How to Get a Touch of the Mediterranean in Your Home

Are you looking for a home design trend with some longevity? Look no further than the Mediterranean style.

This style is influenced by the style of architecture and design commonly seen in countries like Greece, Monaco, and Morocco, known for their sunny climate, laid-back atmosphere, and bright white buildings that stand out against the bright blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.

If you’d like your home renovation to have Greek Villa vibes, these elements must be included in your design.

History Mediterranean Style

Before we get into how to transform your home into a Moroccan palace, let’s look at the history of this type of home design. When we say it has longevity, we mean it – Greek revival homes date back to the 1820s when ancient Greek temples inspired residential and commercial building design.

You probably see this architecture daily - you can recognize it by the large columns on the building’s exterior.

Moroccan style has also been very popular, especially in the luxury home market, since the 1960s when travel to the region became very popular. This style, which many refer to as “boho-chic,” is inspired by the region’s mosques and Kasbahs, which have intricate tile work and architectural lines.

Greek and Moroccan styles are different regarding the finishes you choose. Still, they share many similarities, which is why both popular design styles create the Mediterranean style. Now, let’s look at how to bring the Mediterranean into your home.

Choose Inviting Colors

The Mediterranean is warm and sunny, so you want to bring those colors into your home. Don’t be afraid to choose to use bright colors like orange or teal when choosing cabinetry or paint colors since they will make the space look inviting and vibrant.

Stone or Tile Is a Must for Flooring

You’d have a hard time finding a home in the Mediterranean that did not have a tile or stone floor. We suggest using travertine or an eclectic patterned porcelain tile if you’d like your floors to add to the vibrance of your space. This type of flooring is easy to maintain, and the Mediterranean lifestyle is all about simplifying where possible.

Tile Isn’t Just for Flooring

Floor-to-ceiling tiles are common in a Mediterranean-style bathroom, while bright and bold tiles can be used in the kitchen. If you want to make your timeless Mediterranean design a trendy pop, use zellige tiles in these spaces. 

Zellige tiles are beautifully handmade, glazed tiles, and they are all the rage in home design. They can be laid in several variations to create a pattern or in a simple grid depending on how much of a focal point you’d like the tile to make.

Don’t Be a Square

Mediterranean architecture is full of arches. This means you’ll need to remove your squared-off entryways and replace them with archways. Some ideas on incorporating arches into your design would be using an archway to divide the space between your master bedroom and the bathroom or in the space that separates the kitchen from the dining room.

If you’d like help creating a Mediterranean-style space, call us. We are happy to help!

Renovations to Complete When Expecting A Little One

Anyone who has children can tell you they change everything! When you find out you're expecting, renovating your home is probably pretty low on your priority list, but some projects should be completed before the baby makes their debut.

Let's take a look at home renovations you should try to complete before you bring your baby home.

Large Renovations

If you've been planning a major renovation like updating a bathroom or kitchen, now is the time. It may not be ideal timing, but it is so much easier to undergo a major renovation without kids in the home. Plus, the loud noises, dust, and debris that come with a renovation are not good for babies.

If you decide to go through with a major renovation, include some kid-friendly upgrades. For example, you'll want a bathtub in the bathroom where you can comfortably bathe your baby. In the kitchen, you could reconfigure the layout to allow you to keep an eye on the kids while you're preparing a meal.

Tackle Safety Concerns

Once your little one starts moving around and exploring, you'll find that some things in your home are just not safe. If you have a pool, get it fenced before your baby gets here – don't wait around and take any chances.

If you have stairs, you'll want to ensure there are no loose steps that could cause you or the baby to fall. Lastly, if you have a wood deck, make sure to correct any splintering that could hurt the baby.

Update the Flooring

Your bundle of joy will be mobile before you know it. There are a lot of reasons to either update or refinish your flooring before the baby arrives.

