THE CAPITOL DESIGN BLOG

Redesigning, Modernizing and Remodeling Your Bathroom

February 6, 2018 by Capitol Design

It’s 2018… Time to Redesign, Modernize and Remodel Your Bathroom

Time for a bathroom remodel? Trying to figure out where to start your bathroom renovation project can be a challenge. But there are key things that every home owner should consider first before making any major bathroom remodel decisions. Here are some tips to help guide your bathroom redesign project so that it goes off without a hitch and includes everything you need to come up with a solid bathroom renovation plan.

Tip #1: Start with the Budget

While it’s nice to dream big, you don’t want jump back and forth between your ideas and what you can reasonably afford. That’s why it’s smart to start your bathroom remodel with a realistic budget. This will allow you to know the boundaries of what you can achieve with your bathroom renovation. Once you set a strict budget, making key bathroom remodel decisions like what to change and what to add becomes far easier.

Tip #2: Think of Affordable Bathroom Remodel Ideas

If you find that you have a wide variety of bathroom redesign ideas, it’s best to think about the most affordable ways to achieve your goals. For example, if you want to add a new bathroom window for a more vibrant atmosphere but think it would be too costly, maybe adding new lighting would be the better bathroom remodel choice. By making more affordable choices around various aspects of your bathroom remodel project, you can spend the money on the more expensive and essential things like tiling and getting a new bathroom sink.

Tip #3: Use a Combination of Both Professional and DIY Solutions

Major bathroom remodels almost always call for a good contractor. But you can save a lot of money by simply deciding to do some of the work yourself. For example, changing the fixtures yourself, taking care of the demolition, or setting tiles can be easy bathroom renovation projects you may be able to take on. At the same time, don’t overestimate your bathroom remodel abilities and make sure you get advice from professionals before you do something major like a demolition. Your bathroom remodel can take a turn for the worse if you knock out a plumbing pipe by accident.

Tip #4: Collect as Many Ideas as Possible

If you have ideas that are set in stone for your bathroom renovation, take a step back and consider other bathroom redesign ideas first. Check out home design and remodeling magazines, websites and videos. You may find a better angle for your idea or be land on a new bathroom remodel idea that’s even better. Make a list of what you like about various ideas and see how you can incorporate the bathroom remodel into your budget.

Tip #5: Strike a Balance Between Aesthetics and Functionality

One of the most challenging aspects of a bathroom remodel is finding a good balance between aesthetics and functionality. This is usually difficult when you don’t have a lot of room to work with. In this case, finding the right furniture is usually a great place to start. For example, a bathroom cabinet that goes over the toilet would be a great bathroom redesign idea since it adds a stylish look over the toilet while adding function. Another idea is a basket wall mount to your bathroom walls. They add a natural look while giving you the space to hold your towels.

These five tips will help you start your bathroom remodel project off in the right direction. Remember that a small budget or small bathroom doesn’t have to limit your bathroom redesign. If you spend the time collecting bathroom remodel ideas and being creative, you’ll be able to come up with a plan in no time.

New Year… Time for a Kitchen Remodel or Renovation?

February 6, 2018 by Capitol Design

It’s a New Year… Time for a Kitchen Remodel or Renovation?

Looking for a fresh start to the New Year? If you’re reflecting on the past and trying to figure out how to make this one better, start with your home. As you know, most people spend the most time in their kitchen. That’s why a kitchen remodel may be a good place to make a change. But you’ll want some kitchen remodel ideas to help you start your kitchen renovation project in the right direction. Here are some solid kitchen remodel considerations.

1. Create More Space

One of the best things you can do is to create more space. This is a common kitchen remodel go to because many homeowners work in small kitchens. Some great ideas to create more room is to install pull out cabinets, add wall shelving and add fixtures to hang things like pans and other equipment. If you do have more room, a good kitchen remodel addition is an island. You’ll create more space for dining and cooking. Kitchen islands are also a great kitchen remodel addition because many of them come with hidden compartments to help create more storage space.

2. Create a Different Feel with Lighting

Another great and affordable kitchen remodel idea is to change or add more lighting. Many kitchen tend to feel dull because of lighting that hsn’t been changed for a very long time. Considering a kitchen remodel where you add more fixtures, add brighter lights, or even add colors to accentuate the lighting. You may also want to think about purchasing green lighting options to help save on your energy bill and be more friendly to the environment.

