HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Rustic Contemporary...

2011-03-07T09:30:00.009-06:00

I'm not sure if that's an actual design style, but that's what I'm calling the latest project: Rustic Contemporary. It's perfect for people who want clean lines and smooth design but also want warmth and relaxation. The Rustic Alder wood is the perfect palette for the "Harvest" stain (perfect name, huh!).

The shaker style door has nice, crisp lines and the crown is the perfect addition at the top. While the previous kitchen wasn't in disrepair, the last homeowners designed the kitchen with the least possible expense in mind just to be able to say the kitchen had been remodeled. The island wasn't even secured to the floor! Here's the before:

We went in, removed a wall and opened the kitchen to the dining room:

Doesn't the new kitchen look so inviting?

Now the family has a kitchen that is aesthetically pleasing and holds the entire family- all eight of them!

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Hickory in the kitchen...

2010-09-07T16:45:00.006-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Labor day weekend!

We photographed a house last week and I was reminded just how much I love hickory. So I thought I would show you a very good example of this wood that isn't used as much as it could be.

Hickory is a beautiful wood that doesn't get much attention. The grain is very beautiful and can take a modern look when paired with a dark stain. Or like this kitchen, it gives a very light and clean appearance.

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Luscious laundry rooms

2010-08-27T11:10:00.007-05:00

I don't know about you, but laundry is not one of my favorite chores. But if the atmosphere was more enjoyable, it wouldn't be quite so hard to drag myself into the laundry room. These rooms on the Ava Living website are enough to make anyone want to separate whites and darks and dig for missing socks...

Aren't they romantic? It's hard to imagine anything dirty going on here.
Just a little inspiration for your weekend!

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Mini-Remodel

2010-08-19T15:37:00.006-05:00

We started a small remodel a few weeks ago. Instead of replacing all the cabinets and countertops, the client chose to take out a wall and install an island an open a few more walls. The rest of the kitchen and flooring will follow in a few years. This a good example of prioritizing and working within a set budget.

These days it's common for an island to be a different color than the rest of the cabinets so it won't stand out later that the project was done is phases.

Here's the before:

Here's the almost finished after:

Big difference!!!!!

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Finished!

2010-03-24T15:17:00.000-05:00

Here is the finished kitchen.

A view of the buffet.

Cooking/work area

Feet detail.

Pull-outs in the island around cooktop.

Detail of the tile.

Demo Underway...

2010-02-24T09:08:00.006-06:00

The demolition is complete on the new kitchen remodel. Once the installation gets started, the whole thing will come together quickly. Here's the kitchen at the start of the project.

Here's a picture of the demo in progress.

Design Tip: When choosing your faucet, keep the sink in mind. Mono faucets, one handled designs, are becoming popular, but most sinks are still made with three or four holes for faucets. The mono faucets internal parts tend to be larger than the internals of a faucet with two separate handles. Make sure the faucet you choose will fit the sink you choose.

This is the faucet and soap dispenser made by Fusion Hardware, both in the brushed nickel finish, are the perfect complement to the Macadamia finish on the cabinets and the cabinet hardware.

More to come!!

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

A New Kitchen Remodel!

2010-02-10T10:21:00.003-06:00

We have a new project starting in a few weeks! While we're waiting for everything to arrive and construction to start, I'll fill you in on what has been happening the past few weeks.

The client originally contacted us about refacing her existing cabinetry. She was getting new appliances and her cabinets were worn and the finish was coming off. While talking to her about the kitchen, she explained a few problem areas- like no trash can space in the kitchen and her new wall mount oven would not fit in the current cabinet. So I went back to the office and worked up a quote for replacing the cabinets. The client liked the price and decided to go ahead and remodel the entire kitchen.

So now we are replacing the cabinets, the sink and faucet, countertops and adding a new backsplash as well as replacing the laundry room cabinetry. The client picked a very nice raised panel, mitered door with an ivory finish ( named Macadamia, yummy! ). The island will be in a black finish. There is also a buffet area that will be in black with ivory bookcases on either side. The buffet will look like a piece of furniture. All the cabinets will have an arched skirt on the toe kick. The sink will be farmhouse apron front sink.

Here is a picture of the design concept:

Can't wait to share more with you...

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Kitchen Giveaway Part III

2009-10-05T10:57:00.007-05:00

It's official!! The Bowmans now have a brand new kitchen! All the cabinets, appliances, and granite have been installed. The result is amazing....

We would like to thank all our sponsors: StarMark Cabinetry, GM Appliance, Bosch Appliance, Classic Design, and G&L Granite. Of course we would like to thank the Bowman's for their patience during this process.

