Newsletter #56

Leaves Falling Down!

Fall has arrived, well in the mornings, and then summer shows up for the afternoons. Been chilly for the last week each morning, but by the time I get off work, its cranked up to about mid to high 70’s. Yes, I know it is still summer but having this wonky weather is always interesting. You never know what you are going to need to wear for the day, so you dress nice, but in layers, so when it gets warmer you can just take a layer or two off. I personally am excited for fall season. The hoodies, the warm fires, the movie nights and of course the hot drinks. Getting all snuggled up on the couch or in bed to watch your favorite fall/holiday season movies or shows with the family. That is what I am excited for. If you need some extra space in the home for all the fun fall activities, give us a call so we can chat 425-224-2004

New floor space for this soon to be sunroom.

List of Work We Perform:

  • Whole House Remodel
  • Additions
  • Bathroom Remodel
  • Kitchen Remodel
  • Custom Home
  • Design & Build
  • New Construction
  • Decks
  • Outdoor Living
Insulation installed in the floor of this sunroom. May have the walls up sooner than you think.

Referral Program:

There is no greater honor than having our past clients/friends recommend us to their friends, family and co-workers. To show our appreciation, we would like to invite you to participate in our exclusive client referral
program.

When you refer a friend, family member or co-worker to our company and they sign a
construction contract with us, you will receive 1% of the total project cost on a future project with our company or cash. A $100,000 project=$1,000 credit.
The people who you refer to our company will also receive 1% off of their project costs to be used with their current project.

There is no limit on how many times you can use this program, so the more you use it, the more money you can earn.
We look forward to working with you, your friends and your family.

Trivia Question:
Q: What is the term for people who travel to view and photograph fall foliage?

Call in correct answer for $10 Starbucks Gift Card 425-224-2004

The walls and window frames are in now at this Mukilteo project.

Classic Remodeling NW has hired on two new guys. They come with great knowledge and backgrounds in the construction industry. Looking forward to seeing them progress and move up in this company. We have a kitchen/laundry room remodel we are getting close to wrapping up here in Lynnwood, along with a conversion of a garage to a living space also in Lynnwood. As I type this our guys are out in Mukilteo working on a remodel that includes the sunroom you see above. We service from Marysville to North Seattle, so if you are in need of a contractor to assist you with your project within these service areas, then give us a call at 425-224-2004. We would love to meet with you and go over your project needs.

Want Stylish Yet Functional Spaces in Your Home? Create Multipurpose Rooms With These Pro Tips

[realtor.com: Jennifer Kelly Geddes]

Remember the COVID-19 days when we had to carve out some extra space in the house to do our work, help kids with their remote school, and have Zoom happy hours? The “cloffice” came into being during this era!

Today, with the virus somewhat in our rearview and work and school back to (near) normal, we’re still looking to use every inch of space we have at home.

“And even before the pandemic, rooms in certain older homes that had specific purpose were being reworked,” points out Kristin McGrath, a shopping expert at RetailMeNot.

As interest rates soar of late, many homeowners are further forced to adapt spaces they already own to make them work harder.

“In the past year, homeowners are opting to leverage equity in their current homes to create spaces they desire, as the prospect of upsizing is more challenging with low inventory and higher interest rates,” explains Kefryn Reese, a real estate agent with Serhant in Miami.

The result: multipurpose rooms that can serve a bunch of different needs. Here’s more about these room, how to create one, and tips from the pros to make them stylish to boot.

What Is A Multipurpose Room

A multipurpose room, sometimes referred to as a dual-purpose or flex room, is just that: an area in the home that can serve the family in many different ways.

“These rooms maximize space and functionality,” says Matt Lambert, a real estate agent with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in Banner Elk, NC.

Think of this space as a combination area that mixes multiple types of rooms into one, add Charlotte Granvlle, a home remodeling specialist at Fixr.

Why Do We Need A Multipurpose Room?

Many folks are realizing that their rooms can work a lot harder for them. For example, “families who no longer have use for a formal dining room or den have been reutilizing these areas for other things, and sometimes for many other things simultaneously,” says McGrath.

