The Best & Worst of 2017 Interior Design

Our Favorite Interior Design Trends:

Mini Subway Tile:

Mini subway tile has seen a huge boom in 2017 interior design. The 2x4 tile (typically 3x6 or 4x12) comes in a mesh back tile format, so they go up so much quicker, as they're foot by foot sheets. This has made installing them a breeze, and homeowners love the dramatic look they bring!

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As 2017 comes to a close, let’s evaluate which interior design trends were hero’s and which were zero’s.

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Geometric Inspired Decor:

Geometric patterns can be found all over 2017 interior design. From wallpaper patterns, to cabinet hardware, faucets and more, this is the go-to pattern of the moment.

Brass Fixtures:

Brass is not the outdated finish it once was! It’s making a comeback and I for one love it. Check the bathroom above to see how classy gold can be when done the right way. Pair it with neutrals or bold colors for a modern or eclectic look.

Patterned Tile:

Patterned tile was one of my favorite interior design trends of 2017. Some are subtle, like the one shown above, and some are much more bold. You can use them on a backsplash, a bathroom floor, in a laundry room, or anywhere that you want to make a statement! This trend is here to stay for a while.

Bold Colors:

This look is refreshing as solid white has been in style for quite some time it feels like. Bold colored cabinets like this are in at the moment and I love it! Whatever color makes your heart happy, you can splash throughout your home and know that you’re right on track with the current styles! Cabinet companies like Wellborn are making it easier than ever with their ColorInspire collection. The sky is the limit!

Want to See the Top Countertop Trends? Click here!

Natural Stone:

Natural stone in your home gives it a cozy, old world feel. You can use large stone as shown above, ledge stone panels, or brick tile to achieve this look. Use it on your fireplace, an accent wall, home exterior, or on columns to really warm your space up.

Ceilings that POP:

Ceiling detail was IN for 2017! Whether it’s unique colors, large beams, or intricate tile work as shown above, 2017 homes had us looking up more than ever before! Get creative and make your house your own!

Interior Design Trends that Are OUT:

Solid White Spaces:

I love white rooms as much as the next girl. They’re classic and clean. However, this trend has been a little played out in the last few years. It’s starting to get very sterile and mundane. Get ready to punch it up in 2018 with white PAIRED with bold colors to break up the space and add some flare.

Copper Fixtures:

Copper had a good run. It was the alternative to your standard chrome, brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze. It was used as decorative accents, kitchen sinks and more. But it seems that it’s day may be over. Will brass be taking it’s place? It sure seems that way! What do you think of 2017’s interior design trends, for better or worse? What do you hope to see in 2018? Let us know in the comments below!

Want to See the 2016 Design Review? Check it out here!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom Cabinets, Vanity tops and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Schedule Your FREE Kitchen & Bath Design Appointment!

December 22, 2017

Create a Timeless Style You Won’t Get Tired Of

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Everyone should aim to achieve a timeless style. We all know how expensive and time consuming remodeling and decorating can be, so you should try and do them only once every blue moon. Here are 5 ways to achieve timeless style in your home!

Timeless Style Means Staying Away From “Trends”

Trendy is the opposite of timeless. Trends come and go, while timeless style lasts decades. That’s not to say that elements can’t be “In Style” but also be classic, like white cabinets or subway tile. These things have always been popular, but come to the forefront in design some years more than others. Themes, bright colors, certain patterns or shapes can be trendy items. In the end, it’s YOUR home, so if you love it and it’s on trend, don’t let that stop you. What you want to stay away from is remodeling to the design trends of the moment, just because it’s popular. As your 90’s wardrobe will tell you, we all go through phases. Make sure your kitchen or bathroom aren’t one of them.

Incorporate History

Incorporating history can be a great way to achieve timeless style. The styles of the past influence design in the present, so adding elements of greek architecture like arches and columns will always be timeless. Adding vintage pieces and antiques is another way to carry your look through decades. Antiques get better with age, so you won’t have to worry about growing out of them! Crown moulding and nice trim will work well to create a timeless look.

Research your style

Ultimately, the most important part of creating a timeless style is to make sure that it’s YOUR style. You’re the one living in this home, so make sure that you follow your gut on things that you believe you’ll like for years to come. Go with colors and decor that make you feel like yourself, that put your at ease and lift your mood. Good interior design should always do that. Visit Waypointlivingspaces.com to check out their awesome “Find Your Style” quiz!

1964_Waypoint_02_HR_2 TIMELESS STYLE BATHROOM

Neutral Is Key

Unless you have a life long love of the color aqua (like I do!) It’s a good idea to keep your main colors neutral. Your kitchen cabinets for instance, are something that is difficult and expensive to replace. If you go with neutral colors like white, grey or even black for your cabinets (which are also in style) you can replace other options if you ever feel bored and can rest assured that most of your choices will still coordinate with your cabinets. Countertops are similar, although easier to replace than cabinets. Choosing a bold orange quartz countertop might be modern and cool today, but you don’t know how you’ll feel down the road. Or, you could love it forever. Again, knowing yourself and your style is key.

Let Fabrics & Accent Pieces Go Bold

When your main items or walls are neutral, you can let your fabrics or accent pieces be what brings in color, pattern, texture and personality! You can choose a fun accent tile, paint a wall or add a fun wallpaper, or choose amazing bar stools! These are the things that really bring your design together. If you decide this look is getting old, you simply change them up, and you don’t have to touch those core pieces. You wouldn’t believe what a difference some paint, cabinet hardware or backsplash can do to totally change up the look of a kitchen or bathroom!

I hope this has been helpful in your journey to create a timeless style within your home. If you have any more questions, let us know in the comments below!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

November 28, 2017

Create a Timeless Style You Won’t Get Tired Of

Click to learn more about kitchen & Bath Remodeling Through Facebook Messenger!

Everyone should aim to achieve a timeless style. We all know how expensive and time consuming remodeling and decorating can be, so you should try and do them only once every blue moon. Here are 5 ways to achieve timeless style in your home!

Timeless Style Means Staying Away From “Trends”

Trendy is the opposite of timeless. Trends come and go, while timeless style lasts decades. That’s not to say that elements can’t be “In Style” but also be classic, like white cabinets or subway tile. These things have always been popular, but come to the forefront in design some years more than others. Themes, bright colors, certain patterns or shapes can be trendy items. In the end, it’s YOUR home, so if you love it and it’s on trend, don’t let that stop you. What you want to stay away from is remodeling to the design trends of the moment, just because it’s popular. As your 90’s wardrobe will tell you, we all go through phases. Make sure your kitchen or bathroom aren’t one of them.

Incorporate History

Incorporating history can be a great way to achieve timeless style. The styles of the past influence design in the present, so adding elements of greek architecture like arches and columns will always be timeless. Adding vintage pieces and antiques is another way to carry your look through decades. Antiques get better with age, so you won’t have to worry about growing out of them! Crown moulding and nice trim will work well to create a timeless look.

Research your style

Ultimately, the most important part of creating a timeless style is to make sure that it’s YOUR style. You’re the one living in this home, so make sure that you follow your gut on things that you believe you’ll like for years to come. Go with colors and decor that make you feel like yourself, that put your at ease and lift your mood. Good interior design should always do that. Visit Waypointlivingspaces.com to check out their awesome “Find Your Style” quiz!

Neutral Is Key

Unless you have a life long love of the color aqua (like I do!) It’s a good idea to keep your main colors neutral. Your kitchen cabinets for instance, are something that is difficult and expensive to replace. If you go with neutral colors like white, grey or even black for your cabinets (which are also in style) you can replace other options if you ever feel bored and can rest assured that most of your choices will still coordinate with your cabinets. Countertops are similar, although easier to replace than cabinets. Choosing a bold orange quartz countertop might be modern and cool today, but you don’t know how you’ll feel down the road. Or, you could love it forever. Again, knowing yourself and your style is key.

Let Fabrics & Accent Pieces Go Bold

When your main items or walls are neutral, you can let your fabrics or accent pieces be what brings in color, pattern, texture and personality! You can choose a fun accent tile, paint a wall or add a fun wallpaper, or choose amazing bar stools! These are the things that really bring your design together. If you decide this look is getting old, you simply change them up, and you don’t have to touch those core pieces. You wouldn’t believe what a difference some paint, cabinet hardware or backsplash can do to totally change up the look of a kitchen or bathroom!

I hope this has been helpful in your journey to create a timeless style within your home. If you have any more questions, let us know in the comments below!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

November 28, 2017

Homearama Kitchens: Trends in 2017

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Today we’ll be covering the best of the best Homearama Kitchens! Homearama this year at Poplar Woods in Goshen, Kentucky was incredible. The homes were perfectly decorated, impeccably built, and showcased the hottest trends in home design for the year. This post will focus on the kitchen design trends that we noticed to give you some ideas for your new construction home or your next kitchen remodel! Some trends have been consistant for the last few years, and others seem to be new. What they all have in common? They’re simply gorgeous.

Featuring Our Favorite Homearama Kitchens

Open Concept Kitchens

Every one of the homearama kitchens that I saw was open concept. Open concept living spaces are definitly what’s in, and has been for several years. This is for good reason. It gives you sight lines into your living room and dining room, allowing whoever is working in the kitchen to keep an eye on or interact with family or guests. It’s the perfect setup for get togethers and allows for a great dinner party.

