In October of 2023, the average price of a home in Calgary was more than $555,000. While it may feel tempting to sell your home and capitalize on this red-hot market, you would then find yourself paying an even higher price to buy back in again; so, for many people in Calgary’s real estate landscape, making the most of existing space – even if it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot to work with – has become the most desirable choice for many homeowners. It’s one more chapter in the endless question of whether to renovate or relocate.

For those people, now is the time to conquer clutter, update your home’s layout, and embrace organization in order unlock the true potential of your home. After all, you deserve to enjoy a fresh, updated living space – and this trend is especially true for those cozy, familiar corners of old homes. With thoughtful remodelling ideas for small spaces, every home can feel big and brand new again.

1) Natural Elements: One of the top home renovation trends

Natural Tones

As we enter 2024, one of the home renovation trends in interiors is shifting towards embracing the earth’s natural palette. Gone are the days of cooler gray tones—now, our kitchens and living spaces are warming up to the rich and rustic tones of terracotta, the inviting depth of ochres, and the soothing hues of greens and blues. These colours, ever-changing with the day’s light, create a dynamic ambiance that turns every room into a welcoming retreat.

The rise in popularity of warm, earthy tones like terracotta and mustard yellow is unmistakable, infusing kitchens with a cozy vibe. These colours aren’t just visually comforting; they’re tactile, bringing an organic, lived-in feel that makes a house truly feel like a forever home. Whether it’s through terracotta cabinetry that whispers tales of Mediterranean warmth or mustard yellow that injects a burst of cheerful energy, 2024 is the year where natural colours profoundly resonate with our desire for serenity and joyous living spaces.

Natural Materials

The use of natural materials in kitchen renovations and living spaces is not just a fleeting trend but a commitment to a more grounded lifestyle. This trend reflects a deep appreciation for nature’s palette, with a focus on warm, inviting wood tones that offer both visual comfort and textural depth.

Moving away from the pristine all-white look, we’re seeing a shift towards woods like white oak, walnut, and the increasingly popular alder. These choices reflect a preference for designs that speak to warmth, functionality, and an enduring connection with nature. Similarly, the incorporation of stone, bamboo, and reclaimed wood is a testament to a design ethos that values sustainability, longevity, and the inherent beauty of organic materials.

Natural Light

Skylights and large, energy-efficient windows can create a sense of openness in the home. In the pursuit of a home that harmonizes with the environment, the strong use of natural light by adding large windows brings the outside in. Expansive glass installations are not merely an aesthetic choice; they’re a health-centric, eco-friendly renovationdecision that invites the calm of nature into your living spaces.

Selecting the right windows is crucial for the longevity and energy efficiency of your home. Opt for a reputable supplier known for its quality and ensure installation by a seasoned and trusted contractor. Consider these factors when purchasing window:

1. Energy Efficiency: Choose between dual-pane and triple-pane options; gas-filled windows offer superior insulation, albeit at a higher price point.
2. Warranty: A warranty indicates that the manufacturer trusts and stands by their product—opt for one that offers comprehensive coverage.
3. Material Matters: The window’s construction material affects its durability.  Composite wood offers lasting endurance without upkeep, while vinyl provides an economical, low-maintenance alternative.  Select based on your specific requirements.

2) Energy-efficient designs are trending in 2024

In today’s homes, the strong use of energy-efficient designs and natural materials represents a commitment to both the environment and personal well-being. The principles of these new home renovation trends guide informed decisions, offering homeowners not just immediate satisfaction but also long-term benefits and sustainable living.

If you are considering the path to a more efficient, sustainable home, remember that the right guidance is key. To ensure your Calgary home renovations align with both your aesthetic vision and sustainability goals, consider partnering with an expert. Hire a contractor who specializes in energy-efficient designs to help you navigate the choices that will shape your home’s future.

