The days are longer, the air is lighter, the sun is brighter – spring is finally here! Time for you shake off the cold and endulge in the invigorating freshness, and there’s no better place to start than your bathroom. Take you spring cleaning one step further and think of improvements you can make to your bathroom to create a bright and refreshing spring haven, dressed up in the latest spring cleaning bathroom design tips.

Customized lighting

Much has been said about the power of proper lighting, so just consider what a customized lighting design might bring about to your spring oasis. You can customize not only the layout but also the color of the lights for a sun-inspired bathroom design. Why put candles around when specially placed lights can mimic candle-light for the same effect, not to mention be tons safer.

Stylish eco-friendly solutions

If you want your bathroom clean, you’d better go green. This spring, go for environmentally friendly design solutions instead of traditional high-maintenance ones. Consider low-flow sink fixtures – they are both trendy and eco-friendly.

Free-standing bathtub

Whatever way you prefer to relax, there are plenty of options that are both soothing to the senses and pretty on the eye. Free-standing bathtubs are not only the perfect way to give yourself a spa treatment fit for Egyptian goddesses, but they are also a smashing hit in the cutting-edge bathroom design movement.

Stand-alone shower

There’s nothing quite like a soft drizzle on a warm day, and there’s nothing quite like a mist-spray showerhead to bring about that sensation. Stand-alone showers not only save you valuable space but can also be fully customized to include preset sprays and sprinkles, even music of your own choice.

Steam shower

Consider a walk-in steam shower with preset steam options and enjoy a cleansing sauna in the comfort of your own bathroom. When installed and used correctly, it can save a remarkable amount of water, not mention save space for dancing in the sunlight.

Refinished bathtub

Remember, relaxing getaways are no longer reserved for the well-heeled. If you want to go easy on the home budget but still have a touch of spring in your bathroom oasis, think about refinishing your existing bathtub. A fresh layer of brightly colored paint can bring about the much needed spring freshness, not to mention look trendier.

Natural flooring materials

Since it’s all about comfort, think about refinishing the floor, although here you might want to consider replacing the cold, impersonal tiles altogether. Soft materials like cork are ideal for walking barefoot, not to mention being highly sustainable and eco-friendly, and therefore, a real goodie in the designer world.

Spring San Diego Bathroom remodeling

You dig the ideas, but don’t know how to make them come to life? Contact Remodel Works, your #1 Remodeler in San Diego per Houzz and Award-Winning Design Build firm in San Diego, California. Customization is the key, so consult our designers on how to maximize the potentials of your bathroom for the ultimate pleasure bathroom design. Contact us and get a free quote today!

Both aesthetically pleasing and utilitarian, an island can serve as an anchor for the kitchen and be a wonderful asset to the place at once. They focus the space to one area, allowing homeowners to cook and socialize simultaneously. They’re extra countertop space, a secondary table, a common space creator, and can help suck space out of kitchens that aren’t properly balanced (speaking towards bigger kitchens here). Anyone who has lived in a home with an island finds it immensely difficult to shift back into a home without one.
 
Today, more and more homes are adding islands during their kitchen remodel. It’s a home design that is no longer specific to upper scale, luxurious properties. If you like islands and are currently looking for some inspiration, then you’ve landed in the right place. We’re going to detail quite a few different style choices ranging from the traditional aesthetic, to postmodern improvisations that might be everything your heart desires.
 
First, let’s discuss logistics.

Island Logistics

We know, we know. This isn’t necessarily the fun part of scouring the internet for new ideas. Still, it’s important that you–if you’re considering this renovation–at least have these concepts in the back of your mind. What are the necessary requirements for an island?
 
Space
 
This should be somewhat common sense, but if you’re looking to install an island in your kitchen then you’ll need the space for it. There’s no definitive here but generally the rule of thumb is that your kitchen needs to be over 6 feet deep and 10 feet long to truly utilize an island. If it’s smaller than that, the island becomes less practical and efficient, detracting from its value.
 
Storage
 
When considering putting an island in your home, you also need to consider what sort of application it’s going to serve to your kitchen. Most would consider it a waste to slap a beautiful island in the middle of a room but not fill it up with drawers to serve as a utility for storing your cooking apparatuses, kitchen items, and even a secondary or primary trash chute. Remember that an island draws people forward as it is quite literally the center of the room, so you’ll probably be doing a fair amount of cooking on it.

 

 
Lights
 
Any place in which work is done needs a light. Is your kitchen properly structured to light an island or will that be additional work involved? Generally you want a dedicated light for your island, one beaming down from overhead. The most popular choice is recessed lighting, a simple design that doesn’t require much effort if your ceilings aren’t unnecessarily high. However, if they’re higher than usual, it can pose a problem as the ‘general’ light bulb focuses its light from the bottom out, meaning it covers a spread. Specific light bulbs meant to focus light from higher altitudes can be installed to right this issue.
 
Airflow
 
The last part to consider is how well ventilated your kitchen is. Islands that are primarily used for cooking benefit greatly from a downdraft fan. But even then, sometimes a secondary fan will need to be installed to work as an exhaust (smell that stagnates will truly ruin the experience of having an island). Our point being: you need to have airflow moving away from the island and toward an appropriate opening. It’s simply not something that can be overlooked if you plan to cook on it.
 

Island Designs

Now that you have a basic understanding of an island’s structural design, here is some kitchen island idea inspiration.
 
The Bar Top
 
Outside of being a utility for the kitchen, you can be creative about the purpose you want your island to serve. One of the most dynamic and aesthetically pleasing designs is to structure your island like a bar top, which means to install another level. In this way all your kitchen countertops (including the main countertop of island) are level, but the second step-up of the island can be used to serve drinks, eat over, and as somewhat of an impromptu high-top. Enjoy the full utility of using an island for cooking but also make it a great place to serve the friends and family. When these are done correctly, they look absolutely amazing. You can have veggies steaming over the middle level while you’re guests keep their glass of wine a few feet up on the bar top.
 
