Inspired Remodels, Author at Inspired Remodels

Grey is the New White for this Renovation Contractor

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

When renovating, updating, or remodeling your home you walk a fine line between picking a palate and style that is current and fresh yet will have timeless appeal. A professional renovation contractor that also provides design services can help you navigate dangerous waters. Inspired Remodels, an Orange County renovation contractor explains why they think grey is the new white for remodeling with current style and lasting appeal.

Grey is Calming

Gray, grey, gris: it doesn’t matter what you call it; grey is a calming color. The first hints of grey in home design started to show up a few years ago. What started as a trend for neutral wall coloring spread to accent pieces, furniture, trim and then on to flooring and countertops. These days even cabinets are being painted grey.

In a world of conflict and chaos, grey stands as the perfect balance between black and white. It doesn’t take sides. The closer you move to black the bolder is gets. The closer it shifts to white the brighter it gets. No matter the shade, grey remains neutral and calming.

Grey is never in your face. Grey is always ready, willing, and able to play a secondary role in your design. Grey doesn’t ask to take the lead; it asks to be the supporting role.

Grey Sets the Stage

Renovation contractors in the know, know that grey is powerful for providing a lasting backdrop. For example, in this bathroom remodel the grey counter top blends into the background allowing the focus to be on the cabinets.

renovation contractor uses grey counter top inn bathroom for timeless look

Grey Vanity Top is Timeless

This bathroom can easily and affordably be updated in the future by painting walls, cabinets, or just adding different colored towels or accent items. The grey allows you to “see” the other colors. Take a look at this kitchen.

renovation contractor uses grey back splash in kitchen for neutrality

Grey in Kitchen Makes Cabinets the Focal Point

If your kitchen is getting a face-lift, talk to the renovation contractor about using grey as part of the design. Kitchen remodels can incorporate grey in the counter tops, backsplashes, or floors. This kitchen uses grey for the counter top and backsplash. Any color appliance will go with this counter and backsplash and the kitchen can be easily updated by painting the cabinets.

Grey In Any Room

Grey can be easily incorporated into any room. Darker greys can provide contrast with lighter colors to make a commanding statement. For example, take a look at the use of grey in this room. The darker grey actually draws the eye to the architectural detail on the mantle and surround of the fireplace. Other more “traditional” colors would not achieve this same effect.

Grey Provides Contrast and Ties Elements Together

Grey not only contrasts with the white paint it also ties the trim and floor colors together. It doesn’t compete with the other colors, it complements it. Walls and trim can be changed with trends, but the grey will always be in fashion.

Get a Renovation Contractor and Design Specialist All in One

When hiring a renovation contractor for your kitchen, bath, or whole house re-do you need someone that understands design as well as construction. Inspired Remodels has been helping property owners in Orange County to achieve their dreams in home improvement for years. As a design build renovation contractor, Inspired Remodels will work with you to come up with a design and palette that fits your lifestyle and will provide years of enjoyment. From the initial design to the final clean-up, Inspired Remodels will be with you every step of the way. If you want a renovation contractor that also understands design, current trends, and what will last and what will not, choose Inspired Remodels.

When work begins, you will be assigned a project manager to be the main point of contact. We know that kitchen and bathroom renovation can be stressful and we want it to be as painless as possible. Inspired Remodels will handle all of the plumbing, electrical, and construction trades involved with your project.

Whether you want grey to be your new white or are inspired to make changes in your home, call Inspired Remodels at (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us online for a consultation.

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Tips

Looking to give your kitchen or bathroom a facelift? If you are planning on updating your home, here are a few kitchen and bath remodeling tips to get the best results.

Light walls and reflective surfaces make room appear larger

Make the Room Feel Larger

We all like the feel of unlimited space when indoors. Maximize the space in even the smallest of rooms when you put color and light to work for you.

Light Colors. Make the kitchen or bath feel bigger without adding square footage when you use light colors. Any room feels bigger with light colors on the walls. It doesn’t matter whether you use paint, tile or wood; if it’s on the walls make it light.

Light finishes on the cabinets will also make a room feel larger. Light, bright, and smooth all give the illusion of space that really isn’t there.

Reflective Surfaces. Strategically place mirrors to add the appearance of space. Don’t forget that any reflective surface acts like a mirror. This means high gloss finishes on cabinets, floors, and shower walls, will make a room look bigger.

use LEDs in kitchen and bathroom remodel to save money

LEDs light the way

Go Green with LEDs

Lighting is an important part of any room. It’s especially important in the kitchen and bathroom. Whether you are considering recessed can-style lights, under cabinet lights, or interior cabinet lighting you should incorporate LED lighting where possible.

