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    Month: May 2022

    Wall Mounted Faucets for the Win

    Posted on by normandy

    Modern powder room with hexagon tiles, vessel sink, and floating vanitySmall bathrooms often bring unique challenges. Beyond the expected storage crunch, smaller fixtures and cabinets can leave you looking for alternatives that are both stylish and functional. One of the more fun and unexpected ways you can reclaim a few precious inches of space is with a wall mounted faucet.

    Wall mounted faucets are attached directly to the wall behind the sink, versus being mounted on the deck, or countertop. Normandy Designer Abby Osborn often pairs them with a tile backsplash wall or vessel sink. “Wall mounted faucets are an excellent choice for vessel sinks in particular, since the height can be placed at a comfortable level above the rim of the bowl.”

    Powder room with accent tile, floating vanity and vessel sink

    When installing a wall mounted faucet, you want to be mindful of the tile you’re using for the backsplash. “The tile or wall should be flat, not textured, so the faucet can be attached cleanly to a smooth surface,” Abby recommends.

    Maybe you’ve fallen in love with a textured tile for your bathroom walls, but the bumpy surface will make it difficult to mount the faucet correctly. “In this case, you can run a smooth backsplash from the counter up the wall to act as a flat surface where the faucet will be installed. Then you can incorporate your textured wall tile above the faucet to the ceiling,” says Abby.

    Powder room, tall ble cabinetry, gold light pendant and brass fixtures

    Though these faucets usually have a clean, modern look, they really can be incorporated into any style bathroom. “Wall mounted faucets come in a variety of different styles and finishes. We recently selected one for a very traditional style bathroom and it looks beautiful,” states Abby.

    Wall mounted faucets do have a few caveats to consider. “If you will be mounting the faucet on an exterior wall, you’ll probably need some additional insulation to prevent pipes from freezing, especially in these Midwestern climates when the outside temperature often dips below 30 degrees,” Abby notes.

    Finding the perfect faucet is just one piece of your remodeling puzzle. Reach out to Abby to talk about your goals and plans for your bathroom or your whole home remodel. You can also find us on Facebook and Pinterest where we share design and remodeling ideas and inspiration.

     

    powder room with floating vanityBathroom Remodeling

     

     

     

     

     

    wall mounted bathroom faucet with tiny wall hung sinkwall-mounted bathroom faucet with subway tile and white countertop

    The Key to Color Combinations for your Home’s Exterior

    Posted on by normandy

    Blue and brick house after second story additionIf you’ve ever felt like your home’s exterior seemed a little flat, the answer may be that it needs a boost of contrast to highlight your home’s best features. But before you break out the color chips in an attempt to spruce up your home, Normandy Designer Jeremy Paris shares a few basic rules to using contrasting colors on the exterior of your house that you may want to consider.

    “One general design rule is to limit yourself to three colors or materials,” Jeremy begins. “And decide what your focal point will be.”

    Certain styles of homes can be more rigid in their color expectations. For example, many colonial houses will boast white siding and trim with a contrasting black front door and black window shutters. “More intricately detailed Victorian homes tend to offer many more opportunities to play with color” adds Jeremy. “Other style homes lend themselves to color palettes that work with their existing brick tones.  To really create a contrast, there are even ways to change the color of the brick so don’t feel limited by what is there now.”

    Installing siding in a shade of blue with contrasting white trim, whether or not the house has brick, has been popular lately and is likely to stand the test of time.

    Tan house with porch and white trim

    If you’re concerned about going too extreme with too much contrast, Jeremy says to use the 90/10 rule within a general color palette. “Try mixing it up with different textures like pairing traditional horizontal siding with shake siding as an accent in the same color. This adds interest and texture without adding too many colors into the mix.”

    Sometimes a change of color to your home’s exterior isn’t enough to give it that curb appeal you desire. “Making modifications to, or adding elements such as dormers, box bay windows, or even an entry portico can provide the architectural interest or balance you’re seeking,” says Jeremy.

    If you live in a historical neighborhood, there may be some restrictions on what type of changes you’re allowed to make to the exterior of your home, including using the appropriate building materials, colors and even the style of windows. “When working in a historical district, you’ll need final approval from the local preservation committee, so be sure to seek them out before you begin your project,” Jeremy suggests.

    House with addition over the garage

    One small but impactful way to create a fresh look is to paint or replace your front door using a contrasting color. Likewise, updating the garage door to match can really tie everything together.

    Whether your home’s exterior can use a facelift, or you’ve been thinking of an addition, contact Jeremy to discuss ways to give your home curb appeal that’ll be the envy of the neighborhood. You can find examples of similar projects and loads of inspiration on our Facebook and Pinterest pages.

     

     

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