My friend Antony and I often joke about the pleasant feeling evoked by a “Canadian Basement.” You know what I mean: dark, wood panelling, old curtains, shag rugs and often a hint of brown-orange-yellow. Step downstairs and it’s 1976.

Yes, some nostalgia is fine, but when your whole house starts reeking of a bygone era, it might be time for an overhaul into the new century.

The fine folks over at One Project Closer, a blog co-written by two married couples from Baltimore County, Maryland, tackled this very subject in a post about sanding away stipple ceilings.

Stipple ceilings were very popular in the late 1970s and 1980s as a simple, cheap way for homebuilders and cutoff jeans–wearing DIYers to finish a drywall or sheetrock ceiling without having to mud or sand the drywall joints. Often confused with popcorn or spray-on ceilings, stipple ceilings are renowned for great acoustic properties (they reduce room echo) but the porous, crater-like texture looks dated, too space-like, too 1970s, too, well, I hate to use this word, groovy.

If your home was built before 1990, chances are it’s still got some outdated designs. While my heart belongs to wood paneling, some people—most people—aren’t keen on the dark, dingy look, so the panels are the first to go, replaced by drywall or painted over.

Next stop, bathrooms with outdated bulky cabinets and enough sinks to please the Solid Gold Dancers. As a general rule, getting rid of a cluttered look with big drawers is Step 1 in any bathroom update.

Of course, ceilings and counters aren’t the only parts of your home that can quickly look dated. Walls, especially wallpaper-covered ones, can look out of style before the glue dries. But then again, recovering walls with paint or paper is also the quickest way to bring something from 1978 to 2008 in a weekend.

So now that your home is completely up-to-date, ever wonder which of its features will look dated in 10 years?

There are several ways to improve your kitchen without having to incur a great deal of cost and using only a few basic skills.

When the kitchen becomes outdated and you find yourself tired of your flooring … ceilings … light fixtures … even cabinets, it’s relatively easy to repair, upgrade or replace these individually with less cost than an entire kitchen renovation.

First, search for pictures of other kitchens that you like to get inspired. To take a look at others’ projects or get some opinions on your own, the HomeRenovationGuide has an excellent Photo Share site (http://www.homerenovationguide.com/photoshare/), where you can post pictures of your kitchen and see what people have to say.

Some ideas to consider are:
• Changing your cabinet handles or knobs, a small but very simple change that can modernize your kitchen. If you are not interest in painting your cabinets, then ensure that the holes line up to prevent having to drill new holes and fill the old ones.

• Lighting can create a new ambiance, using elements as simple as dimmers or purchasing all new fixtures. These are easily installed, and you can ask the lighting store specialist for helpful ideas to achieve the mood you desire.

• Paint the ceiling and the walls. Don’t be afraid to be bold with the wall colours if you have a lot of cabinets.

• You can paint your cabinets as well, even if they are melamine. Prime with a specialty primer first (this is very important for melamine, so do not cut costs here). After you have primed, add two coats of paint to the cabinets and varnish for durability.

• Flooring renovations are all the rage right now. With click laminate floors, or peel and stick tiles, you can give the illusion of hardwood or ceramic tiles at a fraction of the price.

Remember to take your time and do one thing at a time.

nrollins@homerenovationguide.com

Types of Countertops

Solid surface, stone, ceramic tile, laminate, stainless steel, wood and concrete: the list of materials used for countertops has grown quite a bit over the last 75 years. Choosing the type of countertop for your remodel or new home can be a major dilemma these days. We’ll help you narrow the choice with a look at the various types of countertops to choose from and the pros and cons of each.

Plastic Laminates

Until a few years ago, when someone mentioned countertops, plastic laminate was probably what most people thought of first. In fact, plastic-laminate tops still account for 75% of the market. This product is made of multiple layers of resin-soaked kraft paper, topped by a patterned sheet of melamine that is subjected to heat and pressure. A 1/16-inch laminate sheet is then made into a countertop in two ways, either post-formed or custom-fabricated.

Post forming is done at a fabrication plant to create tops with rounded backsplashes and nosing. These tops can be purchased off-the-shelf in limited colors, or special ordered. The result is the least expensive, easiest to clean and quickest way to install plastic laminate.

Custom fabricating results in a range of styles. Laminate sheets are glued to the particle board, then edged with laminate, wood or solid surface strips.

