An Extensive Renovation That Feels Like a Brand New Home

Some home improvement projects simply feel like an upgrade. And some feel like a transformation so dramatic, its hard to believe the “Before” and “After” reflect the same home.

In this Project Spotlight, we’ll go behind the scenes of an extensive, multi-room renovation that is fresh, updated, and modern.

This project included the remodel of our clients’ kitchen, first floor bathroom, laundry room, family room, and the primary bedroom on the second floor. The homeowners were ready to update the décor and also create more kitchen space for better functionality during family gatherings.

We partnered with an architect to consult on the structural changes involved in the project, particularly for the removal of the bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room.

Our design team did a wonderful job of pulling all of the materials and colors together, which created a cohesion between all of the many renovated spaces.

The transformation is nothing short of spectacular, and our clients are absolutely thrilled with the end result.

This Project Spotlight beautifully highlights the many possibilities renovation allows for clients who love their home and their location, but want to revamp their living spaces to better fit their lifestyle and design preferences.

It’s all doable, and we’d love to show you how! Reach out to us today if you’re ready for a new reality in your existing home.

A Gorgeous New Kitchen for Longtime Clients

We are honored when our clients turn to Schrader and Company for repeat projects, sometimes over the course of multiple homes. That was the case in this Project Spotlight, in which we undertook a kitchen renovation for clients we have loved working with over the years, on many different home projects.

For this kitchen renovation, our clients didn’t need an expanded footprint so much as some spacing changes that would improve the room’s functionality for their lifestyle.

In addition to moving appliances to create a new flow, we installed new custom cabinets with quartz counters and full-height quartz backsplashes. We put in a new window unit, new appliances, and new luxury vinyl tile flooring. We built the new cabinets to the existing soffit at the ceiling perimeter, which the clients wanted to preserve. Custom moulding at the higher center portion of the ceiling adds visual interest.

The existing kitchen island remained, and interestingly, is a custom Schrader and Company creation that we built for the previous homeowners.

The mixture of painted and white oak cabinets is a beautiful design touch, and the thoughtful placement of the appliances gives the room a great flow for both cooking and entertaining.

It’s an absolute pleasure to collaborate with these longtime clients, and we are thrilled that they trusted us to bring their vision for their home to life once again.

The Latest Trends in Kitchen Design

We recently asked our in-house designers Brooke Weinert and Kara Woitkoski to share some of the latest in kitchen design trends. From mixed metals to clever organization systems, read on to learn more details and see photos of how these design elements can be incorporated into your home.

  • Use of Walnut Interiors:

We’re seeing an increase in people wanting more of an accent and contrast at the interior of their cabinetry. While this is a bit more upfront cost, it’s an irreplaceable and gorgeous look and immediately adds visual value to kitchens of all colors and tones.

  • Mixed Metals for Cabinetry Hardware (and elsewhere!):

Rather than sticking with one finish, we think there will be an increase in the use of mixed metal tones. The use of a darker backplate with a brass or pewter pull can really make hardware a statement. At the same time, we’re seeing the islands being used as a place for statement hardware. For example: we may use a satin brass knob at the perimeter cabinetry, but select a larger, more decorative cup pull in a more antiquated finish for the island as a feature. This makes the island stand out and feel more like a furniture piece. In addition to the cabinetry hardware, we’re seeing this spread to other areas of the kitchen as well. We’re no longer selecting one finish for the entire kitchen, but truly allowing the hardware, fixtures, and lighting to all complement each other in different tones. This makes a space feel much more unique and thought out, rather than just selecting the same finish for everything.

  • Door Details:

For the past few years, the most popular door styles were all flat panel or “shaker” style. But the tide is shifting! Lately, we’re seeing more interest in decorative door styles being used in a more contemporary way. We’ve been using more raised panel door styles and even some flat panel doors with applied molding. These door styles are gorgeous and create a unique, boutique look.

  • Organization & Space Savers:

This will never go out of style, but certainly ebbs and flows with all other “trends”. Lately, people are focused on optimizing space and becoming more organized. All of our kitchens are custom designed to be functional and fit our clients’ needs, but sometimes we’re able to take it even further. Using custom drawer dividers, dish storage pegs, spice bleachers, custom filler rollouts, and (for those who hate lazy susans) blind corner optimizers! We’ve been seeing even more interest than we typically do in going the extra distance to ensure every inch of the kitchen is going to be utilized.

