If you missed our Spring Kitchen & Bath Workshop, you missed an engaging session filled with insights from our President and Founder, Beth Rhoades. We covered everything from configuring your space for better flow to selecting the right materials to creating a space that feels genuine to the home—and the homeowner. Whether you’re planning a remodel soon or just gathering ideas, these key takeaways will help you make informed decisions and set your project up for success.

1. Plan for a Kitchen or Bath That Works for You

A well-designed space isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it functions. We focus on layouts that:

• Create a natural flow for how you move and work in the space.
• Maximize storage and efficiency. Historic homes often have smaller floor plans which requires us to find additional storage in walls. On the other hand, homes built in the early 2000’s present their own challenge: often times too expansive of spaces, lacking the true functions today’s homeowners desire.
• Fit your lifestyle, whether that means a family-friendly kitchen or a spa-like retreat in your bathroom. Everything from design, to budget, and goals need to be taken into consideration to ensure it’s a perfect match for you.

For many, it’s impossible to see their space beyond its existing walls and layout. Our team uses visual design tools and 3D renderings to help homeowners see a reconfigured space before making decisions, ensuring it feels just right.

Before – Photo

Proposed Kitchen – 3D Rendering

After – Photo

When we talk about timeless design, we don’t mean every kitchen needs to be white cabinets and marble countertops—though for some, that’s the perfect fit! The key to a lasting design is:

• Choosing materials and finishes that work with the home’s character
• Finding the right balance between classic elements and personal style.
• Exploring lookalike materials if a dream selection doesn’t fit the budget.

Your home should feel like yours and each room should feel like it connects back to the rest of the house. These are critical goals we aim to achieve in every remodel.

3. Smarter Materials, Less Maintenance

Remodeling isn’t just about aesthetics. When you remodel a kitchen or bathroom, it should improve your everyday life. We introduced a few material upgrades that help with just that:

• Larger tile formats that reduce grout lines (less scrubbing!).
• Advanced grout technology that resists staining and discoloration. Yes, you still have to clean it! But, you’ll find it much more friendly and easy to maintain. 
• In our kitchen remodels, homeowners have really enjoyed modern amenities like microwave drawers and panel-ready refrigerators for a seamless look.
• Pull-out storage solutions within cabinets that keep essentials within reach is another client favorite in our kitchen remodels. 

These small choices make a big difference in the long-term functionality of a space.

Shower with Porcelain Slab Walls

Shower with Large Format Tiles

4. Budgeting: Setting the Right Expectations

One of the biggest remodeling concerns is budget, and we believe in honest, upfront pricing so there are no surprises.

Beth’s take: “We believe it’s disingenuous to tell you one price and then have that price change. We want you to land on a budget that you’re comfortable with while ensuring you get the materials and finished look you love.”

A few ways to stay on track:

• Make key material and design decisions before signing a contract to avoid unexpected costs.
• Be mindful of scope creep—it’s easy to add small upgrades along the way that can push the budget higher. We make sure to ask a lot of questions upfront to avoid this. You’d be surprised how often our clients get hit with the remodeling bug and quickly want to redo everything in their home! While we welcome it, we want to ensure you’re within your budget, and we leave room to discuss future projects on your life. 
• Homeowner participation is another way clients can stay on budget. Want to let out all your frustrations on your old kitchen during demo? Do it! Or, prefer we take care of it? We’ve got you. These are all considerations we’ll discuss in our early budgeting conversations. 

Beth Rhoades During a Selections Meeting

5. The Keys to a Successful Remodel

At the workshop, we shared these must-haves for a smooth remodeling experience:

• Plan alternate use areas and options (temporary kitchen). – Renovations often disrupt key areas like the kitchen, so plan ahead to maintain functionality. Set up a temporary kitchen in another room (e.g., a basement, dining room, or garage) with essentials like a microwave, toaster oven, electric kettle, and mini fridge.
• Designate communication modes (Builder Trend online portal). – Clear communication is critical. Use a designated platform called Builder Trend, a project management tool, to track progress, share updates, and address concerns.
• Cooperate with dust management plan (zip walls). – Construction generates dust, which can spread throughout your home. We implement a dust management plan, such as zip walls (plastic barriers with zippered openings) to seal off work zones.
• Be aware of your pets needs. – Renovations can stress pets due to noise, strangers, and disrupted routines. Create a safe, quiet space for them away from the work area, stocked with food, water, and familiar items like toys or bedding.
• Take breaks from the action. – Living through a renovation can be overwhelming due to noise, mess, and constant activity. Schedule time to step away, whether it’s a walk, a coffee shop visit, or a weekend getaway.
• Keep your sense of humor. – Renovations rarely go perfectly—delays, surprises, and mishaps can happen. Approach challenges with a lighthearted mindset to diffuse tension.
• Remember, the results will be worth it! – Renovations are a marathon, not a sprint, and the process can feel disruptive. Keep your eye on the end goal: a transformed space that meets your needs and vision.

Beth Presents Materials at the Spring Workshop

Final Takeaways

A kitchen or bath remodel is a big investment, but with careful planning and the right team, it can also be an exciting and rewarding experience. If you missed the workshop but have questions about your project, we’re here to help!

Contact us today to schedule a consultation!