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Ask These 4 Questions before Completing the Design on Your New Pantry

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Designing a pantry can seem pretty straightforward until you get it completed and realize that you can’t open the door. Yes, it has happened, and no, it was not a pretty sight! We don’t want you to have these same issues after your new pantry is installed, so we thought that we would come up with a list of questions that you should ask yourself.

Here are 4 questions that you should ask yourself before you complete the design on your new pantry:

Which way do I want my door to open?

As we said above, this is a very important question to ask. After all, if you want it to open in the pantry, you are not going to want to install shelves or counters that will block the door from opening. We like to solve this issue by installing sliding doors so that you don’t even need to give this a second thought!

Will I have enough light?

You may think that you will have enough light inside your pantry with the light from your kitchen, but have you considered how dark it can be later in the day or early in the morning? You may want to consider adding some light in there just in case because you can never have too much light. The worse case scenario is that you will never use it, but we bet you will.

How will I reach the items on the top shelves?

You may be young and spry now, but as you get older you won’t be able to jump up to reach everything on those top shelves. And your tall spouse might not be home every time you need something either. A small step stool can be tucked into a corner in smaller pantries, or a ladder on a sliding rail can be installed in larger ones.

How should I arrange my shelves?

We always recommend arranging your shelves so that the items that you use the most are easily accessible. After that, we suggest placing like items together. You will want to make sure that your shelves are not too deep so that you can see everything that is in your pantry.

Kitchen Remodeling in Atlanta

These are the basic questions that you should ask before designing your pantry space. There are others and your contractor can help you with those as you are going through the process. Your goal should be to make this space easy for you to use, so that you enjoy being in your kitchen as you cook and entertain family and friends. Call us at 404-378-6962 if you’re in the greater Atlanta area and would like to schedule a kitchen design appointment with one of our award-winning designers.

6 Unique Items that Can Be Your Next Bathroom Vanity

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We are going to guess that you have a basic vanity in your bathroom and that it has a sink and a counter on top with drawers and doors on the bottom. Well, don’t you think that it is time to do something dramatic in your bathroom and make a statement with a new unique vanity? Nearly any other piece of furniture can be turned into a vanity with the right amount of imagination and skill!

Here are 6 unique items that can be your next vanity:

Art Cabinets, Map Cabinets, or Blueprint Cabinets

All these cabinets have lots of shallow drawers, but the size is perfect for holding two sinks on top. The drawers may need to be customized for them to be usable to fit your needs, but it may be worth it for the look that it provides in your bathroom.

Antique Desk

Most antique desks served the same purpose as current desks, as they were meant to be sat at to do work. Well, these desks work fabulously as a vanity, because the center is open for the plumbing and the drawers on the sides work well for storage.

File Cabinets

Attaching numerous filing cabinets together and topping them with a countertop and sinks can create a beautiful yet rustic vanity. The drawers are deep enough to provide ample storage in your bathroom and if you place enough next to each other, the length allows for ample surface space as well.

Sideboard

A sideboard or buffet piece is normally found in a dining room, but it can complement your bathroom wonderfully. Have a sink installed on top, by simply setting it on top, and have the faucet come out of the wall, so that the sideboard does not get damaged.

Console Table

A console table does not always need to be delegated to the living room, hallway, or entry hall. Most of these tables have an open shelf on the bottom, which is perfect for storing towels or baskets filled with everyday items. The drawers can also be used for storage and you can choose whether to install one or two sinks, depending on the size of the table.

Chest of Drawers

If you suddenly find that you have too many chests of drawers in your home, or you find the perfect one in a thrift store, you can use it in your bathroom as a vanity. You can insert a sink and faucet and then use the drawers for storage.

Bathroom Remodeling in Atlanta

These are only a few of the unique vanity options that are available for you to use in your bathroom. We are sure that you can find other objects to use as well if you think outside of the box and use your imagination. Call us at 404-378-6962 if you’re in the greater Atlanta area and would like to schedule a bathroom design appointment with one of our award winning designers.

