A Serene Renovation: A Cramped and Dark Palo Alto Bath Reimagined as a Wet Room

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Discovering the Dream

In this 1940’s Palo Alto home, the bathroom makeover wasn’t just about fixing leaks—it was about creating a space that feels like a daily retreat. That’s what one couple discovered when they decided to upgrade their outdated bathroom.

Before photos: A cramped, dated and dark bathroom with a tunnel like entry. 

“There were several things that bothered us about our primary bathroom including wasted space, a small tub that didn’t accommodate for size and comfortability, and a leaky shower. We knew it was time to make some changes and we were ready for a transformation,” says the homeowner, reflecting on the initial state of their primary bathroom.

Existing floor plan: The initial floor plan left much to be desired, with wasted space and cramped quarters. Minimal vanity space, a small shower, and a too-short bathtub hindered functionality, while a blank wall, courtesy of a fireplace in the living room, added to the sense of confinement. The crowded entryway, featuring both a door and reach-in closet doors, further contributed to the layout’s inefficiency.

Designing for Delight

Standing tall at 6′-2″, the clients wanted a bathroom that not only fit their stature but also offered easy access to their outdoor patio and hot tub. But with a limited layout, achieving their dream seemed challenging.

“We wanted to give them a bathroom that not only looked great but also met their practical needs,” explains designer Lisa Mellberg, “The clients came in with an extensive list of desires for their dream primary bathroom putting us to the challenge of making their entire wishlist come true within the existing floor plan,” highlighting the collaborative effort behind the renovation.

Crafting the Oasis

With some creative thinking, and through four to five iterations of floor plans, the team transformed their space into a spa-like ‘wet room,’ combining the shower and tub for a more spacious feel. “It was amazing to see how much more room we had once everything was reconfigured,” remarked the homeowner, impressed by the transformation. Not only did this reconfiguration maximize space, but it also ensured longevity, providing an accessible curbless shower, bench, and wooden blocks in the wall primed for grab bars for aging in place.

After floor plan: Combining tub and shower into a ‘wet room’ enabled us to fulfill all client desires. Relocating the toilet freed up space for a larger tub and patio access. Capturing the fireplace box allowed for a spacious vanity and linen cabinet. Widening the closet and adding a pocket door enhanced accessibility and spaciousness.

The wet room was created with a vertical stacked subway tile in the color seashell that adds dimension. “We wanted to create a sense of depth and texture while keeping the space light and airy,” notes the designer.

Photo by Jean Bai. After photo of the wet room.

Bathing in Light

With more efficient space planning and reclaiming space from a dormant fireplace, we were able to give them the room they needed without compromising on comfort.

“The natural light that floods the room now is incredible. It feels like a completely different space,” adds the homeowner, expressing their delight with the newfound openness of their bathroom.

Photo by Jean Bai. After photo of the new vanity, washlet space, and new door to their backyard and hot tub.

Practical Luxury 

Behind the vanity is a golden yellow wallpaper with a visually interesting and contemporary design, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication to the space. “We wanted to introduce some color and pattern to liven up the room without overwhelming it,” explained the designer.

The polished nickel fixtures add timeless appeal to the space.

Photo by Jean Bai. After photo of the new vanity, cabinet, and finishes.

Living the Dream

The result? A bathroom within the existing space that feels open and inviting, with plenty of natural light streaming in. “We didn’t just focus on looks—we also made sure the design was practical, with features like easy-access light switches, plenty of counter space, and a spacious linen cabinet,” notes the designer.

Conclusion: A Testament to Transformation

For the couple, the transformation, which achieved all of their desires, was a game-changer. “We finally have a bathroom where we can relax and unwind after a long day,” remarks the homeowner, grateful for the newfound comfort in their home, “We feel like we’re in a spa everyday.”

Photo by Jean Bai. After photo of the large tub and wet room.

Refresh Your Kitchen and Bathroom

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Learn More About HarrellCARE for Small Projects, Home Maintenance & Remove and Replace

In Silicon Valley, it can be challenging to find professionals who have the time or even want to take on smaller home improvement or maintenance projects. This often leaves homeowners with some less than appealing options: hiring an under-qualified person, taking on the projects themselves, or deferring needed home maintenance.

Project Manager, Marshall P, works exclusively on HarrellCARE projects. “This unique program was created because we kept getting requests from clients who needed work done but couldn’t find anyone qualified to complete it,” Marshall explains.

That’s where HarrellCARE comes in. A unique and separate service from Harrell’s Design + Build format, it provides the utmost in quality, exceptional customer service, and attention to detail for which Harrell Design + Build is known while focusing solely on the often-overlooked small project niche.

