(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:

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

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 & Bath Remodels - A Strong Investment!

Want instant gratification? Consider remodeling your kitchen and baths.  The finished project will bring immediate enjoyment and future resale value.

Both kitchen and bath remodeling offer strong value. If you are doing the remodel to help sell your home right now, you might not get full value for what you invested, but it sure helps sell the house. In today’s market, it’s well worth it.  If you are remodeling to bring more function and enjoyment into your home, a kitchen and bath remodeling  project will definitely do that. 

There are new features in cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and appliances that can make your kitchen and baths more functional and enjoyable. Rain heads and steam shower in baths, kitchen sinks with built-in drainers, colanders, cutting boards and pot fillers, convection microwaves and ovens - the list goes on forever!

If you think your kitchen or bath cabinets have to remain in the same foot print - think again! We recently changed the entire cabinet layout in a 1998 kitchen, removing the raised bar (typical 1998 style) and adding a sleek one level, large bar that accommodates the sink, dishwasher, base cabinetry and allows for 4-6 bar stools.  The client wondered where we got all the room to do this.  That‘s where your remodeler will think outside of the box and come up with ideas that might surprise you!

Now is a good time to improve the quality of your life and the value of your home by remodeling your kitchen or bath. This is a type of project that can be done in all price points.  We can think of no better investment for updating and improving your home.

From construction to remodeling to design - Kingon Homes and Southern Showcase Design is here to help each step of the way. Call us for a consultation and let us help you make your house a dream home AND a perfect investment!