Author: robintek

Which Color of the Year is Your Favorite?

Violet, Green or Taupe

All designers get excited for the annual color forecasts and “color of year” announcements from Pantone and paint manufacturers like Sherwin Williams, PPG & Benjamin Moore.

One of the most effective ways to use color to transform a room is to play up its architectural features. Adding a decorative splash of color to any space can give it a feeling of new life. Depending on who you follow on social media or which design magazines you read the information on color options in paint, furnishings and fabrics can be simple or complex. The Cleary Company Design Team is here to help our clients sort through it all!

We certainly don’t expect you change up your home’s color scheme based on each passing year’s color trend. These annual color selections are mere guides and an easy way to spark inspiration. They can also be useful when there’s a particular new color that you really like as it’s much easier to find furnishings and decorative accessories that coordinate with a favorite hue because it’s trending.

Our Design Team works closely with each individual client. By learning their likes and dislikes, their favorite colors, their favorite styles, we can create a create a plan customized to each clients’ lifestyle and personality. For inspiration on how to use color in your next project, visit our website’s Portfolio!

Congrats to our Team for winning the 2017 Best of Houzz for Design & for Service!

Visit our Houzz Pro Profile to see all of our project albums!

February 9, 2017
Home Trends in Kitchen Remodeling

It is a new year, and with that changes happen. As your preferred home remodeling company, Columbus, Ohio, we want to share some of the kitchen changes you are going to see in 2017.

Your Kitchen is seen by most anyone who visits your home. According to the most recent Cost vs Value report from Remodeling magazine, an average kitchen remodel will yield between 60-80% ROI if and when you sell your home. What’s trending in kitchen design for 2017? Here are some of our favorite innovations and thoughts on which trending design choices will stand the test of time.

Think grey and white
Grey (or Gray if you prefer) and white are the trendiest colors now for kitchen design and they’re also timeless. A grey and white palette works with virtually any accent color so if you go grey and white, you really only have to spend once.

Right now black stainless steel appliances with more of a matte finish are really hot. Cabinets in grey, black and white are popular, and look great mixed together.

That’s another we are seeing: upper and lower cabinets done in different finishes and materials. They need to complement each other, but everything doesn’t have to match.

Get creative
Also popular is to design a kitchen island out of different materials than the cabinets and countertops. That puts a personal stamp on the room, especially if you make your island out of a distinctive piece of furniture, like a vintage cabinet.

Quartz countertops are also popular. Quartz requires less care and maintenance than granite or marble, which can easily stain if not sealed properly and consistently. Another benefit of quartz countertops, they are more consistent in color and movement throughout a large slab.

Textured and colored glass is another way to jump on a trend in ways that reflect your own style. We’re seeing glass used to surround the hoods above stoves, for backsplashes, and as cabinet fronts.

Mix your metals
The new metal finishes on the market for plumbing and appliances are really exciting! While it seemed that gold, brass and other yellow-toned metal finishes were on their way back into vogue the newest metal finishes you’ll be seeing more of are Titanium, brushed gold and matte black. Choosing a light fixture in one of these finishes is a great way to incorporate the look without over committing to the style.

The hardware in your kitchen is like the jewelry, you can have fun adding that bit of bling. Changing your hardware is a nice way to update the kitchen without having to change the cabinets! You can also bring in a light fixture with a metal that’s different from your cabinet hardware.

If all of this seems overwhelming to you, we can help! When you are considering a home renovation, Columbus, Ohio contact us. Our design team will work with you to create a perfect space full of personality and function.

January 31, 2017
Tiny Touches Matter | Design-Build Home Remodeling Columbus OH

At The Cleary Company we strive to serve our clients in every way we can. We find that it’s the little touches along the way that make the experience fun an valuable for both our team and our clients.

Check out this infographic about what makes The Cleary Company a great choice for your home remodeling projects. (View PDF here)

December 21, 2016
Saving Energy and Money in Your Home
Knowing where your home uses energy is the first step to saving energy and money. A home energy audit can identify opportunities through a comprehensive assessment of your home’s energy use. Your audit report contains personalized recommendations for energy efficiency upgrades and generous discounts for completing the improvements.

Professional energy assessments generally go into great detail to assess your home’s energy use and most will include at least checking for leaks, examining insulation, inspecting the furnace and ductwork, performing a blower door test and using an infrared camera. An energy auditor will do a room-by-room examination of the residence, as well as a thorough examination of past utility bills.

Step two to saving energy and money in your home is by following some or even all of the recommended upgrades in the customized report. In doing so homeowners can save money, energy as well as improve the comfort of their home.

Locally Columbia Gas Ohio offers a Home Energy Audit program for a low cost of $50 that includes the following:
- Three-hour comprehensive in-home assessment by a trained energy adviser (a $500 value)
- Installation of free energy-efficient items like shower heads and a programmable thermostat
- A safety check of your gas furnace for carbon monoxide levels and efficiency
- A personalized report of your home’s efficiency with generous discounts, rebates and incentives to put toward your upgrades
For more information and to schedule your audit click here!

