Bath Room Remodel Ideas for Small Bathrooms

A bathroom remodel can add value to your home and make it more comfortable to use on a daily basis. After all, people will spend more time in the bathroom than they realize. The larger a family is, the truer that will be. Thus, your bathroom needs to do double and sometimes triple duty. But what if your bathroom is super small? What options do you have then? More than you might imagine actually. Here are some of our ideas:

Use Wall Space Wisely

When you are dealing with a small space, the amount of square footage you have is incredibly limited. Instead of spreading things out like some people might consider how you can wisely use your wall space. For example, in the small bathroom, you may want to mount your toilet paper roll on the wall, instead of using a stand on the ground.

Instead of filling your wall space with knickknacks or even paintings, hang things that are either functional or will make the room appear larger. For example, a large mirror is a reflective surface that allows for more light and makes the area feel more expansive. Likewise, installing a mirrored medicine cabinet will provide you with storage and a reflective surface at the same time.

Install Built-Ins

Installing built-in shelving in your bathroom is smart regardless of how big it is. The difference is that small spaces require the shelving to have limited depth. However, think about what you actually need to store in your bathroom and you will see that you really do not need deep shelves for most of those things.

Hand towels, wash cloths, soap, makeup, and shampoo are all naturally very narrow anyway. Installing deep shelving is a waste when it comes to these particular items. The only difference is your large bath towels will need to be rolled instead of folded.

Switch to a Pedestal Sink

After installing the built-in storage, there is no need for a vanity underneath the sink. Switching to a pedestal sink as part of your bathroom remodel will give you more floor space and make your small bathroom appear to be open. Plus, they look incredibly nice from a design perspective, making it an all-around win. As an alternative to pedestal sinks, you can get a farmhouse-style one that has two legs. A farmhouse-style sink allows you to put baskets underneath for storing things while still creating an open and airy feel.

Purchase a Narrower Toilet

Consider the size of the family to determine whether or not you truly need a larger toilet. The size of the toilet may not be a problem for most people. However, by purchasing a toilet that is more in line with what your needs are, you can effectively save space while helping people remain comfortable.

Install a Custom Tile Shower

If you want to add a shower but do not feel that you have enough room, we can look at your space to determine if a custom tile shower will fit. With a tile shower, we can make it in any dimension. Thus, there are possibilities outside of what you would require with a pre-made shower stall.

Get more ideas for your bathroom remodel by calling and scheduling an in-home consultation.

Granite Countertops for Your Kitchen Remodel: Why We Love Them!

If you want to install granite countertops for your kitchen remodel, give us a call. Both beautiful and durable, granite is a popular material that stands the test of time. We can use granite for your standard kitchen counters and carry it throughout your kitchen in order to create more counter space beyond the usual areas. For example, many people take this opportunity to make a butler's pantry right outside of their kitchen by incorporating the same granite materials in a small hallway.

Others will take the same granite and use it to create a desk inside the kitchen that acts as a surface for homework, paying the bills, or sitting and relaxing while waiting for dinner. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may also want to incorporate granite into the middle of the room by using it to create a lovely island. These are all things that we can help you with. We can also make recommendations for possible ways to utilize granite when you call and schedule an in-home consultation.

Benefits of Granite

When you compare granite countertops for your kitchen remodel with the alternatives, granite tends to stand head and shoulders above the rest. Here is why:

• Variety. Since granite occurs naturally, you can select from numerous styles, shades, colors and pattern combinations. Granite is a truly incredible option for anyone that wants to add a unique touch to their kitchen. Since a lot of people are not interested in having counters that look the same as their neighbor's or best friend's, granite can be an excellent solution to consider. After all, you may select a piece of granite that looks like nothing you have ever seen and will not appear in anyone else's home.
• Durability. One of the best things about granite is its durability. It is unlikely that your granite will crack or chip even after years of use. Your granite can stand up to the daily abuse that your family dishes out, even if that involves chopping the occasional vegetable on your counter. While not recommended, it is nice to know that you can have a material in place that will stand up to even careless or busy decisions made by prep cooks.
• Easy to Clean. Granite is not as likely to soak in stains and dirt as some other counter materials. This means that it is far easier to clean and to look good no matter what. This is good news for any busy families that might not have as much time to clean as they prefer.
• Price. Granite is certainly not cheap and when you compare it to other solutions like laminate, it will definitely cost you more. However, it is also less money than something like marble. This makes it an affordable and glamorous solution when you are on a budget.

