Painted cabinets offer an advantage over stained or natural cabinets simply because home owners can match exact colors without having to worry about what color was underneath. If you're looking for quick kitchen remodel, consider painting your cabinets instead of replacing them. For even more dimension, paint them two different colors! A big cabinet trend right now is white uppers with dark lowers and a dark island. The light upper adds height to your kitchen while a dark lower grounds your kitchen and makes it more cozy.

While working with this couple on their master bathroom, they asked us to renovate their kitchen which was still in the 70’s and needed a complete demo and upgrade utilizing new modern design and innovative technology and elements. We transformed an indoor grill area with curved design on top to a buffet/serving station with an angled top to mimic the angle of the ceiling. Skylights were incorporated for natural light and the red brick fireplace was changed to split face stacked travertine which continued over the buffet for a dramatic aesthetic. The dated island, cabinetry and appliances were replaced with bark-stained Hickory cabinets, a larger island and state of the art appliances. The sink and faucet were chosen from a source in Chicago and add a contemporary flare to the island. An additional buffet area was added for a tv, bookshelves and additional storage. The pendant light over the kitchen table took some time to find exactly what they were looking for, but we found a light that was minimalist and contemporary to ensure an unobstructed view of their beautiful backyard. The result is a stunning kitchen with improved function, storage, and the WOW they were going for.

We introduce to you one of our newer services we are providing here at Kitchen Design Concepts: spaces that just need a little reviving! As of recent, we are taking on projects that are in need of minimal updating, as in, spaces that don’t need a full-on remodel. Yes, you heard right! If your space has good bones, you like the layout of your kitchen, and you just need a few cosmetic changes, then today’s feature is for you! Recently, we updated a space where we did just this! The kitchen was in need of a little love, some fresh paint, and new finishes. And if we’re being honest here, the result looks almost as if the kitchen had a full-on remodel! To learn more about this space and how we did our magic, continue reading below: The Before and After First, see what an impact new finishes can make! The “before” image shows a kitchen with outdated finishes such as the tile countertops, backsplash, and cabinetry finish. The “after” image, is a kitchen that looks almost as if its brand new, the image speaks for itself! Cabinetry With the wooden cabinetry in this kitchen already having great bones, all we needed to do was our refinishing process that involved removing door and drawer fronts, sanding, priming, and painting. The main color of the cabinetry is white (Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005) and as an accent, we applied a deep navy blue that really pops in this space (Sherwin Willaims Naval 6244). As a special design element, we incorporated a natural wooden band across the hood which is subtle but adds an element of surprise. Countertops The original countertops in this space were a 12×12 tile with cracks and discolored grout from all the wear and tear. To replace the countertops, we installed a clean and crisp quartz that is not only durable but easy to maintain (no grout here!). The 3cm countertops are a Cambria quartz in a grey-tone color (Carrick). Backsplash Keeping things simple, yet classic, we installed a 3×6 subway tile from Interceramic. The crisp white pairs well with all the other finishes of the space and really brighten the space up! To spice things up, we paired the white tile with a contrasting grout color (Cape Grey) that matches the countertop. This is a simple method to add interest to your white backsplash! Fixtures and Fittings For the fixtures and fittings of the kitchen, we wanted pieces that made a statement. That’s why we selected this industrial style faucet from Brizo! The faucet is a Brizo LITZE™ PULL-DOWN FAUCET WITH ARC SPOUT AND INDUSTRIAL HANDLE (63044LF-BLGL). The matte black paired with the luxe gold elements really make a statement! To match the gold elements of the faucet, we installed cabinetry hardware from Topknobs in the same gold finish. The hardware is a Channing pull TK743HB. Lastly, the large single bowl sink (who doesn’t want a large sink?!) is a great functional touch to the kitchen. The sink is a Blanco Precision 16″ R10 super single with 16″ Drainer in stainless steel (516216).

Stunning Interior Remodel - Audubon Country Club, Naples, Florida This is a gorgeous remodel in one of Naples’ most extraordinary award-winning communities, Audubon Country Club. The remodel starts with a transitional kitchen makeover with new designer cabinets, beautiful stone countertops, two large islands with seating for four, upgraded features, appliances and fixtures. Bathed in natural light, the living room and family room are open and airy, providing a comfortable setting for formal and informal gatherings. From taking down walls, to new flooring and paint, a redesigned kitchen and bathrooms, this makeover also, included new windows, enhanced ceiling design, dining room and living room. Also, the bathroom was remodeled providing an elegant master suite upgrade. Simply removing non-structural walls or a doorway can establish the sense of flow that your home is missing, allowing it to feel roomier and less cluttered. Another amazing benefit is the natural light that can finally shine throughout the entire home.

Painted cabinets offer an advantage over stained or natural cabinets simply because home owners can match exact colors without having to worry about what color was underneath. If you're looking for quick kitchen remodel, consider painting your cabinets instead of replacing them. For even more dimension, paint them two different colors! A big cabinet trend right now is white uppers with dark lowers and a dark island. The light upper adds height to your kitchen while a dark lower grounds your kitchen and makes it more cozy.

