Summer is the best time to tackle any garage projects that may be on your mind. From upgrades to cleaning and organizing, there’s nothing like a fresh breeze and warm weather to kickstart your garage improvement efforts. Garages tend to accumulate a lot of stuff, so if you’re at a loss for ideas when it comes to tidying up, we’re here to offer you a few pieces of advice that will help you get started.
Curb appeal is an art. Whether you’re trying to sell your house or make all the dog walkers “ooh and awe” while walking by, we have all the tricks for you, specifically when it comes to all the fun and bold things you can do with your front door. The key? Make it memorable!
A quick tip to get started: remember, front doors are all about making a statement and boldness. Don’t be afraid when paying attention to that front door. It centers your home and it’s the first thing people focus on. If you’re going to be daring anywhere in the home, this is the place to do it.
Alright, it’s time to declutter. Specifically, in your kitchen and living room space.
We’re sure both of these spots the most popular areas you spend the most quality time in: cooking, conversing, playing board games, watching reruns of Survivor, midnight snacking or all of the above. The kitchen is the heart of the home, the center of every big emotion and family bonding moment. The living room is a space built for relaxing; spreading out. With that, they can also become a space of distractions and busy vibes. Suddenly, the kid’s homework is sprawled all over tables. Crafts, magazines and books take up half the space in the living room. The kitchen has a plethora of cutting boards and containers strewn about the counter space. Life gets in the way of space, sometimes, and that overwhelming feeling takes over.
In the beginning of the pandemic, we were all sort of “throwing together” an at-home workspace. We substituted used old dining room chairs for desk chairs. We worked from the comfort of our couch. We used our bedrooms as conference rooms and couldn’t find anywhere to stack all of our planners and invoices. We quickly realized that set-up wasn’t going to cut it (our backs started hurting, clutter was everywhere and the energy in the room was feeling chaotic). Also, like most of us, you may have had a minor pivot where you suddenly wanted to sell everything in your home. Why? Because home quickly turned into a “working space” rather than a “living space.”
As we all spend more time at home, whether in quarantine or due to the chilly temps outside, many of us are starting to think about the different spaces of our home and how we could improve upon them, especially high traffic areas like the kitchen! We have thoughts along the lines of, “If only my kitchen had new cabinets, an updated backsplash, more usable space,” the list goes on and on. However, considering a kitchen remodel can be quite daunting. Where do you begin? Do you start by setting a budget? Hiring a designer? Checking out a cabinet shop? Pursuing home improvement stores? Scouring Pinterest for inspiration? Or bing watching your favorite HGTV shows? While all of these will provide you with various bits of valuable information, your first step should actually be right where your train of thought began, in the kitchen!
Are you thinking about renovating your space? That’s so exciting! And, at the same time, there’s a lot to consider. Is your space ready for an entirely new (gut out the entire room) project? Or, are you looking for a more simplified refresh? We put together a little blog post to help you decipher which option may be best for you, answer some questions, and give options for the renovation process.
These clients wanted to connect their new kitchen bump out to the outdoors via a sheltered area that would block bugs and rain but not the view of the lake below. Senior Designer Heather Sweeney exceeded those goals with a design that actually makes the lake appear closer and seamlessly integrates the indoors and out. It even expanded cool weather use with strategically placed heaters and a large fire table. The project features an operable pergola with motorized screen walls and architectural columns over a bluestone patio.
What will be gracing the curb appeal of landscape trends for the year 2020? Last year, it was all about metals, pergolas, and pinks. We’re sure homeowners will find delight in maintaining simple upkeep of backyards, but we’re excited to share the trends that will be topping off the effortless upkeep and simple beauty. Time to dig in!
Curb appeal is real. A front entry will draw the admirable eyes of many and gives homeowners an opportunity to express themselves through home design. The front of the home sets the tone for whoever is visiting. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, after all! That’s why we put together a list of ways you can refresh your entryway in 2020. New Year Resolutions can involve the home, too!