The Double Dresser
 
While this can look tacky if not properly styled, when it lands, it’s the first thing people notice. The idea is to put two identical dressers (typically wooden) back to back. All the drawers face outward. Then a slab of wood or marble is sealed to the top (most often to match the kitchen countertops). The drawers act like kitchen cabinets and they work to balance the island. As an aesthetic–in homes that fit–it can give the place an entirely vintage and rustic tone, even if the home is somewhat modern. Being that it’s isolated, even if the style isn’t completely fluid it can still pair well with the rest of the home. Ever seen a single piece of outdated or vintage furniture in a modernized home? They often work well because of their independence and the opposing style of their environment.
 
Hanging Pot Rack
 
Because we’re rolling off the vintage tones, another incredible design choice is to incorporate a drop-down light fixture, then enclose it in a rack. Meaning you would have something like two or three drop-down lights hanging over the table, a metal perimeter around them fixed with hooks, and you could then hang the pots over the island. Not only does this open up room but the pots can be part of the aesthetic. Blend some auburn pots over a rich mahogany and give your home that sophisticated twist it needed.  
 
The Makeshift Bookcase
 
While it may not be feasible for you to actually put books in your kitchen—although who knows, it could have its own stylistic charm—there are plenty of innovative homes that have used bookshelves as their kitchen island. Similar to the dressers, often you can take two and place them back to back to create more surface area. The shelves can then be filled with spices, cups, kitchen items, candles, and anything to give your home that extra charm. The bookcase look is both vintage and sophisticated and can pair well in homes with a more dynamic aesthetic.
 
The Second Table
 
We’ve already spoken about how islands are practical because they can provide a second table to eat upon or utilize, and some of them are customized specifically for this. Think of on this: you build your island at the desired size and instead of calling it a day, you push it out another couple feet but away from the island with a hollow inside. One side of your island can become a ‘table end’ where chairs or barstools are pushed comfortably into their coves. This invites guests to sit and utilize the space and makes the island even more practical.
 
A Second Kitchen
 
This is definitely a bit more costly, but some homeowners love to create another kitchen out of their island. They run piping and electric to it, install a stove, oven, dishwasher, and sink, and use the island the same way as the rest of the kitchen. This helps with cooking and cleaning as having more than one centralized place can allow you to do more and put the place together faster. Fit with a marble top and a wooden body, this ‘second kitchen’ can be a wonderful addition to your already existing one. This is practicality at its finest.  

 
Freestanding Island
 
If you’re not entirely up for committing to a built-in island, then there’s no harm in using a freestanding one. This is a fun idea because it allows you to fill in the blanks and be creative about what you use. In theory, plenty of furniture pieces can work as an island. They need to have a base, a decent surface area, and be sturdy enough to work over. When they’re done correctly there is something extremely attractive about having a lone-wolf piece of furniture serving as your island. Not only that but if you enjoy it enough, then it can pave the way for a built-in one.
 
The Island Push Out
 
We already spoke on the ‘The Second Table’ but this is a bit different, as it’s both a table and island in one. If your kitchen is big enough, then you can center an island right in the middle, then extend a lower level of it out like at table. Although connected, often the aesthetic is most pleasing when both fit the same tone but are painted differently. A family can seat the kids at the table extension to do homework while the parents prepare food over the island. Not only that, but it helps orient space. This, like some of the others we mentioned, is an invitation to regard the kitchen as another room to socialize in.
 
Hand Carved Kitchen Island
 
One of the most attractive and innovative ways to design a kitchen island is to have a woodsman carve one for your space. Even if your kitchen is sleek and sophisticated, customized woodwork (which can also be painted) can not only stand on its own but create a more inviting atmosphere. It’s also completely up to you. You won’t have to scour around trying to find certain designs or prebuilt islands to purchase. You can customize one to fit your space and pair with the aesthetic of your home.
 
The Picnic Table
 
Best serving a home with wooden floors and autumn tones, there is something quite pleasing about designing your island to look like an outdoor bench. Often it’s the countertop that sports the ‘picnic bench’ aesthetic and the base is something practical (with drawers and storage space). Some designers like to match the countertop with the wood flooring rather than other countertops, which gives the island even more isolation.
 
At The End of the Day, It’s Up To You
 
Designing and deciding on an island shouldn’t be a stressful process. It’s a standalone piece that—as you can tell—can be just about anything. Outside of the logistics, what you want your island to look like and what sort of utility you want it to serve your home is completely your choice. They aren’t a difficult piece to install (although this varies dependent on the complexity of the design) and depending on what design you choose, can be extremely economic. Perhaps you create an island out of something no one has ever used before.
 
All said and done, an island is a fantastic focal point in the kitchen. It simplifies the cooking experience and creates a social atmosphere out of a place that is not necessarily conducive to chitchat. If the island is a success, the kitchen flourishes.

Choosing the right color scheme to incorporate within a room is a simple way to transform the style of a space and drive the design to fit your aesthetic. It can be challenging to select one hue from all of the master bathroom paint colors available. While there are many colors for master bathrooms available, not all master bathroom colors will offer the same appeal and style to a space. To help narrow down the selection of colors, we have curated a list of the best master bathroom color trends to choose from.

• Charcoal Gray: Dark, moody paint colors can create a master bathroom that feels elegant, rich, and sophisticated. Charcoal gray is light enough to maintain a feeling of openness in the room but dark enough to serve as a stylistic accent. In addition, charcoal gray is easy to pair décor and supplementary finishes with to create a space that is complete, dignified, and uniquely tailored to your taste. Don’t love charcoal gray? A lighter gray can have a similar elegant feel as you see below.

• Clean White: When thinking of color palette that will enhance a master bathroom, white may not be the color that immediately comes to mind, but a crisp, clean white color can offer a blank canvas upon which to build a bold, unique style. If you want the bathroom to feel clean, bright, and open, pair it with white subway tiles, a patterned black and white tile, and a floating wood vanity. This will make the space feel tied together, complete, and refreshing.

