Keeping Up with Kitchen Trends

These kitchen trends will be sure to withstand the ever-changing styles each year. No matter your design/remodeling preference, customizing these ticket items can guarantee a kitchen you’ll love time and again.

Classic White Kitchen

There’s a reason white kitchens are everywhere, but that doesn’t mean each one is the same. Depending how you dress it up, your white kitchen can look different than your neighbors. The main takeaway is that white isn’t going anywhere, and if you want a versatile vibe throughout time, then build on the basics of a white kitchen. 

Timeless Subway Tile

After many decades, subway tile is still here to stay, so why not have it in your home? Subway tile works with any color, any kitchen, and any budget. You can even style it in any pattern. The way it is placed introduces personality that other more decorative tiles may automatically elicit, but subway tile is subtle and a survivor to temporary contenders.

Shaker Style Cabinets

Sometimes simplicity is key, especially when it comes to cabinetry. Shaker style cabinets are the staple for farmhouse kitchens, but when paired with your choice of hardware, they can seamlessly blend with any aesthetic. 

Whether or not shaker is the style for you, being sure to customize your cabinetry guarantees a cleaner countertop and an easier lifestyle. Encasing appliances as built-ins or creating pantry storage will be a kitchen trend that never ceases to fade. 

A Well-Lit Island

We spend a lot of time in our kitchens simply preparing food or entertaining guests. Since the function of the kitchen will always remain the same, the need for space will also stay in high demand. When it comes to incorporating a kitchen island, dividing ample room for additional workspace and barstool seating makes for a stunning multi-purpose item that’s only missing its spotlight. 

Pendant lighting paired with an island is a popular way to dress up your kitchen across the decades. As for what style to initially choose, that’s up to you. Better yet, lighting can be easily installed and replaced, so when you find a style you want to swap in, there’s nothing standing in the way of your perfect pendant.

For more kitchen remodeling ideas that will keep up with the ever-changing trends , follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Pinterest.

What You Need To Know Before Taking On a Kitchen or Bath Remodel

Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in the house. Whether savoring your home for a while longer or selling your home in the near future, remodeling these two rooms drive costs up. Cost of your home that is. 

Remodeling is always an exciting feat when your design comes to life, but what about all the time, work, and waiting that lie in between the start of the project and the finished result? Well, that’s what we’re here to shed light upon. 

Finding Alternatives 

For both kitchen and bathroom remodels, the client has to make sacrifices during the duration of the remodel that apply seldom to other areas of the home. When renovating the kitchen, be prepared to set up camp for prep and meals elsewhere in the house or be open to dining out. 

As for the bathroom, depending on how many baths the home has, you may be safe. If you’re renovating your only full bath, however, finding an alternative place to shower is one mission in store. 

Putting Costs Into Perspective

In terms of cost, the national average of remodeling the kitchen and bathroom are $40,000 and $20,000 respectively. These costs do not reflect changing the layout of either space, and for some homeowners, changing the layout is necessary to increase the room’s efficiency and functionality.  

A good rule of thumb is to spend between 5%-10% of your home’s current value on a bathroom remodel. Guest baths fall on the lower end of the range while investing in a master should be around if not at the top end of the cap.

When determining the cost of either space, rerouting plumbing or electrical can quickly increase the budget but can be worth the extra investment for greater practicality.  

Where to Splurge in the Bathroom

Making final selections for the bathroom can be difficult, but with some guidance, you can be and stay on the right track. Choices worth an additional expense include dual vanities and heated flooring in the master or any additional storage opportunities in either bath. 

In terms of finishes, avoid natural stones for countertops or shower tile, for they can easily fall out of budget. Natural stones require more maintenance than less expensive porcelain, however, can be used within a niche if absolutely desired.    

Where to Splurge in the Kitchen

Getting the most out of your kitchen is a must when investing in a redesign. The best way to determine where to splurge in the kitchen is to evaluate how the kitchen should function for the family. Tailoring choices to your lifestyle will greatly benefit the ease and efficiency of the space. 

