Embarking on a home design or remodeling project is an exciting venture, but it comes with a multitude of decisions, challenges, and complexities. That’s where the expertise of a design professional becomes invaluable.

The reasons why engaging the expertise of a design professional transcends mere luxury but is an investment for any homeowner. From time and cost efficiency to the creation of personalized, harmonious spaces, designers transform your dreams into reality.

In this blog post, we delve into the top five reasons why hiring a design pro is not just a luxury but a smart investment. 

Time Savings:

Designing a space involves numerous decisions, from choosing materials to selecting contractors. It entails countless intricacies that remain hidden from view, demanding a substantial time investment.  A designer can save homeowners time by handling these tasks for them.

Thanks to the designers’ access to a wide network of suppliers and resources, their experience allows them to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.  This eliminates homeowners making costly and time-consuming mistakes by guiding them through the selection process and preventing design flaws that could lead to drawn-out revisions later.

Money Savings:

Designers work closely with homeowners to establish a realistic budget and help prioritize where to allocate funds.  They have extensive knowledge of product pricing and can recommend cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality or style.  By hiring a designer, homeowners can make informed decisions about where to invest and where to save on the project.

Professional Results:

Designers have a wealth of knowledge in their field, their experience allows them to create functional and aesthetically pleasing designs that suit the homeowners’ specific needs and preferences.  Designers also have a keen eye for details and consider every aspect of the design, from the flow of the space to the selection of cabinets, finishes and countertops.  They pay attention to the smallest details, ensuring that every element works harmoniously together, creating cohesive and visually appealing kitchens.

Personalized Service:

A designer works closely with the homeowner to understand their vision, style, and requirements. They will then translate that information into a customized design plan that reflects the homeowner’s personality and enhances the overall look of the space. Designers can create cohesive and well-coordinated interiors, incorporating the homeowner’s desired elements and ensuring a unique and personalized result.

Peace of Mind:

Whether it is a small upgrade or a full remodel, designing and executing a project involves coordination with various professionals like general contractors and skilled trades.  A designer takes on the role of project manager, overseeing all aspects of the project to ensure everything runs smoothly. They communicate with the necessary parties, resolve any issues that may arise and keep the project on track. Hiring a designer takes the stress from the project and allows homeowners to enjoy a pleasant experience.

2023 awards season has come to an end and we couldn’t be more thrilled at the outcome. It’s truly an honor to be recognized for our dedication and hard work in the remodeling industry. These awards are not just a testament to our skills and craftsmanship, but also to our commitment to engagement, trade partner satisfaction, community service, and, most importantly, customer satisfaction. Here is a round up of the awards our team was honored with this year.

Remodeler of the Year – Housing First MN

Each year, one builder, one remodeler, and one associate member of Housing First Minnesota earn these prestigious awards, which recognize engagement, trade partner satisfaction, and community service. Builder and Remodeler of the Year also include customer satisfaction. Past “of-the-year” winners evaluate online surveys submitted by Housing First Minnesota members that work with the nominees as well as customer testimonials to select this year’s top three honors.

This prestigious award recognizes our unwavering commitment to excellence in our craft and dedication to our community. We are honored to be selected for this exceptional accolade, alongside some of the best in the industry. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our amazing team, who always strive for excellence.

1st Place, Medium Bath – NKBA MN

Designer Jennie Hjerpe’s Modern Opulence Primary Bathroom was recognized at the NKBA MN Design Gala.

By removing the old tub and extending the shower enclosure into the bathroom we were able to give these homeowners a spacious walk-in shower. The vanity was extended by removing the linen closet in the corner. Now the sinks are separated by a countertop cabinet for storage. 

2nd Place, Small Kitchen – NKBA MN

Designer Amber Weekly’s Artistic Kitchen remodel was recognized at the NKBA MN Design Gala.

This downtown St. Paul condo had been updated recently but the quality and layout were not great. The homeowner desired an open kitchen with a good layout, plenty of storage, ample countertops, and seating for entertaining.

To achieve these goals, we got rid of the kitchen island and open shelving unit to reconfigured the kitchen into a U-shaped layout with a huge peninsula. Open shelves were added for display, and a bold green paint was used on the accent wall where a commissioned painting will hang.

Ample Cambria Quartz countertops in the Skara Brae pattern bring an organic feel to the space while the long linear porcelain tile backsplash adds to the industrial, modern vibe of the open loft.

2nd Place, Small Bath – NKBA MN

Designer Amber Weekly’s Artistic Bathroom was recognized at the NKBA MN Design Gala.

The bathroom had good bones but was lacking light, had a weird industrial metal insert in the wall, and had a one-piece stainless-steel shower insert that was dangerously slippery. 

