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

THE CAPITOL DESIGN BLOG

Kitchen Cabinet Options

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Kitchen Cabinet Options

The first thing you’ll need to decide on when selecting your kitchen cabinets for your kitchen redesign will be whether or not you want custom designed cabinets. Custom designed kitchen cabinets are expensive, but will offer you complete flexibility. A carpenter will be able to custom design these cabinets just to your specifications. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider pre-made kitchen cabinet options. These kitchen cabinet options won’t offer you nearly as much flexibility, but they will save you a trip to the bank. In-stock cabinets come in a variety of colors and styles, so you will be able to customize the look a bit.

If you don’t want the expense of custom cabinet options and the idea of pre-made cabinets doesn’t thrill you either, there is an option in between. Semi-stock cabinets will allow you more customization options. You’ll be able to mix and match various options, but these semi-stock kitchen cabinet options will take longer to order than either the in-stock or custom made kitchen cabinet options. Discuss with your kitchen designer and carpenter what options will fit your budget and be sure to think about your kitchen layout when deciding on kitchen cabinet options.

Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles

Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets

Shaker style kitchen cabinet options are named after their distinctively simple style. Shaker kitchen cabinets are made from four pieces of wood that form a frame and a piece of wood in the middle, which is known as the center door panel. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you can save quite a bit by merely replacing this center door panel. Additionally, using a natural wood finish for your Shaker style kitchen cabinets can also save you quite a bit over painted options.

Flat Panel Style Kitchen Cabinets

If you’re going for a more modern kitchen, you may want to consider flat panel style kitchen cabinets. These minimalist kitchen cabinets will give your kitchen just the flair of modernity that it needs, while also serving as a great means of storage. Flat panel kitchen cabinets come in a variety of materials including laminate and wood options. You can find a material that fits your budget by discussing flat panel styles with your kitchen designer.

Inset Style Kitchen Cabinets

Inset kitchen cabinets are rather pricey, but they’re incredibly well-made and will last for decades. The inset door is set inside of the cabinet frame, which differs from other types of cabinets like the Shaker style. Oftentimes, inset kitchen cabinets use very accurate measurements to account for the expansion and contraction of the wood over the years. With this kitchen cabinet style, you’re guaranteed a look that will last the test of time.

Kitchen Cabinet Doors and Drawers

In addition to the style of your kitchen cabinets, you can also customize the types of drawers you’ll use in your kitchen redesign. Corner kitchen cabinet drawers allow you to maximize space in a functional way.

Sliding track doors are another type of special drawer design that you can utilize to free up space. If you’re tired of swinging open your cabinet doors and drawers, putting them on a rolling rack may help you to access your pantry items with more ease.

Glass front doors will allow you to display your fine china, or food items for easy access. Some people choose glass front doors in conjunction with Shaker doors so that the center panel is made of glass, rather than wood.

Pocket doors are a great way to use a space not only as a shelf, but also as storage. When the doors are closed, they look like a normal cabinet door. However, when you close them, they slide into a small pocket that is built into the side of each of the doors. Now, you no longer have a cabinet, but a space you can easily use for dinner parties to display china, or more.

Kitchen Layout Options

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Kitchen Layout Options

Determining the best kitchen layout for your kitchen redesign or remodeling project, is often the most difficult and most important part of the planning process. There are a number of different kitchen layout options including with peninsulas, without peninsulas, with an island, and without an island. Additionally, different kitchen layout options will work better for large or small spaces and with families with a lot of traffic or less kitchen traffic. Find out what’s best for your kitchen layout below.

Gallery Kitchen Layout

The gallery kitchen layout is a really efficient way to use your space to maximize the space for your kitchen redesign. A gallery kitchen also encloses the cooking area so that smells and messes are contained, rather than open to the dining room. This is a great option not only for smaller spaces, but also for homeowners who don’t want to use a kitchen layout that opens out into the dining room.

With a gallery kitchen layout, you’ll also have two parallel surfaces from which to work. This gives you a lot of flexibility in your kitchen design, as you can place stoves, ovens, microwaves, and storage in a variety of places on either side.

Tip: If you have a large family, or often entertain large groups, the gallery may not be for you. Why? Because both ends of the gallery are open, this kitchen layout means that you have to deal with heavy traffic in and out of the kitchen while you’re cooking.

L-Shaped Kitchen Layout

The L-shaped kitchen layout is a very popular style that allows a nice open area for cooking and helps you to maximize your corner space. Oftentimes the L-shaped kitchen design is paired with an island, which makes a great place for kids to hang out and do their homework after school while Mom or Dad cooks dinner.

