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Author: @fl@nsburg

How to Create a Kitchen That’s Great for Entertaining

The kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home. It is where food is made and eaten, but it is also a very popular place for socializing. Kitchen remodels are the most popular type of home remodeling project in the United States. When people consider kitchen remodeling, they often want to make their kitchen a more comfortable place for people to hang out. Here are three ways you can make your kitchen great for entertaining.

Add Plenty of Seating

If you want people to relax in your kitchen, you need to make sure there are places for them to sit. Depending on the size of your kitchen, there are many ways to do this. You could install a sofa if you have the space. Another option is to install a breakfast bar and keep bar stools available. If people can sit in the kitchen, they are much more likely to stay and hang out while you cook.

Create a Beverage Station

Use part of your counter to make a little beverage station for your guests. It doesn’t need to be complex. You can add a small coffee maker and all of the fixings for coffee. You can also install a tap for hot water and provide tea. Hot beverages make a room much cozier and by making them a standard part of your kitchen, it becomes much more inviting.

Have Good Ventilation

No matter how cozy your kitchen is, it isn’t great for entertaining if your guests can’t breathe comfortably. When doing your kitchen remodeling, make sure that you have a good ventilation system. This way, all the cooking smoke, and the stronger scents will be carried outside instead of into your kitchen. Install a new ventilation system if you need one, then make sure that you regularly clean and maintain it.

There’s no need for your kitchen to be separate from your entertaining space. In fact, your kitchen has the potential to be perfect for entertaining. So if you’re doing some kitchen remodeling, consider what it needs to be a fun place to hang out with guests. It might only take a few small changes to get it to be exactly what you want out of a kitchen.

Common Signs You’re Ready for A Home Addition

Instead of building a new house, many people prefer making a home addition because it is quick and cost-effective. In the United States, most homes need remodeling because approximately 80% of houses are older than 20 years. It is imperative to determine if you need a home addition before calling a home renovation company. The following are five common signs you’re ready for a home addition.

1. You Don’t Have a Guestroom

If all your rooms are filled up, and you’re struggling to get extra rooms for family and friends who want to visit or stay with you, that’s a sign that you’re ready for a home addition. An expansion can allow you to add more guestrooms to your home. The addition will enable you to accommodate guests and promote privacy.

2. Low Storage Space

Running out of storage space in your home as your family continues to grow is a telltale sign that you’re ready for a home addition. Add more room to your house to create more storage spaces. An addition is much easier than moving to a larger home.

3. You Want to Increase Your Property’s Value

Homeowners are always looking for a way to increase the value of their property. A home addition is a perfect way to do this. An addition will make your house cost more and increase its demand in the market because it has more square footage.

4. You Have Privacy Needs

Parents with teens understand the need to have private space for working, talking with friends, and entertainment. A home addition allows you to create a special room to do these things with minimum interaction. Tell the home renovation company you’re hiring to include a bathroom and other important features to make the space more convenient.

5. Your Household Is Growing

Are you expecting a child or inviting an older loved one to live with you? Then you may need a home addition in order to fit everyone in your home. A home renovation company can help you add a second story to make room for more kids’ rooms and bathrooms or an in-law suite to give your family members a space of their own.

If you notice any of these signs, consider contacting a home renovation company today to add space to your home. You can also consult the company’s representatives if you have any questions.

Which Remodeling Projects Have The Highest ROI?

Home upgrades can enhance the value of your home, but some have a higher return on investment (ROI) than others. Thankfully, you can work with a bathroom remodeling contractor to get great results. However, you may also need to work with other professionals as well. Here’s what you need to know about your options and which may be the best for your needs as a homeowner.

Why ROI Matters

ROI matters if you ever plan on selling your home and want to make a profit. For example, some renovations have a poor ROI because they cost too much and don’t improve the value of your home. Other small renovations may improve your home value more than expected.

Few will provide 100% or more of your investment because of material and home devaluation over time. However, if you’re smart and you invest in the right options, you can easily boost your home’s asking price and come away with both a better home and a better sale price later.

Which Projects Give You the Best ROI?

Let’s take a look at which of these investments will give you the best potential ROI. You’re likely to see that a bathroom remodeling contractor is a wise call when reading through this list. These professionals can provide many upgrades that improve home value:

  • Minor Bathroom Change – Around 102%
  • Landscaping – Up to 100%
  • Minor Kitchen Upgrades – Averages 98.5%
  • Attic Bedroom – Expect 93.5%
  • Major Bathroom Remodel – About 93.2%
  • Major Kitchen Improvement – Up to 91%
  • New Entry Door – Around 90.7%

That said, these upgrades may also vary based on your area. For example, according to Money, you can get around 64% of your investment back when doing a mid-range bathroom remodel compared to the 57% for an upscale upgrade. Why the difference? Material prices. If the materials and the upgrades cost too much money, you won’t get back as much on your investment.

As you can see, you might need to work with many professionals, including a bathroom remodeling contractor, to ensure that you get great results. Talk to your team about the various steps that must be taken, including which of these ROI options will be the best for your needs.

Shower vs. Bathtub: Which is Right For My Bathroom Renovation?

