It’s all about the kitchen. They aren’t just for meal prep and storage, either. They’re for families. For gathering. For entertaining. For time spent together. These homeowners were lucky enough to spend their quarantine in a kitchen constructed for that very purpose. Once tucked away into the back corner of the 100-plus year old home, the kitchen is the new centerpiece of the home, opened up to a cozy living area filled with original woodwork and details.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Architect: drawing dept

The cook now gets to be part of the action and the family gets to gather around an island so large that it seems unfair to call it an island. An island, by definition, is a piece of land surrounded by water, and is often thought to be isolated, separated from the mainland action, where space is at a premium. That’s why this structure is called The Continent.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Architect: drawing dept

Once you see the details of this kitchen, you’ll want to swap out your kitchen island for a continent too. The Continent is the focal point not only of the kitchen, but of the living space of the home. It’s a place to dine. A place to sit and work (especially now). A place to gather. And it offers plenty of storage, too. The countertop has enough overhang to accommodate comfortable seating and underneath is a ton of hidden storage. Can your kitchen table do that?

With a palette of black and white, this kitchen is clean and bright. Upper cabinetry was eliminated to keep everything feeling open and airy. Plus, all that wall space gives the chance for this backsplash tile to make a statement. The geometric pattern of the tile is reminiscent of a modern Art Deco stye. The metallic black and brass light fixture only adds to that motif.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Architect: drawing dept

We’d be remiss not to mention this open shelving, custom made for the space and mounted directly over the new black-framed window. This corner nook is the perfect place for some shelves and we love how the homeowner accessorized them with rose colored glasses. What a beautiful display of a collection that only adds to the Art Deco feel.

The countertops in this space are another element that add interest, while continuing with the neutral palette. White cabinetry is topped with a beautiful, black leathered granite. The Continent, on the other hand, has a base of grey cabinetry and is topped with a sparkly white quartz.

The Continent, however, has utility beyond seating and storage. It’s equipped with hidden outlets that appear at the touch of a button, convenient for cooking tools and charing a smart phone, but it also makes this surface turn—presto, change-o, into a conference table.

The sink, too, is worth mentioning. The elegantly-shaped brass faucet so beautifully coordinates with the lighting and cabinet hardware. The elongated, stainless steel sink is fitted with a removable cutting board, providing additional work space, and, in a pinch, to hide a stack of dirty dishes.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Architect: drawing dept

A kitchen that was once an after thought, hidden in the back of this older home, is now the crown jewel, adding modern style with an Art Deco aesthetic. And following the pandemic trends in home design, this room serves many purposes: meal prep, family gathering, entertaining, and work. At a time where so many of us are spending more time in our own homes, a room like this is quite the antidote for quarantine living.

Has the extra time spent in your home revealed the need for a renovation? We’re just the people to call. Projects in the works now need some extra lead time for materials to be sourced and delivered, so now’s the time to get started for mid-year projects.

Quarantine caused a lot of us to change our plans. Working from home, stockpiling supplies, with frequent hand washing and face masks as the new norm, life looked a bit different. Without a commute to the office and free time spent at home, it was also a time for people to take up new hobbies. Some learned a new language. Some started baking bread. Some purged every closet and drawer.

And some people’s productivity put us all to shame. Like this homeowner, who designed and renovated an entire home. We were proud partners in the process and are still in awe of her style and design sense.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The English Contractor team was originally tasked with a simple kitchen remodel and we were well into that project as the world slowed down. With proper precautions in place, we just kept going, until this house was entirely transformed. We’ll take you through this project in three parts over the next few weeks: kitchen, dining and living area; bathroom, and basement. Prepare to be inspired.

You might describe the house in its “before” state as a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In a dish. No cone. No whipped cream. Certainly no rainbow sprinkles or a cherry on top. It looked just fine. It was in good working order. But when you have a vision and a team with a talent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is not for you.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The new space is a vision to behold, in each and every corner. Gone is the small breakfast bar in favor of a wide opening into the newly repainted dining room. Hughes of pale blue and brass accents repeat throughout the home. These are at the same cabinets, repurposed with a coat of light blue paint and door knobs and pulls from Restoration Hardware.