One important factor to keep in mind is that if you decide to refinish your floors, particularly hardwood floors, the curing process lets off gasses and fumes that can be harmful to your baby. Plus, completing this project before the baby arrives will ensure the floor they crawl around on is safe and clean.

Prepare the Nursery

Last but not least, you'll want to get the nursery ready for your sweet baby's arrival. Although most babies don't sleep in their nursery right away, it is still a good idea to organize everything while you still have the time and energy.

You'll likely have to convert an office space or guest room into a nursery, so you'll have to clear out the room and find a new home for those items. You'll also want to patch up holes, paint, hang shelves, and, the most challenging part - assemble the crib. Take it all in; preparing the nursery is an extraordinary time in a parent's life.

Do you need help checking off your before-baby to-do list? We are here to help! Give us a call so we can make this busy season of your life a little less stressful.

What is the Best Time of Year to Remodel?

ELM Team in the middle of a remodeling project

Major home renovation projects are rarely spur-of-the-moment events. Of course, you may have an unfortunate event that leads to an unexpected renovation, but for most homeowners, a home renovation requires months and sometimes years of planning. 

Depending on the type of project you have in mind, there may be better times than others to schedule them. You’ll need to consider things like school and work schedules, vacations, and weather.

If you’re in the planning stage of your remodel project, here are what we believe are the best projects to start in each season.

Winter

After the holidays are over and things start to settle down, getting started on a home renovation project may be the last thing you want to take on. But, the beginning of the year is a great time to begin large kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations can be extensive and take a few months to complete. Getting started early in the year is a good idea for a few reasons: contractors typically aren’t as busy this time of year, so work can be completed more quickly than if you wait until the busier spring or summer seasons.

You may also be able to get materials and appliances for a lower price during this time of year, which is a nice bonus! But keep in mind that you’ll need to make sure you give yourself at least four to six months to properly plan your project. That means starting the project development process in late summer or early fall.

Spring

Weather may be unpredictable at the beginning of spring, but as a rule, late March and early April are great times for outdoor projects like building a deck or outdoor kitchen. Not only are the temperatures usually ideal for these types of projects, but getting started in early spring means you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space all summer long! But know that you will not be unique in wanting to start a project in the Spring. Whether it’s the milder weather or the longer days, late March and early April are when we really start to see significant increases in people reaching out about their projects. So the sooner you can get the ball rolling, the better.

It’s also a good time to do outdoor maintenance, like getting your gutters cleaned, to avoid any big problems like damage to your home’s foundation.

Summer

Summer tends to be the busiest time of year for home remodeling projects, so if you want work to start in June or July, you better get on the schedule sooner than later. Coordinating your summer vacation with your home renovation is a great idea so you won’t have to live in a construction zone.

Fall

If you’re planning a major remodel, consider waiting until the fall. Fall can be a slower time of year for contractors, which makes it an ideal time to get work done. You also shouldn’t have to worry about winter storms or bad weather holding up construction or materials delivery.

Fall is an especially great time of year to install new flooring since humidity levels are lower, making it ideal for flooring installation.

Getting started in early fall, and assuming no major delays come up, means that you may be able to unveil a new space just in time for holiday parties. 

No matter when you want to start your home renovation, we are here to help. Give us a call so we can discuss your project and start putting a solid plan in place. Let’s get you on the schedule!

3 Practical Bathroom Upgrades & 1 Not-So-Practical

When it comes time to renovate a bathroom, it is wise to include some practical features along with cosmetic upgrades. Practical upgrades will allow you to maximize the space and allow you to truly feel comfortable and relaxed while you are soaking in your brand-new tub.

Let’s dive into some practical upgrades you should include in your bathroom renovation.

Heated Floors

Is anything worse than getting out of the nice, warm shower and stepping onto the cold tile? Heated floors will eliminate this problem and keep the bathroom temperature warmer than just having a heater.

They may sound like an ultra-luxurious upgrade, but heated floors are actually cost-effective and more energy-efficient too!

