CC Interior Designs

Making It Work, Scottsdale Living Magazine Winter 2012

2012-01-24T11:48:00.002-07:00

We were recently interviewed by Kristine Cannon of Scottsdale Living Magazine regarding home offices. Visit the attached link above to see the article in full.

Simple Kitchen Update

2011-11-07T14:49:00.008-07:00

Before and After Photo

This kitchen looks brand new and all we did was replace the appliances, plumbing fixtures, counter tops, and install a new glass tiled backsplash. We were able to work with the existing cabinetry and flooring, saving lots of money. Simple updates can refresh an existing kitchen and add value and sparkle.

No Slate in Master Bathroom Redo

2011-08-24T16:16:00.013-07:00

Before Photos

Natural stone slate in showers is high maintenance and shouldn't be recommended if you want your customers to appreciate your design advice and their investment. Removing all the black slate and replacing with porcelain tile made this bathroom much easier to care for.

After Photos

Natural slate tile, it's beautiful, warm, and inviting. It is also very porous and has irregular edges which makes it high maintenance when it comes to cleaning. I never recommend slate in a shower due to the fact that it won't stay beautiful for very long. There are porcelains available that look like slate that could be used to achieve the same look but are much easier to clean. If you have to use slate in the shower, try using it as a border or deco dot higher on the shower walls.

2010 Bathroom Upgrade

2010-11-24T16:05:00.004-07:00

Awesome transformation! This is why I love my job and our customers love their investment. The below "before" picture looks like so many bathrooms that are still out there today..... I see them all the time. With some simple modifications and about 6-8 weeks worth of work, this bathroom is now safer to use and ready for many more years of enjoyment.

Here's Some Addition That Counts

2010-05-07T16:57:00.008-07:00

DINING ROOM AFTER PHOTO
A beautiful addition of dining room space that captures golf course views. Perfect for entertaining with plenty of room for the table extension, a gorgeous new chandelier, and the warmth of maple wood flooring.

DINING ROOM BEFORE PHOTO

As you can see, the patio prevents good natural light and views of the golf course. Creating an addition for the dining room frees up valuable space in the Owners current living and dining room area and adds additional square footage with money making views!

DINING ROOM BEFORE PHOTO

DINING ROOM AFTER PHOTO

Looks like this addition has always been there with its seamless tie-in to the existing home.

800 SF ADDITION AFTER PHOTO

More Home Owners are considering remodeling over moving today. This sought out established neighborhood has been seeing a lot of renovations. Adding additional square footage to accommodate a growing family and changing the floor plan to make it more functional adds value to the home and the community. Also, building the addition with the same materials as what was originally used, keeps the homes integrity.

800SF ADDITION BEFORE PHOTO

This home was in need of a laundry room, family room, in-law bedroom with bathroom, hall bath expansion, and additional square footage for the master suite.

MASTER SUITE AFTER PHOTO

This new master suite extension added valuable square footage to the master bathroom, bedroom, and closet.

MASTER SUITE BEFORE PHOTO

Spring is here! Time to spruce up the outdoors.

2010-04-06T13:10:00.009-07:00

Spring is here! I love this time of year when everything is springing forth in newness of life. Fresh flowers, beautiful weather, and a great time for enjoying the outdoors. It's also the perfect time to take a good look at the exterior of your home and see what could be done to freshen it up. Remember, you only get one chance to make a great first impression and now is a good time to stand back and evaluate your curb appeal and take a closer look at what your front entry door is telling your guest.

Does your home look tired and worn? A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your homes appearance and not to mention the protection it provides. Replacing old windows, light fixtures, and garage doors can add new life to a aging home and improve energy efficiency. If replacing old fixtures and windows aren't in the budget this year, polishing up the old ones will make them shine.

Now is also a great time to invest in expanding your outdoor living spaces. Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and water features help create an environment that is beautiful and enjoyable any time of the year. More and more people are investing into their own homes and property, creating a relaxing atmosphere that they can retreat to and share with family and friends.

Getting Organized and Creating More Storage Space

2010-02-26T15:35:00.019-07:00

Before photo of drywall niches that weren't functional for the Client and lacked the warmth the Home Owner desired.

After photo shows a more completed picture and sense of style with customized media component storage hidden out of view.

Before photo of powder bath with standard builder grade finishes. Owner requested more storage and updated finishes.

After photo shows a custom vanity with plenty of storage. The wood adds warmth to a room filled with hard surfaces. The vessel sink and custom splash adds interest making this powder bath inviting.

