home remodel Archives - Tri-Lite Builders

21 May 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Design, Home Remodel, Lifestyle, living room, Trends Permalink

10 Living Room Features Pros Always Recommend

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On May 21, 2023

Kitchens and bathrooms get a lot of remodeling attention. But there’s been a surge of interest in living room updates in recent years. Many updates to living rooms are typically less expensive than the major changes often involved in kitchen and bathroom renovations. And the pandemic has changed the way many people want to live in their homes. That often starts with updating the living room.

With that in mind, we reached out to more than 50 home design and remodeling professionals and asked them which living room features they always recommend to homeowners. Here are the must-have living room features that came up again and again.

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

LIVING ROOM FEATURES THE PROS RECOMMEND

Connection to the Outdoors

By far, the living room feature pros most often recommend is a connection to outdoor spaces. This helps virtually and physically expand the living space and maximizes natural light and views. “Of all the spaces in a home, the living room is the one for which we strive the hardest to create continuity between the interior and exterior,” says Coby Linton of Linton Architects.

This approach can take on many forms. At the top of the list would be sliding doors that completely open the indoors to the outdoors, as shown in this San Diego living room by Jackson Design & Remodeling.

But large windows that offer a view to an outdoor space also get the job done. “Large fixed windows are inexpensive and can really open up your home to views and light,” says designer Justin Cipriani of Cipriani Studios.

Pure Salt Interiors

Performance Fabric

The next-most-recommended feature is performance fabric. This durable upholstery is stain-resistant and easy to clean, which also allows homeowners to feel a little more confident in choosing white and creamy colors for things like sofas and sectionals. “In living rooms, especially for clients with families or pets, I always recommend performance fabrics where possible,” says designer Natalie Meyer of CNC Home & Design. “Whether on sofas, chairs, or upholstered ottomans, a performance fabric will stand up to your family’s lifestyle and help protect against stains or spills so you can actually enjoy and live in your space.”

Omnia Construction

Comfortable Furniture

This is an obvious one but it’s worth emphasizing: Comfortable furniture is a must-have in a living room. That means using more soft fabrics, deep cushions, and rounded edges rather than solid, hard-backed pieces and sharp corners. “I always tell my clients that the most important living room feature is comfort,” says designer Lindsey Machado of Designed With Grace & Joy. “We will always make any space look beautiful, so it’s more important to me that they’re also happy with the way it feels. That not only includes actual materials — think plush rugs, soft pillows and throw blankets, a nice-feeling sofa — but also ambiance.”

Designer Krista McGrath of McGrath Interiors tells homeowners to get the best-quality seating they can afford. “They will spend hours sitting on their furniture,” McGrath says, “so it should be very comfortable and hold up well.”

Designer Sabrina Lowe agrees. “The sofa is the one item in the living room that clients should put resources toward,” she says. “Most people who invest in a good couch have it for decades.”

Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors

Multiple Seating Options

In addition to choosing comfortable furniture in durable fabrics, you should strive for plenty of seating options to accommodate family members and guests. Consider sofas, loveseats, ottomans, and armchairs.

Pros also recommend pieces that can be moved around, like accent chairs and footstools. Swivel chairs are another pro favorite. These allow the user to rotate to face a conversation area, a view, or a nearby room such as the kitchen.

And think about how window seats or a fireplace hearth might add to your seating arrangement.

Ryan Street Architects

Large Area Rug

One element you’re almost guaranteed to find in a professionally designed and decorated living room is an area rug. This helps anchor the room and provides a jumping-off point for building a cohesive color palette. “It adds warmth and coziness to a space and is a great way to tie furniture and decor together while also providing a way to add detail and texture to the space,” designer Anna Butler says.

Designer Allison Crawford always recommends an oversize custom or vintage rug. “When all four feet of a living room’s furniture can sit on the rug, the entire space is elevated,” she says. “It creates a sense of elegance and really pulls the room together.”

ORIJIN STONE, LLC

Fireplace

Many design and remodeling pros feel a fireplace should be a standard feature in a living room. It gives the space ambiance and provides a captivating focal point to arrange furniture around. “It allows for gathering and instinctually brings people together for conversation and creates memories,” says John Annis of Galbraith Carnahan Architects.

How to Decorate a Living Room

Cuppett Kilpatrick Architects

Layered Lighting

Pros can’t say enough about the importance of a layered lighting scheme in a living room. “We always recommend layers of lighting, such as overhead lighting like a chandelier and then sconces,” says Alexandra Ford of Cummings Architecture + Interiors. “Living rooms can be used for so many activities — socially for entertaining, reading, watching a movie — you want to be able to have a variation of the lighting based on the task.”

Layered lighting is the go-to living room feature for designer Virginia Betty of Betty + Co Design and Consulting. “It’s nice to have a combination of small can lights on dimmers, sconce lights on the wall, reading lamps, and art lighting,” she says. “You can have it bright for cleaning time, task lighting for reading, and dim, cozy lighting for evening relaxing.”

To create flexibility with lighting, designer Wendy Black Rodgers recommends that homeowners install floor outlets so lamps can be positioned next to seating pieces without worrying about tripping over cords.

Christie Sobran Designs

Built-Ins

Built-in cabinets give homeowners customized storage and display space while creating a finished look. “One of our top living room features that we recommend is built-in shelving or custom woodwork — cabinetry, built-ins, room dividers,” says designer Ivana Stojanovska of Arete Renovators.

Designer Christie Sobran added these custom built-ins flanking a porcelain fireplace surround in a Bridgeport, Connecticut, living room. A bar sits to the left, with additional storage on the right.

The Sitting Room

Open Floor Plan

Many family members and guests spend the bulk of their time at home in the kitchen or living room, so creating a connection between the two spaces makes sense. That’s why many pros recommend an open floor plan when it comes to living spaces.

Keep in mind that you can still have some delineation of space within an open plan. Furniture arrangement, ceiling treatments, and partial walls can give the feeling of separation between spaces while maintaining openness.

Beth Haley Design

Ceiling Treatment

A lot of living room design centers around elements close to the ground. But pros urge homeowners to consider what’s above too. Attractive ceiling features like coffered millwork, beams, or even statement light fixtures will make a room feel complete. “We always try to incorporate a generous ceiling height in a living space and include a special ceiling feature tailored to the homeowner’s style and design aesthetic,” says designer Jennifer Whisenant of Noble Johnson Architects. “This may include a wood ceiling, coffered beams, accent paint color, or heavy timber beams.”

The article was written by Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor.

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Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

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.

11 May 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, client collaboration, Design, Green Certified Professional, Green Remodel, Home Improvements Permalink

6 Tips for Making Your Remodel More Sustainable

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On May 11, 2023

Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, it’s a great opportunity to make your home more sustainable (environmentally friendly). From finding local materials to designing easy-to-clean spaces with an eye to the future, here are six expert insights you need to know if you’re eager to go green.

Kipnis Architecture + Planning

1. Look Beyond Price

If you’re building or renovating on a budget, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest products and materials. But this can often be a false economy, leading to unnecessary waste, says Nathalie Scipioni, architect, and director at Nathalie Scipioni Architects.

“Renovators often focus on the price of products and materials, finding it more affordable to source them overseas. But many cheap, overseas products are very often not of the same quality [as the more expensive, local equivalents] and end up breaking down faster and more often. This can result in repair costs, replacements, and waste. As such, it is always best to prioritize durability and quality over price,” Scipioni says.

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes

2. Pick the Right Architect or Building Designer

It may seem obvious, but if a sustainable build or renovation is your focus, it’s important to work with an architect or building designer who specializes in this area. “Choose a designer who understands passive solar design principles — good design saves energy and materials and will make your home more functional, comfortable, and beautiful,” says Rhiannon Hayward-Steers, architect at Hindley & Co.

Tri-Lite Builders is a NARI Green Certified Professional. As one of the only Design/Build Certified Green Remodelers in Phoenix, we start each project with a design phase. During this time we do a detailed feasibility study of your kitchen, bathroom, or home remodel in order to make the appropriate choices for making your home more sustainable and to fit your budget. We will help you plan your green remodeling project and get it off the drawing board into a working green kitchen, bathroom or home remodel.

Fete Nature Architecture

3. Use Sustainable and Recycled Materials

When you’re building or renovating your dream home, don’t get caught up in the idea of having the newest and shiniest products. Materials such as recycled wood are not only an environmentally sound choice, but they can add real character to spots such as countertops, floors, and walls. “Recycled bricks and roof tiles are other products you might consider using,” says Kirsten Johnstone, director at Kirsten Johnstone Architecture.

When it comes to wood, seek out species that are responsibly sourced. “Renewable plantation timber, preferably locally sourced, is the most sustainable building material because it can be regrown and the plantations store carbon,” says Anne Hindley, architect, and director at Hindley & Co.

Southend Reclaimed

How do you know if the products you’re choosing are making your home more sustainable? Look for industry-recognized certification, Johnstone says. For example:

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) provides a certification process for environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically responsible forest management for timber products.

Global GreenTag provides certification for many products and is recognized in over 70 countries. It is compliant with numerous ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards, providing internationally accepted quality-management standards.

Erika Altenhofen, CKBD – Neil Kelly Co.