Shower Niche/Seating

Most homeowners want a spacious walk-in shower. We highly recommend that the shower has either a niche or a seating area – or both!

Including a niche in your shower gives you space to store your shampoo and other toiletries that are easy to reach and allows the floor to stay clear. Niches can be fun since it is a good spot to add a decorative accent to your shower design.

Having seating in the shower, even if it is just a small bench, is also something you will be glad you included in your bathroom design. It makes shaving so much easier, and it gives you a place to sit and relax after a long day. 

Lighting

Since you’ll be getting ready in this space, the bathroom needs really good lighting. At the same time, having super bright lights shining in your eyes while you’re trying to relax in the bath or shower is not exactly ideal.

We recommend installing horizontal vanity lights on either side of your mirror, which not only look great but also provide enough illumination to help you get yourself ready.

We also like to include some sort of ceiling lighting. This can be over your shower or tub or both. These lights should be dimmable to allow you to have the perfect amount of lighting for relaxation.

Focal Point

Your bathroom should have one main focal point that the rest of the bathroom features complement. This may not be the most “practical,” but it is okay to have some fun with your remodel, right?

Some ideas for a focal point are an accent wall, perhaps behind a stand-alone tub. We love using bold, patterned wallpaper to add texture and color. Another idea is to install an oversized chandelier.

This could be in the same material as the other bathroom finishes, like brass or chrome. An easy focal point that many of our clients opt for is the shower.

We like to use bold tiles that stand out from the rest of the space. Bright, geometric-shaped tiles are very trendy, but even using something more toned down will add charm to your bathroom.

What upgrades would you like to see in your new bathroom? We would love to chat about your upcoming project and see how we can assist.

Creating Functional Spaces in Your Home

During the early planning stages of a home remodel, your mind is probably stuck on the colors and materials that you want to include in your new space. However, it is essential to think of the practical features of a home and make sure that the project you are taking on will look not only beautiful but also create functional spaces to make your life easier. 

One of the biggest trends of 2023 home design is functionality – let’s look at how to create functional spaces in your home.

Semi-Open Concept Remodel

Semi-Open Concept

Having a large, open home may seem warm and inviting, but it is not the most practical use of space. More and more homeowners are opting to create a ‘semi-open concept’ where the room is still mostly open but has clearly defined areas with its own purpose.

One great way to create a functional semi-open concept space is to add a fireplace as a divider between your living room and dining space. This will give the living room enough separation to offer some privacy for family members who want to watch a movie while others are dining or using the dining room as a work area.

Mudroom

You are missing out if you haven’t added a mudroom to your home. A mudroom solves so many organizational issues and will make your everyday life so much easier. The mudroom is a space where you can leave your purse, book bag, and car keys which will make your morning routine easier since you won’t be running around looking for those items. 

The mudroom can also act as a storage space where you can store household items like your vacuum, brooms, and mops, along with cleaning products. If there’s space, it can double as a laundry room. Adding built-in storage cabinets will allow you to keep the room organized while coordinating with the rest of your home décor. Since the mudroom is usually situated in an area that is the first place you enter into your home, you want it to look nice and inviting.

Mudroom with Built-In Storage

Built-In Storage

Built-ins are a timeless way to add character to your home while adding functional storage. They work exceptionally well in the living, office, or den. We can help you build a space where you can either store belongings with enclosed built-in cabinets or display knick-knacks and family photos with built-in shelving. Built-ins are a great way to transform a large, awkward wall into a functional and interesting to look at part of your living space.

Elevate Your Pantry

Many of us already have a kitchen pantry, but how many of us use it to its full potential? Instead of just being a closet that holds food, turn your pantry into a space where you can prepare snacks and coffee. You can build a coffee bar where you prepare coffee in the morning and store your coffee maker, clearing up counter space in your kitchen. 

You could also make a space in your pantry for your microwave to go so that it does not interfere with your kitchen design. These seemingly small additions to your pantry will free up space in your kitchen and make a big difference!

