MINNETONKA, Minn.Whats standing between you and your dream kitchen? Often, its a walla relic from the days when a separate dining room was a must-have in every home.

Today, formal meals have gone the way of the rotary phone in most households, and a room just for dining seems like a waste of precious space.

The formal dining room was popular for a while, said Cassie Frick, an Edina Realty agent. But most of her clients view them as so last-century. Everybody wants the open concept. The vast majority dont want a formal dining room anymore.

Frick included. She and her husband recently remodeled their 1970s home in Minnetonka, extending the kitchen by eliminating an adjacent dining room.

For us, with two kids, a formal dining room does not make sense, she said. It was a big room but we never went there, and it was totally cut off.

More than one-third of kitchen renovation projects now involve increasing the rooms size, according to the 2017 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. Open floor plans continue to rise, with 51 percent of new kitchens more open to other rooms of the house than they were before the remodeling.

Half the kitchens we do, we end up taking out a wall or partial wall, said Craig Weber, architect and owner of Bridgewater Construction. It makes for a much more dramatic kitchen. Most people entertain in the kitchenwhether they want to or not.

Often the unwanted wall is load-bearing, so its important to consult with a professional, noted Max Windmiller, an architectural designer with Windmiller Design Studio. He advised Frick during her project and also brought in a structural engineer.

She knew what she wanted, but she wanted to make sure it would be possible, said Windmiller. You have to figure out how to transfer that load. Its a structural challenge.

Ramblers from the 1950s and 60s are good candidates for wall removal, said Weber. The floor plans are pretty flexible.

Wall removal can be more complicated in a split-level or older two-story home, but just about anything is possible. Weve taken walls out of [homes from] pretty much any era, Weber said.

The results are worth it, said Steve Ribnick, who recently hired Weber to remodel his familys 1978 two-story in Bloomington, Minn.

Ribnick and his wife considered a cosmetic face-lift for their kitchen, but ultimately chose to remove the wall between the living room and family room to create an open floor plan with a casual dining area. Their formal dining room is now a music room/playroom.

Best decision we made, Ribnick said of losing the wall. We use all of our house now.

Here is the original post:
Lose a wall in your home, gain a dream kitchen - Fredericksburg.com

WIMAUMA, Fla., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Money! That got your attention. When it comes to renovating your kitchen or bathroom, Eclectic-ware can save you money. You will definitely have to spend money in your remodel or new construction, there is no way around that; but how much you spend can be curbed.

We are a distributorship. We sell to contractors, architects, designers, and yes, any and all DIY homeowners or soon to be homeowners. What sets us apart from the giant home improvement centers is that we offer many product lines not found in these stores. If you are looking for custom choices for sizes, colors, and styles, visit us on-line. If you seek high-end kitchen and bathroom products of superior quality, check us out.

Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts: by far one of the most important aspects when giving your kitchen a face lift. No one can say, "No two kitchens are alike," because tons of them are alike in subdivisions, condos, and apartments. But houses come in all shapes and sizes, and millions of them were not part of some massive construction project. With Eclectic-ware, you can order American Made cabinet doors prefinished or unfinished, pick your designs and profiles, and have them made to the sixteenth of an inch. Add a kitchen island, modify your pantry, set up the design the way you want. And go beyond the kitchen to the bathrooms, laundry room, bedroom furniture, and entertainment centers. Custom cabinet doors increase the value of every room of your home.

Under Cabinet Lighting: You want to be able to see in your kitchen and bathroom. Focused lighting from under a cabinet, or within one, not only looks elegant, it increases functionality. "Hera Lighting" is German Engineered furniture and display lighting. LED and miniature fluorescent options with custom layouts are possible. Eclectic-ware offers design assistance, tech support, and fantastic customer service with helping you with your cabinet lighting needs. Commercial displays, office set ups, boats and motorhomes all use cabinet style lighting too. It enhances your environment and makes you feel good about your living and work spaces.

Have you seen kitchens with those long stainless steel door handles? There are many worldwide manufacturers that make set sizes in one bar diameter. Eclectic-ware has American Made high quality 303 grade solid stainless steel handles produced to the sixteenth of an inch, in SIX bar diameters! Customizing doesn't stop there. Special heights, special center to center sizes, and even back to back mounting options. CUSTOM for your Custom home or office! We offer selections of cabinet knob and drawer pulls from several other manufacturers too.