Photo : Ross Van Pelt

This cozy kitchen once had a second opening into the hallway. In the reconfiguration, that doorway was closed off in favor of some contiguous counter space, a luxurious marble. The backsplash is marble, too, adding a layer of richness. New new range is from Samsung, topped with a custom wood ventilation hood. The dishwasher and refrigerator were reused in the remodel.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

A door once separated the kitchen from a steps leading to a back door and the home’s basement. With the door now gone, the kitchen is washed with light and the basement seems less like a basement and fully integrated into the flow of the home. The existing flooring remains, with the kitchen floor patched where cabinets were removed and reconfigured.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The new sink is an elegant white porcelain, sourced from Wayfair. It’s paired with a Kohler deck-mounted, bridge kitchen sink faucet with level handles and side spray in a polished nickel. Here you get a close up of the marble counter and backsplash. Under cabinet lighting is paired with a flush mount from Circa Lighting to further brighten this rejuvenated kitchen.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The kitchen flows into this elegant dining space. The blue hues from the kitchen repeat here, thanks to a gorgeous Sisal wallpaper from Schumacher. The texture and color add to the richness of this space. The ceiling was painted in an Alabaster semi-gloss with matching crown molding. The floor trim was installed and painted in Stonybrook from Benjamin Moore, an unexpected detail that adds to the elegance of the room.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The dining room opens up to this beautiful living space. We can’t take much credit for this room, beyond some paint and crown molding, but we wanted you to see the new flow of this home, made possible both through the kitchen reconfiguration and the home owner’s sense of style. If she ever decides to open up her own design business, we want you to remember that you learned about her from us!

---

The front of the house came together so beautifully that we all just kept on going. The project was small enough that only one or two (socially distanced) team members were ever on site at a time. Quarantine has added on some delays to product sourcing, but luck was on our side when it came to ordering. So we kept on going. There’s more to come and you won’t want to miss how this whole home remodel came together.

In the meantime, if you’re inspired to start renovating your own home, send us a message today. Many suppliers are still experiencing product delays from the shut down this spring, so extra advance planning is necessary to keep projects moving smoothly. We’ll walk you through the process, every step of the way.

There’s no place like home. We’d agree. But after spending the past few months, you might start to notice all of the opportunities for improvement in your dwelling. And while you might not be ready to have an entire team come into your home to start a major renovation project, like a kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation, that doesn’t mean that it’s not the time to start a new home improvement project. In fact, now is a great time to get started on a plan for your next home remodeling project. There’s so much that you can do to get started before you call in the professional builders and home contractors, like us.

Get Inspired.

As you’ve stayed home, you might have decided that you’re ready for a refresh. There’s a world full of ideas right at your fingertips. Get on Pinterest. Start a board and start saving pictures of spaces that you like. Seeing finished spaces will help you identify your style. Do you like stained wood or painted? Traditional tile or something that makes a statement? Neutral wall color or something cheerful and bright? Once it comes time to make selections, it can be overwhelming to look at all the options that are out there for everything from lighting fixtures to cabinetry hardware. Knowing what makes you tick is going to make this entire process a lot easier. Even if you use a design professional to help guide you through the process, you’ll likely be a lot happier with the end result when you can point to specific elements that you know that you like.

Not a Pinterest fan? There are tons of other websites just full of inspiration. We like Houzz and Decor Pad as well. There are so many home design and decor bloggers as well that will help fill your head with ideas. You can check out some of our favorites like Emily Henderson, McGee & Co and even a video blog like Quintessence, which highlights the homes of interior designers all over the world. There are plenty of magazines out there, of course, but if you’re like all of us, you probably have a lot of catalogs coming through the mail each day. Leaf through those Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Ballard Designs and Grandin Road. Sure you can use these resources to furnish your home, but they also provide plenty of design tips and inspiration through their photos of staged rooms. So look at those catalogs before you recycle them!

Understand Your Priorities.

While your brain might be telling you it is time for a whole home remodel, your wallet may be telling you to pump the brakes. The cost of a home improvement project can quickly add up, so it’s a good idea to understand your motivation before starting any type of remodel. For example, you might want to prioritize a kitchen that has a non-working appliance or two or a room that may have an issue like water damage over a bathroom with outdated fixtures. The time you intend to spend in your home may also be a factor. If a move within the next five years is in your future, do you really want to manage a major kitchen renovation, when a quick refresh by changing out hardware or maybe swapping out an appliance will do? By understanding your priorities, it will also help you understand where to focus your time, energy and bank account first.

Identify Your Budget.

Do you have champagne taste and a beer budget? Join the club. Even simple projects can cost more than the average homeowner might think and when budget planning, it is important to have some set aside to cover the unexpected costs. You’ve seen those home improvement shows on HGTV where a project quickly has to be reprioritized when a family of raccoons is found nesting in attic installation or a long undiscovered leak in a bathroom has done major damage to the home. Renovation projects can be filled with surprises, so it’s important to be prepared financially. However, a limited budget doesn’t mean that a home remodel is out of the question. There are ways to scale a project to fit almost every budget. It just means that you might not be able to have it all or may have to make some compromises with materials in order to get the look you want. It may be that you can plan a project that unfolds in phase over the years, like new appliances one year and new countertops and lighting fixtures the next. Understand how much money you are willing to invest in your home first, while will help you plan both the size and scope of your project.

Line Up The Professionals.

