Search results for "Educated decisions" in Home Design Ideas

Located in San Rafael's sunny Dominican neighborhood, this East Coast-style brown shingle needed an infusion of color and pattern for a young family. Against the white walls in the combined entry and living room, we mixed mid-century silhouettes with bold blue, orange, lemon, and magenta shades. The living area segues to the dining room, which features an abstract graphic patterned wall covering. Across the way, a bright open kitchen allows for ample food prep and dining space. Outside we painted the poolhouse ombre teal. On the interior, we echoed the same fun colors of the home.

The exterior primary terrace is a serene retreat, enveloped by nature's beauty. A soaring, arced roofline gracefully frames expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, flooding the space with natural light and showcasing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Two cozy lounge chairs beckon relaxation, inviting you to unwind and soak in the tranquility. Below the terrace, a winding river meanders through the landscape, creating a soothing soundtrack as it flows towards a natural pool nestled amidst lush greenery. Steps away, a separate guest studio provides a private oasis for visitors, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings.
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This former family room was transformed to be a gathering room with so much more function. Now it serves as a Dining room, TV room, Family room, Home Office and meeting space. Beige walls and white crown molding surround white bookshelves and cabinets giving storage. Brick fireplace and wood mantel has been painted white. Furniture includes: wood farmhouse dining table and black windsor style chairs.

Cal Comfort Insulating Windows, Inc. represents the highest quality manufactured doors in the industry. Each door can be customized to the finish and color of your choice. We also have an extensive showroom of entry doors so you can see the incredible wood-look or actual wood doors and make an educated decision. Each of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that we stand behind and support. We serve Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and the surrounding area.

For this Brooklyn condo renovation, Gallery Kitchen and Bath updated the entire kitchen and both bathrooms, as well as painted and laid out new flooring throughout the entire apartment. The owners wanted to unite the seeming medley of the existing space into a cohesive design more representative of their own style. With its ultra-high ceilings and exposed joints and beams, the space already lent itself to the farmhouse look. The end result is a modernized, eclectic farmhouse style that we keenly carried throughout the home.
MORE DETAILS
Compelling textures and color combos reign supreme. The kitchen features semi-custom Shaker-style stone gray cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash running all the way up the wall, and white quartz countertops. We built the island in part to create a pleasing yet efficient flow from the kitchen into the living and dining areas as the space was opened up. We also painted the plumbing stack white to not make it stand out.
We also redesigned the bathrooms, giving each a unique treatment. In the master bath, we took a Victorian-goes-modern approach with coral walls, champagne fixtures, and a clawfoot tub. In the guest bathroom, we stuck to a transitional style that approaches modern without becoming contemporary, pairing herringbone marble floor tiles with a mix of subway and penny tiles on the walls and in the shower. Both maintain elements, such as tiles, fixtures, and colors, that coordinate with the overall eclectic farmhouse look.
HOW WE COLLABORATE
Collaboration with our clients to their desired degree is one of our core pillars. In this condo renovation, the clients wanted central air and were initially considering a true central air system. We advised against it, as not only would it take away from the unique beauty of unusually tall ceilings by adding unsightly ductwork, but it would also significantly detract from the farmhouse look. Instead, we suggested a mini-split system. Our recommended units were both cost-effective and much more complementary to the comprehensive theme. Of course, we ultimately always honor the clients’ choices but it’s just as important to us that we make sure to provide all the necessary information so our clients can make educated decisions that are best for their needs.
SPACE PLANNING
Another key element of the renovation process is space planning. From this perspective, we consider the placement and positioning of objects with regard to the overall flow of space. The building where this renovation took place is U-shaped at one end, which happens to be where this particular apartment is located. Uniquely-shaped spaces naturally require more concentration than those built in the standard rectangular shape. Questions we consider include: Where will people really spend time in this space? What will the flow of foot traffic be? Is there easy access to the kitchen island? Does it flow well into the hallways? Does the island protrude into anything? Working in New York, with its variety of homes and architectural styles, has greatly developed our experience with standard spaces and unconventional ones alike.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
- Ultra-tall ceilings, allowing for stacked cabinets in the kitchen, as well as long pendant light fixtures and more chandeliers than usual throughout the home
- Completely refurbished cast iron clawfoot tub in one bathroom, with a 270-degree shower curtain around the tub
- Vibrant color choices, including an all-blue bedroom in various shades
- Treated exposed brick walls
Fun Fact: A client once showed us inspiration photos that they sourced online of this exact project, having no idea it was one of ours.
Thinking about renovating your condo? Contact us today to find out how you can benefit from our expertise in remodeling New York City condos. We are a design-and-build firm with a full-scale approach that handles every single aspect of your condo renovation from start to finish.

