How to Hide That Awful Ductwork!

Scenario:  You want to finish your existing basement into the perfect lower-level living space, without it feeling like a “basement.”

Creating a homey and inviting space that matches the rest of your home is the goal, but if your lower level is typical, you face an issue here that was never a problem in the rest of the house: ductwork. 

When ceilings are low and ductwork is even lower, it can be tricky to finish off a basement with a unified look while keeping the overall design from looking haphazard.  Putting a little thought into the ductwork issue ahead of time is the key. 

Building codes differ, but usually the ceilings of a finished basement can be no lower than seven feet (except for small portions of the space).  If the layout of your ductwork allows, framing out a multi-level ceiling in a unified manner or tying the ceiling in with a unique floorplan will add interest and keep the space from feeling cramped.  Consider these ideas:

Create a tray ceiling

Framing a border around all edges of the ceiling creates a tray in the center that will be a focal point for the room.  This treatment looks best when it defines the layout below so make sure to take the furniture placement into account.  For added interest, try painting it a different color than the rest of the ceiling or add lighting inside the cove - it will give the room character and make it pop.

Drop the ceiling in one area to create intimacy

In addition to hiding ductwork, soffits are great for defining space.  Dropping a ceiling in a certain area - such as over a bar, dining area, or craft space - can be a less-imposing alternative to putting up a wall, in terms of visually breaking up space.

Create faux rafters

This can be done with or without ductwork.  Create long, sections (as thin as possible), evenly spaced to mimic rafters.  When trimmed with moulding, this technique creates a coffered look which is less formidable than lowering the entire ceiling.

Use unique soffits when framing out ductwork

Rather than building an unexciting soffit (or “bulkhead”) by framing only around the duct, try using unique soffits that appear as well-thought-out architectural details and add character to the space.  Consider arches or other shapes, or finish the bulkhead with a different material, such as wood or brick.

Incorporate ceiling framing with wall framing

Create a layout where the walls correspond with the framing of the ceiling.  This creates a cohesive, intentional-looking appearance and as an added bonus, building out walls creates a great space for closets, built-ins, or feature items such as recessed wine refrigerators.

When you can’t beat ‘em – embrace them!

Depending on your style, the ducting and piping in your basement’s ceiling doesn’t have to be hidden by framing.  Using a paint sprayer to cover all of the ceiling contents with a solid color not only creates a unique, modern feel, but it eliminates the labor associated with framing out the ceiling.  Use very dark or very light colors (think black or white) for this application, and incorporate thoughtful selections and furnishings that compliment this industrial or loft-like feel.

The best thing to remember when finishing the lower-level ceiling is to make it look purposeful and unified.  Avoid trying to hide ductwork in a haphazard way, and instead embrace the occasion to bring interest and architectural detail to your finished space!

Add architectural detail with unique tray ceilings and arched openings. 

Thoughtfully planning the ceiling planes so they are varied yet symmetrical will make the space look finished.

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© Mina Fies is the Founder and CEO of Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.  To learn more about Mina or request your FREE Kitchen Remodeling Roadmap™ using our contact us page, please visit www.SynergyDandC.com

This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.

5 Tips for the Design Challenged

Some of us have a natural creative side and a flair for styles; others are not so lucky. For those who may be struggling, here are some simple design tips that will help you create a beautiful space with confidence.

Tip #1: Selecting your furniture

Shopping for furniture does not have to be an overwhelming experience. Start off by doing your homework before heading to the stores. Look though design magazines for styles that you like and take them with you to show the salesperson. Establish a budget and stick to it. Make sure you are comfortable with the amount of money you plan to invest. Sticking to the budget will prevent you from experiencing ‘buyer’s remorse’ later. Once you have your style and budget set, make sure to shop several stores before making a purchase. This will allow you to feel more confident with your final choice.

