10 Keys to a Well-Functioning House

The design of a house can have a profound effect on how we feel, but we often attribute this to aesthetics. In fact, it’s about so much more including creating a well-functioning house. Good design should enhance our experience of a space, and the way a room looks is almost the icing on the cake. Here are 10 key tips for achieving a comfortable, well-thought-out home.

well-functioning house

Craig O’Connell Architecture

TIPS FOR A WELL-FUNCTIONING HOUSE

  1. Get the Layout Right  The starting point for any kind of change in your home should be the layout and the way the space functions. Spend time looking at how you use and move around your home. Try to establish what is and isn’t working to get a clear picture of what you need to alter. If the space doesn’t work well and you’re finding it difficult to move around or be comfortable, the interior decoration isn’t going to make much of an improvement. Rather, you may need to knock down a wall between a kitchen and a family or dining room, for example, or steal space from a bedroom to create an en suite.
  2. Be Practical  A well-designed home is one that makes things easy for you, so it pays to make room for those everyday tasks like laundry. Not all of us have space for a separate utility area, but clever design may enable you to maximize the space you do have. A washer and dryer can be stacked and concealed behind closet doors, making them easy to access when required.
  3. Use the Awkward Space  Do you have an area you don’t know what to do with? Challenging spaces are often left bare, and bare spaces tend to attract clutter. If an unused corner in your home has become messy, it may take away from the enjoyment of the room. Think about how you can transform the space, as there are clever ways of putting these awkward areas to good use. A nook at the top of a staircase can have a window seat that’s both functional and cozy.

well-functioning house

Melanie Stewart Designs

  1. Future-Proof It  Make sure that your design addresses more than just your immediate needs. It’s very easy to focus your attention on how you want to live right now, especially if you have young children. However, your needs will change over time, so it’s vital that you build in some flexibility. For instance, the opportunity to create a separate living space in an open-plan home may be a good idea for when the children get older, since family members may eventually desire a calm room away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the home.

well-functioning house

Barcci Builders

  1. Designate Storage  A place for everything and everything in its place” really is the mantra for a well-functioning home. When it comes to choosing the right kind of storage, you should let what you need to store dictate the kind of storage that you select. Designated storage is far more efficient and useful than general storage. By having a specific place for each item, you’ll avoid the possibility of everything being thrown in haphazardly.

well-functioning house

Glas Associates

  1. Plan the Lighting  Lighting is one of the most important design aspects of a home and is something many people struggle with. It has such a powerful effect on the ambiance of a room that it is worth taking the time to get it absolutely right. The trick is to get the proper balance of artificial and natural light. Too much artificial light results in a space that feels clinical, but if a room is underlit, everything appears gloomy and uninviting.

well-functioning house

123 Remodeling Inc.

  1. Make Rooms Work Hard  When you’re designing a room, try to see where you can utilize spaces more effectively. Can you give a design feature multiple functions, for example? Can you build in more storage?

well-functioning house

Bilotta Kitchen and Home

  1. Pick Finishes Wisely  Choose finishes that are appropriate for the room. Tiles in a kitchen are a practical, durable choice for flooring. Spend time researching the finishes for your home, and ask about upkeep and suitability for the space where you plan to use them. Even if you love the look of an item, it’s important to think about whether it’s a practical choice for your room.

well-functioning house

Kalaa Chakra Interiors

  1. Layer With Color  Your choice of color isn’t important only for how it looks; it also will have a big impact on how you feel in the space. Get it wrong and the color will shout at you every time you enter the room. Get it right, and you won’t even notice the color — you’ll just love spending time in the space. A good tip is to layer your color palette: Start with a neutral backdrop and build on color carefully by adding bolder shades through accessories and art. However, neutral doesn’t mean painting your walls a bland shade. You can create a neutral version of practically any color by going either very light or very dark. Think grays, caramels, and sandy tones, all of which work in any version from light to dark as a neutral backdrop that you can combine with any other accent color.

well-functioning house

Christopher Patrick Interiors

  1. Let Your Personality Shine  Most importantly, your home should reflect the personality of those who live in it. Choose design elements that you love and that help you feel healthy and happy. This living room features a personal art collection and re-upholstered slipper chairs that have an emotional connection for the homeowner.

