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Does the thought of starting a home remodel fill you with equal parts excitement and dread? If you have young children and you’re considering a home remodel, those feelings might be tilted more towards stress and fear versus positive anticipation.

Northern VA Home Remodeling

Don’t worry, I understand. I, myself, was very nervous beginning the process of my Moss Building & Design home remodel back in 2010. At the time, my two boys were 3.5 and 1.5, and we wanted to remodel, essentially, our kitchen, dining room, and living room. Living in a split foyer, that meant that our bedrooms were on the same level as those areas. How in the world would we manage the process, disruption, and, what I perceived as insanity, involved with a home remodel? Would the boys be able to nap? Would I feel trapped in my own home? Let’s go through my process of how we lived through a home remodel and came out on the other side just fine!

All the decisions. All the people in and out. I. Can’t. Even.

Yes. You. Can. I approached our home remodel as I would have any project at work. I made lists, I prioritized, I researched, and I went out and made decisions. Sure, it wasn’t easy having to tote kids along, but I tried to make everything as fun as possible. I loved having the purpose of having to make design decisions and feeling like I could control every aspect of the remodel (within reason, of course!). Empower yourself and know that you can do whatever you need to do to get things done.

We won’t be able to survive without a full kitchen!

Not true! The experts at MOSS moved our old fridge to our basement, and between that, a toaster oven, a crockpot, and a good deal of microwaveable meals, we were just fine. Granted, my boys were small then, so their food intake levels were not what they are currently like in 2019. But, it wasn’t really that much trouble to shift how and what and where we ate during the 8 weeks of the remodel.

How can my child(ren) nap with all the noise and banging?

Surprisingly, our boys adapted easily to napping downstairs in a spare room in a pack & play. I used all the mom tricks: dark room, noise machine, soothing downtime routine, etc. In the end, no one missed a nap nor was the wiser for it.

It will take forever. We will never see “normal” again.

It won’t take forever. It can’t. The contractors have other jobs that they will need to get to eventually! The remodel time frame is an adventure – some days are easier to manage than others. But the final result will be worth it. It was worth it in our case. Our new kitchen/dining room were a better use of space, made our house much more updated, and helped us with our home sale a few years later.

As far as keeping the boys entertained, I did my best to come up with new and fun ways to make the afternoons fun in the basement (if we were stuck inside). Clearly I just let the finger painting get out of hand!

What about Fido and Kitty?

I didn’t have to worry about pets during our remodel (our cats steered clear of the situation!) but I can tell you that MOSS is very thorough and careful about your pets during any remodel. Prior to anything starting on your home, you will have a meeting with your project manager to go over all of these details. We are committed to making the remodel as non-disruptive as possible.

In the end, it was all very much worth it. MOSS is committed to helping families receive the remodel of their dreams. Because of our long history in the Northern Virginia area and our commitment to our customers, we are able to anticipate every question and need that comes along. Trust me when I say that knowing we were being taken care of by MOSS made the remodel painless and exciting. You will find that’s true too.

Get a jumpstart on your remodel by signing up for Moss’ Design Days of Summer. Receive a FREE in-home Project Development Consultation, and a design session with one of our expert Designers in our Design Center.

1. Take Time to Downsize

Think of packing for a home remodel as an opportunity to downsize and eliminate clutter in your home. Start packing months in advance to give yourself time to downsize. Get rid of those things that you haven’t used in a long time, or that won’t match the decor when the remodel is complete. The less stuff you have, the easier and cheaper it will be to store.

2. If Needed, Choose a Storage Facility Wisely

The storage facility you choose will have a big impact on the condition of your personal things when the home remodel is over. Not all storage facilities are created equal. Look for a business with a good reputation and solid policies in place to ensure your personal belongings will be protected.

• Get references or ask people you know for recommendations.
• Tour the facility and ask questions about their pest control measures.
• Find out when the facility is open for you to access your unit.
• Ask about security and how they keep units safe.

Get a climate-controlled facility if possible. Climate control reduces humidity, which is good for belongings like wooden furniture.

If you’re unable to get a climate-controlled facility, do not store items like electronics, makeup, mattresses, large appliances, and clothes in your unit. Without climate control, these items may be damaged by mold or heat.

