tips and tricks

How Do I Create a Timeless Kitchen?

Any major remodel can feel daunting, but few more so than the kitchen. Not only are kitchen renovations a big financial investment, but they also drastically impact your daily routine throughout. As the command center and gathering space, kitchens are the anchor of the home. Nailing the right design for your lifestyle is essential - a do-over isn't an option. With so many trends and styles to choose from, how do you create a kitchen that stands the test of time? At Knight Remodeling, our experienced team knows how to design spaces that outlast fads and meet your needs. Want a brief overview of our best advice? Read on below for our tips on creating a timeless kitchen design!

Consider the Work Triangle

The kitchen is 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 base from which the rest of your kitchen flows and set up your workflow for success.

Think Longevity Over Trends

It's easy to get caught up in trends; they're flashy and fun. Designing a timeless kitchen means making selections you'll like today and in years to come. However, that doesn't mean you can't still have fun! There are countless ways to add a new twist to timeless design elements, like installing classic white subway tile in a herringbone pattern.

Choose High-Quality Materials

Investing in products that last is important when selecting cabinetry, countertops, hardware, and appliances. 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 kitchen wear and tear. Investing in high-quality materials sometimes comes with a higher cost upfront but will save you from replacing items in the long run.

Embrace Design Personality

Just because a space is timeless doesn't mean it has to be boring! There are many ways to infuse personality and character into your kitchen, including tilework, lighting, hardware, finishes, and decor. From splashes of bold color to unique patterns to bespoke materials to treasured heirlooms, these finishing touches are where your style can truly sing!

Leave Room for Adjustments

When you take the time to lay a solid design foundation, updating your home only requires style adjustments versus a full-scale renovation. Refreshing a timeless space is as simple as swapping out artwork, seating, textiles, and other decorative pieces. Few people's tastes stay the same forever; leave room to play, try something new, and let your kitchen change with you.

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

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

Remodeling for the Test of Time

Remodeling your home requires a pretty big investment and it's safe to say you want your new space to look great for years to come. While it can be a pricey process, it's important to consider the long-term benefits of remodeling your home. Aside from breathing new life into an outdated design, remodeling can help you fall in love with your home all over again. Other benefits include:

Making your home more comfortable to live in
Redesigning your space to be more functional
Increasing the value of your home
Potentially making it easier to sell down the road
Creating more living space or storage as needed
Saving money by improving your home's energy efficiency
Improving your home's curb appeal with a few exterior updates

Using the following tips will help guarantee your remodeled home stands the test of time.

Hire an Experienced Remodeling Contractor

Not every remodeling contractor is created equal. Whether they lack the skills or don't understand your overall vision, picking the wrong contractor can lead to disaster. While interviewing potential contractors, ask to see examples of past projects. This will help you get a feel for their work and if their style is a good fit for your project. You can also ask for references from past clients or check out the Better Business Bureau website for any negative feedback. Another thing to keep in mind is you get what you pay for. While it's important to find a contractor that fits your budget, be cautious of those who are cheap and available right away.

Don't Get Too Trendy

While we're big fans of incorporating trends into home design, we recommend proceeding with caution. Trying to do too much at once can make your space look busy and unfocused. A good rule of thumb is to select one or two trends you love rather than a vast array. Another downside to trends is accidentally picking one that doesn't have staying power. If that happens, your space will quickly look outdated and you're forced to either live with it or invest more money to update it. With that in mind, it's a good idea to stick with timeless classics for more permanent materials like floor coverings and tile. Doing so not only ensures your remodeled space will stand the test of time, but can also help trendier selections pop.

Invest in High-Quality Products

Ensuring your investment doesn't go to waste is vital. One way to protect it is to opt for high-quality products. This doesn't always mean purchasing the most expensive products, though. When selecting products and materials, do your homework. Find out what you can about the brand, read reviews, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Picking products with warranties is also a beneficial way to protect your investment. The peace of mind a good warranty offers will make it easier to justify the price of more costly products and materials. Thinking about remodeling your home? We'd love to help! Get in touch with our award-winning team to learn more about our remodeling process. Read More

An Interior Designer Answers 3 Frequently Asked Questions about Home Design

Whether building a new home or remodeling an existing home, Knight Construction Design, Inc is focused on helping clients create spaces they love. We know the process of designing a home can be overwhelming for many homeowners. That's where our interior designer, Kristen Peck, comes in! Kristen works closely with each client throughout every phase of the design process. From the initial meeting to drawing plans to finishing touches, Kristen is an expert in how design and construction impact the quality of a home. When working on your home's design, it's only natural to have questions. However, Kristen has found some questions are more common than others. Today, she's sharing her answers to three popular questions about interior design. Check them out below!

"Do you think this matches?"

