When you choose to remodel, there are many decisions to make, with the most important one being the selection of your remodeling firm. With a preponderance of back-of-truck contractors, design-bid-build firms and design-build remodeling companies, there are a plethora of choices. To have the best overall experience, here’s why you should choose a design-build remodeler.
Design-Bid-Build vs. Design-Build
The Design-Bid-Build Process
In the design-bid-build process, the homeowner decides that they want to remodel and look for an architectural firm or design team to create the preliminary set of drawings and project description. This is the “design” phase. Once these drawings are complete, they are used in what is called a “bid package,” which the homeowner can use to reach out to contractors to obtain bids on the project. The winning bid receives the contract to build the project.
Drawbacks of Design-Bid-Build
Because you have different people at different companies working on different phases of your project, it is up to you to coordinate them all. The homeowner bears the risk and responsibility for the design execution. In addition, if changes need to be made to the original drawings, the homeowner needs to return to the design team for alterations—for an additional fee. For example, the contractor may find an issue when opening up walls and need to amend the original plans, and a new floor plan may be needed to accommodate the changes.
The Design-Build Process
The main reason why you should choose a design-build remodeler is the coordination of the entire project under one roof. The homeowner chooses one company that includes a design team and/or architects to create the drawings and a construction team to perform the work. With design-build, the contractor is responsible for coordination and execution of all stages and the homeowner benefits from their years of expertise.
Benefits of Design-Build
Because changes in the original drawings are inevitable, flexibility is key. Within the design-build framework, alterations are easily accommodated to suit any new developments. The project runs more smoothly and your risks are minimized.
Choosing a design-build remodeler enhances the flow of communication, collaboration and trust. The firm’s in-house talent, project managers and subcontractors have worked together for years and know how to navigate the process as a team.
Another benefit to design-build is time savings. Decisions and changes can be made quickly, resulting in fewer mistakes and money and time savings, making it easier for your project to remain on time and on budget.
Why You Should Choose Finesse Design Remodeling as Your Design-Build Remodeler
At Finesse Design Remodeling, our goal is to deliver the finest project and the best remodeling experience possible for residents of Washington, DC. We require nothing less.
You’ll work directly with our founders and team from award-winning creative design through construction, with open and honest collaboration throughout the process. Using a holistic approach, we design large or small spaces both inside or outside your home, with your lifestyle in mind.
When you are considering remodeling, choose Finesse Design Remodeling as your design-build remodeler. Contact us today at 703.337.2822 to schedule your complimentary initial consultation.
The National Association Of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)/Metro DC Chapter Names Finesse Design Remodeling a 2020 Capital CotYTM (Contractor of the Year) Winner
Washington, DC, February 8, 2020]—The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Metro DC Chapter named Finesse Design Remodeling, in Washington, DC 2020 Capital CotY TM winner in the Residential Interior Under $100,000 of its annual awards competition at their “Evening of Excellence” held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Bolger Center, Potomac, MD.
Finesse Design Remodeling is an award winning, residential design remodeling firm with over 50 years of combined experience, owned and operated by Elizabeth Mitchel and Brian Bielski. Finesse specializes in fine renovations and restorations in Washington, DC, providing personalized service, creative designs, expert craftsmanship and meticulous construction. Finesse is dedicated to providing an outstanding remodeling experience while creating beautiful homes that are tailored to each client’s desired aesthetic and unique lifestyle.
Contractors from the vast Metro DC area vie for CotY Awards each year. Judging is based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, and degree of difficulty by an impartial panel of industry experts.
What was once a bland and basic condo with a small kitchen, a basic bathroom and virtually no storage, has been transformed into an elegant residence that the client loves to come home to.
The Kitchen:
BEFOREAFTER
The client has an affinity for white marble and a clean modern aesthetic. Before the renovation, the client stated that the space felt “unfinished and boring.” We redesigned the kitchen to make it more functional by adding a beautiful and versatile kitchen peninsula with a seating area.
The peninsula is crafted with a waterfall edge to give it a clean, simple and unfettered look. The countertops throughout the kitchen are quartz composite material and were selected for their durability and marble like aesthetic.
We selected the Calacatta gold marble backsplash with gold veins cut out for chevrons to maintain clean and sharp lines throughout the space. The backsplash features honed Thassos marble and the vein cut Calacatta gold is polished, adding texture to the all-white kitchen. The Calacatta Classique quartz countertops with gold infused in the vein compliments the backsplash and the repeated gold tones in the cabinet door hardware and the Delta Trinsic champagne bronze faucet and air switch.
The Bathroom:
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER
In the bathroom, we designed a functional space with a luxury walk in shower and a modern aesthetic.
