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How do you and your family gather for meals? It’s an important question to consider when coming up with dining room design ideas. You want your dining area to best reflect your dining style—whether you prefer to eat in a cozy, intimate space, or want to encourage the whole family to gather around the kitchen island to chow down or hang out.

Making your kitchen into an eat-in space is a popular choice for many families. But what is the right design for your eat-in kitchen? By honing in on your dining style you can create the eat-in kitchen that works best for everyone in your household.

There are plenty of eat-in kitchen and dining room design ideas out there, and today we’ll go over five options that could make your space a success.

1. Go big with your dining table

If you have a large clan, like to entertain, or love getting the whole family together for a meal, a large dining table could be the way to go. Center your eat-in kitchen design around providing room for a big table with plenty of seating.

Also consider placement of your table in your design. You may want it to be close to your food prep area, so whoever is manning the stove or oven can still take part in conversation at the table.

Are you considering whether an open concept kitchen is for you? Read this post for insight on whether an open concept kitchen fits your lifestyle.

2. Add a breakfast nook

Maybe you’re an empty nester who loves to spend a leisurely morning with a cup of coffee and the newspaper. Or you’re a young couple who loves dining in an intimate space. Whatever the case may be, adding a breakfast nook could be the choice for those looking to relax in their eat-in kitchen or dining room.

Check out antique shops and flea markets for a cute little café table. If your kitchen or dining room has a window, take advantage of the natural light, or view, by placing your table near it. Then, outfit your nook with comfy chairs or benches, and prepare to sit back, sip, and relax!

3. Surround your table with booth seating

Booth seating is a great way to define your dining area, and can be an effective way to provide plenty of seating in a small dining space. Place your table under a window, and surround your dining table with booth seating on two sides. Or make room for even more people at the table by extending the booth to three sides.

Make sure to choose some comfy booth cushions in a fun fabric that complements your style and décor. Your booths will offer a great place for eating and working, alike.

4. Build a banquette

If you are looking for an alternative to booth seating, consider adding a banquette as a dining room design idea. Do so by creating benches along two adjoining walls, or even along just one wall. This is a great idea for kitchens with narrow spaces, as you don’t need room for chairs on both sides of the table.

And, there’s an added benefit of having a banquette. You can choose benches with hidden storage inside—the perfect place to stash a few board games, linens, or anything else you want to tuck away.

5. Go for an extended island or chef’s table seating

If your kitchen is truly the place where your family gathers most, be it for meals, homework time, or just to hang out, consider an extended island or chef’s table.

With an extended island, you’ll have space at one end for food prep and cooking, while your family can sit and relax or work at the other end of the island. Or, place a chef’s table front and center in your kitchen, instead of an island, and encourage your family to belly up.

If you’re also looking for design inspiration for your family room, check out these top eight family room remodeling ideas.

Are you planning a kitchen or dining area remodel? We’re happy to help you brainstorm the perfect solutions to your eating space needs. Contact us today to get the conversation started!

If you’re planning to redo your cook space, you’ve probably noticed there are a myriad of kitchen styles available. From homey cottage touches, to the timeless classic look, or even the functionality of a craftsman—whatever your leanings, there are kitchen styles to suit your tastes.

Today, we’ll explore the features of three great kitchen styles on the Main Line and Philadelphia—cottage, classic, and craftsman.

And if you’re wondering what a kitchen remodel costs in Philadelphia, we’ve got you covered.

Cottage

Don’t worry, the cottage style doesn’t mean creating a kitschy or outdated-looking space. A cottage kitchen is one that evokes a simple, cozy, and carefree feeling. Think modern checkerboard prints and clean lines.

A cottage kitchen wouldn’t be complete without a farmhouse sink—also known as an apron-front sink. Farmhouse sinks have made a popular comeback in recent years, with their signature deep bowl and country style. But they offer a simple, clean look, not to mention plenty of space to roll up your sleeves and suds up.

Hardwood floors are also a great choice to evoke the cottage feel. Choose reclaimed wooden planks, or go for a wood choice with a grain and color that suits your tastes. Don’t want to worry about wood floors in the kitchen? There are many tiles on the market that mimic the look of wood.