HarrellCARE is designed to fulfill the needs of two specific areas:

  1. Remove & Replace
  2. Small Projects

HarrellCARE Remove & Replace Division

This high efficiency, streamlined segment of HarrellCARE is specifically for kitchen and bathroom “refreshes” that update these spaces aesthetically within the room’s existing footprint.

Project Developer, Tammy W, works with all HarrellCARE Remove & Replace clients to help them choose new materials, fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, and the like to update the look of their kitchen and/or baths.

“The ideal HarrellCARE Remove & Replace client has a kitchen or bath that needs an update but the budget may not allow for major changes or the client simply doesn’t want to take on a major remodel,” shared Tammy. “The scale of the project does not determine the quality of service that is given. We have many return clients that feel like family.”

 

Any design aesthetic can be achieved, resulting in a beautiful, functional and efficient space without moving walls, plumbing, gas or waste lines. Tammy explains, “Recreating spaces has always been a passion of mine. I thrive on providing creative solutions within the boundaries of the existing walls and plumbing. You can truly transform the feel and look of a room by simply changing the materials. You just have to know how to apply the rules.”

Tammy suggests clients begin with a little homework by creating a Houzz or Pinterest profile and collaborating with her in order to understand the homeowners’ aesthetic goals. “It’s equally important to understand how the homeowner intends to use the space. We may not be moving walls but there may be an opportunity to maximize the existing space by adding an extra drawer or shelf that solves a need. It’s my job to understand what that need is.” 

All necessary permits will be obtained, and any needed code upgrades will be performed. Often times owners are unaware or don’t think they need a permit when they regularly do. It can be surprising for them to find out their small project fits that requirement. The HarrellCARE team arranges all the necessary trades and communicates with the homeowners, ensuring they are aware of what work is scheduled and when. If any issues, such as termites or structural damage, are discovered during demo, these will be also be properly addressed and resolved.

A typical kitchen project takes from 10 to 12 weeks and a bathroom refresh project takes from 5 to 7 weeks and involves two distinct phases: the design phase and the construction phase. Both have defined pricing and focus on quick turn-around with top-quality work. Clients get access to a designer to help them achieve the design they desire while the build team schedules all the necessary trades to keep the project on track, on budget, and on time.

HarrellCARE Small Project Division

The Small Project segment is a catch-all of sorts, a broad service that tackles that never-ending honey-do list that the majority of large companies or contractors won’t even consider. Homeowners often hire handymen but even they often don’t have the bandwidth, desire, or the ability to complete many of these small jobs with quality and code compliance.

“One of the things I hear most from HarrellCARE clients is that they’ve called dozens of businesses but Harrell is the only company that has called them back,” says Marshall.

Marshall clarifies the HarrellCARE Small Projects service as having one primary criteria: all jobs must require “zero to minimal designer involvement,” he explains. “Other than that, it can entail almost anything, from touch-up painting, installing new light fixtures, replacing a window, weather stripping doors, rebuilding decks, installing a shower door, a bathroom vanity, or even hanging Christmas lights. You name it, and odds are, it falls within the HarrellCARE Small Projects scope.”

Many small projects involve multiple trades such as electricians, plumbers, structural engineers, and painters as well as required code upgrades and permitting. Marshall’s dedicated HarrellCARE team handles it all to minimize homeowner headaches while completing each project in a timely manner and on budget.

Depending upon the type of project, a homeowner will pay either Time & Materials or, if the work can be defined, a Fixed Price will be agreed upon in advance. “We may also draw up a pre-construction services agreement if the job is fairly complex, entailing a lengthy timeframe due to structural work and permitting requirements,” says Marshall.

If you have a kitchen or bath that has a few decades under its belt and could use a refresh, or a honey-do list that simply never gets done, the HarrellCARE team has got your back. To learn more about HarrellCARE, give us a call. Marshall promises: he will call you back. To see photos of some of our Remove & Replace spaces, visit our HarrellCARE page.

The 4-1-1 on Flooring Options

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What to Consider When Remodeling a Bathroom

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Harrell Design + Build Designer Sheila Ward Hesting has updated a bathroom or two in her time. As a designer, she asks a lot of questions, diving deep to gain clarity around how her clients live and use the spaces in their homes.

“One of the things I say most is, ‘Tell me more about that,’” Sheila confides. Getting granular about the details is a core competency of any design professional. “I always talk function first, then move to the materials, colors, and plumbing fixtures.”

Jumping straight into the aesthetic aspect of a remodel is exciting but digging into the functional details is the first step that informs the result.

In this article, Sheila shares the primary things to consider when undertaking a bathroom remodel.

Who will be using the bathroom?

Sheila says the first item to consider is who will be the primary user(s) of the new bathroom.

Will it be children, and, if so, how many at a time? Is it the main bathroom to be used by the primary homeowners? Are you planning the new space for guest use? Will the redesign be for seniors or for those with different ability levels? Along with who will be using the updated bathroom, accessibility should be taken into account.

