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Full Home Renovations vs New Build Construction: Which One is Right for You?

Stephanie Kratz • Oct 09, 2023

Full Home Renovations vs New Build Construction

Are you considering a major home project, but you’re unsure whether to renovate your existing property or build a new home from scratch? Making the right decision can be challenging, as both choices have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. In this post, we’ll review some key factors to consider before making a decision, the benefits of investing in home renovations, cost comparisons, and the advantages of building a new home. By the end, you should have a better idea of which option best suits your needs

Considerations for Making a Wise Renovation vs New Build Decision 

Before you decide to renovate or build a new home, it’s essential to determine your long-term goals. Renovating your current property can be an excellent choice if you love your neighborhood and want to stay in the area but desire a more modernized space. Building a new home may be the right choice if you aren’t happy with the location of your current home or require more space than your current property offers. Additionally, consider your budget, timeline, and specifics on what you wish to change or build.



The Benefits of Investing in Home Renovations 

Renovating your current property comes with a range of benefits. The most significant benefit is that you don’t have to move from the home and neighborhood you love. Additionally, remodeling a property can be less expensive than building a new one, and a renovation project can often be completed more quickly than starting from scratch. You’ll also have more capacity for customization, so your newly-renovated property can reflect your specific taste and needs. 

 

Working with an Interior Designer to Start Your Home Project 

Whether you decide to go through a full renovation or build a new home, it’s essential to work with an experienced interior designer. Interior Designers have the skill set and know-how needed to optimize your living space and create the flow, ambiance, and atmosphere you're desiring in your dream home. Many professional interior designers specialize in either renovation or new builds, so it's essential to find an interior designer like Stephanie Kratz Interiors who works within the type of project you are planning. 

 

During a home renovation, an interior designer plays a pivotal role in transforming your living space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. They start by understanding your lifestyle, preferences, and needs, all to create a design that is uniquely tailored to you. Through their expertise in space planning and knowledge of design principles, they can reconfigure your existing layout to optimize functionality and enhance flow. They also have an eye for color schemes, lighting design, furniture selection, and other design elements, all of which contribute to the overall ambiance of your home. Furthermore, interior designers have access to resources and materials that may not be readily available to the general public, giving your home a distinctive, polished look. By overseeing the project from start to finish, they ensure that the design vision is executed accurately and to your satisfaction, thus alleviating any stress associated with the renovation process. 

 

Increasing the Value of Your Existing Home with Smart Renovations 

Home renovations can be an ideal way to improve the value of your property without committing to a new build. Renovation projects, such as kitchen or bathroom remodeling, can offer substantial ROI and can increase the value of your property. An experienced contractor can provide guidance on which types of home improvements will have the most significant impact on your property value. 

 

Cost Comparisons for Home Upgrades and New Construction 

When it comes to the expenses of renovating versus new build construction, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Home renovation costs can vary depending on the type of work completed, the home’s square footage, and the cost of living in your area. The cost of new construction will vary widely based on the size of the project, contractor’s pricing and availability, and location. It’s essential to have an in-depth conversation with a contractor and custom home builder to fully understand various factors to determine which option is right for you.


The Advantages of Building From Scratch - Why You Should Consider a New Build 

While home renovations have some advantages, there are many advantages to building a new home from scratch. The most significant benefit is the ability to create a custom home designed to meet your specific needs and wants. It is easier to design and implement modern systems and technology as waterproofing, insulation, decking, and roof tiling by starting afresh. Building a new home lets you begin with a clean slate and allows you to select all of the features that you want in your dream home. 


Engaging an Interior Designer From the Blueprint Phase of a New Build 

Incorporating an interior designer from the very beginning of a new build is an invaluable step that should not be overlooked. It gives the designer an in-depth understanding of the architectural layout, which can inform the design decisions and ensure the end result is harmonious and balanced. Interior designers can provide valuable insights during the blueprint phase, identifying potential issues and offering solutions. They can suggest alterations that enhance the functionality of your home and improve the flow between rooms. They can also collaborate with architects and contractors, ensuring that your aesthetic preferences and practical needs are incorporated from the start. This proactive approach saves time, prevents costly mistakes, and results in a home that is beautifully designed and functional right from the start.



Choosing The Right Option for You 

Deciding between renovating or building a new home can be a daunting decision, but we hope this post has provided some key insights to make the process easier. The truth is that both options come with long-term benefits, and choosing one depends on your specific needs and goals. If you’re still unsure which option to choose, it’s best to meet with experienced interior designers like Stephanie Kratz Interiors to guide you through the entire process, offering some insight and professional expertise. No matter which path you take, taking the time to research and decide can ensure that you get the home you’ve always dreamed of. To learn more about how Stephanie Kratz Interiors can help you with your Home Renovation or Custom New Build, schedule a free discovery call today! 


