Design

We always do our best throughout the remodeling process to keep the mess and noise to a minimum, but we aren’t going to tell you that remodels are not messy, noisy work. We will create dust and it will migrate to areas it shouldn’t. We do our best to control it but it seems to go where it wants. Even after our team finishes their deep cleaning, it may be found hiding here and there.

We like to compare the remodeling process to the process of having a baby. From start to finish, there are different “trimesters” if you will before your beautiful home is reborn.

When you choose us and your remodeling plan is finalized, you experience excitement and expectation similar to finding out you have a new baby on the way!

Then comes the morning sickness. This is the mess and noise that come with the reality of all the changes happening in your home. We liken this to the first trimester of pregnancy because many uncomfortable changes happen in this time and we know that no two women experience this process in the same way. This is true for remodeling as well. The experience is unique in each home and for each family.

Once demo is done, the dust begins to settle and rooms start to open up as walls are replaced with beams and you start to see your remodel coming together. This is what we refer to as your “second trimester”. The discomfort of the first trimester fades and a new wave of excitement starts as you experience the signs of life beginning to show!

Then comes the 3rd trimester, You have now reached the final stretch of the process and are probably very excited and anxious for the completion of your home remodel, just as you would be anxious for the birth of your baby. The waiting at this point might become more difficult as you are so close to seeing your dreams become reality. But it’s important to allow the process to come to full term even when you are anxious for us to put on the finishing touches and get out of your home.

Then, it happens as if a baby is being born. The months of waiting for this day is finally here! Your remodel is done and you’re living in it without any interruption. It’s beautiful and it’s all yours! And just like the process of having a baby, the wait and discomfort were completely worth it!

We know that home is a special place. That is why we feel so honored when our homeowners invite us into theirs. Our goal is to always value that trust by providing unparalleled service and integrity.

CLICK TO START YOUR HOME REMODEL

It’s no secret that being outside is good for body and soul. The air is fresh, the sky is clear… who are we kidding, this is the Pacific Northwest, the sky is most likely grey. But it’s invigorating nonetheless and scientists and doctors alike tell us the amazing benefits of spending time in the great outdoors. And the outdoors really is great around here! Nature is also an amazing source of peace and creative inspiration. Unfortunately, the reality is that our fast-paced lives usually keep us indoor more than we would like (and maybe more than is good for us).

Thankfully, it is possible to bring a little bit of the outdoors home, while adding color and classic décor to your house. I think the best way to do this is through houseplants! There are so many benefits to having houseplants. They clean the air, help prevent you from getting sick, are natural air fresheners and humidifiers, and can even improve mental health! This is all beside the point that they are a chic and dare I say, inexpensive, way to decorate your home.

Ok, I know half of you are thinking “but I don’t have a green thumb, I could never keep a plant alive…” I used to think this myself until I was gifted a Peace Lily and realized how easy most plants actually are to keep alive. Now, 11 years later, my house is full of lovely plants (including that same Peace Lily) that bring great health benefits to my family and so much joy to my creative, nature-loving heart!

Just go for it!

Most plants are so forgiving and tell you when they need water (drooping, soft or discolored leaves). And if you buy from your local nursery, they are sure to have some experts who can advise you on what ones like shade, which ones prefer sun and how much water they need. Don’t worry if you forget or have more questions, just search Pinterest (I credit the health of most of my plants to Pinterest).

So now that you are convinced, here is a list of my favorite houseplants. Don’t worry they are all great beginner plants!

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Not only is the Fiddle Leaf lovely, but it can also grow to be quite large which can make a big statement in a room (and provide a bit more heath promoting power).

Rubber Tree

These can be found in both dark green and pastel green shades, which make them fun for decorating!

Snake Plant

This plant is almost indestructible and it’s tall leaves make a bold statement.

Split Leaf Philodendron

Besides the Fig Tree, this might be the most popular plant on Pinterest and for good reason! These are so beautiful and they grow fast and are easy to care for. This is my personal favorite at home!

Peace Lily

These plants are lovely and full. They occasionally produce white flowers and always live up to their name.

