Here’s why Acclaim Renovations & Design says creating the perfect outdoor space is on trend for 2021
By Patricia Nugent
Over the past 45 years in the home remodeling business, Bob Gallese, owner of Acclaim Renovations & Design, has seen trends come and go.
Since he’s been in business, harvest gold refrigerators, pickled oak cabinets, Formica counters and linoleum floors have morphed into stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, quartz counters and luxury vinyl tile flooring. Everything that comes around goes around, right?
Kicking off 2021, we asked Bob to take a peek into his crystal ball and share with us his design predictions.
Let’s Take this Outside
“One of the biggest trends we started to see last year and are already booking jobs for this spring is outdoor living,” he says. “People want to expand the footprint of their living space and enjoy a refreshing change of scenery from being cooped up indoors. Now that everyone is looking to spend their money on entertaining at home instead of going out, they are investing in outdoor kitchens and living rooms.”
Bob and his wife, AnnaMarie, are no different. Last summer they built a 12-foot-by-12-foot pavilion over their existing patio, adding to the esthetics of their backyard and living/entertaining space.
“We put in speakers, a television, and dining furniture, so it’s perfect for dinner parties or just the two of us hanging out on a summer night,” he says.
Pergolas and pavilions, as well as tower heaters, let people enjoy their spaces in inclement weather and further into fall and spring. In fact, Houzz has named 2021 the “year of the pergola.”
“From structures and appliances to outdoor cabinetry and retaining walls, the materials are becoming much more high-end and luxurious,” says Bob.
He reports they are also building outdoor cottages and “she sheds” for people who want a nice private space for either work or leisure time.
Although there might be snow on the ground now, Bob says if you want your outdoor renovation completed by summer, now is the ideal time to start planning and put yourself on his busy schedule.
What Does the Modern Kitchen Look Like?
“Another result of people spending so much more time at home is the way they are rethinking the functionality of their kitchen,” he says. “Yes, this is still the room where we do the cooking, but it’s also become more of a family room. Beyond mealtime, kids are hanging out at the island doing their homework and parents might be working on their laptops or watching television.”
The Acclaim Level of Professionalism
Acclaim Renovations & Design has earned a reputation for doing beautiful work based on inspired design and craftsmanship, and providing VIP customer service.
Always looking to be a leader in his industry, Bob joined a national roundtable of contractors to share ideas on how to keep growing and adapting to his market.
One of the many things that came from that is the Co-Construct communications app.
“The number one reason people say they are unhappy with their contractor is poor communication,” he says. “We introduced this app as a 24/7 means of communicating with our clients. Co-Construct puts everyone involved with a project on the same page, from the client to the designer, project manager and me. Nothing is left to chance.”
Every aspect of a renovation is included, from designs to selections, change orders and budget.
“People like that they can access it or send me questions at any time,” he says. “They can also share it with friends and family.”
Acclaim Renovations & Design powered by One Man and a Hammer is located at 8550 East Avenue in Mentor. The company has been awarded Contractor of the Year by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). Call 440-974-8082 or visit AcclaimReno.com.