Looking for ideas to transform your home? You likely have an area that needs a small upgrade, a major remodel or something in between. You’ll want to maximize the space, as well as your time and investment, while complementing your home and staying true to your personal style. A few key sources can provide inspiration with helpful ideas, personalized services and hands-on examples.
Photo galleries, websites and social media
The first step for a home transformation is to determine what you want to do. “Finding inspiration images is a great way to get ideas for a home remodel,” says Katie Darval, owner of Beyond Kitchens. “We have many clients who share their Pinterest boards, Instagram photos or even other projects we completed.”
An abundance of home design information is available to research, pin and post. “Our online portfolio is an excellent resource to visualize what you want your new project to look like,” explains Jessica Markley, interior designer at Elias Construction. “Save photos and links—and keep a folder of items you like, which you can share. These actions go a long way in creating a newly designed space you will love!”
The pros
Beyond Kitchens and Elias Construction utilize tools such as questionnaires and exploratory meetings to understand the homeowners’ current space as well as areas that no longer reflect their preferences.
“Good, thoughtful design takes time. Make sure you do research to find reliable and licensed contractors, and check out their websites and reviews,” says Markley, who also suggests you ask family and friends for trusted referrals. Prior projects and before-and-after photos can be helpful in understanding the quality and scope of a company’s work. Read on to learn about two incredible home transformations.
Hiring experienced contractors and design services is the best way to ensure project success.
“Interview multiple people to ensure you trust them and they are a good fit for your project,” adds Darval.
Showrooms and home tours
While viewing online images can be extremely helpful, showrooms and home tours allow you to experience the look, feel and quality of a design or product in person — and better imagine it in your own home.
The annual Rochester Area Builders Spring Showcase of Homes takes place April 15-16 and 22-23, from 12-5 p.m. and is the perfect opportunity to get inspired, see what’s coming on the housing market and talk to builders. “The showcase will offer a variety of home designs, styles and finishes,” says John Eischen, executive director of Rochester Area Builders. “You’ll be able to see home design trends and get ideas of different layouts and amenities that may appeal to you.”
Transformation spotlight:
Beyond Kitchens creates a brighter, more open floor plan
When walking into the existing space for this project, it was very dark and closed off. “One of the main goals was to remove the walls surrounding the fireplace to open the kitchen up to the adjacent living room,” says Darval.
The design created by Beyond Kitchens opened up the space and made it feel larger by increasing the size of the window above the sink, maximizing the amount of natural light.
“Even as a large kitchen, it lacked adequate functional storage,” says Darval. “There was one large island and an underutilized corner pantry. A goal was to have two separate work zones for cooking and baking.”
Two new islands provided separate work zones as well as functional storage for each area. The smaller island holds all the cooking essentials, and the larger island doubles as the baking island and seating area. By eliminating the corner pantry, walkways were opened up, and two separate pantries provide more storage.
Transformation spotlight:
Elias Construction fits a remodel with an existing area
“As often the case for interior remodeling, there is a concern about how to make the newly remodeled area of your home fit with the existing areas,” says Markley.
This was achieved in a whole-house remodel by keeping and adding to existing hardwood floors—and keeping the existing maple stained trim and doors. “By blending some common elements with the newly designed space, the entire project becomes more cohesive,” she says.
Custom white-painted cabinets provided the brighter look the homeowners desired. The remodel included updated appliances, a custom copper range hood, quartz countertops and stylish lighting that added the finishing touch to a wonderful place to cook and relax.
Elias Construction designed expansive new space that encompassed a two-level addition with a four-season porch, screen porch and deck on the main level, in addition to an exercise room on the lower level. “The project resulted in a fantastic, expanded area for the homeowners to enjoy with family and friends!“ says Markley.
