Category: Home Design

Dining Room Remodel to Entertainment Hub
Dining Room Remodel to Entertainment Hub

If you’re like many people, your formal dining room is not used or is only used a few times a year. Instead of making it a dumping place for backpacks, mail, or things that need to be put away, why not make it an entertainment hub?

Whether you want to create a lounge for hosting parties or game nights, transforming your formal dining room into a usable space can be a fun and creative project. Our Remodel-Design-Build Team offers these tips and ideas to help get you started!

First Determine Your Needs
- Do you need more space for entertaining family or friends?
- Does your family do a lot of gaming?
- Will you need space for serving food and/or drinks?
- Does a beverage bar make sense?
- What audio-visual tech components do you see incorporating?
Once you have determined your needs, a floor plan can be created to help choose the right furniture, glasses and drink accouterments, TV, or gaming systems that will work in the space.

Next, Create Zones & Versatility

Determine your zones based on the needs you identified above. For example, for family entertainment, you might have a seating area, a media area and a bar area. Use furniture and area rugs to visually separate the spaces. Consider modular furniture that can be moved around and tables or ottomans that can double as storage. Seating should be comfortable and fit the activities planned for the space.

Don’t Forget to Plan for Lighting & Storage

How do you want to enhance the atmosphere of the room or the different zones? Combining layers of light that use specific types such as task, ambient, and accent will make all the difference. Even hanging string lights can create a fun atmosphere, especially if the room is going to be used for parties. To learn more about choosing lighting for your home, read our blog post on this subject here!

Incorporate storage solutions for keeping your room organized. Include a variety of storage options such as hanging or standup shelves, cabinets, or dedicated storage units for games, gaming equipment, and books.

Planning Entertainment Accessories

The room’s purpose is entertaining, right? A high-quality television, surround sound, gaming consoles, music and an internet source (think Alexa or Google Nest) will take the entertainment to the next level. Perhaps there are board games, a pool table, cards, a karaoke machine, or a poker table as part of the plan. Make these accessible to guests and your family for fun nights spent at home. The layout is paramount here to take advantage of optimal viewing and accessibility.

The Home Bar

One of the most requested components to a basement, kitchen, family, or dining room remodel is a bar or beverage station. A dry bar is the simplest configuration. This typically includes cabinetry and shelving for storage and a countertop for serving. There may or may not be cold storage for drinks like a mini fridge or fridge drawer. A wet bar typically means that there is a sink with running water in the space as well as having all the components of a dry bar.

Adding a bar to your entertainment hub keeps everything in one place for you and your guests. A refreshment area is a great idea, whether it’s a bar cart, a built-in bar cabinet, or a dedicated countertop with space for storing and serving.

Add Your Finishing Touches

Finally, add personality to make your new space inviting and cozy. Use a bold color for the walls or hang a bold piece of art. Photographs of family vacations, sporting events or hobbies will also bring life to the room. Of course, the rugs, throw pillows, blankets, curtains, and plants you choose will also help to create the right atmosphere for you and your guests.

Have fun and let your creativity shine! After all, it’s a room that hasn’t been used to its potential and repurposing it is going to create endless possibilities for you.

Need help reimagining, designing and building your new entertainment hub? Our Remodel-Design-Build Team is ready to collaborate with you to turn your unused formal dining room into the functional family space you need. Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today to get started! Call 614-459-4000 or visit our website.
June 5, 2023
10 Reasons You Need a Basement Remodel
It’s that place you might not think about on a daily basis, especially if you only use it for storage or to do laundry. However, as you live in your home and life changes, that room downstairs might just be the next room you should remodel.

Over the past 29 years, our Remodel-Design-Build Team has created amazing basement remodels by listening and collaborating with our clients. You can tour several basement remodeling projects on our YouTube channel.

Read on to learn when and why, Development & Design Manager, Laura Watson, ASID, UDCP believes, a basement remodel is the right fit for your family.