 

Blog by  Denise O’Connor, Houzz Contributor

Denise holds a degree in architecture from Richview School of Architecture at UCD. After graduating in Dublin she moved to London where she worked on residential, healthcare, and office schemes including the award-winning headquarters for Holiday Extras for which she was a project architect at Walker and Martin. In 2005 she returned to Dublin and set up architecture and interior design consultancy Optimize Design. Denise is an architecture and interiors columnist for the Irish Times and a contributor for HOUZZ. She is also a regular contributor to various other publications and also gives lectures on a range of topics. She was a presenter for the first series of the RTE TV show ‘The Design Doctors’ and is the creator and name behind the successful paint collection for Dulux called Signature Collection.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsmen are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

How to Store Kitchen Tools and Flatware

They say the key to organization is a place for everything and everything in its place. This is true for even the smallest items, such as your kitchen utensils. These include your everyday flatware as well as the many small but mighty cooking tools a serious chef requires. Here are some of my favorite options on how to store your kitchen tools in any space and on any budget.

Step One: Eliminating

Before you can organize any part of your home properly, you need to do some culling, and this is especially true in the kitchen. Drawers can quickly become filled with unused tools and gadgets, so take a hard look at the items you own and find as many as possible to give away or box up.

 

how to store kitchen tools

NEAT Method Santa Barbara

You may never get your collection of utensils down to the perfectly minimal arrangements shown in these photos, but the more items you can eliminate, the easier it will be to store and find the truly useful ones. Never use the little dessert spoons that came with your cutlery set?  Only used that special spatula (designed to perfectly flip a single egg) the one time? Stash these items away in less reachable spaces such as upper cabinets to free up more prime cabinet real estate.

How to store kitchen toolss

Joselyn Rendon Interiors

If Renovating, Make a Plan for Success

If you’re renovating or building a kitchen, you shouldn’t put off the organizational considerations until all the construction is complete. Thinking in advance about how to hold your collection of tools will produce a much better result. Planning to include a few drawers specifically sized for utensils will save a lot of potentially wasted space.

Typical cutlery trays aren’t very wide. Your basic eating utensils get used every day, but they don’t need that much space. A drawer just 10 to 12 inches wide will provide the right amount of space for those items without the need to have them share space with whisks and ladles.

How to store kitchen tools

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Give Depth Some (Deep) Thought

Besides considering the width of the drawers, don’t forget to think about the depth. Drawers are often 6 to 8 inches deep (on the exterior face) by default simply because the cabinet has been split evenly into three to four drawers. However, a 4- to 5-inch-deep drawer (again, on the face, which translates to just a few inches inside) is all you need to store well-organized utensils. Using more and shallower drawers keeps items from getting piled on top of each other and lost in the mix.

Ideally, you should look at the collection of utensils you have (or plan to have) and map out exactly how much space they will need. This takes some extra effort upfront, but you will end up with a much better allocation of space than by simply choosing drawers in an arbitrary width. You can try laying out your utensils on a dining table to get a visual picture (and some measurements) of how much space they ideally would get.

How to store kitchen tools

Reiter Architecture & Design

Mix Drawers and Doors

Often people think of drawer cabinets and basic shelf cabinets as being two separate things, but they definitely can be mixed to meet your needs more efficiently.

Cabinets with a drawer at the top and doors and shelves below allow smaller, often-used items to be placed at a more reachable height, with the shelf storage left for more occasional items and oversized pieces. If you use lots of small chef’s tools when you cook, consider including many utensil drawers at the top level. It will save you a lot of bending down over time.

How to store kitchen tools
MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc.

Consider Going Vertical

Want to tidy up your cutlery drawer without having to assign each piece an individual place? Try a drawer with vertical cutlery bins that let you simply drop in pieces with long handles (such as spatulas and slotted spoons) and pull them out easily. You’ll be able to see each piece, and you won’t have to remember exactly where you got it later.

 

How to store kitchen tools

eric gedney | ARCHITECT

This style of cabinet can make great use of skinny spaces left over in your cabinet plans, such as the small spaces next to a range or sink.

You can store flatware vertically too. Cleverly retrofit a deeper drawer into a cutlery drawer by dividing it into small, deep compartments like this. Just be sure you don’t store sharp items this way, or you may dull the blades (and risk accidents as well).

How to store kitchen tools

Jim Martin Design

Create Layers

Another way to make the best use of deep drawers is to break them up internally into layers. You can either use a built-in drawer divider system or find a layered drop-in unit.

A tiered organizer can create compartments smaller than an individual drawer to gain maximum space efficiency. Just keep in mind that the upper layer will partially cover the lower layer (or will need to be slid individually), so you should put the most-used items on the most reachable tier.

Retrofitting: What Are the Options?

Of course, many of the images in this article use beautiful, built-in, custom-fitted trays, and those may not always be an option, especially when working with existing cabinetry. However, there are many alternatives available.

 

How to store kitchen tools

Renovisions

Single Trays

A classic single cutlery tray is sometimes all you need, but keep in mind that these trays are not truly one-size-fits-all. Finding one that comes close to filling your drawer width will provide more structure versus a small tray that shifts around with use. Measure the interior of your drawer and look for a tray that fills it. Online shops will usually have more size options than a small local kitchen supply store.