Overall, investing in cabinetry can be universally recommended. Bringing cabinets up to the ceiling grants additional storage and the illusion of a taller space. Choosing a quartz or granite countertop can also be beneficial in withstanding time and toughness.    

The most important piece of advice for any homeowner looking to invest in a kitchen or bath remodel is to personalize your space. If the investment is for resale purposes within a 1-2 year time span, personal preferences may find their way onto the back burner, but are crucial for homeowners seeking to stay.

With a little research of local contractors and some time perfecting your design, you’re sure to have a home you’ll love for rest or resale. Want to learn more about the design/build space? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Remodeling Before The Holidays

Preparing for the holiday season means preparing the house for feasts, guests, and endless amounts of decor. Truth be told, who doesn’t want to show off their house during the holidays, especially after a long overdue remodel? Remodeling before the holidays may sound scary, but it’s actually one of the best times to take on a project, and here’s why!

First Impressions

You may have previously hosted your family and friends for the holidays, so their first impression has already been made, but what about their second first impression? Imagine guests entering into your brand new foyer, completely unaware of your upgrade until they walk through the front door. They’re impressed! Renovating your front entryway is the best way to welcome guests into your home. It’s the first impression that they make of your space, so why not make it a good one!

Kick start The Kitchen

You’ve already kicked off your shoes in your brand new foyer and are off to a solid start. In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, show your kitchen some love too. You can renovate your kitchen all at once or a little bit at a time, taking the pressure away from a rushed remodel.

While working up to a whole new upgrade, a great way to get started is by replacing appliances. A builder can help design your kitchen before any major purchases, as to predict what appliances will fit. With a new kitchen comes new or newly-painted cabinets! No matter how small or large, kitchen renovations can transform your home for the holidays and more to come.

More People, More Powder Rooms

It’s inevitable that when you host for the holidays, you host for the whole family. Don’t let space be a struggle. Add a new powder room or update your existing one to be more accommodating for an excess amount of guests. Even when your guests leave, you have an additional space for current use and a return on investment for future prospects!  

Little Demolition, Big Impact

We all know that sightlines can be important in a home, especially when you are entertaining or have little ones running around. With a little demolition, walls come down, and your space opens up, creating an ease of access between rooms. You’ll no longer miss out on conversations while cooking once your open concept space takes shape.

The holidays are a time for friends, family, food, and fantastic homes. So what are you waiting for? Pick your project today, and give us a call! We can’t wait to transform your home for the holidays!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for our latest projects and postings.   

RemodelWerks Residential Addition Awarded Master Design Award by Qualified Remodeler

RemodelWerks, LLC, a premier Design/Build, remodeling firm in Shrewsbury, MA, has been awarded yet another industry award. The company received a 2019 Qualified Remodeler Master Design Award. The Master Design Awards highlight innovative design solutions that help produce exceptional remodeling projects.

Each year, Qualified Remodeler receives hundreds of entries from companies across the country for its Master Design Awards. In partnership with the NARI Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards and the Chrysalis Awards the publication accepted some of the best projects in the history of the program.

RemodelWerks received the Master Design Award for it’s work on a Residential Addition which was completed in Medfield, MA. This addition was recognized for its seamless design. It was created to look as if it had always belonged while simultaneously improving the flow and function of the home.

Along with the exterior addition, the kitchen was completely gutted and remodeled. The new kitchen design is a complex, full overlay, wood grain cabinet that greatly improves storage for the bustling family and now provides them with a new dining room for entertaining family and friends. The custom island in the kitchen was specifically designed for the kids of the family. This is a place the children can gather, have breakfast, do homework and hang out with their friends. This area also doubles as an ideal entertainment area for when the adults are hosting gatherings.

“It has been a great year for the RemodelWerks team,” says Joseph Kupstas, President and Founder of RemodelWerks. “It is an honor to receive this award and to be recognized for our hard work.”

