MINNEAPOLIS - At the end of the day, it's easy for two Minneapolis couples to retreat to a quiet sanctuary. All they have to do is climb stairs that lead to the attic.

The couples' well-designed attic conversions transformed uncomfortably hot - and cold - sloped-wall rooms into appealing sleeping and living spaces.

Nancy and Dan Griffin live in a traditional Tudor with coved ceilings and chopped-up rooms, but upstairs they've created a master suite that boasts open and uncluttered Asian-influenced spaces where Dan can meditate each morning.

Linda and Gerry Berglin's remodeled attic in their Craftsman bungalow feels like it was always part of the house, yet it features a luxury bathroom, 10-foot ceilings and a closet as big as their kitchen.

"We've been getting a lot more inquiries about converting attics into usable space," said Dan Hayes of Plekkenpol Builders in Bloomington. "Creating a bedroom and bathroom by far are the most popular."

Many homeowners want to stay in their neighborhoods rather than move, and are exploring ways to expand, said Hayes. They might not have yard space for an addition, so they're heading upstairs. "The appeal is you can create a nice getaway with its own modern bathroom and big walk-in closet," said Hayes. "Typical old-house closets are only 3-by-3 feet."

Here's an inside look at two attic conversions:

Zen experience

Owners Dan and Nancy Griffin bought their 1930s classic story-and a-half Tudor in the Nokomis neighborhood in 2001. The slanted-wall attic had been used for a kids' room, but with only newspaper for insulation, it was chilly in the winter and sweltering in the summer. The home had only two bedrooms on the main floor and one tiny bathroom. The couple were planning to start a family and also needed a guest bedroom for visiting relatives. So five years after buying, they converted their 450-square-foot attic space into a master suite.

To open up the attic to create a bedroom, sitting area and bathroom, they gutted the existing space. The demolition included removing a cedar closet and knocking down a wall next to the stairs. Now the Griffins are greeted by a nice wide hallway and a light-filtering, wrought-iron railing at the top of the stairs.

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Attic remodeling grows in appeal for homeowners staying put

Building a life together as a couple often means building - or rebuilding - a home together.

But nothing can test a relationship or pull at its foundation more, according to a 2013 remodeling and relationships survey conducted by Houzz, a home improvement and interior design website. The survey reports that 12 percent of couples acknowledge considering separation or divorce mid-remodel. Now that's a reason to keep those avocado kitchen appliances for another year.

Issues arise when she likes French country and he likes contemporary. He wants to keep his old album covers framed on the wall, but she's already visualizing their move to the trash bin. Maybe one spouse makes a decision, or many decisions, without the other. Even couples who agree on everything could be driven to tears - and take it out on each other - just by the fact that their home, in its current state, is hardly a haven.

Onetime Queen Village resident Julie Davis, director of content and marketing for TotalHousehold, a Connecticut-based website for people looking for home improvement professionals, recently completed her own kitchen remodel. Even for someone whose work life is dedicated to the subject, she said, it wasn't easy.

Like many couples, she and her husband's design tastes differed. But things heated up when she immediately took the project into her own hands.

"My M.O. was to start a bit on the clandestine side," said Davis. She changed 45 cabinet knobs without her husband's knowledge. Once the shock of spending $300 for a box of knobs wore off, her husband agreed to go along with the project as long as she agreed to replace their old refrigerator with one that he wanted.

As the remodeling progressed, they learned to negotiate - or at least try.

"You have to go very gingerly with someone. You have to find the middle ground," said Davis. "The problem with any compromise is it's not really a compromise. It's who's going to win the argument."

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In remodeling, couples need to keep respect, communication in their toolbox

By Sol Quintana Wagoner, Special to the U-T 3 p.m.Feb. 14, 2014

The remodeled bathroom has bamboo cabinetry and lights that resemble paper lanterns.

A sense of simple, light-filled luxury was created in this guest bathroom remodel by harmonizing tranquil colors, the visuals of flowing waterfalls, and the serenity of clean, Asian-inspired lines.

Our team selected an innovative Shoji screen-style door that opens in three widths for varying degrees of privacy. This creative solution makes it possible for one guest to use the shower or toilet while another uses the sink.

Throughout the room, simple horizontal lines subtly express an Asian influence. Colors are muted and calm in earth tones of sage and brown. Streamlined bamboo cabinetry with simple horizontal fixtures provides organized storage with an uncluttered effect. The selection of floating cabinetry and the decision to set the mirror just slightly back from the backsplash contribute to a feeling of openness in the room.

A quartet of lights at the vanity was selected for its resemblance to a string of paper lanterns. The sink faucets are designed to flow like delicate waterfalls, further emphasizing the theme of calm simplicity.

