden industry by storm over the past two years. Why not skip a single level apartment and create an entire house in your driveway? A garage is the perfect place to create this extra living space.

If you have children moving back from college or elderly family members moving in, this is a great option. You are able to give them their own space and independence while still having them very close by. Another option is to finish your garage and rent out the space for extra income.

This finished garage will take some extra renovation to make it a full time residential space rather than other finished garage interiors that are only used part time. This is particularly important if you plan to rent out the space. It will need to meet building code requirements and pass inspection to be rented.

Man Cave
The garage is the typical setting for a husband’s getaway in his house. Whether he uses it as a place to work on his car or as a place to watch the game, a man cave is a highly sought after place. Garage man caves are similar to bonus rooms in the way that these finished garage interiors can feature whatever you want. There are some typical features, such as an in home bar.

There are plenty of different aesthetics that you can use for your man cave design. Wood paneling and different animal accents can give you a rustic cabin feeling, while sports memorabilia and a large tv can give you the perfect place to watch the game.

Finished Garage Loft

If you want that extra living space but don’t want to lose your car’s parking spot, consider a garage loft design. These lofts are flexible when it comes to their use, meaning you can incorporate any of these designs into the second floor of your garage. There are a few extra considerations when it comes to creating or finishing the second floor of your garage.
The first is to decide whether you want to install an open railing at the face of your loft, or completely close it off from the rest of your garage. Depending on how you use the space, one option may be better than the other.

A second consideration is how you will reach the second floor of your garage. Because space is limited, it may be difficult to fit a traditional straight staircase. They have large bulky frames that can take up as much as an entire wall depending upon the height. One garage stair design that gives you the benefits of full steps and a handrail without the large footprint, is a spiral staircase.

Spiral stairs build on top of themselves meaning they won’t extend out beyond a small circle in your garage. Salter Spiral Stair also offers durable stair solutions that are perfect for indoor or outdoor settings. Our consultative designers help your to design the right spiral stair for your garage. The easy installation means that you can have a brand new means of access in the space of a weekend!

It’s clear that an unfinished garage has plenty of potential when it comes to applications for the empty space. You can reorganize your space or create a brand new home right in your driveway with these finished garage ideas. If a loft or second floor renovation is in the cards, call one of our consultative designers to get quick pricing on your custom spiral stair.

The post How To Finish Your Garage (Ideas & Designs) appeared first on Salter Spiral Stair.

Easy Updates

You don’t have to go through a complete renovation to give refresh your home’s interior. Some décor updates and replacements can bring your living spaces into 2017. All of these projects can be finished in an afternoon or a weekend!

Interior Materials
One of the best ways to give your living spaces a face lift is with some new fabrics. A huge trend for 2017 is going to be mixed patterns. Don’t be afraid to use complementary patterns between the different fabrics in your home.

If you want to give your living room an update, but don’t want to break the budget on new furniture, consider couch covers. With the right fit and fabric, your old dated furniture will be unrecognizable! For bolder homeowners, you can add complementary patterned throw pillows.

Textures are another trend in 2017. While 2016 saw monochromatic textures come through wall treatments to fit the minimalist style, this year will feature more luxurious approaches. Quilted back seats and pleats folded into comfortable fabrics. Match your luxurious design with comfort be choosing the right treatment and fabrics!

Accent Pieces
Cork is another material making a comeback in 2017. After Scandinavian minimalist style ruled last year, there’s now a push for more organic and earthy materials. While cork is typically used as an office supply material, it has its place in polished home décor as well!

On the other end of the spectrum, marble accents are reaching their peak after a steady rise in 2016. The key to using this luxurious material is to have moderation and to mix in metal pieces. If there’s an over use of marble, it can make it seem cheap and cancel out any of the style you were looking to create.

Upgrade Your Surfaces
The surfaces in your home can recreate your space. They’re a supporting character in your rooms that can sometimes go unnoticed. However, once you change the table or counter top, you’ll notice a major difference in the personality of the space.

Tables are one of the easiest things to change out. The table’s legs and frame can pull out different accents in your space that you may have never noticed before. Whether it’s a new complementary color to your existing wall treatments or a new shape to fit the room. 2017 will welcome a shift from the sharp edges of Scandinavian designs to warmer and softer curves. Look into semi-circle or round pieces to redefine your space.

Kitchen counters are an easier and much more affordable update than you think. Because it covers the most area, other than your cabinets, your counters can change the entire style of your kitchen. Whether you want to embrace the 2017 trend of luxury with a marble counter or lean towards the organic material trend with butcher block counters, it can be done in a weekend with a counter shell that fits over your existing surfaces.

