The Best General Contractors in Louisville

FROM GENERAL CONTRACTORS MAGAZINE! THANK YOU FOR THIS HONOR!

1) Wolford Built Homes

Website | 502.228.5885 | 7804 Springfarm Glen Drive PO Box 767 Prospect, KY 40059

Wolford Built Homes is one of Louisville’s premier luxury custom home builder and remodeler. The company was established in 1974 by Ron Wolford, a registered home builder that has built over 700 projects in Louisville and Northern Kentucky. He has won many awards including The Home Builders Association of Louisville’s Tour of Remodeled Homes “Best of” and was featured on the international TV show Cribs. The company’s homes have also been featured in Homearama and The Dream Factories’ “Dream House”, an 800-square foot traditional home with four bedrooms, four and a half baths, a master suite, a finished lower level and a three-car garage. The firm also received multiple awards from the Home Builders Association of Louisville including the 2012 Best Builder/Remodeler, Best Model Home, Best Remodeling Project Over $100k, and Best Home Design under $1.2M.

Throughout the years, the company remains one of the area’s finest luxury custom home builders that incorporates the latest trends in home design with traditional architecture and details perfectly blended with innovative technology.

https://www.generalcontractors.org/the-best-general-contractors-in-louisville-kentucky/

2018 Interior Design Trends

Get the lowdown on the colors, materials and other design decisions gaining steam now

Every year brings more options for materials, finishes and ideas to bring into our interiors. If you’re ready to try something new, consider the following design trends. We searched through Houzz data, popular photos and articles, and talked to designers for this snapshot of 22 things you’re likely to see more of in 2018.

Crisp Architects

1. Dedicated chopping and baking stations. Regular countertop height is fine for those casual weekly meals. But for larger, more involved recipes that require a lot of chopping, rolling or other strenuous maneuvers, a lower countertop is more ideal. That’s why some avid home cooks are gravitating toward dedicated chopping and baking stations that are often a continuation of a larger, standard-height island.

See how to create a dedicated baking station

2. Matte black finishes. Last year, satin brass made its takeover of kitchens. This year, look out for matte black in bathrooms as well as kitchens. Homeowners looking for a statement-making look that’s contemporary and complements a variety of materials and styles are embracing this tough, versatile finish. Companies like Moen, whose matte black finish is shown here, are expanding their products to include more options in the durable finish.

Find matte black hardware

Jeffrey Dungan Architects

3. More color in kitchens. White will always be a classic palette for kitchens, as the annual Houzz kitchen trends study continues to show. But its increased popularity means there’s going to be some all-white-kitchen fatigue as homeowners look for ways to personalize their space. So while white kitchens aren’t even close to going away, expect to see a rise in color for the kitchen, especially other neutrals like gray and blue. Plus, warm wood tones are becoming a popular replacement for painted cabinets, leading to sophisticated, rich palettes.

3 Modern Kitchens That Rock Warm Wood Cabinets

4. Antibacterial materials. Imagine a countertop that helps take care of that salmonella bacteria for you after preparing chicken for dinner. That’s the idea behind several materials presented at the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings (CERSAIE) in Italy back in September.

The new K-Life technology incorporated into Porcelanosa’s Krion solid surface not only is antibacterial but also eliminates chemicals that come into contact with it, as well as purifies the surrounding air.

How does it accomplish this? Through a process called photocatalysis, which uses a semiconductor in the surface to enhance a reaction to light, killing bacteria and breaking up pollutants.

IdeaGroup’s Disenia also showcased a similar product at CERSAIE. Its new shower gaskets have an antibacterial treatment.

Meanwhile, Bataform, by Cermica Globo, is an antimicrobial treatment that has been shown to reduce germs and bacteria on surfaces.

DeGraw & DeHaan Architects

5. Dining tables in the kitchen. Not everyone is in favor of a big island, especially for eating family meals. Who wants to face the same direction all the time, as in a diner? Many homes, especially those with smaller kitchens, are reconsidering a traditional dining table in place of an island.

Browse dining tables

Interiors by Odette Design Group

This dining table features a quartz top that can be used like an island countertop as needed.

Cotto d’Este

6. Wallpaper-like tile. Several fascinating tile styles captured the attention of visitors at CERSAIE. There’s new tile that looks like wood, concrete, resin, fabric and even wallpaper. The latter is prized for offering the elaborate pattern look of modern-day wallpapers while being durable enough to wipe down with a sponge and detergent.

Annie Hall Interiors

7. Glass insert for tub-shower combos. Many still love their shower curtains, but partial glass dividers are coming on strong. Glass shower panels keep compact spaces airy and open, allowing a clear view to a statement shower tile or more natural light.

See our guide on getting a glass insert

8. Concrete accents. Concrete has always been a popular material choice, but don’t be surprised to see it in more unexpected ways, such as in furniture, decorative accessories, wallcoverings, countertops and tile. “My clients are expressing a desire to use materials in unusual ways,” says designer and Houzz Contributor Jennifer Ott. “Concrete is as popular as ever, but it’s showing up in unexpected places such as in furniture, decorative accessories and even as concrete-look wallcoverings.”

Designer Yanic Simard agrees. “The humble material and its comforting cool tones mixed with light linen and pearl grays add relaxed air to any space,” he says.

And the concrete look is carrying over into other materials as well. The stoneware tiles shown here (Beton Chic from Ricchetti’s Manifattura del Duca range) mimic the texture of concrete and come in a variety of colors.

Alexandra Crafton

9. Bold-colored sofas. A daring sofa color tackles two common design challenges: adding color and creating a focal point. If you feel like your living room is lacking in either of these areas, consider taking your sofa color up a notch. Blue, pink and green are all great places to start.

