Design

Adding a Half Bath to Your Home

Planning to add a half bath to your home? It’s an excellent way to increase the value of your home and to add more convenience for your family and guests. If you’re ready to get started, here’s everything you need to consider when adding the perfect half bath to your home.

 

Options


There are lots of potential areas in your home that can make for a perfect half bath. If you have a stairway with unused space underneath, a large garage, or spare closet space, these areas can make for good potential locations.

 

Space


Once you have some potential options in mind, consider how much space you need. When adding a half bath, it doesn’t need to be large, just enough space for a toilet, sink, mirror, and vanity. You also want to make sure people can move around in the area without feeling claustrophobic, and a smart design can make this happen.

 

Plumbing


For your half bath to work you need it to be close enough to plumbing connections that are already in place. Otherwise, you will be spending money expanding your indoor plumbing and pipes, costing you more than you might have bargained for. An ideal plumbing scenario is run piping from the nearby laundry room or kitchen.

 

Ventilation


You may also require ventilation in your half bath to control odours, improve air quality, and reduce the risk of growing mildew or mold. Consider adding a window or an exhaust fan to the space. You don’t have to get fancy, but there are lots of different designs when it comes to fans, so shop around for the best prices.

 

Lighting


Lighting is of course, a necessity but can also be a great way to add some style and design touches to the room. You can add dimmer switches, elegant lighting fixtures, or battery-operated candles to jazz up the space.

 

Materials


The half bath is often the only room guests see besides your entertaining spaces. So why not decorate to impress? Skip the basics and add marble sinks, potted plants, wood accents, and other luxury décor items.

 

Sound Insulation


Adding sound insulation is a must when it comes to half baths that are located near living rooms spaces or areas where people gather. So, during the installation project, add some sound absorbing materials to the walls, pipes, and drains.

A half bath can be an easy project if you have the right plan and contractor for the job. Before you start your new project, talk to RenosGroup.ca – we can help you with everything you need to get the perfect half bath for your budget and home design.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Hottest Basement Trends

Basement renos and remodelling have grown in popularity over the past few years as homeowners become more inclined to make use of that entire square footage. Whether it’s an entertainment hub for the family, a place for the kids to hang out, or your own special spot to have the friends over for cocktails, here are some of 2017’s hottest basement renovation trends that are leading the way this year.

Open Concept


Think the open concept has passed? Think again! When it comes to basement floor plans, the open concept is a keeper. Tearing down those dividing walls and taking advantage of the expansive space is not only beneficial from a design standpoint, but also for promoting air flow and allowing as much natural light to filter in from the windows.

An Integral Part of the Home


In the past, the basement was often a forgotten space. It was commonly used for storage, setting up an extra spot for extended family to stay during the holidays, or an unfinished den where your teenage kids would retreat to with their friends in tow. Well, not anymore.

Now, we’re seeing an increasing trend where homeowners are honing in on that once forgotten space. It’s now being transformed into an integral part of the home and an extension of the upstairs living space. So naturally, you will find just as much attention to detail, design, and décor throughout the basement layout as you would in the main living room.

Home Theatre & Media Room


Some homeowners are even taking full advantage of the basement space by cranking up the luxury factor and adding in elements they can really indulge in like an enclosed home theatre and a media room. This is where the serious media enthusiast can get pampered.

The Basement Bar & Sports Center


Imagine having your own personal sports bar, right in your own home! If you’re bored with the idea of creating another bedroom or zone for the kids, why not make it your own space to kick back and relax with your friends while you take in all the sports action? You can create the ultimate sports lounge with a customized bar, paired with some exceptionally comfy seating, a widescreen to blow your mind, and even a few entertainment pieces like a pool table.