Which one of the following speaks to you?
1. You need more space to stay in your home. You now have kids, or the ones you have are getting older and need a space to chill with friends. Adding a secondary living area creates a better footprint to the home.
2. When people come to visit, there is no extra bedroom for them. Adding a guest bedroom and bathroom gives family and friends privacy, especially nice for extended stays. (Or why not move your older teen to the basement and offer them a private space!)
3. It’s only partially finished and you want to make it all usable living space.
4. Converting a storage (ummm…probably filled with boxes and stuff) area into an organized space with shelves, a craft, hobby or workout room, whatever you need it to be, makes a wasted space utilized!
5. You hate going down into the basement because it’s old, unfinished, or outdated. Remodeling it will create a space you won’t WANT to leave.
6. An older home’s basement might have some structural damage (bowing walls, cracks, water) that needs to be fixed. While fixing those issues, why not remodel it and create an area you’ll actually use?
7. You’re tired of heading down to the dingy basement to do laundry. The layout of your home doesn’t lend itself to moving the laundry out of the basement, but who says you can’t create a beautiful laundry room? We’ve designed some amazing laundry rooms!
8. The party is always in your neighbor’s basement. You know—the one with the great wine cellar or home bar and the entertaining space with the big TV! It’s time to bring the entertainment to your own home.
9. Down the road, if you sell it, you’ve added some value to your home. You may not think you’ll ever sell your home, but life happens. Having done this makes your home stand out as a great option for buyers. Click here for Basement Remodel ROI info.
10. It’s just time to transform your basement into a beautiful, functional space in your home!
Remodeling the basement will add value to your home…and your family’s life. No matter what the reason, you will be able to use your basement in a way you couldn’t or wouldn’t before.

If you want to know more about what you need to think about and do before remodeling your basement, check out The Anatomy of a Basement Remodel on our blog.

Have questions or ready to get started on your basement project? Visit our website or call our office, 614-459-4000, to speak with our Client Relations Coordinator. The Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio will help you navigate the remodeling process and collaborate to create a new vision for your home.
May 24, 2023
Creating Outdoor Living Space
What’s the Best Bang for Your Buck in Columbus, Ohio?

Is your backyard ready for an update? Are you looking to create a functional space for spending time with family or entertaining friends? Outdoor living is the ultimate dream for many of us! The Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company loves discussing outdoor living options with our clients. Everyone’s bang for their buck can be a bit different, which is why our Team collaborates with you. Helping to guide your vision and create a plan that works best for your wants and needs.

It’s important to choose the upgrades that will enhance your property’s value as well as function for your lifestyle while relaxing or entertaining. After all, outdoor living is fun! Read on to find out the things you can do to create a plan for your new backyard.

Elements for Creating an Outdoor Living Space

Landscaping

Starting with the basics! A yard filled with trees, bushes, green grass, rock gardens, or hardscape areas not only looks great and creates serenity but also adds value to your home. We don’t know anyone who doesn’t like the look of nature at its best. The beauty of the landscape—the options are endless, depending on what you want. Some of us like to work in the yard and tend to plants and flowers during spring, summer, and fall. Some of us want the beauty with a low-maintenance approach. Permanent hardscapes such as patios, stone walkways, landscape rocks, and native perennial plants are one way to achieve a low-maintenance look.

For low maintenance color, add annual flowers in window boxes or planters. Bushes and trees that flower during different seasons of the year will also give your yard visual interest. Our Remodel-Design-Build Team doesn’t do the landscaping but we do work closely with the following companies, and love what they design for our clients!
- GreenScapes Landscape Co – An employee-owned full-service design-build landscape company with over 40 years of experience in central Ohio.
- A & M Landscaping & Lawncare – Offers a full range of landscape installation and lawn care services. A family-owned company established in 1984.
- Hidden Creek Landscaping – Serving central Ohio since 1998. Landscape design, landscape construction and maintenance for both residential and commercial clients.
Patio or Deck Addition

Do you currently walk out of your back door directly onto grass or a small concrete slab? Adding a patio or a deck immediately gives your backyard more usable gathering space. It also creates a better indoor/outdoor connection with your home.

A well-designed and functional patio or deck will allow plenty of space for these essentials:
- Seating can be built-in or moveable pieces for flexibility.
- Tables for dining along with a few side and coffee-style options.
- Prepping and/or serving food with built-in countertops or flexible furniture pieces.
Lighting

We recommend layers of light sources. Lighting serves multiple purposes in a good outdoor living space design plan. Number one is safety but it is also needed for ambiance, tasks and highlighting the different zones in your yard. Landscape lighting illuminates the plants, trees and walkways you add during the remodel—so show them off!
- Spotlights or lanterns to brighten stairways and paths allows for easy movement around the yard.
- String lights create a bit of magic when strung over a patio or wrapped around a tree.
- Sconces and coach lights are both functional and beautiful.
- An outdoor chandelier over a table creates a bit of elegance in the space.
Fireplace or Fire Pit

Make the nights last longer! Plan a designated area for a fire pit. Whether on the patio or in an area of the yard that has been cleared, it’s the spot for making s’mores, late-night conversations, and chilly night warmth.
- What type of fire pit is best for you? There are many options available; here are a few of our favorites.
  - Installing a gas line to a built-in fireplace or free-standing masonry pit.
  - Building a wood-burning pit made of brick, stone or metal.
  - Purchasing a freestanding unit that uses a propane tank.
- Where is the best location? Placing a fire pit on the patio allows for easy access inside and out. While creating a zone farther from the house in a secluded area with lots of seating can also be beneficial.
You’ll get the bang for your buck with family time, socializing with friends and being in the yard where everyone wants to hang out around a cozy fire almost year round.