Wall Treatments

Wall treatments are seeing a great departure from the textured panels that were so popular in 2016. Your room’s texture will be pulled into through the fabrics we mentioned earlier. This year is all about solid wall colors.

One of best colors to use as an accent or for a statement in 2017 is navy. This traditional color is becoming a softer alternative to the harsh black that you may have used as your accent in the past. Not only does it have a softer edge, but it also won’t close off your room. When using large black accent walls, it can sometimes make your room feel much smaller. Avoid this claustrophobic design by using navy instead.

Green is another major trend in 2017. With Greenery, a bright and refreshing green, being Pantone’s Color of the Year 2017, it’s revitalized the previous year’s trend of pastels and bright whites. If this shade is a little too bold for your home, try a more muted earthy green for a calm and relaxed living room.

While the incredibly popular 2016 trend of ship lap is phasing out, there are some textured wall panels to be used in 2017. Using the previously mentioned material of cork, you can create a very small accent wall. While it’s not recommended for a full size wall, a small nook with a cork wall can pull in those homey accents that we’re seeing early on in 2017.

Staircases

A home design element that can change your space entirely is your staircase. This potential home centerpiece can be overlooked as simply a necessity and not a design feature. However, an update your staircase can redefine your entire home.

If you don’t want to replace your current staircase, there are plenty of simple updates that can give your existing stairs a facelift. Painting the steps and risers is a popular way to bring them new life. Adding carpeting is a popular option for homes that want a comfortable and non-slip staircase.

For a large impact in a smaller footprint, you can replace your traditional straight staircase with a trendy spiral stair. This plays perfectly into the 2017 trends of smooth curves and lines. The spiral design builds on top of itself and keeps the footprint to a small circle. Not only does this open up space in your home, but the shape creates a new dynamic of how things work together in the space.

Salter Spiral Stair offers three interior spiral stair lines and two outdoor stair options. All five of our product lines can be customized to fit your ideal aesthetic and help you to redefine your home’s style. We offer all metal designs, solid wood staircases, and a combination of materials. Your entire staircase is customizable from the individual steps to your decorative spindles.

Major Renovation Ideas

Sometimes the changes in your home are going to take a little more than a simple update to your table top. If you want to do a major overhaul of your space, the new year is the perfect time to do it! You may be building walls or finishing a previously unused space in order to create your new home.

One major trend change is the move from completely open floorplans to more closed off spaces. While 2016 was all about minimalism and wide open spaces, 2017 is looking toward more private residences. If you don’t want to start building walls in the center of your home, or you live in a loft or studio space, you can create the idea of a closed off space. Room dividers in the form of bookshelves or screens are a great non-construction way to follow this trend!

If you enjoy home entertaining, get ready to see more home bars in the main living spaces. Previously, bars were a fun addition to basements and a bar cart was the easiest way to incorporate it into your living room. However, more homeowners are looking to add the bar straight into their dining room or living room! Don’t think you need to add a large counter to the middle of your family room. Some built in shelves and a few cabinets are the perfect solution for your existing space.

One of the largest renovation ideas in 2017 will be a finished garage. This extra space is often overlooked when it comes to renovating for additional living space. The most popular way to finish this space is to create an apartment in your garage. If you have a second floor to your garage, you can have your finished space without losing your car’s parking spot!

2017 definitely looks like it’s going to be a year of major change for home design trends. You can keep your home on trend without having to redo the entire house! These renovation ideas from changing out a table to finishing your garage are ways refresh your space and give it a face lift for the new year!

The post Modern Home Renovation Ideas From Small To Big appeared first on Salter Spiral Stair.

Grandview was first created in 1946 by a master carpenter named John Mason. He built it for his wife and his son as their family home. There are two cottages available at Grandview for people who want to experience Mathews County’s Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. It is a great source for relaxation and privacy.

If you have ever had an interest in touring Virginia, staying at the Grandview is an excellent idea, especially if you are looking for an incredible bed and breakfast setting.

The Crab Shack Cottage is a one bedroom and one bath cottage, where you can find an absolutely astonishing spiral staircase that has been installed by the experts at Salter themselves. This spiral staircase swirls upward to the master bedroom and was completely customized for Grandview on the Bay.

The beautifully crafted spiral staircase located in Grandview on the Bay is made out of wood. In addition to wood, there are other materials that can be used to build a staircase, such as steel, iron, and aluminum.

If the spiral staircase at Grandview on the Bay has inspired you to purchase a staircase, you will want to make sure that you choose the proper tread style, tread coverings, tread sleeves, balusters, and more for the look you wish to create.

