One of the most popular choices on the homeowner’s home renovation list is the bathroom, a small-yet-vital room in the home. But, what direction should you take when it comes to transforming a bathroom this year? Bathroom renovation expert Lydia Bonacorda is here to address that very question!

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The home has long been seen as a sanctuary, a place to relax and recover from the pressures of daily life. But, with the recent economic crisis and today’s fast-paced world, people are looking to de-stress in any way possible, and the interior design industry is seeing the effects of this as bathroom remodeling trends move toward styles that are calm, relaxing, and comforting while still incorporating all of today’s modern conveniences. Traditional styles get a modern twist, and environmentally friendly technology is side-by-side with little luxuries.

1.Color schemes – out with the bright, in with the light

To maintain a soothing environment, many designers are sticking to palettes of beige, white, olive, and other neutral and light colors. Not only do these colors promote a calmer environment, but they are easy to match with many styles of décor, and this is especially appealing if the homeowner is looking to sell in the future.

2.Mirror, mirror, not just on the wall

Bathroom remodeling trends show a move toward a light and airy feel with an emphasis on mirrors. These can include old-world accents like an ornate brass frame, or they can cover an entire wall for a more modern look; however, the effect is the same: a brighter, bigger-feeling room. The walls are not the only place that mirrors are appearing, though. Reviving the art-deco style of the 1930’s and 80’s, mirrored vanities and other furniture have been getting more popular.

…to read the complete story on Top 10 Bathroom Remodeling Trends, follow this link to Build Direct.

Have questions about remodeling your bathroom? Post your question here or contact Capstone’s EZ Bath Solutions at 508-799-4463.

Charbel and Christine Najem (front row) with volunteers at the Springfield site for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

Charbel and Christine Najem, owners of Capstone General Contracting in Northborough, have gained a new sense of pride in both their company and employees.

On Sept. 11, the Najems and more than 100 volunteers helped build a new home on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

Capstone’s Worcester-based office received a call on Sept. 2 from the show’s personnel, asking the company to join the housing project for the Walker family of Springfield.

In April 2009, the Walkers were struck by tragedy with the death of 11-year-old Joesph Walker-Hoover. A victim of bullying at school for nearly a year, Walker-Hoover committed suicide at his home.

In an effort to turn Walker-Hoover’s death into something positive, his family supports bullying prevention campaigns as well as new state and federal anti-bullying laws.

Upon signing up for the project, Capstone was given 10 days to find 30 volunteers capable of doing framing and trim work who were willing to put their lives on hold for the completion of the home.

On Sept. 11, the first day of shooting, the Najems arrived in Springfield with more than 100 volunteers, including more than 50 tradesmen as well as painters, cleaners and workers with related job experience.

After host Ty Pennington and the “Extreme Makeover” team took down the Walkers’ home, Capstone’s framers stepped in and began 10-hour job shifts.

Among the 45 framers, the contracting company had 10 workers spend 36 hours straight completing the frame work. A total of 30 interior trim volunteers also rose to the occasion, working 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. overnight shifts.

“These are times when you’re able to see the heart and soul of your company as well as the people who work for you,” said Christine Najem “Our guys saw the need, and they kept going.”

In the meantime, Capstone’s office staff and additional crew in Northborough and Worcester made sure the company’s other projects were being completed on time.

“They basically held down the fort for us while we were traveling (back and forth) to Springfield,” added Najem. “We didn’t have to shut down our business or put any of our jobs on hold.”

After four and a half days of filming and working on the residence, all the volunteers and Extreme Makeover personnel had transformed a few blueprints into the Walkers’ new home.

“In the end, this was such a positive experience for all of us,” Najem added.

The Springfield episode is expected to air in mid-December.

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PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 14, 2011 – Capstone General Contracting, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has teamed up with N. Riley Construction of Chicopee for an upcoming episode of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Sunday, September 11 was the “door knock” date for the Walker family of Springfield who lost their 11-year-old son Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover in 2009 to suicide after constant bullying at school. http://www.joinextreme.com/massfamily

“Capstone and our team of volunteers are looking forward to working with N.Riley to build a new home for the Walker family,” said Capstone CEO Charbel Najem. “It’s shows like Extreme Makeover that demonstrate what is possible when people work together for a great cause.”

The Emmy award winning reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” entering its 9th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It’s executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. Episodes air Sunday from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.

Founded in 2008, Capstone General Contracting specializes in fire restoration, new additions, bathroom renovation, remodeling and new home construction.

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Photos of Capstone’s Experience with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the Walker Family’s New Home in Springfield, Massachusetts

Becky, another regular contributor here on Houzz, recently did an idea book on The Butterfly Roof. This roof is cool, unusual and architecturally interesting. Her ideabook got me thinking about all of the different types of roof shapes that there are to choose from.

This is definitely something to keep in mind when designing and building your own home. Of course, many of us move into homes that have already been built and we have to accept the shape of roof that the home comes with. Nevertheless, we can learn to pay attention to the different benefits of certain roof types when choosing and renovating our houses.

There are many different types of roofs, which you’ll start to notice as you begin to pay more attention to roofing. Many of us just think in terms of flat roofs and pitched roofs but there are many different gradations and styles of each. And this doesn’t even take into consideration the different options for roofing materials (which I’ll need to cover one day in a future ideabook!)

What is your favorite roof style?

…to read the complete story on Houzz that includes pictures and descriptions of all ten styles, follow this link to Houzz.

Have questions about the roof on your home? Post your question here or contact Capstone General Contracting at 508-799-4463.