A lot of the planning that goes into a home remodel can be done with minimal in-person contact. Almost every project can benefit from a partnership with an architect, who can make suggestions for possible layout and structural changes to your home. Brainstorming and initial budget discussions can take place over the phone. The same goes with an interior design professional, who might be able to help you with the selection of finishes. A home builder and renovation contractor, like The English Contractor, can help you put together ballpark estimates for a project. If you already have architectural plans for your project, our team can even start our more detailed estimates to help nail down the size, scope and cost of your renovation. Our estimates are very detailed and can take a few weeks to put together. If you get us started now, we’ll be ready to go once everyone is back up and running.

Although in some ways the world seemed to stop for a bit as we all managed through the COVID health crises, almost everyone we’ve spoken with has seen an uptick in what’s going inside the four walls of their home base. We’ve seen the lines at Home Depot ourselves and know that so many of you are anxious to spruce up your home. If your home project expands beyond your own DIY capabilities or interests, we’re here to help. We’re happy to help get you started with a quick phone consultation. Give us a call today.

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, you have more to think about than new appliances and countertops. You need to plan for several months living through a renovation. If you decide to stay at home during your renovation, you’ll need to think about daily life without a kitchen. Keep on reading for some tips on managing daily life during a kitchen renovation.

• Check That Calendar.

  Most kitchen remodels take about 12 weeks, although sometimes that timeline can be condensed or expanded based on the extent of your remodel or any underlying issues that are uncovered during demolition. You might want to time your remodel for a time that fits into your family’s schedule, keeping in mind holidays, celebrations and plans for entertaining. One of our customers planned a kitchen renovation during soccer season, knowing that her family spends a lot of time eating on the go and traveling for tournaments, making it a little less painless to go without a kitchen for a few months.

• Purge, Baby, Purge.

  Before a kitchen renovation can begin, those cabinets have to be emptied. Invest in some clear, plastic containers as you clean out your kitchen, so you can see exactly what you’re stashing away. Be sure to label, too, so you can easily locate any items you might need to unpack during your renovation. This step, while time consuming, will help when it’s time to load everything back into your kitchen, following the remodel. Think of it as your first step in organizing your new kitchen.

• Set Up A Temporary Kitchen.

  No matter what, you’ll need some type of temporary kitchen during your remodel. A coffee pot is enough for some of our clients. Others use a small microwave and hotplate. Still others get more creative, making use of their Air Fryer and InstaPot. Many of our customers rely on paper plates and disposable cutlery to make clean up easy. A dishpan is helpful to collect dirty dishes, since you may have to transport them into another room to get them washed.

• Make Your Plan B.

  Come up with an overall meal plan for how you’re going to prepare meals without a kitchen. With a new Whole Foods opened in Kenwood, Cincinnati, many of our clients are making use of their prepared meals, along with those from nearby Fresh Market or Trader Joes. A quick zap in the microwave, and you’re good to go. Another option are prepared take out meals, with The Wheel, Daveeds Culinary and La Soupe offering some great meals here in here Cincinnati. But bringing prepared meals in is not your only option. Going out to dinner will seem like a very special treat, so make the most of it.

  You might find that you miss cooking after a while. See if you can enlist a friend to help. You do the cooking and cleanup in their kitchen both your family and theirs. Win win!

  If you’re a lover a kitchen gadgets, now’s a time when you’re Air Fryer and InstaPot are going to shine. Both of these small appliances have some great utility in these situations and are real powerhouses in preparing great meals without a lot of space. If weather permits, commit to the grill. Every night can be a cookout during a kitchen reno.

• Dream!

  At times, a kitchen remodel may seem to drag on forever. But it’s only temporary. Take a deep breath, close your eyes and take a minute to dream of your new space. Before you know it, you’ll be back to your regular life, this time in a sparkling new kitchen.

Are you ready to take the next step in your kitchen remodel?

Here’s a home that now checks all of the boxes, inside and out. Chef’s kitchen with ample storage, an enviable mudroom, a sunroom outdoor living, not to mention new siding, windows and doors. The list goes on and on, including phase two of our project, which includes a grand master bathroom renovation.  And that’s before we even get to the brand new garage. The coup de grace. The icing on the cake. The feature that made us feel so especially lucky that we got to be the home builders who got to bring it all together.  These homeowners are really happy with their new space. But you know who else is happy—we are because this space takes our portfolio to the next level.

 Let’s start outside and then work out way in. (We’re saving the garage for last, so keep reading!) This Hyde Park home got quite the facelift, as well as a spacious new addition. It went from white to grey with siding from LP Siding, for renewed curb appeal in an instant. Our partners at Marvin provided the new windows and doors from their Marvin Essentials line. The good bones of this house really shine through with new windows and siding—all the character and none of the “old house” maintenance. A stroll around to the back of the house reveals a new, low-maintenance, IPE deck. The stone accents, provided by Semco Outdoor, and the deck railing, from EADS Fence Company, makes this outdoor space seem more like a roomy extension of the house than a run-of-the-mill deck. The steps of the deck lead to a new patio, perfect for grilling and dinner al fresco.