4. Ask More Questions for Making Your Home More Sustainable

“Designing sustainably is not just about the initial choices you make. It also includes asking deeper questions, such as, ‘How is the product manufactured? Who made it — was it produced in the equivalent of a sweatshop and shipped from overseas? When and where should this product be used?’” Johnstone says.

Young & Borlik Architects

5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Technology

Hayward-Steers recommends reducing your reliance on the grid (and seeing your energy bills tumble) by specifying energy-saving heating and cooling technology. “Think solar panels, high-efficiency heat pumps, and geothermal heating and cooling,” she says.

And when you are shopping for major appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines, seek out energy-efficient styles that consume less water and power.

Green Hammer

6. Make It Easy to Clean

Create a healthier interior by choosing finishes that can be easily cleaned without toxic chemicals, including tiles and wood floorboards, and appliances that can be wiped down easily, Scipioni says.

In the kitchen, she says, consider:

Matte and semi-gloss kitchen cabinetry finishes reduce the visibility of fingerprints and stains.
Nonporous stone or glass backsplashes and countertops — they are durable, extremely hygienic, and simple to clean.
- Create as much storage as possible to keep countertops clutter-free and easy to wipe down.
- Incorporating an appliance cabinet where you can store and easily access frequently used appliances such as the microwave, coffee maker, and food processor.
- Give your healthy cleaning routine a further boost by choosing eco-conscious cleaning supplies that keep your home sparkling without the nasty chemicals.

Tali Hardonag Architect

In the bathroom, consider:

Wall-hung vanities and toilets that are easy to clean underneath.
A back-to-wall bath rather than a freestanding style if your bathroom is small — there are fewer hard-to-reach spots to scrub with toxic cleaning agents.
Large-format tiles with fewer grout lines to clean.
Recessed or semi-recessed sinks; the joint between the sink and countertop is minimized, allowing a long-lasting and easy-to-clean fixture.

Keep researching and reading, you’ll find there is a wealth of information and questions to ask so that you can make your build or remodel more sustainable.

Blog is written by Georgia Madden, Senior Writer, Houzz

For another informative blog on how to sustainably remodel your home, follow this link!

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24 Apr 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, client collaboration, Home Remodel, Lifestyle, NARI Certified, Professional Interior Designer Permalink

How to Work With an Interior Designer

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On April 24, 2023

When most people think about hiring an interior designer, they zero in on aesthetics: wall colors, window treatments, and pillow patterns. But that’s just scratching the surface of what a designer can add to a home. These pros go beyond cosmetic concerns to ensure that a space feels harmonious through and through, from its floor plan and architectural envelope to the last nailhead, tassel, and tuft. Many states have a certification process for interior designers.

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

A designer envisions, plans, and outfits spaces in a way that makes them both beautiful and functional. He or she balances aesthetic considerations with structural planning to reflect each client’s lifestyle, set the desired mood, complement the home’s architectural features and ensure that less glamorous details (such as electrical outlets and air vents) fit into the scheme. An interior designer also cultivates relationships with trusted contractors, artisans, vendors, and others who execute the design.

You may have a clear vision for your home, but an interior designer can help you bring it to life while making sure it satisfies nitty-gritty considerations such as space planning and functionality. A trained eye and a creative mindset allow for devising solutions that you might never have imagined, and attention to the tiniest details will transform your space into a haven that looks polished and pulled together.

Studio Dearborn

8 Tips for Working with an Interior Designer

1. Be sure the designer is a good match for your style. No two clients are alike, and good interior designers are nimble enough to hop from urban pied-à-terre to rustic farmhouse to beachside getaway without missing a beat.

Most do have a fundamental aesthetic that remains consistent throughout their work. When interviewing designers, ask them about their design approach, and look for parallels between their previous work and the design you want. Above all, look for someone you feel comfortable communicating with.

Finch London

2. Collect samples. Even if you have trouble articulating your desired look, pictures of rooms you love can instantly give the designer a sense of what you crave. He or she will ask you about specific points of the design that resonate with you and use those as guidelines. Fabric swatches, paint chips, furniture catalogs, and your own Houzz ideabooks are other good sources for showing items you like. On the flip side, pull examples of colors, motifs, and furniture styles that turn you off, which can be equally helpful.

Leah Ward Interiors

3. Decide in advance which pieces must stay. Not willing to get rid of your Biedermeier sideboard or your Majolica collection? The process will go more smoothly if you share that information with your designer during the initial site visit and consultation. That way, he or she can plan around the items that you don’t want to give up.

4. Involve the designer as early as possible in the building process. If you’re remodeling or building from scratch, include the designer in the planning stages with your architect, building designer, and contractor. This way, the pros involved will all be on the same page and can iron out any potential discrepancies — particularly those that involve the bones of a home, such as doorways, ceiling beams, or interior columns. It’s one thing to reorient a window on paper; it’s another entirely to move it after installation.

5. Try to have key household members present at the outset. Having all the adults’ input from the get-go helps to avoid potential conflicts down the road. If a spouse or loved one objects to a certain color or reveals that he or she just can’t part with Grandmother’s antique dining table, it’s easiest to work out those issues right away.

6. Ask the designer to clarify billing procedures. Find out at the beginning when you’ll be charged and what for. In addition to the design itself, you may be billed for travel time, site visits, shopping, phone conversations, and more. Also, ask how you’ll be billed for furnishings, accents, materials, or other items. This way, you’ll be able to anticipate fairly closely what and when to pay.

Christina Byers Design

7. Keep an open mind. It’s a rare client who loves 100 percent of a designer’s suggestions right off the bat. Your designer might recommend a piece of furniture or a wallpaper pattern you’re iffy about but don’t say no without giving the idea some time to sink in. Chances are that when you ask your designer why he or she chose it, and when you take a little time to live with it, you’ll appreciate the reason it works.

8. Look toward refreshing down the road. Even the best design doesn’t stay current forever. Ask your designer if tune-up visits in the future are an option, whether they involve simply swapping out a few accessories, reupholstering the furniture, or choosing new paint colors.

Blog written by Lisa Frederick, Houzz Contributor.

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05 Feb 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Build/Design Process, Home Improvements, Home Remodel, Professional Contractor Permalink

10 Times to Hire a General Contractor

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On February 5, 2023

Wondering if it’s time to hire a general contractor? These pros are experts at managing all aspects of a project, including applying for building permits, hiring subcontractors, overseeing work and cleanup, and more. If you’re thinking of undertaking a major home improvement project, remodel or new build, a general contractor will likely be a key member of your team. Here are 10 times it makes sense to work with a general contractor to help your project run smoothly.

[Modern Exterior]

General Contractor vs. Specialized Contractor

A specialized contractor is a pro with a single specialty area of practice, like electricians and plumbers. A general contractor (GC), on the other hand, oversees all on-site aspects of a construction project, including the work of any specialized contractors. The GC is your point person — the one with a bird’s-eye view of the entire project and the person you call about everything related to the project.

1. You are Ready to Implement an Architect’s Plans

If you’ve been working with an architect to design a custom home, once the plans have been finalized it’s time to find a contractor who can bring the design to life. It’s important that these pros work well together, so if your architect suggests contractors he or she has worked with before, it’s a good idea to consider getting bids from them. But even if you do go with one of the contractors your designer suggests, don’t neglect to do your own due diligence — check references, ask to see past work, and double-check that he or she is insured.

Joan Heaton Architects designed the modern Vermont farmhouse shown here, and Silver Maple Construction implemented the construction.

[Innovative Design Build]

2. You Want to Exercise Your Design Chops

This certainly is not the case for all homeowners, but for a certain design-savvy subset — like Houzz contributing writer Becky Harris, whose remodeled bathroom is shown here — taking on a (relatively) small design project with the help of a general contractor is an exciting proposition. Working with the pros at Innovative Construction, Harris selected her own fixtures and finishes to transform a ho-hum bathroom into a light and lovely space.

Tip: If you’re planning to go right to a general contractor without hiring a designer, it’s a safer bet if you’re keeping most elements in the same place. In other words, the more complexity involved, the more likely you’re going to need to bring a designer on board.

[Gregg Homebuilding]

3. You are Making Changes to Your Kitchen

Anytime you know you’ll be needing multiple pros at work on a single project, it’s usually worthwhile to hire a general contractor to oversee and coordinate the project. In a kitchen, for example, pretty much any work that goes beyond altering a single element (like replacing appliances) will require multiple pros, including a plumber, an electrician, and a carpenter or cabinetmaker. Your general contractor can maintain the larger vision for the space (including a kitchen designer’s plans, if you’re using them), hire and oversee subcontractors, schedule the work, and maintain the site.

[Texas Construction Company]

4. You Want a Simple Addition

In some cases, you may want to hire an architect to create a plan for an addition that integrates seamlessly with the rest of your home before hiring a general contractor. But in other instances, a contractor who specializes in additions can take the lead. Ranch houses, like the one shown here by Texas Construction, are especially well-suited to easy additions because of their horizontal layout and single-level living. A contractor can obtain a building permit and build your addition to code.

