10 Dream Kitchen Design Elements if you Love to Entertain

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If you’re more likely to be found in the kitchen at a party rather than in the living room, then you need a kitchen designed from a chef’s perspective!

The key to a dream kitchen is designing with details in mind. Whether you have an open design or an enclosed space for your kitchen, you can transform the heart of the house into a luxury dream kitchen with small renovations and adjustments.

Here are 10 of our 2019 must-haves ideas for your dream kitchen designs!

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1. Striking lighting

Create the right mood with soft lighting: make your kitchen more Michelin-inspired than diner-inspired with attractive and unique-looking lighting. The design is as important as the lighting itself.

Make sure it has:

Enough wattage to allow you to see what you’re cooking
A distinctive and attractive look that matches your kitchen’s style (statement lighting for a minimalist kitchen, rustic lighting for a coastal home, bohemian lighting for an easy-going kitchen, etc.)
A dimmer so you can adjust the lighting to cooking or entertaining

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Photo by Edwards Interiors & Design, LLC – Browse kitchen photos

2. A fully stocked bar area with seating

Encourage your guests to hop up at “the bar” and feel at home. Have everything at hand in your bar area and pour them a glass as you put the finishing touches on your fantastic meal.

Make sure it has:

Enough counter space to place everything you need (glasses, bottles, lemons, etc.) Comfortable – not just pretty – bar stools
Electrical sockets/plugs
An under-the-counter or table-top drinks fridge

Photo by Design First Interiors – More kitchen ideas

3. A fridge made for entertaining

Some of the newest fridges are made especially for the party-conscious chef: convertible compartments that can be used as either refrigerator or freezer sections. Along with the oven, the fridge is a make-or-break item for many dream kitchens.

Make sure it has:

Convertible refrigerator/freezer compartments
The right dimensions (so it doesn’t stick out past your cabinets when installed)
An icemaker and filtered water dispenser
Split shelves (to store those large bottles of bubbly)

Photo by London Contemporary – Discover kitchen design ideas

4. A beautiful counter-top island

An island is a must-have these days. Use it for extra prepping space or to let your guests sit with you as you cook. Even in a small kitchen, standalone islands can incorporate enough space to pull up a stool.

Make sure it has:

Good quality counter (quartz, granite, or marble)
Enough counter space to lay out a small spread
Subtle overhead lighting
Custom under-the-counter and slide-in storage space

Photo by Kitchens by Eileen – Discover kitchen design inspiration

5. Wireless speakers

Creating the perfect ambiance – even in the kitchen – is all about the details. Add a wireless speaker to the kitchen (top shelf, so moisture doesn’t get to it) so you can cook to your favorite tunes. A Spotify membership will ensure you’re not fiddling with song lists while you cook.

Make sure it has:

A sleek, modern design (or one that matches your kitchen color accents)
Long battery life (if you want to move it around the house)
Great sound, suitable to your kitchen space
Good WiFi reception, if your modem is far from the kitchen

6. Lots of hidden storage

It’s lovely to keep your counter minimal and shiny, but to do that, you need space for everything else. Cabinets, sliding pull-out drawers, and shelves add hidden storage without overwhelming your kitchen cabinets.

Make sure they have:

Deep drawers that slide in and out effortlessly for easy reach
Enough space for larger items like serving platters
A custom design appropriate to your kitchen space (so your cabinets and drawers can integrate features like banquettes)

Photo by Kirstin Havnaer, Hearthstone Interior Design, LLC – Search home design pictures

7. A deep sink

Chefs know the importance of prepping and cleaning. A deep sink is ideal for tight spaces and for those big pots and pans. (Also great to hide an item or two in a deep sink so they’re out of sight).

Make sure it has:

Two basins (60-inch to clean and 40-inch to prep)
Touch-activated, hands-free faucets (ideal for bakers)
A built-in food waste disposal unit
16- or 18-gauge (the lower, the better) if buying a metal sink

Photo by Connecticut Stone – More kitchen ideas

8. A chef’s oven

The one thing your dream kitchen – or any kitchen for keen cooks – can’t do without is a great steam-convection oven so everything bakes evenly…and beautifully. Large glass doors will let you see what’s cooking. Add a backsplash with the same material as your island counter to give it the wow factor.

Make sure it has:

Dual ovens (so you can cook the turkey AND the pie at the same time)
Good ventilation and a (hidden) range hood
Easy-to-use controls so you can focus on recipes, not technical details
A baking drawer (if you love to bake)

Photo by thirdstone inc. [^] – Search kitchen pictures

9. A walk-in pantry

Great cooks need lots of equipment, we know that. And you need space for your homemade wine, kefir, pickles, jams, and experiments. A dream kitchen isn’t complete without a small walk-in pantry where you can place all the tools and ingredients that allow you to create your cooking masterpieces.

