Capitol Design | Award Winning Kitchen & Bathroom Design In Austin, TX

THE CAPITOL DESIGN BLOG

Materials Options for Your Bathroom Renovation

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Determing the Correct Material Options for Your Bathroom Renovation

So, you’re ready to remodel your bathroom? This is a fantastic project that will bring a lot of joy and relief into your life. There’s nothing quite like seeing a poorly-used space turn into something magically functional and aesthetically pleasing.

However, in order to properly prepare for your bathroom renovation, you’ll need to start considering materials early in the process. If you wait to pick out all of your bathroom renovation materials, you may find that you exceed your budget in the end. Be sure to chat in depth with your bathroom designer about not only your budget, but also the specific materials that you want in your new bathroom. A bathroom designer will help you to select materials for your bathroom renovation project that will meet your budget.

Flooring options

Believe it or not, tiles actually come in a variety of styles. If you’re not a bathroom renovation expert, you probably wouldn’t know that tiles come in natural stone, porcelain and ceramic varieties. Ceramic tiles often have more texture to prevent slippage. Natural stone is also a great option if you’re looking for a bathroom floor that won’t get too terribly slippery when wet.

Some people opt out of tiles altogether for their bathroom renovation and instead decide to go with hardwood floors. Be sure to talk with your bathroom designer and your contractor to ensure that your hardwood floors are sealed properly for your bathroom.

Other options for bathroom floors include carpet, or vinyl. However, carpeting can easily mold and vinyl is not the most upscale choice.

Countertop options

Bathroom vanity tops are an essential part of any bathroom renovation project. Your bathroom countertop receives a heavy load of morning rush hour traffic from adults and kids alike. You want to make sure that you have a surface that is easy to clean and won’t stain easily. However, it’s equally important that your countertops are durable and will stand the test of time.

Granite and marble are two excellent choices for a bathroom redesign. These two countertop materials are classy and durable. However, granite will need to be sealed and both of these options are much pricier than going with a laminate option.

Laminate is by far the most economical option for bathroom countertops. Laminate comes in a variety of styles and colors and can stand up to water and spills.

Bathroom fixtures

Toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers are definitely the major components of any bathroom. You can easily spend thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on the most luxurious fixtures available. Again, if you’re not a bathroom designer, you probably don’t realize the immense number of options you have in terms of bathroom fixtures.

Shower fixtures can include body sprayers, rain shower heads, dual fixtures, combo mounts, or your typical shower head. And within these categories you can choose from economy models to the absolute pinnacle of luxury in shower fixtures.

Sinks and faucets are another type of bathroom fixture that you’ll need to consider. Think about how many people use the bathroom at once, and you may find that you need multiple sinks for early rush hour bathroom traffic.

Of course, who could forget the toilet. Many bathroom designers prefer to hide the toilet in a separate room, but no matter where you put it, you’ll need to decide what type of toilet is right for you. Toilets also come in a full range of sizes and colors. There are also options for those with disabilities, which would include handrails, or different sizes. No matter your budget, there is definitely a toilet for you.

Choosing the Right Bathroom Designer

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How to choose the right bathroom designer

Do I need a bathroom designer?

If you’re thinking about redesigning your bathroom, you’ve probably already started searching for your options online. As you’ve probably already seen, there are many options for bathroom design ranging from materials, to appliances, to fixtures and more. If you’re working full time, chances are that you won’t have the time needed to dedicate to planning everything for your bathroom redesign on your own. Finding a bathroom designer isn’t as complicated, or as pricey as it may seem. Bathroom designers are experts in remodeling and redesigning bathrooms. Better yet, finding a local bathroom designer is a great way to get expert knowledge on local prices, materials and contractors, that you just wouldn’t be able to source yourself.

What is a bathroom designer?

A bathroom designer is a professional with many years of experience in bathroom remodeling, renovation and design projects. Bathroom designers don’t only know about the design elements of a bathroom redesign project, but they can also advise you on materials and contractors to meet your budget.

