Blog

By: Zaiba Hasan (ZHasan@MossBuildingandDesign.com)

When renovating our home last year, we decided to update our basement kitchenette. With four young kids plus frequent out of town visitors, we have a myriad of people coming in and out of our home at all times. Containing the mess that is the basement allows ME to keep my sanity.  Given that this was a “bonus” kitchen of sorts, coming up with the appropriate design to fit our family needs was indeed a fun challenge.  Here are a few things to think about when creating an amazing bar area for your basement:

Design Theme

For me, coming up with the theme is the best part of any kind of renovation. With this type of remodel you can really let your imagination guide the choices you make.  Whether you decide to go with a sports bar theme or downtown chic, a wet bar can really be the focal point of your basement.

Choosing Appliances

Deciding how you will use your wet bar will determine what appliances will go into your space.   Planning on keeping it simple?  A beautiful sink and a mini-fridge is probably all you’ll need to make it fully functional as a wet bar.  We use our basement kitchen as a secondary entertainment space.  We opted for a regular sized fridge and a dishwasher to make it more useful for our family.

1. What kind of flooring will be best? The flooring in your basement is extremely important in adding character, dimension, and warmth to what otherwise can be a “cold” space. The flooring in your wet bar area is no exception to that but should also be durable.  These days, in addition to all the logical choices, there are some fun basement tiles that are specially made to with stand any potential water damage.  (You never can be too careful in protecting your basement floors from water damage.)
2. Will there be a television or home entertainment? If you are my hubby you are already thinking of how to add another television set to the basement (that’s his angle for any home project).  Figuring out the BEST placement of a home entertainment section will be determined by how your family will use the space.  If you DO decide to go the home entertainment route, you may need to add some additional cable outlets or electricity to the area to accommodate this.
3. What color choices will you make? Generally, the rule of thumb is that the colors in the basement should be light and bright.  This is probably because of the absence of natural light!  However, nowadays many people are exploring the use of bold/darker colors to really create mood and ambiance!

Best Remodeler in Northern Virginia

Did you know that not only was Moss Home Services just voted The Best Handyman 2017 by the readers of Arlington Magazine, but Moss Building and Design is also the reigning Best Remodeler?! Thank you so much for your support throughout the years, and we look forward to being your one stop shop for all your home improvement needs. If you have any general questions, call MOSS at 703.961.7707 or email Sales@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

Until Next Time,

Z

By: Leora Kahn (LKahn@MossBuildingandDesign.com)

Looking to remodel? Here are the crucial spaces you need to incorporate into your dream home:

Tech Free Zone

The idea of having a specific area in the home where technology is forbidden and crafts, reading, and other activities are encouraged. Allows for freedom of thought, a flow of creativity, and family bonding!

Screened In Porch

Porches are one of the best parts of the home. Screened in porches allow for a gathering place free of bugs and weather mishaps. They’re even huge even in the winter with heated floors or a fire place. Other big outdoor rooms to think about adding to your home are sun-rooms, or a four seasons room, which are typically in larger homes.

Outdoor Fire Pit

If you have patio, you have a fire pit. Simple as that. It is a timeless look built for family bonding and endless good times in any temperature!

Home Office

As time goes by, more and more people make the switch from working in the office to working remotely from home.  If you’re going to be home and also at work, you should be comfortable! It’s time to make the home office contemporary. A great window with a view is necessary, along with a touch of personal design.

Drop Zone

We are so incredibly busy nowadays. When you come home from a long day, you need a place to drop everything off in a neat and organized manner. This is where the drop zone, or mudroom, comes in. Preferably, right near the garage entrance because functionality is huge here. The drop zone should include built in nooks, separate cubbies for family members, a dirty shoe space, a place for car keys, and maybe even a charging station!

Living Room Den

In the design world, they’ve been trying to get rid of the “living room” for a while now. The formal living room is trending out because people want to be comfortable and relaxed in their own homes. Think about it; do you really only want to get use out of your fancy living room when you’re entertaining guests? NO! Comfort and informality is coming into the market place, and frankly, we are excited about it.  Your home is your safe haven, and it’s about time it felt like it. You should feel safe and comfortable, which ties into our previous point, people work from home now! It’s all about open and friendly spaces, so lets get comfortable.

Invisible Kitchen

This is perfect for smaller spaces, such as condos. Great for people who live in walk-able cities, and for the “carry out cook.” The small space is ideal for people who live on their own or have only one roommate! Perfect for function and in turn opens up small spaces to be multi-functional. Simplicity is key!

Pet Space

Don’t forget about your furry family members! There are so many fun ways to incorporate a pet’s home into your home. Here are a few of our favorite examples, via Pinterest.

Best Northern VA Remodeler

Did you know that not only was Moss Home Services just voted The Best Handyman 2017 by the readers of Arlington Magazine, but Moss Building and Design is also the reigning Best Remodeler?! Thank you so much for your support throughout the years, and we look forward to being your one stop shop for all your home improvement needs. If you have any general questions, call MOSS at 703.961.7707 or email Sales@MossBuildingandDesign.com.