Something Eclectic-ware is very proud to offer is an incredibly large array of ceramic bathroom hardware. AC Products is entirely Made in the USA. And unlike the big box stores that sell "white" or possibly a second color, hang onto your seat, this will dazzle you, we have ceramic bathroom hardware available in 100 colors. Browns, greys, off white, greens, blues, yellows! No kidding. You can get soap dishes, corners shelves, shower caddies, towel bars, and a whole lot more in a nice big selection of colors. The colors correspond with some of the most popular selections from big name tile manufacturers. Over the past many years we have encouraged customers to send us a piece of their tile, or broken towel bar, etc. so we can compare it to the best color selection for them. Our reach is nationwide and beyond; we ship to Canada, Australia, and Europe all the time. When creating a new bathroom, or completely changing what you have, ceramic fixtures offer many benefits. They're appealing, waterproof, easy to clean, and long lasting. And when your color matches or compliments, that is a heck of a lot better than just pasting white ceramic all over your beautiful brown or grey ceramic tiles. Of course if you have white tiles, stick with white.

Currently, it is best to view our website on a PC or tablet. We have come to learn the importance of going mobile and will be re-writing our website in new software to make it smartphone friendly. That is our 2017 goal. Bear with us as our own construction dust adds up.

About Eclectic-wareEclectic-ware began in December 2000. We offer a broad range of cabinetry and bathroom hardware products not found in mainstream retail outlets. Many of our product lines offer customizing options which gives homeowners greater flexibility in their kitchen and bathroom designs. We tend to cater to the DIY enthusiast, yet we do offer larger volume discounts for hotels, office buildings, and contractors. Large or small, we aim to help everyone!

Contact: John Wagonis 813-633-7544 162013@email4pr.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/how-to-save-your-hard-earned-money-when-remodeling-your-kitchen-or-bathroom-using-cabinetry-products-from-eclectic-ware-300466285.html

SOURCE Eclectic-ware

Read more from the original source:
How to Save your Hard Earned Money when Remodeling your Kitchen or Bathroom Using Cabinetry Products from ... - PR Newswire (press release)

Idaho Statesman

Homeowners looking to sell decide their kitchen has to go Idaho Statesman When they finally decided it was time to act, the Delavans called Sarah Cunningham at Ethos Design + Remodel + Real Estate in Boise. Cunningham had worked with the couple on their 2013 master bathroom remodel. She knew the kitchen had to go, and ...

Go here to read the rest:
Homeowners looking to sell decide their kitchen has to go - Idaho Statesman

Jay Nutting, a retired automotive engineer, is a designer at heart.

During evenings and on weekends, his passion was remodeling homes. He often dreamed of owning a business, one that allowed him to bring his passion to fruition.

He loved his side job so much that he finally left his day job to follow his heart, helping others realize their dreams as the owner of a DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen remodeling company franchise in Paris.

Q: How did you get started?

A: In 2015, I decided to leave corporate America and go for it in pursuit of my business development dreams. Of course, a path in construction seemed to be a no-brainer to tie business and passion together. I started the business in January 2016. I bought a franchise.

Q: Why a franchise? Was it easier to adopt the companys already established code of values and its motto, Enhancing Lives, Improving Homes?

A: DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen of Southern Lakes is a full service design-build remodeling company. (We) work a business model to reduce the fears of remodeling and eliminate the negative connotation of contractors. With their unique business model, DreamMaker aligns a team of experts who work together rather than against each other. The group power offers a continuously improving suite of systems and procedures to help the remodeling process run as smoothly as humanly possible.

Q: What else do you like about the companys philosophy?

A: Here at DreamMaker, we believe our remodeling projects do more for our customers than simply improve the look of their homes. Our work enhances our customers lives by providing them with a home thats more comfortable and better suited to their functional needs both now and many years to come.

Q: What is your biggest inspiration as a business owner?

A: My father Peter has been a great inspiration to me in this DreamMaker venture. Fortunately he is retired from his career as a steamfitter and has been able to spend valuable time supporting me with the launch of the company. Becoming a business owner has given me the capability to create a schedule around my family and not around my career.

Q: How important was it to transition out of a corporate career to that of a business owner?

A: This transformation has enlightened me more than I can put into words. The love and stimulation I carry for my wife, Stacey, and son, Logan, are something untouchable and out of this world. I thank God daily for what he has given me and the power he has given us to make a difference in this world.

Q: What do you like about what you do with DreamMaker?

A: The most satisfying part of remodeling is seeing the glow of my customers faces throughout every stage of the project. Every day they are able to see their homes slowly transform into that perfect photo they found in the magazine. Even more, the relationships I have built are priceless.

Q: What do you want people to know about your business?

A: Please allow myself and the proven systems of DreamMaker take a look at your remodeling dreams. We just may find out the perfect solution is within grasp.