[Judith Taylor Designs]

5. You Need to Restore After a Fire, Flood, or Storm

When the Cape Cod, Massachusetts, condo of interior designer Judith Taylor was flooded during a nor’easter, the entire interior was damaged, necessitating a top-to-bottom restoration. From installing new drywall and doing electrical repairs to replacing the floors and repainting, the work after an event like this can be extensive. A general contractor can be your point person to see you through the process of getting your home in shape so you can move back in.

6. You Want to Make Structural Changes to Your Home

Hoping to knock down a wall and open up your space? You may choose to hire a designer or an architect to do the design work if there’s more to it than that, but if what you have in mind is pretty straightforward, your best bet for getting started is probably a general contractor. This pro, once you’ve found the right one, can help coordinate all of the work, from having a structural engineer assess the space to overseeing the construction and electrical work.

[Level Craft Construction]

7. There’s a Safety Issue That Needs Addressing

It may be tempting to hire a handyperson for what seems like a small job, but if the safety of your family and guests is at stake, it’s critical to bring in a pro who knows the building codes and can complete the work with safety in mind. Whether it’s a deck that has rotted out and needs to be replaced, a faulty railing, or wobbly steps, take the issue seriously and hire an experienced contractor to oversee the work.

[AFT Construction]

8. You’re Done With DIY

If you’ve bitten off more than you can chew with a DIY home improvement project, it’s important to know when to hang up your (hard) hat and call in a pro. A general contractor can help guide your project to completion, no matter what stage it’s in.

9. You Need Permits

Whether you are putting in a new fireplace, modifying the roofline of your home, or doing any number of other projects, if you need permits, that’s a good sign that you could use a general contractor. General contractors are well-versed in local building codes and ordinances and can apply for any permits your project requires.

10. You Bought a Fixer-Upper

If you bought a fixer-upper, chances are there is enough work on your docket to keep a contractor busy for a good long while. When Peggi and John Fu purchased the home shown here, they knew that picking the right contractor would be key to getting all of the necessary work done on a tight timeline. The couple went with Slater Construction because the contractor was open to using materials they sourced themselves. Even on a small budget and tight schedule, they were able to transform what was a warren of small rooms and hallways into a light and bright home still in keeping with the midcentury feel of the neighborhood.

This article is shared from HOUZZ Pro and is written by Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor. Gaskill covers decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. Her favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life’s simple pleasures. (January 30, 2023)

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 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.

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

07 Jan 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Design, Home Remodel, Trends Permalink

35 Home Design Trends on the Rise in 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On January 7, 2023

They say change is the only constant in life. Lately, that notion feels all too true. But in an ever-changing world, many people are seeking stability — and joy — right at home. And in turn, a lot of homeowners are emerging from the last couple of trying years with renewed vigor for creating lively homes full of color, pattern, texture, and optimism. To capture some of that energy, we’ve gathered 35 home design trends that homeowners and pros are excited about for the coming year. See if any inspire a change to your own home. And from now on, maybe we can put a positive spin on change and just call it progress.

HOME DESIGN TRENDS

Centre Sky Architecture Ltd

Kitchens

1. Modern Rustic Style

A few themes weave throughout these 2023 design trends. Among them are the use of natural materials and a general feeling of warmth. You’ll find both in a modern rustic style we’re seeing show up in kitchens.

Think natural wood cabinets and other wood details paired with natural stone countertops and backsplashes, with a few modern elements thrown in.

This Montana kitchen by Centre Sky Architecture beautifully highlights the look. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and slab backsplash and wire-brushed white oak cabinets create a rustic vibe, while a steel beam, a steel range hood, and black details give the space a modern appeal.

Lawless Design

This Melrose, Massachusetts, kitchen by Hannah Oravec of Lawless Design is another great example of the trend. Quartersawn white oak perimeter cabinets with flat fronts add clean lines and warmth. Off-white walls, a white island with beadboard detailing, and a fireplace bring some charm, while a stone-look backsplash tile and honed marble countertops add a rustic touch. This was the most-saved kitchen photo on Houzz in 2022.

Ashtin Homes Luxury Build and Design Firm

2. Elegant Farmhouse Style Another style showing up in kitchens is a more elegant take on the modern-farmhouse style that’s been popular in recent years. You’ll find many of the same elements, such as Shaker-style cabinets, apron-front sinks, and furniture-style islands and cabinets. But you’ll also notice the use of dramatic cabinet colors, oversize range hoods, and slab stone backsplashes. This Arizona kitchen by Ashtin Homes exemplifies the style with a jet-black island and upper cabinets (Midnight Black by Benjamin Moore), turned island legs, Shaker-style rift-sawn white oak cabinets, and quartzite countertops and slab backsplash.

Cdot Design Studio

3. Modern Spanish Style Meanwhile, an updated approach to the Spanish style is also taking hold. This Scottsdale, Arizona, kitchen by Cdot Design Studio is a good example of what it’s about. Terra-cotta floor tile, an arched range hood with a hand-painted terra-cotta tile backsplash, and a custom island with an end-grain walnut butcher block counter and spindle leg detail update the old-world style with a contemporary twist.

k+co LIVING – Interiors by Karen B Wolf

4. Warm and Soft Palettes While some homeowners are desiring bold colors in their kitchens, many are looking for warm and soft styles that elicit a restful, relaxing atmosphere. To do that, designers are embracing greige or off-white cabinets, light woods, subtle patterns, and warm bronze and brass finishes.Designer Karen Wolf embraced soft colors in this New York kitchen to create an inviting style.

Kirby Home Designs

5. Natural Materials Natural materials are always in style, but lately, they seem to have hit a high point in popularity. In particular, homeowners are installing quartzite and other natural stone countertops, as well as marble tile and wood cabinets and vanities, especially white oak. Some designers say the surge of interest in natural materials is a result of some homeowners rethinking man-made materials like engineered quartz that have dominated homes in recent years and instead gravitating to natural materials that add character and authenticity to a space. Designer Kirby Foster Hurd of Kirby Home Design used 6-by-6-inch tumbled travertine in silver to add a natural element to this Edmond, Oklahoma, kitchen.

ARAS Imaging

6. Blue Features White and gray are by far the most popular colors used in kitchens. But when homeowners stray from that palette, they often choose blue. In fact, when a homeowner chooses to go with an island color that contrasts with the surrounding cabinets, more than a quarter (26%) will select blue, according to Houzz research. For this Guelph, Ontario, kitchen by Otis Interiors, the homeowners looked to Houzz photos to inspire the mostly white palette with pops of blue, including a navy blue island (Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore) and range hood.

FineLine Kitchens, Inc

7. Green Cabinets In addition to blue, green is quickly gaining favor in kitchens, especially for cabinets. Both light and dark greens work well with wood details and brass finishes, creating a warm, rich look. This Vienna, Virginia, kitchen by FineLine Kitchens was one of the most-saved kitchen photos of 2022; it combines sage green perimeter cabinets (Moon Bay by UltraCraft) with a medium-tone oak range hood and island base. Ming Green floral tiles with white Thassos marble pieces add another green detail, while brass pendant lights and Brown Fantasy natural quartzite countertops complement the warm wood tones.

8. Wood Cabinets Wood cabinets are trending along with the surge in natural materials. White oak seems to be dominating the choices, but walnut is also popular.

Pruett & Co.

9. Creative Island Seating Casual seating is just one of many appeals of a kitchen island. While the traditional seating arrangement has typically been a row of stools on one side facing the cooking area, some homeowners are seeking alternative setups to accommodate a variety of needs, such as the ability to sit face-to-face with guests or sit at a standard dining table height. As a result, we’re seeing a lot of islands with creative seating arrangements, such as two-tiered designs with seating for 10 and dropped-down or raised-up areas for various needs.

Designer Jenni Pruett of Pruett & Co. created distinct island seating in this Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, kitchen with a raised portion of butcher block.

10. Commercial-Style Faucets Many home chefs are gravitating to commercial-style kitchen features to better tackle cooking tasks. In response, many faucet brands have launched new commercial-style faucet lines that blend industrial and modern looks.

11. Workstation Sinks Workstation sinks are also part of the drift toward commercial-style features. These have been around for many years now, but manufacturers have caught up to the demand and now offer all kinds of sizes, styles, and accessories for things like chopping, straining, drying, and other functions.

12. Induction Cooktops It seems these days everyone knows someone who’s jumped on the induction cooktop bandwagon. For the uninitiated, this method uses electricity to heat pots and pans directly through magnetic induction. These cooktops work with many types of pots and pans — such as stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain enamel on metal — but they don’t work on all, so you might have to replace some of your cookware. If a magnet sticks firmly on the bottom of a pot or pan, the piece will work with induction.

The benefit is that those pots and pans heat much quicker and cook more evenly than with gas or electric cooktops.

Factor Design Build

Bathrooms

13. Natural Materials

As mentioned, natural materials are experiencing a surge in interest. In bathrooms, that means natural wood vanities, stone countertops (especially marble), and stone tile flooring and walls.

This Denver bathroom by Factor Design Build features a Carrara marble countertop and a natural wood vanity and other wood storage components.

Shaddock Caldwell Builders & Developers

14. Curbless Shower With Continuous Flooring Curbless showers has been a popular bathroom feature for a while. Often the shower flooring is tile in a smaller size or different material than the main flooring, to provide a nonslip surface in the wet area. But more recently, many designers are running that mosaic tile continuously through the entire bathroom, including the curbless shower area. This approach further enhances the sleek, streamlined effect of a curbless shower design, extends the nonslip surface, and helps a small space appear larger than it is.

