This desperately dark kitchen was suffering from a lack of light, storage and a poor layout. The main source of light was provided by a decades old ceiling fan, the refrigerator blocked the main traffic path to and from the living room, and a sliding door was taking up prime real estate that could be used for storage.
Houzz Reveals 2023 Kitchen Trends
Our Favorite Holiday Ready Homes
Home Offices of Today
Summertime Home Safety Tips
Shifts in Kitchen Design Trends
Top Tile Trends for 2021
Zellige Tile is Making a Comeback
Laundry Rooms Come Out of Hiding
Bathroom Vanity Lighting Tips
Is Your Home Back-To-School Ready?
Renovations for Empty Nesters
What's New In Appliances for 2019?
Seven Basement Remodeling Mistakes
Design Tips for Functional Mudrooms
Family Friendly Remodeling Ideas
Not-So-Basic Subway Tile
Home for the Holidays
Don't make these common kitchen design mistakes when remodeling your home. Kitchens are the most used room in the house and the most popular to renovate. A kitchen remodel is a great investment, and it pays off by improving function and boosting your home's value. It's easy to get wrapped up dreaming about colors, selections, and other design esthetics, but it's extremely important not to put finishes before a function. When your design is well planned and thought out you can avoid making common kitchen design mistakes.
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!
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!
The Anatomy of a Great Kitchen Remodel
The holiday season is fast approaching and that means your kitchen is about to start working overtime! As you prepare for the meals, parties, and baking that the holidays bring, you may feel like your kitchen isn’t meeting your needs. And if you do, you’re not alone. This is the time of year when most people recognize the flaws in their kitchen and we get a lot of calls from folks just after the holidays that have decided it’s time for a kitchen remodel.
The evolution of the dining room
Remember the segregated formal dining room? I sure do and though many homes still have them, the Thompson Remodeling design team has found that many families are opting to create an informal dining area when they renovate. Typically, these spaces are created to encourage multi-use for other activities such as homework or entertaining. Here are few examples of great informal dining spaces we’ve created recently.
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.
Does your kitchen look dated? Could it use some updates to make it more functional? Just like any other room in our house, as time passes it may need a bit of sprucing up. With as much time as we spend in the kitchen, you want it to be visually pleasing and user-friendly. To help, we’ve put together a list of updates that you can implement with a relatively small investment.
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.
Our clients purchased an old house in East Grand Rapids that needed several updates to make it family friendly. The existing floor plan had an expansive formal dining room that the owners had no plans to use. It also had a small and dark kitchen with a drafty breakfast nook area. Another problem with the layout was the closed staircase, which blocked both sight and sound of the children coming and going.
Inventive Design – Kitchen Remodel with Hidden Basement Entrance Through the Pantry!
The owners of this Grand Rapids home came to us in search of a way to improve the functionality of their small kitchen. The existing layout was not only tight, but also included four doorways into other rooms. It was functioning more like a hallway with a few appliances added in for good measure.
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.
I love reading about the latest gadgets and gear for the home and recently I stumbled onto a few interesting articles on innovative kitchen technology. Electronics and appliances have come a long way. Who would have thought that we would be able to cook a meal using a cell phone back in the 80’s? Now you can brew coffee and turn on your crock pot with your smart phone. Or, if you are really busy and don’t have time to cook, you can print out a snack on your 3D food printer. What? Sounds crazy, but it’s true. Here’s a rundown on some of the coolest kitchen technology that is now available.
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.
We love writing blogs about some of the popular selections our clients have been making for their remodeling projects. Usually we call title those blogs “Trends our clients love”, but in this case we can hardly call this selection a trend since it’s been around for over 100 years. Here’s a super quick history lesson - when the first underground train station opened in New York City in 1904 the walls and ceilings were graced with white 3"x6” tiles. These white tiles became known as subway tile and quickly made their way into bathrooms and kitchens all over the country.
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!
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.
How often do you have to rummage around in your kitchen cabinets trying to find that pot or gadget you are trying to find? Most of us find ourselves doing it almost daily. Fortunately, cabinets have come a long way! Now, there are all sorts of cool inserts and built-ins that you can incorporate into your cabinet layout.
Don't forget these 5 items when planning your kitchen remodel. We know there are a lot of things to consider when planning a kitchen remodel. And we bet that you already have a mental list of what you'd like to have in your new kitchen and that's great! To help you with your planning, we've put together a list of five items that you may not have considered, all with the purpose of adding to your kitchen's overall functionality and ease of use.
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.
Tame the mess with these kitchen storage ideas. Pots, pans, dishes, glasses, flatware, utensils, napkins, cookbooks, sponges, appliances, food...the list is never-ending. All of these things and more need to have a home in your kitchen...somewhere! We've remodeled lots of kitchens over the years and know a thing or two about creative kitchen storage ideas. That's why we've put together this list of 15 ideas to provide you with some great ideas to improve the organization in your kitchen.
Outdoor kitchens are a HOT trend! Homeowners are embracing the trend of adding an outdoor kitchen to their backyard living space. The Weber grill is being pushed aside for fully outfitted outdoor kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, countertops, bar seating, and cabinets. Extending your living spaces outdoors increases your options for entertaining and adds to your personal enjoyment of your home during the warmer months. With an outdoor kitchen, the chef can be a part of the action while your guests and family enjoy the outdoors.
The kitchen is the heart of the home. The island is the hub of the kitchen. Kitchen islands are a key element of your overall kitchen design. And that makes sense since its placement establishes the traffic pattern and is often a main focal point.
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.
