Downers Grove Kitchen Facelift

The old cabinets, parquet floors, and wallpaper really outdated this Downers Grove kitchen. The homeowners hated having to get on all fours just to reach a pan in the back of the base cabinets, and everything felt so cluttered when they opened their falling-apart drawers. That’s when they turned to Crimson’s design team for a solution.

For the cabinets, we chose ivory cream inset cabinets by Fieldstone Cabinetry with simple hardware to give the kitchen a crisp, clean, and timeless look. We increased the efficiency of the cabinets by adding lots of internal organization to keep everything in its place and allow all dishes to be easily accessible.

The outdated parquet floor was replaced by a new hardwood strip floor to make the space feel larger and longer. We removed the soffits and the busy wallpaper to give the kitchen even more of an open feeling.

As a bonus, we also added an extra eating area by extending the countertop and flooring into the adjacent family room. What a great transformation!

Traditional with a Twist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dark mocha cherry cabinets (by Fieldstone Cabinetry) were a bold choice for this traditional Naperville couple, but they couldn’t be happier with the results! The cabinets offer perfect contrast with the light travertine backsplash. And the slate accents in the backsplash compliment the Tunas Green granite counters while drawing attention to the beautiful wood hood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lovely wine storage center with decorative glass upper cabinets sits where an old and rarely used built-in desk was. A closet pantry is replaced by a much more efficient pantry cabinet with plenty of roll trays for easily accessible storage. Added task and decorative lighting serve as a final touch to this beautifully renovated Naperville kitchen.

 

 

 

 

Behind the Scenes at Crimson

Homeowners see what happens at their home on a daily basis, whether its Crimson’s Project Manager, Tim Pearn, directing subcontractors, meeting inspectors, setting cabinetry or even daily clean-up (yes, he sweeps!).

They work with Crimson’s Design Coordinator, Carolyn, on a number of selections a homeowner is given – about 30 selections for a kitchen project, for instance. The selection process can be overwhelming, and Carolyn works hard to put homeowners at ease and to ensure they are selecting items to fit their lifestyle and budget.

Homeowners also work with Neil and Joel on all aspects of the project. Our hands-on owners make clients their top priority; checking in with them from the very first meeting until the final walk-thru and even after as part of our 1 Year Remodelers Warranty.

But there is one last member of the Crimson Team who has the least contact with clients – and sadly the only real contact Crimson’s Office Manager, Jen, does have is to send out invoices to clients. You can imagine how well liked poor Jen is!

Jen has been a member of the Crimson team for 5 years. She’s the one who (almost) always answers phone calls and in general ‘holds down the fort’ at Crimson Design & Construction.

But what exactly does that mean? What is it that Jen does all day?

Jen has a variety of behind the scenes job duties that help each job run legally, smoothly and happily. From assisting Joel on permit submissions to ordering our clients’ final selections to arranging on site material deliveries to being diligent that all subcontractors working on our jobs have signed proposals (subcontracts), current licenses and insurance and waivers of lien for each job they perform for Crimson.

While Jen is not actively meeting with Clients or visiting jobsites don’t think it means Jen doesn’t know or care what is going on throughout each project. The Crimson Team has weekly meetings in the office to review each job’s progress. Jen also reviews the schedule of each job for ordering and invoicing purposes.

Jen enjoys any connection she is able to form with Crimson’s Clients. She said, “I love when current and past clients call me and say ‘Hi Jen!’ like they are happy to talk with me. It makes my day that they include me in their lives, some by sending me emails or others who are so kind to ask about my daughter. I truly care about each project and each client.”

Feel free to contact Jen any time at the office. She is here to support the whole Crimson Team, and our Clients are also a part of our team! Jen can be reached by calling the office at 630-355-9070 or by email at jen@crimsondc.com.

 

User-Friendly Kitchen

A couple in Lisle is thrilled after Crimson did a complete redesign of their cramped 1970s kitchen. These clients like to do a good deal of baking and practically all of their meals are home-cooked, but their small and poorly designed u-shaped kitchen made this a daily struggle.

By simply changing the peninsula into an island, the kitchen opened up immensely. Now the couple can cook together and move around the kitchen with ease. Crimson also redesigned the cabinet layout and added plenty of in-cabinet organization like roll-out trays, deep drawers, and vertical storage for cookie sheets. A double-oven unit was installed so that they can do double duty when cooking large meals.