In this Dallas bathroom by designer April Schneider of F+P Studio and Shaddock Caldwell Builders & Developers, white marble mosaic tile runs the length of the room. The tile provides a clean look, a nonslip surface, and an easy entrance into the shower. It also draws the eye to the beautiful green tile that wraps around the shower.

HW Interiors

15. White-and-Blue Palettes Similar to blue accents in kitchens, this color is becoming a go-to in many bathrooms to perk up popular all-white palettes without veering too bold.

In this West Palm Beach, Florida, bathroom, HW Interiors created a soothing focal wall in the shower with watery blue tiles installed in a basketweave pattern. White finishes enhance light and deliver an airy look and feel, as does the chevron-pattern white floor tile that runs the length of the bathroom into the curbless shower.

DiVittorio Architecture & Design

16. Bathing Experiences Many homeowners are looking to create bathrooms that function for more than just bathing. They want relaxing experiences.

To create that, many are embracing pamper-me features like multiple shower heads with various spray settings, such as deep massage or warm mist.

DiVittorio Architecture & Design included a regular shower head, a rain shower head, and a handheld sprayer in this San Francisco bathroom. A handheld assists with shaving one’s legs makes rinsing down shower walls and enclosures easier and is great for washing pets.

17. Bold-Contrast Bathrooms All-white bathroom finishes continue to dominate homeowners’ choices. But in recent years some people have been inching toward hits of dark contrasting colors. Navy blue vanities and accent tile have gained popularity, and some homeowners are taking a step further to the dark side with jet-black vanities and other black details set against crisp white backdrops. The white finishes keep things light and airy, while the black creates a touch of drama. Brass details and wood-look tile flooring help add warmth to the classic palette.

LIVING ROOMS

Swanson Homes

18. Modern Rustic Living Rooms

In living rooms, demand for natural materials is leading to a modern rustic style that’s both rugged and cozy. Natural stone fireplaces and surrounds, wood beams, and off-white walls mix with comfortable furnishings in organic whites, browns, and beiges to create an updated look that feels anchored to a rural past.

This Mound, Minnesota, living room by Swanson Homes and designer Dalia Carter of Carbon 6 Interiors features a tumbled natural stone fireplace surround, rough-hewn ceiling beams, and mantel and dark-stained alder built-ins. This was the most-saved living room photo on Houzz in 2022.

Andrea Schumacher Interiors

19. Color, Color, Color A renewed interest in bright and bold colors is one of the trends we’re hearing about most from design and remodeling professionals. The shift away from mostly neutrals and whites is something many pros attribute to the pandemic. These days, homeowners seem more adventurous and willing to take a chance on creating brighter, more vibrant spaces. Wallpaper is helping fuel the rush to color, with many homeowners using wild patterns and colors to add pop and personality.

Designer Andrea Schumacher layered bold colors and patterns in this Denver living room, injecting it with a lively style.

1st Impressions Design, LLC

20. Warmed-Up Gray Palettes Despite the resurgence of interest in bold colors, neutral palettes still dominate many homeowners’ preferences. White and wood remain popular, but warmed-up gray and greige palettes are on the rise.

Designer Debra Garvin of 1st Impressions Design used a warm greige (Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams) to create an inviting look in this Chanhassen, Minnesota, living room. She then layered various shades of gray in the furnishings to strengthen the palette.

21. Layers of Textures One phrase that has come up again and again in conversations with design professionals is “layered texture” in decor, wallpaper, materials, and accessories. We’re seeing a lot of designers layer wood, rattan, stone, metal finishes, concrete, and various textural fabrics in a room to create a dynamic style full of visual and tactile interest.

Jackson Design & Remodeling

22. Connections to the Outdoors Homeowners have long craved deep connections to outdoor spaces. Sliding glass doors that completely open interior spaces to the outside are at the top of many dream features lists. But many pros are helping homeowners find more affordable ways to bring the outdoors in. Adding large windows can maximize views and bring in tons of natural light in a less expensive way than fully glazed walls. Meanwhile, a focus on natural materials and colors, as well as wallpaper prints that recall nature, are also helping homeowners feel connected to the outside.

This San Diego home by Jackson Design & Remodeling features sliding doors that completely open the kitchen and living room to a backyard patio.

Stephanie Alegre Interiors

23. Built-Ins Custom built-in cabinets give homeowners storage and display space as well as a finished look, which is why they’re one of the top design features professionals recommend in a living room.

Designer Stephanie Alegre added these custom built-ins flanking a fireplace surround in a Holmdel, New Jersey, living room. A bar sits to the left, with additional storage on the right.

Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors

24. Multiple Seating Options If you want to create a living room that can handle intimate occasions and lively parties, pros recommend integrating various seating options that can accommodate multiple family members and guests.

Consider combinations of sofas, love seats, ottomans, armchairs, swivel chairs, and even window benches and fireplace hearths. This Boston living room by Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors shows how it’s done.

25. Large Area RugsAnother living room feature pros often recommend is a large area rug that anchors the room and provides a jumping-off point for building a cohesive color palette and adding texture and softness.

McRae Lambert Dunn

Other Interior Trends

26. Wallpaper

As mentioned, wallpaper is contributing to an expansion of bold colors and patterns being used in the home. On Houzz, search trends show a rise in interest in wallpaper in 2022 compared with 2021. Searches were up for “paintable wallpaper” (93%), “chinoiserie wallpaper” (71%), “floral wallpaper” (52%), “ceiling wallpaper” (40%), “Art Deco wallpaper” (33%) and “dog wallpaper” (46%).

Graphic wallpaper perks up this formal Southern California dining room by McRae Lambert Dunn architects and helps visually lengthen and widen the footprint.

27. Playful Traditional Style In light of homeowners embracing bright color, wild wallpaper, and layered looks, many pros are seeing a maximalist decor style take hold, specifically a perked-up traditional look that combines vintage pieces with lots of upbeat patterns and wall coverings. Think of it as a traditional style returning in a fun way. Some pros say supply chain issues during the pandemic helped spawn the trend by forcing homeowners to look locally for antiques and recycled, repurposed, or reupholstered pieces with whimsical details and a pretty patina.

Laura U Design Collective

Home Offices

28. Built-Ins

When storage and organization are a top priority, going the custom built-in route is what pros recommend. Similar to what we’re seeing in living rooms, built-ins are showing up in many home offices to tackle storage and display space.

In this Houston home office by Laura U Design Collective, soft blue built-ins (Little Falls by Benjamin Moore) blend in seamlessly with the walls, adding tons of storage without overwhelming the stylish look of the room. This was the most-saved home office photo of 2022.

Laundry Rooms

29. Moody Cabinet Colors

Moody cabinet colors are contributing to an ongoing trend in kitchen-inspired looks showing up in laundry rooms.

Haven Design and Construction

30. Mesh Cabinet Fronts One interesting feature showing up in laundry rooms is mesh-front cabinet doors like those in this Omaha, Nebraska, laundry room by Haven Design & Construction. These allow users to air-dry delicates inside without leaving them on display to visually clutter up the room.

You’ll also notice the on-trend moody cabinet color (Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore).

Grove Collective

Bedrooms

31. Dark Millwork Accent Walls

Speaking of moody colors, the approach is also making its way into bedrooms as a dark accent wall behind the headboard, most often accompanied by millwork. The approach helps add depth to a room, allows the bed to stand out as a focal feature, and creates a dramatic style.

This Utah bedroom by Grove Collective showed how it’s done, helping it become the most-saved bedroom photo on Houzz in 2022.

Color

32. Beige Is Back

As mentioned, greens and blues remain popular with homeowners, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, but warmer colors seem to be dominating many interiors.

“The big news is that beige is back,” says interior designer and color expert Jennifer Ott. “But it has different undertones than those from ’90s beige. It’s less yellow and instead has pink or green undertones.”

Moffitt Built

33. Dramatic Exterior Palettes When it comes to exteriors, white board-and-batten or vertical siding continues to be popular. Lately, these bright whites are being contrasted with black details such as windows and trim to create graphic curb appeal, as shown on this Kansas City, Missouri, home by Moffitt Built.

On the other hand, Ott says she’s increasingly noticing a shift to less contrasting colors. “Darker siding colors in muted shades of blue, green, warm gray or tan are complemented by trim and accent colors that are just a few shades lighter or darker than the siding,” she says. “And, depending on the architectural style of the home, a fun accent color for the front door remains popular.”

Landscapes

34. Outdoor Lounges

Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen homeowners look to their outdoor spaces to accommodate a variety of activities, including cooking, dining, and exercising. But few things trump lounging, and increasingly these areas are garnering lots of attention.

Durable, comfortable furnishings, stylish shade structures, and pampering features like outdoor heaters, fire pits, chandeliers, and water elements can create an enviable lounge area.

Stroke of Nature Landscape Design

35. Sustainability A desire for sustainable materials and features has been common for a number of years now. But it seems an intense shift is on the horizon. Many homeowners, manufacturers, and design and remodeling professionals appear to be converging with a shared interest in using long-lasting materials, water-saving features (both inside and out), energy-efficient appliances and windows, and products sourced and made in environmentally friendly ways.