But be careful when you walk through the Marvin Essentials doors. You’re going to have house envy. The new deck leads to a brand, new kitchen. And it is a stunner to say the least. Custom cabinets, finished in a crisp, clean, white, reveal tons of organized storage, with pull out drawers and an appliance garage. The central island is painted with a custom Sherwin Williams grey, which makes the apron front farmhouse sink from Kohler really stand out. 

Glass-paneled upper cabinetry flanks the impressive ventilation hood, for a modern farm house look. The commercial-look range is from Thermador, as well as the paneled dishwasher, which beautifully blends into the cabinetry. The granite countertop from Ohio Valley Stone ties the grey of the center island and the white of the surrounding cabinetry together perfectly. 

A special nook in the kitchen can become a bar for entertaining—just add an ice bucket! The undercounter beverage refrigerator from Thermador is nestled in this corner next to a pull-out cabinet, which houses libations now, but could also store glass drinkware or serving pieces. The lighted cabinet above makes this corner is a great detail, making it a focal point during parties or special occasions. 

 From the kitchen, the layout of this addition flows into a cozy, light-filled sunroom. Serving as a connector to outdoor living or family space, this kitchen now truly is the heart of the home. If you can pull your eyes off the kitchen long enough, check out the room’s vaulted ceiling with exposed beams. We love adding these types of custom detail to our homes.

 People always say that a kitchen is what makes a house a home, but we all secretly know that it’s really the mudroom, right? With a spare refrigerator, washer and dryer and plenty of cabinetry that complement the kitchen, this room really keeps this house in business. The secret here is that this room used to be the kitchen. We modified the homeowner’s existing cabinetry to continue the look and feel of the kitchen. The additions of new countertops, a sink, cubbies and a built-in desk make this room a real workhorse. 

Pretty much a dream house, right? 

And we haven’t even gotten to the garage yet.

The English Contractor team built this new structure from the ground up. It’s a 3-car garage that actually can fit 6 cars. How can that be? Magic? 

It’s magic, all right. The magic of car lifts. Just when you thought the garage space couldn’t get any better, take a look at the epoxy floors, courtesy of American Sealing Experts.

The lush landscaping so beautifully accentuates the details of this home. We wish we could take credit for that, but this homeowner is a talented landscape architect—and it shows. New home amenities with real character.

 It may look finished, but we’re still working away on this home. It could be that these clients love us enough that they never want us to leave. Or it could be that this house has such a special place in our hearts that we’ll keep taking new projects. Either way, this project continues. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better.

Are you ready to turn your house into your dream home?

It’s not like what you see on TV, where a glamorous host seems to magically transform a house before your eyes. It takes several weeks or even months, depending on the size of your project. And it takes blood, sweat, tears and lots of dust. Of course, with a little bit of preparation, those tears can be tears of joy once you see your newly renovated home. We manage home remodels of all different sizes, from whole home renovations to projects that stay in just one room, most commonly a kitchen or bathroom. We’ve also lived through these renovations in our own homes. A whole home remodel typically means that you’ll need to temporarily relocate. But plenty of our clients stay in their homes during a renovation. We’ve gathered our best tips of what you can do to live through a home remodel while keeping your sanity.

1.     Prepare, Prepare, Prepare.

Embarking on a home renovation project is exciting! You’ll start imagining yourself cooking in your new kitchen or putting your feet up in front of the fireplace of your new home addition. You’ll want to drop off that deposit check and have us start demo right away. But not so fast. The planning and preparation can take several weeks or months while we source your products and start placing orders. In stock tile or fixtures can be at your front door within a few weeks. But something custom made or in a specialty finish can take over 8 weeks. The last thing we want to do is to demo your kitchen and then have you live amongst the rubble for weeks with nothing to show for it. We’ll work with you to determine all we need to order for your new space. You can help keep the process moving by approving selections and costs as we give them to you. We don’t like to do demo until we have everything we need to put it all back together. This part can seem like an eternity, but trust us when we say it is worth the wait and will save time in the long run.

A renovation project can seem like hurry up and wait. You’ll have a flurry of activity at your house, only to then have weeks where nothing seems to happen. In a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel, demolition will take a few days. You’ll hear lots of noise and see lots of dust. But then, it’s going to be quiet for a while as our plumbers rough in plumbing and our electricians do their thing. This behind-the-scenes effort takes some time.  Sometimes, their work is not immediately evident either. But it is an important part of making your new space functional and safe. After plumbing and electric, your room will start to come together again, as you see tile, cabinetry, faucets, appliances and more. The space will start to look like the kitchen or bathroom that you have dreamed of. Understanding the basic timeline will help you see the progress over time.