Where can I find a bathroom designer?

It can be tricky to find a designer who specializes in bathroom renovation, as many home designers are generalists. Finding a real bathroom design professional can be quite a task. If you’re in the Austin area, check out Joe Currie from Capitol Design. Joe has been designing bathrooms since 1981. Joe is super friendly and knowledgable and will be able to help you redesign your bathroom in a way that reflects your unique taste and style.

Discussing your budget with your bathroom designer

Once you’ve found a bathroom designer, it’s important to be upfront and honest with him/her. For example, your new bathroom designer will want to understand your budget. Don’t be worried if you think your budget is too low. Bathroom designers are experts in meeting clients’ needs and will be able to work with you to find appropriately priced materials based on your specific budget. So, when your bathroom designer asks about your budget, be upfront and honest. Let them know your absolute maximum budget so that they can plan your bathroom redesign effectively.

Explaining your specific style to your bathroom designer

Everyone has different preferences and tastes. It’s a designer’s job to make a plan that will suit their client’s particular style and taste. Therefore, discuss your style preferences with your bathroom designer. Create a Pinterest board of your favorite images to show your designer. You can also clip your favorite magazine clippings and share these with your bathroom designer. Try to explain as clearly as possible your style preferences, as well as the styles that do not resonate with you. By having open and clear communication, you’ll be able to support your bathroom designer as he/she creates the perfect bathroom redesign for you.

Discussing materials with your bathroom designer

Now that you’ve had the discussion about your stylistic preferences and your budget with your bathroom designer, it’s time to move on to materials. Bathrooms may seem rather simple, but do require a lot of planning. Bathrooms include the obvious components such as toilets, bathtubs, showers and sinks, but they also include fixtures like shower heads and faucets. Ceilings, walls, tiles, and flooring should also be considered. And finally, a proper designer will be able to help you plan your wiring for lighting and plumbing, as well. As you can see, there really is a lot of planning that goes into bathroom design. This is one reason why having an excellent bathroom designer is so crucial to achieving the perfect bathroom on your budget.

Find a bathroom designer in Austin

Are you looking for a professional Austin bathroom designer? Joe Currie from Capitol Design has been working with home renovations since 1981. Joe has designed projects for media celebrities, Fortune 500 CEOs, and even a well-known St. Louis chef. Contact Joe here.

Remodeling Your Master Bath… Is It Time?

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Is It Time to Remodel Your Master Bath?

Your master bath is your sanctuary. This is a place that is usually off-limits to most guests and reserved only for family members and close friends. It may only be used by you and your significant other. When you’re remodeling your home, your master bath may be at the end of your remodeling list. You may choose to remodel other areas of your home that experience more visitor traffic like your living room or kitchen. However, prioritizing your master bath remodeling is a way to say that you’re worth it. Your relationship is worth it.

5 signs that it’s time to remodel your master bath

  • You don’t have enough counter space

Remodeling your master bath is a task that you know is due when you find that you are really aching for extra counter space. Everyone knows how annoying and frustrating it can be to constantly have things falling off of the bathroom counter due to a lack of space. Even worse is when you find yourself fighting with your significant other, or family members for the counter space. This issue is exacerbated if your master bathroom is also lacking enough cabinet space. Soon you’ll end up buying additional storage racks and your master bathroom will end up looking cluttered. A master bath remodel can help solve these problems by increasing counter space.

  • Your master bath’s style is outdated

For many people a master bath remodeling is the very last room to be remodeled. Why? Areas with heavier traffic from visitors like the kitchen, dining room and living room often get the remodel first. It makes sense to make your home up to date for guests, but what about for your own comfort? If the rest of your home is fresh and current and your master bath is cramped and out of style, then it’s definitely time for a master bath remodeling.

  • You and your significant other fight over the space

A master bath should be a place where both you and your significant other can get ready or relax at the same time. If you and your significant other are fighting over the master bathroom, then it is definitely time for a master bath remodeling. With a master bath remodeling, a bathroom designer will be able to create more than enough space for the both of you to enjoy the master bath simultaneously.

