Innovative Wallpaper Trends

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Once upon a time, wallpaper was an extremely popular home decorating trend but one that after its heyday fell out of favor for decades. Over the past five years, thanks in good part to the popularity of HGTV, wallpaper is making a slow and steady comeback as a home décor option.

Says Harrell Design + Build designer, Debra Winston, “Wallpaper is on the leading edge of home design trends. It is very forward thinking and currently is embraced most often by early adopters who aren’t afraid of color, patterns, and making a bold design statement.”

Debra recently worked with a repeat Harrell Design + Build client who found some unusual wallpapers she wanted to incorporate into her San Jose ranch home. These fun small-run “stealth prints” by Spoonflower included an English floral pattern that upon closer inspection includes dragons interwoven amongst the vines, and another white floral skull print on a deep teal background.

“This client isn’t afraid of color or taking a design risks,” explains Debra. “Though these adventurous patterns aren’t for everyone, wallpaper can have a place in most anyone’s home décor.“

Having worked as a scarf designer for Ralph Lauren before her career shift to designing home interiors, Debra innately understands color and pattern in printed designs. With her finger on the pulse of up-and-coming trends, she is seeing a multitude of wallpaper motifs making waves in the home décor space.

Under the Sea


Underwater themed wallcoverings featuring colorful fish, octopus, and other sea creatures are fun, lively designs that make a vibrant, visually entertaining design declaration. A small amount goes a long way with these animated patterns.

Flora and Fauna


From monochromatic to wildly colorful, these wallpapers include both plants and animals. Inspired by classic motifs, ferns, leaves, and flowers coupled with monkeys, birds, barn owls and butterflies offer a fun and adventurous way to add some whimsy to any room.

“These daring designs pack a punch,” states Debra. “Using this design on an accent wall is ideal to make a visual impact without overdoing a good thing.”

Florals


Always popular, today’s floral patterns are tonal, subtle and soft. Romantic and elegant, these Asian-inspired abstract watercolor and ink wash floral designs are silver, whites, and grays, creating a reflective, textural quality that adds depth and interest. Also making a resurgence are organic, nature-themed floor-to-ceiling murals, such as bare tree branches in silvery whites and grays.

Animal prints


Modern, refined, and opulent, animal prints invite a unique, textural quality to any interior space. Inspired by the diversity of the animal kingdom, these designs include alligator, zebra, cheetah, leopard, and snake prints updated in both muted and bold hues. The cheetah print in navy and white, zebra in a pale, silvery gray, and alligator in navy, silver, or a rich burgundy conjure a contemporary twist.

Geometrics


Timelessly classic, geometric patterns invite a sense of visual order. Many of these wallpaper designs blend a matte shade with a metallic such as navy and gold, or charcoal with copper or rose gold. Many current geometric designs include a French influence by incorporating medallions, traditional brocades, and romantic, curvy designs. Be they linear, angular, curvy, or organic, geometric wall coverings are always sophisticated.

Natural materials

Harkening back to the 1970s are today’s wallpapers that are realistic in appearance. Stacked stone, shiplap, brick, grass cloth, linen, or barnwood, these designs give the illusion of natural materials. Offering visual texture, they often include hints of metallic for depth, deceiving the eye and invoking warmth. It is a way to bring the natural world into our high-tech environments.

“Whether you love daring design or prefer something more subtle, there is a wallpaper that will work for you,” explains Debra.

Debra has been with Harrell Design + Build Design + Build since 2014 and has received numerous awards for her designs. Her fine arts background and her 13 years as a fashion designer for Ralph Lauren in New York City give Debra a unique design sense that benefits Harrell Design + Build clients. Debra specializes in Kitchen and Bath redesign, and is a Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP). She also works on whole-house remodels and room additions.

Harrell Design + Build has been designing and remodeling distinctive homes in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley since 1985. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our incredible designers in Palo Alto or Los Gatos and discover how we can transform your home, kitchen, or bath.

Black fireplace built into shelves next to a mounted TV

Fireplace Shapes, Styles & Trends

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Colored Kitchen Appliances

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Focal point and pops of color are terms our designers use all the time. Both of these design aesthetics can be achieved in kitchens by incorporating colored appliances.

