Top Five Ways to Improve Depth and Texture in Your Home

The primary purpose of interior design is to create environments that are not only stunning but also mood- and thought-provoking. Texture and depth are two ways to do this in your designs. A room may feel cozier and more welcoming by using depth and texture to attract the eye, establish focal points, and provide visual interest. 

 

St Pete Interior Design
Various elements of this home we remodeled in St. Pete layer one upon the other to create visual interest, from the coffered ceilings and custom woodwork to the artwork, furniture and other home decor.

 

Designers, builders and homeowners can give a place more visual interest and depth by layering different textures and materials, using a variety of colors and patterns, combining unique lighting sources, and using diverse materials. Design areas that are not just attractive but also interesting and welcoming using these methods and ideas. 

Details of many techniques for adding texture and depth to interior design can be found here:

Continue reading

Irish Influence on American Architecture

St Patrick's Day

With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, what better way to celebrate than with an article on the ways the Irish have influenced American architecture? From the Gothic Revival style of churches to the Victorian-era row houses, Irish architects and builders have left their mark on the American landscape. Even iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building were designed by Irish-American architects. The Irish have influenced the United States in so many ways, affecting our politics, industry, organized labor, religion, literature, music, and art. A less-known contribution is their architectural influence. 

Continue reading

2023 Interior Design Trends

What are the interior design trends for 2023, and why is everyone talking about them?  

The years of 2020 through 2023 saw a considerable amount of global upheaval. Coming into 2023, people want a fresh start. To feel like the world is finally righting itself, many have turned to interior design trends to help them find a sense of balance and beauty. That is what the design trends this year are trying to accomplish.

Here are a few of this year’s design trends. 

 

Earth tones in interior design
This home addition we did on Island Estates in Clearwater included a number of 2023 design trends, including warm earth tones.

Continue reading

The Difference Between Lump-Sum and Cost-Plus Construction Contracts

Construction Contracts
Our team does in-depth planning and design before pricing a project and presenting a contract to our clients. In order to present an accurate cost, we must have all the planning done and included in the scope of work.

We get a lot of questions from homeowners about how to price their construction project.  When it comes to custom home building, there is no “one size fits all,” cookie-cutter costing system.  Every single project is unique and different – which means it involves its own design, its own construction practices, and thus its own unique price.  But did you know that there are many different ways to get bids on your construction project?  In this article, we will discuss two of the most popular kinds of construction contracts: lump-sum and cost-plus.  It is important that you understand the difference, including the pros and cons of each, so that you can make the right decision when it comes to requesting financial information on your project.

Continue reading

Five Tips For Working with a Custom Home Builder

Custom Home Builder
A custom home built by Nelson Construction and Renovations.

When building a custom home, nearly everything pivots on your relationship with your builder.  You need someone who is more than just a contractor or designer – you need someone you can trust.  Reversely, your builder will rely on you for many things throughout the course of the project.  Understanding the relationship and working together as a team will determine how smoothly your project goes.  To help you with this vital aspect of your project, here are five tips for working with a custom home builder.

Continue reading

How to Create a Custom Range Hood in Your Kitchen

Custom range hood
The custom range hood of this black-and-white kitchen in one of our custom home remodels is the perfect focal point for the room.

More and more homeowners are steering away from industrial-grade, stainless steel range hoods and are opting for custom millwork to complete their kitchens.  If your stove is the focal point of your kitchen, then the range hood should complement it accordingly.  But installing a custom range hood is not just a matter of building a wood box and painting it.  As in all things construction, you can’t forget about the logistics behind the finish piece, and that often involves multiple trades.  Here are a few tips to help you when considering a custom range hood for your kitchen.

Continue reading