A Shoji screen-style door opens in three widths for varying degrees of privacy.

In the shower, the waterfall theme is repeated in the niche of glass tile and the flowing lines of tile on the floor. The niche was deliberately designed to evoke a window with an extra wide span to expand the space visually. The tile was selected in a slightly uneven composition to give the sense of water and movement.

The showers linear tile insets are repeated into the rest of the room, establishing a clean, sophisticated sense of continuity. The showerhead flows from a linear position, which aligns with the rooms aesthetic while also providing a powerful spray. A rustic ladder serving as a towel rack is a functional piece of art.

This peaceful oasis now communicates our clients passion for Asian themes while providing their guests with a calm, private space for relaxation and reinvigoration.

Originally posted here:
New bathroom has Asian style

Nashville, TN (PRWEB) February 14, 2014

Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design, has awarded The Kingston Group of Nashville, Tenn. Best Of Houzz 2014. More than 16 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community chose the residential construction and remodeling firm for its excellence in customer service and design.

The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Customer Satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2013. Design award winners work was the most popular among the more than 16 million monthly users on Houzz, known as Houzzers, who saved more than 230 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks via the Houzz site, iPad/iPhone app and Android app. Winners will receive a Best Of Houzz 2014 badge on their profiles, showing the Houzz community their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

At The Kingston Group, we pride ourselves in the quality of our work and the client experience, said Ricky Scott, co-owner and partner of The Kingston Group. We are very honored to be recognized as Best Of Houzz for the third year in a row.

Houzz provides homeowners with the most comprehensive view of home building, remodeling and design professionals, empowering them to find and hire the right professional to execute their vision, said Liza Hausman, vice president of community for Houzz. Were delighted to recognize The Kingston Group among our Best Of professionals for both customer satisfaction and design as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.

With Houzz, homeowners can identify not only the top-rated professionals like The Kingston Group, but also those whose work matches their own aspirations for their home. Homeowners can also evaluate professionals by contacting them directly on the Houzz platform, asking questions about their work and reviewing their responses to questions from others in the Houzz community.

Follow The Kingston Group at http://www.houzz.com/pro/rick1424/the-kingston-group-remodeling-specialists.

About The Kingston Group The Kingston Group is a residential construction and remodeling firm based in Nashville, Tenn. The company provides custom building, remodeling and community restorations for homeowners and homeowner associations throughout Middle Tennessee. Founded by Ricky Scott and Robbie Edwards in 2007, the company has been recognized by Remodeling Magazines Remodeling 550, Qualified Remodeler Magazines Top 500, Best of Houzz Awards and Nashville Business Journals 2012 and 2013 Small Business Awards. You can find The Kingston Group on Facebook at Facebook.com/BuildKG, on the Web at BuildKG.com or listed as the number one general contractor in Nashville on Houzz.com.

About Houzz Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to get the design inspiration, project advice, product information and professional reviews they need to help turn ideas into reality. For more information, visit http://www.houzz.com.

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The Kingston Group of Nashville Receives Best Of Houzz 2014 Award

Last week I introduced you to my latest whole-house client: the Modern Bungalow Project. You can read all about the house and my inspiration for the designs here. I've already shared my plans for the master bedroom and nursery, and today I'd like to show you my dreams for the entryway and living room.

This is an older home, and there are actually two entries. One when you first walk in the front door with a tiny closet and tile floors, and then that opens up into a larger entry with wood floors that welcomes you before you step into the living room.

My fabulous client mentioned a love for wallpaper, and she didn't have to tell me twice! Wallpaper is back. It has been back for years now. There are so many fresh and modern options that anyone can find the perfect pattern for their home.

I was especially inspired by this particular wallpaper. It's modern and whimsical, and would really set the tone for the rest of the home. I know, I know, not everyone likes birds. But for some reason I still love this paper.

I especially love this paper on the ceiling.

I propose we paint the smaller entry a deeper blue, and then the larger entry would be covered in this wallpaper. It would look fantastic from the living room, and make a statement as soon as guests walk in the door.

I also fell in love with this pipeline hall tree. It gives the practicality you need in an entry without the cost of built-ins, yet feels modern and organic.

Then we move on to the living room. This space has a funky layout, so it may not look exactly like the photo below. Basically it's a room full of walkways. It's open to the dining room, has stairs that come down into the living room, is open to the entryway, and has a wall of built-ins surrounding the fireplace. Tricky!

My clients selected this sofa, and I gladly worked around it! I took my color cues from the wallpaper and tried to select durable pieces that were small in scale but comfortable. To start, these mid century green leather chairs. Kids can't ruin them and they'd only get better looking with time.

I liked the organic feel of these block-print drapes in light grey and aqua.

