Fivecat Studio performs architectural and construction management services for projects of all shapes and sizes. We have designed everything from custom kitchens and master bathrooms to whole-house renovations and new homes. The thing that I always find interesting is how small projects can make a very big difference.
Annmarie and I just recently installed recessed wood paneling in our dining room. It wasn’t complicated; simple 1×4s fastened directly to the drywall and trimmed out with stock panel molding. We painted it all the same off-white color and for less than two thousand dollars and a few weekends of elbow grease, we enjoy a dramatically different room.
Kitchen renovations always make a big difference in the lives of a family. At Marissa’s Kitchen, we took the original 1980’s workspace, removed a wall and reconfigured the layout to allow for multiple workstations. The main island is designed for prep and presentation (Marissa is a professional chef and teaches from her home). Out front and adjacent to the family room is the beverage center with a built-in espresso machine and wine cooler. Hidden around the corner and out-of-site is the washing station, complete with a deep pot sink and an integrated stainless steel counter for easy clean up. Lots of thought, simple moves… big difference.
Curb appeal projects can have a big impact and add lots of value to your home. First impressions are everything, and the front elevation sets the stage for anyone visiting your home.
A simple way to make a big change is to add a front porch. In addition to doing all the things that porches were invented to do; keeping the rain off your head while searching for your keys and providing a cool spot to sit and enjoy a tall glass of lemonade, they’re also a great way to cover up the clumsy proportions of 1960s and 70s development dwellings. Porches add horizontal lines, repetitive elements at human scale and tons of “traditional home” character. For less than thirty thousand dollars you could have a new outdoor room, a wise investment and lots of impressive curb appeal.
You don’t need to spend your life savings to make major improvements. If your renovation is on hold due to the backwards economy, you may want to consider a small project. Small projects can make a very big difference.