It’s a classic case of the post-holiday winter blahs. A sure-fire cure is a warm island getaway. Unfortunately, we can’t send all five of our loyal readers to a tropical island paradise, but we can offer plenty of suggestions for bringing the island to you.

We’re talking about kitchen islands – we are remodeling guys, after all. Kitchens have long been the central gathering place in our homes. Parties always end up in the kitchen, as well as craft projects, homework, bill paying … you name it. All this togetherness can be overwhelming if space is cramped, but it also can be wonderful if you incorporate a thoughtfully designed, fully functional island as the central hub of activity.

If you’re thinking of adding an island to your kitchen, here are some suggestions to increase its functionality:

» Meet your needs: It’s important that the design of the island meets your lifestyle needs. If you cook and entertain a lot, then consider adding a seating area, a second sink with disposal and a mini-beverage refrigerator and built-in icemaker for mixing drinks. If you bake, work on craft projects or your kids do their homework in the kitchen, then allow ample counter space to spread out. Also consider unique under-counter storage solutions, pull-out recycling drawers and extra electrical outlets for smaller appliances or laptop computers.

» The right size: Make sure your island is big enough to serve your needs, but not so large that it’s difficult to move around. Allow a 36- to 60-inch clearance space to pull out stools and 42- to 48-inch work aisles to avoid traffic jams. When it comes to counter height, there are one- and two-level options. A two-level counter top can hide messes, create a seating area at true bar height.

On the other hand, a single-level counter provides a much larger work surface, which also makes the entire kitchen space feel larger and more open. We’ve seen a surge in the popularity of single-height islands, and we’ve replaced several small islands that offered ridiculously little counter space.

» Have fun with finishes and lighting: Counters and cabinets don’t have to match the rest of the kitchen. In fact, contrasting finishes create visual interest in the room and emphasize the island as the central gathering point. Overhead lights, such as colorful pendants, also showcase the island. In addition, they offer practical task lighting and add personality to the space.

So the next time a party guest asks, “What can I do to help?,” give them a job without worrying about too many cooks in the kitchen.

Who needs a tropical paradise when you have a kitchen island, right? OK, that might be a stretch, but it does make winter a little more bearable when you gather with family and friends around your new island. And if that’s not enough, we bet that helpful party guest will make you a little drink with an umbrella in it.

Click here to see our Building Solutions  column in The Coloradoan.

Based on the studies for the Denver region, you can expect the highest return on investment from these five home-remodeling projects:

#5 Minor Kitchen Remodel

At a 71.2% recovery rate, this might be our favorite pick, because hey, who doesn’t love a gorgeous kitchen?! This percentage covers a surface area of 200 square feet and 30 linear feet of countertops and cabinets. The study tags this bill at $19,150, incorporating new cabinet fronts (leaving the box frames); a new wall oven and cooktop (energy-efficient); new laminate countertops, sink and faucet; new trim, wall coverings and new flooring into the costs.

#4 Attic Bedroom Remodel

While you’re doing your annual spring cleaning, it might be worth your while to consider converting some storage space into a living space. According to Remodeling magazine, turning your attic into a bedroom will not only add living space, but you’ll recuperate over 71.5% of your investment. This project includes adding a 15×15-foot bedroom and 5×7-foot bathroom to your home. Built into the costs, which fall in around $46,000, the attic remodel would include four new windows, closet space, carpeting, extending the HVAC to the new room, electrical, finished walls, etc.

#3 Window Replacement (vinyl)

Thinking about how much new windows do for a home, it’s no surprise that window replacement is #3 on the list. Quality windows have quite a few benefits, the biggest of those being lower heat and cooling costs–not to mention good ol’ sunshine pouring into your house. For under $8000 you can swap out 10 windows (3×5-feet, double hung) for insulated window replacements and recuperate 71.7% of the investment in home value.

#2 Deck Addition (wood)

To say that we have an outdoorsy culture here in Colorado is an understatement. So, seeing that decks, the home of barbeque grills, hot tubs and all things summer, have the second best recuperation rate puts a big smile on our faces. Building a new wood deck about 16×20-feet will fall in at over 75% recuperation! The study tallies costs for this project just under $10,000 and includes pressure-treated joists, concrete piers that anchor 4×4 posts, pressure-treated boards, a built-in bench and planter, stairs, railing and more.

#1 Siding Replacement (fiber-cement)

Did the winter take its toll on your home’s exterior? Well, it’s a good time to think about new siding. With a a 77.3% rate, new siding tops the charts as the #1 item for ROI in property value. This accounts for 1,250 square-feet of siding and trim using either PVC or fiber-cement boards. Averaging just over $13,000 in costs, you can have a gorgeous home exterior and lose only 22.7% of your investment. Take that, Jack Frost.

Click here to see Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs Value report.

This year, HighCraft teamed up with 97.9FM Big Country to outdo last year’s food drive and help Big Country with their Quarter-Million Can Crusade. Thanks to Big Country and all of the wonderful people who stopped by with food donations, HighCraft Builders was able to deliver 557 lbs. of food to the Food Bank. Incredible!