• Taupe: Taupe is a deep, rich color that combines brown and gray to achieve a versatile hue that you can customize to meet your unique stylistic preferences. This earthy tone pairs well with natural materials, such as wood accents or a bamboo mat. It is often best to bring in some lighter colored décor pieces of finishes to balance out the deep tone of the taupe and maintain a light, open feeling within the space.
• Navy Blue: A deep, dark navy blue color will at once imbue a master bathroom with sophistication and tranquility that will create an inviting, aesthetically pleasing environment. Light tile and accents offer a crisp counterpart to the dark, deep blue hue. Because navy blue is a versatile tone, it can pair well with a number of different colors, offering a bold hue upon which to build a unique master bathroom design.
• Midnight Black: Having a black master bathroom is certainly not the most traditional choice, but for some this can create a more modern bathroom that is both elegant and classic. To offset the inherent darkness of the black tone, it is important to incorporate pops of color through décor, plants, or different means. In addition, it can sometimes enhance the style of the space to pair this bold color choice with all white tile, glass shower doors, and a wood vanity. This will keep the space natural, light, and balance the tone of the black.
• Seafoam Green: A light seafoam green can create a master bathroom that feels tranquil and traditional. Seafoam green is a light enough that it adds a delicate touch of color without overpowering the space. This color pairs well with both white and natural wood, whether it is light or dark wood. Seafoam green can also be incorporated in décor throughout the master bathroom as an accent color to make the space feel cohesive and complete. It is the perfect master bathroom color for both contemporary and traditional styles to add a coastal, natural feel.

• Ice Blue: For many, a master bathroom would ideally feel like a retreat and a spa. Incorporating an ice blue paint color will make the space feel tranquil, relaxing, and rejuvenating. Ice blue pairs well with a number of neutrals, including black, white, gray, brown, and tan, making it an easy foundation upon which to build a broader stylistic vision.
• Soft Beige: For those who prefer to get their statements pieces through tile, a vanity, or other décor, a soft beige can be a wonderful neutral color to select. Soft beige fosters a warm, inviting atmosphere without overpowering the space. It is warmer than a typical white, but not so bright and loud that it overshadows other design elements within the space. Pair with a bold bathroom tile on the wall and floor or incorporate a unique vanity to create a space that is original and familiar.

With so many colors to choose from there is a shade that will match your personality and style aesthetic. Choosing which color to go with is one of the most fun tasks during a bathroom remodel, but it can also be one of the most challenging. Use the color ideas we’ve come up with as inspiration for your brand new bathroom, or check out our bathroom remodeling idea and renovation gallery!

Quartz has proven itself to be one of the most popular materials for countertops, and it’s no wonder why! It’s naturally one of the hardest and most durable surfaces on earth, but that doesn’t mean your quartz countertops won’t require their fair share of maintenance and care. Here are our best tips on how to maintain quartz countertops.
 
What is Quartz?
 
Quartz countertops are derived from the mineral quartz, which is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen (making it silicon dioxide or SiO2). It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth (along with feldspar), and its unique properties make it one of the most useful natural substances.
 
Quartz is present and plentiful in all parts of the world. It forms at all temperatures and is abundant in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical weathering. This durability makes it the dominant mineral of mountaintops and the primary constituent of beach, river, and desert sand. Quartz is ubiquitous, plentiful and durable.
 
Quartz occurs naturally in virtually every color. Common colors are clear, white, gray, purple, yellow, brown, black, pink, green, red. Its luster and color make it useful as a gemstone and also in the making of glass.
 
Quartz in the Home
 
Engineered quartz has become one of the frontrunners in homes for kitchen and bathroom countertops. The type of quartz that is used for these countertops varies: some quartz countertop material is made of naturally quarried slabs of quartz, while a lot of newly engineered quartz countertop material is engineered with approximately 95% ground quartz and 5% resins.
 
One of the main reasons that quartz has become so popular as a household material is its natural hardness and durability. Many people end up choosing engineered quartz for the variety of aesthetic options – it’s available in such a wide variety of colors and textures.
 
Quartz is one of the most popular countertop materials and often chosen over other materials, like granite, because it is equally as strong but has the added benefit of being more flexible. This makes quartz easy to work with, and can allow for a simpler installation process. And because quartz is more flexible to work with and is held in place using glue and epoxy instead of screws, quartz can be used for backsplashes and even shower enclosures, without the fissures and seams that are visible with natural stone. Still, quartz countertops should always be professionally installed, mostly because of their weight and size.
 
In addition to being popular, quartz is also one of the heaviest countertop materials. Compared again to granite – their exact density varies from sample to sample, but overall quartz averages about 2.65 g/cc and granite comes in a little heavier at 2.7 to 2.8 g/cc. Countertops of comparable size of granite and quartz will weigh about the same, give or take a few pounds. Because engineered quartz is significantly heavier than other stone surfaces, there are some special installation considerations – structural issues should be assessed before installing quartz countertop, especially on upper floors.
 
Many homeowners and home designers love quartz because of its unique and custom appearance. These stones are coming right out of the earth and are not perfectly designed by nature. For some, this will be a benefit while others will consider it to be a drawback.
 
The natural derivation of quartz also says something about its environmental impact. As far as countertop options go, quartz materials generally leave less of a carbon footprint. Many of these products contain content that has been recycled, and the manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly.
 
Before choosing to go with quartz countertops, be sure to research price options. This can be the biggest consideration when it comes to choosing between a quartz countertop and one that’s made of another material, like granite or laminate. The cost of engineered quartz countertops appears to be dropping as they grow in popularity and as more manufacturers make them available, but in general, they are more expensive than laminate and comparable in price to granite, ranging from $100 to $200 per square foot (HGTV).
 
To learn more about Quartz compared to other countertop materials, check out our Countertop Material Comparison Guide.
 
 
How to Maintain Quartz Countertops
 
A natural benefit of quartz countertops is the minimal cleaning required to keep them sanitary and functioning at their highest potential. Due to the non-porous nature of the material, stains and spills are not easily absorbed into the surface and quartz is incredibly resistant to staining and corrosion from oils, liquids and most household cleaning products, which makes clean up and fairly easy job.
 
Although quartz countertops will resist permanent staining when exposed to liquids like wine, vinegar, tea, lemon juice, and soda, or fruits and vegetables, it’s important to wipe up spills immediately—before they have a chance to dry. Fresh spills can be wiped up with a simple household cleaner or dishwasher detergent and a soft cloth (although some people find that window cleaner works best).
 