How can we help you create a more functional home? Let’s brainstorm! Give us a call so we can discuss your current situation and your wants and needs. 

Welcomed Home Design Trends for 2023

So much has changed in the last few years, so it’s no surprise that home design trends have also changed. There has been a shift from neutral-colored homes where everything matches to homes with more personality.

Let’s take a look at some of the home trends we expect to see more of in 2023.

Natural Light

There are many benefits to increased natural light in the home, but the improvement to your mental health is arguably the largest, and most overlooked. 

To increase natural light in your home, we can remove a wall and install huge, floor-to-ceiling windows. This can be done in any room, but the living room and bedroom are the most popular.

Another way to add natural light is by installing a skylight. Having natural light from up above will make your room feel larger and more open.

Nostalgia

Instead of clean, crisp lines, many homeowners are opting for design choices that make them feel comfortable and cozy. Antique furniture and artwork have become more popular in recent years, and now that feeling is transferring over to the home design and build side of things.

There are a few ways to get that nostalgic feel that makes you feel like you’re back at your grandma’s house. One is by adding large, dark baseboards paired with floral wallpaper. Trust us -- it looks better than what you might envision.

Mirrored walls are also making a comeback, but with a more modern twist. The mirrored walls of the 70s were abstract and looked cluttered, but today’s mirrored walls are symmetrical and clean. They make you wonder why mirrored walls ever went out of style.

Functionality

Including rooms and features that are more functional than fun has become the priority for many of our clients. One of the spaces that is getting redone is the pantry. The pantry is no longer just a tiny closet to store canned food.

Many pantries now include counter space for small appliances like your air fryer, slow cooker, or toaster. This allows your kitchen counter space to be clutter-free.

The mudroom is also becoming a must-have for our clients. The mudroom acts as a catch-all space, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be an afterthought.

Having a mudroom with cubbies for each family member will help keep items organized and reduce stress in the morning when you’re already running late. The mudroom can also act as a laundry room and storage for your cleaning supplies.

Going Dark

After years of everything being gray and white, homes will have color again! Dark, dramatic colors will be embraced in 2023.

Adding dark colors can seem intimidating, but when done correctly, the color will add a ton of character and charm to your home. Think dark cabinets, black granite, deep blues, and greens for paint.

If you want to update your home in the new year, we are here to help!

Lighting That Makes Your Home Shine

Do you ever feel like your home is missing a little something? It could be the lighting. Your home’s lighting plays an incredibly important role.

Lighting creates ambiance and can highlight specific decorative features in spaces throughout your home. It can also enhance your mood and enhance features in your home.

There are many different types of lighting, each with its own benefits. Let’s take a look at these different types of lighting and where to include them in your home.

Natural Lighting

There is no substitute for natural lighting. Having plenty of windows and skylights throughout your house allows natural light inside, which will create an uplifting, pleasant feeling in any space.

During your home remodel, be sure to discuss adding windows or skylights to the space. They will completely transform your home.

Task Lighting

Task lighting lights a specific area in order to perform a task. For example, we could install task lighting under your kitchen cabinets, which will illuminate your counters to make meal preparation and clean-up easier.

Task lighting is also helpful in your bathroom shower and vanity areas. The vanity is an especially important area to use task lighting since it will prevent odd shadows on the mirror, which could make it difficult to see yourself.

Architectural Lighting

To create dimension, you should include architectural lighting in your home design. Architectural lighting is strategically placed to bounce off other lighting types and reduce shadows.

This type of lighting is perfect for drawing more attention to a piece of artwork or other types of decoration that deserves its own spotlight.

Outdoor Lighting

Proper lighting isn’t just an indoor necessity, it is also needed outdoors. Outdoor lighting that lights up walkways or steps is essential for safety reasons and will help prevent falls. You could also have motion-activated lights as part of your home security system to keep your family safe from intruders.

