Keeping Up with Kitchen Trends

These kitchen trends will be sure to withstand the ever-changing styles each year. No matter your design/remodeling preference, customizing these ticket items can guarantee a kitchen you’ll love time and again.

Classic White Kitchen

There’s a reason white kitchens are everywhere, but that doesn’t mean each one is the same. Depending how you dress it up, your white kitchen can look different than your neighbors. The main takeaway is that white isn’t going anywhere, and if you want a versatile vibe throughout time, then build on the basics of a white kitchen. 

Timeless Subway Tile

After many decades, subway tile is still here to stay, so why not have it in your home? Subway tile works with any color, any kitchen, and any budget. You can even style it in any pattern. The way it is placed introduces personality that other more decorative tiles may automatically elicit, but subway tile is subtle and a survivor to temporary contenders.

Shaker Style Cabinets

Sometimes simplicity is key, especially when it comes to cabinetry. Shaker style cabinets are the staple for farmhouse kitchens, but when paired with your choice of hardware, they can seamlessly blend with any aesthetic. 

Whether or not shaker is the style for you, being sure to customize your cabinetry guarantees a cleaner countertop and an easier lifestyle. Encasing appliances as built-ins or creating pantry storage will be a kitchen trend that never ceases to fade. 

A Well-Lit Island

We spend a lot of time in our kitchens simply preparing food or entertaining guests. Since the function of the kitchen will always remain the same, the need for space will also stay in high demand. When it comes to incorporating a kitchen island, dividing ample room for additional workspace and barstool seating makes for a stunning multi-purpose item that’s only missing its spotlight. 

Pendant lighting paired with an island is a popular way to dress up your kitchen across the decades. As for what style to initially choose, that’s up to you. Better yet, lighting can be easily installed and replaced, so when you find a style you want to swap in, there’s nothing standing in the way of your perfect pendant.

For more kitchen remodeling ideas that will keep up with the ever-changing trends , follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Pinterest.

Spring Remodeling

Spring is in the air, and you know what that means! Time for Spring cleaning. Or should we say Spring remodeling? March is the beginning of a busy season for interior design and home remodeling services, which is why you should get ahead of the crowd now.

While the kids are still in school and not occupying the house for Summer break yet, tackle those projects you’ve been postponing all Winter. With most holidays having winded down, there couldn’t be a better time to put some love back into your home. But if you’re not already convinced, here are some more reasons Spring is the best season to spruce up your space.

It’s the Season of Change

The weather isn’t too hot nor too cold, and the flowers are all starting to bloom. With Spring symbolizing a period of rebirth and change, why wouldn’t you invest in a design transformation? In a time where everything else is flourishing, your home should flourish too. 

Maybe that means finally adding a deck to amplify your outdoor entertaining scene for the warm weather ahead or upgrading your kitchen while supplies are on sale. No matter the space you plan to add or redo, we can’t think of a better time than today.

Supply Sales

In case you missed our stealth mention of it before, spring is the season for sales. Especially Emily’s Interiors’, cabinetry sale going on now until March 31st, making it the best time to buy for your kitchen or bath upgrades. Why let more time and savings pass you by? 

For Convenience Sake

Since school is still in session and February break has passed, you’re most likely on the home stretch until summer, or at least until April break. Meaning you won’t have to worry about the progress of construction or subcontractors working while away on summer vacation. 

Start and finish your project on time and on budget with Spring finally in full swing. Taking advantage of the increased daylight hours, the promising weather helps ensure deadlines are met with time to spare.

Whether you’re looking to stay or sell, remodeling your home this Spring increases the value of your home both monetarily and aesthetically. And with the added savings, we promise you won’t be disappointed.

What You Need To Know Before Taking On a Kitchen or Bath Remodel

Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in the house. Whether savoring your home for a while longer or selling your home in the near future, remodeling these two rooms drive costs up. Cost of your home that is. 

Remodeling is always an exciting feat when your design comes to life, but what about all the time, work, and waiting that lie in between the start of the project and the finished result? Well, that’s what we’re here to shed light upon. 

Finding Alternatives 

For both kitchen and bathroom remodels, the client has to make sacrifices during the duration of the remodel that apply seldom to other areas of the home. When renovating the kitchen, be prepared to set up camp for prep and meals elsewhere in the house or be open to dining out. 

As for the bathroom, depending on how many baths the home has, you may be safe. If you’re renovating your only full bath, however, finding an alternative place to shower is one mission in store. 

