Resources
Plan Your Project
Is Your Main Level Working for You? From Cookie Cutter to Customized Comfort
For many homeowners across Northern Virginia, the main level is where life really happens, whether it’s cooking, gathering,...
Fairfax Main Level Remodel: Open-Concept Design for Multigenerational Living
Some remodels elevate and beautify a space – and some transform the way a family lives every single day. This main level remodel...
Basement Remodeling in Northern Virginia: Ideas, Trends, and Design Inspiration
Why is now is the perfect time to start planning your basement remodel? As the holidays approach and cooler weather keeps us...
Remodeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Embarking on a whole home remodel is an exciting opportunity to transform your living space—but without proper planning and...
Designing Kitchens That Work with Adjacent Spaces
At Sun Design Remodeling, we understand that a kitchen isn’t just a standalone room – it’s the heart of the home and often a...
From Utilitarian to Unique: Why You Should Remodel Your Unfinished Basement
Basements make up a third of our homes but are often unappreciated spaces. Families often use this space to store out-of-season...
Thriving in Place: What to Consider Before Adding an In-Law Suite
As more families embrace multigenerational living, adding an in-law suite has become an essential way to support aging parents...
Designing a Home to Grow with Your Family
Jessica and Todd envisioned their dream home to be a place where their three children would grow up safely and family could all...
Growing Family – Remodeling for the Future!
Dave & Shira, of North Arlington, were aware of the areas of their home that needed to be reconfigured, but it wasn’t until they...
Don’t Rush into Remodeling Solutions too Quickly
Shelley and Ed lived in their North Arlington, VA home for 18 years before needing a change to how their home functions. Despite...
Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Home Remodeling Project
Planning a home remodel should be approached carefully. Whether you’re thinking about purchasing a house that needs renovations...
5 Reasons to Add Onto Your Home
Home additions allow you to transform your home’s function and beauty without the hassle of moving. In this post, we’ll outline...
Thriving in Place for Mom
I remember my childhood home. A typical split-foyer found in almost any Northern Virginia neighborhood built between the 50s...
Guide to Aging in Place Home Remodeling: How to Enjoy Your Home in Your Golden Years
At Sun Design, we believe the best way to enjoy your golden years is in the comfort of your own home. This allows you to live...
THRIVING IN PLACE: Main-Level Living, Not Just for the Elderly
What components make for main-level living? Most think of the kitchen, living/family rooms and dining room – but what about the...
THRIVING-IN-PLACE: Your Kitchen – Haven or Hassle?
Isn’t it true that when guests arrive they all seem to gravitate in the kitchen? Kids return home from school, grandchildren...
The Heart of Thriving in Place: A Kitchen Built for You
Most would agree that the kitchen is the hub (heart) of the home. It’s where the family gathers for meals, queues up for...
THRIVING IN PLACE: Where Do You Begin?
As throngs of Baby Boomers move our collective attention to the concept of Aging in Place, here are two thoughts to keep...
Aging in Place: Blending Households from Afar
Carol Mailander, formerly a resident of Los Altos, CA, moved to Fairfax, VA to retire-in-place with her daughter, her son...
Blending Old and New in a Mid-Century Modern Redwood
Simone grew up in the Donaldson Run neighborhood of Arlington, VA admiring this mid-century modern redwood home every day she...
Design: Opening a Load Bearing Wall
It’s surprisingly not uncommon to find yourself and your family spending all your time in specific areas of your home as other...
Trends: In-Law Suites for Multi-Generational Living
Spending time with family is priceless, and bringing your entire family together under one roof is even more invaluable. We...
Aging In Place – Maximizing Comfort
The remodel for this multi-generational family, involved a sizable addition off the back giving them two bedrooms on the main...
A Family Heritage: Remodeling a Whole House for a Family Coping With Dementia
Transition Clients Jim and Grace helped to remodel their daughter's home and recently moved in. Downsizing, relocating and...
5 MORE Tips For A Stress Free Remodel
If you've already read our top five tips for a stress free remodel, you're well on your way to a calmer, more easeful remodeling...
5 Tips for a Stress Free Remodel
Remodeling is stressful. Here are our top 5 tips, under the best of situations, for a stress-free remodel! How to: Choose The...
