Should I Use Crown Molding in My Home?

Crown molding in dining room
This historic home we remodeled in Clearwater included crown molding to complement the classic design.

When it comes to home decor and interior design, every detail counts. One design element that has stood the test of time and adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space is crown molding. Crown molding is a decorative trim installed where the walls meet the ceiling, and it can transform the look and feel of a room. But is it the right choice for your home? In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using crown molding in your home to help you make an informed decision.

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How to Add Texture to a Room

Using natural wood to create fireplace accent wall
Using natural wood to create fireplace accent wall
This remodel we did in 2017 included a customer fireplace with wood paneling and a large beam to create texture in the room.

We LOVE the current trend toward open-plan living.  Who doesn’t want wonderful large gathering spaces in their home?  The only downside is that spaces with an open floor plan can typically feel cold and empty.  One way to fix this is by adding texture to bring a little interest – and a lot of personality – to the room.

Texture can be added to floors, ceilings, walls, doors and windows.  A wide range of materials can be used including reclaimed wood, natural wood, stone, brick, paint, metal, molding and more. Here are a few ways you can add texture to your home.

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Is Beige the New Gray?

Beige Bathroom

 

Beige Bathroom
The master bathroom of this whole home renovation we did on Island Estates has a beautiful, warm color palette.

In the world of home design, trends ebb and flow almost as fluidly as the fashion industry.  They may come and go and come back again, but they always return with a new vibe, as cultural changes ripple through homes, businesses, restaurants and cafes, bringing new inspiration to homeowners, designers, architects and contractors alike.  Recently the tides have begun to turn again, and – as controversial as it may seem – beige is making a comeback.  Don’t worry, this is not the old-fashioned obsession with shades of brown and orange.  Beige is returning with a subtle warmth and elegance that is giving the ever-popular gray palette some stiff competition.  Read on for some cutting edge advice on incorporating beige into your home design.

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4 Ways to Jazz Up Your Front Entry

Front Door

Tired of the same old song and dance when you arrive home every day? A simple but effective way to change the rhythm of your home design is to renovate the front entry. This can be done in a BIG way, with lighting and raised ceilings and high-end finishes, or with just a few simple changes. It all depends on your budget and the style of your home. Here are 4 ways to jazz up your front entry.

Front Door
This front entry was part of a home addition and whole home remodel we recently completed in Brandon, Florida.

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How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Home

It isn’t always easy selecting finishes for your home.  For many homeowners, one of the most difficult items to choose is the flooring.  There are so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?  How do you ensure you make the right choice for your budget, your design, and your own personal comfort?  We’ve helped select and install many different types of flooring over the years, and we’ve learned a lot of the pros and cons of each.  Here are a few key things you need to know about how to choose the right flooring for your home.

Tile floor
Our clients selected a unique ceramic tile for the back entry and mud room of their home in Clearwater.

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What Can a Finish Carpenter Do for You?

If you are thinking of having a house built or renovated and imagine that from top to bottom, inside and out, only one type of carpenter would be involved, think again. Hiring a top quality construction company that includes the services of a skilled finish carpenter can spell the difference between a merely functional home and one that also looks and feels extra luxurious to live in.

What is the Job of a Finish Carpenter?

Finish carpentry is a specialized line of woodwork, and results in those high quality “finishing touches” that make a home more beautiful. The traditional term for finish carpenters is “joiners”, mostly because of the specialized woodworking joints used for this type of carpentry, which requires very precise measurement and skills.

The work of a finish carpenter shouldn’t be confused with that of a trim carpenter, who typically works on moldings, door and window frames, baseboards, mantels and other such ornamental details and features. Don’t mistake a finish carpenter for a cabinet maker, either.

A Finish Carpenter is an Artist

Finish carpenters are said to be some of the most artistic and exacting craftsmen to work with wood. When the framers and other builders have completed their work and most of your home’s structure is ready, a finish carpenter takes over to create gorgeous built-in cabinets, shelves, and special wood fixtures tailor-made for your home. Many interior designers consult a finish carpenter whenever they Continue reading

What is High End Carpentry?

high end carpentry wood and toolsHigh end carpentry means a touch of class, sophistication and style. It lets you give specific instructions and consult openly about the best possible recommendations on how to have your finishing woodwork done. This goes a long way towards achieving the special look and feel you’d like for your home.

There are plenty of contractors claiming to offer high end carpentry services who deliver results only satisfactory at best. You want the attention to detail in both consultative design and craftsmanship that makes all the difference. See what can be done with high end carpentryContinue reading