kitchen remodel Archives - Tri-Lite Builders

07 Sep 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Design, Home Improvements, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle Permalink

11 Must-Haves in a Designer’s Dream Kitchen

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On September 7, 2023

In interior design, it’s important to think big: After all, in some projects, you can’t get everything you want, but you should set the bar high to achieve a great result. But in your dream kitchen, you can have it all — and more. Here I’ve compiled my top 11 must-have design features for a dream kitchen. Some are extravagant, some are just downright practical, and all are worth considering as designer touches you might want to include in your next kitchen renovation — even if for now it’s only in your dreams.

WINN Design+Build

DESIGNING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN

Quartz Counters Quartz is a designer’s dream to work with for many reasons. It’s made using actual stone, so it echoes the natural appeal of materials such as granite or marble. But it is also processed and manufactured in ways that make it strong, nonporous, and color-customizable to create many different looks with good color predictability (as opposed to a stone slab, which can contain more unexpected surprises compared with the sample). This beauty and durability doesn’t come without a price: It is generally more expensive than stone or total synthetics, although the price will vary depending on composition and manufacturer. While granite counters get overexposed on real estate reality shows, quartz is definitely the new must-have for my dream home. Read more about quartz countertops

Stock & Associates, Inc.

Custom Cabinets, of course, those beautiful counters will need something on which to rest, so I might as well toss in some sleek custom cabinetry. The advantage of using true custom cabinets vs. typical stock cabinets that can be configured in different combinations is twofold. First, custom cabinets can be fitted perfectly to your kitchen, filling the space precisely and making the best use of corners, spaces between windows, and any height or length of wall.

Brooke Wagner Design

Second, custom cabinets can achieve looks that stock cabinets can’t, especially when integrated with other features such as a banquette seat or kitchen island. This is especially important when going for a sought-after transitional style, where cabinets are desired to be seamless but not ultraminimalist.

Plus, although white tends to be the most in-demand shade, my dream home’s custom cabinets can be any hue I choose.

post architecture inc

A (True) Counter-Depth FridgeIf you’ve gone to the trouble of getting sharply tailored cabinetry, it would be a shame to ruin the lines with a bulky fridge. (Oversized fridges often end up filled with unnecessary food clutter anyway.)Counter-depth refrigerators follow the line of a typical 24-inch-deep counter for a flush look but beware: Some models sold as “counter depth” still stick out a bit past a typical counter when installed. Check the exact dimensions of a model you’re considering, and compare notes with your installer to make sure the lines will truly match up.

Philadelphia Design Collective

Deep SinkWhile a fridge can sometimes be too big, I’m not sure the same can be said about a kitchen sink. Typical sinks are often around 8 inches deep, but a sink that is 10 inches deep or more (especially a wide one) makes for luxurious ease of use. Being able to easily fit a large pot fully inside the sink for filling or cleaning is very practical. Plus, if you do leave an item or two in the sink to be cleaned later (sitting on top of a perfectly fitted metal sink grate, of course), they won’t be visible in your seemingly bottomless sink.

Toronto Interior Design Group

A little extra depth is even helpful for tighter sinks, such as those at a bar, prep counter, or butler’s pantry, as it helps avoid splashback when rinsing vegetables or pouring out liquid.

I can speak on this point from my personal experience. I have a deep stainless steel sink in my own kitchen, shown here, and I love it. It’s an easy and affordable upgrade that’s part of my dream home but also part of my real home.

Anna Braund

Touch-Activated FaucetsWith a sharp, deep sink, let’s make it even easier to use by adding a touch-activated faucet. These smart devices aren’t just for minimalist tech-head homes. They come in a range of styles to suit even more traditional or transitional kitchens. Inside that stylish faucet is a sensor that activates the faucet just from a tap, so you can turn on the water even with your hands occupied. The next time you’re making dough (or just making a mess) and need to rinse off, you’ll be glad you can turn on the faucet with just a tap from your elbow.

