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8 Great Ideas that Will Improve the Functionality of Your Kitchen

March 3, 2016/in General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Are you tired of the same old boring kitchen that isn’t as functional as you would like? Are you planning a kitchen remodel and need help with ideas on how to get the most out of the space you have? These are some of the questions we get asked on a daily basis when people are trying to figure out how to remodel or update their kitchens. We have put together a list of the Top 8 kitchen design tips to help you with your questions and also assist in making choices when it comes to remodeling or updating your kitchen.

Plan Ahead – Most people think about the accessories or decor of the kitchen they want rather than focusing on the function of the kitchen. The kitchen is one of those rooms in your home where you will spend a good deal of time between cooking, cleaning, and socializing you want to be your kitchen is not only welcoming but functional as well. When planning be sure to take into account the function of your kitchen and what will help you when you are working in that room.
Storage Space – Recent surveys have shown that majority of people say they do not have enough storage, not only in their kitchen but throughout the house, so when you are planning your remodel or improvements to your kitchen be sure to plan to use every inch possible to take advantage of the storage. There are many options today when it comes to “hidden” storage which utilizes those small spaces you might never think to use as storage.
Lights, Lights, Lights – Almost every kitchen uses overhead lighting as the main source of light for the room but many electricians will agree this type of lighting is insufficient in the kitchen, overhead lighting causes shadows on your workspace which is why you should use multiple types of lighting. You can do so many different options, including under the counter lights just as one suggestion.
Power Sources – Be sure if you are remodeling that you know what type of power your appliances use, whether it be gas or electric each will need their own lines and sources. The other thing to think about is power outlets, you want to be sure there are enough outlets and they are in convenient places.
Fresh Start – If you are planning to remodel your kitchen you should also plan to update your old appliances and items. You don’t want a new modern kitchen filled with appliances from the 1980’s they will end up sticking out like a sore thumb. Spend the extra and get some new appliances you will be happy you did.
Safety First – When planning your new kitchen you might want to take into consideration safety precautions such as being able to see the backyard easily from the kitchen, outlets that aren’t easily reached from the ground and even rounded counter tops are all things to consider.
Clean Air – A range hood can help ventilate those offense cooking odors as well as help reduce the amount of smoke that could fill the room (like when you cook bacon).
These Floors Were Made For Walking – when considering kitchen flooring a non-slip option might be best and safest. There are so many options like hard wood, vinyl, and natural stone just to name a few. It’s one of those things you will have to weigh the pros and cons to each type yourself before deciding.

Renewal Design-Build has been assisting homeowners with their kitchen remodeling needs for more than 15 years. We focus primarily on amazing kitchens, luxurious bathrooms, and interior remodeling projects. Our talented designers will help transform any part of your home into something you can truly be proud of.

Never compromise on quality when you remodel your kitchen. Let our designers show you how they can help make the most of your kitchen and improve the overall functionality of the room.

Give us a call at 404-378-6962 if you’re in Decatur or the surrounding areas, and would like to schedule a consultation for your new kitchen.

Ideas to Consider When Remodeling Your Ranch Home in Atlanta

August 12, 2015/in General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

A lot of homebuyers in Atlanta are looking at ranch style homes for the simplistic beauty and curb appeal they offer. They are trying to fit the idea of their dream home into a reality that is going to allow them to get very specific details. Often times, however, you will find that your dream home is not so simple to connect with the existing sales options. If you have settled into a home and over time grow to dislike certain aspects, you’re not alone.

Many people come to the realization that they’ve settled. Don’t panic, however, look at a few ideas that can completely change your home’s overall layout, use of square footage, and more. Focus on several ideas that are going to help you gain the upper hand. The following are some ideas that are going to pay off dividends when you consider how to use the set pieces to your advantage.

Open Up the Floor Plan

The first major thing that you have to look at is the floor plan. Use the square footage that you have to the fullest by remodeling the most-used areas of the home. Break down non essential walls, allow for more foot traffic areas, and maximize your square footage by opening things up. Too often, living spaces in ranch style homes are closed in and compartmentalized to try and shoehorn more bedrooms or bathrooms, and that could proof stifling. Instead, open things up, have free flowing lighting and windows so that you can create natural spaces for entertaining, living, and more.

Expand the Kitchen

The kitchen in a ranch style home can feel claustrophobic at times because it is surrounded by four walls and maybe a couple of doorways. If you are dealing with a limited amount of space, consider changing the area by opening things up. Change the flooring, the cabinets, get new appliances, and even add accent pieces to the backdrops. Change the counter tops, the sink, and even build a bar or island if space allows. Reconsider the space so that you have more work areas, and easier access to storage and more.

