http://www.damesbond.com/articles_detail.asp?id=438
The holidays are coming which means we will be ringing in the new year soon. Many are starting to plan for renovations next year and the kitchen is a primary target. There are many good tips in this article that may help you move through the process. Enjoy!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Marble Pros and Cons
I will be continuing the conversation this week around countertops. There are many yet to cover and so little time! Countertops so so important in kitchen design I believe that this decision can either give you everything you desire or something to complain about for years. So with that in mind here we go.
Marble countertops are a classic. They price out similar to granite so the decision around installing this countertop usually is not made due to cost. Usually it is the look clients wish to achieve. Many of my clients are requesting granite that looks like marble, meaning lighter in color and less busy. The problem is, granite is granite because of the composition so there really is not a selection I believe can duplicate the look of marble. Marble is primarily made up of calcium carbonate, which is what gives it a light and creamy hue. The very molecule that gives it the beautiful look also leaves this stone highly susceptible to staining from acids or wineglasses left on the surface overnight. The general thought is that over time marble will acquire scratches, blotches and chips.
Even with all of this in mind, marble is making somewhat of a comeback due to it's beauty. Fabricators recommend honing it so that imperfections over time do not show up as much. One fabricator told me he installs marble all the time in kitchens and that over time it is less likely to accept stains. It really comes down to how you live and how much maintainance you can tolerate in exchange for the look. If you have a busy family with small children and can not always make sure the kitchen countertops are wiped down it may not be the best choice for you. If however, you keep a spotless house, rarely cook in your kitchen, or, you enjoy the natural patina that marble acquires over the course of a well loved life then it may be for you. It seems there are many cons but the pros to a marble countertop include its beauty, it's waterproof and heatproof. So think about the way you live before considering this countertop it may or may not be the best choice for you.
Marble countertops are a classic. They price out similar to granite so the decision around installing this countertop usually is not made due to cost. Usually it is the look clients wish to achieve. Many of my clients are requesting granite that looks like marble, meaning lighter in color and less busy. The problem is, granite is granite because of the composition so there really is not a selection I believe can duplicate the look of marble. Marble is primarily made up of calcium carbonate, which is what gives it a light and creamy hue. The very molecule that gives it the beautiful look also leaves this stone highly susceptible to staining from acids or wineglasses left on the surface overnight. The general thought is that over time marble will acquire scratches, blotches and chips.
Even with all of this in mind, marble is making somewhat of a comeback due to it's beauty. Fabricators recommend honing it so that imperfections over time do not show up as much. One fabricator told me he installs marble all the time in kitchens and that over time it is less likely to accept stains. It really comes down to how you live and how much maintainance you can tolerate in exchange for the look. If you have a busy family with small children and can not always make sure the kitchen countertops are wiped down it may not be the best choice for you. If however, you keep a spotless house, rarely cook in your kitchen, or, you enjoy the natural patina that marble acquires over the course of a well loved life then it may be for you. It seems there are many cons but the pros to a marble countertop include its beauty, it's waterproof and heatproof. So think about the way you live before considering this countertop it may or may not be the best choice for you.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Choosing Kitchen Countertops
I have missed posting on my blog over the past few days. It has been a whirlwind of a week! This week I would like to focus on choosing countertops for the kitchen. Kitchen countertops are hardworking surfaces and deserve some thought before choosing. Today there are a plethora of choices available to suit your style and budget. The choices range from good old fashioned laminate to recycled glass.
So what do you need to know before choosing a countertop? You will want to determine what is most important to you when looking at your kitchen overall. Is style your greatest concern or is affordability the driving force? How do you intend to use the countertops? Do you do a lot of baking and cooking or do you rarely cook at home? What level of maintenance are you able to manage? Do you want a sleek shiny countertop many years from now or does the aging patina of marble appeal? All of these questions are important to consider before making a decision.
Granite is one of the top two most common selections for new kitchen countertops. This stone speaks elegance in any kitchen, new or old. Granite has a beautiful natural stone look and can withstand heavy use. It is resistant to stains when properly sealed about once a year, although there are new sealers available that are nearly maintenance free. It also holds up well to heat and its second only to diamonds in terms of hardiness.
As a designer I love granite because it gives a three dimensional aspect to the countertops, looks substantial, and is available in thousands of colors. Price range is variable depending on the stone but it typically starts at about $60 a square foot so clients can usually find one that looks great in a price range that they can afford.
