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For decades, the go-to arrangement of the kitchen was known as the “kitchen triangle”. This layout dictates that a refrigerator, sink, and stove be positioned so that the path between the three creates a triangular traffic pattern, with an eye toward making the steps between each minimal. Though this is still a good school of thought, not all kitchens are conducive to it due to the space available. A more effective way of planning a kitchen layout is to organize it by work zones. Every kitchen needs at least three primary zones: prep, cooking, and cleaning. Developing a layout based on work zones will maximize available space in the most efficient way for your family. By considering the needs of your household, a kitchen may need additional zones for eating or pets and a talented designer will be sure to incorporate them into the design plan.

One of the top design elements of a kitchen remodel is an eat-in space. Nearly every family would like to include a spot to have informal meals or to entertain guests. In the past few years, several of our remodels have incorporated a banquette into the kitchen design. We think it’s a great feature and there are a few specific situations where it is the perfect solution to a family’s needs.

Your countertop selection is a key design component for a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Granite is a great option for homeowners who want to use a natural material with unique patterns and features. Once you find that perfect piece of granite, the next thing you have to determine is the finish you would like. There are three types of granite finishes: polished, honed, and rough. One may lend itself better than another based on the design aesthetic you wish to create.

Multi-generational living has become very common in the last decade. This type of living arrangement can include older parents that don’t want to live alone, disabled relatives who need assistance, and even children who have left the nest that have come back after college. With that in mind, a household may have family members that range in age from under a year to the eighties and nineties. But if you think about it for a moment, do you think your kitchen could handle the needs of everyone in that family?

Summertime is a great time of year to take care of some exterior maintenance and updates to improve your home’s curb appeal. There’s plenty to do, but with our handy list you can choose one or two items per weekend and have your house looking great within a month.

Older homes have a unique charm about them. Many homebuyers find themselves drawn to a particular home because of its history and details that make it stand out, such as a special molding, exposed brick, vintage hardware or fixtures, or an architectural feature. Over time, these beautiful historic homes will need some updating either to improve safety or functionality. There are some common issues that may arise when renovating an older home and knowing what might come up will lessen the surprise. A professional remodeler will be prepared for these and will be able to provide solutions to solve the problem so they can complete the updates you would like to make.

Ah, summertime, nice to see you again! I am so excited to be able to spend time outdoors with my family and it’s especially nice to do it in my own backyard. The upcoming holidays and weekends are the perfect times for cookouts on the deck, stargazing on the patio, or playing yard games with friends and neighbors. And recent studies say there’s been a major uptick in homeowners adding outdoor living areas to their homes this year. One of their top design requests is to add a shade element to provide a bit of relief from the sun on extra hot days. For many homeowners, a pergola is great option to consider, which will add not only partial shade but also lots of character.

Stainless appliances have been THE popular choice for kitchen appliances for more than a decade. We love them for their sleek look and versatility to work in any type of design aesthetic from traditional to modern. But if you are thinking about renovating your kitchen and you want to go with something different, there are options that are just as good looking as stainless. In this blog we are going to talk about when using white, black or paneled front appliances are good alternatives.

Let’s take a moment and talk about how the bathroom has evolved over time. What used to be strictly utilitarian spaces have now become decorative and luxurious. Master bathrooms in particular are now designed to be a quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Powder rooms are often a great place to try out unique or higher end selections since they are smaller and require less material.

May is officially National Home Improvement Month! When the weather warms up, homeowners start getting the itch to make updates to their home. Taking care of your biggest investment is definitely worth your time and is very rewarding once the project is complete. Perhaps you want to improve your outdoor areas or maybe one of your bathrooms needs some updating. Whatever the case may be, there are some important building code violations that are commonly made, unknowingly by DIY remodelers. We’d like to bring these to your attention, so you can avoid making them yourselves.

Laundry rooms are a critical space in every home, yet they rarely get the design attention they deserve. Households of all sizes need a spot for the washer and dryer, but let’s face it, when they are shoved into small closet spaces in the hallway or tucked into the kitchen, those areas end up being a catch-all space for laundry bins and hampers and cause a traffic jam. The most functional laundry rooms incorporate enough space for your appliances, folding, a sink, and storage for detergents.

Coverings is an annual trade show that showcases the latest tile and stone products. Earlier in April, the show was held in Orlando and featured 9 miles worth of trends and exhibits. Wow, that’s a lot of floor and wall coverings! Although we didn't attend, we've done our research to keep up with the latest innovations and how designers and trendsetters are using tile. Since the majority of our remodeling projects include flooring and sometimes wall coverings, tile is a material we talk about every day. And if you are planning a remodeling project, it’s probably in your future as well. So, take a look and check out the trends that were spotted at this year’s Coverings show below.