Make sure it has:

Lots of shelves and drawers
An even temperature
Great lighting
Extra counter space

Photo by The Closet Works, Inc. – Search kitchen pictures

10. Stunning artwork

Why doesn’t your kitchen deserve the same attention to décor as your living room? Buy artwork that speaks to you and display it in the kitchen. It’ll inspire great dishes and will serve as a talking point for guests.

Make sure it has:

A special meaning for you
Elements that pick up your kitchen’s colors
Protective glass so the canvas doesn’t absorb moisture or cooking odors
Custom-made lighting to show it off

Photo by Gregory Davies Photography – Look for kitchen pictures

A few dream items can translate into a wonderful world of cooking and entertaining. We hope these ideas have inspired you.

At Keith Green Construction, we’ve been designing dream kitchens for clients like you who love to cook, eat, and entertain. Contact us to chat about how we can help you transform your kitchen into a cooking haven.

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A Home for Everything: Built-In Storage Units (and Where to Add Them!)

Small or large, we love our homes. Anyone who’s ever moved knows just how much stuff we tend to accumulate over time: clothes, shoes, toys, books, tools, souvenirs, cookware… it goes on and on.

But there some really clever ways to create space to store all our stuff: built-in storage units.

They create functional spaces unique and special to you to keep your most loved possessions out of sight but easily within reach.

Smart storage spaces are a great way to:

Squeeze a little more living space out of your home
Reduce the amount of furniture you need (think bookshelves, wardrobes)
Add pizzazz and visual interest to your rooms

Get inspired by some really clever built-in storage ideas for every room in your home. Then give us a call and let’s make it a really fun, functional, and fabulous project.

The entrance

One of the most underused areas – the entrance – can certainly use a resdesign.

Cut down on clutter and create a built-in unit complete with a coat rack and cubbyholes, doubling up as a built-in bench. Perfect for Oregon’s wet winter weather. it’s a great way to redesign what’s typically a very underused area.

Under the windows

What could be better than relaxing and enjoying Oregon’s beautiful autumn season from a comfortable built-in window seat? Bring a book and a cup of tea and it’s a party for one. Add drawers or a fold-up storage area beneath the seat, and a niche on either side to display your favorite books, photos, or ornamental pieces.

Along the walls

This one’s for the book-lover in your family. Make a stunning display with an otherwise empty wall by creating wall-to-wall bookshelves for all your favorite reads (including, of course, Portland author Brian Doyle). A blank wall transformed to the central feature of the room. Genius.

‘Post-and-lintel’ doors

Accessorize your dullest doors with floor-to-ceiling units to create a stunning frame for an ingenious bookshelf storage unit. Not a big reader? Place your most prized photos or ornaments on display, and enjoy them every time you pass through your door.

Around the radiator

It’s hot – but only because it’s really smart. Add shelving units around and above your radiator to create a seamless surface that extends to your walls. You’ll have ample space to transform a boring space into a really functional one.

Under the stairs

If Harry Potter must live under the stairs, then surely we can at least give him great storage.

No one enjoys that uneasy feeling of reaching into under-stairs closets to find what they’re looking for. So forget closets, and think slide-out drawers that fold right back into the wall. Make the handles small and transparent to keep the hallway looking clean.

Stair landings and staircases

Stairs are a treasure-trove of unused space. Create one, two, three or more pull-out drawers out of your first few steps. Use them for practical hallway items like shoes, scarves, or gloves handy for Oregon’s cold winters. Or hide your valuables there instead, where no one will think to look!

Bedroom walls

Bedrooms are perhaps our most private rooms in the house, where we retreat to be ourselves. And we always need just that little bit more space. Use the walls of your bedroom to install a built-in desk, complete with shelves for your paperwork. You’ll add even more character to the room you love to be in.

Bathroom

Often, the bathroom is the smallest room in the house, but it doesn’t have to be the one with the least amount of storage space. Custom-made vanities and glass-front cabinets and provide light and easy storage for all your essentials.

Kitchen islands

Kitchen islands are perfect for adding extra cabinets for those – everythings – we tend to buy for the kitchen. Maximize the space with built-in bar counters, bookshelves, and drawers to free up space for all the much-loved non-essentials.

Along a hallway

Dead spot? Do something creative with what would otherwise be wasted space. Transform a wall into a vibrant storage unit and display area.

Beside the laundry machines

If you could have the laundry room of your dreams…what would it look like? Make it a utilitarian heaven by adding storage above or beside your washing machines. Just imagine… counter space, drawers, a cabinet for the laundry basket… Ah, the possibilities!

A niche or alcove (between wall studs)

Simple, functional, stylish: shelves, counters, drawers. Everything you need, right between two walls. Maximize storage in places you’d least expect it.

In the dining room, instead of chairs

Feeling a little squashed in your dining room? Install a banquette with storage space for a modern, practical seating option that doesn’t take up any room. Perfect for bright corners.

By the bed…or beneath the bed

Your bed can do a lot more than help you get a good night’s snooze. Create nightstand ledges and platform drawers that not only set the bed apart from the rest of the space, but also offer lots of storage. And great for pets – you’re welcome, Fido.