Creating a Luxurious Outdoor Living Space

Outdoor Kitchens & Bars

Nothing says “luxury” like an outdoor kitchen! We’ve done it all, from a simple area for a grill and table to finished outdoor kitchens complete with refrigerator, sink, storage, and built-in cooktop and oven. An outdoor kitchen takes meals to another level and provides for entertaining fun.

Building a Pergola or Pavilion

A semi or fully-covered conversation or dining area will give you protection from the sun and allow you to enjoy your backyard even when the weather is less than ideal. They create an outdoor conversation area you can fill with comfy chairs, pillows, rug, and small tables. Your new outdoor room for chatting with the kids after school, reading a book on a lazy afternoon, hanging out with neighbors while the kids play, or a spot for a late-night glass of wine and conversation. It’s the backyard zone that says, “sit, relax, and stay for a while”.

Privacy

If your yard is already blessed with a great deal of privacy, you’re one of the lucky ones. Many suburban and urban yards can be fully seen by the neighbors. While that isn’t always a bad thing, designing areas with some privacy is a request most homeowners want when remodeling outdoor spaces. A privacy wall (wood or a living wall), plants in large pots, trees, shrubs, and grasses, a pergola, a trellis with flowering vines, or all-weather curtains are all great options for creating privacy in your backyard.

Ready to Get Started on Your New Outdoor Living Space?

Still have the question…What’s going to be the best bang for the buck for your needs? Start the conversation with our Remodel-Design-Build Team and we will help you navigate the best way to remodel your outdoor living spaces. Contact our Client Relations Coordinator today @ 614-459-4000! Or we can call you, schedule a phone conversation on our website.
April 19, 2023
Addicted to Outdoor Living?

Spring is here! We are dreaming of sunny days and warm nights outside in our backyards. Our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company is ready to enjoy working in our backyards, creating livable spaces to maximize outdoor living, and relish these next few months of warm, sunny, Ohio weather!

What do we love about our backyards? We talked with our Team, thought about what our clients have wanted, and researched what’s trending in order to bring you these six reasons to love your backyard!

6 Reasons We Love Backyards

Increased Livable Space

Who doesn’t want more livable space? Whether it’s a patio, a deck, a 3 or 4-season room, or just space in the yard carved out for seating around a firepit, we want places to spend time outdoors. Setting up zones for lounging, cooking, playing, and evening fires creates areas where we can unwind and have fun.

It Can Be An Extension of Your Home

Imagine sliding, retractable, or French doors opening up to livable spaces you’ve created in your backyard. Extending your home to the outdoors gives you more places to spend time with family and friends. An addition of a 3 or 4-season room is the ultimate way to extend the footprint of your home’s square footage but does require an investment of time & money. A covered patio or deck may be a better fit for your needs. It’s perfect for a rainy day or relaxing in the shade. And even an uncovered deck or patio is great for a shady backyard or evening spent outside with the family.

More Room to Entertain

Summer is the time of backyard parties. Whether it’s a neighborhood cookout, a graduation party, or just friends hanging out by the firepit, we love to entertain. And somehow, it’s just easier when it’s outdoors in the backyard. By creating those zones for cooking, sitting, playing, and more, guests can spread out and move from one zone to another. (Side benefit—less mess inside the house!)

Want more inspiration? Visit the Outdoor Living Portfolio on our website!

Commune with Nature

Enjoying flowers, native plants, a garden, or the grass and trees, spending time in nature is good for the soul. A breezy, sunny day fills our bodies with light and energy, while tending to flowers and gardens brings us a sense of accomplishment and creativity. And having a backyard that capitalizes on the ability to spend time outdoors is always a winner.

Watch more Outdoor Living videos on our YouTube channel!

Staycation

Many people don’t mind spending the summer at home, creating mini staycations for the family. After all, who wants to go to Florida in the summer? A treehouse, firepit, swing set, bocce ball, cornhole, or possibly a swimming pool makes staying at home even more fun. The options are endless for adding things to your backyard for activities for kids and adults. An outdoor kitchen takes meal prep up a notch because cooking on a grill is just that much more fun, right?

Health benefits

In addition to the benefits of communing with nature mentioned above, backyards should be an oasis, a place to unwind, relax, and unplug. Creating some areas with some privacy brings the ability to unwind to a whole new level. Sitting in the dappled sunlight for a bit gives us some Vitamin D and a sense of well-being (just don’t forget the sunscreen). Spending time in our yards probably means there’s a bit of exercise happening—playing with the kids, landscaping, or playing some cornhole, outside=exercise. One more health benefit? Unplug by leaving your phone inside while you’re outdoors!

