Dress Up Your Coffee Table, Nightstand and So Much More…

Dressing up a coffee table or a console table is an opportunity to make a statement which guests can appreciate.  A vignette is a fancy word used to describe the beautiful placement of keepsakes, pictures and architectural pieces on a table top or any flat surface in your home. And once you know the rules, these beautiful pieces of décor are very simple to recreate.

There are 3 main elements to always remember – layers, varying heights, and varying sized objects

This graph demonstrates how simple it is to create a vignette. Using the 3 key elements of layering and gathering objects of various sizes and heights.

Make sure to…

• Find the perfect place

While the most common placements are console tables, nightstands and coffee tables – in truth, any flat surface will do. Just remember, you are bringing the most treasured pieces of your home together. So placement should be wherever  you can enjoy it the most.

• Grab your favorite mirror, piece of art or print

Choose this piece carefully. Both the colors and theme of your art piece will be the basis for your vignette and really dominate the composition. A helpful tip would be to choose this piece in coordination to the location of the vignette, the

• Bring in a tall item

Use a lamp, vase of flowers, thin sculpture or something else (get creative) to give your composition some height.

• Incorporate a stack of books or a tray

This is again to add some varying height to the vignette. Depending on where you place it, it can also hold smaller accessories (see next step) and even add a little bit of a layered feel to the composition.

• Add an uneven assortment of smaller accessories

Small boxes, figurines, even candles will do in a pinch. This is really where you add some interest, bring in your personality, or customize for the holidays or themed parties.

• Review and Edit

Step back from the vignette you’ve just assembled. Eliminate one or two of the small accessories you added (trust us, it’s not impossible to have a good-looking vignette with a lot of elements, but a simpler composition will seem cleaner, feel fresher and look better). Ignore all the previous rules and follow your instincts if you think the vignette needs more accessories, more art or anything else.

If all else fails, look at some pictures of vignettes for inspirations!

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

If you are interested in a consultation for your design and build home remodel please call us at #516-775-8696.

Visit us

DJ’s Home Improvements

              

* DJ’s Home Improvements is an award-winning design and build remodeling company. Vita and Jerry have been staples of the Franklin Square community for 30 years. As homeowners and business owners for over 21 years in Franklin Square, we are also members of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, plus the National Kitchen and Bath Association and awarded Big50 in Remodeling. In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 we have received the Contractor of the Year awards. Visit us at www.djshome.com

DJ’s Home Repairs & Improvements, Inc. Nassau Lic. #H18C4240000 – Suffolk Lic. # 46377-H”

The Perfect Summer Shade

As the warm weather begins to roll in, many homeowners look onto their backyards in horror at the damage winter has left on their outdoor spaces. Most backyards are the center of a family’s summertime fun. Whether you have a pool to cool off during the over-heated summer days, or a beautiful garden that all your neighbors are jealous of -spring is the time to clean up and revamp your backyard or patio area.

 

A great way to completely change the look of your backyard or patio is to add a pergola. Pergola’s not only offer shade but also a decorative touch to any outdoor setting. With lights, outdoor curtains and even climbing plants – a pergola can be the show-stopper statement in your outdoor space.

Pergolas comes in various shapes and sizes. While a general contractor (like our very own Jerry Burdi) can assist you in drafting and construction – if you are an experienced DIY-er, then a ready-to-assemble kit is in your near future.  The beauty of a pergola is in the customizable appearance and function. A pergola can be used to enhance an entrance, create a sitting area or enhance your garden.

While traditional pergolas have a crisscross effect – you can always space rafters and beams farther apart for a more modern look.

An avid gardener will love hanging baskets and planting vines to grow on their pergola for shade, privacy and function. If you are not blessed with a green thumb, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Adding outdoor curtains allows for extra shade, privacy and adds the illusion of a canopy setting. If you lean towards the artistic side, create privacy and shade with structural posts or artwork alongside the posts.

Allow the pergola to be the base of your creative expression.

If you are interested in a consultation for your design and build home remodel please call us at #516-775-8696.

