What’s New

How To Prepare For A Home Remodel

Watching HGTV can excite anyone about a home remodel, but it is not as easy as they make it out to be. Once the renovation starts, certain things take place. The things you were used to doing suddenly require some creative thinking, such as cooking or even getting everyone ready in the morning. While a renovation can be a little disruptive to our daily routine, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here, we share a few things about what to expect during a home remodel and how to navigate with ease.

Home Remodel Means More Dirt.

From Sheetrock to sawdust to increased foot traffic, dirt and dust are one thing you can count on seeing more of during the renovation. If you enjoy a tidy house, be prepared to look the other way. Here are some things that might help keep your home livable during this process:

  • Hanging some heavy-duty plastic sheets will hinder dust from floating all over the home.
  • Make sure to have your vacuum handy so people can quickly dust off or clean up as needed.
  • Have a designated area where people can dust off before entering a non-construction home area.
  • Keep after it. Don’t wait until the end to clean everything. Try to do a little maintenance during the renovation. This will make the final clean-up less overwhelming.

While there is no way to contain all the dirt and dust in the home, keeping it under control and making it easier to breathe as your home is renovated is possible. We also recommend speaking with your contractor, as they may have a few additional suggestions. Check out these five helpful tips to help minimize dust spreading throughout the home.

Increase In Noise

Those with children may say they are used to noise, but may not be prepared for this level. Hammering, drilling, and pounding are just a few of the sounds that will interrupt your regular routine. While some families can relocate for the duration of their remodel, this is not always possible for everyone. Here are a few helpful tips to handle the increase in noise:

  • Schedule the construction during your time at work so you won’t have to deal with it while at home. If you work from home, consider spending a few hours at a local cafe with reliable internet.
  • Send the kids to the grandparents. Little ones have less tolerance than adults, as their hearing is more sensitive than ours. Placing them in a comfortable environment with family can ease their stress.
  • Step away. If you were planning a vacation, this would be the perfect time to do it. Another great option is to take the day off and do something fun with the family, like going to the local park or zoo.

Whether it is you or the children, an increase in noise can be a disturbance, but thankfully, it won’t last long, and if planned right, many of the interruptions can be limited during your home remodel.

Shift In Plans

Even the best-laid plans may need to be adjusted due to unforeseen issues. It is important to be flexible. Remember that your designer knows your budget and will make sure that you stay on target, but when they come to you with a problem, know that they would not mention it if it were not necessary. Often, they will have a plan in place to deal with it, so be sure to hear them out. Read more about how to navigate a home remodel here.

a white kitchen counter with blue marble

Home Remodel Survival Tips

Home renovations are not meant to stress you out, and having a plan in place and being mentally prepared can make a big difference in how they go. Here are some of our best survival tips to help you prepare for and get through your home renovation.

  • Be prepared for what will happen. Your home will not be the same for some time, which means little adjustments to your normal routines are to be expected.
  • Know where you will move the furniture and additional belongings. If an area of the home is under construction, the contents will likely need to be removed. Having a moving plan beforehand means a smooth transition into the renovation.
  • Remember the pets. Your sweet fur babies won’t understand why the home is being torn apart, but giving them extra love and keeping their routines, like feeding times and walks, as much as possible will help them feel secure.
  • It is okay to eat out. Sometimes we feel bad if we eat out several times a week, but when you are in the middle of a renovation, that is perfectly normal, even if your kitchen isn’t being done. Taking a break from the mess and going somewhere else can be refreshing for everyone.
  • Get adequate rest. Since more is happening at your home, it is essential to get enough sleep. A good night’s rest will help you make the best decisions.

Having your home renovated is not always an easy transition, but with a good plan in place and preparation, it is possible to go through with little stress. View one of our clients’ renovations to see how much the renovation was worth it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or spend some time doing research online for more helpful tips, like this guide for first-time renovators.

Let Us Help You

We understand this is a big decision, so we are always ready to answer any questions you may have. When you visit our 5,000 square foot showroom, you can browse our design experience centers, flooring and countertop samples, hardware displays, and many of our home furnishings. Though this can be a big undertaking, we promise it will all be worth it in the end. While each of our clients has had unique spaces renovated, they all agree that the end result was worth the process. Are you ready to have that space you have been building on Pinterest?

The world of interior design has run the full gamut of trends, from minimal to over-the-top and back again. Your home is meant to be your happy place, and a good design can affect the atmosphere. There are multiple styles to choose from, including modern, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional. Each possesses characteristics that make them unique in their own way, but sometimes what is offered is not enough, which is where the term mixology comes in, and no, we are not referring to the mixing of cocktails. There is a beauty when mixing and matching design styles, cabinets, and furnishings to create a space that perfectly reflects you. For a long time, designers were taught that things needed to remain within a certain realm of style in order for them to look good, but over the past few years, those boundaries have been broken down to make way for homeowners to express themselves in their own way. Out of this, there have been some new terms used to describe the shift in styles, such as grand millennial. If you like a few elements from multiple styles, then mixology may be your new best friend.

Is Biophilia Design For You? We love the looks nature inspires, which is why we have multiple products available for you to browse inside our showroom. From unique artwork to furniture pieces, we invite you to visit us and spend time browsing our 5,000 square foot showroom located in charming Uptown Shelby and find the inspiration you’ve been looking for to create the perfect environment in your home.

The world of design draws on multiple elements to create the perfect space for homeowners, a place that represents them and their particular style. Color plays a vital role in the design process, and its effects go beyond just adding a splash to the room. Color can affect our mood, communicate a message, lessen eye strain, and even play a part in remembering certain events. It also has the ability to influence the size of a room with certain colors, causing the area to feel larger, while other shades create a more intimate feel. Color selection can be a fun and rewarding process, plus it provides you with a great way to tell your story. More homeowners are discovering the beauty of contrasting colors, and this choice is gaining popularity in the design world. From two-toned kitchens to opposites in cabinets and tile, contrasting colors can spice up your design and make a stunning statement. Let’s explore more about what contrasting colors are and how they can help you tell your story.

While cabinet hardware is essential for functionality, it’s also a key element in the overall look and feel of your space. When selecting hardware, there’s more to consider than just appearance. How do you want your cabinets to open? Do you prefer knobs, pulls, or a combination of both? Should you go with cup pulls for a traditional touch or sleek bar pulls for a modern edge?

These decisions may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on both the usability and aesthetic of your cabinetry. Hardware serves as the finishing touch—bringing together the design while also making everyday tasks more comfortable and intuitive.

You are ready to begin your renovation, but you are unsure whether you want to go with custom or semi-custom cabinets. While custom cabinets will provide you with the exact fit you need for your space, they are at the higher end of the price range. Semi-custom cabinets tend to be a more budget-friendly alternative while still giving you the style and function needed for your space. Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of choosing semi-custom cabinets and are learning that they can still get the look they want while staying within their budget. Let’s talk more about what semi-custom cabinets are, the benefits they bring to your project, and some of the options we offer here at Greenbrook Design.