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Sherwood Forest Modern

Upscale Kitchen Design: Choosing a Countertop

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Kitchen Countertops

The countertop in your kitchen gets a lot of use throughout the day and while you may love a certain material or look more than others, the types of countertops that you have fallen in love with may not be the ones that are perfect for your lifestyle. There are three things that you should take into consideration before choosing the type of countertop that you want in your upscale kitchen.

Practicality

How much time do you want to spend maintaining your countertops?

How many times a day do you wipe up spills on your countertops?

These are two important questions that you need to ask yourself before you even look at a countertop!

  • Quartz is the easiest countertop to maintain, because it does not need to be sealed every few months. It also doesn’t stain easily like other countertops can.
  • Granite is just as durable as quartz, but it needs to be sealed occasionally to ensure that it does not become damaged over time.
  • Jerusalem stone and concrete are also very durable and their maintenance is quite easy as well.
  • Soapstone is another material that does not stain and you may want to choose this material since it is resistant to bacteria that can build up over time.

Many people love marble countertops, be we want to caution you from installing them throughout your entire kitchen space. This material can stain easily and it can become chipped over time. We do recommend installing a small marble countertop though if you love baking, as it is the best countertop for rolling out dough.

The Look and Style

The style of your kitchen may determine the type of countertop you decide to install. Marble, quartz, and granite are best for traditional kitchens, while stainless steel or concrete look fabulous in more modern kitchens.

Butcher block countertops or ones made from recycled materials look great in a transitional kitchen as does a quartz material in either a marble pattern or a solid natural color.

No matter what material you choose, please keep in mind that a more luxurious look can be accomplished with a thicker counter instead of a thin one.

Price

Your budget cannot get thrown out the window as you are choosing a new countertop for your kitchen. The countertops that cost the most include granite, quartz, and marble and the cheaper ones include concrete and butcher block.

We hope that these tips will help you as you’re choosing a new countertop for your upscale kitchen. We can help you as you are weighing the pros and cons of each countertop material and we can install it as soon as you have finally made up your mind as to which one will work best in your space.

When you’re ready to take the plunge and recreate your kitchen, give us a call at 404-378-6962. We’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation so we can get a better idea of the type of kitchen you want and need.

8 Great Ideas that Will Improve the Functionality of Your Kitchen

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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.

  1. 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.  Wildwood 7
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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. Wildwood 5
  6. 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.
  7. 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). Poncey-Highland Traditional
  8. 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.

Inman Park - Historic Craftsman

What Kitchen Design Style do You Prefer?

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Kitchen design is not one sided and does not trap every homeowner into a generic style. As you look at designing your kitchen, make sure your voice is heard and your ideas are followed. Your unique kitchen design style will speak volumes and make a positive impression to others when they visit.

Tell us what you like in a kitchen. Do you prefer one style over another? Today we’re going to go over several different styles and discuss how they’re different.

Druid Hills - Modern Kitchen
Modern – The modern kitchen has a lot of matching pieces. The kitchen isn’t just about cooking; it’s about giving people the ability to learn, share, and communicate as a family. You’ll see elements like flat-panel door styles, overlay cabinet designs, simple hardware on cabinets, and a lack of ornaments, fixture embellishments and more in a modern style kitchen. Think sleek, well lit, and clear when you think modern kitchen design.
Inman Park - Historic Craftsman

 

Craftsman – The Craftsman style is interesting in that it focuses on function and rustic elements. Wood grains that are clean, unpainted, and natural; cabin themes and deep oaks are what you may see in a Craftsman kitchen. Look for simple lighting styles; there are no visual stand outs that take away from function and style here, but rather simple with a light touch. Counters with natural stone, tiles that complement, and tile backdrops that blend seamlessly with counter tops all work well in the craftsman style kitchen.

Druid Hills - Classic Transitional

 

Traditional – “Traditional” elements can vary from area to area, but you’ll find some interesting elements here in Atlanta. Look for architectural finger prints along windows, range hoods, and molding around various components. Decorations can create interesting elements as well including cabinet doors, varnishes, and colored accents alongside backdrops, backsplashes and the like.

Photo Courtesy of Houzz


Farmhouse – Farmhouse design is definitely an interesting concept in terms of kitchen design. Look for white to be the color of choice for many cabinets, walls, and backsplashes. The sink will be a stand out here. Butcherblock countertops are an excellent option for farmhouse style kitchens because they offer a natural appeal with excellent functionality. Open shelves, and glass cabinet elements let you see dishes and pieces that otherwise would be hidden, giving this a more vibrant feel.

