Design First Blog

With the 2022/2023 school year coming to an end, most are finalizing plans for their summer vacation, preparing for a busy summer sports schedule, or getting the yard ready to enjoy during the warm months.  It’s very unlikely that hosting friends & family for the winter holidays is part of your current thought process, but…

The Chicagoland area is currently experiencing a surge of innovation in the home renovation and design industry. With advancements in technology and materials, homeowners have access to a vast array of options to customize and enhance their living spaces. From kitchen and bathroom remodels to room additions and whole-house renovations, the latest trends in home…

Whether homeowners should remodel their homes now or wait until inflation is more under control in a year or two depends on several factors. Let’s explore some of these factors below: In conclusion, whether homeowners should remodel their homes now or wait until inflation is more under control in a year or two depends on…

Whether you’re building a new home from the ground up or undertaking a renovation, you’ll make a lot of complex and critical decisions along the way. Your home building or renovation process all begins with choosing the company you will work with.  Cost is an important component but having the right team on your side…

Should you add a butler’s pantry to your kitchen remodel? You may wonder why you’d need a butler’s pantry when you don’t have a butler, but these classic spaces can be problem-solvers for modern homeowners. How could you use a butler’s pantry in your home? Here are five ideas.

Stunning designs and trends can transform your kitchen into a chic space and your home’s focal point. If you want to renovate your kitchen countertops, you’ll be glad to see all the available options in the market. Explore some of the winning countertop trends below.

If you love your current neighborhood but you feel like you need just a little more space, adding on to your home could be a great solution. With all of the options available to you, however, you may find it difficult to decide where that new space would be most useful. This guide will cover…

Do you like to entertain large groups at home? Then you know that your kitchen is a central part of the action for everyone. Whether it’s a base for multiple people to prepare large meals or an unofficial gathering point for guests and hosts alike, a well-planned kitchen can bring everyone together for more fun….

You likely spend considerable time in your kitchen cooking, entertaining, or hanging out. As such, your kitchen should be warm, inviting, and functional to accommodate all these roles. If it is not, remodeling is an excellent option to make your kitchen modern and stylish while increasing its appeal and functionality. Learn seven signs you need…

As you plan your kitchen remodel, one of the most impactful decisions that you should make is whether to pursue an open kitchen floor plan or a closed plan. What do these terms mean in real life? And what are the benefits and drawbacks of each? Discover some answers to your questions.

You may want to avoid spending money on fads (short-lived trends that won’t pay off long-term) during a remodel, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid trends completely. Some trendy upgrades may be useful for your family’s lifestyle, may save you money over the years, or may even improve your home’s value long-term if…

The stay-at-home orders to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the lifestyles of many people. One study has found out that more people took up cooking to fill the extra time they had in the house. With more time spent in the kitchen, you may have found that you need to spruce up this space…

A reimagined master bedroom suite is one of the most popular home remodels for modern owners. Whether or not your master bedroom already has an attached bathroom, it may not feel like a true master suite. How can you change that? Learn what you need to know.

Does your home need a renovation? Many homeowners focus on ways to remodel the existing layout, but an addition could give you much more ‘bang for your buck’ in your renovation budget. How could a home addition add value and luxury to your home? Here are a few of the best choices to solve your…

As a child ages into their teenage years, they will go through many changes. The room they currently have may not be best suited for their growth, maturity, and lifestyle changes. Along with a fresh coat of paint and some new furniture, you can completely transform a child’s room with a remodel.

Built-in cabinets and shelves help save a lot of space in your home while offering ample opportunities to organize items. As you consider remodels for your home, contractors can find ways to make the most out of your space, including built-in cabinet options for nearly every room of the home.

Gaming has changed dramatically in the last decade as gamers seek out old classics, next-generation consoles, and interactive gaming options. If you want a dedicated gaming space in your home, consider a room remodel for your home.

If you finish your basement, you can add up to double the amount of space you had to begin with. You might already have a finished basement, but perhaps it doesn’t fit your current needs. Either way, a basement is a good space for a family room. You can relax in a cozy space that…

However, the devil is in the details. Attention to the details can take your remodel from beautiful to spectacular. Below are five details that will give a house remodel wow factor. 1. Staircase Railings Multi-story houses typically have a staircase that starts in the foyer. Such a staircase represents an opportunity to create a feeling…

When you are summer cleaning, you may want to assess any unused space to renovate to improve your home’s value. Instead of the basement, as is usually the case, you may want to renovate the attic. Bringing new life to your attic presents its own unique set of challenges that you should keep in mind…

If you work from home, particularly if you’re starting out, you understand the numerous difficulties that come with that career lifestyle, such as balancing time between home and work, or getting rid of distractions. If you add a dedicated office space to your home, whether by remodeling an attic or basement, or as a home…

Technology is changing every part of our lives – the way we enjoy our time at home, even the way we stay safe. Because of this, smart homes are becoming more popular every year. They help cut electrical bills, turning homes green and conserving precious resources. Let’s look at some of the smart technology available…

Having a home with a smaller kitchen may seem restrictive, but with the use of the right remodeling strategies, smaller spaces can be just as attractive and efficient as larger ones in terms of design power for a kitchen. Here are a few home renovation tips to help you optimize the potential of your small…