Tuesday, April 22, 2014

ROF: Your Blueprint For Any Home Project

We like to suggest a simple blueprint for any project from new construction to the smallest of home renovations:  ROF  (Research, Organize, Finalize Budget).  

For example, with a kitchen remodel, this is how it would go:

R (Research):
Check out the latest kitchen designs. Visit model homes in your area, page through design magazines and books, and visit web sites, such as Houzz or Pinterest. Pinterest or Evernote, just to name a few, can also be very useful tools to help you save clips of ideas or designs you find on the internet. 

O (Organize): 
All the research you do will produce tons of ideas, inspirations and thoughts. Sift through these and organize them to determine your style, what is possible in your space, and your budget. 

F (Finalize Budget):
Determine the extent of your renovation and set a budget. It's good to build a little flex into your final budget to accommodate the unexpected.


Stay tuned for more building and design tips next time when we talk about more kitchen renovation projects!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Specialty Lighting

Want to take your home from Wonderful to WOW! ? Different techniques in specialty lighting can do just that. Area ambiance can go from being just another part of the home to a conversation piece.

For example, we built an onyx-topped bar for a client (see photos below) in an area that divides two rooms, then lit the onyx from underneath. That surely says WOW!

LED can lighting in ceilings and LED tape lighting under cabinets is also becoming more popular - and energy efficient!


The onxy-topped bar (middle of the photo) that spans two living spaces

Close-up of the onyx-topped bar