Up by the ceiling

It’s not a last resort, but nearly. If you’ve run out of room everywhere else, consider a ledge just below the ceiling to display your most favorite ornaments or books.

In the attic

Attics can look a lot larger than they are with the right renovations. You’ll need creative storage solutions, but this is the space where you can really experiment. Use mirrors to open up the space, and glass doors to lighten the area. New bedroom? Check.

Convinced? Built-ins can help you get rid of bulky wardrobes and bookshelves, find new spaces for all your stuff, or just create beautiful areas with visual interest,

If you’re ready to talk built-ins, let Keith Green Construction give you some great ideas to help you design, build, and love your home.

When One Door Closes, Another Opens: Our Top 5 Tips for Choosing Doors

“Every wall is a door.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have you ever walked past the gigantic bronze doors of the 100-year-old US National Bank Building in Portland, Oregon, and thought they look quite…old?

Not surprising, since they were inspired by the antique bronze doors of Greek and Roman temples.

In fact, we haven’t moved very far from those designs since then: contemporary doors still have the same basic design of vertical beams, horizontal beams, and locks.

It’s a classic.

Good designers know the aesthetic value of a high-quality door. It’s the crowning glory of a renovation project.

Of course, style isn’t the only reason to replace your door – if it’s old and worn, it could be letting heat escape, decreasing the energy efficiency of your house and increasing your energy bills.

But how do you choose the right one for your home?

Start with these five tips!

1: Budget for the extras

You’ll have a wide range of options when you’re buying your doors, from choosing materials and styles to whether to buy a single door leaf or door set.

A door leaf – just the door – may sound cheaper, but once you factor in the door frame, hinges, lock, and handle, you may be better off buying the door set.

Our tip: Consider buying all your doors at once – many suppliers will offer discounts for bigger orders. And use most of your budget for the exterior door, where you’ll have the most bang for your buck. Then spend the rest on the most visible interior doors; with the cheapest doors on the upper floors, where guests don’t see them.

2: Go for as high quality as your budget allows

The quality of your door should be your foremost consideration.

With Oregon’s winters, insulation is really important. Any gaps in your front door or door frame will let the heat out and the cold in. Replacing your doors with a new, well-fitted energy efficient ones will have a positive impact on your wallet as well.

Wood is always a favorite for doors, but it can also be affected by rain and sun, and could crack or warp. Cheap wooden doors won’t last as long and will need more maintenance. If you’re looking at wooden doors especially, aim for the highest quality you can afford.

Our tip: You door works double-duty, keeping the heat in and the noise out. A good quality door will keep your home safe – and stylish – for years to come. Invest in solid, beautiful exterior and interior doors that will set the tone for your décor and give you the instant wow factor.

3: Choose the right material, style, and finish

A humble door is the one item that can have an enormous impact on the look of your house, inside and out. It seems obvious, but many people make the mistake of buying doors for their style or quality but forget how it’ll fit into the overall design of their house.

Whether you have an Oregon period house, a country cottage, or a contemporary apartment, consider how the door complements or enhances the architectural style of the house.

Doors should match the flooring and windows, rather than the other way around. It’s much easier to change the soft furnishings to match a door than to change the doors to match the décor.

Your choice of material can also be guided by how much use that door will get. Solid core wooden doors have the heaviness of that lovely ‘thud’ when you close the door. Wood veneer is more affordable but won’t be as high quality. You can also look for fiberglass or steel doors (not as ugly as they sound!).

Our tip: Internal glazing is great for darker rooms with small windows. It’s a great way to bring in more light without losing insulation or privacy (opt for frosted glazing). These are great options for home offices or conservatories.

4: Get it fitted by a professional

Our tip: Installing a door seems like it should be simple, but it can lead to a lot of drama. It’s easier to get a professional to do it.

Here’s what can go wrong:

Measuring the door opening wrong. There’s nothing worse than coming home from the home store with new doors only to realize that there’s not enough space for the lining, or that the door is too thick and blocks access when it opens.
Installing a door level but not taking into account that a wall or floor isn’t. That’s why some doors always swing closed or get stuck when opened. The door may have to be adjusted so it fits just right.
And speaking of not shutting properly, the wrong sized screws over time can cause the door to scrape. If they’re not screwed in just right, the screws could also cause the door to warp.
And there’s more! Installing the shins improperly will also cause the door to shut badly.
Not getting the reveals even, which will also cause the door to warp over time.

5: Keep security in mind

A good quality door will make your home more secure.

Exterior doors need solid-core, not hollow, construction, to make them stronger and more resistant to break-ins.

Loft and garage doors should be fire resistant, at the very least. But you can also invest more for fire-resistant interior doors, which will slow down the spread of a potential fire.