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Monochromatic Bedrooms: A Timeless Elegance

By Stephanie Kratz • 24 Apr, 2024
Master bedrooms can be transformed into serene sanctuaries of harmony and style by embracing monochromatic color schemes. Selecting a dominant hue and incorporating varying shades and textures within that spectrum creates a cohesive and visually appealing space. In a monochromatic master bedroom, the challenge lies in creating depth and contrast without introducing additional colors. This can be achieved through layering different textures, materials, and finishes. Consider incorporating plush textiles like velvet, soft rugs, cozy knits, and silky drapes to add tactile richness to the space. Mixing matte and glossy surfaces, incorporating metallic accents, and playing with light sources can also help create dimension and visual interest within a single-color palette. Subtle patterns, personalized decor items, and statement furniture allows for more personalization within the monochromatic design. While monochromatic design is often associated with a minimalist aesthetic, that doesn't mean you have to forgo patterns and prints entirely. Introducing subtle patterns like tone-on-tone wallpapers, geometric prints, or textured fabrics can add a touch of visual intrigue to the room without disrupting the monochromatic harmony. Just ensure that the patterns complement the overall color scheme and enhance the cohesive look of the space. By curating a space that reflects personal style and preferences, one can create a tranquil retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation, elevating the living experience to new levels of luxury and sophistication. Embrace the beauty of monochromatic design to transform your bedroom into a harmoniously cohesive sanctuary of timeless elegance and style. Design/image credit to: @mai_saad_designs, @ney_architects, @specterior_designs, @stephaniekratzinteriors

Elevated Bar None

By Stephanie Kratz • 16 Apr, 2024
In recent years, indoor bars have shifted from mere beverage storage spaces to central points for socializing and entertainment within homes. Contemporary indoor bars are versatile hubs for socializing, working, and relaxation, featuring built-in workstations, cozy seating areas, and entertainment systems to cater to various needs. Home mixology trends have led to indoor bars equipped with professional tools and curated spirits, adding sophistication to the setup. Steps to elevate your indoor bar: Luxurious Touches: Incorporate marble countertops, brass fixtures, and velvet bar stools for elegance. Statement Lighting: Use pendant lights or chandeliers to set the mood and highlight key areas. Personalization: Add vintage glassware, cocktail recipes, or memorabilia to infuse personality. Live Edge Bar Top: Install a natural wood live edge bar top for a rustic and inviting look.  The transformation of indoor bars into stylish retreats mirrors evolving lifestyle preferences and design trends. By staying updated on indoor bar design trends and creatively upscaling these spaces, you can create a sophisticated retreat that blends entertainment with charm and personality. Whether modern or rustic, your indoor bar can be a luxurious oasis where you unwind, entertain, and create lasting memories. Cheers to crafting a space that truly reflects your style and enhances your home experience! Design/image credit to @luxmodernliving, @ovadiadesigngroup, @insplosion, @stephaniekratzinteriors
A luxury bathroom with a bathtub and a shower.

Modern Luxury Bathrooms with a Minimal Viewpoint

By Stephanie Kratz • 02 Apr, 2024
In 2024, the interior design landscape is defined by the fusion of minimalism and modern sophistication, reflecting a timeless appeal of simplicity and elegance. Drawing inspiration from the principles of minimalism, today's bathrooms are evolving into serene sanctuaries within the home, showcasing an essential core and a palette of light and natural shades. The minimalist approach extends beyond visuals, embracing the concept of uncluttered spaces and striking fixtures that evoke understated luxury and tranquility. A clean, modern, and minimalistic design can evoke a sense of calm and cleanliness through its reduction of visual clutter and distractions, allowing for enhanced focus on essential elements. This aesthetic approach promotes simplicity with clean lines, ample white space, and limited elements, creating an environment that feels uncluttered and serene, which in turn contributes to a feeling of calm and tranquility. Additionally, the ease of cleaning and maintenance associated with minimalistic designs further reinforces a sense of cleanliness, leading to a more harmonious living or working space. These benefits extend beyond the physical environment, impacting the mental state of individuals by promoting clarity, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of calmness within the space. The integration of sophisticated minimalism in bathroom design extends to artistic lighting fixtures, seamless tech integration, and a serene color palette, all contributing to a modern and fresh look that elevates the functionality and elegance of contemporary bathrooms. From the strategic use of color and texture to the integration of smart technology, the concept of minimalism is redefined to embody a sense of refined luxury and tranquility, paving the way for a new era of fresh, clean, and modern interior design. This approach not only reflects a design ethos but also serves as a lifestyle choice, embracing the essence of simplicity and sophistication that resonates with individuals seeking a harmonious and uncluttered living environment. Overall, the fusion of minimal and modern sophistication represents a transformative shift in interior design, where every detail has been meticulously curated to create an ambiance of timeless elegance and refined luxury. Overall, the interior design trends for bathrooms in 2024 are about infusing nature-inspired elements, embracing minimalistic elegance, integrating innovative technology, and creating a serene, yet stylish, sanctuary within the home. Image Credit to @fancy_house_dubai, @stephaniekratzinteriors, @serosez
A large patio with a dining table and chairs and a swimming pool.

