In this beautiful Houston remodel, we took on the exterior AND interior - with a new outdoor kitchen, patio cover and balcony outside and a Mid-Century Modern redesign on the inside: "This project was really unique, not only in the extensive scope of it, but in the number of different elements needing to be coordinated with each other," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Our entire team really rose to the challenge." OUTSIDE The new outdoor living space includes a 14 x 20-foot patio addition with an outdoor kitchen and balcony. We also extended the roof over the patio between the house and the breezeway (the new section is 26 x 14 feet). On the patio and balcony, we laid about 1,100-square foot of new hardscaping in the place of pea gravel. The new material is a gorgeous, honed-and-filled Nysa travertine tile in a Versailles pattern. We used the same tile for the new pool coping, too. We also added French doors leading to the patio and balcony from a lower bedroom and upper game room, respectively: The outdoor kitchen above features Southern Cream cobblestone facing and a Titanium granite countertop and raised bar. The 8 x 12-foot, L-shaped kitchen island houses an RCS 27-inch grill, plus an RCS ice maker, lowered power burner, fridge and sink. The outdoor ceiling is tongue-and-groove pine boards, done in the Minwax stain "Jacobean." INSIDE Inside, we repainted the entire house from top to bottom, including baseboards, doors, crown molding and cabinets. We also updated the lighting throughout. "Their style before was really non-existent," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer with Outdoor Homescapes and owner of LGH Design Services in Houston. "They did what most families do - got items when they needed them, worrying less about creating a unified style for the home." Other than a new travertine tile floor the client had put in 6 months earlier, the space had never been updated. The drapery had been there for 15 years. And the living room had an enormous leather sectional couch that virtually filled the entire room. In its place, we put all new, Mid-Century Modern furniture from World Market. The drapery fabric and chandelier came from High Fashion Home. All the other new sconces and chandeliers throughout the house came from Pottery Barn and all décor accents from World Market. The couple and their two teenaged sons got bedroom makeovers as well. One of the sons, for instance, started with childish bunk beds and piles of books everywhere. "We gave him a grown-up space he could enjoy well into his high school years," says Lisha. The new bed is also from World Market. We also updated the kitchen by removing all the old wallpaper and window blinds and adding new paint and knobs and pulls for the cabinets. (The family plans to update the backsplash later.) The top handrail on the stairs got a coat of black paint, and we added a console table (from Kirkland's) in the downstairs hallway. In the dining room, we painted the cabinet and mirror frames black and added new drapes, but kept the existing furniture and flooring. "I'm just so pleased with how it turned out - especially Lisha's coordination of all the materials and finishes," says Wayne. "But as a full-service outdoor design team, this is what we do, and our all our great reviews are telling us we're doing it well."

In this beautiful Houston remodel, we took on the exterior AND interior - with a new outdoor kitchen, patio cover and balcony outside and a Mid-Century Modern redesign on the inside: "This project was really unique, not only in the extensive scope of it, but in the number of different elements needing to be coordinated with each other," says Outdoor Homescapes of Houston owner Wayne Franks. "Our entire team really rose to the challenge." OUTSIDE The new outdoor living space includes a 14 x 20-foot patio addition with an outdoor kitchen and balcony. We also extended the roof over the patio between the house and the breezeway (the new section is 26 x 14 feet). On the patio and balcony, we laid about 1,100-square foot of new hardscaping in the place of pea gravel. The new material is a gorgeous, honed-and-filled Nysa travertine tile in a Versailles pattern. We used the same tile for the new pool coping, too. We also added French doors leading to the patio and balcony from a lower bedroom and upper game room, respectively: The outdoor kitchen above features Southern Cream cobblestone facing and a Titanium granite countertop and raised bar. The 8 x 12-foot, L-shaped kitchen island houses an RCS 27-inch grill, plus an RCS ice maker, lowered power burner, fridge and sink. The outdoor ceiling is tongue-and-groove pine boards, done in the Minwax stain "Jacobean." INSIDE Inside, we repainted the entire house from top to bottom, including baseboards, doors, crown molding and cabinets. We also updated the lighting throughout. "Their style before was really non-existent," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer with Outdoor Homescapes and owner of LGH Design Services in Houston. "They did what most families do - got items when they needed them, worrying less about creating a unified style for the home." Other than a new travertine tile floor the client had put in 6 months earlier, the space had never been updated. The drapery had been there for 15 years. And the living room had an enormous leather sectional couch that virtually filled the entire room. In its place, we put all new, Mid-Century Modern furniture from World Market. The drapery fabric and chandelier came from High Fashion Home. All the other new sconces and chandeliers throughout the house came from Pottery Barn and all décor accents from World Market. The couple and their two teenaged sons got bedroom makeovers as well. One of the sons, for instance, started with childish bunk beds and piles of books everywhere. "We gave him a grown-up space he could enjoy well into his high school years," says Lisha. The new bed is also from World Market. We also updated the kitchen by removing all the old wallpaper and window blinds and adding new paint and knobs and pulls for the cabinets. (The family plans to update the backsplash later.) The top handrail on the stairs got a coat of black paint, and we added a console table (from Kirkland's) in the downstairs hallway. In the dining room, we painted the cabinet and mirror frames black and added new drapes, but kept the existing furniture and flooring. "I'm just so pleased with how it turned out - especially Lisha's coordination of all the materials and finishes," says Wayne. "But as a full-service outdoor design team, this is what we do, and our all our great reviews are telling us we're doing it well."