Warm caramel stained cabinetry was chosen for the perimeter of the kitchen to lighten up the space from the dark and dingy cabinets that were original to the home. Sage green cabinets on the island add a touch of color and accent the green glass tiles in the backsplash. Even after making space for all of their cooking and serving ware storage, they still had room for a decorative display cabinet for their pottery collection with a bonus mail organizer to help keep the counters less cluttered from mail.

Wow!  What a difference a little redesign can make!

Lisle Kitchen Renovation Wraps Up

We are in the final days of a kitchen renovation in Lisle, Illinois. Having had a negative experience with a previous bathroom remodel, the clients are thrilled that the project has come in on time and without any surprises! It’s wonderful when things happen as expected.

Their Lisle kitchen features cherry cabinets by Fieldstone Cabinetry in a simple Shaker style. The new kitchen layout will make cooking so much easier than before. And the tile backsplash gives their new space a lot of personality!

They chose to do two different cabinet finishes in their kitchen to make the island look like its own separate piece. The island is painted maple cabinets (see photo at left). The island contrasts nicely with the newly finished oak flooring.

New stainless steel appliances make this kitchen modern and energy efficient. In the photo below Mark, of Electrical Concepts, Inc., is making the final electrical connections to the double oven. The double oven is a wonderful piece because it allows you to cook two different meals at one time. What a great convenience!

It won’t be long before our clients are enjoying their kitchen and living easy!

 

Crimson Introduces the ‘I LOVE IT’ Guarantee

Be The Envy Of Your Neighborhood

-WE GUARANTEE IT-

Introducing The ‘I LOVE IT’ Guarantee

 

 

Crimson Design & Construction is so sure you’re going to love our new Architectural Elite Design Service that we are offering a 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! Here’s how it works -

If Crimson design and constructs your project using our Architectural Elite Design Service and you don’t have AT  LEAST TWO friends, neighbors or relatives tell you that they “LOVE IT!” we will refund 100% of your Elite Design Service fees.

We know we can make this offer because we have seen it happen over and over and over again. In fact, on many projects COMPLETE STRANGERS will stop and rave about their neighbor’s new addition! Recently our client, Marge of Naperville, had this experience.

“I loved working with Crimson Design [& Construction] from beginning to end. [They] really listened to what we said we wanted and worked closely and creatively with us to produce a design that met our needs and desires. [They] oversaw a complicated project with skill and patience and never hesitated to respond to our “just one more thing…….”. [Crimson has] guided us through a project that has yielded unsolicited compliments from friends, neighbors and total strangers passing by!”  - Marge (Retired COO), Naperville

 

You should expect to hear compliments like this:

+ I LOVE the colors!

+ I LOVE your new countertops!

+ I LOVE what you have done with your shower!

+ I LOVE your new kitchen – I’m soooo jealous!

Contact Crimson to learn more about the ‘I LOVE IT’ Guarantee and to set up your complimentary consultation.

Download the full details here. i_love_it.pdf

You Can Get Celeb Style & Inspiration!

Who doesn’t love celebrity homes?  They are chic and luxurious.  They are big and exquisite.  Their decorating features expensive artsy pieces and tasteful oddities.  Their homes feature a sophisticated comfort and a fascinating energy.

How can we “normal” homeowners ever compete?

Celebrities have lots of money to hire the best of the best.  They have a team of architects and interior designers who collaborate to ensure the space is well designed, features up-to-date styles and trends, and incorporates the homeowners’ vibe and spirit throughout.

 

But we “normal” homeowners don’t have to read Architectural Digest with jealousy and distaste.
 
Why not instead use it to find some inspiration?  Just because we don’t live in $10 million dollar mansions overlooking beautiful scenery or sweeping city views doesn’t mean our space can’t be comfortable, inviting and desirable.  In fact, your home can easily be turned into an inviting retreat that will make your friends and neighbors want your house to be the next entertainment hub.

This isn’t Hollywood, but Crimson Design & Construction has remodeled many Naperville-Area homes to be all that is mentioned above and without breaking the bank.  We work closely with our clients’ to fulfill all their needs and wants.  We help our clients every step of the way by being your team.

Crimson offers architectural services, an in-house design team, and a production team all in one convenient location.  Our licensed architect and designer come to you with a personalized design and specific examples for your home, your space, your needs and your wants.  Your space will not only be updated, but will also still be a reflection of you and your grandeur.

Equally important Crimson works vigorously with your budget in mind.  We will present to you design and selection options that will look good, but won’t leave you saying, “I wish we could afford that tile.”  The Crimson team works with you every step of the way to ensure that your remodeling experience is fun rather than frustrating.

Our most select clients appreciate our full service approach and take full advantage of our willingness to handle every detail.  Our team will treat you like a celebrity by managing every aspect of your remodeling project from start to finish!