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Modern Bungalow Project: entry and living room design plans

When Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito has his morning briefing with staff and law enforcement officers, everyone packs into his office or a small conference room on the courthouses seventh floor.

When theres a trial, prosecution witnesses often stand around the pit, a central open area where victim/witness coordinators are located, waiting to be called into the courtroom.

The noisein the pit can getso loud that the coordinators have trouble hearing when they make phone calls, oftento convey sensitive information to victims or witnesses.

They can hardly hear with the sound going on, Twito said.

The footprint of the county attorneys offices has not changed in about 20 years, Twito said, but his department has grownto include more attorneys and staff and a heavier caseload.

Twito said hes desperate for conference rooms for families, victims and meetings.

When deputy attorneys need a conference room, they can either use the small meeting room or bump their boss from his personal office, which has a medium-sized round table. Twito picks up his laptop and clears out.

For times when a big conference room is essential when there are multiple trials or for large staff meetings Twito reserves Room 105 on the first floor. He uses the first-floor room four or five times a month, he said.

'Space wars'

To relieve crowding in the county attorneys offices and to address space needs for several other county offices, the county commissioners are considering a proposal that calls for some courthouse remodeling as well as construction of a new building at MetraPark. The plan is estimated to cost $1.4 million.

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County Courthouse renovations planned to ease crowding

Powder Rooms can be dazzling when you create layers of interest, a few tips can help make the most of a small bathroom. (Posted By Normandy Remodeling, Community Contributor / February 4, 2014)

Despite the limited size and elements in a typical powder room, there is plenty of opportunity to impress in these small spaces. A Naperville couple was seeking something with more interest in a light color scheme for their powder room, and worked with Normandy Designer Ann Stockard to achieve their goals. Stockard focused on three design elements to make their desired look a reality: 1. Including texture. The beadboard and tile mosaic make the space more detailed and inviting. 2. Choosing an interesting light fixture. An art deco style light fixture was selected that guests would notice. The fixture draws the eye up, which also helps the powder room seem more spacious. 3. Infusing personality. Powder rooms really serve as an extension of the rooms around it, which is led to the selection of a soft blue paint that is also in the kitchen. However, there is room for flexibility in powder rooms; choosing the green glass tiles gives the room its own personality and adds a hint of sparkle. Industry peers loved the texture and level of functionality in this space, and the powder room recently received a First Place Remodeling Excellence Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, (NARI) Greater Chicagoland.

About Normandy Remodeling Normandy Remodeling is a Design/Build remodeling firm that develops plans and designs and then executes those plans to create a single point of contact for a homeowners remodeling project. Normandy Remodeling has been providing award winning kitchens, baths, renovations and additions to Chicago area clients for over 34 years. Normandy is known for great service, high ethical standards, and exceptional quality of work. Their dedication to their clients has previously earned them the title of Remodeler of the Year by Professional Remodeler Magazine, as well as the distinction of GuildQuality Guildmaster Award 2008 through 2012. Centrally located in Hinsdale, Normandy Remodeling services the entire Chicago Metro area. Normandys headquarters also features an 8,000 sq ft showroom that allows prospective clients to learn more about the renovation process and makes the selections process for existing clients quick and convenient. For more information about Normandy and the other awards and recognition that they have received, visit http://www.NormandyRemodeling.com.

About Ann Stockard With over seventeen years experience in the design industry, Ann has been part of the Normandy design team since 2006. Her professional knowledge and skill, combined with the resources of Normandy Remodeling, provide her clients with unsurpassed customers service and a truly rewarding design/build remodeling experience.

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Naperville Powder Room Wins Design Award - chicagotribune.com

Published: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, 9:01p.m.

Hampton Township School District officials are discussing a potential large-scale remodeling project at the high school that could cost as much as $10 million.

Administrators and school board members hosted a meeting on Jan. 27 with township residents and two architects from VEBH Architects to discuss ideas for remodeling the school.

We have not made any decisions. We have not spent any money. Even our architect is here pro bono, Superintendent John Hoover said.

During the presentation, Hampton High School Principal Jeff Finch identified areas of concern that administrators identified and upgrades that could improve energy consumption, security or education at the high school, where there currently are 1,098 students enrolled.

The major areas of improvement include relocating the main office and establishing a captured vestibule to direct visitors directly into the main office to increase safety; consolidating all the guidance services in one site; updating the technology infrastructure; alleviating congested hallways; establishing a project-based learning lab to focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math, or STEAM initiatives; updating the science labs, especially chemistry; and increasing storage for a number of departments. Finch also provided an additional list of areas for improvement.

Tom Durkin and Dan Engen, principals with VEBH, provided a number of architectural options for the various areas of concern to get the board to consider options and generate more questions.