Outdoor lights can also be used to highlight landscaping and other features of your yard, like a waterfall or sculpture. Having strategically placed lights to highlight these features creates an enchanting ambiance and is a must-have for outdoor parties. String lights and twinkle lights are also fun options to create a festive feel in your yard and are perfect for summer get-togethers.

Accent Lighting

Including decorative lighting fixtures like chandeliers and sconces adds decorative features to your home while also lighting up an area. These fixtures are most commonly used above the dining table and the foyer but could also be included in a bedroom or bathroom design. 

With so many types of lighting, it may seem challenging to figure out what style works best in each space of your home. Don’t worry, that’s what we are here for. When we are in the planning phase of your home décor project, we will also suggest the best type of lighting for each space.

What’s Your Home Design Style?

If you’re considering a home remodel project, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is what style you want. Determining this will help you when it comes time to pick out materials and finishes.

Let’s look at some of the most popular home design styles:

Vestavia Kitchen & Living Room

Traditional Kitchen Design

If you prefer that your home has defined spaces with a timeless look, traditional style is the style for you.

For kitchen renovations, traditional style can be distinguished by the detailing on the cabinets and large light fixtures above the island. The traditional kitchen is charming and interesting, but the color scheme tends to be more simple with creamy whites and wood tones.

Flooring in traditional homes tends to be hardwood with simple baseboards. Light fixtures are larger with more detail.

Wellington Kitchen & Bath Remodel

Contemporary Kitchen Design

Contemporary homes tend to have large spaces, interesting angles, and large bright windows. Color schemes in contemporary homes center around neutral tones like white, taupe, or grey. What distinguishes a contemporary style is the fun pops of color and metallic accents.

Mixed textures are what make spaces in the contemporary home look attractive. For example, you can add a colorful wool rug to a simple ceramic tiled floor to add character.

The cabinets in the kitchen are sleek, and the countertop blends seamlessly into the backsplash. Clutter is nowhere to be found in a contemporary kitchen.

Homewood Kitchen Remodel

Transitional Kitchen Design

If your style is a mix of traditional and contemporary, it’s referred to as transitional. This home has some traditional elements like wooden floors and white cabinets but also has large open spaces that would typically be seen in a contemporary home.

The transitional style home could also have defined living spaces like a traditional home, but with clean, sleek elements. For example, the kitchen could have concrete countertops with a matching backsplash and simple cabinetry. Bathrooms could have a neutral color scheme with marble countertops and tile that look elegant yet simple.

Coastal Kitchen Design

Nothing beats feeling like you live at the beach, even if you’re miles from the ocean. Light, airy spaces define coastal style.

Light oak flooring throughout the home will set the stage for your coastal home. We also like to incorporate wooden chandeliers and coastal-themed sconces into the design. 

Blues and whites tend to be the best color choices for staying in the coastal design theme. These colors make a space seem tranquil, just like you’re relaxing near the ocean.

Bohemian/Eclectic Kitchen Design

A trend that has jumped onto the home design scene in recent years is the bohemian or eclectic style. This style is all about color and textures you wouldn’t ordinarily put together. It’s about as different from the contemporary style as you can imagine. 

We could do a colorful glass tile backsplash in the kitchen to stand out from wooden countertops. You could also add plants to add a natural element and unique art pieces to the walls.

If you want to bring the eclectic style into your living room, you could include hanging pendant lighting, a dark accent wall, and wooden floors arranged in an interesting pattern. 

Hopefully, this helped pinpoint your design style – or at least gave you some inspiration – so we can make the remodeling process easier. So, what’s your preference? Give us a call so we can get started on your remodel project.

How to Prepare for a Major Home Renovation

You've probably heard home renovation horror stories that may make you reluctant to get started on your home renovation.

We get it, home renovations are a huge undertaking. Your house will be a construction zone for the next few months, plus home renovations are a huge investment.