If you can dream it, you can create it – and that goes for your basement. If you’re bored with the idea of wasting it on storage or another bedroom that you simply don’t need, claim that space and transform it into something you truly want. When you’re ready, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427  RenosGroup.ca to help keep up to date with the hottest basement trends

3 Simple Design Features to Elevate a Room

Improving the look of a room or even your entire home doesn’t require a professional Interior Designer. You can do it yourself! When it comes to design, it’s really the smaller details that can enhance a space and tie it all together. So if you’ve been eager to spruce up a room in your home, follow these simple design features to elevate a room.

Choose a Focal Colour

Colour is one of the easiest ways to really add that much-needed spark to a room. This doesn’t mean that you need to start considering repainting the walls that you just completed in soft beige. You can keep your neutral walls while still accentuating a specific, vibrant colour. You can choose just one feature wall to paint, and incorporate it into the room through smaller décor items, such as throws, vases, art pieces and pillows. This is super simple but so effective at kicking up vibrancy of any room.

Create a Decorative Feature Wall

Aside from choosing a colour to place on a feature wall, you can really get creative with that wall that stands out amongst the rest. Whether it’s a partition wall or the wall that’s located directly behind the couch, think of ways to add in your own personal touch. For example, you could create a collage of your favorite photographs, have them framed and then place them on display. Or, you could create a collage of mirrors, mixed with other items, such as art pieces, framed photos, and quaint hanging décor items that speak to your overall style.

Create a Theme

No matter which room it is – bedroom, living room, bathroom – choosing a theme to inspire you can add so much character to a space. If you love boats, why not choose a nautical theme to incorporate into your room? You can add in some rustic wooden pieces with striped patterns, anchors signs and ocean blue accents to add in a splash of colour. Focusing on a certain mood or theme is great way to help you achieve the right ambiance that suits your style.

Enhancing a room is much easier than you think. And best of all, you can do it without breaking the bank. Think about colours and themes that you enjoy, and then select a feature wall to create an exciting focal point in the room. By incorporating small accent feature through pillows, throws, and décor, you can spruce up any room throughout your home in no time at all.  To learn more design features to elevate a room don’t hesitate to contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Home Trends: Wood Elements in the Bathroom

Whether it’s the floor, kitchen cabinets, mantelpiece, or even the bathroom – no matter the design space, nothing seems to captivate the warmth and texture quite as well as wood. Homeowners and interior designers in Ottawa continue to have an affinity towards this material, and with good reason. Even with our immaculate modern designs, we can’t resist the authenticity and natural, rustic connection that wood offers. And with the advancements in designs, mixing wood with moisture is no longer such a taboo concept. Here we delve into some of the ways in which wood elements in the bathroom are being incorporated in designs more and more and how you can too!

Wood Flooring

It’s no surprise that wood flooring is one of the most sought-after design elements throughout a home. But the bathroom was commonly an area where that was left out of the equation in fear of it buckling and softening under all of that heat, moisture, and foot traffic. But thanks to advancements, you don’t have to worry any longer. There are misconceptions about wood in the presence of humidity –but it’s actually quite resilient. And with the application of some oil-based polyurethane to protect it, you can enjoy wood flooring just about anywhere.

Wooden Fixtures

Beyond the flooring, wooden fixtures such as sinks and tubs might sound a little more radical. However, wood has actually been used for centuries by the Japanese in these ways. It’s just a matter of using the correct type of wood. Cedar and teak for example, are strong hardwoods that hold well against water. And these wooden sink and tub designs are slowly starting to catch on here in Canada to add that beautiful rustic natural element to the bathroom. And with some regular applications of oil as recommended by your manufacturer, you can enjoy these stunning wooden features like never before.

Wooden Countertops

Wooden countertops paired with large washbasins and metal decor elements create a stunning combination. And with the addition of waterproof oils, this dynamic design is becoming a favourite for homeowners.

Wood is an exceptionally durable material, even on its own. It’s been an element that has been used alongside water for centuries. And now, as we take note from other cultures and shed the limitations we thought wood imposed, we can now create the stunning, dynamic bathroom designs that we’ve always wanted.