Designing a new shower
around the existing penetrations in the concrete while creating a seamless
design was challenging. To work around this, we designed a 12-inch bulkhead with
LED recessed lighting over a custom inset mirror. For a seamless transition
between the shower wall and bulkhead, we pulled the shower wall forward 12”
which placed the new wall over the existing bath drain that was needed for the
new shower. We extended the drain up and out in a wye angling around the new
shower wall. With less than 3” of height to work within, we were able to set
the drain just inside the pan and finished with a squared off shower curb.
The luxury walk-in shower features a rain can / hand shower combination that can be controlled via separate thermostatic controls allowing one to control the pressure and temperature independently for both the rain can and hand shower. We installed custom led lighting and speakers in the shower and throughout the home that can be controlled via the client’s cell phone making life more entertaining and fun.
Each year NARI Metro
DC presents Capital CotY awards to members who have demonstrated outstanding
work through their remodeling projects. The entries of this year’s competition
totaled more than $26 million worth of remodeling projects.
NARI is a
professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code
of ethics. To be considered for a Capital CotY Award, a company must be a NARI member
in good standing.
Finesse Design Remodeling became an active member of NARI in 2014 and
has been nominated for the Grand Level Contractor of the Year Award several
times since joining.
Kitchens are used for more than just cooking meals. Your family comes together in your kitchen every day to laugh, talk about their day, and enjoy great food. You make guests feel right at home with a cup of coffee or tea from your kitchen. Having a beautiful kitchen not only improves your home’s appearance, but gives you the luxury and comfort you want to feel at home. Replacing old countertops and cabinets can really spruce up your kitchen and make it feel new. Expanding your kitchen can give you a little extra room for that breakfast nook you desire. Whatever the project, remodeling your kitchen can give it new life.
Remodeling or renovating your kitchen can also add significant value to your home. As a homeowner in Capitol Hill’s competitive housing market, you know the importance of increasing your home’s equity. Remodeling your kitchen—no matter how big or small the project—can increase your home’s value, which will pay off in the housing market in the future.
Many of the houses in Capitol Hill are small, which means these houses are equipped with small kitchens. Remodeling a tiny space presents a unique challenge, but is by no means impossible. In fact, working with small spaces inspires creativity in learning how to best remodel the room and make the most of your limited space. You can design many simple renovation projects to greatly improve your small kitchen.
Finding creative and unique renovation solutions for every project and setting to make your project come to life is the true hallmark of an excellent home design and remodel contractor. Finesse Design has the expertise to tackle any renovation or remodeling project and bring your vision to life, even in the smallest of homes in Capitol Hill.
The Finesse Design Experience
We deliver more than a service; it’s an experience. We understand that there are a lot of contractors to choose from, so why choose Finesse? Whether you are planning a new kitchen or bath, creating a basement apartment, or even imagining an addition to gain more space, when working with a remodeling contractor, it’s about the experience. Our clients have the benefit of working directly with the partners of Finesse through the entire process. From the initial consultation, through planning and design, to producing and finishing your renovation, we are by your side sharing over 50 years of design and construction experience. The best part of it all is we make it fun and enjoyable for you, and deliver an outstanding new space you can’t wait to start living in.
How do we Complete our Projects? The Finesse Experience Includes the Following Steps:
Complimentary Consultation: We provide a complimentary in-home consultation to get started. During the consultation, we listen to your project goals and identify any challenges we might face during the renovation process. After the consultation, we will be able to determine price range and timeframes for your project
Design and Concepts Phase: We re-visit your home to complete measurements so we can start to prepare multiple design concepts, including floor plans, elevations, and 3D views. We share all parts of the design process with you, and want to hear your feedback at every step. We will explore the pros and cons of different designs with you, work to create a design we both agree on, then communicate with our subcontractors to finalize pricing.
Construction Phase: Before construction begins, we hold a pre-construction meeting to discuss access to your home, temporary protection placement, the plan for the first week, and more. During construction, we provide weekly progress reports via email. Once construction is complete, we complete a walk-through and identify any other items necessary to completing the project.
Warranty: We offer a comprehensive warranty plan for two years. We check in at the end of the first and second years to make sure you’re still satisfied with our services.
When you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, choose a contractor that will give you beautiful results with quality that’s built to last. Contact us today at (703) 337-2822 or Info@Finesse-Design.com to schedule a free consultation!
Choosing a remodeling firm can be challenging. You meet with several firms who seem friendly, professional and they have beautiful portfolios that showcase their experience. However, it is a big decision- it’s your home! Apart from purchasing your home, remodeling may be one of the biggest investments you make. Whether you are living through the renovation or relocating during construction, you will spend weeks to months with this firm. How do you make sure you are hiring the right firm? Here’s a list of the top 10 questions to ask before choosing a design build firm.