There is a lot to address, so the question is, Where to now?' Durkin said. It might be too soon to talk about numbers; it's very early in the process. The most important aspect of this project is a plan.

Engen said the architects do not yet have all of the information needed to make suggestions for quality solutions.

Durkin said if the school board decides to move forward with exploring the remodeling plan further, administrators and architects first would have to meet with all of the user groups to summarize the educational needs and then develop conceptual studies and alternatives and cost estimates. The administration and school board would have to review that information.

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Hampton High School remodeling could benefit learning, safety

Collins Road Theatres in northeast Cedar Rapids will be closed most of next week to install new seating in three of the five movie theaters as well as for additional remodeling.

Bruce Taylor, owner of the 10-year-old, second-run movie complex, said it will be closed from Monday, Feb. 10, through Thursday, Feb. 13. Taylor said certain shows also will be dropped on Sunday evening, Feb. 9, to get a head start on the changes.

The theater will reopen on Friday, Feb. 14.

Taylor said the three auditoriums slated for new seating will have fewer rows to provide at least four inches of extra leg room. He said seating in the remaining two theaters likely will be upgraded in the near future.

Taylor said the new two-tone seats, which have been displayed recently in the theater lobby, have a higher back that the old ones. He said the theater will provide booster seats for young children to help them see the movie screen.

Taylor said the remodeling also will include replacing wall fabric, painting and adding 7.1 sound. The latter system provides more surround sound than 5.1 sound by adding two speakers to the back wall of the auditorium with two more channels of audio.

The upgrades will include new digital processors to handle the 7.1 sound. Taylor said that will allow him to provide descriptive narration of movies for customers who are blind or visually impaired.

We will use the same little radio receivers that we provide to our hearing-impaired customers, Taylor said. We will plug the transmitter into a different output that provides descriptive narration of a movie.

Descriptive narration provides an audio description of what the characters are doing on the screen, visual elements such costumes and facial expressions, and any printed text.

Taylor said the remodeling project will cost around $100,000 to complete.

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Collins Road Theatres closed next week for remodeling

The parade of people who rented apartments in an old Crafton house aggravated Chuck Gigliotti, a longtime neighbor who lives across the street. After it became Section 8 housing in 2003, shingles fell off the roof regularly and loose bricks threatened to avalanche from a tall chimney. In 2006, Mr. Gigliotti watched from his home as two dozen police officers and a SWAT team broke down the door and arrested one man.

Finally, in March 2012, he bought the house at 24 Mildred St. for $18,900 and tackled his ninth property. His wife, Lindy, was not thrilled, but Mr. Gigliotti, 56, was ready for another challenge -- rehabbing the worst-looking house on the street. He formed a company called Crafton Redux and hired three Triangle Tech graduates to restore the 1904 house that is a near mirror image of his own. Nearly two years later, they're finished. The four-bedroom, 21/2-bath house is for sale for $220,000.

Mr. Gigliotti has a long history with old houses. At age 19, he joined the local carpenters union. Since 1988, he has been buying houses to remodel and resell. For six years, he was a glazier at Rex Glass in Robinson; for another six he was a self-employed remodeling contractor. Since 2010, he has taught carpentry at Triangle Tech.

Although he has done his share of working on roofs, he had no interest in going up on the high-pitched roof to remove the chimney. So, he cut a 16-inch hole in the wall of a third-floor bedroom and put a ladder through it. Gradually, he and his crew removed bricks, ending up with enough to build a 21/2-foot-wide walkway that parallels the property's upper side.

In the first-floor foyer, living room and dining room, the crew installed 3/4-inch oak floors. They also removed three walls and rebuilt the staircase landing from scratch. A first-floor powder room was installed off the foyer. The project was a carpenter's dream or nightmare, depending on your perspective.

"We made 1,000 feet of wood casings for doorways and 500 feet of baseboards," Mr. Gigliotti said.

A wall divided the living room into two bedrooms. The men removed 100 2-by-4s that held up that wall, creating a 5-foot-high pile of debris. They also built a chute that went out of a living room window. One day when the chute became clogged with debris, Dennis Parr, one of the Triangle Tech grads, stepped in to help.

"I got this, G," he told Mr. Gigliotti.

He took a running start and slid down the chute, holding onto its 2-by-10 railings to stop before landing in the dumpster. The jolt broke up the clog.

Off the living room is a large dining room and a kitchen with new KraftMaid oak cabinets, a breakfast bar and a large granite-topped island with deep twin sinks. A mosaic backsplash made of granite and painted glass tiles matches the tan granite counters flecked with black and gray from Choice Granite in Spring Garden.

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Crafton man rehabs worst-looking house on street