Age in Place without Compromising on Style

According to Susan Wright from the AIA New York Chapter Design for Aging Committee, “subtle design choices can have a profound impact on how long you can comfortably live in your own home, without compromising your aesthetic aims.”

Adding these small changes sooner will not only save you time and money in the long run, but it will allow you and your partner to stay in your home longer, which has been proven to help seniors have greater health and happiness outcomes.

• Shower benches: Shower benches are a great way to gain stability. In a big shower, a bench can also provide that spa-like feeling you may be looking for, whether you feel you need a bench to reduce fall risks at your current age or not.
• Curbless showers: This type of shower creates an open bathroom that maximizes space. Curbless showers also provide accessibility for aging or mobility impairments. Plus, spa-like features often make curbless showers feel more elegant than a traditional walk-in shower.

Read the full article on our website!

Bathroom Remodeling to Help with Aging-in-Place

Our designers are passionate about what they do. We’ll help you imagine new ways to live in and love your space! If you’re an empty-nester, we can help you consider aging-in-place principles when renovating that will not only look great but make your life easier.

Our design team has the knowledge and expertise to help you with bathroom remodeling, and our project managers, carpenters, and tradesmen have the skills to get the job done. At Alpha Design + Build, we believe that a properly designed project is less expensive, completed more quickly, and has fewer cost overruns than a project done “on the fly”. Our process puts you first!

Bathroom Remodeling to Help with Aging-in-Place

Getting ready to remodel your bathroom?

Excited about picking out colors, finishes, and tech for your new oasis?

As you remodel, think about the future of your home. If you love your home, you want to stay there as long as possible! Consider adding some aging-in-place design elements now that will be convenient and necessary when you’re older! 

Don’t panic at the idea of making your home accessible! Accessibility can also be aesthetically pleasing, and many of these upgrades won’t be obvious to your guests.

Here are some upgrades to consider:

• Automatic, brighter night lights: Better bathroom lighting helps you see your path and helps reduce fall risks at night – a good nightlight can also keep you from waking up your partner! Automatic lights are also a great option, so you don’t have to search for a switch.
• Grab bars: Wall-mounted grab bars are effective and safe and can match your décor, so they don’t look so out of place.
• Raised toilet seats: Reduce the distance needed to sit and stand! Make cleaning easier by choosing a wall-mounted toilet – the floor is easier to clean because you don’t have to work around the base where it meets the floor.

Read the full article on our website!

Bathroom Remodeling to Help with Aging-in-Place

Our designers are passionate about what they do. We’ll help you imagine new ways to live in and love your space! If you’re an empty-nester, we can help you consider aging-in-place principles when renovating that will not only look great but make your life easier.

Our design team has the knowledge and expertise to help you with bathroom remodeling, and our project managers and carpenters have the skills to get the job done. At Alpha Design + Build, we believe that a properly designed project is less expensive, completed more quickly, and has fewer cost overruns than a project done “on the fly”. Our process puts you first!

Relax and Refresh Your Mind in a Cozy, Hygge-Inspired Home

Tired of feeling stressed when you come home from work or a busy day out with the kids?

Want a space that makes you feel like you can relax and refresh for a new day ahead?

If you’re starting a home remodeling project this year, consider a concept that has gained popularity in recent years (especially in the realm of home remodeling) – “hygge" (pronounced hoo-ga). Originating from Denmark, hygge is more than just a design trend; it's a philosophy centered around creating a sense of coziness, comfort, and well-being in your living space. 

Hygge is not confined to a specific design style; rather, it is a mindset that can be applied to various aesthetics, making it a versatile and adaptable concept for home remodeling projects. Consider:

• Nature-Inspired Elements: Bring the outdoors inside by incorporating natural elements such as plants, stones, and wood. Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into the built environment, creates a calming atmosphere.
• Spaces for Socializing: When remodeling, consider creating spaces that facilitate meaningful interactions, whether it's a cozy living room with ample seating or a welcoming kitchen that encourages communal cooking and dining experiences. Thoughtfully designed spaces can enhance the sense of togetherness and warmth within a home.

Read more on our website!

Alpha Design + Build is Your Best Choice for Home Remodeling in Ann Arbor

As you begin your Ann Arbor home remodeling project, it's essential to collaborate with professionals who can bring your vision to life seamlessly. With a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and client satisfaction, Alpha Design + Build has a skilled team of designers and builders who understand the importance of blending aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that your remodeled space not only looks stunning but also promotes a sense of comfort and well-being.

Contact Alpha Design + Build today to start the conversation about your home remodeling project in Ann Arbor as well as the surrounding communities.

Creating Cozy Spaces with the Hygge Concept

Tired of the non-stop grind of work, family obligations, and social events?

Do you prefer to spend your down time with your family at home, watching movies or doing crafts or other hobbies?

Hygge design (originating in Denmark) is all about embracing simplicity, warmth, and the joy of the present moment. It emphasizes the creation of inviting and comfortable spaces that foster a sense of connection, relaxation, and well-being. 