LEDs are small, so they are perfect for tiny spaces. They also emit very little heat. This is particularly important for installations inside cabinets. The use much less energy to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb. The cost more initially, but you will recoup your money in savings over the life of the bulb; and LEDs have a long life. You can expect LEDs to last anywhere from 25,000 to 100,000 hours. On the low side that means you could leave the light on for 2 years and it still wouldn’t burn out!

Keep in Mind Resale Potential

You may plan to live in your home for many, many years but plans can change. A change in jobs, marital status or health may require a move. The more “unique” you make your kitchen and bath remodel, the harder it will be to sell your home. What appeals to you may not appeal to future potential buyers. An experienced kitchen and bath remodeling pro knows what unique touches are popular with others and can help you strike just the right balance.

Don’t Do it Yourself

Speaking of using a professional remodeler, make sure you do! A kitchen or bathroom remodeling project is not the same as remodeling the bedroom or dining room. Plumbing is involved and you also need to think of the practical logistics of using the room. Use an experienced professional. Pick someone who understands your style and taste. Make sure they are qualified professionals who are licensed and insured.

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling with a Design Build Firm

There are definite advantages to using the services of a design build firm on kitchen and bath remodeling projects. These type of projects involved several skilled trades and these services must be closely coordinated. A design build firm like Inspired Remodels will give you a realistic schedule for completion of the work. They have resources and connections that are invaluable if there are problems with materials or unforeseen issues arise. They handle all the plumbing and electrical subcontracting and can keep the project on time and on budget. They can do the legwork to reduce the stress involved with remodeling.

Call Inspired Remodels at (949) 716-1938 or use the handy on-line Contact Us form to set an appointment for a consultation. A new kitchen or bathroom doesn’t need to be a dream. Inspired Remodels can turn your dream into reality.

local bathroom remodeling contractors (Orange County) after photo with seamless glass shower, white soaking tub, dual mirrors, and 3 contrasting tile patterns

Shower Remodeling Inspiration for 2025

By Inspired Remodels / Bathroom Remodel / Comments Off

This article was originally published on August 12, 2016. It has been updated to reflect current shower remodeling trends.

In Orange County, bathroom remodeling often includes a complete shower makeover. Once novel additions, benches and niches now come standard. Frameless glass, hexagon tile, and lighted mirrors feature prominently these days. Whether you are remodeling the entire bathroom or just looking to update the bathing facilities, here are some shower remodeling ideas to inspire you.

Popular Shower Remodeling Styles

Glass galore! Orange County shower remodeling projects include loads of glass in 2025. Frameless glass makes showers and rooms look larger.

With the rise in popularity of separate soaking tubs, frameless glass showers allow the shower and tub areas to blend seamlessly.

Some showers include two heads but no door!

This Roman shower keeps the spray from the two shower heads contained without the use of additional glass for a door. This shower remodel creates a space that is easier to maintain while providing a classic look. Make sure your shower remodeling project considers maintenance!

Shower Hardware

The selection of shower hardware does more than just deliver water for cleaning. It contributes to the spa experience. Multiple shower heads, additional shower jets, and handheld showerheads offer a car wash-like experience when showering!

Remember your shower hardware selection is just part of your bathroom hardware. Bathroom hardware accessorizes the room just as fashion accessories finish an outfit.

shower remodel matches black shower hardware to sink hardware

Shower hardware matches the sink hardware style and color

There are two design schools of thought when it comes to bathroom hardware. One approach is that all hardware must match in finish and style for a unified look. Other designers like the appeal of mixing and matching hardware finishes and styles to provide contrast.

The shower head doesn’t need to match the sink faucet, but the metals and styles should coordinate. If you like the mix-and-match approach, hardware can be one place to add a pop of color to a room that is otherwise monochromatic.

Steam Showers

Yearning for a steam shower? A bathroom remodel offers a great opportunity to incorporate a steam shower into your design. Steam showers are trendy now but they have their roots in ancient Rome.

Steam bathing is incredibly eco-friendly. A 20-minute steam shower uses only 2 gallons of water! Just compare that to how much water even the stingiest water-saving shower head uses.

Since a steam shower requires room for the generator, the best time to convert a conventional shower to a steam shower is during a remodel. Modern steam showers heat up quickly and can also be plumbed to deliver cold water to the same shower stall; combining the best of both shower worlds.

Get Inspired by the Shower Remodel Experts

Need more inspiration? Call on the shower remodel experts at Inspired Remodels. They’ve been helping Orange County homeowners convert remodeling dreams into reality for years.

Inspired Remodels offers full service, design/build general contractor services. This means they work with you every step of the way. From the initial consultation, through design, and then demo and renovation you will work with one firm. No worry about hassling with subcontractors for different trades. Your project manager will take care of anything. We understand that any remodeling to your home is stressful and we take care to minimize the stress.

Check out our portfolio of bathroom and shower remodeling jobs for even more inspiration then call (949) 716-1938 and schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Author: Inspired Remodels