Better, Faster, Smarter, Easier

Life can be hard. Sometimes we make it harder on ourselves than it has to be (both hands raised). Likewise, we can also implement small changes to make meaningful, positive impact. I’m in full support of any improvement, no matter the size, that will bring joy in the form of beauty, efficiency, or utility. Enter three home hacks if you will, each designed to make the place you call home feel better.

1. Closet Packing Island

If you travel frequently for business or, luckier yet, enjoyment - you are likely familiar with the challenges of packing and unpacking in a standard walk-in closet space. The packing island has become popular thanks to lifestyle posts, Pinterest and Houzz but also because it’s an incredibly useful tool to make coming and going so much easier. After completing a stunning master wing remodel, this family opted to add a custom built packing island to simplify a full travel schedule and the organization that is required to successfully accommodate it. The island was designed with all drawers, including jewelry drawers at the tops as well as a custom maple top. We opted not to stain it, only to enhance the natural color and protect the wood against zippers, wheels, and the bulk of a suitcase landing and taking off weekly.
Drawer pulls in a matching style but complementary finish pulls the space together with the master bath. Of course, no space feels complete without a great accessory - a shell chandelier in this case. Happy travels!

​2. Cabinet Hardware

I’ve written about cabinet hardware previously and feel just as strongly about it as ever. In the case of this new kitchen, many of the drawers were impossible to open without pulls, which added a practical element to the pretty. Mixing sizes and styles broke up the significant amount of cabinetry and shows off the varying door styles. The larger pulls are generously sized; non-technical photo included for illustrative purposes only ;)
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Each of the three hardware selections came in the same finish but different price points which maintained the budget even though the large pulls were pricey comparatively.

3. Outdoor Patios

​Covered patios in my part if the world feel more like a must-have than a luxury. Usually, these spaces are included with the original build and feature a concrete floor, poured at the same time as the foundation. While this is suitable and not terribly unappealing, we’ve been receiving more requests from homeowners to cover the drab concrete with something more stylish. This also allows homeowners to further style the space with a rug, furniture, and accessories to compliment the floor covering. Tile is a popular choice but it’s important to use the proper thinset suitable for outdoor applications as well as the typical unevenness that is expected with these bases. A quick-and-dirty alternative is to paint the floor (again, using the proper products) in a standard single color or something more decorative such as stripes or a stenciled pattern. The surface can always be repainted in the future or covered at any point. String lights, a ceiling fan, a beverage cooler will complete these areas and make them ready to entertain friends and family.

​As always, if you’d like a consultation on your own project whether it be pretty, practical, or both - please reach out to The Ashbury Construction Company.