by Robby Monk for Drexler Shower Door and Custom Glass

One of the most exciting things you can do as a homeowner is remodeling the interior of your home. From drastic renovation projects that include removing walls and adding new space, to minor DIY projects such as updating kitchen and bath hardware, updating your home’s interior can add dramatic appeal and value. But where do you start? Regardless of what you believe needs to be done to the interior of your home, challenge yourself to think outside the box when it comes to renovation ideas.

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More than 180 companies, including several from Georgia, have joined the national “We Build American” initiative launched by 84 Lumber at this year’s International Builders Show. “This initiative is designed to spread the word that you can build homes with approximately 95% American-made materials and products, have a higher quality home and maintain and create American jobs – all with little impact on overall building costs,” says Maggie Hardy Magerko, president and owner of 84 Lumber.

The Georgia companies that have signed on include Quikrete, Moulding and Millwork TLC, Shaw Industries, Inc., Simmons Manufacturing, Beadles Lumber, Tolleson Lumber Company, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Rayonier and Anthony Forest Products. For more information on the “We Build American” initiative, vendors who are participating and builders’ experiences using American-made products, visit www.webuildamerican.com.

Would you consider using American-made building products for your next project? Leave a comment and let us know why or why not.

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by Robby Monk for Exovations

When it comes to remodeling a home, many homeowners tend to think about rooms on the inside because that is typically the area their family spends the most time.  A trend many homeowners are turning to however focuses more on outdoor living spaces.  Living in a warmer client such as Atlanta, it is important to treat the outdoor space as outdoor living space.  If your home doesn’t adequately fit your outside living lifestyle, then you should consider making over your space in time to enjoy it for the summer months.

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Check out our editor’s product picks for May 2013:

Touch-Free Sensate Faucet by Kohler

Kohler’s new touch-free Sensate faucet means no more worries about messy or full hands. The activation area is under the spout, so a simple wave of a hand, cup, pan or kitchen utensil is all it takes to turn it off or on. $675 and up; available in Atlanta at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.

Kawasaki Mule 4010 Trans4x4 Diesel

Whether you’re seeking recreation or utility, the 2013 Kawasaki Mule 4010 Trans4x4 Diesel is sure to fit the bill. The Mule easily transforms from a two-person gear hauler to a four-person transport vehicle, boasting a towing capacity of 1,200 lbs. and much more. $12,999; available in Conyers and Marietta at Mountain Motorsports.

Bigger Is Better

The new Parisian 2 free-standing tub by MTI offers the same bold curves and luxurious features as the 66-inch original but with more wiggle room. Measuring 72” x 40” x 23.375”, the tub is made with high-gloss Lucite cast acrylic that is stain- and scratch-resistant. $7,892 and up; available in Atlanta at Cowan Supply.

Vintage Porch Swings

No porch is complete without a swing. Charleston, S.C.-based Vintage Porch Swings offers seven whimsical styles, each named after one of the owner’s children, including the Joshua bed swing (shown). Available in a variety of finishes. $1,599 for twin size, including rope and hardware; www.vintageporchswings.com.

Wine Glass Lampshades by di Potter  

Turn existing wine glasses into votive holders with vibrant vellum lampshades by di Potter to create a fun and festive atmosphere. The toppers are available in a variety of colors, and use with flameless LED tea lights is recommended. $22 for six; www.dailygrommet.com.

Eco Intelligence Steam Iron by Rowenta

Steam away wrinkles while saving 25% energy with the new Eco Intelligence steam iron by Rowenta. The iron’s new and patented 3D soleplate with 400 microsteam holes helps to concentrate steam on the fabric, reducing loss of steam and conserving water. $96.24; www.qvc.com.

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What was once a tired landscape is now a more functional and beautiful outdoor living space thanks to Seasonal Solution, Inc. The homeowners wanted to enhance views of the existing hardwood forest surrounding their property and attract wildlife to the yard. Bird feeders, pyracantha and itea help attract birds, while an informal terrace seating area made with irregular-shaped crab-orchard stone offers views of the trees, birds and other wildlife.

Before

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By Sylvia A. Small, principal, Sylvia Small Communications & Marketing

If you’re like me, you probably have at least one room in your house where you shut the door when guests arrive. My problem equates to writer’s block. You have all the necessary ingredients to assemble a beautiful room, but you don’t know where to start. So you keep closing the door!

The 43rd Annual Decorators’ Show House & Gardens is a wonderful place to get fresh ideas for transforming an unappealing space into a masterpiece (or at least something more inviting).

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Three Atlanta area kitchen and bath professionals have been named to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s first ever 30 Under 30:

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Looking for something to do this weekend or in the coming week? Spring in Atlanta is full of home and garden events to enjoy, including many that are taking place in the next week. For starters, this is the first weekend the 2013 Atlanta Symphony Decorator’s Show House & Gardens will be open. The show house features 18,000 square feet of professionally designed spaces and all proceeds benefit Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Education & Community. It will be open through May 12.

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by Jason Radford, operations manager at Lightning Bug Electric and a member of Atlanta’s Consult a Home Pro (CAHP)

Let’s talk about surge protection and why everyone needs surge suppression, commonly known as surge protection. Every home that is supplied with electricity from a utility company gets up to ten thousand surges a day. Most of the surges are small and the common appliance can handle it, but it lessens the life of the appliance.

Surge sources inside your home may come from units such as your refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, treadmills, irrigation pumps or virtually any electric motor turning off and on. Home office equipment such as paper shredders may also contribute to the surge problem. There are many more surge sources in businesses, depending on your business.

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After undergoing a renovation, Drexler Shower Door & Custom Glass has debuted an updated showroom at 1452 Northside Drive in Atlanta. The showroom features full-size vignettes displaying the latest shower enclosure designs, a large selection of shower glass and a selection of shower doorknobs, pulls and accessories. ”We are doing some amazing things with glass these days!” says owner David Drexler. “From glass stair treads to colored glass backsplashes, we are seeing glass applications play a more central role in some very exciting residential designs. There are literally hundreds of patterns and colors of glass and mirror to choose from. We wanted our showroom to provide an organized, contextual way of showing designers and homeowners what is actually being done with glass. For example, our cabinet glass display lets you see what a cup or bowl would look like through each pattern. And that’s just the beginning!”

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