Paint That Changes Visual Design Flow

Another way that you can focus on remodeling without going overboard is to look at paint options. Step outside of the traditional, and focus on complementing your flooring design. If you are truly going to make changes, change the flooring as well. Go from carpet to hardwood or hardwood to a nicer carpet, and contrast the colors with your walls and accents. Look at precision paint that works with the window treatments, shade, and natural light that can be blended together.

Overall, you have a lot of choices to consider when remodeling a ranch home in Georgia. Don’t just settle for simple elements; focus on larger options within your budget. You’ll be surprised with what you can achieve if you look at the aforementioned elements, and get a helping hand in regards to design. Sometimes the changes you need to make your home more compelling, starts with remodeling the square footage you have.

Choosing Complementary and Contrasting Colors for your Kitchen

April 24, 2015/in General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular remodeling projects. A kitchen can be a very personal space for many people, and is often a central hub of family activity. Hours are spent here preparing food, sharing laughter, and talking. Choosing the perfect color palette for your kitchen is a balance between what will look good and the colors that appeal to you most.

Giving your kitchen new life can be as complex as a full remodel or as simple as fixtures and paint color. The first step to finding a color you’ll love for your kitchen is to start big. Gather all the colors that appeal to you, and then narrow down your choices by thinking about cabinet color, backsplash, appliances and other fixed design elements.

Avoid Trends if Possible

While using the hot colors of the season can be tempting, if you plan on selling at some point, definitely remember to consider resale value while choosing your colors. Trendy colors are trendy for a reason, but will they still be so well liked in future years? Consider going with more neutral tones and using accents like trim, a backsplash, or an accent wall to personalize your space.

Make the Colors Work for You

Colors can really affect the mood of a space, and when you’re painting a well-used area like the kitchen it is a good idea to think about the feel you’re going for when you choose your colors. Different hues can influence everything from mood to appetite to energy level. If you want your kitchen to be a cheery space to get your day started, yellow tones might be for you. Orange is known to stimulate appetite, and blue shades encourage relaxation, and can decrease appetite.

Accentuate the Positive

Paint can be a great way to highlight the areas of the room that you like, and hide those you don’t. Highlight features you love, like the window over your sink or the custom trim around the doorway. If you love your cabinetry, choose a wall color with contrast so they’ll stand out. Call us any time if you’d like to schedule an onsite color consultation so we can help you choose the best colors for your kitchen.

Renewal Design-Build is located in Decatur, GA and provides remodeling and renovation services throughout the intown Atlanta area. We are a full service design-build firm with a focus on projects that start at $50,000. We’ve helped many area homeowners restore historic homes as well as remodel modern homes. Call us at 404-378-6962 to discuss your upcoming project and swap ideas. Together we will create the best kitchen for your home and make it come together beautifully.

Are You Looking for Custom Kitchen Design in the Atlanta Area? Let’s talk!

February 27, 2015/in Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Custom kitchen design can be daunting, the sheer variety of design options, material options, color options, and more options, options, options! Find a designer and builder in the Atlanta area who is willing to help you work through all of the options to help you find the best products for your kitchen. We’re glad you stumbled upon our blog today, because that’s exactly what we enjoy. We have been in the business of creating custom kitchens for homeowners in the Atlanta area for many years. We have the experience you need and plenty of references to share. Let’s talk details!

Cabinets

Custom cabinets are absolutely the way to go when you’re truly going to customize your kitchen. Your local hardware or home improvement store will likely have a section for custom cabinetry, or you can look for someone to custom build cabinets for you. The decision is ultimately yours. Let us know if we can help with this process in any way.

Countertops

Marble, quartz, granite, and formica are very popular countertop options. Marble is, of course, the more expensive choice. Granite is less expensive but a very popular material. One thing we do want to bring up is that quartz is very quickly becoming a favorite among people who design and build custom kitchens.

Hardware

Hinges, doorknobs, cabinet and drawer door handles, and faucets should all be made of a similar material with a similar finish. This really helps pull the overall kitchen design together at the end of the project.

Appliances

Stainless steel appliances were number-one again in 2014 as far as new appliances are concerned. In fact, the second runner up was a massive 63% behind stainless steel in terms of popularity. So as far as trends go, stainless steel appliances are still the most popular. They look great in any type of kitchen from traditional to modern, and seem to hold their appearance much better than black, bone, or white appliances.

Lighting

Kitchen lighting options are pretty overwhelming for most homeowners. We often recommend LED lighting because it is more energy efficient and produces a true color light. This means your paint colors will look richer, and you’ll see more detail in most finishes.

