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2020 Bathroom Design Trends Popular in West Lafayette
Believe it or not, we spend a significant amount of time in our bathrooms every year between showering, grooming, and “escaping” or relaxing. According to this 2019 study, the average person will spend 416 days of their life in the bathroom. More specifically, men will spend 373 days, or 23 minutes per day; and women will spend 456 days, or 29 minutes per day.
With this much time in the bathroom, more and more homeowners are expecting their bathrooms to work harder—playing an important role in their lives. These 2020 bathroom design trends highlight the key features that homeowners are selecting in West Lafayette to improve their everyday bathroom experiences.
Convert Your Tub to a Shower
Particularly common among Lafayette homeowners is the need to ditch their tub for a large more functional walk-in shower. While it’s not advised to replace every tub in your home with a shower, the master bathroom is one place where you can make an exception.
If you are a person with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or just like the convenience of a large open walk-in shower, a barrier-free (or curbless) shower is an ideal solution. These showers are designed to sit flush with the floor and generally don’t have any doors.
Curbless showers are the epitome of luxury and perfect for homeowners who are aging-in-place but desired by anyone regardless of age or ability. Once you’ve showered in a barrier-free shower, you’ll never want to go back.
Incorporate Universal Design Features
Depending upon your need or area of comfort, incorporating universal design features into your bathroom may prolong the stay in your home. West Lafayette homeowners are seamlessly incorporating products that make their bathroom functional, safe and beautiful for many years to come. Some of these product features include, non-slip floors, bidets, extra lighting, functional grab bars, handheld showerheads, and enlarged doorways, just to name a few.
Attach a Handheld Showerhead
Consider a handheld showerhead to get the most from your showering experience. These units attach to your shower wall via a long hose and can be easily removed to direct the spray of water right where you want it.
Because it has an extended reach, handheld showerheads are great for overall convenience and accessibility needs. They make it easier to rinse hard to reach areas, bath pets, shave, and even clean the shower.
Add Additional Storage
Common among Lafayette homeowners is a need for more storage, particularly in the bathroom. If your bathroom is stacked to the gills with bathroom supplies or cluttered with toiletries, you may want to join Riverside Construction clients who have redesigned their bathrooms to improve usability and boost their home value.
Several ways to increase storage space in your bathroom include under-sink cabinets, carving out a niche with open shelving or floating shelves, repurposing space to create a linen closet, recessed medicine cabinets, and other effective tricks of the trade.
Choose a Comfort Height Toilet
One of West Lafayette’s latest bathroom design trends includes comfort height toilets. The height of a traditional toilet is 15-inches from floor to seat. A comfort height toilet is 17- to 19-inches from floor to seat. A higher toilet makes it easier to sit down, get up, and overcome physical issues such as weak legs and bad knees, etc.
Opt for a Comfort Height Vanity
Just like comfort height toilets, taller vanities (also known as comfort height bathroom vanities) are also trending in West Lafayette—and rightfully so. Most bathroom vanities ten years or older have a height of 31- to 33-inches; whereas, the new comfort height bathroom vanities are 36-inches. These new comfort height vanities are the same height as a kitchen base cabinet and are the new standard size for bathroom vanities. They help improve posture, reduce the need to stoop and bend and minimize back strain.
NOTE: The comfort height bathroom vanities are best for master bathrooms because they are better suited for adults (they are a little too high for most children to reach). If you have kids who use a hall bathroom, you might consider keeping to the old traditional vanity height of 31-33 inches.
Customize Your Shower Walls
Photo Courtesy of Kohler
Kohler now offers an innovative shower wall system focused on easing the task of creating the perfect showering space. A Choreograph shower wall and accessory collection offer Lafayette homeowners both a well-organized and beautiful showering space. It features in-wall storage, moveable shelves, integral hooks, baskets, and a slanted bottom ledge to use when shaving or having to balance yourself in the shower. Check out this unique design trend hitting West Lafayette.
Use Surfaces That Are Easier to Clean
Let’s face it, cleaning the shower isn’t easy. But, choosing the right surface can make it easier. Popular among Lafayette homeowners are solid surface showers, which are easier to clean, especially if you have hard water.
Here are the three most popular solid surface shower panels that we see among our clients:
● Fiberglass Showers
● Cultured Marble Panels
● Choreograph Shower
Tiled showers are also popular. They are a little more time-consuming to clean (particularly the grout lines), but they come in a variety of options that are beautiful, durable, moisture resistant, easy to clean, and also provide a safe non-slip surface.
What’s Next?