At RenosGroup.ca, we bring your bathroom renovation vision to life.  To learn more about wood elements in the bathroom don’t hesitate to Get a free estimate today!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Choosing a Room’s Colour Scheme

Struggling to choose a colour scheme for a room in your home? It can be a tough decision to make! Knowing what colour to invest in as the base colour in a room is something that can be challenging for many homeowners. But there are some helpful ways to get some inspiration that can leave your home looking fabulous. Here are some helpful ways to find inspiration for your colour schemes at home.

Choose Your Favourite Colour


First and foremost – what’s your favourite colour? Your home is meant to be a space that reflects you and your lifestyle. If bold and colourful is your style, then go with it to lead you towards a colour that you love. Having colours that make you feel good is always a great place to start finding inspiration for a base colour. From there you can create a scheme using complimentary colours to match.

Get Inspired by Fabric


Have a favourite scarf, pillow, or blanket that has a colour palette you love? Use it for ideas to place throughout your room. This is also a great way to see how different colours go together – even ones that you may have never thought usually would.

Creating an accent wall is always a great way to try and add in a different splash of colour to a room, especially when you’re a little unsure about the thought of fully committing to a colour.

Get Inspired by Art


The same thing applies to just about anything, including art pieces. If you have a mosaic of tiles, or a painting that stands out to you, you can try and bring a photo or the actual art piece into your local paint store to have them match and mix up that colour for you.

Get Inspired by Magazines


If you really find that you’re stuck on your decision, pick up some home décor magazines or catalogues. They have a variety of home-inspired ideas and photos that can help jostle some ideas that might highlight a palette that you enjoy. In addition to magazines, hop onto Pinterest – it’s one of the leading sites for providing inspiration and ideas for everything and anything that’s home-related.

When you remodel and redecorate a room in your Ottawa home, it’s important that you end up with a finished project that you love. And choosing the right colour scheme can feel stressful if you’re unsure of how everything will tie in together once it’s complete. But you can overcome that uncertainty by sifting through magazines, catalogues, and using great websites that are designed to inspire ideas such as Pinterest. When it comes down to your decision, use colours that inspire you and make you feel good. Then find what colours will compliment it and you’ll be guaranteed to end up with a room that you’ll love.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Creating a Relaxation Zone

After a long and exhausting day, your body and mind need to regroup, relax and recharge. But sadly, that isn’t what they always get. Even with good intentions, once you get home, it’s easy enough to get swept up into more commitments, chaos, and technology. But by creating a relaxation zone, you can force yourself to unplug and unwind. Create a relaxation zone in your home as part of your home renovation project with some of these ideas in mind.

Create a space that is inviting


If each individual room throughout your home represents some form of individual chaos, clearly these are not going to be in any way conducive to relaxing. You need to create a designated relaxation space that will easily lure you in when your mind is pressing on to do more. First of all, find a room or space that can be your space to Zen out in. Then, start to get creative with how you can make it soothing and comfortable. Consider placing your favourite chair beside a bright window. Throw down a cozy rug and some oversized pillows to reinforce those mellow vibes. Add some soothing candles and essential oils to enhance that calming ambience. It really doesn’t take much to create a soothing and inviting space.

Make it your own


Once you’ve incorporated some soothing elements into your space, make it your designated spot that no one else can invade. That means that it can’t become a spare room or space for clutter to get thrown, it can’t be a space where the kids are allowed to barge in and play, it can’t be a space that is used for any other purpose other than for you to relax and unwind. Make it yours.

Remove Technology


One of the important aspects of having a relaxation zone is to have it as a designated “Dead Zone” meaning, keep technology out of the equation. Try to correlate your relaxation time as a time to also unplug. Remove any televisions or smart devices. Also, if you have a modem that happens to be located close to your relaxation zone, relocate it. Make this a designated “Dead Zone” for any form of tech gear, aside from maybe a CD player to provide some soothing music.