For most homeowners, especially those who prefer safer color choices and those who are remodeling with reselling in mind, sticking with stainless steel is generally probably the best way to go. The staying power of stainless steel is timeless and typically appeals to the majority of homebuyers as well as homeowners.

But for those who want to make a bold statement and achieve a custom design that showcases their distinctive style, colorful kitchen appliances are a great option. They add a unique focal point and that pop of color all in one fell swoop while also serving a functional purpose.

Says Harrell’s award-winning Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) designer, Gloria Carlson, “I find a small population of clients decide to choose to include colored appliances in their kitchen but the look it achieves is so much fun and really speaks to their individuality.”

open kitchen with blue stove colored appliance on left, focal point orange oven on right

There are a number of companies that offer colored appliances. Price, color availability, and style vary to fit almost any budget. Most Many companies offer colored ranges, and others some also include refrigerators and other appliances in varying hues. UsuallyOften, clients decide to have the range as the focal point with all other appliances in stainless steel or having fronts to match the cabinetry.

Some of the colored appliance manufacturers Harrell Design + Build Designers frequently recommend include:

“Whether our clients want a totally custom color, a standard or a professional-style range, or an appliance that is contemporary or really retro, we can help to find exactly what they want,” explains Gloria.

BlueStar specializes in ranges, hoods, cooktops, and refrigerators ideal for the serious home cook. These professional chef-grade appliances are available in over 750 colors as well as textured finishes. BlueStar will also match customer colors so if you have a favorite, they can make it happen! Their website allows you to configure your range, choosing everything from size, number and type of burners, trim, doors as well as knob and overall color of the appliance. As you “build” your range, you can see exactly how it will look in real time on their website.

American-made Dacor offers their luxury Heritage ranges in custom colors. Dacor allows clients to add that perfect splash of color with a few standard colors as well as hundreds of custom color options.

La Cornue designs high-end, handcrafted French ranges that are truly the “masterpiece of the kitchen.” These appliances are works of art and make a daring, everlasting statement while providing the ultimate in a professional-style range. Their Château and Cornufé collections each offer an incredible array of colors from which to chose, including one-of-a-kind hues. The options are endless, allowing homeowners to make an appliance statement that speaks volumes.

Big Chill is a great option for clients who are looking for appliances with a vintage feel. They also have a sleek, modern Pro line as well as a classic, industrial collection. Depending upon the collection, they offer either standard hues or as many as 200 custom colors in addition to a full line of professional grade appliances including ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, and hoods.

Colored kitchen appliances can be used a number of ways, from being the singular focal point surrounded by a neutral background to making a bold statement by having all appliances a custom color. The options are endless and Harrell’s Designers are here to help you make these important decisions.

We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with a member of Harrell’s design team to help you explore your kitchen, bath, or home remodeling project.

A traditional, kosher kitchen in Redwood City

Designing A Kosher Kitchen

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Add Some Fun To Your Next Remodeling Project

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Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can be a serious undertaking, but it can also be a great opportunity to add a touch of playfulness to your home. Whether you are remodeling a powder room, a master bath, or a kitchen, the Harrell Design + Build design team excels at creating modern residential designs while also developing special spaces that reflect the personality and spirit of the homeowners.

Americans are staying in their homes longer than ever before, opting to renovate or remodel rather than move to a larger residence. Families in the 1950’s typically moved approximately every five years. Since 2013, most people tend to stay in their homes an average of nine years compared the year 2000 when they moved every seven years. Many Bay Area and Silicon Valley residents are following this trend and as a result, personalized remodeling designs that are unique and individual are becoming more popular.

Gloria Carlson, a senior designer at Harrell-Remodeling, loves to create fun and creative designs that reveal her clients’ unique personalities and passions.

“The number one thing I do when I have a specialized design project is to listen. I want to understand what they are looking to achieve, both functionally and aesthetically, so that I can help to realize their dreams,” said Gloria.

Here are three examples of Harrell Design + Build clients who wanted to express their individuality in their kitchens and bathrooms, and how Gloria’s exceptional talent for creating enjoyable and useful designs were incorporated in these projects.