The best way to pick out plants is to know ahead of time where you would like to put them in your home. Assess how much light is available there and then visit your local nursery to find your favorites! And above all, have fun! Plants are supposed to make you happy after all!

Ready to make a better home for you (and your plants)? Click here to see how we can help!

It’s not the house that makes a home. It is the people who live in the house that make a home. It’s the little details that make the house unique from any other. Those little details tell the story of the family within. Reflecting the values and passions of those who call it home. We are so honored to be invited to work with homeowners every day to help them turn their house into a home that reflects who they are. A home they can be proud of.

When Paul and his wife Becky reached out to us about remodeling their home we were thrilled with the vision they had to create a space that was classic, homey and one of a kind. They had purchased their home in 2001 and decided that after 17 years, it was time for an update to the home’s interior.

Paul works in the home construction industry and has a passion for quality work. He had heard about Renewal through George’s nephew Greg, a talented architect whom he had worked with on a recent project. He was thrilled to find that George’s passion for quality and service matched his own.

Paul and Becky chose a bright white color pallet but wanted to create a comfortable warm space within that. They did this by pulling in earth-toned and organic elements throughout the house. They decided that wooden beams would bring interest and the warm quality they were looking for.

This sent them on a journey to find the perfect beams. For Paul, this meant an opportunity to find unique and storied pieces that only reclaimed wood can provide. Although He knew that new wood can be processed and weathered to create a reclaimed look, he felt drawn to the opportunity to keep quality wood out of the landfill and to breath new life into some one-of-a-kind beams.

Paul and Becky chose a cool color palette, but pulled warm tones into their home using these beautiful reclaimed beams.

Paul worked with Rhine Reclaimed Wood to find beams that were full of character. The beams he chose were from a warehouse in Seattle that had been torn down. He looked for things that added character like the way the grain had weathered over time, any paint that was left, staples and nails. He also looked for colors in the wood that would bring out other elements in the home. He and Becky wanted to see a story when they looked at these beams and have a built-in conversation starter.

The process is not a simple one, but it is well worth it if you are on the hunt for the unique and reclaimed. Paul spent 3 hours picking beams out of the stacks of reclaimed wood that Rhine provides. Then the beams were power washed and sent to the home. Paul and Becky had originally planned to stain the beams, but once they got them into their home, they fell in love with the color and the raw, organic quality of the wood and decided to leave them unstained to preserve the weathered and storied feel.

From there we stepped in to plan and execute the arrangement and installation of the beams into the home. We are so happy with the way the beams flow through the home to create a consistently homey and welcoming feeling throughout. It was a special project throughout, and we have to say that we wholeheartedly agree with Paul and Becky, the beams bring warmth into the home and provide interest and story all while keeping some beautiful wood out of the landfill.

Ready to update your home? Let’s get started today!

Like the kitchen, the dining room is an essential gathering place for any home. When family and friends join together to share food and make memories, the dining table stands at the center of it all. Make sure your space is as inviting, comfortable, and functional as possible so you can relax and enjoy a great meal. Take a peek at our designs below and get inspired for your own space.

Contemporary Minimalist

Not only is this space light and airy, but also clean and sophisticated. Pairing sleek furniture with a neutral palette gives the space a ‘less is more’ vibe and the subtle addition of green and statement pendant lights makes this the perfect minimalists setting.

Contemporary Minimalist Dining | Renewal Remodels & Additions

Rustic Warmth

Create a dining space that is inviting and full of charm by pairing natural finishes with neutral tones and textures. Exposed beams add a raw, yet elegant structural aesthetic while dark floors and tables add a dash of wooden warmth.

Rustic Warmth Dining | Renewal Remodels & Additions

Mod Visionary

Mod Visionary style is all about keeping to clean lines and mixing in mid-century forms. Once you establish a clean foundation, add tapered legs, geometric prints, and organic shapes. This combo creates a room that feels balanced and modern, but does not sacrifice comfort.

Mod Visionary Dining | Renewal Remodels & Additions

Open Concept Contemporary

Just because you don’t have a lot of space doesn’t mean you can’t have a gorgeous dining area. A round table is the perfect option for a home designed without a designated dining room as it allows for an intimate dining space without disrupting the flow of an open floor plan.