If you would like more information about current bathroom design trends or are interested in exploring bathroom remodeling options for your home, take a look at our Bathroom Remodeling Portfolio to help get you started. Also, attend one of our upcoming complimentary Home Remodeling Luncheon Seminars. Or, receive the latest design trends and home remodeling tips by signing up to receive our Monthly Newsletter.
When you are ready to talk with one of our designers about beginning your new bathroom remodel, please schedule a conversation about your home remodeling needs or call us at 765.838.1644.
2020 Kitchen Design Trends to Watch for in Tippecanoe County
In the world of home remodeling, the start of a new year is a perfect time to look at past styles and gauge the trends that will influence design for months to come. If you’re considering a kitchen refresh or a full kitchen remodel in 2020 enjoy these emerging trends in Tippecanoe County, brought to you by Riverside’s talented designers:
Painted Cabinets
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to freshen up their kitchens by painting their cabinets. Fortunately, the trend is here to stay—a great way to transform your kitchen and pack a big punch.
Also, a favorite among Riverside clients is simple cabinet door designs—one of the most popular being the shaker door style, which is characterized by a four-piece door frame and recessed center panel.
Granite and Quartz Are Tops
Quartz and granite continue to be popular countertop choices for homeowners in Lafayette and West Lafayette. Either product will serve you well in terms of durability and appearance. Take your time comparing the pros and cons, and the design options of each. Granite is a natural stone product so it will have imperfections, which lead to exciting and beautiful patterns and colors; however, it will require some sealing maintenance (a simple spray on wipe off process) over the life of the product. On the other hand, a quartz countertop is made from resin, pigment, and crushed quartz so it can be customized more to your liking plus there is no need for sealing. Note – the price of quartz has been on the rise due to tariffs on materials imposed by other countires making standard granite colors more budget-friendly.
Backsplashes: Practical and Beautiful
A backsplash covers the area of wall behind a kitchen countertop and the upper cabinets, giving homeowners an opportunity to express themselves through a variety of textures, colors, and materials. It also protects the wall behind the sink against water damage from inadvertent splashing. It’s not only practical, but it’s also beautiful—adding a gorgeous visual element to your kitchen.
When it comes to backsplash materials this year, subway tile continues to be the go-to material in Tippecanoe County. It not only comes in an endless variety of materials, from ceramic and porcelain to natural stone and glass, but it is also easy to clean. The creative possibilities are endless!
Open Up Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the central point of your home, where the family congregates after a long day, eats, cooks, entertains, and does homework. By combining the kitchen and family room (or other living space) into a single great room, you can create an ideal space for relaxed entertaining and informal gatherings. From an abundance of natural light to the convenience of entertaining, the benefits of an open floor plan are endless. It will maximize your space and provide excellent flow from room to room. It is also still a large and growing trend in kitchen remodeling.
What About the Kitchen Table?
Many clients who have separate dining rooms are choosing to remove their kitchen tables entirely. By eliminating the kitchen table, it makes way for a larger, more functional kitchen. Depending on the size and width, clients can add an island with extra counter space, additional seating, add coveted storage space, elongate a galley style kitchen, and add extra pantry space.
Coffee, Tea or Something Stronger
With small changes to the kitchen, you’ll minimize those frequent, expensive trips to the local coffee shop. A popular design trend involves adding a designated coffee station into your kitchen. For adult drinks and spirits, there is also a variety of dry or wet bar options to choose from.
Floors for Appearance and Performance
Kitchen luxury vinyl flooring has been a choice among homeowners in years past and predicted to be the popular choice in 2020, particularly due to its durability and easy care. With luxury vinyl you can also achieve a wide range of high-end looks, mimicking tile or even a wood-look appearance.
Remove Your Soffits
2020 may be the year to remove your kitchen soffits. Sometimes referred to as a “bulkhead,” soffits are the part of the ceiling that is lower than the area around it. Soffits tend to make kitchens look outdated, and they take up valuable room. Homeowners are generally advised to remove soffits to gain valuable space. Because soffits usually disguise ductwork, plumbing, or wiring, it would be advised to consult a reputable contractor or design-build firm to explore your options. But, the results will be amazing!
Read 4 careful considerations in removing your kitchen soffit.
Transform Your Kitchen to Reflect 2020 Design Trends With the Help of Our Experts
Homeowners can’t expect to stay informed about all emerging kitchen design trends. So, it makes sense to partner with remodeling design professionals who do.
Begin by acquainting yourself with a free seminar on home remodeling. To gain inspiration for your upcoming kitchen project, feel free to explore ideas in our online remodeling portfolio. We invite you to subscribe to our newsletter for useful design trends.
When you are ready to begin working on the kitchen remodel, schedule a conversation about your home remodeling ideas with one of our designers. For details, connect with Riverside Construction or call 765.838.1644 today.