Simply apply the cleaning product or detergent to any stains, leave the cleaner on the surface for about two minutes, and remove with a non-scratch pad. After wiping off the household cleaner, use a damp cloth to remove any residue, then dry the surface.
 
For tougher stains like food, nail polish, or paint, it is recommended to keep a plastic putty knife handy to gently scrape off messes that harden as they dry. But be sure not to use a sharp knife near your quartz countertops – quartz is a hard surface, but not hard enough to withstand the effects of sharp objects like knives.
 
Here is a step-by-step guide for how to clean quartz countertops:

1. Wipe down your quartz countertops with a soft rag and mild detergent. Clean the counter with soap and warm water daily, if possible.
2. For any dried food or other stains, use a blunt scraper such as a plastic putty knife to scrape off and then remove.
3. For grease stains, wipe away grease with a degreasing cleaner. Spray the counter with a degreasing and disinfectant cleanser that doesn’t contain bleach. Alternately, use disinfectant bleach-free wipes. Rinse immediately afterward with a sponge or wet cloth. For grease stains, look for cleaning products that are specifically formulated for quartz countertops.
4. For extra tough stains or anything sticky, you can also use a cleaning solution like Goo Gone. Wet a cloth with a citrus cleaner like Goo Gone. Try pouring a bit of cleaner onto the stain and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes before wiping it up, if the stain is particularly tough. Follow up by cleaning the counter well with warm water.
5. Be sure to dry countertops off with a towel after you finish cleaning.

Although quartz is resistant to most stains, it is not resistant to harsh chemicals.
 
Do not expose your quartz surfaces to abrasive, strong alkaline, acid, free radicals, oxidizers or the like (whether high, neutral or low pH) cleaners. Furthermore, other popular cleaning products like bleach, oven cleaners, Comet®, and paint thinners will do more harm than good for your quartz countertops. Never use abrasive or harsh scrub pads; instead use soft pads and cloths.
 
And finally, do not apply any sealants or topical treatments to quartz surfaces, since these types of products will wear off and cause the gloss to appear dull and loose its natural sheen.
 
Keep Heat Away from Quartz
 
It’s important to note that quartz countertops are not heat-proof. Unlike some other natural stones, quartz can be damaged by heat, so homeowners should be prepared to protect their quartz countertops with the use of trivets and hot pads to prevent heating the top.
 
Refrain from placing hot skillets or roasting pans directly onto the surface of quartz countertops, and be aware of the potential damage to the surface by heat-generating appliances such as electric grills or crockpots. In addition, as with any natural stone, prolonged exposure to heat may cause cracks in quartz countertops.
 
Another potential drawback, or quality to be aware of with quartz countertops is that they can discolor over time when exposed to direct sunlight. If you have a part of your counter that receives some of the UV rays from the sun while another part doesn’t, over time you may see a color difference. Otherwise, quartz countertops will weather and age fairly well.
 
Quartz countertops are incredibly durable. With just a small amount of care, your quartz surfaces will look as great as the day you installed them for years to come.

If you are contemplating re-doing your kitchen, you may be wondering how to prepare for a kitchen remodel. Good news, surviving a kitchen renovation can be painless with the right tips and tricks to utilize during your remodel. If you want to come out of this process with the kitchen of your dreams and continue to live somewhat normally throughout the remodel you need to have an organized strategy before you begin. Below is a guide of tips and tricks to help you continue living efficiently and survive this process with ease.

Before You Begin the Kitchen Remodel Process

When you begin a kitchen remodel, you may want to jump straight to picking finishes and décor, but there are several important steps you need to take before you begin to choose final touches. The first step you need to take before beginning the kitchen remodel process is to determine what your overall goal of the remodel project is.

Do you want to upgrade the style and finishes? Do you want an entirely new configuration, with a new, different kitchen cabinet material? Do you need more storage? What are the must-haves? What are the desirables? By determining up front what your goals of the kitchen remodel are, you are setting yourself up to have a successful kitchen remodel that runs quickly and ends with the kitchen of your dream.

During the Kitchen Remodel Process

One of the most daunting challenges to undertaking a kitchen remodel is losing access to your kitchen appliances and counter space during the remodel process. Coming up with temporary kitchen ideas may seem complex, but with a little foresight and planning, you can have a safe temporary kitchen during remodel that allows you to maintain a modified version of your normal routines. How to function best during a kitchen remodel looks different for each individual and family, so it is important to find the realistic steps that will work best for you and your family to make sure you have a temporary kitchen during renovation, are able to still relax and enjoy your home.

The first step of a kitchen remodel process is for your construction and design team to introduce you to everyone who will be working in your home. This will mitigate the potential feeling of unfamiliar people being in your home and encroaching on your personal space. If you know them and feel comfortable being in your home while they are there, then your kitchen remodel will flow much smoother and be more comfortable throughout.

This is an important step and a great remodel team will ensure you are comfortable with every person who will be working in your home. With this step done, the next task is to find a way to continue to cook during the renovation.

Temporary Cooking Space

Losing access to your traditional kitchen space and appliances during the kitchen renovation can be challenging, but it in no way means that you need to eat out for every meal and go weeks without cooking the meals you love. There are many ways that you can continue to make delicious, healthy food without access to your normal kitchen space.

The first step is to find a temporary space to use as a makeshift kitchen during the renovation. This could be a small patio, your existing backyard grilling area, or even your garage. It may also just be a table in the dining room, living room, or even laundry room, but no matter what space you choose make sure you have access to outlets and a flat surface on which you can prep food. Gather a few bins to store silverware, plates, and cooking utensils and store it in your temporary kitchen space during the renovation.

Once you have designated a temporary space to function as your kitchen during the remodel, then consider when the best times to cook will be based on the schedule of the renovations. If the remodel is taking place from 8:00-4:00pm each day, then it would be best to make breakfast at 7:00am and dinner after 5:00pm. This allows for buffer time to clean up or if work schedules run over.

