Home renovation can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive challenge, and even the most meticulous preparation can be difficult to avoid. In this article, I will answer common questions in decoration from different angles to help you avoid detours on the road to decoration.
[1] Hydropower wiring: the cornerstone of home security
Hydropower wiring is an important part of home decoration, which is related to the safety of the family and the convenience of use in the future.
There are two main types of wiring: horizontal and vertical and point-to-point.
The advantage of horizontal and vertical wiring is that the wiring is neat, beautiful and easy to maintain. This approach is suitable for families who value aesthetics and orderliness. The disadvantage is that the cost of materials is relatively high. The horizontal and vertical wiring method is more suitable for families who want more flexibility in their future home life, such as those who may replace large furniture or appliances.
Point-to-point cabling, on the other hand, is an efficient and economical option. Its biggest advantage is that it saves materials and thus reduces costs. This type of cabling is suitable for families who are on a budget or prefer a minimalist style. However, it has the disadvantage that it may not be flexible enough, and it may need to be rewired if there is a major change in the layout of the home.
Recommendations:When choosing a wiring method, it is necessary to combine the actual situation of your own family and the possible needs of the future. If you have children or elderly people in your home, you may need more power outlets, and horizontal and vertical wiring will be more advantageous. At the same time, it is also necessary to take into account the charging standards of the decoration company, some are charged according to the length of the line, and some are charged according to the point.
[2] Material selection: the trade-off between multilayer board and particle board
In home decoration, what kind of board you choose has an important impact on the quality and appearance of your furniture. The two most commonly used types of boards on the market today are multilayer boards and particle boards.
Multi-layer boards are made of multiple layers of thin wood boards staggered togetherIt has good structural stability and environmental protection. It has strong moisture resistance and good bending resistance, which is very suitable for use in scenarios that require load-bearing or anti-deformation, such as cabinets. However, it has the disadvantage that it is easy to deform when used in tall doors or large areas.
Particle board is made by pressing wood chips and glueThe surface is smooth, easy to process, and the cost is relatively low. The sound insulation and thermal insulation effect of particle board is also relatively good, but its moisture-proof performance is poor, it is easy to expand when exposed to water, and there may be problems with environmental performance.
Recommendations:When choosing a panel, you can decide according to your specific use scenario and budget. For example, for cabinets, I would recommend using multi-layer panels, as its structural stability is more suitable for load-bearing. And for cabinet doors or decorative panels that don't come into frequent contact with water, particle board is a cost-effective option.
[3] Decoration service choice: full package or half package?
Before renovating, an important decision is whether to opt for an all-inclusive or half-inclusive service. This choice has a direct impact on how involved you are in the renovation process and how much control you have over the end result.
All-inclusive means that the renovation company is responsible for everything from design to constructionThis includes the selection and procurement of materials. This is a time-saving option for busy office workers. However, it also has disadvantages, such as limited choice of materials, which may not be very suitable for personal taste, and can easily incur additional costs.
In contrast, a half-pack means that the owner needs to source the main materials themselves, the decoration company is only responsible for the construction. The advantage of a half-pack is that it can better control the quality and cost of the material, and fully reflect the personal style. But the disadvantages are also obvious, requiring the owner to invest a lot of time and energy and have a certain understanding of the renovation process.
Recommendations:If you have some understanding of decoration and are willing to invest time in choosing materials, half pack will be a better choice. This ensures that the style and quality of the materials are more in line with personal preferences. But if your time is precious and you don't want to get too involved in the details, then an all-inclusive service is more suitable.
[4] Hydropower Direction: Ceiling or Ground?
The choice of water and electricity direction has an important impact on the aesthetics and practicality of the home.
Hydropower goes to the sky, that is, wiring through the ceilingIt has the advantages of convenient maintenance and inspection, especially in the case of water leakage, etc., which can be found and dealt with in time. However, this method is more costly because more pipe is required and additional ceiling treatment may be required to hide the pipeline.
Hydropower, on the other hand, is routed through the ground, which can save pipes and reduce costs. However, its main disadvantage is that once there is a problem with the pipeline, repairs can be very difficult and may require prying open of the floor or walls.
Recommendations:I recommend using the walk-in method in areas that are prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, so that it is easier to repair in case of problems such as water leaks. In dry areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, you can choose to walk the floor to save costs and increase aesthetics.
[5] The choice of baseboard: open or concealed?