Choosing Kitchen Faucet Finishes and Types
Whether you have a broken faucet that needs replacing or you’ve decided that it’s time for an upgrade to improve your kitchen’s appearance, it’s a good idea to carefully examine your options so you can make a well-informed decision. Of course, the design team you work with can provide insight into selecting the perfect faucets during a remodeling project.
Before you get together with your design experts, you can take a moment to become familiar with what’s available today. To help you with the decision-making process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive look at kitchen faucet types and styles:
Kitchen Faucet Types
Faucets also come in numerous types, including gooseneck, high and low arc, wall mount, and bridge. “Touchless” faucets introduce sensor technology, giving you yet another option to consider. Let’s take a quick look at each to help you select the one best suited for your kitchen look and needs.
High arc or Gooseneck faucets are designed as their name suggests, with thin and tall stems that are sleek and elegant. Metallic finishes accentuate their brilliance, and their dimensions leave plenty of room in the sink and make pot-filling a breeze. A popular choice among Lafayette homeowners is high arc pull-down faucets.
Low arc faucets are available in various designs and arrangements. Choose stem height and finish based on your usage and aesthetic needs, great choices that offer an ideal balance between form and function. Many also come with a pull-out sprayer.
Wall mount faucets are not super common, but when used tastefully give home kitchens an interesting commercial look and feel. Completely freeing-up the sink area has its own numerous benefits.
Bridge faucets are distinctive designs where the hot and cold handles, levers, and controls are physically connected to the main faucet stem, literally creating a “bridge”. The look is traditional and not for everyone, but when appropriate can powerfully complement similar design features throughout the kitchen.
Touchless faucets now seem like the rage, adding high tech to any design and finish you choose. They might not be worth all the hype, but they offer convenient features that free your hands for doing other tasks. A simple hand wave turns these faucets on or off thanks to a movement sensor.
Kitchen Faucet Finishes
Once you’ve got a good idea of what type of kitchen faucet to install, the next step is to select a finish. Kitchen faucets serve a utilitarian purpose, but they can still look good while you use them.
You have several finishes to consider, including brass, bronze, chrome, nickel, stainless steel, matt black, and the newest exotic finish, ombre.
Brass faucets will bring a traditional look and feel to your home. They can pair nicely with white kitchen finishes to add warmth and work equally as well with a modern-looking kitchen sink. Matte or brushed brass fixtures are quite versatile and appealing. The “Champagne Bronze” listed in the picture above is Delta’s version of the brushed brass finish.
Bronze that is treated by rubbing it with oil gives the metal a darker look. Oil-rubbed bronze is one of your pricier options, but you can’t beat it for the traditional look it provides, giving your kitchen a bold and classic appearance. The “Venetian Bronze” listed in the picture above is Delta’s version of the oil-rubbed bronze finish.
Chrome is one of the original finishes for plumbing fixtures, giving them a very classic look. Chrome is durable, easy to maintain, and great for minimalist kitchens. With a bold, shiny finish, chrome faucets are favored by many home renovators. Look for quality chrome, which resists tarnishing while being long-lasting and easy on your budget.
Nickel faucets are available in various finishes, including brushed and polished. Brushed nickel is a slightly warmer version of stainless steel, and polished nickel is a slightly warmer version of chrome. Brushed nickel is also becoming the “new chrome,” and is used very frequently in all kitchen styles. Some manufacturers have even been able to engineer this finish to offer a “Spot Resistant Brushed Nickel”. Also known as pewter, brushed nickel works nicely to bring soft tones and warmth. Remember that the beauty of nickel faucets requires some maintenance. Periodic polishing of nickel faucets keeps them looking beautiful. Brushed nickel resists tarnishing better than polished, so keep that in mind when weighing your options.
Stainless steel is ideal for kitchen faucets thanks to the finish being easy to clean and maintain — especially useful when you have young kids since it possesses antimicrobial properties. Shiny like chrome, stainless steel is more expensive but gives your kitchen a more sophisticated look. So, for a more luxurious looking kitchen with sturdy, enduring faucets, stainless steel may be your preferred option.
Matte Black is a newer finish that has gained popularity in more modern and contemporary kitchens. In striking contrast to the metallic finishes, matte black is sleek and minimalist. The simplicity and purity of the aesthetic contrast well with nearly any kitchen style, making it very versatile and appealing.
Ombre is a new finish for kitchen faucets developed by Kohler. Taking its name from the French word for “shadow” or “shade,” ombre melds two vibrant metal finishes together to create an interesting transition from light to dark. Ombre currently comes in two variations: vibrant rose gold and polished nickel.