To prepare for a smooth and successful project, we encourage you to take the time to think about the following areas when preparing for your home renovation:

Plan to Plan

Investing time on the front end of your project means fewer surprises will pop up during construction which could delay the project or cause the need for change orders.

We understand that you are excited and eager to get the renovation moving. However, we have found that taking the proper steps to get to understand your wants and needs before moving forward with the designing and completion of the project will lay the foundation for a successful project.

Materials And Budgeting

Having a true understanding of the amount you're willing to invest compared to the magnitude of the project is a crucial first step in starting the home renovation process. Your actual project cost will be influenced by the size of the project as well as the selections you make for fixtures and finishes like countertops, cabinets, light fixtures, flooring and more. Have an honest conversation with the contractor early in the process to make sure your project is feasible for your budget.

Communication

Think back to any time in your life when you were disappointed. Chances are, communication – or lack thereof – played a major role.

We work to avoid miscommunications by having a dedicated project manager for each project. This person will be your one point of contact who will know exactly what is going on with your project. You won't have to waste time calling the plumber or painters; you will only need to be in contact with your project manager.

As a client, you will also have access to our customer portal, where you can log in 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take a look at your tentative work schedule and any change orders that may be needed.

The portal is also where clients can view and pay their balance and contract. This is all the same information we have on our end, so we will all be on the same page moving forward toward the completion of your project.

If you have more questions, please let us know. We'd love to schedule a time to discuss your home remodel needs to decide if we'd be a good fit for one another. We know your time is valuable, so we want to make sure we are all on the same page before entering into a contract.

Give us a call today!

Add Character to Your Kitchen with the Right Cabinets

Many homeowners want kitchen cabinets that blend in. They’ll have us install an elaborate backsplash or an extravagant light fixture to act as the focal point.

But what if you prefer the cabinets to stand out? It can be done – and here’s how.

Bold Wood Cabinets

There are so many types of wooden cabinets to choose from. Applying a clearcoat or adding a simple stain instead of painting them will create an excellent base for you to design the rest of the kitchen around. With basic care, wood cabinets are long-lasting and durable, which is a nice bonus.

Maple is one of the most common species of wood used in cabinets. It is abundant, has a nice density, consistent graining and takes paint really well leaving a smooth, durable finish.  Walnut, mahogany, hickory and cherry are nice alternatives as well, especially for stained finishes. You can even embellish the cabinets with some custom woodwork to create a truly one-of-a-kind look. 

Embrace Color

Although the latest home design blogs and Instagram posts may say otherwise, your kitchen cabinets don’t have to be white. Don’t be afraid of color!

Kitchens can include many different colors and patterns, plus custom cabinetry can be made in just about any color you can imagine. 

Dark blues and greens are very on-trend at the moment and are surprisingly versatile. They look great with light marble or granite countertops as well as concrete or wood counters which would give your kitchen a modern feel.

You could also do two-toned cabinets where the top cabinets are one color while the lower cabinets are another. If you do go too bold, you’ll be glad to hear that something as simple as changing the hardware on your cabinets can tone down the color choice.

So don’t be afraid!

You Can’t Go Wrong with Glass

Most of us have dishes and dishware that we wish we could show off, here’s how to do it! Including at least a couple of glass-front cabinets into your kitchen design will add character and break up the wall of doors that cabinets can create.

These cabinets will allow you to use your cabinet as a display case instead of keeping everything hidden. 

Glass-front cabinets can be added to just about any style of kitchen, modern, traditional, farmhouse – you name it. The glass front will be a welcome contrast, and we know you will love them.

Play with Door Styles

The doors make a huge difference no matter what color or material you choose for your kitchen cabinets.

You can always go with a tried and true Shaker-style cabinet or a flat-paneled door. If you want something that stands out a bit more, you can go with a beaded panel door. These styles will draw the eye in and give your kitchen tons of character.

Ready to add some life to your kitchen? Let’s get started with new kitchen cabinets. Give us a call so we can get started.