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Inspired Remodels

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4 Fall Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

By / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on 4 Fall Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

As summer fades into fall, Orange County homeowners pivot their attention from outdoors to indoor spaces. If refreshing your home’s interior strikes your fancy, check out these four kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas. Get inspired by the work of Inspired Remodels.

Kitchen and bathroom remodeler after photo White countertops, walnut cabinets, and  blue glass herringbone backsplash

Add a Backsplash

Backsplashes make a splash in bathrooms and kitchens alike. Functionally, backsplashes prevent water from damaging drywall and make cleaning surfaces easier. From a design perspective, backsplashes provide a place to let your creative spirit shine.

In kitchens, use mosaic tiles, herringbone patterns, or subway tiles in designer colors for a classic yet contemporary look.

kitchen and bath remodeling after photo White picket tile backsplash with black accessories and dark cabinets

In bathrooms, create a backsplash and accent walls with textured tiles, glass tiles, or use marble or stone to add a touch of elegance.

Choose materials and colors that complement the existing decor, to create a cohesive and stylish look If the backsplash isn’t part of a comprehensive kitchen and bath remodeling project,

 

kitchen and bath remodeling after photo white lower cabinets, white upper cabinet, white quartz countertop

Add a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island addition significantly enhances the functionality and aesthetics of the area. It serves as an extra workspace, a spot for casual dining, and even additional storage.

If you love to cook, add an island with a prep sink or stovetop to work more efficiently. Is yours the home where everyone gathers?  Create an island space that doubles as a buffet.

Use pendant lighting to transform an island into a focal point. Mix and match island cabinets and countertops to contrast with existing cabinets and countertops.

Modern coastal kitchen design with black and white custom cabinets

Whether your kitchen is large or small, a well-designed island transforms the space into a more practical and beautiful space.

Black slab front custom cabinets with white counters for a modern contemporary bathroom

Update Countertops

New kitchen or bathroom countertops create a fresh, new look without full kitchen and bathroom remodeling headaches or expenses.

Orange County homeowners love quartz countertops for the kitchen. Unlike granite, quartz doesn’t require sealing, making it an easy-care surface.

Orange County general contractors after pic of black and white kitchen remodel

In the bathroom, granite has been the go-to option for years, but quartz is quickly gaining popularity for the same reasons people love it in the kitchen.

New countertops elevate the look of your kitchen and bathroom, giving them a fresh, modern vibe without the need for a complete remodel.

Accessorize

Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference.

Swap out the hardware on cabinets and drawers and update the look of your kitchen and bathroom without breaking the bank. These days, popular finishes include brushed nickel, matte black, and brass because they go with everything from traditional to modern styles.  

kitchen and bath contractor after picture brown cabinets with white countertop and full length wall mirror

In the bathroom, add lighted mirrors for enhanced visibility and the feeling of spa-like luxury every time you walk in the room.

Update the lighting fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to create a dramatic impact without remodeling the entire kitchen or bathroom. Layer your lighting with ambient, task, and accent lighting to create functional and beautiful rooms.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Design/Build Pros

Whether you plan on a minor renovation to the kitchen or bath, get a quote from Inspired Remodels. This Orange County kitchen and remodeling contractor employs a design/build approach to home improvement.

Enjoy a single point of contact and a team of professionals who make your remodeling dreams a reality.

Schedule an appointment today.

Orange County Flooring Contractor Talks 3 Flooring Options

By / Home Improvement / Comments Off on Orange County Flooring Contractor Talks 3 Flooring Options

Orange County homeowners eschew carpet for living areas and love hard floor options. But even when you set aside carpet options, the wide variety of flooring types can be overwhelming. Inspired Remodels, an Orange County flooring contractor breaks flooring options into broad categories to make the selection process easier.

after Orange Copunty flooring contractor installs white stone floor in kitchen with white countertops

Tile Flooring Options

Tile flooring continues as a popular choice for Orange County homes. It offers both durability and an incredible variety of shapes, textures, sizes, and styles. Tile floors break down into 3 broad categories.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile floors appear in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and living areas. You’ll even find ceramic tile in Orange County bedrooms. People love these tiles for their durability and versatility. They come in almost any color you can imagine and many different shapes and sizes. Tile floors require grout.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles on steroids. They offer more durability and water resistance than standard ceramic tiles.  Confused?

All porcelain tiles are ceramic, but not all ceramic tiles are porcelain.

Porcelain tile provides the ideal solution for areas with high moisture. Find these tiles on Orange County bathroom and kitchen floors.

Natural Stone Tile

Natural stone floors, such as marble, granite, and slate, offer a luxurious and timeless look that elevates the design of any room. Because they are made from natural stone, each tile presents a unique, one-of-a-kind appearance.

Natural stone requires extra maintenance to keep it looking great. Stone floors also require grout.