See more daring sofa colors

Studio Revolution

10. Casual and calm modern bedrooms. You can’t decorate your way to a good night’s sleep. In other words, if you’re looking for a calm, relaxing bedroom — ideal for a restful night — you don’t want the space dripping with ornate decor, busy patterns or eye-opening color. Instead, a pared down, verging-on-minimalist look that incorporates soothing neutrals, soft fabrics and simple, functional pieces is the direction homeowners are heading.

See the 20 Most Popular Bedrooms of 2017

Fluidesign Studio

11. Defining kitchens in open floor plans. Every time a bell rings, an interior wall gets knocked down. OK, maybe not that frequently but it seems like the open floor plan has dominated homes in recent years, and not all homeowners love it. And some are going the other way, seeking some sort of delineation of space, such as in the photo shown here. A half wall of cabinetry creates a semi-closed space between the kitchen and living room.

See more semi-open kitchens

Sutro Architects

Other homeowners are embracing a material palette to offset a kitchen area from an open living space, as shown here.

Carl Mattison Design

12. Millwork feature walls and detailing. Shiplap, millwork panels and reclaimed wood boards have been around for a while now. But with affordable big box store options and the relative ease with which the average homeowner is able to DIY these materials as accents, expect to see this trend to continue for some time, especially as bedroom feature walls.

13. Hidden range hoods. A statement range hood can make an ideal focal point in a kitchen. But in more compact spaces, the last thing you may want is another bulky appliance. Instead, consider hiding a hood behind some elegant cabinetry, as was done in this Australian kitchen. Coupled with under-cabinet outlets, the hidden appliance allows the small amount of backsplash to appear large, streamlined and elegant.

See more on hidden range hoods

Murphy Deesign

14. Mixing metals, texture and sheen. “People are mixing metallic elements and are paying more and more attention to sheen and texture,” Ott says. Think shiny brass mixed with matte black steel, or a honed countertop with matte tile backsplash.

Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens

15. Countertop details. Sure, it’s important to focus on choosing the right countertop material for your needs, but don’t stop there. There are a bevy of options to ratchet up the look and function of your countertop. Here, cut grooves in butcher block create a drainage for wet dishes and other scenarios.

Pros and cons of popular countertop materials

Sheila Mayden Interiors

And here, a chiseled edge completely changes the look and feel of this kitchen.

Designstorms LLC

16. Trough or bucket sinks. These deep, wide and durable sinks are great for hardworking laundry rooms and busy kids bathrooms. And their rise dovetails nicely with the expected continued prevalence of a quieted-down modern farmhouse style.

15 Modern-Rustic Farmhouses Celebrate Simple Pleasures

Jamie Keskin Design

17. Fish-scale pattern backsplash. If you’ve grown bored of subway tile but still want something simple and classic, check out a scalloped or fish-scale pattern. The look offers more movement, and a bit more interest, than rectangular tile but is still versatile enough to work with almost any kitchen style.

See more photos of fish-scale tile in design

Sea Pointe Construction

18. Rich colors. Warm grays with rich, earthy shades will edge out cooler neutrals for a more sumptuous look. “I’m seeing a move toward warm grays and rich, earthy shades of camel, rust, tobacco and brown-blacks,” Ott says.

Amanda Kirkpatrick Photography

Simard says rich colors like red — especially for sofas — can add a sense of passion, while something like a burnt yellow offers some interesting, unexpected flavor.

Hill Farm Furniture Ltd

19. Vintage lighting. Pros are reporting more interest in vintage-style fixtures, such as aged copper pendant lights. “There’s a huge focus on lighting right now, especially vintage pieces, which is also considered to be a great art solution,” Simard says.

Browse copper pendant lights

Diskin Designs

20. Dedicated broom closets. It takes a lot to keep a home looking clean: brooms, brushes, mops, dusters, Swiffers, cleaning supplies. And finding space to keep these things organized while always at the ready shouldn’t be an afterthought.

That’s why homeowners are gravitating toward a dedicated broom closet or cabinet. Clever rollouts and design tactics that make use of slim spaces, such as the inches between the side of a fridge and a wall, can turn out highly functional storage units for cleaning tools.

See more space-saving broom closets

eleven11DESIGN

21. Florals make a comeback. This popular print is getting a revival and a bit of an update, say Ott and Simard. Forget low-energy patterns, and think botanical references in high-contrast colors and oversize blooms. “I’m seeing florals making a comeback,” but not the traditional variety, Ott says. “These are bold, graphic floral prints in high-contrast colors such as black and white or teal and gold.”

Michael J Cox

22. Fewer white or stainless-steel sinks. White and stainless steel sinks have had their day, says designer Ott. Expect more concrete, stone, copper and granite composite sinks in darker hues of gray, bronze or black.

Thank you Houzz and

Mitchell Parker January 1, 2018 for the great content!!!

So You Want to Build: 7 Steps to Creating a New Home

Get the house you envision — and even enjoy the process — by following this architect’s guide to building a new home

Whether building new or renovating an existing structure, creating a new home is a journey of discovering who you are, what you want, how you want to live and where you want to be. It’s a chance for you to define your relationship to the world, to your family and to yourself. Creating a home is more than building “three bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms.” It is so much more than the sum of a few parts.

As with any journey, you’ll want to do some research and plan your trip. You’ll want to have a sense of what the end result should be and how much it’ll cost. And while you’ll no doubt be able to go it alone, having a seasoned and experienced guide show you the way will likely mean a more enjoyable, more enriching and overall better journey.

Let’s look at the steps, in chronological order, involved in creating a home.

Starting a project? Find an architect, general contractor, home builder or design-build firm to start

Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects LLP

Lauren Mikus

1. Set goals. Creating a new home for yourself is all about setting goals and taking the steps to achieve those goals. You’ll want to establish the answers to a whole host of questions so that you can set these goals.

Goal setting requires satisfying both left- and right-brain activities. So your list of goals will include two sides: a practical, meat-and-potatoes side and an emotional, ice-cream-and-pie side. Each is important, and each needs to be recognized so that the end result will reflect a totality.

