remodeling

5 Tips for Timeless Kitchen Design

Remodeling your kitchen is exciting, but there's also a lot to consider. Not only is a kitchen remodel an expensive project, but it involves altering a central room in your home. The last thing you want is to be unhappy with the completed design. At Knight Remodeling, our goal is to help you create a timeless kitchen design that outlasts fads and continues to meet your needs for years to come. In other words, we design your space with the future in mind. Get our tips for creating a timeless kitchen design below!

Make It Functional

The kitchen is easily one of the hardest working rooms in your home, so it's essential that it's as functional as possible — and it all starts with the layout. When designing your kitchen, consider the kitchen triangle, which consists of the oven, fridge, and sink. These elements create the anchor from which the rest of your kitchen flows and help you establish a successful workflow that stands the test of time.

Trade Short-Lived Trends for Longevity

It's easy to get caught up in all the new and exciting kitchen design trends. However, designing a timeless kitchen means making smart design choices. But, that doesn't mean you can't have fun with it! You can easily add a new twist to timeless design elements, like installing a classic white subway tile in a herringbone pattern.

Choose High-Quality Materials

When selecting cabinetry, countertops, and the like, it's important to invest in products that last. For example, custom cabinets are typically constructed with higher-quality materials and better craftsmanship than prefabricated options. On that same note, quartz is an excellent choice for countertops because it looks good and can withstand daily abuse from spills, food prep, hot pots and pans, and more. Investing in high-quality materials sometimes comes with a higher cost upfront but will save you from having to replace items just a few years down the road.

Give it Character

Creating a timeless kitchen design doesn't have to be boring. There are many ways to infuse personality and character into your kitchen design, including your hardware and finishes. This part of kitchen design often gets overlooked, but the hardware and finishes you select play a significant role in tying everything together. Antique brass hardware and finishes add visual interest and warmth to dark cabinetry, while matte black finishes lend a modern touch to lighter-hued kitchens.

Build a Solid Foundation

With the correct foundational elements in place, keeping your kitchen up-to-date requires making style adjustments versus a full-scale renovation. Giving a timeless kitchen design a facelift is as simple as swapping out artwork, accessories, textiles, and other decorative pieces. If you want to upgrade your home with a timeless kitchen design, we'd love to help. Get in touch with our award-winning team anytime to get started! Read More

A Great Remodel is All About the Details

Have you ever heard the phrase, "the devil is in the details"? While that phrase definitely applies to many situations, it couldn't be more true for home remodeling projects! When you think about remodeling, it's easy to get caught up in the big picture — aka what your newly remodeled home will look like when completed. The end goal is to create a gorgeous space; however, it takes a lot of little choices to get there. Achieving that objective means paying attention to design details, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Even the smallest of finishes, such as your cabinet hardware, impact the overall design. We're not just talking about the design elements you can see, though! Hidden details like pull-out cabinet drawers or a built-in spice rack also contribute to the final design, helping to create a more functional space. Now that you know why the details matter, scroll below to see some of our favorite design details from past projects! When you're ready to get the ball rolling on your own remodeling project, get in touch with our award-winning team. We can't wait to help you bring your vision to life!

After Main Level Remodel in Minnetonka MN by Knight Construction

Featured Project: Award-Winning Pergola

We recently shared some great news; Knight Construction Design, Inc. won a Roma Award and three CotY awards in 2020! Now that the big news is out, we wanted to share a closer look at the project that won a CotY award in the Residential Detached Structure category. Let's dive in! When the homeowner approached our team, their exterior lacked curb appeal. The home's front originally featured an entry structure composed of bulky stucco columns topped with painted wood beams. Because the structure matched the home's exterior, there was no visual appeal to draw the eye. The oversized columns also blocked natural light, which made the walkway feel dark and boxed in. Determined to give the home's exterior new life, our team got to work designing a brand-new structure. We created a natural timber pergola and paired it with a lighter brushed concrete walk. The Douglas Fir structure contrasts beautifully with the exterior of the home to create a welcoming focal point. Slender columns allow plenty of natural light to warm up the front entry. An architectural detail inside the home inspired the custom hand-crafted banding and bolts around the posts. This fun detail gives guests a peek of what's to come while creating a cohesive design inside and out. Ready for a closer look at this award-winning custom exterior project? Scroll below to see all the gorgeous details!