Selecting Faucets for Your Upgrade
After considering the various choices for kitchen faucets in your upcoming kitchen remodel project, you are bound to have some questions. Start by visiting our Kitchen Portfolio for ideas and then sign up for our free home remodeling seminars, which will give you more insight into preparing your own home to look magazine-cover worthy. Have fun browsing — your Riverside Interior Design Team is here to help.
To learn more about selecting kitchen faucets or to consult with a designer, contact Riverside Construction today at 765.838.1644.
What to Include in a Successful Aging-In-Place Bathroom Remodel
When you first purchased your home, you may not have given much thought to how future lifestyle changes may necessitate a home remodel. As a matter of comfort and safety, it’s important to keep in mind universal design features that can accommodate everyone’s needs and/or requirements, regardless of age or ability.
Whether you build a new home or remodel your current home, incorporating universal design features may minimize injuries for you or a loved one such as slipping and falling in the bathroom and prolong the stay in your home.
Here are a few aging-in-place bathroom design elements that will provide maximum convenience and livability in your home:
Bathtub/Shower
To minimize the chance of falling when getting into the tub or shower, consider installing a new walk-in tub. Instead of climbing over the edge, you simply open the door. When closed, it’s watertight.
Homeowners who prefer to keep their conventional tub and shower in place can opt for a glass door to replace the shower curtain, which is beneficial for the added stability it provides. And since you’re doing upgrades, a flexible, hand-held shower, grab bars and a stool to sit on when bathing will make for a much safer and comfortable experience.
Cabinets
The cabinets where you store toiletries, as well as first aid supplies and medicine, should be easy for anyone to access. And if you or someone else in your family will be using a wheelchair, it’s helpful to lower the cabinets so they can still be reached from a sitting position. As people age, they often take more medications and use other health remedies, so make sure to install cabinets with ample size for better organization and easier access.
Floors
Slippery bathroom floors are particularly dangerous for people who experience difficulties with mobility, balance, or vision. While bathroom tiles are often preferred for their ease of cleaning, some can be quite slippery and hard, although, in recent years, slip resistance has improved for many tile choices. Rubber flooring is an excellent non-slip option, while Vinyl is ideal for creating a softer surface. For best results, consider adding additional thin rubber bath mats wherever water might accumulate, such as near the sink and shower/tub to help prevent falls.
Grab Bars
Whatever a person’s age, it makes sense to proceed with caution in a wet and slippery environment, especially when moving about in the bathroom. This is where grab bars can make a difference for your aging-in-place bathroom remodel. Install grab bars to assist you when you get up and down from the toilet and get in and out of the shower and/or bathtub. Adding grab bars doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice appearances, though. Unlike stark, institutional metal bars that you see installed in bathrooms at medical facilities, you can find home grab bars in a range of colors and styles to nicely compliment your bathroom design.
Lights
There are two primary considerations to keep in mind for lighting when upgrading your bathroom. Lighting must be abundant and adequate so you can see clearly, avoiding accidents; this is especially important since our eyesight tends to worsen with age. The lights must also be easy to access when it comes time to change them. Ideally, you’ll want multiple light sources, so if one bulb goes out, you’ll still have plenty of light until you change it. Another suggestion is to switch to eco-friendly LED bulbs that can last for years before burning out.
You also may want to consider adding lights powered by batteries, avoiding the hassle of rewiring the bathroom and giving you a great deal of flexibility for where you place them. Want a light right next to the toilet, or above a towel rack? No problem! Individuals with mobility issues can make the bathroom even safer by installing some motion sensors to switch lights on and off automatically when you enter and leave.
Sink
Whether you are recovering from an injury or are experiencing aches and pains such as from arthritis, it makes sense to switch out clunky, uncomfortable knobs to handles, which are much easier to manage. You can also install a foot-operated faucet, allowing hands-free control. As is the case with bathroom cabinets, you may need to lower the bathroom sink to accommodate a person sitting in a wheelchair. You can reduce the chance of injury from hot water by installing scald-prevention devices at the shower/tub and sink.
Every aspect of the bathroom should be evaluated for potential slip and fall problems. For example, choose rounded edges for the bathroom counter, to lessen the chances of injuries caused by falls.
Toilet
To make it easier to use the toilet, it’s a good idea to replace the original with a new, higher unit that is easier to sit on and stand up from. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of installing a taller seat. People with mobility issues can add a bidet, making personal hygiene all the more convenient.