  • Two Tone (or more!):

Our clients love the opportunity to incorporate more than one cabinet tone (and so do we!). We’re very much used to doing two tone kitchens. But lately, we’ve seen people incorporating three tones in one space. We think that when it is executed well, it’s a gorgeous look. We have a kitchen coming up that is using a beautiful cream tone for the upper cabinets, a truffle brown for the base cabinets, and a walnut island and we cannot wait to see it all come together.

Check out the slideshow for examples of some of these kitchen design elements in our projects!

 

Design Trends We’re Loving Lately…

We asked our brilliant in-house designers Brooke Weinert and Kara Woitkoski to share some of the best recent design trends they’re seeing in the industry today. This thoughtfully assembled list can help inspire and guide you as you look to make selections for your own home projects.

As always, Brooke and Kara are here to help bring your interior design visions to vivid life!

  • Larger Fixtures (in lighting & hardware specifically):

Larger Light Fixtures and hardware with texture or complimentary colors are huge right now. They’re being used more as statement pieces, which we love!

  • Textures (in backsplash, countertops, cabinet doors, etc.)

We’ve seen a decline in true square edge backsplash tiles and a rise in tiles that are handmade or look handmade, bringing in more character and texture with perfectly imperfect edges. It brings a much more natural and welcoming feel to any space. We’ve also been seeing more interest in mesh or metal panels in cabinet doors to bring a more interesting and detailed style to their homes. 

  • Color in Cabinetry

We have seen a lot more color being introduced in cabinetry, which is so much fun! We’re seeing a big increase in “natural” colors, like stone, slate blues, tonal greens, etc. While we love a classic white kitchen, it’s such a fun opportunity to work with color more frequently. This year specifically, we’ve had multiple clients who want to steer away from an all-white kitchen, saying it doesn’t feel “warm or homey” enough for their preference. With our recent clients who do want white, we’ve use other tones to support and bring warmth to the space; be it a wood island or two tone cabinetry to make it more interesting and welcoming.

  • Command Centers

Almost all of our kitchen projects lately have requested a “drop zone”, better known as a command center. We think with getting back into our normal, pre-Covid routines, we’ve also gotten back to our old ways, which means everything ends up on your kitchen counters! We don’t love that, so we like to design a designated area for all the little things from chargers for your phones, to organizing mail. We’re doing our best to help families stay more organized and keep their clutter out of the kitchen.

  • Tile and Wood Alternatives

While loving the look of tile flooring, people are wanting lower maintenance and more wallet-friendly options. Luxury Vinyl Tile (or Plank), known as LVT or LVP, has become extremely popular. They can give you the look of tile without the grout, while being much more forgiving on your body and joints. They can also replicate natural hardwoods, without worrying about scratches, water damage, or seasonal movement.

  • Natural Countertops

While we love the virtually zero maintenance quartz countertops, we have recently (surprisingly) seen a big comeback of natural stone countertops. Despite the fact that they require more maintenance and care, our clients have been consistently steering towards granites, soapstones, and even quartzites! They are made from the earth–a snapshot of a moment in time–and each slab is completely unique and one of a kind. That is tough to beat!

 

A Dramatic Renovation That Feels Like a New Home

A well-planned and well-executed renovation can sometimes be so dramatic, the end results feel like a completely different home!

In this Project Spotlight, we take a look behind the scenes of an extensive remodeling project, covering two floors and multiple rooms.

The goal of the renovation was to create spaces that better worked for the family and their lifestyle. The clients had outgrown the existing space, and they wanted to update the aesthetic in the kitchen especially.

We renovated a large portion of the first and second floors of the home. On the first floor, we renovated the kitchen, mudroom, dining area, and parlor. On the second floor we removed the master bedroom and master bathroom. This space was rearranged to create two bedrooms and a main bathroom. We then removed the roof from the existing garage and created a new master bedroom suite.

The kitchen/mudroom space was opened up to create a better flow. The transition of each area as well as the finishes that were chosen are spectacular.

The difference between the original and finished spaces is nothing short of amazing. It almost feels like a different house altogether.

Our clients are so happy with their renovated home, and we are beyond gratified to know the project came together in such a satisfying way for everyone involved.

 

Seamless Updates to a Historic Charmer

Schrader and Company is a construction firm comprised of history lovers. We take pleasure in the beautiful details of older homes, and relish in the challenge of updating them for our clients in a way that makes modern living more effective and enjoyable, while paying homage to the aesthetics of yesteryear.