Making the right bathroom remodeling decisions is essential to ensure you get the best return on your investment. Connecting with the right bathroom remodeling company will help you to make informed decisions.

One of the biggest decisions to make in your bathroom remodel project is whether to go with just a shower, or a shower and a bathtub, or a bathtub shower combination. An experienced bathroom remodeling company can help you to make the right choice.

ROI on Bathroom Remodeling

Investing in a bathroom remodel is a great choice. According to Money, a mid-range remodel that costs around $21,000 will add about $14,000 in value to your house. That roughly works out to a 64% return on your investment.

Oddly, investing more does not necessarily mean you will get a higher return. For example, if you invest $67,000 in a luxury bathroom remodel, you can expect about a 57% return on your investment. You must make the right choices for your bathroom to keep costs reasonable, and to get a hefty ROI.

Shower or Bathtub Debate

There is some key information you need to know about whether you want a tub or a shower for your bathroom remodeling. Showers take up a lot less space than a tub, but bathtubs can be a key element when you try to resell the property.

It is cheaper to install a bathtub than it is to install a new shower. However, both options come in a wide range of materials that can greatly affect the cost of the installation. Showers can be more water-efficient than bathtubs if water conservation is a goal.

Of course, on the other end of the spectrum, a tub and shower combination can be an excellent choice in small bathrooms. Tub-shower combinations are a favorite because they have a smaller footprint and give people options.

Get Help Deciding

You want to be sure that your bathroom remodel delivers the value and the function that you need. Connect with a bathroom remodeling company that can provide you with the options that you need to make the right choice.

Popular Kitchen Remodeling Trends of 2021

Kitchen remodeling contractors

Kitchen remodeling contractors say there are new kitchen remodeling trends in 2021 while some of the older trends are holding steadfast from 2020. Since up to half of the homes in the US were built before 1980, kitchen remodeling is always a popular option for homeowners.

Kitchen remodeling contractors saw a lot of pantry updating and building being included in kitchen remodeling in 2021. Making the best use of the space available is also a hot trend. Vertical space-saving techniques are being incorporated more into kitchen designs this year, and that is only the beginning.

Kitchen Color Palettes

Color is an important part of decision-making in kitchen remodeling. This year the color palettes that kitchen remodeling contractors are reporting are a lot of neutrals. Some people make the mistake of thinking neutrals are bland. The opposite is true. A neutral palette can pack a wow factor and it is really on-trend this year.

Smart Everything

There has been a huge uptick in organic looks with smart appliances and everything else smart. Everyone this year wants to be as connected as they can be and that includes being connected to what they have in the fridge. Smart appliances are right on trend this year for the top kitchens and that trend will likely grow and continue in next year’s top trend list.

Luxury Touches

Homeowners are adding luxury features to their kitchen. Granite, marble, and other stone countertops are being complemented by luxury lighting and over-the-range hoods that add function and architectural interest. These luxury touches throughout the kitchen bring in some classic style while delivering the height of function.

Storage and Organization Features

In today’s kitchens, homeowners want a place for everything. Beautiful storage options that make it easy to stay organized are a hot trend this year. Kitchen remodeling contractors are designing a lot of cabinetry and finding unique ways to expand a space without changing the footprint.

The best way to ensure that your kitchen remodel is right on trend is to enlist the help of a contractor that specializes in kitchen remodeling. There are so many ways you can improve your kitchen with the right contractor on your team.

Tones & Textures in a Princeton Transformation

Whether you like clean, modern lines, ornate traditional details, or something in between, having a clear idea of your personal style is important to every remodeling project. This Princeton first floor remodel has a transitional look with the perfect blend of traditional and modern elements. Let’s explore how our team used tones and textures for a home that mixes cozy neutrals with pops of color and unexpected flare. 

Crafting Defined Seating Areas

The newly open space provides a plethora of seating options — each one with its own unique look and function. Whether they’re chatting in the cozy blue armchairs or enjoying a meal in the sophisticated dining chairs, the homeowners will have no shortage of places to sit. Taking down the dining room walls gave these homeowners the open-concept area they needed. We then installed support beams that not only serve a functional purpose, but also contribute to the texture of the room and add visual interest. 

Balancing with Contrast

This sitting area in the living room offers homeowners and guests soft, plush couches and sophisticated leather chairs. The coffee table and accent table are works of art; with textured lines and spindled legs, they are great examples of how two very different pieces of furniture can work together to bring balance and character to a room.

Creating Functional Beauty

A gorgeous bay window provides storage space, extra seating, and a cozy nook to curl up with a book or just gaze outside. The surrounding Crestwood cabinetry features raised-panel Dakota-style doors that bring in elegant texture. These convenient cubbies could store anything from shoes to extra blankets to board games, and the shelving above is perfect for displaying a potted plant or treasured keepsake. A row of alternating textured cloth and smooth leather pillows draws the eye in and invites visitors to take a seat.

We’re so happy that the young family living in this house not only loves the way their new space looks but are also pleased with the open, spacious layout that can accommodate the family gatherings they love to host. Ready to start planning your next project? We can help you transform your home to fit your style and needs. Contact us to get started today!