1. Savings Meets Sustainability: Imagine trimming down those energy bills and knowing you’re doing right by Mother Earth. That’s the promise of energy-efficient designs—comfort and cost-effectiveness rolled into one.
2. Natural Materials, Natural Choices: It’s all about materials that tell a story of sustainability. Embracing natural materials in construction isn’t just an eco-conscious decision; it’s a lifestyle. From recycled roofing to non-toxic paints, selecting sustainable materials ensures a home is not only beautiful but also a bastion of responsibility towards nature.
3. Technological Integration for Sustainable Living: Advancements in home energy systems, like cutting-edge insulation, home solar panels, and intelligent energy management, are no longer the future—they’re the present. Incorporating these innovations means living in a home that’s as attuned to tomorrow’s standards as it is to today’s comfort.

Get Started With Your Remodel in 2024

As we near the end of the year, why not make a resolution to modernize your home? If you’re ready to get started, contact a skilled and experienced home remodelling contractor in Calgary, Alberta. Call Pinnacle Group to get started with your home improvement project.

Home renovation is no easy task. There are times when your home, no matter how big it already is, simply doesn’t have enough space for everything your family has accumulated or wants to add. If you’re planning to have large groups over for dinner, you might want to expand your kitchen space. Perhaps you prefer a more spacious and luxurious home office, or a more complete entertainment room, perfect for your growing children.

Even with limited space, these home renovations are possible. HGTV provides a few handy tips to create more space in your home without necessarily disposing of your favorite furniture or fixtures.

• Customized Shelves – Do you have a wide and plain wall at home? Have you ever considered turning it into a customized shelf? How about that space behind the stairs? Did you know that you can convert each step into a pull-out drawer? Storage can take up a lot of space but with a little creativity, you can use areas for multiple purposes and maximize their functionality.

• Multifunctional Items – The key to saving space is reducing the number of things you have at home. A good way to do so is purchasing multifunctional items, such as a comfortable sofa set with storage features beneath, a seemingly compact countertop that has a hidden extension, or even just a multi-function food processor that doubles as a blender or vegetable slicer. The more uses you have for certain items, the less you’ll need to buy.

• Secret Room – Build a classic behind-the-bookshelf secret room, where you can keep everything you don’t want your guests to see. You can even transform it into a hidden walk-in-closet, an entertainment room, or a small bedroom.

• High Ground – If you have a high ceiling, consider adding bunkrooms or lofts, which you can use as smaller nook areas. Hanging certain items on the wall, like the television set, the microwave oven, or even just the frying pans, can help you create more space by removing the extra shelf.

• Low Ground – You should consider basement home renovations as well. A typical basement is about half the size of the full home, and can fit a generous guestroom and laundry area (just make sure you invest in proper waterproofing).

You don’t have to sacrifice your dream space when renovating your home. With proper planning and a reliable contractor like Pinnacle Group in Calgary, you can create functional and aesthetic spaces to comfortably fit your belongings.

Sources:

6 Smart Home Remodeling Tips, HGTV

31 Insanely Clever Remodeling Ideas For Your New Home, buzzfeed, January 4, 2014

Calgary home renovations offer several benefits including increased levels of comfort and custom spaces that meet the needs of all family members.

Calgary has recently made the news due to what can only be called an unprecedented boom in relation to the construction of new homes. It is important to keep in mind, however, that renovations on an existing property can offer some wonderful benefits.

1) Cost Savings

One of the first areas to address is that as opposed to new construction, renovating a property is usually a much more cost-effective option. This is an ideal alternative for those who cannot afford a new home and yet still need to alter their spaces to better meet the changing needs of their family. Couples expecting a child or empty nesters looking to change the use of some of their rooms are just two examples of when a renovation can come in handy.

2) Less Maintenance

Another key benefit in regards to a renovation is that newer construction will involve less regular maintenance. This can save time as well as aggravation and is a perfect option for those who may already have a busy schedule. In the very same way, modern materials will also increase the lifespan of the renovation itself. An owner can expect to enjoy years of continuous use without the worry of constant upkeep.