Tip #2: When in doubt, go neutral

Although many designers love color, it is not for everyone. If you are having a hard time committing to a bold color, don’t. Neutral colors will always be in style and can create a very chic and elegant look. You can choose from many neutral colors – taupe, ivory, grey, soft yellows, light browns, and tans are all great choices. This rule of thumb can be applied to furniture, fabrics, and paint.

Tip #3: Add accents

You can make your space feel unique and interesting with accents. If you choose to go with neutral colors for furniture or walls, add color with your accents. Pick fun and colorful pillows and a throw to add to the sofa. Color can also be added with an inexpensive area rug. Make your space feel in-style by adding a few trendy accessories. You can pick up a cool accessory to add to the cocktail or end table at any popular home goods store. Make sure to find a bargain, so you won’t feel bad replacing them as trends change. When you’re placing accessories, try to create balance. Odd numbers look best together, and symmetry is most pleasing to the eye.

Tip #4: Vary the lighting

Lighting can seriously affect the mood and appearance of any space. It is important to have layers to your lighting design. Ambient, task, and accent lighting are a few important types. Ambient light is the general lighting in the space. This may include recessed cans or a ceiling-mounted fixture. Task lighting is used anywhere you will be doing something particular. For example: placing a floor lamp next to a chair you like to read in, or hanging pendants over a kitchen island where you cut veggies. Accent lighting might be a spot light highlighting artwork, or it could be more decorative, like a chandelier or a unique table lamp. Finally, make sure to take advantage of natural light. Use window treatments that allow you to control and adjust the amount of natural light in the space. Try to include at least two types of lighting in any space.

Tip #5: Trust the experts

Don’t ask your mother, brother, neighbor, and friends about what you should do – all those extra opinions will only cloud your mind. When you are designing your space, ask the experts. Salespeople and design consultants are happy to help you make a final choice. They are knowledgeable about the latest and greatest items and products on the market. When you are shopping, be sure to ask for their expert opinion if you are unsure of what to do. You might even ask them to point out their favorite items. They are there to help, so take advantage. Don’t think of it as them trying to sell you something, instead understand that they will help you find what you want easily and quickly.

Follow these five design tips to design with confidence! Most of all, have fun creating your new space. It should be an enjoyable, not stressful, experience. Relax!

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© Mina Fies is the Founder and CEO of Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.  To learn more about Mina or request your FREE Kitchen Remodeling Roadmap™ using our contact us page, please visit www.SynergyDandC.com

This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.

Cost vs. Value Remodeling Report

How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

The resale value of various remodeling projects is of critical importance to most homeowners, especially in today’s economy.  Many have decided to venture forth with a whole home remodel, which will definitely pay off when it’s time to sell.  On the other hand, for those not ready to make a big initial investment, there are several smaller projects that can add value to a home as well.  The Remodeling 2010–11 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com) provides useful information on costs and the value recouped for different sized projects in the Washington, DC area.  Just take a look at these key projects:

Major Kitchen Remodel

• Job Cost: $ 58,897
• Resale Value: $ 43,456
• Cost Recouped: 73.8%

Project details: Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with a functional layout of 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, including a 3’ x 5’ island; laminate countertops; and standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Include energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new resilient flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.

Why it’s a good idea: It’s fairly common knowledge that today’s kitchen is a main – if not the main – room of the house, and it should be designed as such.  If you have a dated kitchen plan – think sequestered at the back of the house, a small space off the dining room, or even shut off with doors – consider a kitchen remodel to bring your home more in line with current preferences.  Plan to show off your new kitchen and make the space a key feature of your home.  The activity that goes on in and around this room will be central to your – and future homeowners’ – lives.

