Benefits of Plantation Shutters Plantation shutters offer advantages and benefits to homeowners over other window coverings including: • A permanent addition to a house: While they don't add much to the sale price and don't guarantee a return on investment, the curb appeal helps the house sell faster. The permanency of plantation shutters allows them to be included in appraisals. • Versatility: Many have the ability to open only halfway if desired. If you want to let in all the light, plantation shutters swing away from the window to grant an unobstructed view. • Insulation: When all louvers are closed, a good insulating barrier is created, trapping unwanted temperatures and saving you money on your energy bill. • Easy maintenance: With wide louvers, a simple wipe-down is often all that's needed. Vinyl shutters can be taken off their hinges and sprayed off for a major cleaning. • Elegance: The classic, yet modern look conveys a permanency like no other window dressing can. Whether painted or natural wood, they all have a look that says; welcome home. Wood vs. Faux Wood It's not hard to argue that natural wood is more appealing than vinyl or PVC. However, "faux wood," as it's sometimes called, has some advantages: • Price -- Faux wood shutters are often lower in price than real wood. • Weight -- Because some shutters are made "hollow core" (as opposed to vinyl-wrapped medium density fiberboard, MDF), they can be significantly lighter. • Moisture Resistance -- If you live in an area with high humidity, hollow faux wood or aluminum core will resist expanding and sagging. (MDF core louvers will tend to expand and crack as the material swells with moisture.) Natural wood is the choice for those who have a very healthy budget or for whom a specific appearance is a must. Among the advantages are: • Size -- Because wood plantation shutters are made of hardwood, they can be quite a bit larger than plastic or vinyl. Vinyl shutters larger than 29 inches may be prone to sag, so they need divider rails or other supports which can destroy the traditional look of a plantation shutter. • Natural -- While vinyl or plastic shutters can be painted to match any color scheme, the natural shades and finishes of the various species of wood have something for every look. • Classic -- While many plastic shutters can be made to look like real wood, the faux wood finishes can vary significantly depending on manufacturer and model. Up close, it can be easy to tell they're plastic. The warmth of natural wood is a classic feel that's impossible to beat. Popular Plantation Shutter Brands When you go to purchase your plantation shutters, brands names may offer a good representation of high-, mid-, and low-cost range of what's available. Which one you choose depends on your budget and your tastes. Hunter-Douglas and Norman Shutters produce three lines of plantation shutters in both real wood and faux wood styles. A higher-end product, Hunter-Douglas may be worth the cost for beauty and quality of workmanship. The Window Outfitters and Sunland produce a mid-cost line of shutters. The mid-range pricing may be for those who are balancing aesthetics with a budget. National franchise and or box stores may not offer an in-house expert or designer. Look to local companies that specialize in plantation shutters looking online may offer a low-cost brand for budget-minded DIYers. Available in both faux and real wood, the affordability combines with the visual appeal to make this a very popular choice for plantation shutters. Regardless of which line you go with, be sure to ask about frames. Generally all manufactures offer frame choices and may add to the cost, but they add an unsurpassed beauty and warmth to a room with plantation shutters. Plantation shutters look like similar to wooden blinds, but there are significant differences. Blinds are often narrow, made of aluminum or vinyl, and the slats tilt based on a gear and pulley mechanism and they hang in the window with cords. By contrast, plantation shutters have wide compound louvers that fit into a frame and are controlled by way of a wooden rod running up the middle. When not needed, they can be manufactured to swing back onto the wall. Options to are available to build a more contemporary look with a larger view with a “hidden tilt” feature. Cost of Plantation Shutters Nationally, the cost of plantation shutters, depending on their size and the material, whether or not they are custom arches and colors or stains, may vary. Most manufacturers want their shutters to be professionally installed to keep the warranty intact which is a benefit to the customer in the long run. They will usually have a limited lifetime warranty. Cost of Installation Costs for having plantation shutters installed by a contractor are a bit more predictable. Contractors who have installed plantation shutters before can quickly get accurate measurements and suggest which materials would work best in different rooms. For example, while natural wood may look beautiful in your living room, it might not be so practical in a bathroom where moisture will cause the wood to warp. The size, material, and quality of the shutter will have a significant effect on the cost. Contractors usually go through a shutter supplier and can get various sizes that are not normally available at home improvement stores. Hiring a professional team of knowledgeable suppliers and installers is a good choice. Here are some sample prices of the shutters most contractors use for standard-sized windows: In general, plantation shutters should cost approximately $20 to $26 per square foot. Labor costs depend on factors such as the contractor's workload, remoteness of the location, environment, and the contractor's overhead. Labor generally runs about $100 per hour and will be added to the shutter cost. • 16x20 -- Faux wood $120. Real wood $156 • 24x50 -- Faux wood $160. Real wood $208 • 36x54 -- Faux wood $270. Real wood $351 • 36x60 -- Faux wood $300 Real wood $390 • 42x72 -- Faux wood $420. Real wood $546 • 48x82 -- Faux wood $550. Real wood $715 DIY Plantation shutters can be purchased and installed by the homeowners. How much they cost will depend on size and material. Faux wood shutter’s cost depends on size and wooden shutter’s cost will depend on size and whether or not they are painted or stained. • Natural wood is $90-$600 depending on size. Many companies offer standard stained selection but custom color matching may be available from $175 -$250. • Faux wood will be from $120-$500. • Additional tools include: Hang Strips $4-$15 and about $4 for mounting hardware. Locks or closures can cost up to $15 for each shutter. Finally, if you order them online, you can expect to pay $30-$70 shipping per shutter or per set of shutters per window depending on the supplier. Keep in mind that even if you're handy with tools, installing shutters can be time-consuming if you've never done it before there is defiantly a learning curve.

