5 Interior Design Themes That We Love

August 20, 2018 No Comments

With so many different design styles and themes out there, it can often feel challenging to figure out which one really suits your home and lifestyle best. To help you determine this, here are five interior design themes that we love, and maybe you will, too! Modern When it comes to one of the most popular interior design themes today, the modern style is always on top. Many homeowners love incorporating the simple pallets, clean, sharp lines, and sleek materials like glass and metals throughout the home. The modern theme works well if you love that future-forward style that focuses on minimalistic design with little clutter or patterns. Industrial Industrial designs have been gaining momentum over the past few years and are extremely popular today. The industrial look combines elements of wood, iron, and steel, drawing inspiration, of course, from the industrial, loft-style warehouses from back in the day. If you’re someone who works in photography or in the arts, this is an ideal (and often a favourite) style for those with a flair for the arts. These designs usually include floor-to-ceiling windows, which give ample amount of light, along with old timber feature, dangling light fixtures and rich, warm palettes mixed with cool metals, dark leather and exposed brick. Bohemian The boho look in both fashion and interior design represents a care-free spirit without any rules to follow but your own, which is why it’s on our list of interior design themes that we love! The bohemian trend is all about following your own heart and style. In these homes, you may find a blend of old vintage textiles and rugs inspired by cultures from around the world. Vintage furniture and fixtures are also common here, along with earthy tones and colourful, unique touches like cozy floor pillows for meditation. Rustic The old rustic cottage or farmhouse interiors have been a favourite in the interior design world for many years and aren’t going away anytime soon. We love the raw and unfinished elements that draw inspiration from nature. Whether it’s an old stone fireplace or wooden shutters and a big oak table, this design theme exudes a distinguishable amount of warmth, coziness and quaintness. You can also commonly find different natural accessories paired with bright off-white pallets that keep the space looking fresh, clean, and charming. Hollywood Glam While some like the rustic old-world charm, others like the idea of living in luxury with a little Hollywood Glam. This style is all about the glitz and glam, incorporating as much opulence as possible throughout the home. Here you’ll find plush rugs, shiny fixtures, bold colours, and velvet furnishings. This is perfect for the homeowner that loves being a little over the top and who doesn’t mind making a statement with their design. With so many themes and features to choose from these days, it’s exciting and often overwhelming to figure out what to incorporate into your home design. At the RenosGroup, we can help! Our handy team of experts can guide you in your design and help transform your entire home with any renovation project. Contact us today to get started!

4 Things You Can Do With an Unused Room

August 17, 2018 No Comments

Got an unused room in your home? Whether your children have all moved out or if it’s just an empty space that’s never been given much attention, it can be challenging to figure out how to put it to good use. To help inspire some ideas, here are some things you can do with an unused room so you can finally transform it into something that you can use and enjoy! A Guest Suite If you have family members or friends that come to stay with you on a regular basis — maybe over the holidays or during summertime — your unused room can be the perfect guest suite for them to stay in. Even if you already have an area for them to crash in, this spare room can offer more comfort and space so they won’t feel so isolated or shoved in a corner. This can also really come in handy if your child comes back to visit from college over the spring or summer break. A Home Office If you or your spouse work from home, even part-time, having a desk that’s stuck in a cramped corner of your living room isn’t exactly an ideal set up for being productive. Instead, why not convert your extra room into a home office? With a few minor updates, you can create the perfect comfy office space that can provide plenty of room for a larger desk without having to endure the commotion from a common area. A Zen Room Whether you enjoy practising yoga, meditation, or just kicking back with a good book, having a cozy Zen-type of room can give you the peace, calm, and quiet space you need just to chill out and spend some time alone doing what you love. You can install some plush carpet, a comfy chair for reading, and add any other items to help you Zen out and recharge. A Creative Space If you’ve been dreaming of getting more in touch with your creative side, whether it’s painting, photography, crafts, or more, an unused room can give you the space you need to get those creative juices flowing. You can also get as creative with this space as you like, so don’t be afraid to add some bold colours to the walls and some funky features. With some personalized space and the right equipment that you need to work, you can have the perfect spot to let loose and get crazy with some arts and crafts at home. No matter what you decide to do, at RenosGroup.ca, we can help you transform your unused room into something that you’ve been dreaming of. We can even help you plan it out just as you like it. With our experienced craftsman on hand, we guarantee you’ll receive the best workmanship and service. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to learn how you can get started!

