Design

Spring Colours to Add to Your Home

Spring Colours to Add to Your Home

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After your spring cleaning is complete, it’s the perfect opportunity to transform your home with pretty pastels colours, whites and natural elements that’ll make your home feel like your own springtime oasis.  Don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Top Flooring Trends

Top Flooring Trends

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

Your Fireplace is Your Best Friend During Winter

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

Our Thoughts on the Exposed Brick Style

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

Profiling 5 Popular Kitchen Styles

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.

Building A Home Studio In Your Basement

Building a Home Studio in Your Basement

Looking to create your own home studio in your basement? Whether it’s for work or play, if you have some free space in your basement you can easily build the type of space you’ve been dreaming of. But knowing how to plan properly and prepare is essential to getting it done right. Soundproofing and utilizing the amount of room that you can play with efficiently to house your equipment, are just a few factors to consider. Before you jump into your renovation, check out our 3 key steps for setting up a home studio in your basement.

Space Requirements


Most home studios require two spaces – one for the sound booth where you capture the music and one area for the audio mixing room where the music mixing and producing resides. The size of the sound booth will depend on how many instruments you want to record from, and it will be different if you plan to house a small band versus just you on the guitar and mic. The mixing room will also need to fit your equipment, which can change depending on whether you want a small or large-scale studio operation. Creating a thorough floor plan before you start the renovation will save you time and money in the long run.

Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment


Building the home studio in your basement will already ensure some soundproofing from the surrounding foundation and ground outside. However, you want to create additional soundproofing between the downstairs and upstairs. Plus, you want to keep outside noises away that could distort the sound. You can easily install some acoustic foam, sound diffusers, bass traps and reflection filters to keep the noise in and to ensure you can keep distracting ambient noises out.

Purchasing the Equipment


Once you have the sound booth and mixing studio built, you’ll want to add the necessary equipment. To get you started you need a computer, digital audio workstation to mix and edit the music, audio interface to provide all the connections to your music, a quality set of microphones, headphones, studio monitors, a cable to connect the mic and audio interface, along with cables to connect the interface to the monitors. And of course, any of the instruments you would like to use in your studio should also be purchased if not already done so.

Building your own home studio in your basement can provide hours of fun and can help you take your sound to the next level. But if you don’t plan and build it out right you might end up ignoring it more than using it. So let us help! At the RenosGroup, we can help you plan and create your build so that you can easily transform your basement into a studio that gets you pumped to use it every time.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Hottest Colour Trends

Hottest Colour Trends

If you’re tired of staring at the same old colour on the walls in your home, adding in some fresh, modern hues and shades can help spruce it up.  It’s so convenient when you get to switch up your design and décor, even just a tad, to rejuvenate the look of any room. And this year, designers are falling for some serious shades and strong, bold, exotic hues that are 2017’s hottest colour trends so far.

To give you a palette of inspiration when you’re ready to freshen up your home, read on to find out what colours are dominating the interior design world.

Moody Shades And Wallpaper Designs


The bedroom is where we like to cozy up and feel relaxed. And this year, we’re seeing a trend of shades and even wallpaper designs that embody moodier tones, combined with dark wood stains and splashes of colour to set the tone just right. Combinations of navy blue, dark plum, and grays are perfect for getting that cozy, comfortable atmosphere.

“Millennial Pink”


Millennial pink, also known as Windsor pink, is another dominant favourite this year. This combination of peach-salmon offers the perfect blend of colour that in essence, acts as a neutral tone. With both youthful and elegant properties, it can go just about anywhere and for any age group, despite the “Millennial” label.

Autumn Maple


This October, get in on the colour that perfectly embodies everything we love about the fall time. This burnt orange is fresh, spicy, exotic and goes perfectly with darker toned wood and lighter blonde accents.

Black Chiffon


In a similar vein with the moodier tones, Black Chiffon, which looks like a black charcoal mix, is dominating feature walls with many black on black tone layering happening. Dark leather chairs, all black built-in wall units, slate table tops, black vases and flickers of gold accents create a sexy, masculine design that make it impressive for any statement wall.

Deep Emerald


There’s something undeniably mystical about the bluegrass green that’s wrapped up in deep Emerald. It’s an historical colour that embodies sophistication, elegance and that perfect traditional country home vibe that is sure to reignite your love for any room in your home.

The colour palette is proving to be an exciting one among the hottest trends. So why not give your home décor a facelift by getting creative with colour and finding ways to splash in some of these moody and exotic hues into your space this year.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Mobility Renovations: Do You Have a Safe Entryway?

Mobility Renovations: Do You Have a Safe Entryway?

Having an entryway that enables you to exit and enter the home quickly is not only important for safety reasons, but it’s also an important matter to address for the sake of efficiency, independence and dignity for those living with mobility limitations. Thankfully, there are many alterations – from big ones to minor ones – that can make your entranceway a breeze to get through for anyone using mobility devices such as a wheelchair or walker.

If you’re wondering whether you have a safe entryway, here are some factors to consider to help assess it and to give you ideas on how it could be improved for efficiency and safety.

Have a Clear Pathway


Before installing any additions to assist in entering and exiting, you should first take a look at the walkway leading up to your entryway. This should be cleared from any obstacles, such as overgrown hedges and garden debris. If there is any patio stones that are weathered and buckling or loose, these should be addressed and replaced first.