This blog was written by Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor. January 1, 2023 [Some photos have been omitted for space. See the entire blog on HOUZZ.]

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 emailing [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

05 Dec 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Home Improvements, Home Remodel, Lifestyle, Trends Permalink

3 Ways Homeowners Are Getting Rooms Ready for the Holidays

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On December 5, 2022

Searches on Houzz show homeowners are looking to create homes that are comforting and fun for family and friends

Getting rooms ready for the holidays means creating a home that’s cozy, welcoming to guests, and ready for entertaining is a perennial goal for many homeowners. But as we head into a holiday season in which many are resuming gatherings after a long pause, it’s more important than ever. And a peek at recent searches on Houzz shows that many homeowners are looking for ideas to help them get prepared.

Here are the design features currently on their minds in getting rooms ready for the holidays.

Cathie Hong Interiors

Guest-Friendly Details

Hosting guests is often a given during the holidays. And certain design features can make that a more pleasant experience for guests as well as homeowners. As the population increases in a home, so too does linen use. With that in mind, homeowners are looking for ways to accommodate extra bedsheets. Searches on Houzz for “hallway linen closet” increased 994% between July and September 2022 compared with the same period last year. A kitchen coffee station is also a great feature for guests and homeowners. In this Saratoga, California, kitchen, designer Cathie Hong created a pullout coffee station housed in light wood cabinets. Searches for a “coffee station in the kitchen” were up 783%, while searches for a “coffee and wine bar” increased 228%.

Designs by D

This drink station off a Minneapolis kitchen by Designs by D includes items for making coffee. But there’s also a beverage fridge, microwave, sink, and plenty of storage and style.

Marina Rubina, Architect

When short on space, many homeowners find combining functions is the way to go. A home office is a natural function to combine with a guest bedroom, and searches for “office guest room” rose 151% year over year.

In this Philadelphia accessory dwelling unit (ADU) by architect Marina Rubina, a second-level guest room also functions as a quiet home office.

Another smart investment when it comes to guests and holiday entertaining: a washable rug. Searches were up 74% this year compared with last year.

ORIJIN STONE, LLC

Cozy Living Room Features

A fireplace is a nice living room feature any time of year, but during the winter holidays, it’s especially desirable — and useful. Searches on Houzz for “living room fireplace” climbed 395% year over year. And searches for “cozy living room” rose 39% in 2022 compared with last year. This Minneapolis living room features an inviting fireplace with hand-carved limestone surrounded by Orijin Stone. Creamy white walls, a wood ceiling, and slip-covered furniture add to the cozy atmosphere.

Le Belle Maison Interiors Inc.

Several elements can contribute to a cozy living room feel. Among them: living room pillows, for which searches increased by 303%, and living room lamps, up 228%.

This Dallas living room by Le Belle Maison Interiors has a stylishly cozy look with an upholstered coffee table, footstools, and other furniture, as well as patterned pillows, a white floor lamp, and a large fireplace.

Julie Coppa Designs, Inc.

Entertaining Elements

Entertaining at home looks different to different people. But there are a few elements that are bound to foster a lively atmosphere. A basement can offer a world of entertaining possibilities. And searches for a “basement games room” jumped 1,267%, while “basement entertainment spaces” rose 247%. This Washington, D.C.-area basement games room by Julie Coppa Designs features several game tables and a home bar.

Sharp and Grey Interiors

When hosting larger dinner parties, sometimes a round table can encourage more intimate — or energetic — interactions. Searches for “dining room round table” increased 222% year over year.

Meanwhile, a dining room buffet can make serving meals more efficient. Searches for a “dining room buffet” rose 108%.

This Philadelphia dining room by Sharp and Grey Interiors features a classic tulip table for six. Black built-ins span a wall and include a countertop area that serves as buffet space.

Zawadski Homes Inc.

Few things make a home party more functional than a wet bar where family and friends can mix up their own beverages away from the bustle of the kitchen. Searches for “wet bar” rose 45% year over year.

This Minneapolis wet bar by Zawadski Homes beckons with glossy blue backsplash tile, stylish cabinets, warm wood and brass details, and a beverage fridge and bar sink.

Red Hills Construction, Inc.

Perhaps one of the ultimate entertaining features is a dedicated home theater. And this Portland, Oregon, space from Red Hills Construction is a bold example, with plush furniture, moody colors, a freestanding bar behind the sofa, and a large TV. Searches for “home theater” were up 44% year over year.

This blog was written by Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor. November 2022

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 emailing [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

08 Oct 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Home Improvements, Home Remodel, Lifestyle, living room Permalink

5 Stylish New Living Rooms with Personality

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On October 8, 2022

A well-designed living room often reflects the people who use it. And design and remodeling pros are good at teasing out homeowner preferences to create a special mix of color, pattern, decor, and architecture that feels full of personality. Here, pros share details about how they did just that in five stylish new living rooms with personality.

Amy Pigliacampo Interiors

Midcentury Mood

Designer: Amy Pigliacampo
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Size: 450 square feet (42 square meters); 18 by 25 feet

Homeowners’ request. “The architecture of the space was so special,” designer Amy Pigliacampo says. “It’s a midcentury home designed by Thomas Nixon and Lincoln Jones that incorporates indoor-outdoor spaces with large windows and design elements that continue past the glass. But the homeowners had dark, heavy furniture from their old home that didn’t do the room justice. So the goal was to highlight the beauty of the space by utilizing elements that felt complementary and like a natural extension of the design.”

Main feature. “Every space should tell the story of the people that live there — what’s important to them, how they live their lives, and how they come together to celebrate moments big and small,” Pigliacampo says. “So my aim is always to highlight the key features of the home while optimizing the space based on the realities of their day-to-day.

“This home has so many unique architectural elements, and while we wanted the room to have a curated look, we didn’t want to compete with those strong details,” Pigliacampo says. “The use of indigenous flagstone throughout the home also served as a major inspiration for the palette and design.

“By layering creamy whites with the grays, terra cottas, and pink tones found in the rock, we created a cohesive concept that complemented the original structure. We chose contemporary furniture with clean lines and brought in warmth with soft texture by using natural materials like jute, wool, and clay and a vintage Acrosonic walnut piano.”

Other special features. “The accent chairs are pretty special,” Pigliacampo says. “They were much bolder than anything we initially discussed, but when I showed the client, she loved them immediately — and they really tied everything together in an amazing way.”

Designer tip. “Floating furniture,” Pigliacampo says. “There’s a tendency to want to push furniture up against walls and oftentimes it creates awkward proportions. But you can actually create a much more intimate setting when large pieces ‘float’ in the room. This is also a great way to delineate spaces within a large room, using rugs to anchor the various zones.”

Mark D. Williams Custom Homes

Coastal Character

Designer: Kate Regan of The Sitting Room
Construction: Mark D. Williams Custom Homes
Location: Excelsior, Minnesota
Size: 399 square feet (37 square meters); 19 by 21 feet

Homeowners’ request. “The clients wanted an approachable yet classic-inspired great room that overlooks the lake,” builder Mark D. Williams says. “The intent of this room was to be used and yet also be dressed up and inviting for guests. They also wanted to hide the screen porch and grilling area from the main views.”

Main feature. “The coffered ceiling beams really accent the great room from the rest of the main level,” Williams says. “We also designed the south-facing windows with a hidden remote blind in the bottom of the beam to be used for privacy and to help on sunny summer days. For the flooring, we went with classic 5-inch white oak with an almost clear stain that was really light and played on the natural beauty of the wood.”

Other special features. “The clients wanted to feel very sunny and joyful in their home, so we made sure to incorporate a lot of colors into the furniture selections to play off the neutral tones,” designer Kate Regan says.

CMC Designs Charleston

Pattern Persona

Designer: Catherine Carabello of CMC Designs Charleston
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Size: 270 square feet (25 square meters); 15 by 18 feet

Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners purchased the home in September and needed a small renovation and a complete face-lift,” designer Catherine Carabello says. “They are a young family and needed a home that they could entertain in but also allow their 2-year-old son the freedom to play and feel comfortable.”

Main feature. “The jumping-off point was definitely the wallpaper,” Carabello says. “We felt it was fun but also classic enough that they would not get tired of looking at it.”

Other special features. Brown Tuxedo-style sofa. Boucle accent chairs. White beadboard wainscoting (Cloud White by Benjamin Moore). “It’s a wonderful color for both traditional and contemporary spaces,” Carabello says. “The natural shades added the softness and texture needed to balance the white wainscoting and the wallpaper.”

Designer tip. “Texture and layering are always needed to complete a design,” Carabello says.

Wallpaper: Thibaut

10 Living Room Features Pros Always Recommend

Alison Kandler Interior Design

Cottage Collection

Designer: Alison Kandler Interior Design
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 255 square feet (24 square meters); 15 by 17 feet
Homeowners’ request. Play down the home’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with a colorful cottage style. “It’s a fun mesh of styles,” says designer Alison Kandler, who used photos of colorful rooms found on Houzz as inspiration.

