Fireside Chat: What Kind of Fireplace is Best for Your Florida Home?

Luxury Homes in Florida
Fireplaces in Florida
                             A custom gas fireplace we designed and built on Island Estates as part of a whole home remodel.

Are you a fan of the hearth? Do you love the idea of curling up next to a fireplace with your family, telling stories or playing games? Or perhaps a quiet evening warming your toes, watching the sun set? The idea of a fireplace in a sub-tropical climate may seem contradictory, but it’s very common to see both wood-burning and gas fireplaces in Florida homes. But how do you get started? What if you have an existing fireplace that doesn’t fit your style? Read on for some design and construction advice on installing the right fireplace for your home.

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What’s Hot – and Not – in 2017 and 2018 Home Design Trends

When it comes to home design, trends can ebb and flow with the predictability of the ocean tides.  Each time, however, cyclical trends come back with new flair and new meaning.  So what innovations does 2018 have in store for homeowners creating their custom homes?  And how does it tie in to the design trends of 2017?  Read on to find out what’s hot – and not – in 2017 and 2018 home design trends.  

Kitchen Design Trends

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Make That Sale! Renovation Tips to Sell Your House

Renovation Tips to Sell Your House

Renovation Tips

Looking to sell your house? The idea seems simple and it can be, but renovation tips can be exactly what you need when you get into the list of things to do. Stick to the prime goal… what you really want is the best price. Ideally, your home will sell above the list price. There is no question that a renovated house is more appealing to buyers. But is it necessary to redo the entire place? Start with the priorities so you can really renovate to sell.Continue reading

Inside or Out, Window Shutters Can Enhance Your Home Renovation

home renovationThere’s something especially rewarding about a home renovation of any kind, even if it’s just to incorporate a couple of custom finishes that add a fresh and unique appearance. For instance, a seemingly subtle element that can actually make a bold statement in any room or create the perfect touch for your home’s exterior is the right shutter style for your windows.

Whether practical or purely for show, carefully crafted shutters are functional window coverings or decorative accents composed of a frame mounted with panels or louvers.

There are several types of window shutters available, depending on your personal taste.

Here are three of the basic ones you might choose from to enhance your next home renovation:

  1. Louver shutters. Easily the most popular type of window shutters among home improvement experts, louver shutters are also known asContinue reading

Renovation Ideas for a Truly Modern Laundry Room

concrete countertopThe laundry room is almost always one of those make-do with what’s there, afterthought areas in the house that doesn’t really get thought about in terms of fantastic form and function. But think of how much time you spend in there, week in and week out, load after load…

If your laundry room is cluttered, with inadequate storage and a frustrating and inefficient layout, why not pull in some experts who can make it right? Imagine sleek custom cabinets and shelving for your storage needs and concrete countertops to cap it all off.

Consider Built-In Cabinets and Concrete Countertops

Having a clear idea ahead of time of just what you want for your laundry room will go a long way. You’re likely busy researching what kind of brand new, energy-efficient washer and dryer you’d like, but thinking beyond the appliances to the room as a whole will work best in the long run.

While you’re at it, never underestimate the benefits of excellently placed and well-designed task lighting in each part of your laundry room. Have some fun choosingContinue reading