Renovation/ReDesign for a home with Chinese Drywall

Kingon Homes and Southern Showcase just completed a renovation for a client's home that had Chinese Drywall in it. The final product was a home that is now an entertaining showcase.

Click HERE to view/download a copy of an article in Your Home magazine detailing this project, or click HERE to view an online copy of the magazine (the article is on page 15).

Serenity, Beauty & Function In A Master Bath

Our client wanted a prettier master bathroom that had a spa like feeling.  They wanted a separation between his and her sink on the vanity, and they wanted extra storage space. They wanted to keep a tub in the room, but thought the existing tub was too cumbersome and intrusive.

We all decided a freestanding slipper tub was the perfect selection for a new tub  The old tub deck was removed, a tile wainscot was installed on two of the tub perimeter walls to the bottom of the glass block.  Glass shelves were installed between the glass block and the tub to hold the remote controlled battery operated candles. So romantic!

Matching stone was found and an accent mosaic tile borders the tub area, the top of the wainscot and the inset between wood frames and mirror over the vanity.

Cabinets are custom made of maple wood and colored a light  chiffon.  Counter tops are light colonial dream granite. His and her sides are divided by a signature furniture piece cabinet, allowing for good functional storage.

The overall effect is serenity and beauty that functions well for the client.

Do YOU Have An Appliance Garage?

Every project brings unique needs to the table. We were to take a dark kitchen and make it brighter, as well make it function  better for the client.  

Specifically, the client wanted us to move microwave from the island, add an area to hide a computer and charging station, eliminate one of the dishwashers, add a recycle area, and modify the refrigerator to look more like an furniture piece and not so industrial like the existing stainless unit.

The cabinets were in excellent condition and the client liked the layout with just a few modifications.  We modified the existing pantry so we could move the microwave to that area.   An "appliance garage" was added to house the computer and charging station. A beverage cooler was remove from the center island and additional cabinet was put in it's place.

Cabinets were refinished in a medium white with a tea stain glaze.  We were able to keep existing counter tops.  We added a new Sub-Zero refridgerator and a new dishwasher. The remaining appliance were in good shape and functioned well for the client.

The final outcome is a bright beautiful kitchen that gives the clients everything they want their kitchen to be.

A Dream Master Bath That Becomes A Spa

Our clients wanted to update their master bath.  They wanted to remove their tub and use that space to create a large walkin shower. They liked the position of their existing vanities which were directly across from each other, but they wanted a new updated, more sleek look with an in-home spa feeling.

An existing window over the tub was a bit of a challenge. We removed the window from the bottom of the upper arch, created a faux stucco shutter on the front of the house to fill in the bottom pane hole, and kept the upper arch to allow natural light in the shower. 

There were multiple ceiling heights in the bathroom. We framed the ceiling so it was one height throughout, making the space appear and feel larger.  The old shower became the entrance into the new expanded walk-in shower. A floor to ceiling wall with recess niches was created to form the shower.  The wall was covered on the outside with split travertine 1x2 tiles. Porcelian tile was used on the interior of the shower. 

A linear drain was used in the shower to allow a barrier free floor space (no step down, all level with main floor).  Multiple shower heads and body sprays provide a true spa effect.

The recessed niches in the exterior shower wall hold candles that are hotwired low voltage, so with a flick of a switch the candles are lit.  Smooth walnut slab doors were used for the cabinetry.  Mirrors were framed with the split travertine.

The new bath gives the client a lovely retreat that is both soothing and beautiful, and functions just as they had dreamed it would.

Transforming An Outdated Space to a Family Friendly Space!

Our clients wanted to update their 25 year old kitchen. They felt their existing kitchen was too chopped up - there were openings  above the cabinets into the living and dining room they never liked, there was a small center island with a prep sink that was never used, and the space had a large peninsula island with a sink and dishwasher allowed access only from the family room, which made the kitchen feel very confined. 

The client thought their space had great potential that wasn't be utilized.  They wanted a more open concept so the family could cook and hang out together. It was also important that we create a cook center that would have easy access to pots and pans, cutlery, and spices. They wanted good storage for dinnerware, canned goods and paper products.