Questions to ask:
• What do you want to achieve?
• Where do you want to be?
• What will this cost?
• Can it really be achieved?
• Does plan A make sense?
• What’s plan B?

2. Establish a budget. While a budget should be in any goal statement, it’s such an important piece that it’s included here as a separate task. When making your budget, of course you’ll begin with what you can afford, and how the cost of your house fits in with your overall plans for the future. When you’re ready to get down to details, include everything that will go into the project: the cost of the land, local fees and taxes, design and engineering fees, construction of not just the home but the landscape, plus furniture and decorating.

And don’t forget a healthy contingency. As with any complex project, things will happen, and the road from point A to point B will have a detour or two. Make sure that these little side trips won’t send you over the edge.A spreadsheet program such as Excel is a good tool to use for developing a budget, as you can continuously update and modify it as you work your way through the project.

8 ways to stick to your budget

Randy Brown

Save

Email

3. Find some land — or a neglected older house. Where do you want to be? How do you want to live? What are you looking for? Maybe you want that house in the mountains or with the ocean view, but it’s not in the cards right now, for economic or other reasons. No matter; you’ll likely be able to reinvent yourself later. For now, it’s the burbs with the good schools or some other place. The point is, find a spot on the globe that you can claim as your own and build what will be a home.

And maybe that land isn’t a few acres that’s never been trampled on. Maybe it’s an existing house that’s just old and tired and has suffered some neglect. The house whispers to you that it really does want to shed those avocado-colored appliances, that shag carpeting and those single-pane windows, and you know you’re the person to do that.

So take heart if you decide to transform that sow’s ear into a silk purse. You’ll be amazed at the transformation that can take place.

4. Assemble a team. While you might think you can go it alone, assembling a team of tried and true professionals is the better approach. After all, you wouldn’t represent yourself in court. So why wouldn’t you entrust your single largest investment to an experienced team that won’t be learning on your dime?

An architect and a builder (if not one and the same) are going to be your most important team members. These people will act as guide, therapist, advocate and counselor throughout the journey that creating your home is. And, as with all good professionals, the right guide can ensure that the journey is all the more enjoyable.

As you embark on this journey, you will likely want to add team members. A kitchen and bath designer, perhaps; maybe an interior designer, too. Certainly a landscape architect, who shouldn’t be the last person hired when all the money is gone; you want to create a beautiful yard that will complement the house.

5. Plan, plan and plan some more. Every large project I’ve ever worked on has had this one thing in common. The owner, whether a private developer, government agency or corporate entity, knew the importance of planning the project in detail before starting to build.

These owners knew that moving walls on paper is a whole lot cheaper than moving walls after they’re built. So embark on a robust planning and design phase.

• Play the “what if?” game. Sometimes the first answer is the right answer, sometimes it’s the 31st. Just remember not to settle until you’ve explored all the possibilities; you don’t want to say after the project has been built, “We should have done …”
• Go big or go home. And I don’t mean big as in size (that’s a whole separate discussion), but big as in big ideas. Building a home, be it from scratch or a renovation, is an exercise in making something that’s yours. So dream big and have grand plans. There will be time enough to deal with the realities of budget, zoning and codes. Don’t sweat the small stuff for now.
• Sweat the small stuff. Decisions, decisions, decisions. You’ll be asked to make many — more than you can imagine. Just remember that God is in the details, so make sure that the details are there so that your home will be uniquely your own and speak to who you are.

6 drawings on the way to a dream home

Phil Kean Designs

6. Accept the inevitable. You’ve made the plans, gotten the permits and secured the money; now the only thing left to do is build your house. You’ve accounted for everything, so it should all come together as smooth as silk. Easy, right?

Oddly enough, stuff happens. That’s a given. How you and your team react to these hiccups will be important. My advice is to stay calm, keep your sense of humor and work with your team to address the issue. This is where having the right team in place can pay dividends. An architect, a builder and others who can work together and share ideas without criticizing one another will go a long way to helping you keep your sanity.

Some tips for staying sane during construction:

• Don’t change your mind. Early on make all of the decisions you have to, select all of your finishes and don’t change your mind. Yes, you’ll be enticed by that new thing that comes along. Just remember that once construction starts, it’ll cost you time, money and perhaps a trip or two to a therapist if you change your mind.
• Turn a deaf ear to the goings-on. Every construction site is filled with workers complaining. After all, who doesn’t complain about his or her job? Who hasn’t wanted to vent about the boss? The best thing you can do is ignore it. Don’t worry; if it really is an issue, you’ll be told about it.

What contractors want you to know about building

Andrea Swan – Swan Architecture

7. Enjoy your new home. You’ve worked hard and spent more than a few dollars to create your new home, so enjoy it to the max.

Revel in the way the light falls across a room and how it changes with the seasons. Find unexpected places to talk with family members.

Discover how this place gives shape to your life and allows you to become the person you want to be.

In the end you’ll be amazed that your new house is so much more than the sum of just its three bedrooms, living room and so on. It’s the place you get to call home and make uniquely yours.

Thank you to Houzz and

Bud Dietrich, AIA

Bring Sophisticated Drama to Your Room With Warm Metallic Tiles

Today’s metal tiles in gold, bronze, copper and soft gray add luxuriousness and warmth

 Metallic tiles have been around for years, most commonly in stainless steel finishes. As a designer, I’ve tended to shy away from stainless steel tiles because I felt they could be a bit cold and industrial. But the latest trend in metallic tiles offers warmer tones, such as gold, bronze, copper and soft silver, that can be used to bring a dash of glamour to any setting. So if you’re looking to add drama, sophistication and even warmth to your space, here are a few ways to incorporate metallic tiles in a range of rooms.

