It's always fun to look at before and after pictures because the transformation is often so surprising. "Really?" we might think. "That's what X looked like before this happened?"
This is especially true when it comes to home renovations. Since our clients are often amazed at how we transform spaces, we thought we'd do a blog series that includes some before and after shots. Many of these "after" shots appear on our website, on Houzz, and on social media...but this is the only place you'll see the before shots. Prepare to be wowed!
Bathroom Remodeling Before...
Bathroom Remodeling After...
Bathroom Remodeling Before...
Bathroom Remodeling After...
REVERSE Bathroom Remodeling Before
OK, this one needs a little explanation. Behind the door you see below is a bathroom.
REVERSE Bathroom Remodeling After...
We turned the bathroom into a mudroom.
What do you think? Which before and after shot is your favorite? Share in the comments. And if you're thinking of a bathroom renovation, be sure to give us a call!
Ah, the mudroom! More and more homes are opting for this entryway where people can take off their footwear, rain gear, and anything else that might track in dirt and grime into the main living areas.
The thing about mudrooms, however, is that they needn't be, well, muddy and dirty. You can bring order and even your own design aesthetic to this area so that it seamlessly blends in with the rest of your home.
Below is an example of a mudroom we designed and built. There used to be a bathroom in that location, which we relocated to a more convenient area closer to the main living space. This particular mudroom is open to the play room and is the family's main access to the house through the garage. The owner wanted to have an open, easily accessible space for dropping coats, boots, backpacks etc. that would not be visible from the main living space.
And that's the thing you need to remember when it comes to design/build: no matter what the room is, be it a garage, an addition, a kitchen, and, yes--even a mudroom--it's important to focus on how you and your family will be using the space and what your goals are with the room...both from a function perspective, but also an aesthetic perspective as well.
We love how the owner has really taken advantage of the space, but has also added her own personal design touches through the use of wicker baskets, which helps to give the area a relaxed, yet organized feel.
Do you have a mudroom? Have you thought of converting an existing space, like a bathroom, into something completely different? If you're in Rhode Island, we'd love to talk!
Here's the first post in kitchen renovations that wow. Now, we're going to share some more kitchen design ideas below.
Bright 'n Cheerful: You can't go wrong with classic white. But, of course, adding some contrasting elements in the form of darker counter tops and cabinet hardware can make for a totally balanced look, as the pics from this light and airy kitchen renovation we did below show.
Details: Soapstone countertops with Brookhaven Maple cabinets in antique white with oil-rubbed bronze hardware and stainless steel appliances.
Here's another shot...
And yes, the cat approves. :)
What's your favorite look for kitchens? Do you love classic white, or are you into something else? Share in the comments.
At Hebert Design/Build, we specialize in custom home construction and home improvement throughout Rhode Island. We recently talked about bathroom renovations that wow. Now, let's talk kitchen renovations.
Hello, Rustic Flair! We re-arranged this floor plan, making it completely open so that entertaining is a breeze and the lovely ocean view (trust us) is maximized. Details: granite countertops, wood floors made up of random-width reclaimed antique heart pine, Candlelight Bridgeport cabinets in cherry with a merlot finish, Country Pullout faucet in satin nickel and manufactured by Rohl.
Here's another shot of the cool kitchen island in the center. Makes you want to sit back and sip a glass of wine, doesn't it?
Check out more kitchen renovations here.
Here's part 2 in our ongoing series of "Bathroom Designs That WOW." You can check out part 1 here.
Sea Green Oasis. This bath originally had a small dark shower enclosed on three sides and an outdated tile floor. This new shower is 4' x 5' with a built-in seat and rain shower. The all-glass enclosure allows light to flood through the room from the one window.
Here's a shot from the shower. The marble wall tile and floor tile are Ming Green. The dark granite vanity top provides just enough contrast to the room, and the counter top provides plenty of room and his-and-her sinks.
You can check out more bathrooms we designed and built in our bathroom renovations portfolio.
Ah, the bathroom! Times have changed for this room, haven't they? At one time, all we needed was functionality. Today, it's often a place to linger, relax, and get away from it all.
More and more of the bathroom designs and renovations we do at Hebert Design/Build fall into this camp. Our clients want luxury along with plenty of functionality, and we love designing bathrooms with both of these needs in mind. Here are some shots (all from the same home) that show how we've accomplished just that.
Light and Airy: A relaxing bath is even more relaxing in this light and airy master bath. One of the highlights: the yellow alabaster tile.
And here's a shot of the vanity: Counter space is often a challenge in the bathroom. Not so in this renovation we completed with this gorgeous granite counter top, which complements the yellow alabaster tiles perfectly.
The Guest Bathroom: Here's a shot of the guest bathroom, which is just as luxurious as the master bath. The vanity offers plenty of counter space.
Glass shower: The owners wanted a bathroom that would primarily be used as a guest bath with a large enough shower so it could also be used as a master bath if they decided to move their bedroom from the 2nd floor to the 1st floor as they age. This bathroom renovation accomplished that goal...and looks great at the same time.
What are some of your "must-haves" in your dream bathroom? Share in the comments.
Ah, dinner parties! Who doesn't love an evening with great food and great company in a great setting?
This design/build project provides the great setting (and the space needed to create exquisite food). Somehow, we don't think the homeowners will have any trouble finding plenty of great company.
In collaboration with another local builder, we completely rebuilt this home in less than twelve months. The new home includes a full-size elevator and a glass floor in the widow's walk that spills light down through the second floor to the living room below. With the exception of the kitchen, nearly the entire main floor of the house is one open space surrounded by a 180-degree water view. Ahh, bliss! (Note: The home was designed by Schmitt Walker Architects.)
