It’s popular for families to want a walk in shower, as most of the time we want a relatively quick option for waking up and getting ready for the day. But what about those other times, when it would be so nice to have a long relaxing soak? A master bathroom with both options is…
Pull outs for spices and specialty small appliances; island for visiting with family or friends when cooking; enough walking around space in the kitchen. Those undercounter cabinets are great for storing things, but really hard to find what you need quickly and easily. Have those nifty pull out “drawers” built in some of them to…
Have the walls painted a new color; this will make a big difference in the feel of the room. Change the color! Try something new. Upgrade that bath fan. If your bathroom smells funny, it is in need of a new exhaust fan. There is a reason building codes require exhaust fans in any room…
Many homeowners find it more financially reasonable to put money into remodeling and customizing their home rather than taking on a large mortgage for a new home. Remodeling allows a homeowner to meet their needs and preferences and increase their properties value. Older homes often need an update for the kitchen; this can mean opening…
It’s a good idea to eliminate barriers and get a sleek look while doing that. Switching to a shower that lacks the lip or edge of a traditional shower floor basin is a great way to accomplish that. Zero threshold showers are a huge advantage if you’re building your forever home or remodeling a primary…
A kitchen pantry can be a walk-in, cabinet, pull out or butlers pantry, and each type has its own pros and cons. A pantry is a full sized room, with shelves top to bottom, drawers and racks. These spaces are great for storing a lot of items, but they will take up a lot of…
There are many benefits to building an addition to a house. Some include increasing storage, expanding main living areas, adding a bedroom, or creating specialized spaces. While the scope and cost of additions can be large, they are one of the best home improvement projects. Adding an addition to your home will greatly expand important…
When updating your kitchen, cabinets are one of the best ways to improve your kitchen. Kitchen cabinets take a lot of abuse on a daily basis and are often seen to be loose on their hinges, which gives the whole kitchen a dated and worn out look. High end cabinets have solid wood drawers with…
Why is that? Because bathroom remodels significantly increase a homes value, improve aesthetics and functionality, enhance personal comfort and can be customized to meet individual needs. Updating outdated fixtures, layouts, and storage solutions can make the bathroom more user friendly and comfortable for everyone in the family. Addressing potential safety hazards like slippery floors, outdated…
Kitchen cabinets are a large part of the kitchen; both visually, and as storage. Sooner or later, they need updating. Here are some ways to upgrade your cabinets: It seem like a small thing, but replacing cabinet hardware will make a pleasing improvement. Some cabinet hardware is not ergonomic, and banging knuckles or difficulty grasping…
What is that, you ask? Not only are aging in place and multigenerational households becoming more common, but brands are creating new appliances, features and cabinetry to fit the customer and adjust with them no matter what accessibility issues they may develop. What do these innovations look like? There are sensory friendly faucets for homes…
One idea is to contrast the upper and lower cabinets with strategies like lighter colors on upper cabinets, with darker colors on lowers. A modification of that concept is installing glass doors on the upper cabinets. Continuing with cabinet changes, what about making a small space feel larger by eliminating the upper cabinets altogether. Instead,…
If space is at a premium, and building out is not an option, then here are some ideas for remodeling a small kitchen; Some might choose open shelves, while others could prefer cabinets with glass fronts, to keep the items free from dust and other potential kitchen grime. (Another thought; be sure the kitchen exhaust…
Small bathrooms can be remodeled to be as glamorous as a master bath. With the right tile, colors and fixtures, that small bath can compete with the master bath for desirability. Here are some photos of a small bath we remodeled recently in the Whatcom County area. There are many details that make it special…
Sure, people talk about the wall colors, curtain fabric, flooring materials, etc., but what most of us want is a roomy walk in closet. It provides a place to put our clothes in an organized manner, and we don’t have them strewn around the bedroom (not that you would do that, but those other people).…
Updating the bathroom is not all about just wanting new fixtures and a change in style and color, there are many excellent reasons to remodel a bathroom. Installing new fixtures can increase efficient water use, as the latest can be selected for water savings. Take this one step further, and select energy efficient exhaust fan…
Although alcove showers may not be as stylish, you probably won’t regret choosing this option. Alcove shower and tub combinations are affordable and practical. They take up less space, and they are safer for people with mobility issues than soaking tubs. Alcove tubs offer plenty of storage space, and are easy to clean. If you…
Layered lighting with dimmers are a great addition to the kitchen plan. Integrating a layered lighting scheme with dimming capability creates ambiance for any activity. Recessed ceiling lights, pendants over islands and undercabinet lights covers it all. A pantry is practically a must; with the ability to shop for bulk items, a good storage system…
While it would be nice for every day to be a spa day, you can bring the feeling of a luxury retreat into your home by designing your bathroom so that it’s restful and elegant. Spa-like bathrooms are nice and organized, even when they’re short on square footage. Make the most your space by installing…
Of course, we all like fresh, new hardware, paint, countertops and sinks, but is it only the desire for “new” that drives most kitchen remodels? Kitchen materials deteriorate due to the everyday use, cooking, and damage that can occur over time. Kitchen faucets can begin leaking, cabinets may not close properly, flooring can show wear…
Pantries are popular for homeowners as the benefits are many. Here are some reasons homeowners like pantries so much: A well organized pantry will save money by making what you have easily identifiable as to how long it has been in storage and easily located. And who hasn’t bought something they thought they were out…
Transitional style kitchen cabinets combine traditional and modern elements to create a classic feel; Custom cabinets; designed to fit the way the homeowner uses their kitchen. This can include pull outs for the lower cabinets, drawers with divided interiors for dinnerware and utensils, and specialized cabinets for large flat cookware such as cookie sheets, muffin…
When deciding to build a deck, there’s a lot to consider. Not only do you want it to look good and fit your budget, but it also needs to be durable, safe, and hopefully, low maintenance. For that low maintenance goal, go with a composite or PVC. These require little more than occasional cleaning with…
To make that shower area appear more sleek and minimalistic, opt for a half shower door. It’s a good choice for small bathrooms as the space will feel more airy. Wall mirrors are the tried and true way to make a small room feel larger and brighter. The mirrors reflect light and elements from the…
Who wouldn’t love a garden shed or greenhouse for the yard? Depending on the size, it can double as a crafts room, garden equipment storage, or relaxing private space. Here is a garden shed we built for a Whatcom area client recently; greenhouse/ storage shed! We love to create the perfect outdoor or indoor spaces…