Upgrading Your Home With Universal Design for Aging-in-Place
There are some important considerations to keep in mind when preparing a bathroom remodel for homeowners who want to harness the principles of universal design to accommodate issues such as disability and aging-in-place. An excellent way to start is by signing up for a free home remodeling seminar. Homeowners can stay on top of the latest design ideas by checking out our remodeling portfolio. And once you have a better idea of what you need for your bathroom remodel, you’ll want to speak with one of our expert designers. Give us a call at 765.838.1644 today.
How to Select the Best Flooring For Your Home Workout Room
The decision to install a home gym can be life-changing in any number of ways, but it also involves a lot of decision-making. The physical location of your personal workout space will influence its actual square footage as well as the floor plan, layout, and specific finishing materials. Basement gyms, for instance, might accommodate heavier fitness equipment, but can also present a logistical challenge for installing large equipment. A yoga studio, on the other hand, might occupy only a sliver of space in a seldom-used second-floor guest room.
In addition to basic decisions about space and use, you will want to consider privacy, convenience, and finishing materials.
One of the primary considerations for any gym is the flooring type that will best suit your needs. Fitness flooring varies, and your decision must suit not only your particular needs but also your room décor or design style and your budget.
No matter what your exercise preferences might be — from Zumba to incline walkers or rowing machines, some common flooring choices are carpet, foam, vinyl, and rubber. Here’s how to evaluate the pros and cons of each:
Carpet
Carpet tiles are used in both commercial fitness facilities and home gyms. Commercial grade, low-pile carpet is soft, resilient, and comfortable underfoot, all pluses for a workout room. Carpet absorbs some sound and is as suitable for yoga and karate routines as it is for exercise machines. Carpet provides a non-slip surface and offers some insulation against cold or extreme heat. Carpet tiles, which are easy to install, may also be easily replaced if they become damaged or stained.
Overall, carpet is durable, versatile, cost-efficient, child-friendly and easy to care for. It is available in a wide range of colors, and individual carpet tiles can be mixed to create a custom design or to designate specific exercise zones.
On the minus side, however, carpet is not water-resistant. It is subject to mold and mildew if used in a damp area, and can harbor pests and insects. Carpet also is more difficult to clean than other flooring types. Wall-to-wall carpet may stretch over time, unless it is a glue-down variety, and may require professional re-stretching.
Foam
Foam is a popular and playful choice for family-oriented exercise. Available in bright colors and sometimes sold as interlocking “puzzle pieces,” foam is comfortable, cushioning and extremely lightweight. A foam pad, or blanket, is a highly functional and economical alternative in a part-time workout room. Because foam is so flexible and absorbs the impact of physical activity, it is a good choice for a stationary bicycle, a lightweight rowing machine, or for strenuous movement, including jogging in place or punching bag workouts.
It is soft and resilient for floor stretches, and for all age groups. In addition, foam allows the greatest creative flexibility for color and pattern.
The only reported downside to foam is that it is not usually considered the best option for extremely heavy exercise equipment. If plans for your gym include weight benches, elliptical machines, or heavy treadmills, another type of floor might be more durable.
Vinyl
Modern vinyl is as functional for a workout room as it is for a utility room or child’s bathroom: It’s easy to clean, resists mold and mildew, will withstand heavy use and some abuse. This category of resilient flooring comes in an array of products including planks, sheets, and tiles, and allows extensive customization through color and pattern. Vinyl is flexible, easy to install with minimum preparation, and can be used directly over a slab, as well as over sub-flooring or an older wood floor.
High-quality vinyl will be durable, while low-quality material will be susceptible to rips and tears. Unfortunately, vinyl flooring cannot be refinished, so when it is damaged it needs to be removed and replaced. This is easier in a tile and plank installation than with sheet materials.
Vinyl flooring is also offered in three different types of wear surfaces, offering a full range of protection against scuffs and stains—from entry-level (Vinyl No-Wax) to Urethane and Enhanced Urethane, which offers the most protection.
Finally, a vinyl floor is only minimally shock resistant. Over concrete, as in a garage or basement, it will still be hard, and perhaps cold during the winter.
Rubber
A fourth popular option for a home gym is rubber flooring, with all the best qualities of a flexible and easy-to-care-for floor and few of the disadvantages. It is available in rolls or tiles, is comfortable, shock resistant, durable, and easy to keep clean. While economical color options are limited, it is extremely practical. If used as area matting or a temporary surface, it can be moved and stored easily. Rubber does not absorb odors, is anti-microbial, and will not be damaged by water.
However, like vinyl, rubber has little insulating quality and will be colder in the winter than carpet or foam.
Ready to Design Your Workout Space?
When you’re ready to move forward with your plans for a home workout space, Riverside Construction can not only help you decide which type of gym flooring will best suit you, but we can help you design and build a space that fits your needs exactly, fit to your budget, timeline, and lifestyle. Start a Conversation about your home workout space today.