If you’re buying door sets, make sure the lock that’s included is of high quality. Look for anti-pick, anti-drill, anti-snap, and anti-bump. That’s a lot of antis, but it’ll also make your house more anti-burglar!

Some people like to have glass on their front door to let the light in – but if you’re doing this, make sure the glass is at the very top of the door. Consider wooden doors with carvings, which will make your front door more secure.

Our tip: Add extra security features like smart doorbells and smart locks. With the help of a little technology, keyless entry and video-calling on exterior doors can put you in control of who’s coming in and out of your home.

5 Ways to Make your Bathroom More Eco-friendly

Here at Keith Green Construction, we live up to our name in more ways than one. We care about our environment and finding eco-friendly approaches and building materials whenever possible.

There are lots of reasons why eco-friendly construction methods and materials make sense. They support local Oregon businesses and strengthen our economy, and also improve the health of the planet and that of our own families.

So in that spirit, we’d like to share some ideas on how you can make your home a little greener, starting with one of the most used rooms in the house: the bathroom.

1. Green planning from the start

Think eco-friendly right from the start, before you actually start any renovation work.

If it’s the first time you’re considering making eco-friendly renovations, read these tips and then look into the types of materials that you’d like in your bathroom. You want to aim for eco-friendly, but also functional and luxurious so you’ll love your new bathroom.

Speak to your construction contractor about greener materials, like non-toxic paints, recycled or sustainable flooring and countertops options, and ways to reduce energy and water consumption.

2. Reduce your water consumption

Water overconsumption is widespread but there are plenty of ways to go more eco-friendly in the bathroom.

Toilets tend to use more water than washing machines or dishwashers! Replace them with a low-flow model with a dual-flusher, which uses just the right amount of water to flush.
Adding a motion-sensor faucet to your sink will also help save water: many people use more than they want or need to when brushing their teeth or washing their faces and hands.
Install a low-flow showerhead that uses less water with the same water pressure (Portland’s water isn’t hard, so simple low-flow showerheads will do: you don’t need a hard-water softener.)
Look for the WaterSense label for your showerheads, sinks, and faucets, and check for rebates for WaterSense labeled products in your area.
You can also install a grey-water system, which collects water from the shower drains, sinks, and washing machines and redirects it to the garden, for example.

3. Save energy

Reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bill with small and significant changes:

If you have windows, consider repairs and upgrades to keep the seal airtight. If you have a fan instead, upgrade it with an Energy-Star fan, which will give you lots of energy savings compared to old models.
When you’re ready with light fixtures, switch to LEDs, which now come with the warm colors that give that cozy glow we were used to with incandescent bulbs. LEDs not only consume less energy and function at a lower wattage, but they also last nearly 25 times longer.

4. Use renewable and natural materials

Using recycled and sustainable materials is a great eco-friendly option for your bathroom.

Buy pre-loved cabinets and fixtures, or shop around for some made out of reclaimed or recycled wood.
Wood from sustainably grown trees is renewable and recyclable, and we’re lucky in Oregon to be a national leader in wood production, so you can shop green AND local. Thanks to the Oregon Forest Practices Act, sustainable forest management practices are enshrined in law in Oregon.When looking for sustainable wood materials, ask about FSC, American Tree Farm System, or Sustainable Forestry Initiatives certification. You should also know that thanks to strong state laws and practices, Oregon wood meets the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria for green building projects.
Quick-growing bamboo, is very strong and perfect for walls or flooring. Hardwood is also a good green choice, as it’s durable and sustainable.
Ask your contractor about using recycled steel, which is gaining in popularity as a green building material for structural use, and recycled concrete.
When it’s time, replace your hot water heater with a more efficient one, which can save you a lot of money off your energy bills.

5. Green your products

One of the easiest ways to “greenovate” your bathroom is to go more natural with your bathroom and cleaning products.

Replace your PVC shower curtain liner with a glass shower door.
When it’s time to replace your towels, choose comfy, organic towels: conventional cotton production uses enormous water resources and is very polluting.
Ditch the anti-bacterial soaps and conventional shampoos and shower gels. Replace them instead with natural, organic ones, free from parabens, toxic preservatives, and other harmful chemicals. Swap biocides and harmful cleaning products for natural ones with baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils.
Chemical-saturated products aren’t good for the planet, and they’re not good for you, either. By buying natural, organic products, you support organic farmers, fair-trade organizations, and companies that place value on sound environmental practices.

Final Thoughts

Building green is really about reducing our impact on the world around us. For some, it means reducing energy consumption by upgrading your roofing and house insulation; for others, it means using non-toxic or sustainable materials.

However you see it, if you’re ready to transform your bathroom into a greener version of itself, call us at Keith Green Construction. Together, we can find ways to make your home more environmentally friendly in a way that suits you.

How to Make the Most of your Basement’s Untapped Potential

Running out of room? Here’s how to create a haven in your basement

Many houses in Portland have basement areas that have a lot of potential and can be completely transformed, adding value to your home.