Creating Enjoyment Through Better Organization

Recently, a couple with whom Gloria had known previously came to Harrell Design + Build wanting to create a larger kitchen. Having been entertained by this family in the past, Gloria already understood the owner’s kitchen “rhythm” and family flow. She recognized that the client cooked in designated areas throughout the kitchen, from baking to making coffee. Gloria listened to their specific requests to create a new, streamlined, and contemporary layout that emphasized special zones and the following details:

Accentuated Special Kitchen Zones

  • A baking area that included an appliance garage for small appliances, offered efficient storage for flours, mixing bowls, utensils, etc. in adjacent cabinetry. This zone was situated directly next to the oven.
  • The coffee zone was designed to hide coffee containers, filters, and boxes of teas, and Gloria made sure the espresso maker aligned perfectly with a potfiller faucet to fill the machine’s water tank.

Carbonated, Filtered, and Chilled Beverage Zone

  • In the center of the kitchen, Gloria designed a large island to function as a buffet serving area, prep zone, and gathering spot. To help contribute to the central gathering purpose of the island, Gloria specified a faucet that included a built-in filter, water chiller and carbonation system at the sink. An under-the-counter refrigerator and built-in liquor cabinet made the island a refreshing kitchen hangout.

Customized Planning Zone

  • A planning zone with organizer shelves, key hooks, and a cork board and white board was designed to add a functional focal point to the room.
  • Color was integrated into the kitchen to highlight the modern upgrades and to make the space visually appealing and inviting.

“My clients still tell me how much they love what I did in their kitchen,” said Gloria.

Entertaining with Serve-Yourself Soda

Gloria worked with another family who entertained frequently. These homeowners wanted an area for guests to gather away from where they were doing their last-minute cooking, and they requested a built-in soda fountain, for their own love of sodas and for fun entertaining.

Fountain Soda Bar With Fully Equipped Bar Gun

  • A separate beverage zone was created on the opposite side of the prep zone and kitchen sink. The beverage area was designed in an “L” shape that allowed for plenty of storage space both above and below the wet bar area.
  • At the beverage center, Gloria specified plumbing for a carbonator, refrigeration line, filter system, and a fully loaded bar gun with a multitude of syrup flavors required for making fresh sodas.

Customized Backsplash Made From Vintage Bottle Caps

  • To punctuate the theme with a really fun and unique design, Gloria designed a backsplash that was made up of vintage bottle caps. Hundreds of bottle caps were individually placed in the backsplash to resemble tile, resulting in a customized conversation piece that echoed the homeowners’ affection for soda.

This clever kitchen redesign melded the clients’ passions to create a nearby entertainment space for guests while also allowing the homeowners to simultaneously work in the kitchen and interact with their guests.

Creating A Kitchen and Bathroom Design To Reflect A Family’s “Joie de Vivre”

Sometimes a client just wants to forego all traditional design concepts, and allow Harrell Design + Build and its amazing designers to create something truly fresh and new. This was the case with a Bay Area family who wanted their home to reflect their passion for travel and desire to welcome nature into their children’s bathroom.

Once again, Gloria stepped into the picture, transforming the family’s kitchen and bathroom. Highlights of these design projects include:

Customized Kitchen Magnetic World Map For Displaying Travel Tokens

This family traveled the world, collecting magnets from each place they’d visited as tokens of their adventures. Gloria noticed they mounted their collection of magnets on a large whiteboard attached to a kitchen wall. She replaced this bland whiteboard with customized world map wallpaper, with colors to match the kitchen palette, which was adhered to a steel plate to make the map magnetic. The new design allowed the family to place their magnets on the specific countries and cities, while creating a showcase piece that sparked conversation during dinner parties.

The family also wanted a bathroom with a jungle theme for their elementary school aged daughters. For this part of the project, Gloria invited the children to participate in the design and material selections, and they created:

Colorful Children’s Bathroom With Tropical Jungle Theme

A unique combination of tiles was applied to the bathroom walls to give the space a jungle vibe. A niche in the shower showcased a tile mural with a family of monkeys hiding in a rainforest. Beneath the showerhead, Gloria designed a glass mosaic blue tile waterfall that flowed down the wall, across the shower pan, and onto the bathroom floor to create meandering river. The blue tile river stops in front of the vanity in the shape of a small puddle of water.

Gloria used porcelain tiles with a wood grain to create a large tree trunk design on the shower wall and a leafy mosaic tile and green grout to create the foliage.

The results for this home were spectacular, playful, and completely customized for the client’s lifestyle and personalities.