Ventures is an occasional feature highlighting business ventures in the county. Contact Assignment Editor Janine Anderson at 262-656-6318 or janderson@kenoshanews.com.

Link:
Ventures: Retired engineer launches area remodeling firm - Kenosha News

Bath Fitter is celebrating 20 years in the local area, and as part of that celebration it wants to thank the local community that has made its success possible. In the last 20 years Bath Fitter has grown from a small company to one that spans several brands across 14 states and employs 1300 people. However, central PA has always been home.

Bath Fitter is inviting the public to join them on Saturday, June 3 as is celebrates with food, games, bounce houses and giveaways at the Red Land Midget Football Field. The company will be giving away remodeling prizes, including two bath remodels from Bath Fitter, a kitchen remodel from Kitchen Saver and new windows and doors from Homespire Windows and Doors, for a combined value of $24,000. Other prizes will also be raffled off.

Event details: Bath Fitter 20th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, June 3 2-6:30pm Red Land Midget Football Field 520 Locust Road New Cumberland The first 300 registrants at bfsave.com/bf20can register for food vouchers worth $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Like Loading...

Read the original here:
It's a 20th anniversary celebration for Central PA-based Bath Fitter - ABC27

If you are planning on remodeling your Kitchen, then go for granite countertops in Boca Raton and Coral Gables. Granite countertops are not only strong and durable, but they seem to never go out of fashion. There is one company that can help you in this regard.

This press release was orginally distributed by ReleaseWire

Hialeah, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/31/2017 -- Many homeowners are often torn between the decision of whether to go with just any countertop or spend a little more money and go for Granite countertops when they are remodeling the kitchen. In many ways, choosing granite countertops make sense as a remodeling project is for the future, and you would want something that lasts you for a long time. Granite countertops in Boca Raton and Coral Gables FL do not wear with time. Rather, they get beautiful over the time. That is why experts from JVM Kitchen Design are all praises for it and advise homeowners to go for granite countertops if they are looking for something that will not give them a hard time keeping it clean and maintaining it.

You can trust JVM Kitchen Design in doing a great job for you. They are the best when it comes to home renovation in Hialeah and Miami FL. They are a family owned business who are extremely focused on their job and will get you results that you want. When you have entrusted JVM Kitchen Design with a kitchen design job, you can look forward to getting the best. They will hear you out on the ideas and offer you a personalized and attentive service.

Just having a kitchen that is pleasing to the eye is not going to be enough. A kitchen has to be functional as well. The idea is to have a positive experience, and JVM Kitchen Design will give their best in achieving that.

Have a talk with them today for all your kitchen remodeling needs.

Call 786-308-6983 or visit http://www.jvmkitchendesign.com/ for more details.

About JVM Kitchen Design JVM Kitchen Design is a family owned business and they are well-known names in home renovation in Hialeah and Miami FL. They have been serving their clients for more than 20 years now.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/easy-kitchen-renovations-with-granite-countertops-in-boca-raton-and-coral-gables-fl-814280.htm

Read more here:
Easy Kitchen Renovations with Granite Countertops in Boca Raton and Coral Gables FL - Digital Journal

2017 kitchen trends are all about sleek, clean, simple and industrial.

1. Gray counters, walls and floors

Gray is hot in both the kitchen and the bath. Forget about the faux marble-finished countertops that were popular in 2016. This year, its all about dark gray tile on countertops, walls and even on the floor. Combined with stainless appliances, its a clean, industrial look with a sleek edge.

2. Glass tile backsplashes

Used in a linear pattern, glass tile backsplashes can make small spaces seem larger.Deep cobalt blue is also trending this year, pairing beautifully with gray countertops and a steelrange hood.

3. Contrasting colors

The whole kitchen doesnt have to be industrial. Paint walls a deep red or blue; install a brightly colored backsplash. Another way to add a splash of color is to use a harlequin pattern. Think diamond-shaped tiles in four or five different varieties of contrasting colors, making sure the same color never touches.

4. Amped-up storage

Large drawersand storage is at a premium this year, in keeping with the clean, sleek, industrial look of gray countertops. Get your small appliances, tools and accessories off the counter and into a drawer.

5. Light-colored cabinets

If youre remodeling, it may be time to veer away from dark wood cabinets, either faux or real. White cabinets are quickly becoming the new normal.

6. LED lighting

Grab a ribbon of LED lights and get creative with placement in your kitchen. Whether its on top or on the bottom of your cabinets, inside a hutch or under your countertop to emit a soft glow.LED lights come in a variety of colors, and theyre so inexpensive you can change it up, switching to any color that fits your mood.