Adjust your routine schedule to work around the remodel schedule so that you are not trying to cook dinner at the same time cabinets are being installed. In addition to a daily work schedule, it is important to know the overall schedule of the remodel. When will your dishwasher be disconnected, or will it be disconnected at all? What about your refrigerator?

Will you have access to your microwave or oven? By working with your design-build team to ascertain the day-to-day and overall schedule of the remodel, you can successfully plan your habits around the schedule and prepare accordingly. Remodel Works Bath and Kitchen is one of the only design-build firms in San Diego that offers clients a detailed day-to-day schedule of all activities that will be occurring during the remodel. This knowledge allows homeowners to offset much of the potential frustration that could occur by utilizing proper planning.

If you are doing a kitchen remodel that disconnects the refrigerator, dishwasher, or appliances for a portion of the time, then you will need to find an alternative method to store and cook food and clean the resulting dishes. If you know you will be without these appliances, be sure to set up a microwave, crockpot, toaster oven, or camp stove to cook your food. All of these options still allow you to make a delicious meal without needing access to your full scope of kitchen appliances. To clean the dishes, simply use a sink in the garage, laundry room, or bathroom. This is a temporary solution and all you really need to wash a dish is water, soap, a sink, and a sponge.

If you are storing refrigerated goods, invest in a cooler and only buy single serving portions of meat during the kitchen remodel to avoid letting food spoil. In addition to finding ways to cook during the kitchen remodel, you can take this renovation as a time to dedicate yourself to trying restaurants you have been considering. This will save you the effort of washing dishes and will be a treat to enjoy as you finish up your kitchen remodel.

Enjoying Your Dream Kitchen

Surviving a kitchen remodel may seem like a stark challenge at the beginning, but with the right strategy, information, tips, and tricks, you can be cooking in your dream kitchen in no time. All of the planning, research, time, energy, and money will be worth it when you get to see your creative vision come to life and you are able to enjoy the kitchen you have always. Keep this end goal in mind during the remodel as you feel yourself to stay focused on the most important facet of the renovation: achieving your ideal kitchen.

With Remodel Works, we make the entire kitchen remodel process easy for you. You will receive a daily schedule of all construction plans and tasks and will be updated throughout the entire process. In addition, your team will be on time everyday and will clean up the workspace at the end of each day.

We want to keep your space as clean as possible during the construction process and minimize the disruption to your home. Our design and construction team includes every specialty possible, so there will be no delays and everything is done with expert level. We are here to help you create and build the kitchen of your dreams. Call Remodel Works today to learn more about our kitchen design-build process!

When undertaking a remodel, one of the most common areas to target is the master bathroom. Your master bathroom is a space you will interact with each and every day, which makes it a vital space to love. The perfect master bathroom will mix both functionality and design and will correspond with your unique aesthetic tastes in order to give you a space you will love. To help you tackle your master bathroom remodel, here are a few master bathroom remodeling ideas. These eight master bathroom remodel ideas combine modern technologies with tried and true aesthetic choices to give you the knowledge foundation you need to dream up your perfect space.

#1. Radiant-Heat Flooring
When undertaking any remodel, you will have to choose where to splurge and where to save. For bathrooms, one amenity you may want to invest in is the addition of a radiant-heat flooring system. Many people know the jarring feeling of waking up and walking to the bathroom only to be greeted with ice cold floors on your bare feet; however, there is an easy solution. Radiant-heat flooring allows you to warm up your floors before you step on them and makes them a warm, inviting surface. If you add a timer, you can even set it for right before you wake up to make sure you never start your day with freezing floors again. Radiant-heat flooring is a technological luxury that can be taken advantage of to make your master bath more practical and more decadent.

#2. Customize Your Shower
When many people think of a custom shower, they picture a rain style showerhead. However, this may not be the ideal showerhead for you or your family. You can now make your shower feel like a custom, unique space tailored to your individual needs by investing in a high-end shower system that allows you, and any other users of the shower, to program your individual preferences into your own unique setting. Depending upon the shower system, you can customize any settings from water temperature and showerhead operation to pulsation intervals, body sprays, and even more.

#3. Bring in Natural Light
The addition of natural light is a detail many people often overlook when designing a space, but it is one of the most important factors to consider. Natural light makes spaces look bright, inviting, and comforting. Nobody enjoys showering in a dark, dingy bathroom that is difficult to see in. One great way to bring in a flood of natural light is to install a skylight. Another great way to bring in light is having large windows on the outward facing wall. You will need to find the right balance of artificial and natural light for your space, but taking the time will always be worth it.

#4. Mix Your Textures
Texture is your friend when designing a space, and picking different textures that complement each other will elevate your space and make it exciting. Try pebble tiles for the base of the shower with marbled wall tiles for a stunning bathroom design. Regardless of your style, incorporating in different textures is a great way to elevate your space.

#5. Incorporate a Sizable, Unique Mirror
Often times bathrooms feature only a small plain mirror, but that does not have to be the case. Many people use their bathroom mirror each day to do their hair, put on makeup, or check their outfit, but not many master bathrooms have a mirror that do them justice. As with any room, mirrors can make a large impact on your master bathroom. Give a smaller master bath the illusion of more space with a stylish mirror that compliments the space. If you are choosing to invest in a master bathroom remodel, make sure to choose a mirror that is worthy of the new space you are creating.

#6. Choose Bold Finishes
Finishes are often the last choices to be made, but they also sometimes make the biggest difference in a master bathroom (or any remodel). Choose a faucet that pours water in a unique manner; choose a towel rack that adds to the style of the space; choose a soap dispenser that is both modern and functional. Finishes should be thought out, bold, stylistic decisions that quite literally finish your space and make it a complete aesthetic vision.

#7. Choose an Accent Wall
Accent walls are one of the simplest ways to dress up a master bathroom and make a statement in your space. Accent walls can take any number of forms, but one of the most timeless ways to update a master bathroom is to do an accent wall of tile from the top of the vanity the top of the wall. Another great way to do an accent wall is to do a complementary color. Have a beach house style bathroom? Choose blue. Looking to go simple and neutral? Even beige can add a nice complement.

