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…
Most homes have a tub/ shower in one bathroom; these work best for families with children, but if that’s not you, then you may be longing for that full size shower. Removing a tub often means you can get a 5 foot shower in that space. A walk in shower with tile and glass walls…
Decks are a great place to add a grill, comfortable seating, an outdoor dining table, and much more. Another option for extended seasonal use of a deck is a roof; it keeps you dry if it might rain, and cooler if the sun gets too warm. You can also include radient heaters, and cooling fans.…
If you are thinking it might be wise or even necessary to update the bathroom to an accessible space, then here are some options to do that. We have updated many bathrooms for accessibility, some just need grab bars installed around the shower and toilet, others need more. A well designed accessible bathroom prioritizes ease…
Everyone wants a bathroom that is the right size, and in colors and styles that speak to them, but here are some practical and comfort related things that make bathrooms really great: We love to help homeowners in the Whatcom county area upgrade their homes to meet current family needs and to turn any ho-hum…
Homeowners are adding kitchen islands, refinishing cabinets, and installing new countertops. These updates won’t break the bank the way a full tear out and remodel could! Adding a kitchen island, refinishing the cabinets and installing new countertops will significantly update the kitchen, provide more counterspace, create a fresh look for the cabinets and give your…
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…
It’s never too late to invest in cooking skills and supplies that you might have acquired during the pandemic. Adequate storage for your utensils, appliances, and pantry items will make your kitchen more orderly, functional and enjoyable to use. Adding pull out shelving to those lower cabinets will give your back a rest, and make…
It’s been popular in recent years to include an island in a kitchen layout. The benefits are many, and the only real drawback is the space required. Islands provide more counter space, which is always an advantage, and the storage islands provide underneath are a benefit. Working on an island can be more pleasant than…
Many homeowners choose to have an old bathtub pulled out and a shower installed. Tubs are not used with the same frequency showers are, plus showers use less water than filling a tub. To keep an open look, much of the shower surround can be glass. To add a luxurious feel to the bathroom, have…
So much activity goes on in the kitchen, for some homeowners it is more convenient to have a small desk in the kitchen for bill paying, keeping household bills current, and reviewing new recipes and updating grocery lists. A small computer can be tucked into the desk and make for quick checks on those online…
It’s probably the last thing we touch when we leave the house, and it’s probably the first thing we encounter on our way in. No matter where we live, we all have and frequently use a front door. You don’t have to stick with the old standby front door – some of use love a…
When improving your home, don’t forget the basement. There is a lot of square footage, just begging to be made livable. Any water issues can be remedied by a competent contractor, and then it’s “off to the races” with whatever improvements you want! Basements are great places to put in an exercise room, a spare…
This kitchen was completely gutted, and appliances including the sink were relocated. This involved re-piping gas lines to the stove and water and waste lines to the sink. The results show that it was totally worth it! BEFORE …
The basic types are Stock cabinets, Semi-custom, and custom cabinets. Stock are the basic cabinets that every major hardware store carries. These cannot be customized and must be purchased to fit the existing kitchen footprint. There may be a gap here and there that needs to be filled in. Semi Custom are ordered to size…
Trick the eye! Create an impression of expansiveness by floor to ceiling curtains, see through furnishings, strategically located mirrors, and light colors. Customize storage with built-ins, even selecting furniture that has hidden storage. Have you ever been in a home with a breakfast nook that has storage hidden under the bench seats? Exploit the often…
Pull out drawers in the kitchen island. Islands are for more than prepping dinner; be sure that your contractor builds in plenty of storage under that counter. Wine storage in the pantry. Keep your wine at it’s best and most convenient; have some wine storage racks built in a convenient location in your kitchen. Keep…
Everyone loves an island, right? When it comes to kitchens, they add an incredible amount of storage and working surface. Some homeowners even have an additional sink installed in the island. Cookbooks can be stored on shelves built into the island. One side can have an overhang for seating. If an island is not in…
Bellingham is a popular city due to its proximity to the ocean, the mountains, and Western Washington University. Even those who like a “big city” fix now and then, can scoot up to Vancouver in Canada, or down to Seattle, so they are not deprived of their shopping and entertainment events. But the word is…
Daylight savings (we lose an hour of sleep) and St. Patricks day. What a stressful week! And a wind storm last night. What you need to do to keep your sanity is hire a contractor (licensed, insured, experienced, and nice) to do all your repair jobs after this crazy windstorm we are just seeing the…
Do you like colorful, one-of-a kind items for your home decor? Niche Modern has developed some unusual light fixtures that would really set off an entryway, as focal points over a kitchen island, even as lighting for your master bedroom. It’s not only the bright-hued colors the fixtures are available in, but the bulbs behind…
For some, this will not be hard to determine; but for those sitting on the fence, here are some helpful decision-making steps. Is there enough space for you and your family? Counter space, cabinet space and floor space? The refrigerator’s location and shape of counters could be taking away useful workspace. If you find that…
Have you ever thought that your kitchen looked great, but just seemed to be missing . . . something? Cabinet pulls and knobs can add style and drama to your kitchen. There are an endless variety of styles; you can get easy-to-use and stylish as well. Here is an example from one of our Bellingham…
You don’t have to knock down walls, add square footage to your house, or completely overhaul your kitchen to get that special look in your existing kitchen. As the old saying goes, “If the bones are good, then some new relatively superficial changes will make a huge difference.” A fresh coat of paint, a new…