Design 360 - 2022

DESIGN 360

KITCHEN STUNNER

An

BATHROOM REMODELING DOS AND DON’TS

Things to consider when

your

FIVE HOT OUTDOOR LIVING TRENDS

Ways to love the outdoors

POPULAR KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS

Explore countertop material

GUIDANCE WHEN CHOOSING A SIDING MATERIAL

What type of siding best

your

MAXIMIZE CURB APPEAL WITH A FANTASTIC FRONT DOOR

Choosing a new front

INTERIOR DESIGN REALITY VS. REALITY TV

Mosby Home Consultants

their

BEFORE & AFTER Beautiful

TIPS FOR SELECTING A REMODELER

Things to keep in mind when hiring a

A message fro the President...

Across the country, the housing market has been hyperactive and extremely competitive, resulting in historic home equity values.

At the end of 2021, the “accessible” national home equity average stood at $185,000 per household. This number refers to funds that are readily available to a homeowner, while still leaving 20% of the home value untouched. This is a remarkably high amount! The combination of an equity surge and current home buying challenges, makes home renovation a highly attractive option for homeowners.

I would like to point out one additional, intangible, piece of the puzzle. What is not reflected in the housing data is the personal value of our homes. The past two years have proven the dollar value of a house is less important than the life which surrounds and dwells in it. A home is where memories reside. Family time, birthdays, anniversaries, dinners, game nights, movie nights, hobby time, hot tub time, and milestones like baby’s first steps all add up to priceless moments. The home is truly a reflection of who you are, and no amount of market activity or Zestimate can begin to touch its real worth.

All the best,

Mark McClanahan President, Mosby Building Arts

Bathroom Inspiration

Wallpaper has made a comeback with bolder and brighter patterns.

Sunroom Inspiration

Bring the outside in with a traditional sunroom design.

ELEVATED KITCHEN DESIGN

A Ladue homeowner turns to Mosby Building Arts to transform her kitchen.

PROJECT SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

Not only was this remodel a major upgrade in functionality, it also served as a tribute to the homeowner’s late husband who was the original driving force of the project before his unfortunate passing. She was determined to move forward with the remodel. The client wished to expand the cramped kitchen to allow for a larger island, add cabinetry and additional counter space, and create an open concept between the kitchen and living room. She also wished to rearrange and redesign the adjoining laundry room and powder room.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

To increase the footprint of the kitchen, the back wall was blown out and the kitchen was expanded into the backyard, effectively doubling its size. Long periods of heavy rain that fell while the back of the house was open proved to be a challenge. To keep the house and foundation from flooding, sump pumps were brought in, and temporary roofing was put up to protect the interior from the falling rain.

Other challenges included having to add a steel beam to support the second floor, reworking the roof ridge line to accommodate an upstairs bathroom window, flipping the washer and dryer, and redirecting the dryer ductwork through the garage roof.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

The foundation of this successful kitchen design is gorgeous cabinetry as far as the eye can see. The main cabinets in this space are a custom color - Signature Paint Overcast with black brushing on the perimeter. They have a flat sheen finish which contrasts beautifully with the jet-black island. Two contrasting, yet coordinating, veined granite countertops visually break up the space. The Ronda Silver Penny glass tile backsplash behind the stove is a gorgeous touch of glam, as are the gold lighting fixtures (not to be outdone by the showstopper hood!)

The hood, from Raw Urth Designs, is stainless steel with brass straps and rivets. Other swoon-worthy features include a coffered ceiling, double oven and two sinks.

The homeowner now has a stunning space she is sure her husband would be proud of.

KEEP THE TUB

Do keep at least one tub in your home, even if you don't get the opportunity to relax in it all that often. Having at least one bathtub will likely help your house move faster when it's time to sell. Families and house guests with children prefer the option of a tub when needed.