Main feature. “The fireplace is symmetrical in the room so everything is designed around that existing, very large fireplace,” Kandler says. “Also, the ceilings are tall — 10 feet — and they had dark-stained beams. To play down the Spanish Colonial Revival style, I painted the beams white and added wallpaper between the beams to make the room feel more playful and cottage-like.”

Other special features. “The white sofas, covered in outdoor fabric, and black furniture pieces are great neutral backdrops to all of the colorful accessories,” Kandler says. “The window coverings are sheer, allowing for privacy and softness but still maximizing the natural light. The colorful vintage rug helps tie the room’s colors together. I always mix in one-of-a-kind vintage pieces so each room feels unique.”

Designer tip. “Adding built-in bookcases at the end of a long room helps shorten the overall look, which makes the room feel cozier,” Kandler says.

“Uh-oh” moment. “My client really wanted a large TV in the living room over the mantel, since there is no separate den in this house, but also wanted the room to feel elegant,” Kandler says. “We agreed on a TV with fine art screen savers so the room would never sit empty with a big black TV on the wall.”

Wallpaper: Quadrille; blue sofa fabric: Jaali in Iznik Blue, Peter Dunham Textiles & Wallpaper

Moore House Design

Barn Beauty

Designers: Blair Moore and Bromley Moore of Moore House Design
Location: Cutler, Maine

Homeowners’ request. “This was a relatively unconventional and labor-intensive barn overhaul,” designer and homeowner Blair Moore says. “It’s the original barn of an old stick-and-shingle Colonial cottage by the name of Coasters’ Chance that’s been in our family for a few generations. The goal was to extend the livable space of the cottage to turn it into an entertaining paradise. What is now the great room was originally the cottage’s barn and was filled with horse stalls. If you look closely, you’ll see the wide planks on the floor and hints of hydrated lime. We wanted to highlight these hints of the structure’s history throughout the design. Making this space functional, inviting, comfortable and of course beautiful were our top priorities.”

Main feature. “The barn used to be totally limewashed and filled with horses and hay, so we really didn’t want to lose that rustic character,” Moore says. “There was a fair amount of old limewash still covering some of the walls and flooring, so adding plaster walls was a sensible material choice for us that we felt would help blend the old with new.

“After much deliberation with the family and our design team, we made the decision to only bring the plaster halfway up the walls. The original vaulted barn ceiling and beams were simply too wonderful to cover up. They’re the real McCoy that everyone always tries to replicate in new builds — covering them up was a no-go for the family. We also enlarged and rebuilt the windows using traditional techniques and old ripple glass to add more light. The final product is a barn that feels modern but still has ties to its traditional Colonial heritage.”

Other special features. “Since this space was so large, we knew that filling it would be a big undertaking,” Moore says. “Step one was adding a massive, cozy sofa that would almost wrap around the room. We also layered in some of our favorite pieces, like the 1970s Hunter easy chair by Norwegian designer Torbjørn Afdal, a vintage rug and our newly designed Passerine daybed.

“We found this wide-planked table with the most incredible patina and we immediately knew it needed to live in Coasters’ Chance. Obviously, we wanted an equally massive coffee table to go with the sectional, so we added two modern-feeling legs with perfectly placed cutouts so that the table actually slides into them on either end. This gave way to a sleek design without any exposed screws or weird joint plate supports.”

Moore House Design

“Uh-oh” moment. “Our team began by pulling up the gorgeous old wide-plank flooring only to reveal a foundation in worse shape than we had expected,” Moore says. “The foundation was cracked to bits and most of the beams under the floorboards had a significant amount of rot due to a large amount of water. This meant we were going to have to put the barn up on jacks.

“When a structure this old has to be put up on jacks, there is always a possibility that it will collapse on itself. This was super stressful for our team, as we were being filmed and needed this to work in order to renovate the space. After the foundation was dug out and the chimney base repaired, we began the delicate process of replacing the beams. Then, much to our relief, we took the barn off the jacks and relaid all those old floorboards. This was a little more than our design team had bargained for amid a three-month, 3,500-square-foot turnaround, but we love learning on the job and were lucky to have some solid, highly experienced contractors to help us through the process.”

Custom furniture and lighting: Moore House Coasters sectional, Passerine daybed, The Sabi coffee table and Steampunk sconce, Moore House Design; plaster: Dillon Construction

By Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor.

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

07 Jul 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, client collaboration, Home Improvements, Home Remodel, Professional Contractor Permalink

A Letter to Your Clients: 10 Ways to be a World-Class Client

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On July 7, 2022

By Mark Richardson, Pro-Remodelers (June 16, 2022)

While I have spent most of my last 10 years as an author and advisor to remodeling business owners, I spent the prior 30 years creating joy in the life of homeowners through remodeling homes. This column is a letter to your clients (and a guide to you) on how they can be a world-class client and, as a result, smile when their project is complete.

After all, what homeowner doesn’t want to be perceived as a great client? Who would not like to be the poster child client? Who would not like to have a remodeler for life because the experience of working together was wonderful?

Here are 10 ways to be a world-class client:

Communicate

Nine times out of 10, issues in the remodeling experience come from miscommunication. Remodeling can be very confusing and counterintuitive. Ask a lot of questions (there are no stupid ones).

Try to get aligned with your partner or spouse on the priorities

The remodeler should be the remodeling expert and authority, not the marriage counselor.

If you are high-tech, then try to communicate/interact with technologies

Most remodelers like technology and appreciate that. If you are more high touch, ensure the remodeler understands that and finds a way to accommodate your wishes.

Allow the remodeler to control the process

You would not go to a doctor’s visit and dictate the steps of the examination. Weekly meetings are a must (not optional). Make these meetings a priority (like going to church). There needs to be an agenda. Let the remodeler facilitate, but make sure you are proactive and engaged.

Do your homework

Homework is not punitive—it is essential to keep the project on track. Make it a priority. Excuses don’t help the project be successful.

Pay on time and when asked

Your remodeler needs to focus on the project and the experience, not cash flow or being a collection agency. The net profit margins in remodeling businesses are generally between 5 and 10%, so try not to nickel-and-dime them.

Try to be mutually transparent

When asked how much you would like to invest in something, you must answer honestly so the remodeler can be a better house doctor for you.

Say thank you

A personal handwritten note or a simple gift is very much appreciated and savored (but not expected). Feedback is also welcome (but don’t overdo it). It is your job to be a great client, not a business advisor to the remodeler. Ask the remodeler how they would like to get feedback and try to be respectful to their wishes.

Focus on the memories, not just the sticks and bricks

Many think remodeling is about the project, but it is really more about the experience. The remodeler is there to be your tour guide in this experience, not just the craftsman or project provider.

Don’t become strangers

Remodeling can be an exhausting process, and in the end, you may want some space from the interaction and relationship. It’s understandable, however, don’t become strangers. The dinner party you promised? Do it. The referrals you said you were going to make? Do it. And most importantly, just keep in touch. Put the remodeler on the Christmas card list too.

In closing, I have never met a client that went into the relationship dishonestly or did not want a good relationship. However, more than 50% of the BBB complaints are from remodeling experiences.

This is in large part based on everyone corrupting the above advice. In the homeowner’s defense, they are not remodeling experts. It is the remodeler’s job to guide and counsel them on how to have a world-class experience and be a great client.

From Pro-Remodeler, author Mark Richardson flips the script, offering insights into what makes a good client and ways remodelers can help.

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.

06 Jun 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Build/Design Process, Green Remodel, Home Improvements, Professional Contractor, spray foam insulation Permalink

Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On June 6, 2022

Learn what exactly spray foam insulation is, the pros and cons of using it, and why you shouldn’t mess around with installation.

While we all wish there were a single answer for any given problem, oftentimes that’s just not the case. This is true for material options for home spray foam insulation. Despite what the market says is the most popular insulation material or method at any given moment, the truth is that each individual project has its own set of circumstances that call for a recommended set of options. And within those options, the specifications and installation can have a massive impact on the result.

It’s important to understand each material and how it works within your home’s construction and the environment in which you live. In this blog, we’ll take a look at various thermal insulation types and materials to help you figure out which is the best one for your project. We’ll begin with spray polyurethane foam (SPF), which, at least in North America, is fast becoming one of the most popular options.

EcoTech Spray Foam

What is SPF? Spray polyurethane foam is a heat-activated polymer that is just what it sounds like, foam insulation that is sprayed into place. It is made by mixing two ingredients on-site using special equipment. The mixture is then sprayed through a heated hose onto the surface that needs to be insulated. As the chemical reaction between the two ingredients takes place and the substance heats up in the hose, the liquid turns foamy, expands, and then eventually hardens in place.

Closed-cell and open-cell spray foam. These are the two kinds of spray-foam insulation. Open-cell SPF is the lighter, less dense option; it is the cheaper of the two but has less insulating power (or a lower R-value). Closed-cell SPF is denser and more expensive, can provide a bit more rigid support to certain structures, and can act as a water vapor barrier, because it is less permeable.

WJM Architect

Why is SPF so popular in the United States? Spray foam has the potential to tackle air leakages better than many other insulation options. Because it is sprayed into place, the foam can fill up cavities and block any small holes that could compromise your building envelope. It can be applied to vertical or horizontal surfaces to act not only as thermal insulation but also as an air barrier. It’s synthetic and does not attract rodents or insects. When applied properly, spray foam can contribute to a successful energy-efficiency strategy.