Visit us

DJ’s Home Improvements

              

* DJ’s Home Improvements is an award-winning design and build remodeling company. Vita and Jerry have been staples of the Franklin Square community for 30 years. As homeowners and business owners for over 21 years in Franklin Square, we are also members of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, plus the National Kitchen and Bath Association and awarded Big50 in Remodeling. In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 we have received the Contractor of the Year awards. Visit us at www.djshome.com

DJ’s Home Repairs & Improvements, Inc. Nassau Lic. #H18C4240000 – Suffolk Lic. # 46377-H”

Trust The Professionals

The most significant investment that most of us make in our lives is our homes. Trust the remodel and repair  to a professional, someone who works at nothing else but designing and building your new rooms.

At DJ’s Home Improvements, we will help you to fall in love again with your biggest investment: your home.

Kitchens are the heart ❤ of the home and should be a safe and comfortable room to work in and make and share family memories in.

TImeless design is designing for you and your likes.

The best designers LISTEN, more than they speak, to your wants and needs. A sense of confidence in your ideas and guide your look to a “cozy” inviting spaces with CAD software, our collaborative ideas on a virtual tour of your new space. Nurture your ideas until they come to fruition.

• Listen
• Instill
• Sense
• Test
• Enable
• Nurture

So remember to hire someone who will design and build your dreams and help you to fall in love with your home again.

Photo by DJ's Home Improvements. See more contemporary kitchen designs

Photo by DJ's Home Improvements. See more eclectic kitchen designs

Photo by DJ's Home Improvements. See more kitchen designs

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Photo by DJ's Home Improvements. See more kitchen designs

Photo by DJ's Home Improvements. See more kitchen designs

Photo by DJ's Home Improvements. See more kitchen designs

*DJ’s Home Improvements is an award-winning design and build remodeling company. Vita and Jerry have been staples of the Franklin Square community for 30 years. As homeowners and business owners for over 21 years in Franklin Square, we are also members of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, plus the National Kitchen and Bath Association and awarded Big50 in Remodeling. In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 we have received the Contractor of the Year awards.

If you are interested in having us design and build your home remodel project please call us at #516-775-8696.

DJ’s Home Repairs & Improvements, Inc.
Nassau Lic. #H18C4240000 – Suffolk Lic. # 46377-H

Bathroom Organization to Save Your Home

A perfect bathroom is a combination of style, luxury and most of all function. Most homeowners struggle with creating or updating an existing bathroom to include storage for the wife’s makeup, the husbands facial essentials, the kids’ bath soaps, daily toiletries and cleaning supplies; all in a stylish and easy to find way.

Many will look at their bathroom and think “if only I had a bigger bathroom, then I could organize better”. But some of my favorite bathrooms have been those with the smallest square footage. The size of the bathroom is not important – don’t get me wrong it helps, but as they say, the greatest things come in the smallest packages.

Bathroom organization is about being creative as using unexpected places to create a grand storage space that not only functions but looks A-MAZ-ING!

The first and easiest way to create storage is acquiring a vanity with ample storage underneath. Most standard vanities in your bathroom have a single storage space with a double door opening. These often get turned into a “throw it and hide” space as you usually just toss things in and close the door to hide the mess. Obtaining a vanity with multiple drawers where you can separate your items by category will be a huge stress reliever when searching for a particular item.

Along with an enhanced vanity, why not use the space along your mirror or medicine cabinet. Most medicine cabinet spaces are notorious for being a messy dump ground. But by building storage shelves at an angle on both sides of the mirror it saves time and uses space ordinarily forgotten and unused.

Making your bathroom look elegant is the key to organization. Beautifully placed built-ins will not only enhance your space visually but you will also want to keep the storage unit nice and tidy. Built-ins allow you to showcase your style with colorful towels and baskets which can be handy for a family with multiple children or even overnight guests.

DJ’s Home Improvements is an award-winning design and build remodeling company. Vita and Jerry have been staples of the Franklin Square community for 30 years. As homeowners and business owners for over 21 years in Franklin Square, we are also members of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, plus the National Kitchen and Bath Association and awarded Big50 in Remodeling. In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 we have received the Contractor of the Year awards. Visit us at www.djshome.com

DJ’s Home Repairs & Improvements, Inc. Nassau Lic. #H18C4240000 – Suffolk Lic. # 46377-H”

Laundry Room Organization

This is my DREAM LAUNDRY ROOM!

Don’t you love it?

But like 95% of the general public, I don’t have a massive room to dedicate to my laundry area. While not a huge room like the inspiration picture above – I am lucky enough to have a designated area for my laundry. My laundry room works great but only because I find ways to use up every space in the most optimal way.

