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    Author: normandy

    Express A Love of Color With Tile

    Posted on by normandy

    Kitchen with bright blue green backsplashWhat’s everyone’s favorite building material to choose? Tile of course. With all the colors and textures available, it’s the grown-up version of a candy store and just as irresistible.

    If you love neutrals or farmhouse prints, there are many beautiful tile options for you. From simple subway to geometrics or raised relief patterns can add a lot of interest even if you keep it all white.

    For those who are inspired and energized by color, why not really go for it and create something uniquely your own?

    Shower niche in navy tile“Don’t fight your love of color,” advises Normandy designer Abby Osborn, adding, “Colors can influence your moods so really think of how you want to feel in the space.”

    Using a strong color in your design instantly becomes a highlight and allows for simple selections elsewhere. Abby says, “The color becomes the focal point and it’s best not to have too many things that might distract from the impact.”

    Think about where you want to make your statement. “A bar backsplash is one place where people like to do something a little bit fun,” Abby says. She explains that it’s not a high-traffic area and easy to keep clean. The bathroom is another place to choose a statement color, especially if you choose something “timeless with a punch of color.”

    As for what hue to choose, it should be something you really love. Abby says that blue is a perennial favorite and colors grounded in nature, like green, can look fantastic in many settings. A little more surprising is the rising popularity of black tile, which can feel groovy, decadent or refined in the right setting.

    Things to watch out for include using two or more striking colors in too small of a space and moving forward with anything you’re not absolutely certain about. “It is a big commitment. Make sure it’s right,” Abby says.

    If you’re looking to express yourself though, a designer like Abby can help you create something uniquely your own through tile and all the choices that go along with it.

    Why not set up an appointment to chat with Abby about the colorful (or neutral) possibilities? Find more inspiration in the Normandy Remodeling photo galleries or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a daily inspiration.

    home wet bar with blue cabinets, floating shelves, and blue backsplash tile   White cabinetry dry bar with green backsplash tile and wine cooler

    Geometric tile bathroom black tile white tile shower and tub  black bathroom with green shower tile and shower doors

    bathroom faucet with penny tile

    Blue penny tile stripe and shower niche

    Shower with glass enclosure and stripe of blue accent tile   midcentury modern kitchen with waterfall edge island and open shelves on island

    Include The Garage For All Ways And More Bays

    Posted on by normandy

    Home addition with living space above the garage

    If you’re thinking of an addition to increase the space and value of your home, don’t forget about the garage. Once you open the door to the idea of adding another bay along with new rooms for living, the possibilities are endless.

    Let’s start with the obvious. There will be more room for your family’s cars. With so many people choosing SUVs, older garages can feel a bit cramped. We also own more cars than people did a few decades ago, making garages with three bays quite common now. If your charming vintage home has one or two spots for cars, there’s a chance you’re well acquainted with the driveway shuffle, moving around cars so that someone can back out.

    Playroom for two girls with a vaulted ceiling and rustic beam

    In towns with larger lots and more open space, four is the new three when it comes to garages. Adding on not only creates a place for every car, truck or van, it also helps your home compare favorably to others when it’s time to sell.

    Although the merits of adding an extra parking space under roof are often a coveted wish list item, they’re usually undertaken as part of a larger home addition project. Many people take advantage of the need for other space in the home and incorporate the new garage space into the design.

    “Extending or creating a master suite above the garage is a fairly common addition, and it’s the perfect time to incorporate an additional garage bay,” notes Normandy Design Manager Troy Pavelka. “From a timing perspective, it allows you to be more thoughtful about your space planning for the addition, helping you to get better use of your space with a comprehensive plan.”

    Split level home after third car garage addition

    In these days of needing maximum flexibility from our homes, another option for maximizing the space above the newly added garage bays is to create a multi-purpose room, sometimes referred to as a bonus room. “This is a space that can become an office, a rec room or an art/music studio,” says Troy. “It creates a flexible space that can become a private getaway, something that is in particularly high demand as people are spending more time than ever together in their homes.”

    “You can really make space for rest and relaxation or have the best work, hobby or hang-out space around,” Troy says. “A room above the garage can be small or expansive and best of all, it can be all yours.”

    If you’ve been thinking about an addition, with or without a garage element, set up a time to chat with a designer about how extra space can make your home more spacious and versatile. You can also attend one of our upcoming webinars. There’s inspiration to be found in the Normandy Remodeling photo galleries and daily on Facebook and Instagram.

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