As with many aspects of the building market, there are variations in what is considered common around the world. Here in Italy, for example, spray-foam insulation has not taken hold of the market as it has in the U.S., for a variety of reasons outside the scope of this idea book. As a result, it is more difficult to find installers here, although there are versions of SPF available on the European market.

Before Photo

GreenEdge Spray Foam Insulation

The relative ease of installation. This makes it a popular choice for contractors (although see my notes on installation difficulties below). Plus, even though it can be expensive, its relatively high R-value per inch makes it a competitive option. It’s particularly interesting for renovation projects where traditional batt or board insulation may be difficult to insert. With spray foam (as with blown-in insulation), it’s possible to inject the insulation into a wall cavity, for example, or apply it to a sloped surface.

Apex Building Company

Spray Foam Systems LLC

Challenges of installation. As with many building technology solutions, the increasing popularity of a product or method means an increase in misuse and misunderstandings. Unfortunately, nowadays it is quite common to find examples of spray-foam insulation that have been specified or installed incorrectly.

The most common problems with spray-foam applications are:

The chemicals were not mixed correctly, and the foam starts to pull away from the neighboring surface
The chemicals were not mixed correctly, causing lingering odors and health problems for the occupants
The installers rush through the installation, leaving gaps and holes that reduce the efficiency of the product
A sufficient thickness either was not specified or was not executed as specified during installation
The local climate was not taken into consideration, and the temperatures or humidity levels were outside of the manufacturer’s specifications
In cold climates, a vapor barrier was not installed over the spray foam, sometimes causing roof rot

Remember, installation is a key factor with any kind of insulation you chose and can be the difference between insulation that works or causes problems.

Wedge Roofing

Be aware of greenwash! Closed-cell spray foam in particular, which uses HFCs with high carbon dioxide content, has a very negative impact on global warming. Some manufacturers are claiming that their spray foam is ecologically friendly because it is based on soy or castor. Don’t be fooled by this marketing gimmick. The percentage of soy legally required for them to be able to make this claim is very low. SPF is still very much a fossil-fuel-based material (as are many other insulation options).

MJW DryWall & foam Insulation LLC

Consider your climate. There are too many climate-specific considerations for insulation to include in this idea book. With SPF, for example, a vapor retarder layer over drywall may be required when using open-cell spray foam (seen here) in cold climates.

Before Photo

Cutting Edge Spray Foam Services, Inc

Potential health risks. Some people have reported health reactions to the lingering odor that can occur with certain mixes of chemicals, and the Environmental Protection Agency has issued information to make consumers aware of potential health risks, particularly during installation. There is still very little known about the off-gassing potential of this relatively new product, but a standard has been developed to start monitoring it.

It is absolutely essential that anyone working on the construction or renovation of a home using SPF follow the recommended health guidelines. Please don’t think that you can install this in your shorts and T-shirt on the weekend. Consult a professional or do your research.

EcoTech Spray Foam

The good news. Learning the pitfalls is just part of being more aware of the consequences of a certain decision. Each and every insulation material has advantages and disadvantages. SPF is a viable solution for certain homes and can offer substantial energy savings if installed correctly. You just need to be aware that, relative to other materials, the installation can be easier to execute but also easier to rush through. Knowing what questions to ask your installer can go a long way toward obtaining optimal results.

Tips for working with an installer:

Hire someone reputable with verified recommendations.
Make sure the work is monitored by someone other than the installer.
Do a quality control check before issuing the final payment.

Article found on Houzz and written by Mariana Pickering, Houzz Contributor

Visit our site on HOUZZ here to learn more about what we offer and all the information you can find on their site

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.

16 Apr 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Flooring, Home Remodel Permalink

What’s New in Flooring for 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On April 16, 2022

See the flooring trends for 2022 in this Houzz article by Julie Sheer. This article covers all the luxury vinyl, hardwood, faux wood, and stone flooring products debuting this year

Flooring Trends 2022

The new flooring on display at this month’s The International Surface Event trade show reflected the continuing dominance of luxury vinyl, porcelain and laminate wood-look flooring, with stone imitations popping up all over. In general, flooring colors are warming up, with cool grays giving way to browner tones and more rustic finishes in both real and imitation wood and stone. The move to more waterproof products, bigger tiles, and wider and longer planks continues as well.

“Everything’s going a little bit cleaner. There’s a lot of Scandinavian influence, which is not new, but it’s a mix with Japanese design and that clean-lined look,” says Kathryn Gluibizzi, senior designer for Armstrong Flooring. “You can’t forget that Nordic design has a lot of craftsmanship to it, and there’s a lot of rustic in Nordic design.” Along with freshened-up colors, there was more tile with a stronger rigid core and anti-slip surfaces. Here are some of the flooring highlights of the trade show for the tile, stone, and floor coverings industries, held Feb. 1-3 in Las Vegas. The new collections will be rolling out throughout 2022.

Gray Warms UpOne of the most noticeable trends at the Surfaces event was the lack of cool-toned driftwood gray in the flooring samples. There was plenty of gray, but it had warmer undertones. Some designers consider that part of the so-called Japandi design trend, which melds the Japanese interior style of warm tones and natural elements with a clean, minimalist Scandinavian influence.“You’ll see an element of nature in there, combined with a Scandinavian, more minimal look to achieve that Japandi look,” Gluibizzi says. “From a color point of view, it’s less about the cool grays and more about the warm grays.” Shown here is Armstrong Flooring’s Vantage Premier, a new collection of rigid-core luxury vinyl planks that includes the style pictured: Canyon Face Brushstroke in gray with brown undertones.

Shown here is Provenza Floors’ Moda Living waterproof luxury vinyl planks in Starlit Sea, a warmer gray, with a 20-mil-thick wear layer on the surface and measuring 9.06 inches wide and 72 inches long. The thickness of a luxury tile’s wear layer is measured in mils, with 1 mil equal to one-thousandth of an inch. (One millimeter equals about 40 mils.) The thicker the wear layer, the more durable and long-lasting the tile or plank. Most residential vinyl wear layers are from 8 to 12 mils thick. Experts recommend at least a 20-mil-thick wear layer for heavily used areas. Some of the tiles at the Surfaces event had beefy 30-mil wear layers.

Surface Art‘s display reflected the warmer gray trend in both wall and floor tile. Here’s Brio, glazed porcelain in 8½-by-10-inch solid hexagonal tiles, available in seven colors, along with four 8-by-8-inch patterned options, all suitable for flooring.

The warmer grays of Armstrong Flooring’s Beach-Sand Beige color are seen here in its faux wood Hermosa Rigid Core planks, from the Essentials Plus collection of luxury vinyl planks. They have a 20-mil wear layer and measure 7 by 60 inches. The tile behind it is from the same collection, in Provincial Life-Rose-Thorn Umber.

Not sure where to start on your home project? Learn the basics

Armstrong’s stone-look Alterna luxury vinyl tile, shown here in Grain Directions, achieves a new warmer gray using multiple tones. “These crackled washed concretes we’re seeing everywhere,” Gluibizzi says. “It has just a little bit more crackle detail that allows for it to be more multicolored. There’s a lot of different tones of gray, which makes it interesting.”

Johnson Hardwood’s new Green Mountain series of solid hardwoods include this oak in a warm gray called Craftsbury. Planks are available in maple or oak.

Airy coastal colors are trending right alongside grays, and porcelain tile is still a strong alternative to faux wood flooring. Emser Tile’s new Heirloom collection is a handsome choice for floors and walls. Shown here in Larch, it’s available in 8-by-35-inch tiles and in three colors.

Luxury Vinyl DominatesLuxury planks and tiles. Vinyl planks and tiles were seen in abundance at the Surfaces event, nearly overshadowing other types of flooring on display. Improved digital technology has resulted in ever more realistic imitations of wood and stone. The trend toward rigid cores in tiles and planks, along with thicker wear layers on the surface, has made these products more durable.“Rigid core” is the luxury vinyl tile (LVT) feature of the moment. Higher-quality luxury vinyl flooring constructed with this type of core offers more stability. Many products are now being constructed with a stone polymer composite (SBC) core rather than a wood polymer composite (WBC). Shown here is the new color Viking Hickory Pearl River from Armstrong’s Empower collection, which features vinyl planks with a rigid stone core.What to Know About Luxury Vinyl Flooring

A variety of luxury vinyl planks from Mannington’s Adura Apex collections were on display at the event.

Here’s Armstrong Flooring’s Essentials Plus Hermosa Rigid Core in a new color called Golden Sunset. The wood-look planks have a rigid stone polymer composite core and 20-mil wear layer for increased durability and scratch and stain protection. The planks are 7 inches wide and 60 inches long.

Karndean Designflooring had plenty of its luxury vinyl flooring on display, including some new colors in its Korlok Reserve collection. Luxury vinyl is increasingly popular for its ease of use and improved look, Karndean’s Jennifer Uhlemann says. “I think it’s simplicity. People are busy and want something they don’t have to worry about,” she says. “They don’t want something too fussy. With LVT you can clean it easily. It simplifies your life.”

