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Aging in Place Remodeling

Aging in Place Remodeling

Aging in Place RemodelingAging in place remodeling shows a homeowner’s commitment to their home. The process of age in place remodeling can be simple or more elaborate. The homeowner has the opportunity to decide what comforts are important to them and should be added to their house. These alterations can range from cosmetic remodels to amplify a contemporary aesthetic or they can be considerable changes; changes that help facilitate the owner’s living conditions and increase their quality of life.

Baby Boomers accounted for over half of the bathroom renovations done this past year. Some tangible projects these Boomers took on included changing bathroom layouts. They made them more easy to move around in and removed bathtubs. These two bathroom edits could help provide a more accessible, comfortable daily experience.

Many homeowners say they have altered the style of their bathroom in efforts to make it more contemporary. According to surveys, bathrooms with a farmhouse aesthetic have jumped in popularity. There is endless inspiration out there for farmhouse themed bathrooms. Popular additions to invoke a chic farm feel include adding rustic wood details, a clawfoot bathtub, basin sinks, shaker cabinets, and using neutral colors throughout. If you are looking to treat yourself and try the finer things in life you might want to consider a one-piece toilet, dual showers, or even a rainfall shower.

Simple Kitchen and Bathroom Updates

A super simple way to freshen up a kitchen or a bathroom is altering counter knobs. Purchasing a more modern, easier to use knob can greatly enhance the overall appearance of your kitchen or bathroom with minimal labor. Some of the most popular finishes for knobs include brushed nickel and sleek polished chrome. A classic kitchen or bathroom look will likely include a dual undermount sink, however by changing your sink to a vessel sink or a farmhouse sink you can make your kitchen or bathroom look more contemporary. However, it is important to note that a shallow sink may be more functional for some.

Aging In Place Kitchen Remodeling

Ease of use is key in the kitchen to ensure cooking remains fun and hassle-free. The most important aspect of the kitchen in aging in place remodeling is maneuverability. Play with layouts and remove obstructions if needed to provide clearance in doorways and enough space to move around from cabinet to cabinet.

Speaking of cabinets, lowering them could be a wonderful alteration to allow homeowners to smoothly access all their groceries and cooking ware. If lowering your cabinets is not feasible, another option is installing a pull-down shelf. To make things even easier you can also opt for pull-out cabinets. Both pull-down and pull-out cabinetry offer more maneuverability and foster easier access to the hard to reach corners of cabinets. Utilizing these styles of cabinetry will make cooking safer and easier.

Rounded edges on kitchen counters are both chic and safe. An easy antidote for colliding with pointy counter edges is selecting beautiful, contemporary round-edged countertops for your kitchen. A quick and easy alteration for your kitchen could be relocating the microwave to a counter level spot. So often microwaves are plastered high above our heads just in arms reach, however you can opt to move your microwave to counter height or even lower.

If you are considering aging in place remodeling be sure to look at all the options because there has been a considerable amount of growth in consideration to the aging in place demographic. Whether you are looking to spruce up your home or add ease to your daily life aging in place remodeling is the place to start.

 

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Aging in Place Remodeling was last modified: December 11th, 2025 by Smart Marketing
Environmentally Friendly Remodeling: Cabinet Manufacturing

Environmentally Friendly Remodeling: Cabinet Manufacturing

Eco-Friendly RemodelingSustainability is the name of the game in today’s consumer market. As you are selecting what cabinets, countertops, tile, and various fixtures to install within your remodeled space, it is important to keep in mind the impact those choices could have on our environment. We want to select cabinets that are not only easy on the eyes but also on the planet. There are various options in the eco-friendly cabinetry market, some requiring minimal alterations while others might demand more committed systematic changes.

When we consider the amount of waste that goes into manufacturing cabinets it can be overwhelming. However, cabinet companies with an eye on sustainability will recycle or reuse almost 100% of the byproducts of manufacturing. Manufacturers, such as MasterBrand, look to improve sustainability through limiting waste, reducing energy usage, and conserving resources.

The Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP)

The Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) certifies companies that demonstrate their commitment to using environmentally considerate materials in cabinet production. These companies also aim to minimize negative environmental impacts through reusing and recycling. The ESP is administered by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) and is aligned with the National Association of Home Builders’ Green Home Building Guidelines.

This program helps ensure that manufacturers are meeting requirements for resource management, community relations, environmental stewardship, and air quality. Companies can opt to join this program voluntarily. Companies that have the ESP label are demonstrating a commitment to improving our environment. ESP approved products can be found anywhere from small local stores to large chain stores. Next time you are selecting cabinets, be sure to inquire if the cabinet manufacturer you are purchasing from is part of the Environmental Stewardship Program. Over 150 cabinet manufacturers bear the ESP seal.