It’s always an excellent idea to renovate some corners in your house if you are looking to sell. It is crucial for you to remember to ‘sell it right,’ which means doing the upgrades and renovations accurately for your homebuyer. Some of the best home renovations — for instance, an upgraded kitchen, remodeled bathroom, or a new deck — can get expensive. This is why it is important to know what kind of return you might expect before you think of taking on a remodeling project.   Top Home Renovations in 2021   If you have smartly budgeted for major remodeling projects, here are some of the upgrades that will immediately add more value to your homes:   Kitchen Remodel   People can go wild in kitchen renovations, but it’s not always required. A kitchen remodeling, if done the right way, is certain to add more value to your home. You will love an even higher return if you remodel a kitchen with traditional designs and builds. This will include replacing your cabinets, refrigerator, stove, flooring, and even sinks and faucets.   Nowadays, a kitchen’s functionality and convenience are becoming more and more important. For instance, lowered light switches, cabinets, and racks can make it simpler for an elderly person or someone with a disability to explore the kitchen if they use a wheelchair. Cabinets with a hydraulic system can make it possible for a homeowner to move their position, ensuring it’s available within your reach no matter your mobility level.   Improving Your Outdoor Appeal   The outdoor appeal is basically the first impression of your home. That old front door, cracked driveway won’t help potential buyers feel an eternal connection with your home. The outdoor appeal can be improved with the application of new paint, gardening, or attractive landscaping. Hence, it is necessary for you to consider beforehand what improvements you are going to make, what you can do yourself, and what you need to outsource.   Begin where your property meets the main street. Are the walls well maintained and colored? Do driveways need to be redone or just a quick water blast to clean them? Do you need to paint your door or close the cracks on them or add a couple of planter pots to give more warmth to the entrance?   More expensive things include painting your house, adding a deck, or fencing your property. Before taking these costly projects, do seek professional advice about whether this will increase your property’s value.   Including Square Footage to Your Home   As mentioned above, expensive additions in remodeling include house extensions and reconfigurations of old rooms. This may lead to a larger ROI, so they’re worth assessing. You may want to add a bedroom, build a home office corner, make the living area by making it more spacious or add another bathroom. These extensions all add value to your home, but you’ll want to guarantee that you can get your money back once you sell the property.   Big projects are more expensive. Homeowners may want to think of applying for a home improvement loan to help them finance the project or ensure they have financial assistance in case the cost goes over the board.   The Bottom Line   Renovating your home not only adds to your excitement but can also increase your home’s value over time, as well.   If you live in an urban area, your listing might be competing with other upgraded homes to grab the buyers’ attention. When you refinance your house, for example, remodeling will be considered when a property appraiser studies your home’s current market value. Higher home value means you’ll get more equity and a lower loan-to-value ratio. Moreover, you might even be able to cancel personal mortgage insurance payments earlier than expected.   When you decide to sell your home, buyers will expect to see a clean, attractive home with modern updates that’s ready to move in.