3. Be Generous With Bubble Wrap

Wrap all fragile items in bubble wrap, including dishes, vases, and lamps. For slightly less fragile items, save money on packing products and use sheets, blankets, or pillows.

4. Know What Not to Pack

Not everything can be stored properly and safely — like perishable food, toxic chemicals, and most liquids. If you decide to use a storage facility, get a list of prohibited items before you start packing. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, be sure to use up as much of your food inventory as possible prior to the remodel.

You should also set aside items you may need to use regularly — like certain cooking utensils — to help save on storage space and keep your daily operations running smoothly. According to Amy Slenker-Smith, owner of Simply Enough, “I encourage clients to think through how they will live and function during the remodel. For kitchens, set up a temporary kitchen with only the essentials, away from the drywall dust. If it’s a bathroom or master bedroom remodel … declutter your clothes and toiletries to reduce storage needs.”

5. Disassemble Furniture Whenever Possible

Take apart furniture before placing it into storage. Disassembling furniture makes it easier to move and easier to store. Place all screws and nuts into a bag, then label it, and tape or attach the bag to the piece of furniture.

Not sure you’ll remember how to reassemble? Take a video of yourself as you take the piece apart. Use this video as a tutorial when it’s time to put things back together.

6. Label Things Properly

Label all boxes clearly with their contents. If the box contains something fragile, write FRAGILE on the outside. Label boxes on all sides and on top so you can tell what you’re looking at no matter which side is visible.

If you’re packing up more than one room worth of stuff, assign colored stickers to each room, then place the colored stickers on the boxes. This prevents you from having to write the names of the rooms where the boxes go over and over again.

7. Make an Inventory

Make an inventory of the most important items that you packed, so you’ll know what’s been placed into storage and what is still at the house. This will prevent you from losing items and will save time when you need to find one specific item.

8. Store Valuables in a Safe

Store valuables in a safe in your home or in a safe at your bank. If storing at home, buy a portable safe that is fireproof and lockable, then keep the key on your keychain. Keeping items locked up prevents confusion and gives you peace of mind.

Preparing and organizing for a remodel can be tough. Make it easier by taking advantage of our Home Organization Promotion today! Professional home organizer and owner of Simply Enough Amy Slenker-Smith is ready to help you pack up your space before a remodel, or reorganize and declutter after the home remodel is complete!

Laundry Room Design Hacks

I’ve painted my laundry room a peaceful aqua color that honestly makes me take a relaxing breath every time I see it — even if there are piles of laundry to do on the floor. Color can go a long way. Another great paint choice for your laundry room could be this year’s Pantone Color of the Year: Living Coral.

You’ll also want to design your space with these hacks for laundry rooms in mind: install shelving to hide clutter, add a folding station, hide your ironing board in a roll-out drawer or have a designated hanging spot for it on the wall, or consider sliding barn doors if your laundry area is more of a nook rather than a defined space.

Make sure each family member has their own laundry basket. Having a different colored basket for each member makes it easy to sort and separate (and helps them know if their folding chores have been done). No more, “Mom, where is my soccer jersey?”

Additionally, I love the idea of a wall-mounted drying rack — like this one from Pottery Barn — for those delicate air-dry items. If you have space, some larger laundry rooms have a drip or drying bar that could be installed over your folding station.

Laundry Room Organization at Its Best

Good shelving is essential in a laundry room. This simple laundry room in a Vienna, Virginia basement has open, adjustable shelving above the utility sink. This is the best place to organize your cleaning supplies and laundry detergents as well as store bulkier items like paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper for your home.

Over-the-door hanging racks — like this one available for just $18 on Amazon — are also a great hack for storing cleaning items.

This laundry room in Herndon, Virginia does double-duty as a mudroom as well. Muddy sports outfits can go straight in the wash, instead of sitting on the floor for days. Efficiency at its best! Lots of cabinets also help the space look clean, organized, and clutter-free.

When renovating your laundry room, one of your major decisions will be what type of washer and dryer to purchase. Consumer Reports is a great place to go to get the most up-to-date ratings and reviews. It’ll also help you decide whether you’d want front-loading or top-loading machines.

