Neal's Home Remodeling & Design Blog | Cincinnati

3 Essential Elements in Home Bar Design

Posted by Steve Hendy on Tue, Mar 9, 2021

Having a home bar sounds like a luxury, but most homes and most budgets have the potential to include a functional bar. Home beverage and bar stations have a few basic needs which can be achieved in a number of simple or complex ways. Adding a bar to your home is a great solution for those who entertain often, or anyone who likes having a selection of liquors, wines or beers on hand. Read on for our suggestions for a well-appointed, functional home bar. There are generally three elements that all home bars need to be effective and useful: storage space for bottles, a counter for preparing drinks, and a place for your barware.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: Design Trends and Ideas, Lower Level, Storage

Project Tour: Modern Farmhouse Basement Remodel in Western Hills

Posted by Steve Hendy on Tue, Feb 2, 2021

A large basement is a great asset for any home. The additional square footage for living space and storage off the main floor really can't be beat. Without a plan, however, basements can quickly become cluttered, disjointed, and unusable. Reclaiming the basement was the goal of this Western Hills family, who were looking for a place that could better accommodate their growing family and be a comfortable space for friends and family to spend time.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: Project Spotlight, Lower Level

7 Design Considerations for Basement Kitchens

Posted by Laura Webster on Mon, Jun 29, 2020

Have you ever wished for a second kitchen to store items you use for entertaining along with extra appliances and a sink for preparing food? If you’re planning a basement remodel, you may find the extra space you need. When designing a lower level living space, think of a basement kitchen, kitchenette or bar area the same way you would if you were remodeling the primary kitchen of a home. Here are seven design considerations for creating an attractive and functional second kitchen in your home.

2 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: Lower Level, Kitchens, Lighting, Countertops

5 Practical Ideas for Remodeling or Adding a Family Room

Posted by Frank Kuhlmeier on Mon, Jun 8, 2020

Family rooms have evolved over the years. The concept was first introduced in the 40's, but didn't really come into vogue until dens were included in home designs along with the wider-spread ownership of television sets which homeowners didn't want in their formal sitting rooms. In the 1990s, family rooms were included in many new home designs as a "great room" that combined the kitchen, dining room and family room as one open space- a home design style that's still being used in newly built homes. Today's family rooms are designed according to the lifestyle needs of modern homeowners. A family room can be located in a central area of a house but also on a second story or basement, ideal for homes in which there is limited space for a family room on the main floor. Homeowners are also building home additions to provide space for new dens or family rooms. Often a family room addition will be built off a kitchen to create an open and functional space for the family and guests.

2 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: Lower Level, Home Remodeling, Lighting, Storage