  • Your shower isn’t a functional space

Most showers are cramped spaces full of bath and body products sitting on a small shelf or rack. However, with the proper planning and design, a shower can be an incredibly functional space. With a master bath remodeling, you can turn your small shower into a haven with easy-to-clean tiles, a rain shower head and plenty of built-in storage space. With a new master bathroom remodel, you can enjoy a beautiful and functional shower that is big enough for you and your significant other to share.

  • Your bath isn’t a relaxing space

Many people have bathtubs in their master baths that are severely underutilized. Perhaps they originally built the bath into the bathroom thinking that it would be a relaxing addition, but later chose a small option to save money. Many baths aren’t even used once per week and that’s really not an efficient use of space or money. With a master bath remodeling you can get a new bathtub that is the right size for you and your significant other to fit into comfortably. You can also explore options including jacuzzi jets, or tiles to house the bathtub.

As with any home remodel, the possibilities are endless. Get started today and make your master bath a sanctuary. Prioritize your master bathroom remodel and say,”You’re worth it!”

Top 5 Considerations When Remodeling Your Kitchen

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When Remodeling Your Kitchen Keep These Considerations in Mind

Kitchen remodeling is a big project that yields equally big results. If you’re thinking about a kitchen remodeling project for your home, there are a number of things to consider from the color scheme to the materials you want to use. No matter what, be sure that you think through your kitchen remodeling project thoroughly. It might be a good idea to hire a kitchen designer who can help you to plan your remodeling project appropriately. To ensure that you think through the main points, we’ve put together our top 5 considerations when remodeling your kitchen. Check it out below to get some ideas for your own kitchen remodeling project.

Layout

If you’re doing a complete kitchen remodeling project, you may find yourself completely changing the original look and feel of your kitchen into something totally new. There are a number of considerations when thinking about your kitchen redesign layout. First of all, consider high traffic areas in your current kitchen. How can you channel traffic in a more efficient way? You will also want to consider seating. Are there any sources of natural light? Perhaps your dining table should be near the windows.

Color scheme

A color scheme is incredibly important for kitchen remodeling. A color scheme permeates everything that you will do in your redesign from wall paint to furniture. First, consider what type of an atmosphere you’re hoping to create with your new kitchen. Are you going for a country or cabin look? Are you hoping to create an ambiance of chic elegance? Do you prefer pastels and flower prints? Understanding your style and final goals for your kitchen remodeling project will help you to choose the right colors for your walls, appliances, furniture, flooring, cabinets, countertops and decor. One idea is to start a Pinterest board with photos of your favorite styles.

Worktops

The most important part of a kitchen remodeling is ensuring proper functionality for your kitchen. After all, a kitchen is used predominantly for cooking. Therefore, worktops are an essential part of a kitchen remodeling project. If you’re working with a larger budget, you may want to consider granite. And if you’re on a lower budget, there are tons of affordable options for countertops. One thing that you’ll need to consider is your countertop edges. It’s crucial to think about the traffic flow for your kitchen and plan your countertop edges in a safe way. Additionally, you may want to consider making room for an island. An island is a fantastic way to increase your worktop space and storage, plus, an island looks absolutely stunning.

Storage

Storage is a huge consideration for any kitchen remodeling project. Every family likes to store items in a different manner. Some prefer a storage closet, while others prefer cabinets. There are tons of different ways to store your kitchen items including racks for pots and pans and revolving shelves. It’s a good idea to take an assessment of how you currently store items in your kitchen and what you’d like to improve in your kitchen remodeling project. Discuss these points with your kitchen designer to see how these improvements can be made in the form of cabinet space, closet space, an island, or hidden appliances. And don’t forget about storage space for your waste and recycle bins. These are often forgotten in kitchen remodeling projects.