Basement Remodel

• Job Cost: $ 65,458
• Resale Value: $ 47,579
• Cost Recouped: 72.7%

Project details:  Finish the lower level of a house to create a 20’ x 30’ entertaining area with wet bar and a 5’ x 8’ full bathroom; construct 24 linear feet of finished partition to enclose mechanical area. Walls and ceilings are painted drywall throughout; exterior walls are insulated; painted trim throughout. Include five six-panel factory-painted hardboard doors with passage locksets. Electrical wiring to code. Main room: Include 15 recessed ceiling light fixtures and three surface-mounted light fixtures, and a snap-together laminate flooring system. Bathroom: Include standard white toilet, vanity with cultured marble top, resilient vinyl flooring, two-piece fiberglass shower unit, a light/fan combination, vanity light fixture, recessed medicine cabinet, towel and paper-holder hardware. Bar area: Include 10 linear feet of raised-panel oak cabinets with laminate countertops, stainless steel bar sink, single lever bar faucet, under-counter refrigerator, and vinyl floor tile.

Why it’s a good idea: Finishing a lower level can effectively double the living space in a home.  Many of today’s homeowners who have excess unfinished storage are choosing to build out their basements to accommodate growing families or increase their home’s value.  If you’re looking to sell your home, a finished basement is a nice perk, and could be a deal-breaker for some buyers.  You don’t, however, want your basement to look like a builder afterthought or seem as if it was pieced together at the last minute.  A skilled designer can help you create a lower level that is beautifully integrated with the rest of your home.

Deck Addition (composite)

• Job Cost: $ 15,709
• Resale Value: $ 11,474
• Cost Recouped: 73.0%

Project details:  Add a 16’ x 20’ deck using pressure treated joists supported by 4x4 posts anchored to concrete piers. Install composite deck material in a simple linear pattern. Include a built-in bench and planter of the same decking material. Include stairs, assuming three steps to grade. Provide a complete railing using a matching system made of the same composite as the decking material.

Why it’s a good idea:  If your home has a nice backyard, there’s no better way to ensure maximum usage than adding a deck.  More aesthetically pleasing – and in many cases more enjoyable – than a patio, a composite deck will ensure your home competes well in the market with other homes that include this feature.  In newer and nicer neighborhoods, a backyard deck may be considered more of a necessity than an option.  Though the Report notes that wood decks tend to recoup a bit more value than their composite counterparts, most homeowners believe the cost of synthetic materials is outweighed by the lack of maintenance and the annual expense in labor and sealant.  Composite decks also tend to last longer than wood.  Depending on how long you plan to remain in your home, be sure to consider overall maintenance as a factor in your deck material decision.

Entry Door Replacement (steel)

• Job Cost:  $ 1,187
• Resale Value: $ 1,393
• Cost Recouped: 117.4%

Project details:  Remove existing 3’ x 6’-8” entry door and jambs and replace with new 20-gauge steel unit, including clear dual-pane half-glass panel, jambs, and aluminum threshold with composite stop. Door is factory finished with same color both sides. Exterior brick mold and 2.5” interior colonial or ranch casings in poplar or equal prefinished to match door color. Replace existing lockset with new bored-lock in brass or antique brass finish.

Why it’s a good idea:  Curb appeal is always a good selling point, and for a small cost, this item yields a large return!  A new coat of paint, a different style door, or thoughtfully chosen trim colors can all have a significant impact on the exterior character of your home.

If you’d like more information on other types of projects and their estimated cost vs. value, please click here to access the full report.

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© Mina Fies is the Founder and CEO of Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.  To learn more about Mina or request your FREE Kitchen Remodeling Roadmap™ using our contact us page, please visit www.SynergyDandC.com

This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.

Synergy D&C on DisneyFamily.com

We’re excited to be recognized as “green experts” on DisneyFamily.com!  This invaluable website provides resources for parenting, entertainment and home life, and we were happy to lend advice on ways to create an environmentally-friendly play area.  Check out the article below – these tips can benefit your whole family!

.  .  .  .

“Ready to go green in your home? Find out how to improve your kids’ play area and ensure their health and wellness at the same time with these environmentally friendly design tips.