Luxurious Features You Should Add to Your Kitchen

August 15, 2018 No Comments

If it’s finally time to tackle your out-dated kitchen with some reno upgrades, why not add a little luxury to your new design? After all, the kitchen is the most used room in your home and the best place to invest in, especially if you ever plan on moving. To help inspire your new design, here are a few luxurious features that you should add to your kitchen to make it more convenient and impressive. Double Ovens We’ve all been there, whether it’s cooking a feast during the holidays or hosting a lavish dinner for your friends — there’s just never enough room in one oven. So why not get fancy and practical by opting for a double oven? This lets you focus on the main oven for cooking while having the second one for additional baking and plate warming when needed. Plus, it just looks excellent in any kitchen layout. A Coffee Bar If you love your cup of Joe dearly, you can dedicate space to it in your new design. A coffee bar or special area for beverages is very convenient for concocting your favourite lattes at home. Here you can store away everything you need in one spot, so it’s easily accessible and well organized. Trendy Lighting The lighting really matters when it comes to designing any space in your home. And adding cool lighting features and fixtures is more popular than ever. Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, industrial, or Hollywood glam, you can find so many different varieties of lighting designs that can give your kitchen that interesting visual element to make it pop. Sustainable Flooring Other luxurious features you should add to your kitchen include sustainable flooring. There has never been a more important time than now to start opting for more environmentally-friendly items to help alleviate the stress on our environment. And you can do your part by choosing more eco-friendly products like flooring that’s sourced sustainably. Ceramic tile is also a great option for this since it’s durable, easy to clean, and looks great. Quartz Countertops When you browse through any home interior magazine, you’ll likely find quartz countertops displayed throughout the kitchen designs. Quartz is also a more sustainable option since it’s man-made and looks almost identical to its counterparts like marble and granite, which are sourced from the earth. And, the clean, polished look that quartz offers is undeniably stunning. The kitchen is always a worthy investment since it’s used so frequently and holds a great deal of value if you ever plan to sell. So don’t be afraid to splurge and add a little luxury to your new kitchen renovation and design. At the RenosGroup.ca, our handy team can help you with your entire renovation project, from the design phase to completion. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to learn how we can help make your vision and reality with quality workmanship and unbeatable prices.

Why Sunrooms are One of Our Favourites

July 26, 2018 No Comments

Sunrooms always become a favourite spot in the home each time we install one. But even if you’ve been contemplating an addition, it can be difficult to know where to start since it is a significant undertaking that needs to be done just right. At RenosGroup, we’ve helped many homeowners make their dream projects come to life, and we can help you too! Find out more about why sunrooms are one of our favourites and why we guarantee they’ll be yours too. Add More Space Adding more space to your home is easier and more affordable than ever with a sunroom. In addition to adding more value to your home, it will also cost you much less than a standard addition since you don’t have to pay for brick and mortar, which can cost thousands. It’s Customizable We can create just about whatever vision you have. There are a variety of design options and materials that you can choose from that give you the flexibility with the design. A Comfortable Investment A sunroom is one of the best investments you’ll make when it comes to home projects because they always get used! With high-quality workmanship, including superior glass panes, you can enjoy the outdoors without any of the aggravating aspects, like pesky bugs flying into your food or drink during the summer. Here, you can take in the breeze without being pestered. Enjoy It Any Time of Year With weather-sealed windows that can keep the elements out, you can take advantage of your sunroom all year long. During those magical snowy days, you can perch by the window, enjoying the heat while you take in the magical winter wonderland outside. And, of course, during the spring, summer and fall, you won’t have to rush inside during the rain or stay out in the blazing sun. With your personalized enclosure, you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, even when it’s too messy to stroll outside. Relax and Rejuvenate It’s no surprise that being surrounded by the outdoors can help us relax, recharge and even lower our anxiety and blood pressure. And sometimes, when you’re feeling cooped up and stressed out, being able to retreat into your sunroom can make a world of difference to help calm you down and fight those winter blues. Our team provides the best quality workmanship and excellent customer service that you can count on. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Creative Room Ideas