1. Are they licensed and insured?
Any firm you consider should be licensed in your specific jurisdiction. The license should be held by the company only. Ask for the company’s business license number and verify it online. It is also important that the company you hire is insured. It is good to know what is covered under the company’s policy and how much coverage they have.
2. Can the organization provide you with an outline of their process?
It is important to have a clear understanding of how the firm will develop, manage and execute your project. The firm should schedule regular meetings and discussions to review design ideas, material selections, timelines and budget.
3. Is a permit required and who is responsible for obtaining it?
Most districts require a building permit for a project and there may be several permits required depending on the scope of the project. Obtaining a permit can be costly and time consuming. However, as a home owner, it serves as a source of protection. Permits come with regular inspections by building officials and projects that are built “to code,” are built to a good quality standard. It is important to understand who is responsible for obtaining the permits and how permitting fees will fit into the contract and budget.
4. Who is responsible for overseeing / supervising the work?rk?
There should be a project manager assigned to your home that you can communicate with regularly.
5. What is the projected timeline for the project?
The firm should be able to provide a time frame for your project by comparing it to previous projects of similar scope, the current project schedule, and the number of carpenters in the field.
6. How will the firm monitor and stay within budget?
This is a very important question to ask, especially if you would like to stick within a strict budget. The firm should assist you with selecting finishing’s by eliminating options that are outside of budget and sticking with options that work best for both your budget and aesthetic needs. The firm should also regularly update you with an allowance sheet that shows what you’ve budgeted and selected for.
7. Do they have a list of references you can contact?
A design build firm should be happy to provide a list of references with similar project scopes. Contacting these references should give you a good idea of how your project may go.
8. Do they provide a design and construction agreement?
You should be provided with both a design and construction agreement. The design agreement should include the “as-built” of your home in a 3-D rendering, and multiple concepts depending on the scope of your project and your project goals. A construction agreement is equally important and should outline your entire project. The construction agreement should include: 3-D renderings of your project, a project schedule, schedule of values, and a summary of allowances.
9. How will they protect your home?
Home protection varies depending on whether you are living in the home during the construction and keeping belongings in the home vs. if you are completely moved out during the renovation because the whole home becomes a work zone at that time. In general, the firm should be using Ram-board floor protection for hard surfaces, and protection tape for carpeted floors. The carpenters should leave your home in a broom clean state at the end of every work day. The firm should also provide a lock box to ensure the home is secured at the end of each work day.
10. Do they offer any warranty to their work?
It is important
to understand what is covered under warranty and for how long. Be sure to
collect warranty information on manufactured items such as appliances,
cabinets, windows, etc.
These ten questions should make you more comfortable and confident when choosing a design build firm. Thanks for reading! Leave a comment down below if you have any questions for us.
Finesse Design Remodeling is an award-winning full-service design-build firm specializing in fine renovations and restorations in the Washington DC Area.
Finesse Wins NARI Grand Award for Historic Renovations
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Metro DC Chapter named Finesse Design Remodeling, in Washington DC, a 2019 Capital CotY TM winner in the Historic Renovations category of its annual awards competition at their “Evening of Excellence” held on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at the Westwood Country Club, in Vienna, VA.
Contractors from the Metro DC area vie for CotY Awards each year. Judging is carried out by a panel of impartial industry experts and is based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, and degree of difficulty.
About Finesse
Finesse Design Remodeling is an award winning, full service design-build firm with over 50 years of combined experience, owned and operated by Elizabeth Mitchel and Brian Bielski. Finesse specializes in fine renovations and restorations in the Washington DC area, providing personalized service, creative designs, expert craftsmanship and meticulous construction. Finesse is dedicated to providing an outstanding remodeling experience while creating distinctive spaces that are tailored to each client.
The Home
A beautiful 16th St. Heights home underwent major bathroom renovations in the 1980s that digressed from the historic character of the home. Layers of tile and several leaks in the bathrooms caused structural wooden support beams and studs to deteriorate. This deterioration led to sagging in the floor system as the support beams and studs are vital to the structural integrity of the floor.
Guest Bath Before
Master Bath Before
The clients wanted to create two new bathrooms that aligned with the historic nature of the home. The guest and master bathroom were completely gutted, and re-laid out with significant attention focused on the underlying structural issues.
The following steps were taken to achieve our goals:
Existing boiler (no longer in use), and plumbing piping (galvanized) was completely removed from the floor system.
