From granite, marble and soapstone to glass, porcelain and quartz, Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.’s new Bethesda studio houses an array of finishes and materials in one space. Photo courtesy of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
Ever dream of transforming your kitchen into a luxurious space replete with white marble counter tops and brushed nickel finishes? Does the thought of wading though endless choices of materials to coordinate countertops, backsplashes and cabinetry feel overwhelming enough to make you want to keep your 70s-era Formica just a little longer? Well, you’re in luck. Narrowing choices and organizing options for a home makeover just got a little easier.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. unveiled its new state-of-the-art design studio recently. From granite, marble and soapstone to glass, porcelain and quartz, the Bethesda studio houses an array of finishes and materials in one space. Homeowners can mix and match custom and semi-custom cabinetry with these materials.
“The studio benefits clients by illustrating many of the options available to them,” said Bill Millholland, executive vice president of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. “They can see what a contrasting color on the inside of a cabinet with a glass door on it looks like before ordering. They can see specific crown molding profiles [and] they can see different tile and patterns.”
The new studio allows homeowners a chance to see, feel and experience the latest in kitchen and bathroom products and the newest LED lighting options as well as advancements in design technology. “I think for a long time, we have not had a place to bring clients in to make their selections,” said Susan Matus, a senior project designer for Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. and a Potomac resident. “When clients can see the breadth of things that are available all in one place, it takes away some of the stress.”
“The new space is designed to help homeowners see as much as possible while they are at our office,” said TJ Monahan, Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.’s general manager. “We have added 16 different vignettes that show various style and material combinations. We also have an area to create custom vignettes for the folks who want to mix and match … flooring, tile, countertops, and cabinets. The goal is … an efficient and comfortable space that allows [clients] to make many of the selections they previously had to drive around to different showrooms to make.”
Steve Magill, a remodeling consultant for Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. and a Herndon, Va., resident said, “Clients can now see a lot of different styles and options and they can be exposed to the latest technology that can be put into their homes.”
The showroom houses home automation systems, including iPad-controlled lighting and entertainment systems. “We have added so many innovative technologies to our new studio,” said Monahan. “They are all controlled by our wireless home automation system. Within this system we have included ‘smart’ light switches that allow you to control multiple fixtures, turn the TV on, play music, adjust the volume and [do] almost anything else you can imagine. We’ve included wall-mounted and dock-mounted iPads that can ‘talk’ to the smart switches and be mirrored to our TVs.”
The new technologies are designed to simplify homeowner’s lives. “Let’s say, for example, that you’re having a dinner party,” said Monahan. “At my house, that means going in to each room and setting the lighting so it’s just right. Then turning the music on to the right station and setting it to the right volume. Then turning your thermostat down so it’s not 90 degrees once the house is full of people. With a home automation system, you can literally do all of that by pushing one button on your light switch. You can control your entire house from the palm of your hand.”
Case officials hope the new showroom will take some of the anxiety out of home improvement projects. “Deciding to remodel your home is a big deal,” said Millholland. “We want to do everything we can to help our clients feel confident in all of the decisions we will be working together on. We also want to make it as easy as possible — too much just makes this process harder.”