Ready to Work With Northern Virginia’s Best Contractor?

If you are looking to reimagine your laundry room and get over all your laundry room organization woes, contact us at (703) 961-7707 or email us atHello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

Ask us how you could get 4 free hours of design help from a professional home organizer through our Home Organization Promotion running until the end of May 2019.

Oakton Kitchen Remodel Built for Entertaining

What were their must-haves? The list included a large island, a seating space for entertaining, spacious pantry storage, and the proper layout for transitioning easily from cooking to serving (particularly, hosting large, family-style pancake breakfasts).

The original kitchen design was no longer architecturally pleasing. To accommodate awkward beams and spacing issues, white cabinetry and column accents were specially designed to work with the room and hide load-bearing beams. This made for a seamless flow between the cabinets and created maximum storage.

It was so important for the family to have space for their children, spouses, and future grandchildren to all come together in this area that a large island upgrade was absolutely necessary. The river blue, granite island and counter tops helped inspire the blue paint color used in the kitchen and dining area as well as the modern, blue bar stools. It also brings out the hint of blue used in the back splash tiles.

Unique Pantry and Sitting Areas Customize This Kitchen Design

A unique feature of this kitchen is the couch adjacent to the island. The couch sits up against a knee wall that separates the kitchen from the living room. This area divides the large space and adds extra seating for gatherings.

To accommodate a need for smart storage solutions, MOSS’ designer worked with the homeowners to create this pantry area in the kitchen. The large, roll-out cabinets replaced the now-eliminated corner pantry room without sacrificing storage space.

The kitchen is absolute perfection when it comes to beauty and function. The original floors were kept and new hand-cut, clear glass Schonbek “Bagatelle” pendant lights hang over the kitchen island; a new gourmet, double bowl kitchen sink overlooks the adjacent dining room; and new appliances — like the Thermador oven — inspire the desire to cook large, family meals. Everything down to the custom knife drawer and hidden bookcase for cookbooks and miscellaneous supplies was thought of meticulously.

Northern Virginia Kitchen Remodeling Experts

Transforming dated kitchens into luxurious places for families to gather is one of our specialties. Read about another Oakton kitchen remodel on our blog here.

Are you inspired to transform your kitchen? Contact Moss Building & Design to discuss the remodel of your dreams at (703) 961-7707 or email us at Hello@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

Planning Ahead Is Key When You Have a Small Kitchen

The most essential step in redesigning any kitchen is to plan ahead. This is especially important for a smaller kitchen because there is little room to spare. A small kitchen’s layout should prioritize food prep over entertaining or gathering spaces.

A well-designed floor plan will optimize every inch available in the cabinets, on the counter, and along the walls.

Ideally, the length of a “work zone” in a kitchen is a maximum of eight feet, with three feet between opposing countertops. This is one of the reasons the work triangle works so well in smaller kitchens, including both the galley kitchen and U-shaped kitchen. If a peninsula or stationary island is not in the plan, don’t desert the island concept.  Instead, make an additional workspace movable with a rolling cart or butcher block.

Appliances Need Not Be an Eyesore  

Appliances occupy the most square footage in the kitchen, so choose the right size for your space. Even in larger kitchens where the refrigerator is aligned with the countertop, it can stick out and infringe on the flow of traffic. Here are some tips to make appliances work for you in a smaller kitchen:

• Recede the refrigerator into the wall.
• Hide appliances behind cabinets with a built-in, integrated or overlay cabinet style.*
• Purchase smaller-sized appliances in stylish designs.
• Raise appliances and cabinets off the kitchen floor to create the illusion of a higher space.

*An integrated style refrigerator is fully paneled and installed flush with cabinets; whereas, an overlay unit has a visible vent and a door panel that protrudes out from the cabinets.

Whatever option you choose, make sure to include the appliances in the planning phase and incorporate their features into the overall design of the kitchen. That will prevent them from sticking out like sore thumbs in the end. Finally, clean lines create the impression of a larger area, so don’t clutter the space with appliances all in one part of the kitchen.