Before photo shows your typical display cabinet but the functionality of this space is currently limited and needs to accommodate the lifestyle of the Owner.

After photo shows the transformation of ordinary space to one that is more practical and user friendly for the Clients while entertaining. Plenty of storage for stemware, wine, and collectibles while having the use of additional counter top space.

Before photo of master bath that Owner wanted to update.

After photos shows a classic upgrade and the once empty corner of the vanity now has plenty of storage with the make-up vanity gone and the tall cabinet/tower atop the counter top. Large vanities are ideal for towers, giving you that much needed storage space and taking your bathroom to new levels.

Cost vs Value Report 2009-10

2010-01-25T13:55:00.005-07:00

What value can you expect from your remodeling investment dollars? Besides making the space more functional and updating the finishes; and let's don't forget the priceless smile on your face, what will you recoup from your investment? In brief, here are a few examples that affect most renovations in the Phoenix area.

Midrange Bathroom Remodel cost on average $14,654

Includes updating existing 5 x 7 bath with new standard white plumbing fixtures at existing locations. Solid surface counter top with integral sink on existing cabinetry, one medicine cabinet, one light fixture, ceramic tiled floor and 4x4 tile on shower wall. Expected cost recouped 67.8%

Midrange Major Kitchen Remodel cost on average $53,842

Update 200SF kitchen with 30LF of semi custom wood cabinets, includes 3x5 island; laminate counter tops, standard stainless steel sink with single lever faucet, and garbage disposal. New appliances include stainless steel wall oven, built in microwave, dishwasher, cook top, and hood. Install new lighting, vinyl flooring, and painted walls, ceilings, and trim.
Expected cost recouped 71.8%

Upscale Bathroom Remodel cost on average $48,747

Expand existing bathroom to 100SF within house footprint. Relocate plumbing fixtures and include a whirlpool bath and a 42"x42" angled shower with ceramic tiled walls. Shower to have soap niche, body spray, and frameless glass enclosure. Include cabinetry with a drawer base and tower with stone counter tops. Frame compartment for toilet with exhaust fan. Include plumbing for two sinks and faucets. Extend HVAC and install two medicine cabinets and new lighting. Flooring includes large ceramic tiles laid on a diagonal with tiled base molding. Expected cost recouped 65.4%

Upscale Major Kitchen Remodel cost on average $107,888

Update 200SF kitchen with 30LF of custom cherry cabinetry with accessories including roll out shelves. Install stone counter tops, tiled backsplash, undermount sink with designer faucet and water filtration system. Appliances include built in refrigerator, 36" commercial range with hood, built in warming drawer, and wall oven with microwave. Lighting includes general and task lighting with undercabinet lights. Upgraded flooring and base moulding finish the job. Expected cost recouped 63.8%

For more projects and information, click on on the Cost vs Value Report 2009-10 for the full article from Remodeling magazine or visit http://www.costvsvalue.com/.

Don't forget to make a splash!

2009-12-11T22:35:00.005-07:00

BEFORE PHOTO BEFOREAFTER

AFTER

Improving the lighting at the cooktop and installing a tumbled stone backsplash with metal decos completed this beautiful kitchen. The focal point is warm and inviting, complimenting the entire kitchen. A small investment for a big return on satisfaction. Backplashes in kitchens can typically cost $2,500 to $6,000 based on amount of square footage, type of materials used, and final design layout.

Think Outside the Box

2009-11-03T21:07:00.004-07:00

Ok, here is another sneak peak at our vignette at the Home and Design Idea Center in Scottsdale. If you haven't stopped by, you don't know what you are missing! We custom designed this polished marble surround vanity with European cabinetry in a laquered burgandy and brushed aluminum tower. Who says a bathroom vanity has to be made out of wood?

Home & Design Idea Center Now Open!

2009-10-14T21:05:00.003-07:00

It's officially open! Visit our vignette at the Home & Design Idea Center in north Scottsdale. For more information click above for a direct link to their website.
We want to thank all of our Trades and Business Associates for helping us make this vignette a success. Because of your quality workmanship and products we always have a job well done. We appreciate all of you.

"Click Here" for Shower Trends in Fixtures

2009-09-16T16:26:00.004-07:00

Check out the video from Remodeling TV to view some of the latest trends in shower fixtures. My favorite is the Kohler multi function hand held shower head "Flipside". Not only beautiful but safe, there are some fixtures that have lights to show you whether the water is cold (blue) or hot (red). Great ideas and information.