Photo Courtesy of Houzz

Industrial – Here is a concept that can sometimes be mistaken for modern. Industrial kitchen design utilizes stainless steel for appliances, countertops, and other areas. Lighting fixtures may be described as steampunk. Look for open floor plans, high ceilings, multifunction countertops with seating, and large sinks in an industrial style kitchen. Think very expansive, as function is paramount, but not without large open space and concepts that look more at home in a restaurant than your average family home. This is a tough one to pull off at times, but can be done with the right attention to the minor details.

While you can change the cabinets and appliances, there’s so much more to a kitchen remodeling project than just throwing around a sledgehammer and coating new walls with paint. Your custom kitchen must be functional whether you want to entertain or you simply want to have something inspirational for when you cook. Your remodeled kitchen doesn’t have to fit into any specific mold. It has to fit your needs and your individual tastes.

Morningside - Transitional Craftsman

Why Your Current Kitchen May Not Be Enough and What You Can Do About It

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Whether you buy a home or build one from the ground up, you may find that as your family grows your need for space increases. One of the areas where this tends to be most apparent is the kitchen. A small kitchen is especially inconvenient if you like to entertain guests now and then. You will find that a lot of bottlenecking occurs, especially if you have to open the fridge door while others are moving around. Sometimes, a compact kitchen looks neat or fits with the design of the house. In more practical terms however, less is definitely not more.

Reworking Your Design

Once you realize that there are space limitations you are off to a good start. Two of the key points to keep in mind are the layout and accessibility. After you come up with a rough plan, you can start to think about lighting. The next big item will be storage and the choice of kitchen cabinets. For a truly modern kitchen, you should consider installing an island. This will give you so much more flexibility and not just in terms of design, but also with your storage and meal preparation. Take some time to think about where you will put all you appliances. You may be surprised to learn how changing the placement can improve the flow of your kitchen space.

Morningside - Transitional Craftsman

Reclaiming Exterior Space

Naturally, designing a better kitchen should not mean sacrificing space inside your home and making other areas feel cramped. So if you want a bigger kitchen, you will have to look to the outdoors. If your home has a porch adjacent to the kitchen, this can make your remodeling plans a bit easier. Convert this space to expand the kitchen, as this might be easier than removing an entire wall and putting in a new foundation. We would, however, need to ensure the structural stability of the new kitchen addition before proceeding with the remodel.

Improving the Features

A kitchen expansion project will call for alterations to the placement of lighting fixtures and the installation of new ones. Adding recessed shelves can make your new kitchen even roomier. Inset cabinets are becoming more popular as they help to create a sleeker look, and make more effective use of space. If you are planning for a bigger kitchen, take the extra step of modernizing the space in the process. We will call in an electrician as needed to ensure all of the work is up to code and properly and efficiently done.

Druid Hills - Classic Transitional

At Renewal Design-Build, we can assess your kitchen space needs and help you come up with the right plan for a renovation. Small changes are not enough when your kitchen is too small. You need a comprehensive plan for improvement, and a contractor capable of delivering on that plan. Allow us to show you some amazing ways to renovate your kitchen and make the most of the surrounding living areas.

Atlanta Kitchen Remodel

Choosing Complementary and Contrasting Colors for your Kitchen

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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.

What to Look for when Hiring a Professional Renovation Contractor

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Renewal.Wagner_15

Make sure you find the right design-build firm before hiring a contractor to do your renovation. When looking for a contractor to handle your home remodeling project, you must have certain points in mind. It isn’t always easy to find the best contractor for the job; that’s why you’re here, after all, right?

Renewal Design-Build is located in Decatur, Georgia and services the intown Atlanta area. Today’s blog post is going to focus on what you need to look for when hiring a design-build firm or a contractor for your renovation.

The Qualifications

You should find out what makes the contractor qualified to offer this type of service. The kind of training they had is important. You should also look into whether they are licensed to provide these services. Your local building authority or professional building associations in your area will be able to provide you with information on the license a contractor needs to offer home remodeling in your area.

Their Experience

How long a person has been doing a job is important, especially if the renovation project will be a large one. Find out how many projects they have worked on in the past that are similar to yours. Better yet, if possible, see if they have any knowledge about the types of housing in your area. Local contractors will understand the requirements for getting building permits for any work that needs to be done.

Look for a contractor or a design-build firm with a nice website. An updated website shows that they are on top of their game and still competitive in the business world. They should also have some pretty magnificent pictures on their website. Look for before and after renovation pictures to gauge how well they do their job.

Type of Insurance

Since accidents can happen when performing home renovation jobs, it is important that any contractor you use has the right type of insurance such as liability and workers compensation. Look for someone who is licensed, bonded, and insured.