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Extra Large Kitchen Islands

This is a stunning trend that we saw in so many of the homearama kitchens. These are not your typical islands with seating for 2. These took up so much space and were the perfect gathering space for friends and family, as well as a dream come true for the home chef. Without the open concept, these ginormous kitchen islands wouldn’t have been possible. Islands have been in style for a while, but islands of this magnitude was definitly new on the scene in my opinion.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is top of the line in terms of countertop materials. While it can be pricey, it is often comparable to granite, but has many more benefits. It never needs to be sealed, it’s antibacterial and approved for safe food preparation. It’s the most heat, scratch and stain resistant of any countertop material. Quartz was taking over the homearama kitchens! We did still see granite in a few of the homes, but quartz, white in specific, was the most popular kid in class this year. But remember, because quartz is manmade, you don’t have to stick to neutrals! Quartz colors range from firey red to deep blue and everything in between!

Subway Tile

Subway tile was everywhere in homearama kitchens this year! White subway tile is still the predominant color of subway tile that you’re going to find, but definitely not the only one. As you can see above, one trend is the large format (4×16 subway tile) and grey is another popular color. Below you’ll find a variation on the classic white subway tile by using marble. The brick tile is still considered a subway tile, which is a style that I really love! Subway tile has been popular the last few years but they’re always finding new ways to mix it up.

brick-subway-tile granite countertops White-quartz-subway-tile kitchen homearama 2017

Pot Fillers

Pot fillers were present in almost half of the homearama kitchens. They are faucets that are installed right behind your stove to help you fill pots easier, as the name suggests. They are very useful, but not necessary! Most of the time I find they are as much for the aesthetic than for the function.

pot-filler-glass cabinet doors kitchen homearama 2017

pot-filler, subway tile, white cabinets kitchen homearama 2017

Painted Cabinets

As you can see, just about every image in this post features white or cream colored cabinets. This was definitly the main trend in homearama kitchens. You just don’t see wood toned cabinets anymore. Grey painted cabinets are also a big trend but we just didn’t see them much at homearama this year. White cabinets were also popular at the last two homearama’s that I’ve attended.

Glass Cabinet Doors

Glass cabinet doors are coming back, people! I love glass doors on cabinetry. It gives it a much more upscale look, and for not a huge price tag. There are many different styles of glass doors that you can choose from, and several types of glass. You can add in cabinet lighting, which most of our homearama kitchens had, to add an extra focal point and pop to the space!

Farmhouse Sinks

Farmhouse sinks were the sink of choice in this year’s homearama kitchens. They are functional, they are HUGE and they are so beautiful. They usually come with a higher price tag, but I’ve never met anyone with a farmhouse sink that’s regretted the choice. They give such a cute cottage feel to the kitchen and make washing dishes so much easier (as if that’s possible.)

Farm-Sink white cabinets brick-subway-tile granite countertops White-quartz-subway-tile kitchen homearama 2017

There you have it! Our favorite trends from Homearama kitchens in 2017. What do you think? Is there anything that you love, hate or wish you saw more of? Let us know in the comments below!

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Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

September 8, 2017

Most Affordable and Stylish Bathroom Tile

What’s going on, pros? I hope business is well and thriving underneath the warm weather we’ve been having. It’s about time, right? So, if you have a bathroom remodel coming up then you’ll really appreciate this blog post. We’re going to go over a few of the most affordable and stylish bathroom tiles that we have to offer at Builders Surplus. You can legitimately get everything, without spending everything!

Golden Honey Ledger Stone Bathroom Tile

bathroom tile Louisville Cincinnati Builders Surplus

CLICK TO SHOP!

Ledger Stone has made a major impact in the tile industry, in my opinion. If you’ve noticed, “look-alike” products continue to gain popularity, and Ledger Stone gained its varsity letters before any of them. The one featured below is a fan-favorite, for sure. It’s gorgeous in any setting, but especially bathrooms and, oddly enough, fireplaces, too. Simply stunning. While it does LOOK amazing in the shower, do let your customers know that it is difficult to clean. It needs to be completely waterproof behind the tile or you will get mold.

So, you can get this stylish, trendy bathroom tile for only $5.99/piece, right here at Builders Surplus. Now, this is one of the priciest product to make this list, but for good reason. If you’re a fan of texture in aesthetics, then this product is for you.

Black Penny Round Mosaic Bathroom Tile

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I’m a huge fan of contract in a bathroom, and the Black Penny Round Mosaic bathroom tile is perfect for setting up that kind of style. I’ve always imagined a white floor tile with this product used as a backsplash. It’s timeless. It’s classic. And so eye-appealing. Plus, I’m a huge fan of curvature during any kind of design, so this pattern hits me right in the feels.

Right now, you can get this contrast-maker for only $4.99/sq. ft. One more thing about this, though, is its versatility. Where I’m more inclined to install this bathroom tile as a backsplash, it’s fine for a shower floor, too!

Legend Blanco Large Format Tile

Click to Shop!

I enjoy the movement in this tile. And it’s a subtle gray, too, ya know? Not too deep, not too light. Just right. Now, this is a Large Format Tile, so the possibilities are pretty much endless, in terms of install. Personally, I think this color belongs on the floor, maybe with a dark vanity top or something of that nature.

As we proceed, you’ll see that these prices really are unmatched, y’all, starting with this one. You can get this Legend Blanco bathroom tile for ONLY $1.99/sq. ft. Heckuva deal, right? Stylish, moderately-neutral, and all for a good price. Come in and seriously get everything without spending everything.

Portland Beige 18×18 Bathroom Tile

Another large format tile, Portland Beige is another one of my favorites due to its tone and color. But, what’s really attractive about this piece is its price. Right now, you can get this tile for only $0.69/sq. ft! That’s less than three quarters, everyone.

CLICK TO SHOP!

Whisper White 3×6 Subway Bathroom Tile

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This classic, tried-and-true still does wonders in establishing that a traditional look. Honestly, folks, what’s not to like about it. Remember me talking about contrast earlier with the Black Penny — well — this is its counterpart.

But once again, the most attractive trait here is the price, everyone. Only $0.22/piece. Yeah, you read that right. LESS THAN A QUARTER. That’s exceptional. Come scoop this up.

These are just a few choices from our vast collection of bathroom tile, everyone. If I’ve piqued your interest, and you’d like to poke around a little bit more, please feel free to head right here! It’ll break our selection down by category, and you can see for yourselves how great these deals are. Hope to see you in one of our stores sometime soon! Until then, stay safe and be blessed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets.
In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

May 5, 2017

Bamboo Flooring Shopper's Guide

So, I probably know what you’re thinking. Bamboo? And just when I thought I’ve seen it all. And, honestly, I’m right there with you in that assessment, but bamboo is actually some pretty legitimate stuff we’re talking about. Today, I’d like to talk to you a little bit about some things you should consider when shopping for this awesome, abstract, type of flooring. So buckle in for a bit, and let me learn you a thing or two!

Why Bamboo?

Right? Like, whoever thought of taking this plant and manufacturing it into something that people can actually walk on is definitely on a completely different mental wavelength than I am, but I applaud whoever did it. So…why?

It’s ‘Green’: Well, for one, it’s environmentally-friendly. If you’re anything like us over here at Builders Surplus, that is definitely something to be valued. To put it in comparison, the trees that are used to make hardwood floors can take 20-25 years to reach full maturity. Bamboo, on the other hand, only takes a mere 5-7 years to reach its adolescence. Then it’s ready to go.

Strength: Secondly, it’s stronger than most of the hardwoods you’ll find beneath your feet. I know this can’t be the first time you’ve heard that bamboo is a rock-solid, so imagine that intensifying strength covering your living or dining room. Pretty cool, right?

Durable: This stuff can take a beating. For example, let’s say it’s Christmas, okay, and you and your cousin are playing your version of “Hot Potato,” with a snow globe. Game’s going good and then one of y’all messes up and the globe passes slips through a set of fingers, descending to your brand-new bamboo floors — everything’s in slo-mo — someone may or may not dive for it, I don’t know. The globe hits the bamboo with a loud ‘thud,’ and you fear the worst. Then you look….and nothing. Nothing at all. Yeah, guys, this stuff is like THAT.

Graphite

Where To Put Bamboo

High-Traffic Areas: This type of flooring was literally meant to be installed in those main areas where people congregate or walk through – living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and hallways. Because of its strength and durability, you’ll achieve that same look you did when first laid it down, no matter where you put it. I told y’all. This is some long-lasting stuff, for sure. It doesn’t swell. Or contract.
NO Bathrooms: Okay, now this is some pretty excellent material, for sure, but it’s not superhuman, okay? It’s kryptonite is water, and bathrooms simply hold too much moisture for it. You don’t want those kinds of problems. Trust me.

Frosted Pearl

Who Would Love Bamboo Flooring?

People with Allergies: For all intensive purposes, it’s safe to say that this type of flooring is hypo-allergenic. Meaning, it can’t be penetrated by the usual, common allergens such as pet hair, pollen, dust, and the other crap that makes me want to yank my nose off.
Those Who Hate Cleaning: When I say this stuff is super low-maintenance, I mean it. Literally, all you need is a broom and a vacuum cleaner. But, I guess, if you’d like to get semi-fancy, you can grab a Swiffer broom. To each his own.