RemodelWerks, LLC is a premier 3D design, custom building and remodeling firm in Shrewsbury, MA. Since 2012, RemodelWerks has been specializing in all aspects of interior and exterior design and remodeling on residential and commercial projects. RemodelWerks provides exceptional customer service and a superior five-year guarantee on all its work. Visit the RemodelWerks website for a full list of services. https://remodelwerksllc.com/

MASTERING A MAJOR REMODEL

Whether renovating an ensuite bath, a kitchen, or the whole home, we’re here to help you master your remodel. From quick tips on how to spend your down time, to advice on living amid each project, by the end of this read, you’ll know exactly how to master a major remodel.

Find The Right Professional:

Before accidentally knocking down a load bearing wall yourself, connect with a trusted professional that understands your needs and provides consistent, superior customer service. Ask yourself, does the company go above and beyond to ensure the experience you deserve? With our team of designers, we digitally render a space in both existing and proposed conditions for our clients to visualize their space before the start of construction. With our process, we make the remodeling experience a breeze and even provide a five-year guarantee on all of our work. No matter the company you choose, make sure it’s a company you can trust throughout your project.

Next Steps – Prepping For Your Remodel:

After finding the right professional for you, don’t be afraid to be proactive and ask questions. When undergoing a renovation, preparation is everything. Before lifting a finger, or rather a hammer, make sure to confirm your design plans and selections to avoid any surprises. There’s no better time to double-check finishes or furnishings that are staying put than before construction begins. As soon as your design is confirmed, you’re ready to roll.

Almost There – Conquer Living With Construction:

With all remodels, there’s always an adjustment period. You’ll need to be ready to optimize the function of the spaces you have to accommodate the spaces that are under construction. This means leveraging half baths and showering at the gym – or leveraging a full bath if available. As for kitchen renovations, find a temporary outlet for a microwave and remember all good things take time. In the end, all your preparations and minor adjustments will be worth the wait of your brand-new renovated space.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy

The best part of undergoing a remodel is looking back to see how far your space has come. So take pictures, embrace the process, and indulge in your new home. You can finally sit back and relax because you will have mastered your remodel.

Continue to follow us here for more insight on how to successfully remodel your home. Also, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for tons of before and after pictures, tips and tricks, and more.

House Tour – Residential Addition

You have seen bits and pieces of this residential addition on our social media pages, today, we have decided to give you the full project and its story. This award-winning project came together through a collaboration with a local architect. We created a sleek, modern addition that stayed true to the original style and construction of the house.

The clients, a busy family of five, wanted the addition to appear as if it had always been there. Along with the exterior addition, the kitchen was completely remodeled. The new kitchen design is a complex, full overlay, wood grain cabinet design that greatly improves storage and provides a new dining room for entertaining guests.

The separate island design, adjacent to the kitchen was designed specifically so the children of the family can enjoy breakfast, do homework and hang out with their friends. The area also doubles as an ideal entertainment area for when the adults host family and friends’ gatherings.

We love all aspects of this residential addition but our favorite parts include all of the storage space. For example, this coffee bar and these shelves for cookbook storage.

Another great part of this residential addition is the entry way. Everything has its place, shoes, coats, keys, you name it.

Lastly, we must call out the dining area and the living room. There is so much room for guests to gather and enjoy each other’s company.  

We are so proud of this award-winning residential addition and are so happy we were able to meet our client’s needs!

Be sure to follow us on social media for more photos of this project and many more: Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

How to Successfully Remodel YOUR Kitchen

The kitchen is typically where you’ll see the highest financial return on your investment, putting time and money into this room makes sense. When remodeling a kitchen, it is important focus on functionality as well as making the space beautiful. Here are our suggestions for remodeling your kitchen to fit your needs.

What Are You Going to Do in The Room?

Of course, you will be cooking, but that’s not all. Before remodeling, create a list of how else you will use the room. Do you want to entertain and have your guests gather in the kitchen? Consider a large island with plenty of seating. Do you love your morning coffee? Maybe a coffee bar is a worthy addition.