REPLACE FLOORING

Do select flooring that is waterproof and slip resistant, to prevent injury and mold build-up. Aesthetically speaking, choose a classic design that coordinates with the rest of the space and has just the right amount of interest. Too much will overpower the room, too little is too bland.

8 TIPS FOR REMODELING YOUR BATHROOM

Do build a water closet for privacy if you have the space. A water closet allows more than one person to use the bathroom at a time, and is also good hygiene. Unsanitary air particles are contained in the water closet area.

Don’t underestimate your need for ample storage. It is important to think about who will be using the bathroom when space planning. Less storage is usually needed in a guest powder room vs. primary suite vs. kid bathroom.

PRESERVE PRIVACY

ADD STORAGE

BE BOLD

Do experiment with unique patterns and styles. Adding wallpaper or an incredible tile accent wall can dramatically change the entire feel of the room. Bathrooms are a great space to allow yourself to be bold and take more risks. When your style changes in the future, change it out!

KEEP IT CLASSIC

Don't design your entire bathroom around major elements that are super trendy and will go out of style. Instead, keep the major items (like vanities) classic and neutral. This will elevate the look and allow your space to stand the test of time. Save your trendy accents for the accessories.

When considering any major remodel, the following key questions can help homeowners ward off renovation regret—or, worse, do-overs. Want to get it right the first time around? Keep reading to find out things to consider, and things to avoid, when diving into your bathroom project.

Do make sure all elements coordinate with one another. It is important that your bathroom has a nice flow of colors that harmonize in texture, and shape. Plan ahead and don’t be lured into impulse buys you may regret down the road.

Do plan for the future. While no one likes to think about getting older, it is important to consider aging-in-place accommodations such as wider doorways and zero-entry showers long before you actually need them.

COORDINATE COLORS

PLAN AHEAD

FIVE OF THE HOTTEST OUTDOOR LIVING TRENDS

Outdoor living spaces are cooking up a lot of interest in the remodeling world. There are many health benefits to spending more time outdoors. Not to mention, hosting outside is a lot more fun (and usually requires less clean up). Thinking about transforming the outdoor space of your home into your personal oasis? Here are some of the best features for outdoor living spaces.

1 | POOLS

When temps hit the 90s, there’s nothing better than wading around in the privacy of your own pool. Pools provide exercise, stimulation, and fun for children. Plus, an in-ground pool with a cabana is the perfect backdrop for those looking to unwind with a good book. Just make sure to plan ahead and bring your patience, as pool installations are booking far into the future. Outside of the maintenance, having a pool will be worth the wait!

2 | HOT TUBS

Nothing screams R&R more than kicking back in a hot tub, jets blasting bubbles while sipping some bubbly. Take in the romantic night sky or soak your everyday aches in the morning in the privacy of your backyard. Hot tubs are easy to install, if you have a flat surface. They fit perfectly on decks or patios made of concrete, wood, or brick. Get it professionally installed on a freshly laid foundation for perfect leveling. Also, consider adding an awning for privacy.

3 | OUTDOOR KITCHENS

For the ultimate indoor/outdoor living experience, many homeowners are adding a kitchen to their outdoor space. Whether entertaining or enjoying a nice meal with your family, an outdoor kitchen allows you to streamline mealtime and maximize your time in the fresh air. Outdoor kitchens can be as simple or as grandiose as you desire, with most homeowners opting for a refrigerator, grill, island, and bar seating area.

Outdoor living and kitchen spaces are cooking up a lot of interest among St. Louis residents. There are many health benefits to spending more time outdoors. Not to mention, hosting outside is much more fun (and usually requires less clean up). Thinking about transforming the outdoor space of your home into your personal oasis? Here are some of the best features for outdoor living spaces.

4 | FIREPLACES / BUILT-IN HEATERS

Whether it’s telling ghost stories in the fall, sipping cider in the winter, making s’mores in the spring, or having a beer in the summer, outdoor fires are always in season! A stone fireplace will certainly make a statement, as well as provide heat and enjoyment throughout the year. A simpler option for smaller spaces is to build heaters into the ceiling. They have a minimalistic look, but provide plenty of heat to keep the space at a comfortable temperature.

