Modernize Your Kitchen with an Open Floor Plan

It’s amazing to see how many benefits there are to opening up your kitchen and joining it with an adjacent living room. A kitchen island serves perfectly for dining, working, entertaining, or just relaxing. Storage space was tripled in the kitchen above by adding more cabinets and countertops. Modern Danish cabinetry with hi-tech accessories, innovative tile designs on the floor and backsplash, and creative lighting make this kitchen a work of art. What used to be a small tight space is now the center of attention in every party. The large island is often used whether our client is only dining with a couple of guests or using it as a buffet in a larger party.

Other ways to open a kitchen:

• If possible, vault the ceiling to increase vertical volume without interfering with functional space.
• Use glass windows, shelves, and cabinetry to add a sense of spaciousness.
• Light, bright colors–such as white cabinets, back splashes and countertops–create an airy feel.
• Utilize corner space to create a breakfast nook.
• If tearing down an entire wall isn’t an option, consider a pass-through to create a visual connection between adjoining rooms.

Red Can Make Your Kitchen Pop

It’s that time when shades of red are on display everywhere, bringing thoughts of romance and warmth to the shortest month of the year. The kitchen is the heart of the home—so why not warm the heart of your loved one this Valentine’s Day by adding some red to you kitchen? Sure, you can give roses and chocolate, but you can also give your sweetie the ultimate setting for a candlelit dinner for two—an updated kitchen!

Red is one of the hottest trends in modern kitchen design. The vibrant hue—the color of heat, spice, wine, and ripe tomatoes—can make your kitchen pop. Bright red appliances, counters, cabinets, and tiles can all bring style to your kitchen.

The color red is associated with love, boldness, power, and is considered good luck in Asian culture. If you are worried that a large amount of red will overwhelm your space, try using red accessories such as curtains, towels, or centerpieces to add some excitement.

Have you incorporated red into your kitchen design? Tell us how!

Small Spaces: Three Ways to Feel Less Cramped

A mirrored backsplash opens up a kitchen corner.

New Yorkers know all about the trials of living small–especially those living in cramped Manhattan apartments and condos. Just because you may be working with less space doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the comforts of home–here are some tips to make your home feel more spacious:

• Think vertical: Look up–most likely, there are opportunities to build shelving or storage units above eye level in your home. Another option is floor-to-ceiling bookshelves or storage cabinets that blend with the style of your home. Store items that you don’t use every day so that they are out of sight but still within reach.
• Organize clutter: Too many things in your home can cause visual “noise,” leading to feelings of stress and depression. Keeping your home neat and tidy will prevent it from feeling smaller than it already it. The general rule to decluttering is, if you haven’t used something in six months and you don’t have a sentimental attachment to it, then it probably isn’t something you need. You can always rent a storage space to put unnecessary items, otherwise donate it, sell it, or trash it.
• Lighten up and reflect: A small space will feel even smaller if the lighting is too dim. Use quality lighting and mirrored surfaces to reflect the maximum amount of light in your home. If you don’t have room for a floor or table lamp, consider wall sconces or recessed lighting.

Pantone’s Color Trend for 2010: Turquoise

Pantone recently unveiled its pick for color of the year, trendcasting that the color of choice will be turquoise. Specifically Pantone 15-5519 Turquoise, it’s a bright, tropical hue reminiscent of Tiffany blue that combines “the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green,” according to a Pantone-issued press release. “Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well being.”

Bring some ocean color into your home with wall paint, by either painting an entire room in a soft turquoise or go for one high-impact wall. While vintage-style turquoise appliances can be a cool choice for the kitchen, also consider the color for tiles in a tropical-inspired bathroom. If the color is too bright for your taste, consider small accessories, such as pillows, vases, or towels, to make a neutral-toned room pop.

Home Remodeling Budget Planning: 10 Tips to Stay on Track

Simplifying your wish list can keep your renovation on budget.

One of the most common issues homeowners face when they embark on a remodeling project is that they spend more than they thought they would. Remodel your home and get the most out of your investment by sticking to a budget–easier said than done, right? Avoid letting your project turn into a money pit by taking advantage of these tips:

• Define your budget: Your budget should include costs for labor, construction materials, cabinets, appliances, fixtures, and a contingency fund (usually 10 to 20 percent of the total project cost).
• Be realistic: Prioritize your needs and wants so that your wish list doesn’t get out of control. Be prepared to cut back on your wants, or do some of the work yourself so that the project is done within your means. A contractor should be able to show you what you will get for your money, and then also show you what an increased budget will buy you.
• Do your homework: Examine your home with a meticulous eye to see what needs fixing sooner rather than later, and what needs a facelift versus an entire overhaul. Research the costs of materials, contractors and design features. Expect this process to take about six months to a year or two years.
• Be smart about plumbing: Moving a sink to a new location can cost more than $2,000. Avoid changing plumbing, gas lines and drainage.
• Be flexible: Work with your spouse to design a project that will stand the test of time. When talking with contractors, be open to their suggestions.
• Start demolishing: If you are able, hauling out the old sink or toilet yourself will cut your costs.
• Stick to the contract: Add-on projects, such as fixing nagging problems in your home, will add to the price. Contractors need to stick to the schedule, and adding more work that is not included in your contract can cost more per hour than the contracted portion of the job.
• Be creative: If you can do without replacing your old wooden cabinets, sand and refinish them or paint them for far less than new cabinets.
• Remodel on the off-season: When spring weather begins, contractors’ phone lines start ringing, meaning that they often have to juggle many projects at the same time. During the fall and winter, homeowners can benefit from being a contractor’s priority, and the job will be done in a timely fashion.