Obsidian

Colors of Bamboo

At Builders Surplus, we custom order bamboo flooring. It’s available in a variety of stunning colors, fourteen in total. The pictures that you see throughout are just a glimpse of what we have to offer. From darker tones like ‘Obsidian’ to lighter tones like ‘Frosted Pearl.’

Installation and Specs on Bamboo Flooring

Below is a chart that details the type of installation and some specified specs about bamboo flooring. You’ll notice that the installation isn’t any different than putting down regular hardwood floors. The glueless locking system is extremely easy. It also details some of the warranties, which is obviously pretty important.

Well, folks. What do you think? Pretty interesting stuff, isn’t it? I encourage you to not just take my word for it. Come on in to any of our two locations, and we will gladly give you as much info as you’d like on this outstanding product. Until then, stay safe and be blessed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets.
In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

April 28, 2017

5 Bathroom Styles You Must See Before You Remodel

Okay, before you start the demo phase, which is incidentally my favorite phase, you absolutely positively have to look at these five bathroom styles. Now, I understand that if you have a sledgehammer on deck then you’ve probably (hopefully) already have your design plans in order and you’re quite ready break ground on this bad boy, BUT that doesn’t mean that you can’t allow of a few minor adjustments. Today, I’d like to discuss a few bathroom options, putting everything into perspective in terms of style, including vanities, tops, plumbing, sinks, and tiles.

Traditional Bathroom Styles

The tried-and-true style, as I like to call it. Some call it ordinary, some call it plain, I simply see it for what it is – classic. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going back to the roots without the fancy-shmancy accommodations that some other styles may provide. I’m not knocking other styles, I’m just saying that going the “traditional” route is almost like going to your hometown after a years and years from settling elsewhere. It’s comfortable. It’s safe, and it still provides that warm glow deep in your soul that filters throughout. Simply put, it’s home. And it’s as they say: There’s nothing wrong with going home.

Modern Bathroom Styles

We’re talking glass showers, sleek sink fixtures, lone freestanding tub, large windows, and as much space as you can manage with this style. The greatest thing about the modern-style is how sleek everything looks. The picture below is actually identified as “modern-minimalist,” and when you get a good look at it, you’ll understand why, but as it is, every element of the bathroom is tasteful, sleek, elegant. It’s easy on color to give away its rich texture. In all of these bathroom styles, this has to be my favorite. Especially since it’s low-key minimalist themed as well. Very sophisticated.

Hamptons Bathroom Styles

Something I’ve actually very recently been doing a bit of research on, is the Hampton-style. As you can see in the picture below, this style boasts very neutral colors, the majority being white and prides itself on chicness. Subway tile is usually infused in the mix or marble, one of the two. As far as the vanity goes, the shaker style is what’s best for the Hampton look. Usually, again, white to emphasis it’s standout, bright aura. Another added note with this style is the sconce lighting that usually hangs on either side of the mirror, or in the middle. The tapware is usually chrome or nickel-plated. Definitely more of a traditional feel when it comes to the fixtures. Anyhow…I think it’s pretty cool. What do you think?

Contemporary Bathroom Styles

Similar to the modern style, contemporary brings you an extremely sleek design. Notice how the colors are all very neutral save for one, small accent wall in the background. The fixtures aren’t your common, typical ones, either. They’re fixed to the wall, which completely eradicates any “traditional” style make-up in this design. The look it portrays clearly defines as it a style that lives in the now, in the present, but still establishes room for variation. For example, you could accompany these tones with that of a Hampton-style and still get the same effect, if that makes sense. It’s not my favorite, I admit, but I do appreciate the bold nature of this type of style. For sure.

Rustic Bathroom Styles

Ah, the rustic look. Who doesn’t like this kind of style is my question. This style of bathroom gives you many options to explore your creativity and allows you to antique some aspects of your bathroom and really push forth that rustic, classically-aged look that I like. In the picture below, I really really like the door style. It’s a craftsman style door setting, but it fits in with the rest of the bathroom. To make a project out of it, you could find an unfinished alder cabinet and reclaim the wood to give it that aged look. This style can usually be found in your country-themed houses, as it really works well with that design. What do you think?

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

April 21, 2017

Eco-Friendly Flooring Ideas That Get the “Green” Light

There are many eco-friendly products that are made throughout the world that people choose to buy simply because of its roots, that the product they chose shied away from causing the world harm. Plastic bottles, food wrappings, and now, even vehicles have become a part of the side of consumerism that maintains an environmentally-conscious mind. Well, that also extends to home renovation products, as well! Today, I’m going to discuss three eco-friendly flooring options, including CORK, that are apt in both style and functionality, providing a classically unique look. Let’s dig in!

Eco-Friendly Cork Flooring

This material is relatively new to the world of flooring. Seriously, who would have thought that the thing you pop off to pour champagne or a glass of wine could – or – would ever be used to blanket the floors of a household. Fascinating, really. Anyway, cork is taken from the bark of a cork oak tree, which is commonly found in the Mediterranean forests. The best part about the process is that these lovely trees are not cut down to harvest this material – they are simply stripped. But even then, the bark regrows after three years, making cork a – you guessed it – renewable resource.

For this reason, it is undoubtedly my all time favorite as far as eco-friendly flooring options go. Crazy unique, visually stunning, and truly one-of-a-kind. What’s more is of its chemical properties! It has anti-microbial properties that reduces allergens, is fire-retardant, AND it repels insect. Seriously, though, can it get any better? Actually, yeah. With cork, you’re able to stain it, paint it, and make it any color you want so you’re not so limited. Lifespan of this material? It can last for up to 30 years with the proper maintenance, which by the way, is stupid low. Excellent product right here.

Eco-Friendly Bamboo Flooring

If you know anything about bamboo, you’ll know that it’s strong, intensely durable, and not one of those twigs you can just bust over your knee and walk away happily. Similar to wood as far as its species, bamboo has been gaining wild popularity as a flooring option. It’s very, very easy to maintain, as easy to install as regular hardwood, and will last you an exceptionally long time. Best thing is, it’s sustainable and only takes a few years to reach its full maturity. Again, much like the above, this material is available in a variety of colors, so you’re not limited to just one design or one style. Options are pretty endless in terms of bamboo’s versatility.

Along with its color variety, is its grain! You know how would may have a certain grain you like depending on the direction of it, or maybe the pattern of dark knots? Well, bamboo, more or less, acts the same. This is one of the reasons why this type of flooring is on the up-and-up! You’re able to make this flooring your own, customizing it to your wants and needs.

Eco-Friendly Concrete Flooring

Now, I’ve wrote about concrete flooring before, and I still think it’s crazy (in a cool way) that it has has slowly crept its way from commercial properties and into the confines of residential households. Usually, this sort of material is used as a sub-flooring, in which case people would just put tile or linoleum or hardwood for their floor. But, it’s 2017, and there are all kinds of things happening, so let’s run with the innovative ideas, shall we?

In all seriousness, concrete can be polish and tinted to make it look completely different than your standard slab of concrete. You can create tiles from it or design a cool pattern yourself using glass and mosaics to really give your style the emphasis you’d like. In any case, this material is extremely eco-friendly. No chopping up trees to lay these floors down. No. Sir.

It is in my extreme hopes that this post helped you realize that there are in fact some environmentally-friendly flooring options that have been tried and true, proving to be very sustainable, highly efficient, extremely durable in strength, and versatile in style and design to keep the options endless. We also have one of these materials in-store now at any of our two locations in Louisville and Cincinnati! I encourage you to give us a call or stop by soon to check out our Cork Flooring options and see if this eco-friendly material is right for you and your home. Until then, be safe and stay blesssed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

April 18, 2017

Eco-Friendly Flooring Ideas That Get the "Green" Light

There are many eco-friendly products that are made throughout the world that people choose to buy simply because of its roots, that the product they chose shied away from causing the world harm. Plastic bottles, food wrappings, and now, even vehicles have become a part of the side of consumerism that maintains an environmentally-conscious mind. Well, that also extends to home renovation products, as well! Today, I’m going to discuss three eco-friendly flooring options, including CORK, that are apt in both style and functionality, providing a classically unique look. Let’s dig in!

Eco-Friendly Cork Flooring

This material is relatively new to the world of flooring. Seriously, who would have thought that the thing you pop off to pour champagne or a glass of wine could – or – would ever be used to blanket the floors of a household. Fascinating, really. Anyway, cork is taken from the bark of a cork oak tree, which is commonly found in the Mediterranean forests. The best part about the process is that these lovely trees are not cut down to harvest this material – they are simply stripped. But even then, the bark regrows after three years, making cork a – you guessed it – renewable resource.

For this reason, it is undoubtedly my all time favorite as far as eco-friendly flooring options go. Crazy unique, visually stunning, and truly one-of-a-kind. What’s more is of its chemical properties! It has anti-microbial properties that reduces allergens, is fire-retardant, AND it repels insect. Seriously, though, can it get any better? Actually, yeah. With cork, you’re able to stain it, paint it, and make it any color you want so you’re not so limited. Lifespan of this material? It can last for up to 30 years with the proper maintenance, which by the way, is stupid low. Excellent product right here.