5 | OUTDOOR SOUND SYSTEMS

No need to leave the creature comforts of inside, while relaxing outside. A built-in sound system and TV hung on a covered wall, allows you to listen to music or watch your favorite TV show while relaxing outside. Better yet, invite your friends over to watch a sporting event and they never have to set foot inside. Take it one step further with smart technology, and you can run everything from the ease of your phone.

Tips for Cleaning Your Siding

Apply a cleaner (we recommend Simple Green) and let soak. Use a soft cloth or soft-bristle brush to scrub before rinsing thoroughly with hose or pressure washer. To prevent streaking, start at the top and work down. Keep the stream of water at eye level and pointed straight at the siding, not at an upward angle. When washing side to side always go with the seams not against to prevent driving water behind the siding. Use extra caution around openings like windows, doors, plumbing and electrical connections.

Help! ME CHOOSE COUNTERTOP

New countertops can change the entire look of your kitchen! With so many options to choose from, we have highlighted six to consider.

MARBLE

While marble is becoming less popular than in the past, it still remains one of the more beautiful (albeight expensive) options. Marble is a natural stone so each slab is unique. Marble is heatresistant and waterproof. It’s the perfect countertop to put a hot dish onto for cooling. Marble is more porous and can stain from spills and get scratched by knives. Marble is better for entertaining rather than cooking.

PROS:

• Exquisite veining

• Heat-resistant and waterproof

• Easier to cut than other stones

CONS:

• Expensive

• Can’t install on your own

• Not scratch-proof

• Stains easily unless sealed

• Acids can erode polish

QUARTZ

These popular, gorgeous countertops are made by binding 93% of quartz crystals with resins to engineer a solid slab. Heavy slabs are sealed tightly to prevent mold or damage, and are incredibly durable. Many homeowners prefer quartz countertops because they come in a wide variety of colors and veins. While beautiful, they are uniform. So your countertop won’t be considered a rarity. DIY installation may be possible for

homeowners with advanced skills, but professional installation is recommended.

PROS:

• Makes a statement

• Smooth, uniform slab

• Cut and heat resistant

• Easy to clean, hard to stain

• Custom colors available

• Doesn’t require sealing

CONS:

• Expensive

• Challenging for DIY installation

• Might discolor with time from UV light or harsh chemicals

QUARTZITE

Quartzites have a special simplicity and a rarity to them. They come in limited color varieties because they are completely natural. Some quartzite slabs can have up to 99% quartzite crystallines in them. Quartzite is very durable. It’s almost knife resistant. However, knicking the same spot over time, or making a big chop with a large knife, can do damage. While quartzite is similar in looks to quartz, it comes in fewer varieties. Its tone is typically lighter, earthtoned colors.

PROS:

• More durable

• Rare pieces

• Highly resistant to UV rays

• Limited sealing needed

• Natural texture

CONS:

• Price

• Fewer color options

• Challenging to install

QUARTZ

MARBLE

CHOOSE A KITCHEN COUNTERTOP MATERIAL

GRANITE

While it has been replaced by quartz in the top spot, there is still a high demand for granite countertops. Granite slabs are cut straight from the earth, therefore each one is unique. This material can withstand high heat but may degrade at extreme temperatures. Granite countertops are slightly more porous than quartz, so you don’t want to let liquids pool. You may have to reseal and polish the granite to maintain its functionality and vibrancy.

PROS:

• High heat tolerance

• Wide variety of colors

• Easy to clean

• Unique patterns

CONS:

• Price

• Can dull over time

• Extreme heat may cause damage

• Requires extra cleaning

• Cracks with improper installation

• Dulls knives when cut on

WOOD

Wood countertops are a growing trend. They have a rustic look that also presents as a functional cooking flattop. These natural countertops are resistant to heat. You can also cut directly on the counter. While using the space this way inevitably makes marks, it’s part of the charm! There are many options for wood, with the most popular being: Cherry, Hickory, Mahogany, Maple, Sapele, and Teak. Before using

a wood countertop, oil the area with coconut oil. This treatment will smooth out rough edges that can cause splinters. And, it will give the wood a nice shine!