What are you waiting for? Now is the time to get your backyard ready for summer. Let’s collaborate to get your project underway! Get started planning your new outdoor living space with a sunroom, patio, pavilion, or deck and call 614-459-4000 or schedule a phone call with our Client Relations Coordinator on our website.

April 11, 2023
5 Trends for Your Kitchen That are Here to Stay
Kitchens are the heart of the home and one of the most requested remodeling projects our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, OH completes every year. While the options, designs, and finishes are plentiful, there are some kitchen trends that are enduring and most often desired by our clients.

Design – As far as space planning, the open-concept kitchen floorplans aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The open floor plan is still the most requested, with sightlines and entertaining at the top of the list.
- While colored cabinets are trending now, the “white” kitchen is timeless and here to stay in the Midwest.
- Create warmth in varying degrees based on timeless color palettes keeping it crisp and clean or light and airy.
- Installing large windows, skylights or glass doors will maximize the natural light and create a bright airy feeling.
Islands – They are an essential part of a functional floorplan for those that enjoy cooking, baking and entertaining. They find their way into most of our clients’ design plans. Although sometimes, adding an island isn’t possible, in which case our Team will collaborate to find additional ways to incorporate additional workspace and storage that functions for their lifestyle and family’s needs.

Double islands have increased in demand over the years and can be incorporated into many open-concept first-floor plans. They give you the luxury of having one island for workspace, sinks, microwaves, and cooktops and another island for additional seating, buffets for entertaining as well as creating extra storage.

Customization – Kitchens can be very detailed and personal to the homeowner. Different materials and finishes can be personalized to an individual’s taste from appliances and cabinets to paint colors and storage. Selections that meet specific daily needs of you and your family’s lifestyle dominate most of the design plans for our clients.
- Mixing finishes and materials adds a more personal touch from countertops and backsplashes to fixtures and cabinets.
- Pantry options that include “working” kitchens or butler’s pantries keep the messes of preparing meals behind closed doors.
- Range hoods that make a statement can be large and bold or minimalistic. Either style can combine materials and finishes to personalize the space.
Fixtures & Finishes – Quartz countertops and other “easy care” materials that resist scratches, stains and burns help busy families keep their homes looking fresh. Wood is down-to-earth and creates a warmth that is difficult to match. Whether using it as an accent or statement piece, it adds texture and is timeless.

Energy-Efficient – Protecting Mother Earth and our natural resources is only gaining more and more attention as climate change dominates the news. The focus will continue to shift to using less energy and water through design-build solutions. Mindful choices like adding reverse water osmosis options cuts down on buying plastic water bottles. Installing dishwashers, sinks and other plumbing that use less water and appliances that use less energy can have a significant impact on our environment. Additionally using sustainable materials are viable and frequently requested by many of our clients.

Whether you want to hop on the newest kitchen trends, have a specific design in mind, or want to be timeless, our Remodel-Design-Build Team is here to collaborate with you to create your vision for your family’s home. For inspiration visit our Kitchens Portfolio on our website.

Contact us here to start the conversation. We’re ready to get started on your kitchen remodeling project!
February 10, 2023
Trending Bathroom Paint Colors

The bathroom – a room we can’t live without. Now more than ever we want our bathrooms to fit our needs, provide is an escape or refuge and look beautiful. One way to accomplish this is with a new coat of paint! Bathroom design forecasts are using these words describe them – tranquil, inviting, reset, calming, earthy, and spa-like – suggesting a theme of wellness for both body and mind.

Whether it’s for the kids’ bathroom, a powder room, or the en suite retreat of your dreams, choosing a paint color can seem a bit intimidating for most of us. At The Cleary Company, our Remodel-Design-Build Team are well-versed in selecting the perfect paint colors, providing our clients with options to fit the style of their remodeled spaces.

Each year brings new launches of color palettes and we research what’s trending, although some colors continue to be classics. For 2023, the focus is on sandy beiges, warm ochres and dusky browns. Earthy tones that are timeless. As one of our preferred vendors, we look to Sherwin-Williams for their top picks for the new year.

Bathroom paint colors to consider by category:

Neutrals:

They are always a pleasing choice with timeless hues and their ability to pair with vibrant color accents. Within neutrals, specifically whites, creams, and grays, the sky’s the limit for choices. But, a common mistake made is believing neutrals are only light colors. Don’t be afraid to choose darker hues of neutral colors to create moody, meditative or sophisticated bathrooms.