Kitchen & Dining Room Renovation That Wows
This kitchen is meant for serious entertaining. It features two sinks, two refrigerators, two dishwashers (one residential and one commercial), and two ovens. The countertops are granite, and the kitchen cabinets were finished on site with a conversion varnish and glaze. The photo is taken through a pass-through to the dining room.
Who wouldn't want to entertain in this lovely, panoramic setting? With gorgeous ocean views coming at you from three sides, you might not even notice what's on your plate (but given the amazing kitchen in the shot above, we don't think you'll have to worry!).
Remember, at Hebert Design/Build, we specialize in the highest-quality kitchen renovations. Check out our kitchen design portfolio now.
In Rhode Island, which is where Hebert Design/Build is based, we experienced "Nemo," the Blizzard of 2013, last weekend. It dumped a lot of snow and caused a lot of grief on the roads and in people's homes. This is why we thought we'd share a summer-themed design/build project today. We can dream, right?
Before the Transformation
As you can see from the picture below, this back yard was in desperate need of some TLC. The fence blocked the sunlight and air flow, and the space (albeit tight) wasn't used effectively (and we shouldn't forget to mention the poor drainage!).
After the Transformation
Our goal was to create a sunny, airy, inviting space to relax and entertain. To accomplish this, we opened up the space by replacing the old solid fence with separate fence sections and adding a side entry with a pergola. This allows for much better air circulation and considerably more light. We then added a porch and bluestone patio.
We constructed the fence out of clear vertical grain western red cedar. There are no exposed fasteners. We designed the diagonal lattice to mimic the existing design of the home's windows.
As for the drainage issue, we fixed this by installing gutter drains underground. The patio is bluestone over a concrete slab poured over a layer of compacted gravel. The decking is I.P.E. installed with hidden fasteners. The result? Back yard nirvana!
Spring is just around the corner. Do you have a design/build project in mind for your home? Let's talk!
There's nothing warmer and cozier than sunrooms, which are also known as conservatories or orangeries (especially in the UK). Think lots of light, lots of sunshine, and lots of relaxation.
We designed and built this particular conservatory in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, for homeowners who wanted to have a bright, sunny space off their dining room that they could use at least three seasons. They never used the deck that had been there originally because the bugs would bother them or it was too cold or too hot.
Enter Hebert Design/Build
Keeping in mind the number one goal -- lots of light -- we designed a glass roof, also called a roof lantern or skylight.
The windows and doors are Andersen 400 series with Low-E-4 insulated glass.
The white and black check floor -- which gives the space added panache -- is 12” x 12” ceramic tile layed over an insulated wood floor system, making it especially cozy during fall and winter and cooler spring days.
The result? A light-filled oasis the homeowners can enjoy year-round.
One of the things we love most about the new year is all the plans we have for it: where we'll travel to, people we'll see, and, of course, rooms we'll renovate in our home. It's also a time when people talk about trends: in politics, fashion, pop culture, you name it.
We thought we'd dedicate this newsletter to trends, specifically those around home design, and how we guide our clients when it comes to these trends.
Let's get to it!
Q: The color of 2013, according to Pantone, is -- drum roll -- emerald. It's a great color, but the question is this: how much of a trendy color should people use in 
their home? After all, it's in this year, but next year, it will be another color.
A: It's funny: even though we're a design/build firm and not an interior decorator, clients still ask us our opinions on these things. Here's a good rule of thumb: use trendy colors on accents, like wall trim, because those things are fairly easy to update/change when you want to try a new color. Avoid trendy colors in more expensive, harder-to-replace items, like cabinets and countertops.
Q: What are some of the "hot" design trends you've been seeing and hearing about?
A: The kitchen has definitely become the most important room in the house. As a result, people are putting more thought into the design, layout, and materials used. Because countertops are often the focal point (think kitchen islands), people are interested in having options, and there are plenty: quartz, cement, paper with resins, volcanic rock, glass, solid surfaces, and, of course, granite.
For the bathroom, it seems nearly everyone wants a large shower with lots of light (older showers tend to be more enclosed). So we're hearing requests for shower doors made of glass or some other sort of transparent material. Another popular trend: radiant floors.
Q: Where do you draw your own design inspiration from?
A: Reading is huge for me (e.g. trade magazines and websites). That said, the most important source of inspiration comes from sitting down with my clients and learning about their likes and dislikes, how they're going to use the space, and what pictures they've been gathering.
The design/build philosophy centers on strong communication between the firm and the client at every step in the process. It's truly a collaborative effort, so we inspire one another, and, from there, the design takes on a life of its own.
Q: When working with clients, what sorts of questions do you ask them in order to understand their design aesthetic?
A: One of the first questions I ask is what they love about their current space and what they hate. Their answers provide me with a lot of insight. Then, we'll discuss function: how will they use the space? What's their lifestyle like? Do they have kids? Most clients today tend to gather pictures, either from magazines or on sites like Pinterest and Houzz. This also gives me a good sense of their design aesthetic and style.
Q: What current design "trend" do you think will have staying power? What trend is on its way out?
A: Open floor plans and the shift to smaller homes with higher quality features are trends that I think are here to stay.
A design "challenge" that we love at Hebert is taking a small space and making it feel spacious. This means people can get away with a lot less space, and they can put their budget towards higher-end features, like cabinets, countertops, etc. We're seeing more and more people gravitate towards smaller homes, be it because they want to downsize or they want to leave a smaller carbon footprint or for some other reason entirely.
It's important to note, however, that the smaller the room or home, the more important the design becomes, because quality design will make sure the space is being used efficiently.
As for a trend that's on its way out? We're definitely seeing a lot of "granite fatigue" among our clients when it comes to choosing countertops. The good news? As we mentioned above, there are plenty of other options, and it's good to see people exploring those.
Considering a home renovation this year?
Let's chat about your dreams and goals now.
Contact us today.