 Of course, a schedule is not set in stone. When you’re undertaking a large renovation, you never know what is lurking behind your walls. Sometimes, we find electrical, plumbing or structural issues that need to be addressed before the project can go on. 

2.     Know the Schedule.

A renovation project can seem like hurry up and wait. You’ll have a flurry of activity at your house, only to then have weeks where nothing seems to happen. In a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel, demolition will take a few days. You’ll hear lots of noise and see lots of dust. But then, it’s going to be quiet for a while as our plumbers rough in plumbing and our electricians do their thing. This behind-the-scenes effort takes some time.  Sometimes, their work is not immediately evident either. But it is an important part of making your new space functional and safe. After plumbing and electric, your room will start to come together again, as you see tile, cabinetry, faucets, appliances and more. The space will start to look like the kitchen or bathroom that you have dreamed of. Understanding the basic timeline will help you see the progress over time.

 Of course, a schedule is not set in stone. When you’re undertaking a large renovation, you never know what is lurking behind your walls. Sometimes, we find electrical, plumbing or structural issues that need to be addressed before the project can go on. 

3.     Drop It Like Its Hot.

Drop those drop clothes all over the place. Renovation is a messy job. Or crew is meticulous, but dust and dirt is inevitable. We’ll seal up the room where we are working as much as we can. Plus, we clean up before we leave each day. Protect your belongings by packing up what you can and covering up larger furniture items in adjacent rooms. If you decide to stay in your home during renovation, pick a place where you can cook, eat and just relax that is far from the demo debris. Many of our clients do stay put during construction, but some find temporary housing elsewhere. 

4.     Channel Your Inner Marie Kondo.

If you’re clearing out a room to make space for renovation, use this time to declutter and organize. Are you surprised by the number of boxes you’re packing up as you’re clearing out your kitchen? Before you pack it away  (only to unpack it a few months later), take stock of the appliances and cooking tools that you’re holding on to. You’ll love your new space that much more if it is organized off the bat.

 5.     Don’t Demo What You Can Donate.

Talk to your contactor about what can be reused or repurposed. So many of our clients want to minimize the environmental impact of their renovation and do some good for their community. In the Cincinnati area, we work with Restore to come and pick up cabinetry, appliances, and plumbing fixtures to be sold in their second-hand store, proceeds of which benefit Habitat for Humanity. Check your own community or Habitat for Humanity website to see what is available in your area. Many of our clients find the process of donating their old appliances and cabinetry therapeutic. 

6.     Keep Talking.

Start with a preconstruction meeting before anyone starts swinging a hammer. Make sure you are on the same page as your contractor.  Our clients receive a weekly email, so that they have the big picture week by week of what is next in the construction process. Before a major milestone, we’ll schedule face to face meetings as well. And we’re always just a text or phone call away. 

Above all, before you start the process, make sure you have a contractor you like and trust. After all, for a major home renovation, a contractor could be in your home for weeks or months—or longer. Our goal is to have you miss us when we’re gone!

Are you ready to get started?

Give us a call and we’ll work with you to put together a plan.

You may have fallen in love with the whimsical bathroom that we just shared, a beautiful melding of modern aesthetic with the historic bones of an older home. We loved working on this project, in part, because it was such a fun challenge. But we have a special place in our heart for these homeowners, who called us back into work on this space a year after we completed another project for them: an outdoor room.

This project began as a concrete slab. And while that makes a fine place for holding a barbeque grill and maybe a table and some chairs, at the end of the day, it’s just a concrete slab. These homeowners wanted to extend their living space and transform it into an outdoor room, complete with all of the comforts of the indoors. 

A roof both adds protection from the elements, but also makes this space look like a natural extension of the house. To us, that’s a barometer of a project well done—one that, once it is complete, you can’t imagine what the house looked like without it. 

 But it wasn’t enough to add just a roof and screens. The tile flooring is both durable and stylish. A gas fireplace with wall mounted television above it gives another taste of the indoors. 

The grill still has a place in this space, with an inviting table nearby. Add some good friends and you have an instant party, all in one space.

See more of this beautiful space and hear more about the specifics of this project from The English Contractor himself, Craig Russell. 

Do you have an outdoor space that could use some attention? Are you imagining an outdoor room all your own? Give us a call today.

“You may think that spring showers bring May flowers. But in this case, spring showers brought us very happy homeowners.”

Don’t you love those beautiful spring mornings? The ones where you wake up to beautiful sunshine. Flowers are in bloom. The birds are singing. The kind of morning where you just can’t wait to leap out of bed and greet the day? 

 For some lucky homeowners, with a creative vision all their own, that’s every morning, every season of the year.

