Bringing Your Remodel Vision to Life
As someone who has been through the remodeling journey myself, I know firsthand the excitement and challenges that come with transforming your living space. Whether you’re looking to refresh a tired kitchen, create an inviting open-concept layout, or add a touch of luxury to your primary bath, the choices you make for fixtures and finishes can truly make or break the final result.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my hard-earned insights and practical tips to help you navigate the world of high-quality fixtures and finishes for your remodel project. From door hardware to lighting, countertops to tile, we’ll explore the elements that can elevate your space and bring your vision to life.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s more your style), and let’s dive in!
Elevating Your Interiors with Door Hardware
Door hardware may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your remodel, but it’s a crucial detail that can make a big impact on the overall feel of your home.
As I learned during our own home build, the right door hardware has the power to add depth, character, and a cohesive design aesthetic to your interiors. When it came time to choose our interior door hardware, I spent a lot of time carefully considering the options, and I’m so glad I did.
One of the first things to think about is the function of the door hardware you need. Do you require passage sets for doors that don’t need to lock, privacy hardware for bathrooms, or flush pulls for your pocket doors? Knowing the specific needs of each interior door in your home will help you narrow down your options.
Next, consider how the style of the hardware will complement the overall design of your home. I was drawn to more traditional, timeless hardware that would bring a touch of classic elegance to our new construction. Our simple 2-panel shaker style doors had the potential to feel quite modern, so the decorative rectangular rosettes and Providence knobs I chose helped achieve a more transitional look.
Of course, the finish of the hardware is another crucial decision. I landed on an Oil Rubbed Bronze finish from Emtek, which I feel provides the perfect balance of modern and timeless. It’s a rich, aged-looking black-brown that complements the other accent metals I’m using, like brass and nickel, without feeling too harsh or too delicate.
The great thing about door hardware is that you can have a little fun and mix up the styles in certain areas, like using Merrimack levers on the dining room French doors or Melon knobs with Rope rosettes on the kids’ closet doors. As long as you’re intentional about it, little design flourishes can add personality and visual interest.
Overall, I’d recommend keeping the main interior door hardware consistent throughout your home, but don’t be afraid to get creative in select spaces. And of course, don’t forget to coordinate the finish with your hinges and other accessories for a seamless look.
Elevating Your Interiors with Lighting
When it comes to lighting, the options can feel endless – from sleek modern pendants to ornate vintage-inspired chandeliers. But the right lighting choices can truly transform a space and set the perfect mood.
During our remodel, I knew lighting would be a crucial element in bringing our vision to life. I spent a lot of time carefully curating the fixtures that would grace our entryway, kitchen, dining room, and other key areas. The goal was to layer in different finishes and styles to create depth and visual interest, while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
For the entryway, I opted for a stunning brass and glass pendant that would make a bold first impression. In the kitchen, I selected a trio of modern black metal pendants that would provide ample task lighting over the island. And in the dining room, a classic brass and crystal chandelier lends an elegant touch.
The great thing about lighting is that you can use it to define different zones and create distinct moods throughout your home. Warmer, more intimate lighting in the living room, brighter, more functional lighting in the kitchen – it’s all about finding the right balance.
One trick I’ve learned is to never underestimate the power of a well-placed floor lamp or table lamp. These accent pieces can add instant coziness and ambiance to a space, while also providing practical illumination. I love how they can be easily moved around to suit your needs and mood.
When it comes to selecting lighting fixtures, I’d recommend starting with the larger, more prominent pieces first, and then filling in the gaps with smaller accent lights. Pay close attention to the finishes and styles, making sure they complement each other and the overall aesthetic of your home.
And of course, don’t forget to factor in the practical aspects, like ensuring you have adequate task lighting in the kitchen and bathrooms, and considering the size and scale of each fixture to create the right balance in the room.
Elevating Your Interiors with Countertops and Tile
As the heart of the home, the kitchen is a space where the details really matter. And when it comes to elevating your kitchen remodel, the countertops and tile you choose can make all the difference.
During our own kitchen renovation, I spent countless hours poring over samples and researching the best materials to achieve the look and functionality I had in mind. In the end, I landed on a stunning quartz countertop that not only looks beautiful but is also incredibly durable and easy to maintain.
Quartz has quickly become a favorite among homeowners and designers alike, thanks to its wide range of color options, realistic stone-like patterns, and exceptional resistance to scratches, stains, and heat. Plus, it’s a non-porous material, which means it’s naturally resistant to bacteria and easy to clean.
When it came to the backsplash, I knew I wanted something that would complement the quartz and add a touch of visual interest. After much deliberation, I settled on a classic subway tile in a neutral tone. The clean, linear pattern provides a beautiful backdrop for the kitchen, while the subtle texture adds depth and character.
