Reviving the Past... Designing the Future

Too Good To Be True Advertising.

Yesterday I was once again the lucky recipient of one of those handy home-improvement booklets that come in the mail and are full of services offered by many different random companies. Surely you have received one before, but have you ever noticed how unclear they are about what exactly they are offering? For example, “For only $9995.00 we will design your kitchen and install countertops, in oak or maple cabinetry up to 10 ft. We also install hardware, fixtures, sink and appliances and we give you a design of your kitchen for free.” It almost sounds worth looking into doesn’t it?  But like I mentioned above it does make me ask… What EXACTLY does it include? [Read more…]

Tile Trends

What are today’s trends in tile with regards to kitchen backsplashes and countertops?
Let’s face it, granite slab countertops rule supreme followed by quartz surface materials such as Cambria and Caesarstone. Tile countertops, though not as popular as they once were, have continued to be at the cutting edge of kitchen design trends especially in regards to the backsplash. [Read more…]

Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodeling projects don’t have to be a huge undertaking. Some people think of a renovation of this scale and assume it’s a project that will take weeks, or even months, to complete. However, a bathroom remodel can easily become a weekend project with the right tools and ideas. You don’t have to gut the bathroom, hire professionals, and start fresh if you don’t want to. In fact, while this might work for some people, it’s usually quite uncommon among people who choose to renovate their bathroom spaces. [Read more…]

Lighting is an important aspect of kitchen design.

Lighting your new space so you can comfortably see and work, is a important aspect of kitchen design. Recessed down lights are currently the most desirable source of general lighting in kitchens and bathrooms for their architectural appeal and even light distribution. While one down light may be all that is needed in a shower stall, in pathways and other public areas, multiple down lights may be required to evenly light the area without shadows. [Read more…]

Finding the right contractor.

You can’t pick a contractor based only on price! The old adage is really true: “You get what you pay for.” This is especially true in the contracting business. If you want good contracting you should decide to deal with a contractor because of the overall value you receive, not because they are the lowest priced. Here’s why, Value = Quality + Service + Price. It is impossible for any company in any industry to offer the cheapest price, have the highest quality, and provide the best service all the same time. [Read more…]

Replace or Reface?

It doesn’t take many years before your kitchen can look a little the worse for wear. Colors change, cabinet styles change, and what suited you ten years ago may no longer please you. If you have a country kitchen, but crave a contemporary look, cabinet refacing can provide the look you want for much less than replacing the cabinets.

Refacing can range from simply repainting existing cabinets and drawer fronts and updating hardware to stripping cabinet doors and applying veneer or other decorative elements. Refacing can also include completely replacing cabinet doors in a new style using new materials.

If you’re so inclined you can reface your cabinets and drawers yourself, or you can hire a company that specializes in cabinet refacing to do the work for you. Different companies have slightly different definitions of cabinet refacing. Some build new drawers and doors for existing cabinets while some clean, install new veneers, and add new hardware. The key, if you choose to go with a professional, is to be clear about the range of services and what exactly they can offer you for a given price. [Read more…]

Contractors Are Not All the Same

Every contractor is different. No two contractors are really the same. Every contractor has different equipment and different employees who know how to do certain kinds of jobs well. Every company has a different number of employees, each with different abilities.

Contracting is art and craftsmanship combined. Most people who hire contractors don’t truly understand that despite all of the technological advances, contractors still use the same quality work habits as twenty years ago. It takes craftsmanship to turn out quality work. Kitchen remodeling contractors have to measure, design and perform complicated calculations before they can start a job. [Read more…]