So what do you need to know before choosing a countertop? You will want to determine what is most important to you when looking at your kitchen overall. Is style your greatest concern or is affordability the driving force? How do you intend to use the countertops? Do you do a lot of baking and cooking or do you rarely cook at home? What level of maintenance are you able to manage? Do you want a sleek shiny countertop many years from now or does the aging patina of marble appeal? All of these questions are important to consider before making a decision.
Granite is one of the top two most common selections for new kitchen countertops. This stone speaks elegance in any kitchen, new or old. Granite has a beautiful natural stone look and can withstand heavy use. It is resistant to stains when properly sealed about once a year, although there are new sealers available that are nearly maintenance free. It also holds up well to heat and its second only to diamonds in terms of hardiness.
As a designer I love granite because it gives a three dimensional aspect to the countertops, looks substantial, and is available in thousands of colors. Price range is variable depending on the stone but it typically starts at about $60 a square foot so clients can usually find one that looks great in a price range that they can afford.
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| www.supremesurface.com |
The second most common countertop is engineered stone. This is commonly referred to as quartz. Quartz is 93-96% quartz particles that are held together by a resin. It is non-porous so it withstands stains and heat. For those looking for low maintenance this countertop does not require sealing. Just wash with warm water. The look is similar to natural stone but has a uniformity to the surface. Both quartz and granite can chip around the edges so rounded corners help. It comes in an array of colors that can look contemporary or traditional. It starts at about $50 a square foot so it is comparable to granite in terms of cost.
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| dreamykitchens.com |
The final surface I will cover today is soapstone. This countertop is generally dark gray to black in color. It is primarily composed of talc and so has a smooth soapy feeling the surface. It is softer than marble or granite. It is quite durable because the surface is nonporous so it stands up to acids and staining. It does not require sealing but does require regular applications of mineral oil once installed. It is a beautiful choice for the consumer who does not mind a little maintenance and the natural color palette it offers.
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| www.soapstonesupply.com |
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| www.soapstonesupply.com |
These are only a few of choices available today so I will cover a few more in my next post. We will be discussing marble, concrete and wood.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Backsplash Tile Design
When designing a kitchen functionality and style are inseparable. Back splash tiles can help to create the look and feel of the workspace. It is all about the the selection of the tiles and the placement in the back splash. I believe the most attractive back splashes are the ones that are simple and elegant. The different materials available will give a distinct feel so looking carefully at your options is key. Some like to see a little sparkle so will use all glass or glass accents which can be funky or elegant. I have done several that wanted a tumbled stone look which is traditional but mixing with metal tiles can make it more modern.
The tiles offer protection for the walls, and add character and ambiance. Each style weather it be contemporary or traditional has pros and cons so remember to keep your personal desires foremost. Glass is easy to clean, tumbled stone and crackled tiles need to be sealed.
You should remember that the main focus of the back splash should be on balance and compatibility. The tiles should complement the overall design of the kitchen and blend in perfectly. The materials chosen can greatly vary in price so keeping a budget in mind is important. Under cabinet lighting will add a focus to the tile and give you task lighting as you work in the space. Here are some great examples of lovely back splashes:
I
The tiles offer protection for the walls, and add character and ambiance. Each style weather it be contemporary or traditional has pros and cons so remember to keep your personal desires foremost. Glass is easy to clean, tumbled stone and crackled tiles need to be sealed.
You should remember that the main focus of the back splash should be on balance and compatibility. The tiles should complement the overall design of the kitchen and blend in perfectly. The materials chosen can greatly vary in price so keeping a budget in mind is important. Under cabinet lighting will add a focus to the tile and give you task lighting as you work in the space. Here are some great examples of lovely back splashes:
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| How about this, the tile on the back splash was also used on the wall to create symmetry and add character. www.housebeautiful.com |
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| I like to call this flying away. It feels very airy and definitely creates a great focal point. www.hamiltonparker.com |
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| The pattern to this tile gives great dimension and the accent is just enough. www.hamiltonparker.com
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| This small kitchen used a neutral glass tile to contrast the darker cabinetry yet add a touch of elegance. www.housebeautiful.com You can see there are many options. This is your chance to become an artist in your home. Ask for help from a great tile designer if you feel overwhelmed. |
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
What is it About Backsplashes That Makes Us Swoon?
Back splashes are by far my favorite design element in the kitchen. A back splash can create a beautiful focal point or blend into the background to set off beautiful cabinetry. The trick is to know what you are trying to achieve at the outset. Do you want an old world style, a modern flair or a design that reflects your quirky personality?