Financing + Smart Investment
Remodel vs Move in Northern Virginia: Why More Homeowners Are Choosing to Remodel
There often comes a day, for families across Northern Virginia and the DMV, when one question rises to the surface: should we...
Remodeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Embarking on a whole home remodel is an exciting opportunity to transform your living space—but without proper planning and...
Split-Foyer Transformation
Do We Move or Stay? Question Leaps Barrier at Couple's Heart "It was spectacular," Gini says. "We had an ugly house, and it was...
Start the Conversation: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
“Should I stay, or should I go?” Without a doubt, this is a favorite topic with both clients and friends who are questioning the...
Surviving A Remodel: A Client’s Perspective
We asked a few of our clients to share with us what their remodeling experience was like, and any tips they have for homeowners...
Design Guidance
Is Your Main Level Working for You? From Cookie Cutter to Customized Comfort
For many homeowners across Northern Virginia, the main level is where life really happens, whether it’s cooking, gathering,...
Indoor-Outdoor Living: How Sun Design Creates Connected Outdoor Spaces in Northern Virginia
When autumn arrives in Northern Virginia, it brings crisp air, golden light, and a renewed desire to spend time outdoors. Fall...
Designing Kitchens That Work with Adjacent Spaces
At Sun Design Remodeling, we understand that a kitchen isn’t just a standalone room – it’s the heart of the home and often a...
10 Tips: Incorporating Holistic Design To Your Remodel
For years people have bought a house based on a number of bedrooms, school district, commute to work, or a price point. All...
Designing a Home to Grow with Your Family
Jessica and Todd envisioned their dream home to be a place where their three children would grow up safely and family could all...
5 Essential Guidelines to Designing With Purpose
A Build vs. Design Approach Why approach the design with purpose? Often a remodel starts when something breaks, doesn’t work...
Why We Love Open Floor Plans… And You Will, Too!
Open floor plans are a trend we love. In fact, we wouldn’t even consider them a trend anymore. They’re a staple in modern home...
Creative Problem Solving: More Than A “Kitchen Remodel”
Christopher and Cynthia Heimann purchased their 1950s home over 15 years ago. Like so many of our clients they love where...
Design: Discovering Potential in a 1950’s Mid-Century Modern Home
Clients, Kelly and Mike, who wanted to live within the Lake Barcroft community of Falls Church, had been looking for a lake...
Design: The Goal to Create an Award-Winning Project
Homeowners Andy Smith & Maddie McCarthy came to Sun Design with a goal in mind. To create an award-winning kitchen. Not...
Design: Opening a Load Bearing Wall
It’s surprisingly not uncommon to find yourself and your family spending all your time in specific areas of your home as other...
Design Layout: “We were only living in two rooms…”
Seasoned remodelers, BJ and his wife Jodi weren’t planning on purchasing another home. It wasn’t until their realtor introduced...
Design: Relocating a Kitchen to Connect Family Spaces
Disconnected family space is a complaint we hear over and over again in the Metro DC Area. Having separate spaces for formal...
Design Process: 3D Visualization for a Most Unique Kitchen
As owner of a successful drywall company, Tom spends a lot of time at his Clifton home along with his wife. Working from his...
Design: Creating a Basement Floorplan for Changing Family Needs
The beauty of working with a design-build firm is the ability to customize each home to family needs. When this family from...
Designing for Entertainment and Future Outdoor Needs
When Bryan, his wife Tracy, and their two girls moved into their new home, they set to work searching for a remodeler who could...
Design Layout: Using a Kitchen Addition to Bring People Together
There is no greater joy for Alice than the joy of cooking in a kitchen surrounded by friends and family. An avid canner, baker,...
Choosing the Best Floor Plan for Your Family
When we think about remodeling our home, often what comes to mind is a classic image of a plain room transforming into a...
Negative Space – The Process to Getting to Your Desired Results
Negative space is described as the space around and between the subject(s) of an image.* In a home, negative space could be...
Kitchen & Bath Trends: Technology in the Bathroom
Technology has enabled a great deal of automated amenities for a more comfortable and efficient bath experience. This includes...
