The Design Matters Blog
Advice On New Home Design And Construction, Kitchen And Bath Remodeling, And Living Space Renovation.
Project Story | Family Bungalow Revival
This house, located in the heart of Ann Arbor, was built in the 1950s. We focused on improving the layout and functionality of the home to match our client's needs while still preserving the integrity and nostaglic charm of the original structure.
Design Matters | Choosing the Best Glass Cabinet Insert for Your Kitchen
The market is full of many interesting choices for cabinet door glass inserts, and kitchen designers are incorporating them in a number of unique ways to create character and eye-popping appeal to the space.
Best Practices | The Use of Tablets in the Field
Mobile devices and tablets used in construction is becoming prevalent among industry professionals because there are benefits for the client.
Design Matters | 5 Shower Glass Options That Will Amplify Your Bathroom Remodel
Today’s showers have come a long way since the polished brass frames around the door. In fact, showers now come in a variety of styles – from frameless to no enclosure at all. If you are considering glass for your shower, you may be surprised at the options you have available to you.
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!
Arlington Renovation | Trim
The trim is going up and there is a lot of trim in this house! Not only is it along the bottom of the walls, but around the door openings and on the ceiling as well. With the many unique features about the trim, it will be sure to bring a lot character and charm with it throughout the house.
Arlington Renovation | Stairs
The stairs were a unique project within our larger remodeling project. From our knowledge of the codes, we knew the existing staircase railing had to be modified.
Arlington Renovation | Tile
While our tile man, Tim Egler, is a bit camera shy, his work is anything but. We have worked with him on many projects, all of which always turn out looking amazing! He does excellent work, making each tile job look perfect.
Arlington Renovation | Cabinets
Putting in the kitchen cabinets. We're using Brookhaven for this project - not only are these cabinets great quality, but they come with a lifetime warranty. Looking forward to seeing the counters!
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.
Arlington Renovation | Value of Floor Protection
We just installed all of the new oak flooring and tie-ins to the existing hardwood floors as well as completed all the sanding.
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.