1. Fix the flooring. Carpeting is common in play areas, but it’s not always the best choice because of allergy causing compounds, says Mina Fies…” [more]

The In-Home Addition

Enhance Your Space without Expanding Your Footprint

Many homeowners we talk to these days seem interested in expanding their living space.  Perhaps our recession-weary neighbors are anxious to look towards the future and plan ways to invest money in their home.  However, as far as additional living space goes, others may be more cautious.  A home addition, while appearing to be an obvious solution to space issues, can be complicated and costly.  The good news?  There are simpler ways to increase the space efficiency of your home. 

Sometimes people think the only way to add living space is to blow out a section of their home and create an addition.  Adding square footage becomes the focus, when in reality, reorganization of the existing space may be a more suitable option.  We can help by providing fresh insight into ways to rework your current living area without adding any physical space.

When remodeling, it can often be difficult to see past the current floor plan.  But a little creative thinking can yield inspired solutions.  It is almost always simpler to move non-load-bearing walls than to add on, and even a slightly more open floor plan can do wonders for your home.  This reality fortunately falls right in line with current design trends.  New living styles are redefining the way that many Americans lay out their kitchens, dining rooms, and living spaces these days.  Formal living and dining rooms are disappearing while “great rooms” and open floor plans are gaining popularity, as the kitchen becomes an indispensable “hub of the home.”  Think about the elements in your current configuration that block off spaces from one another: walls and doors, peninsulas, hallways, etc.  A more open floor plan could make the entire area feel more spacious.  Also think about key areas where space can be rearranged.  An older home may have space allocated to bathrooms, hallways and closets that could be better utilized in an open kitchen or great room.  Even small redistributions of space that suit your living style (such as opening up a little breakfast nook) can feel like vast improvements.

Of course, some projects may require more physical space.  Additional bedrooms and sunrooms are examples that might justify a home addition.  However, if the features you hope to gain from an addition are more simple – improved traffic flow, increased storage, or additional sitting area, for example – you may not have to look any further than your current footprint.  With some creative reorganization, it will feel as if you’ve actually opened up a whole new space.

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© Mina Fies is the Founder and CEO of Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.  To learn more about Mina or request your FREE Kitchen Remodeling Roadmap™ using our contact us page, please visit www.SynergyDandC.com

This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.

Designing a Better Basement

Tips for Creating a Lovely and Livable Lower Level

While a finished basement is often a project that occurs after a house has been built, it doesn’t have to feel that way.  Most home owners want their basements to feel cozy, comfortable and inviting and less like a basement. Here are six great ways to make your basement lovely and livable.

1. Use Multiple Design Scheme Choices

Avoid finishing the entire space with one design scheme.  Painting or decorating the whole basement the same way will make it look like one giant room that was finished as an after-thought.  You can vary the design in many ways.  For example, separate the space into a few rooms or use furniture in a way that creates a few separate areas.  Also, vary the wall colors in each space to add interest and personality. 

 2. Flooring Options

Certain floor types such as vinyl, tile and carpet have been the go-to flooring materials for basements because they are easy to install over concrete.   However, there are now other materials to consider. Carpet tiles are easy to install and unlike wall-to-wall carpet, colors and patterns can be alternated to create a custom look.

Want a more rustic look? Then engineered hardwood is a good consideration.  It is composed of a veneer over a few layers of pressed wood and is preferable material to hard wood because it does not expand and warp as much.  For a less expensive option, consider laminate with an image of hardwood printed on a rigid core and sealed with resin.  As technology has improved over the years, laminate products have become more and more authentic-looking.

3. Windows

To give your basement a homey ‘upstairs’ feel, take as much advantage of natural light.  Don’t obscure windows with drapes that are too heavy.  Use light-weight window treatments or none at all.  If your space lacks windows, consider digging an attractive light well outside the foundation wall.  Another less-expensive option is to create false windows by framing recesses in the wall and fitting them with daylight-spectrum fixtures.  Cover the recesses with a translucent material or blinds to mimic the look of real windows.