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When you're ready to start planning your next home project, get in touch with our team. We'd love to help you get the ball rolling! Read More

Project Feature: Modern Main Level Transformation

Today, we're excited to give you a peek inside this sophisticated and modern main level transformation! These homeowners decided their dated kitchen was due for an update, and they reached out to our team to make it happen. While much of the kitchen's layout didn't change, the reimagined space is far more functional, open, and accessible. Working together, we helped the homeowners create a gorgeous kitchen featuring new paint, dark gray cabinetry, Cambria Quartz countertops, eye-catching floating shelves, and elongated matte white subway tile to create a lean modern look. Every inch of the cabinetry interior (pictured below) was considered and designed to maximize this busy family's storage space. New windows allow more natural light to flow throughout the kitchen, giving it a much-needed "light and bright" feel. Brand-new appliances, including a new range hood, complete the look of this newly remodeled kitchen. We also updated the living room to create a more cohesive design throughout the main floor. In addition to painting the existing brick fireplace white, we added built-in cabinets and floating wall shelves, which help bring the living room and kitchen together and make the two spaces feel more like one. Our team loved collaborating with these homeowners and helping breathe new life into their space. Scroll below to get a look at the details of this amazing transformation! Are you ready to start discussing your next home project? Please, reach out to our team.

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A Glimpse Inside Our Favorite Kitchen Transformations

At Knight Construction Design Inc., we know the kitchen is the heart of the home. It's where you gather with loved ones to enjoy delicious food, discuss your day, and make lasting memories. As experienced professionals in our industry, we also know that even the smallest of details matter and impact how your kitchen performs. Whether you're looking to add a little extra elbow room or are ready for a complete redesign, we can help. Our team is knowledgable about all things kitchen, from creating impressive center islands to creative storage solutions to creating cabinet space galore! Armed with our expertise, you're guaranteed a kitchen that's as functional as it is beautiful. If you're dreaming of a kitchen that finally checks all your boxes, get in touch today! On the hunt for some design inspiration? Scroll below to see some of our favorite client kitchen transformations!

A Peek at Our Award-Winning Home Exterior Projects

Summer is upon us, and there's no better time to start checking home exterior projects off your list! After all, most of us spend a lot of the summer enjoying our yards. You have to make the most of the beautiful weather while it's here in the Midwest, right? Visitors and passersby often form an impression of your home with just a quick glance at the outside. Make sure it's a good impression by putting effort into the appearance of your home! Whether it’s a simple update or complete renovation, Knight Construction and Design has been recognized for its home exterior services, including: - Siding - Garage design - Decks, porches, and sunrooms - Architectural design and renovation When you're ready to tackle the exterior projects on your to-do list (and boost your home's curb appeal in the process) we're here to help. Get in touch with our award-winning team today to learn more about our home exterior services and discuss your project needs. We promise to work closely together to make sure your home is the talk of the neighborhood! In the meantime, keep scrolling for a peek at some of our past projects.

See more of our exterior projects here. Read More

Knight Construction Design Inc Wins Best of Houzz 2020

Have you heard the news? Houzz, the leading platform for home renovation and design, has awarded us “Best of Design” for 2020! Our team was chosen by the more than 40 million unique monthly users that make up the Houzz community and selected among more than 2.5 million active home building, remodeling, and design industry professionals. Each year, the Best of Houzz badge is awarded in three different categories: Design, Customer Service, and Photography. Winners of the Design category are chosen based on whose work is the most popular among the Houzz community. As winners of the Design category, our Houzz profile will feature a “Best of Houzz 2020” badge. This badge will act as a symbol of our commitment to excellence and help homeowners identify us as a popular and top-rated design-build company in the Twin Cities region. “This year’s Best Of Houzz awards go to an incredibly talented and service-oriented group of home remodeling and design professionals, and we’re proud to highlight the winners on the Houzz website and app,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects the sentiment of the millions of homeowners in the Houzz community who are hiring home professionals for their projects across the U.S. and around the world.” In previous years, Knight Construction Design Inc has received an additional 15 “Best of Houzz” badges. Best of Design: 2012-2019 Best of Customer Service: 2012-2018 Our team is thrilled to receive this award. Thank you to all of our clients, friends, and fans who supported us! Find Knight Construction Design Inc on Houzz here, and be sure to get in touch with our team to discuss your next remodeling project. We’d love to help you tackle your home transformation! Read More

Project Feature: Minnetonka Main Level Transformation

We're excited to finally share the details of this stunning main level transformation our team recently completed! The homeowner of this Minnetonka, Minnesota rambler, felt like her main level had become dated and a little cramped. The original floor plan featured a large fireplace that extended from the basement up through the roof, which separated the kitchen and family room. To create a more functional, open floor plan, we removed the entire fireplace structure. Once we started demolition on the main level, our team found some structural issues with the roof. The repair required removing and rebuilding the roof structure in the middle of winter. Despite the setback, the final design turned out beautifully! We love the mix of white cabinets with stained cherry, which adds warmth and depth to the space. The kitchen is so much more functional now, thanks to the ample counter space and a generous island topped with a gorgeous quartz countertop. Creative storage solutions in the drawers and cabinets keep the kitchen organized and clutter-free. The great room's wood beams and fireplace mantle perfectly complement the built-ins and give the space character. Rounding out this main level transformation is the newly remodeled sunroom, which features shiplap and wood beam ceiling accents. Our team had so much fun working on this project, and the homeowner was a joy to work alongside! She knew her vision was from the beginning, which made it easy for us to bring it to life. Keep scrolling for a closer look at this newly renovated Minnetonka rambler—and be sure to get in touch with our team to discuss your next remodeling project. We'd love to help you complete your home transformation! Design Details Cabinets: Modern Design Cabinetry Fireplace: Sherman Masonry Countertops: Cambria Appliances: Warners' Stellian

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The holidays are around the corner and with them, a brand-new year. As we enter this season of giving and gratitude, we've begun reflecting on our favorite moments from 2019.