In this Project Spotlight, we return to a gorgeous 200 year-old home owned by repeat clients for an extensive, multi-room renovation. 

Last time, we renovated an upstairs bathroom to better suit our clients’  lifestyle and modern needs. 

For this project, we removed a large deck, removed the old mud room, and took off two exterior walls and framing for the back part of the house. We then built a new mudroom, enlarged and renovated the kitchen, and opened the connections to the rest of the house. On the second floor, we enlarged the hall, added a second story laundry closet, and replaced the small existing craft room with a large, light-filled room to be used as a craft room, guestroom, and office.

The goal was to add onto the home in thoughtful ways that would enhance our clients’ lifestyle. We created a larger kitchen so that the whole family could be involved in their daily meal time activities. The spacious and organized mudroom replaces an unheated porch, providing designated space for boots and backpacks, and more comfortable comings and goings for people and pets. The new screened porch allows the homeowners to more easily enjoy their property, and entertain. The craft room updates enhance a needed at-home work space, and provides a comfortable space for guests as well.

As with any historic renovation, attention must be paid to the smallest of details to create a cohesive look between the original parts of the house, and the new. Choices like wide plank wood flooring and porcelain, brick tiles help achieve this goal, as do many of the other thoughtful design selections.

At the end of this extensive project, we were able to design, specify, and build an addition to this historic home that looks as though it was a part of the original build, and it is as functional as it is beautiful.

Our clients had this to say about their newly-renovated home:

“From the structural design down to the smallest details of cabinetry and trim, our Schrader team took time and care to do their best work at each step. We chose them for our project because it was clear that they understood the construction in our 200-year-old home, and our project planner excelled at looking at both the big picture goals and the smallest details during the planning phase. What we learned through the construction process is that the whole Schrader team is not only hardworking and talented, they are also kind, trustworthy, and easy to be around, which makes a huge difference when you have people coming in and out of your home every day. At the end of a months-long project, we are left with a new section of our home that is beautiful, functional, and will last for generations. We are also left with positive feelings about the process and the people. It is clear that the Schrader crew keeps their motto at the core of their business. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with a talented team and know that we were getting the very best for our home and our family, both in terms of product and process.” 

A Very Special Renovation: The Charlton School

While Schrader and Company is best known for the remodeling, renovation, and construction of private homes, we also relish the opportunity to work on public spaces. When that public space is used for the education and enrichment of children in our community, it certainly becomes a very special project, indeed.

In this Project Spotlight, we’ll go behind the scenes of our renovation of The Chapel of the Arts at The Charlton School, a local non-profit boarding school that offers a therapeutic approach to education, with the goal of giving their students the tools for success in all aspects of their lives.

The original goal going into the planning and design were to renovate the existing chapel to one that reflects the school’s design direction (based on a 20-year campus improvement plan) and improve the use of the building as an art classroom. The building started as a chapel back in the 1970’s, and over time was utilized for different functions. Prior to the renovations, it was being used for some of the arts programs, but not all. The building lacked bathroom facilities, space for the pottery program, and did not meet the needs of the school.

The interior had not been updated since the 1970’s. It was dark inside and lacked natural light or any adequate lighting. All the windows within the chapel were dark stained glass. Lighting is instrumental to art and art education, so we specified all new lighting fixtures and new windows to create a bright, welcoming interior. 

“The 20-year improvement plan is a modern farmhouse aesthetic, the goal being clean and timeless, while trying to respect the history of the campus,” says Project Planner Mark O’Lena.  “It was our mission to bring that style to the space.”

“It was great to be able to partner with our designer Brooke Weinert to re-imagine what this space could look like. We left some of the elements of the chapel to pay tribute to its roots and added design elements to keep with the desired aesthetic, while at the same time adding lighting and custom interior cabinetry by cabinet designer Robert Page, and specialized pieces that make the space modern and fun.”

The targeted design goals include providing an ADA compliant bathroom, dedicated kiln room, private counseling areas, display spaces, storage spaces, and function specific spaces (e.g. pottery and glass, photography, painting, cleanup, etc.). The existing heating was not very efficient, and cooling was non-existent. An updated high efficiency boiler, programmable thermostats, and zoning were added, along with large ceiling fans and “mini-splits” for cooling.