Another element of cottage kitchen style is to incorporate beadboard into your design. Use the grooved paneling along walls, cabinetry, and even as a backsplash. Beadboard in white or a creamy color can do wonders to brighten your kitchen.

Choosing soft, warm colors also is also a great way to achieve the cottage vibe. Think white, pale yellow, light green, turquoise, or beige. You can also stick to a white or light color palette for cabinets and walls, then choose to accessorize with some cute cottage colors.

Classic

You know which of the kitchen styles is for you if you’re drawn to the timeless look of simple details and neutral colors. The classic style is classy and elegant, and can be adapted to your tastes.

White or light cabinetry is a signature of the classic look. White gives a timeless, crisp, and refreshing feel to your kitchen. It also is a great choice to brighten up a darker or smaller kitchen space.

When choosing a cabinet door style for your classic kitchen, a shaker door or shaker door with bead moulding is the way to go. You don’t want to go too modern with a flat-panel cabinet door, or too traditional with a raised-panel door.

Consider having your design/build team work in some simple architectural details when you’re redoing your kitchen in the classic kitchen style. From crown molding to hewn legs on islands, infusing your kitchen with some pretty details can go far toward making your classic kitchen sing.

Countertop choices for the classically inclined tend toward either black or white stone. White marble offers a timeless look, while honed black granite or soapstone are also good choices. Quartz is also appearing in more classic kitchens.

Craftsman

The craftsman kitchen is a great option for those who love functionality and simplicity, not to mention the earthy colors often found inside.

Wood is one of the defining features of the craftsman style, so embrace wood for cabinetry, floors, and trim. Also choose cabinet doors with flat panels, instead of ones with detailing.

Tiles are typically where you’ll see the most flair in a craftsman kitchen. Choose tiles that are handcrafted, painted, or offer an interesting decorative element. A beautiful tile backsplash can be a real statement piece.

When choosing hardware for your craftsman kitchen, think warm and dark patinas. You won’t often find lighter metals in a craftsman kitchen, so consider instead antiqued brass, oil-rubbed bronze, or copper.

Whichever of the kitchen styles you’ve settled on for your remodel, we’re here to help with your plans. If you’re curious what one family’s experience was with their home remodel, read this case study on transforming a Wayne Colonial in four phases.

Then contact us today to get the conversation started on your remodel!

You’ve probably heard the term “millennials,” but what does it mean when it comes to how you think about your home renovation or remodeling project? Philadelphia’s population of millennials—young people, ages 20 to 34—has grown in recent years. If you’re looking to renovate or add on to your home, you might consider including home features millennials in Philadelphia desire.

From 2006 to 2014, the number of millennials in Philadelphia jumped 41 percent, according to News Works. That makes Philadelphia the city with the fastest growth in millennials of the country’s 10 largest cities.

Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the coming few years or not, paying attention to what home features millennials desire could help you in the long run. Sixty percent of millenials say they plan to buy a home in the future, and they consider home-ownership an important goal, according to a 2014 Consumer Insights Survey.

Today we’ll explore the home features millennials desire in Philadelphia, so you’ll be able to make some savvy decisions when it comes to redoing your home.

1. Single-family home

The good news for those who live in the suburbs is that while a small portion of millennials say want to call the city home, most (55 to 66 percent) say they want a home in the suburbs.

Millennials are also in the market for single-family homes. The survey found that most millennials would like to have 2,475 square feet, while two-story homes with open-concept floor plans are also desired.

Don’t have an open-concept kitchen? Maybe it’s for you… maybe it’s not. Read more about whether an open-concept kitchen fits your lifestyle.

2. Smart technology

Whether it’s a thermostat or an oven they want to set remotely, smart technology is one of the home features millennials are looking for.

From home automation and home security systems, to technology that makes life easier, millennials say they are willing to pay for tech upgrades. They want to be able to unlock their front door from their smartphone, and turn up the heat or air conditioning remotely before getting home.

Curious how to give your home a tech facelift? Read these 9 tech tools to make your home look smart.

3. Laundry room

For many millennials, memories of schlepping dirty clothes to a dorm laundry room or Laundromat aren’t that far removed. So it’s not surprising the age group places value on having a dedicated laundry room in the home they buy.