In the bathroom, we replaced the mirror with a unique hexagon shape that echoes the gradient hexagon encaustic tile in the shower. A new penny round shower floor was installed for extra traction and frameless glass shower door was added to keep the bathroom bright and open. An accent of stainless-steel corner shelves in the shower add function without distracting from the great pattern. Giving new life to the existing distressed vanity cabinet, the new Cambria Quartz countertop matches the countertops in the newly renovated kitchen.

3rd Place, Large Bath – NKBA MN

Designer Mary Maney’s Fresh Escape bathroom remodel was recognized at the NKBA MN Design Gala.

A new room layout created a more functional space. The entry door was replaced with a pocket door to keep the area in front of the vanity unobstructed. By adding a double sink vanity, we gained valuable floor space to still have a soaking tub and larger shower.

Rich, walnut cabinetry is accented nicely with the soft, blue/green color palette of the tiles and wall color.  New window shades that can be lifted from the bottom or top are ideal if they want full light or an unobstructed view, while maintaining privacy.  Handcrafted swirl pendants illuminate the vanity and are made from 100% recycled glass.

Crystal Kitchen + Bath has been in business for over 49 years with our focus on remodeling. Although we specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, we also design other rooms in the home such as, laundry, mudrooms, home offices, lower levels and family rooms.

Our process has been perfected over those years to ensure that our designers and project team are helping your dreams become reality. 

Gone are the days of gray on every surface in sight.  After being cooped up in our homes for the last 3 years, we are ready for some color and personality!  Bold hues and patterns are all the rage in fashion and interior design.

We are designing a lot more color into our client’s spaces.  Blue and green cabinets are a common request.  Bold paint colors on walls are being used to bring life and playfulness to the rooms.  Color has such a strong tie to emotion, pick shades that speak to you.

Looking forward at the colors of the year for 2023 we see Pantone’s Digital Lavender, a happy light purple.  Benjamin Moore’s unapologetically bold Raspberry Blush, Valspar’s pick, a moody blue green called Everglade Deck. In the recent past we have seen neutral colors of the year like Simply White and Urban Bronze.  In 2023 you can expect to see more bold colors used in interior design and fashion.

Bold patterns are also finding their way into our homes.  Large palm and foliage prints, geometric tile and bold graphic prints are all over Instagram.  Even here in the more reserved Midwest we have homeowners choosing ombre patterned tile for shower walls, and geometric mosaics, and hexagonal tiles for their floors and backsplashes. Even patterned wallpaper is making a strong comeback.

Today’s homeowner is more apt to make conscious decisions about their homes. We all want to have the best possible green design for different reasons. Whether it be to be kinder to Mother Earth or to prevent problems with allergies. Here are a few ways to make your home a sustainable home. The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments.

Cabinet boxes: Today’s cabinets are made either of plywood or particle board and have become a major sustainable design trend concern. There is a lot of speculation as to which product is more superior. Many like the use of plywood because it has inherent strength in its laminated layers and has superior screw ability. Cabinet manufacturers like to use particle board because it has a more uniform thickness, which allows for higher tolerances when cutting. Installers like plywood because it isn’t as heavy to install. Both material types meet the CARB2 compliance. This 2010 California based law limits the formaldehyde emissions from plywood and particle board.

Cabinet doors and finish: In addition to CARB2 compliant cabinet boxes, the aesthetic everyone sees are the doors. Woods like bamboo and engineered veneers (EV) are perfect for slab door selections. EV comes in as bamboo, oak, walnut, and cherry and many exotic wood species. Bamboo specifically is a sustainable material that requires a lot less energy to nurture and regenerates from the remains of harvested trees. The alternative to wood doors, MDF (medium density fiberboard) doors typically have less problems with shrinkage and swelling of the material. MDF is great for painted doors for these very reasons.

To take it a step further, green-core can be specified for the cabinet doors. Green-core is a completely recycled material used for slab doors. Wood for the doors is typically sourced from forests in the United States. Crystal Cabinet Works also partakes with Forests for All, Forever through the Forest Stewardship Council and has been a part of the program since 2009. In addition to the CARB2 compliant cabinet boxes, Crystal Cabinets are made locally in Princeton, MN. Less truck pollution on the highways! Reducing delivery distances has a positive impact on the project’s carbon footprint.

Often people are also concerned about the chemical fumes from paint and stain. These smells come from the harmful chemicals – or volatile organic compound – in VOC paints. They are environmentally harmful not only to the environment but also to your health. Crystal Cabinet Works employs only the use of low or no VOC paint and stain for the cabinets.

Appliances: Another way to improve your sustainable kitchen is by using an energy-efficient appliances. Switching to eco-friendly Energy Star labeled appliances are now easier than ever thanks to the variety of options available today. For example, refrigeration technology is constantly changing methods in keeping your food fresher longer. A new refrigerator typically uses 40% less energy than a model sold in 2001. You can tell how efficient a product is through its energy rating.

