Building 101: Finishing Touches (Part 1)

You’re tired of your bedroom’s dated look, your living room seems to be aging by the minute, and your kitchen needs a little sprucing up. But you don’t have the budget or the time for a major home overhaul. Don’t worry—a little refinishing can go a long way. Even just a change in paint color or a fresh set of floor tiles can definitely spruce up your interiors.  New finishes, much like new furniture or accessories, can create a different mood and personality for your room.

Before you start your renovation job, here are a few things to consider when choosing new finishes for your home:

1. Extent of renovation. How much do you want to change? Are you looking at one room, two rooms, or more? Will you be changing floor, walls, or both?

2. Style. Do you want a totally new look or do you want to retain your home’s existing style with new finishes? Will the new finishes complement or clash with existing furniture? Are you going for modern or traditional?

3. Budget. How much are you willing to spend? Take note, you can go for cheaper alternatives if you have a limited budget.

4. Quality. Are the materials you want of good quality? Cheap alternatives are fine. But if you have a little more money to spend, use high-quality materials to get better results.

5. Convenience. Are you ready for disruptions in your schedule and living conditions? Even the simplest refinishing job like repainting will create hassles. It’s just a matter of how much inconvenience you’re prepared to put up with.

Photographed by Ocs Alvarez.

Read the original article ("The Finishing Touches") in the December 2005 issue of Real Living Magazine. Download your digital copy of Real Living on the Real Living App now! Log on to summitnewsstand.com.ph/real-living for more details.