In our 20 years+ in the industry, we’ve seen some seriously interesting basement transformations:

Tiki bars
Artist studios
Giant playhouses
Wine cellars
Recording studios
Man caves and she-sheds
Home gyms
Study rooms
Home offices
Guest bedrooms
You name it!

Some people have even transformed their basements into apartments that they can rent out or work kitchens for home-based businesses.

With basement renovations, homeowners can explore design ideas that they might not feel comfortable applying to other areas of their house.

Homeowners in Oregon are increasingly retrofitting their basements for protection against earthquakes, and if you’re planning on doing this, it’ll have to be done before you finish the walls inside the basement.

Ideas are limitless, but what might not be is your budget.

Converting a basement is time-consuming and can run up significant costs, depending on the design. That’s why working out how to make the most of your basement space is crucial. The good news is that can increase the value of your home and improve your quality of life at home. Realtor.com reports that homeowners can get a return-on-investment of nearly 70%.

Our Top 5 tips to get the most out of your basement renovations

1. Keep to your budget

According to experts, basement renovations rank pretty high in terms of return-on-investment, along with attic, deck, and kitchen renovations.

Basement space doesn’t have the same value as above-ground space. However, creating a living space apartment in your basement can have long-term investment potential.

Whatever your budget, there are plenty of possibilities for using the space and adding value, whether it’s creating a simple nook to relax in or a completely self-sufficient living space.

Consider all the options and speak to your contractor about how to keep the costs down. For example, you can save money by using simple but functional materials and furnishings.

The key is staying on budget. Plan ahead before the work starts and know exactly what permits you need, what needs to be done to the space, and what furnishings you’ll add once the work is done.

Photo by April Acquavella – Browse home design ideas

2. Use the space in a way that suits your family

A good investment is important. But first and foremost, focus on a redesign that adds value to your life.

Does your teenager need a quiet space to study or to have friends over? Do you long for a place to watch the big game or exercise in private? Or maybe need that extra bedroom for guests?

Your family’s needs and happiness should come first – and then plan ahead on how you’ll keep those plans within budget.

Photo by Mosaik Design & Remodeling – More basement ideas

3. Choose a design that you’ll still love in 5 years’ time

Part of the problem with Tiki bars and other creative basement designs is that they’re great the first few times you use them, and then you get bored very quickly.

You then find that your space isn’t quite functional and you’ve lost an opportunity to create a space that will endure as your needs change and your family grows.

Photo by Lynn Ronan Design – Look for basement design inspiration

4. Keep potential buyers in mind

Remodeling a basement is an investment, there’s no question about it. But if you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, a finished basement area – even if small – will add value to prospective buyers and inspire them about how they could use the space.

When planning your basement remodel, think of creating a space that can be versatile and useful – something potential buyers will also be interested in.

Photo by Grace Hill Design – More basement ideas

5. Get the right permits

In Oregon, you’ll need to be aware of the permits and codes (and fees) to convert an unfinished basement to a living space.

For example, the ceiling must be of a particular minimum height and the area has to be ventilated and insulated. In some cases, some existing features of your basement may have to be renovated or updated to meet the requirements for a living space.

If you live in Portland, check out the city’s official site for living area conversions. Contractors must be registered by the State of Oregon, and they’ll be able to guide you through the process.

Final thoughts

Whether you want to play pool in peace or party privately, Keith Green Construction is passionate about making your ideas come to life. Trust us to give you honest advice, professional construction, and quality customer service.

Dining Room Decorating Ideas

It’s the true hearth of the home, the place where good stories get told, delicious meals get devoured, raucous laughs gets shared, and the variety of objects from your pockets are deposited.

Your dining table is more than a piece of furniture, it’s the focal point of home. And it’s the most important item of your dining room.

New decor can rejuvenate a house (and its owners) and create a space where all the family will want to be. And there’s nowhere better to start than the dining room: after all, it’s where all the best memories are made.

To help you decorate that space, here are some inspiring ideas and suggestions.

Walls and Windows

Deciding on the color of the walls is the first step of your décor; everything else falls into place afterwards. Color the backdrop to your artwork, and your décor choice will be a lot easier once you’ve settled on the wall paint.

Paint is an inexpensively way to easily transform an entire area. Many decorators favor light, cool, neutral tones for your wall paint as it gives you more options for furniture, window treatments, lighting, and accessories.

If you’re feeling brave, vibrant wall colors show off personality and energy, as does a single wall of playful modern wallpaper. Another trendy option is paneling (or cheaper dupe paneling) that adds ornate trims on wooden panels for a timeless classical look.

Another reason to keep your wall colors muted is to give you the option of creating unique looks with your window treatments. Simple changes here can make a space more memorable. If you like the rustic and cozy look, go for thick textured curtains; or for breezy elegance, aim for think lightly hued translucent shades that let the light in.

