mosaik design & remodeling

503.726.2222 0112 SW Hamilton St. Portland, OR 97239

Monthly Archives: February 2012

Themes That Work: Period Styles Today

February 23, 2012

 

When remodeling period homes, it is extremely important to take a holistic approach with the new design by incorporating elements that evoke a period “feel”, but that are updated for today’s consumer.  The style of home, client’s furnishings and existing elements, such as built-in cabinetry, provide design inspiration for the new space.

To achieve a furniture feel with custom cabinetry, vary the finishes, types of wood and even cabinet heights and depths. This creates a charming, “homey” look that also includes all the modern conveniences and necessary gadgets.

Finally, details like period lighting and hardware, a decorative mantle with paneling over an existing brick fireplace, fabric or glass panels in a hutch or cabinet, and carefully selected accessories can add the final touches that bring historic authenticity to your newly remodeled home.


 

Changing an Ordinary Room to Extraordinary: Beautiful Crown Molding

February 15, 2012

 

We often remodel newer builder “spec” homes that usually lack the charm of vintage bungalow and cottage-style homes.  One of the best ways to add character to ordinary rooms is to install crown molding in the dining room, family room and sometimes the kitchen for added elegance.  The crown molding can stand out as an accent or can be incorporated into the kitchen cabinetry, depending on the dimensions and the look and feel of your space.

 

If your ceilings are low, we recommend painting the crown molding the wall color to draw your eye up and to give the impression of more height.  Another option is to paint or stain the molding to match your existing millwork throughout the house to create a consistent yet interesting overall look for your home.

 

 

 

 

Where to Splurge: Family Room

February 9, 2012

When a client asks us “What is the best way to spend my remodeling money?”, we usually give options that involve a balance of cutting costs and splurging.  There are times when spending more on certain key features and fixtures will significantly enhance the quality and enjoyment of a living space.

For a family room, we recommend investing a bit more on the fireplace and a customized entertainment system.  Since the fireplace and the TV are usually the focal points of most family rooms, they both need to be visually appealing and should also function well for the family’s lifestyle.  

When updating a fireplace, we collaborate with our clients to decide whether to resurface old brick with tile or to choose a special paint color that adds a design element or accent. We explain the practical advantages of converting to a gas log set or insert, and then we make the transition.  We accessorize the new look with an upgraded fireplace screen.  

The option of placing the TV above the fireplace is still widely popular since it combines the TV and fireplace into one focal point for the room. When done properly, the TV can be disguised behind art, cabinet doors or simply incorporated into the design.

An entertainment center also adds huge value to the new family room because it is a highly functional piece of furniture.  We create the entertainment center using custom cabinetry for storing the DVD and CD collections, photo albums, collectibles, the TV and all of its components. To outfit the center with the latest technology, we refer our clients to their local AV specialist for advice on selecting a system that will fit the family’s needs.

 

 

Why a Kitchen Triangle?

February 6, 2012

 

 

The kitchen triangle is an essential aspect of kitchen design and remodeling. The triangle is derived from three points – the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator, which are the spaces where you clean, prepare, and store food.  Keeping the triangle in mind while remodeling helps the flow and functionality of your new kitchen design!

Regardless of what shape or size your kitchens floor plan is, the kitchen triangle is the key to efficiency. Experts say that each leg of the triangle should be at least 4 feet long, but no longer than 9 feet. It is advised that cabinetry should not intersect any of the legs of the triangle by more than 12 inches, nor should major household traffic flow through the triangle.

Making sure that your kitchen is set up so the triangle is effective will make it a more enjoyable, productive space in your home.