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.

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.

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.

Color, especially strong color, seems to be something that most people avoid putting on a permanent feature such as cabinetry or a fireplace and mantle area. However, if colors are selected and used properly, they will add character and warmth to a space and won’t be overwhelming. Choosing the right color depends on your personality. Also, consider how long you want to live with that color on a permanent fixture. If you like the flexibility to change your colors when you get tired of them, choose accents such as throw pillows, dish towels and other accessories. Sometimes it is a risk to add bold color when you are remodeling your home, but as you can see, with some careful thought and planning, the results can be stunning.

As designers, we are always trying to find new ways to show each client’s personality in the living space that we are creating. One way to personalize the space is to frame and light the client’s photographs, kids’ art or sentimental pieces. Grouping the pictures together showcases them as a very polished gallery instead of hanging them individually.

We find that clients often steer away from choosing very dark wood or black cabinetry for their kitchens. Actually, when used as a carefully selected accent, dark cabinets can be elegant and quite dramatic. For example, a key focal point could be one area of dark cabinets along a wall or on the island.  The contrast of the dark or black wood cabinets against the lighter elements of the kitchen also evoke a “furniture” feel and add interest.

In a space with so many sleek, hard surfaces, it is important to add elements to dress up the kitchen and add interest.  Window treatments and fabric behind doors and colorful dish towels can add softness and pattern without overwhelming the space.  Also, place your favorite collectibles on a hood mantle, behind the range or on the wall to make the look more personal.  Make sure to incorporate a common shape, color or style to connect these elements.

Marmoleum, a natural linoleum product made from linseed oil, rosin, cork and jute, is an alternative to using hardwoods or tile in a kitchen.  It works well with most styles, and with so many colors and patterns available, there are virtually endless design possibilities. We usually pair the light flooring colors with dark cabinetry and the darker flooring with light cabinets to add contrast and interest.  Since Marmoleum is an environmentally responsible product, we feel good about specifying it for our clients who request green products.

Solid quartz countertops continue to be in high demand for kitchens and bathrooms because they are highly durable, have consistent color and are low maintenance.

Caesarstone and Chroma, two of the brands we specify most, come in a wide range of interesting neutral tones that fit with most any style.  Try mixing colors together for more interest or pair quartz countertops tops with granite to achieve the same effect.  Just remember to tie the colors in with your cabinets or backsplash for a more unified design.