Putting Costs Into Perspective

In terms of cost, the national average of remodeling the kitchen and bathroom are $40,000 and $20,000 respectively. These costs do not reflect changing the layout of either space, and for some homeowners, changing the layout is necessary to increase the room’s efficiency and functionality.  

A good rule of thumb is to spend between 5%-10% of your home’s current value on a bathroom remodel. Guest baths fall on the lower end of the range while investing in a master should be around if not at the top end of the cap.

When determining the cost of either space, rerouting plumbing or electrical can quickly increase the budget but can be worth the extra investment for greater practicality.  

Where to Splurge in the Bathroom

Making final selections for the bathroom can be difficult, but with some guidance, you can be and stay on the right track. Choices worth an additional expense include dual vanities and heated flooring in the master or any additional storage opportunities in either bath. 

In terms of finishes, avoid natural stones for countertops or shower tile, for they can easily fall out of budget. Natural stones require more maintenance than less expensive porcelain, however, can be used within a niche if absolutely desired.    

Where to Splurge in the Kitchen

Getting the most out of your kitchen is a must when investing in a redesign. The best way to determine where to splurge in the kitchen is to evaluate how the kitchen should function for the family. Tailoring choices to your lifestyle will greatly benefit the ease and efficiency of the space. 

Overall, investing in cabinetry can be universally recommended. Bringing cabinets up to the ceiling grants additional storage and the illusion of a taller space. Choosing a quartz or granite countertop can also be beneficial in withstanding time and toughness.    

The most important piece of advice for any homeowner looking to invest in a kitchen or bath remodel is to personalize your space. If the investment is for resale purposes within a 1-2 year time span, personal preferences may find their way onto the back burner, but are crucial for homeowners seeking to stay.

With a little research of local contractors and some time perfecting your design, you’re sure to have a home you’ll love for rest or resale. Want to learn more about the design/build space? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Small Remodeling Projects With Big Value

Want to invest in your home for greater resale value down the road? What appeals to buyers varies depending on location, but we made a list of small remodeling projects every home can benefit from when it comes time to sell.

Updating the Kitchen

When it comes to renovating the heart of the home, it’s important to keep cohesion between the kitchen and the rest of the spaces. For starters, a fresh, modern coat of paint can instantly transform a room.

Updating or replacing cabinetry is also a sure way to increase the value of your home. Small projects include replacing hardware, restaining cabinets, adding a backsplash, or switching to energy efficient appliances. In terms of the added benefits of energy efficient appliances, they not only help you save money while you live in the home, but they will save potential buyers money when they move in. 

Making minor adjustments in your kitchen has up to 82.7% return on investment depending on quality and consistency.

Room Conversions

Any unfinished rooms or wasted space in the home are opportunities to repurpose before resale. Converting an attic into a bedroom or finishing the basement may be on the larger end of small remodeling projects, but they can yield 84% return on investment.  

Before taking on a room conversion, consider the new function or purpose of the space. An attic could serve as a bedroom or playroom, whereas a basement can function as a second living room, a game room, or even a rental space. Tailoring the room to the type of buyers you want to attract is an easy way to remodel with purpose and ensure future money in your pocket.

Bathroom Remodeling

Much like the kitchen, updating the aesthetics of the bathroom can increase appeal to today’s home buyers. Low cost improvements such as replacing bathroom plumbing fixtures and tile can take your bathroom to the next level along with addressing any damages before listing.    

For properties with only one bath, adding a second can recoup as much as 130% of your investment depending on the size and styling. The best advice for creating a second bath is to re-purpose an already existing room instead of building a new bathroom addition. 

Final Touches

Maintaining the safety and integrity of your home is an important feature for homebuyers. Making sure there is care put into the home whether from a quick exterior paint refresh or tackling any small interior projects will help you get the most for your home when it comes time to sell.

Stay tuned for what to expect during remodels and how to handle mistakes before they become costly. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for upcoming projects and all of your remodeling needs.

Remodeling Before The Holidays

Preparing for the holiday season means preparing the house for feasts, guests, and endless amounts of decor. Truth be told, who doesn’t want to show off their house during the holidays, especially after a long overdue remodel? Remodeling before the holidays may sound scary, but it’s actually one of the best times to take on a project, and here’s why!

First Impressions

You may have previously hosted your family and friends for the holidays, so their first impression has already been made, but what about their second first impression? Imagine guests entering into your brand new foyer, completely unaware of your upgrade until they walk through the front door. They’re impressed! Renovating your front entryway is the best way to welcome guests into your home. It’s the first impression that they make of your space, so why not make it a good one!