“A bathroom may be used by young children today, but in a few years when they are older, individual privacy will be in high demand,” Sheila shares, noting that how a bathroom will be used today may very well have different design and functional concerns in the future.

How do you want the new bathroom to function?

Will the bathroom serve as a powder room only (a toilet and sink), or does it need to include bathing facilities? Depending upon the individual users, will those people want (and use) a shower, a shower/tub combination, or a separate spacious shower and separate jetted bathtub?

Many homeowners believe that having a spa tub in the main bath is a must for future resale or that installing a luxurious bathtub will encourage them to use it, even if they aren’t typically bath takers.
But in reality, says Sheila, that is not the case. Sheila recalls hearing in one of her design classes, that the actual number of times a homeowner uses an indoor spa bathtub is only seven(!) in the course of their ownership! Think carefully whether you really need and will use a spa bathtub.

“I have discovered after interviewing some clients that an outdoor hot tub can be a much better (and more fun!) option for a family than a jetted spa tub inside the bathroom.”

Another important consideration is whether the functionality that homeowners desire in their remodeled bathroom can be achieved in the existing space. If not, can the components be reconfigured or will additional square footage be needed?

Lighting and Ventilation

The different times of day family members or guests will use the bathroom also comes into play. Some homeowners are up early, getting ready before the sun rises. Others like to bathe in the evening.

Dimmable lights create a relaxing retreat. Lighting that minimizes shadows at a mirror is ideal for grooming and applying makeup. Toe kick lighting, placed in the recess at the base of the cabinets, provides a subtle glow that is great for late-night bathroom visits.

Natural light and ventilation are other significant considerations. Window size and placement should also be considered. Large, low windows can reduce privacy, especially at night. Some homes offer lovely views and privacy, but many homes have nearby neighbors. One solution to this issue could be installing electrically activated “smart glass” that becomes frosted with the flick of a switch.

“We can achieve a well-lit bathroom by placing windows up high or by using opaque glass.” Sheila explains that talking through the details with homeowners helps her arrive at the best option to fit their family’s lifestyle.

There are also many lighted mirrors on the market today that function as mirror and lighting in one product. Additionally, there are products with an integrated TV in the mirror that can eliminate the need for a wall-mounted television.

Storage & Security

Each person has distinct needs when it comes to how they use a space. Storage plays a prominent role for most homeowners. Walking through each person’s use of grooming appliances such as electric razors, hair driers, flat irons, and electric toothbrushes is a guide toward designing a storage solution that meets their needs.

Security is another aspect of storage that homeowners often need but may not know the available options. Medicine cabinets with internal lock boxes (and refrigerator function) and cabinets with locking drawers keep medications secure and out of the reach of small children.

Advanced High-Tech Plumbing Fixtures

There are also a plethora of advanced plumbing fixtures to consider. Electronic keypads can control the elements of water, steam, lighting, and music to provide a multi-sensory showering experience. Customized selections such as rain heads, body sprays, and spa-like hydrotherapy to music speakers, steam, and chromatherapy are controlled by a simple touchscreen interface. Many toilet manufacturers offer washlet, or “bidet-type” toilet seats with controls for water spray, heated seating, and even sensors for raising the toilet seat, or turning on a night light. At the vanity sink, touchless faucets are becoming more normal in the home. Be sure to inquire about the many advancements in bathroom technology available today.

Heating

People have very different requirements for the desired warmth of a bathroom, so heating plays a critical role in designing an updated space. “Some like it hot,” while others prefer a cooler environment. Heating needs will also vary by season.

Radiant heated flooring (which can be electric or hydraulic) is a luxurious way to warm a bathroom however other homeowners may prefer a combination light/heater exhaust fan.

Sheila stresses that only after she has a detailed understanding of the new bathroom’s who, when and how, does the conversation turns to aesthetics.

There is a lot to consider when undertaking a bathroom remodel. Let Harrell Design + Build’s award-winning designers unearth all the essential details that play into creating your beautifully functional space.

We invite you to schedule a complimentary discussion with one of our experienced designers.

Or attend one of our virtual workshops to learn more about the Harrell Design + Build Design + Build experience.

As a single source from conception through construction, Harrell Design + Build provides clients with unmatched service, convenience, and quality. Working as a team, our Design + Build process can help you embrace your aesthetic, make the most of your resources, and create quality spaces that fit the unique way that you live.

Woman Founded and 100% Employee-Owned, Harrell Design + Build has created distinctive homes in Silicon Valley and on the mid-Peninsula since 1985. Our Design + Build Team is here to help you reimagine your home inside and out.