#8.Bathtubs
Nothing says relaxation quite like a large, inviting bathtub. From elegant clawfoot tubs to built ins to floating bathtubs, there’s a style for any space. Choose you tub style to enjoy a luxurious spa experience whenever you want. We love stand alone floating tubs for their elegant design and as a stunning focal point of the master bathroom.

Incorporate any of these eight remodeling master bathroom ideas to create your ideal space.

When building or remodeling a bathroom, one of the most important design decisions is what type of shower design you will incorporate. The shower is often the focal point of a bathroom design, making its importance pronounced and vital to the overall aesthetic of the space. However, deciding on a shower design can be a difficult and arduous process. There are a myriad of possibilities for the configuration, functionality, and finishes of the space, all of which will combine to give you the shower of your dreams. We spend many hours throughout our lifetime in the shower and choosing the right design can make that time more relaxing and rejuvenating. Here’s our guide of important factors to keep in mind when designing a shower, as well as ten beautiful shower design ideas to inspire you.

The Basics of Shower Design

Choosing the right shower design ultimately involves much more consideration than just picking a style that works for you. Is the design functional? Does it meet your needs? Will it meet your needs in 5 years? Will it meet your needs in 10 years? Does it fall within your budget? Is it easy to maintain? Is it easy to clean? These are just a few of the questions you should ask when choosing the right shower design for your space. In order to help you best prepare yourself to make an educated decision about shower design, we have put together some handy tips and tricks to integrate into your design process and help ensure you are happy with the final product.

Get Inspired
Before you can do anything else, you need to find shower designs that you are inspired by and that appeal to you. Make sure to look at different shower designs to help you discern which accents you like, what color scheme you are drawn to, and which configuration you think looks best. As you find designs that appeal to you, this will enable you to hone your search further down. From there, you will begin to establish which exact design elements are right for you. Keep in mind that it is unlikely you will find the perfect design for you right down to the hardware in one image or display. Many designs draw their inspiration from multiple varied sources. You may love the tile in one shower, and prefer the hardware in another. Be picky about what you want, because the clearer the idea when you enter the bathroom design process with, the more likely you will be thrilled with your shower design at the conclusion of the remodel. This is your chance to create the shower of your dreams, so make sure it counts. In addition, knowing your design preferences down to the details helps keep any budget surprises at a minimum during your bathroom remodel. For more tips on budget and designing your bathroom space check out our bathroom remodel checklist.

Consider Your Space
One of the biggest mistakes newcomers to shower design make is not using their space effectively. Each space demands a unique design tailored specifically to its distinguishing factors. Keep this in mind as you find inspiration. You’ll want to make sure that the design you choose will work well in the space and maximize every square inch you have. If the design is forced upon the space without being thought through, it may not look quite right when completed and will always feel slightly off. Use your space and make sure it is working towards accomplishing the aims you set out for it.

Be Functional
One of the worst things you can do when selecting a shower design is pick something that is visually appealing, but presents problems when used. It is not uncommon for details to be forgotten and for functionality to be sacrificed at the altar of attractiveness. However, you do not need to choose between having a beautiful shower and one that is functional.  When determining the functionality elements required in your space, take the time to think through your shower habits and make sure the design will meet any needs you may have. For example, if you love relaxing in the bathtub, choosing a shower/tub combo may be the right choice. Or, do you shave your legs in the shower? You may need a ledge or a bathtub to make it easy to complete your shower routine. Make sure you choose a design that will accommodate your lifestyle.

• Pro-tip: Don’t forget about the opening/closing of bathroom and shower doors. Some basic measurements to always keep in mind are shower doors must be able to open outward and have a clearance of at least 30 inches. In addition, you typically want to ensure there is at least 36×36 inches of space per person in the shower.

Always Consider Entry and Accessibility
Entry and accessibility into the shower may seem trivial, but in practice, they can be the difference between loving and hating a shower. High threshold showers, such as a bathtub, can be more difficult to enter and may inadvertently lead to bruising from running into the top edge as you step in. What kind of door do you want into the shower? Do you want to have a shower curtain or a glass door? Do you want the door to be hinged or track-style? Do you want an open concept shower without a door? Each of these entries requires different infrastructure and variables to be considered, so make sure you invest the time initially so that your shower is easily accessible.

Plan for the Long-Term
When investing time, energy, and resources into designing your shower, it is important to make sure it will meet your needs not only in the immediate future but for years to come. Whether you’re a new, young homeowner or aging-in-place, long-term planning will help alleviate any major remodel changes down the line.

Aging-in-place shower design
Keep in mind that your shower space will need to adapt with you, so that may mean adding a low entry threshold, a bench, grab bars, or  a handheld shower spray. Aging in place doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice design – we love this beautiful walk-in shower design.

Long-term design
It is important to choose a design that will stand the test of time. When choosing a shower design, make sure it is a design that you will like for many years to come. This may mean avoiding fads or overly trendy accents, because in the long-term you may want a design that can adapt as you change without going out of style.

Finishes Can Transform Your Design
Picking finishes is one of the most important steps in any design process, as this is what truly brings the design together and makes it work as a cohesive unit. Finishes have the ability to make a space look unique and high-end, without always having the high price tag associated. With that being said, there are some finishes you may want to invest in. And don’t forget those extra luxuries like adding LED colored lights for a tranquil experience or water-resistant speakers for a fun shower environment. Shower technology has advanced tremendously in recent years, and incorporating a few key high-end finishes will elevate your space.