Eco-Friendly Bamboo Flooring

If you know anything about bamboo, you’ll know that it’s strong, intensely durable, and not one of those twigs you can just bust over your knee and walk away happily. Similar to wood as far as its species, bamboo has been gaining wild popularity as a flooring option. It’s very, very easy to maintain, as easy to install as regular hardwood, and will last you an exceptionally long time. Best thing is, it’s sustainable and only takes a few years to reach its full maturity. Again, much like the above, this material is available in a variety of colors, so you’re not limited to just one design or one style. Options are pretty endless in terms of bamboo’s versatility.

Along with its color variety, is its grain! You know how would may have a certain grain you like depending on the direction of it, or maybe the pattern of dark knots? Well, bamboo, more or less, acts the same. This is one of the reasons why this type of flooring is on the up-and-up! You’re able to make this flooring your own, customizing it to your wants and needs.

Eco-Friendly Concrete Flooring

Now, I’ve wrote about concrete flooring before, and I still think it’s crazy (in a cool way) that it has has slowly crept its way from commercial properties and into the confines of residential households. Usually, this sort of material is used as a sub-flooring, in which case people would just put tile or linoleum or hardwood for their floor. But, it’s 2017, and there are all kinds of things happening, so let’s run with the innovative ideas, shall we?

In all seriousness, concrete can be polish and tinted to make it look completely different than your standard slab of concrete. You can create tiles from it or design a cool pattern yourself using glass and mosaics to really give your style the emphasis you’d like. In any case, this material is extremely eco-friendly. No chopping up trees to lay these floors down. No. Sir.

It is in my extreme hopes that this post helped you realize that there are in fact some environmentally-friendly flooring options that have been tried and true, proving to be very sustainable, highly efficient, extremely durable in strength, and versatile in style and design to keep the options endless. We also have one of these materials in-store now at any of our two locations in Louisville and Cincinnati! I encourage you to give us a call or stop by soon to check out our Cork Flooring options and see if this eco-friendly material is right for you and your home. Until then, be safe and stay blesssed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

April 18, 2017

2017 Tile Trends You'll Go Crazy For

We’re three months into 2017, everyone, and I hope it’s going as well as you’d hope thus far. Winter is nearly behind us, and pretty soon, we’ll be setting our eyes upon the beginnings of one of my favorite seasons – Spring. And with a new year, new trends begin to pop up, and that doesn’t exclude designs and styles in the home renovation industry, right? Today, I’d like to specifically discuss tile trends for 2017.
Now, at Builders Surplus, we have a plethora of designs for your tile flooring needs, including, but not limited to polished porcelain, large format tile, and our lovely Daltile line. Not to mention, my personal favorite, wood-look tile. Elegant sleek feel of tile with the genuine appearance of wood. Exceptional. Alright, let’s look at what’s hot right now! Oh, look, this first one looks familiar…

Wood-Look Tile

A hot topic, indeed. But, honestly, no surprise here. Wood-look tile has been gripping homeowners across the nation for quite a few months now, and for good reason. It’s incredibly durable, maintaining the ability to withstand cracks, warps, dents, scratches, and chips. Perfect for those clumsy relatives you may have or turnt-up toddlers want to see what happens “when this glass meets that floor.”
Whatever the accident may be, wood-look will have you covered. What’s more is that you can install this tile anywhere. Yep, anywhere, including bathrooms. The material used in wood-look actually repels liquids. No more stains. No more mold. No more warping. That alone makes this style one of the finer tile trends of 2017, you know what I mean?

Hexagon-Patterned Tile

There’s just something about this design that has sparked a near insane interest in flooring departments everywhere. And, I get, ya know? When it comes to any designs, you must stick to what appeals to the eye. Sometimes regular patterns go amiss because of their standard square patterns, no matter how colorful or intriguing the tile is itself. But, you throw a bit of geometrical curvature down on the floor and you end up with something truly mesmerizing, extremely hard to miss, and downright jaw-dropping. Definitely makes the list for most exciting tile trends of the year.

Dark Tile

You know as well as I do that color is a primary element in any design. That statement continues to reign true through 2017, and now we’ve begun to see a piqued interest in darker tiles. If used correctly given the other elements in the room, a darker tile can exude relaxation and solace in a luxurious fashion. One of the more popular tile colors that we’ll see through the year is gray. It may seem like an ordinary, mundane color, but when used with other rich colors, you can get that relaxing, tranquil feel you’ve been looking for. Sidenote: Darker tiles are also obviously easier to clean. Just a plus on top of a plus.

Brick-Look Tile

Listen, I love the cobblestone look. Love it. It’s probably because of weird fascination with all things 18th century London, but there’s just something about walking across cobblestones that visually takes me across the Pond, holding a coffee, wearing a peacoat, and looking down the lines of cafes, wondering where I’m going to for a sip of tea and a crumb of a crumpet. But then again, maybe I’m not so weird because brick-look tile is one of the hottest tile trends to date and it exhibits the same feel.
People love this look because it’s different. It is far from your usual flooring. It’s a bit quirky, which for some is all the more reason, but it’s also a design that continues to amaze people. With that said, this design is not going anywhere fast. Expect it to be a hot commodity for some years to come.

Cement-Look Tile

Honestly, the all-encompassing hottest trend is flooring that looks like something it’s not. Wood-look, Brick-Look, and now, Cement-Look tile. It’s extremely endearing, folks. I’ve talked about it a few times in previous blog posts, but it’s just interesting to me that a material that is widely known for industrial purposes had made its way into people’s living room and hallways – in a glorious fashion.

Herringbone & Chevron Patterns

Another one that shouldn’t be much of a surprise. These patterns continue to “wow” people because of the inevitable. It WILL get your attention and nine times out of ten, you WILL like it. Now, yes it’s going to continue well into 2017, but I don’t expect this trend to last forever, honestly. It’s a pattern and once people start looking at the same thing for a long, extended period of time, well, they get bored. And then it’s onto the next attractive, more appealing design or pattern.

Well, everyone, keep your eye out for these colors, designs, and patterns for the months to come! I’m sure you’ll find that there’s a reason these characteristics continue to amaze everyone in the industry. What’s your favorite one of these 2017 tile trends? Feel free to leave a comment or let me know by sending me an email! And if you’re in the industry or you’re looking to install some new floors, come on into one of your two locations in Louisville or Cincinnati! Until then, be safe and stay blessed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

April 11, 2017

2017 Tile Trends You’ll Go Crazy For

We’re three months into 2017, everyone, and I hope it’s going as well as you’d hope thus far. Winter is nearly behind us, and pretty soon, we’ll be setting our eyes upon the beginnings of one of my favorite seasons – Spring. And with a new year, new trends begin to pop up, and that doesn’t exclude designs and styles in the home renovation industry, right? Today, I’d like to specifically discuss tile trends for 2017.
Now, at Builders Surplus, we have a plethora of designs for your tile flooring needs, including, but not limited to polished porcelain, large format tile, and our lovely Daltile line. Not to mention, my personal favorite, wood-look tile. Elegant sleek feel of tile with the genuine appearance of wood. Exceptional. Alright, let’s look at what’s hot right now! Oh, look, this first one looks familiar…

Wood-Look Tile

A hot topic, indeed. But, honestly, no surprise here. Wood-look tile has been gripping homeowners across the nation for quite a few months now, and for good reason. It’s incredibly durable, maintaining the ability to withstand cracks, warps, dents, scratches, and chips. Perfect for those clumsy relatives you may have or turnt-up toddlers want to see what happens “when this glass meets that floor.”
Whatever the accident may be, wood-look will have you covered. What’s more is that you can install this tile anywhere. Yep, anywhere, including bathrooms. The material used in wood-look actually repels liquids. No more stains. No more mold. No more warping. That alone makes this style one of the finer tile trends of 2017, you know what I mean?

Hexagon-Patterned Tile

There’s just something about this design that has sparked a near insane interest in flooring departments everywhere. And, I get, ya know? When it comes to any designs, you must stick to what appeals to the eye. Sometimes regular patterns go amiss because of their standard square patterns, no matter how colorful or intriguing the tile is itself. But, you throw a bit of geometrical curvature down on the floor and you end up with something truly mesmerizing, extremely hard to miss, and downright jaw-dropping. Definitely makes the list for most exciting tile trends of the year.

Dark Tile

You know as well as I do that color is a primary element in any design. That statement continues to reign true through 2017, and now we’ve begun to see a piqued interest in darker tiles. If used correctly given the other elements in the room, a darker tile can exude relaxation and solace in a luxurious fashion. One of the more popular tile colors that we’ll see through the year is gray. It may seem like an ordinary, mundane color, but when used with other rich colors, you can get that relaxing, tranquil feel you’ve been looking for. Sidenote: Darker tiles are also obviously easier to clean. Just a plus on top of a plus.