By: Leora Kahn (LKahn@MossBuildingandDesign.com)

At MOSS, we host open houses because we believe it is of great importance to see what we can do, in person, before investing in your remodel. Plus, the ability to speak candidly with previous customers allows you to make an informed decision.

Best Design/Build in Arlington, VA

Last week we hosted an open house to show the Northern Virginia community our latest three story addition in Arlington, VA. The attendees seemed to be very pleased with the kitchen bump out, extended dining room, and outdoor living space.

The homeowners of this 1965 home were considering remodeling their home for quite some time. When two trees fell on their house, they knew there was no putting this off any longer.

When planning their home improvements, their goals were very precise:

• An eat-in kitchen with plenty of room to accommodate all family members
• An open, informal space for entertaining
• Maximize deck space for use in at least three seasons

They decided to design their new dining space with a transitional style which seamlessly combines elements of both contemporary and traditional styles. The final result was a beautiful Arlington home that reflects our customers’ lifestyle and personal taste.The dining room’s extended table is complete with two navy Miles Upholstered Dining Arm Chairs and four smoke leather Lowe Dining Chairs, both from Crate and Barrel. The room is well lit with two beautiful small Zinc Orbit Globe Chandelier’s above the table, which is a huge trend in the interior design world at the moment.

Prior to renovations their kitchen was too small to accommodate their family’s needs. Making meals, hosting family gatherings, and even just simple family time felt forced and cramped. This was one of the homeowner’s main focuses that MOSS worked closely with them on to incorporate all of their wants and needs into the final product.

Their kitchen is composed of a Maytag 30″ electric double wall oven with Precision Cooking System, a GE Stainless Steel beverage center, and Thermador 36″ gas cooktop. The main attraction, the kitchen island, is Blanco Maple Silestone accompanied by five charcoal Peppermill Counter Stools from West Elm.

The deck attached to the kitchen and dining room is another main attraction. This outdoor living space is complete with a wood-burning fireplace, outdoor ceiling fan (Minka Aire in brushed nickel to be exact), patio dining table, and corner television for the sports-fanatics of the family.

We also incorporated a mudroom in their entryway as an easy way for their family of young boys to store their belongings when they return home from their busy lives. The mudroom is painted a bright Obstinate Orange, with an eggshell finish by Sherwin Williams.

Best Remodeler in Arlington

Did you know that Moss Building & Design was voted Best Remodeler in Arlington Magazine’s Best of Arlington 2016? At MOSS, we’ll provide you with innovative design concepts and recommend layouts, cabinets and accessories that will help you maximize your space. If you are considering bumping out your kitchen or simply have a few questions you need answered, contact MOSS for a free consultation at 703-961-7707.

MOSS Kitchen Remodel on The TODAY Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda

In case you missed the May 8^th Mother’s Day segment on NBC’s The TODAY Show, a MOSS kitchen remodel created a big surprise.

The segment covered a surprise kitchen remodel for the mother of TODAY Show co-host of the “Kathie Lee and Hoda” show, Hoda Kotb.

Remodeling her mother Sami’s kitchen had been a dream of Hoda’s for years.

The project was on a tight deadline with only a week for MOSS to finish the remodel while Sami was with Hoda in New York City for a week. But we took on the challenge by working around the clock and using our turn-key approach to remodel the kitchen in time for Sami’s arrival. Lowe’s provided the materials.

The project involved: demoing the entire kitchen and removing a 6’ section of wall between the kitchen and living room. New cabinets, countertops, backsplash, kitchen appliances and lighting were installed as well as 3 auto open cabinets.

After 8 straight days with 12+ hours of work each day, the renovation was complete and ready to be revealed.

On April 24th, MOSS and Lowe’s representatives were there to welcome Hoda and her mom, Sami in the newly-remodeled kitchen. The NBC filming crew recorded Sami’s reaction for the Mother’s Day segment that aired on the TODAY Show.

As a family-owned company, this experience was exciting, but more importantly, meaningful because of the significance this space held to both Sami and Hoda. “That place is such the center,” Hoda said about the kitchen. “It’s such the heartbeat of our family.”

Being a part of these remodels is what MOSS is all about because remodeling is a personal business that blends together family and function.

To view the segment, you can visit The TODAY Show website and view the time-lapse video of MOSS completing the work.

TODAY Show Kitchen Remodel

At MOSS, no project is too big or small. Our team will expertly answer any questions you may have concerning anything from additions, kitchens, bathrooms and basements to handyman services.

Get started with your plans by contacting us to set up a phone consultation with MOSS’ Inside Guide or have one of our experts come to your home for a free in-home estimate at 703-961-7707.

Photo Credit:

Hoda and Sami Kotb: http://www.today.com/video/hodas-mothers-day-surprise-for-her-mom-a-new-kitchen-441986115912