Curb appeal is real. A front entry will draw the admirable eyes of many and gives homeowners an opportunity to express themselves through home design. The front of the home sets the tone for whoever is visiting. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, after all! That’s why we put together a list of ways you can refresh your entryway in 2020. New Year Resolutions can involve the home, too!
When it comes to home design, we’re all about creating unique, state-of-the-art spaces for your home. That’s where one of our favorite products comes in: StruXure Outdoor. They create gorgeous and functional adjustable pergola structures. If you’ve been reading the blog, you’ll know pergola structures are all the rage in 2020, along with many other trendy outdoor upgrades. And the luxury systems of StruXure Outdoor are quality and can be created to your own personal design dreams. So, are you ready to think about your newest outdoor upgrade? Here’s all StruXure Outdoor has to offer.
A remodel adds a lot of value to your home. Bathroom upgrades, in particular, are manageable and a great option for an upgrade (psst…and oftentimes forgotten about!) If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, we have a great before and after remodel that showcases the breathtaking, simplistic update and a few essential improvement tips you can take with you. For this remodel, the space was opened up (i.e. fewer cabinets and countertop space) to create a breathable ideal. Bathrooms can feel cluttered with standing toilet roll holders, too many cabinets, recessed soap dishes and lots of counter space for random knick-knacks. You want your bathroom to be chic and open to create a sense of zen. So, the cabinets should be practical and plentiful; each must have a purpose. In this bathroom, a bench with added cabinet space in a neighboring mudroom is an effective solution. White light color fixtures and off-white wall color can also open up the space quite well.
Are you daydreaming about having a fire feature in your outdoor living space? You’re not alone! Over 50% of Americans have some sort of fire feature at their home, and the obsession doesn’t end there.
The key to quality ambiance in any piece of home design is always the lighting. Trust me, good lighting sets the mood in more than just romantic situations (wink, wink). I learned that from my mom. She said, “beautiful design starts with good lighting. You don’t need to turn ALL the lights on at once.”
I’ve always felt a close affiliation with cottage homes. They’re quaint, welcoming, and warm. The home design reminds me a little of Winne the Pooh meets every single romantic comedy set on the east coast. A cottage is small and the ideal of cozy dwelling. It feels old-fashioned and modest, accompanied by holiday decorations and long Sundays at home.
I’ve always felt a close affiliation with cottage homes. They’re quaint, welcoming, and warm. The home design reminds me a little of Winne the Pooh meets every single romantic comedy set on the east coast. A cottage is small and the ideal of cozy dwelling. It feels old-fashioned and modest, accompanied by holiday decorations and long Sundays at home.
I’ve always felt a close affiliation with cottage homes. They’re quaint, welcoming, and warm. The home design reminds me a little of Winne the Pooh meets every single romantic comedy set on the east coast. A cottage is small and the ideal of cozy dwelling. It feels old-fashioned and modest, accompanied by holiday decorations and long Sundays at home.
Winter is here. We can see it in the bare trees and in all of the hot chocolates and warm throw blankets we’re finally using again. Even though the leaves have left us and the walkway is getting a little icy, that doesn’t mean your remodel, home project dreams need to blow away like warm weather. In fact, there are many reasons why winter is the best time to get started on those outdoor projects. Spring is just around the corner, after all (see, we’re thinking positively here!)
Looking for the perfect designer or general contractor? We’re here to help! Finding them can be a lot like dating. You want to have the same values, work ethic, and style. Not to mention, when it comes to being a homeowner, designing and contracting is a foreign practice. You don’t know where to start, stop, end, or begin! And that’s totally fine. Look no further on Google. We’re here to help you (basically) write a love note to your ideal designer and how to find them.
Looking for the perfect designer or general contractor? We’re here to help! Finding them can be a lot like dating. You want to have the same values, work ethic, and style. Not to mention, when it comes to being a homeowner, designing and contracting is a foreign practice. You don’t know where to start, stop, end, or begin! And that’s totally fine. Look no further on Google. We’re here to help you (basically) write a love note to your ideal designer and how to find them.
