Fun Renos

Creative Room Ideas

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!

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.

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.

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!

Basement Renovation Ottawa - Walk-Out Basement

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 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

5 Uses for a Coach House

Although coach houses were primarily used for one thing back in the day – housing the horse and carriage – today, that extra detached space from the home can be transformed into a number of different ideas. Whether you have a kid returning home for college, an ageing parent who needs to be cared for or even if you’re in need of a separate home office space that’s free from distractions, a coach house can be extremely convenient to have. To find the best idea for your situation, here are a few different uses for a coach house to consider.

Keep Aging Parents Close By


If your ageing parents or a widowed parent needs to be cared for, you can keep them close to home while giving them (and yourself) enough separate space to live in. This allows you to provide the assistance they need while allowing them to still maintain some independence. You can keep an eye on them and enjoy the comfort knowing that they’re only a few steps from home if they need you.

Space For Eldest Child


Do you have a child returning home from college? Or maybe your eldest child is ready to take the first steps in living on their own? Your coach house could be the perfect space to transform into a separate apartment suite to give your child the independence they’re seeking before they are fully ready to take on the responsibilities of living completely on their own.

An Income Suite


If you don’t have any kids or ageing parents to house, then why not make some extra side cash by creating an income suite? By converting your coach house into an apartment, you can rent it out and enjoy the benefits of extra income.

Home Office


With more people working from home these days, having a separate space to get work done can be extremely beneficial. Trying to work amidst the flurry of activity at home can be a challenge. But with a few renovations, you can create your very own cozy office space just a few steps from your front door. So you can close the door behind you and leave the distractions in the main home while you get down to business.

Visitor’s Suite


If you’re located in a popular spot for friends and family to visit, the coach house can be the perfect spot for them to stay in. This lets them come and go as they please without completely encroaching on your personal space.

There are so many different handy uses for a coach house. So if you’re lucky enough to own one on your property, consider some of these ideas for transforming it into something that can truly be useful and beneficial to you. And when you’re ready to get started, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427. Our professional contractors can help with any of your household renovation projects.

Invite Spring Into Your Home with A Bright New Kitchen

Renovating and sprucing up your home with a new kitchen is a great way to welcome back the warmer weather. And even though you may be able to spot a few homes still strung with holiday décor in your neighbourhood, it’s finally time to get ready to dust away those winter blues and make way for the spring. So why not invite spring into your home with a bright new kitchen to help you truly usher in the arrival of the season?

Here are some spring-inspired reno ideas to consider.

Open Concept


No one enjoys feeling boxed in or tucked away from all the action. If you have a dated kitchen design that forces you to duck beneath the cupboards to see your guests on the other side, it’s time for an update. One of the best ways to create a bright new kitchen design is to make it an open concept. An open floor plan will maximize the natural light and allow you to converse and entertain your guests while you’re preparing their cocktails. It won’t take long for you to notice just how airy and easy it is to move around in.

Focus On lighter Materials & Colours


Having predominantly dark finishes on your cupboards or countertops can really detract from your entire home design and create a dark and gloomy-looking space, even during a glorious spring day. So think about the materials and colours that you use before going ahead with them. Instead of dark colours and materials that absorb light, focus on adding lighter ones to create a fresh, reflective, and bright new kitchen.

Add Some Cheery Elements


Accent features like soft yellow sheers for the windows or a vibrant backsplash with colourful tiling can add those special spring touches that will really make your new kitchen pop. Think about using accent materials with bright colours that you enjoy. Florals and patterns are also great to integrate for that extra spring touch.

At RenosGroup, we employ fully qualified contractors to tackle any renovations you need. Whether it’s a bright new kitchen for spring, repairs to your patio for the summer, or any household repairs, we are your go-to spot! We handle it all and take pride in the level of quality that we deliver to each of our customers. Contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today to learn more about how you can get started with your renovation project.

The Most Common Reno Jobs

Ever wonder what the most common reno jobs are these days? It may surprise you to learn what the top requests are from homeowners.  To find out what renovation projects we do most for our customers, check out our top seven common renos list.

Bathroom Reno


Probably the most commonly reno job is a bathroom upgrade. And it’s not really surprising as many older homes are still sporting 80s styled pastels and tacky patterned tiling. With all the upgraded materials and spa-like fixtures available today, you can finally say goodbye to your green coloured tub and hello to a design that showcases your personal style at a price you can afford.

Kitchen Remodel


The kitchen is the heart of the home, so its no wonder why it’s on the list of the most common reno jobs. Adding an island, beautiful countertops, stainless steel appliances, and more cabinet space can go a long way when it comes to style and functionality. But today’s trends focus more on space organization and innovative decorative elements than ever before. Think sleek black stainless steel that hides fingerprints, scratchproof Dekton in place of granite, and stylish adhesive backsplashes that can be changed out in a flash.

Window And Doors


Many homeowners are now focused on finding ways to add more energy efficiency to their homes in order to cut down on their energy costs. Taking on a reno project to incorporate brand new windows and doors is one of the best ways to improve efficiency as well as adding more aesthetics to your home.

Addition


Expanding the home and adding another floor or section, is another one of the most common reno jobs today. For families who are expanding, a new addition can save them the pain of finding a new home and moving. It’s also a great way to get a better price on your home when you’re ready to sell.

Finished Basements


A finished basement is another excellent way to add more space to your home. And the best part is that there are endless opportunities for how you can utilize the extra room. Common conversions include creating an income-producing rental unit, a space for a playroom, entertainment area, office, workshop, or even an extra bedroom for an aging parent or the returning college student.

