Getting Organized and Creating More Storage Space

Before photo of drywall niches that weren't functional for the Client and lacked the warmth the Home Owner desired.

After photo shows a more completed picture and sense of style with customized media component storage hidden out of view.

Before photo of powder bath with standard builder grade finishes. Owner requested more storage and updated finishes.

After photo shows a custom vanity with plenty of storage. The wood adds warmth to a room filled with hard surfaces. The vessel sink and custom splash adds interest making this powder bath inviting.

Before photo shows your typical display cabinet but the functionality of this space is currently limited and needs to accommodate the lifestyle of the Owner.

After photo shows the transformation of ordinary space to one that is more practical and user friendly for the Clients while entertaining. Plenty of storage for stemware, wine, and collectibles while having the use of additional counter top space.

Before photo of master bath that Owner wanted to update.

After photos shows a classic upgrade and the once empty corner of the vanity now has plenty of storage with the make-up vanity gone and the tall cabinet/tower atop the counter top. Large vanities are ideal for towers, giving you that much needed storage space and taking your bathroom to new levels.

Cost vs Value Report 2009-10

What value can you expect from your remodeling investment dollars? Besides making the space more functional and updating the finishes; and let's don't forget the priceless smile on your face, what will you recoup from your investment? In brief, here are a few examples that affect most renovations in the Phoenix area.

Midrange Bathroom Remodel cost on average $14,654

Includes updating existing 5 x 7 bath with new standard white plumbing fixtures at existing locations. Solid surface counter top with integral sink on existing cabinetry, one medicine cabinet, one light fixture, ceramic tiled floor and 4x4 tile on shower wall. Expected cost recouped 67.8%

Midrange Major Kitchen Remodel cost on average $53,842

Update 200SF kitchen with 30LF of semi custom wood cabinets, includes 3x5 island; laminate counter tops, standard stainless steel sink with single lever faucet, and garbage disposal. New appliances include stainless steel wall oven, built in microwave, dishwasher, cook top, and hood. Install new lighting, vinyl flooring, and painted walls, ceilings, and trim.
Expected cost recouped 71.8%

Upscale Bathroom Remodel cost on average $48,747

Expand existing bathroom to 100SF within house footprint. Relocate plumbing fixtures and include a whirlpool bath and a 42"x42" angled shower with ceramic tiled walls. Shower to have soap niche, body spray, and frameless glass enclosure. Include cabinetry with a drawer base and tower with stone counter tops. Frame compartment for toilet with exhaust fan. Include plumbing for two sinks and faucets. Extend HVAC and install two medicine cabinets and new lighting. Flooring includes large ceramic tiles laid on a diagonal with tiled base molding. Expected cost recouped 65.4%

Upscale Major Kitchen Remodel cost on average $107,888

Update 200SF kitchen with 30LF of custom cherry cabinetry with accessories including roll out shelves. Install stone counter tops, tiled backsplash, undermount sink with designer faucet and water filtration system. Appliances include built in refrigerator, 36" commercial range with hood, built in warming drawer, and wall oven with microwave. Lighting includes general and task lighting with undercabinet lights. Upgraded flooring and base moulding finish the job. Expected cost recouped 63.8%

For more projects and information, click on on the Cost vs Value Report 2009-10 for the full article from Remodeling magazine or visit http://www.costvsvalue.com/.

Don't forget to make a splash!

BEFORE PHOTO BEFOREAFTER

AFTER

Improving the lighting at the cooktop and installing a tumbled stone backsplash with metal decos completed this beautiful kitchen. The focal point is warm and inviting, complimenting the entire kitchen. A small investment for a big return on satisfaction. Backplashes in kitchens can typically cost $2,500 to $6,000 based on amount of square footage, type of materials used, and final design layout.

Think Outside the Box

Ok, here is another sneak peak at our vignette at the Home and Design Idea Center in Scottsdale. If you haven't stopped by, you don't know what you are missing! We custom designed this polished marble surround vanity with European cabinetry in a laquered burgandy and brushed aluminum tower. Who says a bathroom vanity has to be made out of wood?

Home & Design Idea Center Now Open!

It's officially open! Visit our vignette at the Home & Design Idea Center in north Scottsdale. For more information click above for a direct link to their website.
We want to thank all of our Trades and Business Associates for helping us make this vignette a success. Because of your quality workmanship and products we always have a job well done. We appreciate all of you.

"Click Here" for Shower Trends in Fixtures

Check out the video from Remodeling TV to view some of the latest trends in shower fixtures. My favorite is the Kohler multi function hand held shower head "Flipside". Not only beautiful but safe, there are some fixtures that have lights to show you whether the water is cold (blue) or hot (red). Great ideas and information.

Home Design Idea Center Coming Soon

BC Renovations and CC Interior Designs is proud to announce that we will have a permanent vignette at the Arizona Home and Design Idea Center in Scottsdale. We have been busy working on our booth which will include a custom kitchen cook top display, complete with pull out spice racks and a built in hood embellished with a mantle. Our vignette will also include a one of a kind bathroom vanity that you won't want to miss.

We will keep you posted with additional information and the grand opening.

