| thompson remodeling grand rapids mi (5)

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!

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!

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.

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?