Bathroom Remodel

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This Guest Bath remodel in Sacramento was a lot of fun.  I was lucky to work with this client and help capture the modern updates that she desired for the space.  The simple additions we made had a huge impact on the space.  From the wood look of the tile floor, the white floating shelves, the side mount wall sconces, and the solid surface marble swirl countertop, she went from dull and worn out, to high-end and luxurious.  A special thanks to Ricky Ashmun for his amazing photography skills!  He really helped capture the clean lines and modern aspects of the design. 

How much should I spend on my kitchen?

Pin It About 50% of the clients I work with have no idea what to spend on a remodel. They've been shopping around various places asking about product, doing online research, and falling in love with the endless options; only to be shocked when the final project price is determined. 

I have always been taught that the budget should be established right away. This way your designer or interior specialist knows what you have to work with and which products to show you. But what should the client tell their designer? What if they say too little and get embarrassed? 

As far as budget goes, you should plan to spend between 5% and 15% of your current home value. If you spend less than 5% you most likely are not getting product that represents your home's true value and quality, not to mention is VERY difficult to do. This will most likely disappoint buyers and affect future resale value. 

Now, to the contrary, spending more than 15% could cause you to lose money in the long run. However, a lot of people who remodel are newly retired or just want their home to be what they want. Perhaps they are never going to leave and will not settle for the basic options. For those clients, the percentage of their purchase compared to home value does not matter. 

Like most things, there are exceptions to the rules. I hope this helps some of you in determining if and when to remodel!

AKBD certification announcement!

Pin It I came home the other day to find a box addressed to me from the NKBA.  I was ecstatic when I opened it to find my certification award!  So here it is! 

Kitchen Remodel

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Elk Grove Kitchen Remodel

2013

Thomasville Cabinetry

When I met this client she was very excited to do a kitchen remodel. The house was built in the late 80's and definitely needed some updates.

Concepts:

-Create an open floor plan with an island large enough to seat four or five family members comfortably
-Transitional design features that would appeal to both the husband and wife
-Provide plenty of counter space, and storage

The open floor plan concept for this space was a must!  The peninsula was awkwardly placed and created a work space only suitable for one cook at a time.  Luckily my client was willing to omit the dining room table in this room which really allowed us to expand. We created an 8' x 3.5' island, which my client LOVED the thought of. You could prep dinner, entertain a few guests, and watch the grand children do homework all in the same area!

In designing kitchens for husbands and wives, we often run into them having different tastes in what their "perfect kitchen" would look like. That was the situation with this client. Though you would never know since they were very understanding of each others needs; Especially the husband, knowing this was his wife's dream kitchen. So, we incorporated a couple of traditional features within this space, such as the carved island legs, and the solid surface counter tops to compliment her husband's more traditional style.

The counter space in this kitchen was enough for two kitchens! From expanding the kitchen layout into the dining area, we were able to incorporate two different counter heights which expanded the work space, and a ton of additional storage in the island and surrounding cabinets.

A few of my favorite features in this kitchen were the custom window coverings and sliding panels for the sliding glass door. As well as the two different counter top materials which helped to separate the task areas while offering different performance features to suit any user's needs.

It is the best compliment a designer can get when they say to this day, "I still can't believe this is our kitchen".

Craft Room

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Craft Room 

2013

Thomasville Cabinetry

This client came to me with a blank slate.  She had just had plans drawn from a residential architect and needed to create the craft room she had always wanted.  Everything she had collected over the years had been in storage boxes for way too long.  Her boxes which were hidden in the attic, lacked the display and organization that they deserved!  Those of you who are avid craftspeople completely understand her dilemma!

Concepts:

-To provide tons of storage of different types for maximum organization capability

-Showcase decorative baskets and accessories which inspire her creativity

-Feature a large amount of counter space for quilting and large machinery

My solution to the storage dilemma without making the space feel cluttered with cabinets and more cabinets, was for each wall to have visual interest while maximizing storage space.  As you walk into the room, on the left side we feature a desk area with decorative bookshelves, miniature drawers for small items, wall space large enough for a cork board or other display, and a knee space area for a laptop or scrapbooking activity. 

In the center of the room is a large "kitchen size" island for my client's large quilting equipment.  The use of four large cabinets with roll out trays and shelves  underneath the massive countertop work space, allows her to store this large machinery without taking away from the visual appeal of the space.

On the wall to the right, we created an organizer's haven!  From tall bookcases, to floating shelves to showcase her decorative baskets and stacks of fabric.  With base cabinetry featuring a blind corner lazy susan cabinet, to more drawers, more shelves!

And of course, how can we forget the beautiful Thomasville Whiskey Black finish on Cherry Wood Cabinetry, and Crema Bordeaux Granite countertops.  Not too often do you oooh and ahh over a craft room countertop....but this one sure does deserve it.  

Elk Grove Bath Remodel

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Elk Grove Bath Remodel

2013

Decora Cabinetry

With this client I had the wonderful opportunity of working with her a second time on another remodel for her Elk Grove home.  Except this time, instead of her kitchen we were working on her guest bathroom.  Of course her home came with standard "builder grade" oak cabinets, a fiberglass tub and surround, and vinyl flooring which she was very anxious to change.

Concepts:

-Create the relaxing feeling of a "Cloudy Day At The Beach"

-Visually enlarge the small space

-Maintain a classic style with subtle modern accents

In order to recreate the feeling of being bundled up in a sweater on a family vacation with an overcast sky above, we focused on using a weathered greenish-gray cabinet color; very similar to wood siding on a house that faces the ocean after years of being exposed to salt water and ocean air.  The Corian countertop material selected has subtle swirls of sand and rocks; porcelain tile for the walls and floor had a "natural stone style and texture, both products giving the low maintenance features my client desired.  

To visually enlarge the space we used a soft silvery blue color for the walls, and a cool white ceiling.  This creates minimal contrast and gives the feeling a taller, larger space.  The main tile for the walls and floor was also light and not overstated.  

There were several accents in this bathroom which really helped capture my client's classic style.  A modern natural stone mosaic tile, featured a combination of weathered gray, green, soft beige, brown, and white which pulled all of the colors in the space together.  Floating shelves modernized the traditional style of the cabinetry, while offering a place to feature her sepia colored family photos from the many wonderful memories they have had together at the beach.  

This classic bathroom design will surely stand the test of time.

Oil Painting~After the Rain

Pin It My Brother-In-Law and his Fiancé Wendy, on their trip to Hawaii gave me several photographs to paint. Though this was not of the ocean, it still caught my eye because of the beauty of the clouds and the sun peeking over the mountain.