Small Interiors Design

Beyond Stainless Steel

For years stainless steel was the most common metallic backsplash used in kitchens. These days, bronze, pewter, brass, copper, iron and tin have become striking alternatives. Like most metals, they are durable and resistant to high temperatures, moisture and food stains, making them ideal to use as a kitchen backsplash.In addition to backsplashes, metallic tiles are suitable for walls, bathrooms and even ceilings. Available in numerous finishes, textures, sizes and patterns, the cost of metallic tiles ranges from $10 to $50 per square foot.

Things to Consider

Metal tiles, though durable, can still be dented and scratched. Extra caution should be taken during installation to protect the metal finish. Use nonsanded grout because sanded grout may scratch the finish.

Additionally, keep in mind that metallic tiles can be cold to the touch, making them a chilly flooring choice. One option is to lay the metal tile over a radiant heating system. Another is to add them as accents to a ceramic or hardwood floor, rather than making them the main floor material. Remember, too, that metal conducts electricity. Therefore, extra caution should be taken when installing metallic tiles around power outlets to make certain they do not come in contact with any exposed electrical wire.

Most metallic tiles come with a protective sealant to make them resistant to scratches and stains. To clean, just wipe them down with a little soap mixed with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

LDa Architecture & Interiors

Copper Develops a Patina

Real copper is a living metal that gains a patina as it ages. The patina is a thin coating that protects the copper underneath from corrosion and gradually darkens and becomes richer and more distinct over time. This natural process occurs through oxidation, which is the interaction of the copper with oxygen. When weather and water are added to the mix, the patina can turn green, a la the Statue of Liberty. Some people consider copper’s patina part of its natural beauty, while others prefer to have it clear coated to slow down the process of oxidation.Metallic tiles reflect their surroundings, making them easy to blend with a myriad of paint colors and decor styles. Let’s look at some examples of ways to use metallic tiles in a room.

UK Bathrooms

1. All that Glitters

Metallic tiles in warm, shimmery hues create a sense of luxury. Here, they transform an otherwise spare bathroom scene into a luxurious spa.

WA Design Architects

2. Cool Warm Ceiling

The bronze ceiling tiles in this photo are a very cool and modern alternative to traditional tin ceiling tiles. This is one way to add some industrial chic to your home. One side benefit of placing metallic tiles on your ceiling instead of your floors is sidestepping the radiant heat issue mentioned previously. Since you won’t be touching them, you don’t need to worry so much about their temperature, as you would with floors.

Key Residential

3. Sleek Silver

Not ready to commit to a wall of metallic tile? Consider using it as an accent, as shown in this photo. The narrow silver metallic tile subtly enlivens the monochromatic color scheme of this bathroom.

Aristea Rizakos

4. Luxe Look

Metallic tiles can add a touch of glamour and opulence to any setting. The golden tones of the metallic tiled fireplace are highlighted by its black surround in this sleek and modern living room. Gold accessories complement and complete this look.

Stalburg Design

5. The Illusion of Space

The reflective nature of metallic tiles can brighten and enlarge a space. This added bonus is especially welcome in smaller spaces lacking natural light, such as this narrow cocktail bar space.

Jason Ball Interiors, LLC

SaveEmail

6. Mix it Up

Peppering metallic accents into a mixture of stone and ceramic tiles juxtaposes the soft silver sheen of metal with the organic texture of stone. The element of shine adds a contemporary flavor to a kitchen backsplash. In addition to stone and ceramic, metallic accents also look great blended with glass tiles.

Steffes Construction, Inc.

7. Glam Bath

This photo shows another example of mixing metallic tile with stone. The sophisticated elegance of this marble shower is elevated with a touch of bling via gold metallic accents.

WINN Design+Build

8. Beyond Modern

Once seemingly relegated to modern applications, metallic tiles can be successfully incorporated into traditional designs as well. In this photo, the copper tiles behind the range add shine and shimmer, creating an exciting focal point in the kitchen.

More
What Goes with Rose Gold?
See How Metallics Can Pull Together Your Decor

Thank you to Houzz and Barbra Bright for this great information!!!

Use Trim to Modernize a Traditional Home — or Vice Versa

Bridge the gap between old and new styles with subtle variations in trim style and color

 In the same way a pair of earrings or the right watch can change the impression we give off with an outfit, a home’s trim can give a modern twist to a traditional home or add a cozy, traditional feeling to a more contemporary space. The color, shapes and little details of window, door and baseboard trim can help a room bridge eras and gain flexibility and appeal.

Carter Kay Interiors

The gorgeous trim-out in this modern kitchen addresses the question, “How do I help my home walk that fine line between past and present?”

The look subtly blends narrow dark interior steel mullions and white wood picture frame molding to guide the identity of this kitchen successfully to a fresh yet traditional feel.The details and color could be read as traditional or modern. The blend does a bang-up job of invoking the past while hinting at a clean, modern style of the present.

Wally Sears

Simple bordering picture-frame molding could make these windows feel completely modern, but ending the side trim at a flat crown at the top speaks to both traditional design elements and a modern aesthetic. Further balancing traditional and contemporary are the divided-light French casement windows. Single large panes would have left this room with a much more modern feel.

dSPACE Studio Ltd, AIA

This fun baseboard shape has the profile of a nice bordeaux, and is reminiscent of traditional Victorian baseboards, complementing the wainscot and traditional cabinet pulls above. But the lack of frills and the square groove at the top anchor this firmly in the present.

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

The well-worn wood floors here connect to the walls with very simple flat-stock baseboard trim. In fact, the whole home style here reflects a transitional mentality by surrounding the traditional four-panel doors with flat stock trim that dies smoothly into the baseboard — with no traditional plinth-block at the bottom.

The reductionist take on the traditional trim enables the owners to move this historic farmhouse in a more modern direction without making the interior feel disconnected from the era of the original home.

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Ditto.

Home Systems , Wendi Zampino

When extending your thinking from window, door and baseboard trim to cabinets, you’ll often see Shaker-esque styles dotting the transitional landscape.