When it comes to your residence, infusing a remodel with a touch of individuality can be a wonderful way to make your mark on a space. Whatever your passions, hobbies, or visions for your Bay Area and Silicon Valley home, the award-winning designers at Harrell Design + Build Design + Build can help you “take a walk on the wild side.”

We invite you to contact us for a complimentary consultation to discover how Harrell Design + Build can design your next distinctive space.

The Future of Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Trends

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Most homeowners are intrigued to know the hottest kitchen and bathroom design trends and what materials are currently being used in ultra-modern homes. And when they are ready to remodel their own residence, homeowners want to ensure the firm they choose for their remodel project is intimately aware of the latest trends, materials, and design.

That’s why Harrell Design + Build makes it a point to send at least one of their designers to the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to observe and track emerging trends. KBIS is the world’s largest kitchen and bathroom tradeshow where cutting edge designs and trending themes can be experienced firsthand. This year, the company sent two of its designers to perform reconnaissance on behalf of Bay Area homeowners. The two returned with an amazing list of noteworthy styles that will be evolving in the next year or two.

This year, Harrell Design + Build senior designers Sara Jorgensen and Debra Winston attended the KBIS show, returning with valuable insights into current and leading trends for their clients.

“The KBIS is such a huge show. We walked 21 miles and took 21,000 photos. The experience inspired us and we were able to identify design trends and techniques that will absolutely translate to more amazing Harrell Design + Build results for our clients. These trends are happening now, but will also be emerging in the future,” said Sara.

In general, Sara explained that there was a clear distinction between East Coast design trends and West Coast design trends.

“East Coast styles are still very traditional. They are using lots of detailing, and decorative cabinets. But when you see the West Coast styles, they are all frameless cabinets with clean lines and very contemporary,” said Sara.

EMERGING RESIDENTIAL TRENDS

Here are some trend highlights from the show that are relevant to Silicon Valley homeowners:

  • Walnut cabinets
    Everywhere Sara and Debra went, they saw walnut finishes dominating kitchen and bathroom cabinets. This rich walnut finish is replacing the white-on-white look that’s been popular for traditional kitchens and baths. Walnut is not relegated to just the exterior of the cabinetry but is also being used on the inside of cabinets. Sara and Debra observed that many modern designers are skillfully combining the color white with walnut in a variety of ways to showcase the trend.
  • LED lighting modules
    The use of sleek, under-cabinet, energy-efficient LED lighting was clearly an emerging trend. Manufacturers are developing thin lighting tape that can be used throughout both the bathroom and kitchen. The use of lighting was everywhere, but most prevalent in the skillful illumination of the undersides of counters and cabinets. In many cases, this sleek under-counter lighting highlighted the walnut and white finish on upper cabinets.
  • Incorporating textures
    There’s no getting around it, textured surfaces will be a major influence for residential designers in the near future. Texture is a fantastic option for homeowners wanting to add something different to their kitchens and baths. The use of texture was found in multiple materials including tile, plastic, and even metal. For example, the two took note of engraved textured metal wall panels, walls that looked like rustic wood, and surfaced tile used for highlighting kitchen backsplashes. Sara and Debra discovered that, “texture is here to stay!”
  • Gold accents dominated
    Both designers discovered that gold is being extensively throughout many of the kitchen and bathroom designs they toured. Gold is used sparingly to accent beautiful walnut or other wood finishes. It is also elegantly paired with navy blue. This trend of navy blue and gold was used frequently in kitchen islands or perimeter cabinets, where small gold lighting or cabinet fixtures accentuated the rich blue.
  • Bold, playful colors
    The use of bright reds, blues, and yellows were prevalent throughout the show. For example, many appliances are now sporting bold colors to add some spark to the kitchen. Daring colors are being combined with textured metal in apron-front sinks. Another unique manner in which color was incorporated was by painting the insides of cabinet drawers with bubble gum pink or other playful hues.
  • Televisions and fireplaces
    One of the most visible themes Sara and Debra noted was a focus on televisions above fireplaces. As the designers explored this theme further, they realized that fireplaces are now being manufactured in such a way that they can be paired closely with a large, suspended television. Many high-tech fireplaces incorporated LED lighting trim around their perimeter with the lights changing color to coordinate with a favorite sporting team or to set a mood. Also, there were clever ways of concealing the television behind a large piece of art when not in use. The TV was secured to hardware allowing it to swing down, under the artwork and in front of the fire for easy viewing.