Commitment to Sustainability

Companies, such as MasterBrand, have taken on the responsibility of commitment to sustainability. Responsible cabinet manufacturers will ensure they are striving to adhere to environmental requirements to ensure an eco-friendly process. When a company aims to meet the highest standards for sustainability they will undoubtedly seek the same quality assurance with the product. A manufacturer that is committed to the environment is committed to what is best for your family.

Community involvement is an essential component in ensuring sustainability. The state of our communities is connected to the state of our planet, they are interdependent. Approaching sustainability as a community allows for both people and the earth to thrive. Local businesses can play a huge role in building community morale, helping to reach goals, and providing the foundation for sustainability. Communities or companies can provide labor, money, or materials to causes that promote sustainability. Companies that support these initiatives are the companies worth investing in because they are investing in the community and the environment’s future. Your eco-friendly remodeling endeavor does not have to end with cabinets! Do not forget to check out environmentally conscious appliances, countertops, and flooring.

 

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Environmentally Friendly Remodeling: Cabinet Manufacturing was last modified: December 18th, 2025 by Smart Marketing
Common Mistakes When Renovating Older Homes : Remodeling Guide

Common Mistakes When Renovating Older Homes : Remodeling Guide

Many owners of older homes mistakenly believe that they can be their own designer, general contractor and trade specialists. HGTV, the DIY Network, Houzz.com, and other media outlets make the renovation process look effortless. Anyone who has undertaken a significant home renovation knows it’s not, even if the project just involves adding a new coat of paint to your kitchen, bath or any other room in the house. If your home was built before 1978, there is a possibility that you have paint layers containing lead. Special care must be used to strip older paint. Simply painting over an existing surface is a relatively easy job, but other cosmetic improvements that require replacing existing finishes, expanding the footprint of the space, reconfiguring electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation should be left to a professional.

How difficult can it be to replace a faucet in an older bath or kitchen? That depends. If your faucets are older, there’s a chance that the cutouts in the surface for the faucet and knobs were sized for a different era. Today’s faucets may not accommodate those older dimensions. Our design showroom knows how to address sizing issues regardless of the age of your fixtures and home, and we’ll direct you to products that meet both the functional and aesthetic requirements of your home.

Common Remodeling Mistakes

Another common remodeling mistake that we see is efforts to refinish or replace decorative elements such as woodwork with reproductions. Too often, the newer versions are out of place and lack the quality, look, feel and staying power of the originals. Refinishing wood floors is a perfect example. If you have 50, 75 or 100 year or older wood floors, stripping them and bringing them to 21st century looks often results in the loss of character and the floor will appear out of place with the rest of your home.

Window replacement is another job that you will be best served by obtaining professional guidance. Older homes’ windows typically are not energy efficient. Windows can create drafts, so it is only natural to consider a window replacement. It’s easy to gravitate to modern vinyl or aluminum windows. They are plentiful and generally cost-effective, but they may not be the best choice for older homes. Wooden replacements, although costlier, will last longer and perform equally well or better. We have the expertise to evaluate your ability to weatherize what currently exists or to find a replacement that fits with the age of your home.

Taking advantage of smart home devices can be a challenge in older homes. Installation of smart thermostats, lighting, doorbells, security and other systems that require rewiring should be performed by licensed professionals. There are a number of manufacturers that are making smart devices with historic looks. We can help direct you to motif appropriate light fixtures, switch plates, hardware and other components. Plus there is no reason why you have to have an exposed smart thermostat. You can place the thermostat in a closet, pantry or cabinet.

Many owners of older homes come to our design showroom wanting to renovate to create an open floor plan kitchen. When we receive an open floor plan request, we evaluate the spatial design and flow and determine whether the original house had a kitchen or if it was added at a later date. If the latter is the case, there are prime opportunities to create an open floor plan that maintains the historic character of the house but offers all of the modern looks, feel and conveniences of the 21st century.

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Common Mistakes When Renovating Older Homes : Remodeling Guide was last modified: December 18th, 2025 by Smart Marketing
Bathroom Remodel Design Guide : Bathtubs, Showers & Sinks

Bathroom Remodel Design Guide : Bathtubs, Showers & Sinks

During the last decade, the shower has undergone a metamorphosis, especially when considering a master bath renovation. Showers are now a focal point that set the tone for the entire bathroom. Central to the transformation of the shower has been the introduction of functional and technologically superior showerheads, light therapy (chromatherapy), aromatherapy, steam, music systems, Bluetooth applications and other products that enable homeowners to convert what was once viewed primarily as a utilitarian area into a personal design statement and in-home refuge.

Benefits of Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans have become increasingly popular in kitchen designs, great rooms, and combination rooms. Open floor plans foster family togetherness and makes a home appear larger and more spacious. The bathroom is no exception to the popularity of open floor plans, thanks to advances in shower and drain technology and performance. Because today’s drains are capable of removing tens of gallons of water without ponding, showroom professionals, designers, and their customers now have a blank canvas to use space more creatively, efficiently and safely.