3. Add Some Style

The easiest kitchen remodel project to go about is changing up the style. Consider going with a theme like a country kitchen, cottage charm, Mediterranean, or even contemporary. This kitchen renovation idea can have the most impact on the look of our kitchen while being the least costly. Adding colorful tiling, a new coat of paint, different style furniture are all different ways to launch your new kitchen remodel style.

4. Change Your Cabinets

If you have a bigger budget and your kitchen is a little worn, changing cabinets is a good kitchen remodel idea. Custom cabinets should be considered because you’ll also be able to add some space saving installations. Remember that changing cabinets are a big kitchen renovation commitment. You are going to be looking at these cabinets for a long time. So make sure that you put a lot of thought into this kitchen remodel. You want cabinets that can go with many styles if you plan on changing up your kitchen in the future.

5. Function is Just as Important

While many kitchen remodel projects start out with a focus on function, it can often get sidetracked in lieu to aesthetics. Think about you how actually operate in the kitchen and come up with ideas that can enhance your experience working and entertaining in the kitchen area. You want your kitchen remodel to provide you enough space for comfort while also making sure it’s easy to access everything. Don’t make the mistake of limiting space like adding your island to close to the counter top.

Those are just some of the things you should consider for a kitchen remodel or kitchen renovation. Hopefully, these kitchen renovation considerations have helped inspire new ideas for the New Year.

Considerations Before You Begin a Bathroom Remodel and Renovation

December 1, 2017 by Capitol Design

The Top Considerations Before You Begin a Bathroom Remodel and Renovation

Are you planning on starting a bathroom remodel? Before you set off on your plans, there are many things to consider for your bathroom remodel. The right bathroom remodel considerations can save you a lot of money, add a lot of functionality and make your bathroom more comfortable. Here is a quick overview of bathroom remodel ideas you haven’t thought of.

1. Improved Lighting Options

Adding extra or carefully placed light fixtures can really illuminate your bathroom. Many homeowners make the mistake of sticking with the same lighting setups when going through a bathroom remodel. A good idea is to start with a dimmer so that you can control the mood of your bathroom space. Then you want to move on to the vanity or sink for better vision. Finally, you’ll want to look at the areas that are not getting adequate light if your bathroom renovation calls for a bright environment.

2. Extra Cabinets and Shelves

Every homeowner should think about installing extra cabinets for their bathroom remodel project. Adding cabinets underneath your sink is always a good option. Look for spaces that are not being used in your bathroom renovation. They’ll usually make for a great place to add medicine cabinets. If you have very little room, wall shelving can be perfect for your bathroom remodel. They won’t consume much space and will serve as the perfect place to put your towels and toiletry.

3. A New Window Installation

If you’re looking to add natural light and your bathroom is located near an outer wall, windows are perfect for your bathroom remodel and renovation project. This bathroom remodel and renovation project will require a good contractor to ensure water doesn’t collect in the window sill and that the windows are properly insulated. This bathroom remodel addition is usually accompanied by a privacy screen with multiple panels that can be controlled.

4. Flooring Options

Flooring is a big part of many bathroom renovation projects. You may want to start by looking at the shower floors and consider installing flooring with better traction. You can then move on to the regular flooring if you feel that it needs a makeover. Another popular bathroom remodel addition are heated floors. They are popular in areas with colder falls and winters. They are also more affordable than you think based on bathroom remodel flooring option you go with,.

5. Plumbing

Plumbing is a big part of bathroom remodel. It dictates where you can put what and often limits project scopes. Installing or rerouting plumbing for bathroom remodel and renovation projects can be very expensive and isn’t viable for many homeowners. One cheap bathroom remodel upgrade you can make is switching to larger drain pipes. It will prevent clogging and make life easier for you in the future.

Those are just a few of the many things to consider for your upcoming bathroom renovation. Sometimes affordable bathroom remodel upgrades like installing cabinetry and shelving can really transform the look and functionality upgrades. Other times, you’ll want to spend a little more on your bathroom renovation and get a new sink or set of flooring. If you have a decent budget, it’s best to mix in both affordable and costly upgrades to balance out your bathroom remodel and renovation. Compromises will usually need to be made, so you have to figure out what’s most important for your bathroom renovation.