PROS:

• Low maintenance, if you’re okay with making marks on it

• Some woods are naturally antimicrobial

• Great rustic vibe

• Many color options

• Can install yourself

CONS:

• Highly porous, may need to be replaced more often

• Easily marked by knives

• Can cause cuts or slivers without treatment

STAINLESS STEEL

A more modern and unexpected countertop choice is metal. When polished, nothing glows like a stainless-steel finish! These durable countertops are heat resistant. You can allow your baked goods to cool on them. Just be careful when using as a prep space. They can easily scratch!

PROS:

• Sleek and industrial look

• Can’t be damaged by heat

• Very easy to clean

• Can be seamless

CONS:

• Steel can become cloudy or scuffed with time

• Not suitable for cutting on

• Very noisy to work on

• Expensive to customize

GRANITE

WOOD STAINLESS STEEL

SIDING

GUIDANCE WHEN CHOOSING A SIDING MATERIAL

Vinyl is a versatile, durable, long-lasting siding material. It is easy to personalize, as vinyl siding comes in virtually every hue. Since the colors and textures are integrated into the siding, installation doesn’t require any painting and needs minimal upkeep over the years. Vinyl is lightweight, making it easy to install. However, if it’s not installed securely, vinyl can be prone to damage during high winds.

While rocks and branches can damage vinyl, it won’t rot like other materials. Replacing your vinyl siding is usually a quicker fix than most other materials. Lastly, while vinyl is easy to install, it is challenging to line up the seams and make the planks look uniform.

Insulated Vinyl has insulation on the back of the vinyl plank to reduce heating/cooling costs, making for a more temperate and cost-efficient home.

One benefit of insulated siding is that you can choose dark hues without the worry of overheating. The insulation also makes for a more durable structure that can stand up to impact caused by rocks or branches falling off a tree.

Fiber Cement has the lowest maintenance and most stability out of all the siding materials. It is made of blended materials, including clay, cement, wood pulp, and sand. It’s then engineered to look like shingles, stucco, masonry, or wood clapboard and can easily be painted.

Engineered Wood is the strongest siding option. It is a durable blend of wood fibers and resins, with top brands lasting up to 50 years. As the name implies, engineered wood looks very similar to wood, but is man-made.

Engineered wood comes in a wide variety of textures and colors. You can also get unfinished engineered wood to paint yourself. Engineered wood is a bit more cost-effective than fiber cement upfront, but does require frequent painting and maintenance.

Mosby is proud to offer Pella window and door selections.

MAXIMIZE CURB APPEAL WITH A FANTASTIC FRONT DOOR

Combine Style And Functionality

There are several door options available from a material standpoint (wood, fiberglass, steel, etc.)

Work with a door designer to select the perfect combination of color, style, sidelights, and other features. Don't forget to think about function... in many instances, homes can be altered to fit a wider door, or double door. This can be an important factor if this is the only way in and out when moving large objects in the house.

Select The Right Door Material

There are a few different door materials to choose from. You’ll find wood on older homes, and even in some newer homes, but most new homes feature fiberglass or steel. If security is the most important factor, steel doors are more solid and secure than fiberglass, offering a greater peace of mind while fiberglass has a larger scope of styles and designs.

Complement Your Home

Take into consideration the overall aesthetic and architectural make-up of your home when selecting a front door. All elements should work together. A steel door might not fit in with an older Victorian style home, and a wood door might not look right on a contemporary home.

Mosby is proud to offer ProVia window and door selections.

TRUTH TIME

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH HOMEOWNERS REALIZE IS NOT ACCURATE WHEN WATCHING REMODELING REALITY SHOWS?