Open Concept Contemporary | Renewal Remodels & Additions

Refined Rustic

A welcoming palette of taupe and grey steers this dining space in a relaxed direction. Refined pieces with vintage touches serve up a warm and timeless look with a touch of rustic elegance. Rectangle tables are the go-to shape as they fit easily in a room and look great!

Refined Rustic Dining Space | Renewal Remodels & Additions

Are you ready to start your dining room design? Schedule an appointment with our team for your free in-home consultation? We would love to help you transform your space into the dining area you’ve always wanted!

2018 was a year filled with marble, ship-lap, Edison bulbs and rose gold, but with a new year comes new styles and decorating trends. Learn a more about the movement of styles this year!

Natural Trends

In 2019, designs are moving towards fresh, natural materials such as stone, copper, brass, and concrete. These elements help bring a serene, earthy ambiance and add a natural vibe to your urban indoor abode.

Natural Elements | Renewal Remodels & Additions

Move over rose gold – it’s brass and copper’s time to shine! Their reddish/orange tones and overall earthy hue offer a warm and subtle alternative to steel and are great accents to use for fixtures, lights, and decor items.

Copper Accents | Renewal Remodels & Additions

Minimalist Trends

Less is more: as the minimalist movement rises, the desire to have spaces appear as clean as possible is gaining momentum. For the kitchen, a great way to achieve an openness vibe to eliminate upper cabinets and have open shelving. If you’re building or remodeling, getting rid of upper cabinets works beautifully by adding a galley-style or true butlers pantry. Not only is it perfect for storage, but you can use it to stage drinks and appetizers as well!

Open Shelving | Renewal Remodels & Additions

Butler’s Pantry | Renewal Remodels & Additions

Matte Finishes

Compared to the dramatic effect that high-shine finishes conjure, matte finishes create a silky, elegant, and relaxed contrast. Bold colors finished with a high-gloss can come across as ‘overly loud’. Instead, use a matte finish, which creates a saturated, velvety finish with rich results

University Place Project | Renewal Remodels & Additions

These trends are full speed ahead! Whether you’re renovating a room or two or your whole house, our talented team is ready to talk with you about your remodeling goals. Give us a call to schedule a free in-home consultation today!

I was invited by Ferguson Plumbing to join several other interior designers in the Seattle and Portland areas to visit the LIXIL headquarters in New Jersey. LIXIL is a Japanese company that pioneers water and housing products and they own American Standards, DXV, and Grohe.

During our visit, we learned the ‘ins-and-outs’ of these brands and what makes their products stand out from their competitors. We started with American Standard by discussing the technology and methods they use for testing their toilets as well as why their products are unique. The brand is truly on the forefront of cleanliness, efficiency, technique, and ingenuity with a focus on sustainability of water use.

Product Highlights

One product highlight for me was a faucet from American Standard. Their MeasureFill Touch faucet has the ability to measure out cups of water with a dial on the side to make cooking and baking easier. This faucet also has touch capability which allows you to turn the faucet on and off with a simple touch of the dial.

American Standard applied their touch capability to a shower head. Their innovative Spectra + Touch 4-Function shower head allows you to customize your shower preferences by simply touching the edge of the shower head to switch between spray patterns. Along with their drench, massage, sensitive, and jet spray options, the shower head also helps save water with a flow rate of 1.8 gpm.

One last plumbing feature that was beyond unique was a bar-prep faucet from Grohe. This faucet has three settings from the tap – filtered water, carbonated water, and a 50/50 mix of filtered and carbonated water! It was so convenient and well designed – every bar sink should have this!

It was such a great opportunity and wonderful experience to be able to join Ferguson Plumbing and gain more in-depth knowledge about these brands and the products they create. The hope is that through furthering the education on these brands, we can speak with more knowledge and understanding as to why these products stand out from others. As a designer, I love learning about new products, features, and little ways to make life easier for my clients. LIXIL is an awesome company and I truly look forward to using and recommending their products to my clients in the future.

So now that you are convinced, here is a list of my favorite houseplants. Don’t worry they are all great beginner plants!