Utilize Vertical Square Footage

To make the most of a small kitchen, start at the bottom and work your way up the wall.  Running the floor tile or boards lengthwise will make your room look longer. Using the space along the wall just below the ceiling for storage will create the illusion of a higher room, as well.

• Extend cabinets all the way to the ceiling to trick the eye into thinking the space is larger than it is, and also capitalize on often wasted space.
• Use the top of cabinets for extra storage and display pieces, if current cabinets do not extend to the ceiling.
• Add more efficient storage options for food with a tall pantry and door organizer to collect similar items in one convenient location within reach and out of sight.
• Tile a feature wall all the way to the ceiling with tiles positioned in the opposite direction to the floorboards to create depth as well as height.

Accessorize With Space-Saving Organization Solutions

A small kitchen constantly invites countertop clutter because there never seems to be enough storage space. Eliminate the clutter build-up with well-planned organization inside drawers and cabinets.

• Consider a thin pull-out spice rack from space that otherwise may be wasted with filler.
• Add at least one shelf to each upper cabinet.
• Use drawer organizers, plate racks, shelf risers, cabinet dividers, utensil trays, custom pot drawers, pull-out racks, or a Lazy Susan.
• Choose lighter colors for the walls, countertop, and cabinets and also brighten the inside of the cabinets with glass doors to create a more airy, open feel.
• Install cabinet lighting fixtures if budget permits.

Two major perks to remodeling a kitchen are planning the layout to exactly meet the needs of your lifestyle and getting to personalize the design.

Moss Building & Design can help you design stylish, smart solutions for your dream kitchen. Contact us at (703) 961-7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

Do you feel like you have a small kitchen? The industry describes a 10×10 footprint as a standard-sized kitchen, so anything smaller is defined as “small.” Whether or not your kitchen is “small” or just right, Moss Building & Design is a great partner to help you maximize storage and create the impression of a bigger space, which we all need.

Planning Ahead Is Key When You Have a Small Kitchen

The most essential step in redesigning any kitchen is to plan ahead. This is especially important for a smaller kitchen because there is little room to spare. A small kitchen’s layout should prioritize food prep over entertaining or gathering spaces.

A well-designed floor plan will optimize every inch available in the cabinets, on the counter, and along the walls.

Ideally, the length of a “work zone” in a kitchen is a maximum of eight feet, with three feet between opposing countertops. This is one of the reasons the work triangle works so well in smaller kitchens, including both the galley kitchen and U-shaped kitchen. If a peninsula or stationary island is not in the plan, don’t desert the island concept.  Instead, make an additional workspace movable with a rolling cart or butcher block.

Appliances Need Not Be an Eyesore  

Appliances occupy the most square footage in the kitchen, so choose the right size for your space. Even in larger kitchens where the refrigerator is aligned with the countertop, it can stick out and infringe on the flow of traffic. Here are some tips to make appliances work for you in a smaller kitchen:

• Recede the refrigerator into the wall.
• Hide appliances behind cabinets with a built-in, integrated or overlay cabinet style.*
• Purchase smaller-sized appliances in stylish designs.
• Raise appliances and cabinets off the kitchen floor to create the illusion of a higher space.

*An integrated style refrigerator is fully paneled and installed flush with cabinets; whereas, an overlay unit has a visible vent and a door panel that protrudes out from the cabinets.

Whatever option you choose, make sure to include the appliances in the planning phase and incorporate their features into the overall design of the kitchen. That will prevent them from sticking out like sore thumbs in the end. Finally, clean lines create the impression of a larger area, so don’t clutter the space with appliances all in one part of the kitchen.

Utilize Vertical Square Footage

To make the most of a small kitchen, start at the bottom and work your way up the wall.  Running the floor tile or boards lengthwise will make your room look longer. Using the space along the wall just below the ceiling for storage will create the illusion of a higher room, as well.

• Extend cabinets all the way to the ceiling to trick the eye into thinking the space is larger than it is, and also capitalize on often wasted space.
• Use the top of cabinets for extra storage and display pieces, if current cabinets do not extend to the ceiling.
• Add more efficient storage options for food with a tall pantry and door organizer to collect similar items in one convenient location within reach and out of sight.
• Tile a feature wall all the way to the ceiling with tiles positioned in the opposite direction to the floorboards to create depth as well as height.