While not every homeowner will use all of these ideas and concepts in their remodeling project, they do provide a great framework for future design ideas. In addition, the concepts have been instilled into the deep arsenal of talented designers at Harrell Design + Build, who are always looking for the next great design solution!

“Design Trends” as Part of Harrell Design + Build Workshop Series

Because the KBIS show was so immense, Harrell Design + Build has incorporated some of Sara’s and Debra’s notes into a “Hot Trends in Products, Design and Remodeling” seminar that are part of the firm’s regular informational series of workshops and presentations for the Bay Area homeowners.

With locations in Palo Alto and Los Gatos Harrell Design + Build has been designing and remodeling distinctive homes since 1985. We invite you to stop by our “Jewel Box” Showroom, attend one of our workshops, or schedule a complementary appointment to learn how we can make your remodeling vision come true.

How To Choose The Best Firm For Your Next Remodeling Project

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The saying “Home is where the heart is” strikes a deep cord with homeowners everywhere including those residing in the Bay Area. Home is where our lives are centered. Home is where we relax and unwind, spend time with family and entertain friends, where we enjoy the holidays and special occasions. Because of this, more and more people are investing money in remodeling or redesigning their residences to create beautiful gathering spaces, safer living environments, and versatile homes.

How do you find the right remodeling professional that will make your remodeling vision a reality? Harrell Design + Build recommends the following guidelines to help you choose a professional design and remodeling firm:

  1. Ask for Recommendations
    There is no doubt about it… word of mouth is one of the best strategies to follow when selecting a remodeling professional.     Residential remodeling can be tricky, thus the potential for lengthy and unexpected delays, budget overages, or costly mistakes. To avoid this, check with your local Chamber of Commerce, get recommendations from friends, and check online for references and reviews. See if certain businesses continue to be mentioned. When investigating remodeling firms, it is also a good idea to establish the level of complexity these companies are able to handle, and their experience with remodeling projects similar to yours.
  2. Credentials and Certifications Matter
    With a solid list of recommendations in hand, it’s time for some basic research on each firm.     Really look through the firm’s website to see the qualifications of its designers, project managers, and carpenters. Like any vocation, recognized credentials and certifications from professional associations like the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) along with certifications including Certified Interior Designer (CID), Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP), and Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP) are important. Any seasoned and skilled remodeling professional will have invested time and money in course work and passed rigorous tests to earn these credentials and certifications.
  3. Get To Know Your Remodeling Professionals
    One of the best strategies for finding the best remodeling firms is to visit their offices.     Do they have a showroom with the latest materials and design concepts? When discussing design and remodeling ideas, do they include a professional designer in the conversation who can offer suggestions and apply these concepts to your project and lifestyle? Who would you be working with? How are projects like yours handled? How and when are payments made? Is there an open line of communication should you have questions or concerns? It is important to ask a lot of questions, but also make sure to listen closely to answers. The way remodeling professionals answer questions can be extremely important and revealing.
  4. Check References
    When conducting your due diligence on remodeling firms, ask to see some of the firm’s past projects.     Get a good idea of the firm’s style and ability to solve challenging problems. When looking through the company’s portfolio of work, make sure to ask if you can call former clients to get a firsthand account of their project: Was the worksite clean and the workers respectful? Did the job get completed on time and on budget? What was the communication and planning process? All of these will give great insight into the overall professionalism and quality of the remodeling firm from someone who has employed their services.
  5. Check The Status of Their License
    After checking references and speaking with past clients, visit the Contractors State License Board and make sure the company is in good standing.     Is their license active? When does it expire? Do the have any claims filed against them? Are they bonded and insured?
  6. Price Is Not The Most Important Criteria
    While every homeowner has a budget for their remodeling project, choosing a firm purely on the basis of cost can backfire.     There is a lot of truth behind the saying, “You get what you pay for”, and when it comes to hiring a remodeling company these words are even more crucial. There are firms that will provide a very attractive quote on the project but when the rubber meets the road, they end up costing much more in lost time, poor workmanship, and inaccurate pricing. It is important to weigh all of the criteria including price in your decision. Everyone wants to get the most bang for our buck but when it comes to our home, the quality of work and inter-personal communication far outweigh saving a few dollars. The results will be worth it in the end.
    Recommendations, certifications, and being licensed, bonded and insured are all important aspects of finding the top remodeling firms. Finding a company with high-quality workmanship, who understands your lifestyle and distinct requirements, can solve challenging problems, is on the cutting edge of design, will stay on time and on budget, and with whom you have a solid professional rapport are also very key components to finding the right firm for your home remodel.