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. This classic Connecticut home was bought by a growing family. The house was in an ideal location but needed to be expanded. Design Builders & Remodeling almost doubled the square footage of the home. Creating a new sunny and spacious master bedroom, new guestroom, laundry room, garage, kids bathroom, expanded and renovated the kitchen, family room, and playroom. The upgrades and addition is seamlessly and thoughtfully integrated to the original footprint.

Once upon a time, this bathroom featured the following: No entry door, with a master tub and vanities open to the master bedroom. Fading, outdated, 80's-style yellow oak cabinetry. A bulky hexagonal window with clear glass. No privacy. A carpeted floor. In a bathroom. It’s safe to say that none of these features were appreciated by our clients. Understandably. We knew we could help. ​ We changed the layout. The tub and the double shower are now enclosed behind frameless glass, a very practical and beautiful arrangement. The clean linear grain cabinetry in medium tone is accented beautifully by white countertops and stainless steel accessories. New lights, beautiful tile and glass mosaic bring this space into the 21st century. End result: a calm, light, modern bathroom for our client to enjoy.

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. A large sunny and workable kitchen for a hungry and busy family .Tons of counters, cabinets and charm

wall 2 -- large undermount sink flanked by lazy susans (where there used to be two blind cabinets)
Inspiration for a small contemporary u-shaped porcelain tile eat-in kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. Nina Pomeroy

Mudrooms are practical entryway spaces that serve as a buffer between the outdoors and the main living areas of a home. Typically located near the front or back door, mudrooms are designed to keep the mess of the outside world at bay. These spaces often feature built-in storage for coats, shoes, and accessories, helping to maintain a tidy and organized home. Durable flooring materials, such as tile or easy-to-clean surfaces, are common in mudrooms to withstand dirt and moisture. Additionally, mudrooms may include benches or cubbies for convenient seating and storage of bags or backpacks. With hooks for hanging outerwear and perhaps a small sink for quick cleanups, mudrooms efficiently balance functionality with the demands of an active household, providing an essential transitional space in the home.

An item with personality, Loft Bookcase helps decorate any space with multi-dimensional style and mixed use practicality. With an architectural propensity, Loft Italian Bookcase features asymmetric niches for books, picture frames and other cherished articles that should be displayed.

This inner-city garden was designed to meet the needs of a young family who like to entertain but still required solutions for storage and off street parking. Key to the design was connecting the two different areas of the lower courtyard with the upper carstand area. A solution was obtained through constructing an intermediate landing with built in seating and a new gas BBQ. An open style steel balustrade allows for safety between the two areas and visually takes full advantage of the depth of the property. All-weather protection provided by retractable awnings to both upper and lower areas ensures year round enjoyment. Sliding doors in the garage help the generous storage recede into the design. Spotted gum hardwood timber decking extends the internal areas outside and the wrap around steps further connect the spaces by providing an inviting entry to the BBQ area. A large floating timber bench seat is both practical and breaks up the large retaining wall to the upper carport. A grey and white colour palette provides a sophisticated look whilst highlighting punctuations of playful colour and contemporary styling to link the children’s play areas with the home.

www.316photos.com
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional underground concrete floor basement remodel in Chicago with gray walls

Example of a trendy bedroom design in San Francisco

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home.

Modern luxury kitchen remodel with custom cabinets, quartz countertops, double-edge island design, and large patio sliding doors. Bright, open-concept layout with natural light, high-end finishes, and functional design for everyday living and entertaining.