Your spiral staircase can be for industrial, commercial, or residential purposes. No matter what, a spiral staircase will instantly add appeal to your property, business, or building. Take the Grandview on the Bay, for example; their installation has made the time spent at the Crab Shack Cottage an aesthetically pleasing one.  

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Your home is your sanctuary. If you’re a typical caring homeowner, you’ve probably looked through all that you can to improve its overall quality. Maybe you enjoy researching DIY tips, creating your own crafts, and other forms of home renovation.

Although there are practically endless ways to enhance the condition of your house, one simple idea that will transform your home into a modern and sophisticated sanctuary is to invest in a unique set of stairs. A spiral stair set, when installed in your home, can create a breathtaking and awe-inspiring look.

It’s amazing how much a set of stairs can frame and enrich the aesthetic of your home. There are plenty of spiral stair options out there that will complement the current theme of your living arrangement.

For example, there are many colors and finishes to choose from before you have your stairs installed. If your home has a more contemporary feel and you are searching for a staircase to flatter this look, a classic steel model will work wonders, especially if you already have steel furniture. For a more traditional look with an earthy feel, a set of spiraling wooden steps will go along perfectly.

With a spiral staircase, other modifications can be made to appropriately suit the theme of your house. Treads can be installed with beautiful designs, such as ivy detail for a more sophisticated home, which is ideal for a Victorian model. You could even mix and match materials; a spiral staircase can be installed with forged iron but have solid wood tread coverings to match particular parts of your household.

A spiral staircase will add that unique touch to your home that you were searching for. Stairs serve a fundamental purpose, but they can simultaneously help your home to appear more inviting, interesting, and especially appealing.  If you’ve been looking for a simple step to take in accentuating your home, a set of spiral stairs will do the trick.

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Autumn-izing your home doesn’t mean major renovations, or even getting new furniture. You can do this pretty simply!

Texture for a Warmer Feel
Start by taking small things into your hands to just make your home feel warmer. Swap your bath mats for fluffier ones with darker hues and change your shower curtain and hand towels to match. It’s a change that will only cost you a few dollars, but will totally change the atmosphere of your bathroom.

Do the same for the living room: put away your summery throw pillows and swap them for new ones in warmer textures, like suede or wool. Chunky throw blankets are always a great idea – they’re like an invitation to go cozy up on the couch!

It’s all about incorporating richer fabrics. For fabrics, try wool, cashmere, faux-fur, suede, and velvet instead of canvas, linen, and cotton.

Bringing the Outside In

In the summer, we like to decorate with, perhaps, driftwood and seashells, fresh flowers, and bowls filled with summer fruits. You can take the same concept and bring it into fall and winter, it just requires a bit more creativity! Try using colorful fall leaves and branches to make tablescapes, votives, and wreaths. Nothing brings about the feeling of autumn like using nature for inspiration. Put nature-themed candles around the house; many companies make scents such as pumpkin, apple, autumn leaves, balsam, and campfire. For an even more outdoorsy feel, you can even try incense.

Hard Accents

Now that you’ve got the soft accents down – your textiles, scents, and nature – make adjustments to the hard accents in your home. Warm metals are timeless, but are particularly on-trend in fall as they visually warm up a room. It can be something small, like an antique gold table tray with candles on it, or something larger, such as a wrought-iron plant table.  Getting new lamps or light fixtures will really complete the look.

Small accents in your home can add warmth to your home and get you ready for the cold weather. You don’t have to go through a complete redesign to update your home’s decor. Between incorporate some fall foliage and using warmer tones in your fabrics, you can make your home autumn ready in a weekend!

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Paint the Front Door

Contrary to popular belief, your front door doesn’t need to be a neutral color. In fact, having a front door that pops is an incredibly modern touch that can make your home look newer and more expensive than it is. We’re big fans of the lime green or red trend, but find one that suits you! Here’s a fun guide on choosing the right front door color for your house.

Make your Porch More than a Porch

You don’t have to put a screen around your open porch or even replace the railings to change the atmosphere of your outdoor hangout spot. You could, however, get some new light fixtures and furniture to make it more welcoming. Rocking chairs just beg you to come outside and sip some coffee or wine, while big, statement lighting fixtures create a soft, atmospheric glow. Don’t forget to put lights leading up the walkway for night-time visitors.

Got Stairs? Go Spiral!

A lot of people have staircases leading up to their decks, balconies, or second stories. You might not be aware of just how easy it is to install an outdoor spiral staircase – and this one small change makes such a difference, it might as well be a radical makeover. They’re the perfect modern accent, and interior designers love them.