There are endless possibilities when designing a back splash. Tiles can be mixed to create elegance or to pull elements of the overall kitchen design together. It is very important to consider all of the design elements when choosing the tile. All elements work in concert to create atmosphere and beauty within the space.
When looking for something modern you might turn to glass, metal or a simple subway tile set vertically instead of horizontally. In the kitchen below, the homeowner was looking for a modern flair to enhance an otherwise traditional design. This was done utilizing black glass tile and a bold color on the walls. The under cabinet lighting illuminates the tile to give a three dimensional element to the room. The result is wow when turning the corner into this kitchen.
abkitchendesigns.com
There are endless possibilities when designing a back splash. Tiles can be mixed to create elegance or to pull elements of the overall kitchen design together. It is very important to consider all of the design elements when choosing the tile. All elements work in concert to create atmosphere and beauty within the space.
When looking for something modern you might turn to glass, metal or a simple subway tile set vertically instead of horizontally. In the kitchen below, the homeowner was looking for a modern flair to enhance an otherwise traditional design. This was done utilizing black glass tile and a bold color on the walls. The under cabinet lighting illuminates the tile to give a three dimensional element to the room. The result is wow when turning the corner into this kitchen.
abkitchendesigns.com
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The next kitchen utilizes modern cabinetry along with a tile that has a contemporary shape. The light colored grout accentuates the tile shape and color. As you can see, the color on the walls nearly matches the grout color which pulls it forth in the photograph. The cabinetry are set on metal legs and the style speaks of very modern clean lines. The kitchen contains a neutral color palette so visual interest is added with the backsplash and the fine wood grain of the cabinetry.
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| tilebydesign.net |
Old world style is still a popular design choice for kitchens. The back splash in these kitchens often are made of natural stone or a tile that mimics the look of natural stone. Notice the kitchen shown here, different size slate tiles were utilized in combination with a mosaic over the stove to ceate a focal point. The back splash fully complements the scroll on the hood as well as the glazed cabinetry giving a sense of being in Europe. It becomes elegant as a result of the muted color palette. The size of the tiles complement each other versus competing with each other so the eye is drawn to the intended focal point.
Wainscoting is the last material I will mention today that may be used for a back splash to give a cottage feel. The next kitchen pulls of a modern cottage feel by utilizing inset cabinets painted in white and a back splash in wainscoting. This is typically an inexpensive back splash as compared to some tiles and yet gives great impact in the right kitchen. Here it does not stand out, instead it creates a complementary element and adds texture.
You can see that the options are many and choosing can become a daunting task. Know your style and work with a designer if in doubt. It is like creating a piece of artwork for your home and can be a lot of fun.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Knowing Your Style
Hello everyone. I have been busy the past few days at the Best of Fall Home Show. It was a great show and I had the opportunity to meet Vern Yip of HGTV...WOW! Here we are.
I asked him for some tips he asked me how I define my style as a designer. It has really made me think about my own style. While working with clients my greatest skill is learning about who each person is and what makes them tick. So the style ultimately is driven by my client and what they hope to achieve in their home. As I say this I know that the choices I make are also a reflection of my own taste and what suits the space well.
When I think about my own style, I prefer not to be defined by a particular vision. I have a penchant for antiques and pieces that have a well worn patina and I enjoy re-purposing items to add a unique interest to a space. A little sparkle adds elegance which will be seen in my designs in the form of glass tiles, chandeliers, and crystal decorative items. Color for me is important for setting the tone of a room while the lack of color increases my use of texture in a room. In the end, a warm inviting space is a reflection of the home owner and myself working in tandem.
I am sitting in my olive painted office right now looking at my favorite items, an old door, paint wearing off sitting on a couple of metal saw horses, a glass and stone lamp with a bit of messy fringe hanging from the shade, and two barn wood desks placed at a ninety degree angle to create an effective work space. I have a cayenne colored old vase I found at a discount store and a toile mail holder on the wall that is burgundy and cream. One of my favorite items is a tin can with an organic flower arrangement I threw together in a few minutes time that contains a few red flower accents. When I look of it all put together it is a comfortable space that inspires me and invites me in everyday. Each item is something I love and it all came together out of knowing what I like for myself. It has the old worn look I adore, a bit of sparkle in the lamp and a beautiful color on the walls that came directly from nature. The splash of red and burgundy are the colorful side of my personality.