Transforming a Master Bathroom When our clients purchased their beautiful home in South Fort Myers, FL they fell in love with the expansive, sweeping space. It wasn’t long, however, before they realized the master bathroom just didn’t suit their taste. The large walk-in shower was practically cave-like. Consequentially, it completely dwarfed the bathroom. Along with bland colors, outdated finishes, and a dividing wall in the middle of the room, the whole space felt smaller than its ample dimensions implied. There was no question about it – the bathroom needed an update. Making Room for More First, we demolished the existing finishes and cut the concrete slab for new underground plumbing. We minimized the imposing shower and moved it to the other side of the room. Moving the shower also allowed for the installation of our Dura Supreme Alectra style cabinetry in cocoa brown. For increased functionality, we created split his-and-hers vanities. Then we added towers to match the cabinets. With interior outlets, the towers added smart storage for bathroom appliances, helping to keep the counters clutter-free. For a finishing touch, we outlined the large mirrors with crown molding trim in a complimentary finish – an essential detail to tie all the cabinetry together. The Spa To bring the feel of the spa to this gorgeous home, we installed our luxurious drop-in 72”x42” Kohler Air Massage bathtub. We completely surrounded it with 3cm granite countertops in Delicatus green and added a tub deck with tile backsplashes for a sumptuous ambiance. Lighting On either side of the his-and-hers vanity, we installed George Kovach tube sconces. Vertical placement of the sconces provided ample lighting while enhancing the contemporary style of the space. To frame the room, we added a drop ceiling with recessed lighting and outlined the tray ceiling with crown molding to match the rest of the design. To complete the bath remodel, we installed the final element – a stunningly unique 10-light polished chrome chandelier from Maxim lighting. A Complete Transformation When we met with our clients, it was instantly clear to us why they were unhappy with their master bathroom. The cave-like shower and cumbersome dividing wall overpowered a room in dire need of a modernizing. Furthermore, with two small children and a busy lifestyle, we could sense our clients not only desired a bathroom renovation, they needed a relaxing retreat. Ultimately, this project was nothing less than a complete transformation of space. In fact, by the time we had finished, the only original fixtures left were the windows! With beautifully updated finishes and an improved layout, we were able to achieve the functionality our clients craved along with a new, spa-like feel. The end result was nothing short of a haven at home – the perfect spot to recharge at the end of a long day.

Floating Shelves to display and finish off this this smartly renovated kitchen
Example of a mid-sized country u-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Cedar Rapids with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

A favorite element of this kitchen is the island. “I wanted to make it high impact in design, yet functional for their everyday life.”- Interior Designer Clarissa Rigby The waterfall edge really sets it apart and the size allows for lots of prep work. Space was added on both sides to allow for barstool seating. The black really modernizes the space and ties in well with the other black elements. The leather barstools are timeless and practical for easy cleaning. They also help to balance the brown tones in the space.

Outdoor BBQ island with unique counter top outlets.
Patio kitchen - large modern backyard patio kitchen idea in Orange County

Part of an extensive home remodel, this kitchen design was born of one man’s love of all things Harley Davidson. Color inspiration came from the client’s own cherished bike which was a stunning combination of matte black and brushed steel. The client’s wish was to have a large open area in which he could “be one with his guests” when hosting large gatherings. Cabinets, hardware and appliances all in black allow the focus to be on the beauty of the larger architectural elements as a whole. Included along the main storage wall is a hidden 42” refrigerator, dual pull-out pantries, and extra wide drawers below a pair of upper cabinets with matte black glass fold-up doors that open & close automatically via servo-drive technology. The new island - which measures just shy of 16 ½ feet! - is a true central point around which all action revolves. Wide walkways on either side provide ease of flow for multiple sous chefs and guests alike. A textured cypress soffit above the island was designed to house the modern hood and also create a feeling of unity as it is the same size as the island below. Textured cypress wood also wraps matte black cabinetry and lines the main wall, changing grain direction to provide visual interest. The 5’ Galley Workstation is a multi-functional marvel, easily transitioning from prep station to serving surface to clean-up with the addition of its built-in accessories. Placing an undercounter wine refrigerator on the back side of the island makes it easy for guests at the bar to help themselves. Close to the bar seating area, a 42” flat screen tv fits perfectly flush in the wall, practically disappearing when not in use. Unique details include a large display cabinet with a metal framed front & side crafted out of steel by a local artisan. The glass is 2-way mirror so when the interior light is off, the treasure is concealed inside. The interior is painted in the trademark Harley orange. Above a modern dining table, a one-of-a-kind chandelier was created from 3 bike helmets, painted in Harley orange by a local automobile detail shop. The interiors are finished in metallic silver for extra glow. Adjacent to the Kitchen, and initially deceiving in its simplicity, the main tv wall was quite complex and challenging to realize. It has a convex curve from left to right and slopes back from floor to ceiling. The interior hollow space created room for a shallow tv niche on top and partially recessed deep media storage cabinets below. The planning and framing involved to create the proper compound miter connections required extra diligence from the designers and builder, but the finished product was worth the effort! Photo credit: Fred Donham of Photographerlink

Large elegant u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Orange County with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and white countertops