Granite is a durable, easy to clean and low maintenance material for countertops. There are many ways to save when remodeling the kitchen, but many homeowners want to splurge when it comes to the counters. The reasons are clear; what makes the most visual impact when you walk into a kitchen? Countertops, of course! A…
This Bellingham complete kitchen make-over included custom cabinets, a new tile floor, and quartz countertops. BEFORE AFTER This Bellingham kitchen remodel included custom cabinets, new stainless steel sink & faucet; and new wood flooring. BEFORE AFTER…
A kitchen backsplash works much like jewelry; it can bring a look together and highlight the kitchen. You’ll want a material that matches your pocket book and fits into your cleaning style. Tile backsplashes allow you to pick from a multitude of patterns, and come in materials such as cement, subway, mosaic, patterned and laser cut.…
Sometimes new is better . . . like a newly tiled, glass framed shower; some things just wear out and cannot be properly cleaned anymore. But how about an entire house? An older home can have any number of needed structural elements replaced. There are some old things that some of us miss. An older…
Pull-out pantries provide a great solution to storage in a small kitchen . . . and they are a wonderful solution in a larger kitchen as well. But hey, large kitchens have many options for places to put things, but small kitchens must make use of every square inch. Remember your grandmothers’ silverware cases with…
What details, you ask? Here are some of the most popular kitchen remodel details: With the trend toward more open kitchens and minimal wall cabinets, products related to kitchen storage were popular. For instance, corner storage swivel tray systems are a great way to utilized those pesky corner cabinets. Pull-out cutting boards provide easily accessed…
Most of us sometimes wish we could just get to that pan easier . . . or hurt our back lifting the big blender out of the cabinet to make those holiday cookies. You don’t have to be mobility impaired to appreciate Universal Design. Selecting the right appliances and arranging the cabinets and appliances in…
If you know your home needs a makeover, but hesitate to get started because it would just be too much, think about just bringing a room at a time up to current standards. Kitchen sinks and countertops do not age well, so this is one area that can be upgraded; if you don’t like your…
Now that it’s winter, we naturally spend more time indoors; after all, it gets dark here in Bellingham by 4:30! So, how is that going for you? Do you find yourself staring at the walls, wondering what is wrong with your life? Maybe you have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), or maybe your house could use…
Here are some options in homes that baby boomers are reported to consider desirable or even essential, do they fit into your ideal concept of the perfect home? Bathroom: Non-slip floors (who wouldn’t like this?) A grab bar or two in the shower Full bath on the first floor Kitchen: Easy to reach upper cabinets.…
Bellinghamsters are remodeling their kitchens at a fast pace these days. Kitchens, and specifically, kitchen cabinets, are a prime focus. If you have nice, solid wood cabinets that are arranged to your liking, you can keep them, but have them refinished. New hardware will really update their appearance. Some cabinets weren’t much to start with,…
Solid surface countertops are constructed of durable, man-made acrylic to provide years of low maintenance, beauty and service. DuPont Corian and Hi-Macs by LG Hausys are companies providing a hundreds of colors and patterns to choose from. These countertops are virtually seamless, high performance surfaces. They are non porous, and do not require any special…
If you are considering remodeling your kitchen, don’t forget to have the floor done! Oftentimes it needs to be done, due to a slight change in the area of floor that the lower cabinets, refrigerator and stove cover. You don’t want even an inch of the grubby, non-flooring covered floor exposed! Take this opportunity to…
How are your kitchen cabinets? Are you happy with them? Cabinets are an expensive replacement project, so many put up with their old cabinets far longer than they really want to. Everyone would love to have easily accessible cabinets; flexibility in storage odd-sized items, the right amount of light where it is needed, soft open…
A Bellingham kitchen that was dated, dark and cluttered became a pleasant, friendly family space after this make-over by our skilled master carpenters. This photo shows the kitchen before remodel. The updated kitchen has a Coretec vinyl floating floor, custom laminate countertops, full height tile backsplash, new light fixtures, and new,…
Do you love your kitchen cabinets, but are tired of the color? Oak cabinets were popular several decades ago, but today homeowners are more likely to choose a light, painted cabinet finish. If your cabinets have become tiresome but are sturdy, well-built and solid, consider having them refinished instead of replaced. It will save thousands…
Have the new cabinets built right up to the ceiling. If you have a high ceiling, put items you don’t use very often on the top shelves. Have some of the cabinet doors built with glass fronts; it will make a small kitchen feel larger, and you can easily find things stored behind glass! Have…
Today is the first day of Fall! Hard to believe . . . except that the trees are turning bright yellow, orange and red; plus the furnace is coming on in the morning now. If you are nervous about the company coming for the holidays, because your kitchen just isn’t up to the job, then…
Appropriate lighting sets the tone for your home; too harsh and it feels like a warehouse store – get what you came for and leave; if too soft, it can be just too poorly lit to be comfortable. Any home remodel should include an thoughtful review of the lighting scheme. Get it right, and it…
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…
You walk on them; the kids spill things on them; the dog – well, enough said. So it may well be time for that new flooring you’ve been thinking about. Here are a few ideas to help in deciding what type of flooring is best for your kitchen. 1. Durability. Porcelain flooring tile is the…
This is a small part of your kitchen, yet it has a big impact. It’s location guarantees that as soon as you walk into the kitchen your eye will see it first. The splashback is the most fun design decision during a kitchen remodel. Stone and tile are the most popular backsplash tiles, but there…
You may say, “Cooking, of course!” But the evidence shows that kitchens in today’s homes are becoming more the activity and socializing center of the home. People are requesting computer work stations in the kitchen area and recharging spaces for electronic devices. Kitchen islands are desired for their facilitating family activities while meals are being…
Kitchen exhaust hoods can be very decorative, but don’t forget to have them sized right. It is recommended that they pull at least 100 cfm of air, but 150 to 300 cfm is better. Oversizing the exhaust fan is not a good idea, as it will pull unconditioned air into the home while it is…
Your dream kitchen is the kitchen you’ve always wanted; plenty of just the right kind of storage, a nice pantry, engineered stone countertops with undermount sink, pull out faucet, and maybe one of those neat drawer-style dishwashers. Custom cabinets and natural wood floors are popular items as well. Every homeowner has a unique concept of…