TEN SHOWER DESIGN FEATURES

• Rain Shower Head: A popular trend in showers is the rain shower head. This extra design element not only makes an excellent style statement in your bathroom, but also gives you more water coverage than a regular shower head. Enhancing your shower experience, the rain shower will provide a soothing and spa-like component to your new bathroom. 
• Skylight: Opting to include a skylight in your shower will flood your space with the bright light of the outdoors. Skylights offer a beautiful, functional opening into the outside world to give your bathroom the perfect natural light it needs. And as a bonus, at night you can gaze upon the stars!
• Dual Shower Heads: Dual shower heads are an increasingly popular design in modern showers. Dual heads allow two people to comfortably shower without impeding one another, making it possible for you and your loved one to both enjoy your shower space together. In additional to being inherently practical, dual shower heads are luxurious looking and will immediately elevate your bathroom space.
• Body Jets: Body jets are a quick way to make your shower feel like something truly special. Body jets are not a standard shower feature, which will make it a unique design element to integrate into your space and set your design apart. You will be able to have the benefits typically associated with a jacuzzi right within your shower. Body jets are known for reducing muscular tension, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the muscle. Body jets will bring the relaxation to your shower and can bring your shower design to an entirely new level.
• Shower Steam Room: Who needs to go to the spa or a gym, when your shower can double as your private steam room? While it may be an investment up front, a shower steam room allows you to have the luxury of a spa in your home.
• Teak Floor: If you want to immediately upgrade your space and make it unique, teak flooring may be the right choice for you. Not only is it extremely visually appealing, it is also functional. Teak floors offer the elegance of a spa and will make your space look high-end and inviting.
• Sunken Bathtub Shower Combo: Having trouble deciding between a walk-in shower and a shower/tub combo? Look no further. The perfect solution for you may be a shower room with a sunken tub. By integrating a sunken tub into your shower design, you get the ease and appeal of a walk-in shower, while also having the functionality and benefits that a tub offers.
• Unique Tiling: A simple way to personalize your shower design is to incorporate a unique tile pattern, shape, or texture within your space. Tile is beautiful and comes in an endless amount of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. From pebble floors to mosaic shower walls you can create a shower design specific to your unique style. When selecting the right tile style and pattern for your space, make sure that it fits with the overall aesthetic of your bathroom and that it will be a design you will be happy with for years to come.
• Open Shower Design: When many people consider a shower design, they automatically assume that there must be some kind of door or shower curtain. However, this is not the case. In recent years, as open concept spaces have become steadily more popular, it has become more common to see open shower designs that feature no door or a curtain enclosing the space. This can make your bathroom feel larger and more inviting as a result of its open concept style.

• Built-In Shelving:Functionality will govern how much you truly enjoy your space on a day-to-day basis. One way you can improve the functionality of your space is by incorporating built-in shelving. You do not want to design a high-end, luxury shower only to offset its beauty with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles strewn about. Built-in shelving is a great way to keep bottles off of bathtub edges and floors and hidden away in a place that is less obvious. The last thing you want to do is detract from the design you invested time and money into, so think through your shelving and make sure it will be both practical and beautiful for you on a day-to-day basis.
• Outdoor Shower: Just because your shower is enclosed, doesn’t mean it needs to be cut off from the outside. If you love feeling close to nature and observing the natural beauty of the world around you, an outdoor shower may be the right choice for you. This design allows you to integrate natural elements into your space in an intrinsic, unique manner. An outdoor shower is especially suited for beach environments as it helps keep your house and indoor shower drain clean.

From beach house to rustic farm house, regardless of which shower design you choose, Remodel Works is here to help turn your dreams into a reality. As San Diego’s premiere design build firm, Remodel Works is with you at every step of the way and makes sure you are included in the entire process. Give us a call today and receive a free quote from us to start designing your new bathroom!

Walk-in showers are not only appealing to the eye, but they are also exceedingly functional within a bathroom space. As a result, many homeowners opt for a walk-in shower as opposed to the traditional bathtub/shower combination. However, once you decide on going with a walk-in shower, you then must choose what design you would like your bathroom shower to have. Each walk-in shower must be designed to fit the unique space in which it will be, and each element of the shower can be customized to fit your exact style and aesthetic perfectly. To help inspire you when selecting your walk-in shower design, we have put together a collection of 10 beautiful walk-in shower design ideas to show you a few of the possibilities available when you are remodeling your bathroom.

Benefits of a Walk-In Shower

Walk-in showers offer a number of benefits for homeowners, which makes them an appealing choice when undergoing a bathroom remodel. Below are a few of the top benefits that a walk-in shower offers:

• Durability Over Time: Walk in showers are built to last and can withstand the everyday wear and tear they will undergo. Traditional bathtubs or showers often have a greater number of parts within them, which means there is an increased likelihood for experiencing broken parts that will need repairs. Luckily, this is significantly less likely to occur in a walk-in shower.
• Easy to Clean: When using a walk-in shower, you will have the added benefit of it being easier to clean than its counterparts. A bathtub/shower combination will have significantly more crevices, corners, and cracks in which germs and dirt can hide, making it more difficult to keep clean over time. Walk-in showers reduce these hard-to-clean areas, which makes it easier for you to keep your space looking clean and beautiful.
• ADA Accessibility: While a traditional bathtub/shower is extremely difficult for people with mobility issues, a walk-in shower is much easier and more accessible. With the structure of a walk-in shower, it will be possible to comfortably access the shower using a wheelchair, which can reduce potential dependency on family members or friends.
• Increased Usable Space: It is no secret that bathtubs take up a substantial amount of space. Walk-in shower designs maximize the space in the bathroom to keep the shower feeling open and comfortable, rather than cramped. In addition, this increased usable space can also improve the overall aesthetic of the bathroom, making it feel more open and inviting.
• Better Drainage: Bathtubs are made with crevices built within the drain to keep water flowing smoothly down the drain, which is a great engineering advantage in theory. However, in practice, this smaller drain space can lead to more easily clogged drains, as well as a slower descent of water. With walk-in showers, this problem is decreased because water will be kept flowing out quickly and efficiently. In addition, because water will be flowed out quickly, the chances of standing water collecting bacteria will also be subsequently decreased.

Top 10 Design Ideas for Walk-In Showers

Below are ten walk-in shower ideas to help inspire you when designing your ideal walk-in shower.

