The Decision Making Process

Are you currently thinking about, or in the process of remodeling an existing patio, or building a new one? We all know that the decision making process can be tough. Even a small addition can cause a bit of a headache when you consider the plethora of choices that are available to you today. (and for some of us, we thought picking a box of cereal was complicated)

Let’s face it! Did you ever think that there would be so many different options…for a patio? Maybe you are well into the process now and are trying to decide whether or not you should keep it simple, or really go all out. Wouldn’t it be fun to try something that has the ability to make your friends gaze a little longer … and longingly at the work that you have had done to your home? In this blog, we are going to focus on one beautiful finish…stamped concrete. Should you choose stamped concrete for your new patio? Only you can decide that, but here, we hope to at least help you get started.

What is Stamped Concrete?

While it is easy to associate stamped concrete with color, stamped concrete has more to do with texture than anything. Color comes into play, but we will discuss that later. First, let’s talk about what stamped concrete is. According to Concrete Network. (an online educational network), Stamped concrete,”often called textured or imprinted concrete, is concrete that replicates stones, such as slate and flagstone, tile, brick and even wood.” Are you a person who loves texture and detail? Do you dream of having one of those beautiful patios you see in the high-end home magazines? This might be a great option for you, as the cost of stamped or imprinted concrete is often considerably lower than the materials that it is a substitute for.

Choosing a Color

Stamped concrete can easily be colored to reflect your sense of style. Dry color pigments (like the colors we see in the swatches above) can be poured over the surface of newly poured concrete before the stamping process begins, some of the most popular colors are shown here. With so many beautiful options, how do you choose which is best for your project? A general rule for patio color is to blend it in with other architectural elements of your home, or its natural surroundings. For example, subtle earth-tone shades are a good choice for outdoor pavements, but in the right setting, bold, vivid color schemes can be beautiful. With that in mind, don’t forget about the possibility of multiple colors. As seen in the picture below, variegated colors mimic the look of natural stone, so don’t forget that when picking a color for your patio, there is a lot of room for creativity in your final design.

We hope that this has given you some guidance in your decision making process, and don’t hesitate to call us if you need a little help or would like a finished patio that has been designed for your life.

WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE PROCESS.

An Above the Garage Master Suite Addition Remodeling Project

We recently completed an addition for our clients, John and Amy, a professional couple with young children living in the Blooming Meadows neighborhood in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Their home featured three bedrooms on the second floor. The existing master bedroom was outdated and impractical for modern living, and with three young children, two needed to share one of the two remaining bedrooms, and all three kids shared the second-floor bathroom. Another problem the family needed addressed was that John needed a private home office, and the one they currently had was a shared space that did not work well for his job.

Let's take a look at our creative solution for this young family!

A New Private Bathroom for the Adults!

One of the major elements on John and Amy's wish list was a private bathroom space just for them. They wanted plenty of space to get ready in the morning, away from the kids, and we delivered! The bathroom features a handcrafted Amish custom double vanity with a tower cabinet in alder wood, stained Carbon Gray. The contrasting Linnstone Quartz Calcutta pattern countertop brightens the space and ties in visually with the elegant tile work in the spacious walk-in shower. We added custom alder wood framed mirrors stained in the same Carbon Gray as the cabinets to complete the vanity. Over each of the mirrors, we installed Quoizel 2 light vanity fixtures to provide plenty of warm light.

In the shower, the 21st Century Tile 12x24 floor-to-ceiling tiles in Tivoli Silver give the room a bright and modern feel, and the low entry shower makes entering the shower safe and easy for the couple. We included a helpful niche in the shower for shampoo and other toiletries and, for contrast, used a beautiful hexagon mosaic accent tile. The glass doors give the space an open feel, making it bright and inviting. The Arbor Hills luxury vinyl plank flooring in timber adds a warm feel, giving the room a natural look with the benefit of waterproof LVP.

The Result

The final result of this second-floor master suite addition is a home that fits John, Amy, and the kid's needs and lifestyle perfectly. John now has the perfect private office space. Since John and Amy now have their private master suite, and each of the kids has their own bedroom giving them their own space to grow as they grow, their home is more comfortable and functional. And on the exterior, you can't even tell there's been an addition!

Are you considering an addition or other home improvement project? Let us help you design the perfect finished space! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.