June 27, 2018 No Comments

Have a spare room that’s not being used? Why not turn this area into something useful? Let us show you what we mean with these 5 creative room ideas that can transform an otherwise empty room into a fully functional space for everyone to enjoy. Yoga Studio If you love to practice yoga, you can take the experience right into your home. By remodelling a spare room into a yoga studio, you can create your own little sanctuary. The best part of all is that it doesn’t cost much to put together and all you need is enough room to move around freely. Recording Studio If you’re involved in the music industry, another creative room idea you can add to your place is a recording studio. Thanks to the latest advancements in digital technology, it’s easier than ever to record at home. All you need is enough space for your equipment, an adequate number of power sources, high-quality soundproofing, and a proper air-intake system to prevent the equipment from overheating. Having your own recording studio will allow you to be creative whenever you want without disrupting anyone in the process. Photography Studio When you’re a professional photographer, you know how important it is to have a studio for your photography. You’re also probably aware of how expensive renting out studio space can be over time. However, there’s one inexpensive way to get professional shots without leaving your home — create your very own working studio. All you need is some dedicated space where all the equipment and lighting can be moved around and used. Painting Studio Those who are hoping to start a career as an artist need somewhere to practice and create. An art studio at home can provide many benefits to your craft. If this sounds like the perfect idea for you or a loved one, just remember that the studio should have enough space, natural light and ventilation. Fitness Studio Health is important, but when the cost of a gym membership can cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 a month, it’s easy to skip out on fitness. Thankfully, your unfinished basement, attic, or bedroom can be easily transformed into your own fitness studio. And you don’t even have to fully stock it with expensive equipment either. With a few simple weights and items, you can create just what you need to stay in shape. When you’re ready to transform one of your empty rooms into a creative space, we’re the team to call! At RenosGroup.ca, whatever design you can think of, we can create. We are the renovation experts in the Ottawa area, with over 25 years of combined experience handling a wide range of renovation projects and home additions. To find out how we can turn your vision into reality, contact us, or give us a call at (613)7279427

Brighten Up — It’s Summer!

June 20, 2018 No Comments

Looking for some ways to brighten up your home this summer? This season is always such a welcoming time of year for reassessing your home and pinpointing areas that could use a refresh and reno. Consider some of these design tactics and ideas when sprucing up your home this summer. Use Soft Palettes Brightening the home during the summer means it’s time to lighten your palette. So refreshing your wall paint is always a good idea. When switching up your décor, we recommend sticking with a soft palette of colours that won’t absorb light and create dark spaces in the home. Off-whites, light greys, beige, cream, and other soft hues are great choices to consider. Update Your Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of the home. And, it’s where most of the family and friends end up congregating during those lovely summertime parties. So if your kitchen has been looking a little desolate and outdated, make this the year that you finally give it that facelift it needs. Just imagine new quartz countertops, chic lighting features, and contemporary cupboards that will modernize your home in no time. Take Advantage of Natural Light Does your home tend to look overshadowed and dark, even during the bright summer days? Updating your windows can help you maximize on natural light while updating the facade of your home. Incorporating new lighting features like pot lights can also help keep it looking bright and welcoming. Add Some Natural Elements Bringing in elements of the outdoors can make your home look refreshing and cozy. Installing hardwood flooring in the living room, or wooden cabinets in the kitchen are simple examples of ways to add in those warm natural tones and textures. Spruce Up Your Basement If you’re ready to transform your old basement into a family room, playroom, or even a games room, there’s no better time than now. Adding a fresh coat of paint, furniture, and installing soft carpeting can create a comfortable and inviting basement that you and the family can finally take advantage of. When you’re ready to brighten up your home for the summer, give us a call at the RenosGroup.ca. Our handy, experienced team can tackle any of your home reno projects, including kitchen, bathroom, basement renovations and more. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to learn more about the services we offer and how we can help make you achieve your dream design.