A laundry room with a modern washer and dryer, space for folding clothes, a sink, and even a pet washing station is ideal for a young buyer. Some millennials also prefer having a laundry room located on the second floor of the home, if that’s where the bedrooms are, to avoid trips up and down the stairs with all that laundry.

4. Master suite

Gone are the days of a master bedroom being enough. One of the home features millennials desire is a master suite, complete with a bathroom and walk-in closet.

Double sinks, large showers, soaking tubs, and that popular “spa-like feel” are on the top of many a millennial’s list, and they’ll likely be willing to pay a little more for a master suite with a bathroom that provides a wow factor.

A walk-in closet with ample space is also a plus in the millennial book. Storage is an important factor outside the bedroom too, so consider whether your home has enough linen closets, garage storage, pantry space, and more.

5. Outdoor space

Also high on the list of home features millennials desire is having outdoor space to entertain friends and family. But not just any outdoor space—an area that extends the feel of the home’s interior.

From top-notch grills and outdoor kitchens, to fireplaces and cozy sitting areas, millennials say they want outdoor features that extend their living space and take their parties to the next level.

Looking for some ideas on how to revamp your outdoor living space? Read these 7 outdoor living room design ideas to inspire.

6. Design

Millennials have had perhaps the greatest access of the generations to viewing home interiors and renovations, thanks to the proliferation of home repair and remodeling television channels and shows.

Millennials also turn to the Internet to see what the cutting-edge trends in home design are. They are looking for design elements like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and the latest colors they see on TV and online.

Many are willing to pay for move-in-ready spaces that are well designed, as opposed to going for a fixer-upper. That doesn’t necessarily mean millennials are looking for only modern or contemporary styles. Studies have found that “modern traditional” and “casual organic” are popular designs.

As you plan your home addition, remodel, or redo, keep these factors in mind. You just might find yourself with a millennial buyer when you’re ready to sell your home.

Let’s face it. While homes that are a little older come with plenty of charm, they often lack a large master bedroom, let alone a master suite. Bedrooms built in decades past simply aren’t as open and spacious as they are today.

If you’re feeling stuck in a small master bedroom or master suite, it may be time for an addition. Though, you’re probably wondering, what does a master suite addition cost?

A master suite addition in the Philadelphia area can cost you roughly $132,000 in the midrange, to up to $272,000 for an upscale master suite addition, according to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report.

However, those are just ballpark numbers for master suite addition cost. Each project is unique, and the specifics of your desired master suite addition could come with a different price tag.

There are, of course, many options when it comes to designing a master suite. Read on to learn more about what master suite addition design options there are, and how they could effect cost.

1. Master suite features

Most master suite additions include a bedroom area, a private bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a sitting area with a couch, loveseat, or chairs.

Though, one person’s dream master suite addition likely doesn’t compare to someone else’s. You might see the value in having a spa-like bathroom in your master suite, while a friend could prefer dedicating more space to a large walk-in closet, or even a dressing area.

If you don’t have space elsewhere in your house, you might also consider adding a home office or an area for hobbies or crafts. A breakfast nook or small kitchenette might even be on your list of desires. It all depends on your habits, and how you want your master suite addition to function as part of your home.

When it comes to cost, it all depends on what features you choose, and what types of materials. Furniture-grade cabinets in a walk-in closet can be more expensive than other options. You might be looking for a basic master bathroom, or that might be where you want to splurge. There’s no wrong answer.

2. Consider building up, not out

A lot goes into a master suite addition. Your design/build team will need zoning and building permits and approvals. You’ll need the full range of tradespeople to complete the job, from pouring the foundation, framing the addition, to roofing, tiling, electrical work, and more. It’s a big job.

Also remember that an addition can eat up valuable yard space. If you don’t have the extra room outside to dedicate to your addition, consider whether you can build up, not out. Creating an addition at the end of your house isn’t always the best solution for your master suite addition.

Can you build an addition over your garage, or above a porch or other part of your house? What about finishing your basement or attic? Doing so can save some money by not requiring you to completely start from scratch..