So pick up that Architectural Digest and start making plans for your new space!

 

Kitchen Focused

Even though houses are scaling down, the kitchen has not been spared. Kitchens are more of a focal point in the home than ever, acting as a central area for all social activities. It’s no wonder they continue to grow in size and remain centralized in the home.

As the everyday populous places more importance on socializing and family togetherness, kitchens are being designed to stimulate social interaction. Today’s kitchens incite family togetherness and socializing by offering spaces for not only cooking, but doing homework, working on your computer, watching a movie, or just chatting.

Walls are coming down, islands are expanding, and more seating is added to encourage lingering in the kitchen and increased connection to those in other rooms of the house. These features not only meet the needs for everyday life, but also accommodate entertaining. For example; a large island used for cooking family meals or doing homework can be turned into buffet space for parties.

This open floor plan design also speaks to our multitasking lifestyle. People cooking in the kitchen do not want their backs to the action; they want to see what is happening. With the kitchen in the center of the home, you can create your gourmet meal without missing the winning touchdown of the game in the next room.

Should You Work With A Designer To Get The Best Custom Kitchen Designs?

Many people embarking on a kitchen remodeling project often question their need for someone to help with design.  Professional design has a mystique of elitism and snobbery.  This is often not the case and engaging someone to help with the design process on your kitchen project could be some of the best money you’ve ever spent!

First, let’s consider where design wouldn’t be necessary.  Some homeowners are naturally good with colors, layout and design.  Finding a few pictures in a magazine is all they need to develop a great idea for their new space.  They’re usually quick to make decisions and seldom second guess the choices they have made.  The partners in the process agree on most every aspect of the project, making the decisions easy.  The kitchen is already well organized and doesn’t require any spatial redesign.  This could be because it’s more than large enough or the changes to the space are purely cosmetic.  It may only require some new cabinets, counters, flooring and appliances to bring it up to current standards.  Any one, or more, of these situations may be a sign that having someone design the space is more service than you need.

Then there’s everyone else.  The other side of this is a kitchen or space so far gone that major work is needed or the homeowner feels completely out of their comfort zone.  Many homes built before the 1970’s and even some of those built in the 80’s or 90’s have layouts or features that the builder thought made sense at the time.  One classic example is the cabinets over a peninsula counter.  The builders of the past thought it was a great way to get additional storage space in a kitchen but unfortunately it is the number one reason the kitchen feels isolated or cut off from the rest of the main level.  Another feature was the half wall between the dinette and the family room.  It was seen as a great way to divide the spaces and separate the floor materials.  Unfortunately, that’s exactly what it did while at the same time making the dinette space extremely cramped!  These conditions point to the need for a professional designer or architect in your new kitchen.

Not all of these things are easily addressed and could require some real design experience.  Other homeowners that surely need help are the ones that can’t agree on anything or second guess every decision they make.  There’s concern over making the wrong decision with the paint colors or needing to make the perfect decision.  This can stalemate the process and make it so the project will never get off the ground.  A professional designer/remodeler will also help you with those decisions that are critical to the re-sale of your home down the road.  Those odd layout problems and bad color choices will make the home that much more difficult to sell when the time comes.  Do all the colors go together?  Is the layout efficient, simple and make the kitchen fun to cook in?  Is it so trendy that in 4 years the colors will be too much?  These questions will all be critical to you or potential buyers when the time comes.

The key to your project is creating a kitchen that makes it fun to cook, entertain and live in.  It’s the heart of the home and it needs to be current and well designed – something you can be proud of.

Naperville Ranch Home Completed

You may remember the whole house renovation of the ranch home in Naperville.  Well, the transformation is finally complete! The family is moved back in and ecstatic with the results!

The exterior has received a dramatic makeover complete with the addition of a porch, new siding, architectural gables, and a new driveway.

The interior has gained an updated kitchen, a powder room, a new fireplace with built-in shelving, and a brand new master suite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The focus of the kitchen design, besides the obvious aesthetics, was to increase storage and efficiency for everyday use.  By tastefully adding more cabinetry and installing organization systems in them, the kitchen is now much easier to cook in with everything in its place.

We also increased the efficiency of the space upstairs by turning two small bedrooms and a bathroom into a spacious master suite.  By moving a few walls and rethinking the space, Crimson was able to give the homeowners a bigger master bedroom, a walk-in closet, a master bathroom, and a home office.  Talk about efficiency!

Crimson is happy to welcome yet another family back to their new and improved home, custom designed for their specific needs, wants, and tastes.

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