Painting

Kitchen paint colors vary from homeowner to homeowner. We saw some pretty unusual finishes in 2014 that ranged from dark walls and white cabinetry to brightly colored walls with dark cabinetry. Neutral gray was a very popular choice for kitchens as it works well with most accent colors. We always recommend collecting images you find online or in magazines so you can get a good idea of what your finished custom kitchen will look like. Use those images to tell us exactly what you love about each image.

Window Treatments

Many homeowners are choosing to streamline their entire kitchen. They’re using built-in appliances such as the range, oven, coffee maker, and microwave. They’re turning away from traditional curtains and moving toward other window dressings such as window sun screens. As we said before, options, options, options!

Local Builders Know Local Trends

Just because you follow a local trend doesn’t mean your custom kitchen will look just like your neighbor’s kitchen. Trends and cookie cutters aren’t quite in the same category. Some trends are fleeting while others are enduring. Call us at 404-378-6962 to discuss local trends and ideas on how to truly customize your kitchen.

Choosing the Perfect Countertop for Your Atlanta Area Kitchen Remodel

February 5, 2015/in Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Kitchen remodeling options are often overwhelming. The sheer number of cabinet, countertop, hardware, and flooring options often makes homeowners take a step back and question whether they really want to remodel their kitchen. Renewal Design Build in Decatur, GA has experience with the types of countertops listed below and many more. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options!

Granite: Granite is the most popular choice of countertop material for many homeowners. It offers a high-end look, increases the value of your home, and provides one of the most durable food preparation surfaces. Granite is a natural material, and no two countertops are the same. This makes it difficult to match multiple slabs for a uniform look throughout the kitchen while simultaneously increasing the unique appeal. Granite must be sealed regularly in order to maintain a flawless surface.

Honed Granite: Honed granite countertops are a twist on polished granite countertops. Honed granite provides a soft, matte finish instead of the highly polished glossy appearance of traditional granite. It is resistant to chipping, cracking, and heat, and slightly more affordable than polished granite.

Quartz: Quartz countertops are practically maintenance free. They’re stain, acid, scratch, impact, and heat resistant. They are nonporous, so you never need to seal them the way you do natural stone countertops. Quartz is the second-most popular countertop material; closely following granite.

Laminate: Laminate countertops are the most inexpensive option. The resurgence in popularity of laminate can be attributed to the low cost as well as to new patterns that resemble natural stone, wood, and many more high-end materials. Laminate is not heat resistant, but it is a cost effective way to try out different finishes every few years if you get bored easily.

Wood: Wood countertops provide a rustic, cottage style appearance. You absolutely must maintain a proper seal on the wooden countertop to keep it sanitary for cutting meats. Wood countertops are very heavy duty, very sturdy, and heat resistant.

Marble: Carrara or Calacatta marble is extremely beautiful and durable. The timeless appeal of marble provides a high-end appearance and works well with most types of modern kitchen decor. Marble’s smooth, cool surface is great for working with pastry and chocolate. It is on par with granite as far as cost is concerned. Marble can scratch easily and is susceptible to household stains.

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel countertops aren’t only intended for restaurant kitchens. Stainless offers a beautiful, modern look with clean lines. It’s extremely easy to clean and does not promote bacterial buildup. Many restaurants use stainless steel countertops because it is the most hygienic countertop.

Glass: Glass countertops are sleek with clean lines and a very glossy appearance. They’re very sturdy and may be cut into any shape. They’re a little more expensive then more popular options. The nonporous surface creates an easy-to-clean, stain resistant, hygienic countertop workspace.

As you can see, there are many countertop options. Many kitchens even mix countertop materials, such as wood and granite or marble and quartz. An experienced designer can help you select the best countertop materials to suit your particular design and lifestyle.

Need More Space? Open Up the Floor Plan!

November 13, 2014/in Current Trends, General Remodeling /by Renewal Design-Build

Once you’ve made the decision to remodel your home, that’s often the only thing you can think about. I’ve been known to be quite obsessive about a project from time to time whether it’s a client project or a personal home improvement project. You’ve probably Googled a thousand times and your computer automatically boots up to a Google search when you walk into the room. Okay, probably not quite that bad, but at least you know that I understand where you’re coming from!

Remodeling is so exciting because it basically transforms your existing home into something completely new. Today’s blog post is obviously going to be about remodeling your home. But I’m not only going to talk about the basics; you already know that moving things around is going to change your space. I’m going to give you a few ideas you may not know are an option.

