Have you seen a no-threshold shower? It’s a shower that has no curb or surrounding edge to it, making it flush with the bathroom floor. You may have also heard the terms barrier-free, curbless walk-in-shower or zero threshold, but they are all the same thing. I know what you may be thinking. Where is all the water going to go? Won’t I have a flood on my hands after every shower? No! The secret to containing the water is in the drainage system. This type of shower will have either a trench drain, which is a long and narrow drain placed where the shower door would be placed, or a center drain with the floor just slightly pitched towards it.
Houzz Reveals 2023 Kitchen Trends
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Top Tile Trends for 2021
Zellige Tile is Making a Comeback
Laundry Rooms Come Out of Hiding
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Renovations for Empty Nesters
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Seven Basement Remodeling Mistakes
Design Tips for Functional Mudrooms
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Bathroom remodels are one of the most popular renovation projects homeowners are interested in completing. One of the most common questions we hear when working with clients on designing their new bath space is how removing the bathtub will affect the resale value of their home. There are two important considerations that we will look at in order to direct our clients appropriately.
Remember the days when all your finishes had to match? Not too long ago, if you had satin nickel door and drawer pulls you had to have satin nickel faucets and lighting fixtures. Today, things are getting more interesting and mixing metal finishes is actually accepted and popular!
Thompson Remodeling Wins 2016 Regional CotY for Grand Rapids Master Bath Remodel
This week we found out that we won a Regional CotY award from The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for a recent master bath remodel we completed! What's even more exciting is that this is the second year in a row that we have won in the Residential Bath $50,001-$75,000 category. The Thompson Remodeling team is honored to be recognized again by NARI in this category. Our design team worked closely with the homeowners to create a master bath remodel that would provide maximum functionality, the best use of space, and a combination of modern and classic aesthetics. We share this award with our clients who had such a great vision for their perfect master bath!
Our Favorite Tile Trends from KBIS 2016
This year's Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) was filled with fantastic new tile trends. It was nearly impossible to walk 5 feet without seeing another gorgeous display of colorful, shimmering, or three-dimensional tile. So of course, we investigated and took some photos to share with you!
As we close another year of working with great clients and completing lots of remodeling projects, we thought it might be fun to create our own list of the top 5 remodeling selections we saw this year. All the magazines do their own "Best of" or "Top Trend" lists, so we thought why shouldn't the Thompson Remodeling team get in on the fun too. So, without further ado, here's our list of the Top 5 Remodeling Selections for 2015!
There’s more to your bathroom remodel design than simply where to place the toilet and sink. Even though bathrooms are the smallest rooms in the house, careful thought should go into how to maximize every square inch of space. Thompson Remodeling’s approach towards designing a great bath space is to marry beauty and function to best serve and reflect the main users. For a powder room you consider the guest, for a master bath you often need to accommodate two users, and for children’s baths there are all sorts of considerations for safety, storage, and bathing.
We often think about our dream house and what it might look like. Is it a brand new home, an old home with character, or perhaps your existing home with some major remodeling? Do I buy a new home or remodel? That’s exactly the question our clients were considering when they returned back home from living overseas. They initially thought a custom home might be the way to go, but the idea of waiting through all the planning and construction seemed like a waste of valuable time they could be spending together as a family. So instead, the family decided to buy an existing home and remodel it to perfectly suit their own needs.
The joining of two families is a joyous occasion! And when you have an existing home in a lovely neighborhood with space to spare, a thoughtful whole house remodel can make the space work for all eight (and one dog). Thompson Remodeling was happy to help improve the family spaces of this 4-bedroom, 3-level home and create new bedrooms and bath spaces to accommodate everyone. This whole house remodel included renovations to every level of the home, most notably on the main floor and the basement. Take a virtual tour below complete with existing and after floor plans and before and after photos of this familytastic remodel.
Many older Grand Rapids homes were designed with small utilitarian bathrooms. Today, homeowners want more than just a place to brush their teeth and take a quick shower; they want a relaxing, well-lit space with modern luxuries. Many times, our clients want to recreate a bathroom space from a luxury hotel or vacation home they visited. And why shouldn’t we want to have that kind of space to enjoy everyday at home? After all, it’s the first place you’ll visit in the morning and the last place before bed. So make it luxurious, rustic, modern, or whatever suits your taste.
When dreaming about the perfect master suite remodel, there are two important ingredients that are always in the mix– the closet space and the master bath. Too often, existing homes will have small closets and baths in the master suite leaving homeowners frustrated and ultimately unsatisfied. At Thompson Remodeling, we have seen our share of strange configurations, but that’s part of the fun. We enjoy the challenge of reconfiguring space to make it work better for our clients.
Are Bronze Finishes Gaining on Silver?