Whether you want to create a lovely, cozy living room for movie night, or a calming space for your daily yoga practice, consider these design elements:

• Include elements that evoke warmth and coziness: Soft textures such as plush throws and cushions can instantly transform a space, making it more inviting and comfortable. 
• Warm Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a space, and hygge places a strong emphasis on soft, warm lighting. Consider incorporating dimmable fixtures, fairy lights, and candles to create a cozy and intimate ambiance. 
• Functional and Minimalist Design: Invest in multi-functional furniture that serves practical purposes while maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. A clutter-free environment contributes to a sense of calm and tranquility.

Read more on our website!

Alpha Design + Build is Your Best Choice for Home Remodeling in Ann Arbor

As you begin your Ann Arbor home remodeling project, it's essential to collaborate with professionals who can bring your vision to life seamlessly. With a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and client satisfaction, Alpha Design + Build has a skilled team of designers and builders who understand the importance of blending aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that your remodeled space not only looks stunning but also promotes a sense of comfort and well-being.

Contact Alpha Design + Build today to start the conversation about your home remodeling project in Ann Arbor as well as the surrounding communities.

How to Choose the Right Hardware and Accessories for your Kitchen Remodel

Getting ready to redesign your kitchen?

There are so many options to choose from – paint colors, cabinet styles and colors, flooring, storage, and finishes.

From sleek and modern to classic and ornate, hardware can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen.

1. Matte black finishes – Stainless steel and chrome are a timeless look, but to really step up your kitchen design, consider matte black. Especially against white cabinetry, matte black offers a sleek, polished look.
2. Latches rather than knobs – Many different varieties of pull bars are available, and some homeowners are forgoing square and tubular pulls altogether in favor of an ages or antique brass latch. It can provide a striking look, but they aren’t super practical – consider using a latch for a cabinet that has decorative items, for example.
3. Mixing and matching knobs and pulls – If you can’t decide on a classic knob for your cabinets or a pull on a drawer, you can mix and match! It really depends on what is most practical for you and your family. Just know if you’re not replacing your cabinets, but just the hardware, you’re going to have to fill all the old holes and they may still be slightly visible afterwards.

Read more on our website!

Begin a Kitchen Remodel for Your Ann Arbor Home

Luxury is a treat that can be enjoyed at any scale! Whether you’re doing a full kitchen remodel for your Ann Arbor home or just upgrading your fixtures and appliances, you can create a kitchen that looks like it’s right off the pages of an architectural magazine.  

A great kitchen begins with a great plan, and we have the knowledge and access to bring a world of exciting materials and fixtures to your door while helping you stick to a budget. Contact us today to get started!

Maximizing Space with Your Kitchen Remodel

Need more space for prep work or storage? Do you wish you had better lighting, and sleeker, more modern appliances?

Whether you’re doing a redesign or a full kitchen renovation, careful planning can help you create a kitchen that will be beautiful as well as functional. 

Even a large kitchen can go to waste with a design that doesn’t consider efficiency. Explore some ideas to get a feel for the ways you can use your kitchen space more effectively when you remodel. 

• Make a list: what works and what doesn’t with your current layout? You might be tempted to skip this step; but writing it all out will help you make better design decisions. 
• Use your vertical space: going vertical makes your kitchen larger and more functional. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets create a ton of storage space and keep your counters clear.  Also consider a hanging rack for pots and pans, storing items below cabinets with hooks, and installing magnetic strips for knife and spice storage. 

Read more on our website!

Begin a Kitchen Remodel for Your Ann Arbor Home

Luxury is a treat that can be enjoyed at any scale! Whether you’re doing a full kitchen remodel for your Ann Arbor home or just upgrading your fixtures and appliances, you can create a kitchen that looks like it’s right off the pages of an architectural magazine.  

A great kitchen begins with a great plan, and we have the knowledge and access to bring a world of exciting materials and fixtures to your door while helping you stick to a budget. Contact us today to get started!

Create a Cozy, Welcoming Home in 2024

There are so many ways to make your home feel warm and inviting, and there’s never been a better time than in winter to make a change!

Even if you prefer a simplistic, modern style for your home, you can balance a clean and tidy space with cozy textures.

1. A cozy, cushioned runner for the kitchen – Kitchens can feel sterile or boring, so make yours feel warmer and cozier with a cushioned rug! Choose one that’s machine washable for easy cleaning.
2. Table lamps and warm lighting – Avoid using the ceiling light when you want to relax for an extra cozy feeling. Instead, add other light sources throughout your home like sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps for warm, subtle lighting.
3. Warm wood tones – Include warm wood tones in your décor! Consider a white oak console table, or a light wood toned coffee table in the middle of the room to warm up your space.

More design ideas are on our website! 

Your custom design + build experts in Ann Arbor!

The hardest space to re-envision is usually the one you live in -- even for professional designers! Sometimes clients begin the design conversation by telling us, “I know there’s nothing you can do about this layout…” We prefer to begin with the assumption that there’s not much we can’t do. 

Our local know-how ensures a smooth process. Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Contact us today for home renovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities! We can help you breathe new life into your space.