3) Resale Value

Many online sources point out that professional home renovations will increase the resale value of a home. In other words, the property will be able to be sold quicker and for a higher profit. This is very important within regions such as Calgary that are partially defined by a highly competitive real estate market. In fact, many professionals observe that the return on investment (ROI) in terms of a renovation is much higher when compared to completely new construction.

4) A Competitive Market

An online search will produce a plethora of renovation company choices. This is beneficial, for an increased level of competition signifies that prices can vary accordingly. Most builders are willing to accommodate numerous budgets and such flexibility will ultimately provide the client with a solution that effectively meets their needs and their budget.

When any renovation is carried out by a trained professional, the results can be truly stunning. Such projects are able to vastly increase the enjoyment of one’s home and increase the property value.

Sources
Calgary sets new housing starts record, CalgarySun.com
Five benefits of renovating your home’s exterior, Homes.yahoo.com

Luxury Bathroom Renovations in Calgary: Features and Design Tips

The Essence of Luxury: Common Features that Transform

When it comes to luxury bathroom renovations, every detail contributes to the overall opulence. Smart investment in high-end materials and finishes, from faucets to flooring, not only enhances the bathroom’s aesthetic appeal but also elevates the entire home’s value. Consider incorporating a radiant heating system in your floors for a warm and cozy experience during the winter months. Radiant floors not only add comfort but also ease maintenance, making spills and water overflow easier to handle.

For bathrooms situated near the roof, harness the beauty of natural sunlight by installing skylights. This not only creates the illusion of a larger space but also maximizes the transfer of natural light, enhancing the overall ambiance.

List of common luxury bathroom features:

1. Marble Countertops: High-end materials like marble remain a popular choice for adding a touch of luxury to bathrooms.
2. Freestanding Bathtubs: Elegant and visually striking, freestanding bathtubs are often associated with luxury and relaxation.
3. Smart Mirrors: Mirrors with integrated lighting and smart features are gaining popularity for their functionality and modern appeal.
4. Walk-In Showers: Spacious, barrier-free showers with modern fixtures are a sought-after feature in luxury bathroom designs.
5. Heated Floors: Radiant heating systems beneath the floor tiles add a touch of comfort, especially in colder climates.
6. Custom Lighting Fixtures: Unique and stylish lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers or pendant lights, can elevate the overall design.
7. Digital Shower Controls: Smart controls for the shower, allowing users to customize water temperature and flow.
8. Frameless or Custom-Framed Mirrors: These mirrors contribute to a sleek and contemporary look in luxury bathrooms.
9. High-End Faucets: Designer faucets with elegant finishes are often considered a statement piece in luxury bathrooms.
10. Universal Design Elements: Incorporating accessibility features without compromising on aesthetics, such as stylish grab bars and accessible showers.

Practical Design Tips For A Calgary Luxury Bathroom

Successful bathroom renovations in Calgary demand meticulous planning and professional execution. Collaborate with a qualified contractor to determine precise measurements for fixtures and overall dimensions. Opt for a floating basin if a freestanding vanity doesn’t align with your vision, keeping in mind the standard height of 36 inches.

Carefully plan the layout to ensure ample space for movement. Utilize walls and corners by incorporating built-in alcoves or niches for toiletry storage. Positioning the toilet on the same side as the door’s opening, rather than facing the entrance, contributes to creating a spacious and inviting bathroom.

While these general design tips may seem like common sense, their importance is often overlooked without the guidance of experts. In Calgary, trusted builders and renovators like our team at Pinnacle Renovations can collaborate with you on your luxury bathroom renovation project or larger home renovations. We guarantee a functional and stunning design for your private space, ensuring that every detail reflects the pinnacle of luxury living in Calgary. Your dream bathroom journey starts with us.