The rotted 2×10 header and roof supporting wall that separated the hallway from the bathrooms was completely replaced from below.
The old improperly installed sister joists were removed.
New floor joists were installed throughout the entire section of the house where the two bathrooms were to be re-laid out and renovated.
New sub flooring and 2×4 wall framing was installed.
The bathroom finishes are custom made to evoke the classic upscale 1920’s hotel style with the Honed Carrara marble and Nero Basketweave tile.
Guest Bath After
Master Bath After
Both bathroom vanities are made with custom drip edge marble and Rohl Wellsford faucets. The custom linen towers were built and painted in Benjamin Moore’s Violet Mist color and finished with Jeffery Alexander’s Lexa pulls. Additionally, the client provided a steel enamel tub which was designed to be used as a separate tub or a drop in application. Because the tub was not designed to be under mounted, the structure for the Stately Carrara marble soaking tub was created on site and a Rohl Palladian tub filler was installed.
Each year NARI Metro DC presents Capital CotY awards to members who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling projects. The entries of this year’s competition totaled more than $26 million worth of remodeling projects. NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics. To be considered for a Capital CotY Award, a company must be a NARI member in good standing.
Finesse Design Remodeling became an active member of NARI in 2014 and has been nominated for the Grand Level Contractor of the Year Award several times since joining.
Finesse Design Remodeling is an award-winning full-service design-build firm specializing in fine renovations and restorations in the Washington DC Area.
You can also become a member of our awesome community below of D.C. homeowners who receive weekly tips and insights straight to your email inbox:
Designing the exterior of your home can be a complicated process. This is especially true when it comes to patios or decks for homes in Washington, D.C. as space can be limited.
However, when you select the right design and build home remodeler in Washington, D.C. that specializes in constructing beautifully designed patios and decks, you can put all your concerns to the side. For the right contractor will design and build a patio or deck that will not only fulfill your functional needs but will also provide you a place for you to kick back and unwind with those you love most.
Patio and Deck Designs
Who wouldn’t want to be relaxing in a beautifully designed patio or deck in Washington, D.C. this time of year? Just think of all the relaxation and wonderful conversations that can occur with those you love most in these areas.
Your patio and deck areas are an extension of your home. Therefore, careful consideration needs to be made when it comes to the function of these areas (e.g. how you plan on using it), and the design of how well it naturally blends with your overall home.
A design and build home remodeling contractor that specializes in patio and deck renovation in Washington, D.C. will walk you through these considerations. In the planning stage, they will notate all of the opportunities and possibilities for the design of these areas. They may even design your patio or deck area based on a series of zones to accommodate specific activities, such as outdoor cooking, dining, lounging, and conversation.
Typically your patio or deck will be an extension of your kitchen area. However, it may also be possible for you to have a patio or deck that is separated by a distance from your home to provide a quiet seclusion area for after dinner drinks and conversation.
The home remodeling company you choose that specializes in patio or deck design in Washington, D.C. will keep the aesthetics in mind at all times. And they will recommend appropriate materials to help bring these beautifully designed areas to life for you to enjoy. Examples of materials can be pressure treated wood, natural wood, composites or aluminum.
The remodeling company you choose will also recommend paving patterns regarding how your selected materials can be laid out for your patio. When constructing backyard patio areas or walkways, for instance, three popular paving patterns may include:
Basket weave design, which looks like a checkerboard
Herringbone, which features interlocking edges in V formations
Random design, which focuses on the geometry of various flagstone shape and size pieces
Summer is now here. If you are planning on enjoying more time outside of your home in Washington, D.C. then having a beautifully designed patio or deck to kick-back and relax is what you will need. And if you are unsure of the company to hire, go with a company that will not only help you design and build your dream patio or deckbut will also be there with you each step of the way to the finish line.
Finesse Design Remodeling is an award-winning full-service design-build firm specializing in fine renovations and restorations in the Washington DC Area.
You can also become a member of our awesome community below of D.C. homeowners who receive weekly tips and insights straight to your email inbox:
The kitchen is where you want to entertain, enjoy quality time with family, and have some culinary fun! However, if you are a homeowner in Washington, D.C., then chances are you have a small kitchen space, which can prevent you from enjoying this important area of your home.
Below are some of our recommended tips to help you better enjoy your small kitchen space without removing a load bearing wall.
Pay attention to the hues of your kitchen
Withthe right combination of hues, you can make your small kitchen appear bigger. Light, clean hues is subtle on the eyes and can make your kitchen pop! Also, if you use a pastel color in conjunction with white, then you can attract additional light and make your kitchen look bigger.