Renovation Trends for the Kitchen & Bath

Vivid orange is a hot trend for kitchens.

Thinking about renovating your bathroom or kitchen?  With the year ending, new kitchen and bathroom trends are popping up.  The following is a list of the most popular renovation trends for bathrooms and kitchens.

Bathroom Trends:

Larger, airier showers. Homeowners are now tearing out their tubs to expand showers in smaller bathrooms.  Shower stalls are getting larger, airier, and have much more glass, making bathrooms feel more like spas.  Homeowners are even taking out partial shower walls, or entire shower walls, and making the entire tiled bathroom a shower.

Steam shower. Another big trend in bathrooms is steam.  Homeowners are relieving stress in their steam showers after a long day.  A steam shower is essentially a regular shower with an added steam feature that is powered by a steam generator. Steam showers range in price from $1,500 to $5,000 and bathrooms must also be reconfigured to accommodate them.

Entertainment in the bathroom. Showers aren’t the only new renovation trends in bathrooms–people are also bringing other comforts to their bathrooms.  Flatscreen TVs, radios, and even phones are new luxuries being added to bathrooms.

Kitchen Trends:

Environmentally-friendly materials. Homeowners are now turning to green products for home renovations.  Sustainable materials such as recycled glass and paper products are being used for kitchen countertops and floors.  These environmentally-sustainable products look just as great as their non-eco-friendly counterparts while minimizing impact on the environment.

Color. Color is where it’s at in the kitchen.  Bright paint, tiles, and appliances add pizzazz to a usually neutral space.  Vibrant blues and oranges are especially popular.  These colorful touches modernize a kitchen’s style.

Blending the kitchen with other living spaces. Homeowners are blurring the distinction between living areas and kitchen spaces more than ever.  Furniture style pieces like armoires and concealed appliances help kitchens feel like open living spaces where families can come together.

Property Rehab: Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades to Build Your Home’s Value

Many homeowners are looking to improve their home’s long-term property value while the market rebounds. The best way to get the most bang for your buck is to focus on the areas of your property that have the highest resale value. Most real estate experts agree that kitchen and bathroom renovations impress buyers the most and add the most value.

Bathroom renovations especially prove high performers. On average, minor bathroom remodeling brings a 102 percent return on investment, according to a report publicized at the Home and Garden Show at the New York State Fair Grounds, Spring of 2007. Kitchen remodeling follows closely behind with a 98.5 percent recoup. Both types of renovations increase a home’s chance of making a quick sale.

If you have the budget, adding a bathroom to your property can help it stand out from others in your area and make for a quick sell. While large-scale renovations can be costly, if you are on a tight budget, smaller remodeling jobs can make an impact on appeal. Here are some crucial upgrades:

• New surfaces such as tile backsplashes, custom cabinets, and granite countertops
• Spotlights and recessed lighting
• Hardwood floors
• Reveal unique features in the room, such as unusually-shaped sinks
• Energy-efficient stainless steel appliances
• New fixtures such as faucets, cabinet hardware, and a modern showerhead
• Lots of built-in storage

Minor upgrades can make all the difference to prospective buyers when there are more homes on the market to choose from. For the best return on your investment, make smart choices and choose modern and traditional elements that will be in style for years to come.

Roll out the welcome mat, MyHome Renovations is here for you!

Hi there, have we met? Allow us to introduce ourselves. MyHome is a New York-based full-service interior design and remodeling firm, and we have a team of professionals ready to turn your home or business into a beautifully-designed, impressive space. Picture yourself with an open kitchen with rolled granite counters, a slate floor and a wine fridge; a sleek, spa-like bathroom with all new plumbing and fixtures, a steam shower and a soaking tub.

MyHome is committed to a superior  level of service, quality, problem solving, project management, and warranties. Since we’re the only remodeling company with a recognized brand name and a real corporate team in the Tri-State area, we offer a completely different comfort level and satisfaction guarantee. Hiring a contractor is always a risk, but hiring MyHome as your contractor is 100 percent risk free because we only strive for perfection.

But don’t just take our word for it:

“From our first design meeting to the final walk through, the entire team did everything that they could to make sure that our expectations were met. In fact, at the end of the work, our expectations were exceeded. … Our designer, Karolina Hrabczak, did an absolutely outstanding job in helping us put together the materials list for our kitchen and bathroom. She came up with combinations that we never would have thought of and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. We have gotten so many compliments on how great everything looks.”–Michael and Katharine Law

“Living in New York, we constantly hear horror stories regarding remodeling jobs gone bad, and as this was our first time remodeling a room in our new apartment, we were very intimidated about the process. However, from the time that we stepped foot into the design studio to your numerous visits to our apartment, you were the consummate professional. Your patience with us made us feel at ease and comfortable with the whole job. On top of it all, you finished under budget and ahead of schedule. … Thank you again for making our first remodeling experience painless, enjoyable, and immensely satisfactory.”–John and Danielle McGrath