Inside Surrey Springs Renovation
At Align Interior Design, we transform homes into spaces that are both beautiful and practical, tailored just for you. Our recent project in Surrey Springs is a great example of a style we love, Modern-Organic. This case study shares how we transformed a dated property into a modern, dream home. As with every renovation project, there were some challenges. We will share what we faced and what we did to make this such a successful project.
Client Vision and Project Background
Our clients wanted a modernized home that was more functional for their growing family and their love to entertain. Initially, the property was far from their dream home, with outdated fixtures and a less-than-ideal layout. They envisioned an open-concept space filled with natural light, modern finishes, and a design that would stand the test of time. Our goal was to make this happen (while keeping in mind their due date was quickly approaching).
Our Design Process
We started by understanding our clients’ preferences through our onboarding questionnaire. Their desire for a modern, open-concept space with areas where they were happy to splurge a little and areas where we wanted to keep the budget as tight as possible. This is part of our educate-first, create-second approach. We want to hone in on the areas where we will suggest our budget-friendly go-to’s vs. areas where we know we want to wow you.
Understanding Client Preferences
As with any young family, durability and low maintenance were big topics. Things like loving the look of marble countertops but ultimately not wanting the maintenance were discussed, resulting in quartz countertops from Silestone. We also love experimenting with hood fans as accent pieces, so we presented a currently trendy fluted hood fan style and complementary island detail. These small elements go a long way!
Overcoming Challenges on a Tight Timeline
One of the main challenges of this project was the tight timeline. With the clients expecting their first baby, it was crucial to complete the renovation efficiently.
Implementing a Clear Milestone Timeline
To manage the tight timeline, we implemented a clear milestone timeline. This structured approach allowed us to pre-book all meetings and also let the contractor know when he could expect the design package to be ready so he could pre-line up his trade schedule.
Efficient Decision-Making and Client Feedback
Truly a key aspect of being able to maintain a tight timeline is being able to make efficient decisions and be confident in your choices without changing your mind. We, of course, don’t mind when you do; it’s natural. We get that a renovation is a big investment, but if you personally are working with a tight timeline, you need to be able to make decisions during meetings—which is exactly what these clients did!
Achieving the Right Stain Match
A common challenge is creating a cabinetry stain exactly as envisioned because let’s be honest your cabinets are a big investment and its hard to know if you are going to love it when you are staring at a small sample. We worked closely with the cabinetry company (Can West Cabinetry) and they provided a couple options to choose from to ensure the perfect stain was achieved. For this project we knew we wanted to be darker than the floors but not loose the beautiful oak grain and we loooooove the end result!
Maximizing Kitchen Space for Functionality
In the kitchen, we focused on a layout that allowed kids to sit at the island while the parents were in the kitchen, easy access to the fridge without disturbing the cook, and still incorporated a microwave but placed it in the island to free up counter space allowing for a stunning backsplash/shelf detail.
Smart Storage Solutions
When we are designing, we want to figure out how you use the space and make sure those inserts or accessories are included. In this kitchen, we included spice rack pull-outs, corner pull-outs, a recycling center, integrated appliances (fridge and dishwasher), and heavy-duty drawer slides where we knew pots and pans would be placed.
Efficient Use of Counter Space
We added a tall cabinet to the right of the integrated fridge to give pantry-style storage, allowing this kitchen to have a focal backsplash detail without sacrificing too much storage. There is also a nearby pantry!
Future-Proofing Your Bathroom Design
When designing the bathroom, we planned for long-term functionality and style, ensuring it would serve the clients’ needs for years to come. The curbless shower was a big topic and a detail that the tiler and the contractor (Homestead) really executed well! This detail will allow not only aging in place as it is wheelchair accessible but also for easy access during injuries or family showers with the little ones. It truly maximized the opportunities in this space.
Where to Save Money vs. Where You Never Cheap Out
In any renovation, it’s essential to know where to save and where to invest.
Budget-Friendly Upgrades
No matter what size your budget is, there is always a budget, and we like to get creative without sacrificing style. In this bathroom, we opted for a prefabricated vanity, read-made mirrors, and no-name accessories (toilet paper holder, etc.), which offered stylish options at a lower cost.
Essential Investments
That said, the main area to invest in my opinion is tile installation. I can’t stress enough how an amazing tile installer will make your bathroom look stunning and will pull all your design details together, but a cheap and fast one, well it can result in a very different experience.
Choosing the Right Materials
No matter the space, choosing the right materials is so important for you to not only love your home for years but keep it looking fresh for years to come.
Countertop and Cabinet Choices
We selected durable, high-quality materials for countertops and cabinets that would withstand daily use and maintain their appearance. Some selections were: quartz vs. marble, stained wood cabinets vs. painted, vinyl plank floor vs. hardwood (because they have a pool and know their floors will be constantly wet).
Bathroom Fixtures and Finishes
In the bathroom, we chose to mix metals, 1) because we like the look but also because some elements (such as glass door hardware) are hard to match with the gold plumbing fixtures that we loved. We love mixing metals; however, we always recommend gold-black, silver-black, or gold-silver for a sophisticated look. We avoid combining similar metals like chrome and brushed nickel, as this can appear mismatched.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Designer
When you are taking on a large renovation or new build, there is a lot we can help you with; it’s not just about picking the finishes.
In-Construction Support and Advocacy
We are your advocate, helping you along the way to make sure all the details come together when you (or your contractor) need support (such as making sure that cabinetry stain is perfect). Things like a joist affecting your lighting layout, or tiles needing to be cut in a different pattern because of something coming up onsite, could be stressful conversations for you to have in the moment. However, for us, they are simple and strategic, so that’s why we support you until the very end!
Unique Design Elements in Surrey Springs
This project featured several unique design elements that set it apart. Some of our favorites are the fluted hood fan with a complementary island, the grided sink window, the gold grout used in the bathroom tile, and the overall color palette of this home.
Stunning Transformation: Before and After
Before and After Comparisons
Before and after images highlight the dramatic changes and the successful realization of the clients’ vision.
Overcoming Renovation Challenges
No renovation is a 100% smooth situation, there is always a surprise , however every challenge can be solved by having a team that effectively communicates, so if I can give you any advice, hire a team that you trust. We are so thankful these clients chose to trust Align Interior Design and Homestead as their design-build team! They were a dream to work with and we are so proud of their home.
Discover More Design Inspiration
What did you think about the details in our Surrey Springs Project? Are you thinking of hiring an Interior Designer? Check out our related post, “ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR INTERIOR DESIGNER [PART 1: BEFORE YOU RENOVATE YOUR HOME.”
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