 The English Contractor was contacted by these Milford homeowners to remodel their bathroom, after we’d successfully worked with them to create an outdoor room, that you can see here. Of course, one of our most frequent requests is to help refresh and renew a bathroom. But this one was special and our task was specific: remodel this bathroom to make it modern and new while paying homage to the legacy of their historic home. 

 If you’ve ever lived in a historic home, you know you are much more than a homeowner. You are a steward of a domicile that was home to many families before you. And, thanks to your caretaking, will likely hold many other families under its roof for decades to come. A house like this has a personality, even a spirit, all its own. Your job is to keep this home a representation of the time period in which it was built, while gently and carefully welcoming the modern era in. 

 We wax poetic, but it’s true. 

 Take a look at these photos and see for yourself. This free-standing soaker tub with elegant claw feet is reminiscent of another era. The original home likely had a bathtub just like this. It makes a statement. It screams personality, acting as a piece of furniture in this perfect nook. The deck mounted faucet with cross hatch handles screams vintage, while at the same time gleaming shiny and new. Both the bathtub and the faucet are from our friends at Signature Hardware.

 We’re so in love with the tile floor from Ann Sacks, a chevron pattern given a new look with an elegant curve from the Benton Mosaic collection. The shades of gray add some interest to the area and are a beautiful, modern juxtaposition against the stately, vintage-look bathtub.   

 But let’s talk about that shower. The subway tile here, with grey grout, adds a nice, neutral backdrop for the rest of the space. Three recessed shelves add plenty of storage. It’s the brass shower fixtures that really makes this space sing. We love it when the most functional item is also beautifully decorative.

And when we say sing, we mean sing like the birds on that cheerful wallpaper. Talk about bringing the outside in. So many of our homeowners have embraced the “everything old is new again” wallpaper trend. We particularly like this one, selected by these clients. It’s so cheerful and happy, a modernized toile that once again takes a vintage space and makes it more current, with a slight nod to the home’s heritage. The stained-glass window is the icing on the cake, letting in plenty of natural light while beautifully reflecting the design of this space, both inside and out.

This sweet pedestal sink is just so perfect for this space, with the brass faucet with cross hatch handles reflecting this mix of new and old, both from Kohler. The white chair rail and detailed paneling lend a crisp and clean feel to the space. And isn’t that just how a new bathroom should feel.

Is your bathroom ready for a transformation? We’d love to tell you more about this project, as well as some of our other recent bathroom remodels that you can preview here and here. Give us a call. We’d love to show off our latest work—and talk about how we can help you.

When touring the HGTV home, many people ask us specifics about the finishes and furniture. From working on the project from the beginning to end, we can answer a lot of these questions. When it comes to the nuts and bolts of the HGTV Urban Oasis home, we can take a lot of credit for the craftsmanship of the project. But our job was really to bring the vision of the designer, Brian Patrick Flynn, to life.  And while our project managers receiving training from all different suppliers—from Subzero, Wolf and Cove to Marvin Windows—and have exquisite taste to match, our job is to our job is to listen carefully and lend our expertise to give structure to a designer’s or home owner’s plans. 

That’s the beauty of working on a team of contractor, architect and designer. All of us have the goal of ultimately making the homeowner’s dream come true. As contractors who specialize in high end home renovations, we are constantly exposed to best practices in kitchen and bathroom finishes. We can make recommendations on a counter surface—marble, granite, soapstone, or butcher block—depending on your kitchen use. We’re up to date on the latest technology in the loo—from electronically controlled showers to touchless toilets. By attending trade shows and training, we know what’s coming down the pike. So it’s not all about swinging a hammer. We can certainly work with you and your designer to help you build your dream home—from the studs down to the paint.

Are you ready to tackle a major renovation? The team at The English Contractor is here and ready to help. Let’s connect to discuss your plans. We’d love to be part of your dream team to make the magic happen.

We’ve discussed that the role that each partner plays in a home renovation or custom build. But what if you have a smaller project, like updating a bathroom or renovating a kitchen? How do you know who to call to help with your project? There are many projects that only require a builder or a contractor, like The English Contractor. There are plenty of times, though, when it makes sense to call in the additional professionals, like an architect or an interior designer. Here in the Cincinnati area, there are so many talented professionals. We are here to help you navigate your home renovation projects and are happy to make recommendations when additional partners are needed to manage your new build, addition or renovation.

Do you. . . 

• Know what you want to accomplish?

• Want to update your existing finishes and maybe replace some cabinetry and appliances? 

• Feel confident in selecting finishes, hardware, appliances and more? 

• Generally, want to keep the structure and function of the room the same? 

• Have a general idea of budget and timing? 

• Just want to add bespoke detail to an existing room or structure?

• Have a home problem that you’re trying to solve? 

Then give us a call! We’re a perfect first call to make when you start thinking about a home renovation project. We have a keen eye for design and detail, yet we know when to call in additional professionals.

Do you. . . 