Bathroom with green wave backsplash

The Beauty of Backsplashes: From Minimalistic to Artistic

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Top Tech and Trends From KBIS 2021

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Harrell Design + Build Designers Barb Wingo and Brooke Nicholson virtually attended KBIS (The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show®), the preeminent and highly anticipated kitchen and bath design event. In association with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), KBIS offers an inspirational, interactive platform showcasing the latest industry products, trends, and technologies.

The topics and products presented at KBIS confirmed that homeowners seek to repurpose and reimagine the spaces in their homes. It came as no surprise that outdoor living, smart home technology, cleanliness and hygiene, and Universal Design continue to gain traction.

“Harrell has seen firsthand how spending so much time in their homes has clients exploring new ways to improve it inside and out,” affirms Barb.

“The environment and eco-friendly renovation was another hot topic,” Brooke contributes. “Luxury kitchen upcycling is a trend that is also gaining a foothold.”

Here’s a quick peek into our Designers’ top KBIS take-aways for 2021.

Taking Life Outside

The pandemic and ensuing stay-at-home orders have upped the ante for indoor-outdoor living. Travel restrictions have homeowners seeking to design memorable experiences in their own homes. Barb points outs, “Rather than traveling to resort destinations, the trend is to transform yards to create a multi-functional retreat atmosphere at home.”

Through expanding usable outdoor square footage, homeowners also extend the value of their homes. Families are looking for covered outdoor areas that offer protection from the elements with all the comforts of inside spaces. They want amenities that allow them to cook, dine, relax, entertain, work, study and learn al fresco.

Pergolas and cabanas expand outdoor space by creating exterior “rooms” that can be fully equipped with a myriad of conveniences, including outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, surround sound, WiFi, lighting, and outdoor furnishings that rival their interior cousins in comfort.

Watching TV outside, participating in Zoom meetings and social hours, and family movie nights under the stars have all given rise to the popularity of projection. The anti-glare technology enables a vibrant, clear image even in full sun, and it rolls up and hides away when not in use.

“Outdoor living has been a hot trend for years, but the trend now is to design exterior spaces that serve as a destination, offering many of the luxury amenities of travel locations. Homeowners want a multi-functional area they can use as an office, movie theatre, learning environment, and staycation escape all in one,” Barb points out.

Smart Kitchen/Smart Appliances

Smart appliances that are part of the connected environment in a home bring additional value to the owner. With the ability to update wirelessly and customized with enhanced capabilities, this technology is a future-proofed investment, continuing to provide value over time instead of becoming obsolete.

In addition to dedicated displays on the appliance, many appliances can be voice or touch controlled by smartphone apps. “Your connected washing machine can notify you when the cycle is complete; your oven can ping you when it’s preheated; the dishwasher will alert you when the drying cycle is finished,” Barb elaborates.

Smart food storage technology helps reduce food waste and expense. These devices track what’s in your refrigerator and pantry and informs you when items expire. They can even suggest recipes with the ingredients you have on hand. Brooke explains, “Your smart phone can show you what is inside as well, so if you can’t remember how much milk you have while you are at the store, you can just turn on the camera inside your fridge and have a peek!”

Another top tech appliance touted at KBIS is the LG Washtower. This full-size, full-capacity washer/dryer takes up half the space, stacking neatly in a kitchen, closet, or other location, eliminating the need for a dedicated laundry room. The centrally located control panel for both the washer and dryer makes it easily accessible. Built-in artificial intelligence detects fabric texture and load size, automatically selecting the proper wash motions and drying temperatures. The turbo wash setting with five variable sprays thoroughly cleans a load in under 30 minutes. LG also has a Styler steam closet that fits perfectly tucked up against the Washtower. The WiFi-enabled steam closet is ideal for sanitizing and reducing odors in sporting and fitness gear, reducing wrinkles, and gently refreshing delicate fabrics.

The GE Kitchen Hub provides access to all Android-based devices from your kitchen microwave, including other smart appliances, lighting, etc. The Hub can access the internet, streaming services, email, and offers video chat capability. Oh, and it can help you cook, too! The Hub’s scan-to-cook capability reads package bar codes and programs the proper cook time and temperature. The touch screen allows users to search guided recipes, and a built-in camera tells you if you’ve missed a step or if what you’re cooking is cooked appropriately.

Bold Fixtures and Finishes

New offerings in kitchen and bath fixtures allow for even greater personalization of the home as a reflection of the homeowner’s unique lifestyle.

Kohler offers new hues from calming to vibrant for kitchens and baths. Kohler’s Iron/Tone sink comes in a dozen shades, including Lavender Gray, Black Plus, and Indigo Blue.

Stunning, statement faucets and plumbing fixtures are available in Matte Black, and Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass as well as Vibrant Ombré effects in Rose Gold/Polished Nickel or Titanium/Rose Gold.