Riverside Construction Wins 3rd Place in Wellborn Cabinet’s Bathroom Design and Small Kitchen Design Contests
Riverside Construction is an authorized dealer for Wellborn Cabinet, a leading cabinet manufacturer for over 50 years. Every day Wellborn Cabinet partners, like Riverside, are designing beautiful baths and kitchens for renovations, remodels, or newly constructed homes.
Wellborn Cabinet and a panel of the top industry designers have chosen three of the best bathroom designs from the past year from their Bathroom Design Contest and Riverside’s Contemporary Bathroom Project in West Lafayette won 3rd place.
Similarly, Riverside’s Retro Kitchen Remodel in West Lafayette won 3rd place in Wellborn Cabinet’s Small Kitchen Design Contest.
6 Popular Flooring Trends in Tippecanoe County for 2019
Homeowners in Tippecanoe County who are looking to replace their floors are in for some fun this year. There are so many new and exciting options on the market today that span a wide range of colors, shapes, and materials. Here are 6 popular flooring trends we’re excited to share with you at Riverside Construction:
1. Wood Flooring Choices
Wood really never goes away as a durable, beautiful, lasting flooring option, so it’s no surprise that it’s still a homeowner favorite. What’s new are the colors, types of wood, patterns, and sizes that homeowners are choosing.
Fumed Wood—This flooring comes in rich, dark, natural and variable color tones that are achieved in a special chamber where ammonia vapor is released, changing the color of the wood without directly staining it. Source this one carefully; ammonia should never be applied directly to this product.
Bleached and Blanched Wood—Think sun-bleached, weather-worn, oceanside boardwalk-style flooring for the living room, kitchen or entryway. Woods of this type come in blond, gray and off-white natural tones that will brighten any room.
Distressed and Reclaimed Wood—That shabby chic look of distressed wood is becoming more and more popular, with homeowners able to choose the degree of distress applied to their flooring. It has character and a historical, rustic feel to the planks. Some distressed and reclaimed wood actually are historical; taken from older buildings and barns and re-purposed as flooring. This beautiful flooring option has less gloss and more wire brushing, hand-scraping, gnarls, knots and even mineral deposits left behind to add plenty of character.
Wider planks and pretty patterns—Homeowners are opting for plank widths between 5 and 8 inches this year, or they’re choosing to lay out smaller planks in interesting patterns.
2. Realistic “Wood-Look” Flooring
Homeowners can’t get enough of wood, even if they don’t actually use real wood. Wood-look ceramic tiles, laminate, and vinyl are on the rise, mostly because they’re so durable and look like actual wood, but don’t require the same kind of ongoing care and maintenance that real hardwood requires. This makes it possible to use “wood-look” flooring in bathrooms, for instance, to create the warmth and look of hardwood without worrying about water damage. This flooring option comes in all colors, textures, and styles and looks just like the real thing. This year’s go-to colors are lighter: grays, whites and cooler, natural wood shades.
3. Tantalizing New Tile Patterns and Sizes
Tile continues to be wildly popular, particularly for bathrooms and kitchens. However, newer large-format tiles (for example, 12 x 24) are working their way into living rooms and entryways as well. The materials can vary from ceramic and concrete slabs to natural stone, and stone or wood-look tiles. Also, a popular European style that’s hitting West Lafayette right now is tile with a wide footprint.
In addition to the new large-format craze, vintage black and white patterned tiles and tiles with exciting colors or textures that stand out from the norm are gaining popularity, as are hexagonal-shaped tiles.
4. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Photo Courtesy of HGTV
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a real star for 2019, as it was last year too. This flooring option comes in many designs—from wood-look to all kinds of natural stones like marble, granite, etc. It can even be engineered to look like concrete tiles. It’s got heavy-duty durability, so it’s excellent in high-traffic locations, yet it looks luxurious and resists scratches, dings, and nicks. It can also fit into a vast array of patterns and formats (think large-format tile again), giving designers a lot of creativity to come up with stunning, custom looks.
5. Mixed-Media Flooring Trends
Some adventurous homeowners here in Tippecanoe County have been trying out mixed-media flooring ideas where they may have tile sections cascade gradually into a hardwood (or wood-look) section. When this is done with design in mind, it can be an eye-catching conversation piece that lends drama and excitement to areas where you want some pizazz.
6. New Carpet Comforts
A carpeted bedroom is still a necessity for homeowners because it provides the cozy, sound-muffling character you want in a quiet room. Living rooms are also favorite locations for new carpet. In 2019, two-tone carpets are on the rise, and not just because they hide stains better, some of the patterns are truly beautiful and add character to whatever space they’re designed in.