Home Design Idea Center Coming Soon

2009-09-02T11:25:00.003-07:00

BC Renovations and CC Interior Designs is proud to announce that we will have a permanent vignette at the Arizona Home and Design Idea Center in Scottsdale. We have been busy working on our booth which will include a custom kitchen cook top display, complete with pull out spice racks and a built in hood embellished with a mantle. Our vignette will also include a one of a kind bathroom vanity that you won't want to miss.

We will keep you posted with additional information and the grand opening.

Bathroom Sink Speaks Volumes

2009-07-28T20:23:00.009-07:00

Your design statement does more than hold water when you let your bathroom sink speak volumes. A big bang for your buck when you take the extra step to choose a sink that really makes a statement on its own. So many home owners play it safe and buy the typical counter mount sink. The builder grade integrated cultured marble sinks are typically what you get when buying a tract home, yes, even in semi custom homes. Break out of the mold and dare to do something different in your next renovation.

Vessel sinks are beautiful, but, you must consider the size and usage to determine if it's a good fit for the user. I recommend vessel sinks in powder baths where they look great for visiting guest. If you want a vessel sink in a bathroom that will be used frequently, make sure the bowl is deep enough and wide enough to prevent oversplash when washing hands and faces. Don't forget to factor faucet height to clear the height of the bowl. If you need to take it down a notch or two, consider semi-recessing the vessel into the counter top.

Undermount sinks are great when you have a stone slab counter top. The sink is attached under the stone counter and creates a seamless flow from counter to sink. Great for a sophisticated, timeless look that is easy to clean. Some of the newer sink designs have straight sides rather than curved, so don't forget to take a closer look.

Rimmed counter mount sinks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. For a modern/industrial look try a large square sink, a more traditional look with an oval shape. Rimmed sinks are great to use when you want to tile the counter tops. Don't forget that you can recess a rimmed vessel sink into the counter top too.

Visit http://www.kohler.com/, http://www.linkasink.com/, and http://www.nativetrails.net/ for great sink ideas.

First Impression "WELCOME"

2009-07-07T09:25:00.005-07:00

You only get one chance to make that first impression. What does your front door tell your guest about you and your home? These are remodeling dollars well spent and sends a message that really means "WELCOME".

Before Photo

Housing Character and Charm

2009-07-02T16:29:00.008-07:00

I love it! What diversity and character these homes have and all on the same block. These homes are from the Fargo/Moorhead area and I love how the homes vary. You can see the different influences of Norwegian, Colonial, Victorian, and even some Tudor that makes these homes so unique and beautiful. I love the mix of stucco, shaker, brick, columns, shutters, and gingerbread that make a statement that these original home builders must of had some family pride in their roots.

Ancient Norwegian Architecture

2009-06-25T14:11:00.005-07:00

While visiting in the Moorehead/Fargo area, I was intrigued by this early 12th century replica of a Norwegian church. I am so accustomed to the traditional churches with the white steeples spread through-out our nation that this was a nice surprise to come across. The craftmanship of the woodwork was amazing. The church reminds me of a viking ship with the carved "guardians" atop the roof. The Celtic cross is a replica of one that is from 995 AD.

Early Pioneer Architecture

2009-06-18T14:44:00.006-07:00

As I drive through the heart of our nation, I can only wonder what it must have been like to "pioneer" the frontier. The old structures remind us of those who came before and made a way for the generations to come. Old barns struggling to stay erect, houses shadows of what they used to be, and land rich in history. We see the remnants of the past and are reminded of how far we have come, and how blessed we are.

I can only imagine what it must have been like to build your own house, farm your own food, and fight the natural elements with no 911 available. Many of the prairies didn't have enough timber to build homes with so they made their homes from the sod of the land, thus "soddies". They would have grass roofs with muslin cloth for a ceiling to keep the bugs and dirt off the residents. Unfortunately, the roofs weren't water resistant. Doors and windows were usually mail ordered. Flooring was packed dirt. I'm sure there wasn't much room or thought for Interior Designers, just survival.

Where's Christine?

2009-06-15T17:54:00.003-07:00

Where have I been and where am I going? A short trip to Iowa and then a drive to Minnesota to visit family. It's amazing when you get away from your familiar surroundings how "alive" everything looks! Especially when you're not in the desert:) Over the next couple of days I will post some pictures of the architecture I encountered on my travels. I love discovering the history of our beautiful nation, where we have come from and where we are going.