When we consider beauty in any form, it’s always a huge plus when it comes to design. However, the true benefit of Cambria® natural stone surfaces is that beauty is also paired with high quality – something we can stand by (and enjoy cheese on).
Cambria combines true American craftsmanship with innovation and the finest materials. And, it’s exquisite to look at in your kitchen, living room, bathroom, or bedroom. Each striking, sought-after design Cambria provides is truly breathtaking and can take over a room. A lot of their designs have a bold, organic flowing movement, creating the illusion of the natural earth, right under your fingertips.
This Lake Elmo couple wanted to enlarge their screen porch for family gatherings, but the home was on a pond at the 100-year flood setback. The porch’s proximity to the water was allowed, but it could not creep any closer.
The couple had built the home on Lake Minnetonka, MN in 2003. They loved the premier waterfront setting but craved relief from the heat and glare of the intense afternoon sun along their west-facing yard. They needed an attractive solution that would draw people outdoors and extend the season without compromising the lake view. The designer worked within stringent shoreline management restrictions to create a convenient and comfortable outdoor living environment under motorized pergolas.
The countdown to the holidays begins! And part of that countdown includes a very, very joyous design plan. It’s always nostalgic to pull out the holiday decor, dust of the tinsel, and get festive. Whether you like to keep the yuletide more neutral, traditional, rustic, or personal – we have all of the design tips to decorate your stylish and traditional home. And we know holiday decor can get overwhelming. There’s so much of it, it’s hard to nail down a theme and stick with one thing. That’s why we put together these unique tips to help you decide what festive fah-lah-lah-lah-lah moment works best for your home.
It’s the simple things during those winter months that make us feel cozy (and goes well with the snow). Marshmallows in hot chocolate, wool stockings, and lots of naps and soup. We know what goes well with all of these: a crackling fireplace. Fireplaces are also beneficial for the environment! You can conserve energy and live a greener lifestyle with the addition of a fireplace in your home. Whether you want a real, potent wood fire or something a little more modern – fireplaces are a living piece of fine art. And a central heart to the home. Here are six fireplaces that will stir the design coals of your heartstrings. Mmhmm, we’re warmer already.
One of the most important and healthy things you can do for your home (to keep a long-lasting relationship with what keeps a home well) is winterizing your outdoor kitchen. And there may be a lot you’re not considering for the task at hand! That’s why we created this easy, step-by-step checklist for winterizing your kitchen (we may or may not have added some fun additional items in there for you to abide by).
If you’re eagerly awaiting summer we have the perfect space for you. Our client loved their pool but hated their backyard with its undersized deck, plain concrete slab and hilly terrain. They wanted a structure that embraced the husband’s affinity for wildlife and grilling and the wife’s French country decorating style. It needed to provide better space for cooking and entertaining, extend enjoyment of outdoors in inclement weather and seasons, and play well with its natural surroundings.
Now that the summer heat is officially simmering down, it’s time to throw open the windows and let the crisp breeze come in! Also, it’s extremely beneficial in home design (like good lighting) to open up a space. So, the product we’re featuring in this blog is the coveted Phantom Screen. These retractable screen doors can be used for windows, outdoor spaces (patios, porches and lanais), multi-panel systems and doors. Imagine a double french door that opens up to the fresh air without the burden of bugs at your ankles, yeah it’s that good! Convenience is key in interior decorating so let’s take a dance through some beautiful examples of Phantom Screens being used in our client’s homes.
Here’s a roundup of are our favorite spaces using the product and how you can incorporate into your own home.
While the kitchen is the heart of the household, it’s easy to consider a big, breezy porch as the soul of the home. This is the spot you can hunker down and read a good, juicy book. It’s the corner you can take a nap at high noon. It is the socializing hub, as a place where you can settle down with family and friends and have a nightcap. Whether or not your porch is filled with house plants, good conversation, cozy furniture or whimsical string lights, we have just the porch to get anyone inspired. Meet the breezy and especially cozy sanctuary. Pssst…if you need any porch remodeling ideas, you’ve come to the right corner of the internet.