Contact Meederfor an in-home design consultation completely free of charge!

See the article here:
Kitchen Remodeling Ideas - meederhomeremodel.com

If the popularity of home improvement programming on television is any indication, home remodeling has become a sort of American pastime.

According to HomeAdvisors 2017 Cost Report, the average homeowner spent nearly 60 percent more on home projects over the past 12 months than in the previous 12 months. This includes an increase in national expenditures on home improvement projects, such as bath and kitchen remodels.

Peter Grant, owner of Grant Homes LLC and president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa, said homeowners are opting to make the most of their current living quarters through remodeling versus uprooting and rebuilding.

(Remodeling) is a smart way to maintain the value of your home and property, particularly if people love their neighborhood, Grant said. They want to stay where they are, and so the only way to do that and to have a 21st-century floor plan or design is to remodel the space they are in.

A substantial kitchen or master bath remodel can cost $30,000-$50,000 per national industry standards but can go much higher depending on budget, said Grant.

Right now, if the project is done well I mean, thats by a professional remodeler and not a do-it-yourself project that can translate right around 65-70 percent return on investment, he said. Then over time and appreciation, you can pick up close to the entire cost of it depending on how long you hold your property.

The latest remodeling trends focus on creating more openness through compartmentalizing storage and integrating appliances and electronics into cabinetry, said Grant.

The kitchen, arguably the most challenging space to strike a balance between openness and functionality, has utilized cabinet space to foster a more unenclosed environment.

Countertop and over-the-range microwaves are being eschewed for microwaves built into the lower cabinets of the kitchen. The placement not only makes it easier to reach down for a bowl but also frees up counter and wall space.

Sinks have also evolved from a double-basin to a single design for practicality.

If you think about the history of that, the reason we have two bowls in a kitchen sink is because we didnt have dishwashers 75 years ago, Grant said. So it was necessary to have two bowls for soaking and rinsing. The nice thing about a single-basin sink is that you set your pot or skillet directly down into it and it can hold a lot more now.

One of the hottest kitchen trends right now is the backsplash. Usually positioned over the stove, the wall serves as a blank canvas for homeowners to design to their liking.

Backsplashes have really taken off wildly, Grant said. They are kind of the icing on the cake where we can really make a kitchen pop. Were seeing a tremendous amount of variety of backsplashes being offered, and it really gives the kitchen a great look.

Bathrooms have also adapted to reflect the desire for more space and functionality.

People are spending more time in their bathrooms, Grant said. So the bathrooms are becoming more sophisticated. Were putting in a lot of water jet tubs and steam chambers inside of wildly adorned showers.

Benches, steam chambers and jets with seemingly endless capabilities have become popular among master bath remodels.

Were seeing the trend moving towards clear glass (walls), because that gives the sense of space instead of tile, said Grant. Instead of crawling into a kind of cave of tiled wall, you now have glass surrounding you. So it feels much larger and then you can appreciate the design from out the outside of the shower, too.

Storage has mimicked the efficiency of the kitchen with electrical outlets and receptacles for hairstyling tools built into drawers and cabinets to maximize storage space.

Sometimes women keep their blow dryer, curling iron and whatever else in the lower drawers of their vanity, Grant said. So we can put receptacles in there so theyre not unplugging and unwrapping every time they pull it out and use it.

Bathtubs also remain a staple of master bath remodels despite not being used as often on a daily basis.

In our lifestyles, we are in a lot more of a hurry to get ready for work and get ready for our lives, and showers are kind of the trend on that, said Grant. But its nice to have both.

918-581-8480

news@tulsabusiness.com

Follow this link:
Home remodels: Upgrades done well can bring a return in your investment - Tulsa World

Remodeling or completely renovating a kitchen can be a big task, but it also has the best return on investment of any home improvement.

But these improvements dont come cheap. A 2013 U.S. Census Bureau report noted the cost of an average kitchen remodel was $5,000, with the price tag for complete renovation at $27,353.

Given these costs, remodeling experts say there are ways to save in order to have money to splurge on key items.

Begin with a detailed floor plan, said Ariel Darmoni, managing partner at 123 Remodeling, a general contractor firm featured in Houzz and on HGTV.

Its going to be so much more if you dont have a floor plan that works for you, because making changes later costs more. You can also save money if you dont have to move plumbing and electric, even if youre taking down walls, he said.

Dont skimp on important life-safety improvements like mold remediation and ventilation, said Beverley Kruskol, owner of M.Y. Pacific Building, a general contractor who has worked with high-end renovations, including for Mario Batalis restaurants in Los Angeles.

Tile, flooring and lighting can be both economical and beautiful, Kruskol said.