Weekend Warriors

2009-05-29T15:59:00.006-07:00

Weekend Warriors battle it out over Memorial Day Weekend! We pulled up our sleeves and conquered the great "Honest John's Lumber" yard of the past. Our families beloved property north of Payson is the site of one of the first lumber yards in that region. Our Grandparents founded Honest John's Lumber (early 1970's) and ran a successful business for many years. Many of us grandchildren remember working summers at the lumber yard. Well many, many, years later we are working it again, only this time we are transforming what used to be a ghost of a business to a retreat in the woods. We reroofed part of the building, put a fresh coat of paint on the building, built a masonry firepit, and filled a 40 ton dumpster. Brothers, sisters, moms, dads, and grandparents were all victorious!

Networking Arizona

2009-05-05T21:21:00.003-07:00

I had the privilege of promoting CC Interior Designs and BC Renovations on the KFNX radio show Networking Arizona with Carol Blonder. It was a great experience and opportunity for us. Thanks Mom for hooking me up:)

Home Sweet Home

2009-05-04T11:53:00.003-07:00

I was so impressed with this gingerbread house that one of our clients, Jennifer Dunn, made that I just had to share it. My family does gingerbread houses every year but this one beats all! I think when it comes to houses, I'll stick with renovating them and I'll call Jennifer to bake one for me:)

Congratulations to Jennifer Dunn of Gold Canyon for being the Grand Prize Winner in the Martha Stewart Living Holiday Crafts and Creations Contest! Her gingerbread house is entirely edible, from the desert landscaping to the interior furnishings. Jennifer won a trip to New York City to attend the Martha Stewart Show and $400 towards M&M's World.

"Click Here" for Rosie On The House

2009-04-20T17:04:00.011-07:00

Visit the Rosie website (click above to link) to learn more about BC Renovations and CC Interior Designs. Don't forget to listen to the recorded client testimony at the bottom of our page!

Listen to Rosie On The House every Saturday morning on KTAR to hear our commercials and special promotions.

Don't forget to click on our "Special Offer" on the Rosie website.

Taking it to the streets!

2009-04-20T15:27:00.009-07:00

Wow! That was a lot of fun! We joined approximately 30 other partners from Rosie On The House to do a Home Show Booth Exhibit at the Scottsdale Pella Windows showroom parking lot. It was a beautiful Saturday morning with Cajun music (the type Rosie's listeners would expect to hear) playing in the background, free food, and a whole lot of prizes to be given away! Our booth gave a "Win Today-Remodel Tomorrow" Lottery Basket away. The lucky winners should have plenty of entertainment scratching all those tickets and hopefully "scratch it rich!"

Thanks to Meghan Rakotz and Doug Cox for their loyal support and help. Brad, I know how much you wanted to be with us. I'm sure you were thinking of us while you were at NASCAR. Ha Ha:)

Confessions of a Phoenix College Alumna

2009-04-10T20:22:00.005-07:00

As an Interior Design graduate of Phoenix College, I was more than happy to say "yes" to a former Professor who invited me to speak with her Space Planning class. I shared my experiences as a design student and the transition that took place from student to professional. As a student, I was the Phoenix College Student Chapter President of the American Society of Interior Designers and was a strong advocate of "getting involved" in the design community. It's a sermon that I have since repeated several times to students, "Your success starts now, in school, pave a path into the design community". I guess it all boils down to having passion about what you do and wanting to make a positive difference in other people's lives. Every one has gifts and talents that are meant to be shared. Getting involved means "action" and that combined with "passion" equals "success".

Ancient Hohokam Architecture

2009-03-31T16:44:00.005-07:00

March was the perfect time to visit the Sears-Kay Ruins in the Tonto National Forest east of Carefree. My family and I hiked the small trail to the hilltop where you could see the remnants of an ancient Hohokam village. When we arrived to the top, I could only imagine what it must have been like in A.D. 1050 to 1200 to live on that small mountain top with the great views surrounding you and the peaceful silence. That same vast silence, made me so aware of the importance it must have been for everyone to work together for survival. Hand stacked stone walls provided protection, keeping predators out and I'm sure keeping the young children safe from the mountains edges. We found small pieces of Indian pottery and was greeted by butterflies enjoying the spring flowers.