Almost 100% of older Canadians surveyed said they want to continue to live independently in their own homes. For seniors, achieving this level of independence is certainly possible, however it often requires the renovation or modification of current living spaces, such as bathrooms.

Bathrooms can be a particularly hazardous area for people of all ages, but especially older adults living at home. These rooms tend to be tighter spaces with slippery surfaces, hard elements and sharp edges. According to a recent report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 234,000 people aged 15 and older are treated each year due to bathroom injuries, and 30% of adults aged 65 and above who suffered bathroom injuries experienced fractures. In addition, among those adults aged 85 and older, 38% were hospitalized due to their injuries.

Providing aging adults with the ability to use their washrooms safely and easily on their own allows them to age in place gracefully. At Pinnacle Group, our goal is to create accessible living spaces that are not only safe, but stylish as well. We are firm believers that senior friendly home renovations do not have to appear cold or medicinal in any way!

So, how can you make bathrooms more senior friendly?

Whether you or your older family members are proactively planning ahead, or you require immediate assistance from an experienced renovator, here are 5 essential senior bathroom renovations to consider.

1. Tub to Shower Conversion

One of the most concerning actions for seniors in the bathroom is stepping in and out the bathtub. The balance needed to lift one leg up and over a tub’s edge, often on a wet and slippery surface, might not seem that dangerous to most younger people, but as we age or face mobility issues this can become an extremely precarious motion.

Most people are familiar with the walk-in tub products that are available on the market today. Unfortunately, we do not see these as great options for our Client Families as they consider senior bathroom renovation ideas for their own projects.

Here are just a few cons of a walk-in tub:

1. Due to the door and deep design, you must enter walk-in tubs prior to filling. Not only does this leave the senior homeowner sitting cold as he/she waits for the water to rise, it also doesn’t give you much of a chance to find the perfect water temperature before exposing your skin to the water. You must also drain the tub before exiting which can cause internal body temperatures to drop as you wait.
2. Because walk-in tubs cannot be filled or drained with the door open, the time it takes to complete either process is considerably longer. In fact, some walk-in tub products have been known to take as long as 15 minutes to completely drain or fill.
3. Many walk-in tubs come equipped with doors that swing inwards; however, some do have swing-out doors to help with the ease of access. The risk of flooding can be considered higher with a walk-in tub, because if your door swings out and is not latched properly as the water begins to rise, you can end up with a room full of water very quickly.

So, if a walk-in tub isn’t the best solution, how do you make bathing safer for seniors?

Replacing your standard bathtub with a curbless shower, also called a zero-threshold or barrier free shower, can be an excellent choice when completing your own senior friendly bathroom renovation in Calgary, Alberta. Curbless entry showers makes entering and exiting as easy as possible for everyone, but especially those homeowners who require the assistance of mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers, or the help of family members and care staff. Designing a curbless shower in your senior friendly bathroom also gives you an opportunity to select materials that are less likely to cause a slip and fall when they get wet or soapy.

2) Enlarging Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are commonly smaller areas of our homes, and seniors, even those who aren’t using the assistance of a mobility aid, will often find them challenging to move around in comfortably.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act a 5-foot radius is required to allow a wheelchair to properly turn and maneuver in an accessible bathroom space. However, enlarging your bathroom’s floorplan is not only beneficial to seniors and those using the assistance of a wheelchair, making this space bigger can also be considered a significant step towards creating a more universally designed bathroom, which means it is more accessible for everyone.

If you are designing a senior friendly bathroom around the current need for a wheelchair, or planning ahead for the future, you will also want to consider the height of sinks and faucets. To meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines “sinks shouldn’t be mounted higher than 34 inches from the floor, and they should have a knee clearance of 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 11 to 25 inches deep. You also need a clear floor space and insulated pipes under the sink.”

