Kitchen islands have become almost a requirement for any kitchen, as long as there is enough space for it. They can define the kitchen space, as so often the home has an open floor plan, with fewer walls than homes used to have. A thoughfully designed kitchen island provides these options: Your contractor can advise…

Most rooms in a house can benefit from layered lighting, ambient, task and decorative. But the room that benefits the most from this concept is the kitchen. Light located where it’s needed is the first step in upgrading kitchen lighting. It is both safer and more workable to have light strips installed under the upper…

Most of us plan on staying in our homes for the rest of our lives. So it makes sense to upgrade as much of the house as possible to make it accessible, no matter what the future holds. People probably most often think of the bathroom in terms of safety, and how to make it…

Since the kitchen gets used so much, and every day, it has an oversized impact on how we feel about our homes. Are they efficient, easily navigated, with thoughtful well designed storage? Are the materials selected for surfaces complementing each other and working together as a united style? Here are a few photos of a…

Here are some interesting things to look for in a soaking tub: A soaking tub should be at least 18-20 inches deep inside, and longer than standard tubs, at least 60 inches. Since you intend to soak awhile in it, a comfortable backrest is a good idea. Acrylic tubs are most popular, as they are…

Not only will a well thought out bathroom remodel increase the value of your home, but make it more enjoyable every day for you and your family. A new vanity sized and designed for your bathroom with plenty of storage is just the thing! There is never enough storage, but you can fix that with…

You can make a small bathroom look bigger with the right lighting, fixtures and finishes. The goal is to create a space that feels open, airy and stylish. Whatever the size of your bathroom, we love to help you make the most of it. Give us a call when you are ready for an upgrade.

With summer coming, and spring already well along, the sunny days draw us outside. This brings a desire to just stay outside; bring the tea or wine with us, a snack, and just enjoy relaxing in the sun. A deck with comfy seating, mini kitchen and a cozy fire are just the thing as the…

Standard cabinets are not usually tall enough to go clear to ceilings. But the advantages of building and installing ceiling height cabinets are many. That upper shelf will be protected from dust and any cooking oils that escape the exhaust hood, so will be clean ready to use whenever you need them. Items that get…

Three elements make for a perfect deck; low maintenance materials, a roof covering at least the barbecue area, and quality railings that don’t obscure the view. A deck that your family will actually use will have built in or well chosen seating, shade – like that partial roof, lights for evenings. Low level lighting for…

Build above a garage; the square footage of most garages is just about right for a new master bedroom with bath. We have built these second story additions for Bellingham area homeowners, providing the needed additional space for their families. Sunrooms aren’t typically thought of as an addition, but they are! They create a calming…

Kitchens need updating, of course. But when planning that next remodel, think about improving the convenience, as much as the finishes and style. One major improvement in modern kitchens are the myriad cabinet styles that are becoming more and more in use. This is shown at its best in the pull outs that have been…

Wall space is usually minimal in a kitchen, but it is wise to select muted colors that don’t overcome the backsplash and cabinet treatment. In our pacific northwest area, cabinets are often chosen in natural wood tones, such as oak, and walnut. Perhaps it’s all the forests and nature we are surrounded with. If cabinets…

If you house has a deck, it’s a good time to check it out; is it in need of any maintenance such as failing deck boards, structural integrity, and safe railings. In our Pacific Northwest winters, the rain and damp can work a number on wood decks. For older decks it may just be time…

The main concerns of people thinking about removing a wall to open up a kitchen are loss of storage; after all, what is on that wall? Usually cabinets, below and oftentimes above the counter. And what is on the other side of that wall? If it’s not the dining area, then maybe keeping the wall…

Typically kitchen faucets can be expected to last 15 years or more, but there are signs that it’s that time, even if 15 years hasn’t gone by yet. High quality faucets will be worth having repairs, but a typical, low cost faucet should probably just be replaced. Here are some of the indications that it’s…

Kitchens that are open to the dining or living rooms are still requested. For a busy family, being able to move between these rooms with little or no barrier makes for more efficient moving about. Soft-close drawers with hidden storage; more of the kitchen noise can be reduced with quietly closeable drawers. Storage can be…

When planning a kitchen remodel, it is often a need to replace the countertop; if you are not sure what you want, going with a less expensive material will give you time to think about what material to install in the future. A good contractor can help you decide what is important to you in…

Just because there is not room enough for a full bath, doesn’t mean you should go without that additional bathroom. Some homes have enough space for a compact corner shower, the smallest being 30″ by 30″. Sometimes built with a rounded shape, these can feel roomy, they also come in square dimensions, and of course,…

Spring will be here soon, and people are thinking about how to get more out of their outdoor spaces. The traditional deck is a sure winner, but you can take it further if you want more relaxing and less work. The outdoor kitchen takes the concept of the backyard barbecue a step further. A roof…

We have had some calls to build custom greenhouses for clients. Many times a standard greenhouse either cannot access a yard, or the shape and layout of the yard make a manufactured greenhouse impractical. So a dedicated gardener gets a huge benefit from a greenhouse; getting a start on the growing season and a place…

One of the more popular kitchen changes we see is the open concept kitchen. This means removing a wall or sometimes it can be a peninsula that has a cabinet hanging down from above. This blocks off the space as effectively as a wall would. Replace the flooring in the the kitchen. A vinyl plank…

Too many old bath vanities are basically boxes with sinks on top. Modern homeowners are changing this by having those annoying nearly useless vanities replaced with vanites chock full of shelves and drawers. Here we show an example of an otherwise nice looking bath lav, but lacking in storage capacity. Here we have a couple…

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and remodel the bathroom. You know you want to update the room in a way that you will still be happy with years down the road. It can feel overwhelming, but here are some ideas to help clarify what is important. We love to help our clients in…

The biggest improvements that really make a difference are the main surfaces and fixtures that affect everyday use. Nearly all kitchen remodels include countertops, backsplashes, sinks, cabinets and faucets. As in any home remodel, how you use your home should influence any changes you make. Be sure to think about future changes your family might…