Schedule An In-Home Consultation

For ideas, tips, or suggestions on how to use granite countertops in your kitchen remodel, call our office and schedule a consultation.

Custom Cabinets: A Worthwhile Trend

Getting custom cabinets  for your kitchen has become a growing trend among people who are realizing that the kitchen is arguably the most important room in their home. Over the past decades, homeowners have been using the kitchen as a multi-purpose room where they not only cook, meet with the family but also socialize and show off the elegance of the house. One key to a successful kitchen design is to have custom cabinets.

Many homeowners love having custom cabinets for the kitchen, which add a sense of sophistication, allowing people to customize the overall look and feel of their kitchen.  Unfortunately, there are also many misconceptions when it comes to getting custom cabinets for a kitchen. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, or simply want to replace your existing cabinets with custom cabinets, give us a call. In the first phone call, we can provide a real-time estimate of the cost, the necessary time for installation, and work to discover the design for your custom kitchen.

One of the most popular myths when it comes to custom cabinets for your kitchen is that you can buy custom cabinetry for a partial kitchen remodel. While many homeowners would love to simply tear out the existing kitchen and put in a full new remodel, not all people can afford to do this.  This has led to many people looking for customized solutions and wanting to get custom cabinets put into a partial kitchen remodel. If you were getting all of your cabinets replaced this is truly an option.

However, it is a misconception to believe that custom cabinets can be mixed and matched in a partial remodel. In other words, it is extremely complicated to get a custom cabinet installed when you already have existing cabinets that you want to keep. This creates design problems, quality problems, and will ultimately not give you the cohesive feel that you want from the custom cabinets in your kitchen.

Another myth that is popular among homeowners looking to do a kitchen remodel without spending a lot of money on a complete remodel is that they can simply resurface the cabinets and achieve the same look as custom cabinets. The reality is that while there is great advertising out there for cabinet refacing, cabinet refacing will not give you the same look as custom cabinets. Why is that the case? This is because over time your cabinets are going to warp and the hinge alignments are going to be off.

In addition, resurfacing does not address the interior of the cabinets and there's usually a problem trying to get an exact match in the coloring of your cabinets.  The result is often a disappointing mismatch of kitchen cabinets that look like exactly what they are, resurfaced or refinished cabinets that do not have the cohesive and complete aspect of a custom cabinet job. You are far better off spreading your budget over time, and getting the beautiful custom cabinets you always wanted in the first place.

Learn more about custom cabinets and how they can improve your kitchen by calling our office.

Myths Surrounding a Classic Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels can be some of the most intense, and important, projects that people will ever undertake in a home. The kitchen is very often the central place in the home, where people eat and socialize together. As a result, it is very important to make sure that you have the perfect style in your kitchen when you are undertaking a kitchen remodel. Often times people get caught up in all the things that they want in the kitchen remodel and fail to take into account factors such as the amount of space, budget, lighting, or other limitations that are so critical in any remodel.

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, the best option is to speak with a professional who can guide you on the many facets of the remodel and ensure that you take the best advantage of the kitchen's existing features. In addition, having someone work with you on the design can help you to avoid traps that many people fall into and stay away from many misconceptions that could be both costly and lead to delays. Here are a few of the more common myths that find their way into the mix when it comes to a kitchen model.

