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Minimalistic Thinking May Solve Your Clutter Woes — Here’s Why

https://renosgroup.ca/2018/10/">October 22, 2018
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Expert Tips, Home Renovation Blog

Struggling to stay on top of your junk? Minimalistic thinking could be the answer to your clutter woes! Whether it’s boxes of old catalogues piled high in the basement, stuff strewn across your tables, or too many clothes stuffed inside your closet, having all of that excess isn’t doing you any good. Living in an environment with so much clutter becomes chaotic for your mind and weighs heavily on the body — that’s where minimalism can help.

This modern way of living is based on balancing an equilibrium stream — when something is added, something must be removed. And that goes for any items — toys for your pet, clothing, knick-knacks, tools — you name it. Learn more about this way of living and how easy it can be to cut back on the surplus of stuff.

Clear Out Negative Energy

There’s a difference between a messy home and a cluttered home. A mess is something that can more or less be handled — tidying up the kitchen or cleaning up the living room. Clutter, on the other hand, takes up noticeable room in your home and usually has nowhere to go. Having such a surplus of stuff consuming almost every free nook in your home creates stagnant (and sometimes negative) energy, especially if some of that clutter carries unfond memories. Minimalistic thinking helps you clear out both physical and mental clutter by disposing of the chaotic, negative energy and instead, making room for more positive energy.

Learn to Only Buy What You Need

Minimalistic living also teaches you how to buy what you really need and ignore the items that you really don’t need. This helps to keep on top of any accumulating clutter, whether it’s your overstuffed fridge, closet, and any other area of your life. By jumping in on this way of living, you can gradually learn how to stop and think for a moment before adding something to your home. Plus, this can also make a significant impact on your finances by reducing the amount of money that you spend on unnecessary items.

Make it Easier to Find Things

Choosing your outfit for work shouldn’t be such a monumental task. But with so much stuff in the way, it can be hard to find anything you actually need — clothing, shoes, or anything else around the house. By downsizing your collection of items, no matter which area of the house it’s in relation to, you can eliminate this problem and make it much easier to find exactly what you need in no time.

Generate Less Waste

Whether you’re single, not single, married to your pet, or have a family, we tend to buy a lot of stuff. Excessive consumerism is a result of those impulsive purchases or mindless ones where we keep buying things that we really don’t need. But learning how to cut back on these bad habits also can help reduce waste, which benefits the environment and your bank account.

Learn to Let Go

Getting rid of old items can be tough because there’s a lot of emotional attachment to our physical stuff. That’s why you have to be willing to let go in order for this to work. Focus only on keeping the essentials and think about tossing away or donating things around the home that you haven’t even touched in the last year. Bit by bit, this process will help you get used to letting go of things more easily in your life.

It’s Not About Perfection

Having a minimalistic lifestyle is different for each individual. And it’s certainly not about achieving any standard of perfection. It’s about learning to live with less stuff and working every day to rid yourself of excess clutter that serves no useful purpose.

Enjoy More Space

As clutter accumulates over the years, it can make you desensitized to the state of your home, and the amount of space all of that stuff consumes. Adapting a minimalistic lifestyle will help you free up more of your space at home so you can stretch out, relax, and feel more at peace in your own home.

If your house is all cleared up from clutter and you’re ready to make some home improvements, contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 As a family-owned business, we offer quality workmanship and excellent customer service throughout the Ottawa area. Reach out today to learn how to get started with your next reno project!

7 Fall Kitchen Interior Design Tips

https://renosgroup.ca/2018/09/">September 7, 2018
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Home Renovation Blog, Kitchens

Looking to upgrade or redesign your kitchen? Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered! Since the kitchen is such a central hub of the home, it should be carefully thought out and planned to ensure your end result will be both functional and beautiful to show off to your family, friends, and guests. Here are our seven fall kitchen interior design tips to keep in mind when you’re planning out your project.

Consider Your Cabinets

You’d be surprised to learn just how many homeowners tend to skim over the decision process when it comes to their future kitchen cabinets. But the cupboards are one of the most noticeable features throughout any kitchen design. They immediately attract the eye and take up a lot of space. So your choice really matters here.

Keep in mind also that once you’ve made your choice, there’s really no going back. You’re stuck with your decision for at least a good number of years. And, if you ever decide to upgrade your kitchen once again in the future, having cupboards that can still work with a new backsplash and colour scheme can be a major bonus for you. So choose wisely.

Splurge on the Countertop

The countertop is where all the magic happens, and having enough space is important to move around comfortably. The countertop is also a great way to add a splash of luxury to your design. Quartz and granite, for example, are commonly used today thanks to their durability and stunning designs that always elevate the look of any space. And, since the kitchen always has an excellent ROI, you won’t regret splurging a little more for your kitchen counters.

Add a Double Oven

Any item that adds a serious note of convenience to your life is also worth incorporating into your budget. If you love to cook and host those holiday get-togethers, but you’re always running out of room in your oven, a double oven is the way to go. This can make life so much easier when you’re trying to coordinate your meals, especially if you love to entertain frequently. With a double oven, you can utilize the top portion for your essentials, and then keep your other items warm underneath until you’re ready to serve. It’s incredibly handy to have and makes life so much easier.