Another popular color scheme in D.C. homes is two-toned themes. Most two-toned kitchens use rich wood finishes combined with lighter hues of white or cream, as mentioned earlier. However, grays, blues, and even navy are making a presence especially when tempered with rich champagne bronze or brass tones. These color combinations let the whole kitchen look well designed, luxurious and fabulous!
Choose smaller appliances and mind your space with a proper work triangle
While you may have dreamt of a huge refrigerator or full-size oven with all the fancy gadgets, with a small kitchen, having these appliances simply won’t work with your design.
It is important to mind your space in your kitchen, and pay attention to your work triangle. The work triangle is a common term used by kitchen designers which refer to the three primary work areas in your kitchen: your kitchen sink; cooking areas such as a range or cooktop; your food storage as in your refrigerator.
It is important to make sure the placement of these three primary areas of your kitchen are not shoved up next to each other or too far away. You need to ensure that they are forming a triangle. Also, you must make sure that no one leg of this triangle is shorter than four feet if you can help it, and no leg of this triangle is longer than nine feet long if you can help it. With a proper work triangle in place, you will have a very efficiently designed kitchen space that will work for you.
Additional storage can be found with your unused spaces
You may have thought that you have found every nook and cranny within your kitchen, but chances are there may still be some available areas that can be used for additional storage in your D.C. kitchen. For instance,there could be space above your oven range if you have no range hood. This can be a good storage area for your cookware.
If you have an island or plan on having one, the sides of the island can be used as additional storage areas for your kitchenware as well. One caveat to mention – if you are planning on using these unused spaces, don’t go overboard by crowding this space as this can cause your kitchen to appear cluttered.
If you are going through a kitchen remodel, there are some things that a designer will take into account with your kitchen space to take care of the storage concern. One of the first things the designer should do is calculate the number of cubic inches you have in your existing kitchen so they can make sure that your new kitchen will have more actual storage space than you currently have.
Also, your designer should sit down with you and go over each cabinet in the new design to recommend what should go into each cabinet and to make sure the cabinets function appropriately for the items you plan on storing inside that space.
Lastly, your designer will want to ensure you have appropriate landing areas on either side of every major point in the kitchen. There are certain formulas that a well-trained kitchen designer will use that are general guidelines to make sure your kitchen sink isn’t too close to the range, or that your refrigerator has space nearby where you can set down a tray when you’re opening your door and getting items in and out.
Utilizing an island
If space allows, you can add an island, which can be used as a meal prep area, or as a makeshift table for you and your family to enjoy meals and great conversations.
While many homeowners in D.C. may think that an island will not fit in their small kitchen space, there are options to go with a narrower island, which will give you enough space to move around in your kitchen. There is also the option to have a movable island. This is a nice option as you can just put the island away when you are not using it.
If you are planning on having an island as part of your next D.C. kitchen renovation, then it is imperative to consider appropriate space considerations, especially if the island is going to work hand-in-hand with a primary work area.
If you are going to have a cooking surface on your island, then it is critically important to consider the safety of a seated individual. You must also take into account whether you have enough clear floor space to allow for proper traffic to flow through your kitchen.
Of course, having a kitchen island can be an elegant way to add storage and function to your kitchen, but it doesn’t always mean you have to have one. This is why it is important to speak with a trained interior designer before you begin the building the process of your next D.C. kitchen remodel.
Light up your space
Proper lighting for your small kitchen is imperative. With proper lighting, your kitchen space will feel more open and can appear more spacious.
There are four main types of lighting you want to consider in which your designer will be able to walk you through when planning your D.C. kitchen renovation.
First, there is the natural light. This is the light that comes in through the windows or through a skylight in your kitchen.
Second is the general kitchen lighting. This is the artificial light that you will need in the kitchen when it is night time or for those cloudy days outside. You can still get the proper general lighting to walk safely through the kitchen, and be able to illuminate what you are doing. Types of general lighting will be recessed lighting on the ceiling, or other surface mount types of lights, such as track lighting or decorative fixtures mounted to the ceiling.
The third type of light is the task kitchen lighting. This kind of light is most common with your under cabinet lighting, and it is important because it illuminates your work area so that when you are prepping food, or you’re cooking, you can clearly see the countertop area.
Lastly, is your accent kitchen lighting. This type of lighting is used to illuminate certain features in the kitchen, such as light that is placed above the crown molding over the wall cabinets to bring to life the ceiling. This type of lighting adds a little extra dimension to your kitchen space.
Consider your backsplash
Your backsplash backdrop can either make or break your kitchen design. Painting your backsplash with pastel colors, or simply going with white can help to make this important backdrop stand out. This can also give an added emphasis to other areas of your kitchen. If the paint option is not the route you want to go, then you can also use stones or tiles that can give your kitchen design a classic look.