As an interior designer, I'm not a big fan of the word "match" when it comes to design. Focusing on whether pieces match perfectly can leave a lot to be desired in the completed design. Instead, I'm a big believer that things need to coordinate without being too matchy-matchy. I think finding the right balance between matchy-matchy and complimentary adds a personal touch to any space. My grandma had a great eye for design and she would always say, "if you love it, it will work." I think this makes a lot of sense because all the things you love or are drawn to should work together in harmony. With that in mind, focus on mixing different materials and textures to add visual interest and depth to the room's design. My favorite way to do this is by mixing metals with a variety of textures.

"Will white cabinets go out of style?"

I think white cabinets are a very classic look. With that in mind, I don't think they will ever really go out of style. Many older homes feature cabinets in a classic white inset shaker style, which is still popular today. If you were to look at the design of an older home, like this 1920s kitchen, you'd see what I mean. In fact, many of the styles popular back then are coming back into style again, like the classic plumbing fixtures shown in the photo.

"How do you decide which trends to use in a design?"

At Knight Construction Design, Inc, we don't design a home based around trends. Instead, we look at the architecture and style of the home and incorporate design elements that complement it. While trends are great, it can be hard to say which ones will stick around. When designing a home I like to stick to classic materials and colors for more permanent fixtures like floor coverings, tile, and countertops. Using tried and true favorites for the base of a design ensures it won't go out of style in just a few years. Before deciding which trends to incorporate into your design, it's always a good idea to ask yourself how much it will cost to remodel if the trend goes out of style. Ready to start designing the home of your dreams? Knight Construction Design, Inc has got you covered! Contact our team for more information. Read More

Should You Remodel or Move?

Your home isn't just a big investment; it's where you spend your time making memories. With that in mind, loving your home is important. If you've been experiencing bouts of house envy lately, it might be time to make some changes. The question is, do you remodel or move? There are a lot of factors to consider but weighing the pros and cons can help you decide which choice is right for your family.

The Pros of Moving

Moving Offers the Chance for a Fresh Start Have you been craving a new adventure in a different city? Are you tired of the same old? If so, moving may just be the fresh start you've been looking for. A New Home in a New Location From unwelcome changes in the neighborhood to long commutes, there are many reasons you may be unhappy with your current location. Regardless, cosmetic changes won't make you love your neighborhood. If that's the case, moving is more than likely the best option. Building Your Dream Home Unfortunately, there are times when no amount of remodeling will make you want to stay in your current home. Purchasing a home built to spec lets you customize it to suit your unique style and needs.

The Cons of Moving

Selling Your Home Can Be Costly Realtor fees and moving costs are generally expected when selling your home, but there are many other costs to consider. For example, you may need to purchase appliances, furniture or decor to fit your new home's design. Moving is Stressful and Time-Consuming Moving means unpredictable showings, endless packing, and a lot of cleaning. In addition, moving can require you to take time off of work, especially if there are tight closing deadlines. You May Not Sell Your Home for Asking Price If you live in an older home, be prepared to make some updates in order to sell your home for the desired price. At the very least, you may need to make concessions on things like flooring or appliances to the seller so they can make their own updates. You May Have to Make Sacrifices Finding a home in your price range that checks every box on your list may be easier said than done. Knowing what you want is great, but be prepared to make some sacrifices.

The Pros of Remodeling Your Home

Staying in Your Neighborhood Perhaps on the biggest benefits of remodeling is getting to stay in the neighborhood you adore. If you love your home's location and have come to rely on your neighbors, remodeling might make more sense than moving. Replicating the comfort that comes from knowing your neighborhood and the people in it can be difficult. Redesigning Your Space to Fit Your Needs After living in your home for a while, chances are you know exactly what you need to change in order to make you happy. Whether that's a few tweaks here and there or a complete overhaul, redesigning your space could be exactly what you need to fall back in love with your existing home. No Moving Expenses or Tight Timelines Moving can be a very expensive ordeal. From securing a moving truck to realtor fees, even the smallest of costs start to add up. When you add in the stress of trying to find a new home while selling your current one, you might just begin to wonder if it was worth the hassle. Though remodeling can be expensive too, there's often a lot less to juggle.

The Cons of Remodeling Your Home

Living in a Construction Zone Remodeling your home often means living in the middle of a construction zone. While the project is underway, you can expect to deal with dust, noise, and a little chaos until it's complete. Unexpected Expenses Remodeling your home can stir up some costly surprises, especially if you plan to tear down walls or relocate existing plumbing. However, leaving a cushion in your remodeling budget to cover hidden expenses is an easy way to prepare for any issues that may arise. While there are pros and cons to both sides, deciding whether to remodel or move is a choice only you and your family can make. If you think remodeling is the right choice for you, get in touch with our team. We'd love to chat! Read More