Ahhh, autumn; we can feel it in our bones. The air has lightened up. You’re craving crisp, cold apple cider again. The days briskly shorten themselves. The sound of football in the background sweetens Sunday evenings. Best of all? The mums are back! Flower stores are brightened with bold yellows and oranges. The plants are changing, becoming yellow. White, tiny pumpkins pop up everywhere. It’s time to change those planters out for fall. So, we thought it would be fun to find some fall planter inspiration and give you tips on how to DIY your planters to make the perfect fall statement. Let’s dig in!
In my humble opinion, hot tubs are great all year round! During the summertime they’re ideal for relaxing, even in the heat; throughout the winter they are the ideal way to stay steamy and warm. It’s hard to come up with a valid reason not to have one! There really is something about crawling in warm jacuzzi on a brisk fall night. Whether you want to admire an updated landscape at a new home, have a cocktail, or relax after a long run, hot tubs are the ideal space to take a moment for yourself. Now that we’re closing in on autumn as September rolls around, we thought it would be dreamy to roundup a list of our favorites. These are the hot tubs that blend beautifully into jaw-dropping landscapes (and how you can replicate at your own home).
The Hot Springs Oasis
This exquisite hot tub refuge is built right into the patio, making it appear as if it’s a part of the earth itself. The natural stones and breezy path winding down to its base makes it appear as if it’s in a hidden forest, adding to the haven vibes even more. The bonfire nearby makes for a perfect spot to tell stories and curl up in a warm towel to dry off. It’s truly reminiscent of a dreamy getaway.
How You Can Quickly Replicate: Consider lots of planters and additional landscaping near your hot tub space. Investing in a fire pit nearby adds on to the element that you can stick around and stay awhile.
Ahhh, the sweet smell of competition and a little bug spray. Nothing says summer quite like the shuffled enjoyment of putting together backyard sports games with neighbors and friends. While there is a little summer left and a lot of fall, we’d love to see how you can best use your beautiful yard to get out and play! Psst…fall also means less mosquitos so let’s get out the bocce ball and get competitive! Your kids didn’t name you “Mr. King of Funtown” for nothing.
Now, let’s get dreamy. Home design doesn’t only need to be connected to the inside of the house. You were a kid once – and adulting might mean creating the space for your kids (and you!) that inspires you to get outside and play.
Here are some ideas we had that surely will bring a smile to your face.
It’s almost football season and you know what that means: entire Sunday afternoons spent curled up in a blanket watching countless hours of sports. This, of course, includes intervals of basking in between naps and checking the chili cooking in the crockpot. Beyond relaxing, autumn is a wonderful time to host afternoon potlucks with friends or watch the big game. Let’s not forget hosting the kids when they come home for college or having close family over for a staycation.
Get this – personal home office spaces are often the most neglected parts of a home; and that shouldn’t be so! It’s where you spend the most time and need the most inspiration. Also, it’s one space in the home you can really make your own. As the seasons shift to focusing on the kids going back to school and routines seep back into our busy, scattered lives – it’s time to get focused with a new and improved office space.
It’s time to design the kitchen in your new home. You’ve been waiting for this moment ever since you’ve been dreaming up home and remodeling designs before you even bought the house. So, you want to do it right. More importantly, where do you start?
After a tragic family loss, the couple wanted their Minneapolis home to serve as a magnet for two young daughters and their friends. Although the property was near Minneapolis’ Lake Harriet, they were after an upscale Hamptons vibe that emphasized water, casual luxury and fun. In fact, they set the bar so high the American
Care to guess what the most requested Father’s Day gift is? That’s right, everything cooking related! Mom’s Design Build has you covered this Father’s Day with all everything you need to know about outdoor kitchen essentials.
Choosing the perfect products for your Outdoor Kitchen can be overwhelming. There are so many options out there, how do you know what to choose? Blaze grill shares they’re a lot of options out there to choose from, but they are not all equal. Well, don’t worry because we can help guide you? Before you can choose any products, you need to ask yourself a few important questions.
