Categories Blog, Recent Work

Kitchen & Bath Remodel

This kitchen was over 40 years old. The space was small and dark; with dark cabinets, poor lighting and only 2 windows. The bathroom, located off the kitchen, was inconveniently located and needed to be better situated for the flow of the house. Needless to say, it was time to create a bright space that complimented the home’s unique space.
In a nutshell, our team did the following –
  • Took everything down to the studs – floors, ceilings, and walls
  • Removed and repositioned a bathroom within the same space and since it was such a compact bathroom,  we used a wall-hung toilet to save space, and also a small wall-hung vanity sink
  • Added 2 sliding barn doors to conserve space
  • Doubled the number of windows, and installed taller cabinets that went up to the ceiling to maximize storage space
  • Opened up the entryway between the dining room to the kitchen
The space is now bright and sunny, with an ocean-inspired kitchen and streamlined bathroom! The homeowners couldn’t be happier!
Before/During:

After:

 

Categories Blog, Recent Work

Lexington Kitchen Renovation

Out with the old, in with the new! A home remodel is the perfect way to kick off the spring season and we’re excited to share this stunning kitchen renovation. Our team worked with the homeowners to open up their ally, kitchen, and entryway, not to mention an added small bathroom and closet. Everything from the light blue tiles and the beautiful light fixtures to the brick wall, they all help to create this welcoming and beautiful space.

Check out the before and after below to see the full kitchen, dining room and entryway transformations – You’re going to want to scroll through all of the photos for inspiration!

Before:

After:

Let us know what you think about this kitchen renovation and home remodel! Do you love the colors and open kitchen concept as much as we do?
Thanks for reading,
The McDonald Contracting Team
Categories Blog, Tips

Open vs. Closed Kitchen Styles – Which Is Better for you?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? While the majority of our clients renovating these days opt-in for an open kitchen concept, there are also benefits to having a closed kitchen design. Are you looking for a more private room or a multi-functioning space for hosting? Check out the benefits of having an open and closed kitchen to help you decide which would be better utilized in your home.

Here are the top 3 reasons why you should consider an open kitchen –

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1. Great for hosting – An open floor plan is ideal for homeowners who love to host frequent parties or gatherings. If you’re hosting Christmas Dinner and want to interact with your guests while you’re whipping up appetizers, this is a good option so you won’t miss any of the fun. An open floor plan also allows for more seating and encourages guests to move around.

2. Makes home feel larger – An open kitchen allows for more natural sunlight in turn reducing your energy bill. By having less walls, you have more open space giving off the feel of bigger rooms and higher ceilings.


3. Optimizes Multitasking – Planning on having a family soon? Open kitchens can be great for young kids as you can keep your eyes on multiple rooms at a time! Check on the kids doing homework in the living room, while you’re preparing dinner at your kitchen island.

The more individual rooms there are in your home, the more opportunity you have to get creative with paint colors and wall space to decorate. Check out the top reasons why a closed kitchen design may be better for you –

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1. Cost-Friendly – Knocking down walls can create unforeseen problems and can cost serious renovation dollars. If things like high end appliances and countertops are more important to you, you may want to leave the structure as is and allocate your budget to the priorities on your wish list.

2. More storage – The more wall space, the more room for shelving, cabinetry and hidden closets. If you’re looking for a functional, secluded room with lots of storage, this could be a good option for your home.

3. More privacy – More walls also mean more privacy. Having a closed kitchen design hides a messy room full of dirty dishes – Some hosts want to prep, cook and clean without interruption so that they can provide a more formal dining experience for their guests.

The final decision is up to you, the homeowner. It’s not all black and white and you can meet in the middle somewhere by considering a cutout in your kitchen wall (as long as it’s a non-load bearing wall). 

There’s always going to be a new trend… Don’t succumb to what’s in, but rather decide based upon which option works best for lifestyle and personal preference. Want to start the conversation? We’d love to sit and talk with you about which kitchen layout works best in your home ===> [email protected]

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We hope you found this blog post helpful when it comes to designing your next kitchen!

Thanks for reading,
– The Team at McDonald Contracting

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