Play with materials
Mixing and matching materials can give your kitchen space depth and texture. However, it is recommended that you choose materials that do not look over the top, which can overwhelm the appearance of your tiny D.C. kitchen space. Granite for your countertop(s), tiles for your backsplash, and some soft curtains for your window(s) can work out to be a good mix and match of materials. By playing with your materials to see what would be a good match, you can give your kitchen the style and design it needs for your small D.C. kitchen.
Look at your kitchen floor!
Homeowners can get too distracted with the cabinets, positioning of appliances, lighting or other things in the kitchen. However, your flooring should never be ignored. The type of flooring you go with and how it looks can be your tiny D.C. kitchen space’s savior.
Utilizing a soft-hued or hardwood flooring can work within your small kitchen space. If you don’t have the budget for marble or hardwood flooring, then exploring some other options, such as resilient or linoleum without a distracting pattern can be a good option to go with as well.
Is your kitchen comfortable?
Your kitchen should be a comfortable place in which you can entertain, relax, and enjoy precious moments with those you love. A kitchen that is clutter-free and represents your style with the tips mentioned above and surely make your small D.C. kitchen space appear bigger. Also, having your workstations at the right place where you can comfortably do your kitchen tasks can also make a huge difference in your kitchen.
If you are a homeowner in Washington, D.C. and you have a small kitchen, then we hope you found these tips helpful. It’s not easy configuring a tiny space to meet your design, functional and entertaining needs. However, based on our near four decades of quality craftsmanship and experience, we know a thing or two about implementing beautifully designed kitchens in D.C. that will help you enjoy more precious moments with those you love most.
Finesse Design Remodeling is an award-winning full-service design-build firm specializing in fine renovations and restorations in the Washington DC Area.
You can also become a member of our awesome community below of D.C. homeowners who receive weekly tips and insights straight to your email inbox:
An important element of your kitchen renovation to consider is your lighting. This is especially true for D.C. homeowners who, more than likely, have a small kitchen.
This is the light that comes in through the windows or a skylight in your kitchen. The more natural light you can bring in the better, not just for the appearance of your kitchen, but also to help brighten up the mood and ambiance inside your kitchen when the sun is radiant.
General kitchen lighting
This is the artificial light that you will need in the kitchen when it is night time or for those cloudy days outside. You can still get the proper general lighting to walk safely through the kitchen, and be able to illuminate what you are doing. Types of general lighting will be recessed lighting on the ceiling, or other surface mount types of lights, such as track lighting or decorative fixtures mounted to the ceiling.
A popular layer of lighting designers recommend is ambient lighting. With ambient lighting, your kitchen will have a soft, warm glow. This also gives you a welcoming aura in your kitchen and can soften shadows.
Task kitchen lighting
This kind of light is most common with your under cabinet lighting, and it is important because it illuminates your work area so that when you are prepping food, or you’re cooking, you can clearly see the countertop area.
Accent kitchen lighting
This type of lighting is used to illuminate certain features in the kitchen, such as light that is placed above the crown molding over the wall cabinets to bring to life the ceiling. Accent kitchen lighting adds a little extra dimension to your kitchen space, and this layer of light is best with glass cabinets and kitchen collections to display, such as your fine Chinas and glassware.
Of course, when choosing the proper lighting for your kitchen renovation, it is imperative that you consider the style and color schemes of your kitchen. For instance, if your kitchen already has light paint or color, you can use lights with lower wattage to avoid having your kitchen appear too bright. Also, regarding natural lighting, you really can’t go wrong here. Not only do you bring in more welcoming light, but you also cut down on energy costs.
When choosing the right bulb(s) for your different types of non-natural lighting in your kitchen, consider its purpose. There many different types of bulbs and their light spreads differently. There are also many different types of bulb shapes to consider to help make your kitchen stand out. Again, working with a good kitchen designer in D.C. will help you in choosing the best lighting, fixtures, and bulbs to go with.
Need a dimmer for your kitchen lighting?
Dimmers are becoming popular within D.C. kitchen redesigns. Dimmers are good to have for your task lighting as you can scale up or down your lighting for the task you are working on. Dimmers can also be good to provide a little extra ambiance to your kitchen.
Beware the “glare bomb”
The “glare bomb” is a common kitchen lighting mistake that can make your D.C. kitchen look dreadful. Some homeowners want to light the whole room with a single and powerful fixture mounted to the ceiling. This is a big no-no, and any reputable D.C. kitchen remodeler will tell you that going this route will be overpowering and will cause a glare effect in your kitchen.
