Finding Online Design Inspiration

There are things about our homes that drive us crazy.  No matter what makes us long for a change eventually we decide to do something about it.  And so we fire up our computers and we become ensnared in the endless array of images, ads and blogs.  We become overwhelmed at the possibilities.

Don't be discouraged.  There is an online resource designed for homeowners who want to find inspiration, images or a trusted local professional to lead them on their way.  This place is called Houzz.com.  Houzz features the largest residential design database in the world, articles written by design experts, product recommendations, a vibrant community powered by social tools, and information on more than 1.5 million remodeling and design professionals worldwide who can help turn ideas into reality.

I use houzz.com for inspiration.  I use it to share images with my clients, to provide visual examples of proposed design elements and to showcase my own professional designs.  In fact, I recently received the “Best Of Houzz” 2013 Customer Satisfaction award which is based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with remodeling professionals in 12 categories ranging from architects, and interior designers to contractors and other residential remodeling professionals.

I am honored to receive this award because I firmly believe that the true measure of a successful design can only be found in the satisfaction of an appreciative client and this award affirms my dedication to providing my clients with creative design solutions and superior service.  There is nothing more rewarding than hearing the praise of a client who says they love their new home more than they ever imagined.  

The five star reviews I received from my clients were sent directly from the client to Houzz.com where they undergo a confirmation process.  I was unaware of the reviews until Houzz notified me by email.  The reviews are authentic and can be trusted.

So when you decide to dive into cyberspace for some design inspiration, make sure you choose the path of least resistance and begin with trusted resources like Houzz.com and KustomHomeDesign.com.

Home Design Trends: The Transitional Design Style

Master Bathroom 'AFTER'

Master Bath 'BEFORE'

In the ebb and flow of home design trends, what was old becomes new and what was new becomes old.  Gone are the days of 1960’s space-age designs, 1970’s shag carpet, 1980’s pastel color schemes and 1990’s shabby chic.  Today residential design is headed into what has been dubbed the “transitional” style.  This style integrates both traditional and modern design elements in an eclectic and sophisticated manner.  This design trend is gaining immense popularity especially in the area of bathroom design where vintage hardware and lighting fixtures are intertwined with smooth linear tiles and sleek glass finishes.

Master Bathroom 'BEFORE'

 Take for example this master bathroom renovation completed in November of 2012.  The bathroom remained mostly as it was originally designed in the 1960’s with some wall color, linen and lighting adaptations.  The floor plan was a common 5’-0” wide galley style bathroom with a tub/shower unit at one end followed by a toilet and double vanity.  The floors had ¾” square tumbled beige mosaic floor tile with glossy 4” square ivory tiles at the base and surrounding the cast iron tub.  

The site built cabinets were 31” high with a plastic laminate top adorned with flecks of gold and metal rimmed sinks.  Above the vanity hung a full width mirror with standard vanity lights mounted from the wall and a ceiling fan which was added to provide some air circulation in a space with no exhaust fan.  Despite the homeowner’s attempts to make the most out of the existing space, they realized the only way to truly get the updated bathroom they desired was to start over.

New Transitional Design

'Bamboo' tile & granite bench seat in new shower

After meeting with the homeowner’s and conducting a thorough interview, I presented them with a series of schematic design ideas.  The new designs physically enlarged the space by utilizing an adjacent closet and improved upon flow and privacy by relocating some of the plumbing fixtures.  The tub/shower unit was removed and replaced with a custom built shower while the toilet was relocated to the opposite end of the room to provide a private water closet.  The vanity and sinks were centered between these two fixtures.  The existing entry door which was less than 2’-0” wide was filled-in and replaced by a wider pocket door that was added to the center of the space.  I custom designed the new cabinets to provide the proper height for the clients who were concerned with aging related issues while also providing creative storage solutions for grooming supplies and ample space for linen and pull-out hamper storage.