3) Improving Lighting

When designing a senior friendly bathroom, proper lighting can be an extremely important safety feature to prioritize. According to the AAFP, “Loss of vision among the elderly is a major health care problem: approximately one in three elderly persons has some form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65.”

Increasing the amount of natural lighting in your bathroom by adding larger windows and skylights is an excellent way to help keep these spaces well-lit for seniors during the daytime, while also providing homeowners with additional health benefits. Allowing more natural light in your home has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration and focus, increase happiness, reduce Seasonal Affective Disorder, and more!

Consider how accessible the lighting controls are in your senior friendly bathroom. Make sure light switches are easy to reach and operate, or consider upgrading to a smart system that will allow you to control them by the sound of your voice, or even a clap. When installing the lighting fixtures, arrange them in a way that will allow burnt out bulbs to be changed without the need for ladders or stepping stools. This is especially important in more confined bathroom spaces.

While we are on the topic of lighting, please be sure to regularly inspect lighting in the bathroom and around other areas of a senior’s home in order to catch burnt out bulbs before they become a problem. If you are able to make regular weekly stops to see elderly parents or grandparents, this is an incredibly helpful way to spend 5 or 10 minutes during your visit.

4) Installing Grab Bars

Because senior accidents at home are quite likely to happen in the bathroom, installing grab bars around toilets, showers and baths can help to provide much needed stability in the event of a potential fall.

Circling back to our desire to help create safe bathroom designs for seniors without making the room feel cold and medicinal, Pinnacle Group will often use products such as INVISIA grab bars. These contemporary support bars are made to look just like modern shower shelving, soap dishes and towel bars, while also helping to make one of the most utilized rooms in a senior’s home as safe as possible.

5) Installing Chair-height Toilets

As homeowners age, the act of squatting down on a toilet and getting back up again can become more and more difficult due to the loss of muscle strength or personal history with injuries. Comfort-height toilets, also known as chair-height toilets, are slightly taller than traditional seats making the act of sitting down and standing up to use them much easier for seniors.

A comfort height toilet that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), brings the seat up 17 to 19 inches from the floor. In comparison, the height of a standard toilet is about 15 inches from floor to seat. They are also often positioned further from walls on either side (typically, the minimum is 15”; we ensure it there is at least 18” of room for enhanced mobility).

Senior Bathroom Renovations Summary

Ultimately enabling seniors to safely use the washroom on their own during their golden years allows them to live more independently and age in place with dignity. These senior friendly bathroom renovation ideas are all excellent ways to create safe and accessible spaces for you or the older adults in your life.

At Pinnacle Group Renovations, our team and network of professionals work to educate and advocate; then Design and Build beautiful homes and renovations for those needing or choosing to live in accessible environments. Through our My Lifetime Home division, our goal is to have a single point of contact for all those choosing or needing home modifications to support lifestyle freedom and accessibility. By working alongside incredible organizations, such as Valley to Peak OT Consulting Ltd., we can confidently support senior homeowners or anyone in need of a more accessible living space from start to well beyond the finish line of any project.

Accessible Bathroom Renovations Has Made My Life “Unbelievable Easy” for This Calgary Family!

If you would like to speak with the knowledgeable and experienced team at Pinnacle Renovations about your own senior friendly bathroom remodel in Calgary – or any bathroom renovation – please contact us today!

Just like every homeowner and family, no Calgary kitchen renovation is alike. Different preferences and personal needs often lead to unique customizations in each project we complete. Checking off all the boxes on a client family’s wish list can result in a finished kitchen transformation that combines both contemporary and traditional design elements. Blending these two styles, contemporary and traditional, together into one clean and functional space creates what is known as a transitional kitchen.

When done correctly, pulling inspiration from two design styles, and mixing and matching your favourite features from both, is a fantastic way to reimagine your living space and produce the perfect Calgary kitchen renovation results for your family’s needs!

