Award Winning Projects!

The META awards, sponsored by our local chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, are given out for projects that showcase a "metamorphosis" of a space through remodeling.  Judges look for aesthetics, functionality and fulfilling clients needs.  We have enjoyed taking part in past competitions, since our company is active in NARI and respects its mission.  Therefore we were very happy to receive FIVE awards (one for each entry we submitted) earlier this month!  Here is a description of each project:

Kitchen Remodel - Platinum Award

Designer - Tali Hardonag

This family is all about the cooking, enjoyment and sharing of food. They needed an update to their cramped kitchen that was bursting at the seams and not well-suited for the regular entertaining they often enjoyed. With the re-adjusting of a few walls as well as a 4 foot addition, the space has been transformed to a cooks paradise. A new island with butcher block counters offers plenty of prep space. Stainless steel counters at the perimeter take a beating but clean up easy. A commercial grade cooking center has a range, indoor BBQ and separate broiler all under a large hood. This makes for a kitchen that can take on any cooking challenge!

Bath Remodel & Addition - GOLD Award

Designer - Patsy Zakian-Greenough

The client had just purchased the home but was not satisfied with the accommodations of the two small baths. The remodel was centered around the hall bath, with the decision to add space to fit a large luxurious tub with handheld shower. This is a great alternative to the master bath which has a shower only. The new addition created a vaulted ceiling with skylights to offer natural lighting to the space. A large vessel sink with modern faucet and light fixtures creates a very streamlined design. The wall hung vanity and toilet further the modern look. Floor to ceiling tile, radiant floors and a towel warming bar add to the "spa-like" feel that creates an atmosphere of relaxation after a long day.

Interior Remodel - GOLD Award

Designer - Toni DeWaal

This space was previously occupied by a playroom off the kitchen/dining area. Since the children were getting older, the space was going unused. The client decided to change the space to something the family could enjoy together. Custom cabinets add functional storage as well as display areas in the form of bookcases. A work station with computer and printer offers a convenient spot for homework that can easily blend into the background when not in use. Cabinet crown and door casing draws attention to the vaulted ceiling, while new flooring brings a maturity that was lacking in the old space.

Bath Remodel - GOLD Award

Designer - Toni DeWaal

This master bathroom was a little cramped and outdated. The clients had been looking forward to treating themselves to a new space, but the budget had to stay reasonable. That meant a focus on fixtures and finishes, with no walls moving or major mechanical re-working. An all new vanity (from Dynasty cabinets) with apron sink and darker finish creates a rich base. The reduced depth at the far end of the vanity is to allow for easy entrance to the new shower enclosure with hinged door. The vanity and pendant light fixtures create a modern look with clean lines. A mosaic tile backsplash adds accent color that ties to the vanity and floor tile. The transformation of the space got rid of the poor function and gloomy look. Now the clients are very satisfied and enjoy being able to appreciate the new space on a daily basis.

Bath Remodel & Addition - Silver Award

Designer - Patsy Zakian-Greenough

This master bathroom (toilet, vanity and bathtub) was squeezed into one small room. The client desired more space for a larger shower and master closet. With a small addition onto the rear of the home, enough space as created to build a "spa-like retreat" of a shower. The 5’ x 7’ shower room is equipped with a large overhead rain shower head, body sprays and corner bench. Windows and skylights bring in natural light and views of the mountain hillside setting. An all new master closet also uses some of the added space to create a walk-in layout with floor to ceiling cabinets, open shelves and two levels of closet rods for storage. The space that once held the existing bathroom is now used for the vanity and toilet only, so the space is much less crowded. A wall hung vanity with vessel sink creates an updated modern look. The homeowner loves to have the luxury of this new space, especially to relax after returning from traveling.

Please visit our website and Houzz profile to see more of these and other past projects. Contact us via email or at 408-287-4886 with questions or to talk about your own project!  