4 Biggest Interior Design Trends Today

June 15, 2018 No Comments

Ready to switch up your décor this summer? Wondering what the biggest interior design trends are today? We’ve scoured the market to bring you the hottest styles, colours, and decor features so you can update your home with a fresh, modern look this season. Here’s the low down on what’s turning heads in the design world this year. Wide Wooden Planks Wood is a classic material that is always warm, rich, and inviting in any space. But this year, one particular trend has been gaining popularity — wide 5-inch (or so) wooden planks. This expansive style of wooden flooring stretches back to the 19th century, providing a rustic, old-world charm in homes today. If you’re looking to change up your flooring, consider this trend to compliment your industrial or old vintage style beautifully. Bold and Beautiful Colours In recent years, neutral tones were all the rage when it came to the most prominent interior design trends. And, although they’re still a favourable choice among designers, bright and bold colours are making a comeback. This year, you can push past your neutral boundaries and choose an exciting colour to liven up your space. Some specific trending colours include bright reds, strong blues, mellow yellows, and vibrant greens. So go big and go bold by adding a colourful feature wall or adding splashes through your finishing touches to bring more colour into your home. Metal and Dark Finishes Copper, bronze, rose gold, black nickel — metals and dark finishes are how homeowners and designers are choosing to accessorize today. Whether it’s brass handles on the kitchen cabinets or gold faucets in the bathroom, these metallic touches create an undeniably luxurious look, especially when they’re paired with darker finishes. Vintage Accents Vintage accents continue to be one of the biggest interior design trends today, whether it’s oriental rugs, oversized farmhouse-style kitchen sinks, antique furniture, or touches of Victorian-style accessories. We recommend doing a little research to pinpoint the specific era that you love and then search for hidden gems through garage sales, down at a local antique store, or even by refurbishing that old dresser that you dislike. Vintage accents add depth and personality to a home, so take the time to find those special touches that you love. If you’re eager to remodel your home this summer, consider how some of these popular trends will look in your home. When you’re ready to get started with your interior design makeover, give us a call! Our handy team at RenosGroup.ca can customize the look of your home with experienced and reliable service. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Spring Colours to Add to Your Home