Sherwin-Williams’ color of the year is Redend Point SW 9081. Minimal, calming, intriguing, this warm earthy hue is grounded in earthiness and serenity and is a stylish choice in any room.

Redend Point SW 9081 – Image Credit Sherwin Williams

Modern Gray SW 7632 is another appealing selection for a warm neutral or try Silverpointe SW 7653

Silverpoint SW 7653 – Image credit Sherwin Williams

Why not embrace a combination of neutrals for highlighting architectural details. Extra White SW 7006, On the Rocks SW 7671, and Alabaster SW 7008 combine to create a timeless look in this traditional cottage style bathroom alcove below.

Image Credit Sherwin-Williams

Greens:

Bring the outdoors in by capturing nature with green hues. Inspire yourself to try something new with the colors you choose. A color our designers love is Fresh Eucalyptus SW 9658. You’ll feel like you stepped into nature with this gorgeous color. For a bolder statement you might try Forever Green SW 9653, it’s earthy and modern.

Fresh Eucalyptus SW 9658 – Image Credit Sherwin Williams

Blues:

When we think of the perfect blue, one of our favorite bathroom projects comes to mind. This primary en suite project located in Upper Arlington, Ohio features Embellished Blue SW 6749 on the walls. A bright color that is playful and refreshing. It pairs beautifully with the blue iridescent mosaic tile accents in the shower on the vanity’s backsplash.

Embellished Blue SW6749

Other blue hues trending? Bold and rich like Perfect Periwinkle SW 9065 or Adriatic Sea SW 6790, or for a timeless, yet modern look, check out Dew Drop SW 9641. They are all great options to consider for your bathroom.

Yellows:

A bright yellow is perfect for a child’s bathroom and warm yellows can be perfect powder room accents. Consider Tarnished Trumpet SW 9026 for it’s gorgeous mustard color or Limón Fresco SW 9030 if a brighter cool tone is desirable. Both offer a timeless vintage feel. While Moonraker SW 6701 is more mellow and serene and perfect for a tranquil spa-like space.

An award winning design team to challenge and inspire you

The colors you choose for your bathroom can transform the space from drab and dated to fresh and stylish. Paint has the ability to energize, bring a sense of calm, a bit of whimsy, or a fresh start to any room and might be just the reset you need to start off a new year. And remember the beauty of paint is if you end up not loving it and want to create a different mood, just paint it again!

Our Design Team at The Cleary Company invests time in collaborating and researching to find the perfect paint colors for our clients. Their expertise will be just what you need when you remodel your bathroom. Visit our bathrooms portfolio for more inspiration!

February 5, 2023
Selecting Cabinets for Your Kitchen Remodel
A major part of the aesthetic of your kitchen remodel is reflected with the cabinets you choose. Do you want painted or stained? What material and style? What price point will fit your budget? Do you keep your existing cabinets and refresh or update them? So many questions!

Our Remodel-Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio is here to help you navigate your way through a kitchen remodel and your cabinet choices. We have remodeled many kitchens and the discussion around cabinets is an important step in the development of your project. Second to appliances, they can be the biggest investment of your remodel, so knowing what you really need is a key part of the discussion.

Cabinet Budget Categories

In the cabinetry industry, there are 3 main categories. They are stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry. They come in all styles, price points, and materials. Knowing your options is a great way to start to narrow down what will work best in your kitchen. We have installed many types of cabinets and will work with you to create the best option for your kitchen.
- Custom cabinets are built by a skilled cabinet maker or carpenter that can correctly measure and work with the layout and size of the room. The materials chosen and the quality of the cabinet maker will affect the price, but the end result is cabinets expressly made for the design of YOUR kitchen. The ability to choose different woods, glass, or metal creates limitless possibilities. We prefer this option for a majority of our projects. The quality and expertise of central Ohio cabinetmakers is unmatched by any other category!
- Semi-custom cabinetry is also a viable option. They are built by larger manufacturers that also build stock cabinets, but they have created a process that allows them to make modifications to their stock cabinets so that they are able to offer some of the benefits of true custom-built cabinets. You can get the look of a custom cabinet at a lesser price point.
- Stock cabinets utilize standard designs, sizes and trim pieces with limited selections of material and finish types. They are factory produced in larger quantities and typically have a quicker ETA than custom or semi-custom options. The biggest benefit though is cost savings. Most companies still build their cabinets to fill specific orders, but do so in a standardized process to limited specifications. It creates efficiency in manufacturing and typically allows for a more budget-friendly option. When using stock cabinets, the kitchen floorplan must utilize set dimensions of the cabinets in order to create a functional space. The cons—they don’t have as many design and finish options as custom cabinets do and there can be dead or wasted spaces depending on the layout and sizes available.
- Reuse or repurpose your cabinets. Sometimes reusing your cabinets can be a feasible choice. If your existing cabinets are solid wood and are in really good shape, then refreshing them is a good option. Some updates we can make to your existing cabinets to give them a new look are:
  - Replacing the doors and drawer fronts and keeping the frame boxes.
  - Refinishing them with new paint or stain.
  - And the simplest and most economic option, replace the hinges, knobs & pulls.
Painted or Stained Cabinets?