– ♥ –

If you have a big family then create a shelving space where you can fold clothes and separate each persons pile into their own basket. This is a great idea for young kids. They pick up their basket, go to their rooms, store everything away and bring the basket back. Saves mom some time and kids get chores done fast.

If you love the picture above but aren’t the “handy-type” and don’t feel like hiring a handy man – don’t worry, there is another way!

This picture shows you a great cost-effective alternative! Go to your local Big Box Store, get your laundry baskets and two wide shelves with hanging attachment.

Your assembly will be (bottom to top):

1. baskets on floor
2. shelf
3. baskets on shelf
4. shelf

If you lack horizontal space, like me – go VERTICAL! You can either get smaller individual shelves and build up or buy a free-standing drawer/shelf unit. Check places like Target or the Container Store, they always have fantastic options.

Love to air dry your clothes but its snowing outside – hang a ladder! I love this idea instead of buying one of those plastic drying racks. Keeping storage off the ground makes your space feel more open aka bigger!

Is sorting your laundry a headache? Before this nifty idea, my floor would be covered in a dozen little piles. Now tossing laundry into the baskets is a fun little game and best of all – it looks clean!

If you are interested in a consultation for your design and build home remodel please call us at #516-775-8696.

Visit us

DJ’s Home Improvements

              

* DJ’s Home Improvements is an award-winning design and build remodeling company. Vita and Jerry have been staples of the Franklin Square community for 30 years. As homeowners and business owners for over 21 years in Franklin Square, we are also members of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, plus the National Kitchen and Bath Association and awarded Big50 in Remodeling. In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 we have received the Contractor of the Year awards. Visit us at www.djshome.com

DJ’s Home Repairs & Improvements, Inc.
Nassau Lic. #H18C4240000 – Suffolk Lic. # 46377-H”

Creating a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are a simple trick that can make you look like the designer of the year! By using artwork or pictures you can create a focal wall that is beautiful and elegant.

First you should decide on what kind of gallery wall you want to recreate.

Questions to ask yourself:

Do you want your wall to be a collection of all the artwork you have or family pictures and portraits?

Do you want frames of varying sizes and styles? Or do you prefer a cleaner look? If so then buying a set of the same frame will give you a cohesive look.

Now that you have figured out your style, how do you hang your frames?

There are two methods that I find very helpful.

Puzzle Time

If you are working with varying sized frames than lay the frames on the floor. Just like you were figuring out a puzzle, begin to move the frames around until you are happy with the design.

Map it out!

Cut pieces of paper the same size as your frames. Tape the pieces of paper on the wall. This enables you to see how much spacing you need between each frame and how much of the wall you want to actually cover with your pictures. The best part of this option – only one nail hole in the wall 🙂

If you still need some inspiration, these pictures will get your creative juices flowing

If you are interested in a consultation for your design and build home remodel please call us at #516-775-8696.

Visit us at 

www.djshome.com

                                                                                      

* DJ’s Home Improvements is an award-winning design and build remodeling company. Vita and Jerry have been staples of the Franklin Square community for 30 years. As homeowners and business owners for over 21 years in Franklin Square, we are also members of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, plus the National Kitchen and Bath Association and awarded Big50 in Remodeling. In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 we have received the Contractor of the Year awards.

DJ’s Home Repairs & Improvements, Inc.
Nassau Lic. #H18C4240000 – Suffolk Lic. # 46377-H”

DIY: How to Build Sink Storage

Yes!! Finally! Thank you storage gods for creating an amazing storage solution. Yes, it is true! You can have organization under your sink. Yippe!

Special thanks to our friends at The Family Handyman, for this amazing tutorial.

Why should you follow this tutorial? Because:

•  It is a simple weekend project
• No major construction tools needed
• Variations included for better fit in your own home
• Cost: $50-$100

For exact instructions, visit our friends at The Family Handyman

Weekend DIY project: Under-Sink storage

 

If you are interested in a consultation for your design and build home remodel please call us at #516-775-8696.