Conratulations, Jennifer and Scott, on your new kitchen!!

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Kitchen Giveaway Part II

2009-09-11T13:41:00.010-05:00

Our kitchen makeover is well under way! Jennifer and Scott had already removed their old cabinets so things got started quickly. In only 2 days, our installer, Bruce, with a little help from his son, got all the cabinets installed.

Like with any project, there a few snags, but Bruce is an expert at what he does and saved the day. Jennifer is taking lots of pictures of the progress and we are in constant contact with her. She is very excited to be getting a new kitchen.

The next step is the granite and appliances. David from Classic Design is going to measure today. Most of the appliances have arrived and are awaiting installation.

By our next post, the Bowman's may have a new complete kitchen.

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Kitchen Giveaway Part I

2009-09-08T09:05:00.008-05:00

Good Morning!!!

Today is a very exciting day. Installation is to begin on our kitchen giveaway winner. Here's a little rundown on the project. In March, HomeWerks started promoting our kitchen giveaway. The remodel included a Bosch appliance package from GM Appliance, granite countertops from Classic Design and G&L, a Cucina faucet, Oliveri sink and brand new StarMark cabinetry supplied by HomeWerks. The total remodel was valued at $40,000.

On June 1st, HomeWerks invited all the entrants and sponsors and drew the winning name at an open house. Jennifer Bowman won the grand prize. Since then, she and her husband have come to the studio and picked out the wood, door and finish as well as the hardware and faucet. They also approved the design proposed by our designer. The Bowman's have been wonderful clients and a pleasure to work with.

This was their existing kitchen...

Over the past few weeks, the Bowman's tore out their existing cabinets and appliances, so they have a completely bare kitchen. Here are some of pictures of their progress.

Their cabinets are scheduled to be delivered today so the installation will begin tomorrow. The cabinet installation should only take about 2 days. After that the appliances and granite go in. We'll keep the blog updated with the project as it progresses. The Bowman's should have a brand new kitchen within a week!!

Check back to see how it's going.

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Seamless sink...

2009-08-28T08:40:00.013-05:00

There is a new sink on the market that has been called "revolutionary." The Affluence Seamless Sink is making waves in the kitchen and bath industry. It won the prestigious Best of Competition at KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) 2009.

People are talking about it because there is no seam around the drain. Typical sinks have an unsightly seam around the drain fitting. This spot is notorious for catching all sorts of debris and breeding germs.

The new Affluence Seamless Sink eliminates the problem area. It makes for a much more streamlined look and is much more attractive as well as sanitary. Just look at the difference.

There are also more problems the Seamless Sink addresses. The strainer basket fits in both sides of a two bowl sink. It fits in the drain and the garbage disposal. Installation of the drain and disposal is reduced by 20-60 minutes and is very easy. There is a video on the Affluence website that shows the install complete in 90 seconds.

If you are remodeling your kitchen, this is one product you definitely need to consider. It will make cleaning much easier. Once it catches on with designers and homeowners, it will be a very hot product.

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Choosing the right paint color......

2009-08-21T08:33:00.024-05:00

If you have ever painted a room, you know just how daunting it can be to get the color just right. You go to the paint store thinking it will be a simple task- bring home some yellow paint. But when you get there, you are overwhelmed by all the choices. Yellow isn't simply yellow. Do you want butter, honey, camel, orange or wheat yellow?

If you are lucky enough to find the right color, when you get it home and on the walls, you start rethinking your color choice- somehow it just isn't quite right. With all that in mind, here a few tips to help you get it right and not be afraid to tackle that next painting task.

First, you need to know a little about color schemes. There are many different color harmonies, but three of the like most common are monochromatic, neutral and complementary. Which one you use depends on the mood you would like to convey in the space.

Monochromatic is created by one color in different shades, as in light blue, blue and dark blue. This creates a very unified look and makes a room appear larger. Monochromatic is also the simplest color harmony, but that doesn't have to mean boring.

This room is a good example of a monochromatic color scheme. It uses varying shades of yellow.

Another popular color harmony is neutral. This one is achieved by using combinations of gray, black and white, but can also be brown, tan and beige. Sometimes accent colors are added to provide interest. These rooms are usually crisp and relaxing.

This room is a great example if a neutral color combination with an accent thrown in for some excitement.

A Complementary color scheme is one that uses two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. The most popular combination is red and green. But there is also blue and orange and yellow and purple. But these combinations can be altered by using varying shades of the colors. One color should be dominant and the other color can be a lighter intensity to soften the contrast.

