Notes on remodeling, design, and Galveston homes.

A working log of finish picks, lessons from the field, and what holds up on the island.

Coastal kitchen with porcelain countertop and warm wood cabinetsFeatured - Materials

March 14, 2026 · 6 min read · By Dusan

What actually holds up in a Galveston kitchen.

Salt air, humidity, and daily traffic eat through the wrong finish in a season. Here is what we keep specifying - and what we have stopped using on the island.

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  1. Designer reviewing finish samples at a kitchen islandDesign

    February 28, 2026 · 5 min

    The hidden cost of skipping design direction.

    Most remodels do not fail at the build. They fail at the decisions made before construction starts. A small story from a recent East End kitchen.

  2. Tile being laid in a freshly waterproofed coastal bathroomProcess

    February 10, 2026 · 7 min

    How to actually budget a coastal bathroom remodel.

    What goes into the number, where most homeowners under-spend, and the four line items that protect the rest of your investment.

  3. Whole-home renovation in progress with new flooring and trimField Notes

    January 22, 2026 · 8 min

    Phasing a whole-home renovation without losing your mind.

    When clients buy an older Galveston home, the temptation is to do everything at once. Sometimes that is right. Often it is not.