These kitchen cabinets are a great example of how the Shaker style can be interpreted through a modern lens — with full-overlay doors substituting for the classic inset cabinet doors and the raised portion of the doors being much wider than usual — giving an unmistakable modern edge to a very classic style.

Venegas and Company

Here again, a wider-style Shaker door, flat-stock crown and lack of a footed detail to the cabinets puts this kitchen into a much more modern space while leveraging a style rooted in the 19th century.

Arcanum Architecture

Flat-stock baseboard set at the depth of the wall board and nearly nonexistent window trim nevertheless still allow a hint of tradition in this space.

Whitten Architects

On the outside of this home, the designer effectively combines traditional style — a columned porch with wood railing and tongue-and-groove ceiling — with a contemporary, clean-line aesthetic.

The railing has been reduced to its most simple rectangular elements, and the columns to simple square-profile towers with simple baseboards. This gives them human scale and a beginning (at the porch) and an end (at the ceiling).

Thank you to Houzz and the great information from Joshua Mogal !!

5 Star Bathrooms

The Secrets to a Luxurious Bathroom Look

Give your bathroom a special finish with a few splurges

Ever looked at a beautiful bathroom and wondered what takes its design to the next level? You’re not alone. Many homeowners want to know how some bathrooms get that mysterious designer je ne sais quoi. I’ll let you in on a few secrets. Because the overall material costs are low in a small space like a bathroom, it’s a great place to splurge a little on a few features. But it also helps to know where to spend and where to save. Here are a few of my favorite tricks for getting a nicely finished look for a lower cost.

Webber + Studio, Architects

Use a Smoky Glass

One of the rarer features I love is a smoky glass shower enclosure. It balances an air of privacy and sophistication with visual openness, and doesn’t add much to the cost versus clear glass.(Also, notice how placing lights in front of the mirror rather than above it virtually doubles the amount of lighting, making the overall effect glowing and warm.)

Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

If you do prefer the most open look, a clear glass panel is still a worthwhile upgrade from a shower curtain for creating a sense of modernity that gives a bathroom that sought-after spa appeal.

James Wagman Architect, LLC

Tile Tricks

Taking tile from floor to ceiling is important in making a traditional or modern space feel high end …

Lisa Petrole Photography

… but that doesn’t mean you have to spend at the high end. Rather than tiling a whole room partway up, consider tiling just one or two walls top to bottom in a statement stone. You’ll still get that finished look without paying to tile the whole space.

Chantel Elshout Design Consultancy

Also consider running one type of tile across the floor and a wall for a strong, singular statement. And, of course, leaving the remaining walls white makes the veining the star of the show.

Nu Interiors

If you’re looking to tile all the walls without breaking the bank, especially if your layout doesn’t leave any walls safe from splashes and splatters, I would recommend classic subway tile over a faux stone. But to create a little drama, choose a dark grout …

… or a modern pattern like this simple stacked layout with a wide tile.

Chr DAUER Architects

Mirror Power

A large mirror has so much power. It cuts down on tile costs by filling much of a wall (while reflecting the material you do invest in) and can virtually double the size of the room, making it feel like a vast personal oasis …

Terracotta Design Build

… even if the room is a more modest size. Consider taking a mirror wall to wall. Notice how the wall here feels tiled, even though in fact there are only a few inches of stone backsplash below the mirror.

Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

The Vanity

I designed this bathroom for a recent condo renovation; it has many of my favorite features described above, translated in a small space. You’ll notice that among all the attention-stealing details, there is a humble Ikea vanity, which I have used in multiple renovations. It’s sleek and simple, and the cantilevered style helps the room feel more open. Best of all, it costs about $480.More: 12 Ways to Get a Luxe Bathroom Look for Less

Thank you to Houzz and Yanic Simard for the great information in this article.

Colorado Style

Plenty of color and art, plus a sense of adventurousness, wind through the contemporary renovation of this Denver family’s 1908 home

Jake and Christa Rost wanted four core values to shine through in their 1908 bungalow in Denver: family, community, creativity and an adventurous spirit. Partnering with Larry Kagiyama of Diagram C Interior Design, the couple thoughtfully designed and renovated their space with these ideals in mind.

To make the house their own, “We began renovating immediately,” Christa says. “I was pregnant with our first son, Alex, so the project definitely presented its challenges. Our biggest design dilemma was opening up the first floor and removing a wall that was 60 percent of the house load.” The couple then gave Kagiyama a general direction, with their art, travels and children serving as inspiration for the inviting color palette.Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jake and Christa Rost; sons Alex (4 years old) and Henry (6 months)
Location: Congress Park, Denver
Size and style: 3,800 square feet; 4 bedrooms; 3.5 baths
That’s interesting: The home was featured on HGTV’s Bang for Your Buck.

Lauren Mikus

The kitchen features a 36-inch Wolf dual range stove top and a Kenmore dishwasher and refrigerator. All of the cabinetry is part of the Ikea Akurum/Rationell system, which helped keep the kitchen design within budget.

Lauren Mikus

“My top kitchen design priorities were to increase storage and counter space,” Christa says. “We love entertaining, and everyone congregates around the island. It makes me happy I can cook and still be a part of the party.”

The custom island features a zebra wood countertop.

Lauren Mikus

A colorful glass mosaic kitchen backsplash complements the concrete countertops. Its blue and olive hues add an element of visual surprise.

Lauren Mikus

The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, is part of one large, shared space. Christa chose a fun, low-maintenance dining table she could enjoy with the kids. The lovely blue chest in the corner is a refurbished piece from retailer Serendipity in Longmont, Colorado.

Dining table: Brocade Home

Lauren Mikus

Christa and Jake extended the mosaic glass tile from the kitchen backsplash to the fireplace in the living room. They use this room for lounging in the evenings while reading the newspaper. Most of the artwork, including the piece above the fireplace, came from creative friends.