There’s not just above your garage to consider, think about utilizing your garage itself. Read more on the pros and cons to converting a garage into living space.

Another strategy can be to look for underutilized spaces in your home—a guest room that sits largely vacant, or an extra bathroom nobody uses. Incorporating those spaces into your design can be a smart way to add on.

3. Surround yourself with talent

No matter what you envision for your master suite addition, working with a team of professionals can make all the difference.

A smart design/build team will be able to look at the features of your home and surroundings and guide you in the best direction possible for your master suite addition. Your team might even surprise you with some of its ideas!

Curious about our process at Cottage Industries? Learn how to prepare for an in-home consultation with us. Then, schedule a conversation today.

If you’re also considering a new kitchen, find out the average cost of a kitchen remodel in Philadelphia.

The Important Factors to Consider When Finishing Your Basement

Whether you’re looking for more space for the kids to play and watch television, or are in need of a home office or space for guests, the space you’re looking for could be right beneath your feet. In your basement, that is. Finishing your basement could be the solution to your need for more space.

But how much does it cost to finish a basement? It depends on what condition your basement is in now, and whether you want a simple finished basement or a more complex design.

For a 1000 square foot basement, simply insulating, adding finished walls, ceiling, and floors is the most basic and can cost from $30 to $50 per SF. That would include basic lighting & electric. If you need water-proofing, or to add more rooms, doors, windows, (an egress window or exterior stairs will be required by code) and your numbers go up. Throw in a bathroom, a wet bar, some built-in cabinetry, or an entertainment system, and this will push your numbers up to $75 to $100 per SF or more. To go for the ultimate basement retreat or man cave, add a home theater, a gaming center, an extra kitchen and bathroom, then the sky’s the limit.

The bonuses of finishing your basement are that the costs of creating new space is reduced for the reasons listed below.

 –       There’s no need for excavation, adding new footings, and pouring a foundation. The structure is already in place!

–       Basement heating and cooling loads can be light and may not require new systems.

–       You likely already have stairs leading to your basement (while you might not for your attic, another potential area of the home to finish)

Finishing a basement isn’t always an easy task to take on. But, with the help of a quality design/build team, you can deal with some of the issues—wetness, low light, beams and ducts—that come with finishing a basement, and end up with a beautiful finished space for relaxing, entertaining, and more.

Read on for more factors to consider when finishing your basement:

1. Wetness

It should come as no surprise, but many basements have wetness issues due to their location below-grade. The solution to this is to pay serious attention to waterproofing your basement. Your design/build team will need to determine what is causing the moisture. (Groundwater? Cracks in the foundation? Downspouts and gutters not doing their jobs?)

Once the reasons behind any basement wetness are discovered, don’t cut any corners having your basement waterproofed. You might need a sump pump, plumbing updates, or a high-capacity dehumidifier. Follow the recommendations of your design/build team. You don’t want wetness to ruin your beautiful, new finished basement.

Talk to your design/build team about the types of waterproof materials that will be used to finish your basement. From flooring choices to wall panels, you’ll need to consider the possibility of wetness occurring. Mold- and moisture-proof materials are worth it in the long run.

2. Low lighting

You might think of lighting as an afterthought, but many basements lack natural light and can feel downright cave-like unless you have a walkout basement. Recessed can lighting is a good choice for basements because they can easily be placed in the dropped or recessed ceilings common in basements. Track lighting and fluorescent troffer fixtures are other options.

And the ceiling isn’t your only option for lighting—you can also add perimeter lighting. Lighting the walls can make your basement look bigger, and give the appearance of natural light. Consider sconces, fluorescent tubes, or LED wall washers.

3. Beams and ducts

Basements typically draw the duty of housing all the ductwork to heat and cool your house, and all the beams needed to make it structurally sound. This can make your basement ceiling less than pretty, but there are ways to either hide these necessary elements, or blend them into the background.

The simplest approach is to paint beams and ducts to match the ceiling (or, inversely, paint them a bold color for a playful look). If you have enough ceiling height, you can also box in any ductwork with soffits or framed enclosures covered by MDF or drywall.