Light It Up


Having proper lighting is also crucial to avoid injury and make it easy to get to and from your home. Light features should be installed to illuminate any walkway or paths that provide access to your home. You can install a motion light that will kick on once someone approaches the entryway to ensure the door handle and lock is clearly visible at all times.

Low Riser, Long-Tread Steps


If you or a family member relies on a walker or crutch, then drastic improvements like installing a ramp might not be necessary. Instead, having low rising steps with long treads can help. These steps provide enough room to accommodate the size of a walker or similar equipment and don’t require taking such a big step up or down. This is a good option when a ramp is impractical but your current steps are too steep and cumbersome.

Ramps and Vertical Porch Lifts


If you do require accessibility for a wheelchair, scooter or a similar device then a ramp or vertical porch lift can be necessary. Ramps can be customized to your home and entryway, plus, you can have a “suitcase” ramp installed, which can fold up and be carried by handles. Porch lifts can bypass the hassle altogether by carrying a person on their device to the doorway level.

In order to determine whether you have a safe entryway, take a few moments to assess the layout and functionality of it. Simple things like lighting or loose patio stones can create potential safety hazards, whereas upgrading steps or installing a ramp could make exiting and entering much easier and safer.

For any mobility renovations, RenosGroup.ca can help. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to get started with your home projects.

Designing an Office Space That Works

Designing an Office Space That Works

Today, we’re seeing the traditional office concept give way to layouts and designs that reinforce and reflect core values of your business and get the most out of the space you have. But what might work for one space might not for another. So how do you design an office space that works for your business in your home?

Read on to learn more about some key elements to consider.

Available Space

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to office space design is how to get the most out of the space you have. When considering how to utilize the space available, keep in mind privacy, sound, and work flow needs. For instance, creating an open design in any space can be effective when your company works in teams and meetings will take place there.  On the other hand, if you work with clients on the phone or through video conferencing, a closed design room is better where you can get the privacy you need.

Windows and Lighting

This is a very important factor of any design – especially workplace environments. Lighting – both natural and artificial – can have a major impact on the wellness and productivity as many studies have shown. Maximizing natural light as much as possible and illuminating darkened areas with full-spectrum bulbs that simulate daylight can help.

Functional Meeting Rooms

Of course, every office needs an area to facilitate face-to-face meetings. Consider the size of your team in relation to the table, seating and overall room. Also, consider if you want to host clients in this space, training sessions, or even events. Adjustments and alterations should be made if a space is confined and tight.

Flexible Storage Spaces

When space is an issue if you don’t have a good storage layout you can end up working in a chaotic mess. Creative storage can help you get the most out of your office space and keep you organized and looking professional. Try wall storage, display shelves, and vertical storage. If you are using an old bedroom space for your office consider turning the closet into a shelving system to optimize space.

Designing an office space doesn’t have to be challenging, there are so many ways you can achieve an engaging work environment while optimizing on space. When designing an office space that works for your business need, talk to RenosGroup.ca. As a leading home renovation company in Ottawa, we can help you achieve the design you want with the space you have.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today

6 Bathroom Design Trends That Have People Talking

6 Bathroom Design Trends That Have People Talking

Considering how often the bathroom gets used each day, you want it to look good. And having old and out-dated fixtures can be uninspiring and down right depressing to look at. If you’re sick of your dated bathroom and ready to make some changes, take note of these six bathroom design trends that have people talking!

French Door Shower

We all love the look of French doors – they’re delicate, sleek and classy – so why not incorporate them into your shower design? The combination of those windowed frames and glass really heighten the chicness in any setting. It creates a great statement piece while still serving the same purpose by keeping water contained. So you can say good-bye to that old shower curtain and hello to doors you can stare at all day!

Round Vanity Mirrors

Adding a round vanity to your bathroom and ditching the old rectangular look is a quick and inexpensive way to change up the décor and boost the appeal of your bathroom space.

Vessel Sink

In case you haven’t noticed, vessel sinks are one of the main bathroom design features that homeowners can’t get enough of today. It’s eye-catching and modern with a distinct touch of old-world charm. It’s the perfect addition that provides that modern and slightly vintage flare.

In-Shower Plants

Ever think about hanging a plant of two in the shower? Aside from it being a convenient place to water, hanging plants adds a natural punch of colour, while also purifying the air and encouraging those blissful relaxation vibes when you’re soaking in the tub.

Playful Tile

More homeowners are getting creative with their bathroom tiles. Today you’ll find everything from black and white retro tile decking the floors, to playful, colourful designs like vintage blue countertops. This is a popular way to add some flare and colour to your bathroom design that’s different, bold and beautiful.

Rustic Vintage Vanities

The interior design world just can’t get enough of rustic vintage wood. And now, you can find it creeping into bathroom designs as well. We can’t get enough of this look – slightly refurbished rustic vanities that show that stressed wood, with classic drawer handles to finish them off perfectly. Together with a vessel sink and vintage faucets, you’ll be finding a lot more reasons to hang out in your bathroom.

If you’re tired of staring at your dated bathroom design several times a day, then it’s time for an upgrade. Use these stunning bathroom design trends to help get you inspired, and when you’re ready to get started, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 to help make your vision a reality.

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