How to Modernize Your Home

The summer is almost here and ‘tis the season for homebuyers to purchase new homes or for current homeowners to update their current abode. Whether you are purchasing a brand-new home or refreshing your existing one, updating and modernizing your place increases value, functionality, and overall comfort. Here at MCG, we are committed to the Amelia Island community and specialize in remodels with timeless designs with the latest and greatest upgrades. 

If you are ready to begin modernizing your space but are unsure as to where to begin, here are our top recommendations to consider when remodeling and modernizing your home.

1. Upgrade to Hurricane Resistant Windows and Doors

Living in Northeast Florida and along the Atlantic coast means preparing for hurricane season is crucial. Preparations go beyond essential emergency kits and grabbing extra sandbags to have on hand. An easy way to modernize and update your home is to install impact-resistant windows and doors. Not only do these offer better peace of mind during major storms, protecting your family and loved ones from the harsh elements, but they also offer energy efficiency, reduction of outside noise, and enhance security. 

As a Pella Certified Contractor, MCG Homes recommends the Pella Hurricane Shield series windows. They are engineered with the strictest coastal requirements to stand-up to hurricane strength storms, year after year. 

2. Maximize Your Outdoor Living Space

Florida is nicknamed “The Sunshine State” and for good reason. Amelia Island receives sunshine year-round, making outdoor living areas vital to the home. They are an extension of your indoor space and a gathering place for large celebrations or lazy days reading under an umbrella. We often help homeowners to expand or renovate their porches, patios, and lanais with tongue-and-groove ceilings, outdoor kitchens and grilling areas, pools, and fans and lighting for comfort and ambiance. 

Having a modern outdoor space is the best way to enjoy the classic, coastal Florida weather, whether you are relaxing in your pool after a long workday or throwing a summer party for your closest family and friends. 

3. Update Your Kitchen with Sustainable and Smart Finishes

The kitchen is the hub of your home. It is a place for gatherings, celebrations, family meetings, and messy baking experiments. An outdated kitchen can make it difficult to efficiently prepare meals and entertain, so modernizing the heart of the home is a popular location to begin your home refurbishment. We guide our clients to choose low-maintenance and functional materials such as quartz countertops, soft-close cabinets, updated appliances, and matte finishes for easy clean-up, all with clean lines and a clutter-free layout.

The kitchen is where your personality can shine. Whether you choose a clean and neutral color scheme or integrate coastal-inspired elements into your design, modernizing your kitchen is not only trendy, but also makes your space functional for years to come.

4. Swap To Energy-Efficient Features

The hot and humid climate Northeast Florida is known for can mean high energy bills, especially in the summer months. Whether your home is a new build or an older historic house, modernizing your home with Energy-Star rated appliances and other eco-friendly features is key to keeping your home working for you, even on the hottest days.

Energy-Star rated appliances and HVAC systems use significantly less energy than standard appliances, resulting in lower energy bills and a reduction in carbon emissions. Other upgrades to consider include smart thermostats (where the temperature can be controlled via a cell phone app), tankless water heaters, and LED lightbulbs which use up to 90% less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. Our MCG designers can collaborate with you to determine which upgrades are best for your home based on your needs and budget.

5. Create A Smart Home

Today it is easier than ever to monitor your home, even from 1,000 miles away! At MCG, we are seeing more homeowners embrace smart home systems for their convenience and security benefits. Popular ways to incorporate these smart technologies into your home include Wi-Fi connected appliances, smart lighting throughout the home controlled via Bluetooth, doorbell cameras and security systems, voice activated assistants, and smart entertainment systems.

The possibilities are endless and with the right tools, you can adapt your home to work for you and your routine!

Current Modern Design Trends and Considerations in Amelia Island

Amelia Island has a unique coastal environment, and certain design trends and considerations are specific for the area. Design wise, we have seen a lean towards coastal modern, minimalistic but warm, with natural elements, textures, and natural lighting. Our designers focus on natural wood tones, commonly seen in cabinetry, flooring, and millwork. Neutral colors with a pop of a coastal or more muted green or blue in backsplashes, wallpaper, and accent walls are also popular design choices.

At MCG, we consider and understand the local landscape and climate in all of our designs, ensuring that your home’s character remains, while also giving you the home of your dreams. Our goal is to make any remodel as seamless as possible! We know Amelia Island and navigate the confusing and frustrating local permitting and regulation processes for you. 

Modernizing your home is about enhancing the way you live. It goes beyond a fresh coat of paint. At MCG, we work with you to identify the proper ways to modernize your home, whether it is through installing new Energy-Star rated appliances, upgrading features of your home with the latest hurricane resistant windows and doors, or maximizing your outdoor spaces, we are committed to giving you a home that is built to last. 

Our expert knowledge of coastal construction in Amelia Island and Florida is what makes us stand apart. Contact MCG today to get started!