Having the right type of lighting can make or break your kitchen. If you are a homeowner in Washington, D.C. and you are going through a kitchen renovation, then it is best to consider going with a trustedD.C. kitchen design and build firm that will walk you through each element of your kitchen lighting to ensure you have a beautifully lit design that you can enjoy each day.
We hope you found these tips helpful. If you reside in Washington, D.C. and you are in the market for a kitchen renovation, then reach out to us for a free design quote.
Finesse Design Remodeling is an award-winning full-service design-build firm specializing in fine renovations and restorations in the Washington DC Area.
You can also become a member of our awesome community below of D.C. homeowners who receive weekly tips and insights straight to your email inbox:
If you live in Washington, D.C., and you are seeking a kitchen renovation, then here are five (5) mistakes you want to avoid with your remodel.
Improper Kitchen Functionality
A common mistake among homeowners is not considering the overall functionality of their newly designed kitchen. Will your kitchen help you save time in the mornings as you prepare breakfast or lunch for you or your kids? Will you be able to entertain a group of friends in the space? At the end of a busy day, will your kitchen have room for you and your family to congregate and share the events of the day?
These are just a few questions to ask yourself while in the design phase. After-all, it doesn’t make sense to have a new kitchen if it doesn’t function the way you want it to. If your kitchen doesn’t serve your needs, you may not enjoy it as you should, which means that you will spend a lot of money on a renovation that keeps you and the family away. Also, a poorly designed kitchen will negatively impact the resale value of your home.
Opening up Your Kitchen
It is not uncommon to have a small and closed off kitchen space, especially if you own a home in Washington, D.C. Having a closed off kitchen area makes it tough to entertain family and friends. It is also a challenge while cooking if you need to keep an eye on your children.
One solution you may want to consider is to open your space by removing a wall that closes off the kitchen to an adjacent room. You may even need to consider removing a load bearing wall and re-supporting the structure in a different way.
In a residential situation, a load bearing wall is a wall that supports the structure above. Getting advice from a professional design-build firm in Washington, D.C. and their recommended engineer will help determine what structural members are needed to support the span that is being opened.
There are several ways in which a load bearing wall can be removed while the opening is re-supported and it can be a lot less expensive than you realize!
Not Considering the Work Triangle
While planning for an upcoming kitchen renovation, it is very important to consider the work triangle of the space. This is a commonly used term by kitchen designers, which refers to the three primary work areas of the kitchen:
Your kitchen sink
Your cooking areas such as a range or cooktop
Your food storage, as in your refrigerator.
It is very important to make sure these three primary areas of your kitchen are properly placed within the space. You want to ensure that they are not shoved up next to each other or too far away, and you need to make sure that they are forming a triangle.
Also, you want to make sure that no one leg of this triangle is shorter than four feet if you can help it, and no leg of this triangle is longer than nine feet long, again if you can help it. This will make sure that you have an efficiently designed kitchen that will work for you.
Not Having the Right Lighting in Your Kitchen
Another important element to consider in your upcoming D.C. kitchen renovation is the lighting in your space. There are four main types of lighting your designer will be considering when planning your renovation:
Natural kitchen lighting. This is the light that comes in through the windows in your kitchen or through a skylight in the kitchen.
General kitchen lighting. This is the artificial light that you will need in the kitchen when it is night time or for those cloudy days outside. You can still get the proper general lighting to walk safely through the kitchen, and be able to illuminate what you are doing. Types of general lighting will be recessed lighting on the ceiling, or other surface mount types of lights, such as track lighting or decorative fixtures mounted to the ceiling.
Task kitchen lighting. This is most common with your under cabinet lighting, and it is important because it illuminates your work area, so when you are prepping food, or you’re cooking, you can clearly see the countertop area.
Accent kitchen lighting. This type of lighting is used to illuminate certain features in the kitchen, such as lighting that is placed above the crown molding over the wall cabinets to bring to life the ceiling. This type of lighting adds a little extra dimension to your kitchen space.
Not Getting Professional Help
There are three paths you can take when designing your kitchen:
Research online and DIY. This is not the recommended approach if you are trying to implement a beautifully designed kitchen that will fulfill your functional needs. If you are not a general contractor, and you are seeking to go this route because you think of yourself as a quick learner who can watch several YouTube videos and know how to design and build a D.C. kitchen in your spare time, then you will be sorely disappointed. A project of this scope requires expertise.