Change your House Numbers

Get rid of those dollar-store address number stickers and go for something more visually appealing. Big, bold numbers below an outdoor light, depending on the font, help to create a certain mood and theme for the home; plus, they make it easier for guests to find the house and are delightfully easy to install.

Make Use of Window Real Estate

Even if you live in the city, chances are, you’ve got front windows. Don’t let them be bland! Try hanging planters outside the window and filling them with colorful flowers. If not, put some artificial candles in and make sure they’re lit at night. You could also hang stained glass art or install interesting shutters to complete the look.

If you’re looking to rent or sell your home, curb appeal could be a defining factor. You don’t have to completely redo your home’s landscaping or refinish your home’s exterior. These four tips are simple ways to make your home look younger and appeal to a wider range of prospective buyers. With all of these projects taking no more than a weekend, it’s an easy way to update your home’s look.

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You’re probably not an expert when it comes to remodeling and for that reason you’re probably not familiar with the cheaper alternatives you can use to create your dream home within your practical budget. That’s why we’re here to help: here are four ways you can cut costs when renovating your home to keep the price tag within reach.

When it Comes to Trash, Don’t Toss – Donate!

You’re probably wondering how donating your garbage can save you money – it sounds too good to be true. But did you know that trashing certain items – like bathroom fixtures, for example – can cost you anywhere between 50 and 100 bucks? In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t sound like much, but every bit counts when you’re doing a project of this scale. Not only does Habitat for Humanity have a project called ReStores that will come take your garbage for free, you’ll get a tax write-off out of the deal, too. You can even visit one of their locations to get recycled fixtures for a discount price if you want to save money that way, too.

Use Space Efficiently, Don’t Search for More

Does it feel like the walls are closing in? You’ll be tempted to knock down that wall between the living room and dining room when you’re looking to maximize your square footage, but you could use the space in your home more efficiently at a much lower cost. Try to pare down your furniture, having only what is essential. For example, trade those two bookshelves for one that’s slimmer and wall-to-ceiling. Use minimalist furniture, like chairs, that don’t have armrests and aren’t visually “heavy” to open up the room. You could even consider replacing your staircase with a space-saving spiral; the prices on spiral staircase kits are extremely reasonable and it’s amazing what this compact option can do to open up a room.

Need More Light? Wall-Mounted Trumps Recessed

After watching one too many episodes of Restaurant Makeover you might be convinced that recessed light fixtures are what you need for mood lighting. However, to achieve that look, you’re going to need a lot of lights, and after installation, that’s about $150 a pop. Interior design experts suggest that wall-mounted fixtures help you achieve the same effect at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you’ll need fewer since wall-mounted lighting allows for more wattage and brighter lights.

Find your Contractor’s Down-Time

Believe it or not, contractors do charge more during their busy seasons. Find a contractor that suits your needs, if you’re not taking the full-DIY route, and ask them when your business would be best for them. This might not be the ideal route, but you’ll certainly thank yourself after you save a significant percentage at the end of the day.

Everyone will want to update their home’s design eventually. Most homeowners will immediately think of a full renovation or addition. However, you don’t have to break the bank to create a new home design! By considering these four alternatives, you can save money while still adding value to your home. Creating space and perfect timing are small tips that can go a long way.

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If your home is not only your sanctuary but is a place to show off your interior design skills, you should look into a few staircase renovation ideas in order to improve the quality of your home. Here are some suggestions:

1. Create some modern appeal. You can accomplish this by creating bold statements in your staircase design. Try looking for interesting or eye-catching balusters which will make a difference in your staircase.
2.  Look into spiral staircase kits. There are quite a few spiral staircase kits out there to choose from, such as classic steel, solid wood, forged iron, and aluminum.
3.  Get some inspiration from creative staircase painting ideas. Are you trying to add more color to your home? Here’s an interesting idea: find a really bold color. For this example, we will use green. Incorporate other elements of green, such as the frames on your walls. Then paint your stairs the same color. It’s just one out of many interesting paint techniques.
4.  If you don’t feel like painting your staircase, try wallpaper. This works well as a print on your stairs. Floral patterns work really well for this, but the pattern you choose is completely up to you. Another idea is to try using alternating patterns to create more of a stunning visual effect.
5.  Add some rug. If you are bored with your stairs—or you need some comfort for your soles—try adding some carpet.

These five simple solutions can make a big difference in your home design. Because your staircase is almost always the centerpiece to the room it’s in, changing a small detail can make a big statement. If you want want to update your spiral stair, a call to one of our consultative designers can get you pricing on your new design elements in five minutes or less!

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