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Ideas for Incorporating Built-in Storage for Your Home

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home renovation

Source: Renewal Design Build

If you’re looking for home improvement ideas, we highly recommend that you incorporate built-in storage into your home. Built-in storage is a great way to increase the amount of storage space in your home without having it take up space. The following are a few ideas that you can use when deciding what types of built-in storage spaces you want:

  • Seating – If you have any windows that provide a beautiful view, consider installing window seating. This could make for the perfect reading spot since you’ll not only have views of lovely scenery to help you relax, but also plenty of natural light. You can use this banquette style window seating as storage as well. Install drawers or cabinets below the seating to hold extra pillows, blankets, books or magazines.
  • Vertical Space – Are there any areas above the doorways throughout your home that you are not using?  Build a built-in bookshelf above the doorway to store some of your books or decorative items. Not only does this provide you with some out of the way storage space, it provides a unique visual element to the room. You can also choose to build a series of cubbies or cabinets in this space instead of shelves to help store seasonal belongings that you only need to access at certain times of the year.
  • Stairs – The stairway tends to take up a lot of room, so why not create a pull-out wine cubby right underneath the staircase landing? This is a great way to make use of space that often goes wasted. If you already have a storage space for your wine, consider installing shelves into the staircase landing instead.

Be sure to contact us online at Renewal Design-Build for all of your Atlanta home improvement needs.

A Touch of Style in the Kitchen: Beadboard Details

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From Decatur to Dunwoody to Sandy Springs, there are many homes around Atlanta that have been around for decades. And while certain architectural styles, such as Arts and Crafts are rather ubiquitous in the area, it’s possible to update your charming Atlanta home with something refreshing.

home remodeling

Renewal Design Build

A touch of architectural detail in the kitchen can give the room that final touch that makes it look completely finished and put-together. Beadboard wainscoting is a feature often seen in hallways, bathrooms and main living rooms, but it can also have a place in the kitchen.

Beadboard is a durable and detailed material that can be painted or stained to fit any design scheme. It is easy to install and can fit in a wide variety of design applications.  Often, beadboard is used in the bathroom area and painted with a water-resistant high-gloss paint as an alternative to tile.  The same features of durability and water-resistance that make it an ideal bathroom material also help it to perform well in the kitchen.

There are two main types of beadboard from which to choose. You can install individual boards that fit together with tongue and groove joints or you can opt for entire sheets of pre-manufactured beadboard, where the characteristic joints are simply carved into the wood. Tongue in groove beadboard panels do take longer to install, but they tend to be of a higher quality and many people feel they look much better.  They also have plenty of space to allow for the natural expansion and contraction that occur throughout the seasons.  Panels are more affordable and much easier to install, but its quality is also lower than tongue and groove.

Beadboard has many potential uses in a kitchen.  It can be applied as a backsplash in place of tile, or you can use it on cabinet doors for a more unique look than the popular slab or recessed style doors.  Beadboard can also be used on the kitchen island to create contrast with the other cabinetry, which is currently a very popular kitchen design decision.

For information about integrating beadboard details into your kitchen, contact us at Renewal Design-Build.

The Wonders of an ENERGY STAR Certified Refrigerator

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kitchen appliances design

Renewal Design-Build

When we work with homeowners on green home renovations in Atlanta, one of our first suggestions is to replace old appliances with Energy Star Certified counterparts. Something as simple as replacing your old refrigerator with an Energy Star certified refrigerator can save as much as $1,100 over the refrigerator’s lifetime. This is just one of the wonders of a refrigerator that meets Energy Star certification requirements.

A Positive Return on Your Investment

While Energy Star certified refrigerators may cost more initially, you’re guaranteed to receive a return on your investment. Energy Star promises homeowners will recoup the extra money spent – and then some – within a reasonable amount of time through energy savings.

 

Out with the Old

Did you know 61% of Atlanta homes were built prior to 1960? Many homes have been passed down to newer generations with well-maintained infrastructures and appliances intact. However, appliances were considerably less energy efficient prior to the 1990’s. If you own a refrigerator that’s more than ten years old, you’re spending a minimum of $200 more on energy than you need to.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Energy Star certified refrigerators are guaranteed to use 15% less energy than models that aren’t certified. They use 20% less energy than standard refrigerator models that meet minimum government requirements for energy efficiency. That is a significant difference in energy usage and therefore energy costs.

To maximize energy savings and minimize your carbon footprint, consider the following:

  • Read the EnergyGuide label carefully to compare energy use with other models.
  • Top-mounted freezer models are 10%-25% more efficient than other models.
  • The biggest savings are gained by refrigerators in the 16-20 cubic feet range, so don’t buy more fridge than you need.
  • Ice makers and door dispensers use 14%-20% more energy.

Green home renovations are a great way to update your home and reduce your carbon footprint. Make an appointment for a Renewal System Solutions energy assessment to learn more ways your home will benefit from energy efficient modifications.

 

What's in the Keeping Room?

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Although the keeping room was popular in colonial times, it was only recently that modern families began to re-incorporate them into their homes. A keeping room is actually a very basic concept. It is basically a secondary living room that connects to the kitchen area. It was a popular space in colonial times due to the fact that the heat from the kitchen kept the keeping room warm, making it one of the few heated areas in the house.

home renovation

Renewal Design-Build

These days, the centerpiece of a keeping room is often a fireplace. This helps it to retain the function it had hundreds of years ago – a place where the family can congregate to keep warm. So what’s the point of having one now? When you or any other family members are using the kitchen, you’ll often attract people who wish to keep you company. Having the kitchen open up to a keeping room gives family members and guests more space and comfort.