Brick-Look Tile

Listen, I love the cobblestone look. Love it. It’s probably because of weird fascination with all things 18th century London, but there’s just something about walking across cobblestones that visually takes me across the Pond, holding a coffee, wearing a peacoat, and looking down the lines of cafes, wondering where I’m going to for a sip of tea and a crumb of a crumpet. But then again, maybe I’m not so weird because brick-look tile is one of the hottest tile trends to date and it exhibits the same feel.
People love this look because it’s different. It is far from your usual flooring. It’s a bit quirky, which for some is all the more reason, but it’s also a design that continues to amaze people. With that said, this design is not going anywhere fast. Expect it to be a hot commodity for some years to come.

Cement-Look Tile

Honestly, the all-encompassing hottest trend is flooring that looks like something it’s not. Wood-look, Brick-Look, and now, Cement-Look tile. It’s extremely endearing, folks. I’ve talked about it a few times in previous blog posts, but it’s just interesting to me that a material that is widely known for industrial purposes had made its way into people’s living room and hallways – in a glorious fashion.

Herringbone & Chevron Patterns

Another one that shouldn’t be much of a surprise. These patterns continue to “wow” people because of the inevitable. It WILL get your attention and nine times out of ten, you WILL like it. Now, yes it’s going to continue well into 2017, but I don’t expect this trend to last forever, honestly. It’s a pattern and once people start looking at the same thing for a long, extended period of time, well, they get bored. And then it’s onto the next attractive, more appealing design or pattern.

Well, everyone, keep your eye out for these colors, designs, and patterns for the months to come! I’m sure you’ll find that there’s a reason these characteristics continue to amaze everyone in the industry. What’s your favorite one of these 2017 tile trends? Feel free to leave a comment or let me know by sending me an email! And if you’re in the industry or you’re looking to install some new floors, come on into one of your two locations in Louisville or Cincinnati! Until then, be safe and stay blessed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

April 11, 2017

PRO: Additional Options to Impress Your Clients

How’s it going, professionals? I hope business is well, and that you’re so slammed with jobs, you honestly don’t know what to do with yourself at the moment. It’s better to have an abundance of jobs than to be stressing where your next one will be, am I right? Today, I’d like to discuss a few options, quite literally, on how you can maintain repeating customers in your queue. You’ll do this by simply impressing your clients in a way that shows off your finesse as a master of your trade.
In essence, you’ll suggest options that may have been overlooked in the initial design and will hopefully having your customers so satisfied with your expertise that they’ll go to no one else but you during their next renovation. To do so, I’ll break it down by a number of categories – kitchen, bath, flooring, tile, and doors – and provide a suggestion that one, enhances the look of the design, and two, will make your customer very happy that they called you. Cause that’s what it’s all about, right?

Kitchen Options – Crown Moulding

It’s no secret that cabinets are a significant factor in any kitchen design. They’re essential for the appearance of the kitchen style, but also for functionality as well. Typically, larger families require more kitchen space, from both the countertops and cabinets. The trick is to blend both together, using aesthetics as well as how functional the cabinets are to produce a design that gives you the best of both worlds. Those two words in bold, two lines above are yet another way to enhance the look of the kitchen without your customer’s digging too deep into their wallets.
The Crown Moulding option is one that can COMPLETELY change the look of a kitchen. Yes, it’s that drastic. It makes the difference of your standard cabinet look to something more elegant, elaborate, and sophisticated. At a pretty low cost. There’s a wide variety of options, too. Everything from extremely intricate designs to simple, smooth beveled edges. Just throw it out as a suggestion, and let your customers determine if they like the look or not. But – and I’m willing to bet – they’ll appreciate the tip.

Bath Options – Backsplash

Ah, talk about an enhancement. A tiled backsplash in a kitchen is almost mandatory once you’ve installed a couple during bathroom renovations. It’s simply a lovely feature, and I have a theory on why that is. Bear with me here, but a design is only as good as the components that it’s made of. Let’s take the color aspect of it all. If the colors do not work, the design does not work. But if the colors mesh well with another then it becomes appealing to the eye. So, when it comes to a backsplash, it’s just another asset, or component, that helps blend in the colors in the design.
Plus, look at the materials you’re dealing with, vanity alone. You have the color of the vanity, the color of the countertop, the wall paint color, accessories, and so on…and then when you add a backsplash, it just pulls everything together to make something quite extraordinary. Once again, low on cost, relatively easy on install, and tremendous on appearance. I love this option. Your clients will, as well. Take a peek at our backsplash tile options on our website. We have a wide variety of styles and finishes that will accommodate a number if designs!

Flooring Options – Quarter Round

In the remodeling industry, as you know, you hear the phrase “finishing touches” multiple times in conversation. Putting in quarter round after you’ve installed the floor and finished trimming the room is simply one of those things you can do to really “complete” a room. That God awful gap between the base boards and the floor is simply not a good look, and yes, I know that some people are fine with it to lower costs, but the look is ten times better when it’s taken care of. Maybe twenty.
I’d definitely suggest this option if you’re renovating a wide, open area like a basement or something of that nature. Closets and storage rooms aren’t as important, but in rooms where there’s going to be a flow of traffic, where your clients will entertain their guests, and so on…this is an excellent option. It’s the dot on the ‘i’ and the cross on the ‘t’.

Tile Options – Decorative Mosaic

Out of all the options that I’ll list in this post, this is the one that I’d highly suggest. Especially if you’re installing a tiled shower or a backsplash. My father likes to call them “decos,” for short, and we’ve installed quite a bit of them for a number of clients. They absolutely love the look. To me, personally, I think it’s best exemplified in a stand-up, tiled shower. Placing them about eye level, the color blends (or contrast, if you prefer) just make it truly legit design.
Honestly, that’s as best as I can say it. It’s just a 100%, cool-as-all-get-out, bad@$$ design. Straight up. I implore you to at least suggest “deco” tiles when on your next tile job. It’s stunning. Simply stunning. Again, we have a vast amount of some of the finest design and trends in decorative mosaic tiles that one can ask for. Go take a look right here!

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Door Options – Custom Paint it

You have many of your standard colors out there to work with, it is true. But, if you want to really make a lasting impression, suggest to your client that they purchase a custom paint to finish of their door. It may seem a bit…quirky, sure, but I’m telling you, it’s effective. Last summer, one of my father’s longtime clients had us install an exterior door for them. The lady of the house wanted the front door to “pop,” so we went with this Canary Yellow color.
\And I’ll tell ya what, if I wasn’t almost blinded while about 50 times as I applied the paint. Super bright. Vivid. Distinct. At first, I thought these characteristics were faults, but once we installed it, and drove up on it for the first time, I began to appreciate its vivacity. It drew the eye, and to me, that’s what mattered most. Suggest a custom paint color, urge your client to think outside of the box, to have a one of a kind feature in a home that will make it entirely their own. Suggest these options, and watch the effects unfurl.

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are one of the leading providers of kitchen cabinets, tile, flooring, windows and doors in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design comes as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients, home improvement pros & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written by: Chris Chamberlain

April 7, 2017

What To Look For When Buying a Bathroom Vanity?

Maybe you’re on the last leg of a pretty extensive bathroom remodel, or you’re just looking for a quick fix, a sly change to satisfy your need to switch up a look that’s been spread out too long for your liking. In any case, it doesn’t matter why you’re out shopping, but what does are the particulars for what you’re shopping for. Today, I’d like to dive into what you should look for when you’re buying a bathroom vanity.

Bathroom Vanity Size

Obviously, this is important, right? We can’t be having a too-small or too-big cabinet just chillin’ in the bathroom, not properly installed. That’s simply preposterous. So, before you go out, you should have the proper measurements. It’s known that vanities come in standard sizes, so you should be okay for the most part. But, for example, if you’re looking for a vanity that accompanies his or her sinks, then you need to know the exact measurements for them. So on and so forth.

Bathroom Vanity Drawer Space

Arguably, the most important, in my opinion. If you’re anything like my girlfriend, you have loads of cosmetic supplies. Now, whether those supplies are necessary is subject for another blog post, and not one that I’d like to write in fear of her finding it, but I digress. Shop for a vanity that accommodates your any and every need. If it’s a family bathroom, you might need quite a bit of drawer space. And, please, don’t be fooled by the “dummy” drawers. You know, the ones that look like they pullout, but then you try and you silently curse yourself. Sometimes designs aren’t quite as functional as you’d like them to be.

Bathroom Vanity Color

It’s safe to say that your bathroom has a certain style, a certain theme that you’ve incorporated for the entire room. But even if it doesn’t, some vanity colors are just going too look better than others in a certain area. This especially goes for paint color. You’re not going to put a dark vanity in a purple bathroom, are you? Here, I’ll rephrase that, you shouldn’t. Seriously don’t. But when you’re shopping, keep the colors of your bathroom in mind. Please.

Bathroom Vanity Style

Now, going along with what I’ve mentioned before about adhering to the design of your bathroom, you should keep in mind the style. There are many types of vanity styles – traditional, contemporary, rustic, modern, you get the gist of it. Bottom line is, you don’t want clashing styles in a bathroom. It’s way too small of space, so it’ll be highly noticeable, eye-cringing, and just overall extremely problematic. ‘Tis a no-go.

Bathroom Vanity Versatility

Some wood materials that vanities have to offer are more versatile than others. For example, if you’re wanting to create a rustic look on your own, instead of buying it as is, then you’ll need to purchase one that has the right material. Most come in hardwood, manufactured wood, metal, or glass. Wood is obviously the go to choice for pulling of the rustic look, sanding the surface, antiquing and aging it. So, if you’re like me, and have the tendency to get bored with the same look over the years, make sure you choose a material that allows your creativity to thrive.