The U.S. Department of Energy also recommends these 8 tips for saving energy~
November 23, 2016
Craftsman Style Kitchen Remodel in Columbus, OH

Project Spotlight: 50’s ranch home in the Thomas-Knolls neighborhood expands footprint of kitchen by moving & removing walls

Read more about this home in HouseTrends Magazine.

For more before & after photos of this project visit our Houzz profile!

AFTER:

BEFORE:

October 15, 2016
3 Scopes & Budgets Kitchen Remodeling

KITCHEN REMODELING PROJECT PRICING

LUXURY PRICE RANGE: $125k to $200k+

Possible Scope of Work & Finishes:

Increase sq ft of footprint w/addition or combining rooms.

Move and/or add plumbing & appliances plus increase lighting and electric.

Quartz countertops, custom tile backsplash and heated tile or exotic wood floors.

Lots of custom cabinetry and large island w/seating & storage.

High-end gourmet appliance package.

Greatest number of choices for finishes & materials.

MODERATE PRICE RANGE: $80k to $120k

Possible Scope of Work & Finishes:

Reorganize existing layout for greater efficiency and removing soffits.

May include whole or partial removal of one wall plus new drywall & trim.

Professional-style appliances and upgrades to lighting & electrical.

Custom cabinetry including an island including basic level granite counter tops w/flamed or leathered finish.

Refinish existing or install new flooring– hardwood or tile.

BUDGET PRICE RANGE: $45k to $75k

Possible Scope of Work & Finishes:

Face-lift or update space but keeping the same layout.

Plumbing & electrical remain same place w/simple lighting 2-3 fixtures.

May reuse existing or include some or all new cabinetry w/limited finish & accessory choices.

HD laminate countertops or level one granite or quartz.

Simple appliance package or reuse existing.

Keep existing drywall & trim and paint only remodeled area.

Basic flooring choices- LVT vinyl or high quality laminate or reuse & refinish existing hardwood.

September 21, 2016
Porch Addition Gives Backyard Upgrade

A Transformation of Unused Backyard Space Brings Joy to Young Family in Westerville, OH

After seven years of feeling dissatisfied with their backyard, our clients were ready to transform their outdoor space into a place they could truly enjoy, embracing the natural beauty of the wooded yard behind their home.

The space beneath the deck was previously unused and uninviting, offering no functionality or access to the walkout basement. The steep, narrow stairs leading from the upper deck were not only impractical but also felt unsafe, especially for the family’s young children, making the area both inaccessible and underutilized.

Before

Structural updates to the deck introduced sturdy new beams and posts, allowing for extended spans that open up breathtaking views of the backyard. Additionally, the deck stairs were completely redesigned to include a spacious landing, creating a smoother and more inviting transition between the upper deck and the lower patio entertainment spaces.

The walkout basement now features larger windows and elegant French doors, flooding the interior with natural light and providing seamless access to the newly designed paver patio. This patio features three distinct entertainment areas, perfect for hosting gatherings or enjoying quiet moments outdoors.

Read more about this project in Westerville Magazine.

Ready to upgrade your backyard with a porch addition?

A porch addition can transform your backyard into a more inviting, functional, and versatile space for entertaining. By combining functionality, aesthetics, and comfort, building a new porch can transform your backyard, enhancing both casual get-togethers and formal gatherings.

Our Design-Build-Remodel Team is ready to collaborate with you on your outdoor living space additions. Contact our Client Relations Coordinator by calling 614-459-4000 or visit the Contact page on our website.

July 5, 2016
Mudroom Addition with Kitchen & Family Room Remodel

Upper Arlington, OH Home Remodeling Project Profile:

Project Year: 2012 | Project Cost: $200,001 – $500,000

The dual-income active family of 4 desired a larger kitchen with a better layout for meal preparation and entertaining plus more functional storage. We proposed to open the wall between their family room and kitchen but by doing so it required the removal of an unused 2nd staircase to the upper floors. This design solution made a huge difference in the home’s traffic flow as well as allows mom to keep an eye on the little ones while preparing meals.

The kitchen scope of this project won a Contractor of the Year Award from NARI of Central OH in the Residential Kitchen Remodel category over $120k. The scope of work for the entire project was more than just remodeling the kitchen. Our Design-Build Team also relocated a powder room, built an addition of a mudroom, refinished hardwood floors, and updated the adjacent family room w/new flooring, drywall, lighting, and paint. Luxury features of the newly remodeled spaces are heated tile floors, Cambria quartz countertops, custom Amish built cabinetry and state of the art appliances. Additionally, this home was featured on the 25th anniversary Kitchen Kapers tour. This tour of exclusive homes in Upper Arlington OH is a philanthropic endeavor of Riverside Methodist Hospital Service Board VII.

The longtime clients hired our Team for multiple phases of this Remodel-Design-Build project as their family expanded and grew. Overall we completed two additions as well as extensive remodels of their first floor, including the kitchen, family room, and powder room. Second-story projects included a bedroom addition and a primary en suite remodel.