Hygiene and Hands-Free

COVID accelerated the popularity of personal hygiene toilet seats, both for cleanliness in the face of the virus and self-reliance from those infamous toilet paper shortages. The once separate functions of toilets and bidets have been combined into one fixture, sometimes referred to as bidet seat or washlet.

A bidet seat can be part of a new toilet or added to an existing toilet. Equipped with auto on/off and auto-select single or dual flush capabilities, these intelligent toilets offer a completely hands-free experience. Many people find this appealing from a cleanliness standpoint.

While most toilet/bidet fixtures require a nearby electrical outlet, some, like Kohler’s Purewash™ manual bidet toilet seat, require no electricity or batteries. The Purewash installs in minutes, connecting to the toilet’s water supply line.

 

Also in high demand are touchless or hands-free faucets. Motion-sensing and voice-activated fixtures, like Delta’s TRINSIC VoiceIQ™ kitchen faucet connects to voice-enabled platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Homeowners can turn the water on and off, pour specific amounts, and warm-up with spoken commands. The TRINSIC also has a hand wash feature, providing the proper length of time pre-set for lathering, scrubbing, and rinsing, a great feature for households with kids.

Luxury Kitchen Upcycling

Sustainable and eco-friendly products and services continue to be on-trend. For homeowners who plan to remodel their kitchens, upcycling is a way to give kitchen cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and appliances a new lease on life. Organizations like Renovation Angel receives donated high-end kitchens and, in turn, upcycles luxury cabinetry and appliances in other homes. They have partnered with Miele, Sub-Zero, and Wolfe, along with numerous other high-end brands.

The Renovation Angel Upcycling process:

  1. Renovation Angel conducts an inspection
  2. They provide a net value estimate
  3. They carefully remove/demo the kitchen
  4. A third-party appraisal (Approximately $450) is conducted
  5. Tax deduction paperwork provided upon appraisal completion
  6. For those purchasing a upcycled kitchen, you’ll need to hire an outside party for installation

Brooke explains more about this unique take on upcycling, “Renovation Angel takes donations of kitchens and offers significant tax credits. People buying the used kitchens receive a deep discount on elegant kitchens and appliances while also reducing recycling and landfill tonnage.”

Universal Design

Universal Design is an evergreen trend that gained more attention as families sheltered in place. The process of creating products and environments accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, Universal Design applies to people of all ages and in all stages of life. Independent design principles and products benefit those who live in the home and to those who come to visit.

In addition to sleek and stylish Universally Designed products, voice-activated smart technology makes life easier for those with varying abilities. Voice commands turn on and off lights and appliances, including activation of a pre-set morning or evening routine. Verbal instructions or motion sensors activate faucets and fixtures. Water sensing systems monitor and send alerts regarding water leaks. Smart thermostats can adjust the ambient temperature with an app or via voice command. Smart keypads allow doors to be locked upon command and unlocked with an app. Personal hygiene bidet seats allow for independent self-care.

To discover more about the latest technology and trends for your home, we invite you to attend any of our complimentary virtual workshops.

To explore the remodeling possibilities your home has to offer, connect with one of our talented Designers.

Woman Founded and 100% Employee-Owned, Harrell Design + Build has created distinctive homes in Silicon Valley and on the mid-Peninsula since 1985. Our Design + Build Team is here to help you reimagine your home inside and out.

What’s Trending in Tile

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A modern, gray universal design bathroom features a curbless shower and tile details.

Harrell Design + Build Designers Win Multiple NARI META Awards

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Two of Harrell Design + Build’s Designers were honored recently at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Silicon Valley awards gala. Gloria Carlson and Debra Winston received coveted META Remodeling Awards for multiple projects that transformed the homes of three Harrell Design + Build clients. Both designers have received META honors in the past but, as Gloria shares, “A large part of the award is the fact that we’ve solved very unique problems, making dramatic and often life-changing transformations in our clients’ homes. Clients love to feel that their needs were met but in such a way that their home was acknowledged as an award-winner.”

META, short for metamorphosis, “signifies the transformation process and beautiful results that can be accomplished through a remodeling project.” The Silver, Gold and Platinum awards are categorized by project price point and include everything from interior redesigns of kitchens, baths and living spaces to residential landscape design to entire home remodels.

Designer Debra Winston won multiple META Gold awards for two projects within one residence, which incorporated Universal Design principles to enable the homeowners to age in place. The first project took a small, outdated master bathroom from “Blah to BLING” while the second Gold award winning project transformed the compartmentalized floor plan into a spacious and dramatic interior.

Blah to Bling

Two META Gold awards for Residential Bathroom under $100,000 & Universal Design Bathroom

“This couple isn’t afraid of color or of embracing their unique style and personality in the home,” Debra remarks. “This project definitely proves that Universal Design can be beautiful and functional.”