If you can afford it, expanding your windows or adding new ones can create a stunning, welcoming area flooded with light.

dining room decorating ideas windows

Furniture

For most of us, when we think of decorating, we think of furniture; but without the wall color, it will be harder to choose your dining room furniture.

Even one piece of furniture can transform the look of a room. Your furniture pieces need to flow together, so the style remains consistent throughout. The dining table is the centerpiece of the room, and should be chosen first, then everything else will flow from this one piece. If you have a limited budget, this is where to spend it: find one that’s durable, well made, and beautiful.

There are plenty of seating options nowadays, and a bit of contrast is perfect to catch the eye and create an interesting space. Don’t match your chairs and table: love the table, then find complementary seating for it.

A hint of contrast goes a long way. Think rustic benches topped with soft chunky cushions, modern transparent dining seats that blend with everything, traditional ornate English chairs to add that touch of charm; or simple chairs with a sophisticated line.

dining room decorating ideas furniture

Lighting

Lighting is the ultimate space magic. It can make an area look dull and blunt, or romantic and inviting.

Maximize the exterior natural light by keeping window treatments cool and simple, and this leaves you more versatility to create the right environment for the dining room.

If you have very ornate furniture, keep the lighting minimal and unobtrusive, with simple shades and soft tones.

If on the contrary your furniture lack sparkle, go for larger shades like statement chandeliers, vintage floor lamps, or statement side lamps that will dominate the space and make it interesting and luxurious-looking.

Dotting lamps about the room will dazzle and bring the eye to all the corners of the room, making it look bigger.

For small dining rooms, large lamps and lighting may not be ideal. A great trick here is to create a specific area by color-coding it differently from other rooms and adding a pendant light low into the space: the low lighting will make the rest of the area look larger, and the color accents will give it its own unique character.

dining room decorating ideas lighting

Accessories

For the final decorative touch, accessories are your chance to add your own personal touch.

Pictures and wall art need to be suitably sized for the space. Let them dominate an entire wall; they’ll attract the eye and bring life to the wall – and the whole area. They’re also great conversation starters, especially when they serve as the backdrop to the dining table when you’re entertaining.

For the table, buy several vividly colored table runners, matched to other small elements of the room. You can easily swap these around if you get bored of them and add a new pop of color.

Consider adding a think, good quality rug, which can make a space feel more welcoming and softer. Or invest in some interesting and unusual vases and plants. They can bring a freshness to a room without overcrowding them.

An elegant, strategically placed mirror can open up the whole dining room area. But be careful not to place it where it might make your diners feel uncomfortable. After all, you want them looking at the room (or the food!), not themselves.

Finally, choose lighting bulbs that are soft and warm – you’ll be surprised at the effect lighting can have on the way things look. You’ll soon find yourself loving your new dining room.

dining room decorating ideas accessories

Final Thoughts

We hope these décor ideas for your dining room will help you take the first steps to redesigning this area, so you can create a room that’s truly yours and will be the source of many evenings of delightful company of family and friends.

5 Reasons to Upgrade your Siding

If you could embellish your entire home and protect it with the wave of a wand, would you do it?

Well, it may be more like the wave of a hand to sign a contract, but it can be that easy to upgrade the siding of your house to do exactly that – protect your home and add curb appeal.

Siding is the layer of material that’s on the outside of your house, usually made of wood, vinyl, stone, metal, or brick. The siding panels of your home can withstand the elements of most American weather systems – including rough winds, ice and snow, storms – and you can install them at any time during the year.

Siding is not just the knight in shining armor protecting the castle – it’s also the pretty maiden that dazzles with beauty.

Read below for good reasons to add siding to your home. It will be stronger, and more beautiful. No magic required.

1. Curb appeal

Everyone wants to be attractive! Help your home to really stand out in the neighborhood by adding or replacing your siding.

With today’s choice of fine materials and textures, you can match the siding to the architectural style of your house, completing the vision. It’s one of the smartest ways to improve your house and change the whole exterior look without spending a fortune.

And don’t be surprised if it adds value to your home (not that you’ll want to sell it when you see how beautiful it can be with new siding).

2. Protection

So much more than a pretty face!

Siding doesn’t just look amazing and add curb appeal to your home: it protects the exterior walls of your home from the damages of rain, ice, storms, heat cracks, and more. It can even protect against dents from the debris of a storm and can require very little maintenance.

Think of house siding as a tough armor protecting the delicate forms below: it’s durable and protects your walls and the underlying internal structures. With the unpredictable weather have lately, who wouldn’t want an extra layer of protection?

3. Energy efficiency

It’s all about Mother Earth, but it’s also about saving you money.

Insulated siding can lower your energy bills by stopping both hot and cool air from escaping through the walls. Adding new siding or replacing your old one is much more energy efficient, like a warm blanket that you place over your house to keep the cold out and the heat in.

It’s a simple equation: better insulation translates to more savings.

4. Comfort

It’s not all about the environment, though. Energy savings are great, but isn’t the thought of being snug in your home during those cold winter months a tempting one? Wouldn’t it be nice to avoid those peaks and troughs with temperature control?