• Bring in Natural Light: Natural light can instantly make the space feel more inviting and open. Whether you’re going with a timeless traditional or beach house bathroom style, bring in natural light to your walk-in shower stall by having a glass shower door to the outside or a skylight.
• Use Different Textures: Different textures will add a differentiation to your space and will distinguish it from an ordinary, run-of-the-mill walk-in shower enclosure. By integrating contrasting textures, you can instantly elevate your space.
• Use A Large Rain Shower Head: Rain shower heads are the epitome of luxury within a shower enclosure. They offer you a soothing, relaxing shower experience that mimics the fall of natural rainwater. Not only is this a spa-like option that offers relaxation, it is also very stylish.
• Shower Seating: Shower seating is an extremely practical addition to your shower to make sure it meets all of your everyday needs, and it is usable in the long-term.
• Built-In Shelving: Built-In shelving ensures you never have bottles lying around littering the floor of your walk-in shower stall. Instead, they are stowed away where they belong and are integrated seamlessly into the shower enclosure.
• Wrap Tile from Shower to Bathroom: This design offers a continuity from the shower to the bathroom, making it a cohesive unit that flows together. Consider this shower trend when choosing tile for your new bathroom.
• Use Dual Shower Heads: Dual shower heads allow for more than one person to comfortably shower within a space, making it functional and stylish.

• Integrate Wood Tiling: Wood texture tiling is the perfect combination of modern, rustic, and industrial in one natural looking shower tile. You are able to incorporate the classic wood look without the worry that it will warp from dampness. This is a great twist to add to the style of your walk-in shower.

• Curbless Entry: Implementing a curbless entry into your walk-in shower is timeless, practical, and accessible. Not only does a curbless entry make your shower easier to clean, it is also the perfect aging-in-place element to add. It allows easy entry and exit into the shower as there is no curb to step over.
• Have a Doorless Walk-In Shower: While it may seem counterintuitive, in keeping with open concept spaces many walk-in showers have now been adapted to be doorless so that the shower space flows into the bathroom space. These doorless shower designs are the perfect modern design element to add to your new bathroom giving your space a contemporary feel.

Whether you’re remodeling a large master bath and want a trendy, modern design, or working with limited square feet, walk-in showers have many great benefits that are perfect for your new bathroom. Learn more about your bathroom design options – call us (858-413-2305) or stop by the showroom!

When designing or remodeling your kitchen, one of the most important decisions you will make is determining the style of kitchen cabinets you want. Kitchen cabinets are an integral part of the design, and they are one of the largest factors that will govern the style and aesthetic of the space. To get the kitchen of your dreams, it is vital that you research a few different kitchen cabinet design ideas to decide which style fits your home. With all of the different types of cabinets and hardware available, the possibilities are truly endless. Below are a few different kitchen cabinet inspirations to help you on your journey to the perfect kitchen.

 
Sleek Contemporary Cabinets
This style of cabinetry is sleek and minimalist in their style and often appear much more simplified than traditional cabinets. Contemporary cabinets take a no-frills approach and often shy away from decorative trim or faux finishes of any kind. However, despite this relative simplicity, many people add character by choosing unique hardware to adorn the doors, making the cabinet a canvas for their aesthetic.
 
Ultra-Modern Cabinets 
Ultra-modern cabinets are a similar style to sleek contemporary, but go one step further in the minimalistic trend that is popular today. Ultra-modern is a highly unique style choice, and something guests will most certainly remember. One of the most popular types of ultra-modern cabinets features a flat surface of a single hue without any type of hardware or texture adorning it. Ultra-modern is pared down in the most extreme sense, and ultra-modern cabinets are no different. Ultra-modern cabinets are often extremely functional and offer their complexity in heightened internal organization structure. If you want a space that is simple and ultra-modern, this style of cabinets will fit your aesthetic.
 
Rustic Farmhouse Cabinets
Farmhouse cabinets are often traditional in style and possess the ridges and intricacies that contemporary cabinets do not have. To fit with the farmhouse style, farmhouse cabinets are most often white or wood. Aesthetically, farmhouse cabinets offer a design that is rooted in traditional style, but with a rustic country twist. Rustic farmhouse cabinets have gained popularity in recent years and many homeowners are choosing them as focal point of their kitchen renovation.

 
Colored Cabinets
Colored cabinets are a stylistic choice that have become increasingly popular throughout the years. Colored cabinets work with flat faced contemporary cabinets and with more traditional cabinet styles, but they have an aesthetic all their own. Colored cabinets offer you the ability to bring a pop of color to your kitchen while balancing it out in other ways, such as through backsplash tile or countertops. Dark-hued cabinets offer a sophisticated twist or you can add bright colored cabinets to your kitchen for an extra bold design element. Regardless of the color choice, this cabinet style will definitely showcase your unique style.
 
Shaker Cabinets
Shaker cabinets may be the perfect fit for you if you like a mix of modern and traditional. Shaker cabinets often feature simple, clean lines and tend to avoid any additional flourishes. However, originating in the American colonial era, making them inherently traditional in nature. Shaker cabinets display flat paneled doors with only rail frames as an adornment. Shaker cabinets often have a wood finish, but in recent years painted shaker cabinets have become increasingly popular.

 
Stainless-Steel Cabinets
Stainless-steel cabinets might not be the first cabinet that comes to mind when thinking of kitchen cabinet ideas, but for industrial enthusiasts, they are a perfect fit. Stainless-steel cabinets offer the appearance of a professional kitchen while adding durability and easy maintenance. Stainless-steel cabinets draw from modern styles to create their own unique modern-industrial aesthetic. If you want a kitchen that looks worthy of a chef, stainless-steel cabinets may be the right choice for you.
 
Glass Kitchen Cabinets
Glass kitchen cabinets add a unique aesthetic to the space because they offer insight into the cabinet itself and what is held inside. Glass cabinets can be individualized by their framing material and color, as well as by what type of glass is inset into the frame. While some prefer frosted glass so that the insides of their cabinet are not fully visible, others prefer clear glass that shows dishware, glasses, and other items that become an enclosed decoration. When selecting glass cabinets, keep in mind that not all cabinets in the kitchen need to be glass. Incorporating a few cabinets with inset glass can offer a subtle, timeless accent to a space.

 
With so many kitchen cabinetry options on the market, it can be hard to choose the perfect ones to compliment your kitchen design. These kitchen cabinet ideas above are a great starting place to figure out which style best suits your home. If you’re ready to start designing or a little overwhelmed by all the choices, our expert designers can help bring your dream kitchen to life. Give us a call or request a free quote today!