Our small food drive is just a sample of how much we can accomplish when people band together for a common goal. We’d like to thank those of you who took the time out of your day to come by the HighCraft office to drop off food for the less fortunate. For those of you who haven’t had the chance to drop off your donations yet, don’t fret. We’re still collecting change for the Food Bank’s Kids Cafe, and you can still contribute to Big Country’s food drive or donate your goodies directly to the Food Bank for Larimer County.

Click here to read learn more about foods that qualify for donation. Happy holidays!

There might be more than a few folks out there who find it hard to describe the lavatory as a warm and cozy place to hang out. Who can blame them? With the abundance of tile, metal and porcelain surfaces, a bathroom can feel downright chilly during colder months. In fact, we’re getting goose bumps just writing about it.

But there are plenty of things you can do to transform your bathroom from a dash-in, dash-out icebox to a warm, inviting retreat.

First, properly winterize the space. Take the chill out of your bathroom by sealing around any leaky windows with silicone caulk or weather stripping. Lined curtains and heavy blinds also add another layer of insulation between you, your window and the elements.

Next, add some heat. This time last year we wrote a column showcasing the growing popularity of oversized walk-in showers with all the bells and whistles, including multiple shower heads, rain bars, thermostatic temperature controls and steam features. A steam shower wraps you in warmth by capturing heat and steam for a true sauna or spa-like effect. Just remember that steam units require floor-to-ceiling water-proof walls, a ceiling finished with impervious material and a good fan to exhaust all the steam once you’re done showering.

To avoid the arctic chill that hits most of us as we step out of the shower and onto a freezing floor, consider installing a heated floor system. In-floor heating types include radiant, water-heated and electric pad systems installed directly under flooring materials like tile or stone. Take comfort and relaxation a step further by adding a fire feature such as a natural gas fireplace or biofuel element.

New infra-red heat lamp technology uses smaller, longer-lasting bulbs, which produce instant heat with the flick of a switch. Last, but certainly not least, install heated towel bars, which include wall-mounted, free standing, hard-wired or plug-in models. We recommend hard-wired wall-mounted versions for increased safety.

Finally, consider adding more textural and visual warmth to your bathroom. Thick, plush rugs add a warm, comfortable layer between toes and cold flooring. Although they obviously won’t affect the actual temperature, rich wood tones and warm paint colors make spaces appear warmer.

The same visual trick applies to ambient lighting and candles, which produce a warm, yellow glow. Candle scents like vanilla and spice often trigger kitchen associations in our mind. When we think kitchen, we often think of the warmth associated with cooking, baking and the hearth.

Bottom line, if your bathroom is pegged as the coldest room in the house, then warm up to the idea of making a few simple changes to make it more comfortable and inviting.

Click here to check out our Coloradoan Column.

You may have heard that HighCraft Builders is in the middle of its third annual Holiday Food Drive to benefit the Food Bank for Larimer County. Well, we couldn’t resist helping the Food Bank with another wonderful and worthwhile cause. Working with the Food Bank and ToothZone, a dental care facility for children and teenagers, we’ll be collecting loose change (and cash, of course) for Kids Cafe, the child-focused branch of the Food Bank.

ToothZone was kind enough to provide a change jar for us and we’ll be collecting donations through December 31. The great thing about working with the Food Bank is that you get a whole lot of bang for your buck. Thanks to the Food Bank’s affiliation with Feeding America, one dollar can be stretched to feed four children with a meal made from scratch. That’s a quarter per plate! George Washington has never been so useful.

If you’re really feeling the holiday spirit, just think of how many meals a five or ten-dollar donation can provide. It’s truly amazing how quickly we can fill the bellies of children in need if we all give a little.

We’re excited to be a part of this great cause–especially during the holidays. So, if you’re in the downtown area stop by our office and pitch in!

We always appreciate the time, energy and talent that goes into the prep and cleanup of home-cooked meals. Thanksgiving dinner just kicks that appreciation up a notch, and it makes us think about ways to make cooks happier in the kitchen.

We’ve been in the construction business for more than 20 years, so we understand that good tools, cutting-edge equipment and optimized work spaces make the job easier, the outcomes better and the user happier. This rings true for the culinary arts as well. We could spend an eternity on cooking tools and space planning, but for this column, let’s talk turkey about a few of our favorite kitchen appliance trends.

» Induction and convection: According to Steve Grandbois at Specialty Appliance in Boulder, stoves with induction cooktops and convection ovens really are taking off. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat your iron or steel cookware, leaving the smooth cooking surface cool to the touch and easy to clean. Induction offers rapid heating and cooling, precise temperature control and thermal efficiency.

Convection ovens utilize a fan, typically in the back of the oven cavity, to circulate hot air over, under and around food. This cooks food more evenly and 30 percent faster than conventional ovens. Convection also bakes at a lower temperature, helping to retain flavor and moisture in foods. Newer models also come with user-friendly, menu-driven LCD color displays.