In today’s hectic, overworked world, finding – or rather, making – time to relax is so important. Without this, we get stressed out and burnt out. Make relaxation a priority by creating a zone or space in your home that is welcoming and conducive to this. It really doesn’t take much. You can get started by using some of these simple ideas.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Is a Skylight Right for Your Space?

A skylight can create many added benefits to your interior design. Both aesthetically pleasing and good for your overall health, skylights are frequently used to improve the comfort levels throughout a home by opening up any given space and enhancing the abundance of natural light.

If you’re trying to determine whether a skylight is right for your space, here we look at some of the reasons why you should consider installing one in your space.

Adds Space

You can make any room look more inviting and spacious by simply adding in a skylight. Slanted ceilings and narrow spaces can make a room feel boxed in and confined. A skylight can provide that necessary illusion of more space. That’s why skylights have become such a popular addition to rooms such as the attic, bathroom, and small bedrooms.

More Light

One of the biggest advantages of having a skylight is being able to enjoy more natural sunlight in a room. With various health benefits, exposure to sunlight is proven to reduce anxiety and stress, and to improve your overall level of comfort in any given space.

Natural Ventilation

Certain skylight designs can also offer you added ventilation throughout your home. Whether it’s placed in a bedroom or even the kitchen, you can let in some fresh air and take advantage of natural ventilation. This is also an excellent, cost-effective way to control room temperatures and reduce humidity throughout your home.

Improved Insulation

Believe it or not, skylights can help make your home more energy efficient if installed correctly. They allow heat to enter the home and insulate against further heat loss. For rooms and spaces that have poor insulation and tend to be cooler, a skylight can help maintain a more comfortable temperature by retaining heat from the solar rays that shine in.

Adds Value

Did you know that a skylight can boost the value of your home? Skylights are seen as a luxury item when it comes to interior designs. And with the added benefits mentioned in the above points, it’s easy to understand why it can increase the resale value.

A skylight can be right for just about any space in your home, including your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, and even your attic. There are also many different sizes and models to choose from so you can find the right fit for your space.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Types of Kitchen Sinks

When it’s time to replace your kitchen sink, it can be difficult to decide on what style and material to choose. Today, there are a variety of different styles and materials that are each great for various designs and uses. Below, we outline five of the most common types of kitchen sinks to consider if you want to enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular choice for many homeowners since it is economical and simple to install. Stainless steel sinks are very durable and are also very versatile. They can however, be prone to scratching and watermarks which can make it more of a hassle to maintain. But this can be a minimal drawback considering how resistant it is against harsh stains and heat.

Double Bowl Sink

This sink design incorporates two bowls that are attached for greater convenience. This is the most common style of sink used in modern kitchen designs today. You can be more selective with the size of the basins – both can be of equal size, or you can choose to have one larger than the other.

Fireclay Sinks

The fireclay style sink is a more eccentric style that can really add that unique touch to your kitchen. Fireclay is created by molding ceramic clay into a shape of a sink, and is then dried. It is then coated in porcelain enamel. This material is very durable and strong.

Concrete Sinks

Concrete has become increasingly popular with the modern, industrial kitchen designs. These can be greatly customized and can be incorporated into any design features. Concrete is however, heavy and does require periodic sealing against the moisture, so it’s not as low maintenance as other materials.

Cast Iron

This material has been used the longest for creating kitchen sinks. Cast iron is very strong and is sealed with an enamel, glossy finish. You can customize the colour of the designs as well. This material is also very heavy and makes installation much more difficult. It is also prone to rust.

There are many different materials and styles of kitchen sinks available today that can create the perfect addition to your kitchen design. Take the time to explore the different options available to help you find the best one for your home.

