Bringing Modern Farmhouse Home: Room by Room

The beauty of modern farmhouse lies in its adaptability. You can translate the core tenets into different areas of your home to create a cohesive look:

• Living Room: Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Start with a light-colored couch and armchair, add a rustic coffee table in reclaimed wood, and incorporate shiplap on an accent wall. Woven throw blankets, black metal candlesticks, and a vintage rug layered on a sisal base will complete the look.
• Kitchen: The heart of the home in a farmhouse setting, the kitchen should be both stylish and functional. Opt for white cabinetry with black hardware, butcher block countertops for warmth, and a farmhouse sink for a touch of nostalgia. Open shelving showcasing dishes and decorative accents adds a personal touch.

Looking for ideas for your bathroom or bedroom? Read more on our website!

Start Your Modern Farmhouse Home Remodel in Ann Arbor Today!

We understand that most building and remodeling projects are a major investment for our clients, and they can be a nerve-wracking foray into the unknown. You may have heard some frightening first-hand accounts of remodeling nightmares. We’ve worked with many clients who say, “I sure wish we had hired you last time.”

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.

Thinking about starting a home remodel in Ann Arbor? We’d love to hear about your project. Contact us today!

Understanding the Core Elements of Farmhouse Style

The modern farmhouse aesthetic has become a design darling, gracing everything from cozy cottages to sprawling mansions. This enduring style blends rustic charm with contemporary clean lines, resulting in warm, inviting spaces. But what exactly defines modern farmhouse, and how can you incorporate it into your own home?

Modern farmhouse design rests on a foundation of contrasts. It seamlessly integrates timeworn elements with modern functionality. Here are the key characteristics to consider:

• A light and airy color palette creates a sense of openness and serenity. Crisp whites, calming grays, and beiges set the stage. Pops of black can be introduced for contrast, especially in hardware or lighting.
• Shiplap, horizontal wooden planks traditionally used for exterior siding, have become a signature element. They add a touch of rustic texture to walls, ceilings, and even furniture.

Read more on our website!

Start Your Modern Farmhouse Home Remodel in Ann Arbor Today!

We understand that most building and remodeling projects are a major investment for our clients, and they can be a nerve-wracking foray into the unknown. You may have heard some frightening first-hand accounts of remodeling nightmares. We’ve worked with many clients who say, “I sure wish we had hired you last time.”

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.

Thinking about starting a home remodel in Ann Arbor? We’d love to hear about your project. Contact us today!

Kitchen Design That Brings Families Together

Finally designing your dream kitchen?

Want a space where your entire family, across generations, can gather and make new memories together?

The kitchen has evolved to become the center of family life. Today, families cook, eat, entertain, read, work, plan meals, do homework, and even watch TV in their kitchens, and a well-designed kitchen can make a tremendous difference in the valuable hours we spend at home.

Sharing meals becomes a chance to connect across ages. Grandparents can pass down cherished recipes and stories behind them, while children learn new culinary skills. Whether it's helping decorate cookies or debating the merits of a new dish, food becomes a common thread weaving a tapestry of togetherness for the family.

Want to design the perfect kitchen for your family’s needs? Read more on our website!

Kitchen Design for Beauty, Functionality, and Memory Making

A well-designed kitchen design for your Ann Arbor home can create a comfortable, enriching, and supportive environment for your entire family. By carefully considering the needs of each generation and incorporating features that promote togetherness and functionality, you can create a home that fosters lasting memories and strengthens family bonds for years to come.

Whether your kitchen simply needs a new look, or you want to tear the walls down and start over, our interior designers can bring beauty and functionality into this key space. Contact us today to get a quote and get started! 

Multi-Generational Home and Kitchen Design

Considering a home remodel this year? Want to finally break ground on your dream kitchen design?

As we age, our plans for the future may change. Adult children may still be living at home while they begin their careers after college, or maybe Mom or Dad (or both!) have moved in. 

Seamlessly integrating the needs of different age groups living together requires a thoughtful remodel. How can you take care of the needs of your teen who needs a space to do homework and hang out with friends while also accommodating your parent who desires a quiet space to read?