Luxury Patios For Your Personal Oasis

By Stephanie Kratz • 28 Mar, 2024
In today's fast-paced world, the desire for a tranquil retreat within the confines of one's home has never been more prevalent. Luxury patios have emerged as the perfect solution, offering a seamless blend of opulence and natural beauty to create serene and relaxing outdoor oases. These outdoor spaces are designed to provide a haven for relaxation, entertainment, and contemplation, allowing individuals to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life without leaving their homes. The allure of luxury patios lies in their ability to seamlessly merge interior comfort with the splendor of the outdoors. Through thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail, these spaces exude an air of sophistication while embracing the tranquility of nature. From plush outdoor furnishings to ambient lighting and lush greenery, every element is carefully curated to evoke a sense of luxury and relaxation. One of the defining features of luxury patios is the emphasis on creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Expansive glass doors, retractable walls, and open floor plans blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior, effectively bringing the outdoors in. This harmonious integration allows natural light to flood the space, fostering a connection with the surrounding environment and instilling a feeling of openness and serenity.  Design/image credit to @stephaniekratzinteriors, @studia_54, @style.and.grace.interiors, @tollbrothers

Emerald Elegance: Transform Your Space with Lush Hues

By Stephanie Kratz • 19 Mar, 2024
Explore the multifaceted charm of emerald, offering insights into how this color can breathe new life into your interior spaces, elevate your design sensibilities, and captivate the eye with every glance. Emerald exudes a mesmerizing allure that few other colors can match and has long been associated with prestige and sophistication. When used in interior design, emerald communicates a sense of elegance that makes any space feel like a palace. Emerald is a bold color—one that demands attention and makes a statement. But it also has a versatility that allows it to play well with a wide variety of design elements. An emerald accent wall can be the show-stopping centerpiece of any room. Whether you opt for a rich, textured paint finish or a more subdued wallpaper pattern, the emerald focus creates a spatial depth and a point of visual interest that can't be ignored. For those who prefer a more subtle approach, emerald upholstery can be the perfect choice. A plush emerald sofa or armchair adds a touch of indulgence to your living room, while emerald throw pillows and blankets offer a cozy, inviting presence. Accessories and artwork that feature emerald can tie a room together, even in small doses. Think vases, frames, and decorative pieces that highlight the color, or select artwork with emerald as a dominant shade to liven up your walls. Emerald rugs bring warmth and personality to any room, and they work beautifully with both light and dark flooring options. Layering rugs with emerald touches can soften a space and add a layer of complexity to your design. Emerald isn't just a color—it's an experience. It has the power to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces. Design/image credit to @stephaniekratzinteriors @base9studio @luxxumoderndesignliving and @ovadiadesigngroup

The Joy of Fabric Textures: Velvet, Linen, and Faux Fur

By Stephanie Kratz • 15 Mar, 2024
Texture plays a vital role in designing interiors that are both visually appealing and physically comforting. It adds depth to a room and engages our senses, both visually and through touch that have the power to transform any space into a multifaceted and inviting retreat. Velvet is synonymous with luxury and opulence. Its plush, soft surface appears to change shades when the light hits it, adding dynamic texture to any piece of furniture or accessory. Velvet has a unique way of capturing rich, deep colors, making it ideal for accent items, like throw pillows or an armchair. It brings a touch of sophistication to modern and classical design themes alike. Linen brings an effortlessly chic and natural feel to any space. Known for its breathable quality and beautiful natural weave, linen can add a laid-back, yet refined, texture to your décor. It's incredibly versatile and fits well within a wide range of design styles, from beachy to rustic to modern minimalism. Faux fur imparts an undeniable feeling of warmth and indulgence. Especially in colder months, throwing in some faux fur elements can infuse your space with a cozy atmosphere. This texture is excellent for bringing in an element of fun and playfulness while keeping the look chic. Each fabric brings its own personality and feeling into a room. When combined, textures like velvet, linen, and faux fur can complement one another and create interiors that are engaging and harmonious. Design/image credit to @juli_interiors, @kimberleyharrisoninteriors, @alexanderkozlovinteriors