A good dishwasher can save on the amount of water used compared to handwashing. Today’s dishwashers use an average of 4-5 gallons of water per load. Hand washing uses between 5 and 15 gallons of water depending on your washing style. Dishwashers are perfect even if you never fill it all the way!

In terms of cooking appliances, using an induction cooktop or range is more energy-efficient than either gas or electric stoves because of its use of electromagnetism. Electromagnetism is a kind of radiation including visible light, radio waves, gamma rays, and X-rays, in which electric and magnetic fields vary simultaneously. An induction range heats water at a much faster rate than traditional gas or electric. Induction is also deemed as one of the safest ways to cook. The surface is only hot when a magnetic pot or pan is on it. You’ll save time, energy, and money by using induction. When trying to go green, you’ll want to invest in energy-efficient appliances.

Garbage Disposals: A garbage disposal is another great feature of a sustainable kitchen. This will be installed in your kitchen sink, reducing food waste that goes in your garbage bins and ultimately to a landfill. Instead, food waste goes through your garbage disposal unit and directly down the sewage system. It’s then treated in sewage treatment plants and used to benefit the environment. Some of these plants will capture any methane gas that is released by food waste more efficiently than a landfill and can convert it to a green energy source. Along with the garbage disposal, having a location in the kitchen for recycling plastics, paper, and metals is a convenient way to gather nonfood waste for weekly pick up.

Lighting: LED lights are highly efficient and environmentally friendly light sources for your kitchen. They are 90% more efficient than either incandescent, fluorescent, or compact fluorescent lamps. LED lights also typically have a longer lifespan than any of the other light sources. Using less energy reduces the demand from power plants and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. They also offer a higher quality of light distribution meaning fewer lights are needed to achieve the same level of brightness as traditional lighting. You not only save on electricity but also on non-biodegradable wastes. As an added bonus, LED light bulbs are recyclable… another plus!

We see smart technology popping up in most home devices and appliances today. These products
connect to the internet and provide control in new ways. Here are some Smart Technology options for the kitchen and bathroom you may not know about yet, here to help make our daily lives more convenient and enjoyable.

The Weatherproof TV originally designed for outdoor use is perfect for a bathroom application. These TV’s are designed to withstand moisture and wetness so you can watch a show or enjoy music while getting ready or enjoying a soak in the tub.

Do you desire a TV in your bathroom but would prefer it to be hidden? The vanity TV mirror is a great option.  The advantage here is when not in use it disappears and all you see is the mirror. There are many features available between brands like touch screen, weather forecast, health data, voice activation, LED lights and more.

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Many of us love to have music flooding our homes and flush ceiling speakers have been around for a long time but what about the bathroom. Weatherproof speakers are now available for the bathroom and can even be used in showers too. So go ahead and sing in the shower.

No more waiting for the shower to warm up. Use your phone with the U shower system to control your tub or shower. It will remotely start and preheat the water sending you a notification when the water is up to temp, or use the 12 programmable settings.

It is no secret that home renovations can quickly add up. With appliances, building materials, finish selections, and labor, costs can vary depending on what you pick to go in your space. 

Our designers are experts in achieving the look you want and are breaking down the places they recommend splurging and where to save during your home remodel.

Quality Cabinetry

Invest in quality cabinetry.  Cabinets are the most impactful element of the kitchen and beautiful cabinets can elevate your entire kitchen remodel.  They take up the most visual room in the space, so don’t cut corners here.  Good quality cabinetry has 6-way adjustable hinges and prevent doors from rubbing and scraping off the finish, plus they last longer.   Custom cabinet lines allow you to design pieces that look like a piece of furniture or built-in cabinetry, which adds character & charm to the room.

Countertops

Aside from cabinetry, the next most important element of your kitchen remodel is the countertops. Invest in them! You want to make sure that you select a countertop that will last many generations, and something that is classic and timeless.

Backsplash

A unique tiled backsplash can really make a statement in the kitchen.  Seek out local artisan tile companies to see what they have to offer.  The backsplash can become the focal point of the room, while supporting local artists and their craft.

Unique Ventilation Hood

Ventilation hoods can be a focal point in the kitchen and elevate the look of the space.  Combining two different finishes or adding unique architectural element, such as corbels, make the piece unique.

Qualified Designers and Contractors

Options and codes change constantly and getting help from a professional who has your best interest in mind will save you from regrets and expensive mistakes.

A good designer professional will listen carefully to understand your goals and offer creative solutions to meet and exceed your expectations.  They will have ideas you hadn’t thought of and will know how to maximize your investment

Get Started Today

Making decisions about your home remodeling project can be overwhelming, especially when deciding impacts cost. If you’re interested in  learning more from our designers on how we can help you with your renovation, schedule your free consultation today!