Search results for "Prior alternatives" in Home Design Ideas

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These are some "before photos" of the project prior to our technicians beginning the remodeling project.

Photography by Gordon Beall
Beach style guest bedroom photo in Boston with white walls
Beach style guest bedroom photo in Boston with white walls
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Soft-close drawer glides allow for easy access to your pots and pans.
Example of a large transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry design in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and gray countertops
Example of a large transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry design in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and gray countertops

Thank you to our fellow designer Benjamin Dhong for using our A la Reine pieces!
Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor dining room design in San Francisco with yellow walls
Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor dining room design in San Francisco with yellow walls

Contemporary mosaic design based on Cynthia Fisher's fine art mosaic abstract, 'Pavement Fractals'. I created this mosaic in my studio, shipped it on panels to CA and it was carefully installed by a local tile company. homeowner, photo credit

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

Christy Kosnic Photography
Transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops
Transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Adam Pendleton
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master beige tile and stone tile porcelain tile claw-foot bathtub remodel in Atlanta with raised-panel cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master beige tile and stone tile porcelain tile claw-foot bathtub remodel in Atlanta with raised-panel cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

 
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The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family.
The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well.
See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design.
Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks.
Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table.
Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD
Photography by: Michael Kaskel
For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Transitional l-shaped light wood floor kitchen photo in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option!
Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

photo by Seed Studio, editing by TR PhotoStudio
This is an example of a small modern full sun backyard formal garden in San Francisco with a fire pit and decking.
This is an example of a small modern full sun backyard formal garden in San Francisco with a fire pit and decking.