» Steam heat: A dishwasher with a steam-cleaning feature allows you to tackle tough cleaning jobs with less water. It’s also easier on fine china and stemware than strong jets of water. When it comes to baking, experts say steam reservoir ovens allow you to preserve more color, vitamins and moisture in food than traditional baking.

» Flush doors and drawers: Many people want to conceal their appliances and minimize the amount of space they take up in the kitchen. In response to this growing customer demand, Grandbois says, “Major brands are finding ways to make their products blend in with cabinetry and disappear.”

Counter-depth refrigerators are often taller and wider than the standard models but are designed to sit flush with the face of the cabinetry giving them a built-in, custom look. According to Grandbois, a big trend is to apply cabinet paneling to flush appliances so they completely disappear. French door refrigerators, with beverage drawers and bottom-mount freezer drawers, make contents easy to store and access. Other trends include easy-access dishwasher drawers for tackling smaller loads and under-oven warming drawers for keeping hors d’oeuvres hot.

Sometime after the pumpkin pie and before the traditional post-feast nap this Thanksgiving, consider your favorite cook and perhaps chew on the idea of a new appliance or two that might enhance their life in the kitchen. And don’t forget to select Energy Star efficient appliances to make the planet a little happier, too.

To see our column in the Coloradoan, click here.

Needless to say, the job goes far beyond flipping through Pier 1 Imports catalogs. But, you’ll never see Mandy complaining. To her, interior design isn’t just a profession, it’s a passion and lifestyle. That’s just how we like our team members here at HighCraft, and we’re proud to announce Mandy Mullen as the newest addition to our roster of gifted interior designers.

A Brush, CO native, Mandy graduated from CSU and grew roots here in Fort Collins. She got her feet wet in the industry during school at a real estate and property management business. Mandy’s small-town upbringing and big ambitions give her just the right mixture of humility and ambition. In fact, it feels like she’s been here for years.

Now that you’ve met Mandy, say hello to the rest of our all-star cast on our Crew page.

If the walls of your small home seem to be closing in on you, there are plenty of big ideas and budget-savvy tips to make individual rooms feel more spacious, open and inviting.

First, clear the clutter throughout your home and eliminate nonessential furnishings. Fewer pieces of furniture, surrounded by designated empty space, will make the room feel larger and allow you and guests to move around more comfortably. If your dining table has leaves, drop or remove them when not in use.

Next, try some new paint. Avoid dark colors, which can make a room feel smaller and cave-like. Instead, select light hues for walls and trim and decorate using monochromatic color schemes to give each room a larger, more airy feel. Consider painting several adjacent rooms the same light color. When you view the same wall color through shared doorways, it tricks the eye into seeing one longer, larger vista.

And speaking of optical illusions, you might hang a well-placed mirror to make a space appear larger and to reflect more light. Light eliminates dark shadows that often define the borders of a small space, so take advantage of natural light whenever possible and use additional lighting as needed.

Consider using light-colored blinds instead of elaborate window treatments to streamline windows and simplify your room. If you want to soften a space with fabric curtains, hang them higher than the window trim to draw the eye up to the ceiling.

If you’re thinking about doing a small renovation, consider converting wasted space under the stairs into a powder room, child’s playroom or shelved storage area. Or remove a non-load-bearing wall between the dining room and kitchen to create a wide-open space perfect for entertaining.

In the kitchen, clear counter space as much as possible and install small, compact appliances such as counter-depth refrigerators, dishwasher drawers and under-cabinet microwaves.

To make other rooms appear more open, keep shallow shelves and vanities off the floor by mounting them to the wall. The more floor space you can see, the larger the room appears.

For the floor, think about using only one type of finish material, which will draw the eye through the house to the farthest point on your flooring horizon. Wood flooring can emphasize the combined length of several rooms. Tile set at a diagonal will draw your eye from one room into the next. Continuous carpet creates the illusion of a vast expanse, much like a large body of water. Be leery of multiple transitions between wood, tile and carpet in a small home because they often convince your mind to visually define smaller rooms.

Give some of these small-but-mighty strategies a try and create a larger sense of space in your home.

Click here to check out Dwight and Bryan’s column in The Coloradoan.

Under the paint, drywall and foundation of every home is the design work of a brilliant mind. Architectural Transformations, a free seminar presented by 18-year design veteran David Hueter of David Hueter Home Design, explores the process behind turning houses into dream homes. From refining the scope of your visions, to creating floor plans and 3D models, to overseeing production, the design process is not only crucial to effective home remodeling, it’s an art. Stop by our studio for an intriguing seminar and Q&A session.

Click here to RSVP, or feel free to call our office at 970.472.8100 and we’d be happy to answer your questions and help you register for the seminar. Also, this is an open invitation! So, please pass along the invitation to anyone who might like to attend. Thank you! We hope to see you there!