Bronze finishes are making a comeback! For a long time now, nickel and chrome finishes have been all the rage, but we are starting to see bronze fixtures, lighting, and other details gain popularity. Bronze gives a rich feeling to a space and works very well in traditional, rustic and Mediterranean style spaces. When you are looking to add warmth, consider bronze finishes. Blending finishes is also becoming a trend; everything doesn’t have to match. The shine of stainless or chrome can be complemented nicely by a matte bronze finish.
Remodel with Color - Five Ways to Add Color to Your Remodeling Project
Don't be afraid to add some color to your remodeling project! White, gray and beige are certainly the most popular choices for material selections and they create a great canvas to decorate against that's for sure. But when you introduce color, you add visual interest and personality into a space. The idea of incorporating color, especially one you can live with for many years, may sound a bit intimidating. What if you choose the wrong color? Here's the thing, I suggest using colors you naturally gravitate to especially for more expensive materials. Then experience with bolder colors for less expensive, easy to change items.
Thinking of remodeling your bathroom? Make sure your design doesn’t include any of these common bathroom design mistakes. Over the years we worked on many bathroom designs for all types of baths – master, guest and powder rooms. Although it might seem simple, there’s a lot to think about when creating a well-functioning bath. You have to consider the placement of all the necessary plumbing and fixtures, the lighting, storage, flooring, and window and door configuration. And then of course there are details like tile layouts for backsplashes and showers.
Without a doubt, tile is one of the best ways to put your individual stamp on your remodeling project. With endless possibilities to choose from, you can find the exact color, texture, design, shape and finish to suit your personality.
When planning any type of remodel it’s important to consider not only the visual aspects of the project, but also how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home to reduce waste and lower your bills. Plus, energy efficient products are good for the environment, improve indoor air quality, and increase the resale value of your home. Don’t just make it beautiful; make it efficient!
The Big Results Show is Tonight! Thompson Remodeling is Up for Two National CotYs.
Tonight is the night we have been anxiously awaiting! At 5:30 this evening, the winners of the National Level Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards will be announced and Thompson Remodeling is up for two! Our team will be watching the webcast to see the results and you can too by visiting this link. If you miss the show tonight, it will available for viewing online for the next 30 days. This year we won Regional CotY's in the Residential Bath $50,001-$75,000 and Basement Under $50,000 categories. Regional winners in each category go on to compete for the coveted National title.
A Trend Our Clients Love: White Cabinetry
White cabinetry is white hot right now! Back in February we blogged about the top trends in kitchen and bath designs announced in the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) member survey and white cabinets were tops in both categories. The Thompson Remodeling design team would definitely agree that this is a trend we are going to continue to see for some time.
Quartz countertops were named top trends for both kitchen and bath designs this year in the annual National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) member survey. The Thompson Remodeling design team was not at all surprised since quartz has been a popular selection for our clients over the past year.
Thompson Remodeling Named NARI 2015 Regional CotY TM Winner The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Names 160 Regional CotY TM (Contractor of the Year) Winners We have exciting news! The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named Thompson Remodeling, in Grand Rapids, MI, 2015 East Central Regional CotY winners in the Residential Bath $50,001-$75,000 and Basement Under $50,000 categories of its annual awards competition.
For 39 years, the owners of this four bedroom home lived with a cramped bathroom that hardly deserved to be called a master bath. Its limited space allowed only one user at a time, lacked counterspace, and was severely outdated.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of planning a bathroom remodel. All you need is a sink, toilet and bathtub right? While it’s true that you need a sink and toilet for the bathroom to offer the necessary functions, there are other things to consider making the best use of the small space.
Remodeling for Multi-Generational Living
The definition of the typical household has been changing in recent years. For a variety of reasons, multiple generations of families are deciding to live together under one roof. This type of living arrangement allows for easy child care, live-in care of older or disabled relatives, and it can be economical for everyone involved. But one thing's for sure, most homes are not built to support this kind of living. There are several remodeling projects that have become very popular recently as a result of a current or future need to accommodate a multi-generational living situation. We believe it always makes sense to consider your present and future needs.
Layered light is the best way to enhance ambiance and the overall design aesthetic of the spaces in your home. Lighting planning and selection is one of the most important design aspects of a remodeling project. There are three basic types of lighting: ambient, task and accent. Layered lighting is the design principle of combining all three types to create a balance between visual aid for performing tasks and enhancing the design aesthetic and ambiance. A professional designer will know how to design your remodeled space with an effective layered lighting plan.
One of the top bathroom remodeling trends for 2014 is the stand-alone tub. Can you remember when everyone wanted to have a big jacuzzi tub? We sure do! Clients in Grand Rapids, MI and all over the country have decided to replace jetted tubs or forego them completely, with a stylish stand-alone tub in their bathroom remodeling project.