E-Newsletter for November 2013

November 2013

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Forget Cookie Cutter Kitchens: Remodel for What You Love! It's great fun to go online to be inspired by all the beautiful kitchen remodeling projects you can find on Houzz, Pinterest or home décor sites. But at Chris Donatelli Builders, we think remodeling should give you more than what "other people" like. We believe the kitchen you'll love the most will be the one designed around the activities you love the most. Here are some ideas to get you started. Baker's Kitchen Marble countertops are ideal for kneading dough and rolling flaky pastry but they're easily stained by berries, vanilla and lemon juice. A solution is to create a marble work station that's lower in height than the other counters (thus perfect for working with dough) and then use engineered quartz (like Caesarstone) for the rest of the counters. The quartz offers the same cool-to-the-touch baking advantages but it's far easier to maintain than marble.     You may want an island workstation with plenty of "elbow room" for rolling dough. A heavy duty slide-out shelf can lift a stand mixer out of a lower cabinet up to counter level and send it back when you're done with it. No heavy lifting is required and you've saved valuable counter space. Or, you may prefer a baking center where large mixers can stay out on the counter, but hidden by a pull-down tambour door when not in use. For storing flours, sugar and other ingredients, drawers offer easier access than cabinets. Still, it's good to include some deep cabinets for organizing large baking sheets, muffin tins and racks. A double oven lets you bake in large batches and at different temperatures, and new ovens with steam injection are perfect for crisp yet tender breads and pastry crusts. Gourmet Kitchen Gourmet recipes call for chopping, simmering, searing and more! That's why your dream kitchen needs multiple types of lighting, counter heights and work surfaces. Butcher block may not be right for all your countertops, but it makes a perfect inset for a chopping station that's also designed to keep knives handy. You may want to plan the kitchen so several cooks have room to work, but consider keeping the central prep area smaller so you can be most efficient when cooking alone. If you use lots of fresh ingredients, consider a bottom-freezer refrigerator that raises fresh food to eye level. The latest "French door" models solve the problem of side-by-side refrigerators that may be too narrow to accommodate large platters and trays, while keeping the convenience of two narrow doors instead of one large door. An extra pot-filler water faucet at the stove makes filling heavy pasta and stock pots a breeze! And if you like to have blenders and food processors handy on the counter, there are ingenious new ways to make them "disappear" when not in use.   Comfort Kitchen Dreaming of a luxurious but cozy kitchen? You're not alone! Stainless steel continues to be popular for appliances, but new oiled-bronze finishes (like those from Jenn-Air) offer warmer choices for more traditional kitchen décor. To remodel the kitchen for a welcoming, "furnished" feel, leave room for comfortably upholstered armchairs around the table, consider a built-in refrigerator and dishwasher with cabinet-front insets and set the kitchen island off with different finishes than the cabinets. Plus you can use furniture flourishes like table legs or display shelves. To keep your kitchen comfortable – and accessible – for everyone, consider including a variety of lighting options, counter heights and workstations for adults, kids and even friends and family with limited mobility or less-than-perfect eyesight. What's Your Dream Kitchen? An Entertaining Kitchen? A "Green" Kitchen? A Kid-Friendly Kitchen? Even if you're not ready to remodel right away, we'd be happy to share some ideas and new products to keep in mind as you begin to think about how to turn "what you love" into a kitchen you'll love for years to come. Just give us a call and we'll talk about turning your dream kitchen into reality! Maintenance Tip: Check Your Home's Exterior for Potential Problems Autumn's a great time to inspect the outside of your home. The area around your foundation should be graded away from the house. Downspouts should carry runoff at least 3 to 4 feet from the foundation. Also make sure mulch or woodpiles don't come into contact with siding, as this invites termites and carpenter ants into your home. If You Like Our E-newsletter, Pass It On! We would like to thank all our new readers who have signed up for our e-newsletter. If you know someone who you think might like our e-newsletter, please forward them a copy. Unless they then choose to subscribe for themselves, they won't be on our e-newsletter mailing list for future e-mails. (We promise!) Chris Donatelli CR, CKBR, CGBP

