The top pet peeve of every designer, contractor, kitchen cabinet supplier, and all other professional service providers in my industry:  People NOT being realistic about their budget! I’m going to get honest here, kitchens don’t cost $20,000 anymore. Maybe if you go to IKEA and plan a whole DIY kitchen, you might be able to pull it off.  I prove otherwise below, and many other blogs and articles will also bring you back to reality…

A pillow is the perfect design tool.  It’s quick and easy to replace, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and it makes a BIG impact in a room.  You can change your pillows with the season. Heck, you can change your pillows when you change your mind.  No one is judging! Pillows can start a design conversation or can be the last element to find for a space.  Next time you are ready to…

Did you think that all window treatments were the same?  You thought wrong.  Here are five great reasons to order custom window treatments for your home. Because they fit just right. We all know that when a suit is tailored to your body it looks amazing.  The same is true for your window treatments.  Ready-made treatments are made to fit the most windows possible.  I say “fit” with a grain of salt, as sheering a…

A great vanity sets the tone for any bathroom. These designer consoles are a fine step above the pressed board “miracles” sold online or in big box stores. A carved chest front with storage makes this Ambella Home piece updated and unique. Marble and metal translate to a classic look that could be modern or traditional!  I’ve been waiting for the perfect client for this new beauty also from Ambella Home. The curved legs say…

Nothing can beat a great “Before and After” collage!  It’s like a movie fashion montage… but for houses.  Here are some recent MDG bathroom projects with suggested budget numbers should you want to complete a similar renovation in your home. Going for Gold Our clients replaced everything except the bathtub!   This original bathroom was well over 40 years old.  There may have been a few updates over the years, but not much was done to…

For the next few weeks we will be concentrating on Bathrooms.  This will include small ones, big ones, and even what they cost. At MDG we find that generally our clients are unaware of the cost of renovating a bathroom.  Misinformed by unrealistic television renovation shows, $10,000-$15,000 seem to be the numbers that most people expect, which leaves them unpleasantly surprised when we discuss the actual costs of these spaces.  We always have to remind…