April 16, 2018 No Comments

Looking to spruce up your home after the long and tiresome winter? As the weather finally begins to settle, there’s no better time to freshen up your interior with some invigorating spring colours. Whether you’re looking to add some pep to your bedroom, change up your living room, or simply freshen your walls with something that’ll make you feel great during those sunny spring days, check out a few of these cheery spring colours to add to your home. This guide explores several captivating colour choices, each offering a unique way to celebrate spring’s renewal and create a space that reflects your personal style. So, grab your paintbrush, throw open the windows, and let’s get started! White Scheme Nothing brightens up a space like a fresh white scheme. The key with this is to incorporate others elements like different patterns, textures and accent items such as greenery, to add those splashes of colour to the concept. Adding in some natural elements like plants or a rustic wooden coffee table will make this the perfect design to usher in the spring. Here’s how to breathe life into your white space: Embrace the warmth of natural textures: Introduce woven baskets, jute rugs, or linen throws to add depth and dimension. Play with patterns: Geometric prints, floral motifs, or even stripes can add visual interest and personality. Let nature speak: Greenery is essential! Fiddle leaf figs, monsteras, or cascading vines bring life and color into your space, creating a refreshing indoor oasis. Wood accents add a touch of the organic world: Introduce a rustic wooden coffee table, a reclaimed wood console, or even woven furniture to create a sense of warmth and natural beauty. Soft Pastel Blue There’s something about this colour that makes you feel calm and relaxed just by looking at it. And you can add this colour just about anywhere – the bedroom, bathroom or even the kitchen, and it will instantly lift your mood. You can pair this colour with floral prints, soft pinks, and white to create the perfect ocean-like oasis right at home. The Allure of Soft Pastel Blue: Tranquility and Relaxation: Studies have shown that blue hues, particularly softer tones, have a calming effect on the mind and body. Soft pastel blue is ideal for creating a peaceful retreat in your bedroom, bathroom, or even your living room, fostering a sense of serenity and promoting relaxation. Versatility Across Spaces: Unlike bolder blues, soft pastel blue transcends the boundaries of specific rooms. It seamlessly integrates into any space, whether it’s the intimate setting of a bedroom or the lively atmosphere of a kitchen. This versatility allows you to create a cohesive color scheme throughout your home, fostering a sense of flow and tranquility. Evoking the Ocean Breeze: Soft pastel blue has the unique ability to transport you to a calming seaside escape. By incorporating this color into your décor, you can recreate the gentle hues of the ocean and sandy beaches, bringing a touch of coastal serenity to your home. Lavender If you enjoy purple but need a more neutral tone that’s easy to work with, consider using lavender. This is a very popular spring colour that can be used as an accent colour or the main one depending on what area of the home you’re aiming to paint. The Allure of Lavender: Neutral Elegance: Unlike bolder purples, lavender possesses inherent neutrality, making it incredibly versatile and easy to work with. This characteristic allows it to seamlessly blend with various color palettes, adding a touch of elegance without overwhelming the space. Popular Spring Hue: Lavender’s popularity in spring décor is well-deserved. Its delicate nature evokes the gentle blooms of the season, creating a calming and inviting atmosphere that perfectly reflects spring’s renewal. Versatility in Application: Whether you prefer a subtle accent or a bold statement, lavender offers endless possibilities. Use it as a primary wall color in a guest room or bathroom to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. Alternatively, use it as an accent color on throw pillows, artwork, or furniture upholstery to add a touch of springtime charm to any room. Vibrant Green The richness of vibrant green with a sharp yellow undertone is the perfect colour if you’re truly looking to add some bold vibrancy into your home. If you do decide to use this colour, just be sure to tone it down by using white alongside it. The stark contrast helps to create balance. The Enthralling Power of Vibrant Green: Embrace the Energy of Growth: This specific shade of green, brimming with a touch of yellow, embodies the very essence of spring’s renewal. It evokes a sense of growth, vitality, and natural beauty, making it ideal for injecting a dose of energy and vibrancy into any room. Statement-Making Potential: Unlike its softer counterparts, this vibrant green isn’t afraid to make a statement. It acts as a focal point, drawing the eye and injecting a sense of dynamism into your space. This is perfect for creating a bold and unique atmosphere in living rooms, home offices, or even entryways. Sherbet Orange Bold pastel colours are more popular than ever this year. Pastels like sherbet orange create a retro appeal that can be timeless if done correctly. Mint green or aqua blue are also popular choices that can work together nicely in small doses. The Allure of Sherbet Orange: A Touch of Retro Charm: Sherbet orange evokes a sense of nostalgia, bringing to mind retro aesthetics and playful vibes. This playful hue injects a dose of personality and cheerfulness into any space, making it ideal for creating a fun and inviting atmosphere. Sherbet orange’s retro charm seamlessly integrates into modern design schemes. Its inherent brightness adds a touch of energy and vibrancy, making it a perfect choice for living rooms, kitchens, or even children’s bedrooms. Timeless Appeal: When done correctly, sherbet orange can transcend fleeting trends and become a timeless element in your home décor. The key lies in balancing its vibrancy with complementary colors and textures. After your spring cleaning is complete, it’s