In order to dream up a transitional kitchen of your own, it’s not only important to work with a knowledgeable design-build renovation team, like Pinnacle Group Renovations, but you should also understand the difference between a traditional kitchen and a contemporary kitchen. Let’s explore both, shall we!?

What defines a traditional kitchen design?

Traditional kitchen designs offer a timeless appeal, which is why many of the classic characteristics are often blended together with some of today’s current or contemporary trends. Kitchens that are considered modern in 2022 will likely not look the same as the “modern” kitchens a few years from now. After all, trends are defined as being “a current style or preference” so it should be expected that popular design tastes change from time to time.

Traditional is a rather broad term, especially in the world of real estate and house renovations. Traditional kitchen designs can pull concepts from different trends that have stood the test of time.

Here are 4 traditional design characteristics that you will still recognize in many Calgary kitchen renovations today!

1) Neutral Colours

Traditional kitchens will often have a neutral colour palette throughout. For many years, homeowners have fallen in love with shades such as beige and creams, however these preferences have continued to evolve into warm whites, sophisticated greys, nature-inspired greens, earthy blues and more!

2) Natural Materials

Traditional kitchens will make use of natural materials like wood and stone to add charm and warmth to the room. Natural materials can be easily incorporated into a kitchen’s design through flooring, cabinetry, countertops and backsplash.

3) Crown Moulding

Crown moulding has the ability to complement your cabinetry and complete the overall look of a kitchen. Whether you decide to use it around doorways and windows, or line the top of your kitchen cabinetry, crown moulding can bring beauty and elegance to any kitchen space.

4) Decorative Range Hood

Range hoods are an extremely functional piece of equipment in your kitchen, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be a real eye-catcher as well. Selecting the right range hood for your renovation offers an opportunity to add a stunning focal point to your brand-new kitchen.

What defines a contemporary kitchen design?

Contemporary kitchens take advantage of today’s latest design trends, while incorporating modern architecture, sleek lines and the latest technology throughout. Minimalism is key to creating a successful contemporary design, so a less is more approach is quite common in this style of kitchen.

Here are 5 common contemporary design elements that you will find in Calgary kitchen renovations:

1) Colours

A contemporary kitchen can also utilize a neutral palette, however unlike traditional colour schemes, bold accents and splashes of personality are added by way of paint and accessories.

2) Man-made Materials

Contemporary kitchens will make use of man-made materials like metal, plastic and concrete to help establish their more modern and sleek appearance.

3) Hardware

Decorative hardware for contemporary kitchen cabinetry can come in a variety of materials and finishes. Whether you choose matte black or polished brass products, it is important to find hardware that compliments the sleek lines and flat-panel cabinetry of a contemporary kitchen.

4) Technology

Renovating your kitchen gives you a fresh opportunity to swap out older equipment and appliances with the latest in smart and eco-friendly technology. From touchless kitchen faucets to refrigerators that can act as a digital hub for families and detect when contents are running low, contemporary kitchen designs are all about incorporating today’s latest and greatest to help with both overall productivity and energy conservation.

5) Lighting

Contemporary kitchen designs often focus on creating an abundance of light to help us with the wide range of tasks we now complete in this multi-purpose room. Contemporary kitchens will contain a variety of lighting solutions such as recessed ceiling lights, under cabinetry lighting, and stylish pendant lighting hanging above an over-sized kitchen island.

While contemporary and traditional kitchens can be quite different from one another, blending their characteristics together offers Calgary homeowners a fun and creative opportunity to design the perfect kitchen for their current needs and tastes. A transitional kitchen breaks free from traditional design restrictions and allows families to think outside the box for a completely custom kitchen renovation.

If you would like to speak with our experienced team about bringing your own kitchen renovation dreams to life, we would be happy to offer you a free comprehensive design consultation. If you would like to work with us and create your own mood board to guide your design, that would be great too!  Through a Pinnacle Group Renovations kitchen design consultation, we can help you prepare for budgets through a professional assessment of your home and lifestyle needs