Our challenge was to create a kitchen that functions well, and also be an open and friendly space.  The transformation was dramatic! We knew immediately that the small center island and the peninsula island had to go.  Once those were removed we reconfigured the island, making it one unit instead of two, and all one height. 

The island anchors the social area for for the family's informal meals, snacks, cooking and homework projects. The refrigerator was located out of the cook center area for easy access so the children could get a snack or drink without being in the main cooking area. One entire wall was designed to hold extra dishes, silverware baking dishes, large bowls. 

The base cabinets have double pull outs. The cook center has tumbled classico stone and tile on the backsplash and columns to the ceiling. The exhaust hood is cleverly hidden behind cabinetry. The island and cook center cabinets are light cream with a mocha glaze. The perimeter cabinets have a chocolate stain and glaze on maple wood.

Giving an outdated space new life not only increases the value of your home, but can transform main living areas into family friendly areas!  Call us today and see how we can help you accomplish your design dreams.

A Downsizing Dream Home

Our clients downsized from a large home to a 1600 sq ft villa.  The clients like to entertain, but the newly purchased villa felt closed in and very outdated. They wanted to open up the main living area so eight people could be comfortably accommodated. (click any image for larger version)

Our challenge was traffic flow; everything was bottle necked. The great room was laid out for TV viewing that created a very small space.  We decided to create a narrow built-in to hold TV components and mounted the TV on that wall.  Normally this space was used only as a walk thru to the master bedroom. 

We were able to create seating for eight using two leather sofas, and recliners directly opposite the TV.  A large area rug grounded the room.  A custom designed travertine cocktail table designed by Southern Showcase provides added space to set drinks, etc.  The clients' original art that hangs over the buffet was complimented with light tangerine and seafoam in the  area rug and on the throw pillows. Dark ebony colored wood flooring was used throughout the main area.

We were able to create seating for eight using two leather sofas, and recliners directly opposite the TV.  A large area rug grounded the room.  A custom designed travertine cocktail table designed by Southern Showcase provides added space to set drinks, etc.  The clients' original art that hangs over the buffet was complimented with light tangerine and seafoam in the  area rug and on the throw pillows.

All the walls between kitchen, great room and dining room were removed.  The kitchen island was redesign to act as a divider between kitchen and dining, keeping everything open and bright. Soffits were removed  along with drywall pantry.  Custom cabinets bright white with a pewter glaze. By removing the soffits, we were able to increase the upper cabinets to 42" allowing for extra storage.  The drywall pantry was replaced with a cabinet pantry. 

Counter tops are Brazilian exotic black. Counter overhangs allow for 3 bar stools.  Tubular pulls, of various heights, from Top Knobs and Mosaic stainless steel backsplash tile from Ann Sacks become the kitchens jewelry.  The stainless steel mosaic was also used at the top of the cabinets between the top and the crown molding. A double oven range was important to the client.

Downsizing doesn't have to mean giving up the design and living elements that are important to you. Call us today and see how we can help you accomplish your design dreams. 

(More) BEFORE and AFTER

A renovation can be as simple or complex as you and your budget require. We've said it before, but it always bears repeating:  new paint and color changes can make a world of difference.

Restaging/replacing furniture and accessories can breathe new life into any space.

BEFORE:  

 

AFTER:

(More) BEFORE and AFTER

It's amazing what wonderful changes occur after a minimal remodel! Kitchen renovations provide a big investment advantage, and even small changes can yield a large return.

BEFORE:

 

AFTER:

BEFORE and AFTER - Case Studies

They say a photo speaks a thousand words, and in this case study, it also speaks a huge - but simple - change!

A dated master bedroom becomes new again with fresh paint, updated window treatments, modern accessories and luxurious bedding. In this example, note how the mirror behind the lamp provides a connecting (and recycled!) element between the old and new designs.

BEFORE:

 

AFTER: 

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!

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

Question: What are some of the most interesting projects your firm has completed?