There are so many unique things that made it a fantastic year, and we'd like to say thank you to our dedicated team, trade partners, and wonderful clients. We are truly grateful for your support and look forward to all the great memories to come in 2020.

Until then, we hope you enjoy a peek at the moments we've highlighted below!

1. Heart of the Home: Kitchens

We've said it before, and we'll say it again; the kitchen is the heart of the home. So, it's no surprise some of our favorite projects from 2019 revolved around the kitchen. We loved helping our clients design spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful!

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2. Best of Houzz and NARI Regional CotY Winner

We couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate some big wins in 2019! Knight Construction Design Inc was selected from among more than 2.1 million active home building, remodeling, and design industry professionals to be awarded "Best of Design" by Houzz. In addition, we won 2 CotY awards in 2019: CotY Regional Winner for Region 3 North Central for Residential Interior $75,000 to $150,000 and Residential Kitchen $60,001 to $100,000.

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3. Designer Highlight by Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Our talented designer, Kristen Peck, was featured by Dura Supreme Cabinetry in their Designer Highlight series on Facebook. Our team had a blast bringing this client's stunning two-tone kitchen design to life!

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4. Fall Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase

Our team participated in the 2019 Fall Remodelers Showcase with this gorgeous home remodel. We took a dark, inefficient kitchen and made it brighter and more functional for a busy family of five. Some of our favorite features are the white custom cabinetry, Ceaserstone countertops, and brand-new hardwood floors.

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5. Project Photos and Cute Puppy Visit

Project Photos and Cute Puppy Visit

We loved how this warm Afton home remodel turned out, so we were more than happy to visit and snap some project photos. The only thing that made it better was the chance to see the homeowner's pup, Howard, again!

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6. 2019 CotY Gold Award Winner

The year is coming to a memorable end with a 2019 NARI CotY Gold Award win for a residential interior from #250,000-$500,000! Thank you to NA RI MN for the recognition, and congratulations to our incredible team on their hard work being celebrated!

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We hope you all have a magical holiday season and wish you a happy, healthy, and joyful new year in 2020! Read More

The State of the Remodeling Industry

Whether big or small, investing in a remodeling project is a big deal. That being said, it's understandable that you want to make the most of your investment. While that includes choosing a qualified remodeler and high-quality materials, it's also important to understand the current state of the remodeling economy. With that in mind, we wanted to share our thoughts on the topic. Keep reading to get the scoop!

What's Driving the Remodeling Economy Right Now?

There are three main things driving the remodeling industry right now:

low interest rates
strong housing market
strong economy

Because of these three elements, homeowners are comfortable spending money to improve their homes. Not only are interest rates low for the housing market, but home improvement loans also have relatively low interest rates. What's more, remodeled homes tend to sell much faster than older homes without any updates. That's because buyers today typically want a move-in ready home rather than a fixer-upper. Why have Remodeling Costs Increased?

It costs more to remodel today than a few years ago for a few reasons. First, materials cost more now. Second, labor expenses are higher due to an overall labor shortage, especially in trade industries. Despite higher material and labor costs, Knight Construction Design Inc has managed to maintain a steady rate by keeping our overhead low. This helps us better serve our clients because we can assist a wide range of budgets, and our clients don't have to sacrifice quality.

What if I Regret Remodeling My Home?

Our team at Knight Construction Design Inc has never had a client regret remodeling their home! When it comes to remodeling, the goal is to improve the existing design. Whether that's creating a more functional layout or just making the space more visually appealing, the end result is always better than the original. That being said, it's imperative to work with the right remodeling contractor. Always do your homework before hiring a contractor. Make sure they're licensed and learn as much about their reputation as you can. On that same note, it's okay to price shop a little bit, too. Just remember, you get what you pay for, so the best deal may not always mean you're getting the best contractor.

What to Expect in 2020

Based on what we've been seeing and hearing from our clients, 2020 is going to be another strong year for the remodeling economy. In addition to improving the functionality of their homes, many homeowners are looking to incorporate the latest in design trends and smart home technology.

Have questions about remodeling your home? We'd be happy to answer them! Simply get in touch with our award-winning team to learn more about our remodeling process. Read More