Since 1985, Harrell Design + Build has been designing and remodeling distinctive home all around the Bay Area. A Design + Build firm with locations in Palo Alto and Los Gatos , we invite you to contact us to find out more about how we work, talk to members of our team, and discover how we can make your remodeling dreams a reality!

Pet-Friendly Design for Your Four Legged Furry Family Members

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According to a 2017- 2018 National Pet Owners Survey, 68% or 85 millions families in the United States own a pet. 60% of households own a dog while 47% have a cat as a pet although the number of felines (94.2 million) outnumbers canines (89.7 million).

Yet another recent study has shown that a whopping 95% of people consider their furry friends to be a part of the family. Pets provide companionship, comfort, and entertainment, boost our wellbeing and provide unconditional love.

With more and more people in tune to their pet’s needs, making these furry family members comfortable and happy is important. In working with clients, another of Harrell’s award-winning Senior Designers, Sara Jorgensen, frequently incorporates pet-friendly spaces and solutions into her design.

A California state Certified Interior Designer (CID) with a BA in Fine Arts in Interior Design, Sara has the unique ability to discover and artfully execute her clients’ design desires along with their functional needs. “I love to ask a lot of questions,” Sara says of her meetings with new clients. “These days with so many people having pets, I always ask about their animals. Often, people undergoing a home remodel have frustrations about things like pet food storage or placement of food bowls or litter boxes. They often don’t realize a solution could be quite simple and easily incorporated.”

Whatever the pet-related challenge, Sara will create the nook or niche, storage or space that will solve it. Working from a holistic viewpoint to the smallest of details that create the design’s ‘wow’ factor, she looks for creative ways to situate food dishes, tuck away unsightly litter boxes, or to incorporate much-needed storage.

“I help clients truly consider how they live and the roles their pets play in the family. Through this process, I can design an environment that works for both people and pets in mind without sacrificing individuality and personal style.” Sara explains.

Sara finds that homeowners with canine companions often want her help with creating attractive or hidden storage systems for their pet’s food and supplies as well as elevated and/or out-of-the-way food and water bowls. Since feline family members are more likely to remain indoors, Sara designs special spaces for litter boxes, food and water bowls, and even perches for cats to climb or vertical “highways” that enable them to move from room to room.

“Catios”, or patios for cats, are becoming a popular home design element. They can be simple or elaborate but the goal is to create a safe, enclosed outdoor spaces for cats to lie in the sun and fresh air. Sara has designed “catios” from previously open balconies and decks by installing mechanized rolling pet screens that drop down to fully enclose the space.

An example of a more elaborate pet space is a “catio” project Sara did for a client in which she transformed an unused second floor balcony into an artistic safe space for the homeowner’s cats. “The owners were huge San Jose Sharks fans so we designed a custom metal panel with the Sharks logo that added a unique architectural element to the rear of the home that both homeowners and cats could enjoy. We even selected a bird-nest pattern for the background pattern that creative a playful reflection with the light.” says Sara.

 

Ideas for incorporating pet-friendly design in your home

  • Choose durable, pet-friendly materials and fabrics: From flooring to furniture, there are materials that lend themselves to homes with pets. Choose colors and fabrics that hide dirt, are durable and scratch-resistant as well as easy to clean.
  • Stop dirt at the door: Create a station in your home where you most frequently take your pet in and out. This area should have resilient, easy maintenance flooring plus storage for leashes, toys and supplies.
  • A room with a view: Both dogs and cats enjoy being able to look outside so having a large picture window that provides your pet with a view will be appreciated.
  • Special spaces: Dogs have an innate desire to go underneath beds, tables, and other areas where they can rest in peace while you should think vertically for your feline friends. Designate a doggie den beneath cabinets in the kitchen or Family Room and set up perches or stair-step walls shelving to create areas for your cat to sit or sleep.
  • Pet doors: Technology is a wonderful thing even in the pet product realm. There are electronic pet doors that open only when triggered by a chip in your pet’s collar, keeping your home secure and other unwanted critters out. Even cameras that can allow you to see what your pets are up to while you are away.

