Be it physical or psychological, sitting around a fire has the innate ability to warm your body and your soul. Whether you are toasting marshmallows outside, taking shelter from a winter storm inside or just looking for a bit of cozy ambiance, choosing just the “right” fireplace depends on “installability,” cost, available fuel sources, maintenance […]
remodeling
Curb Appeal Tips for Making Your Home Shine
There are many things you can do to improve your homes curb appeal, ranging from doing simple things yourself to hiring a professional. Here is a quick rundown of great curb appeal enhancers that almost everyone can manage. Paint your entry door. Or, if it is wood, refinish it. This can brighten up your home […]
Ceiling Fans — Not Just for Summer Anymore
Unlike a chandelier or a stunning kitchen tile backsplash, ceiling fans go mostly overlooked by visitors and occupants of a home. Although fans can be decorative, their primary purpose is utilitarian, hence they are rarely noticed until they are needed or wanted. Ceiling fans can be useful in bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, home offices, […]
Using Websites to Help Plan Your Building or Remodeling Project
It’s still not uncommon to meet new clients who drag in a binder of ideas, photos and notes they have been keeping for years, ready for the day when they can start their building or remodeling project. I’m guilty too — I have a few binders of ideas. After all, a picture truly is worth […]
Dreaming of Summer — It’s Never too Early to Start Planning!
This dreary winter weather really gets me to dreaming about sunshine and warmer days. Great afternoons on the deck or patio with friends, beautiful places to relax on a nice Northwest day, and additional living space during our spectacular summers are just a few reasons to dream about these great spaces. Many of us will […]
Selecting the Right Flooring For Your Lifestyle and Budget
After a fresh coat of paint, the second best way to quickly transform a room is with new flooring. Stunned by today’s residential flooring options? You are not alone. So many choices, so many colors and textures too. It is easy to get overwhelmed but selecting the right flooring may be simpler than you think. […]
Make a Seat… So You May Take a Seat
Many readers know me as a contributing writer to WestSound Magazine magazine. I am also a residential designer, remodeling contractor and an avid tennis player. Ten years ago, I had a mishap on the courts and seriously injured my left ankle. At that time, the shower in our master bathroom was a 32-by-32-inch, stall type. […]
Remodeling Trends: The Master Bath
The second most-popular remodeling project is definitely the master bath. And people have very specific ideas. We do see some common trends. Let’s dive right in. Number one on the list is what we call the party shower. Yep, huge — sometimes as big at 8 by 9 feet. Trends include showerheads on multiple walls, […]
Remodeling Trends: The Kitchen
You’ve made it through the holidays, put all the decorations away and decluttered your space. Still don’t have enough room? Or the rooms just don’t work for you and your family? Maybe it’s time to remodel. I hear it all the time, “It’s too overwhelming.” “I don’t think I can make all those decisions.” It’s […]