Insulated siding keeps a house cool in summer and warm in winter, the best of both worlds. It can help you keep a more even temperature in your home, so you can be more comfortable, day in and day out, year-round.

5. It’s just time…!

Siding lasts a long time, but if you had siding installed on your house a long time ago, it may be time to replace it.

How will you know? Look for these signs: rotting, warping, cracking, holes, mold, or higher energy bills. If you see warped, brittle or crumbling panels, then water may have infiltrated. Cracks can let bugs in, and holes can be a sign of an invading insect army walking in and out of your home. Mold or mildew may be traced back to an infiltration in the siding. And higher energy bills can be an indication that your siding isn’t insulating as it used to and needs to be replaced.

Take the next step!

When the time comes, give us a call and we’ll help you choose your home siding and talk you through the easy steps to installing it for ultimate protection and comfort. We can’t offer the magic wand, but we can guarantee quality and professionalism worthy of any wizard.

Linking your Interior and Exterior: Bringing the Outdoors In

At this time of year, when the sun is out, it’s almost unbearable to not spend time outdoors. Creating an extension that’s linked to your house is the ideal way to enjoy the garden while keeping all your creature comforts.

Step Into the Outdoors

An open extension to your house, like a terrace or patio, can enhance your sense of wellbeing, offering you a relaxing way to spend time outside while still being connected to what’s going on inside: the perfect way to mix the personality of the garden with the charm of the home.

But to truly open up your space and make your house feel larger, you need to link the indoors and the outdoors and create a place where shapes, textures, colors, and materials all seamlessly blend together. And it’s easier than you think!

Photo by Horizon – Residential & Commercial Builders – Discover deck design inspiration

Open Yourself Up to the Outdoors

Linking your exterior and interior with a consistent look will help you make the most of your garden, but it will also expand your space, so you can enjoy it and entertain all through the summer.

You can do it even if you have a small garden. It can be as simple as opening up a wall or expanding the windows, letting the light in, and removing any barriers that block the line of sight to the garden. With a bigger budget, you can create an outdoor patio – but place it in the areas where you entertain, like the kitchen or dining room, so you can easily move from inside to outside.

Consider installing French doors or floor-to-ceiling glass to make the walls disappear; this will let in far more light than a window.

With the view open, you can then extend your décor, flooring, furniture, and color schemes to create a beautiful, open-plan flow between your indoor and outdoor space.

Photo by Landmark Lofts – Discover exterior home design ideas

Protect Your Space

It’s not always sunny in, well, Portland… so for areas like ours that can have unpredictable weather in the summer, extend your roof to protect your patio and space from the rain. This way, you can still enjoy being outside or leaving your patio doors wide open without fear of getting wet. You’ll be surprised at how many rainy days can still be enjoyed from the shelter of your roofed patio.

Photo by John Kraemer & Sons – Search patio pictures

Create a Seamless Flow

Whether you’re creating a large patio outside, or simple adding a few bits of furniture to your garden, linking the interior and exterior living space is important. You can do this by matching design elements like furniture, materials, flooring, décor, and color schemes.

This will make the indoor and outdoor feel as if it’s all one large room. For example, you can extend the same flooring of the kitchen outside to the deck (if it’s wood) or patio (if it’s tiles). If you have brick on your exterior wall, why not bring it indoors and adding exposed brick as a section of the interior room to link the two?

Or you could go low-budget and simply use similar design styles and color schemes for furnishings and furniture for your outdoor area. It’ll feel like the outside space is part of your house, rather than simply an afterthought.

Photo by Kim Duffin for Sublime Architectural Interiors – Search kitchen design ideas

Creative Design and Styling

Regardless of how large your outdoor space is, you can create that seamless experience in a very cost-effective way. For example, you can open up your wall with French doors and then fill both your indoor and outdoor area with:

potted flowers
hanging baskets
window boxes
hardy herbs
textured furnishings
soft lighting

Photo by IDF Studio – More deck photos

There are lots of ways you can creatively bring the outdoors in (or the indoors out!), from opening walls with patio windows and sheltered roofing to extending the indoor flooring right through to your garden and matching furniture and simple decorative items from the house.

Inspired? Let us know what ways you’re linking your indoors and outdoors! Keith Green Construction can help advise you on how you can make your house feel bigger and make the most of your garden.

Inspiration for Your Summer House or Garden Room

“Her heart was a secret garden and the walls were very high.”

― William Goldman, The Princess Bride

In a shaded spot in the garden, surrounded by the smells of flowers in full flush, you’re relaxing in the sun, indulging in your favorite hobby. You’re in your summer house, away from the worries of the world…and you’re in your zone.

A summer house (or garden room) is a small permanent structure away from the house, where you can enjoy summer’s greatest pleasures, regardless of the weather. It’s an antidote to a busy house or open-plan style homes, a place you can retreat to for a little ‘you-time’.