Lauren Mikus

This tufted ottoman cocktail table was purchased from local retailer HW Home. The Rosts love to read, and the tray serves as a perfect place for their latest magazines and books.

Lauren Mikus

The family badly needed additional storage prior to the renovation. These closets across from the family room in the entryway store winter coats and toys.

Lauren Mikus

The Rost home is full of photographs and unique keepsakes. A metal occasional table to the side of the sofa holds a lamp Kagiyama found at Urban Lights in Denver.

Lauren Mikus

In this renovated bathroom, used by the whole family, Ikea cabinetry from the Akurum/Rationell system is paired with a mirror from Brocade Home. Christa finds warm gray soothing and loves the contemporary feel of the tile on the back wall and floor.

Christa and Jake’s next project is renovating the guest bedroom into a master suite with a large bathroom and walk-in closet.

Lauren Mikus

The wooden train set and a charming red rocking horse are the focal points in Alex’s colorful bedroom. The tower of stacked books allows for easy nighttime reading; bedtime always includes at least two stories. Alex’s current favorite is a pop-up book about monsters.

Lauren Mikus

Kagiyama chose a bold blue color palette to transition with Alex over the years. Storage units keep toys tucked away but handy.

Bedding: Owl Duvet Set by DwellStudio

Lauren Mikus

Henry’s nursery is outfitted with Flor modular carpeting, also used in Alex’s room. The replaceable carpet tiles provide a great sense of peace for Jake and Christa, since they don’t have to worry about occasional messes.

Orange stool: Design Within Reach

Lauren Mikus

The master bedroom is compact, but the Rosts make it work. Jake uses the closet in this room, and Christa’s belongings occupy the larger closet in the guest bedroom. The original wallpaper is still intact, but Christa would like eventually to swap it out. Another project on the couple’s wish list is to create a master suite on the second floor and a guest suite/office on the third floor.

Lamp: Candice Olson Collection

Lauren Mikus

Jake’s study in the basement is packed with framed graphic prints, most from artist friend Rick Griffith of Matter Studio. Although this area functions primarily as Jake’s personal space, the cozy sectional is a popular spot for the Rost family, who do most of their movie watching here. Otherwise, you can find Jake delving into his fly-fishing books and records in this space.

Lauren Mikus

“Rick is an old friend of ours,” Christa says. “He’s a brilliant graphic designer who has a letterpress and screen printing studio downtown. As a designer myself, I was drawn to that particular series. The Denver Art Museum recently purchased pieces from him for their permanent collection, so I suspect it will be harder for us to afford his artwork soon!”

Lauren Mikus

Across the hall from Jake’s study is Alex’s craft room. This playful area serves as storage for additional toys and games. Floating shelves maximize the space and display Alex’s artwork.

Lauren Mikus

This first-floor guest bathroom features a mirror from Brocade Home. The textured tile backsplash mimics crocodile skin.

Lauren Mikus

The afternoon sun makes the front porch a destination in spring and summer. Christa and Jake made a decision early on to enhance curb appeal by laying all new sod in the front yard. Five years later, the lawn is thriving and inviting.

Lauren Mikus

The exterior of the home remains in its original state. The previous homeowner belongs to the Denver Historic Society and had the dwelling designated as a historic Denver home. A swing hangs from the front porch, perfect for views of the large trees and charming neighborhood.

“What we love most about Denver is the fact that it is a small town with big-city amenities,” Christa says. The couple especially loves being able to spend time skiing on the nearby slopes with their sons.

Another Colorado Tours:
Creative Denver Studio

Thank you to Houzz for this great information!

Bathroom Trends: Open Vanity Storage

Give Your Bath Functional Storage and Extra Style Points, Too

The open storage trend started with kitchen cabinets exposing stylishly organized dish and glassware. This trend has now moved to the bathroom. After all, bathrooms can always use another way to make an added style statement since they tend to be more utilitarian areas. This look can be achieved in both modern and traditional homes. Not only does it look great, but it also helps create a more open look to those tight bathroom spaces! Here are some great tips on ways to successfully achieve an open vanity look.

Lori Shaffer

If you have a long open run, adding some symmetry will help to create an organized and balanced look to the space. Folded towels help to soften the space creating added warmth and visual comfort.

AMI Designs

Utilizing baskets to contain smaller items is key in keeping a clean look. The baskets used in this space coordinate nicely with the overall finishes of the bathroom without stealing the show.

John Maniscalco Architecture

Create a spa-like look by lining up rolling towels. Displaying crisp white towels helps set the mood for the bathroom, giving it a clean look. And there are few places better for a clean look than the bathroom.

Jennifer Brouwer (Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc)

More traditional and transitional spaces can benefit from an open vanity. Opening up some shelves instantly gives you the illusion of more space. The light-colored box storage helps to contain smaller items and offers some contrast to the dark heavy wood.

Prestige Custom Building & Construction, Inc.

Smaller vanities and powder baths can also look fantastic with an open vanity! Imagine this space with a floor-to-countertop doors and drawers. It would appear incredibly closed in and lack style. By giving this vanity furniture-like legs and open shelving, you immediately get the feel of more space.

Schnarr Craftsmen Inc

In smaller bathrooms where there is a lack of counter space, homeowners can use an open vanity space to display items that are typically placed on countertops, like tissue boxes, cotton swabs and other toiletries.

Ana Williamson Architect

Displaying additional rolls of toilet tissue is not always a great look in a guest bath, but when discretely displayed in an open vanity you can give your guests peace of mind when the last square gets used and keep them from riffling through your doors and drawers.

Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

In guest bathrooms, like this one where storage isn’t important, it can be nice to simply leave the space open to create the look of more space. Guests can then use the space underneath however they need to.

The open vanity is a trend I don’t see soon disappearing for two reasons: It offers the illusion of more space and gives you extra opportunity to be creative and stylishly functional.