Flooring


That old plush carpet you have not only starts to look drab over time but can also contain a lot of dirt and mold deep within the fibres. It’s wise to get your carpet flooring replaced every five years or so. Beautiful looking flooring is also a great selling feature. Changing old tile or carpet to hardwood has also become a very popular request. Wood flooring comes in a variety of finishes and laminates, and also provides improved durability and improved aesthetics in any room.

Exterior Siding


Whether it’s time to replace old or damaged aluminum siding or to switch up the materials to a more modern style of stucco or cedar, exterior siding remains a prevalent reno project among homeowners.

And there you have some of the most common reno jobs that we tackle for homeowners today. When you’re ready to take your home to the next level with a transformative reno, we are your go-to renovation company in Ottawa. We handle a wide range of projects from the kitchen, bathroom, basement, exterior and additions. No matter what your vision, we can help you design your dream home.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Take Advantage of Your Attic – Renovate It

The attic is a reservoir of untapped space. Aside from using it to store away forgotten treasures and old junk, you can take advantage of it by creating a functional space that you and your family can actually use and enjoy. All you need is a little imagination. So if you’ve been eager for more space at home without the hassle of moving or placing a new addition onto your home, here are a few inspiring ideas that show how the attic can become the perfect space to use.

Take Advantage of Existing Space

If you’re looking to expand your space, it’s always best to look up before you start looking outside and elsewhere. Taking advantage of your attic means you can also avoid having to add on an additional roof and walls that would be necessary for a home addition. This makes it a much easier renovation project to conduct and can often be completed in much less time.

Take Advantage of Energy Savings

We all know that attics, for the most part, are very neglected. After all, they’re not exactly the most inviting space to use prior to being renovated. And even though most attics have insulation, the reality is that it’s often not enough to really keep your home airtight from energy leaks. But by renovating your attic space, insulation will need to be bulked up in order to make it comfortable for you or your family to use and enjoy it. With the increased insulation, that equates to fewer drafts and a more comfortable home, which can lower your monthly energy bills.

Take Advantage Of The Natural Light

The attic also usually offers an abundance of natural light, and by installing a skylight or two, you can really maximize it and create a bright, fresh and inviting space.

Get Creative

You can really get creative with the attic space, especially with the unique design, thanks to the roof. You can create your own luxurious Zen room where you get to relax away from the kids and noisy television. Or, you can explore so many other options like a new bedroom for your eldest child, or even a play den for the kids to enjoy. The options are endless!

So if you’ve been looking to expand your current living space, the answer might be right above you. Take advantage of your attic by renovating it into whatever space you need. And when you’re ready to get started, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427. Our expert contractors have the knowledge and expertise to transform your attic into a warm and inviting room in your home.

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.

Home Studio in Your Basement

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

5 Essential Elements of a Chef’s Kitchen Renovation

Just because you don’t have your own restaurant, doesn’t mean you can’t feel proud about being the master chef at home. If the kitchen is where you find joy, then why not bring some more love into this space by creating your own chef’s kitchen right at home? You may never get the chance to show off your culinary delights in a five-start Michelin, but really, who cares when you get to be the head chef for your family and friends? If cooking is where your heart lies, then making the effort and investment to create a chef’s kitchen is well worth it.

When you’re ready to spice up your kitchen, make sure to add these 5 essential elements of you chef’s kitchen renovation project.

Ample Amount Of Room


If you ever peak back behind the scenes at a restaurant, often you can see chefs fluttering around the kitchen in an almost orchestrated rhythm. So the first necessary element for a proper kitchen is to have ample amount of room for both you and anyone involved to move around in. Having an open floor layout is essential. If you have partition walls separating your kitchen from your guests in a neighbouring room, think about how you can eliminate them in your design and add in an island instead to place your culinary skills on display as you interact with your loved ones.

Gas Cook Range


For any chef – whether at home or in a restaurant, the stove is often where most of the magic happens. So, naturally, you need it to excel in performance with this appliance. When taking on your chef’s kitchen renovation, don’t skip out of the appliances that matter. Having a gas cook range that operates with a high British thermal unit (that’s above the average 7,000 Btu) provides larger, hotter flames, with a grill to go alongside it.

Chef’s Kitchen Renovation

Large Sink And Extendable Faucet


With the amount of pots and pans getting used up on a regular basis, having at least two large basin sinks is extremely helpful. You can add these features to the island, or simply add them into your current layout. Just be sure to add in an extendable faucet that can allow you to reach the hose into areas easily.

Sufficient Storage To Organize Your Equipment


For a chef, the knives, spatulas, spoons, flambé torch and all of the other gadgets and gizmos that get used on a regular basis are your essential tools. And keeping them organized and stored away properly and conveniently is essential. Keeping the kitchen organized with a flow that makes sense to you is all about adding in those necessary pull-out drawers, Lazy Susan’s and other organizers to keep your tools stored away properly. Keep this in mind during the renovation to incorporate enough cabinetry and units to make your kitchen work for your culinary rhythm.

Finishing Touches


If the kitchen is where you truly feel at home, then make it truly your own by adding in those finishing touches that you love. Install elegant pot lights along the ceiling, place your favourite copper pots on display, add in that luxurious granite countertop you’ve been dreaming of working on.  Make it yours!

Get creative and use these other key elements to help make your dream chef’s kitchen renovation into a reality that you can enjoy everyday at home.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

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.

Bathroom Renovation Ottawa - Pellan Cres

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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