Hiring multiple contractors. One approach some homeowners consider is to hire many contractors to implement a kitchen remodel. While you may be able to save money in the short-term, in the long-run the quality of the craftsmanship may not live up to the potential. Also, by hiring multiple contractors (e.g. a plumber, an electrician, a tile company, cabinetry, ) you run many risks with projects taking longer than expected, going over budget, and worse – not being the final product you originally wanted. Each contractor is working on different schedules, which you or the general contractor will need to coordinate, and not all contractors work well together.
Hiring a design-build firm. This is by far the recommended approach when designing and building the kitchen of your dreams. When you hire a reputable design-build firm in Washington, C., you will be working with people you like and trust. The right company can be with you each step of the way from design to implementation, and won’t pass you off to another department, or different project manager. Plus, you get the added reassurance that your design will come to life with professionals who have the knowledge and necessary experience, and make it all happen without you having to hire multiple contractors and dealing with that coordination headache. Working with a good General Contractor will give you peace of mind and you will ultimately enjoy the kitchen of your dreams with those you love most.
We hope you found these tips helpful. If you reside in Washington, D.C. and you are in the market for a kitchen renovation, then reach out to us for a free design quote.
Finesse Design Remodeling is an award-winning full-service design-build firm specializing in fine renovations and restorations in the Washington DC Area.
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Spring season in D.C. is a time of rejuvenation. It is also a time in which many homeowners begin working on projects to spruce up their space so they can improve their quality of life and time spent home with loved ones.
Below are several tips to ensure you have an appropriately designed DC kitchen so you can truly maximize your space and get the most out of your home.
Do you have adequate space in your kitchen?
There are many important aspects to consider with a functional kitchen. Take for instance the placement of your refrigerator, sink, and cooking areas, and the placement of your countertop areas. A poorly designed kitchen will prevent you from using your kitchen appropriately, and it can even result in accidents.
If you feel like your kitchen doesn’t have adequate space, then why not open up your kitchen to your living or dining area?
You can take advantage of removing load bearing walls and re-supporting the structure in a different way. This is an ideal way of opening up your kitchen space and can greatly improve the way it functions. This will also make your kitchen and your living space look bigger than it actually is and accommodate more people in both areas at the same time.
Is there a proper traffic flow in your kitchen?
A poorly designed kitchen space can also impact your traffic flow. If you have more than one person in charge of cooking, or you like entertaining guests in the kitchen, then having a narrow walking space can cause a traffic jam.
The ideal width of a kitchen walkway is usually three feet but varies depending on a number of factors. If you are considering an island or peninsula in your kitchen, you should think about the size and placement of this feature as this can contribute to a narrow walkway and bad traffic flow if not designed correctly.
The location of doorways around your kitchen also dictates how traffic will flow through the space. A poorly located door can direct traffic right through a critical kitchen prep area, which will interrupt you while cooking or tidying up. Lastly, it is important to consider the arrangement of your kitchen appliances, tools, cabinets, workstations, cookware, and others to create proper traffic flow in your kitchen.
How about efficiency?
Have you ever had a hard time working on a meal because your kitchen design was outdated? Dated, malfunctioning products or an outdated kitchen scheme will cause you to be inefficient with your meal preps, which can create a stressful situation and make you want to work and entertain less in your kitchen.
Implementing more modern features, maximizing the function of your cabinets, and designing specific work zones will help you be more efficient in your kitchen. Modern appliances are also easier to manage and use, giving you more time to spend entertaining your family and friends rather than laboring all day in the kitchen.
Have you considered the location of your kitchen?
Easy access to other rooms, such as a porch or a deck is ideal for your kitchen. Having an outdoor grill off the kitchen makes it simple to add healthy grilled options to your warm weather dinner routine. Additionally, your family and guests will surely enjoy dining on freshly cooked meals al fresco with the freshness of spring in the air.
If this is not possible, but you still want to bring in some fresh air, try getting your kitchen rearranged to have access to bigger windows without compromising the function of your kitchen.
What is the island’s function in your kitchen?
Many kitchen designs have islands, and these kitchen islands are not just about being pretty. Some homeowners want to have the convenience of enjoying a meal inside the kitchen or creating a gathering space for family or entertaining. Other times, the primary goal of an island is incorporating a different workspace or enhancing the prep area.
If you want to use the island for eating or seating, it is imperative that if this is in conjunction with a primary work area that appropriate space considerations are taken into account. This is especially important if you have a cooking surface in your island for the safety of a seated individual. As mentioned earlier, you must also consider whether you have enough clear floor space to allow for proper traffic when incorporating a kitchen island. Having a kitchen island can be an elegant way to add storage and function to your kitchen, but it doesn’t always mean you need and can have one.
Two-toned cabinets can change your kitchen’s ambiance dramatically. If you have a small kitchen, using shades of white or other light colors can make the whole room brighter and bigger.
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