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

Plumbing issues rarely occur at a convenient moment. When selecting whom to install plumbing in Melbourne homes, one must find someone who is licensed, readily available and has the right to tell you the costs upfront before work is commenced. This guide includes what to look at prior to hiring a plumber melbourne and common hiring mistakes to avoid.
Explaining how to choose the right plumber Melbourne homeowners
Why choosing the right plumber matters
Poor plumbing repair may be more expensive to repair than the original problem. Experience, licensing, and communication are also all issues that impact on a job being done right the first time round. A few minutes checking credentials will save later on down the line. Difficult hiring choices may result in:
● Repeat callouts: Incomplete repairs, which fail once again in the matter of weeks, necessitate a visit by another tradesperson, and additional expense. ● Hidden charges: Unclear price estimates that become unexpected bills after the project has begun. ● Property damage: Rushing or unlicensed work that causes damage to pipes, fittings and adjacent walls and floors.
Check licensing and qualifications first
All plumbers operating in Victoria have to have the valid licence issued by the Building and Plumbing Commission. Licensing validates the formal training as well as legal responsibility of the work done. This is checked within a few minutes prior to securing any job. Pre-hiring ensure the following before the hiring:
● Licence number: A registered plumber is able to issue a licence number which is confirmed by the appropriate authority. ● Insurance coverage: Public liability insurance insures the property in the case of damage at the time of plumbing work. ● Trade specialization: Gas fitting and hot water work need to be covered by certain qualifications other than, in general, a plumbing licence. ● Membership bodies: The association with established industry organizations is usually an indication of continued training and accountability benchmarks.
Ask about availability and response time
Plumbing emergencies do not follow business hours. An explosion of a pipe or gas break should be addressed immediately, irrespective of the days or the time of the day. Skill is no more crucial than availability in the matter of picking a plumber. Some useful questions to ask before making a reservation are:
● Emergency availability: Checking that the callouts are not provided on weekends, evenings or during public holidays with long delays. ● Response time: Inquiring about the speed at which a plumber can commonly arrive to address an emergency in the house under contact. ● Call-out fee: An explanation of whether or not a call-out fee is charged and whether or not the fee is waived when the work is carried out. ● Service area: In this case, it will be necessary to check whether the plumber visits the given suburb of Melbourne on a regular basis.
Understand pricing before work begins
The most frustrating aspect among the plumbing customers is unclear pricing. An honest plumber discusses prices and alternatives with him/her prior to commencing any job. Written quotes insure the homeowner and the tradesperson. Fair pricing practices normally involve:
● Fixed quotes: An open quote properly quoted and then inspected, not an hourly estimate. ● Written breakdowns: Detailed expenses showing labour, materials as well as any other expenses prior to beginning of work. ● No pressure tactics: Time to study the options without requesting a decision to be made immediately on-site. ● Transparent extras: All other costs including after-hours costs would be explicitly known prior to the job.
Common errors one should not make when employing a plumber
Hasty judgments made in the plumbing crisis tended to come back to bite. The failure to do basic checks may lead to low-quality workmanship or high prices. Most frequent hiring issues are avoided with a brief wait before making a booking. Frequent mistakes include:
● Skipping licence checks: Recruiting solely on price without first ensuring they are properly licensed and insured. ● Accepting verbal quotes only: Accepting oral estimates rather than writing down, making itemised price explanations. ● Ignoring reviews: Finding a plumber without examining customer feedback in the past few reviews on different independent review sites. ● Overlooking guarantees: Not enquiring of work done, whether it comes with any part or labour warranty.
A look at the frequently asked questions
What is the average price of a Melbourne plumber?
Prices are depending on the type of job hence a written estimate is always advisable.
Is a call-out fee always charged?
Not necessarily; lots of plumbers cancel a charge after the job is done.
Is there a plumber who can do gas fitting?
No, the other licence qualification is a separate gas fitting licence qualification.
Is it necessary to base a hiring decision on reviews?
Yes, there are some patterns in the quality of reliability and workmanship according to recent reviews.
Is emergency plumbing available on weekends?
There are numerous certified plumbers who have emergency services available on weekends and after hours.
Explaining how to choose the right plumber Melbourne homeowners
Why choosing the right plumber matters
Poor plumbing repair may be more expensive to repair than the original problem. Experience, licensing, and communication are also all issues that impact on a job being done right the first time round. A few minutes checking credentials will save later on down the line. Difficult hiring choices may result in:
● Repeat callouts: Incomplete repairs, which fail once again in the matter of weeks, necessitate a visit by another tradesperson, and additional expense. ● Hidden charges: Unclear price estimates that become unexpected bills after the project has begun. ● Property damage: Rushing or unlicensed work that causes damage to pipes, fittings and adjacent walls and floors.
Check licensing and qualifications first
All plumbers operating in Victoria have to have the valid licence issued by the Building and Plumbing Commission. Licensing validates the formal training as well as legal responsibility of the work done. This is checked within a few minutes prior to securing any job. Pre-hiring ensure the following before the hiring:
● Licence number: A registered plumber is able to issue a licence number which is confirmed by the appropriate authority. ● Insurance coverage: Public liability insurance insures the property in the case of damage at the time of plumbing work. ● Trade specialization: Gas fitting and hot water work need to be covered by certain qualifications other than, in general, a plumbing licence. ● Membership bodies: The association with established industry organizations is usually an indication of continued training and accountability benchmarks.
Ask about availability and response time
Plumbing emergencies do not follow business hours. An explosion of a pipe or gas break should be addressed immediately, irrespective of the days or the time of the day. Skill is no more crucial than availability in the matter of picking a plumber. Some useful questions to ask before making a reservation are:
● Emergency availability: Checking that the callouts are not provided on weekends, evenings or during public holidays with long delays. ● Response time: Inquiring about the speed at which a plumber can commonly arrive to address an emergency in the house under contact. ● Call-out fee: An explanation of whether or not a call-out fee is charged and whether or not the fee is waived when the work is carried out. ● Service area: In this case, it will be necessary to check whether the plumber visits the given suburb of Melbourne on a regular basis.
Understand pricing before work begins
The most frustrating aspect among the plumbing customers is unclear pricing. An honest plumber discusses prices and alternatives with him/her prior to commencing any job. Written quotes insure the homeowner and the tradesperson. Fair pricing practices normally involve:
● Fixed quotes: An open quote properly quoted and then inspected, not an hourly estimate. ● Written breakdowns: Detailed expenses showing labour, materials as well as any other expenses prior to beginning of work. ● No pressure tactics: Time to study the options without requesting a decision to be made immediately on-site. ● Transparent extras: All other costs including after-hours costs would be explicitly known prior to the job.
Common errors one should not make when employing a plumber
Hasty judgments made in the plumbing crisis tended to come back to bite. The failure to do basic checks may lead to low-quality workmanship or high prices. Most frequent hiring issues are avoided with a brief wait before making a booking. Frequent mistakes include:
● Skipping licence checks: Recruiting solely on price without first ensuring they are properly licensed and insured. ● Accepting verbal quotes only: Accepting oral estimates rather than writing down, making itemised price explanations. ● Ignoring reviews: Finding a plumber without examining customer feedback in the past few reviews on different independent review sites. ● Overlooking guarantees: Not enquiring of work done, whether it comes with any part or labour warranty.
A look at the frequently asked questions
What is the average price of a Melbourne plumber?
Prices are depending on the type of job hence a written estimate is always advisable.
Is a call-out fee always charged?
Not necessarily; lots of plumbers cancel a charge after the job is done.
Is there a plumber who can do gas fitting?
No, the other licence qualification is a separate gas fitting licence qualification.
Is it necessary to base a hiring decision on reviews?
Yes, there are some patterns in the quality of reliability and workmanship according to recent reviews.
Is emergency plumbing available on weekends?
There are numerous certified plumbers who have emergency services available on weekends and after hours.

Harvey Tribute windows with High Performance Triple Glazing were chosen for the This Old House 2016 Idea House for their sought-after combination of energy efficiency and custom color and design options.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

Latch hardware in upper cabinets.
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas.
She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for.
The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship.
“I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”.
Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle.
“Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.”
The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.”
The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space.
DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today.
Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination.
“The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”!
Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away.
“It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”.
When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved.
“You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”.
Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”.
In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”!
It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”
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