Design Ideas + Tips |

Bathroom Remodels for Small Bathrooms

March 1, 2012 in Design Ideas + Tips, Philadelphia remodeling

A bathroom remodel can really change the feel of a home with just a few small adjustments. Even if you have a small bathroom, updating the space can help take your bathroom from a drab and dated space to a sleek and stylish bathroom.

A small bathroom is a great place to make a statement. Making sure the space is cohesive in terms of color palette and materials used, you can really push the limits in terms of color and textures. Often times, homeowners will feel more comfortable experimenting on a small room than a larger room. So now is your chance to mix it up with a great remodel!

If you’re working with a full bath, opt for an updated shower stall with glass enclosures to open up the space and make it feel bigger than it is. Pedestal sinks and wall mounted sinks will also give the illusion of more space by freeing up a bit of the floor that a larger vanity would occupy. If you do want a vanity with storage space, check out some floating vanities that offer a modern look without hogging floor space.

Light fixtures are another way that you can update a small bathroom without spending much money. Size-proportionate sconces and light fixtures should be used so that the lighting doesn’t overwhelm the space. Also be conscious of size when choosing mirrors and other bathroom hardware.

When it comes time to decide what to do with the walls, this is your chance to really push the boundaries and work with bold, warm colors or fun patterns. Play with wallpapers, or opt for a tiled accent wall. Glass mosaic tile on one wall, or a section of the bathroom, will instantly brighten the room.

Use these tips when updating your small bathroom to get the most out of the space. Remember that sticking to scale and playing with colors, materials and textures are all great ways to totally revamp and remodel the room.

For more design ideas, tips and information about bathroom remodeling, check out the dRemodeling Philadelphia Bathroom Remodeling section of our blog.

Tags: Bathroom, bathroom remodeling, bathroom remodeling company, bathroom tile, Interior Design, Philadelphia bathroom remodeling
No Comments »

How to Choose the Perfect Countertops

October 2, 2011 in Design Ideas + Tips

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Countertops

As tempting as it may be, appearance isn’t everything when hunting for the perfect kitchen countertops. Durability, maintenance, and, of course, cost are critical points to consider when making this pivotal choice during a kitchen remodel.

So how can you choose the perfect countertops to meet your needs? We’ve provided several pointers to help you make a decision that provides beautiful aesthetic and the perfect level of function for your everyday kitchen tasks.

Think About The Way You Live

This sounds obvious, but it doesn’t necessarily come to mind right away to the average person who is deep in the excitement of transforming their space. Materiality is arguably the most important decision you can make when you are designing an interior space; this is because it not only completely alters the look and feel of an environment, it will inherently directly respond to whatever you use it for. If you have four children who making sloppy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day on the counter, perhaps white granite is not the best selection. Being practical about your use of space does not mean that you are sacrificing style.

Consider All Of Your Options

There is a multitude of options available for homeowners seeking countertops. Granite, the most popular choice for such applications, is easily found and often affordable. No two pieces of granite are the same and granite countertops can come in a polished, shiny finish or a soft, matte one. Selecting a granite that is easily accessible can greatly reduce cost, but prices can vary significantly based on the origin, finish, and color of the stone utilized.

Granite Countertops

Marble Countertops

Soapstone Countertops

Other natural stones, while beautiful, are much softer and require greater care and delicacy when utilized. These stones (marble, limestone, and soapstone) can add a gracious level of sophistication but must be treated and sealed periodically.

An Option For The Busy Family

Engineered stone countertops are a great option for a family or a user who plans to be nothing short of destructive in the kitchen. These countertops come in a variety of looks and feels and are essentially indestructible. They can take nearly anything you, quite literally, throw at them.

Engineered Stone Countertops

For The Contemporary Cook

Concrete countertops are an exquisitely modern addition to a kitchen and are gaining immense popularity. Concrete countertops can come in a variety of textures from smooth to ground (aggregate exposed). These countertops can absolutely become a staple to a contemporary, sleek kitchen. However, using concrete countertops requires responsibility and caution. A wet sponge left on a counter can leave a permanent stain, scratches can age the appearance, and certain chemicals can alter the appearance of the surface. While they are absolutely worth it, it is advisable that concrete countertops are treated frequently to keep them looking their best.

Concrete Countertops

To Warm Up The Kitchen

Butcher’s Block, Butcher’s Block, Butcher’s Block. It’s simply the best way to warm up a kitchen instantly. From a French country kitchen to a contemporary cooking space, wood countertops can be absolutely stunning. These counters are easy to clean and scratches can be sanded off with relative ease. Excess water can damage these counters, however, so be sure to treat them with oil frequently to seal them safely.