Dark, dated, and depressing, this original San Jose master bath was small and was not wheelchair-accessible. The corner shower was much too small for assisted bathing and had a high curb that created an entry barrier. Debra reconfigured the area, more than doubling its size by taking space from the hall bathroom. In its place Debra designed a stunning spacious roll-in shower with teak folding bench, grab bars, and a handheld shower to make bathing safe, easy and accessible. The wall-hung Toto Washlet toilet and white high-gloss floating vanity with Silestone quartz white platinum counters are functional and attractive. The “bling” comes from wall, floor, and backsplash tiles with burnished metallic finishes, glittering mosaics, and silver “ribbon candy” pendant lights that add sparkle.

Debra relates, “One of the wife’s guilty pleasures is collecting fragrances and nail polish. To display her collection in style while offering easily accessible storage, we added was a 16-inch X 5-foot Robern medicine cabinet.”

Dark to Dramatic

META Gold Award for Residential Interior $250,001-$500,000

The same homeowners also needed to convert the entry, kitchen and great room of their home to increase functionality and accessibility. The existing 1950’s kitchen was dark, narrow, and closed off from the living space by a 16-foot long wall.

Removing the entry coat closet and the dividing wall created an open floor plan, allowing ease of movement and linking the great room and kitchen together. The same glossy white cabinets grace the updated kitchen and are accented by vivid glass “wavy” backsplash tiles and matching pendants above the contrasting dark island. The kitchen is illuminated with recessed lighting and a skylight.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring extends into the great room, which had a dated brick fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases with scalloped wood trim, all which had been painted white. The space was transformed by applying concrete over the existing brick for an industrial look, adding metal mesh door panels to the bookcases, and matching the color of the kitchen island. Floating shelves and an edgy wallpaper transform the space into one that is functional, accessible, and captures the homeowner’s distinct style.

“The homeowners aren’t afraid to be bold with color, texture, and design,” Debra explains. “In their previous home, they used a small-run “stealth print” wallcovering and decided to continue this adventurous design aesthetic by incorporating a fanciful skeleton wallpaper as a feature wall in their new great room.”

Last but not least, all interior doors were painted a charcoal gray, and the home’s exterior was modernized, removing the dated scalloped facia and adding horizontal cedar plank siding. The stucco was painted a deep teal and the exterior entry door a bright orange, creating curb appeal with significant WOW factor.

Small to Spacious & Stunning

META Gold Award for Residential Interior Remodel $100,000-$250,000

Harrell Design + Build Senior Designer, Gloria Carlson, was a META award winner for her transformative design on a two-story Menlo Park home. The layout of the client’s home restricted her ability to age in place as there was no bed and bathroom space on the main level that offered the necessary accessibility.

To achieve a functional, accessible, and beautiful master suite, Gloria reconfigured the existing floor plan, which included a barely usable ensuite “micro” bathroom and small closet, with an adjacent sub-standard “bedroom” that was too small to be used as one.

By incorporating the footprint of the second bedroom, Gloria created a luxurious master bathroom and walk-in closet, both 3-1/2 times larger than their original spaces. The once infinitesimal closet was expanded to a walk-in closet, allowing the owner to store all of her clothing in one place whereas before, it was scattered in various closets throughout the home.

A large shower includes accessibility features such as a low curb, folding teak bench and grab bars. The client and Gloria worked together to lay out the shower tiles to mimic hot air balloons floating skyward, reminding the homeowner of one of her favorite getaways.

Gloria interspersed numerous other personal touches reminiscent of vacations including custom cabinet knobs made from stones found near the owner’s beloved mountain cabin on the double vanity and seated make-up area.

“The homeowner is a tall woman and she wanted the bathroom designed to comfortably fit her height,” Gloria explains. “Now she has a master ensuite bath that not only fits her personality but her stature, enabling her to comfortably and safely live in her home for years to come.”

Baker’s Dream Kitchen & Functional Garage

META Gold Award for Residential Interior Remodel $250,001-$500,000

Gloria designed a dream kitchen for another Menlo Park client, a close-knit family that loves to bake. Their adult son is a professional baker while the husband makes 1,000 truffles at a time multiple times a year. Their kitchen was attractive yet the confined space was not conducive to the cooking and baking functionality this family desired.

“This family is very unique and as such, had very specific requirements and challenges to solve in their home remodel,” Gloria states. “Not only were they avid bakers and chefs but they had a menagerie of exotic pets whose needs they also wanted to embrace in their remodeling project.”

