| Ben Thompson (28)

Thompson Remodeling's Annual Home Photo Shoot took place this past month. Take a look at the before and after photos of three of our 2012 projects and their amazing transformations.

Some may assume having a family friendly kitchen means that they will be sacrificing style for durability, which is not always the case. For the homeowners of this newly remodeled kitchen Thompson Remodeling created a space that would hold up to the everyday wear and tear of their family of all ages, yet still allow them to entertain a more mature crowd. Here are a few ways we created this family-friendly kitchen.

Removing walls is a great way to create an open feel within an existing space. For these homeowners, taking down the walls between their kitchen, dining room, and common areas allowed them to utilize the space as a whole versus four smaller spaces. They were also able to add a large island and built in mudroom lockers. Best of all they are now able to take advantage of their magnificent lake view now from every room.

Our clients rely on us to handle small projects that still involve multiple trades. A perfect example would be hanging a flat screen tv on the wall above a fireplace.

We would like to extend a big thank you to all of you who came out for our 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off, as well as those of you brave enough to compete. It was a tough competition but I am pleased to announce Ms. Kerra Heffron once again has secured her title as Chili Cook Off Champion!

Creative Merchandising Systems Inc. is a family owned and operated company and has been since 1991. CMS designs and builds quality display fixtures for supermarkets, convenience stores, specialty wine and retail shops and hospitality environments; As well as custom cabinet design and manufacturing. And last Friday Thompson Remodeling had the opportunity to tour their facility and see where their extensive product line is designed and built.

Saturday February 19, 2013 at 11:00 AM the freezing waters of Reeds Lake will be filled with the courageous participants of this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Polar Plunge. After raising funds for a good cause these participants will finish their fundraising efforts with a cold dip into Reeds Lake, dressed in the most outrageous costumes. Although none of us here at Thompson Remodeling are braving the cold water we are proud to be a sponsor of this years zany event. The proceeds raised from a series of plunges held throughout Michigan help support year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 18,600 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Whether you like the flexibility of a portable dishwasher or the stability of a built-in, this quick list from Better Homes & Gardens will help you choose the appliance that fits your kitchen and your tastes.

Q: How can I remove and prevent mold and mildew? A: There are a number of defenses against mold and mildew, the ventilation being number one. Leaving a window open can help but is not always feasible especially in the colder months of the year as well as hot and humid conditions. Installing an exhaust fan in these areas is overall the best option. Consider installing a fan that is directly wired to your light switch so that whenever the light is on the fan is running. This way no one will forget to use the fan when necessary.

StarMark Cabinetry knows that the hardest working room in any home is the kitchen. With that said they have created some sound advice on making the most of your kitchen with the proper cabinets.

Pantone the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries has announced the color of 2013. This years color emerald is described as "Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."