Oftentimes, an addition sticks out like a sore thumb. Rather than enhancing a home's current features, poorly thought out additions fail to blend with the home's original style and architecture. “We have found that most homeowners are increasingly concerned that their remodel or addition will look like a separate part of their home — that it won’t work with what’s already there.”
Whether you’re considering a kitchen remodel or an entire addition, finding the right aesthetic can be challenging. That’s where Dallas remodeler Chris Black comes in. “When clients are doing an addition or an interior remodel, most would prefer that the new space integrates with the rest of their home,” says Black, owner of Blackline Renovations. The best way to achieve this, he says, is to incorporate design elements of the existing home into the new project.
Form and function
Black begins each project with a feasibility study, which includes a detailed list of questions for the owner. From there, he establishes the expectations and goals. Whether the project includes a historical renovation, a remodel or an addition, Black works to ensure a “well-functioning space that works with today’s style of living,” as he puts it.
Problem-solving for life
From an addition to a whole-house renovation, remodeling is about making a client’s life better, and eliminating any issue that inhibits that, Black says. He enjoys what he does for his clients and is continually improving the company’s processes.
Ready to remodel?
Following are some tips from Black to help you integrate your new project into your current home.
1. Be Flexible
“Homeowners need to be willing to compromise,” Black says, because the builder may not be able to meet all of your criteria. “If we know your main priority, it will be easier to achieve your ideal final project.” You might not get to have everything on your checklist, so allow some flexibility when it comes to your design, specifications and budget.
For this Dallas remodel, the homeowners wanted an accurate historical restoration of their 1920s bungalow, to return it to its former glory while maintaining the integrity of the original design, Black says. They also wanted more storage space and a second bathroom. To achieve this while maintaining their budget, “all relocated or new windows and doors were salvaged to match the existing features of the home without incurring additional expenses,” Black says. “By splurging on handcrafted period-style light fixtures, we were able to modernize the house with the historical look the homeowners wanted.”
See more of this project
2. Combine Classic and Modern Features
“Everyone wants the latest trends in their remodel,” Black says. Those don’t necessarily work with every style of home, however. “To create a more seamless design, blend classical and modern, trendy features,” he says. “Select fixtures and finishes that will blend with the house but also incorporate popular trends.”
The owners of this traditional M Streets Craftsman-style home wanted a more upscale feeling. “This was established by using traditional elements such as narrow hardwood floor planks, wood-paneled wall wainscot, painted cabinetry and classic light fixtures,” Black says. “We also integrated current trends such as white and gray marble, polished nickel fixtures and frameless shower glass.”
See more of this project
3. Maintain Existing Architectural Elements
When adding on, ensure that original design characteristics are continued in the addition. “When going from one to two levels in the home, try to maintain the same ceiling height,” Black says. “Otherwise, it will look like you just plopped a house on top of a house. You should design to your existing home.”
In this M Streets addition, the company added a second level to a one-story home. “To ensure that the addition blended in, we kept a similar wall height for both stories,” Black says.
Sincerely,
Chris Black
President
Blackline Renovations
214.773.5566
Chris@BlacklineRenovations.com
Please check out our new website: www.BlacklineRenovations.com