New Twists Make it Easier
to Remodel

Despite a slow recovery in the economy, statistics show that home remodeling is on the rise here in the greater Santa Clara County area. It may be that in today's real estate market, it makes more sense to improve than move, especially given the hassle and cost of selling your home and moving all your belongings. Many homeowners tell us they haven't even considered moving – they're just tired of outdated kitchens, bathrooms, and cramped living space. Whatever the reason, remodeling is moving to the front burner, but with a few new twists.

Here's what we're seeing:

 

1. Priority-based remodeling. The "why not?" environment for high-end appliances and other expensive options is gone. The new twist is that clients are focusing less on "making a statement" with their remodeling, and focusing more on features that have a high ROI in terms of real-world functionality, energy efficiency and personal satisfaction. For example, why invest money – and floor space – in a six-burner commercial range if you don't ever cook with six burners? And yes, a whirlpool tub would be great, but will it give you as much satisfaction as spending that same amount of money elsewhere in a remodeling project?

 

2. Addition vs. interior renovation. Some of our clients initially say they want a home addition. As we develop a conversation about the idea, however, we're often able to offer a different solution by showing how they might renovate the interior space to create a new configuration that they desire. By doing the remodel within the home's existing footprint, the client may benefit from a lower budget or easier permit process (each case IS unique though). Another bonus is that renovating existing space can leave room in your yard as well. For example, instead of doing a kitchen addition, it might be possible to get the desired storage and floor plan by opening the existing kitchen and "stealing" a bit of space from adjacent rooms that are less-used than the kitchen.

 

3. Fresh – but classic. Today's up-to-the-minute colors and designs may have that "wow factor" now, but building them into your remodeling can eventually date your home. Homeowners today are more cautious than a few years ago. They don't want to risk tiring of a too-trendy look in their new kitchen, bath, or family room. Plus, if they want to move, they don't want a quirky floor plan or dated look to become an obstacle to resale.

We are all for personal style and fresh spaces, but our design team strives to translate each client's taste into classic, clean looks – whether for traditional or contemporary décor. This way, they can "re-do" the home down the road simply by changing the paint color and updating the accessories, rather than having to start over with cabinets, countertops, flooring and molding.

 

4. Find smart ways to save. A whirlpool tub may seem luxurious, but it's expensive in terms of price and the floor space it uses. That's vital if you're renovating within an existing footprint. Plus, many families find they never take the time to use them. An over-sized shower with a bench and glass walls might not only cost less, but offer greater satisfaction. In the kitchen, we can configure semi-custom cabinets that are more budget friendly, yet give you the look, function and features of "custom" cabinetry . And in the powder room, an elegant pedestal sink typically costs less than buying a sink, base cabinet and counter top. It can also make a smaller powder room feel more spacious.

The good news is that it is indeed a great time to remodel. By taking advantage of "new twists" you can not only make the very most of your budget, but you will also be able to appreciate the daily pleasure your home gives you.

 

If you'd like to start exploring your own remodeling options, let us share our experience and ideas.

Wake Up Your Master Suite

Feeling tired as you head to bed is one thing. Having your master suite feel tired is another! This is your getaway – your sanctuary. If you don't feel pampered, relaxed and refreshed, maybe it's time for an update! Here are a few little touches that can make a big difference in your bedroom, bathroom and closets.

 

Breakfast in bed. Imagine this: built-in bedroom storage plus your own private café! Cabinets that blend in with your décor can conceal a microwave, small refrigerator and even a sleek dishwasher-in-a-drawer. Enjoying a head start to busy days is easy with a single-serve coffeemaker right there as soon as you open your eyes. On lazy mornings, indulge in a luxurious breakfast without even leaving your room. For cozy evening retreats, add a wine cooler/refrigerator and stock up your own personal mini-bar!