Kitchen & Bath Trends: Transitional Kitchens
Transitional kitchens are taking over, as they merge a traditional look with a contemporary feel. This includes simpler details...
Kitchen & Bath Trends: The Commercial Look
The Commercial Look The commercial look has become very popular in Kitchens, giving homeowners the look and feel of a commercial...
Kitchen & Bath Trends: Lighting & Technology
Lighting in Your Kitchen Lighting in your kitchen is often a main focal point, given the many shapes, sizes, and colors they...
Kitchen & Bath Trends: The Spa Feel
A spa-like atmosphere has serenely slipped it’s way to the top of wanted bath trends, giving homeowners a place to retreat to...
Inspiration + Trends
Basement Remodeling in Northern Virginia: Ideas, Trends, and Design Inspiration
Why is now is the perfect time to start planning your basement remodel? As the holidays approach and cooler weather keeps us...
Indoor-Outdoor Living: How Sun Design Creates Connected Outdoor Spaces in Northern Virginia
When autumn arrives in Northern Virginia, it brings crisp air, golden light, and a renewed desire to spend time outdoors. Fall...
Before and After: Real Results from Three Unique Remodels
At Sun Design, we transform your big ideas into beautiful, livable spaces. Check out these three stunning before-and-afters –...
From Utilitarian to Unique: Why You Should Remodel Your Unfinished Basement
Basements make up a third of our homes but are often unappreciated spaces. Families often use this space to store out-of-season...
Our Three Favorite Ways to Integrate Nature into Your Home
Here in the DMV, we are able to experience an abundance of natural wonder. Many of our clients' homes enjoy stunning views;...
5 Best Basement Remodeling Ideas for 2020
Need more space in your home? The answer may be right under your feet! Basement remodels have become incredibly popular over...
Must-Have Luxury Kitchen Remodeling Features
Kitchens now are about more than just preparing meals, they’re the heart of the home. While they must be highly functional and...
Why We Love Open Floor Plans… And You Will, Too!
Open floor plans are a trend we love. In fact, we wouldn’t even consider them a trend anymore. They’re a staple in modern home...
Blending Old and New in a Mid-Century Modern Redwood
Simone grew up in the Donaldson Run neighborhood of Arlington, VA admiring this mid-century modern redwood home every day she...
15 Exquisite White Kitchens to Inspire
White kitchens stand the test of time. They’re clean, airy, and sophisticated. It’s easy to see how diverse these white kitchens...
Kitchen & Bath Trends: Technology in the Bathroom
Technology has enabled a great deal of automated amenities for a more comfortable and efficient bath experience. This includes...
Kitchen & Bath Trends: Transitional Kitchens
Transitional kitchens are taking over, as they merge a traditional look with a contemporary feel. This includes simpler details...
Kitchen & Bath Trends: The Commercial Look
The Commercial Look The commercial look has become very popular in Kitchens, giving homeowners the look and feel of a commercial...
Kitchen & Bath Trends: Lighting & Technology
Lighting in Your Kitchen Lighting in your kitchen is often a main focal point, given the many shapes, sizes, and colors they...
Kitchen & Bath Trends: The Spa Feel
A spa-like atmosphere has serenely slipped it’s way to the top of wanted bath trends, giving homeowners a place to retreat to...
Market Insights
Thriving in Place: What to Consider Before Adding an In-Law Suite
As more families embrace multigenerational living, adding an in-law suite has become an essential way to support aging parents...
Designing a Home to Grow with Your Family
Jessica and Todd envisioned their dream home to be a place where their three children would grow up safely and family could all...
Growing Family – Remodeling for the Future!
Dave & Shira, of North Arlington, were aware of the areas of their home that needed to be reconfigured, but it wasn’t until they...
Split-Foyer Transformation
Do We Move or Stay? Question Leaps Barrier at Couple's Heart "It was spectacular," Gini says. "We had an ugly house, and it was...
Thriving in Place for Mom
I remember my childhood home. A typical split-foyer found in almost any Northern Virginia neighborhood built between the 50s...