Configurable Trays

A step above the prefabricated single trays is a divider system made up of single compartments that can be mixed and matched like Tetris pieces to create spaces for all your items. If you can’t perfectly fill the full width, use the open space for a sturdy item such as a rolling pin or box of foil that will keep the other pieces from shifting.

Susan Brook Interiors

Resizable Dividers

Another step closer to a custom built-in is a resizable divider system like this one that lets you snap together pieces to create any size compartments you like. An advantage of this sort of system is that you can change the configuration later to fit a different mix of items, or even fit a new drawer if you move or renovate.

Open Storage Vessels

For those who don’t mind having some of their utensils on display, simple open vessels or jars make a great place to hold your often-used items.

This can look especially great in a kitchen that makes use of open shelving already, with the utensil jars becoming part of the overall chef’s kitchen appeal.

Hanging Rails

Another form of open storage is a rail that can be used to either hang utensils and tools directly (via a curved handle or a hook) or hang containers and holders to keep your utensils within easy reach but off the counter.

A wall-mounted system can be great for stealing a little storage space behind the range or elsewhere on the backsplash, which can be a lifesaver in a compact kitchen where every inch of storage space counts.

Pegboards

Like a rail, a pegboard can give you lots of flexible storage space on the wall. Whether this look is charmingly relaxed or too busy is a matter of personal taste, but if you like this aesthetic, it offers lots of practical options for arranging and rearranging your tools.

The full article by Toronto Interior Design Group can be found here. Houzz contributor. 

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Homework Remodels will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or email [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project.  We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsman are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!  See our portfolio here.

Find more informative blogs and articles on HOUZZ and on our website www.trilitebuilders.com.

 

Outdoor Living Space Finished!

Deck Renovation with outdoor kitchen and two-story addition.

In Phoenix, our outdoor living space is just as important as our indoor living space! This outdoor space feels even more poignant in this unprecedented time where stay at home orders are in place to keep the COVID-19 pandemic from being more devastating than it already is. During this pandemic, Tri-Lite Builders is still at work making your remodel aspirations come to fruition. We take every precaution to keep life as congruent as possible. We offer virtual planning and design meetings via Zoom for your future remodel.

Our Latest Project

We’ve recently completed this beautiful outdoor living space and we’d love to share it with you!
We took our client’s goals and added our design and craftsmanship to make a GREAT outdoor living space with an amazing deck and storage room two-story addition. The North Phoenix home faces north with a stunning view of Lookout Mountain Preserve and the northeast valley. Our client now has an incredible space to enjoy their scenic view.

Major Changes

We created a large outdoor living area for entertaining. This beautiful adobe style home’s first floor was built below grade level. The second story of the home is dedicated to the main living space with the kitchen, living room and dining room. By expanding the deck, and integrating an outdoor kitchen, we created a much larger living space for their home.

We built a two-story addition to the back of the house which creates a storage room, of which the roof serves as an additional walk deck space for the new outdoor kitchen (check out the photos). This new uncovered deck directly extends from the existing deck so that it spans the width of the home. The storage room is a secure, temperature-controlled space. With a ceiling height just over 9’0” and over 200 sq. ft., this room below the new deck addition is the perfect space for additional storage.

The existing deck cover was a weathered canvas awning that required a bulky wireframing/support system. We replaced it with a custom pergola with a solid roof that provides shade, protection and more style to the deck and to the back of the house.

It’s in the Details

The deck has electrical for lighting and misting fans. In cooler temperatures, portable heaters will make this a comfortable living space during all 4 seasons. TV mounts were added along with cabinets, a sink base, storage shelves, and a built-in barbeque. Beautiful curtains were hung to help soften the lines of the pergola and added privacy when needed.

The interior of the storage space is sheeted with plywood and painted gray as the perfect backdrop to the wall storage solutions and racks that were installed for the work areas. The ceiling is painted black to maintain the desired focus of the homeowner.

New paint to the exterior of the house was done in a light beige and a complementary dark brown to allow the architectural details to stand out on the home.

Overall, this addition checks off all the clients’ must-haves. Meeting each goal: secure climate-controlled storage, outdoor kitchen, and 4-season entertaining space has truly added to the value of this home. Now, they wait, for the opportunity to share it with family and friends.

To see more of our projects, click here!

Outdoor Living Space Project Nearing Completion

Two story deck renovation and storage room addition nearing completion

We are excited to show you our outdoor living space project that is nearing completion!  If you haven’t caught our other blogs about this North Phoenix home renovation, you can catch up by reading the first blog here and the second one here.  Outdoor living space in Phoenix is almost as important as indoor living space and we’ve enjoyed working on this amazing deck and storage room two-story addition. The back of the house faces north with a stunning view of Lookout Mountain Preserve and the northeast valley. It has been exciting to create a new space where our clients can enjoy their scenic view from their new deck and outdoor kitchen!