Non-Supporting Walls

Some of the walls inside your home are actual supporting structures that help support the weight of your roof. Don’t go tearing down walls without a consultation with an architect or a licensed contractor. You don’t want to have the roof come crashing in unexpectedly. You can renovate supporting walls, but you must keep supports in place. Discuss options with your contractor.

Removing non-supporting walls really opens up a home! You can, for example, remove the non-supporting wall between two bedrooms to create a large bedroom suite. Consider building a bathroom and large walk-in closet to turn two smaller bedrooms into a large master suite.

Boxy Kitchen and Dining Room

The two rooms that should flow well together are often separate box-shaped entities. Find out if the wall separating them is a supporting wall. Remove it to open the space if it is not. You can still remove it if it is a supporting wall, but care must be taken to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling. Again, ask a contractor or an architect to be on the safe side. Open up the area between the kitchen and adjacent rooms by removing non-supporting walls or adding very large open windows, without the glass of course, and open the area from room to room.

More Space

These last two aren’t exactly ways to open up the floor plan, but they are great ways to add more space to your home without building an addition. The attic and basement are often overlooked.

Attic: Most houses have an attic, but some are completely unused. They’re large empty areas that may be used for storage, but most don’t even have actual flooring. They’re just structural 2x4s that support the ceiling below them, and a thick layer of insulation on top. Depending on your roof pitch and the amount of existing space up there, your attic could become a wonderful new area of your home.

Basement: Unfinished basements are often thought of as extra storage. Some homeowners even use a finished basement as climate controlled storage space instead of functional living space. That’s fine if you don’t need the space. But if you’re constantly looking for ways to expand the functional living space in your home, consider the basement!

What Do You Think?

Are you considering remodeling the interior of your home? What are your current plans? I would love to hear from you! Please comment in the comments section and let us know what your future home plans are.

Kitchen Remodeling Trends to Spice Up Your Atlanta Kitchen

August 19, 2014/in Current Trends, General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Kitchen design trends got really colorful throughout 2014. Some of these trends have made headlines where others are merely a flash in the pan. How do you distinguish between something enduring vs. a fad that will be over by next year? Here are some of the current trends we are seeing in kitchen design.

Colorful Kitchen
Homeowners have really started showing off their personal tastes in the most recent remodeling projects. They are becoming bold with color choices, like a dark blue kitchen wall with bone cabinets and quartz countertops. Many appliances such as dishwashers, ranges and refrigerators are now available in bright hues.

Craftsman Kitchen by Seattle Design-Build Firms Isola Homes

Streamline the Room
Straight lines, muted tones, and a good combination of dark and bright accent pieces really make a kitchen shine. One of the most popular trends in kitchen design for 2014 is the addition of built-in appliances. The refrigerator is hidden behind a door that looks like a closet door and matches the rest of the room. The microwave follows suit and is no longer a stand-alone piece of countertop space hogging furniture. Some homeowners are even going for a built-in area for the coffee maker. When it comes to custom kitchen design, the sky is the limit!

Kitchen by Renewal Design-Build

New Kitchen Lighting Trends
Under-cabinet LED lighting and over-island LED lighting are very popular this year. LED lighting for the kitchen is very cost effective, and bright enough to really allow you to see what you’re doing. Food prep areas need sufficient lighting in order to prevent mistakes while cooking. And let’s face it; over cabinet and under cabinet lighting is just cool!

New Faucets
Everyone loves the convenience of the pull-out faucet, right? No need to have a faucet and sprayer as two separate entities. It saves space and makes the area look so much cleaner. This year some homeowners also included no-touch electronic faucets in their kitchen design. This seems to work better for a secondary sink where most of the food preparation takes place.

The island is a very popular workspace, and working with a variety of foods requires a lot of hand washing to prevent contamination. The knobs or handles catch a lot of germs each time you turn the water on or off. This risks the very thing you’re trying to avoid – contamination of your food. An electronic faucet prevents that altogether.

Contemporary Kitchen by Roselle Bedding & Bath Grohe US

A Place for Pets
Some homeowners block the kitchen with pet gates while others welcome their pet into every part of the home. This section speaks to the latter group of homeowners. You likely have a designated spot for pet food and water bowls. Let’s take that up a notch and think about actually creating a permanent spot in the kitchen that is out of the way and very convenient for your pets.
The end of a row of cabinets, a lower-tier drawer removal, or the end of an island make fantastic spots for pet food bowls. Modify that idea even further by adding a faucet nearby so it’s even easier and more convenient to fill the water bowl.