Flooring

Flooring definitely gets the most traffic in any kitchen. Whether you wear shoes in the house or prefer to go barefoot, traffic will take its toll on your flooring. Be sure to chat with your kitchen designer about flooring options for your kitchen remodeling. Design and your color scheme will play a huge role in deciding upon appropriate flooring. However, functionality and material will also be incredibly important. You want to choose a flooring option that can stand the test of time, while also looking fresh and modern. Additionally, be sure to ask your kitchen designer about the cleaning requirements for different types of flooring.

View Some of Our Recent Kitchen Remodeling Projects:

Traditional Kitchen Remodels

Contemporary Kitchen Remodels

Transitional Kitchen Remodels

 

Choosing the Materials for Your Custom Kitchen

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What Materials Are Right for Your Custom Kitchen

If you’re planning a custom kitchen remodeling project, it’s important to take time to select the right materials for your custom kitchen. Chatting with a kitchen designer is one way to tap into professional know-how about local prices on certain materials, as well as their durability. You want to ensure that the materials that you use for your custom kitchen will look beautiful, while also passing the test of time. We’ve compiled the top ten parts of a kitchen remodeling project that you’ll need to consider for your custom kitchen below.

Flooring

We can all agree that flooring suffers the most wear and tear in any kitchen. Functionality and material are incredibly important for the flooring in your custom kitchen. You want to choose a flooring option that can stand the test of time, while also looking fresh and modern. A kitchen designer can walk you through your options. Ceramic tiles, natural stone and solid wood are just a few of the options for those on a higher budget. Vinyl, concrete, or laminate are more affordable options for those doing a custom kitchen project on a budget.

Countertops

New countertops are one of the most visible upgrades for any custom kitchen project. Countertops can be made from a variety of materials such as soapstone, granite, tile, or even glass. There are really so many options for materials for your custom kitchen countertops, that you’re sure to find something that matches your style and your budget. However, be sure to discuss not only the durability of the material, but also how well the material cleans.

Walls

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a new kitchen, but wallpaper is another option to consider for your kitchen’s walls. However, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box; tile can offer a gorgeous addition to your walls, as well. Additionally, wood beams can be added to your ceiling for a rustic look. Consider all of your options for walls for your custom kitchen project to ensure that you create your dream kitchen.

Crown molding

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your custom kitchen project, using crown molding is a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade the look of your kitchen. Even If you’re on a budget, crown molding is one way to make your custom kitchen project look even more polished. Crown molding can range in price, so be sure to discuss this option with your kitchen designer.

Windows

Natural light is a gorgeous way to illuminate your new custom kitchen. If your kitchen doesn’t already have some windows, you may want to talk with your designer about adding some. Natural light enhances the warmth of a room and creates a feeling of spaciousness.  Plus, windows bring the great outdoors – indoors.

Lighting

In addition to natural light, you’ll need to consider what type of light fixtures you want for your custom kitchen. Whether you want a chandelier, lamps, or modern fixtures in your ceiling, you’ll need to chat through your options with your designer. Lighting placement is something to be considered when designing your custom kitchen, as electrical requirements must be analyzed.

Cabinets

Cabinets can often be one of the most expensive parts of a custom kitchen project. Materials like wood, as well as labor costs, can easily price into the tens of thousands. This is a good reason to consult with a professional regarding your custom kitchen projects.  Your kitchen designer should be able to mesh your budget with your specific needs while helping you design a kitchen which will represent your own personal style.

Appliances

Appliances are a necessary component of any kitchen remodeling project, and there are a multitude of options. Hideaway refrigerators are very popular with custom cabinetry to conceal your appliances. Additionally, stainless steel appliances are another great way to take your custom kitchen to the next level.

Furniture

Be sure to consider your furniture and your furniture placement long before you start work on your remodeling project. It’s important to consider capacity, traffic, placement and the size of your furniture to ensure that it fits well into your kitchen. Additionally, you’ll want to select furniture that matches the style of your new custom kitchen.

Decor

Kitchens are predominantly functional, but don’t forget that  nice decor can’t make a huge difference. Chat with your kitchen designer about functional decor that will make your custom kitchen look even more special.