This splendid dining room features some Revere Windows, some of the finest windows that are sold here at Wonderful Windows. This particular room has a rustic feel from the tan walls to the light-wooden table that lunch is being served on. The room is brightened with a gorgeous arrangement of flowers. The homeowners put white trim around the windows and door to complement all of the lighter shades of brown. Doing so, made the room look cozy yet crisp and clean. The one thing that made this room even more great is the view provided through the Revere windows. It is simply beautiful! Revere windows are the way to go if you are replacing windows in your home.

Last week we featured an incredible new kitchen with an open floor plan and unique architectural interest. I alluded to a change in the staircase and here it is. Part of designing a new kitchen or bath is looking at surrounding spaces and how the remodel will affect them. Will the current master bedroom seem dated as an entrance to the new bath? Is the dining room that adjoins the kitchen badly in need of flooring and lighting? Some projects might have to wait. But if the immediate area has an adverse affect on the newly remodeled kitchen it might be just as important to address these areas within your remodel. Although the staircase was in harmony with the homes existing era and colors, it simply didn’t work with the new kitchen. Despite its open risers, the existing balusters and railings with their colonial turnings and dark stain, were the opposite of the finished kitchen. With the carpeting gone from the floors, it looked dated and out-of-place on the stairs. We carried our kitchen theme to the staircase. We used the natural oak of our flooring for the treads, handrails and posts, but kept the balusters and trim crisp white. The effect perfectly reflects the feel of the kitchen, light and airy. Before, the dark wood details drew the eye up, ultimately to the textured ceiling in the dining room. The darker tone created a dramatic ending as it traveled up to die into the wall. Now, as the eye travels up, the staircase seems to soar. The textured ceiling was replaced with a smooth white one and the wall color is a soft warm contrast. The handrail still ends at the wall, but with white balusters and the light oak handrail, the ending is softer. It isn’t a lighting change, the staircase simply lets the light shine through. The treads are slim and sleek, while the white walls, trim and balusters reflect the light for an overall brighter feel. The newel posts were a great choice. The larger size and square craftsman like features add substance and architecture without seeming heavy or bulky. The final touch completes the look. From front door to back, up and down, this remodel is finished. This home now bursts with sunshine the minute you enter and stays bright and sunny no matter where you turn. From the architectural details that are the center of attention, to the modern stainless steel appliance, this space is perfect for entertaining, or any day. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

Painted cabinets offer an advantage over stained or natural cabinets simply because home owners can match exact colors without having to worry about what color was underneath. If you're looking for quick kitchen remodel, consider painting your cabinets instead of replacing them. For even more dimension, paint them two different colors! A big cabinet trend right now is white uppers with dark lowers and a dark island. The light upper adds height to your kitchen while a dark lower grounds your kitchen and makes it more cozy.

Stunning Interior Remodel - Audubon Country Club, Naples, Florida This is a gorgeous remodel in one of Naples’ most extraordinary award-winning communities, Audubon Country Club. The remodel starts with a transitional kitchen makeover with new designer cabinets, beautiful stone countertops, two large islands with seating for four, upgraded features, appliances and fixtures. Bathed in natural light, the living room and family room are open and airy, providing a comfortable setting for formal and informal gatherings. From taking down walls, to new flooring and paint, a redesigned kitchen and bathrooms, this makeover also, included new windows, enhanced ceiling design, dining room and living room. Also, the bathroom was remodeled providing an elegant master suite upgrade. Simply removing non-structural walls or a doorway can establish the sense of flow that your home is missing, allowing it to feel roomier and less cluttered. Another amazing benefit is the natural light that can finally shine throughout the entire home.

Painted cabinets offer an advantage over stained or natural cabinets simply because home owners can match exact colors without having to worry about what color was underneath. If you're looking for quick kitchen remodel, consider painting your cabinets instead of replacing them. For even more dimension, paint them two different colors! A big cabinet trend right now is white uppers with dark lowers and a dark island. The light upper adds height to your kitchen while a dark lower grounds your kitchen and makes it more cozy.

While working with this couple on their master bathroom, they asked us to renovate their kitchen which was still in the 70’s and needed a complete demo and upgrade utilizing new modern design and innovative technology and elements. We transformed an indoor grill area with curved design on top to a buffet/serving station with an angled top to mimic the angle of the ceiling. Skylights were incorporated for natural light and the red brick fireplace was changed to split face stacked travertine which continued over the buffet for a dramatic aesthetic. The dated island, cabinetry and appliances were replaced with bark-stained Hickory cabinets, a larger island and state of the art appliances. The sink and faucet were chosen from a source in Chicago and add a contemporary flare to the island. An additional buffet area was added for a tv, bookshelves and additional storage. The pendant light over the kitchen table took some time to find exactly what they were looking for, but we found a light that was minimalist and contemporary to ensure an unobstructed view of their beautiful backyard. The result is a stunning kitchen with improved function, storage, and the WOW they were going for.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.