One of the most common mistakes that people make is believing the myth that they have to create a perfect kitchen by following the current trends precisely. The reality is that when you are having a kitchen remodel done you need to go with more classic lines because the classics never go out of style. While there are many trends, they never last forever. What this means is that the style that was in vogue today may not be in vogue tomorrow, and if you follow these trends precisely you will find that your kitchen is out of style very quickly.

Another mistake that people make, when doing a kitchen remodel, is to believe that they can do it piecemeal. Too many homeowners start a project, believing that they can keep working on it over time and as funds become available. Good intentions never really come to fruition for many of the homeowners that start a kitchen remodel, with the intent of a piecemeal finish. Instead, many times folks find themselves with a variety of styles and mismatched collections that make the kitchen look even worse than it was before the remodel was started. A kitchen remodel has certain elements that are necessary, and so you should speak with a kitchen remodel professional who can guide you on the best place to begin, and also give you the ability to budget properly.

The final myth that often takes hold, when it comes to a kitchen remodel, is the idea that people can do some or all of the remodel themselves. It is always better to get a professional to do the kitchen remodel since it is one of the most important rooms of your house. It takes more than a basic knowledge of how to do remodeling to create the perfect kitchen, so you should have us come in and give you an estimate on what it would cost to give you a dream kitchen.

Things to Consider When Evaluating Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are all the rage on home remodeling shows, as well as do-it-yourself magazines. This is because they have a certain appeal and also work to help make your home more valuable. Granite countertops add additional beauty to your entire home, not just the kitchen or bathroom space where they have been placed.

For anybody considering a remodel of their house, the kitchen will get a great deal of attention. This is because the kitchen is often considered to be the heart of the home, the place where you will spend a large amount of time together, and definitely a space in which you want to be able to entertain. As a result, granite countertops find themselves front and center in the decor and decoration of the home. Sometimes, however, people wonder if granite countertops are really worth all the hype? After all, they tend to be very earthy in tone, costly, and require the use of experts to install them. Here are two ways to help you and decide if granite countertops are the perfect fit for your home.

#1 Visual Appeal 

One of the most important things to remember about granite countertops is that they have a certain decor value and visual appeal. The minute you install granite countertops, you are adding value to your home. You're also working to make it more appealing, and there will be an additional sense of sophistication. If you plan to sell your house at some point in the future, the appeal of granite countertops will have exceptional value and could peak potential home buyers' interest. Granite provides a sense of elegance and luxury to your kitchen and bathroom, which can be a major selling point down the road. The bottom line is that granite countertops add value, both now and if you plan on selling in the future.

#2 Durability 

There is another factor you need to take into consideration when considering if you want to install granite countertops. Not only are they better looking and have more appeal, but they also provide you with extended durability. Granite countertops are stronger and harder than virtually any other material used to make countertops today. For homeowners, the durability that granite provides gives you a surface that you can use for years to come. In fact, most granite countertops will outlast the house, which means you will never need to replace them. Most traditional laminate counters will need to be replaced or have rings and scratches become apparent. Granite countertops, on the other hand, are designed to last a lifetime. From an aesthetic, durability, value-added, and "never needing to replace them" standpoint, granite countertops are by far the most elegant, visually appealing, and efficient way to give yourself countertops that will last a lifetime.

Schedule an Appointment

To discuss the many benefits of granite or to go over alternative options, call and schedule an appointment. We can visit your home, discuss design ideas and make recommendations as to the best ways for turning your vision into a reality.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation vs. Refinishing Your Cabinets Yourself

A kitchen cabinet installation can be one of the most significant aspects of your kitchen remodel. Most people spend a vast amount of time considering what they want to do with the kitchen counters and the floors. However, your kitchen cabinets also play an essential part in the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. Here is a good way to think about it. Anytime you reach for anything in your kitchen that is out of sight and out of mind, you are going to need to reach into the kitchen cabinet. You want to make sure that your kitchen cabinet installation is extremely functional so that you can get to the things you need to get to with the least amount of effort possible. By the same token, your kitchen cabinets occupy a place where they have the largest amount of painted, finished, or stained surface in the entire kitchen. How you decide to do your kitchen cabinets, during your kitchen cabinet installation, can directly impact how your kitchen looks and feels.  If we haven't gotten your attention by now, you should walk into your kitchen and realize what an impact your kitchen cabinets have on how you react to the space.

