The Design Matters Blog
Advice On New Home Design And Construction, Kitchen And Bath Remodeling, And Living Space Renovation.
Best Practices | Client Meeting Notes
During client meetings, we take descriptive notes because they are an important source of information to refer back to throughout the construction process.
2016 Remodelers Advantage Impact Award Finalist
Jef Forward, president and creative director of Forward Design Build, has been named a semi-finalist for the prestigious 2016 Remodelers Advantage Impact Award.
Design Matters | Wood Countertops
Butcher-block countertops are making a comeback inside today’s kitchens. After years of counters made of natural stone and engineered materials, homeowners are now being drawn to the natural warmth and texture of wooden countertops.
Design Matters | Unforgettable Lighting
There’s no single object that will set the decorative tone of a room quite like a beautiful light fixture. Use it well and it’ll show off your space to its best advantage. Use poor lighting, or none at all, and even the most dynamic rooms will be lost in the dark.
Design Matters | All About Your Pet
Love animals? So do we! If you’re like us, you think of your pet as part of the family, so why not show them? We’ve found some simple ways to move beyond the monogrammed food bowl and create the pet friendly spaces in your home that will pamper your four-legged friend.
Design Matters | Wooden Basement Bar
View this entire basement remodel which includes a sauna, home gym, a private exterior entrance, and more! Find the rest of the project here!
Design Matters | Second Story Addition
We put on a second story on this charming Ann Arbor home. View the whole project here!
Design Matters | Make A Statement
Let your statement furniture stand out in the room by having just one bold piece. If you're trying to let one piece be a statement, keep other things and furnishings smaller or less ornate.
Design Matters | First Impressions
Your front door can say a lot about you and your home, after all, it is the first thing people see when they come to visit. Your door sets the tone and style of your home.
Design Matters | A Bright White Space
We just got these pictures back, but we finished this kitchen last year! View the rest of this project here.
Design Matters | Who Needs 3-D Design?
We are always on the lookout for new and better ways to improve our clients experience with us, from the design phase through completion of the project. One way we have improved communication with our clients in the design phase of a project is by using a 3D modeling program called ArchiCAD.
Design Matters | A Modern Refresh
Take a look at our newly completed kitchen renovation! To see the rest of this project, click here.
Design Matters | Moving Outdoors
It goes without saying that the deck or patio is often the statement piece of the backyard. Modern outdoor spaces bring the comfort of indoor living outdoors, making it a true extension of the home.
Design Matters | Is Brass The New Black?
Whether you’re looking for a quick way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom, or looking to entirely renovate your space, consider bringing in a touch of warmth with brass hardware. While cabinet hardware and sink faucets are physically small, replacing them can have a dramatic effect on the overall look of your space. These fixtures are modern and elegant, and make a bold design statement in your decor no matter your style.
Design Matters | A Sunny Kitchen Prevails!
Take a look at one of our newly completed kitchen and interior remodels! To see the rest of the project, click here.
Design Matters | Wood Tile
Wood tile offers the beautiful appearance of wood, but with the durability of porcelain tile. It's great for rooms that receive a lot of traffic or homes with pets. Since it can withstand moisture, wood floors can finally be in the bathroom! Wood tile comes in many different colors and different materials - ceramic, porcelain, and concrete. Porcelain, however, is considered the best choice for its durability and low cost.
Design Matters | Natural Contemporary Bathrooms
Take a look at one of our newly completed bathroom remodels! To see the whole project, including plans and details, click here.
Design Matters | Pastel Walls
As technology becomes more and more integrated into our daily lives, people are craving a peaceful escape from all the busyness and noise. One way to create a peaceful atmosphere in your home is to paint your walls with pastel colors. These colors not only create a clean and fresh look, but also create a warm and inviting space.
Design Matters | Mudrooms
Mudrooms have come a long way from being just a simple room to store items in. Now, mudrooms showcase beautiful storage solutions for an array of different items. These storage solutions are highly customized and versatile to fit the clients exact needs and style.
Design Matters | Metal Roof
Metal roofs have become quite popular in the past few years for residential roofing. While metal roofs are popular for modern homes, they are able to fit many different home styles and come in a multitude of colors and material types. Metal roofs give a cleaner line and a modern feel to any home, new and old. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of metal roofs over the typical asphalt roof.