• Want to make a major layout change, like moving the location of a kitchen? 

• Have an idea for a project that may involve moving gas and plumbing lines?

• Want to make major structural changes to your home, like changing the footprint, height of ceilings or grade of the property?

• Own a landmark or historic home?

Then it may be time to call in an architect. An architect can help you identify your approach, solidify an initial budget and create thorough drawings to help your contractor both price out, manage build your project. Do you need a recommendation for an Cincinnati-based architect? Give us a call!

Do you. . . 

• Need help selecting finishes? 

• Want help in planning the functionality and layout of a room? 

• Want to make small tweaks to your layout? 

• Want a professional to help you with interior design? 

You may want to add a designer to the mix. They can help guide you, along with your contractor, in the final finishing touches for your project. We’re happy to help you find a great interior designer to work along side us as we begin your remodel.

Depending on the size, scope and scale of your project, the perfect mix may very well be an architect, contractor and designer. But there’s more to the process than a simple check list. Let us understand your project more and we’ll point you in the right direction. Give us a call and lets get started!

It is time to refresh your master bathroom? Is your hall bathroom looking a little dated? Does your powder room need a little love? It may be time to talk to The English Contractor about a bathroom remodel.  According to Zillow, a bathroom remodel can add to overall value of a home. Just replacing the fixtures, toilet and upgrading the vanity can result in a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1.00 spent on the project. Even if you have no immediate plans to move, an updated bathroom can improve utility bills with more water-efficient shower heads, faucets and toilets, can add more space for organization and can just make you feel good by incorporating some up-to-date style into your space. Before you start dreaming about a new bathroom, here are some considerations to keep in mind.

What’s Your Motivation?

There are many reasons why a homeowner starts to plan remodeling a bathroom. Are you planning a move? Does the space need to be more functional? Are you hoping to make your space bigger? Are there accessibility issues that must be addressed for those with limited mobility? Or is it just time for a change? These are questions that can help guide your selections and the scope of the project. If you’re planning a quick remodel as part of the process to prepare your home for sale, you might just want to consider quickly switching out more decorative items. Adding square footage to your space might require moving around plumbing, which will require more time and money. Share your overall plans for your lifestyle and the home with us and The English Contractor project management team can help guide you through the process. 

Beer Budget, Champagne Taste?

The English Contractor team always suggests starting with a budget number in mind. Even in a small space, all the choices you need to make can quickly add up. We suggest looking back to your overall goals to help you set your budget and prioritize the space. If improved organization is your goal, you might want to consider spending more to add in a closet or a new spacious vanity. Is the overall aesthetic driving your overhaul? Then maybe your splurge is in the details, like upgraded tile or stylish new hardware. Are you trying to enlarge or move the space? You may need to save budget money for some of the behind-the-scenes work, like moving plumbing. Renovating a bathroom is not an inexpensive proposition, but The English Contractor team will work with you to help you make sure you’re spending your money wisely. 

You’ve Got Style.

No matter your motivation for a bathroom remodel, you need to take your own personal style into account. Bathrooms are no different than any other room in your home and you’ll have lots of different elements to think about that will add to your overall aesthetic. This is a time to start thinking about colors. Do you go for a spa like neutral or a bold pop of color? Are you looking for industrial chic or modern farmhouse? Choices of vanity, shower, tub, tile and even mirrors and towel racks are décor elements as much as they are functional pieces of your bath.

New Additions.

There are lots of trends to take to consider when remodeling a bathroom. Frameless showers doors, hidden drains, exposed shower plumbing, threshold free showers and freestanding are all new trends in bathroom design. Do you want to incorporate any of these concepts into your space? Time to start browsing pictures to see which new trends match your overall aesthetic and plans for the space. 

Form and Function.

Take a look at how you’re currently using the space. Does your bathtub go unused? Maybe it’s time for a bathroom renovation that deletes the tub and includes an oversized shower. Are you feeling crowded in the morning? Maybe it’s time to consider a double vanity? Do you have stuff everywhere? How about included more storage in your newly designed space? Is this a place for kids? Let’s take a look at some indestructible options. Are you constantly tripping over piles of dirty clothes? How about included space for a laundry hamper? Let us know about any current issues with your space and we can help you solve them!

What’s Next?

The English Contractor is here to help you create a space that is both useful and beautiful. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from aesthetic appeal to functionality. A bathroom remodel is a big undertaking and requires a big investment of both time and money. Our expertise will guide you through the process, leaving you with a space that you will love. Do you need inspiration? Visit our Pinterest page to see some of our latest projects. Ready to get the process started? Drop us a line today!