ARTHUR MERDINIAN Home Consultant & Architect

Manufacturer lead times may not be accurate. TV shows often get companies to speed up production and delivery times in return for their products being featured on the show. Unfortunately, in the real world, companies do not have that kind of influence.

BRAD HAGAN Home Consultant

Production Timeline. The episode you’re watching may only be 30-60 minutes long, but it is important to remember that the show likely had staff on-site for weeks, if not months. The truth is, remodeling takes time

DAVID FLORI Senior Home Consultant

While most people realize the pricing and timelines shown on reality shows are unrealistic, it’s still a good reminder that those shows are made for entertainment purposes.

AMY MILLER Home Consultant & Designer

People may not be aware that geographical costs are usually very specific to a region. For instance, remodeling costs in the South vs. Northwest, rural vs big city, can vary widely. There are many factors related to geographic cost differences including: material cost, labor, building codes, and overhead. It is important to keep all these factors in mind.

JUSTIN LANE Home Consultant

Reality shows are great inspiration for DIYers, and doing projects inexpensively is part of the appeal. That said, many of the budgets featured don’t include the cost of labor (partners usually donate their time), which is a more significant expense in real life.

JAKE SPURGEON Senior Designer & Home Consultant, CKBD, CAPS

It's normal to fall in love with a space you saw on a reality show, but don't expect the same results in your home. The style of the space on TV may not fit in with your architecture or personal aesthetic, and it may not be as functional as you think.

JODY HALL Home Consultant

The number of actual hours that go into a remodeling project is MUCH more than what TV shows have time to portray in an hourlong program. Drafting, architecture, design, and good construction take time, but is worth it!

RICH ORIS Senior Home Consultant

Most construction projects require building permits. There is a standard practice and process to get approvals and there are scheduled review meetings that need to take place throughout construction. This takes time and is not always shown on TV.

KEVIN MARLER Home Consultant

Looks can be deceiving!

“After” shots are usually shown in short snippets. A house may look amazing in a camera pan, but that doesn’t mean that the craftsmanship and details were expertly executed.

MARK KISSEL Home Consultant

I love HGTV, but the cost of a project on TV just isn’t what a real project costs. Realistically, what was their work scope? Did they cut corners to bring the cost down? Did they make aesthetic fixes that look good from afar?

and AFTER

some inspiration on how to

your home's curb

Tips for Choosing a Remodeler

Taking the leap to do a remodeling project can be an exciting and stressful experience. Many decisions need to be made along the way and perhaps the biggest decision is finding the right contractor to hire. While there are many companies to choose from, there are distinct qualities you should look for when hiring the right remodeler.

How long have they been in business? A company’s track record speaks volumes about the type of business and work they perform. It shows how dedicated they are to performing quality work to keep their clientele.

Is the contractor insured and licensed? Insurance is important for the protection of your home and your safety. Take it as a warning sign if a contractor doesn’t keep to this good business practice.

Does the contractor offer a warranty?

A workmanship warranty helps ensure quality craftsmanship and installation. Typically, material warranties are covered by the manufacturer. A good contractor, however, will also stand behind their work. This is vital to building trust.

Timelines. No one likes a long, drawn-out project, Choose a contractor who can give you an accurate timeline, and has a history of finishing jobs on time.

Does the contractor handle permits and follow building codes? To complete work up to local building codes, permits need to be issued. A contractor that obtains permits takes the burden off of you, and ensures a more accurate process. Your contractor should be knowledgeable of local building codes and perform work up to those legal requirements.

You get what you pay for. It’s an age-old adage that rings true in the remodeling industry. If the company you’re looking at matches the criteria above, has answered your questions, and has provided an accurate written contract and work scope, they will most likely be worth every penny. The benefit of paying for quality is that you pay for it once. Correcting bad work requires double the time and money, sometimes surpassing the original quote from a company that strives to do it right the first time.

W. Argonne Ave.

MO