Choose the Perfect Kitchen Sink for Your Remodel

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You probably thought that out of all the features in your new kitchen, the sink would be the easiest to pick out. However, you most likely didn’t realize that there were so many styles, materials, colors, and shapes to choose from. It is almost enough to make a person like yourself run the other way while telling your contractor to put in something basic and white.

Let us make it a little easier for you and see if we can help you find the perfect kitchen sink for your remodel.

Size

You have a choice between one, two, or three basins for your new kitchen sink. A single basin in great for washing larger pots and pans, but it does make it difficult for multi-tasking at the same time. Two basin sinks are available with the basins being the same or different sizes. Everyone has a preference as to what they prefer, but they can all agree that they love the flexibility that the double basin offers. Not too many people have three basins, but those that do love the garbage disposal in the smaller third basin.

Shape

Most farmhouse sinks are single basins and they sit well below the countertop. This is perfect for shorter people and children, but numerous people choose this style because they see it and fall in love with it. The farmhouse sink is also available in a double basin, but it loses some of the charm of the original. Another popular option is a sink with rounded sides that either meets the countertop or sits on top of it. These sinks can be easier to clean than the ones with a straight edge. The last option is a sink with a built-in drainboard, and these are perfect for people who wash a lot of dishes by hand.

Material

Stainless steel used to be the most popular choice for sinks, as it has always been easy to clean and is quite durable. The only downside is that it can get scratched and water spots can be an issue if you live in an area with hard water. Porcelain offers a traditional look in many kitchens, but it can get scuffed and chipped easily. Granite is resistant to scratches and chips, plus it doesn’t show water spots. Therefore, it is becoming more popular nowadays as is natural stone like soapstone.

Now that you know more about kitchen sinks, you should be able to make a more informed decision about which one will be better for your new kitchen. We guarantee that you will find one that you will fall in love with and it will match your needs as well as the style and décor of your new space. Call us at 404-378-6962 if you’re in the greater Atlanta area and would like to schedule a kitchen design appointment with one of our award winning designers.

6 Items that Will Help You Create a Sleek and Modern Bathroom

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Have you been thinking about remodeling your bathroom to be sleek and modern? Well, we think that you will absolutely love it, because it will keep your new bathroom uncluttered and clean looking. Sleek and modern lines and decor have the ability to completely change the atmosphere in your bathroom. Here are 6 items that will help you create a sleek and modern bathroom:

Floating Vanity

A floating vanity will make your bathroom look larger while also making it look more modern. An integrated sink-top is another wonderful choice, because they are easy to keep clean and clutter free.

Neutral Colors

Neutral colors including gray, taupe, and white will enhance the lines of the items that you use in your sleek and modern bathroom. You can also warm up these neutral colors with a wood with a subtle grain, so that your space doesn’t feel stark and cold.

Use the Same Materials

Using the same materials throughout your bathroom will help you create a cohesive feel in the entire space. This can include using the same stone on the walls and the floor, and the same wood for the accents.

Go Bold with a Dark Floor

While sleek and modern bathrooms are normally light, you may want to go bold and install a dark floor. A dark floor will be a contrasting feature against all those neutral colors, and your bathroom will feel more appealing. Plus, darker floors hide dust, debris, and small marks longer, so that they do not need to be cleaned as often. We know that cleaning your bathroom floors are not any closer to the top of your list than they are on ours!

Shower Glass Panels

Adding shower glass panels to your shower will make your bathroom look more modern as well as sleeker. The glass will make your bathroom look much larger since you can see right through it, unlike the shower curtain that blocks views and breaks up the space.

Add New Lighting

The newer LED lights add better lighting to your bathroom, instead of that yellow light from those old fluorescent lights from years ago. Before you screw in some new light bulbs though, you will want to replace your fixtures with some new modern ones that will match your new décor.

Atlanta Area Bathroom Remodeling

Once you add these six items to your bathroom, you will instantly find that it looks more sleek and modern. However, you do not need to stop with these. You can continue until you have the bathroom of your dreams that also works with the needs of your family. Call us at 404-378-6962 if you’re in the greater Atlanta area and would like to schedule a bathroom design appointment with one of our award winning designers.