Consider the Design of the Kitchen Island

The majority of modern kitchen designs today incorporate a kitchen island. But not all are used for the same reason. If you’re planning on having an island in your design, consider how it will be used in your home. Maybe it’ll be the spot where the kids sit up and do their homework. Maybe it’ll be the central spot where everyone congregates during your dinner parties, or it could just be the space where you chop and prep for your meals. Whatever it is, think about how it will serve you best and how you can tailor your island accordingly with a wider counter, comfortable kitchen stools, or a shorter height to accommodate for it.

Install Multiple Outlets

Another fall kitchen interior design tip that is always a helpful reminder to think about is the placement of your outlets. Everything requires electricity these days. So when you’re planning out the kitchen design and backsplash, don’t forget to incorporate multiple outlets around the kitchen, near the counter and even on your kitchen island to make it simple and convenient whenever you need to plug in your blender, mixer, or other items on the go.

Create a Focal Point

Every room should have a focal point with eye-catching details to make the design pop. This could be the backsplash, the style of flooring, the stove and hood, the countertop, or the cabinets. Make sure to choose one for your kitchen design as the main feature and then work off of that to create a cohesive design that compliments that focal item in subtle ways.

Make Room for Storage

Don’t forget to plan for adequate storage! It’s always easy to underestimate just how much space you need to store away those bowls, mixers, and fine china. But when considering your fall kitchen design, think about how you can make more room for storage. For example, rather than leave a gap between the cabinets and ceiling, make the design extend right up so you can utilize that extra space. Also, deeper drawers can give you plenty more room to tuck away all of those items that you don’t need or use on a regular basis.

Consider these fall kitchen interior design tips before starting your next project. At the RenosGroup.ca, our expert team delivers the best quality workmanship and expertise to create your dream kitchen design. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to learn how we can help!

The Hottest Fall Home Renovation Trends

https://renosgroup.ca/2018/08/">August 23, 2018
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Home Renovation Blog, Remodel, Renovations

Whether it’s fashion or home design, one thing’s for sure — trends are always changing. If you’re looking to spice up your home this coming season, we’ve got all of the hottest fall home renovation trends to look out for. Check them out below.

Smart Kitchens

Technology is creeping into just about every area of our lives these days, and that includes the home. You’ll see an influx of trendy modern kitchens with more Smart upgrades than ever. With the diversity of sensors and gadgets, homeowners are integrating smart home technology into coffee makers, refrigerators, lighting fixtures, and more. No matter your age, tech-savvy kitchens can help add more ease and convenience to your home design.

Minimalism

One of the hottest fall home renovation trends is the minimalist look. Homeowners are starting to shed their excessive clutter and embrace the concept of minimalism, both in design and in their everyday lives. That means you can expect to see more simple and basic design concepts with little accessories, bright, natural lighting on the eyes, and clean lines. Whether it’s a single focal mirror on the wall, or a modern white palette in the kitchen, or a contemporary vase suited for an entire table, less is more.

Natural Elements

Nature never goes out of style, which is why year after year, wooden features will always be present in the design world. It’s rich, warm, versatile, modern, vintage and any style you want it to be.

Gold and Brass Fixtures

Who doesn’t love a little luxury throughout their home? Gold and brass work really well with grey tones, and they also pair exceptionally well with both industrial designs or rustic wooden styles. They are classy, they offer an extra-polished look, and they’re easy to keep clean.

Enhanced Outdoor Living

Having to endure winter for several months of the year is just downright depressing, which is why another popular trend that’s popping up in the home design world lately is sunrooms. Why hibernate in darkness when you can embrace and even enjoy those mystical winter wonderlands? By extending your outdoor living space with an enclosed patio, it can let you feel like you’re outside soaking up that vitamin d while staying cozy, all at the same time.

There are so many hot design trends to embrace and inspire you this fall. And when you’re ready to get started on your home renovation project, give us a call! At the RenosGroup.ca, our handy team are experienced, professional and reliable. We can tackle just about any project that you need. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to learn more about how we can help you transform your home this fall.

5 Interior Design Themes That We Love

https://renosgroup.ca/2018/08/">August 20, 2018
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Fun Renos, Home Renovation Blog, Remodel

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

https://renosgroup.ca/2018/08/">August 17, 2018
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Fun Renos, Home Renovation Blog

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

https://renosgroup.ca/2018/08/">August 15, 2018
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Home Renovation Blog, Kitchens

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

https://renosgroup.ca/2018/07/">July 26, 2018
By Keith Melanson
In Custom, Design, Fun Renos, Home Additions, Home Renovation Blog

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

https://renosgroup.ca/2018/06/">June 27, 2018
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Expert Tips, Fun Renos, Home Renovation Blog

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!

https://renosgroup.ca/2018/06/">June 20, 2018
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Fun Renos, Home Renovation Blog, Remodel, Renovations

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

https://renosgroup.ca/2018/06/">June 15, 2018
By Keith Melanson
In Design, Home Renovation Blog, Renovations

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

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