What our goals have been

The goal for our client was to have a larger outdoor space to do the entertaining he enjoys. This beautiful stucco adobe style home’s first floor was built below grade level. The second story of the home is dedicated to the main living space with the kitchen, living room and dining room. By expanding the deck space, and integrating an outdoor kitchen, we will create a much larger outdoor living space for this home.

We are almost done!!

With all the details almost complete this deck renovation has made quite the change for our homeowner’s outdoor entertaining space.  So much so, he has already had multiple gatherings.  It is that time of year in the Valley of the Sun to get out and enjoy our outdoor living spaces.  Fall, football and stunning sunsets set the mood.  The deck has electrical for misting fans, lights, and TV mounts.  There is an area for cabinets to be installed including a sink base, storage shelves, and a built-in barbeque.

The interior of the storage space walls is sheeted with plywood and painted gray as the perfect backdrop to the wall storage solutions and racks that will be installed for the work areas.  The ceiling was painted black to maintain the desired focus of the homeowner.

Excited for the finish to come soon as the details fall into place.  It is going to be perfect for entertaining and enjoying the gorgeous view of the valley.

A Look Behind the Walls

All that blown insulation settled into its spaces. Drywall installed on the ceiling. Plywood acclimating so it can be ready to sheet the walls once the ceiling is complete.

We are excited to continue to share our progress on this amazing two-story deck and storage room addition for our latest North Phoenix home remodel by giving you a look behind the walls. The back of the house faces north with a stunning view of Lookout Mountain Preserve and the northeast valley.  You can read about the remodel of this outdoor living space and storage room addition in its beginning stages here.

Behind the Walls of the New Storage Addition

With our Monsoon season almost ending we are getting quite the storm this week.  So, we are giving you a look inside, behind the walls, of this two-story addition.  This first floor is going to be a secure, temperature-controlled storage room.  With a ceiling height just over 9’-0” and over 200 sq. ft, this room below the new deck addition is the perfect space for additional storage. Above this new room addition will be an outdoor kitchen and additional deck space.

Photos

Take a stroll through the photos to see where we are currently in this process. We’ve captioned each of them to give you a look behind the walls.  We are excited to show you how this unique outdoor living space and storage room addition turns out in a future blog!

Trending Kitchen Storage and Design Ideas

Trending Kitchen Storage and Design

Your dream kitchen is just around the corner! Categorically, the number one desire in remodeling a kitchen is to create more storage in the existing space. Obviously, this is a great way to give your kitchen the functionality it needs, but you can also infuse it with creativity along the way.  Whether you are doing it yourself or having Tri-Lite Builders plan your new kitchen, you can be inspired by these trending kitchen storage and design ideas.

Reclaim and Recycle

Using reclaimed material is still on-trend and is expected to continue.  Reclaimed wood is everywhere and easy to find cost-effectively or even free. Old shipping crates, used pallets, and old furniture are all sources for wood recycling.  Using these materials may require sanding and refinishing to make the pieces usable.  Some recycled wood will work for a more rustic look. It all comes down to the finished look you desire.

Kitchen Pantry

If organization and saving money are your goal, consider building a kitchen pantry. When building a pantry, think about the space in relation to having all the food items and small kitchen appliances you need for meal preparation within easy reach.  Pantries are a great addition to keeping your weekly budget for groceries in hand since you can easily see what foods you have stored.

Material Combinations

Today’s trends invite you to think out of the box!  Create striking visuals by mixing materials and tones for your kitchen cabinets. You can get this effect easily by using different materials and/or shades for upper and lower cabinets. For example, consider wooden lower cabinets, and upper cabinets with metal for an interesting contrast. Alternatively, you could consider a dark wood for the kitchen island, white cabinets for the base cabinetry. You can also use glass or open shelving for the upper cabinets. No longer are matching cabinets a necessity for an attractive looking kitchen.  Choose materials that you like above any other factors.

Since you are designing the kitchen of your dreams, explore the different material choices as well as storage solutions.  Kitchen storage possibilities aren’t limited to cabinets or a pantry. You can use the same creativity in your materials and design for kitchen islands. Check online to discover more kitchen storage options that will make your kitchen uniquely yours! You can also explore our award-winning kitchens in our portfolio here!

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

Kick start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or emailing [email protected] to discuss remodeling your home, kitchen, or bathroom.  We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our award-winning designers and craftsman are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality!

Drop us a line!

Get in touch with us!