Remodeling your home can be an exciting yet daunting project. With so many decisions to make, from choosing materials and colors to hiring contractors, the process can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to learn from the experts—professional remodelers who have transformed countless homes and understand the ins and outs of every project. In this article, we’ll tackle the art of home remodeling.
Read on to learn how to tackle your next home improvement project with confidence. Whether you’re looking to improve the value of your home or are simply enhancing the spaces you use most often, take the following concepts in mind when making your design decisions.
Start with a Plan
Jumping into a remodeling project without a plan is a recipe for disaster. Before touching a single wall, you must map out every detail, from your budget to your ideal timeline.
Professional remodelers always start by meeting with homeowners to discuss their vision, needs, and budget. This allows them to create a detailed plan for the project, including realistic timeframes, required permits, and material/labor costs.
Be sure to prioritize the elements that matter most, like opening a kitchen or adding a master bath. Focusing on one or two major changes will help contain costs and prevent scope creep down the line.
Choose Materials Wisely
The materials you select can make or break the aesthetics and functionality of your remodeled space. Our experts recommend choosing timeless, high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.
For kitchen and bath remodels, quartz countertops offer durability with a refined, natural look. Tile backsplashes are coming back in style, offering easy-clean functionality. And don’t overlook lighting – pendant lights and under-cabinet lighting can completely transform these spaces.
In living areas, hardwood floors never go out of style. Opt for wide planks with a matte finish for a relaxed, inviting look. Use large-format porcelain or ceramic tile in entryways for an elegant, seamless appearance.
Hire Specialized Contractors
You wouldn’t ask a pediatrician to perform heart surgery. Likewise, you shouldn’t hire a general contractor for specialized remodels. Look for contractors experienced explicitly in kitchens, baths, additions, etc.
For example, reputable remodeling contractors St George Utah like Lannister Construction employ specialized experts for every project. Their kitchen and bath remodelers have transformed hundreds of spaces, bringing knowledge that general contractors simply don’t have. They know how to lay out cabinets and appliances for optimal workflow, install lighting for functionality, and select fixtures and finishes tailored specifically for these rooms.
Embrace Open Concepts
Today’s homeowners crave open, airy living spaces. Our experts recommend opening up walls between kitchens, dining, and living areas to improve flow.
Create sightlines between spaces by removing walls and adding wide openings. Extend cabinetry, flooring, and other finishes throughout the open concept to unify the design.
If possible, incorporate an oversized island into the kitchen, offering additional prep space and casual seating. Opening up the space provides flexibility for entertaining while still allowing closed-off rooms as needed.
Maximize Natural Light
Nothing brightens up a home like natural light. One of the essential tenets in the art of home remodeling is looking for ways to bring more sunlight into each space.
Strategically place new windows, opting for larger sizes to draw in light. In kitchens, choose cabinets with glass fronts on upper shelves. Swap solid doors for French doors to bathe entryways and bedrooms in sunlight.
Skylights and sun tunnels can funnel light into interior rooms. And don’t overlook the power of mirrors – they can make dark corners of a room feel bright and airy.
Create Showstopping Bathrooms
Today’s bathrooms are just as much about spa-like pampering as they are about function. There are many bathroom renovation ideas out there, but if you follow these tips from our experts, you’re sure to create a bathroom that wows:
- Install an oversized, frameless glass shower enclosure for a sleek, spa aesthetic. Opt for a wall-mounted showerhead, body sprays, and a bench for the ultimate experience.
- Choose stunning tile or natural stone to cover walls, floors, and even ceilings for a seamless look. Continue materials into the shower for unity.
- Warm up the space with heated floors and towel racks. These small luxuries feel amazing underfoot and take the chill out of cool marble finishes.
- Don’t neglect lighting and mirrors – both can make a bathroom feel significantly larger and brighter.
- Carve out space for double vanities. His-and-her sinks reduce morning traffic jams!
Add Curb Appeal
Our experts recommend swapping outdated exterior lighting. Opt for black, bronze, or other dark finishes for a sophisticated look. Landscape lighting along walkways helps create an inviting path to your front door.
Fresh landscaping also brings instant aesthetic appeal. Neatly-edged beds filled with flowering shrubs, grasses, and perennials make a superb first impression. A new front door in a bold, modern color signals that something exciting is happening inside.
And don’t overlook enhancements that increase energy efficiency. New roofing, windows, siding, and exterior paint protect your home while reducing heating and cooling costs.
Focus on Fine Finishes
It’s the final details that take a remodel from ordinary to extraordinary. Our experts pay close attention to fine finishes to give each project a polished, custom feel. Some of their go-to details include:
- Installing crown molding and trim work throughout living spaces for an elegant finish.
- Choosing hardware like cabinet pulls, faucets, and light fixtures in finishes that complement your overall aesthetic – matte black and brass is popular today.
- Incorporating shiplap, beadboard, or other textural wall treatments as accents.
- Adding built-ins like window seats, bookshelves, and desk nooks for personalized function.
- Outfitting closets with storage systems to maximize organization.
- Upgrading flooring by adding area rugs over hardwood or tile.
With careful planning and expert help, you can turn your home into a personalized oasis. Use these insider tips as a blueprint for your next remodeling project, whether a kitchen revamp or a full home renovation. Pay close attention to details, materials, and specialized contractors to fine-tune your own personal art of home remodeling.
