McManus Kitchen and Bath

10/07/2026

At McManus Kitchen and Bath, we’ve designed and installed hundreds of kitchens and bathrooms right here in Tallahassee, from Killearn Estates to Southwood to Midtown. Here are the tile patterns we use most.

9 Ways to Arrange Square and Rectangular Tiles

10/07/2026

How can the same project have such dramatically different prices?

The answer is that remodeling estimates are rarely identical from contractor to contractor. Some have detailed estimates based on historic costs, others are basically making an educated guess.

In this guide we explain the 3 things that affect remodeling costs and how to get consistent estimates for your project.

A little bit of upfront work on your part can make a huge different in the success of your remodel.

How can the same project have such dramatically different prices? When comparing remodeling estimates there are 3 major factors to consider

10/06/2026

"Designers should provide 3D color renderings of the design, review physical samples of cabinet door style, colors and all fixtures and materials."

Who to Hire First ?

10/06/2026

There is no best countertop. There is a best countertop for how you use your kitchen and your tolerance for maintenance tasks.

The fastest way to sort the nine most common surfaces is by upkeep, not by looks.

If you never want to think about your counters again, quartz and porcelain are your lane.

If you want real natural stone and will keep up with sealing, granite and quartzite reward you for it.

And if you see patina as character, marble, soapstone, butcher block, concrete, and limestone all age beautifully in their own way.

The honest part: every one of these has a tradeoff.

Quartz slabs are uniform. Marble will etch. Butcher block needs oiling. Knowing the tradeoff before you buy is the whole decision.

If you want honest, expert advice on the materials and fixtures that are best for you needs schedule a discovery call on our website to learn more.

https://mcmanuskitchenandbath.com/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

10/06/2026

Color Drenching is a "new again" trend that is becoming very popular.

It's a great way to add atmosphere to a room but it does not always work.

Here are a few basic rules to consider if you want to color drench a room:

1. Color drenching works best with rooms that have lots of trim work... wainscoting, wall panels, crown.

That's because the trim adds interest and shadow lines so the room does not feel flat or cave like.

2. Avoid color drenching with open floor plans. Color drenching works best in well defined rooms, in an open plan there is not place to stop (you can sometimes color drench just one wall as an accent though).

3. Choose your color wisely. White trim can really tie a room together, even if the wall color is slightly mismatched to the rest of the decor.

When you color drench you don't have that option. You want to make sure the the colors in the room all tie together well.

Read more in our latest blog post:

Designers and influencers call it color drenching, and many claim that if you don’t do it, your home will look dated. But before you grab a gallon of paint and commit to coating every inch of your space, there’s something you need to understand.

10/06/2026

"A custom workstation sink is the perfect choice for discerning homeowners who want high quality and something that makes a subtle statement about who you are."

316L stainless steel, copper, and handcrafted American-made designs

10/05/2026

A successful remodel is not only about the finished kitchen or bathroom.

It is also about knowing what to expect throughout the process.

Before construction begins, homeowners should understand the project scope, pricing, schedule, and communication process. When something changes, the details should be documented and approved before additional work moves forward.

Throughout construction, regular progress reports help homeowners stay informed about what has been completed and what happens next.

And when the project is finished, a strong warranty should provide continued confidence in the work.

At McManus Kitchen and Bath, our process is designed around four important commitments:

✓ A fixed price before construction begins
✓ No changes without written approval
✓ Regular project updates
✓ A five-year warranty on our work

Because remodeling your home should feel carefully managed not unpredictable.

10/05/2026

If you are planning a remodel and wondering if you should start with a designer or contractor here is the truth… You need a team.

And not just a designer and contractor. The subcontractors and vendors also need to be part of the process for a smooth remodel.

Read our latest post on how to choose a contractor & designer, what vendors to work with and red flags to avoid.

Who to Hire First ?

10/05/2026

"Our design team follow a process we’ve come to call ‘identity driven design’."

The best bathroom designs aren’t just about aesthetics, they’re about solving daily frustrations and creating a space that works for you.

10/04/2026

Identity driven design might be for you if:
- You’ve remodeled in the past and still didn’t love the result
- You feel overwhelmed by styles and want more clarity
- You value long-term meaning and connection in your home

It might not be the right fit if:
- You’re flipping or staging a house with short term, mass appeal in mind
- You want something fast and are okay copying what’s current
- You’re working with a very rigid design package or prefab builder

And a home that works for a lifetime.