Create a Warm and Cozy Kitchen this Winter

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Most of us do not mind spending time in our kitchens during the summer months because the bright outdoor light shines in making the space cheery and bright. However, the winter season brings dark and dreary days, so you may want to make some changes to your home décor in your kitchen to make it more inviting.

Here are 4 things that will help you create a warm and cozy kitchen this winter:

Use dark textiles

Using table linens, pillows, window treatments, and textured throws in autumn colors will create warmth in your kitchen. Softer details could include placemats in warm colors, smooth surfaces, and baskets of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Add butcher block

Butcher block is often found in farmhouses or homes that have a more rustic feel. If you have been considering installing new countertops, we recommend choosing butcher block. Butcher block countertops are quite durable, and actually, they look better as they continue to age. If you do not need a new countertop, you may want to consider a kitchen table constructed of butcher block instead.

Add color

You may want to change the wall color of one of your walls for the winter season by painting it a warm orange, red, or olive, as it would add a pop of color to you space. Of course, we understand that you may not want to do all that work for just a few months, so you could also hang some artwork that features rich warm colors. Other options that we recommend would include using decorations in warm colors and serving meals on darker color dishes.

Add indoor plants

Many houseplants do not need a lot of care, which is what makes them perfect for adding a little décor to a kitchen. While any type of houseplant is good, we recommend a little herb garden. You can place this on a windowsill or shelf near a window and have fresh herbs all winter long. The best part is that your kitchen will smell amazing.

Kitchen Remodeling in North Metro Atlanta

These four ideas will create a warm and cozy feel inside your kitchen, so that people will want to spend time in there. That is important, especially during the holidays, when you have family and friends over and you’re trying to get everything prepared for your get together. You won’t want to be alone in the kitchen and this way, you won’t have to.

Call us at 404-378-6962 if you would like to discuss your kitchen remodeling ideas with us. Our kitchen designers will work with you to create the perfect kitchen that meets your individual needs.

Consider the Future when Remodeling Your Bathroom

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You are going to get older, despite the fact that you may not want to. As you get older, you may find yourself clumsier, or you may find that you cannot do things the same ways that you used to. Therefore, we recommend that you make some small changes as you are remodeling your bathroom now, so that you will not need to worry about it in the future.

Here are 6 ideas for your bathroom that may be helpful in the future:

Install a Curbless Shower

Those tub and shower combinations can be a nuisance when you get older, as you may have difficulty getting over that large step as you are entering or exiting your shower. Therefore, we recommend installing a curbless shower during your bathroom remodel. Since there is no step to get over in these showers, they are perfect for older people or anyone who is on crutches or in a wheelchair.

Install a Shower Seat

A shower seat can be a lifesaver when you are not feeling well, but still need to take a shower. You may find that you use this seat often, even before you get older. Another item that works well with this option is a handheld showerhead, as you can take it down to use in the area where you are sitting. Install Grab Bars

Grab bars are different from those towel bars that you have in your bathroom now. These grab bars are much sturdier and can support your weight if you need assistance getting up from a seated position. We recommend installing them near your toilet, the entrance to your shower and tub, and even inside your shower.

Install a Raised Toilet Seat

A raised toilet seat can raise the seat of your toilet up approximately three to four inches. This will make it easier for you to sit and stand while using the bathroom. You can even purchase these with built-in grab bars.

Add Accessible Storage

Vanities can offer a lot of storage, but they will not be very helpful if you cannot bend down to reach anything. You may want to consider creating storage up higher, so that it is easily accessible in the future.

Install a Help Button or Telephone

The room in a house where the most accidents happen is the bathroom. While you could simply take your phone in there with you each time you go in, you know that the one time you forget it will be the time that you need it. We recommend installing a telephone or help button in your bathroom, and have it in a place where you can reach it easily. That way, you will be prepared if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation.