Harrell’s Remodeling is very sensitive to how the remodeling process affects your furry family members. We always make areas safe for your pets by removing debris as well as posting signs to alert workers of animals in a home. Sometimes we even post a photo of your pet on doors with a sign to alert our people and subcontractors that special circumstances need to be taken for safety of an animal.

Whether you have a very specific pet project in mind or wish to integrate pet-friendly design as part of a home remodel project, Sara and the entire team at Harrell’s Remodeling can make it happen!

Employee Ownership: Keeping Us Proudly Client-Focused

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As a 100% employee owned company, we feel a sense of accountability and responsibility for our individual roles, our company’s future, and as importantly, our client focused mission ensuring our clients, their desire to have their homes reimagined and redesigned, and our care of their homes always comes first!

Tony Mathews of the Beyster Institute wrote an interesting and compelling article about employee ownership and our 100% employee-owned company, and we thought it was a great read!

Read the article here.

 

Kitchen tile backsplash

Make A Splash With Backsplash Beauty

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It’s impossible to know when or where the first backsplash was included in kitchen design, however the why behind the beauty of backsplashes isn’t hard to decipher. Backsplashes are generally found between the sink and the wall, preventing water, grease, and spaghetti sauce from being splashed against the walls. Pretty soon, simple tile backsplashes were used as the best solution for wall protection. During the 1970’s, white and yellow Formica countertops included a sort of built-in backsplash to avoid mixing materials and designs.

Today, interior designers like Harrell Design + Build’s Gloria Carlson, take the backsplash into an entirely different level, maximizing the utilitarian tool as a great opportunity to create a distinctive focal point for kitchens with multiple materials and patterns.

“You need to have some sort of backsplash purely for protection. Historically, people used a basic four-inch backsplash to provide minimum protection and to just catch spills. But over time, backsplashes have been used provide protection and add aesthetic interest,” explained Gloria.

According to Gloria, knowing how to highlight the backsplash can be tricky.

“The backsplash needs to become part of the whole story and the whole palette. For example, if you have a busy countertop material, you want to use a simple backsplash design so the two don’t compete. The backsplash in that case highlights the countertop. On the other had, you may want your backsplash to be the focal point, in which case you want your countertop to be simple and not compete with it,” said Gloria.

Using The Backsplash As A Central Theme For Kitchen Design

For example, one Bay Area family came to Harrell-Remodeling to redesign their kitchen to accommodate a steady docket of formal dinners and lively entertaining events. But more importantly, the family also wanted a gourmet, multi-use kitchen where entertaining and serious culinary skills could be employed without the interference of casual but valued guests. Gloria created a beautiful cooking area and a more social gathering area where people could mingle without bothering the cook. To accomplish this, she created a fun, socially focused fountain soda bar that also included a fully equipped bar gun with lots of soda flavors. Using the backsplash as a way to highlight the design, Gloria successfully punctuated the soda theme by using the backsplash as a conversation piece and created from vintage bottle caps. The hundreds of bottle caps were individually placed in the backsplash to resemble tile, and create a fun place for people to gather away from the prep and cooking area.

“The family entertained a lot, but they didn’t like when people could just walk into the middle of preparing a meal. So I used the backsplash as a focal point of my design. In this case, I a neutral, solid color for the counter top in order to make the backsplash a focal point to draw the attention of the eye,” said Gloria.

Consider Different Materials For Your Backsplash Beauty

Long gone are the days the four-inch Formica backsplash. Today, designers are taking the backsplash as a way to make a real design splash in kitchens. The boundaries for backsplash designs are being pushed to include modern materials and visionary shapes and sizes.

Today, Gloria includes materials that range from colored glass or tile to stone slabs. In addition, many homes now include backsplashes that run all the way up the wall to the bottom of the top cabinetry to provide maximum impact.

“Depending on what else is happening. You have other when you’ve got a whole kitchen with multiple materials: you’ve got a floor, you’ve got cabinets, you’ve got countertops, you’ve got all those things that you need to have cohesive. You want to make sure that you don’t have too much going on or too much competition and you don’t know where to look. The backsplash can be one of the opportunities within that palette to make a statement. Personally I love it when people aren’t too safe with the backsplash, because it can be so effective when you want to add something striking,” said Gloria.