| remodeling grand rapids mi (4)

Let's talk about lighting trends! The lighting plan is an essential part of the remodeling design for any space. As designers, one of our top goals is to ensure that a room has adequate lighting to perform daily tasks comfortably. Once we understand the functions the lighting must perform, then we can move on to the style.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Chrysalis Awards named Thompson Remodeling of Grand Rapids, Regional winners in the Kitchen Remodel $75,000-$100,000 and Basement Remodel categories of their annual awards competition. Continuing to set new standards of professionalism, 92 remodeling companies from across the United States were named winners at the 2015 Chrysalis Awards for Remodeling Excellence. The entries were judged on overall design, the creative use of space and materials, and the degree to which the project enhanced the original structure.

The Thompson Remodeling team is proud to announce our big win at the National CotY Awards! Our remodeling project was selected as the national winner in the Basement Under $50,000 category. NARI hosted an Evening of Excellence at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty Six in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on April 17th where they announced the national winners live while simultaneously broadcasting the awards via webcast. Our team watched online and anxiously awaited to hear if we would be taking home one of the big trophies.

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.

With warmer weather on the horizon, we can’t help but get excited about spending time outdoors. One of the best places to do that is in your own back yard! Expanding your livable space outdoors is an investment that rewards you with beautiful areas to relax with your family and entertain guests. There are all sorts of possibilities: decks, patios, screened porches, gazebos, and sunrooms. If you have been considering an outdoor living space remodel, we’ve got some great ideas to share with you.

The Chili Cook Off is an event that the Thompson Remodeling team looks forward to every year. We invite our clients, trade partners and employees to enter their best chili recipes for a chance to win a generous donation to the charity of their choice. It's a great way to reconnect with everyone, eat some great food, and give back to the community.

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.