Thank you to Houzz for the great information!

Dream to Done: How to Build a Renovation Plan to Match Your Budget

Work with pros to make sure your renovation hopes and dollars line up

 As a client, you may feel like you have little influence over whether your remodeling project stays on budget and hits the finish line on time. But you have more control than you might think. Remember, the scope of your project and the specific materials are up to you.

The key to keeping a project on budget and on schedule is nailing down the details before ground breaks. If you’ve never renovated or built a new home, you may not be sure about how the seed of an idea turns into a completed project. Here’s a road map for two early steps: putting together your renovation team and nailing down your project’s cost.

Who Will Help You Build Your Vision?

Before you meet with a professional, you should know what you want to accomplish. Is your goal to tear out your entire kitchen and start fresh? Or are you looking for less costly upgrades, perhaps replacing cabinet fronts and a tired backsplash? Or do you want to remodel your whole house?

Some homeowners know only that the current home isn’t working for them but aren’t sure how to fix it. If you are in this group, you may decide to work with professionals who can help you develop a plan and advise you on cost. A recent survey showed that 85 percent of Houzzers who renovated in 2015 did so with professional help. The survey covered 120,000 registered Houzz users, including 70,000 who renovated.

What Exactly Do Pros Do?

The most important documents you will need are the construction plans. Your building plans must be approved by an agency to make sure the home is safe and meets local codes. So unless you are familiar with building codes and construction methods, you will want to hire a professional to draft these plans. Rules for which pros can draft plans vary by state (and in some states by county or municipality) and with the size and type of project. Look to the local building department or the professionals you contact to explain the rules in your area.

Each profession has its special emphasis. Architects and interior designers create concepts and draw plans. General contractors build the plans. Landscape architectscreate designs and plans for outdoor spaces. Design-build firms offer both design and building services, some with in-house architects, others by contracting the design work out.

Houzz guides to home improvement pros

Houzzers who remodeled in 2015 said the most valuable contributions of general contractors and design-build firms were delivering a quality result, finding the right products and materials, staying on budget and managing the project.

Architects, interior designers, and kitchen and bath designers were appreciated for helping clients integrate their personal style into the design. Houzzers valued architects for understanding and complying with local building codes, and interior designers for finding the right products or materials. But these are only their most-appreciated contributions; each profession has a wide range of skills and resources to offer owners.

Ask About Options

Many pros offer a range of services, from initial design to project management, which may be priced as menu options or charged at per-hour rates. For just one example, architects can provide evaluation and planning services, which can involve site analysis and selection, economic feasibility studies and helping you determine what you want, need and are willing to pay for.

Architecture firms offer design services, including documents that define the space’s shape, and they may work closely with engineers as needed in relationship to the structural elements. They also may offer construction management services, involving consulting and coordinating with the various agencies overseeing your project, or manage the bidding process when you search for the right contractor. These are just a handful of the services your architect may provide, so it is worth asking about pricing and what is involved as you shop around. This AIA guide can be helpful. Also, there could be some overlap in the menus of services provided by the different pros, so be sure that you are clear on what you need and what services each will perform.

Even if you are not planning to hire a professional to design or manage your renovation, you may want to hire a pro on a per-hour basis to help you refine your ideas. “A small percentage of upfront money with a professional can really help clarify the scope of the project and the budget before you get too involved,” says John Firmin, general contractor at Build-A-Home Inc., in Fayetteville, Arkansas, who founded the firm 16 years ago.

Select Your First Team Member

When hiring your first design team member, you can start with a builder, architect, designer, design-build firm or remodeler, depending on your needs and priorities. If you already know a contractor whose work you like, he or she will probably have a list of architects and interior designers to recommend. That is also true if you start with other pros. You also can use Houzz’s directory to find individual professionals, see their past projects and read client reviews.

Narrow your list down to your favorites and then interview a few people. Ask for — and check — references, and drive out to see past projects. Also, see how it might feel to work together — make sure you have a rapport with the professional. You should find out whether they listen and whether they are good communicators, says Jon Dick, an architect with Archaeo Architects in Santa Fe, New Mexico, who has been practicing 30 years and worked on more than 100 homes. “Their design ability is very important,” Dick says. “But it’s also a long-term relationship. They’re going to ask pretty personal questions and know a fair amount about you.”

You should follow this same basic process with an interior designer, landscape architect, general contractor or design-build firm. Keep in mind that the average kitchen remodeltakes about five months once construction starts, but three times that long from initial design phase to completion, according to a recent Houzz survey. So the professionals you hire should be people you like and can communicate with.

Whether to Hire One Pro — or More

Which pros and how many you hire is up to you. Among Houzzers who hired pros for their renovation projects last year, nearly half hired a general contractor, builder, kitchen or bath remodeler, or design-build firm — the professionals who actually build the project. About 20 percent employed an architect, interior designer or kitchen and bath designer.

A recent Houzz survey found that 2015 home buyers spent $66,600 on renovations, while would-be 2016 home sellers spent $36,300 on renovations.

Be Up Front About Your Number

It’s helpful to be honest about your budget with the professionals you contact. Pros typically work with clients whose budgets are within a certain range. (Sometimes a pro’s range can be found on his or her Houzz profile.) If you fall in love with a pro whose projects start at $50,000, but you have $5,000 to spend, you’re probably not a match. Some homeowners pay a high-end designer to create the initial plan, only to realize that the products and materials suggested are out of range.

Homeowners without constrained budgets may be afraid to be too forthcoming for fear that pros will push them to spend more than they would like. That’s where checking references and finding people you can communicate with comes in. In the process of vetting the pros you are considering, you will find reputable people who will not push you but use your target number to help guide your plan.