In order to incorporate an L-shaped kitchen layout design into your kitchen remodeling project, you’ll need a bit more space than with the gallery or a U-shaped kitchen layout. And with the L-shaped kitchen layout you will have plenty of countertop space. This is perfect for group cooking, or cooking a large feast.

You can fit a ton of cabinet space into the L-shaped kitchen layout and with an L-shaped kitchen layout, you’ll eliminate kitchen traffic. Since the L-shaped kitchen layout is enclosed, you won’t constantly have to deal with family members walking through while you’re coming.

Tip: Hang a rack above your island for hanging pots and pans. This will help to maximize your space and it will add a classy touch to your overall kitchen layout look.

U-Shaped Kitchen Layout

A U-shaped kitchen layout will give you a lot of room and flexibility for cooking efficiently. For example, you can easily pivot and turn from the stove to another surface. This comes in handy when you’re preparing meals for a large number of guests, or if you prefer to spread out when you’re cooking.

Many people prefer the U-shaped kitchen layout when they’re short on seating space, as the peninsula can easily double as a bar for visitors. This also offers a cozy view so that your guests can sit at the peninsula bar while you’re cooking.

Tip: Placing the fridge inside the U can actually consume a lot of your precious space. Therefore, try placing the fridge

G-Shaped Kitchen Layout

A G-shaped kitchen layout is very similar to the U-shaped, but it includes a peninsula. This is great for spaces that may not be big enough for a U-shaped kitchen layout with an island. If you don’t have room for the island, consider this layout instead.

Tip: Make sure that your peninsula isn’t too long, or you won’t have much room to get in and out of the kitchen. Keep the peninsula short to be flexible with traffic.

5 Important Considerations When Bathroom Remodeling

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The 5 Most Top Important Considerations When Bathroom Remodeling

A bathroom remodeling project is a fantastic way to refresh or totally re-do your existing bathroom. However, bathroom remodeling projects can take a lot of time and effort. It’s important to first consider not only your budget, but also what you want to achieve with your bathroom remodeling project before diving right in.

Budget

Setting a budget and sticking to a budget are some of the most difficult components of a bathroom remodeling. Consider hiring a bathroom designer who can help you to assess material and construction costs upfront. Many people find it helpful to pinpoint their main must-haves for their bathroom remodeling. Then, other components of the project could potentially be scrapped if the main must-haves start to go over budget. Determining a list of priorities can also be helpful for your construction and design team to better understand your needs.

Layout

Are you planning to change the layout of your bathroom for your redesign project? If so, there are some unseen issues that you’ll need to consider such as plumbing. Changing the location of a sink, bathtub, shower, or toilet can require your pipes to be completed replaced and relocated. This can easily increase the budget of your project. Therefore, it’s very important to consider the layout for your bathroom remodeling project before you actually begin construction. Again, a bathroom designer can help you to brainstorm different ideas at different price tiers with some designs including layout changes and others simply refreshing your current layout.

Privacy

If you’re a member of a large family, you may want to consider privacy options for your bathroom such as a hidden toilet. By enclosing the toilet in it’s own small room, multiple people can use the bathroom at once. This especially comes in handy during morning rush hour when many people are all scrambling to use the bathroom at the same time. This can also include the shower and bathtub. Including room dividers, partial walls or separators can also help to section off different portions of the bathroom so that even more people can use the space comfortably at once. Be sure to discuss these options with your bathroom remodeling designer to see what might work best for your specific bathroom.

Warmth

Warmth might not be a consideration that you would normally think of when planning your bathroom remodeling. However, it is definitely a huge factor when thinking of the comfort of your bathroom experience. We all know the feeling of stepping out of a warm shower on a wintery day to find the cold air and cold tiles rather uncomfortable. Believe it or not, there are lots of different heating options for a bathroom remodeling ranging from heat lamps to heated floors to wall heaters. Think a bit about the climate of your area, as well as your own preferences for temperature throughout the year. This will help you to decide which heating options will work the best for your bathroom remodeling project.

Return on investment

Perhaps you’re planning to stay in your home forever, or maybe you think you may end up selling your home somewhere down the line. Either way, it is important to consider the return on investment for your bathroom remodeling project. A gorgeous, up-to-date and functional bathroom can provide a dramatic property value increase for a home. If your bathroom remodeling project includes a jacuzzi, large rain shower, hidden toilet, and floor heating, then you’re definitely increasing the value of your home. However, don’t go for all the bells and whistles if you don’t personally need them. Try to find a nice balance between your own needs and additions that will increase your home’s value. Again, a bathroom designer can offer some fantastic insight into the local market and can help you to decide what features make the most sense for your bathroom remodeling.

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.