Are you planning an Ottawa kitchen renovation? Contact RenosGroup.ca to book a free in-home consultation or request a free estimate!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Benefits of Installing a Kitchen Backsplash

Backsplashes installed above the kitchen countertops aren’t just placed simply for the purpose of aesthetic appeal. Although they do look great and enhance a kitchen design, they actually serve a greater purpose. Below we’ve outlined a few of the benefits of installing a kitchen backsplash.

Protects Paint and Wallpaper


Your kitchen is the most used room in your entire home. And with all of the baking and cooking that happens there on a regular basis, it doesn’t take long for it to get messy. Backsplashes are great for this purpose since they cover the area of the wall above the countertop to protect the paint or wallpaper that’s on it from getting dirty. So when that tomato sauce starts to bubble and splash, you can simply wipe it off the tile instead of worrying about it staining the wall.

Covers Gaps in the Walls


Often when countertops are installed – especially granite ones – the cuts of it can leave some minor gaps between the end of the counter and the wall behind it. By installing backsplash tiles, it covers these gaps and makes it much more appealing.

Protects Against Water and Mould


In addition to covering gaps, it also provides a barrier against water. It blocks any water from seeping behind the counter and wall, which can also prevent the growth of mould.

Protects Against Heat


When the stove is blazing and there’s a cooking frenzy happening, all of the heat from the stove can gradually affect the wall close to it over time. Tile can also provide a barrier for the wall from the heat or those rising flambé flames that can get a little too hot sometimes.

Enhance the Aesthetic Appeal of your Kitchen


If you walk into a kitchen, the backsplash is often one of the first elements that get noticed. And with the wide variety of styles, colours, and patterns available today, you can get creative with it and add that splash of colour and flair to your kitchen décor.

So if you’ve been toying with the idea of whether it’s worth it to add in backsplash to your kitchen reno, consider each of these factors. You can ask just about any interior designer and they will encourage you to use them. They not only look great, but they can extend the design of your kitchen by providing that necessary barrier to protect the wall to keep your kitchen looking great for years to come.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Reasons to Finish Your Unfinished Basement

The basement can often become one of the most neglected rooms in a home. But it can also have some of the best potential for providing additional space for a variety of purposes. It can benefit your entire family and your resale value in the future. If you’ve been thinking about finishing your basement, consider these five reasons why it can benefit your home.

Create More Space


Having an unfinished basement is really wasting a space that could have so much potential. Depending on the size and layout, you can create an additional space that can be turned into whatever you need or want in your home. Whether it’s another bedroom, an income suite, a children’s playroom, or even a den for yourself where you get to indulge in your personalized entertainment space – there are so many options!

Increase the Value of Your Home


Aside from additional space, investing in finishing your basement can also significantly improve the value of your home. Potential buyers want to purchase a home where there’s little renovation needed. Having your basement upgraded and finished is one of the best ways to keep buyers interested in your property if you should ever consider selling in the future.

Increase Storage and Organization


Basements are the perfect place to store away items that aren’t frequently used. You can create a space in the basement purely for keeping all of your storage organized and tidy, while still have space to utilize for enjoyment. So rather than having to rely on your garage for storing away old boxes and risk having them ruined by any potential mildew, you can keep them safe and dry, out of sight and well organized.

Improve Health and Safety


Finishing your basement not only provides more space and storage, but it can also improve the health and safety of your home as well. Basements that are neglected can become a haven for mould to develop and grow since water damage and leaks can become a common problem. By taking the time to renovate it now, you can avoid and eliminate the potential for toxic mold and water problems in the future.

Comfortable and Economical


There’s no better place to get some reprieve during the summer heat waves than down in the cool basement. But when it’s unfinished, no one wants to even consider stepping down there. By renovating it into a comfortable space, you and the family can utilize it during the summer, and even save on those energy bills by avoiding the need to crank up the A/C as often.

If you’re undecided about investing in your unfinished basement, it truly can be one of the most rewarding projects to undertake. Aside from it improving the safety and resale value of your home, you can create a comfortable and economical space that you and the family can enjoy.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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