Experts were consulted to assist in the design of the kiln and glass room. We also utilized a stained glass specialist to assist in the removal and storage of the existing large stained glass panels. 

Scheduling the start of the project during the summer was a priority, so design and planning had to happen fairly quickly. Various COVID guidance restrictions were implemented during the planning and design phase (at both Schrader and Company and at the school) and continued through-out the construction phase. Project Manager Austin Sullivan did a great job managing and performing the renovation.

The entire renovation project relied heavily on community donations, the largest being a grant from The Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund.

The end result is a bright, open, cheerful space that functions beautifully for the needs of both students and educators, and invites creativity and imagination.

”We would not have accomplished this without the vision of the entire team at Schrader and Company,” said Alex Capo, LMHC, Executive Director of The Charlton School. 

It’s wonderful to think about the generation of students who will benefit from their time at The Charlton School, and their enriched arts education made better by these improvements to their learning space. 

We were delighted to be part of this important renovation project.

A Classic Never Goes Out of Style

A bathroom is one of those home improvement projects that you want and need to stand the test of time. Not only will it encounter heavy daily wear and tear, but it’s a room where the essential components are relatively permanent. Few of us would want to re-tile a shower or replumb a new bathtub every few years. 

That’s why it’s so important to make choices and selections that feel just right for your individual home, aesthetic, and lifestyle when undertaking a bathroom remodel. In this Project Spotlight, you’ll see an example of a bathroom renovation that really kept an eye to the classic hallmarks of timeless design, solid craftsmanship, and luxurious details. 

The goal of the project was to completely renovate a large bathroom. The homeowners felt that the existing built-in tub, shower, and vanities were dated. We removed everything: shower walls and floor, tile floor, tub and tub surround, vanities, all fixtures, mirrors, doors, and exhaust fan. The project also encompassed improvements to two closets just off the bath.

The desired aesthetic was a very traditional, yet stylish master bath. The clients worked with interior designer Brooke Weinert on selections to really capture the classic look and feel that they wanted. The outcome demonstrates just how dramatic the change to an existing space can be, when time is spent in the details. Walking into the room, the claw foot tub and designer tub filler capture your eye. The in-laid vanity doors with clear crystal knobs add a touch of nostalgia and class. The subtle addition of chrome in the plumbing and light fixtures adds to the classic feel.

Cabinet maker Robert Page worked with our clients to design and produce two truly one of a kind furniture style vanities, that while elegant, will stand the test of time both visually and functionally. The tile and marble work speak for itself—classic and elegant. The custom full glass shower opens up the space. We upgraded the heavy shower glass to Low Iron, which eliminates the greenish tint of standard shower glass, allowing the dazzling white of the Carrara Marble to show through. We also included an attic mount fan that allows for a more delicate vent and light than a standard ceiling mounted unit. 

“This renovation took place during the pandemic and under Covid safety restrictions and protocols,” says project planner Mark O’Lena. “We had to regroup, and change some of the ways we typically perform our mission. Essentially, adapt and overcome.”

“As a planner we have the opportunity to walk through the project with the client and see the expression on their face when we tour. I am always pleased when the client is pleased, and judging by the reaction, they were pleased. So much so that they have given us the opportunity to work for them again.”

 

 

Incorporating Color and Pattern Into Your Renovation

Home decor trends and home decor trends go…

We can all remember a time when shag carpeting or avocado appliances were the height of sophistication. It can be tricky to separate the classic from the trendy when embarking on a home renovation. The last thing any of us want to do is invest in expensive and permanent changes to our home, only to find they’re as passé as popcorn ceilings in a few years time. That is why it’s nice to have experts at the ready who can help guide us to choices that we will want to live with for decades.

Color and pattern are having a real moment in terms of design trends, and we meet with lots of clients who are interested in adding some visual interest to their homes, but are concerned about what might turn out to be “too much” or “too trendy” as times goes by.

Our award-winning Interior Designer Brooke Weinert and architectural representative Christine Raible of Best Tile were kind enough to sit down with us to talk about ways to incorporate color and pattern into our home decor in thoughtful ways that will stand the test of time. 

On Color Choices:

Brooke: I like to incorporate color in permanent fixtures (tile, cabinetry, etc.) using more tonal or muted versions of colors that the clients already have in their home. For example, if the clients like blue and have blue in other parts of their home, I’d recommend a slate blue or navy blue tile or island accent. Both slate and navy are shades of blue that are still regarded as neutral “tones” that read blue and bring out blue in other colors close by.