Very often, when people are going through a renovation, they pause when it comes to replacing the kitchen cabinets. This is because there are too many do-it-yourself shows out there that have people believing that they could actually refinish the kitchen cabinets without any problem. It is important to point out that if you're going to refinish your kitchen cabinets you're going to need the  expertise that is usually reserved for carpenters and contractors. However, if you decide to give it a try, you should know that is a long and tedious job and could end up completely botching your kitchen remodel. It is highly advisable, in the event that you want to resurface your kitchen cabinets, that you speak with an expert who knows exactly what it's going to entail to make sure that your kitchen cabinets look exactly like the rest of the kitchen.

If, however, you decided on a kitchen cabinet installation you are going to get brand new kitchen cabinets that are specifically designed to fit in with the rest of your kitchen. This also allows you to customize a kitchen cabinet installation so that you get the space, functionality, and aesthetic value that you so desire. There are literally no limitations, other than space and how the cabinets can fit into the space, when it comes to getting a brand new kitchen cabinet installation. In fact, we will be able to put on those fine finishing touches that make it exactly the way you want it to be. The truth remains, that no matter how well you refinish your kitchen cabinets, they are never going to be the same as a brand new kitchen cabinet installation. When you get brand new kitchen cabinets you're also getting a brand new internal surface upon which your dishes and food are going to sit.

Wood Cabinets Make a Kitchen Design: Here's How to Utilize Them

The wood cabinets in your kitchen form the backbone of the entire design. When you are looking to remodel your kitchen you need to configure the cabinets in order to make the most use of your kitchen size and its layout. You also want to make sure that you can maximize the use of your wood cabinets. Wood cabinets in your kitchen serve a dual purpose.  Their first purpose is to do what cabinets are supposed to do, and that is to store stuff out of sight. The second role of wood cabinets in your kitchen is to provide an aesthetic lift.  Other than your countertops, your wood cabinets are going to be the most expansive feature in your kitchen.  As such, when you are designing your wood cabinets you need to keep in mind the layout and look that you want, select the right type of materials, and ensure that it goes with the overall feel and design that you are trying to achieve. The best way to get the cabinets that will meet your dream kitchen requirements is to work with a professional designer who can lay all of the options out for you so that you can make an educated decision as to what kind of wood cabinets you need in your kitchen.

It is important to remember that wood cabinets in your kitchen primarily have a function to fulfill. With this in mind, you need to choose a style of wood cabinets that are going to fit all of your belongings, provide you with the right amount of space, and still give you the look that you desire. Currently, European-style frameless wood cabinets are extremely popular. This is because these European-style wood cabinets afford more storage than the traditional rail-style cabinets that have often been found in U.S. kitchens.

Since we are talking about the function of cabinets, it is important to note that many cabinets are now coming with soft-close drawers and doors. If you are interested in this, you should ask about the cost of having soft-close drawers and doors because sometimes it is an add-on cost with certain models of wood cabinets. For even more sophistication, you can go with touchless cabinets which are currently considered a luxury item, but experts believe will eventually move into the mainstream. This is a great application and very convenient for waste or recycling drawers.

Added Features

There are some features you should consider adding to the cabinets in your kitchen, which will increase function their functionality. For example, in order to counter the dead space in the far back corner of your cabinets, you can request a pie-cut corner base cabinet that pulls out and utilizes the space or has an old-fashioned Lazy Susan installed. A Lazy Susan spins around and brings stored items from the back to the front of the wood cabinets. Similarly, you should consider getting fully adjustable door hardware which allows us to adjust the doors so that the gap between them is uniform. Additionally, we can hide any of the under-cabinet lighting features that you may want to be installed.

To discuss your new kitchen design, give us a call.