4. Wall Treatments

One of the issues with finished basements is that they can feel large and cavernous and lack personality.  Built-in niches and wall-mounted or wall-washing light fixtures are great ways to combat this.  These small additions can make a big impact.  Artwork, wall cabinetry, built-ins, and furniture pieces that draw the eye up break up the space by adding vertical interest and give your basement a main-level feel.

5. Color Choices

Light paint colors will make your basement feel airier and larger, whereas dark colors will decrease the perceived size of a room.

6. Lighting

Make sure that your walls receive adequate light.  Use multiple light sources, including some that wash the wall.  According to lighting designer Lisa Barter, “[recessed] can lights, unless they are adjustable or wall wash fixtures, typically don’t put sufficient light on vertical surfaces, which is where the eye perceives light.”  Consider cove or up-lighting to reflect light off the ceiling as well, and use lamps or accent lights to do away with shadowy corners.

With these tips to guide you and the help of your designer, your finished basement will be just as enjoyable and receive just as much use as the original levels of your home.  Infuse it with a little inspiration and a healthy dose of personality, and it might even receive more.

Above is an example of a light well framed by landscape timbers.  From www.bhg.com

A finished basement with lots of visual interest on the walls: light, color and built-ins.  From HGTV

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© Mina Fies is the Founder and CEO of Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.  To learn more about Mina or request your FREE Kitchen Remodeling Roadmap™ using our contact us page, please visit www.SynergyDandC.com

This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.

Countertop Myths Exposed

Aside from cabinetry, countertops are perhaps the most eye-catching feature of a kitchen, and thus should receive ample consideration during design.  When it comes down to it though, your countertop selections – which should make up about 7 percent of your kitchen’s budget – may suffer from a lack of inspiration.  Many homeowners fall back on a popular standby material, granite, for a clean and upscale look.  Others may balk at the price or might just want to break away from the trend.  Lucky for homeowners and designers, there are seemingly endless options for kitchen countertops in terms of material and style.  Here, we’ll try to debunk some myths regarding the all-important kitchen topper, while also providing some fresh ideas.

1) A granite or stone look is too expensive for my budget

Granite is priced in different levels – with less exotic patterns coming in at around $50 to $65 a square foot – but if a slab is out of your price range, it doesn’t mean you have to forego the upscale look.  Granite tiles cost considerably less than a slab, at about $25 to $50 per square foot.  Depending on the grout color you choose, a tile countertop can come very close to resembling a solid surface.

In addition to granite tiles, there are other materials that can effectively mimic the sleek look of natural stone.  Engineered quartz, such as Silestone or Zodiaq, is a durable material made from crushed quartz and resin binders.  It’s as tough as granite, but is also stain-resistant, anti-microbial, and non-porous, so it doesn’t have to be sealed.  Quartz countertop comes in hundreds of colors, so you can achieve a granite look or go in a whole other direction.  For a slightly lower price tag, acrylic solid-surfacing (Corian or LG HI-MACS, for example) achieves a similar look and comes in just as many colors, though it’s not as hard or heat resistant as other options.

2) Concrete is only for sidewalks and driveways (and it has to be grey)

Concrete is in fact a newly popular kitchen countertop material, largely because of its eco-friendly properties.  Concrete can be made with large percentages of post-industrial resources and other recycled materials such as paper and glass.  The style options for concrete surfaces are more numerous than you might think.  Pigments can be added to the mix to create colors, from brown or black to cream, and even some more vibrant hues.  The best feature of concrete is that it can be cast on-site and customized for your space.  It is easy to create free-form shapes and even to set other unique materials into the slab, such as pieces of glass, metal, or stones.  A concrete countertop will require an epoxy sealer to prevent stains, and may need resealing every so often.  Make sure your installer is experienced with concrete countertops, to ensure that the end result is soundly constructed and beautiful.