Do you have a bathroom that needs to be updated? The Home Remodeling services from Cavalier Homes offer a fantastic opportunity to update a bathroom that is already functional or completely renovate one that requires a makeover. We can help with an aesthetic upgrade, whether your bathroom requires a minor repair or a complete renovation. There are various reasons why you might want to renovate your bathroom. Ultimately, there are three main reasons why most homeowners remodel their bathrooms. Increasing comfort Enhancing aesthetic Increasing the resale value There are a few things you should think about before beginning the bathroom renovation process if you want to create the bathroom of your dreams. Here are some of the important ones: Budget: Your budget should be taken into consideration first. You’ll be better able to make key choices during the renovation process if you’ve established a budget and know exactly how much you’re willing to spend on various products. Space: Since bathrooms are typically the smallest rooms in a home, it’s critical to make the most of every square inch that is available. There is nothing more annoying than buying fixtures that don’t fit, so take into account the layout of your bathroom and take precise measurements! Design and style: There are many styles and designs that can be achieved in the bathroom, regardless of whether you want it to blend in with the other rooms in your house or be completely different. Whatever style you’re trying to achieve—whether it’s something more traditional or more contemporary—we can assist you. Accessories: Small details can make a big difference, which is why you should carefully consider the style of each bathroom accessory you choose. With so many taps, showers, and other bathroom fixtures on the market today, making a decision isn’t as simple as you might think. Therefore, consider the style you want to achieve and make a decision accordingly. Storage Needs: If you’re short on space, try to be creative with your storage. Purchase furniture with lots of storage that doesn’t take up more floor space. For instance, vanity units are ideal because they are compact, offer excellent storage, and complement your preferred style. Utilize your space wisely and creatively. All shampoos and shower gels will be able to be stored in shelving units. Remember to incorporate it in the initial layout. Heating: By adding a top-notch heating system, you can keep your bathroom cozy. You can use underfloor heating systems or a conventional radiator. This will raise the temperature in each bathroom, enhancing comfort and warmth. This is not always a complete list. Many different delicate aspects that make your bathroom modern may require your consideration. The functionality of the bathroom has changed as a result of modern technology. Contact Cavalier Homes Inc. in West Islip, Long Island and one of our experts will walk you through your options. For bathroom remodeling, we offer affordable and individualized design, fabrication, and installation services. Our cutting-edge tools, supplies, and procedures have stood the test of time. We can use your personal plans or ideas to design a stunning and useful bathroom. Your home is your calling card, and your happiness is our greatest goal, as well as our greatest pleasure. Cavalier Homes will make your dream home a reality.

The Art of Wholesale Artificial Grass Potted Plants The demand is skyrocketing. A recent report shows a staggering 35% increase in the wholesale market for artificial potted plants in the last two years. How did we get here? DIY enthusiasts and retail designers alike are gravitating toward artificial options like never before. For instance, a pop-up shop in Austin showcased Longjin Craft’s artificial pampas grass, achieving record sales within the first week. Just imagine the impact such products can have on urban spaces where natural greenery struggles to thrive. Quality varies significantly. Some manufacturers cut corners, using inferior materials that fade or crumble within months. In stark contrast, premium brands such as Longjin Craft utilize advanced UV-resistant technology, ensuring durability and vibrant colors. The weight of high-quality polymer can feel surprising when comparing. Light as a feather? Not exactly. Some high-end options weigh substantially more, signifying their robust build. Trends and Innovations in the Market What’s trending? Sustainability, of course! Buyers are more eco-conscious. Reports indicate over 50% of consumers prefer brands that highlight their sustainability practices. Enter the world of recyclable artificial plants. Brands are innovating, shifting materials from merely synthetic to environmentally friendly composites. How can you not be impressed by this shift? The future looks greener—ironically speaking. Retailers are embracing unique selling propositions to set their brands apart. Take, for example, customizable potted plant arrangements. Imagine a landscape designer creating a bespoke setup featuring various plant species, with artificial variants like those from Longjin Craft fitting seamlessly into the surroundings. It’s a game-changer, keeping costs down while making spaces visually stunning. Practical Applications in Design Interior design is evolving. From coffee shops to luxury hotels, artificial potted grass is popping up everywhere. One case study revealed that a Southern California cafe increased customer dwell time by 25% after introducing strategically placed artificial plants. Imagine sipping your latte surrounded by lush greenery—all without the maintenance headaches. Commercial settings also benefit massively. Large office complexes are opting for artificial potted plants to create inviting environments. The rationale? Reduces maintenance costs and boosts employee morale. Can you believe a single office could save thousands annually by replacing natural greenery with artificial options? Longjin Craft has increasingly become a go-to choice for these installations, thanks to their reputation for striking aesthetics and quality.

Pedro Fixed Dining Table by Cattelan Italia- A great choice for consumers in the market for a slick dining table that has customizable features. For instance, the table can be ordered in multiple sizes (5). Customers can choose either Matt White or Graphite colored steal base, along with a White or Grey post formed top. Additionally, customers could also order this table with a laminated wood top. Manufactured By Cattelan Italia.

Living room - mid-sized contemporary living room idea in Delhi

In the first post of this two-part blog series, we began the discussion of why we decline business. We’re tackling this sensitive subject by the horns to give more insight into what happens behind the scenes in the remodeling industry. It’s a touchy subject as when we buy something we never expect to be rejected by the seller. However, there are instances where businesses need to filter potential customers to be successful. To help make our explanation more relatable, we’ll return to the example we set up in part one: a farmer selling oranges at a local farmer’s market. Take a read on the conclusion of this 2 part blog series on the reasons why contractors occasionally decline business to customers. Check out the full blog on our website - Either use the link in our bio, QR code provided, or link below to see the post directly. Link: https://mayflowerva.com/why-we-decline-business-pt2/