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There’s something in our homes that often is overlooked when remodeling or decorating. We use them every day, but they have a tendency to blur into the background. Have you guessed it? It's your staircase! Certainly, the main purpose of your staircase is to take you from one level to another, but they can also serve as a beautiful architectural detail in your home. Whether it’s opening up a formerly closed staircase or changing the railings, treads, and risers, an update can really make a statement. Keep reading to see some beautiful staircases we've remodeled for our clients, including some before and after comparisons!

First of all, if you are wondering what a floating vanity, I’m sure you’re not alone. A floating vanity is a bathroom cabinet that is anchored to the wall. It does not extend all the way to the floor as standard vanities do, which creates the illusion it is floating in the space. They have become increasingly popular in recent years and many homeowners select them for their clean and modern look. But aside from aesthetics, there are many situations when a floating vanity is a great choice for your bathroom remodel. If you are wondering if it makes sense for you, read our list below.

Subway tile has been having a moment…a big one actually. For years it’s been a mainstay in kitchen tile designs for backsplashes and bathroom shower surrounds. We love it for its classic appeal, ability to work in all types of design aesthetics, and variety of available colors and materials. But, sometimes our clients are seeking a different or unique tile design for their remodel. Thompson Remodeling’s design team enjoys finding the right tile to suit each client’s preferences. Here are just a few examples of tile designs from recent remodels where the homeowners decided to go beyond the subway tile movement.

Open shelving is making its way into our client’s remodeling designs for kitchens, bathrooms, and even basements! Who says your storage has to be hidden? Exposed, open shelving has become a very popular selection and can be seen in all the latest remodeling and decorating magazines and websites. This storage option offers both functional and aesthetic benefits and we have some great examples to show you. We believe you'll be inspired to include them in your own remodel!

Picture your dream bathroom. What does it look like? Does it have a luxurious spa shower or a modern soaking tub? Maybe you envision a floating vanity with a gorgeous granite countertop. Does that vision fit into your budget? When it comes time to make all the selections for a bathroom remodel, things can start to add up. Thompson Remodeling knows how important it is to keep your project on budget and we have a few tips on which items are worth splurging on for your bathroom remodel.

This blog is a continuation of our blog on Tips for Selecting Paint Colors for Your Home’s Interiors. In part one, we discussed the psychology and mood enhancing effects of the bright colors of the rainbow – red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. In part two, we are going to discuss neutrals and how to best incorporate them into your painting color scheme.

Did you know that color has a big impact on your mood? Knowing what those effects are can be really helpful in selecting paint colors for your home’s interiors. Homeowners frequently take on the task of painting their home and whether it’s one room at a time or tackling the whole house, deciding on colors can sometimes make the start of the project drag on. We’ve been doing some research on the psychology of color and learning more about which colors work best in certain areas of the home and wanted to share that insight with you. In part one, we will talk about the brighter end of the color spectrum and in part two we will cover the neutrals.

One major component of every remodeling project is figuring out how to incorporate storage options, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Every household accumulates “stuff” and the bigger your family is the more you will have. Thompson Remodeling has experience working with Grand Rapids families of two people to up to eight and more! We will work with you to find creative ways to accommodate all that important stuff you need to keep in each room to make it function at its best. One solution we have found to work really well is floor to ceiling cabinets. They can be integrated to match other cabinetry within a room and offer unlimited options for drawers, pullouts, cubbies and other internal organizing systems.

Every person has their own decorating style and when you begin the selections process during your remodel those preferences will take center stage. After all, this is when you get to put your personal stamp on your renovation by picking tile, countertops, cabinets, flooring, paint colors, fixtures, and lighting. How exciting! You can see it all coming to life! But what if you and your other half don’t agree on style? You like ultra modern and they prefer a classic, traditional aesthetic. How in the world are you going to get through the process and both end up happy with the result? It can be done with a little patience, willingness to compromise and guidance from a seasoned designer.

With the first day of school just around the corner, we thought a blog about getting your kitchen back-to-school ready was timely. So much goes into preparing for the new school year from buying school supplies, new clothing or uniforms, and shoes to saying “goodbye” to another great summer. One thing that can make this transition so much easier for both you and the kids is to have your kitchen set up and ready to handle the daily comings and goings during the week. We’ve put together a list of simple tips that will have your kitchen back-to-school ready in no time.

The term “curb appeal” refers to the impression the exterior of you home presents to visitors or potential buyers. Some of the key features that are important in creating this initial impression include siding, roofing, driveways and walkways, front entries or porches, and landscaping. Today, we would like to focus on how you can improve specific aspects of your home’s exterior to make it more accessible for folks of all ages and ability. Keep in mind that this includes parents with young children just as much as an individual who requires assistance walking.

Abracadabra – your remodel is finished! It would be amazing if we could simply snap our fingers and present a gorgeous kitchen remodel like a magic trick, but unfortunately, we aren’t magicians. The truth is, every remodeling project is a custom construction project completed by human hands and fine craftsmanship takes time, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.