In home building and interior design, bathrooms used to be after thoughts. Necessary, but not showcased. Minimally functional, but not beautiful. But times have changed. Bathrooms have style! Here’s a place to let your design style shine. Essential considerations like layout, lighting, functionality and other aesthetic elements can result in a beautiful space that is both attractive and useful. This year, we’ve been lucky enough to take on several different bathroom remodels, which means we’ve seen a lot of the latest trends that homeowners are embracing in a bathroom remodel. If you’re considering a bathroom remodel this year, you’ll want to read on to see some of these details.

Neutrality

Lots of homeowners are drawn to a neutral palette because of its staying power. The look of a neutral bathroom can totally change with paint, towels or artwork, accessories and décor elements that can easily be swapped to give the space a seasonal or refreshed look.

Catch the subway.

The subway tile trend is here to stay. We love it for its affordability and the stylish impact it can make. The change of grout color totally changes the look. These four bathrooms recently renovated by The English Contractor couldn’t be any more different, yet each makes use of subway tile in a way that makes a big impact in each space.

Natural wood.

We love the look of natural wood in a bathroom. It takes some colder materials, like tile, ceramic, and metal, and makes them seem warmer, sometimes even spa-like. Wood doesn’t have to be rustic. It can still be used in a modern and elegant space. Natural wood also becomes like a pop of color in an all white bathroom, adding texture and visual interest. In each of these bathrooms, the wood became a real focal point, a beautiful and natural element that made each of these spaces come to life.

In the tub.

According to a 2018 Houzz survey, 80% of homeowners planning a bathroom remodel planned to upgrade their tub, with nearly 70% planning a soaking tub. We’ve seen this trend too. A stand-alone tub can make quite a statement. Our clients are loving them for their function and their aesthetic. There are a range of styles and colors for freestanding tubs that are a design element as much as they are a special touch of luxury for a newly renovated bathroom.

Pop of color.

As much as we love the trend of neutral bathrooms, we also enjoy a pop of color. We think you can expect to see more color coming into the bathroom space, with blues and greens staying really popular. This cheerful powder room, featured in the HGTV Urban Oasis 2018, gave new meaning to the term pop of color with yellow painted woodwork and statement wallpaper, yet another trend that homeowners are really loving right now.

Technology for the Throne.

Are you a technology junkie? Bathrooms aren’t technology-free zones any more. Heated floors and heated towel racks are popular options. And technology-enabled shower, like the one pictured here from the HGTV Urban Oasis 2018, have control panels to easily adjust water flow, multiple jets, and temperature for a spa-like experience in your own home.. The possibilities are endless. 

Going Green.

You can follow a trend and save money. Water saving showers are an easy addition to any bathroom remodel and can save you money on your water bill in the long run. Dual-flush toilets are another option. The water flow can be adjusted for each flush to save money and benefit the environment. This hall bathroom features a touchless toilet that flushes with the wave of a hand. A subtle glow lights the way for middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.

Tile Trends.

Of course, there’s more to tile than the subway tile workhorse. We’re seeing lots of shapes, textures, colors that add tons of design appeal to a bathroom. It’s not just color and shape—placement says everything. We love a tile accent and tiled bathroom walls. In this HGTV Urban Oasis 2018 hall bathroom, the tile around the vanity and walls has looks like wallpaper, but it’s really a durable and beautiful tile.

Let’s Get Started.

Do these images have you dreaming of renovating your bathroom? Visit our Pinterest page to explore more of our favorite bathroom renovation projects. Or drop us a line and let’s get started!

This hall bathroom has been totally transformed. Take a look at these pictures and you’ll be sure to agree that neutrals and subtle details can really pack a punch.  Talk about the art of subtlety! 

We love how all of the neutral colors combine to create a relaxing and stunning space. This hallway bathroom contains a free-standing tub, a glass-enclosed stall shower and a one bowl sink with vanity. The shape of the floor tile, texture of the wood vanity and richness of the bronze fixtures really have a big impact.

This vanity, sink bowl, countertop and mirror, all purchased from Signature Hardware, lend a spa-like feel to this space. 

The soaking tub really makes this bathroom special. This tub, which is already something special, is taken to the next level with fixtures from the Trinsic Collection from Delta, all in Venetian Bronze.

Venetian Bronze plumbing fixtures make another appearance in this stall shower. Our partners at GlassWerkes provided the shower glass. 

Although it is so simple, the floor tile really makes a statement. Hamilton Parker provided the Rewind Peltro 8” x 8” hexagon tile in grey.

Two wrongs don’t make a right, but two neutrals really make an impact. We love the contrast of the grey hexagon floor tile with the white ice bright subway tile, both purchased from Hamilton Parker. 

The dark shower floor tile adds more drama to this space. You can find this tile, the Landmark Ceramics Shape Ancient Dark Mosiac, at Hamilton Parker. This smaller hexagon shape perfectly complements the larger floor tile. 

---

Interested in learning how we can transform the bathroom in your home? Contact us today to meet with one of our project managers. We’ll walk you through the steps to take your space from drab to dramatic.