This room uses the red/green combination, but in varying shades and intensities.

The best combinations use at least three colors and sometimes
four. One color is used and a dominate color and the accent colors draw attention to the details.
In this photo, the dominate color is red and the yellow and blue stand out and make the ottoman and pillows the focal points.

Now that you have an idea about color schemes, it's time to find just the right shades. Nowadays it is easier to match paint to your sofa rather than painting your walls and then trying to find a sofa to match the paint. There are literally 1000's of paint color choices while your accents and fabrics allow less choices. Most every paint retailer can now custom match a fabric or color that you bring into the store. That way you know your are getting the closest match possible.

It is also worth while to invest in a few cans of paint samples. They are usually $3-$5 and you can try out several colors on large patches of wall to really get the true feel of the color in the room. The little bitty paint chip may look great in the store, but once you paint half the wall at home, you may realize you made a mistake. The paint samples help prevent major headaches and regret!

You can also go online and try a paint tool. Sherwin Williams has Color Visualizer. You can pick what type of room and add colors to the furniture, trim, wall and ceilings to get a feel of what your room might look like. Benjamin Moore also has a visualizer but you can upload your own photos and apply color them.

Experts say the least expensive way to make the biggest change in a room is to change to wall color. It's the biggest area in the room and make the largest impact. Don't be afraid to be use bold colors. Hopefully this article helped out a bit. But if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask!!

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

One must have product for your spa bath...

2009-08-14T09:46:00.014-05:00

If you're like most of us, you're cruising the information highway and being overloaded with "how-to" and remodel ideas. There are so many beautiful makeovers that it's hard to step back into reality and face your own space.

Most of our clients have a strict budget and like to get the best quality and look for the smallest price. There is always a little compromising in this situation. But if you're planning on remodeling your bath, there is one product that will be a great remedy and will instantly transform your space.

The Jacuzzi Ristorre shower system is definitely one item worth splurging on. It is backed by the quality and famous Jacuzzi name and isn't out of reach even for a small budget. The system quickly transforms your everyday shower into a spa-like experience. There are three designs to choose from, so one of them is bound to fit your style. Installation is extremely easy- it mounts right to the wall and uses the existing plumbing.

Ristorre™ Metallo™ Showers

Ristorre™ Onda™ Showers

Ristorre™ Ovale™ Showers

A new trend is starting to emerge in master baths- no bathtubs. For some, a bathtub is rarely used and a waste of space. Homeowners would rather splurge on the one area they use everyday- the shower. The Jacuzzi system is the perfect item for that.

You can see an actual system installed if you look at our last blog post. After the remodel was complete, the homeowner joked that everyone who saw the shower wanted to try it out and she should start charging admission! But you can also stop by our showroom to see one.

So if you are planning your dream bath, the Jacuzzi Ristorre is the way to go. It gives an instant high-end update and installation is quick and easy. You'll be thankful every time you step into your very own spa shower.

Thanks,

Sunshine

HomeWerks, A Design Studio

Award winning master bath remodel

2009-08-07T14:38:00.005-05:00

We completed a master bath remodel last year that was recently recognized by the local NKBA chapter. Our client came to us and wanted to take her existing master bath and transform it into a "spa bath." After a few meeting and changes, our team came up with a solution the client loved.

This is the before....

All the old tile came out as well as the glass block and walls around the shower- which was small and cramped. 18" tile placed diagonally was used for the flooring and the same tile in different sizes were used for the new tub surround and shower. A new luxurious Jacuzzi shower system was installed in place of the old fixtures. By taking out the walls of the shower, it allowed a seat
to be added.
The tiny linen closet was also removed and replaced with gorgeous cabinetry that flowed around to the vanity. The tall cabinet provided much needed organized storage. A new efficient Toto toilet replaced the old water closet.

This is the after....

After the project was complete, the homeowner was very pleased and couldn't have been happier with her new "spa bath." The remodel also won us 3rd place in the local NKBA competition.

Welcome!

2009-07-31T12:47:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the HomeWerks blog! We've got lots of information to share with everyone and we hope you enjoy reading it. Things have been busy the past few weeks and we are excited to let everyone in on the happenings.

In the coming posts, we will share our award-winning master bath remodel and then we'll be starting a new kitchen remodel. We'll keep you updated on the project as it progresses so that you can see what really goes on in a kitchen remodel. You will also find new product information, new and emerging trends, advice and how-to articles.

Thank you for visiting our blog and we hope you will check back often to find updates and keep in touch with HomeWerks.

Sincerely,

Sunshine
HomeWerks, A Design Studio