Bathroom Vanity Bathroom Fixtures

When I say fixtures, I’m encompassing an embodiment of accessories here. Sink faucet, soap dishes, lotion pumps, toothbrush holders – the whole nine. The trick of perfecting any look or any design is having the ability to have each element of the room blend beautifully and accentuate authentically. You’d like it to look like each piece was literally MADE for the room. With that said, think of everything you’d like to incorporate and adhere your bathroom vanity it. The result is exquisite. Trust me.

Alright, folks, there, written above, are six factors you should keep in mind as you shop for your bathroom vanity! I know it may seem like a lot to think about, but if you want to achieve the best look possible in your bathroom, you should probably adhere to it.

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of bathroom remodeling and spa bathroom design materials in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

February 28, 2017

5 Reasons to Work with Kitchen Designers

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Ya know, in my 25 years, I’ve learned a few very necessary things when it comes to learning about new concepts, ideas, or ideologies. This was especially the case when attending college, trying to acquire enough knowledge as I possibly could to generate good study material, take meticulous notes, so I could breeze through a Final or ensure that my 10-page paper included crisp, clear thoughts to get a certain message across. One of these highly necessary, often pivotal methods was knowing when and who to ask for help. It was easy for me to think that I could make straight A’s on my own, that I could push myself as an individual to fulfill the requirements it took to achieve that perfect score on an exam or essay. The same goes for planning your kitchen renovation. Sure, you may have what it takes to DIY it, from start to finish. But take note of your resources, the kitchen designers. During this post, I’ll explain why you should work with one.

Kitchen Designers Are The Experts

I’ll lead this heading by finishing my story from the intro: As I climbed that not-so proverbial hill (I studied at WKU) I learned that it was okay to reach for a hand or two, to ask for help even if I thought I had my head wrapped around a particular topic. Why? Because my professors were professional experts in the criteria that they taught, and I wasn’t going to let pride get in the way of an opportunity to pick their brains and gain a further understanding on the matter. The same goes for working with a kitchen designer. They are the experts. They know the in-and-outs of the industry like the back of their hand, and what’s more, they love to do it. Not just because it is their job, but because they want to make sure YOU, the client, can look back on the finished product with complete and total satisfaction, grinning from ear to ear. That is their grading scale, that is their lesson plan, that is how they are granted tenure. That last is proverbial, by the way.

Kitchen Designers Have The Vision

I know firsthand how difficult it can sometimes be to put a dream or what you’ve been envisioning for the past who-knows-how-long on paper or on a sketchbook. Fact of the matter is, not everyone has the capability to do this. You have some who have a plethora of ideas, but they’re not creatives, that is only to say, their mind doesn’t operate in which, say, an artist’s does or an architect. And, look, that is perfectly okay. Trust me, I’ve been working with my dad for over 15 years in the home remodeling industry, and we’ve come across multitudes of customers who express their interests in a kitchen or bath remodel or even a basement design, and when it comes time for the blueprints to meet the brain, they’re lost. And. It’s. O-kay. Then you have the people that are just naturally able to visually perceive another person’s vision. These are your kitchen designers. You tell them your thoughts, your ideas, maybe you’ve sketched it out on a pad or you’ve jotted down some measurements along with a little bit of detail. Then when you meet with a designer, they do exactly that, design your kitchen by drawing it out on the screen, so you can see exactly, precisely, what you’re looking at.

Kitchen Designers Know the Process

I’m not entirely sure if you’re familiar of how overwhelming the renovation process can be (no matter what area of the house it is), but it can get pretty stressful. There’s the initial planning, including finances, measurements, time frame, cost of material and labor, and many other aspects to it. When you talk to a kitchen designer, they have all the answers and resources to guide your hand 100% of the way. They’ll break it down for you, step-by-step, to ensure complete comprehension. Because, and let’s get something straight, this is your house, your dream, you are adding value to your biggest asset, your home. In knowing this, the kitchen designers want to make sure that the decisions you make are your own. You give them the info, and they merely smooth the pavement to perfection.

Kitchen Designers Have Patience

Ya know, sometimes being indecisive is a good thing, you know what I mean? If you don’t know exactly what you want, it just means that you’ve recognized the variety of a certain material or design, and you want to make sure that you’re married the one that’s installed. When you meet with a kitchen designer, you’re dealing with people who understand the vastness of design. Through and through. Now, that’s not to say that you should go into a meeting with absolutely nothing in mind – that would be counterproductive – but if you have some ideas on some parts of a renovation, but aren’t as clear in others, they can help you. They’re excellent communicators and have quite a gift at gauging people’s interests and, in turn, offering advice that cater to the wants and needs of a customer. I’m telling you, these people have GOT IT. That special spark to get you where you need to go. Essentially, they attempt to minimize the potential migraines.

FREE CONSULTATION

Yes. How often does that word come up in any industry without there being some sort of catch, a hitch in otherwise eloquent speech. I know, right? I’ll wait for your answer. But it’s true, at Builders Surplus, we offer a free kitchen design consultation. No hitch, no glitch, no taking your card, cash, or money order. None of that. Just a one-on-one with a professional who knows and completely understands this entire process. Like I’ve mentioned before, they want to help you make your dreams a reality. What better way to prove such a statement than to offer a sit-down free of cost? There isn’t one. I know, it seems a bit unbelievable, but you don’t have to take my 12-pt font word for it. You can see for yourself on our website, and more specifically, right here.

So, there you have it, folks. Five legitimate reasons why you should work with a kitchen designer. And they’re all true, hardcore basis in fact, and I assure you that if you use this resource wisely that you’ll come to appreciate the remodeling industry just a little bit more. Our kitchen designers are friendly, fun to work with, compassionate, and possess a grand knowledge of their niche. If you or someone you know is planning or has even mentioned a renovation, let them know that they can get a FREE design consultation at Builders Surplus. Scouts honor. And with that said, I hope to see you all in store at any one of our two locations in Louisville or Cincinnati! Until then, be safe and stay blessed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of granite countertops, quartz countertops and laminate countertops in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written By: Chris Chamberlain

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February 24, 2017

Our Top 2017 Kitchen Design Trends

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With the new year comes new trends, so today we’ll cover the 2017 kitchen design trends that everyone is talking about! You may love them or hate them, or a little of both, but either way, they’re here and they’re not going anywhere (at least for another year)!

2017 Kitchen Design Trends To Watch For:

White Cabinets

Yes, white cabinets are still here! And we love it. While this may not be a new trend, it’s one that is classy and trendy, making it a fan favorite. It’s hard to go wrong with white.

white-kitchen 2017 kitchen design trends

Wood planking

We can most likely thank Joanna Gains of HGTV‘s Fixer Upper for this one. This isn’t exactly your Grandma’s wood planking. White ‘Shiplap’ is a great way to add farm fresh character to your kitchen. One of my favorite 2017 kitchen design trends!

Terracotta & Natural Stone

Natural stone is a very classic look that dates back to ancient times, so needless to say it is one of those trends that can come in and out of style, but remains a long lasting look. I love it on floors and walls and there are so many ways to use it for a beautiful result! Ledge stone is always a great choice to get this look. Definitly a 2017 kitchen design trend to watch out for!

Brick Tile

I think it’s safe to say that I LOVE 2017’s kitchen design trends, because brick tile has been on my hot list all year. This is so beautiful on a backsplash, accent wall or the floor and can morph into whatever design style you’re going for. It can be country, modern, industrial, or traditional. Just find the best color of brick (we offer white, taupe and red) and the best application, and you’re ready for 2017!

Mixed and Matched

Two toned cabinets are another trend that is crossing over from 2016 to 2017. Upper cabinets are one color, lowers are another. You can even play around with door style! If you’re torn between two colors, don’t fret. Just get both!

Bold Colors

Emerald green, royal purple, bright blue can all be taken out of the paint palette and into your home this year! Bold kitchen cabinets are in. Check out Wellborn Cabinets‘ Color Inspire collection and get any color your heart desires! This is probably one to stay away from if you plan on reselling. Not everyone will be a fan, but that’s ok!

Marble

Granite countertops seem to be taking a backseat to marble this year! We definitly love marble, but it is a bit higher maintenance. You can always achieve the marble look with quartz countertops as well, which are more durable and don’t require sealing!

Black Cabinets

While white is still a top contender in 2017 kitchen design trends, black cabinets are definitly on the come up and deserve to be noticed! Black can be elegant and chic. Industrial or modern. It’s not always a warm and cozy look, but done the right way, it definitly can be. Do something different this year and take a walk on the dark side!

Extra Large Islands

Extra large islands are in this year, and it’s for good reason. Kitchen islands are a primary gathering place for families and friends, during the holiday season and all throughout the year. They offer additional storage space and prep space. Many offer an additional sink that allows two cooks in the kitchen without being on top of each other. The bigger the better in 2017!

Awesome Organizational Products

An organized kitchen makes for a happy cook. Today, it’s easier than ever to stay organized with all the amazing products on the market, especially for the price! You can get them built in to your custom cabinets, or they can be added after market and still give you the same look and function. Decide what you need most and BAM! You’re in business.