It is a big decision, paint or stain? There are pros and cons to both. It really just depends on the type of cabinets being used, the design style, your preference, and the benefits or challenges for both. Our Design-Build Team will work with you to sort through all of these options.

Paint
- Creates a crisp, clean look.
- It conceals the character of the wood species and creates a sleek uniform finish.
- If you desire white or prefer bold dark colors, then painting is the best option.
- The finish of paint is easy to wipe clean.
- But the finish can be difficult to touch up because of a custom color or matching the original sheen and most often touch-ups will be visible.
Stain
- Allows the grain and natural character of the wood species to show through.
- Highlights the beauty of natural products and the variations provided by the growth process are not monolithic in color or tone.
- The finish can be more forgiving with touch-ups and in general, wears better than paint.
Shaker style grey painted in Upper Arlington, OH

Contemporary flat panel stained in Upper Arlington, OH

Shaker style white painted New Albany, OH

Raised panel style stained in Lewis Center, OH

Shaker style white & dark grey painted in Upper Arlington, OH

Shaker style painted island base with stained perimeter in Dublin, OH

Choosing your kitchen cabinets hinges on several factors.
- What is your budget and how do you want to allocate the funds? Knowing that the cabinets are a large focal point, investing in custom or semi-custom cabinets is an effective use of your money.
- What is the layout that will work for you? If you are refreshing your kitchen and not altering the existing footprint, then choosing semi-custom or stock cabinets might be the right choice. And of course, if your cabinetry is solid wood or in really good shape, paint and refreshing might be the option that works for you.
- What features are important to you? If you’re going industrial or modern, then glass, steel, and painted custom cabinets will create that aesthetic. You want to work with the décor you’ve chosen, the personality of the space, and the style of the home.
Special Features

Let’s not forget about the special features that can personalize your kitchen and meet your needs. Visiting a friend’s house, wandering through a cabinet store, or searching the internet can help you start to figure out what you want to splurge on, and what might be worth it.
- Soft close drawers and doors are the most important option we recommend to our clients. No one loves the sound of cabinets banging closed.
- The knob, pull and hinge options are endless. Showcase your style, create a mood, add some bling, stay traditional or somewhere in between.
- Organization and ample workspace is key to functionality. How do you cook? Specialty drawers and cabinets can be designed for all your storage needs!
  - spice drawers that slide out
  - hinged lifts for mixers or small appliances
  - pull-out pantry shelves
  - utensil and cutlery blocks or dividers
  - specialty spaces for baking sheets
  - deep drawers for pots and pans
Pan rack base pull out

Utensil holder base pull out

Deep base drawers for large pots

Appliance base lift shelf

Deep pull out base shelves

Pull out cutting board & bread drawer

Cutting board drawer & base receptacle pull out

Base knife block & spice pull outs

Blind corner base pull out shelves

There’s nothing we can’t figure out a way to store it and make it work for you!

Choosing quality cabinets should be the one thing you do. Choosing cheap or inferior quality cabinets will make it difficult to get the look and function you are looking for in your remodeled kitchen. This is not the place to save a few bucks. The function of the cabinets is particularly important, and we will talk with you about how you use your kitchen, what essentials you have and what you want from your kitchen design.

Are you ready to remodel your kitchen? Contact us here or give us a call at 614-459-4000. Our Design Team is waiting to chat with you.
January 24, 2023
2023 Home Design Trends
It’s a new year, so that means our Design Team at The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus Ohio is looking at what’s trending in home design. While we love the classics, some trends are worth looking at and incorporating into projects for our clients, especially kitchen and baths. After all, some trends are here to stay!

The NKBA recently released its 2023 Design Trends Report where they surveyed almost 600 industry members. We’ve combed through the information and summarized it below. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, settle in and spend a few minutes reading.