Last week we featured an incredible new kitchen with an open floor plan and unique architectural interest. I alluded to a change in the staircase and here it is. Part of designing a new kitchen or bath is looking at surrounding spaces and how the remodel will affect them. Will the current master bedroom seem dated as an entrance to the new bath? Is the dining room that adjoins the kitchen badly in need of flooring and lighting? Some projects might have to wait. But if the immediate area has an adverse affect on the newly remodeled kitchen it might be just as important to address these areas within your remodel. Although the staircase was in harmony with the homes existing era and colors, it simply didn’t work with the new kitchen. Despite its open risers, the existing balusters and railings with their colonial turnings and dark stain, were the opposite of the finished kitchen. With the carpeting gone from the floors, it looked dated and out-of-place on the stairs. We carried our kitchen theme to the staircase. We used the natural oak of our flooring for the treads, handrails and posts, but kept the balusters and trim crisp white. The effect perfectly reflects the feel of the kitchen, light and airy. Before, the dark wood details drew the eye up, ultimately to the textured ceiling in the dining room. The darker tone created a dramatic ending as it traveled up to die into the wall. Now, as the eye travels up, the staircase seems to soar. The textured ceiling was replaced with a smooth white one and the wall color is a soft warm contrast. The handrail still ends at the wall, but with white balusters and the light oak handrail, the ending is softer. It isn’t a lighting change, the staircase simply lets the light shine through. The treads are slim and sleek, while the white walls, trim and balusters reflect the light for an overall brighter feel. The newel posts were a great choice. The larger size and square craftsman like features add substance and architecture without seeming heavy or bulky. The final touch completes the look. From front door to back, up and down, this remodel is finished. This home now bursts with sunshine the minute you enter and stays bright and sunny no matter where you turn. From the architectural details that are the center of attention, to the modern stainless steel appliance, this space is perfect for entertaining, or any day. http://www.designsbyskill.com/ http://www.rjkconstructioninc.com/

Stunning Interior Remodel - Audubon Country Club, Naples, Florida This is a gorgeous remodel in one of Naples’ most extraordinary award-winning communities, Audubon Country Club. The remodel starts with a transitional kitchen makeover with new designer cabinets, beautiful stone countertops, two large islands with seating for four, upgraded features, appliances and fixtures. Bathed in natural light, the living room and family room are open and airy, providing a comfortable setting for formal and informal gatherings. From taking down walls, to new flooring and paint, a redesigned kitchen and bathrooms, this makeover also, included new windows, enhanced ceiling design, dining room and living room. Also, the bathroom was remodeled providing an elegant master suite upgrade. Simply removing non-structural walls or a doorway can establish the sense of flow that your home is missing, allowing it to feel roomier and less cluttered. Another amazing benefit is the natural light that can finally shine throughout the entire home.

Siding is a fantastic way to take total control over the look of your home. Twin Cities Siding is made from various materials goes over the exterior of your home and covers it in its entirety. While there are many types of siding materials, one of the most popular is vinyl siding. This is because vinyl is extremely durable, weatherproof, termite proof and affordable. With the many color options you simply decide which style of siding you like best, and then have it installed and almost overnight your home looks like a new house. Blackbrook Construction is the siding expert in the Twin Cities area. We have the right tools and the proper training to quickly and efficiently install the siding of your choice. With siding from Blackbrook Construction you’ll add curb appeal to your home at an affordable cost, which is why we are the Twin Cities’ number one choice for siding contractor.

Photographer: Matt Craig Designer: Bronwyn Poole
Trendy dining room photo in Los Angeles

Siding is a fantastic way to take total control over the look of your home. Twin Cities Siding is made from various materials goes over the exterior of your home and covers it in its entirety. While there are many types of siding materials, one of the most popular is vinyl siding. This is because vinyl is extremely durable, weatherproof, termite proof and affordable. With the many color options you simply decide which style of siding you like best, and then have it installed and almost overnight your home looks like a new house. Blackbrook Construction is the siding expert in the Twin Cities area. We have the right tools and the proper training to quickly and efficiently install the siding of your choice. With siding from Blackbrook Construction you’ll add curb appeal to your home at an affordable cost, which is why we are the Twin Cities’ number one choice for siding contractor.

Stunning Interior Remodel - Audubon Country Club, Naples, Florida This is a gorgeous remodel in one of Naples’ most extraordinary award-winning communities, Audubon Country Club. The remodel starts with a transitional kitchen makeover with new designer cabinets, beautiful stone countertops, two large islands with seating for four, upgraded features, appliances and fixtures. Bathed in natural light, the living room and family room are open and airy, providing a comfortable setting for formal and informal gatherings. From taking down walls, to new flooring and paint, a redesigned kitchen and bathrooms, this makeover also, included new windows, enhanced ceiling design, dining room and living room. Also, the bathroom was remodeled providing an elegant master suite upgrade. Simply removing non-structural walls or a doorway can establish the sense of flow that your home is missing, allowing it to feel roomier and less cluttered. Another amazing benefit is the natural light that can finally shine throughout the entire home.