Some Averages to Go On

If you have never renovated or built a home, you may have no idea how much it’s going to cost. To give you a sense of average budgets, here are some recent stats: People renovating kitchens had budgets ranging from less than $5,000 to more than $100,000, according to a survey of nearly 2,500 owners conducted by Houzz. One-quarter of renovators had budgets of $25,001 to $50,000, while 20 percent had budgets of $15,001 to $25,000. Only 10 percent had budgets of $5,000 or less, and only 6 percent had budgets of more than $100,000. The range of figures here is national; it should be noted that renovation costs vary by region and even city.

That said, not everyone stays on budget — and that’s true regardless of geography. Only about one-third of Houzzers who renovated last year stayed on budget, while just 3 percent came in below budget. Another third exceeded their budgets, while the remaining third had no initial budget at all. Among those who exceeded their budgets, the top reason was selecting nicer finishes or materials.

Major kitchen renovations cost an average of $50,700 for spaces 200 square feet or larger, while major renos in smaller kitchens cost about half that, according to Houzz data. A major kitchen renovation includes at least replacing cabinets and appliances. Major master bathroom renovations cost an average $25,600 in rooms at least 100 square feet and about half that for smaller bathrooms. A major bath renovation includes at least replacing the vanity or cabinets and countertops and toilet. Doing it yourself, of course, is less costly.

Special Thanks to Erin Carlyle a HOUZZ Contributor

The 4 Stages of a Remodel: The Honeymoon Phase

Prepare for the fast-paced progress of demolition — and the potentially jolting slowdown of structural issues

As with anything in life, a remodeling project can come with its ups and downs. Certain phases seem to go a mile a minute, while others feel like they’ve lasted a lifetime and a half, all while it looks as though nothing is being completed. Fear not — this is pretty typical. And, while every project is different, a good portion of renovations have four major phases, what I’m calling the Honeymoon, the Mid-project Crisis, the Renewal of Vows and the Happily Ever After.

For now, let’s take a closer look at the Honeymoon phase of renovating.

After weeks of searching for a remodeler in your area, calling references, checking out their Houzz profile and working toward an agreeable price, you say, “I do,” sign the contract, finalize the design and begin work in two weeks. There’s a little nervousness in the air, but as you enter the Honeymoon phase, the mood is mainly one of excitement.

Demolition Begins

A couple of weeks go by, and the day comes for work to start. Protective products are placed, and demolition begins. Demo, sweet, demo. Normally one of the quickest moving stages of a remodel, demolition makes it look as if a lot of work is being done practically overnight. Cabinetry is removed, walls are torn down, appliances are taken away and, in a matter of days or weeks (depending on the size of your project), you’re staring at a blank canvas.

After that, any necessary framing and structural work will begin. Framing usually isn’t as exciting or fast-paced as demolition, but still, there is visible progress almost daily. At this point, you and your partner are walking on air. The rate of work is astounding, and you’re still very excited (although maybe a little less nervous now) about the entire project.

 

Speed Bumps Ahead!

However, like a delayed flight on a real honeymoon trip, there are obstacles that can slow down this phase, specifically during demo. If you’re living in an older house, there’s the possibility that when your walls are opened, asbestos or lead could be discovered, which will need to be dealt with before work can continue.

Another common speed bump is building permit delays. Going through government-mandated processes can be tricky sometimes, especially if you or your building professional don’t have everything you need to get the green light from your municipality the first time around.

More holdups can come from structural elements that become apparent after demolition. For example, say you were going to move a door to another wall in your dining room. Once the demo crew opens up the wall where the new door will be installed — surprise! — there are plumbing pipes running the height of the wall. Reconfiguring design to meet these new requirements will add time to the demo stage.

Don’t panic. These delays happen often, and it’s worth accounting for and accepting these hurdles before you even begin to think about renovating.

See more on building permits
See more on tearing down a wall

 

To help your honeymoon run more smoothly, here are a few tips I’ve learned from witnessing hundreds of remodels (and even surviving a couple myself):

• Embrace change. Really. Give change a huge hug. Get to know it on a personal level. Because no matter what room you’re touching (whether it’s the kitchen or a teensy guest bath), it’s likely that you use that room daily. The sooner you accept that this room (major or not) will be unavailable for a period of time, the sooner you’ll be able to adapt your daily routines to fit around it.
• Love your microwave. This applies to kitchen remodels specifically. As soon as demo is done, your primary cooking and eating area will be gone. Before your project starts, find an untouched room in your home to create a mini kitchen that will include necessities such as a microwave, toaster oven and coffee pot. Think of it as the mini kitchen you had in your dorm or apartment in college and revel in the nostalgia.

• Don’t worry too much. I know this sounds hard — OK, really hard, especially for control freaks like myself — but trusting your building professionals to know what they’re doing (even if you do come across one of the aforementioned speed bumps) will really help you keep your head on straight. And if you do have questions or concerns …
• Communicate! Communication has proved time and time again to be one of the biggest parts of a remodel — and a successful marriage. I cannot stress it enough. Talk with your contractor, talk with your significant other — talk, talk, talk. Ask framing questions, bring up budgetary concerns, muse over paint colors. Whatever is on your mind, getting it out of your head and into the air is beneficial for everyone involved (especially you).

And remember: The Honeymoon phase of a remodel is definitely one of the high points in a process with numerous peaks and valleys, so try to enjoy it. No matter what you may encounter during demolition and framing, it’s likely that the mood of everyone on board — you, your contractor, your family and even your pet — will be very positive.

You’ve just embarked on a new journey, and the excitement of watching the image of your new home come into focus just adds fuel to your fire. Revel in that post-contract-signing bliss and maybe enjoy a glass of your favorite beverage with your significant other while you two imagine the new space that will be formed in your newly torn-apart home. Enjoy it, because what lies ahead is a bit uncertain.

With that in mind: What happens when it feels like nothing is happening? Is there still work being done? Are we still on schedule? Is it OK to freak out a little bit? Read more in the upcoming article in this series, “The Midproject Crisis.”

Your turn: How have you weathered the Honeymoon phase?