Get Referrals

This old favorite still remains a good way to find the right contractor. Referrals from family members and friends are particularly important as these people are unlikely to steer you in the wrong direction. Instead of just taking written referrals, you should call and talk to the persons named. You should also consider checking reviews on reputable websites to see what past clients have to say. Web sites such as guildquality.com and kudzu.com are good sites to check for client reviews for any remodeler you decide to use.

Get a Contract

Get a written contract and make sure that all the details of the job as well as agreed upon cost and timelines are included. The more complex the job the more details there should be in the contract, such as the types of materials to be used.

Once you have the factors that will help you to narrow your list of potential contractors, you can go about finding the right person for the job. Just as important as the decision to remodel your house is the proficiency of the contractor who will be doing the work.

For more information about remodeling your home in Atlanta, contact us at Renewal Design-Build.

Ansley Park Transitional

A High End Kitchen Renovation that Won’t Leave You Feeling Burned

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Ansley Park Transitional

I could talk for days about how incredible our designers and builders are here at Renewal Design-Build, but I believe our work speaks for itself. Many of our kitchen remodels have received the Chrysalis Award (2013), the 2012 Silver OBIE Award for Residential Remodeling Best Addition, among other prestigious awards. Our designs have been featured on television shows, and our clients are always thrilled with the completed project. Please view our portfolio to see before and after photos of the amazing remodeling projects we’ve previously done.

Designing an award-winning kitchen takes time, patience, and no small amount of expertise. Our design team is absolutely incredible, and they leave no avenue unexplored. They work with you to ensure that your every wish is fulfilled regarding your new kitchen.

Our kitchen designs wouldn’t be as amazing without our expert team of builders. Our builders take their time to review the 3D renderings and study the plans for each kitchen build before any work begins. They make sure to get all questions and concerns out of the way before the beginning of the project, that way there are no surprises along the way.

Our teams work so well together that the entire project feels seamless. The homeowners we work with report that their experience with us was like no other they’ve ever experienced. They feel as if they are our only client, even when they know they aren’t. Our overall client care approach is designed to put the client first in everything we do.

Ansley Park Transitional

Allow us the opportunity to work with you to design your new custom kitchen. You will be responsible for choosing the basic design that our designers will embellish on, the materials that our builders will use, and the finishing touches that will make your kitchen shine. In the end, your kitchen will be award-worthy just as many of the other kitchens in our online portfolio.

We’re very proud to have been able to work with some amazing clients in the Decatur and greater Atlanta area. We’ve met people who know exactly what they want and give us the creative freedom to perfect on their vision. We’ve also met people who have several great ideas, but aren’t quite sure if those ideas can be made into a usable kitchen. We do everything within our power to make sure their kitchen exceeds their expectations.

We enjoy working with homeowners to bring their kitchen dreams to life. If you’re remodeling your existing home, or building a new home, and are interested in hiring us to design and build your custom kitchen, please give us call. We will set up an appointment that works with your schedule and discuss your design and build needs.

Compromising Between Light and Storage in the Kitchen

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kitchen-renovation

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.

Glass-Front Cabinets Create an Open and Airy Feel in the Kitchen

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kitchen remodeling

Renewal Design Build

Kitchen cabinets are one of the largest investments you can make in your kitchen, so it’s important that they are visually appealing and of high quality.  If the cabinets in your home are looking dated or if you need a new cabinet layout to make your kitchen more usable, we recommend you consider incorporating glass-front cabinets in your design.

Glass front cabinets allow you to show off your fine china, glassware, and favorite kitchen accessories instead of hiding them behind wooden cabinet doors. Any use of glass within the kitchen is also a fantastic way to increase the perception of space, giving the kitchen a more airy and open feel. Using glass front cabinets for a peninsula is also a great way to open up the kitchen to the adjoining room, not to mention that it helps to let in additional light.

You have some flexibility in the glass you choose for your cabinet front. If you like the look of glass and the extra light and airiness it brings to a kitchen, but don’t want to worry about keeping your cabinets looking untouched all the time, frosted, fluted or reeded glass helps to add a textured look that also obscures the contents.  Stained glass can also make a beautiful front to your cabinets while hiding what you store inside.  You can also opt for clear glass on a particular set of cabinets, like those above the stove or fridge, where you showcase items you love but don’t use very often.

Glass-front cabinetry is also a great way to add light to the kitchen.  Installing recessed lighting in the cabinets will showcase the contents of a clear glass-fronted cabinet and it will allow extra light into the kitchen through any glass cabinet door.  Some homeowners have even opted to put glass front cabinetry in front of picture windows, allowing you to see all the way through the cabinet to the outdoors.

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen in the Atlanta area, contact us at Renewal Design-Build at 404-378-6962.

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.

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