Newsletter #9

Not Sure What To Make Of the Weather, I

Just Know Its Warm and Wet!

Washington weather is so bipolar. We get warm sunny days reaching 80 degrees and higher and then poof we’ve seen rain with the temperature being in the 70’s. With all this back and forth with the rain, homeowners can’t decide on being outside or being inside. Like I stated in last months newsletter, a covered patio may be exactly what you need to keep out of the wetness and not so warm. There are also enclosed patios, or even sun-rooms that could bring you much joy as being outside, within the comfort of your home. Nice big beautiful windows to let in all that light, a new sliding glass door for access to the backyard, or even just leave it open to let the breeze in. We can build your dreams. Give us a call for your remodeling project 425-224-2004.

Stairway leading to rooftop deck in Magnolia.

List of Work We Perform:

  • Whole House Remodel
  • Additions
  • Bathroom Remodel
  • Kitchen Remodel
  • Custom Home
  • Design & Build
  • New Construction
  • Decks
  • Outdoor Living
4 Story home in Magnolia, used to be a main floor and basement.

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 birthstone and flower for the month of July?

Call in correct answer for $10 Starbucks Gift Card 425-224-2004
(Three winners last three months, who wants it this month?)

We are officially in our new office space. Only took us a few days to get it all taken care of but we are so happy to be where we are now. Easier getting to and from the office from the freeway. So great for our clients and subcontractors, as well as our guys. Moving into a new space always feels great, because it’s new, at least to you. That’s all that matters. Sometimes you need a change of scenery. So even if you don’t have an office move coming up, what about that bedroom or bathroom that needs updating? Lets remodel that to give you a change of scenery. Same house, but a new look, may give you a good feeling of change. Maybe not the bathroom, what about the kitchen? Too small, not enough cabinet space, outdated appliances? We can help you take care of it all. Just give us a call at 425-224-2004 and we can schedule someone to meet with you to go over your remodeling needs. 

Wake Up Your Kitchen Design With These 5 Breakfast Nook

Ideas
[realtor.com: Jane Chertoff]

While over sized islands have been #kitchengoals for years now, this year’s kitchen has a new status symbol: the breakfast nook.

A breakfast nook offers an ideal setup for meals (and not just breakfast!) without pressure and formality of the dining room table. Plus, it works equally well in large and small kitchens. That’s more why more and more clients are requesting one in their kitchen design, says Carol Estes, an Interior designer in Southern California.

“Nooks are having their moment,” she says. “They take up less floor space than a traditional table and chairs, and they aren’t just for families with kids. They appeal to all ages and should be cozy, comfortable, encourage engagement, and communication.”

Blend It In

In designing a breakfast nook, first consider the existing aesthetic and color scheme in your kitchen. Then plan your design around that, rather than picking out anything new, recommends Audrey Driscoll, a design consultant in New Orleans. After all, your nook is likely to be fitted into a corner (more on that in a minute) so it should feel as if it tucks in to the rest of your space.

“If you have a transitional-style home, don’t use ultra-contemporary furniture and features,” she says. “This nook should look like part of the kitchen, not an add-on. The style should blend into the room.”

No Corner No Problem

Most breakfast nooks can be fitted into a corner or enclave, thus the name “nook”. But if your kitchen doesn’t have a designated spot for a cozy nook, that’s OK. You can still create your own breakfast nook against any flat wall or set of windows, or even on the other side of your kitchen island. (one of the benefits of this style is that it provides easier access.)

“Straight boxes [as benches] allow storage under seats, too,” Estes points out. 

Set up a bench (whether built-in or not) against the wall or island, and cover it with cozy pillows and cushions. Complete the look with chairs and a table that are easy to move, so that anyone can slide in and out.

Petite Nook, Party of One

Kitchen not big enough for a large table? You can still create a nook for one or two – and a spot for breakfast (or date night!)

Look for an oversize chair or small bench that fits your measurements. Then add a tulip table and another chair, if you have room. 

“Oval or circular pedestal tables work best for easier access here, since they have no corner or legs,” Estes says.

Fancy A Floating Bench

For a more modern look that works well in a lighter space, Kyra Williams, lead interior designer at Bungalow in San Francisco, recommends installing a floating bench. 

“I love the idea of a floating bench – it adds a cleaner look that can be softened by textured pillows,” she says. She recommends black sconces or another modern pendant light fixture to complete the look. 

As for installing your floating bench, you may want to get professional to help. It can be a bit tricky, depending on your wall situation.

Go Modern Boho

When you think breakfast nook, you may envision a real kitschy or old-fashioned look. But today’s breakfast nooks can suit a modern lifestyle, Williams explains.

“i love the idea of a modern, bohemian vibe, which includes a well-balanced mix of clean lines and vintage textures,” she says. 

To create your boho look, use walnut cafe chairs or even rattan-style chairs, and then use lots of comfy, textured pillows. Add a cool, modern light fixture. Finish up with some plants for a pop greenery, which is sure to cheer you up each morning.

Strawberry Shortcake

(6 servings)

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pound strawberries, stemmed and quartered
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • Whipped cream, recipe follows

Whipped Cream

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

Directions:

  1. Mix strawberries with 3 tablespoons sugar and refrigerate while juices develop, at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
  3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add heavy cream and mix until just combined. Place a mixture in an ungreased 8-inch square pan and bake until golden, 18-20 minutes.
  4. Remove shortcake from pan and place on a rack to cool slightly. Cut into 6 pieces and split each piece in half horizontally.
  5. Spoon some of the strawberries with your juice onto each shortcake bottom. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and then shortcake top. Spoon more strawberries over the top and serve.
Whipped Cream:
  1. Using a mixer beat the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until soft peaks form, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. 
ENJOY!!