Learn More about Flooring Trends
If you’re thinking of a remodeling project, but aren’t quite sure where to go with the flooring yet, sign up for one of our free home remodeling seminars (space is limited, so make sure to sign up early). Our newsletter also has excellent tips and insights for every aspect of remodeling, including flooring, so sign up for that as well. And if you’re ready to discuss your ideas with a professional designer, sign up for an on-site consultation or give us a call today: 765.838.1644. We’ll help you choose the right flooring for your project.
Kitchen Lighting 101: 4 Essentials to Consider in Your Next Kitchen Remodel
Homeowners choose, as priority number one, to remodel their kitchens every year, and it’s no surprise why. Every member of the family spends significant time in this room. It’s where we prepare meals, gather for games, congregate for chats, get work done, discuss family plans, snack, laugh, talk and make all kinds of daily decisions. And yet, as popular and as often-used as this room is, it’s surprising that lighting becomes an afterthought in the remodeling process. Instead, kitchen lighting should be an integral part of the entire design process, right from the start. It needs to be layered and carefully planned to effectively illuminate all the various activities your family enjoys in this space. As you plan your next kitchen remodeling project, keep these four lighting design essentials in mind:
1. Know Your Lighting Types
There are four basic types of lighting that can be used in any room. The utility and high-traffic areas of the kitchen demand using all four of them in various ways. These lighting layers include:
Ambient Lighting—This is broad, general lighting that should illuminate most of your living space. It’s not too bright, but it provides enough light to enable you to perform tasks and move safely about the room—a necessity for any space, and especially the kitchen. You can choose from a host of different light fixtures to include recessed lighting, track lighting, chandeliers or other ceiling-mounted fixtures.
Task Lighting—While ambient lighting provides general illumination of a large space, task lighting highlights specific areas where work needs to be performed. It illuminates focused beams on specific areas, removing unwanted shadows, making slicing, mixing, kneading and reading ingredients on food packages or a recipe a breeze. For example, puck or strip lighting placed under cabinets are used to illuminate countertops for food preparation. You can also consider adding task lighting inside of cabinets to make it easier to locate rare spices (or essentials) hiding in the back.
Accent Lighting—These bright beams are used to throw flattering light on a specific design element in a room. While they are par for the course in living rooms and dining rooms, they can also be used to highlight some lovely aspect of your kitchen design. For example, a shelf in a cabinet or island can be highlighted by accent lighting to spotlight a unique heirloom or art piece. Highlighting an accent fixture that is 4 to 5 times brighter than ambient lighting can really set off the space.
Decorative Lighting—While accent lighting focuses your eyes on a particular design element or piece of art in your kitchen, decorative lighting is the design element itself. A dramatic pendant or chandelier can really complete the look of your kitchen and make visitors take notice.
As you work with your design/build team on a kitchen remodel, make sure to discuss these kitchen lighting essentials from the outset and not as a last-minute decision.
2. Understand the Sources of Illumination: Think LEDs
In addition to the four different lighting types above, you’ll want to consider the ways in which lighting works and how much it might cost you. In the past, homeowners had to choose between fluorescent, incandescent and halogen options. Recently, however, LED lighting has taken kitchen lighting by storm with its bright adaptability and its very low electricity draw. LED lights last longer and they don’t heat up like other light sources. This makes them a safe, stable source of illumination that comes in almost any form.
Important Note: Don’t count out natural light in your kitchen design. Explore ways that you can increase it and add to the ambient lighting in your living space.
3. Design with Light: Think Spacing and Proportion
It’s easy to get all excited about light fixtures, even adding more than your kitchen really needs. But going overboard on lighting is just as bad as leaving it to the last minute. Think balance and proportion to get the right look, along with the proper illumination. For instance, island task lighting has very specific space and proportion guidelines you should follow:
Above island pendants should have between 30 to 32 inches between them and hang approximately 30 to 36 inches over the island, with a 6-inch clearance from the edges. Depending on how long your island is, you may have room for 2 or 3 pendants.
If you have a higher kitchen ceiling, consider a linear suspension light fixture over the island. This should hang about 40 inches above the workspace.
Recessed lighting, puck lights, track lights, and chandeliers also have similar spacing and proportion rules, something you’ll want to consider as you plan your kitchen remodel.
4. Ask a Kitchen Design Expert about Your Kitchen Lighting
Lastly, don’t let decisions about kitchen lighting overwhelm you. If you’re struggling to choose between pendants and chandeliers, track lights or recessed lighting, or any other aspect of the lighting in your kitchen, take a look at our kitchen remodeling portfolio for some ideas. You can also sign up for one of our free kitchen design seminars where you can discuss your ideas and questions with other homeowners and our design experts. If you’re ready to dive in and get started now, schedule a personal consultation and begin the process of upgrading your kitchen with light: (765) 838-1644.