Storage & Functionality are a Must
- Kitchens and bathrooms are top spaces that need more storage and better function.
- Remove or open up walls to add more storage and define spaces.
- Increase the footprint of a kitchen to add space for a larger pantry, beverage bar, second dishwasher or other additional appliances.
- Larger islands and in some cases two islands, provide better functionality for dining, food prep and homework or work-from-home needs.
- Increase or rearrange the footprint of a bathroom for a larger shower, more closet space, or even a sitting area.
- Incorporate Universal Design principles into your new bathroom. Features such as low or zero-threshold showers, benches, grab bars, and wider doorways are a key part of functionality.
- Keep countertops clear of small appliances. A well-designed pantry can be more than just a place for spices and staples.
- Select fixtures and finishes that are easy to clean for your updated kitchen and bathrooms. Materials like quartz countertops and panels plus large format tiles limit or eliminate grout and are easy to clean.
Oh, We Love Some Color
- Shades of white still dominate, as well as the use of wood tones but color is making it’s way back into kitchens and baths.
- Greens and blues are perennial top choices for kitchens, but don’t be afraid to dip into other colors on the spectrum.
- Incorporate bold accent colors like a non-shiny metallic, matte black or brushed gold.
Be Environmentally Friendly & Connect with Nature
- Choose products made with sustainable materials and by companies whose practices are gentle or help the Earth.
- Fixtures and finishes like LED lighting, VOC-free paints and energy-efficient appliances, head the list.
- Choose more oversized windows and add glass doors to bring views of the outdoors inside.
- Outdoor living spaces create a connection with your indoor spaces and increase the livable space in your home.
Let’s Not Forget About Technology
- Choose technology for your home that increases its function and efficiency.
- Install motion-controlled lighting and touchless faucets.
- Choose appliances that are multifunctional and can do “everything,” making life easier.
- Use mobile devices or voice controls to control appliances, lighting, music and tv’s.
- Smart or programable controls in bathrooms help with shower and faucet temperatures, heated floors, bidet toilets, mirrors, and lighting.
As our Design Team works with clients, we see that kitchens and bathrooms continue to evolve into larger, multifunctional spaces. Many people are still working and entertaining at home, and that doesn’t seem to be going away. Make 2023 the year to remodel your home with our Design-Build Team at The Cleary Company!

Contact us to get started! Call 614-459-4000 or visit our website to schedule a phone call with our Client Relations Coordinator.
January 10, 2023
Choosing Lighting for Your Remodel
Do you need more? How much?

The Design Team at The Cleary Company Remodel-Design-Build in Columbus Ohio is here to help! Through the design phase of planning your remodel, our experienced Designers and Design Consultants will educate and help guide you to make the best lighting decisions for your project. We prefer a layered approach of mixing different lighting types for decorative interest but also for better function.

Lighting can be a very personal choice as well. Many clients ask us to include more lighting, especially those with older homes because chances are there just isn’t enough of it. Some clients prefer a lot of recessed lighting to brighten up their home while others choose to use them sparingly. Lighting is categorized into four main types.

Just like each room in your house has its own purpose, so does each type of lighting.
- Ambient or general lighting provides overall illumination for a room. These can be fixtures such as recessed cans, semi-flush ceiling fixtures or chandeliers.
- Task lighting provides increased illumination for actions or spaces that require an attention to detail. Like under cabinet lights in a kitchen. Most often it is used along with ambient light.
- Accent lighting directs light to focus or highlight a particular area or object. Most common types are sconces, flood, or track.
- Decorative lighting’s purpose is to make a statement or adding character to a room. Sometimes the fixture itself can be art or a conversation piece!
Also, don’t forget to consider natural light when planning your remodel. These conversations with our clients about their lighting needs are always illuminating (see what we did there?). Our Design Team is here to help you through every decision. So, what type of lighting works best in each room?

What types are best for your space?

Kitchens:
- Recessed cans or pucks are fixed fixtures that provide overall illumination across the entire room.
- Task lights like undercabinet LED strips are needed above countertop work areas. Task lighting is also helpful above your range and sink. Pendant lights and chandeliers are the gold standards for island lighting!
- Accent lighting adds more function but can also add a bit of drama. Think about tape-lights and downlights to light up hidden areas or to feature areas in your kitchen, such as open shelving, or glass-front cabinets.
This kitchen uses a layered lighting design
utilizing 3 types ambient, task & accent

Dining areas:
- Recessed lighting, chandeliers, and flush-mount all serve well in a dining room. Create overall light with recessed and flush mount lights, and add some drama, mood, and decoration with a chandelier.
Living rooms/Family rooms/Bars
- Adaptability is the key here. You’ll want cozy lighting, reading lights, dimmable lights, as well as ambient lighting. These rooms multi-task, so the lighting needs to as well.
A home bar uses a combination of recessed can lighting (ambient), pendants (task) and pucks (accent).

Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
- This is where you get ready for the day, so plan on some well-lit areas within in these rooms. Sconces are a great lighting choice for both spaces. Fixtures that flank mirrors won’t cast unwanted shadows. In the bedroom, sconces that hang above the bed or to the side leave nightstand areas free for your favorite books or photos.
When used with recessed can lighting in the ceiling, sconces installed on sides of mirrors can help to eliminate shadows in your bathroom.