3) All of the countertop in the kitchen has to be the same material

An easy way to create interest in your kitchen is to vary the materials that you use.  Don’t be afraid to introduce one or two different types of countertop without losing the cohesiveness of your design.  An especially striking material on a central island will add a “wow” factor when guests come into your home.  You might want to feature a reclaimed piece of wood or a dramatic copper, or simply vary the color used on the rest of the counters (black against white, for example).  Many homeowners like to designate a certain area of countertop for a specialty material which is useful for chopping or kneading, such as butcher block or marble.  Showcasing an elegant material in one area of your kitchen is also a good way to make a statement while adhering to a budget.  By finishing the rest of the countertops with a less expensive material in a similar color or something different, you will save more money than if you finished the whole kitchen with an exotic granite.

Don’t be hesitant to do something different in your kitchen!  As long as you get all the facts regarding cleaning, sealing, and upkeep to maximize your counter’s lifetime, many options are available to you.  Easy and budget-conscious touches of personality will ensure your space unique.

© Mina Fies is the Founder and CEO of Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.  To learn more about Mina or request your FREE Kitchen Remodeling Roadmap™ using our contact us page, please visit www.SynergyDandC.com

This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.

Furniture – No longer an afterthought

When approaching a renovation or remodeling project most people think of the furniture last; in reality that’s the first place you should start! 

Furnishings play a big part in how your space comes together so it’s important to think about furniture from the very beginning. What are you going to use the space for? How would you like it to feel, look, and function? All questions you should ask yourself before beginning a renovation. In the ideal situation you should decide how the space is going to be used and select your furniture while creating your space planning accordingly.

Shape and Fabric

When looking at furniture it’s important to consider style and comfort, so you’ll want to begin with the upholstery.  Let’s take your living room as an example.  Start with the sofa by choosing the shape first and then the fabric (if you don’t like the shape and style it won’t matter what fabric you cover it with).  Choosing a print or pattern will add visual interest to the room.  Either a simple geometric pattern or a complex floral will help the sofa become a focal point of the room from which everything else will relate.

Coordinating Pieces

Now that you’ve chosen your sofa and fabric, it’s time to select a loveseat or chair that coordinates.  Try pulling a color from the sofa’s pattern and highlight it as the fabric for the second upholstery piece. This will help support other choices further down the road in the renovation process like selecting wood finishes and paint colors.

Don’t forget - you have options.  For example, use an ottoman as an alternative to a traditional cocktail table. A round ottoman can really keep the space fresh and could be made from leather or an interesting fabric choice (just remember to select something that is durable and stain-resistant). Choose a nice tray to top off the ottoman so you have a hard surface to place items. 

Case Goods

Once you have the upholstery items selected move on to the case goods. This includes all your wood or metal items, like end tables, dining chairs, and so forth. When selecting these items feel free to change things up, just make sure they complement the style and colors of the other items in the space. For example, you can have two matching walnut end tables flanking the sofa with a glass-topped cocktail table. Introducing metals or mirrors adds a unique and elegant element to the space and helps to avoid having too many (overly) matching pieces.

The Bottom Line

When renovating you always want to start with the furniture, as it’s the foundation and heart of the room. It’s much easier to pull a paint color from a fabric that you’ve already chosen than to try to find a sofa to match the walls!  The same goes for the space planning.  If you know where you want to place a particular piece of furniture, then it’s easy to build a wall (or half wall) made just for that piece, customizing the space to exactly how you plan to live in it. 

Most importantly, chose items that you love.  You’ll be spending a lot of time on and around your furniture, so you want to select things that are stylish, comfortable, and functional. Once those pieces of the puzzle are chosen, it’s easy to do the space planning and pull the entire room together to fit you and your family just right.  

© Mina Fies is the Founder and CEO of Synergy Design & Construction, Inc.  To learn more about Mina and receive your FREE Report, “How to Qualify a General Contractor and Avoid Remodeling Nightmares!” please visit www.SynergyDandC.com

This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.