All of our projects are interesting, but a couple of our larger projects involved tearing down an existing home and building a new home, and totally gutting the interior of a home that had a living room and family room, and converting it to a great room plan.

Choice lots are getting harder to find, so tear downs and total renovations are becoming more common.

When you go into an established community and tear down a home, it presents special challenges. The main challenge is protecting adjoining property and keeping the neighbors happy.

During the design process we work especially hard to be sensitive to the character of the neighborhood.

Take a peek at a floor plan BEFORE tear down and AFTER.

Floorplan BEFORE Tear-down

Floorplan AFTER Tear-down

What Is Important In Good Kitchen Design?

Today’s kitchens are the heart and soul of the home. Good design means the room must be both functional and a pleasure to be in, while still reflecting the feel of the rest of the house.

The kitchen layout has to have a balance between storage, function and aesthetics. We like to sit down with a client to find out what their needs are and how they use the kitchen.

We also work with their style and taste, blending it with the style of the house, to make the final product the envy of those who have not yet updated their kitchen.

How Do You Choose Finishes and Color Palettes?

Making color palette and finish choices is always a process. We take time to get to know our clients and their tastes. Sometimes, we can have one meeting and immediately envision what they want to accomplish, but more often it takes a few conversations before we reach a point where the selections process can begin. 

Our clients can be involved as much as they choose. Many of our clients prefer we do the legwork and present a color palette and samples for their review. 

We make the selection process as easy as possible, making sure the selections guarantee our client a beautiful environment that matches their vision.

What Does Refreshing A Home's Interior Entail?

Kitchen BEFORE refreshing, showing dark cabinets

Refreshing a home's interior can range from simple paint and color changes to a total redo. Sometimes, just removing heavy draperies and decluttering the accessories is all that is needed.

Lately, we have been changing a lot of dark faux paint (Gothic style) to lighter paints. Kitchens are being transformed by painting dark wood cabinets a pretty white, as seen in the before (above) and after (below) photos shown here.

A refreshed home is updated so it feels new and charming!

Kitchen AFTER refreshing, showing cabinets painted a light color

Kitchen Remodels

How do you determine what needs to be done for a kitchen remodel? 

The project can be as simple as refinishing the cabinets or as complex as a full remodel. If the cabinets are in good condition but look tired and worn, and the kitchen has a good work flow, adequate counter space and appropriate lighting, simply refinishing cabinetry could be the answer to creating a “new” kitchen. Adding new counter tops and a full tile backsplash can enhance an outdated kitchen as well.

If the kitchen lacks these elements, then it may warrant a full renovation.

When updating a kitchen, it’s always good to update your appliances so you can have all the latest advances in cooking and refrigeration, making your life easier.

Why hire a "Design Build Firm"

 Kingon Homes is a full service design build firm, and we're often asked what a design build firm is, how it differs from a general contracting firm, and why you should hire one for your next project. 

As a design build firm, we use a team approach. The team consists of the client, designer, architectural  designer and the builder, who determine the scope of the work and budget.  

A conceptual plan is developed and preliminary pricing is obtained prior to proceeding with construction drawings.  Most general contracting firms will bid on plans drawn by others and are not involved in the planning and developing stages.

We are a firm that includes you, the client, in every phase of the project to the degree you wish to be involved. All our projects, from custom homes, to kitchen or bath renovations, to large and small scale interior or exterior remodels, are a team endeavor from start to finish. 

Call us today to learn about our team approach for your project!

Introducing the newest member of the Kingon Homes family...

Our new box truck!

 

A Design Process: breathing new life into an outdated space!

We're often asked how to start a renovation project. Where do you begin? How do you breathe new life into an outdated space?

Follow us on a recent project:

BEFORE

We begin by evaluating your spaces and understanding your style and budget. How deep does the renovation or design change need to go? 

Then we prepare a sketch: 

 And finally - a whole new look!

AFTER

Home Sweet Home

Here is a preview of our newest completed project in Mediterra, Naples, Florida. A full showcase will be on the web site soon!