Bathroom Remodeling in North Metro Atlanta

We understand that you don’t need these items in your bathroom now, but if you install them all now, you won’t have to worry about doing it when the time comes. Plus, no one knows when they will find themselves injured and in need of assistance. Most of the time people with new lifestyle limitations are not allowed to leave the hospital for their home until certain adjustments have been made. Therefore, it you do it ahead of time, you will not be hanging out in the hospital waiting for your contractor to make the necessary changes. Instead, you can go home and use the items that you had the foresight to include in advance.

Call us at 404-378-6962 if you’re in need of an ADA-compliant designer and builder in north metro Atlanta. We’ll discuss your options and help you create a safe atmosphere for your loved one.

5 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for Aging in Place in Metro Atlanta

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We understand that you want to spend the rest of your life inside the home that you lived in with your family, which is why we encourage our clients to plan ahead when they are remodeling their kitchen. There are many features that you can incorporate into your new kitchen that will allow you to stay there for a very long time.

Here are kitchen 5 remodeling ideas that will help you as you are aging in your home:

Cabinets

Many cabinets have regular shelves, but we recommend replacing all those with roll out trays. These trays can increase your storage, while also making it easier to reach the items that are in the back. A lazy Susan can also help you stay organized in a corner cabinet and make it easier to find things without having to get down on your hands and knees.

Faucets

There are plenty of kitchen faucet options nowadays, but we recommend installing a lever type faucet in your newly remodeled kitchen. These faucets are easier to turn on than the ones with knobs.

Install an Induction Cooktop

It can be easy for an older person to forget what they are doing, especially in the kitchen, and most of those accidents include getting burned by a hot stovetop. We recommend taking your old cooktop out and installing an induction one instead. The induction cooktops only create heat underneath and right next to the pot, instead of the entire stovetop.

Create Additional Lighting

Being able to see clearly in your kitchen can help immensely as you age. You may want to consider under the cabinet lighting, so that you can see while prepping meals. Another option is adding lights near the floor, so that you can see during those middle of the night trips to the kitchen.

Add Anti-Slip Flooring

Not every flooring option is going to be slip-proof, so you will want to choose your materials wisely. If you do happen to choose a material that is more slippery than others, you will want to add a treatment that will make it slip-proof. That will prevent you from falling now and in the future.

Remodeling for Aging in Place in North Metro Atlanta

When you add these options during your kitchen remodel now, you are making it possible for you to stay in your home as you get older. There is no point is putting off the inevitable, as everyone needs assistance at some point, plus you will get to enjoy these options for much longer. After all, who doesn’t want to stop crawling on their hands and knees on their kitchen floor when they are digging deep into a cabinet for something? We are sure that you won’t miss having to do that now or in the future!

Call us at 404-378-6962 if you’re in the north metro Atlanta area and would like to discuss remodeling your home with the future in mind. We’re happy to go over ADA compliance information and a variety of kitchen design ideas with you.

4 Items that Will Instantly Transform Your Sleepy Bathroom

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Is your bathroom all white or does it only have the basic features? Those scenarios can cause anyone to feel sleepy and bored when they use their bathroom. Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to create a more exciting space inside your bathroom.

Here are 4 items that will instantly transform your sleepy bathroom:

Paint it a bold color

While the tile and fixtures inside your bathroom can be a neutral color or white, your walls do not have to be. You can safely choose bright and bold colors without needing to worry about it being too dark or gloomy. The only thing that you need to consider is that the hue that you choose will affect how your skin looks in the mirror when you are applying makeup.

Use wallpaper

If you are not in the mood to paint or you want a drastic change, then we recommend using wallpaper. Stripes, plaids, and checks can be used to make a room appear larger, while floral or abstract designs can help your bathroom feel more inviting. We recommend choosing a wallpaper that is moisture resistant, so that you do not need to replace it after a short amount of time due to moisture damage.

Add furniture

If you get dressed in your bathroom, you may want to consider placing a chair in that room to make it look and feel more comfortable. A small dresser or table can increase storage space, while also adding style.

Add artwork

There is no reason why you need to stick with small frames or completely avoid having artwork in your bathroom. We recommend choosing at least one larger piece of art, whether it is a picture or a sculpture. You will need to place it in a spot where it will not get wet, but it will turn your bathroom space into a conversation piece instantly.