Kick start The Kitchen

You’ve already kicked off your shoes in your brand new foyer and are off to a solid start. In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, show your kitchen some love too. You can renovate your kitchen all at once or a little bit at a time, taking the pressure away from a rushed remodel.

While working up to a whole new upgrade, a great way to get started is by replacing appliances. A builder can help design your kitchen before any major purchases, as to predict what appliances will fit. With a new kitchen comes new or newly-painted cabinets! No matter how small or large, kitchen renovations can transform your home for the holidays and more to come.

More People, More Powder Rooms

It’s inevitable that when you host for the holidays, you host for the whole family. Don’t let space be a struggle. Add a new powder room or update your existing one to be more accommodating for an excess amount of guests. Even when your guests leave, you have an additional space for current use and a return on investment for future prospects!  

Little Demolition, Big Impact

We all know that sightlines can be important in a home, especially when you are entertaining or have little ones running around. With a little demolition, walls come down, and your space opens up, creating an ease of access between rooms. You’ll no longer miss out on conversations while cooking once your open concept space takes shape.

The holidays are a time for friends, family, food, and fantastic homes. So what are you waiting for? Pick your project today, and give us a call! We can’t wait to transform your home for the holidays!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for our latest projects and postings.   

House Tour – Residential Addition

You have seen bits and pieces of this residential addition on our social media pages, today, we have decided to give you the full project and its story. This award-winning project came together through a collaboration with a local architect. We created a sleek, modern addition that stayed true to the original style and construction of the house.

The clients, a busy family of five, wanted the addition to appear as if it had always been there. Along with the exterior addition, the kitchen was completely remodeled. The new kitchen design is a complex, full overlay, wood grain cabinet design that greatly improves storage and provides a new dining room for entertaining guests.

The separate island design, adjacent to the kitchen was designed specifically so the children of the family can enjoy breakfast, do homework and hang out with their friends. The area also doubles as an ideal entertainment area for when the adults host family and friends’ gatherings.

We love all aspects of this residential addition but our favorite parts include all of the storage space. For example, this coffee bar and these shelves for cookbook storage.

Another great part of this residential addition is the entry way. Everything has its place, shoes, coats, keys, you name it.

Lastly, we must call out the dining area and the living room. There is so much room for guests to gather and enjoy each other’s company.  

We are so proud of this award-winning residential addition and are so happy we were able to meet our client’s needs!

Be sure to follow us on social media for more photos of this project and many more: Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

How to Successfully Remodel YOUR Kitchen

The kitchen is typically where you’ll see the highest financial return on your investment, putting time and money into this room makes sense. When remodeling a kitchen, it is important focus on functionality as well as making the space beautiful. Here are our suggestions for remodeling your kitchen to fit your needs.

What Are You Going to Do in The Room?

Of course, you will be cooking, but that’s not all. Before remodeling, create a list of how else you will use the room. Do you want to entertain and have your guests gather in the kitchen? Consider a large island with plenty of seating. Do you love your morning coffee? Maybe a coffee bar is a worthy addition.

Sneaky Storage

In our opinion, you can never have enough storage places. When designing your cabinets, consider how you will want to store your items and appliances. Find a cabinet designer who can suggest ideas for hiding your appliances but also make them easily accessible for when you need them!

Add Personal Touches

Your kitchen is most likely a room you and your family will spend a lot of time in, make sure you make it a place you want to be! You can do this by adding personal touches to the room, displaying a piece of art or your favorite cookbook is a great place to start.

Don’t Forget Lighting!

The kitchen is a room where lighting is crucial. Lighting helps show off your design elements and helps you see when using sharp tools. For your kitchen, evaluate the work areas and focus on providing each spot with the light it needs. Consider adding lighting directly above all the main work areas.

Whether you’re considering simple updates to your kitchen or a complete remodel be sure to take the time to focus on functionality and making it a beautiful place for you and your family to gather!

5 Ways to Tell If Your Kitchen Needs a Remodel

 

Have you been putting off a kitchen remodel for a long time? Are you in need of some definite signs that your kitchen is in desperate need of renovation? Here are 5 ways to tell if your kitchen really needs a remodel.

Insufficient Storage Space

Are items stacking up on counters or other surfaces that you need for meal prep and other tasks? This probably means you have insufficient storage space in your kitchen. There are plenty of budget solutions, such as built-in “floating” shelves or finding organization products at your local home goods store to take better advantage of the space. But when there simply isn’t enough space, the cabinetry layout may need significant altering, meaning a remodel is in store.