We hope you like our list of the top 2017 kitchen design trends! Any thoughts or trends to add on? Let us know in the comments below!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written By: Allie Bloyd

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February 17, 2017

A Comparison of Cabinet Wood Type

So you’re shopping for cabinets, huh? Maybe from Wellborn or Waypoint, and you’ve not quite figured out what kind of material you’d like to use in your kitchen or bathroom. Fact of the matter is, there are plenty of variations to choose from when it comes to cabinetry, one of the defining characteristics being wood type. Today, I’d like to list the several wood types that are available in cabinets and mention some of the qualities to give you a better of understanding of what you’re getting!

Red Oak Cabinet Wood Type

Oak, in general, is a very hard, heavy kind of wood, which often gives the impression of strength and durability. And in actuality, for such a solid, long-lasting cabinet wood type, it’s not as expensive as one might think. The course grain in this material often varies from vertical grain swoops to a more distinctive “swoop” pattern, providing more curvature in the grain. It’s an absolutely timeless material, for sure.
One of the main reasons why I prefer this material over others is it’s versatility. Choosing this material gives you the option of staining it to your fancy. Which, if you’re like me, and grow too accustomed to a certain look over a period of time, then this will be the way to go. A refreshing look is merely a couple stain coats away.

White Oak Cabinet Wood Type

White Oak is obviously very similar to its “red” counterpart, except for one bit – it’s a little stronger. With more golden tones, this wood type will give you the elegant look that you desire, and is literally perfect with any style. As pictured, White Oak is definitely more subtle in its grain. It seems softer, gentler than the red oak. I’d love to tell you that it’s similar in price, but the fact is, most times it’s only available in custom order.
I’ll say this much, too, a clear finish will brilliantly highlight the grain in this cabinet wood type. On the other hand, stain could possibly oversaturate it, exaggerating the grain, making it look kind of two-toned. Not a good look.

Maple Cabinet Wood Type

Maple gives you this lovely look of fine-grain with a gentle, light color. Now, it is slightly more expensive than oak, but it’s not near as dense. It can be stained, but in my opinion if you want to achieve the best look, simply apply a thin coat of clear or natural finish to enhance the texture of this wood type. Trust me, the effects are magnificent in Maple.
This look provides a more contemporary approach to your kitchen or bath remodel. It’s known as a shock-resistant material, as well, and is incredibly durable. It takes paint like a breeze, too! Very versatile, and it’s made to withstand great temperatures and won’t crack or warp like some other materials may do. Sidenote: Because of the aforementioned, this material is quite popular for heavier cabinetry, such as dressers and kitchen cabinets.

Hickory Cabinet Wood Type

Lighter than oak, but very, very similar in grain pattern and durability. It’s one of the strongest, hardest woods out there! There’s a sort of yellowish hue to it, almost creamy, and where it can also be stained, this material (much like Maple) is better suited with a fine layer of clear coat or natural finish. This is simply to emphasize the wonderful grain lines.
I’m a sucker for them, so I’ll be going that route each and every time. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right? More often than not, this material has been used to achieve that lovely rustic style. Because of this, it’s rarely seen as a custom or semi-custom cabinetry. It also needs to be noted that where this type is usually seen with a creamy color, it can also be seen in a dark reddish brown color OR nearly black. Dark hickory is 100% a favorite of mine.

Cherry Cabinet Wood Type

This material is hard enough to withstand a number of mishaps. Attention parents, if you have little ones running around your kitchen, this material just might be the one for you. It can be used for a number of styles, but is more commonly seen as elegant and formal as a traditional style. Although, there is some versatility to it. I’ve seen this wood type achieved magnificently in contemporary kitchen designs.
One of the absolute best qualities of this cabinet wood type is how it literally ages in time, growing darker with the days. Yes, just like fine wine, the unique look deeps through the years. Now, this type is a bit costly, mind you, which is why it’s often seen as a “luxury” wood.

Birch Cabinet Wood Type

A fine, fine, durably built wood that is slightly darker than maple, but not by much. It takes finishes very well, and is versatile in that it can guise as a more luxurious wood with a few, simple tweaks. When it’s stained properly, the look can do wonders, disguising as a Maple or Cherry wood type. Because of it’s irregular color, birch is relatively inexpensive. In fact, it’s 25-75% cheaper than other types like cherry or maple.

Pine Cabinet Wood Type

Ah, now here’s one that sits apart from the rest. Pine is the ONLY softwood species that is commonly used in cabinetry. Because of this, it dents more easier than the others. Definitely not impenetrable, this one. Interestingly enough, this wood type is often used for rustic pieces, like farmhouse-style tables and chairs. If you’ve ever been to Cracker Barrel, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. And now I’m thinking about biscuits and gravy. Excellent.
It’s low-cost, takes paint well, but where some might say it’s perfect for kids’ furniture, I beg to differ. Kids can be a rowdy bunch, especially in the playroom, and this material simply isn’t built for that kind of debauchery. Just throwin’ that out there.

Okay, people, there’s seven of the most commonly used cabinet wood types found in kitchen and bath cabinetry. As you can see, the majority of them get an A for durability, which should be a significant factor in your decision-making process! I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that we offer some fine cabinetry here at Builders Surplus that features these amazing cabinet wood types. Come check out what we have, and we would be glad to offer our professional advice during a free kitchen design consultation. Until the, be safe, stay blessed, and enjoy 2017!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

February 7, 2017

MADE IN THE US: One Reason to Love Wellborn Cabinets

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Admit it, when you purchase an item from a store and see the “Made in the U.S.” tag, it kinda sorta makes you feel good about your purchase, doesn’t it? I’d venture to say it’s solely because you know that you’ve just supported a company that has its roots instilled in the soil you walk on. It is a homegrown, homemade product that you’ve bought with your hard earned cash. As is the cycle of our nation’s system, and so therefore, you boost the economy, further benefitting businesses locally AND nationally.

This is why, and I’m sure you know, there’s been an influx in buying locally and supporting companies that manufacture goods in America. This is not to say that you don’t condone or intentionally not seek to benefit foreign exchange, but it’s good to know when your money is circulating within the confines of your nation. Simple as that. And that is yet another reason we love Wellborn Cabinets! They’re made right here in the U. S. of A. Today, I’d like to talk a little bit about these homemade cabinets, detailing some history, and why they’re such a hot commodity at our stores.

About Wellborn Cabinets

The Wellborn family have owned and operated Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., since 1961. Think about it, that’s more than fifty years of success! Any business that makes it past the 50-year mark absolutely has a timeless product, in my opinion. You simply don’t make it that far without providing customers a timeless, durable product. The company was originally founded by Paul and Doug Wellborn, and they’re located in the Deep South, in Ashland, Alabama. Their primary goal is a prime reason for their lengthy success. In their website, their goal is “to provide kitchen and bath cabinets crafted by dedicated Wellborn employees with the utmost quality and care.”

The company had humble beginnings, starting out in a 3,200 sq. ft (holy smokes) building that manufactured cost-effective kitchen and bath cabinets and specialized in kitchen and bath contract sales for government-financed housing. Thirty five years after its inception, Paul Wellborn bought the entire company, became the sole owner, and switched up the Wellborn Cabinet clientele, focusing primarily on residential kitchen and bath dealers. Since then, the company has expanded its reach in both size and product selection, branching out to 6 product lines. In present day, Paul and the Wellborn family manufacture the company cabinets from start to finish in a 2,000,000 sq. ft. (pick up your jaw) facility in Ashland. Their tagline reads: Wellborn Cabinet, Time Tested, Quality Craftsmanship…Your Whole Home Solution. In essence, this company is about their business, and they are NOT playing around. You have to appreciate this kind of dedication.

Wellborn Cabinets – Made in the U.S.A.

Like I explained before, it’s nice knowing the products you purchase are made here in this great nation. Wellborn Cabinets knows this, and they’ve dedicated their work to keep producing that same quality throughout its history. Their facility completely controls quality from the timber that arrives from the sawmill to the finished cabinet. This, as they say, will ensure you of a premium, quality cabinet. 100% Guaranteed. Also, this company is listed on numerous Made in America/USA websites with other manufacturers who also produce their products here, including MadeinUSA.com, KeepitUSAmade.com, and Backintheusa.us.

Wellborn Cabinets Go Green

This company is in line with a heavy commitment to our environment and for good reason, right? Their website states, “environmental stewardship has been part of Wellborn’s culture since the beginning. This responsibility has always been about more than just words and has been proven through decades of actions, investments, and practices.” Here’s another little tidbit that I find equally as fascinating: Wellborn has recycling programs that utilize wood waste to generate power and steam and continue to lower Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions through technology. In fact, the energy they gain from waste powers hear for 5, 124 homes in one year. That’s incredible.

The company “utilizes steam from from the wood fired co-generation plant in the dry kilns, heating ovens, and paint room. The process saves approximately 300,000 (MCF) thousand cubic feet of natural gas annually, a non-renewable energy source, by using collected shavings. They also partner with their contributors to further their environmental practices! This, as they say on their page, is why you’ll find the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program seal on their cabinetry. It’s clairvoyantly clear that this company has pushed themselves in the right direction towards a better future, perfecting their practices for a safer, cleaner environment. It is as their “Green” page states, “For Our Planet – Today, Tomorrow and Always” and “For the Future of Our Children.” I’m not quite sure you can find a more giving or environmentally-conscious company than this one, folks.

