Over the last few years one level living has become increasingly popular for just about every group and type of home buyer. The flexibility of one level floor plans, or two story homes with master suites and main floor laundry rooms, are…
Pet gates and baby gates are part of all of our lives at some point or another! For many people those times may even coincide. The problem with many pet and baby gates is that although they may solve one problem, they seem to cause others. They can become a tripping hazard, be unstable…
Welcome to our “how to” for building a modern fireplace mantel! While working on the design for our recent Hilldale Avenue Home Remodel we chose to play up the modern look of the original home. With that in mind, building a custom modern fireplace mantel came naturally. Building a mantel not only offered the opportunity for a unique piece to fit the look of the space, it was also less…
Fall is here and the leaves are changing, the air is cooler and the days are getting shorter. As winter quickly approaches, we start spending more time indoors and preparing for the holiday season ahead. Especially here in Minnesota, we know all about cold winters and with winter quickly coming, finding comfort in our homes becomes priority…
Aging in place as been a growing topic of conversation for many people as our population continues to age. As we discussed in The Changing Housing Needs of Baby Boomers, people are looking ahead to their housing options for retirement and beyond. This is because throughout adulthood many people may take their independence for granted. The ability to move freely around without assistance from others is…
Could a more organized mudroom mean a happier life? We sure think so! When considering remodeling or building a new home, a mudroom is a must-have for a modern family. Unlike the entryway, where function and style are equally important, in a mudroom function is king. Mudrooms are where we enter and leave our homes the majority of the time. Having a space that offers functional features can make life easier whether you have one or ten (or more!) people in your home…
Before and after of this stunning “pop the top” second story home addition with details of each room of the project!
In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about concerns for future housing options of those in the baby boomer generation. Baby boomers are those born between 1946-1964 of which, ten thousand turn 65 every day. It has been predicted by the Census Bureau that by 2029, when the youngest of…
Have you heard about the importance of a temporary kitchen? If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and wondering how you will feed yourself and your family during those hectic (and messy) months, then you have come to the right place. Kitchens are one of the favorite places to gather in a home. We entertain, catch up after a long day, and…
Trying to find easy ways to update your family room? Then you’re in luck! There are lots of easy ways to breathe new life into this often used, favorite family room! Family rooms are a centerpiece of our homes. They are where we spend time with family and friends, relax after a long day, entertain the kids and enjoy late night movies. All in all, Family rooms get a lot of use! Believe it or not, if you're thinking about updating your own space, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg. There are simple and inexpensive ways to completely transform your space without remodeling, painting, or buying new furniture…
Pet odors, food odors, mold and mildew - these common odors can happen in all of our homes! Have you ever walked into a home and smelled something funky? More likely than not, it has happened to you at least once. The truth is, we all get accustomed to the smell of our own homes, and sometimes that smell isn't so pleasant. If you occasionally cook curry, or maybe enjoy smoking a cigar in your man cave, there could be lingering smells that would…
When you go to a restaurant, do you request a table or a booth? We are booth people. There is something so cozy about sitting in a somewhat enclosed space where you aren't having anyone bump into your chair or walk past and listen in as you have a private conversation. Banquette seating refers to benches and other furniture that is often tucked against a wall and may…
If you’re planning to DIY, there are some toolkit must-haves to make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. The rising popularity of HGTV and DIY projects has homeowners everywhere searching for ways to save money on their home improvements. While we don't advocate that just anyone tackle home remodels - especially without construction knowledge or experience - we can all agree there are loads of basic home maintenance and DIY projects…
Looking for ideas to create your home’s best entryway? The entryway of our home is an area we seem to often overlook. We go through it multiple times a day, heading out in the world to live our lives, welcoming guests into our home to celebrate holidays, and lots of running in and out with pets. It may be one of the most used, yet under appreciated areas in the entire house. Luckily, a few small tweaks to the design in that space can make a world of difference!
My formula for the perfect entryway, no matter the size, is….
It’s no secret that we love enameled woodwork in the homes we built and remodel. I like to think of myself as a realist. I know we all want to keep our homes perfectly clean and plan to be careful in how we navigate our space. I also know that realistically we all have dirty hands at times, forget to remove our shoes, or accidentally bump into walls. With white woodwork being so popular, it can be easier to see the imperfections…
Champagne bronze cabinet hardware to match that beautiful champagne bronze faucet - is it possible? Lucky for me (and probably you, if you find yourself here) - IT IS! Here’s is a little bit about how I discovered these amazing champagne bronze hardware options… True Story: I have been planning a fabulous wet bar for our current project for months. I love the look of black and brass, so when I saw an opportunity to do exactly that combination in an upcoming project I was beyond ecstatic! While designing the bar space, I found this beautiful Delta Faucet in Champagne Bronze that…
If you’re currently in the process of planning a bathroom remodel, I’m guessing adding a freestanding tub and faucet is one of the first things on your mind. That isn’t surprising, as we have seen a rising trend over the last few years of clients having a freestanding tub at the top of their “must-have” list. Actually, right now I am lucky enough to be in the process…
Considering a remodel of your ranch home? Check out this amazing before and after video, and explore each room and the materials we used to make the one level space updated and beautiful! A gorgeous home makeover of each bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and the basement.
Linear drains have been at the forefront of our minds a lot recently. Although linear drains have often been used in commercial settings, their application was previously more limited in typical home remodels. Recently we have noticed a…
Have you heard of fandeliers, beautiful ceiling fan chandeliers? The day I discovered them, I almost couldn’t believe my eyes. I asked myself, “Can such a thing really exist?” As a realtor and a designer I meet with a lot of clients and see a lot of homes. The one thing that has stuck out to me recently is the trend of clients putting ceiling fans at the top of their "must-have" list. I'm guessing this comes…