Here are Karndean’s new chevron luxury vinyl planks in Pale Limed Oak. Having the chevrons already incorporated in a plank makes for easier installation, Uhlemann notes. All of Karndean’s products are Floor Score-certified, meaning they’ve been third-party-tested to ensure that their elements, including adhesives and underlayment, meet indoor air quality standards.

Provenza’s Uptown Chic luxury vinyl plank, shown here in Brown Sugar, has a 20-mil wear layer and measures 7 by 60 inches. It’s a good example of today’s more popular warm colors, with a surface that benefits from improved digital technology that shows knots and grooves.

Provenza’s MaxCore luxury vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof. The company’s new MaxCore collections will include wider planks and longer lengths; the New Wave collection features wide, long planks and 12 pattern selections derived from the company’s hardwood collections.

How to Pare Down and Pack Up Before Installing New Flooring

Sheet vinyl. Some of today’s sheet vinyl flooring borrows looks from natural stone and wood, complete with faux grouting. Armstrong’s Continuity Comfort, shown here in Unstrained Sunny Beige, is a vinyl sheet flooring with a wood-and-stone look. “We’re playing around with different gradations of a color,” Gluibizzi says. “This is a nice mixed-media idea where we have the Carrara and wood look mixed together.”

Here’s a wood-look sheet vinyl from Armstrong’s Continuity Comfort line called Cypress Grove Greige. The collection has designs that mimic wood, stone, and encaustic patterns, along with hexagons and other geometric designs.

Armstrong’s Continuity Comfort Unstrained vinyl sheet flooring in Geo Gem has strong patterning for a bold look. “I’d put it in a smaller room, but we love the geometry of this,” Gluibizzi says. “It’s a charcoal and not a true black, so that makes it softer and a little more livable.”

Armstrong’s Continuity Comfort Unstrained Sunny Beige vinyl sheet flooring has an almost retro look. The vinyl features Armstrong’s Diamond 10 Technology to make it scratch- and stain-resistant.

The Rise of LaminateIf you’ve experienced only cheap laminate with its shiny plastic look and feel, you’re in for a surprise. Today’s quality laminate flooring has come a long way. It’s still constructed of a layered composite of compressed wood fiber atop a durable fiberwood base, but improved technology means the image layer looks far more realistic. Products with bevels and an embossed texture that mimics real wood can easily compete with the best luxury vinyl planks.Some companies keep the word “laminate” in small print, preferring terms like “high-performance flooring,” a reference to the surface’s sturdiness and ease of maintenance. The German company Inhaus calls its new-generation laminate Lamdura, of which there was plenty on display at Surfaces, including this sample called Buckthorn, from the company’s Visions collection.

This Inhaus display of Lamdura flooring shows the variety of on-trend tones available in its laminate offerings. Lamdura includes three collections, with varying plank sizes and color variations. None of Inhaus’ products have PVC and all of its wood comes from sustainably harvested forests in Germany.

Johnson Hardwood’s Public House collection is laminate flooring with a stone polymer composite rigid core, registered embossing and a 30-mil wear layer.

Johnson Hardwood also has a new collection of laminate planks called Olde Tavern. The series includes shades that mimic reclaimed hardwood, shown here in the trending warmer gray tones.

Wood Is Still GoodFor those who want the real thing, there were plenty of hardwood flooring samples on display at Surfaces. These also reflected the trends of moving away from cool grays and toward warmer tones, richer browns, and hand-scraped rustic surfaces. When lighter shades did turn up, they tended to be airy and coastal-feeling. Similar to luxury vinyl products, hardwood planks are trending wider and longer. Shown here is the Prato color from Provenza’s new Volterra collection of European oak, ranging from light to rustic color variations, with hand scraping, knots, and cracks to evoke a timeworn feel.

Engineered wood, an increasingly substantial segment of the hardwood market, was a popular offering at the show. Consisting of natural wood on the surface with a composite of wood fibers, particles, strands, and veneers forming the rest of the plank, engineered wood tends to be less expensive than hardwood. But unlike solid wood, it can be refinished only a certain number of times. This display from Johnson Hardwood showed its English Pub engineered hardwood, available in hickory or maple.

What to Know About Engineered Wood Floors

Provenza’s new Volterra collection of engineered European oak is shown here in Lombardy.

Johnson Hardwood’s Victorian series of engineered hardwood is available in acacia or hickory.

Provenza’s display of its Old World collection of engineered hardwood featured wire-brushed, hand-distressed, and hand-scraped solid oak and ash. Planks are 7.44 inches wide and up to 6 feet long.

How to Care for Engineered Wood Flooring

Stone Looks AboundStone looks were on display in abundance at the Surfaces event. Stone-like porcelain and luxury vinyl are showing up in a variety of room settings, from living rooms to laundry rooms, and natural stone also remains a durable and elegant choice. Here’s Emser Tile’s new travertine-like Livorno glazed porcelain tile in the Ulivo color.

Here’s a closer look at Emser’s Livorno, travertine-look glazed porcelain available in four muted shades and two sizes.

Daltile’s Wanderwise is a new collection of glazed porcelain tile that mimics limestone in three neutral colors, including Drift, shown here in 6-by-24-inch matte-finish planks installed in a herringbone pattern.

Terrazzo, a midcentury throwback, is having a moment again. The real thing is a composite of quartz, marble, metals or glass set in resin or cement, and today’s porcelain imitations look pretty convincing. Daltile’s Modernist collection in Pearsall is shown here in a 24-by-24-inch grid pattern.

Here’s a closer view of Daltile’s Modernist terrazzo-look porcelain. The existing collection added a 36-by-36-inch tile this season.

Photo from Quality Marble and Granite

For some, nothing can compete with real stone, such as the Perla Venata quartzite slabs shown here in trending neutral tones. At a Surfaces event session called Trending Natural Stones, moderated by Sarah Gregg of the Natural Stone Institute, the latest looks in stone included numerous beige tones, making a comeback after many years when just about everything was white and gray.

Photo from Artistic Tile

For those who crave the ultimate in luxury flooring, real marble is their No. 1 option. Shown here are squares of Invisible Blue marble, featuring a shimmery blue background with soft gray veins and taupe tones. Striking patterns in natural stone have been in demand, Gregg says, adding that the current preference is for soft and subdued veining and larger tile sizes.

The concrete look is ever popular in flooring. Here it gets warmed up in a luxury vinyl tile from Armstrong Flooring’s Essentials Plus collection, shown in Caledonia Celtic Fog. The rigid-core tiles measure 9 inches wide by 60 inches long.

As part of its porcelain tile display, American Olean showed its limestone- and wood-mimicking Historic Limestone Landmark Hex 12-by-10-inch tile in Native Blend, along with Native color floor tile.

Armstrong Flooring’s Lost Empire Amber Sagebrush, from its Alterna stone-look luxury vinyl tile collection, is a cooler gray with hints of a distressed-rug, faded encaustic pattern. “It’s a new classic that can go with pretty much anything, for folks that really love the new graphic way things are going but can’t quite make the commitment to go with black-and-white encaustic tiles. This is a way to do something softer,” Gluibizzi says. The groutable engineered tiles come in a variety of styles, including imitation slate, travertine, concrete, and marble in three sizes.

Here’s a view of Armstrong’s Alterna Lost Empire in Amber Sagebrush luxury vinyl tiles in the 16-by-16-inch size.

Emser’s Erosion concrete-look porcelain tile is available in three sizes and four colors.

Daltile’s Articulo line of imitation travertine porcelain tiles includes this polished 12-by-24-inch tile in Column Grey. The collection’s chevron mosaic polished tiles are on the fireplace wall.

Marble looks in vinyl flooring are hitting critical mass — they were seen everywhere at the Surfaces show. Here’s a selection of stone-look samples from Karndean’s Korlok Select luxury vinyl tile with a rigid core.

Provenza’s Stonescape collection of stone-look luxury vinyl tiles with a waterproof rigid core features a variety of shades.

Article by Julie Sheer, Houzz Contributor February 25, 2022

The original can be found here.

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.

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Built-Ins

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Ceiling Treatment

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1. Look Beyond Price

2. Pick the Right Architect or Building Designer

3. Use Sustainable and Recycled Materials

4. Ask More Questions for Making Your Home More Sustainable

5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Technology

6. Make It Easy to Clean

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What Does an Interior Designer Do?

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1. You are Ready to Implement an Architect’s Plans

2. You Want to Exercise Your Design Chops

3. You are Making Changes to Your Kitchen

4. You Want a Simple Addition

5. You Need to Restore After a Fire, Flood, or Storm

6. You Want to Make Structural Changes to Your Home

7. There’s a Safety Issue That Needs Addressing

8. You’re Done With DIY

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10. You Bought a Fixer-Upper

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Color

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Here are the design features currently on their minds in getting rooms ready for the holidays.

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Here are 10 ways to be a world-class client:

Communicate

Try to get aligned with your partner or spouse on the priorities

If you are high-tech, then try to communicate/interact with technologies

Allow the remodeler to control the process

Do your homework

Pay on time and when asked

Try to be mutually transparent

Say thank you

Focus on the memories, not just the sticks and bricks

Don’t become strangers

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Flooring Trends 2022

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