The choice of baseboard is also an important part of the decoration, which not only affects the aesthetics, but also involves the maintenance and cleaning in the later stage.
Exposed baseboards are the more common wayThe construction is simple and the cost is low. It can effectively cover the gap between the wall and the floor, adding to the overall aesthetics. However, if the ground is uneven, gaps may appear, and the raised parts of the baseboard are prone to dust accumulation.
On the other hand, concealed baseboards are embedded in the wallto form a flush effect with the wall, which is more beautiful and less prone to dust accumulation. However, this method is more difficult and more costly.
Recommendations:If you're looking for a higher level of aesthetics and ease of cleaning, consider concealed baseboards. But if you're on a budget, or if you're on a more traditional décor, surface-mounted baseboards are an affordable and practical option.
[6] Tile corner treatment: strip edge or chamfer?
The way the tile corners are treated will affect the overall aesthetics and safety of the wall.
Strip edge tightening refers to the use of a specific strip material to close the edgeIn this way, the cost is lower and the construction is simple. It provides good protection for the tile edges and reduces the risk of bumps, especially suitable for families with elderly people and small children at home. But from an aesthetic point of view, the strip edging may not be refined enough.
Another way is tile chamfering,That is, the edge of the tile is sanded into a 45-degree angle, and then spliced together to form a chamfered effect. This is more aesthetically pleasing and is especially popular in high-end decorations. However, the disadvantage of chamfering is that the construction is difficult, the cost is high, and the angle is sharp, and there may be certain safety hazards.
Recommendations:For families looking for high aesthetics and modernity, tile chamfering is an option. But if you consider cost and safety, especially if you have children and the elderly at home, strip edging is a more practical option.
[7] Choose wall covering: latex paint or wallpaper?
Wall decoration is an important part of home decoration, which directly affects the overall style and atmosphere of the room.
Latex paint is a common wall decoration material。It has the advantages of rich color, easy application, easy cleaning and maintenance. Latex paint also has some air permeability, which helps to regulate the humidity in the room. However, the disadvantage of latex paint is that once the wall is damaged, it is more troublesome to repair.
Wallpaper offers more decorative options, such as a variety of patterns and textures. Wallpaper can quickly change the style of a room and is easier to change. However, wallpaper is relatively low in durability, prone to moisture and breakage, and relatively complex to clean and maintain.
Recommendations:If you're looking for long-lasting and easy-to-maintain walls, latex paint is a great choice. And if you like to change the style of your room frequently, or want a more personal wall decoration, then wallpaper will be a more suitable choice.
[8] Lighting design: create the ideal home atmosphere
Lighting plays a vital role in home decoration, it is not only a lighting tool, but also the key to creating an atmosphere.
The main light usually acts as the main light source in the room, providing enough light. When choosing a main light, it is very important to take into account its light coverage and intensity.
Auxiliary lights, such as wall lamps, table lamps, downlights, etc., can provide accent lighting for specific areas or decorative elements, adding depth and beauty.
There are also mood lights, such as LED strips, fiber optic lights, etc., which can be used to create specific atmospheres and effects, such as warmth, romance, or modernity.
My Insight:When it comes to lighting design, it's important to consider not only practicality, but also how to create the ideal home atmosphere with different types of fixtures and lighting methods. For example, choose a large chandelier as the main lamp in the living room, and use it with wall and floor lamps to add warmth. In the study, you can use a table lamp with direct light to provide enough light for reading.
[9] Flooring material selection: solid wood flooring or laminate flooring?
The choice of flooring has a great impact on the comfort and aesthetics of the home.
Hardwood flooring is loved for its natural wood grain and warm texture. It enhances the class and taste of the home, and over time, its color will become more mellow. However, hardwood flooring requires high maintenance costs, is sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, and is not suitable for humid environments.
Laminate flooring is made of multiple layers of material for better stability and resistance to moisture. It is relatively simple to install and maintain, and it is also less costly. But laminate flooring lacks the natural beauty and touch of solid wood flooring.
Recommendations:If you're looking for a natural aesthetic and high-quality home environment, and you're willing to take on more maintenance, hardwood flooring is a great choice. And if you pay more attention to the practicality and economy of flooring, laminate flooring will be a more suitable choice.
Summary
Every decision you make about your renovation can affect the comfort of your home and the aesthetics of your home. Hopefully, the above sharing will help you make a more informed choice in the renovation process and create a home that is both functional and beautiful. Remember, the devil is in the details, and every decision you make deserves careful consideration.