Pros: Laminates are low cost, have an extensive choice of colors and patterns and can be easily installed and maintained.

Cons: The product is not as durable as stone or solid surface, and most of the time, it can’t be used with undermount sinks. It will also scratch and can be tough to repair. If your family is careless, this may not be a good choice, as hot pans and sharp knives will damage the countertop.

Solid Surface

Today there are more than two dozen manufacturers of solid surface countertops. Most are 1/2-inch thick and made of acrylic, polyester and fillers. Edges are built up with two or three layers of material for a thicker appearance. A predictable product, solid surface installation should be handled by a professional who is certified to fabricate and install that specific product.

Pros: Solid surface is sometimes called a “near-perfect” product. It is non-porous, difficult to stain, has a long life and can be made in nearly any size and shape. It is seamless, and scratches and burns can be buffed or sanded out. Sinks can be undermounted and backsplashes can be integrated into the countertop, making them seamless.

Cons: Most problems with solid-surface tops come with improper installation. Damage can occur if a hot pot can makes the product melt. Some critics also say the product looks artificial. It can be rather expensive to purchase and have installed.

Granite or Stone

The most durable option of all countertops, stone is becoming more popular among homeowners and is no longer seen as an “exotic” option. Granite countertops are made from natural products and come in a wide range of colors, patterns and depths, yet each is absolutely unique. The cost, which a few years ago was prohibitive for most budgets, has come down due to increasing imports, new technologies and thinner blades that allow the product to be cut with less waste and cost. A good store with probably the best prices, service and selection is Ariston Marble and Granite - be sure to mentions where you found them.

Pros: Granite surfaces resist most stains, and are even tougher if sealed. A variety of edge styles including bevel, radius, half-radius, ogee and square are available. Sinks can be undermounted and the product can handle hot pans.

Cons: Granite is hard and cold. It can be scratched, and if neglected, can be stained by hot grease. Seams are more evident with granite that has a strong pattern or grain. This product really needs to be installed by a professional who has special tools. On-site repairs are difficult to make.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone combines the functional benefits of solid-surface material with the great look of natural stone. Engineered stone is mostly made of crushed natural stone (93 percent) that is bound together by acrylic or polyester resins. It’s a fairly new product in the U.S., but has been popular in Europe for more than a decade. Anyone looking for zero maintenance on a kitchen countertop should consider this product. Products made of marble and limestone are best suited for bathrooms.

Pros: Engineered stone is non-porous and nearly impossible to stain. It never needs sealing and resists scratches. They have a nice natural look, but can be tinted to create colors not found in nature.

Cons: Expensive, with a cost falling between solid-surface and natural-stone prices. The product can crack or change color if exposed to extreme temperatures. Some feel the surface is too slippery, cold and unforgiving.

Stainless Steel

A common material in restaurants, stainless steel countertops are less common in homes, largely because they’re expensive and hard to find. There are different grades and thicknesses of stainless steel. Make sure the steel is wrapped completely around the edges of the substrate to protect it.

Pros: Stainless tops are very sanitary, provide good heat-proof surfaces and are easy to clean.

Cons: A very expensive choice, this product shows fingerprints and water spots easily, especially when it is new. As it ages, it can show nicks, dents and scratches. The product usually can only be found in limited sizes.

Tile

Granite, porcelain and glazed tiles are most commonly used on countertops, as they are less porous and more durable. Install backerboard over plywood to create a good surface to install tiles. Then use an epoxy grout that is more durable. If standard cement grout is used, make sure you seal it often and well.

Pros: Tile is reasonably priced and tile countertops can be installed by pros and amateurs alike. It comes in a variety of styles and colors.

Cons: Tile is hard and never totally even along the surface. Grout lines are vulnerable to staining. High-gloss and solid-color tiles show scratches.

Concrete

Concrete countertops seem to be growing in popularity. They are durable, heat resistant and can be formed into any shape with the ability to embed patterns or dye them. Concrete tops are not recommended for those who don’t want to do the maintenance, as they are surprisingly porous and need to be sealed and re-sealed.

Pros: Concrete countertops allow for uniqueness, flexibility and fun. It can be mixed with a variety of colors.

Cons: Concrete tops are expensive and easily stained, even with a lacquer finish. They chip easily and are hard, with an industrial look. They require diligent maintenance.

Chris Paulsen cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com