If you are spending a lot of time in the kitchen cooking or preparing meals, then you probably find that you have five to ten minute increments where you don’t have to do anything except keep track of your food. In a home without a keeping room, you’ll probably remain in the kitchen because going across the house to your living room will prevent you from keeping an eye on the kitchen. A keeping room allows you to sit down for a moment without having to take your eye off the kitchen.

Homeowners are finding that having a keeping room in their house provides added convenience and comfort, which is why it’s becoming a popular feature. For information about implementing a keeping room into your home, contact our design build firm in Atlanta, Renewal Design Build.

The Infamous L-Shaped Kitchen Layout

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kitchen design

Renewal Design-Build

When planning to remodel your kitchen layout in Atlanta, there are many kitchen designs that are both efficient and attractive. One of the most effective kitchen plans is the L-shaped kitchen layout, referring to an L-shaped setup where the kitchen cabinets and furniture are mounted on two perpendicular walls and a large open area in the middle. This kitchen style has numerous advantages as compared to other kitchen designs.

Uninterrupted Work Triangle

The best and efficient kitchen layout involves placing the sink, refrigerator and the range in a triangle formation, mainly known as the work triangle, so that they are in close proximity. L-shaped kitchen allows for an uninterrupted work triangle since all the appliances are on two perpendicular walls. This prevents you from walking across the room to access different kitchen zones, which makes meal preparation efficient.

Space for a Breakfast Room

The open L-shaped layout offers room to add an informal dining area. For large kitchens, you can place a standard table and chairs at the center. The bistro style table is an eye-catching option if the space in the kitchen is at a premium.

Island Room

In large L-shaped kitchens, there is usually space for adding an island. The center island would be ideal if you cook often for large groups and you are in need of more working surfaces. It can double as a dining area if you add a few chairs or stools. You may also consider adding a cooktop or sink for flexibility and efficiency.

To learn more about our kitchen remodeling ideas, designs and finishes, check out our finished kitchen projects.  What are your thoughts on the L-shaped kitchen island?  Share with us on our Facebook page; we’d love to hear your input!

 

Pining for Pine Wood Floors

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There are so many things to consider when home renovations are on the horizon. Without a doubt, flooring should be a primary consideration since it is the basic foundation throughout your home. One of the most dramatic and visually appealing changes you can make is to install pine wood flooring.

But why pine?

pine wood floors

One of our kitchen renovations featuring heart pine wood flooring.

Pine is considered a soft wood, meaning it comes from cone-bearing or pine needle trees. And while hardwoods are top of mind among homeowners, most pine varieties do not fall into that category. Depending on the species, different types of pine vary greatly in their hardness. Knowing exactly what kind of pine is being considered for your specific installation will be key in determining just how fit it is for residential use.

One unique feature of pine, as opposed to many other wood species, is the character it can add to a home. It does not boast the continuous smooth, polished look of many wood floors. It showcases lots of dark knots, pinholes and ridges which all contribute to a dated, almost antique looking floor that’s especially fitting in older homes.

Now that we know a little bit about the basics of pine wood floors, why would a homeowner choose this type of flooring (as opposed to other wood species)?

 

  • Affordability: Pine wood is almost always more cost-effective than hardwoods. This makes a big difference in remodeling your home, where lower material costs might allow you to extend a new pine floor to other rooms in the house you may not have originally considered.
  • Durability: Even though it’s primarily a soft wood, pine is durable enough to withstand high traffic areas, such as kitchens and entryways. Even though it’s known for its distressed appearance, pine can be finished with a glossy sealer not only for surface protection, but for a more put together look.
  • Variety: Pine woods are usually in the light golden-brown color range, very different from the prominent darker woods we commonly see. But if dark wood is your preference, pine can be custom stained to just about any color you desire.
  • Character: Pine has a tendency to darken with age, adding a certain warmth to a home as the floor ages. The aged look is perfect for older homes and historical additions.

What’s your take on pine wood flooring in the home? Call Renewal Design-Build at 404-378-6962 to discuss how we can incorporate pine – or any type of flooring – into your Atlanta home.

Why Choose Quartz Countertops for Your Atlanta Kitchen Renovation?

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Quartz countertops are one of the trendiest kitchen countertop surfaces on the market right now.  They’re gorgeous, ultra-durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly. If a kitchen renovation is on the horizon for you in 2013, consider the following qualities of quartz countertops to help you decide on a countertop material for your home.

quartz countertops atlanta

One of our many kitchen projects featuring quartz countertops

Aesthetics
Quartz is the second most plentiful mineral on the planet. The hexagonal crystals are mixed with an acrylic polymer to create quartz slabs. Depending upon the size of the crystals used, countertops can have a more sporadic “natural” pattern, similar to granite, or it can be finely ground for a more uniform look, like Corian.

Durability
Quartz countertops are incredibly durable due to their natural crystal structure and the inherent strength of the binding polymers. In fact, quartz is the most durable of the non-precious gems. Unlike granite, which is porous, requires sealing, and is prone to chipping and cracking, quartz is ultra-durable and will last a lifetime without issue.

Low-Maintenance
With no sealing or special treatments required, quartz countertops are extremely low-maintenance.  This makes them an excellent choice for busy families and professionals on the go.  Because quartz countertops are non-porous, they are easy to clean and will never stain. They are even scorch-resistant.

Eco-Friendly
Most quartz countertop products have a respectable percentage of recycled products included during the manufacturing process. In fact, some quartz countertop lines are even mined and manufactured here in the USA, cutting down on fossil fuel consumption.

For help turning your Atlanta kitchen from drab to fab with quartz countertops, call Renewal Design-Build at 404-378-6962 to discuss your needs.

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