Set students up for academic success by making your home a happy place.
Like it or not, it’s almost time for kids to head back to school.
Maybe it seems like summer just started and it’s too early for those back-to-school ads. Or maybe you're secretly (or openly with a bright red Sharpie) counting down to the first day.
Either way, the new school year is unavoidable. And once school starts, life gets more hectic.
We asked our pro designers for home improvement strategies that will help conquer chaos. The result: 10 projects that will streamline your family’s day and start the school year off right.
Here are some helpful tips to get everyone back into the school year routine:
It’s where everyone starts and ends the day. And by “everyone” we really do mean it seems like every person in your family will want in the same bathroom at the same time.
Tired of cluttered counters and need a second sink? Or want rid of that outdated tub you never use?
There’s nothing like a busy weekday morning in a crowded bathroom to convince you it’s time to call a design-build professional for advice.
Store all of those new school clothes on shelves and hangers in a custom closet.
When you shove clothing in a drawer, you end up constantly wearing the items on top. It’s much easier to keep track of what you have in a beautifully designed closet.
And did you know minimizing the amount of visible clutter helps maintain your bedroom as a relaxing sleep space? It’s true. Getting enough sleep is part of a healthy lifestyle and will help students focus.
Bonus Back-to-School Tip: Set aside time before bed to lay out clothes and keep your morning running smoothly.
Luxurious and laundry might seem like an oxymoron. But cleaning new school uniforms and smelly sports clothes doesn’t have to be a Herculean chore when you have a lovely laundry room and the latest appliances.
Need to clean a soiled garment separately? No problem! New technology makes getting rid of stubborn stains easier than ever.
It’s easy to give kids sugary snacks and salty chips, but experts agree classroom performance will suffer. Nutritious meals and snacks provide students with the energy they need to focus.
Packing healthy lunchboxes every day is a breeze when you plan with your child and prep your pantry. Here are some helpful tips:
There’s no doubt healthy meals fuel learning. But working parents may not have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. New appliances, such as the GE Monogram® Collection with award-winning technology, make it possible to cook faster, clean easier, and enjoy more time relaxing after school activities.
French door fridges put fresh food at eye level, which is a great way to encourage healthy eating. GE French door refrigerators offer innovative features such as a K-Cup dispenser brewer, Quick Space Shelves, drop down trays, advanced water filtration, and full-width storage drawers.
Both parents and kids will love how the storage drawers keep all of those fresh fruits and veggies and cold drinks close at hand.
With people grabbing breakfast and after school snacks and kids helping make dinner more often, everyone is on the run and the last place you want a traffic jam is in the kitchen.
A thoughtfully designed work triangle (sink, stove, and refrigerator) keeps all of the major work stations within easy reach and helps minimize traffic, causing less interference to people busy preparing a meal.
A design-build professional can help you make the most of your available space.
A custom kitchen island designed specifically for your family’s needs is the perfect place to catch up on the day’s events, help kids with homework, and share a healthy snack.
There's no doubt an island can enhance your home in many ways, but a poorly planned island will be frustrating. If you’re considering a kitchen island, look for design inspiration on Houzz and meet with professionals you can trust.
It’s no secret that kids don’t always want to do their homework. But it’s important to have a designated desk or area in a quiet room for kids to do their homework.
Check out this project where the homeowners took advantage of abundant natural light by replacing the breakfast bar with a handsome desk complete with a custom quartz top.
Stylish custom cabinetry can be your family’s command center.
Yorktowne Cabinetry makes high-quality furniture. They offer closed cabinets, open shelves, mail slots, message centers, charging stations, pockets, bulletin boards, and key hooks.
You can view Yorktowne®'s color brochures on their website.
Comings and goings run more smoothly when you have a designated drop spot for frequently used items such as backpacks, shoes, and sports equipment.
Designate an area in your home near the door to organize everything your child needs to take to school. Use bins, hooks, and custom cabinetry for items like homework, books, coats, shoes, lunch boxes, and umbrellas.
You’ll be out the door and on the way to school in no time. And best of all, hassle free!
Start the school year off on the right foot by preparing now. Some simple home improvements like those mentioned above will help send everyone into the day in a positive way.
Contact us to meet with Patti and discuss how a home remodel can help your family transition to the new school year smoothly.
You can also get more home remodeling inspiration by visiting the HKB portfolio. Or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Houzz for more design ideas.
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Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling in Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Hummelstown, Camp Hill, Boiling Springs, and Lewisberry
Industry Experience: My father has run his own construction company since 1992, and because of this I have been involved in the remodeling industry nearly my whole life. I’ve been with HKB since 2018.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I truly love helping people – whether by keeping things organized behind the scenes, ensuring we have everything we need for each project, or assisting with creative problem-solving. It brings me so much joy to be part of such a great team who are passionate about improving people’s lives by reimagining their living spaces!!
Fun Fact About You: I’m a self-published author, a self-taught artist, and a gigantic Star Wars nerd.
Industry Experience: Starting in 2008, I have been in the construction and remodeling industry in multiple capacities: project coordination, management, design, and sales. I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I greatly enjoy getting to know our customers and being a part of their kitchen and bath transformations. It’s an honor to be a trusted partner and see the impact that our team's hard work has on someone’s home.
Fun Fact About You: I’ve tap danced nearly my whole life and have been awarded national recognition. I’ve also recently added dance instructor to my tap experience by teaching and choreographing locally for the last two years.
Industry Experience: I have been in the business as a designer and sales person since 1986, and I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: To be challenged to create something the homeowner never expected and absolutely loves!
Fun Fact About You: Enjoys golfing, playing poker, and cigars!
Industry Experience: Since entering the kitchen & bath industry in 1988, I have worked in all aspects of the industry including manufacturing, design/sales, representing independent manufacturers, and owning a retail kitchen & bath showroom. I have been working with or employed by Harrisburg Kitchen & Bath since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: Helping customers make their dream spaces come to life! Especially enjoy working with older homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fun Fact About You: I enjoy traveling to other parts of the world. Most recently visited Australia in 2019. I have been to all continents except Antarctica! Next on my bucket list.