Accessorize With Space-Saving Organization Solutions

A small kitchen constantly invites countertop clutter because there never seems to be enough storage space. Eliminate the clutter build-up with well-planned organization inside drawers and cabinets.

• Consider a thin pull-out spice rack from space that otherwise may be wasted with filler.
• Add at least one shelf to each upper cabinet.
• Use drawer organizers, plate racks, shelf risers, cabinet dividers, utensil trays, custom pot drawers, pull-out racks, or a Lazy Susan.
• Choose lighter colors for the walls, countertop, and cabinets and also brighten the inside of the cabinets with glass doors to create a more airy, open feel.
• Install cabinet lighting fixtures if budget permits.

Two major perks to remodeling a kitchen are planning the layout to exactly meet the needs of your lifestyle and getting to personalize the design.

Moss Building & Design can help you design stylish, smart solutions for your dream kitchen. Contact us at (703) 961-7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

Personalize your master bedroom with inspirational design features and you will no longer want to escape to a fancy bed and breakfast. Your space for rest and relaxation will be right at home.

Here are three fail-proof interior design trends to help you transform your master bedroom into your peaceful sanctuary.

Lighting is a Key Interior Design Feature

One of the most essential ways to achieve a beautiful home design is through lighting because it sets the ambiance. Lighting in the guest room or master bedroom is no exception. Good lighting sets the stage for sinking into a cozy bed for a quick nap on a crisp winter day or relaxing in a comfy chair with a good book just before bedtime.

Choosing the lighting elements in your room is important so that all your personal needs, from dressing and putting on makeup to relaxing and reading, are addressed. Like all good home remodeling projects, start with a plan. First, assess how much natural light you’re getting in your room. Do you have enough natural light from windows? How many and how big are the windows? Are they spaced around the room or on one wall? How much privacy do you need from the neighbors?  

Next, determine your overhead lighting needs. Do you need recessed lighting spread out across the ceiling, a bold chandelier that makes a style statement, or a subtle fixture to showcase other lighting features? Complement your lighting design choices with task lighting for a reading nook and bedside table lamps or wall sconces.

Master Bedroom Design Inspired by Paint Color

Which paint color you choose, like lighting-fixture finishes and fabric patterns, is a personal choice and sets the tone for the purpose of the room. To achieve a beautiful home design, rooms are planned with a purpose and with color.

Neutral colors like shades of white, Earth tones, grays, tans, and softer, lighter scales create a sense of calm and order, perfect for pampering and relaxing; whereas, bolder colors tend to invigorate and motivate.

If darker hues are a favorite, then glossy finishes work better because they reflect light, making the room look bigger and brighter rather than smaller and densely compacted.

Using one main color on the walls along with two accessorizing colors throughout the room is one inspirational design trend we can all get behind. This adds interest and depth to the room. Accessory colors can be found in trim, curtain and bedding fabrics, rugs, throw pillows, artwork, and textiles.  In fact, if you have treasured art or a favorite fabric, start your color scheme from it and choose your three coordinating colors from that cherished piece.

If your heart is set on one neutral color scheme, then create a dramatic contrast with lighter or darker half-tones of the same shade on the ceiling or trim. You could also change out bold red, blue, black, or gold accessories within a soft white room or decorate with darker furniture colors.  Introducing varying textures, materials, and seasonal colors in rooms with neutral white, gray, or tan painted walls will prevent it from becoming stark or boring. Remember, walls are not the only features that wear color.

Layering is an Easy Way to Add Style to Your Bedroom

Layering is an easy way to make a bedroom more cozy and comfortable. Create a layered look that is useful and practical for winter with throw blankets on a side chair, a folded family quilt at the end of the bed, a plush rug on colder hardwood floors to warm your feet, and novels stacked on bedside tables.

In warmer seasons, peel back the heavy layers and replace them with airy, lighter accessories. A light blanket at the foot of the bed for a breezy night; fresh flowers and family photos set on top of a decorative runner; and a pretty garden hat or lightweight sweater tossed neatly on an over-stuffed bedroom chair or well-loved sofa all work together to create a welcoming and inviting sanctuary.