Wood Countertops

For The Penny Pincher

Laminate is by far the most affordable option in kitchen counters. This material can come in a wide array of colors and designs, and is easy to install or replace. It is known for scorching if a hot surface touches it for too long, and it is known for being prone to scratches, but laminate has recently come in a long way with regard to scratch and heat resistance.

Laminate Countertops

There are plenty of options out there. Do your homework and think about your function. Whatever you do, always be sure to visit the surface in person; whether that means traveling to a showroom or ordering a sample to view at home.

As always, we would love to help you create the space of your dreams! Visit us online: http://www.dremodeling.com

Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dremodeling

Come back next week for more useful tips!

No Comments »

The Importance of Kitchen Design

September 26, 2011 in Design Ideas + Tips

The kitchen is a special place.

It is more than just another room in the house. It is where gatherings happen, where food is prepared, and where memories are made. It is where families often spend quality time, where individuals can define their personal style through space, and where sophistication has an unparalleled opportunity to interact with functionality

So many important activities happen within the kitchen; a strong design facilitates true function and ease of movement. Kitchen remodeling is a wonderful way to achieve this; to increase the quality and life within the space and to greatly increase the value of your home.

Perhaps you aren’t thinking of putting your home on the market anytime soon. However, looking into the future marketability of your home is always a wise decision. A solid kitchen remodel can allow you to reap the benefits of an excellently crafted space while guaranteeing strong marketability of your home in the long run.

In today’s widely varying kitchen design trends, there are nearly endless possibilities for homeowners to create ideally personalized spaces. Making a decision about aesthetic and construction in your own home can be a difficult one to make. There are a few key things to think about when approaching a kitchen remodeling in your home.

Space

Issues, ideas, or problems regarding space (or lack thereof) is one of the most important things to bring to the drawing table when beginning to think about the remodeling of your kitchen. Small kitchens typically do not possess the opportunity to add more storage, so the existing space must be utilized intelligently. Work with a designer if possible to help maximize tight space. Enhance the use of lines and increase your accessibility to frequently used items to prevent clutter from building up. The more clear space you have in a small kitchen, the bigger it will inherently feel.

To the Max: Utilize small spaces in your kitchen in innovative ways to maximize your options when your space is at a minimum. [image: www.Ikea.com]

Up Against the Wall: Use your walls! Allow the walls in your kitchen to offer you a helping hand. Wall mounted storage can add a fresh,

contemporary look to your kitchen and will provide a plethora of storage options for optimized function.

Color + Texture

Color and texture is a critical piece to any interior design, architecture, or complete renovation project. Often set aside as an afterthought, color can have an incredibly strong impact on the human psyche and can have much to do with how we react and respond within our spaces. Consider color as a doorway through which you can enter a world of redefining your kitchen: turn a space that hosts most of your chore work into a space that fosters creativity and relaxation with family. Alter how you feel about cooking by making your kitchen a more inviting, energizing place. These changes frequently are dismissed as impossible, when really they could be ignited by a simple change of color. Color can change a level of visual perception as well. Try utilizing light, airy colors to make spaces appear larger. Minimize parts of a large, open kitchen to create a cozier atmosphere by introducing dark, rich colors.

Count on Color: Your kitchen isn't any less important than any other space in your home. Don't be afraid to add color, patterns,

and texture to your kitchen to add life and energy. You spend a lot of time in the kitchen: make sure it is a space that is enjoyable to live in.

Linear Love Affair: Horizontal emphasis and strong linear patterning in any kitchen will help to expand the space visually and exaggerate the size of the room.

Innovation

We are at such an incredible point in time that we have amazing technology at our fingertips. Use remodeling as an opportunity to explore innovative trends in design when possible. Lighting, energy efficient appliances, innovative materials…they are all available to the average person and can add an even higher level of sophistication, meaning, and value to your kitchen.

Whatever you choose, allow it to speak to you. Happiness in the end user and a notable level of functionality are testaments to strong design. Small or large renovation shifts to a space such as the kitchen will ultimately provide a positive change to your entire home.

Have ideas for your kitchen? Make them a reality!

We love to help you make your dream space come to life.

Like us on Facebook.

Tags: Architecture, Cabinetry, Color, Contemporary, Design, Important, Innovative, Interior, Kitchen, Modern, Simple, Space Saving, Texture, Woodwork
No Comments »

You are browsing the Blog for Design Ideas + Tips.