Making the Most of Small Spaces

In 2024, saving space while staying stylish is everything.  Not only are homeowners looking for practical solutions to maximize every square foot, they are also seeking designs that add an illusion of space and openness.  Read our four top space-saving hacks to transform your small spaces into functional and stylish havens. 

 

Dining nook
We kept it simple for the small dining nook of this custom home we built in Clearwater. Clean lines, neutral colors, and a single pendant create a calm space overlooking the pool.

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Exposed Bulb Lighting – A Very Popular Lighting Choice

Exposed bulb orb pendant lighting over a kitchen island in one of our home remodel projects.

Exposed bulb lighting has become increasingly popular and looks like a trend that is here to stay. Rather than hiding the bulb behind an opaque shade, exposed light fixtures put the simple, sculptured form of the bulb on display, creating an outstanding point of interest.

For those captivated by the look, there are a remarkable variety of options. Pendant lights are one of the most popular and widely available forms.  They are being chosen to replace chandeliers and track lighting and work wonderfully well over kitchen islands.  

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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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How to Renovate Your Florida Home if You are in a Floodplain

Florida Home

FEMA has very specific regulations about homes that exist in a floodplain.  This can affect you in a number of ways, especially if you don’t understand how it works.  You may be paying far more for your home insurance than you need to, or you may be surprised when it comes time to do renovations – for FEMA will not allow you to do work on your home that costs more than 50% of its value.  This is an important part of completed planning and is always one of our first questions when we start designing a home or planning a renovation.  Read on for the Florida rules on renovating homes that are in a floodplain.Continue reading

Four Reasons You Should Not Always Go With the Lowest Price With Your Next Remodel

Dream home
A home addition and remodel we completed in Brandon, Florida in 2017.

Whether a new build or remodel, going high-end luxury or minimalist, budget is important to you. However, it is important to look at all the factors when deciding on the right Design-Build Contractor to create your dream home. Here are four reasons you should not always go with the lowest price.

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Our Favorite Kitchen Trends

For most homeowners, the kitchen is the heart of the home. When it comes to your remodel, home addition or custom new home, it is likely the first interior element you will be designing. So where do you start? Here are some current kitchen trends that we LOVE, to help you get started with some inspiration.

This black-and-white kitchen was part of a whole home remodel and home addition we completed last year.

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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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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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Three Things We Learned from Hurricane Irma

Most of us in the Tampa Bay area were fortunate to make it through Hurricane Irma with minimal damage. Even with a Category 2 hurricane, however, there was much to overcome in the aftermath – power outages for days and even weeks, heavy debris to clean up, and major roof damage. Although we at Nelson Construction and Renovations were fully prepared for the worst, we still learned some important points to remember for future weather situations, particularly regarding what to do after a hurricane. Here are three things we learned from Hurricane Irma:
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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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