And there you have it, folks, a company that prides itself on being born right here in the U.S.A. They’re committed, focused, detail-oriented, and have a persistent drive to manufacture a quality product to produce lasting, satisfied smile, and all in an environmentally-safe way. You can’t make up this kind of genius, y’all. I urge you to the utmost degree to check these guys out when you consider doing a kitchen or bath remodel. As I’ve detailed above, you will not be disappointed. In the slightest. Until next time, everyone, be safe, and enjoy this new year! Stay blessed!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written By: Chris Chamberlain

Want to learn more about kitchen & bath remodeling?

January 23, 2017

Simple Additions to Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets

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Today we’re going to cover some simple ways to upgrade your kitchen cabinets. You also may be thinking of some ways to spruce up an area or two, you know, to really make a lasting impression. Since the kitchen is one of the main focal points during any time, and not just the holidays, I’d like to discuss some additions you can make to your kitchen cabinets that are easy, quick, and make a real difference!

Crown Moulding

It is with no surprise that this finishing material makes the list because they are created to serve this particular purpose – to inexpensively give an elegant appearance. Best part is, you’re not limited to just one design or fashion. You can make it simple, using crown moulding that has a few beveled edges OR you can crazy elaborate like the one pictured below. Whatever suits your fancy, really. Installation is easy, and the look will really enhance the design on your kitchen cabinets. Trust me.

Glass-Paneled Cabinet Doors

I really like this look. To me, it makes the kitchen seem more open, you know what I mean? Installing glass-paneled cabinet doors gives your kitchen design more depth. You can show off some fancy china, decorative plates, or maybe your quirky collection of coffee cups. Either way, this addition is for everyone. It’s a cool way to give your cabinets a bit more character, as opposed to a variety of solid doors.

Cabinet Scribe

Purely for aesthetics as opposed for functionality, this little finishing piece does wonders for the look of your kitchen cabinets. It is installed at the edge of the cabinet where it meets the wall, and is used to hide any gaps that may appear. This, people, is as simple as it gets, and it makes a monstrous difference. Scribe is just one of those pieces that gives your cabinets that complete, finished look. You can look back afterwards, and finally say, “Yes. My job here is done.”

Cabinet Toe Kicks

Similar to the aforementioned, this finishing piece is pretty much just for the eye. Toe Kicks are used to cover the space between the floor and the cabinet, and once again just appeases the eye. It’s a quick install, and really changes the appearance, especially in terms of your kitchen flooring. Sometimes, it’s the little things that pack the most punch, for sure.

Cabinet Hardware

Ah, my favorite addition to make this list. Cabinet hardware, to me, really sets the tone of your kitchen cabinets for a couple of reasons. One, with the many variations and styles of hardware, you’re able to really choose and hone in on how you want your cabinets to look. It’s a prime opportunity to make your kitchen unique, in your image. Now, we have some prime names in-store that will really do wonders for your kitchen cabinets. Traditional pieces, contemporary, rustic, “Old World” styles and many more are available, so please feel free to come in and see first-hand. Until then, you can check out our brands including Jeffrey Alexander, and some of our special buy hardware options!

There you have it, folks. Five simple, quick-install additions that will leave a lasting impression to whomever enters your kitchen! I hope this post helped you in every way possible, and you’ve gained at least a little inspiration to rise and DIY today! Until then, have a Happy Thanksgiving, eat as much as you can, and take the best nap you’ve ever had. Stay safe, and be blessed.

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation! Written By: Chris Chamberlain

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January 12, 2017

2016 Design Review: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Well, it’s been an interesting year! Definitely one for the books, I’d say. But we’ll hone it in during this post and talk about a design review, as opposed to crazy elections, erupting riots, and Pokemon Go. We’ll just leave that for the media to handle. So, allow me to list a few designs for you, the best and the worst during this past year, what worked and what, well, just didn’t.

Design Review: The Good

Reclaimed Wood: If you ask me, this look is simply timeless. Making wood look aged and antiqued isn’t just fun to do, but the product is pretty satisfying as well. Unique-looking, this style has definitely made a name for itself this past year, and we can only hope that it’ll stick around.

Black Window Frames: Most window frames that you see are limited in color. You have your gentle whites and maybe an almond or two that you’ll come across, but in 2016, darkening the frames turned out to be aesthetically pleasing. And I have to say, I love the look. It makes the window a focal point, which is perfect for a craftsman or contemporary window.

Minimal design: No surprise here, right? One of the hottest trends this past year was the subtle hints of no design at all. Playing with neutral, light colors only and not making an area look “too busy.”

Use of concrete: This trend took 2016 by storm! Before, concrete was seen as more of an industrial material, seen mainly in factory warehouses or other commercial properties, but not anymore. One of the hottest styles in the kitchen world right now are concrete countertops. Having the ability to shape and mold your own working space has piqued many people’s interests across the nation. The picture below is from Kelly Moore, author of blog The Journey of Bags, Photography, Life & Moore. You can check out the original post here.

Glass tile: Most notably in backsplashes, glass tile became a huge hit, bumping ceramic tile to the wayside in this design review.

Design Review: The Bad

Stainless Steel Appliances: I’m only 25, but I can still remember stainless steel appliances being the IN thing when I was a kid. Apparently, it was similar to that of having a Mercedes in the drive at the time – if you had it, it meant “you made it.” Well, that’s no longer the case anymore. These appliances are have run its course, mainly because of how limited you are with the rest of your design.

Copper Lighting: I’ve never much cared for copper as a finish to begin with, although I can see where some would find it appealing. For those that do adore this sleek, shiny (maybe a bit too shiny) finish, it seems that it’s being put to the back burner as a design trend.

Mason Jars: This is definitely more of an interior design trend than anything, but I couldn’t agree with it more. Can we please stop using mason jars as design props to set around the house? At first, I’ll admit, it was an interesting idea. Gave the scenery an old-fashioned, borderline rustic look that made a house feel like a home. But, like many trends, it’s been overdone, and therefore also receives the boot on this list. Sorry, moonshiners.

Chevron: Ah, another design that people went crazy for, but has become so prominent, it’s getting overwhelming. Now, having been to college, I’ve seen this a lot. Like, a lot a lot, and honestly, the look just makes me cringe a bit now. In any case, the design has been deemed “out” by many interior designers and big-time, major home remodeling resources like Houzz. Bye, bye Chevron.

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written by: Chris Chamberlain

December 29, 2016

Unique DIY Touches For Your Kitchen Island

It goes without saying that a kitchen island can be one of the most prominent features in the entire design, and not because it’s literally right in the middle of everything, although that plays its part. This feature simply opens up an array of possibilities in terms of design and functionality. Today, I’d like to discuss a few DIY options that will make your kitchen island stand out in a very positive way!

Add Beadboard to your Kitchen Island

Adding this sorta subtle piece of decor gives your island a certain edge, a certain feel to it instead of plain ole cabinetry faces. The vertical lines give the island a grander appeal when one enters the kitchen, too. Keep in mind, you can also paint beadboard the color that you’d like, adhering it your overall design and style.

Using Reclaimed Wood on your Kitchen Island

Simply put, this looks is as legitimate as it gets. Seriously, no joke. Especially if you’re going for the rustic, antiqued look. It adds a certain flavor to the design, piquing an irresistible interest. If you’re looking for a simple way to give your island that well sought after rustic look to compliment your kitchen, I definitely recommend this idea.

Install Hooks on your Kitchen Island

Cause why not, right? You have this lovely island just chillin’ in the center of your kitchen, so I think it’s only fitting that you use it for storage! Duh. Put some hooks or some dowels at the edge of your island to hang coffee mugs, towels, and such. I feel like this gives the kitchen island more of a homey, comfortable look, you know what I mean? Not only does it look neat and it’s extremely useful, but it adds to the organizational element of your kitchen, giving you maximum functionality. This…is an excellent idea.

Add Shelves to your Kitchen Island

Much like the above, this is just another easy way to give yourself some more storage space or decorate it the way you’d like and put knick-knacks and sentimentals on them to make the design your own. Either way, no one has ever complained about extra shelving. Ever. Sidenote: Another great idea. Just saying.

Set Some Stools Around your Kitchen Island

If you have the room, then I supremely suggest this! It may not seem like such an addition at first, but wait till that first huge Sunday breakfast or when it’s your turn to host the Thanksgiving party, and you’ll begin to see its beneficial uses. Plus, it’s just as I explained in the intro, it’s simply a nice touch.

So, there you have it, folks. Just a few ideas to get the gears rolling! Just remember to never reject the opportunity to make the style of your home your own. It’s your niche, your sanctuary, and if it makes you happy, do it. You want a complete baby blue kitchen island? Do it. You want an entire island made out of Legos? Get it done. There is no bounds to your creativity, y’all. Embrace it…and use it. Also, I wasn’t kidding about the Lego island.

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of granite countertops, quartz countertops and laminate countertops in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!
Written By: Chris Chamberlain

December 16, 2016

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