Tile is a great place to save money. There are thousands of styles, and theyre so amazing, she said.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be used on both floor and in kitchen backsplashes, said Suzanne Falk, of Suzanne Falk Interior Design and a ghost designer on HGTVs Kitchen Crashers.

Tile is cheaper than hardwood flooring, and Darmoni prefers tile floors in kitchens because wood floors can be easily damaged by water leaks from dishwashers.

Big-box retailers sell attractive tiles for a fraction of the cost versus whats sold at designer showrooms, Falk said. For people who have their heart set on high-end tile, she recommended highlighting it in a specific area, such as a backsplash around the range, and then framing it with subway tiles, which Falk said are her go-to tiles.

Distinctive, affordable lighting options are available at retail stores versus paying up at a showroom, they said.

Compared to what was available four or five years ago, you can get beautiful lamps at a fraction of the cost, Kruskol said.

Choose a nicer faucet over a sink, Darmoni said, but look at the faucet construction. Better-made faucets have durable metal cartridges inside, which are the valves that turn on the water and mix temperatures.

High-end appliances might be a worthy splurge; however, Kruskol said homeowners should think about how they use them and how long theyll be in the home.

If youre in a condo, I dont think you need to spend the money to get a Wolf range, but it depends on your lifestyle, she said.

Homeowners who arent doing a gut rehab and really are scrimping can get new doors and hardware for their existing cabinets, Kruskol said, which can quickly update the look. Even refinishing existing doors can refresh a tired kitchen.

The two areas worth a splurge are cabinets and countertops, they said. Consider stepping up to semi-custom cabinets from a local cabinet supplier and avoiding the big-box retailer.

Working with a local cabinet supplier to design creative storage can help eliminate a lot of the wasted space in kitchens, Kruskol said. Upgrades such as pull-out shelves and Lazy Susans are useful, but Falk warned about getting carried away with other costly upgrades like appliance garages and built-in spice drawers. These can look nice but may not be practical, she added.

Another benefit to using semi-custom cabinets is they can be designed to fit a homes inevitable imperfections in a way prefabricated cabinets cant, said Darmoni and Falk.

All three said consider upgrading to natural stone countertops versus manufactured styles. Not only do they look beautiful, but they will last for years. Granite has always been popular, but high-end materials such as quartz and quartzite are becoming affordable.

The one stone they dont recommend for kitchens is marble.

Its porous and stains easily. For instance, if you put a coffee cup on it, it gets a ring that doesnt go away, Kruskol said.

See original here:
At Home: Where to save, splurge in kitchen remodel - Topeka Capital Journal

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Warrington, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/26/2017 -- Spring and summer are the perfect times of year for any home improvement projects to take place. The warm weather is a great change of pace and results in more people spending time outside. However, finding the right contractor to do the job is a lot more difficult. One company that has built a dependable reputation among the community is Joseph's Affordable Plumbing.

For over 40 years, Joseph's Affordable Plumbing has been a reliable leader in plumbing and heating in Glenside, PA. Outside from specializing in plumbing and heating, Joseph's Affordable Plumbing also specializes in bathroom and kitchen remodeling.

"We definitely see an increase in home remodeling once spring starts to roll around," said Joseph Greenstein of Joseph's Affordable Plumbing. "Getting work done on your house during the winter can be really tough. The winter months are already brutal enough due to the weather, plus you have to add in all the holiday commotion. Once the cold weather breaks and you're able to spend more time outside and less time inside where the work is being done, the easier it is to get a room in your house remodeled."

Interested customers looking for a company skilled in drain cleaning in Philadelphia, PA, kitchen and bathroom remodeling or maintenance for any plumbing and heating issues are strongly urged to get in touch with Joseph's Affordable Plumbing immediately. Potential customers can visit their website at http://www.josephsaffordable.com/ or give them a call (215)-310-5945 today!

About Joseph's Affordable Plumbing Joseph's Affordable Plumbing offers three generations of plumbing experience. The company services Northeast Philadelphia, Mount Airy, Germantown Glenside, Elkins Park, Huntingdon Valley, Feasterville, Roslyn, Warrington, Warminster, and many other surrounding communities. Joseph's Affordable Plumbing offers a wide away of plumbing services that include drain cleanings, hot water heater repairs, sewage pumps, and emergency plumbing seven days per week.

For more information, visit http://www.josephsaffordable.com/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/josephs-affordable-plumbing-offers-kitchen-remodeling-services-this-spring-812529.htm

Visit link:
Joseph's Affordable Plumbing Offers Kitchen Remodeling Services This Spring - Digital Journal