Marvelous Metals: Mastering the Metallic Trend in Your Interior Design

By Stephanie Kratz • 13 Mar, 2024
Metallics have been a gleaming jewel in the crown of interior design trends for some time now, and their popularity shines on, undiminished. Whether you're sprucing up a single room or revamping your entire home, integrating metallic elements can introduce a touch of glamor, timeless luxury, and avant-garde style. Prepare to ignite your interior with a lustrous twist that creates focal points and infuses your home with a modern yet timeless aesthetic. Mixing metals is like composing a symphony; it's about blending different tones to create harmony. Combining warm metals, such as copper and gold, with cool tones like silver and chrome, can achieve an eclectic and curated ambiance. Warm metallics bring a cozy luster to your space. Gold, brass, and rose gold all have hues that add a welcoming glow. They pair beautifully with rich textures like velvets and natural fibers. The key is balance—choose a dominant metal and use others as accents. Remember, the brilliance of using metallics in your décor is their versatility and range. Design/image credit to @interiorbyjennifer_m, @michellegersoninteriors, @brittanyambridge, @studia_54, @luxxumoderndesignliving

The Understated Elegance of Neutral Dining Rooms

By Stephanie Kratz • 22 Feb, 2024
The allure of a neutral dining room lies in its serene foundation, from which textures and subtle lighting can conjure an environment that is chic, inviting, and endlessly adaptable to seasonal decors. The palette of a neutral dining room draws inspiration from natural elements. Earth tones, such as soft beiges, muted greys, creamy whites, and understated browns, provide a canvas that manifests timelessness. They introduce a sense of harmony and balance that’s welcoming and luxurious. Texture plays a pivotal role in preventing the visual monotony that sometimes accompanies a restrained color scheme. It adds layers of depth, emphasizing the art of craftsmanship. Incorporating textured fabrics in upholstered dining chairs, plush area rugs, or airy linen curtains adds an elegant touch. The perfect neutral dining room is nothing without considered lighting—this design element is fundamental in setting the tone and mood. Adorn the space with a sculptural chandelier that casts a soft glow over the table setting or opt for wall-mounted sconces to radiate a warm ambiance that complements dusky evenings. The interplay of shadow and light with neutral surroundings can transport diners to a place of contented elegance. Harnessing the power of natural light in the dining room serves not only to brighten the space but also to bring an element of the outdoors inside. Large windows or skylights can invite the day's shifting light, subtly altering the ambiance of the room as time passes.  An often-overlooked advantage of neutral dining rooms is their inherent versatility. They serve as a refined backdrop to the vibrant personalities who sit around the table and the colorful dishes that grace the surface. A neutral dining room can evolve with seasonal decorations, bold centerpiece arrangements, or vivid dinnerware—all while maintaining its poised charm. Neutral dining rooms offer a retreat for those who appreciate moments of tranquility amid the festivities of home gatherings. Design/image credit to @ovadiadesigngroup, @ax_interiors, @hayarashed
a bedroom with a large bed and a painting on the wall with dramatic black and white interior design

The Art of Creating Dramatic Interior Designs

By Stephanie Kratz • 19 Dec, 2023
Your home should be your sanctuary. It can be dull and uninspired, or it can impress your friends and guests. If you are looking to create a dramatic interior design in your home, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will discuss some of the best tips and tricks to create a dramatic and stunning décor in your home.
Stephanie Kratz Interiors Works with Custom Home Builders

Unveiling the World of Home Builders: Discover How an Interior Designer Elevates Luxury Home Construction!

By Stephanie Kratz • 17 Nov, 2023
Building a luxury home is a significant endeavor and can be challenging, but it's also one of the most exciting projects that homeowners take on. With so many different types of home builders available, choosing the right one may become overwhelming and no one wants to end up with a subpar job that doesn't meet their expectations or needs. Additionally, coordinating the design and decoration of the interiors can be tricky, and that's where an interior designer comes in. In this blog post, we'll discuss the various types of home builders and how an interior designer can be beneficial when building a luxury home. 
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