The empty property in the Avenues was dripping with potential and history. Adam Collings and his wife first saw the distressed 1880s home in 2011. The outside of the house resembled the Addam’s Family house before it was remodeled. Trina
Renovation Solutions: The difference between design, decorating
Our company motto is “Making the world a better place, one home at a time.” We enjoy having a positive impact on our community and in our clients’ lives. We get an occasional “hot mess” to fix up, but more
Renovation Solutions: What a remodeling contractor says about architects
(before) This beautiful deck and pergola remodel was the result of a great collaborative effort between the architect, general contractor, and steel fabricator. (Kevin Bunnell, Renovation Design Group) Most people who don’t use an architect for a home remodeling
Things to consider before removing a structural wall
Editor’s note: Portions of this column were previously published on deseretnews.com and on their website at renovationdesigngroup.com. One of the most common requests we hear these days is to design an open floor plan to create a great room that
Renovation Solutions: Solving common house problems with remodeling
As we are architects who specialize in residential remodeling, every client we see has a problem with his or her house. Some of these houses just need a cosmetic upgrade (replacing outdated finishes, appliances, plumbing fixtures, etc., in their current
Creating a plan leads to saving money on remodeling
At the homeowners request, this toilet room in the master bedroom, shown after renovation was designed to accommodate a future walk in tub. The required plumbing was installed behind the walls and floors to make future installation easy, while in
Renovation Solutions: Key to a successful DIY home remodel is a master plan
By Ann Robinson and Annie V Schwemmer Published: Sept. 4, 2015 Editor’s note: Portions of this column were previously published on the authors’ blog. We would like to preface this column by saying that we are not automatically opposed to
Designing your home with storage in mind
This bedroom remodel added built-in storage at the headboard to create much needed storage and a focal point for the room. Brent Murray Renovation Design Group courtesy As we start another year, it is time to get your life and
Renovation Solutions: Designing your home with storage in mind
As we start another year, it is time to get your life and your home in order. Of course, decluttering and purging is a big part of the organization process. However, once you know what you want to keep, you
Renovation Solutions: 4 levels of options for remodeling master suites
Editor’s note: Portions of this column were previously published on deseretnews.com and their blog at renovationdesigngroup.com. As we enter the entertaining season, starting with Thanksgiving next week and moving into the party season of Christmas, New Year’s and the Super
Renovation Solutions: Understanding the master bedroom madness
Home design is where art meets science, function meets beauty and a house becomes home. While the average homeowner can recognize a room that looks and feels good in real life, they can rarely feel what the architect has designed
Renovation Solutions: Three types of home improvements that increase home value
In addition to making your life better every day, home remodeling projects will ideally impact your home’s value for the better. However, your home’s value is at the mercy of the market and, in fact, some home improvements will positively
How to create a romantic master suite
In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s consider the most romantic remodeling project: the master suite. This area is intended to be a luxurious getaway in your own home. A master suite is more than just a master bedroom as it
Remodeling? How long the process should take, tips to speed it up
It is not uncommon to think about remodeling your home for years before taking any action. Once you have decided to actually do something, however, it is human nature to want it now. The fact of the matter is there
Renovation Solutions: Organizing, Part 2: A place for everything, everything in its place
By Ann Robinson & Annie V. Schwemmer When organizing children’s rooms, make it easy with one step to put away items. Hooks are easier than hangers, racks are easier than bookshelves, and bins on shelves are a great
Renovation Solutions: As school nears, it may be time to remodel kids’ bedrooms
By Ann Robinson & Annie V. Schwemmer For a child’s bedroom remodel, consider the lighting, shelving and bed choices carefully. Kevin Bunnell, Renovation Solutions Summer is winding down, and it is almost time to send those little darlings back
Renovating the mother-in-law suite
By Annie Schwemmer and Ann Robinson For the Deseret News Thinking of moms recently, this week we will discuss a mother-inspired renovation: the mother-in-law suite. The number of multi-generational households is growing in the U.S. The Census Bureau says they
Renovation Solutions: Design tips: Remodeling your basement can lead to wonderful, usable spaces downstairs
Finishing your basement is a less-expensive and less-invasive alternative to a home addition, and it does not eat up yard space. With good architectural design, even shelf basements with low ceilings and small windows, or basements that have already been
Renovation Solutions: Repurposing a home’s underused space
Your house has a finite number of square feet, and it is incumbent upon each of us to make sure we are using that space to our greatest advantage. A spare bedroom was an underused space that has been
Renovation Solutions: Changing ceiling gives feeling of more space in your home
When designing a room, don’t forget to look up. The tray ceiling in this master bedroom makes the room feel more spacious while adding drama to the room. (David T. Price) The ceiling represents a substantial portion of the finished
In child’s room, focus on lighting, shelving and the bed
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Summer is winding down, and it is almost time to send those little darlings back to school. With just days remaining before the first day of school, you might be able to sneak in
Renovation turns ordinary house into something inspiring
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer The old family house on the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley turned 83 this year. When Lucynthia Robbins Lines Knudsen received the deed to the house, she couldn’t bear to sell it.
Duplex remodel maintains historical charm
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer The beautiful, brick Georgian house is in Salt Lake City Avenues historical district, and it was important to Jane Beatty to maintain her home’s historic luster. “The bones of the house itself are still
Rearrange existing space or add on to create master suite
By Ann Robinson and Annie Schwemmer Some of the most sought-after simple pleasures of life are realized with remodeling a master suite. Finally, the bathroom you don’t have to share with the kids, the convenient double sinks, a separate shower
New master suite can go up or out
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Last week we discussed master suites, one of the hottest trends in home design and typically at the top of our clients’ wish lists. There are two ways to create a master suite: rearrange
Master suite often is the crown jewel of renovation
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon The master suite often adds touches of luxury with items such as built-in closet organizers, above, and a garden tub. One of the most frequent items seen on our clients’ wish lists is a
Master Bathrooms: Master bedroom designs, a luxurious getaway
By Ann Robinson and Annie Vernon Besides the bedroom, a private bathroom is an essential part of a master suite. The use of luxurious finishes adds to the sense of escape from the pressures of daily life — a sanctum