In mid-February, Harrisburg residents Judy and Dan Schulder began working on a kosher kitchen remodel with Excel in anticipation of hosting many meals with family and friends over this year’s eight-day holiday of Passover, April 11-18. Throughout history, culinary distinctions have helped to define cultural identity, drawing members together in shared expression and appreciation of their heritage and religious faith. The Jewish dietary or kosher laws (kashrut) have great religious significance to observant Jews, and creating a kosher kitchen in the home is a sacred commitment requiring a well-planned and executed design and construction concept. Due to the important adherence to… Read on
In January, Excel Design Team Member Brian Miller attended the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida. The three-day expo featured 600 vendors and displays, as well as industry-related workshops and networking opportunities. More than one in ten homeowners will undertake a kitchen or bath project this year, so the show is a great place to see and learn about the latest products and industry advancements. If you’re one of those homeowners thinking about a project this year, here are a few design ideas from the show that you might want to consider: More color options for faucets… Read on
In 2000, Patti and Rick Herring hired Excel to build a 2,000 square foot, three-story addition to their home. This past year they reached out again, this time to rework their kitchen, the heart of their home. Kitchens are frequently referred to as “the heart of the home” because they are a natural gathering spot. The Herrings have now lived in their home for 25 years and have four grown children. They love to host family and friends, and invariably, everyone congregates in the kitchen. “At every party, we just had too many people in the kitchen!” explained Rick. In… Read on
When they decided to remodel their kitchen, the Potters of Mechanicsburg knew exactly who they wanted to work with, having previously completed a bathroom remodel with Excel and design team member Brian Miller. They couldn’t be happier with the results. “We asked for a classic and timeless kitchen, and Excel exceeded our goal,” said Cindi Potter. “We had every confidence in Brian to design the kitchen that would be perfect for us, and he certainly delivered.” As part of the remodel, the single window above the sink was replaced with two windows, allowing much more natural light into the… Read on
We were featured by the popular design website, Houzz, in this article on selecting wall colors for kitchens with mixed metal, wood tones, lighting styles and finishes – check it out!
Do you have a place in your home for all your shoes, coats, hats and bags? For the modern family with lots of “gear,” a well-designed mud room can be a time and sanity saver! Just ask Excel client Gillian Wagar of Hummelstown. “We decided to create a combination laundry room and mud room because we needed an organized place for our four kids to take off their shoes when they came in from outside, with plenty of storage for their boots, coats and backpacks. Prior to our mud room, we were always tripping over something in the entryway.” Gillian… Read on
Aging in Place is a growing trend. Baby Boomers are planning for the future, and in growing numbers, they want to stay in their homes as long as possible. This often means remodeling… for comfort and convenience, as well as for safety. Aging In Place has been defined as, “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” As people age, falling is one of the most serious threats, so room design that addresses prevention is important. Supports in the shower and bathroom, appropriate railings on stairs, and… Read on
Transitional Style Kitchen trends in remodeling right now include the popular Transitional style featuring clean lines and less ornamentation. Character and customization are often introduced in this style through varying textures or finishes, including two or more cabinet colors/finishes in the same kitchen (often in a light/dark combo), or different countertops for islands and the perimeter, varying in both color and material. Functionality & Customization Other current kitchen trends maximize functionality and customize the use of the space to the homeowner. Examples of this include specific pullouts, tilt-outs and revolving trays for ease of storage, trash and recycling; built-in coffee stations, wet bars and wine refrigerators; and… Read on
Early Spring! Perfect time for a remodel… Pennsylvania’s favorite groundhog did not see his shadow today, so according to folklore, we will enjoy an early spring. Of course, indoor remodeling jobs can be accomplished any time of the year, but as we look forward to the spring and summer months, now is a great time to get started on that interior or exterior remodel you’ve been thinking about. The first step is to contact us with your project ideas, and then we’ll meet with you to work up a design, estimate and schedule. Looking for inspiration? View our online gallery… Read on
Imagine a beautiful sanctuary where you can soak and steam away the cold of winter with heated floors under your feet and a toasty towel at your fingertips. Thoughtful design planning and cozy heating innovations allow you to chase away the chills in the comfort and warmth of the ultimate master bathroom retreat. It’s a luxury you’ll enjoy on every cold day … and the rest of your family will, too! Excel Interior Concepts & Construction has worked with many satisfied clients to include heated floors in their bathroom design, and has heard regrets from clients who didn’t pursue this… Read on