Habitat for Humanity

2009-03-17T13:01:00.008-07:00

BC Renovations and CC Interior Designs joined with Habitat for Humanity in September of 2008 and March of 2009 to assist two families with the building of their new homes. The home owners Hodge and Ortiz-Galindo worked with us as we framed the roof, interior walls, painted, and installed windows. We had a great time, along with a few sore muscles, but count it a privilege, honor, and responsibility to give back to the community.

Seen in the photos are Brad Christensen, Christine and Doug Cox, Meghan and Eric Rakotz, and Bill Voorhaar.

Making a Splash For Your Kitchens Focal Point

2009-03-12T11:24:00.016-07:00

The most common focal point in the kitchen is the cooking station. You want to make sure that your focal point makes a great first impression. A creative ventilation hood, beautiful appliance, and well designed backsplash will take your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary.

Remember to keep everything in proportion. You don't want a hood that over powers your cooking surface or is too high or too low. Think outside the box when it comes to your hood, they can always be customized!

A simple cooking appliance can be embellished with decorative millwork, consider adding legs or feet to the cabinetry on either side of the slide in range. This is also a great spot for pull out spice racks. Again, make sure the size of the appliance you want is appropriate to the size of your kitchen.

No matter what, always address the backsplash, it is a blank canvas begging for attention. The splash design should be from materials that are easily cleaned and covers the wall area from the bottom of the hood down to the counter. Depending on the overall design, continuing the backsplash up the wall to the ceiling or tops of the upper cabinetry can have a great impact. The splash is also another great area to insert a couple of those high dollar embellishments without breaking the budget.

With proper planning, your kitchen's focal point solidifies your style and is an introduction that tells people you have a well designed kitchen.

VOC Pros and Cons in Paint

2009-02-27T15:54:00.005-07:00

Since ancient times, people have colored their world with dyes made from plant and mineral pigments. Natural resources were used to enhance and decorate their dwellings and express their cultures. In times past, it was not uncommon to have paint made from items such as lime, tree resins, clay, chalk, and milk.

With the abilities of the Industrial Revolution and the WWII chemistry advancements of petroleum, milk based paints were replaced with mass produced synthetic petroleum based paints. These new paints didn't spoil and were readily available.

Synthetic paints have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate into the air (your home) as the paint cures. With our energy efficient homes, the off gassing may become trapped within the house and dissipate slowly. If your smelling the paint, you're breathing VOCs which could affect your eyes, nose, skin, and lungs.

These VOCs are what make today's paints durable, apply smoothly, provide good coverage, adhesion, hides brushstrokes, scrubability, and long shelf life. Many manufacturers are making advancements in lowering VOCs without compromising quality.

Earth friendly paints are also available today that are made from natural products like milk, clay, plant resins, and minerals. These paints are non toxic, however; have not mastered the same performance results as paints with VOCs or low VOCs. Advancements in coating chemistry and natural paints are working to provide options that are high performing and healthy for us and the environment.

WaterSense

2009-02-25T12:13:00.004-07:00

Did you know that according to the EPA, we could save nearly 640 BILLION gallons of water A YEAR if Americans with older inefficient toilets would replace them with the new WaterSense toilets?

Not only is that a lot of water but think of the amount of energy we could also save on supplying and treating that water. An example given by the EPA is that your faucet running for five minutes is equal to letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours!

Let us help you select WaterSense products with your next remodeling project. They are offered by a variety of suppliers in designs that will enhance your project and save our natural resources.

For more information visit http://www.epa.gov/ and search WaterSense.

NARI and Rebuilding Together

2009-02-24T12:47:00.004-07:00

BC Renovations, LLC and CC Interior Designs pulled together with HD Kitchen and Bath to assist Rebuilding Together in restoring a much needed

bathroom for an elderly woman raising her

grandchildren.

Rebuilding Together provides free home repairs and modifications at no cost to America's homeowners with low income.

We were able to provide a handicapped toilet, two grab bars, and a new sink faucet. Other donations were made by our friends at NARI. Good job everyone!

2009 Contractor of the Year Award!

2009-02-22T16:42:00.004-07:00

We are happy to announce that our Contractor/Designer Team is the recipient of the 2009 CotY Award from the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for the Residential Bath Category ($30,001-$60,000). Designer, Christine Cox, Owner of CC Interior Designs and General Contractor, Brad Christensen, Owner of BC Renovations, LLC received the award at the NARI dinner benefitting Angels on Call December 13, 2008.