If you lack ceiling height, consider swapping out your ducts for wider and flatter replacement ducts to gain some headroom. You can even excavate the floor and drop it down to gain ceiling height. This is a pricey option, but could provide exactly what you need to make the basement a truly great place to hang out.

Whatever work needs to be done when finishing the basement, your design/build team should be able to guide you in the right direction while staying on top of any building codes or regulations that need to be followed.

Ready to finish your basement? Contact us today to get the conversation started.

It’s that time of year again: time for the spring rains to wash away the mud and winter grime, and herald in flower buds and warm temperatures. As the weather improves, you’ll likely be hankering for some outdoor entertainment, and may even be considering ways to improve your outdoor living space.

Outdoor entertainment these days goes well beyond arranging a few patio chairs in your backyard and firing up the grill. You can give your outdoor living area a boost by adding some key elements and details that will make your outdoor gatherings shine.

Whether you envision a few small changes to your outdoor space, or you want to go for a major overhaul, read these 7 outdoor living room design ideas for inspiration.

1. Build a beautiful fireplace

Yes, the temps are on the rise, but there could be some chilly nights in store this summer. A beautiful outdoor fireplace or fire pit can elevate your outdoor living room. Even on warmer nights, a fireplace can provide a focal point in your outdoor living room, and can be a natural gathering place for guests.

If you’re going for looks more than function, consider an embedded single flame fireplace. Or, a fire pit or fire bowl can be fun. If you’ve got kids, roasting marshmallows will be a popular activity around your new fireplace.

2. Bring your kitchen outdoors

If you love both cooking and outdoor entertainment, designing an outdoor kitchen can elevate your hosting game. Instead of getting stuck inside preparing more elaborate dishes, you’ll be able to interact with guests outside while you prep the meal.

You’ll want to include a grill, stovetop, fridge or mini fridge, and plenty of storage and prep space in your design. Consider what space you have available in your backyard, and whether your outdoor kitchen will be covered by a roof or overhang. If not, choose durable elements for your design, like marine-grade teak wood and honed granite.  

3. Include a bar and drink service area

Whether on a hot day you love a cold craft beer, a glass of white wine, or a tumbler of tasty lemonade, including a bar and drink service area in your outdoor living room is key.

Having a dedicated drink service area (that isn’t in the middle of your main cooking area) can make entertaining easy. Guests will be able to serve themselves without being underfoot, and you’ll be able to offer a variety of drinks without having to run inside.

Complete your bar area with a mini fridge, kegerator, wine fridge, and a bar cart with glasses, napkins, and mixers. Looking to take your bar to the next level? Add a swim-up bar to your pool area.

4. Offer comfortable seating

Outdoor entertainment isn’t complete without comfortable seating options for you and your guests. If you have a covered patio, pavilion, or porch, consider comfy couches, stuffed chairs, or loveseats. Outdoor fabrics for your furniture may be a good choice, so it stands up to sun and water.

If your backyard lacks a dedicated entertainment area, you may want to build a stone patio, wooden deck, or pergola to define your space and allow places to arrange furniture and seating options. You can even include some built-in seating to your design.

5. Provide protection from the elements

While everyone loves a sunny summer day, you’ll want to consider how to offer shade from the sun and protection from the rain in your outdoor entertainment space.

Do so simply with big umbrellas, awnings, or contemporary shades. Or design a pergola, pavilion, or other roofed space. That way, you won’t be forced indoors on the hottest of days, or even on those pesky rainy days.

6. Amp up your lighting

If lighting is an afterthought in your outdoor entertainment space, it’s time to amp up your game. Outdoor lighting is not only necessary, it can also provide ambiance. Build lighting into your seating area design, light up walkways and your eating area, and add decorative lighting touches like candles, lanterns, or torches.   

7. Put in a pool

If you’ve got grand dreams of what your outdoor space could be, a pool likely figures into the equation. Consider whether you have the space for a pool, then have a professional design a pool, patio, and living space that works for your home and budget.

Looking to take some fresh design ideas indoors? Read our blog on interior design and home remodeling trends of 2016.

No matter your remodel, addition, or design needs, at Cottage Industries we can help make your visions a reality. Contact us today to schedule a conversation.