Here's how revamping your home can create a win-win situation for everyone:

• Strengthened Family Bonds: Sharing a living space naturally fosters connection and strengthens family ties. Grandparents become cherished role models and storytellers for their grandchildren, while adult generations gain built-in companionship. Regular interaction between generations combats feelings of isolation, especially for older adults, and creates a richer, more fulfilling home environment.
• Shared Responsibilities and Reduced Stress: Parents with young children can find much-needed help with childcare, while adult children can help aging parents who may require some level of care. This shared responsibility alleviates stress on busy parents and fosters a sense of teamwork and mutual support.
• Enhanced Security and Peace of Mind: With more people at home, there's a greater sense of security, especially for elderly members of the family. Knowing there are always family members around provides peace of mind for everyone.

Read more on our website!

Kitchen Design for Beauty, Functionality, and Memory Making

A well-designed kitchen design for your Ann Arbor home can create a comfortable, enriching, and supportive environment for your entire family. By carefully considering the needs of each generation and incorporating features that promote togetherness and functionality, you can create a home that fosters lasting memories and strengthens family bonds for years to come.

Whether your kitchen simply needs a new look, or you want to tear the walls down and start over, our interior designers can bring beauty and functionality into this key space. Contact us today to get a quote and get started! 

Upgrade Your Kitchen Storage with a Walk-In Kitchen Pantry

Looking to upgrade your kitchen?

Want to add space for storage and keep your countertops free of clutter?

The kitchen has evolved to become the center of family life. Today, families cook, eat, entertain, read, work, plan meals, do homework, and even watch TV in their kitchens, and a well-designed kitchen can make a tremendous difference in the valuable hours we spend at home.

A walk-in kitchen pantry is a great addition to any home. One of the primary advantages of a walk-in pantry is its abundant storage capacity. Unlike standard cabinets and shelves, a walk-in pantry offers generous room for storing everything from dry goods and canned goods to small appliances and bulk purchases. Extra space not only allows for better organization but also reduces clutter, promoting a cleaner and more efficient cooking environment.

Preservation of Freshness

A walk-in pantry can contribute to the preservation of food freshness and quality. By providing a cool, dark environment away from direct sunlight and heat sources, it helps extend the shelf life of perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples. A larger space also means you’re more likely to see your entire inventory and are less likely to forget about items that may expire on the shelf before you have a chance to use them.

Versatility and Customization

Another appealing aspect of walk-in pantries is their versatility and potential for customization. You can tailor the layout and storage features to suit your specific needs and preferences, whether it's incorporating adjustable shelves, pull-out drawers, or specialized storage solutions for spices, utensils, or small appliances.

Read more on our website!

Ready to Begin Your Kitchen Design Project?

Ready to add storage and convenience to your life? 

When considering the addition of a walk-in kitchen pantry for your home in Ann Arbor or the surrounding neighborhoods, we can help 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!

Redefine Luxury with a Walk-In Kitchen Pantry

Your kitchen is the heart of your household. It's not just where meals are prepared; it's often where your family gathers, conversations flow, and memories are made. 

In a perfect world, your kitchen is beautiful, functional, and comfortable to spend time in. If you’ve been wanting to make changes to your kitchen, have you considered starting with redesigning your pantry?

Often overlooked as an extra feature instead of the main event, your pantry serves as a vital storage space, holding the ingredients and essentials that fuel daily life. While traditional cabinets and shelves suffice for some, there's a growing appreciation for the convenience and luxury of a walk-in kitchen pantry. 

Ample Storage Space

One of the primary advantages of a walk-in pantry is its abundant storage capacity. Unlike standard cabinets and shelves, a walk-in pantry offers generous room for storing everything from dry goods and canned goods to small appliances and bulk purchases. Extra space not only allows for better organization but also reduces clutter, promoting a cleaner and more efficient cooking environment.

Enhanced Organization

With its spacious layout, a walk-in pantry provides ample shelving, racks, and storage bins, making it easier to locate ingredients and supplies when needed. Additionally, having everything neatly organized within reach fosters a sense of orderliness and streamlines meal preparation, saving time and minimizing stress in the kitchen.

Read more on our website!

Ready to Begin Your Kitchen Design Project?

Ready to add storage and convenience to your life? 

When considering the addition of a walk-in kitchen pantry for your home in Ann Arbor or the surrounding neighborhoods, we can help 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!

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!