Category Archives: Custom

Custom, Exterior

Update With Exterior Accents

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Wood, Iron & Solar Country Charm Handrail

Update with Exterior Accents:

There is just something special about clients who ask you to return for their next updating project time and again!  Such is the case with one of our latest clients.

We had done several inside projects for the homeowner including a mantle, banister and other formal trim work.   But the time had come to do a remodel on the porch and to create a railing for a set of contoured steps to the drive area.

Old White Painted Iron Porch Columns

The client previously had old steel columns on the front porch that had several layers of white paint encrusted on them.   He wanted to go back with  something that looked slightly rustic and yet modern.  So, thus the marriage of wood and black iron that created an effortless country charm about the home.

Wood & Black Iron
Front View Wood & Black Iron Porch
Wood & Black Iron
Side View: Wood & Black Iron Porch

The post used in this project was rough cut cedar  finished with a nice Penofin stain.  You can get Penofin stain at just about any good home improvement store.  The spindles used in this project were made to mimic black iron.  The steel spindles are just as durable as black iron, however the steel rods are lighter in weight and more cost effective.   They are used on both the porch and the handrail.  On the curved handrail, a black iron finished solar light was attached for a value added purpose that completes this wonderful look.

Are you ready to find just the right exterior look to update your home?  Give us a call  417-814-8465

Custom

What To Do With An Old Fireplace Insert

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Updating Fireplace
What To Do With An Old Fireplace Insert

Many houses needing remodeling today face challenges of bringing things up to date without breaking the bank.  One such recent challenge was what to do with an older insert fireplace?  If the fireplace still works well you may be able to save some money by reusing it.

When I came on the scene of the above fireplace the homeowner wanted to just that.  To reuse it… but to make sure it had not only a warm inviting look to it but also be stylish and provide functionality.   Note:  it is a good idea to add a fee for your heating and cooling expert to your budget to be sure the insert is functioning properly.  If you skip this step it may bite you later.

So if you will, picture a dirty, old fireplace insert in the middle of a bump out made of drywall with a old single piece of walnut for a  mantle.  And the marble slabs that form the hearth, though in need of a good cleaning, were present as well.  There were also electric fixtures running above and beside the insert that would need to be checked and new fixtures put into place.

The old mantle quickly  came down, the insert was cleaned of any debris and then it was time to come up with a design the home-owner wanted.   In this case the gray glass tiles were selected because they had been used in the kitchen and bathroom in the form of backsplash and would easily tie the home together.

 

However, if you have looked at today’s options for a fireplace surround there are many different styles to choice from from faux brick and stone to real, thinly cut brick and stone.  And also options of  how to put it on.  You could use thin set, which is a type of mortar and the very popular self adhesive stick among other ways.   In this case  a heat approved thin set mix  was used.  If you plan on updating every other year or so the self adhesive is likely the way to go. However, if you want something that is going to withstand the test of time going with thin set may be a better option for you.

The homeowner wanted a clean lined, simplistic mantle for this fireplace.  So what we ended up with when everything was said and done was a fireplace that had warmth and style with adjustable bookshelves on each side added much needed functionality to the room.

If you are ready to start your project…give us a call 417-814-8465