Significant changes to the structure were made to create the dream kitchen that fit the family’s lifestyle. A load-bearing wall was removed, and a massive engineered beam inserted into the ceiling framing opened the kitchen and dining areas. It also allowed for a large island with seating for four, a lower counter area for the son’s baking while the husband used the large, higher portion of the island for making his truffles. With so many special baking appliances and accoutrements, storage was at a premium. Appliance “garages” were added for mixers and other large items while overflow storage was added to the home’s garage. The end result is an open, expansive space filled with natural and artificial light, colorful cabinets, plentiful prep space and storage, high-end appliances, and a mosaic backsplash, which is a nod to the family’s Spanish heritage.

The garage itself also underwent a significant METAmorphosis, transforming it into a fully functional space for laundry and overflow kitchen storage. Gloria also designed a secure location to store high-end bicycles in addition to a separate area for storing food for their tortoises, iguanas, snakes and other reptile pets.

Founded by Iris Harrell, Employee-Owned Harrell Design + Build has been transforming distinctive homes since 1985 in the Bay Area. If you are considering a METAmorphosis of your Silicon Valley or Mid-Peninsula home, Harrell Design + Build’s award-winning Design + Build team can make your residential dreams a reality. Explore our website to see more of our projects, learn about our company or to schedule a complimentary consultation.

A Palo Alto kitchen using complementary colors, with blue cabinetry and a bright orange stove.

Hot Countertop Trends

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A stunning countertop is one of the elements that makes for an amazing kitchen or bathroom. Countertops come in a myriad of materials but the latest countertop trends are making headway, edging out former top contenders.

Quartz continues to be a favorite among homeowners who are remodeling both kitchens and baths. According to Harrell Design + Build’s award-winning senior designer, Sara Jorgensen, nine out of ten Harrell clients choose quartz for their countertop materials. There are many “pros” to quartz including its durability, low-to-no maintenance, and the incredible variety it provides, with marble look-a-likes being the most popular.

“Besides the wide selection and low maintenance, quartz can be manufactured in jumbo slabs, which makes it ideal for expansive islands,” Sara says. “This means our clients can have a perfectly seamless and truly gorgeous countertop.”

The “newest kid on the block” when it comes to countertop trends, Sara explains, is epoxy. Epoxy is often used to resurface old countertops but can also be applied over wood. It must be created on-site versus typical counter materials which are fabricated offsite and installed at the residence.

Epoxy counters offer limitless variety in design including colors and patterns. It can be created to look like marble, granite, concrete, stone, or something completely unique and custom. These counters can be metallic or matte and are always seamless with a luminous high gloss, which protects the color beneath. Epoxy is food safe, durable, heat resistant, and easy to clean.

“Epoxy countertops are really exciting from a design perspective,” says Sara. “I love their versatility and how the product can be used to achieve such amazingly realistic patterns mimicking marble and other popular countertop materials at a fraction of the cost. I really think this trend will be gaining momentum in kitchen remodels.”

Epoxy countertops can be professionally installed or, for those feeling adventurous, created as a DIY project. It can be applied over tile, laminate, wood, concrete, and other surfaces. If you want a specific pattern and a countertop that is top quality, Sara recommends foregoing the DIY option and leaving it to the pros.

Last on Sara’s list of trending countertop materials is porcelain. Once primarily used in tiles on kitchen and bathroom counters, this man-made material is fabricated in large slabs, which are then installed much like quartz or granite. Porcelain is durable and resists just about everything including stains, heat, scratches, chemicals, and UV light. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, many of which look like marble or natural stone. Porcelain typically doesn’t require sealing and is an environmentally friendly option as it’s made from 100% natural clay-based materials and is completely recyclable, should you ever choose to change your counters in the future.

Sara explains, “Porcelain can be fabricated in extra large slabs and, because it is so thin, it can be applied directly over existing counters, if needed.”

When it comes to countertop trends and color, typically, whatever countertop material is chosen, Sara says her clients continue to prefer a high contrast between cabinets and counters.

When the time comes to reimagine your kitchen or bath, allow Harrell Design + Build’s design team to help you discover the possibilities. We offer numerous free inspirational and educational workshops and are always available to meet with you for a design consultation.

Sara Jorgensen, one of Harrell Design + Build’s award-winning designers, artfully executes her clients’ design desires coupled with their functional needs. Sara’s creative passion, authenticity, and open style of communication, enabling her to provide an innate understanding of client needs to the Harrell Design + Build Design + Build team. “Some clients know their style. Others need inspiration. Through the design exercises in which my clients’ partake, we come easily to an understanding of their preferences. The ultimate goal is to create a beautiful, timeless, on-budget, and functional project,” says Sara. Sara works from a holistic viewpoint to the smallest of details that create the design’s ‘wow’ factor. Her designs have won awards from the NKBA, NARI and National CotY and encompass a wide variety of projects from Wine cellars, Yoga rooms, Master Suites, Kitchens, and Decks to whole house remodels. A Bay Area native, Sara holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design from San Jose State University. Sara is a California state Certified Interior Designer (CID) and a Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP). Outside of work, Sara enjoys kayaking, San Jose Sharks hockey, snowboarding, cycling, snowman building, spending time with family and relaxing outdoors. She is a proud committee member of the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club and enjoys driving her Model T around California on various club tours.

