Dark and dreary is fitting for a horror flick, not your bathroom. Normandy Designer Bryan Brisky took a cramped, outdated bathroom and transformed it into a bright, inviting space with double sinks, plenty of lighting and an added storage nook. “The black and white floor tile is the star of this room and was the inspiration for the modern farmhouse feel this couple wanted,” says Bryan. “We took advantage of the high ceiling with a vertical wood-look tile to make the space feel even larger.” This same low-maintenance tile can be found on the back wall of the shower, as a nod to the warmth of n ..read more

Your tile is set, the cabinets are installed, and the addition breakthrough is complete. The renderings you’ve been studying for months are coming to life before your eyes. The end is in sight, but Normandy Designer Maury Jones says that this final phase of remodeling is when your patience will truly be tested. “This is the phase of remodeling that tends to have tempers flare up more than any other time,” says Maury. “When the end of your remodel starts to become clear, it’s harder to wait for those final trade partners to do their last jobs, and even minor delays can be unbearably frustratin ..read more

You did it. You took the plunge and it’s really going to happen now. All that’s standing between you and your newly remodeled space is what feels like ten thousand decisions to be made. Congratulations, you’ve entered the second phase of your remodel. “This can be one of the most overwhelming yet exciting times in remodeling: selecting your finishes then waiting for demolition to begin,” says Normandy Designer Jackie Jensen. “For me, one of the most thrilling parts of the remodeling process is when the selections start,” says Jackie. “Everyone loves browsing through materials and making final ..read more

Small bathrooms often bring unique challenges. Beyond the expected storage crunch, smaller fixtures and cabinets can leave you looking for alternatives that are both stylish and functional. One of the more fun and unexpected ways you can reclaim a few precious inches of space is with a wall mounted faucet. Wall mounted faucets are attached directly to the wall behind the sink, versus being mounted on the deck, or countertop. Normandy Designer Abby Osborn often pairs them with a tile backsplash wall or vessel sink. “Wall mounted faucets are an excellent choice for vessel sinks in particular, si ..read more

If you’ve ever felt like your home’s exterior seemed a little flat, the answer may be that it needs a boost of contrast to highlight your home’s best features. But before you break out the color chips in an attempt to spruce up your home, Normandy Designer Jeremy Paris shares a few basic rules to using contrasting colors on the exterior of your house that you may want to consider. “One general design rule is to limit yourself to three colors or materials,” Jeremy begins. “And decide what your focal point will be.” Certain styles of homes can be more rigid in their color expectations. For examp ..read more

When you want to make a bold statement, think about shine. High-gloss cabinets add a reflective sheen and a sleek, unexpected look to any project. Normandy Designer Jennifer Cross, AKBD says this high gloss look, which is actually a texture, can be achieved in several different ways, with lacquer, paint, and acrylic. “High gloss looks are created by applying lacquer over MDF. Layer upon layer upon layer until it appears have a depth to it,” says Jennifer. “Laminate with a gloss finish is another, less expensive option, but you don’t get that true high gloss, shiny lacquer finish,” Jennifer add ..read more

We understand what symmetry is, humans are wired for symmetry, even our bodies are symmetrical. But, if you feel like you’re not a conventional person and you lean towards the daring, you may find yourself drawn to asymmetrical designs. Normandy Designer Liz Reifschneider says, “Asymmetrical design is all about rhythm and balance.” Asymmetrical design is achieved through a careful balancing of colors and patterns used with the right rhythm of spacing and textures. In simpler terms, asymmetrical design is pointedly not “matchy.” “Asymmetry is really my favorite style to work with because it’s u ..read more

In most two-story homes, half-baths, or powder rooms, are traditionally on the first floor, with full baths being located on the second floor only. Normandy Designer Abby Osborn says that we’re seeing more families opt to add a full bath on the first floor to help with aging in place. “Adding a full bath anywhere in your home will increase the resale value,” Abby says, “but adding a full bath to the first floor will help you eliminate the need to climb stairs to bathe on the second floor.” A full bath on the first floor can be very helpful for those with injuries, or recovering from surgery ..read more

There’s nothing quite like the romantic look and feel of a deep soaker tub. So, when it comes to selecting a tub filler that compliments both the bathtub and the bathroom’s overall appeal, knowing your options is important. You can choose fixtures that are floor mounted, wall mounted, or even tub mounted. Normandy Design Manager Leslie Molloy, CKBD gives suggestions for choosing which of the four tub filler options is best for you.   Deck Mounted “The most common, cost-effective, and versatile tub filler is the deck mounted,” Leslie says. This scenario is the one you’ve probably seen the ..read more

Trends come and go; styles change with the ages. But stainless steel appliances, sinks, and range hoods have had their moment and then some. Normandy Designer Abby Osborn explains why stainless steel has remained popular in kitchens for so many years. “From an aesthetic perspective, stainless steel goes with pretty much any finish of cabinetry,” says Abby. “It also fits practically every style kitchen, whether modern, traditional, or transitional.” Stainless steel is a durable choice that holds up well to regular use, which contributes to its perennial appeal. In terms of color, stainles ..read more