One of the great things about tile is the endless possibilities when it comes to size, shape, and color. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless appeal of subway tile, the drama of large-format slabs, or the playfulness of mosaic patterns, there’s a tile option to suit every style.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even incorporate a bold accent tile, like a rich, jewel-toned Moroccan or a stunning metallic-flecked glass tile. Just be sure to balance it out with more neutral tiles elsewhere to prevent the space from feeling overwhelming.
And don’t forget about the grout! The color and thickness of the grout can have a significant impact on the overall look of your tile. I opted for a light, neutral grout that helps the subway tiles really pop, but a darker grout could create a more dramatic, moody feel.
When it comes to elevating your kitchen (or any room, really) with countertops and tile, the key is to find materials that not only look beautiful but also align with your lifestyle and needs. Do your research, explore different options, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
Elevating Your Interiors with Plumbing Fixtures
As the saying goes, “the devil is in the details,” and when it comes to your remodel, that couldn’t be more true. One of the often-overlooked areas where you can make a big impact is with your plumbing fixtures.
Think about it – your faucets, shower heads, and bathroom accessories are elements that you (and your guests) will be interacting with on a daily basis. Shouldn’t they be both functional and visually appealing?
During our own home renovation, I spent a lot of time carefully curating the plumbing fixtures that would grace our kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room. I knew that these small but mighty details had the power to elevate the overall look and feel of the spaces.
For the kitchen, I opted for a modern, pull-down faucet in a sleek brushed nickel finish. Not only does it provide ample reach and functionality, but the clean lines and subtle metallic sheen complement the quartz countertops and subway tile beautifully.
In the primary bathroom, I selected a luxurious rainfall shower head and matching wall-mounted faucet set in a warm, brushed brass finish. The organic, sculptural shapes add an elegant, spa-like vibe to the space, while the brass finish ties in seamlessly with the other metal accents throughout the room.
And for the secondary bathrooms, I went with a classic chrome finish that feels crisp and modern. The simple, streamlined design of the faucets and shower heads allows the beautiful tile work and vanity details to take center stage.
One thing I’ve learned is that it’s important to think holistically about your plumbing fixtures – not just in terms of their individual style, but how they work together to create a cohesive design aesthetic throughout your home. Mixing and matching finishes can be a great way to add depth and visual interest, but you’ll want to make sure there’s a clear thread that ties it all together.
Another factor to consider is the practical functionality of your fixtures. Things like water pressure, spray patterns, and ease of use can make a big difference in your day-to-day experience. Don’t be afraid to test out different options in person to find the perfect balance of form and function.
Ultimately, your plumbing fixtures are an opportunity to inject a bit of your personal style into your remodel. Whether you prefer sleek and modern, ornate and traditional, or something in between, there’s a fixture out there that will help you bring your vision to life.
Elevating Your Interiors with the Perfect Finishing Touches
As we reach the end of our journey through the world of high-quality fixtures and finishes, I want to share one final piece of advice: don’t underestimate the power of the little things.
It’s easy to get caught up in the big-ticket items like kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and flooring. But the truth is, it’s often the smaller, more subtle details that can truly make a space feel polished and elevated.
Think about things like cabinet hardware, electrical switch plates, and decorative wall registers. These seemingly minor elements can have a surprisingly significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your home.
During our remodel, I spent a lot of time agonizing over the perfect cabinet pulls and knobs. I knew that these small hardware pieces would be repeated throughout the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms, so I wanted to make sure they complemented the other design choices we’d made.
In the end, I landed on a sleek, modern brushed brass finish that perfectly bridges the gap between the warm wood tones and cool quartz countertops. And I have to say, every time I open a drawer or cabinet, I get a little thrill from the way the hardware looks and feels.
Another area where the details can really shine is in your lighting accessories. Think about the switch plates, outlet covers, and even the light bulbs you choose. Swapping out those plain white plastic covers for something more stylish, like brushed metal or decorative ceramic, can instantly elevate the look and feel of a room.
And don’t forget about air registers and vents! These functional necessities are often an afterthought, but with the right design, they can actually become a stunning design feature. I chose beautiful architectural-inspired metal registers that add an extra layer of sophistication to our spaces.
At the end of the day, it’s the sum of all these little details that can really make your remodel feel polished, cohesive, and truly reflective of your personal style. So, as you’re planning your project, be sure to allocate time and budget for the finishing touches. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.
Bringing it All Together
As we wrap up our exploration of high-quality fixtures and finishes, I hope you’re feeling inspired and empowered to tackle your own remodel with confidence. Remember, the choices you make for these seemingly small elements can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your home.
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of traditional door hardware, the modern drama of statement lighting, or the serene beauty of natural stone countertops, there’s a world of possibilities waiting for you. The key is to stay true to your personal style, while also considering the practical needs and functionality of your space.
And don’t forget, the team at ABC Home is here to guide you every step of the way. From helping you navigate the endless options to providing expert installation, we’re dedicated to making your remodel vision a reality.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on creating the home of your dreams!