Swimming pools come in many different shapes, styles, and designs. However, this awkward shaped pool required a much needed makeover. The homeowners were inspirited by the pools in Arizona, where they met during college. They wanted their new pool environment to get more sun, low-maintenance, and look better whether they were indoor or outside entertaining their guests.
The original deck that the home builder installed felt like a missed opportunity. They insisted the structure should be incorporated into the design and that the new architecture would enhanced their home. It was a shame because they couldn’t escape the dreadful mosquitos and weren’t able to use this space year-round. They wanted a versatile space that they could entertainment year-round, grill, and lounge next to a fireplace.
The clients’ goals are to create a three-season porch that savors the scenic view, enjoy year-round grilling, bug-free space, and either fresh air or cozy fireplace warmth.
This space will forever change the way our clients enjoyed their warm summer evenings! The homeowners were looking for a backyard retreat to entertain their friends and family. The one thing they knew they wanted a pool to put on their 2.5 acres of beautiful property with lots of open space. The lack of space wasn’t a problem; it was the lack of purpose. They currently didn’t have any place to hang out and really take advantage of the beautiful setting. The space felt vast and uncomfortable. There was a few main goals they wanted to accomplish:
This homeowner learned the hard way that he wasn’t in California anymore. But with the help of Mom’s Design Build, he discovered an even better outdoor lifestyle here in Minnesota. Hint: no wildfires, earthquakes or mudslides to threaten his investment.
To be kind, this homeowner outdoor living plan “evolved” as he adapted to his new Independence hillside surroundings. First came the cut-and-fill grade leveling, see-through stone fireplace and wood-fired pizza oven. Then the golf area, fire ring overlook, plantings, paving and outdoor kitchen came into play. Finally, the fixed kitchen shelter and operable dining pergola transpired.
Honey Bees are a trending topic for gardens. Bees rely on flowers to supply them with the food they need to survive while pollinating blooms in the process. Bees are extremely important to humans because they help to sustain our crops, pollinating much of the food we eat and also providing products used in cleaning and beauty products. They need a safe environment to ensure optimal health and longevity. You can help the bee population by planting a bee friendly garden. Here are 5 helpful tips to support these important pollinators.
The line between indoors and outdoors clearly has blurred when designing spaces for today’s “casual elegance” lifestyles. Mom’s Design Build remodels interiors to embrace the natural environment and view. Yet we understand that Minnesotans also want their outdoor living spaces to feel like extensions of their homes.
Choosing the right outdoor fabrics is a smart way to meld the two worlds and add a splash of color and class whatever the weather.
After enduring the plain deck and patio that the homebuilder installed a decade ago, the family was ready to invest in an outdoor living environment that would reflect the quality of the house. Although attached, the new structure needed to make users feel they were outdoors and extend the season by providing versatile options for lounging, entertainingand enjoying the pool. Mission accomplished. The owners say they spent “about 3000 percent” more time outdoors during its first year.
The owners of this Savage, MN backyard also own a small restaurant that they both work at full time so they don’t take time for vacations – they are always taking care of the business! So they wanted to transform the back yard into an oasis they could visit whenever they want to. They do have company over and spend time in the basement arcade/bar and the lower deck which both look out onto the backyard so the view was important from inside the home and out in the backyard.
It’s officially, today is the first day of spring and we couldn’t more excited to get spaces ready for outdoor entertaining. Let the Mom’s team of horticulturists and gardeners offer landscaping management. Our services including annual container design, bi-weekly maintenance packages, disease and pest control, pond and spa treatments, and seasonal decorating. Here is a comprehensive guide to get started on your space.
The 146-acre renewal center is dedicated to restoring balance in visitors’ lives by showing gratitude and learning from nature itself. The landscaping and outdoor structures had to be designed and built with sensitivity to this higher calling while satisfying the practical demands of a public meeting place. This design company’s relationship with the Center has grown organically over a series of projects that produced a serene natural environment that feels as good as it looks and functions better than ever before.