Open floor plan baths can feature open showers also known as walk-in showers or curbless showers. These spaces are not restricted by the need for four walls and an opening for a separate shower stall. Open floor plan baths can make a smaller space more functional, appear larger and more aesthetically pleasing. Walk-in showers also do not require a threshold, making shower access easier for those who may be aging in place or planning to do so and those who are mobility impaired.

Consider a Channel Drain in Your Bathroom Remodel

Walk-in showers also offer a cool factor that many of our customers are not familiar with. Open and more aesthetically pleasing bathrooms are not the only benefits occasioned by new drain technology. Drains are now incorporated into tiles that can be positioned anywhere in the bath. Channel drains, also referred to as linear drains, offer similar benefits. No longer are drains required to be in the center of a sloped shower basin. These drains can be positioned almost anywhere in the bathroom.

Flexibility is one of the great benefits linear drains offer to customers. Because linear drains only need to be pitched in one direction, customers have a blank canvas to use when selecting the size and composition of their floorcovering. Another advantage is that linear drains do not limit customers to 4 by 4-inch tile or stone. Before the advent of linear drains, homeowners had to use 4 by 4-inch or smaller dimension material for the shower floor. Linear drains make it possible to specify any large format floor material for the shower floor, providing more options and a cleaner and consistent image.

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Bathroom Remodel Design Guide : Bathtubs, Showers & Sinks was last modified: December 18th, 2025 by Smart Marketing
Design Showroom Visit : How to Prepare & What to Look For

Design Showroom Visit : How to Prepare & What to Look For

Most of our clients spend six months or longer conducting independent research before making an appointment to come to the design showroom to discuss creating the kitchen of their dreams. We value our clients’ time. That’s why we offer the following advice to prepare for a showroom visit to not only save time, but also to ensure that our clients’ wants, needs, and dreams are realized.

Kitchen Design Showroom

We know that the kitchen is the epicenter of the home, but the way that the kitchen is used varies greatly from one home to the next. Before you visit the showroom, consider who will use the space and how — will you use the space to prepare meals, entertain friends and family, etc.? Listing all of the uses and users enables your kitchen designer to not only determine how to meet your functionality requirements, but also why you are making the investment in a home renovation. The list of uses also enables us to determine the types and amount of lighting that you will need for reading, TV watching, baking, cooking, entertaining or just hanging out.

The size of the space is another critical factor when considering a kitchen remodeling project. It’s best if you measure the length and width and bring those figures with you to the showroom. It will enable us to determine if an island is possible (one of the most requested features in a kitchen). If space is at a premium, a peninsula might be a fallback. Another important consideration is traffic flow. Your new kitchen should make it easier to prepare meals, eat, clean up and navigate through your space without bumping into things or others. If you currently bump into other family members while in the kitchen, let us know because that will help us develop the best solution for your project.

Well-Designed Kitchens

 

Make another list to identify all of the things that you want to store in your kitchen and their sizes. A well-designed kitchen is an organized kitchen. Most of our clients appreciate clean, clutter-free countertops. When we know the utensils, cutlery, plates, pots, pans, books, computers, appliances, etc. that you want at your fingertips, we can recommend the right storage solutions for your project.

Think about how you want the new space to feel every time you walk into your new kitchen and use it. What are your favorite colors and styles? Do you prefer to make big bold statements or rather lean towards serene environments? We encourage our clients to create idea books on Pinterest or Houzz.com and comment on the different pictures and photographs in them. Include information and pictures of appliances, faucets, sinks, lighting fixtures, cabinets, door hardware, tile, granite, stone or other materials you would like to use in your new kitchen. Once we know your preferences, we can develop the solutions that meet your needs and budgets.

Before You Visit the Showroom

 

Let us know what you like and would like to change about your existing space. It may be too small for your needs. If so, we can look to open up the kitchen to create more space and to make it appear more spacious. Adding windows or doors that allow natural light can change the look and feel of a room. Experienced kitchen designers know how to work with client preferences, keeping the functionality and look that you enjoy while developing solutions to eliminate your dislikes.

Don’t be afraid to have a renovation budget in mind. We know that most clients are reticent to talk about budgets up front. Sometimes budgets are realistic and other times they are not. What you see on home improvement shows on television rarely compare to the real world because on TV they don’t account for labor and labor is typically 50 percent of the cost of a new kitchen or bath. Sharing your budget with our designers helps to set the tone, will save time and avoid having to change course midstream if the unexpected occurs.

Also, consider how involved you want to be in your project. Do you want to be partially involved in every detail or would you prefer to rely on your designer to develop solutions for your review and approval? Either option is fine, but to help your designer save you time and energy communicate this information up front.

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Design Showroom Visit : How to Prepare & What to Look For was last modified: December 18th, 2025 by Smart Marketing