For this Brooklyn condo renovation, Gallery Kitchen and Bath updated the entire kitchen and both bathrooms, as well as painted and laid out new flooring throughout the entire apartment. The owners wanted to unite the seeming medley of the existing space into a cohesive design more representative of their own style. With its ultra-high ceilings and exposed joints and beams, the space already lent itself to the farmhouse look. The end result is a modernized, eclectic farmhouse style that we keenly carried throughout the home.
MORE DETAILS
Compelling textures and color combos reign supreme. The kitchen features semi-custom Shaker-style stone gray cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash running all the way up the wall, and white quartz countertops. We built the island in part to create a pleasing yet efficient flow from the kitchen into the living and dining areas as the space was opened up. We also painted the plumbing stack white to not make it stand out.
We also redesigned the bathrooms, giving each a unique treatment. In the master bath, we took a Victorian-goes-modern approach with coral walls, champagne fixtures, and a clawfoot tub. In the guest bathroom, we stuck to a transitional style that approaches modern without becoming contemporary, pairing herringbone marble floor tiles with a mix of subway and penny tiles on the walls and in the shower. Both maintain elements, such as tiles, fixtures, and colors, that coordinate with the overall eclectic farmhouse look.
HOW WE COLLABORATE
Collaboration with our clients to their desired degree is one of our core pillars. In this condo renovation, the clients wanted central air and were initially considering a true central air system. We advised against it, as not only would it take away from the unique beauty of unusually tall ceilings by adding unsightly ductwork, but it would also significantly detract from the farmhouse look. Instead, we suggested a mini-split system. Our recommended units were both cost-effective and much more complementary to the comprehensive theme. Of course, we ultimately always honor the clients’ choices but it’s just as important to us that we make sure to provide all the necessary information so our clients can make educated decisions that are best for their needs.
SPACE PLANNING
Another key element of the renovation process is space planning. From this perspective, we consider the placement and positioning of objects with regard to the overall flow of space. The building where this renovation took place is U-shaped at one end, which happens to be where this particular apartment is located. Uniquely-shaped spaces naturally require more concentration than those built in the standard rectangular shape. Questions we consider include: Where will people really spend time in this space? What will the flow of foot traffic be? Is there easy access to the kitchen island? Does it flow well into the hallways? Does the island protrude into anything? Working in New York, with its variety of homes and architectural styles, has greatly developed our experience with standard spaces and unconventional ones alike.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
- Ultra-tall ceilings, allowing for stacked cabinets in the kitchen, as well as long pendant light fixtures and more chandeliers than usual throughout the home
- Completely refurbished cast iron clawfoot tub in one bathroom, with a 270-degree shower curtain around the tub
- Vibrant color choices, including an all-blue bedroom in various shades
- Treated exposed brick walls
Fun Fact: A client once showed us inspiration photos that they sourced online of this exact project, having no idea it was one of ours.
Thinking about renovating your condo? Contact us today to find out how you can benefit from our expertise in remodeling New York City condos. We are a design-and-build firm with a full-scale approach that handles every single aspect of your condo renovation from start to finish.

For this Brooklyn condo renovation, Gallery Kitchen and Bath updated the entire kitchen and both bathrooms, as well as painted and laid out new flooring throughout the entire apartment. The owners wanted to unite the seeming medley of the existing space into a cohesive design more representative of their own style. With its ultra-high ceilings and exposed joints and beams, the space already lent itself to the farmhouse look. The end result is a modernized, eclectic farmhouse style that we keenly carried throughout the home.
MORE DETAILS
Compelling textures and color combos reign supreme. The kitchen features semi-custom Shaker-style stone gray cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash running all the way up the wall, and white quartz countertops. We built the island in part to create a pleasing yet efficient flow from the kitchen into the living and dining areas as the space was opened up. We also painted the plumbing stack white to not make it stand out.
We also redesigned the bathrooms, giving each a unique treatment. In the master bath, we took a Victorian-goes-modern approach with coral walls, champagne fixtures, and a clawfoot tub. In the guest bathroom, we stuck to a transitional style that approaches modern without becoming contemporary, pairing herringbone marble floor tiles with a mix of subway and penny tiles on the walls and in the shower. Both maintain elements, such as tiles, fixtures, and colors, that coordinate with the overall eclectic farmhouse look.
HOW WE COLLABORATE
Collaboration with our clients to their desired degree is one of our core pillars. In this condo renovation, the clients wanted central air and were initially considering a true central air system. We advised against it, as not only would it take away from the unique beauty of unusually tall ceilings by adding unsightly ductwork, but it would also significantly detract from the farmhouse look. Instead, we suggested a mini-split system. Our recommended units were both cost-effective and much more complementary to the comprehensive theme. Of course, we ultimately always honor the clients’ choices but it’s just as important to us that we make sure to provide all the necessary information so our clients can make educated decisions that are best for their needs.
SPACE PLANNING
Another key element of the renovation process is space planning. From this perspective, we consider the placement and positioning of objects with regard to the overall flow of space. The building where this renovation took place is U-shaped at one end, which happens to be where this particular apartment is located. Uniquely-shaped spaces naturally require more concentration than those built in the standard rectangular shape. Questions we consider include: Where will people really spend time in this space? What will the flow of foot traffic be? Is there easy access to the kitchen island? Does it flow well into the hallways? Does the island protrude into anything? Working in New York, with its variety of homes and architectural styles, has greatly developed our experience with standard spaces and unconventional ones alike.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
- Ultra-tall ceilings, allowing for stacked cabinets in the kitchen, as well as long pendant light fixtures and more chandeliers than usual throughout the home
- Completely refurbished cast iron clawfoot tub in one bathroom, with a 270-degree shower curtain around the tub
- Vibrant color choices, including an all-blue bedroom in various shades
- Treated exposed brick walls
Fun Fact: A client once showed us inspiration photos that they sourced online of this exact project, having no idea it was one of ours.
Thinking about renovating your condo? Contact us today to find out how you can benefit from our expertise in remodeling New York City condos. We are a design-and-build firm with a full-scale approach that handles every single aspect of your condo renovation from start to finish.