A contemporary bathroom with a vessel sink and plenty of storage.

The Yays and Nays of Wall Hung Vanities

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Bathroom vanities add a distinct design aesthetic in addition to storage and counterspace that the majority of homeowners desire. Floor-mounted vanities have been the go-to for decades, but wall hung vanities are edging their way in as a more popular contender. They used to only work in a modern space but wall hung vanities have evolved considerably in appearance and flexibility.

“Wall mounted vanities are a hot home trend,” shares Harrell Design + Build award-winning designer, Sara Jorgensen. “They can be custom designed or for a more budget-friendly option, prefab vanities are great options. They fit beautifully in cozy powder rooms to spacious bathroom spaces and the variety of styles, colors, and countertop possibilities, you can create a custom feel for much less money.”

As with anything, this traction-gaining trend has its pros and cons. If you are contemplating a bathroom remodel and are intrigued with the sleek appearance provided by a wall hung vanity, take these points into consideration.

Attributes

  • Streamlined, contemporary appearance: Thanks to their clean, minimalistic lines, wall hung vanities often have a modern feel, but they do come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. To give the piece a furniture-like appearance, legs can be added. Whether one chooses modern metal legs or classically traditional “feet,” this embellishment adds to the vanity’s aesthetic. If you want a traditional look, choose a traditional door style with recessed or raised door panels and avoid mounting it too high to give the illusion the vanity is actually is anchored.
  • Varying heights: Since these vanities don’t have to rest on the floor, they are able to be hung at whatever level best fits the homeowner’s needs, achieving a custom height without paying a premium for a custom cabinet. Additionally, height flexibility allows accessibility for all ages and abilities while specifying the correct vanity can provide a sink that can be easily used by those in a wheelchair.
  • Accent lighting: Another benefit of wall hung vanities is the ability to install lighting underneath, which can serve as accent illumination while soaking in the bathtub or providing a soft nightlight glow.
  • Illusion of spaciousness: Since the vanity exposes the flooring beneath, it creates a more expansive feel, an element that works exceptionally well in smaller bathroom spaces.
  • Tuck it away: Depending upon the height of the vanity, items, such as scales, can be tucked underneath rather than taking up space inside cabinets or being set in a corner. For a family with young kids, Sara loves tucking a step stool underneath, which alleviates tripping hazards.
  • Easier to clean: Mopping beneath a wall hung vanity is often easier than a floor mounted version.

Disadvantages

  • More involved installation: Vanities that are mounted on the wall require more blocked in framing, which equates to installation that is slightly more involved and expensive.
  • Not designed to hold weight: Even when properly installed, a wall hung vanity cannot support the same amount of weight as a floor mounted vanity. This is something to consider if you have young children or people who might lean on the vanity for balance or support.
  • Less storage: Wall hung vanities tend to come in similar widths as their floor mounted counterparts, but they are typically shorter in height, which means less storage space. Adding in custom features can balance this disadvantage.
    Continuous flooring: If you’ve previously had a floor mounted vanity and want to install a wall hung version, having flooring that is finished beneath the cabinet is a must since it will be completely visible.

“There is a lot to love about wall hung vanities but there are always personal style and function considerations,” Sara explains.

Wondering if a wall hung vanity is workable in your bathroom remodel? Let one of Harrell Design + Build’s top-notch designers help you create a bathroom space that will fit your lifestyle and your budget. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Harrell Design + Build award-winning designer, Sara Jorgensen, artfully executes her clients’ design desires along with their functional needs. Sara brings a creative passion and, thanks to her authenticity and open style of communication, she provides an innate understanding of client needs to the Harrell Design + Build Design + Build team. “Some clients know their style. Others need inspiration. Through the design exercises in which my clients’ partake, we come easily to an understanding of their preferences. The ultimate goal is to create a beautiful, timeless, on-budget, and functional project,” says Sara. Sara works from a holistic viewpoint to the smallest of details that create the design’s ‘wow’ factor. Her work encompasses a wide variety of projects from Wine cellars, Yoga rooms, Master Suites, Kitchens, and Decks to whole house remodels. Her designs have won awards from the NKBA, NARI and National CotY. A Bay Area native, Sara holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design from San Jose State University. Sara is a California state Certified Interior Designer (CID) and a Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP). Outside of work, Sara enjoys kayaking, San Jose Sharks hockey, snowboarding, cycling, snowman building, spending time with family and relaxing outdoors. She is a proud committee member of the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club and enjoys driving her Model T around California on various club tours.