The CKD Blog
Where Sarah, and sometimes Steve, share design projects, renovation advice, and other project-related insights.
How to Find the Right General Contractor
To help you find the right person for your home industry project — regardless of whether you’re in Florida — I’m sharing the top questions you should ask your general contractor before hiring. I’ll include what to look for in the answers, how to spot red flags, and other important insights…
How to Create a Budget for Your Kitchen Renovation
Investing wisely in a kitchen renovation is essential — in quality, functionality, and of course, style you love. So, how do you build a budget for your kitchen renovation? And when should you start? I’ll be answering those questions and more in this post…
The 1st Thing to Do if You’re Considering a Kitchen Reno
The single best thing you can do at the outset of your renovation is… Hire an interior designer. If you’re surprised, rest assured that the rest of this blog post is going to shed some light on what designers do that is so important — essential, even — to your project’s success…
7 FAQs to Know Before You Renovate Your Kitchen
You’ve finally decided to say goodbye to dated kitchen finishes and a not-so-functional floor plan. Exciting! But now, your mind is probably racing with questions, ideas, and maybe even concerns. Let’s talk about 7 things to know before you start your kitchen renovation…
Why Should You Hire a Design-Renovate Firm?
As a design-renovate firm, our specialty is designing and renovating existing spaces. We love blending creativity, experience, and problem-solving skills to transform dated floor plans into beautiful homes designed for modern-day living. Today, I’m sharing all the benefits of working with a design-renovation firm…
The Coastal Reno: 5 Incredible, Built-In Kitchen Features
A couple of weeks ago, we revealed The Coastal Reno, our latest kitchen remodel with a coastal vibe. We completely renovated the kitchen from a dark, dated, and closed-off space to a beautiful open kitchen filled with natural light. Today, we’re sharing the 5 must-have kitchen features we included in our client’s home. If your kitchen is missing any of these, you may feel inspired to add them to your wish list!
The Coastal Reno: A Colorful Kitchen Remodel in Milton
Since moving to the Emerald Coast, Steve and I have taken on some dramatic kitchen remodels, and this coastal home transformation didn’t disappoint. This project required serious problem solving and creativity, which we took in stride. Stay tuned for the beautiful project reveal…
How to Renovate & Keep the Original Character of a Historic Home
Purchasing a historic home requires more than just the “fix and flip” mentality, especially if you want to honor the home's history. True, a quick fix may seem appealing, but over time, any issues that were covered up will resurface. And a historic home usually has A LOT. This is why Steve and I refer to what we do as renovating for resale. Not flipping…
Magdalene’s in Gulf Breeze: Design with a Cause
Having led our own family-run business for decades, I’m always on the lookout for ways to support other local businesses and artists in the Gulf Breeze area. So when a friend at church mentioned a nearby shop, Magdalene’s Gifts and Gatherings, and their unique cause, I knew I needed to check it out…
3 Easy Ways to Update Your ‘90s Home
The ‘90s have come and gone, and these days, our tastes and preferences have evolved to new heights. Now (if you’re anything like our clients), I’m guessing you dream about open, bright, airy rooms with functional, livable space. We all want more room to breathe and live! If you’re ready to embrace the 21st century, but your home is still sporting retro features, I have some ideas for you…
7 Ways to Transform Your Tuscan Style Kitchen
Does your Tuscan style kitchen say, “Old World charm?” With wine country motifs, dark hardware, and heavy earth tones, you may feel ready to trade the beige for a bright and airy space. But where do you start? Today, I’m sharing 7 ways to update your old-world-style kitchen…
The 1940s Fixer Upper: New Kitchen, Bedrooms & Bathrooms
We’re back at the 1940s Fixer Upper and ready to take you inside this newly redesigned home, including the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Come take a peek…