Lighten up. Yes, you want closet lighting that lets you tell navy from black, and you sometimes want bright light in the bathroom. But you also want soft, cozy light. That's why cove lighting can be such a wonderful upgrade. We can build this lighting into ledges, recesses or valances so that the fixtures disappear and you can dim or brighten the light to give your room exactly the right glow. Chandeliers and sconces can add extra drama as well. If more natural light is desired, consider floor-to-ceiling windows or even doors that open to a patio or balcony.

            

Free your closet. Why keep beautiful cabinetry and shelving hidden? Consider opening up your closet into the bedroom. Using that open feel, we could create a visually appealing dressing area that almost makes it fun to select what to wear each morning. "His and Hers" fitted closet components keep everything from work clothes to workout wear in place.

 

Let it flow. Don't just open up the closet! One of the newest trends in master suites is to eliminate the doorway between the bedroom and bathroom. This creates an expansive sense of space. If you'd like more privacy, a separate commode room can be added, as well as pocket doors or sliding panels that can be open or closed as desired to separate the bath from the bedroom.

Entertain your options. You want your master suite to fully enhance your leisure time, so you'll want entertainment electronics at your disposal. Flat screen televisions, surround sound and even music docking stations are becoming must-have features in bedroom design. Custom cabinetry can house outlets for charging devices, control multi-media wiring, and even conceal your technology behind doors, when you want to get away from it all.

 

Put your feet up. Think outside the box of a typical bedroom and you can find room for an alcove or corner in your master suite to serve as your "sitting room" or study. A small upholstered chair and ottoman or a comfy chaise lounge with a side table make the perfect spot for your late night or early morning reading with your feet up and a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

 

Relax by firelight. What could be more relaxing than curling up with a favorite book in front of the fireplace? Today, that's easier than ever because we can put a fireplace almost anywhere in your bedroom or bathroom. It doesn't even need to be on an exterior wall. In fact, today's fireplace options include glass enclosed "designer" flames that can be freestanding or inserted into the middle of a wall as a focal point. Remote controls make it so easy to enjoy gorgeous firelight whenever you like and you can shut the flames on and off instantly and safely.

 

These ideas are just the start. If you're thinking of upgrading, call us! We'd love to share many more simple little touches that can wake up your space and make you feel pampered and refreshed every day of the year!

7 Tips for What's Trending in Home Offices

 

"Working from home" is a concept that Americans have gotten used to and even enjoy. Surveys show that more and more people work at home at least a few hours a week, but what you need in a home office depends on whether you run a home-based business, bring work home regularly, telecommute a few days a week or simply need a place to put your laptop to pay household bills. A "trendy" home office is one that works for you while you're working. Here's what we mean...

 

1. Pocket office. The trend toward smaller homes means less space to devote to an office. What's trending now for many families is the "pocket" office, a workspace carved out near the high-traffic areas of the home, often in a closet with the door removed or in an alcove. It's a hub for home management activities: paying bills, coordinating the family's schedules and keeping everyone organized.

2. The writing's on the wall. If you like to "think big" when you brainstorm, you can turn a whole wall into a whiteboard or a chalkboard with special paint, like IdeaPaint Create dry erase coating or Benjamin Moore's Chalkboard Paint. Take a snapshot of your work with your smartphone, then wipe it clean and start over!

 

3. Yipes! Skypes! When you work remotely, chances are you do some video conferencing. Remember that what's behind you is what the other person will be looking at. It doesn't need to be a bare wall, but keep the view as simple and neat as possible. (You might be able to still keep the fuzzy slippers if they stay hidden under the desk!)