How to Add Layers with a Remodel

When designing your master bedroom remodel or addition with a contractor, work with the designer to choose texture-rich features like a stone wall, fireplace, wood tongue-and-groove ceiling, or enlarged picturesque windows to showcase nature’s earthy features. Ensure you have a wide-enough wall to place your bed, which often is a stylish focal point of a well-designed master bedroom.  Dress it with layered and colorful fabrics to showcase the headboard, whether hand-carved wood or upholstered.

Are you looking for interior design inspiration for your master bedroom makeover? The possibilities are endless when you work with Moss Building and Design. Contact us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

Download Moss Building and Design’s Guide to Home Remodeling here.

 “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” is all we’re thinking about right now. That’s why we’re getting in on the minimalist design trend!

To help you stay organized before or after a home remodel, Moss Building & Design is offering four hours of FREE help from a professional home organizer.* This includes a one-hour consultation and three hours of hands-on help from Amy Slenker-Smith.

Professional home organizer and owner of Simply Enough, Amy is ready to help you pack up your space before a remodel, or reorganize and declutter after the home remodel is complete!

For nearly 3 years, Amy has been a living simply blogger, speaker on minimalism in the home, and professional home organizer. She’s also a Moss Building & Design customer! Amy has literally been where you are and understands what it takes to stay organized before and after a home remodel.

Getting organized, decluttering, and simplifying your life has never been so easy. Space is limited, so take advantage of our Home Organization Promotion today!

BY: JULIA KILBERG

We love home transformations! MOSS worked with two wonderful empty nesters in Reston, Virginia, that were looking to update their home after their kids went to college and moved out West.

To get them ready for hosting family over the fall and winter, this summer-long home remodel started with a bump-out from the front of the house to make room for a bigger dining room.

Northern Virginia Kitchen Remodel

Their original kitchen felt small and cramped. To help make the first floor more of an open concept, we took down a wall between the kitchen and living room. A few functional parts of the kitchen were also shifted toward the back of the home. The bay window/breakfast nook area was transformed with a kitchen island and small desk/workspace.

The renovated kitchen exudes modern elegance from the white subway tiles to the classic white cabinetry. New stainless steel appliances and a wine refrigerator were installed to make the space perfect for entertaining. The completed kitchen now looks longer and more sleek.

Open-Concept Living Room Connects Kitchen With Relaxing Space

Often overlooked changes like flooring and window treatments really complete the look of a remodel. New hardwood floors were laid throughout the first floor of this Reston home. Additionally, window treatments in the living room match the new kitchen windows for consistency throughout the living space.

The kitchen’s new curved island connects the kitchen to the living room. The island and countertops are made of Cambria quartz, a material that looks like marble but is easier to maintain. Two silver eight-inch pendant lights really make the breakfast island sparkle with inviting elegance.

New Paint And Light Fixtures Transform A Room

The dining room, which was moved into the bump-out space, replaced the dated front porch area of the home. It was updated with fresh paint colors and a new, modern, and rectangular chandelier.

The kitchen’s new curved island connects the kitchen to the living room. The island and countertops are made of Cambria quartz, a material that looks like marble but is easier to maintain. Two silver eight-inch pendant lights really make the breakfast island sparkle with inviting elegance.

Powder Rooms Become Statement Spaces

Along with everything in the kitchen, living room, and dining room, we also had the space to reconfigure a new closet and powder room on the first floor. The powder room used a statement deep blue color for added pizzazz.

Since storage isn’t usually an issue in a powder room, the pedestal basin sink with open polished chrome legs are a designer’s dream.

See more photos of this home remodel by visiting our photo gallery on Houzz. You can also check out another Before & After blog for a different home remodel in Reston, Virginia.

Want to learn more about how to start a remodel of your own? Contact us at 703.961.7707 or email us at Hello@mossbuildinganddesign.com.

You can also download our Beginner’s Guide To Home Remodeling by clicking on the button below:

Download The Beginner's Guide to Home Remodeling