4 Steps to Achieving a Rewarding Cost Effective Home Renovation
1 Home Renovation an Introduction
A home renovation due to changes in family needs and space requirements can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. As a homeowner, gathering and coordinating resources and possibly help from professional consultants are required. Once the construction phase has started, patience, endurance and commitment to follow through are necessary. Despite the challenges, the rewards of a well-planned and successfully completed project are meaningful, adding aesthetic and economic value, also providing the opportunity to personalize a home, encompassing the function, comfort and aesthetics to accommodate individual taste and lifestyle.
A renovation of an existing home is a viable alternative to moving or building a new home, assuming that a home is structurally sound, the expenditure to enlarge or improve can be a cost effective alternative. A home possessing charm, style, historical significance, established landscaping or an exceptional location could be a significant motivation to consider purchasing another home with the intent to renovate.
The complexity of a project could be relatively simple, changing the use of a room, consolidating two rooms into one, or opening up a room to the outdoors. It could also be a more involved task requiring planning, design and construction documents to build a second floor addition, the addition of a new wing or completely gutting the interior. Some projects could be completed in a weekend’s work or more complex projects, using a “Master Plan”, a plan which provides overall guidance; a renovation can be accomplished all at once or divided into manageable projects over a period of time. With the home evolving gradually allowing the renovation to be planned, timed and tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances.
The due diligence phase should precede the decision to renovate whether it’s an existing home or a home that is purchased with the intent to renovate. The due diligence phase will reveal the factors affecting the nature and scope of the project or if a renovation makes sense.
Every renovation project is unique relative to personal requirements, architectural style & construction type. This guide will be helpful in developing an understanding of the preliminary groundwork required to realize a successful project. If properly planned, a home renovation project can be a positive and rewarding experience resulting in a comfortable, practical and an attractive living environment.
The first step of the planning process is documenting the goals and long-range plans referred to as the “Project Program”. This will dictate the nature, scope and feasibility of the project. Providing a guide to achieving defined goals, the timing or phasing of the project and budget required to achieve the desired end result.
2 Documenting Existing Conditions
Once the “Project Program”, has been established, the next step is to determine what there is to work with. This requires documenting the home’s floor plan and site elements which includes drawing an “as built” floor & site plan consisting of the existing exterior walls, interior rooms, doors, windows, etc. and surrounding site elements, landscape and other significant exterior features. Additionally understanding and noting on the “as built” plan, the structural, mechanical and electrical systems as necessary. Gathering the “existing condition” information defines what there is to work with, creating the framework from which to facilitate and organize the decision making process and develop effective “project program” solutions.
3 Evaluating Existing Conditions
The goals and long-range plans have been established, and the existing floor plan and site elements have been documented. Before developing design solutions, the next step is to evaluate existing conditions. The evaluation includes: a detailed analysis of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems, determining the condition of the house, noting functional and aesthetic deficiencies. At the same time recognizing the home’s strengths, assets and evaluating its relationship to its site. The remaining parameters will be defined by the local jurisdiction’s zoning regulations, these regulations will define the “envelope”, within which the proposed project will be required to fit:
•required front, side & rear yard setbacks
•maximum allowable lot coverage & height
The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home.
By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals.
4 Exploring Design Solutions & Developing a Master Plan
The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product.
By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals.
After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home.

Cal Comfort Insulating Windows, Inc. represents the highest quality manufactured doors in the industry. Each door can be customized to the finish and color of your choice. We also have an extensive showroom of entry doors so you can see the incredible wood-look or actual wood doors and make an educated decision. Each of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that we stand behind and support. We serve Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and the surrounding area.
Our French Doors are available in a number of styles to fit your home décor. Just pair the wood and glass treatment of your choice.