Top Ten Bathroom Design Trends
It used to be that bathrooms were simple, utilitarian spaces. Not so anymore! Today, bathroom design trends lean toward creating a relaxing and luxurious place to start and end your day. Homeowners are remodeling bathrooms to remind them of their favorite hotels and they want the same type of amenities at home. Current bathroom design trends entice the homeowner to spend more time in the space – whether its relaxing in a steam bath or getting ready while listening to your iPod or watching TV.
StarMark Cabinetry 20% Off Through 2012- Exclusively for Thompson Remodeling Clients!
Thompson Remodeling has received an exclusive promotion through StarMark Cabinetry. Anything currently NOT on sale is 20% off Anything that is on sale for less than 20% off gets bumped up to 20% off Click the link below to check out additional promotions StarMark Cabinetry PROMOS Visit StarMark Cabinetry's Website http://www.starmarkcabinetry.com/
Thompson Remodeling's Ben and Kristin Thompson recently had their master bathroom featured in Real Life Kitchen & Bath Magazines Spring 2012 Issue. Click on the link to read how they transform their bathroom; which consisted of dated wallpaper, faux-marble shower, leaky faucets and fluorescent lighting; into a neutral territory of calm colors and natural materials.
This week we are dedicating our blog to a common remodeling question: Should my kitchen and bathroom cabinets match? Our recommendation is to have them either match or compliment one another in style or finish. Read on for our explanation.
Have you seen a no-threshold shower? It's a shower that has no curb or surrounding edge to it, making it flush with the bathroom floor. You may have also heard the terms barrier-free, curbless walk-in-shower or zero threshold, but they are all the same thing. I know what you may be thinking. Where is all the water going to go? Won't I have a flood on my hands after every shower? No! The secret to containing the water is in the drainage system. This type of shower will have either a trench drain, which is a long and narrow drain placed where the shower door would be placed, or a center drain with the floor just slightly pitched towards it.
Project Story: This master bathroom was out-of-date and the homeowners couldn't wait to see their retro vanity and flooring disappear. The existing white tiled countertop made you feel like you had time traveled back to the 70’s. The homeowner told us the bathroom felt “gross” and the counters was really hard to clean. They wanted to update the space to be more cohesive with the rest of their home. She had a very specific design aesthetic: light, clean, and airy. Updating all the finishes and improving the shower footprint were critical to a successful design.
Remember the days when all your finishes had to match? Not too long ago, if you had satin nickel door and drawer pulls you had to have satin nickel faucets and lighting fixtures. Today, things are getting more interesting and mixing metal finishes is actually accepted and popular!
Thompson Remodeling Wins 2016 Regional CotY for Grand Rapids Master Bath Remodel
This week we found out that we won a Regional CotY award from The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for a recent master bath remodel we completed! What's even more exciting is that this is the second year in a row that we have won in the Residential Bath $50,001-$75,000 category. The Thompson Remodeling team is honored to be recognized again by NARI in this category. Our design team worked closely with the homeowners to create a master bath remodel that would provide maximum functionality, the best use of space, and a combination of modern and classic aesthetics. We share this award with our clients who had such a great vision for their perfect master bath!
There’s more to your bathroom remodel design than simply where to place the toilet and sink. Even though bathrooms are the smallest rooms in the house, careful thought should go into how to maximize every square inch of space. Thompson Remodeling’s approach towards designing a great bath space is to marry beauty and function to best serve and reflect the main users. For a powder room you consider the guest, for a master bath you often need to accommodate two users, and for children’s baths there are all sorts of considerations for safety, storage, and bathing.
Many older Grand Rapids homes were designed with small utilitarian bathrooms. Today, homeowners want more than just a place to brush their teeth and take a quick shower; they want a relaxing, well-lit space with modern luxuries. Many times, our clients want to recreate a bathroom space from a luxury hotel or vacation home they visited. And why shouldn’t we want to have that kind of space to enjoy everyday at home? After all, it’s the first place you’ll visit in the morning and the last place before bed. So make it luxurious, rustic, modern, or whatever suits your taste.
When planning any type of remodel it’s important to consider not only the visual aspects of the project, but also how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home to reduce waste and lower your bills. Plus, energy efficient products are good for the environment, improve indoor air quality, and increase the resale value of your home. Don’t just make it beautiful; make it efficient!
For 39 years, the owners of this four bedroom home lived with a cramped bathroom that hardly deserved to be called a master bath. Its limited space allowed only one user at a time, lacked counterspace, and was severely outdated.
One of the top bathroom remodeling trends for 2014 is the stand-alone tub. Can you remember when everyone wanted to have a big jacuzzi tub? We sure do! Clients in Grand Rapids, MI and all over the country have decided to replace jetted tubs or forego them completely, with a stylish stand-alone tub in their bathroom remodeling project.
Basement Remodeling Trends
Trends are changing, basements are now an extension of a home's look and style. A basement remodel has the potential to add function to your home. Since we are spending so much time indoors during the winter months, remodeling your basement may become a necessity.