You can turn your summer house into a gym, home office, teenage den, music or art studio, or hobby room. It’s your adult playhouse–use it any way you want!

Create your Dream Summer Garden Room

Summer houses are usually built quickly, and won’t cause much disturbance as they’re being put together.

Like the best things in life, they come in all shapes and sizes; but make sure your garden room has floor, wall, and roof for those chilly late summer nights. Many people incorporate underfloor heating (or portable radiators) and air conditioning units, so they can use their garden room year-round.

Most garden rooms have options for sockets and interior/exterior lighting, and can include audio-visual and data cables so it can be used as a TV room or internet-wired office. Some even have small toilets, showers, and kitchenettes.

Attitude and Style!

Where you place your summer house is really important. Find a secluded place in the garden where you can have a little privacy (it will take up the least amount of space at the very back of your garden).

Create a little walkway to mark the steps out to your summer house: this will make the small journey between your home and garden room feel magical.

Summer house styling and decor can be fun, relaxing, elegant, vintage―unleash your creative style (the way you probably wouldn’t dare in your house). There are no wrong choices here: it’s whatever makes the space yours.

Here are some ideas:

Photo by Sims Hilditch – Search entryway design ideas

The English Country House

Timeless and inspirational, English Country House decor features traditional furniture and rooms full of color. Find floral patterns to embolden rich color schemes inspired by nature: the pinks and yellows of flowers, and the greens and blues of the hills and sky. Add rich fabrics and eccentric accessories to create a space that exudes the warmth and comfort of a lived-in room.

Tip: Source rustic furniture or upcycle bargains from garage sales.

Photo by Hurlbutt Designs – More living room ideas

The Seaside Cottage

The Seaside Cottage look is cozy and inviting, and can be formal or quirky. Wooden furniture, muted shades, soft neutral furnishings, and nautical stripes will enhance the look. Use the weathered paint look on furniture: the beach look looks faded but never old. White walls on the interior will leave you space to add contrasting accents of color. Don’t forget the accessories: thick blankets, seaside-inspired knick-knacks, and soft lighting.

Tip: Add character and set the mood with an old lighthouse decoration, a rope anchor, and wicker furniture.

Photo by Hopkins Designs – Discover bedroom design ideas

The Teenage Den

Transform your garden room into a teenage dream room. It’s more about what’s in it than what it looks like: give them comfy sofas (or a hanging chair!), tons of fluffy cushions, vibrant wall colors, amusing accessories (are lava lamps making a comeback?), a mini-fridge, and a wireless speaker.

Tip: Swap some of your old furnishings and accessories with another family’s who have children the same age.

Photo by Gemma Parker Design, LLC – Look for home office design inspiration

The Chic Home Office

You can make your garden room into a comfortable and creative area for work. For a classy but relaxed look, go for simple, clean lines, a neutral color scheme, dark furniture, and a pop of color with accessories. Think soft greys, dark browns, and white walls. Most of all, make the space comfortable to sit in: you want to be productive in this space, so don’t spare the expense to create a vibrant home office.

Tip: Make the decor different from your home: this way, you’ll feel mentally that you’re walking away from your house and into your work zone.

Photo by Rozalynn Woods Interior Design – More home gym ideas

The Zen Yoga Gym

Go zen with a minimalist look with a calming neutral color palette. Keep your decorations simple and clean, and try to let the garden room blend in with its environment. Add plush white or neutral furnishings, lime-green plants, warm lighting, and Scandi-style furniture for ultimate relaxation.

Tip: Add scented candles, thin curtains, and a wireless speaker to create that ultimate peaceful atmosphere.

Photo by Nicholas Yarsley photography – Studio – Shop – Browse living room photos

The Arty Studio

Shabby chic is the way to go for the artistic types. Transform old furniture with a lick of paint, find rattan and wooden chairs, choose a color palette that mirrors the colors of your garden flowers, and add plenty of odd accessories that will make your art or music studio a delight to spend time in. Use a mixture of furniture styles and bold, and vivid colors for your walls and accessories.

Tip: Find (and upcycle) one-of-a-kind and antique decorative items from garage sales, auctions, or second-hand stores.

Photo by Busy Bees Photography – Discover patio design inspiration

The Airbnb Earner

Create a fun ‘lazy lunch’ decked area where your guests can sit and enjoy a summer feast. Make it a space everyone will love by keeping the color scheme neutral and just adding small but elegant accessories like candle-holders, natural-fabric rugs, potted flowers, and fun accessories like vintage milk jugs or antique vases.

Tip: Keep the decor to a minimum, which will make it easier to clean and upkeep if you have several guests one after the other.

With all these possibilities, you can transform your garden into a true retreat for yourself, your family, or your guests. Cost-effective, versatile, and quickly erected, a summer garden is the perfect place to let yourself be you.

With a wealth of building experience, Keith Green Construction can guide you on the best options for your garden room or summer house. Contact us today!