Kitchen by Vancouver Kitchen & Bath Fixtures DeWils Custom Cabinetry

What Are Your Thoughts?
What would you consider a kitchen trend for 2014? What do you think about the ones we mentioned here, will they last? Would you like to see more about kitchens or would you prefer we cover other areas of the home in next month’s blog posts? Let us know your thoughts and ideas by commenting in the comments section or emailing us through the Contact Us page on the site!

So You Want to Remodel Your Atlanta Home, But No Idea Where to Start? Let us help!

May 29, 2014/in Aging In Place, General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath, Outdoor /by Renewal Design-Build

Home remodeling projects vary greatly from homeowner to homeowner depending on their individual needs. Where one family may need a better kitchen layout and design, another may need more space for a new baby on the way. There really is no right or wrong in general, just right and wrong for the individual. I’m going to go over several of the most popular types of home remodeling projects, and how they can help in your Atlanta home.

Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is the number-one remodeled room in the home according to every major study. It may be our southern roots, but we believe it’s because the kitchen is the heart of the home. That’s where the family gathers for meals, birthday parties, and other events. Maybe it’s just because people love the look and feel of an updated kitchen. Some remodels may be as simple as painting and purchasing all new appliances. Others may include an entirely new kitchen by the time it’s all said and done.

Bathroom Remodeling

The bathroom is the second-most remodeled room in the home. Some bathroom remodels are as simple as painting and replacing a few pieces of furniture. Others may be as detailed as replacing a tub/shower unit with a tile shower, replacing linoleum with tile, replacing the entire vanity area, and replacing an old toilet with a water saving toilet.

Aging in Place

Aging in place isn’t an entirely new concept, but it is quickly gaining ground in recent years. The aging in place process is one in which Atlanta’s senior citizens are able to live independently in their own home for more years than they were previously able to. I love this one, because our wonderful city has so many elderly people who are perfectly capable of living at home instead of a retirement home; all they need is a few minor modifications to their home.

Adding a Bedroom

Expecting a new arrival to the household? Build an extra bedroom in advance. This needed remodel idea is pretty much a no-brainer, because when you need more space, you need more space! Introducing new family members into the household often requires the addition of a new bedroom.

Adding an Office

The Internet allows more people to work from home or occasionally telecommute. A home office is quickly becoming the standard in new home building. People need a spot to work that is interruption-free and quiet.

Add Outdoor Space

Let’s face it, Atlanta gets hot, hot, HOT! A covered patio, gazebo, sunroom, or covered deck adds value to your home while providing a great way to enjoy the gorgeous weather without getting sunburned.

What it’s all About

No matter what you choose to do with your home, transform it to match the demands your family puts on it. A healthy, happy life is what it’s all about. If remodeling your home creates more happiness or improves your current lifestyle in any way, it’s already worth it. Call us for a free consultation if you’d like to talk about your options and maybe we can help bounce some ideas with you!

A dynamic new entryway and other interior updates open a Druid Hills home for better light and flow

January 29, 2014/in Current Trends, General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath, Uncategorized /by Renewal Design-Build

Houzz Tour: Making Midcentury Modern Work for Modern Times

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Share photos of the kitchen cabinets and kitchen sinks you like with a top kitchen remodeler in your area.

Compromising Between Light and Storage in the Kitchen

October 8, 2013/in Kitchen and Bath /by Renewal Design-Build

Renewal Design Build

It can be difficult to motivate yourself to cook when you have a kitchen with very little natural light. The entire space feels so closed-in and no matter how much artificial light is added, you just don’t get the same ambiance. The challenge to adding natural light to a kitchen comes when you try to balance window space with cabinetry. While storage is also an important feature of a well-functioning kitchen, there is a way to achieve a compromise between windows and cabinetry.

Consider using floor to ceiling built-in cabinetry wherever space will allow. While your first thought is how inconvenient higher shelves are, let’s face it, we all have china, glassware and small appliances that are only used a few times a year or just for special occasions. This will give you the extra storage you need and allow you to replace cabinetry in part of the kitchen with windows.

One really unique design is to install glass door cabinets in front of your windows. This works best when the windows don’t get direct sunlight. If your windows include mullions, make sure the cabinetry framing lines up.

If you have limited space like a galley kitchen, don’t be afraid to look up. Skylights work wonders when it comes to bringing natural light into small rooms.

Remember window and door transoms? Reinvent them as cabinet transoms. Instead of installing cabinetry all the way to the ceiling, leave enough space to have transoms installed. This way you get the best of both worlds…storage and wonderful natural light!

For help finding the balance between storage space and natural light in your kitchen, don’t hesitate to contact us at Renewal Design-Build. We’ll be happy to help with your kitchen remodeling in Sandy Springs or anywhere else in the greater Atlanta area.