Top Flooring Trends

February 23, 2018 No Comments

It’s hard to imagine that flooring was once just basic material like sand and stone. Flash-forward to today, and there’s a wide array of modern materials, patterns, and textures to choose from. Over time, flooring has become more about aesthetics and less about function. Today, you can use flooring to transform a space to suit your design needs, enhance the value of your home, provide heat and comfort, and wow your guests. If you’re curious what the top flooring trends, let us show you some of the best styles that are expected hit the market. Blanched Wood A softer more white-washed look is definitely in this year. Blanched wood is just hardwood flooring that has undergone a bleaching process to get rid of the stained coating and bring out more ashy colours that maintain the natural wood grains. It’s an elegant look that can give your wood flooring a complete transition and help make your darker furniture pop while brightening your room. Distressed Concrete As homeowners look for new alternatives to the traditional wood and tile flooring, concrete has started to make headway. Now seen more and more in industrial and contemporary style condos, homeowners are also starting to jump on the bandwagon and incorporate it into their homes to fashion a more modern and raw look. Reclaimed Wood Tiles You can now enjoy the popular look of old barn wood without having actually to step on a farm or worry about splinters. The look of salvaged barn wood has now been recreated into reclaimed wood tiles. This style is becoming increasingly popular because of its colour variations and unique patterns. So if you’re looking for a more rustic and original look compared to faux wood tiles, reclaimed wood tiles are a must. Environmentally-Friendly Materials Another top flooring trend is using less toxic materials. More environmentally-conscious consumers are choosing finishes and materials that are safer for the environment. So instead of using oil-based polyurethane, people are switching to waterborne polyurethanes for their floors. Wire Brushing If you like the look of distressed wood but not the feel, wire brushed wood may be for you. By using a wire brush, the underlying wood becomes exposed, enhancing the grain of the wood. What you get is a lot of texture without the roughness of distressed wood. Textured Laminate With ever more improvements in graphic design, laminates are now coming in a wide variety of amazing textures and patterns. From geometric graphics, irregular patterns, to dots and lines, the laminate flooring of today is far from boring. Recycled Carpet If you prefer the look and feel of carpet, you may want to consider changing out your old carpet for a more environmentally-friendly version. Recycled carpets are all the rave, made from eco-friendly nylon that is made from recycled plastic bottles. Surface Printing Cork has been around for a while now but it has recently become the perfect material for digital printing. The options are endless, so whatever your design preference is, like stone, wood, or abstract patterns, you can have your favourite medium simulated onto your cork flooring. There’s a lot to be excited about with these top flooring trends. So when you’re ready to make some design changes to your home, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. We can help you change out your old flooring to a brand new beautiful style and at an affordable cost. Call us today to find out more.

Your Fireplace is Your Best Friend During Winter

January 27, 2018 No Comments

Without a doubt your fireplace becomes your best friend during winter. With its cozy and romantic setting and reliable warmth, it’s no wonder why it’s among the favourite of home amenities. If you’re on the fence about whether it’s a worthy investment for your home, here are just a few of the many benefits of having a fireplace in your home. Cozy Warmth There’s no denying how cozy a fireplace is. Fireplaces offer a warm, focal place to curl up beside with a book or loved one, or a cheerful place to gather around with your family or friends. It creates the type of cozy, inviting warmth that simply cannot be created by anything else. Reliable Source Of Warmth When The Power Goes Out Beyond the sultry, romantic setting that a gas fireplace offers, it’s also a very reliable and practical source of heat. When you’re hunkered down with a nasty winter storm outside and all of a sudden the electricity goes out, it could make for a very cold and uncomfortable environment until the power can be restored. But with a fireplace, you don’t have to worry. You can still keep warm and cozy with plenty of light to read a good book or find other ways to pass the time, comfortably until the power is back up and running. Reduce Utility Costs With Efficient Zone Heating Rather than having your heating warm every room in your home – including ones that are rarely or are never used at all – gas fireplaces offers a more efficient alternative. With zone heating, fireplaces provide heat for where you actually need it. By turning down the thermostat and allowing your fireplace to warm up the areas you need it, you can enjoy energy savings of up 40 percent. So you can keep your home warm while reducing your overall consumption and expenses. Enhance Décor Element to Any Room Fireplaces today are available in just about any style you can imagine, and can easily be installed in any room in your home. So whether it’s the bedroom, living room, basement or even bathroom, you can find the style you want and enhance the beauty of any area of your home. Fireplaces give you the opportunity to reduce your consumption and become more efficient with zone heating. And beyond the benefits of your monthly heating costs, there’s simply no other appliance that can offer the kind of cozy and romantic setting that a fireplace can. So when you’re ready to crank up the coziness of your winter nights at home, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Our Thoughts on the Exposed Brick Style

