Neal's Home Remodeling and Design Blog

One objective of a kitchen remodeling project is to improve functional food storage. A kitchen pantry, therefore, is often high on the list of essentials when homeowners remodel their kitchen. There are many design options for effective pantries, including dedicated spaces with shelving, cabinets with pull-out drawers, or combinations of solutions for different types of storage. The advantage of a pantry is the convenience of having dedicated, somewhat customized storage feature you can rely on.

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This Western Hill's client desired a basement space in the home to entertain both family and adult friends. The existing basement wasn't quite able to keep up with the variety of needs for the new space. With several rooms and alcoves off the main area, the floorplan provided a good opportunity to maximize the function of the space. Key to achieving success in the new lower level design was to define the purpose of each zone and unify the entire basement with a cohesive design.

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Countertops, just like cabinetry, help to convey the style of your kitchen. In some designs, the counter material can bring unique character to your space. In other designs, the counter can become a neutral backdrop to other materials used in the kitchen. Determining which of these two styles you'd like in your kitchen is an important first step for narrowing down your options.

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Laundry is one of the essential chores we all do, and a well-designed laundry room is an asset in any home. In the past, the basement seemed to be the perfect spot to hook up a washer and dryer. The mechanical considerations were easily handled, but the inconvenience of dragging everything downstairs (and back up again) never quite made those considerations feel worth it. Today, homeowners are creating laundry spaces that better meet their needs on any floor of their home. Careful planning, prioritizing efficiency, and regular maintenance now allow for many more possibilities. Here are 6 tips for designing a functional laundry room.

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