Rest assured, our designers will work with you to determine your family’s needs for lighting and help you create the best lighting options for your home.

Where should you buy lighting for your home remodel?

Retail lighting options are easy to find in the Columbus, OH area. Our preferred vendor partners are easy to work with, have our clients’ best interests at heart, and make sure to have what we need. And while we prefer to buy from our local vendors, we also know it’s may not always be the best option for your project. Our Team also has a few go-to online specialty lighting retailers.

Circa Lighting opened a new showroom in 2022! They’ve considered every detail of the lighting selection process from beginning to end to make your experience as seamless as possible. Enjoy the ease of a thoughtfully edited showroom and interactive digital displays that show their complete range of products at full scale. From a one-room refresh to whole home lighting design, their experienced lighting designers are equipped to develop multi-layer lighting plans to optimize the look, feel and function of any space at any budget.

Northern Lighting has the best selection of indoor and outdoor lighting on the northeast side of Columbus, Ohio. They’ve been serving local builders, remodelers and homeowners since 1973. Their entire showroom is dedicated to lighting and lighting accessories! Located in Westerville, it’s always an exciting visit looking up at all the unique and stunning lighting options. Their staff is filled with experts with a vast knowledge in lighting techniques and design. Our Design-Build Team collaborates with their experienced staff on both residential and commercial projects and relies on them to help solve lighting issues on our most complex projects.

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery has lighting for every function, style, and feature. We know that when our clients visit their showroom, they most likely will find what they are looking for. The same happens with our designers. If they have something in mind for a particular project, their associates will find the perfect options. Our connections at Ferguson have the knowledge, friendliness and vast selection of gorgeous lighting options and that is why our designers choose to work with them.

And the online options are endless! Two that we know our clients have used are Wayfair and Rejuvenation. Wayfair has many budget-friendly items as well as more expensive options, while Rejuvenation offers some cool and interesting styles. We’ve even had clients bring us lighting found from an antique or vintage store.

Chase Away Winter Blues!

Our designers have teamed up with Circa Lighting for our January Wine & Design open house. Join us on Tuesday January 31, 2023 at 1400 Grandview Avenue 43212 for a VIP tour with refreshments. For more details visit our blog or RSVP via Evite.

Lighting can completely transform a room. When we remodel your home, we are transforming how you live and function within those spaces. Lighting brings it all together!

If you have been illuminated by this article and are ready to begin your remodeling project, contact us! We will show you the light…
January 4, 2023
Do You Need a Home Office?
One of the biggest changes since the pandemic is the number of people who now are working full or part-time from home, and will be for the foreseeable future. Over the last few years requests for home offices have significantly increased. Whether it’s a private room dedicated to full-time office work, or space carved out in an existing room for parents or kids to work, our Remodel-Design-Build Team at the Cleary Company in Columbus, Ohio is ready to collaborate and create a project plan to fit your lifestyle needs.

We’re continuing to share information from the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report from The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Research Group and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). According to this study, Americans spent $420 billion in 2020 remodeling their homes. A home office makes sense for many people, now more than ever.

What the Report tells us about Home Office Remodels

NAR utilizes a Joy score for each project based on happiness. The Joy score for a home office remodel is a 10/10! While we know that we don’t always love having to work, having a home office is still a win-win for many people. 50% of consumers would have undertaken this project, regardless of the pandemic. This really shows that home offices are back, in a big way.

Check out these interesting findings!
- 54% of those polled report better functionality and livability now that they have a home office.
- 55% of people feel a major sense of accomplishment when they think of the project.
- 91% have a greater desire to be home since completing this project. And the commute is great!
NAR / NARI 2022 Remodeling Impact Report

To learn more, read the full report here.

Functional, Beautiful, & Livable #ImprovingYourHomeLife

Here are 3 reasons why you need a home office:
- Working remotely is your new normal. A proper office setup is needed so you can work effectively and maintain productivity.
- Dedicated study for continuing education or online classes for all ages. Completing assignments or even just getting paperwork completed where it won’t get lost or have someone’s dinner spilled on it.
- Choosing a healthier work/life balance. A place you do your work but also be able to close the door once you’re done and spend time with your family.
We know home offices, used for both adults and kids, are an important piece of the fabric of many of our lives and will continue to be part of many of our remodeling projects.

Take a look at our favorite home office projects!

Are you ready to create a home office that works for you and your family? Big or small, we will collaborate with you to create a perfect space to fit your lifestyle.

Contact us to get started! Call 614-459-4000 or visit our website to schedule a phone call with our Client Relations Coordinator.
December 13, 2022