“The way we use our homes has shifted,” adds Granville. “We work, exercise, and spend more time at home now, so there’s a new need for space that can provide for different purposes.”

Top Functions For Multipurpose Rooms

“Office spaces are probably the most common use for a multipurpose room – and it doubles as a guest bedroom, lounge, or gaming area,” says Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors.

“Some spaces can be used as a home office by day and a playroom after school,” adds McGrath.

Breakfast nooks can also stand in for an office in the house, and a home bar can be tucked into a library/den.

Other rooms that do it all include laundry areas that double as entryways, bathroom-laundry combos, and guest spaces that are used as book nooks for crafting or even wine tasting.

How To Style A Multipurpose Room

When decorating a multipurpose room, it’s all about the right furniture, say the pros.

Reese suggests a Murphy bed in a home office so you can transform it into a guest space at night.

A sleeper sofa is also a wise piece with a desk or table and a mix of chairs.

“An office chair could be placed on one side and a guest or task chair on the other so that more than one person could work at the table or play there or grab a sack,” explains Pamela O’Brien, a principal designer at Pamela Hope Designs.

It’s All About Storage

Storage pieces are another great way to style a multipurpose room. 

“You’ll need more storage here than in an average space, and good storage enables you to keep things tidy until you need them,” says Lambert

But don’t put in too many shelves, warn the experts. With open storage, you’ll be forever dusting and organizing.

McGrath suggests hanging curtains or drapes to hide clutter or cover a washer-dryer. She also prefers wicker baskets for storage rather than plastic tubs (they’re prettier!)

Other futile storage pieces to consider here include generous nightstands with wide drawers or a lower cabinet, stand-alone bookshelves, chests, or dressers.

“These can all be used to hold games, office supplies, craft items, or guest linens and pillows,” adds O’Brien.

Do’s And Don’ts In A Multipurpose Room

Keep the following in mind when it comes to multipurpose rooms: Don’t veer too far from your home’s main look. A wild neon-orange room that does triple duty seems smart. (It’s a library/den/home office in one!) But if the rest of your home is primarily white and beige, no amount of utility will save it from being an eyesore.

Do have some fun with the design. “Multipurpose rooms are a great excuse to add a playful look to your home – I like to design based on a client’s personality while keeping functionality at the forefront in these spaces,” says Verruto.

Don’t let clutter take over. “Be strict with yourself and pack away everything you’re sing when you’re finished in the space,” says Granville. This means hand weights get stowed so the kids can get out their trucks and Lego pieces.

Do consider how a space will age. “Consider whether you’ll be living there for 10 years, and consider how the space will adapt as your family grows or lifestyle changes,” urges Reese.

Don’t cram too much in. Two or three purposes in one space is good, but four or more is too many. Truth: A home gym, office, playroom and crafting space will undoubtedly descend into chaos.

Caramel Apple Cookies

Time

Prep Time: 20min

Total Time

45 Mins

For the cookies:

  • 3/4 cup salted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • 3/4 cups rolled oats
  • 1 granny smith apple, grated (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 cup chopped apple chips

For the icing:

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider or juice
  • 3 tablespoons caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup apple chips, chopped

Directions:
 

  1. For the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Brown the butter by melting it over medium heat in a medium saucepan, then let it cook and bubble for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until the foam and butter underneath is golden brown. Transfer it to a large, heatproof mixing bowl and swirl a few times to help stop the browning. Let it cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice in a medium bowl; set aside.
  4. Add the brown and granulated sugars to the mixing bowl with the browned butter and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix on low just until combined.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined. Mix in the oats and grated apple. Fold in the apple chips with rubber spatula.
  6. Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 1/2 teaspoons in size, onto two parchment lined baking sheets and press gently with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes on the sheet tray, before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
  7. For the caramel icing: whisk together the powdered sugar, apple juice, and caramel sauce. Using a spoon, drizzle the cookies generously with the icing and top with the chopped apple chips. Allow the glaze to set before serving, about 1 hour (at room temperature).
  8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

ENJOY!!!