Important things to consider when remodeling a family-friendly kitchen. Let's face it, the kitchen is the busiest room in the house. Whether it's cooking meals, grabbing a snack or baking cookies, your kitchen is bound to see people of all ages passing through. Creating the family friendly kitchen to accommodate adults and children of all ages can be done. All it takes is looking at your family's habits and planning your design accordingly.
Stainless steel appliances are still the number one selection for kitchen remodels. It's easy to see why. They look great, blend well with all varieties of cabinets and most countertops, and can be used in both traditional and contemporary spaces. But, anyone who owns stainless steel appliances know that they have a tendency to show fingerprints, which means the need frequent cleaning. Stainless is more sensitive than other finishes so you must use the right materials and cleansers to avoid damage to the surface.
Kitchen Cabinets – the Difference between Stock, Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinetry
One of the biggest choices you will make when planning your kitchen remodel is what type of cabinet to use – stock, semi-custom or custom. These terms refer to the production method used to make the cabinets. The key difference between each is the level of customization options available, production lead-time, and material quality. In this blog we will provide you with a description and the pros and cons of each type of kitchen cabinet.
When planning your kitchen update or remodel, selecting your countertops is one of the biggest decisions you have to make. There are so many options available today and with all the choices, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. That’s where this blog will come in handy. We will look at each material and provide you with the pros and cons of each taking into consideration the four main areas you should keep in mind: look and style, maintenance, durability, and budget.
StarMark's Cabinetry 101
For most homeowners, kitchen remodeling is the largest investment they will make aside from the home itself. With so many sellers vying for your business, how do you make sure you get what you want at a price that will let you cook in that new kitchen?
StarMark Cabinetry 20% Off Through 2012- Exclusively for Thompson Remodeling Clients!
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Two of biggest builder industry shows were just held in Orlando earlier this month, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builder Show (IBS). Approximately 70,000 people attend these shows annually to see the latest trends and innovations from 1,200 exhibitors in appliances, flooring, countertops, fixtures, and finishes. We love to read about the most exciting products that make their debut at the shows and thought you might be interested too!
Kitchen remodels are always at the top of homeowner's remodeling wish lists and with all the time we've been spending at home this year, it has become a priority for many families. As we shelter at home, the problems with our kitchens become even more obvious and troublesome. Lack of storage, outdated appliances and finishes, and dysfunctional layouts are just a few of the common issues we discuss with clients. Over the years we've created a lot of helpful resources for those who are getting ready to embark on a kitchen remodel. We recommend reviewing the 10 listed below if you are considering one in your near future.
Blog Series: Home Projects You Can Complete While Sheltering in Place. #2 Pantry Reorganization
Welcome to our second installment of our blog series - Home Projects You Can Do While Sheltering in Place. As a refresher, each of these blogs will include tips on how to complete a specific project in your home without having to venture out for any supplies. Last week we focused on the kitchen cabinet clean out, this week we are going to move on to reorganizing the pantry.
Cool New Appliances Seen at KBIS 2020
In January, thousands of builders, remodelers, and designers attended the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), a massive show of over 600 exhibitors, to see the latest products and innovations in the industry. We really look forward to hearing about the newest kitchen appliances seen at the show, and this year didn't disappoint! Here's a look at five new appliances that we are excited about, including one that isn't for the kitchen!
Each year I like to take a look back to see which of our blogs were most popular with our readers. In 2019, we wrote about a variety of remodeling topics and found that those featuring kitchen updates were the most read. It’s no surprise considering a kitchen remodel is always at the top of most homeowner’s wish list. If you’d like to learn more about kitchen remodeling, read about common kitchen design challenges, or get your creative juices flowing, check out our Top 5 Kitchen Blogs from 2019.
If a kitchen or bathroom renovation is on your horizon you’ve probably spent some time thinking about what type of cabinets you want to choose. Cabinetry accounts for a large portion of your remodeling budget, so it’s important to consider your finish options carefully. Do you go with painted or stained? Each has its benefits depending on your preferred design aesthetic and your budget parameters.
The Messy Kitchen is a New Design Trend
Wait, are you telling me that a kitchen with dirty dishes in the sink is now the latest design trend? Not exactly. We too were a bit surprised by the term, but once we explain, we think it will make sense.
Open concept kitchens get all the glory these days and many of our remodeling designs feature this type of layout, but there are some situations where a closed kitchen is a better option. In some cases, a homeowner may prefer maintaining a home’s original floor plan. You can usually count on finding the kitchen placed at the back of a Classic Colonial style home. In old historic homes, rooms are often divided by walls, allowing the kitchen, dining room, and living room to have dedicated spaces. Aside from architectural preferences, we also find that there are cases when a closed layout is more suitable to a family’s lifestyle preferences.
One of the top requests we hear when designing a kitchen remodel is to include an island. They’ve become a coveted element of design due to the functionality they can add to your kitchen. If you are looking for more storage, another prep area, or a place to sit for casual meals, a kitchen island can offer you all that and more. In some cases, however, they aren’t feasible due to the size or shape of a room’s layout. But don’t fret; if your kitchen can’t accommodate one, we have another solution, a peninsula!
Every year thousands of builders, remodelers, and designers attend the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to see the latest and greatest products being offered by over 600 exhibitors. As the largest kitchen and bath design show in North America, this is THE place to spot the trends and innovations coming our way in cabinets and countertops, and this year things are taking a dark and dramatic turn – in color that is.
Each year I like to take a look back to see which of our blogs were most popular with our readers. In 2018, we wrote about a variety of remodeling topics and found that those featuring kitchen updates were the most read. It’s no surprise considering a kitchen remodel is always at the top of most homeowner’s wish list. If you’d like to learn a little about the latest trends or get your creative juices flowing, check out our Top 5 Kitchen Blogs from 2018.