New Trends in Kitchen Remodeling and Renovating

December 1, 2017 by Capitol Design

Reviewing New Trends in Kitchen Remodeling and Renovating

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next kitchen project, it will help to look at the latest kitchen remodeling trends. The latest kitchen renovating trends are focused on a more elegant and minimalist look compared to older kitchen styles. But it’s not just about the visual presentation. A lot of kitchen remodeling and renovating trends are based on the latest technology for appliances.

A great way to explore the latest kitchen remodeling trends is to start with design. More kitchen remodeling trends are starting to favor pull out cabinetry. Pull out cabinetry has become one of the most popular kitchen remodeling trends for a reason. They provide you the necessary storage for small kitchens. They are also cost effective compared to traditional cabinets.

One of the upcoming kitchen renovating trends you should watch out for is ceramic flooring. Hardwood is often the go to floor option. But kitchen remodeling trends are changing due to more styles of ceramic flooring becoming available. Like other cost saving kitchen remodeling trends, more homeowners are opting to go with this option because it is far cheaper than the usual choices. Ceramic is around half the price of hardwood flooring.

Kitchen remodeling trends are not changing much when it comes to counter tops. In the past, granite was a common choice for kitchen remodeling and renovating projects. But quartz has become more popular and is due to continue becoming the optimal choice when it comes to kitchen remodeling trends. This is because quartz is non porous and more durable than granite.

Appliances are a big part of the popular kitchen renovating trends. More homeowners are opting to set up islands that come with extra appliances like ovens, dishwashers, sinks, and more. The idea behind these kitchen remodeling trends is to get more value out of the kitchen island space. This is ideal for limited kitchen space but is also one of those kitchen remodeling trends that are suited for homeowners with a bigger budget to work with.

Functionality and convenience is also among the kitchen remodeling trends for appliances. Homeowners are opting to with double door ovens, induction cooktops and refrigerators that have storage zones with custom temperatures. These kitchen remodeling trends are aimed at saving time and making the kitchen easier to work in. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the technology involved in kitchen renovating trends.

Kitchen remodeling and renovating has become exciting with appliances that can be synced and even controlled from your devices (smartphone, desktop or tablet). This allows users to perfectly time their meals, ensure faucets/ovens are turned off when you’re out of the kitchen and even prepare your appliances so that they’re ready for use when you come home. Technology is really pushing kitchen renovating trends to the next level.

Hopefully these kitchen remodeling trends and ideas have gotten you excited about your next project. Just remember that kitchen remodeling and renovating doesn’t always revolve around your budget. There are plenty of cost effective and money saving design options you can opt for.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next kitchen project, it will help to look at the latest kitchen remodeling trends. The latest kitchen renovating trends are focused on a more elegant and minimalist look compared to older kitchen styles. But it’s not just about the visual presentation. A lot of kitchen remodeling and renovating trends are based on the latest technology for appliances.

A great way to explore the latest kitchen remodeling trends is to start with design. More kitchen remodeling trends are starting to favor pull out cabinetry. Pull out cabinetry has become one of the most popular kitchen remodeling trends for a reason. They provide you the necessary storage for small kitchens. They are also cost effective compared to traditional cabinets.

One of the upcoming kitchen renovating trends you should watch out for is ceramic flooring. Hardwood is often the go to floor option. But kitchen remodeling trends are changing due to more styles of ceramic flooring becoming available. Like other cost saving kitchen remodeling trends, more homeowners are opting to go with this option because it is far cheaper than the usual choices. Ceramic is around half the price of hardwood flooring.

Kitchen remodeling trends are not changing much when it comes to countertops. In the past, granite was a common choice for kitchen remodeling and renovating projects. But quartz has become more popular and is due to continue becoming the optimal choice when it comes to kitchen remodeling trends. This is because quartz is non porous and more durable than granite.

Appliances are a big part of the popular kitchen renovating trends. More homeowners are opting to set up islands that come with extra appliances like ovens, dishwashers, sinks, and more. The idea behind these kitchen remodeling trends is to get more value out of the kitchen island space. This is ideal for limited kitchen space but is also one of those kitchen remodeling trends that are suited for homeowners with a bigger budget to work with.

