Neal's Home Remodeling and Design Blog

Functional kitchens are based on the relationship of the sink, cooktop and refrigerator- the three components that make the kitchen a useful space. Designers refer to this as the "working triangle". In order to create a working triangle it's important to think about the layout of the entire kitchen, and explore the possible locations for each of the three elements. What we find is that the majority of kitchens with a triangle that works out well for the space end up falling into one of four basic kitchen floor plan designs. Every home is different, so the details and exact arrangement will always be a bit unique, but starting with the basics is a great way to see the potential for your kitchen remodel. Here, we take a look at each. Read More

Updated 6/20/17 | Originally published 6/27/14

Summer is upon us. It’s time to shake off “cabin fever” and enjoy spending time outside in the warmer temperatures and sun. Of course, during the summer months, our idea of a great meal is one that we cook outdoors. New appliances and concepts for outdoor kitchens are changing the way we cook in our backyards. The standard grill for hotdogs and burgers is now morphing into a the ultimate outdoor gourmet experience. If you’ve thought about spending more time grilling and dining “alfresco,” we have four design ideas for creating an awesome outdoor kitchen.

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The Greater Cincinnati region has several neighborhoods with scenic views. Not every home was built to capture them, however. As we've remodeled around the area, we've had the chance to maximize how much a home takes advantage of the landscape around them. Here are a few photos and design ideas of our favorite remodel projects with a view.

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With an open and spacious back yard, the original outdoor space behind this White Oak home seemed disproportionately small and close to the home. With no real room to do much more than grill out, the homeowners wanted to take advantage of their space by creating a sheltered area that would work for a variety of outdoor activities, and expand the landscaping outward to ensure that their outdoor entertaining didn't feel stuck to the side of the house. The new outdoor living room and patio combination is a spacious addition that's ready for anything.

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