Planning to renovate your kitchen or bathroom? Need idea for Marble tiles vs. porcelain tiles:
Marble tiles vs. porcelain tiles
It is time to renovate your kitchen or bathroom. However, you need to choose tiles for your renovation. So, off you go to the tile merchandiser to look at your options. Your wife wants marble while you prefer porcelain tiles. Now, before you make any decision, go to the tile merchandiser to look at your options. Your wife wants marble tile while you prefer porcelain tiles. Now, before you make any decision, you need to answer the following questions?
• Do we want to tile inside or outside? ;
• What are the measurements of the area to be tiled? ;
• What is the budget? ;
• What type of quality tile do you want to use? ;
Now that you have answered these questions, the key question then is:
What are the essential differences between marble and porcelain tiles?
1) The most important difference is that porcelain tiles are clay baked in an oven while marble tile is a naturally mined stone from a marble quarry. Porcelain are baked rock hard at high degrees while marble does not go through a baking process;
2) Porcelain tiles are hard and non-porous while marble is softer and porous. Porous refers to the amount of tiny holes in the tile;
3) Porcelain tiles are often used in harsher conditions especially outside, whilst marble is better at internal use. Tiles are used on roofs and outside surfaces while marble is best as floor and wall tiling applications;
4) Porcelain tiles are more suited to high traffic areas while marble is more suited to moderate traffic areas;
5) Porcelain tiles are easier to maintain and marble has high maintenance. Porcelain doesn’t stain or scratch easily, while marble requires frequent cleaning and polishing to maintain the same appearance.
6) Porcelain tiles are cheaper than marble. Porcelain are made of cheaper materials and the process is cheaper as marble is mined, then cut and polished or honed;
7) Tiles are usually glazed or unglazed while marble is polished or honed;
8) Porcelain tiles are mass produced and the same color runs throughout the tiles; marble is naturally mined and the color differs;
9) The quality of porcelain tiles is far beneath that of marble;
10) Porcelain tiles are lighter than marble as marble’s density is higher;
Now that you have read about the essential differences between porcelain tiles and marble, you can make an educated decision on which type of tile to use. Good luck.
http://AllMarbleTiles.com

Cal Comfort Insulating Windows, Inc. represents the highest quality manufactured doors in the industry. Each door can be customized to the finish and color of your choice. We also have an extensive showroom of entry doors so you can see the incredible wood-look or actual wood doors and make an educated decision. Each of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that we stand behind and support. We serve Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and the surrounding area.

Cal Comfort Insulating Windows, Inc. represents the highest quality manufactured doors in the industry. Each door can be customized to the finish and color of your choice. We also have an extensive showroom of entry doors so you can see the incredible wood-look or actual wood doors and make an educated decision. Each of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that we stand behind and support. We serve Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and the surrounding area.

Cal Comfort Insulating Windows, Inc. represents the highest quality manufactured doors in the industry. Each door can be customized to the finish and color of your choice. We also have an extensive showroom of entry doors so you can see the incredible wood-look or actual wood doors and make an educated decision. Each of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that we stand behind and support. We serve Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and the surrounding area.
Choose from our collection beautifully crafted decorative doors with sidelites.

Cal Comfort Insulating Windows, Inc. represents the highest quality manufactured doors in the industry. Each door can be customized to the finish and color of your choice. We also have an extensive showroom of entry doors so you can see the incredible wood-look or actual wood doors and make an educated decision. Each of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that we stand behind and support. We serve Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and the surrounding area.

Cal Comfort Insulating Windows, Inc. represents the highest quality manufactured doors in the industry. Each door can be customized to the finish and color of your choice. We also have an extensive showroom of entry doors so you can see the incredible wood-look or actual wood doors and make an educated decision. Each of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that we stand behind and support. We serve Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and the surrounding area.

Cal Comfort Insulating Windows, Inc. represents the highest quality manufactured doors in the industry. Each door can be customized to the finish and color of your choice. We also have an extensive showroom of entry doors so you can see the incredible wood-look or actual wood doors and make an educated decision. Each of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that we stand behind and support. We serve Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and the surrounding area.

Cal Comfort Insulating Windows, Inc. represents the highest quality manufactured doors in the industry. Each door can be customized to the finish and color of your choice. We also have an extensive showroom of entry doors so you can see the incredible wood-look or actual wood doors and make an educated decision. Each of our manufacturers offer lifetime warranties that we stand behind and support. We serve Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and the surrounding area.

This is the cold plunge pool. It is fitted with an Aqua Cal pool chiller that can achieve temperatures to 45 degrees. Fitted with in floor cleaning system by Paramount, auto fill, and color changing light. This is great for the client after his lengthy triathlon training
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