Sneaky Storage

In our opinion, you can never have enough storage places. When designing your cabinets, consider how you will want to store your items and appliances. Find a cabinet designer who can suggest ideas for hiding your appliances but also make them easily accessible for when you need them!

Add Personal Touches

Your kitchen is most likely a room you and your family will spend a lot of time in, make sure you make it a place you want to be! You can do this by adding personal touches to the room, displaying a piece of art or your favorite cookbook is a great place to start.

Don’t Forget Lighting!

The kitchen is a room where lighting is crucial. Lighting helps show off your design elements and helps you see when using sharp tools. For your kitchen, evaluate the work areas and focus on providing each spot with the light it needs. Consider adding lighting directly above all the main work areas.

Whether you’re considering simple updates to your kitchen or a complete remodel be sure to take the time to focus on functionality and making it a beautiful place for you and your family to gather!

Shrewsbury Homeowner asks: Laminate, Natural, or Engineered Stone Countertops?

Granite countertops are still the most popular choice among homeowners doing kitchen remodels. Even though many other options exist on today’s market, the natural charm and uniqueness of granite slabs continue to wow homeowners and potential homebuyers alike.

5 Ways to Tell If Your Kitchen Needs a Remodel

 

Have you been putting off a kitchen remodel for a long time? Are you in need of some definite signs that your kitchen is in desperate need of renovation? Here are 5 ways to tell if your kitchen really needs a remodel.

Insufficient Storage Space

Are items stacking up on counters or other surfaces that you need for meal prep and other tasks? This probably means you have insufficient storage space in your kitchen. There are plenty of budget solutions, such as built-in “floating” shelves or finding organization products at your local home goods store to take better advantage of the space. But when there simply isn’t enough space, the cabinetry layout may need significant altering, meaning a remodel is in store.

Bad Workflow

Finding yourself bumping into appliances or counters or even a table in the middle of your kitchen just trying to do everyday tasks? One of the most important aspects of kitchen design is the “work triangle.” This means that there should be a clear triangular path between the sink, the cooktop, the refrigerator, and back to the sink. If some aspect of your kitchen is interrupting this flow, or there’s insufficient space to move around, it may be time to consult a kitchen design expert to find solutions to this problem.

Poor or Insufficient Lighting

Some kitchens simply do not have sufficient lighting in them. There are LED bulbs now that can simulate daylight at very low wattage, so you can actually get more light power out of a single bulb that you would traditionally get with two or even three. But perhaps the existing fixtures aren’t enough. They may be poorly placed, the wrong type of lighting for the type of room you have, or just simply no longer your style or out of date. If so, it’s time for a kitchen remodel because that’s really the only way to change their location.

Cabinets Showing Signs of Wear and Tear

If you have cabinets that were bought from a budget kitchen depot or local big box store, chances are that you’re starting to experience problems with them if you’ve had them for a long time. Perhaps the doors are jamming, closing incorrectly, or not closing at all. It may just mean you need new door hinges. If you need brand new doors, redooring may be an option, but that can cost as much as new mid-priced cabinets. Unless you have super good cabinet frames, it may be worth seeing if it’s better off just replacing them altogether.

Loose or Leaking Fixtures

Is your kitchen faucet leaking and causing water spots on your counter or around the faucet area? Perhaps it works fine, but seems wiggly or loose. Have you noticed peeling sealant, mold, or water damage around the sink basin? What about the pipes underneath the sink. Do you even go under there? If those are leaking, loose, or showing other damage, you likely need a kitchen remodel in that area at the very least.

Using Zones in Kitchen Design

You may have heard of the work triangle when it comes to kitchen design. Recently, there has been a new design trend to use zones in kitchens. This shift in design philosophy is more of an extension than a replacement for older methods. The placement of appliances, counters, and work areas are as important as ever. Kitchens have become more multi-functional in recent years. So zones are an excellent way to improve the flow and efficiency of your kitchen. Read more