New tile was selected with careful attention the size, texture, color and shape.  Large square floor tiles in charcoal gray anchor the color scheme and smaller coordinating floor tiles in the shower provide the flexibility needed for the sloped floor.  The rectangular wall tiles have a ‘bamboo’ texture which provides a sleek linear contrast to some of the more traditional design elements we used for the cabinets and light fixtures.  The tile wainscot is topped with a coordinating pencil trim which continues around the perimeter of the space forming a tall backsplash and ledge for the framed mirror assembly.  Allowing the wall tile to flow into the shower and up the walls makes the space feel more open and inviting.  The frameless glass shower enclosure adds to this sense of openness.  New lighting and much needed exhaust fans provide improved safety and health features as well as stunning visual effects.  Inclusion of a granite bench seat, recessed wall niche, inconspicuous grab bar and steam shower controls provides the homeowners with a therapeutic shower designed for universal use by the client at every stage of life.

The design is ‘transitional’ in nature because it seamlessly blends modern design elements found in the linear tile, polished chrome faucets and sleek granite counter with vintage style cut glass pendant light fixtures, traditional cup pulls and glass knobs.  The simplified flat panel cabinet doors with slab drawers and classic ivory finish provide a timeless element common to both traditional and modern design.  The simple elegance of the space provides a relaxing oasis for the homeowners.  When reflecting upon their renovation experience the owners remarked, “We would never have been able to fit all our needs into this small space if it were not for Kimberly’s knowledge, artistic ability, and willingness to really find out what we wanted and needed.”

Utilizing universal design strategies, creative storage solutions and a transitional design that blends modern and traditional elements; we have given the client a space that will accommodate their evolving needs along with their eclectic sense of style.

NEW YEAR'S RENOVATIONS...TOP 10 RENOVATION PROJECT TYPES

Each year when families across the country retire their old scribbled and marked upon calendars with fresh new ones full of promise and empty spaces to be filled, they begin to dream of ways to improve the way they live and increase the pleasure they receive.  One of the most obvious places they turn to is their own home, the place where they spend the majority of their time.

So it is that we look back at 2012 and ahead to 2013.  Looking back, it is easy to see that remodeling trends continue to evolve and that homeowners are gaining renewed confidence and channeling that energy back into their homes.  According to the National Association of Home Builders (NHAB) there were many projects homeowners chose to undertake, but there were a few common project types that were repeated time and again.  Below is a ranking of the Top Ten Remodeling Projects in descending order:

#10      SIDING 

Improvements to or replacement of exterior siding was the 10^th most common renovation project.

#9        ROOFING 

Replacement of a home’s roofing was the 9^th most common renovation project.

#8        FINISHED BASEMENT

Finishing an existing basement to gain useable heated and conditioned space within a home without adding on was the 8^th most common renovation project.

#7        MINOR REPAIRS

Minor repairs to homes typically resulting from normal wear and tear was the 7^th most common renovation project.

            #6        ROOM ADDITIONS

The addition of a new room to an existing home was the 6^th most common renovation project.

            #5        WHOLE HOUSE REMODELING

Renovating an entire house at one time was the 5^th most common renovation project.

            #4        REPAIRING PROPERTY DAMAGE

Repairing a home due to property damage caused by either man-made or natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy was the 4^th most common renovation project.

             #3       WINDOW AND/OR DOOR REPLACEMENT

Replacement of windows and doors, typically to increase energy efficiency, remains one of the most common renovation project types.  Unfortunately, this trend will continue to top the list since many builders install sub par windows in new homes to save money.

#2        KITCHEN REMODELING

Renovating a kitchen remains one of the most popular project types.  It was the #1 project type until 2009.

#1        BATHROOM REMODELING

Renovating an existing bathroom has fast become the #1 renovation project type with master bathroom renovations leading the list on homeowner’s wish lists.

If you are interested in starting a home renovation project during 2013, but you don't know where to start, gives me a call.  Kustom Home Design has been helping homeowners realize the true potential of their home for 20 years.  Happy New Year everyone!