Orange County flooring contractor after photo engineered walnut hardwood flooring in hallway

Engineered hardwood flooring in walnut

Wood Flooring Options

Wood flooring adds warmth and elegance to any Orange County home. Like tile, you face many options.  This includes:

  • hardness of the wood species
  • plank width
  • finish

Harder woods like hickory and oak provide more resistance to dents and scratches, making them perfect for high-traffic areas. Wide planks make a room look larger and offer a modern look, while narrow planks create a more traditional appearance.  Wood flooring falls into 3 broad categories.

flooring contractor installed herringbone pattern wood planks in home entryway

Solid Hardwood

A solid hardwood flooring plank represents a single piece of wood. When it comes to longevity, hardwood shines. Sand and refinish over again to make it look like new. Homeowners love oak, maple, and cherry in Orange County for different reasons. Oak offers a classic look, maple brings hardness, and cherry provides a rich color.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood consists of a top layer of real wood veneer fused to several layers of plywood. This construction makes it more resistant to moisture compared to solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood options cover many different wood species, finishes, and plank widths.

Bamboo Flooring

For the environment-minded buyer, bamboo offers a sustainable and eco-friendly flooring option. Bamboo flooring might technically come from grass, but bamboo flooring scores higher on the Janka hardness scale than wood flooring from trees. Look to bamboo for a unique and contemporary look for your Orange County home.

Floors that Look Like Wood But Aren’t

Look again. That wood flooring might be made from another material. Faux wood floors go where real wood cannot, and require less maintenance. Orange County flooring contractors install wood-look porcelain tiles in bathrooms to achieve spa looks and luxury vinyl plank all over the house.

Orange County flooring contractor photo after installing wood LVP in kitchen with green cabinets and white countertop

LVP looks just like wood

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP mimics the look of real wood. Manufactured from multiple layers of PVC vinyl, LVP offers a flooring option that is highly durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain. LVP allows you to get a wood look without the special maintenance or higher costs associated with wood.

Orange County flooring contractor uses wood-look tile to create spa feeling with white marble walls and white soaking tub

Wood-look tile creates a spa feel in the bathroom

Wood-Look Porcelain Tile

Advances in manufacturing technology make it possible to create porcelain tiles that emulate wood right down to the grain. These tiles combine the beauty of wood with the durability and water resistance of porcelain. Install in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens for the look of wood and the ease of tile.

Experienced Orange County Flooring Contractor

Flooring impacts the look, feel, and functionality of your home. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of wood, the durability of tile, or the versatility of wood-look alternatives, Inspired Remodels, an Orange County flooring contractor installs floors you’ll love for years.

 

Kitchen and Bath Contractors Tips for a Smooth Remodel

By / Bathroom Remodel, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Kitchen and Bath Contractors Tips for a Smooth Remodel

Kitchen and bath remodeling requires thinking about everyday activities in a different way. While your new rooms transform, so does your life. Follow these tips from kitchen and bath contractors to live with minimal disruption during the remodeling process.

kitchen and bath contractors after picture with gold lamps, white cabinets, and black counters

Kitchen

Set up a mini-kitchen either outside or inside. If outside, you can make use of a propane grill or Coleman Stove. You can even use electric appliances under covered, dry areas when the weather is nice. Thankfully in Southern California, that’s most days.

Inside, designate a space as the temporary kitchen. If you have a utility sink and a front-loading washer and dryer, you have a water source and flat surfaces for preparing and cooking food.

Lean heavily into multi-cooker devices like the Ninja multi-cookers that operate as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, air fryer, and food steamer. In place of a multi-cooker, you can use a large toaster oven as your oven and toaster. Either way, make sure you have a mini-microwave and portable fridge.

Invest in disposable utensils, plates, bowls, and cups. No, it’s not the most eco-friendly way to live through a kitchen remodel, but it will save your sanity.

If the laundry room is a no-go space, give your bathrooms a hard look. Look for a water source and flat surfaces

kitchen and bath contractors after photo highlighting Black & white modern bathroom design

Bathroom

This one is a bit easier. Whether the bath contractor works in the master bathroom or a shared or spare bathroom, you’ll be down one set of sinks, toilet, and bathing area. Most Orange County homes have more than one bathroom. That makes doubling up easier. Easier, not easy.

To make it easy, plan bathing schedules in advance. Split bath and grooming times for family members between mornings and bedtime. If you have a large or busy family, don’t be afraid to post a schedule and make sure everyone sticks to it!

shower caddy showing towels, brushes, shampoo, and conditioner bottle

Get organized & portable with a shower caddy

Use portable storage containers.  Shop online or visit your local big box store and look for personal hygiene caddies marketed for dorm living. They make the perfect vessel for organizing and storing your personal care products while you are using a second bathroom.

Don’t forget to take advantage of your gym’s shower facilities. Feel free to use the shower even if you didn’t work out first. Go ahead, you paid for the membership, take full advantage of it!

Design Build Orange County Kitchen and Bath Contractors

Inspired Remodels offers full design and build services. Not all kitchen and bath contractors provide full services.

As design-build contractors, Inspired Remodels provides you with a single point of contact throughout the remodeling process.  Remodeling disrupts lives, but working with skilled, caring, and respectful contractors minimizes the disruption.

Before hiring a contractor for a kitchen or bathroom remodel, ask how they will minimize the disruption.