Here we have a very unique tile designed with a technology called optical thin films made by Modona Glassware.  This tile changes color based on three different elements: light, angle it's viewed from, and what texture is used in designing the tile you desire.  It will add a unique element to any kitchen or bathroom remodeling project.

Carrie Fazio, a nationally recognized designer, created a collection of four distinct groups of tile to choose from and manufactured out of Upstate New York.  Her design in tile has brought a radical new design element in interior and exterior spaces.

This tile really is quite amazing due to its technology.  The contrast in color adds so much more character to any space, especially in a very lit area.  If you're interested in using this product, take a peek at their website to get the full spectrum of colors and designs.

Showing off a remodeled portion of your home is important and easy when you have the right lighting to showcase the value of the remodeled area.  Sometimes updating recessed lighting is all that's needed to enhance the new look of your home. 

We are featuring a very simple Pendant Light with coordinating metal cage made by Del Mar.  This light fixture has a beautiful amber glass shade and antique bronze finish that is just perfect for a craftsman-style home.  This is just one of the many fixtures to choose from. 

Regardless of the extent of your kitchen remodel, it's always critical to use light to show it off.  Let Tri-Lite Builders help you choose a new lighting design to illuminate the style that belongs specifically to your home!

Now that the new year has arrived, I thought it would be a good time to share my views on the top remodeling trends for 2011. This year has been challenging for homeowners and remodelers alike. The good news is that although progress is slow, remodelers across the valley say that things are looking up.

Homeowners are looking to the New Year with a renewed sense of optimism about remodeling their homes. Home prices have stabilized and the economy is moving in a more positive direction. Astute remodeling contractors have found ways to lower their overhead and pricing to be competitive during the recession.  Many people think that 2011 will the best time we have seen in years to remodel a home.

The number one trend in 2011 remodeling will be expanded use of creativity by homeowners and remodelers as a team. The use of design build remodelers will continue to expand due to their holistic approach to balancing both design and budget

The focus will be on creative use of existing space and moderate sized additions. The use of color as a way to define space and bring out architectural features will continue to gain popularity. Kitchens will be made over to be brighter, open and less formal. Granite and quartz continue to be the countertops of choice, but soapstone is emerging as a unique alternative for an earthier feel in a solid surface countertop. Many kitchen and bathroom remodels will include cost effective techniques to recycle or renovate features rather than replacing everything.

Formal spaces in the home will be repurposed by opening up existing walls and creating more usable family centered space. Many people will find that their home can take on a whole new feel and function by reorganizing the seldom used formal open floor plan, living and dining rooms. 

Master suites and bathrooms will also be designed around how we live our lives, with less focus on over the top extravagance.  By focusing more on function and reasonable scale over flash, home remodels will have the feel and features we want without unsustainable budgets.

Integrating home energy performance improvements with various types of remodeling projects will continue to grow in popularity due to their positive return on investment. Homeowners are discovering that advances in building science have illustrated that there are numerous cost effective adjustments that can be made to their homes during a remodel.  These adjustments and repairs will improve their energy bills and make their homes more comfortable at the same time.

An excellent resource for perspective on remodeling in 2011 can be found in Sarah Susanka's book "Not So Big Remodeling. Sara is an Architect and bestselling author. She has been a proponent of designing and building living space that is more in line with how we live our lives. Her earlier book on home building "The Not So Big House" has led the trend away from building homes that are built for show instead of function.

Her longstanding focus on remodeling better instead of bigger will be the perfect homeowner perspective for 2011 for homeowners in Phoenix AZ and the surrounding communities of Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Sun City, Glendale and Peoria Arizona.