At Custom Craft Contractors, we are crazy about Houzz. If you haven’t discovered it yet, take some time to explore this online community dedicated to home improvement. Houzz has changed the way homeowners plan for a remodeling project. The Houzz website centers around a searchable database of project photos uploaded by remodeling professionals. To date, more than 5 million photos have been added. Similar to Pinterest, users of Houzz (also known as Houzzers) can search these photos for ideas and inspiration for their own homes. When they find images they like, they can add those photos to Ideabook folders in their account for future reference. Follow this link for some helpful tips from Houzz on how to create an Ideabook.
We like Ideabooks because they are a useful communication tool in the design process. For every room we work on, we ask our clients to prepare an Ideabook with specific types of images. Reviewing these photos together facilitates a productive dialogue about the styles and finishes our customers prefer.
If you are planning for a remodeling project in your home, here are some tips on the images you will want to include in your Ideabook:
- Cabinetry style – For kitchens, this can include your primary cabinets and island. For bathrooms, this would include the vanity and decorative storage cabinetry
- Knobs & Pulls – The hardware on your cabinets can be more of an understated accent or a bold highlight. Be sure to include close-up shots with details of the style you prefer
- Wall Tile – Whether it is the backsplash in a kitchen, or shower and tub surrounds for bathrooms, try to include photos that tie into the overall theme of the room
- Flooring – There are many options for flooring. When adding photos to your Ideabook, try to be consistent with the material type and look, like natural wood tones, tile, or other material
- Lighting – Lighting features can dress a room beautifully, so remember to include pictures of the type you would prefer, such as pendants, chandeliers, sconces, recessed, under cabinet, etc.
- Plumbing fixtures – Faucets, sinks, tubs, and showers will play a role in the overall look and functionality you’re trying to achieve, so be sure to include images depicting the features you would like to see, from zero threshold shower stalls, to pot fillers over a cook top
By filling your Houzz Ideabooks with images of the features and finishes you would like in your home remodeling project, you will help your contractor develop the ideal design for your home. As always, if you have any questions about these tips, don’t hesitate to contact us at (610) 584-0665.