Bad Workflow

Finding yourself bumping into appliances or counters or even a table in the middle of your kitchen just trying to do everyday tasks? One of the most important aspects of kitchen design is the “work triangle.” This means that there should be a clear triangular path between the sink, the cooktop, the refrigerator, and back to the sink. If some aspect of your kitchen is interrupting this flow, or there’s insufficient space to move around, it may be time to consult a kitchen design expert to find solutions to this problem.

Poor or Insufficient Lighting

Some kitchens simply do not have sufficient lighting in them. There are LED bulbs now that can simulate daylight at very low wattage, so you can actually get more light power out of a single bulb that you would traditionally get with two or even three. But perhaps the existing fixtures aren’t enough. They may be poorly placed, the wrong type of lighting for the type of room you have, or just simply no longer your style or out of date. If so, it’s time for a kitchen remodel because that’s really the only way to change their location.

Cabinets Showing Signs of Wear and Tear

If you have cabinets that were bought from a budget kitchen depot or local big box store, chances are that you’re starting to experience problems with them if you’ve had them for a long time. Perhaps the doors are jamming, closing incorrectly, or not closing at all. It may just mean you need new door hinges. If you need brand new doors, redooring may be an option, but that can cost as much as new mid-priced cabinets. Unless you have super good cabinet frames, it may be worth seeing if it’s better off just replacing them altogether.

Loose or Leaking Fixtures

Is your kitchen faucet leaking and causing water spots on your counter or around the faucet area? Perhaps it works fine, but seems wiggly or loose. Have you noticed peeling sealant, mold, or water damage around the sink basin? What about the pipes underneath the sink. Do you even go under there? If those are leaking, loose, or showing other damage, you likely need a kitchen remodel in that area at the very least.

Differences Between Full Custom and Semi Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinetry is the most expensive part of any kitchen remodel, taking up as much as 40 percent of the overall budget. One trick that kitchen designers use to save money is to mix semi-custom cabinets with regular custom cabinets. Some cabinetry lines offer mix-and-match options allowing you to blend semi-custom into a design and make them seem like custom cabinets. But true custom cabinets do have some advantages. Read more

Why You Need to Declutter Before a House Renovation

Decluterring is highly recommended before any house renovation project must commence. The reason for that is because you would want the entire project to go as smoothly as possible. It is important to understand that construction project disrupt daily home activities and if you have clutter all around the place, that will add to the disruption and will probably cause delays.

Kitchen Renovation Decluterring Tips

If you are going to have your kitchen renovated, you must realize early on that the process is going to disrupt your daily life. Before the initial tearing-up activity is performed, it is best to remove the commonly used items like plates, utensils, glasses, mugs and coffee maker. You should put these items in a box and have it labeled accordingly as your everyday items; doing this will make it easy for you to find the items when you need to use them.

Next, it would be a good idea to get the cabinets emptied and categorize the items inside. Place the items based on their categories in separate boxes with the right labels. It is also recommended to discard or donate anything that you won’t need or broken. Remember that you are decluterring, so get rid of everything you don’t need.

Items that you do not use regularly can be stored somewhere else like in the basement or a closet. Your kitchen should be totally clutter-free for it to work effectively for you and your needs.

Keep in mind that everything you will place in the boxes is the ones that you will put back when the renovation is over. So, try not to store items that do not really belong to the kitchen. Decluterring is usually the best way to rediscover some of the things that you have long missed. So, if you see something that belongs somewhere else, do not include that in the boxes for the new kitchen; simply put it where it truly belongs.

If you are having a hard time deciding on how to place the food items back in the kitchen, try to think of how a grocery store looks like. Place each item according to their category just like the way you see them arranged in supermarket aisles.

One important tip is to make sure that your daily used items are placed ideally in the cabinets that are easiest to access.

Papers do not belong to the kitchen. This is something that every homeowner should understand. Your monthly bills have no place in the kitchen, as well as school papers, office documents and the newspapers.

Refrigerators have been used as reminder and art boards for many decades now. This is just fine as long as you can keep what you put on it to a minimum. If you like putting photographs on your refrigerator door, use plastic frame with magnet so that the images are protected from grime and grease.

Lastly, try to create a decent looking kitchen by organising the entire area according to the flow of your work there. For example, dishes can be stored over the dishwasher and pans and pots under your stove. This allows you to easily get on with your daily kitchen tasks.