News, Remodeling
(Draft. Not for Publication) We know know there is a lot to think about when it comes to your residential renovation. One item you might want to add to the “think about list” when doing a room addition is technology. Even though you might think it isn’t an important feature to consider in the beginning stages, it actually is! Since most of us use technology daily, you are probably aware that it is a growing trend in the building and remodeling industry. It is growing at a rapid pace and this includes technology for the home. The advent of the smartphone and wireless technology has also bolstered the home tech industry. Home automation, particularly at an entry level, is becoming much more affordable. With the rapid adoption of smartphones and tablets, a majority of consumers now own a control interface that just a few years ago cost tens of thousands of dollars. You are now able to operate many systems of your home from your smartphone. Research shows that the home automation industry, which ranges from basic home theaters and speaker systems to whole-house connectivity, has grown an average of 8% a year for the last several years and is continuing its upward trend. Knowing this, it is important to consider all and any technology you might like to see in your room addition, so we can help you get set up properly before the walls go up. User comfort with technology is increasing, and the opportunity for integration is everywhere. But even as systems become more affordable, they can still be pricey. Whether it’s weeks later or years down the...
News, Remodeling
Homeowners predicted to embrace bolder colors, upgrade the humble wall socket, say no to boring cabinet design and hop into showers over tubs. Trend #1. U-Socket: Apple devices reign in most households, so the new U-Socket wall plug has two built-in USB ports to power devices including iPhones, gaming devices, digital cameras, Kindles and iPads. The U-Socket also has a smart sensor that allows it to shut off when the device is fully charged — an environmentally friendly feature that prevents “vampire drain.” Trend #2. Kicking the Shower to the Curb: Showers are becoming more popular than tubs. “Homeowners are looking to embellish the ‘shower experience’ rather than the tub experience,” says Neil Kelly Design Consultant Kathleen Donohue. An increasingly popular feature is the curb-less shower. Trend #3. Stand Alone Tubs: If homeowners want a tub experience in 2014, it’s likely they will select a free standing tub as a structural element, which takes up much less space in the room than the old tiled-in tub deck. Trend #4. Floating Shelves: Cabinets can make or break a kitchen design, and Neil Kelly design consultant Fabian Genovesi likes to break up the cabinet layout. “I design kitchens that are not just long runs of cabinets but that are broken up into different sections,” says Fabian. “Don’t take up all the space with cabinets. Have floating shelves, open spaces, and room to hang wall art.” Trend #5. Cobalt Blue: While designers may disagree on what constitutes some trends in 2014, on one subject they all agree: Bright colors are most certainly “in.” Neil Kelly Design Consultant Suzie Atkin says cobalt blue...