Bathroom Remodeling in North Metro Atlanta

There is no reason why your bathroom should not make as much of a style statement as the rest of your home. We recommend that you consider these options above or any others that may turn your bathroom from a sleepy space into one that you love walking into. Call us at 404-378-6962 if you’re interested in redesigning and remodeling your bathroom.

Morningside Contemporary

Which is Best for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project – Open Floor Plan or Structured?

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Morningside Contemporary

When was the last time that you used your kitchen as simply a kitchen? Do you only spend time in there cooking, doing dishes, and eating your meals? Or do you find yourself in there as you are spending time with family and friends, opening your mail, paying your bills, and much more? Everyone uses their kitchen differently, which is why it is extremely important to determine what type of floor plan will work best with your lifestyle.

There are two types of kitchens – the open floor plan or the more structured floor plan.

Open Floor Plan

An open floor plan in your newly remodeled kitchen will give you plenty of space to spend time with whoever is in your home at any point in time. An open kitchen will allow you to look out into your living room or family room as well, so that everyone does not need to be in the kitchen as you are talking to them.

This means that if you are trying to keep an eye on your children as they are playing in the family room while you are preparing lunch or dinner, you can do it easily. You can also entertain and have parties without worrying about being closed off in a room, while your guests are enjoying themselves in another area of your home.

Structured Floor Plan

A structured kitchen is separate from the rest of your home, which can also be a very good thing. This type of kitchen allows you to have designated areas inside your home, which means that you will never use any of your spaces for anything but what they were designed for. You also will not need to worry about any food smells from your kitchen permeating through to the rest of your home. That fish from dinner will not travel down the hall to your home office or your bedroom, making you wish that you chose something different for dinner that night.

This type of kitchen is also nice for when you bring your work home from the office and attempt to finish it in the comforts of your family room. You can simply walk away from that work and not have it staring at you as you are enjoying a glass of wine and eating dinner with your family.

There is no right or wrong floor plan for your newly remodeled kitchen space as long as you create the one that will work best for you and your family. We recommend that as you are planning your new kitchen, you look ahead to the future and consider any changes that it may bring to your life, so that you can create a kitchen that will work for you in the long term.

When you’re ready to take the plunge and recreate your kitchen’s floor plan, 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.

Morningside Contemporary

Improve Your Galley Kitchen with These 5 Design Ideas

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Morningside Contemporary

Many people seem to dislike galley kitchens, but they are fantastic at allowing people to be efficient in their own kitchen. If you currently have a galley kitchen or are planning on creating this type of kitchen, you should be aware that this kitchen style lets you make the most out of limited space.

Of course, any kitchen can withstand improvements, so we want to recommend 5 design ideas that can make any galley kitchen even better:

Distance between Cabinets

How you plan on using your kitchen space and who will be cooking with you will determine the distance between all your cabinets. If you are the only one in the kitchen at meal time, you will want the cabinets placed closer together, so that you can reach anything within seconds. However, if your spouse or children are always cooking with you, your cabinets should be spaced further apart, allowing for a larger space in the middle of the room. This will allow everyone to have enough room as they are doing their portion of meal prep.

Create a More Open Space

If your galley kitchen opens up to your dining area, you will want to place shorter cabinets near that space and taller ones at the opposite end. This allows your kitchen and dining area to look much larger than it actually is.

Add Symmetry

Balance is important in your home, especially in the kitchen, so we recommend that you place tall units across from each other. For example, you will want your refrigerator and tall cabinets across from each other and then shorter cabinets across from your stove.

Keep the Light Flowing

We also recommend not placing taller items next to any of your kitchen windows. Any tall cabinets or appliances will block quite a bit of the natural light that is trying to flow into your kitchen.

Use Light Colors and Glossy Finishes

Painting your galley kitchen a lighter color and using a glossy finish will make your galley kitchen look and feel much larger than it is.

These are only a few of the ideas that can improve a galley kitchen, but they are the ones that will help the most. Your local contractor can help you find other ways to improve one of the mostly used spaces in your home, so that you can enjoy spending a lot of time in their once again.

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.

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