Functionality and convenience is also among the kitchen remodeling trends for appliances. Homeowners are opting to with double door ovens, induction cooktops and refrigerators that have storage zones with custom temperatures. These kitchen remodeling trends are aimed at saving time and making the kitchen easier to work in. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the technology involved in kitchen renovating trends.

Redesigning, Modernizing and Remodeling Your Kitchen

September 6, 2017 by Capitol Design

How to Redesign, Modernize and Remodel Your Kitchen

Looking to create a new look for your kitchen? You have the choice of either going through with a redesign kitchen or a complete remodel kitchen project. If you have a decent budget to work with you’ll have a fairly good amount of options for a redesign kitchen project. If you have a small budget, you can easily modernize your kitchen’s look which a few cost efficient adjustments. Whichever category you fall under, here are some solid tips that you can use.

Some Great Redesign Kitchen Ideas

1. Change Cabinet Knobs, Handles and Finish

A good redesign kitchen idea to start with is the cabinetry. It makes sense to redesign kitchen cabinets when they make up most of the visual space in your kitchen. Instead of spending too much money on new cabinets, you can easily redesign kitchen cabinets by replacing the knobs and handles. Then, you can give them a new coat of paint. To redesign kitchen cabinets in this manner, all you need is a budget of $200 to $300.

2. Consider a Metal Laminate Backsplash

You can also redesign kitchen countertops with a metal laminate backsplash. This is the perfect solution to replacing a dated or worn countertop without spending a small fortune. It doesn’t take much to redesign kitchen countertops with the metal laminates. You can do it yourself by taking the measurements, buying the material and attaching it with strong adhesives.

3. Add New Lighting

The average kitchen with one large fluorescent light can make a kitchen feel lifeless. A good way to redesign kitchen space is to add multiple light fixtures across the kitchen for a more illuminated feel. A drab environment can really hurt the look of your kitchen.

How to Modernize Your Kitchen

1. Try Open Shelving

An easy way to modernize kitchen cabinetry is to use open shelving. Cabinet doors can make your kitchen look dated and closed off. By removing them altogether, you can create a more spacious and open kitchen feeling. It also adds a lot of convenience as dishes, utensils and equipment is easier to access.

2. Hidden Pantries and Storage

Having too much things on your countertop can make your entire kitchen feel cluttered. A great way to modernize kitchen countertops is to install pull out pantries and storage compartments for your utensils and kitchenware. This creates a more cleaner and organized look that falls in place with the modern theme very well.

3. Use a Classic Surface

Just because you aren’t going through with a remodel kitchen project, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t replace your surface. While your budget will be small, you can still go the distance with the right design. Going with a sleek wood finish or a soft palette that creates contrast with your cabinetry. You want to go with a classic design rather than a trendy one as that will help your kitchen look modern and timeless for a long time.

Remodel Kitchen Space with These Tips

1. Cabinet Transformation

To remodel kitchen space, you want to start out with the cabinetry. As mentioned before, the cabinets make up most of the visual space. Work with a professional and start the look of your new kitchen with the cabinets. If you want to allocate your budget elsewhere, you can save money by only changing the knobs, handles and finish. This will allow you to more mileage on how to remodel kitchen space in other ways.

2. Build a Kitchen Island

Another luxurious addition is the kitchen island. Adding a kitchen island is one of the best ways to remodel kitchen space. When adding an island, make sure there is enough space between your countertops to make the space breathable. This remodel kitchen space idea will have you thinking about adding new sinks, grills, cabinets and appliances to your island.

3. Keep Your Layout If Possible

To make the most of your remodel kitchen project, keep your existing layout. Taking down walls, moving countertops, changing the electrical wiring and replacing the plumbing can really eat into your budget. You’d be surprised by how drastically you can remodel kitchen space using the same layout.

These tips should help with a small redesign or big remodel kitchen project. You’ll also be able to get some great ideas to modernize your kitchen’s look with a small budget. The biggest takeaway advice here is to make sure that you spend your budget on things that will have the most visual impact like the cabinetry and the countertop.