Higgins Carpet One

Installing carpeting or flooring a great use of that tax refund

Home improvements are a great way to spend that little windfall in a way that adds value to your home.

Are you one of the millions of taxpayers in North America who will receive a refund when you file your tax return this year? In the U.S. alone, the Internal Revenue Service estimates that nearly 100 million filers will receive a refund.

That?s a refund for three out of every four returns in the U.S., with an average refund of approximately $2,000 each. Carpet One storeowners recommend homeowners spend their government "gift" on gifts for their homes.

By investing in a new gift for your home - whether it?s new lighting, new hardware, new flooring or new landscaping - you?re treating your entire family to something they can enjoy everyday, while also increasing the value of your home for resale. "Top 10" Smart Splurges For The Home Carpet One retailers consulted with international interior design expert Jamie Gibbs to develop a "Top 10" list of smart splurges for the home. Homeowners looking to spend their tax refunds wisely might want to consider these suggestions:

1. A Gift That Sheds Some Light. Give a room a bright, fresh new look with updated lighting fixtures. In the bathroom, choose a light that fits both sides of the mirror evenly for a balanced spread of light, rather than a fixture that lights vanity mirrors from above and creates unflattering shadows. In the bedroom, Gibbs cautions against down lights directly over the bed since they produce a harsh glare. If you enjoy reading in bed, invest in a pair of wall sconces, which help to avoid shadows.
2. A Gift That Will Floor You. If the floor in your kitchen, mud room or wherever has seen better days, install new flooring that can give a dramatic change to a room and take it from drab to fab. It?s also a great investment in your home. Gibbs notes that vinyl flooring, one of the most affordable options for the home, has come a long way thanks to improved technology. Mimicking the appearance of real wood, tile, or stone, vinyls today look great and offer outstanding durability with minimal maintenance. Carpet One has an extensive range of all floor coverings, including vinyls in hundreds of colors, styles and textures.
3. A Gift That Grows With You. Landscaping isn't just about good looks-it can increase the value of your home, make it sell more quickly, and even reduce your energy bill. Each season add new perennials. Gibbs suggests planting a flowering tree such as cherry or dogwood as well as some seasonal annuals to provide some instant color. You may also want to consider fountains, yard art, or attractive benches as new additions for the whole family (and your neighbors) to enjoy.
4. A Gift That Surrounds You. With home entertaining still on the rise, upgrade your home entertainment system to include a state-of-the-art surround sound system. Gibbs says to take the room dimensions first and bring them with you when shopping so you buy the right size equipment to fit your space.
5. An Artful Gift. Make a bold statement, and smart investment, with a beautiful piece of artwork that expresses your personal style. Whether it?s a vibrant modern painting by a recognized artist or a classic black and white landscape photo shot by a local photographer, let the artwork reflect your own creativity and passion.
6. A Gift That Creates Organization. Maximize both the horizontal and vertical space in a room by adding a built-in shelving unit. Consider a bookshelf built in on either side of a doorway or along a blank wall to create a wrap-around cozy reading nook.
7. A Gift to Enjoy the Great Outdoors. A handsome wood deck can be a natural extension of your interior flooring. The design possibilities are endless when it comes to creating this functional yet visually appealing space. Ezydeck? offers a modular system of interlocking solid wood tiles and a tough plastic locking system that requires no adhesive and a minimum of preparation, making it feasible to add a solid wood deck quickly. Deck designs can be as plain or as complex as your imagination, from a simple horizontal surface bordered by railings, to a more detailed design with built-in planters, barbecue station, trellises and even a recessed spa. Gibbs notes that such features make decks more functional, personal, and comfortable.
8. A Gift That Runs Upstairs. Constant foot traffic on stairs can wreck havoc on carpets, leaving them dull and dingy. For entrance stairways that see a constant flow of feet, a new carpet runner can do wonders for the overall look and make for a more inviting welcome area. When choosing new carpet runner for stairs, consider darker colors and a pattern, which will help mask dust and dirt. Generally shorter pile carpets show less wear and tear over time. Look for carpets with superior stain warranties, like Lees for Living, which is also the most durable carpet on the market, available exclusively at Carpet One stores. Consider adding brass stair rods on the landings of each step, which add a classic accent while keeping the runner secure.
9. A Gift For the Office Minded. Turn your spare room into a functional workspace. In this "information age" where so much work can be done from home, the creation of a home office is an investment that you will not regret. Start by surveying the room and finding the right furniture and organizational solutions, such as a desk with ample storage space that will give you easy access to all your files. Check to make sure there are enough electrical outlets to handle set-up of basic office equipment. Gibbs notes that ample lighting is another key factor to creating the perfect workspace.
10. A Gift For Your Inner Chef. Stainless is all the rage in kitchens, according to Gibbs. Update your kitchen with a sleek new look. Add accents such as gleaming stainless drawer pulls and cabinet knobs. Invest in a new stainless steel countertop or range hood to give the space a clean, industrial feel. And throw in some high-performance cookware and appliances to complete the project.