When working to design a kitchen for yourself the best thing to do is figure out who you are. Where do you like to shop? If money was not an issue what would you purchase for your home? What are your favorite colors? When you see a photo of a room you are drawn to, what is it that you like about it? After answering these questions look at what you assembled on your list and think about the common elements between them. Maybe it is a modern clean line or a metal detail that draws your attention. It could be a lack of color in a room, neutrals that feel inviting to you. I am working with a client now who loves the color blue, it makes her happy. We have designed a cobolt blue back splash with crackled glass tile accents. It is going to be a show stopper. It took us a bit into the planning process to really find what we were looking for so be patient with yourself and do not get discouraged.
I use an in depth questionnaire which helps me to get to know my clients very well at the start of our time together. I am able to get a feel for their personalities, likes and dislikes. Many know their dislikes but only have a vague idea of what they really want in a room. I look at it as an adventure so every space is uniquely reflects their personality and home.
I asked him for some tips he asked me how I define my style as a designer. It has really made me think about my own style. While working with clients my greatest skill is learning about who each person is and what makes them tick. So the style ultimately is driven by my client and what they hope to achieve in their home. As I say this I know that the choices I make are also a reflection of my own taste and what suits the space well.
When I think about my own style, I prefer not to be defined by a particular vision. I have a penchant for antiques and pieces that have a well worn patina and I enjoy re-purposing items to add a unique interest to a space. A little sparkle adds elegance which will be seen in my designs in the form of glass tiles, chandeliers, and crystal decorative items. Color for me is important for setting the tone of a room while the lack of color increases my use of texture in a room. In the end, a warm inviting space is a reflection of the home owner and myself working in tandem.
I am sitting in my olive painted office right now looking at my favorite items, an old door, paint wearing off sitting on a couple of metal saw horses, a glass and stone lamp with a bit of messy fringe hanging from the shade, and two barn wood desks placed at a ninety degree angle to create an effective work space. I have a cayenne colored old vase I found at a discount store and a toile mail holder on the wall that is burgundy and cream. One of my favorite items is a tin can with an organic flower arrangement I threw together in a few minutes time that contains a few red flower accents. When I look of it all put together it is a comfortable space that inspires me and invites me in everyday. Each item is something I love and it all came together out of knowing what I like for myself. It has the old worn look I adore, a bit of sparkle in the lamp and a beautiful color on the walls that came directly from nature. The splash of red and burgundy are the colorful side of my personality.
When working to design a kitchen for yourself the best thing to do is figure out who you are. Where do you like to shop? If money was not an issue what would you purchase for your home? What are your favorite colors? When you see a photo of a room you are drawn to, what is it that you like about it? After answering these questions look at what you assembled on your list and think about the common elements between them. Maybe it is a modern clean line or a metal detail that draws your attention. It could be a lack of color in a room, neutrals that feel inviting to you. I am working with a client now who loves the color blue, it makes her happy. We have designed a cobolt blue back splash with crackled glass tile accents. It is going to be a show stopper. It took us a bit into the planning process to really find what we were looking for so be patient with yourself and do not get discouraged.
I use an in depth questionnaire which helps me to get to know my clients very well at the start of our time together. I am able to get a feel for their personalities, likes and dislikes. Many know their dislikes but only have a vague idea of what they really want in a room. I look at it as an adventure so every space is uniquely reflects their personality and home.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Lighting a Small Kitchen
Lighting is the most overlooked aspect of design in general. It is critical in a kitchen to have the correct types and style of lighting to allow for cooking, entertaining, and an array of other activities. Let's discuss the three types of lighting needed in a kitchen.
The first type of lighting is called ambient lighting. Ambient lighting is the natural lighting that we get from our windows and sky lights. Many kitchens lack enough ambient lighting which gives them a dark feel so when remodeling if it is possible to add windows or sky lights it is a good idea. The kitchen below has great natural lighting so the space appears cheery and open.
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| bradleyshomeguide.co.uk |
Task lighting is the next type of lighting to consider. This lighting is utilized to illuminate a space so that you can complete your tasks. This lighting comes in the form of under cabinet lighting as well as can lights.
I like to have both of these types of lighting on a dimmer so that when you need more or less lighting it can be adjusted easily. In the photograph below you can see how the under cabinet lighting reflects off of the back splash and also lights the counter top well.
http://www.danielskitchenbath.com/kitchenphotos.htmlThe final type of lighting is Decorative lighting. This is best know as accent lighting. Decorative lighting can be used inside glass front cabinetry and over artwork. Some of the pendant lighting that is used today can function both as decorative and functional lighting in a space. The photo from bhg.com shows nicely how lighting inside cabinetry works well.
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| bhg.com |
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