Bathroom Sink Speaks Volumes

Your design statement does more than hold water when you let your bathroom sink speak volumes. A big bang for your buck when you take the extra step to choose a sink that really makes a statement on its own. So many home owners play it safe and buy the typical counter mount sink. The builder grade integrated cultured marble sinks are typically what you get when buying a tract home, yes, even in semi custom homes. Break out of the mold and dare to do something different in your next renovation.

Vessel sinks are beautiful, but, you must consider the size and usage to determine if it's a good fit for the user. I recommend vessel sinks in powder baths where they look great for visiting guest. If you want a vessel sink in a bathroom that will be used frequently, make sure the bowl is deep enough and wide enough to prevent oversplash when washing hands and faces. Don't forget to factor faucet height to clear the height of the bowl. If you need to take it down a notch or two, consider semi-recessing the vessel into the counter top.

Undermount sinks are great when you have a stone slab counter top. The sink is attached under the stone counter and creates a seamless flow from counter to sink. Great for a sophisticated, timeless look that is easy to clean. Some of the newer sink designs have straight sides rather than curved, so don't forget to take a closer look.

Rimmed counter mount sinks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. For a modern/industrial look try a large square sink, a more traditional look with an oval shape. Rimmed sinks are great to use when you want to tile the counter tops. Don't forget that you can recess a rimmed vessel sink into the counter top too.

Visit http://www.kohler.com/, http://www.linkasink.com/, and http://www.nativetrails.net/ for great sink ideas.

First Impression "WELCOME"

You only get one chance to make that first impression. What does your front door tell your guest about you and your home? These are remodeling dollars well spent and sends a message that really means "WELCOME".

Before Photo

Housing Character and Charm

I love it! What diversity and character these homes have and all on the same block. These homes are from the Fargo/Moorhead area and I love how the homes vary. You can see the different influences of Norwegian, Colonial, Victorian, and even some Tudor that makes these homes so unique and beautiful. I love the mix of stucco, shaker, brick, columns, shutters, and gingerbread that make a statement that these original home builders must of had some family pride in their roots.

Ancient Norwegian Architecture

While visiting in the Moorehead/Fargo area, I was intrigued by this early 12th century replica of a Norwegian church. I am so accustomed to the traditional churches with the white steeples spread through-out our nation that this was a nice surprise to come across. The craftmanship of the woodwork was amazing. The church reminds me of a viking ship with the carved "guardians" atop the roof. The Celtic cross is a replica of one that is from 995 AD.

Early Pioneer Architecture

As I drive through the heart of our nation, I can only wonder what it must have been like to "pioneer" the frontier. The old structures remind us of those who came before and made a way for the generations to come. Old barns struggling to stay erect, houses shadows of what they used to be, and land rich in history. We see the remnants of the past and are reminded of how far we have come, and how blessed we are.

I can only imagine what it must have been like to build your own house, farm your own food, and fight the natural elements with no 911 available. Many of the prairies didn't have enough timber to build homes with so they made their homes from the sod of the land, thus "soddies". They would have grass roofs with muslin cloth for a ceiling to keep the bugs and dirt off the residents. Unfortunately, the roofs weren't water resistant. Doors and windows were usually mail ordered. Flooring was packed dirt. I'm sure there wasn't much room or thought for Interior Designers, just survival.

Where's Christine?

Where have I been and where am I going? A short trip to Iowa and then a drive to Minnesota to visit family. It's amazing when you get away from your familiar surroundings how "alive" everything looks! Especially when you're not in the desert:) Over the next couple of days I will post some pictures of the architecture I encountered on my travels. I love discovering the history of our beautiful nation, where we have come from and where we are going.

Weekend Warriors

Weekend Warriors battle it out over Memorial Day Weekend! We pulled up our sleeves and conquered the great "Honest John's Lumber" yard of the past. Our families beloved property north of Payson is the site of one of the first lumber yards in that region. Our Grandparents founded Honest John's Lumber (early 1970's) and ran a successful business for many years. Many of us grandchildren remember working summers at the lumber yard. Well many, many, years later we are working it again, only this time we are transforming what used to be a ghost of a business to a retreat in the woods. We reroofed part of the building, put a fresh coat of paint on the building, built a masonry firepit, and filled a 40 ton dumpster. Brothers, sisters, moms, dads, and grandparents were all victorious!

Networking Arizona

I had the privilege of promoting CC Interior Designs and BC Renovations on the KFNX radio show Networking Arizona with Carol Blonder. It was a great experience and opportunity for us. Thanks Mom for hooking me up:)

Home Sweet Home

I was so impressed with this gingerbread house that one of our clients, Jennifer Dunn, made that I just had to share it. My family does gingerbread houses every year but this one beats all! I think when it comes to houses, I'll stick with renovating them and I'll call Jennifer to bake one for me:)

Congratulations to Jennifer Dunn of Gold Canyon for being the Grand Prize Winner in the Martha Stewart Living Holiday Crafts and Creations Contest! Her gingerbread house is entirely edible, from the desert landscaping to the interior furnishings. Jennifer won a trip to New York City to attend the Martha Stewart Show and $400 towards M&M's World.