* DJ’s Home Improvements is an award-winning design and build remodeling company. Vita and Jerry have been staples of the Franklin Square community for 30 years. As homeowners and business owners for over 21 years in Franklin Square, we are also members of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, plus the National Kitchen and Bath Association and awarded Big50 in Remodeling. In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 we have received the Contractor of the Year awards. Visit us at www.djshome.com

DJ’s Home Repairs & Improvements, Inc.
Nassau Lic. #H18C4240000 – Suffolk Lic. # 46377-H”

 

Must-Haves for the ToolBox

Homeowners should always have a toolbox on hand for small repairs and those never-ending weekend “to-do” list.

If you already have a hammer and screwdriver your off to a great start but don’t put away your checklist just yet!

See our list of must-haves:

Philips screwdriver. A Philips or X-shape screwdriver is probably one of the most common tools in any toolbox. If you have a handle that accepts interchangeable tips, you can cover a wide range of screw types and sizes.

Flathead screwdriver. A flathead or straight screwdriver is invaluable; most light switch plates use straight screws, for example. Having the right size flathead can make a difference, so start with at least a set of three (small, medium and large) to be able to handle most jobs.

Tape measure. Your tape measure is indispensable for estimating material quantities, figuring out placement of objects, and calculating floor plans and furniture sizes. It’s always a good idea to measure more than once to make sure you’ve got it right.

Level. Some people are good at eyeballing whether something is level or not, but this tool takes all the guesswork away. It takes only a slight error to make objects look off-kilter.

Utility knife. From cutting paint around windows that are stuck closed to opening boxes, scoring drywall or even trimming the edges of carpet, the uses are so many that you’ll be surprised how you ever got by without one.

Hammer. Pounding nails, pulling nails, crowbar action, tapping things into place — it almost goes without saying why you need hammer. An expensive hammer is long and lightweight; its leverage can assist you when you take that wall down.

Pliers. The serrated jaws of pliers assist with holding objects firmly, as well as with pulling, pinching or bending metal.

Adjustable crescent wrench. There is a screw built into the head of this wrench; turning it adjusts the size of the opening, so that it fits onto most any hexagonal nut. Turning a nut with pliers just strips the edges, making it harder and harder to get a good grip when tightening or loosening it.

Wire stripper. This wire stripper has a blade for cutting wire to the proper length and several notches for scoring the insulation around wires of varying sizes, which can then be pulled off. Wire has to be exposed without the plastic coating to make electrical connections.

Electrical cord. A rugged, well-insulated indoor-outdoor power cord for high-amp tools will help you extend the limited cord of your tools to your job site — and it’s suitable for yard work too.

Flashlight. Necessary repairs can happen in dark, cramped spaces and even when the power is out. Plus, everyone loves to help by holding the flashlight for you. They don’t work without batteries, so have extras on hand.

Ladder or step stool. Painting, reaching the lightbulb, changing fixtures, trimming the hedge, stringing lights, getting into the attic and many more activities require the aid of a ladder.

Broom and dustpan. When projects get messy, save your household broom from harsh debris by having a dedicated set.

Music.

Why?

BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS BETTER WHEN YOU PLAY MUSIC!!!

Just ensure you place your stereo away from dangerous pathways or get a construction boombox, yes they exists.

 

DJ's Home Improvements Featured on Houzz

If you are interested in a consultation for your design and build home remodel please call us at #516-775-8696.

* DJ’s Home Improvements is an award-winning design and build remodeling company. Vita and Jerry have been staples of the Franklin Square community for 30 years. As homeowners and business owners for over 23 years in Franklin Square, we are also members of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, plus the National Kitchen and Bath Association and awarded Big50 in Remodeling. In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 we have received the Contractor of the Year awards. Visit us at www.djshome.com

DJ’s Home Repairs & Improvements, Inc.
Nassau Lic. #H18C4240000 – Suffolk Lic. # 46377-H”

Using Color To Affect Your Mood

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could transform every room in our space and still remain on budget? Well designer Vita Anne Burdi, CKBD from DJ’s Home Improvements says you can by using color!

When redecorating, most homeowners look into purchasing a new set of furnishing and accessories to transform the feeling in their space.  Purchasing a new set of furnishings is often a more permanent change and not as easily interchangeable as paint color.

By simply changing the color of your space from a cool to a warm tone this will automatically breathe new life into your room and vice versa!