Guide to Aging in Place Home Remodeling: How to Enjoy Your Home in Your Golden Years
At Sun Design, we believe the best way to enjoy your golden years is in the comfort of your own home. This allows you to live...
THRIVING IN PLACE: Main-Level Living, Not Just for the Elderly
What components make for main-level living? Most think of the kitchen, living/family rooms and dining room – but what about the...
THRIVING-IN-PLACE: Your Kitchen – Haven or Hassle?
Isn’t it true that when guests arrive they all seem to gravitate in the kitchen? Kids return home from school, grandchildren...
The Heart of Thriving in Place: A Kitchen Built for You
Most would agree that the kitchen is the hub (heart) of the home. It’s where the family gathers for meals, queues up for...
THRIVING IN PLACE: Where Do You Begin?
As throngs of Baby Boomers move our collective attention to the concept of Aging in Place, here are two thoughts to keep...
Aging in Place: Blending Households from Afar
Carol Mailander, formerly a resident of Los Altos, CA, moved to Fairfax, VA to retire-in-place with her daughter, her son...
Trends: In-Law Suites for Multi-Generational Living
Spending time with family is priceless, and bringing your entire family together under one roof is even more invaluable. We...
Aging In Place – Maximizing Comfort
The remodel for this multi-generational family, involved a sizable addition off the back giving them two bedrooms on the main...
A Family Heritage: Remodeling a Whole House for a Family Coping With Dementia
Transition Clients Jim and Grace helped to remodel their daughter's home and recently moved in. Downsizing, relocating and...
Local Expertise
Fairfax Main Level Remodel: Open-Concept Design for Multigenerational Living
Some remodels elevate and beautify a space – and some transform the way a family lives every single day. This main level remodel...
Local Regulations
Zoning Restrictions and Your Addition
More and more people are aging at home and main level suites are one of the easiest ways to begin preparing for this transition....
The Model Energy Code – How it Pertains to Your Addition
Additions and renovations are required to meet the same strict codes as a new home would. Being able to design creatively...
Sustainability
Our Three Favorite Ways to Integrate Nature into Your Home
Here in the DMV, we are able to experience an abundance of natural wonder. Many of our clients' homes enjoy stunning views;...
Our Process
Unveiling the Secret Sauce: The Sun Design Remodeling Experience
The “secret sauce” is that element, or combination of elements, that sets a company apart from its competitors and is the heart...
The Pre-Construction Meeting: Get to Know Our Design-Build Process
Here at Sun Design, every design-build project we undertake follows a meticulous and proven process. This process is for the...
It’s in the Process: Design has Taken Shape, Then a Pandemic Hits
Choosing to remodel your home, especially when it involves an addition, can be life changing. The ever-changing and uncertain...
Whole Home Remodel: Built on Trust
Steve and Renee came to Sun Design seeking solutions to problems that they could not yet identify. They knew that they loved...
It’s in the Process: Collaboration Takes a Vision Further
Entering a New Stage in Life Rex and Patti had been living in their Fairfax County home for the past sixteen years before it...
Trust: “We are Starting our Third Project…”
“We are starting our third project with Sun Design, and the reason we keep coming back is very simple – trust. From the very...
Design Process: 3D Visualization for a Most Unique Kitchen
As owner of a successful drywall company, Tom spends a lot of time at his Clifton home along with his wife. Working from his...
It’s in the Process – Communication, Trust + Design for Main Level Living
Jeff and Jenny were on the search for their forever home. In spite of having several options to choose from, their forever home...
Main-Level Remodel: A Client’s Perspective
In a previous blog on Surviving a Remodel we interviewed a family in Springfield who recently had their kitchen completed. This...
Surviving A Remodel: A Client’s Perspective
We asked a few of our clients to share with us what their remodeling experience was like, and any tips they have for homeowners...
Our Work
Whole House Remodeling
Home Additions
Kitchens
Primary Suites
Bathrooms
Basements
Outdoor Spaces
Interior Living Spaces
Home Exteriors
Contact Us
Whether you’re looking for remodeling ideas or inspiration for your upcoming Kitchen remodel, Addition project or Whole House renovation; our friendly and creative team will make the best use of your most important asset: your home. Contact us today.