We are less likely to get sick of neutral colors, because they tend to play well with many different colors. I think the stem of the issue of things being trendy and going out of style are when we choose bright tones that draw our eyes’ attention much more quickly. So when we inevitably want a change, a bright blue island is going to make repainting and redecorating much more difficult, resulting in wanting a total renovation.

Christine: With tile especially, because it is so permanent, I try to recommend one showpiece in the space that has color and pattern, whether that be the countertop, the floor tile, or an accent mosaic. Then all of the other parts of the space become supporting roles to that feature. There can be other colors and patterns in the space, but having that one feature helps it to not become overwhelming and too trendy. 

 

On Picking Patterns:

Brooke: I love pattern and texture, and these two often work hand in hand. I think these add a very important depth to a design that can sometimes be overlooked. However, you have to be careful when choosing something with a pattern or texture, to avoid making your space look too busy, and therefore, seem smaller. 

If you’re hoping to do an accent tile to incorporate a pattern in your shower, for instance, you want the patterned portion to distinctly stand out from the rest of the wall tile. So you don’t want to choose a wall tile that has a lot of movement and variety, because it will compete with the patterned tile and become difficult for our eyes to process.

One thing that I think is often forgotten when choosing a patterned tile is ensuring that the pattern works well with the style of the home and stays in tune with the design style. I’ve seen so many Houzz images where there’s a gorgeous traditional white kitchen with a bar area that has an accent patterned backsplash that looks like it belongs to another house. We don’t want that!

Another way I like to incorporate pattern/texture is switching the installation format of the tile. This is a fun way to play with a “classic” tile and make it a bit more fun. I love when we have clients who come in saying they “hate subway tile”, and then we show them the many ways that it can be installed and they look at it in a whole new light. 

 

Trends that Aren’t Too Trendy:

Brooke: Trends I’m seeing include the incorporation of a color, either in the backsplash or island. I’ve also been seeing a lot of accent backsplash behind the ranges again, mainly carrying the countertop up as the backsplash behind the range only.  I’m not sure if it’s because people have been stuck at home for so long and want a change, but it seems like a lot of clients are wanting to express themselves with brighter tones and bolder patterns in their homes than they had pre-Covid lockdown. 

Christine: Glazed ceramic wall tiles are very popular and I feel they are also very classic and timeless.  There are so many options and you aren’t stuck to just the traditional white subway tile. These tiles come in a range of sizes from 2×8 to 4×16 and many other sizes in between. They also have a range of colors, patterns, and glazing. Adding a glazed ceramic tile with variation in the glaze is a nice way to add a little pattern and interest without making the space too busy.    

Adding a mosaic as a vanity backsplash in lieu of a traditional 4″ quartz or granite backsplash is a fun way to add a pop of color and pattern behind your sinks. Accenting the back of the niche in your shower with an accent tile also adds a subtle pop. Powder rooms are the perfect place to play with color. This is the space that your guests most often use and they are a separate space from other spaces so you can really play with patterns in there. I often used patterned porcelain tiles or stone mosaics with variation in these spaces.

Check out some examples of color and pattern trends in our projects below and consider adding a pop of visual interest to your next project. With Brooke and Christine’s expert guidelines in mind, there are plenty of ways to spice up your space in a timeless and elegant way.

 

Muddy Spring Weather Calls for the Perfect Mudroom

April showers bring May flowers…and mud.

Here in Upstate New York, we wait impatiently for the snow to finally melt and the sun to shine again, taking us out into our yards and gardens, ready to make the most of the spring. But with this return to the great outdoors comes the inevitable mess of nature. When it’s time to come back home from our outdoor revels, we track in grass, leaves, and mud, needing places to store our wet umbrellas and raincoats, boots and bags.

That’s why every home needs a good mudroom. A mudroom with ample storage provides a crucial stopping point for the mess of the outdoors before it can infiltrate your carpets and furniture. 

Families especially can benefit from these designated “in and out” stations, which offer homes for all the abundant “stuff” of childhood–lunch bags, sports equipment, backpacks, shoes, hats and gloves, and now, masks and hand sanitizer. 

A mudroom is a simple upgrade to your home that truly benefits everyday life. Take a look at some of these beautiful examples of mudrooms we have created for our clients, and give us a call if you’re ready to corral, organize, and streamline your home for better living.