 

4. Cut out the bulk. Big desks with giant leather chairs are for big formal offices. A smaller scale writing desk, table, a standing or kneeling desk, or an adjustable-height work surface might be better suited to your work-at-home style. Mesh chairs, like the Herman Miller Aeron, or a desk chair in white or a bright color add a fresh and airy ambiance. Adding built-in cabinets, shelves and bookcases can be a great way to maintain a clean look and provide a place to get papers out of sight when you have a meeting or video conference.

 

5. Enjoy the view. An efficient office doesn't have to mean a bare, sterile office. Surround yourself with things you love to look at, whether it's art prints, photos, sculpture or plants (which also improve the indoor air quality) and you might even increase your productivity.

 

6. Shrinking electronics. Chances are you're not using a big desktop computer. If you're working on an iPad or tablet, extras such as a snap-on keyboard or Bluetooth speakers make work life easier and more comfortable. The more wireless devices you can include, the less you have to worry about containing cord clutter. Just make sure you've allowed for plenty of handy outlets in the room layout for plugging in everything for recharging.

 

7. Working “at” home but not “in” the home. If you don't want a commute, but still need a quiet place to think, away from the comings and goings of family life, consider a detached home office. Similar to a guest house, it's your own private work space just steps from your door. It combines the convenience of a home office with the physical (and psychological) separation between "working" and "relaxing" that is often missing when you work from home.

Whether you want to be in the middle of the action or in a quiet nook with a "Do Not Disturb" sign, we can help you create a home office that suits your style. Just give us a call.

Image of Chalkboard Paint courtesy of Benjamin Moore®

Expanding the Possibilities of Kitchen Remodeling

 

If you’re thinking about a custom kitchen renovation, maybe you should open up your thinking to the possibilities of what more you can do. Consider this:

 

Every home has a "main" kitchen. Large or small, good or bad, there has traditionally been just one. Remodeling contractors, however, are now seeing a trend toward adding secondary kitchens as well.  We're not just talking about the wet bar that you might have seen in a family room or a basement game room. Homeowners are now expanding kitchen amenities - and appliances - throughout the home, sometimes in surprising places.

 

A butler’s pantry. Many times, the need for kitchen remodeling is prompted by a desire to entertain more easily and graciously. That’s why a butler’s pantry can be such a valuable addition to a custom kitchen. With extra kitchen cabinets, counters, sink and perhaps an extra dishwasher or refrigerator, a butler’s pantry provides a perfect area for you (or caterers) to prepare foods for serving. From hors d’oeuvres platters to coffee cups, everything can be set up out of sight and that extra counter space helps with clearing dishes from the main kitchen. It’s often fairly easy to carve out room for a butler’s pantry in your existing space...and even a small one can make a big difference in the feel and functionality of your new custom kitchen.

 

A custom kitchen in the...bedroom? Yes! A small kitchen “bar” in the bedroom is absolutely great for late night snacks and morning coffee. And it doesn’t have to look at all like a kitchen! Cabinets can blend with the look of your bedroom and conceal an efficient – and elegant – mini custom kitchen with a small sink, fridge, counter and shelving.

 

An outdoor kitchen. As a kitchen remodeling contractor, we find that many kitchen renovations involve opening the kitchen up more to adjacent outdoor living spaces. This can mean anything from creating a garden courtyard for growing herbs and vegetables to a patio area with more than just a grill. A complete outdoor kitchen can also include an icemaker, mini-fridge, counter space for food prep and serving, storage cabinets, and a fireplace or fire pit. Remodeling can include adding patio windows and doors that practically "disappear" when they're open, integrating the interior with the outdoors. Whether you’re doing outside grilling or indoor baking, the spaces can flow seamlessly so you enjoy the best of both worlds.

 

Even if updating one kitchen is enough for you, we have ideas that can pack your custom kitchen with new design, storage, functionality and fun!  Items such as larger commercial appliances, additional counter space, multiple sinks & dishwashers and additional seating can all help to make your kitchen space better equipped for either entertaining or family meals.  Take a look at some examples of our work in our photo gallery. Then let's talk!