January 15, 2018 No Comments

The exposed brick style is more popular than ever among interior designers – whether it’s for a home or commercial space. With the stunning texture, colour, charm and surprising warmth it adds to a space, it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular. But before you jump into adding this to your interior design, there are a few important factors to consider before you begin the renovation process. Here are a few of our thoughts on the exposed brick style and what you need to know before moving forward. Prepping The Brick It may seem like a fairly simple DIY project where you rip off the plaster concealing the brick, seal or paint it and it’s good to go. However, it’s not quite that simple. First, you have to prep the brick. You can do this by cleaning it thoroughly with some soap and water-avoid any using acidic solutions. Using the soapy water, be sure to wipe away any dirt and white residue that can often linger on the brick. If you notice any signs of mold, then apply a weed killer to eliminate it. Using vinegar or bleach is not recommended on the porous surface. Allow the brick wall to fully dry before moving forward. Sealing Brick When you expose the brick, what you’re usually left with is a porous surface with gaps and cracks in the mortar and other incomplete factors that can make it easy for moisture to enter. It’s important to prevent moisture from getting in since it can cause the brick to deteriorate over time. Sealing or painting from the interior won’t be enough. You’ll need to seal any of these discrepancies along the wall and use a good exterior insulation to seal the exterior and protect the brick. Staining Vs. Painting If you decide to add a colour to your exposed brick wall, our advice is to go with a stain. Since the brick is porous, it will allow the paint to cake on the surface, leaving noticeable bubbles and certain areas bare. Hiring a professional to apply stain to your wall is always an investment that’s worth it since they are experienced and know the correct method and products to apply to produce a stunning, long-lasting final product. There’s no denying just how beautiful and inviting the exposed brick style is. But it’s important to understand that it can involve a number of important steps in order to have a final product that won’t lead to a damaged, crumbling wall in the near future. If you’re ready to give your wall a facelift, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 instead of turning it into a DIY project that can easily end up costing you more money down the road to correct. Our team of professionals are experienced and can take care of the entire process for you. Contact us today to get started!

Profiling 5 Popular Kitchen Styles

November 30, 2017 No Comments

Knowing that your kitchen needs an upgrade can often be a lot easier to determine than knowing exactly how to upgrade and design it. And sifting through endless kitchen design magazines can easily become overwhelming. So to help make it easier and clearer for you to decide, we’ve profiled 5 popular kitchen styles to give you some great inspiration without overwhelming you during the process. Farmhouse Kitchen Style Homeowners can’t get enough of the quaint, cozy home-grown vibes of the farmhouse kitchen style – and neither can we! Warm, rich, distressed wood, big basin-style sinks, exposed brick, vintage appliances, open shelving and a big kitchen table for family dinners make this a classic design that will always remain timeless. Chic, Clean & Modern Kitchen Style If clean lines, minimalistic décor and chic appliances speak to you, then the modern kitchen style is the way to go. This is an increasingly popular design preference as more efficient appliances, and cabinetry enter the marketplace. Think of frameless cabinets, simple and sleek hardware, a blend of natural materials and strong lines framing the layout. Contemporary Kitchen Style Similar to the modern style, contemporary designs offer more room for playful elements and finishes. This style can blend the sleek, sharp modern form with dashes of warmth from more traditional designs such as a mixture of materials like wood or stone, and colour in the cabinetry or countertops. Industrial Kitchen Style Another popular kitchen style is the industrial look. Unfinished concrete flooring, sharp lines, mixed with rustic elements like dark wooden cabinetry, metallic shelving, and exposed lighting features, make this a style a unique yet warm design. Spanish Kitchen Style Colourful tiling along the countertop or walls, arched windows, and warm-wooden cabinets make the Spanish revival kitchen style inviting and extremely popular. If you’re looking to add more colour and character to your kitchen, this is for you! It can be challenging to take on a kitchen upgrade when you’re unsure of what you really want. And with all of the options available today, it can be more stress-inducing than helpful. But it’s important to nail down your preference of kitchen style before you begin with the reno. Whether it’s modern, contemporary, farmhouse, industrial or something more Mediterranean – figure out which of these popular kitchen styles speaks to you and then contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427. We have handymen that can take care of it all for you.

Design Blog