When to use warm, rich colors:

Warm colors are best when you want to make your room feel cozy. Using a rich and bold accent wall will shorten a long or narrow room. In addition, using dark wood furniture such as espresso, mocha and black tones adds visual weight to your furniture pieces and therefore, makes them stand out as focal point in your room. Some designers, when faced with the challenge of working with very high ceilings, use a dark color or heavy treatment to visually lower the ceiling height.

When to use cool colors:

You often see cool and light colors used when a designer is trying to portray a very airy and calm space. Light wood tones or paint colors with little saturation are used to expand a space. This allows the natural sunlight to reflect rather than be absorbed by a darker tone. When a cool-toned paint color is used with white furniture, your eyes are able to pass through the room with ease and not land on a particular piece of furniture or accessory.

When using color as a paint choice or in your furniture selection, think about the natural energy association each color holds. Evaluate if that association agrees or clashes with your room’s mood.

If you are interested in a consultation for your design and build home remodel please contact us at #516-775-8696 or contact@djshome.com

                 

DJ’s Home Improvements is an award-winning design and build remodeling company. Vita and Jerry have been staples of the Franklin Square community for 33 years. As homeowners and business owners for over 22 years in Franklin Square, we are also members of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, plus the National Kitchen and Bath Association and awarded Big50 in Remodeling. In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 we have received the Contractor of the Year awards. Visit us at www.djshome.com

DJ’s Home Repairs & Improvements, Inc.
Nassau Lic. #H18C4240000 – Suffolk Lic. # 46377-H”

Preparing Your Home for Winter

The month of November is usually when the winter weather begins to creep in. Your day starts and ends in darkness, while children are sent to school bundled in layers of clothing resembling mini Eskimos. With holiday planning in full swing, homeowners often forget that pre-winter preparation for the home is essential.

Our masterminds in our offices have compiled a simple checklist with coordinating tips to winter-proof your home every year.

What to do:

1. Seal the leaks
   • The best way to keep the inside of your home warm and toasty is to keep the cold out. Step one is to caulk the inside and outside of your windows. On the outside, seal all edges of the sills with a water-resistant product; while on the inside, use a temporary silicone caulk around all moving parts of the window.  The silicone will break loose and easily in the spring when it’s time to open everything up again. The additional bonus is the silicone won’t damage any paint or varnish.
2. Replace Air Filters
   • A clean air filter will reduce the amount of dust inside your home as well as reduce the amount of energy it takes for your heater to work. Use a handheld vacuum while the filter is out to get rid of dust and cobwebs that may have accumulated in or around the filter slot
3. Duct and Cover
   • The ductwork in our homes carries the heat from room to room. Ductwork that’s not well-insulated, disconnected, or dirty impedes air flow and makes your heating system work harder. Check ducts in the attic and basement, vacuum them out, and seal loose connections with a metal-backed tape.
4. Protect your pipes
   • Like the ductwork in your home, any pipes that carry water need to be insulated from below-freezing temperatures. If you have a crawl space under your home or a basement that’s not insulated, wrap your pipes with fiberglass insulation or use pre-molded foam rubber sleeves that you can pick up at most home improvement stores.
5. Turn ON the fan
   • Ceiling fans are a great way to help cool your house in the summer, and they come in handy during the winter months too. In preparation for colder weather, reverse the direction of airflow on your fans. Since warm air rises, the fan blades will push the air down and help keep the toastier air in circulation. How do you know if your fan is rotating in the right direction for winter? Here’s the trick — turn your fan on and look up. For winter, your fan’s blades should be moving clockwise.
6. Let it Shine
   • You don’t have to invest a lot of money to enjoy some of benefits of solar energy. Leverage passive solar power during the day by leaving your curtains and drapes open. Your rooms will soak up the heat and release it at night.

    

If you are interested in a consultation for your design and build home remodel please call us at #516-775-8696 or email us at contact@djshome.com

 DJ’s Home Improvements is an award-winning design and build remodeling company. Vita and Jerry have been staples of the Franklin Square community for 30 years. As homeowners and business owners for over 21 years in Franklin Square, we are also members of the Franklin Square Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, plus the National Kitchen and Bath Association and awarded Big50 in Remodeling. In 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 we have received the Contractor of the Year awards. Visit us at www.djshome.com

DJ’s Home Repairs & Improvements, Inc.
Nassau Lic. #H18C4240000 – Suffolk Lic. # 46377-H”