Before Photos

Existing 1st-floor spaces before remodeling.

After Remodeling Photos

1st Floor Remodel & Bedroom Addition completed.

Also included in the scope, remodeling and expanding the kitchen footprint, relocating a powder room, building a new mudroom, refinishing all the hardwood floors and updating the adjacent family room with new flooring, drywall, lighting and paint. Luxury features of the new kitchen included heated tile floors, Cambria quartz countertops, custom Amish built cabinetry and state of the art appliances.

Additionally, this home was featured on the 25th anniversary Kitchen Kapers tour. A tour of luxury kitchens in Upper Arlington OH raising funds to support cancer care at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.

Read more about this home in TriVillage Magazine.

Ready to transform your home with a remodeling project?

Design-Build remodeling can transform your home into a more inviting, functional, and versatile space for entertaining. By combining functionality, aesthetics, and comfort, remodeling your home’s interior spaces can transform your spaces, enhancing both casual get-togethers and formal gatherings.

Our Design-Build-Remodel Team is ready to collaborate with you on your outdoor living space additions. Contact our Client Relations Coordinator by calling 614-459-4000 or visit the Contact page on our website.

January 4, 2016
GR8FUL

‘Tis the season to be GR8FUL and so many of us have so much to be GR8FUL for, sometimes we just don’t slow down enough to see it.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to rekindle a relationship w/ a good friend, Adam. He told Cathy and me at dinner one night the he was diagnosed w/ cancer 6 yrs. ago that day. He told us he has been to The OSU James Cancer Hospital 142 times! He said, “Every time I go there I get to receive hugs, no matter what, they always remember my name and make me feel important.” Imagine how GR8FUL that would make you feel, not to be alone, but to have a support system in a time like that. He is the most positive, faithful and forgiving person and that is all so exciting to me. Adam coming back into our lives this time of year has been nothing less than a blessing and a reminder. He says what he has needed at this dark time in his life is a friend and how important it is to have me now. Who is the lucky one here, who is getting the lesson on being GR8FUL?

Kudos to the leadership at The James Cancer Hospital for identifying what we all need~ to feel and be loved! I hope this holiday season you too can be slow down and appreciate all that is going on around you. A vivid reminder of how much impact we can have on those around us.

I am GR8FUL to be a dad, husband, brother, friend, client, remodeler, coworker and employer. I am so thankful for all the wonderful relationships w/ each and every one of you.

This Holiday season I’m reminded of the good fortune that I have and how GR8FUL I am to be me.

Merry Christmas and Peace be with you and yours,

George

December 9, 2015
We Won! Home Addition | Upper Arlington OH

Central Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Remodeling Industry’s Contractor of the Year award for Residential Addition $100-$250k

Design-Build Luxury Home Addition | Indoor-Outdoor Lounge
The existing den was an unused room and the homeowners needed more space for entertaining and hosting fundraising events for various charities. The general scope included building an addition of outdoor seating space with a wood-burning fireplace including a gas starter and gas lanterns, installing heavy outdoor curtains, and remodeling the existing library into a bar. The two spaces are connected by a moveable wall of windows. The design of the two spaces created the atmosphere of a contemporary casual lounge. The result of the addition & remodel is an entertainment space our clients can use year-round even though half of the space is outdoors.

Design by Laura Watson ASID, UDCP
Project Manager Rob Lindeboom CLC
Architectural Plans by Andy Melaragno of Melaragno Design Company

Project Year: 2014 | Project Cost: $200,001 – $500,000

Project Overview

This home addition and remodel project focuses on enhancing the functionality, flow, and aesthetic appeal of a 4,800-square-foot residence built in 2006. The project includes a new 291-square-foot addition and updates to 520 square feet of existing space. To accommodate the changes, two existing A/C units will be relocated.

A key feature of the project is the creation of a new 14’8” x 15’3” lanai with 10-foot ceilings. This outdoor space will include a 42-inch masonry fireplace with an impressive 11’4” high chimney, complemented by a stone/masonry wall with built-in bench seating. Gas lines will be installed to support the fireplace, as well as two elegant gas lanterns for a warm, inviting ambiance.

Inside, the existing library will undergo significant transformation. The current bookcases and two windows will be removed: the side window will be framed in, drywalled over on the interior, and redesigned with a decorative architectural feature on the exterior, while the rear window will be replaced with an expansive 11’9” x 8’ Nana Wall system to seamlessly connect the interior to the outdoors. The wall separating the library and living room will be opened up, and the exterior wall will be widened to accommodate the new Nana Wall, further enhancing natural light and the flow of space.

A new bar area will also be created, featuring all-new plumbing, reworked HVAC supply ducts to suit the new layout, and a custom-built wall of Amish-crafted cabinetry. Together, these updates modernize the home, blending indoor and outdoor living while introducing thoughtful architectural details and high-quality craftsmanship throughout.

Are you ready to get started planning a home addition or remodel? Contact our Client Relations Coordinator by scheduling a phone call here or visit the Contact page on our website today!

December 1, 2015