5 Major Remodeling Design Mistakes To Avoid
You watch HGTV. You spend hours pouring through design ideas on Houzz. You have 20+ Pinterest boards organized according to room, color and materials. As a result, you might be closer to thinking that you can design your home remodeling project by yourself. This is very common, particularly from homeowners who are ready to jump into a remodeling project head first.
Unfortunately, this is often a recipe for disaster. While you are the best at understanding your needs and design style, a design/build remodeling company is an essential partner in making sure you get what you want in your remodeling project in the smartest, most affordable, most beautiful way possible. We can help you avoid these 5 most common remodeling design mistakes:
1. Choosing the wrong products
This happens frequently when homeowners “go it alone” in a home remodeling project. They’re so taken with the beauty of a luxurious marble countertop that they install it in a very busy kitchen. Soon, they discover the inconveniences of selecting a high-maintenance marble and wish they’d chosen a different countertop. And that’s just one example of the many design mistakes made by homeowners who forgo working with a design professional from the very beginning. Your professional designer can guide you toward the right materials to withstand your needs in the most beautiful, durable ways.
2. Not getting the best deals
Another way in which your design/build firm can help is to hook you up with the best deals on potential material selections. We have relationships with many suppliers, understanding their lead times, seasonal demands, inventory shortages, etc. We know how to navigate these issues, from lighting and floors to fixtures and lumber to paint and tile and everything in between. We can evaluate whether a deal you’ve heard about really is a deal, or if we can get a better one. And when that happens (as it often does), we’ll look for smarter options for you.
3. The time vortexes and money pits of multiple change orders
We hear this repeatedly from homeowners who try to go it alone in the design process: “We wish we’d used a professional designer to help us before tearing down the walls.” The wrong materials, wrong measurements, forgotten (yet critical) under-the-surface design considerations like electrical wiring, plumbing, and lighting all conspire against homeowners to cause them to have to rip out fresh remodeling work and re-do it. This often leads to thousands of dollars in extra, unbudgeted costs and months of lost work. Getting a design pro on board before you make the first cut helps you minimize these errors so that you can minimize any costs for change orders and spend more time enjoying the results of a beautiful remodeling project done right the first time (like the ones in this home remodeling portfolio). Using your professional designer’s expertise up front is an investment in wisdom that will last for years to come.
4. Making choices based on limited knowledge of the options
While you may have spent a lot of time watching HGTV or wading through design magazines, the truth is that these media outlets filter the information. There simply isn’t enough time and they have to use advertising dollars to make decisions about what they present. Here at Riverside Construction, however, it’s our business to know about all the options, from materials to design considerations, long before you might hear about them on TV. Also, if you hear about a new material or have a design idea you heard about on one of your favorite shows, you can bounce that idea off of us and we can give you guidance on whether or not that would work in your project, or if there’s a better option for you.
5. Not getting the benefit of a design firm’s advanced tools
A lot of people still think about seeing remodeling plans in a flat, two-dimensional perspective. But Riverside Construction has gone way beyond that. We employ 3D design technology to help homeowners “see” their options and what the finished product can look like, even in the very beginnings of the planning stage. Using these proprietary tools, you can benefit from an inspired preview of your finished project as well as head off any potential wrong decisions, saving you thousands of dollars and time in change orders. These advanced tools simply help you understand the ins and outs of each design aspect of your remodeling project—before the dust flies. These tools also help increase measuring accuracy, which helps you use your available space in the most efficient way possible while avoiding common design mistakes that can leave you frustrated and disappointed.
Get All the Benefits of a Professional Designer for Your Remodeling Project
Aside from helping you choose the best materials while getting the best price on all the aspects of your remodeling project, not to mention avoiding grave measuring and under-the-surface errors, there are a lot of great benefits you receive by working with a design expert in the planning stages of your home remodel. We can help you use each space in the most effective, convenient way possible. We can even create space you didn’t know you had or increase your storage capacity and make your living space fully functional. Ultimately, the end benefit is designing a space that you will be happy with for many years to come.
If you’re not quite sure where you want to go with your home remodeling project, you can also sign up for our newsletter to get inspired until you are ready to remodel.
And we are happy to share our knowledge with you! Sign up for our next home remodeling design seminar—it’s free, but space is limited, so make sure to grab your spot now. Or, schedule a consultation to discuss your remodeling design project in person today at (765) 838-1644.
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