Tag Archives: custom remodeling

Spring Ahead With Small Projects

February 20, 2019 Jen Kain Defoe

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow. There’s still a bit of daylight when you get home from work. We “spring ahead” as we change the clocks in less than a month. Spring is coming, which means summer won’t be far behind. In preparation, consider some minor upgrades that will allow you to make the most of your summer fun.

Maximize Outdoor Living

Imagine sipping your morning coffee on a new deck as the sun comes up, or enjoying dinner al fresco as it sets. Adding a deck, like the one above that we built, is easily done and surprisingly affordable.

Already have a porch? Consider installing new flooring as we did at the home above.

As far as outdoor upgrades go, even an especially small yard has huge potential. Below, we added a terrace, with a copper spa, dual outdoor showers and storage, and privacy fencing: beautiful and space-efficient!

Do you find yourself saying, “I don’t want to grill tonight,” because it means slogging back and forth to the kitchen too much? We can solve that problem by installing a simple shelf just outside a window, as we did below.

And if you find yourself saying, “I don’t want to grill tonight,” because your freestanding, 10-year-old Weber just isn’t cutting it anymore, it’s time to consider an outdoor kitchen. This one, from one of our projects, includes a grill, refrigeration, storage, and prep space.

Small Projects to Add to Summer Fun

Kids in and out from the pool all day. Guests wandering around in search of a bath when you’re entertaining outside. Tracking mud through the house when you’re working out in the garden.

If you don’t have a first-floor powder room, or you do, but it’s nowhere near your back door, adding a strategically located one is the solution to all of the above.

We can often carve out space within your home to add a powder room, but if a small “bump-out” addition is needed, consider taking things a step further. By making the addition two stories, we can easily give you a second-story laundry room. Imagine not having to haul laundry up and down the stairs! Shown below is C.J.’s own laundry room addition, which includes dual washers and dryers as well as ample storage.

Please contact us to get started on your own summer-fun small projects.

Bathroom Design, Cape Cod Custom Builder, kitchen design

New Year, New Style: Homebuilding Trends for 2019

November 30, 2018 Jen Kain Defoe

With 2018 winding to a close, now is the time to plan your Cape Cod home’s 2019 transformation. Resolutions don’t have to revolve around dieting or bad habits—why not focus on revamping your space instead? With the current tight real estate market, renovating a Cape Cod home is more appealing than ever. If you’re ready for something new and fresh, take a look at these trends the experts are predicting will be big in the coming year.

Unique Fixtures

Source: Decor Aid

The fixtures in your home in 2019 should tell a story. Artisanal, local pieces are going to be big. Whether it’s a bold lighting design or sleek chrome cabinet pulls, the new year is all about sustainable picks that work as grounding elements in your home.

Metallic Accents

Source: Gates Interior Design

According to Décor Aid, copper and brass are the metals to watch in 2019, but metallic in general is having a moment. Kitchens and bathrooms will both benefit from an eye-catching touch of metal in what can often be an otherwise-bland landscape. Elle Décor, too, advocates for mixing metal accents in the upcoming year. It’s never a bad idea to add some thoughtful shine to your surroundings.

Bold Geometry

Source: Decor Aid

Make a strong statement next year with bold geometric patterns. The tile trend isn’t going anywhere, so make it your own with some shapely inspiration. Whether it’s revamping your bathroom flooring or reinventing your beloved kitchen backsplash, adding some dimension will transform your tile game.

Rustic Sinks

Source: Decor Aid

Could your space use a homier, farmhouse feel? Look no further than bucket sinks. These rustic pieces stand out and enhance comfort, often while saving you space (especially if you do away with a bulky bathroom sink/cabinet combo). As for the sink’s look, Gates Interior Design says the more intricate and metallic, the better.

Black is Back

Source: Elle Decor

Okay, black never truly left, but if you prefer sleek and spa-like over farmhouse rustic, there’s no need to worry. Luxurious black bathroom fixtures are making a comeback, according to Elle Décor. Embrace the dark to give this room a sophisticated, elevated vibe. Same goes for the kitchen, where black fixtures will lend a sharp contrast to the very light, very white trends of the past few years.

Light Wood Flooring

Source: Elle Decor

Wood flooring will be lightening up in 2019. Avoiding darker wood tones will help to make your rooms more airy, open and bright without sacrificing coziness. Think birch, hickory, red oak and the like for your floors next year. And good news: lighter wood flooring is much kinder than its darker counterparts when it comes to showing dirt.

Warmed-Up Countertops

Source: Elle Decor

Speaking of cozy, sterile, cold countertops are officially out. In the new year, countertop tones will be going warmer and darker, giving kitchens a more inviting, friendly feel. Whether you’re sticking to old favorite polished granite, branching out with laminate or wood, or mixing it up with a combination of materials, warm, rich tones are the predicted MVP next year.

Colorful Appliances

Source: Gates Interior Design

It looks like it’s finally time to bid farewell to stainless steel. Colorful fridges with rich finishes are stealing the show in 2019. The same goes for stoves. Appliances no longer need to be exclusively sleek and shiny. A pop of color and warmth is just what many kitchens need.

Goodbye, Upper Cabinets

Source: Gates Interior Design

Also according to Gates Interior Design, the upper cabinet is a thing of the past. Minimalism is in, and as a result, eye-level storage space is out. Let your countertops breathe, opt for simple shelving instead of overbearing cabinets, and lower the storage center of gravity in your kitchen. Feel like you can’t give up your precious cabinet space? Consider compensating for lost storage space with a built-in or butler’s pantry.

Open Kitchens

Trends come and go, but you simply can’t go wrong with an open kitchen. You’ll never look back on a spacious, breathable floor plan and cringe the way you may have done with say, shag carpeting or avocado green. Spending time with family and/or actually being able to enjoy your guests’ company while cooking will never go out of style. Trust us on this one.

Aging in Place

While you’re in renovation mode, if there’s a chance your current Cape house will be where you spend your golden years, it’s never too early to begin addressing aging-in-place concerns. Get ahead of the game now by opting for a zero-threshold shower, moving a master bedroom to the first floor, or installing some subtle grab bars and other aids.

The expert team at C.J. Riley Builder is ready to celebrate 2019 by updating your Cape Cod home. Get in touch today to get started with renovations for the new year!