In March, we can’t help but be inspired by our favorite teams in the March Madness tournament. We love when a backyard before-and-after makes you do a double-take, so we’ve singled out this unbelievable transformation that delivers playtime to the next level.
These fun-loving clients had visited Hawaii often and dreamed of a buying a place there someday. For now, they wanted a luxury poolscape where they could entertain friends in Stillwater three-seasons long. With a nod to Las Vegas, their second favorite destination, the mantra was Go Big or Go Home! And it had to be different. The designer responded with a unique sunken pool house with a swim up bar and premium landscaping, complete with annual Palm Tree.
This project completely changed how we spent the summer. We are out there all day long. We eat almost all meals outside: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. We read out there. We will sit out late at night with the screens down and enjoy the 360-degree sounds of the night. What we’ve accomplished is an outdoor area that is every bit as outdoors as it ever was, but it is so much more comfortable. We find that family and friends just want to hang out in this space and my wife and I do as well. We live out there.
The couple loved their backyard pool but hated everything around it. They dreamed of a full-featured oasis where their teenage daughter would choose to hang with friends and they could comfortably relax and entertain while enjoying the gorgeous sunsets from high above the lake. The catch was that the new design had to incorporate the existing deck structure and bulbous concrete pool deck.
With the super bowl in our rear view mirror, now is the perfect time to develop your “Fan Cave” over the off-season. Unlike main level living spaces, a basement allows for further customization and personalization considering it is well stowed away from the unexpected houseguest.
This kitchen has all the modern amenities to create better function and easability for any busy family. Inspired by piece of reclaimed barnwood that we used as accents thoughout the home, including a barn-door over the kitchen sink pass-through that looks into the kids play area.
For years, the unfinished lookout basement was detached from the yard, save for a few ground-level windows. With the addition of a stunning backyard poolscape, the homeowners wanted to create a high-class entertainment space that would connect with the outdoor living environment and spare the main level powder room the parade of wet feet. It also needed to provide a more private alternative to the open floor plan above where dad could enjoy game day, and mom and daughter could tackle crafts project. Most of all, they wouldn’t accept an ordinary, boring basement.
It’s already sweater weather and soon the holiday season will be upon us. This time of year means a lot of different things to everyone, but one thing most people do is get together with loved ones. Here are 10 tips to prepping your home for holiday festivities.
This is not your typical kitchen because the homeowners are not your typical family. Start with mom and dad and seven kids. Then add a steady flow of foster children and being on call to provide county-licensed crisis nursery care. These gold-hearted parents needed reliable construction scheduling and super…
For those who love the heady fragrance of hyacinths in the spring but aren’t a big fan of their Thomas Kincaid-ian look, Spanish bluebells are a wonderful alternative.
Winning isn’t everything, but it sure feels good when it comes. That may be why we are walking tall despite Minnesota’s late start spring. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has named Mom’s Design Build its 2018 National Contractor of the Year (CotY) in both residential and commercial categories.
While Super Bowl teams were relieved to be competing under the US Bank Stadium dome this frigid Minnesota weekend, Mom’s Design Build is still doing its winning outdoors.
Mom’s Design Build continues to build on its rich legacy of Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award honors since it joined the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in 2015.
Several years ago my wife’s childhood Radio Flyer wagon had been outgrown by our kids, but it still possessed sentimental value. Confronted with what to do with it, I had an idea: why not convert it into a portable salad bar?
National Contractor of the Year! It has a nice ring, especially when the bell sounds three times in the same evening. That’s precisely what happened this month when the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) honored Mom’s Design Build with the industry’s top 2017 award in three separate CotY categories.
December is always an exciting time for us here at Mom’s; not only are we busy wrapping up another successful season, sending our Christmas elves out to decorate our clients’ homes, and just engaged in general cheer sprinkling, we are also anxiously awaiting award announcements from the MNLA (Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association for all the non-nerdy-landscapers among you).
This year did not disappoint! Presenting…(drumroll please)…