Tracey Stephens Interior Design Inc

Drawer Dishwashers Besides looking smart, a drawer dishwasher opens up new intelligent functions. Running a full-sized dishwasher when only partially full is a waste of water, but a unit like this can wash each individual half, giving you more flexibility for the size of the load to be cleaned. Plus, you can be running one drawer while still filling another, so you can clean your often-used items now while other pieces build up a bit over time. Goodbye to waiting an extra day to wash the dishes in my dream home.

Leona Mozes Photography

Hidden Range HoodI was tempted to include a bold, show-stopper range hood in my perfect kitchen, but I also love one that disappears into custom cabinets, as shown here. Ultimately, I realized that there is no middle ground: The best hoods are either a commanding focal point or quietly hide away to allow other features to speak uninterrupted.

Haefele Design

Steam-Convection OvenLooking to upgrade your cooking? Convection ovens increase the effectiveness of a typical oven by circulating the hot air inside to cook more evenly, making this a modern cooking essential. But newer technology takes that concept one step further with steam-convection combination ovens that some say result in better texture and nutrition. Foods cooked in steam tend to retain more moisture — and thus more vitamins — than foods that are simply baked or boiled. That makes a steam-convection oven not just a part of my dream kitchen, but a step toward healthier eating.

Highmark Builders

Pro-Style Gas RangeSteam-convection ovens may be high-tech, but when it comes to the range-top, nothing beats the look and power of chef’s kitchen-style burners. Classic red knobs give a punch of color, and the exposed burners on this style of gas range say “Ready to cook.”

WoodHart Interiors & Design, LLC

Deep DrawersThis is nothing new, but that doesn’t keep it from being in my dream kitchen. Trading out the usual lower cabinets for deep drawers (one or two per traditional cabinet box) gives you easy reach-in access for anything from a large pot to stacks of dinnerware.

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

To improve organization even further, drawer divider systems can break the interior into perfectly sized compartments so everything has its place. Plus, they can be adjusted later if needs change.

Deep drawers are an affordable upgrade too, because many companies provide deeper drawer units at the same cost as a more typical three-drawer model.

Kube Constructions

Slab BacksplashI thought I had everything I wanted for my dream kitchen with the deep drawers, but then I realized it had to end right back where it started: with a beautiful statement-making stone. The new must-have kitchen look eschews the everyday tile backsplash for the dramatic, custom look of a slab backsplash in the same material as the counters. After all, if you love your quartz counter so much, it makes sense to put the material on a vertical plane to show it off from all angles.I don’t want to be greedy, so that’s everything for my dream kitchen — for now. Your turn: What must-have did I miss from your dream kitchen?

HOUZZ BLOG: Toronto Interior Design Group is a trusted one-stop-shop residential interior design concierge boutique-style firm crafting timeless interiors.

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03 Aug 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Design, Home Improvements, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle, Trends Permalink

7 Stylish New Compact Home Bars

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On August 3, 2023

A compact home bar or beverage station is one of those features that can have an outsize impact on the way a home functions. It’s not on the level of a belly-up-to-the-bar-style Irish pub, but a compact home bar can spark a lively atmosphere in a relatively small footprint. Here, designers share details on modestly sized home bars and beverage stations.

Copper Sky Design + Remodel

1. Basement Bragging Rights with a Compact Home Bar

Designer: Micaela Quinton of Copper Sky Design + Remodel
Location: Atlanta
Size: This bar is in a media room that’s 500 square feet (46 square meters); 20 by 25 feet

Homeowners’ request. “This bar and media room was an unusable crawl space before we excavated the basement to create a great entertaining space for this family,” says designer Micaela Quinton, who used Houzz idea books to collaborate with the homeowners on design ideas. “The clients wanted to stay in their charming historic Intown Atlanta home, but they needed more space for their family. They couldn’t go back or up with an addition, so we went down. This media room is a nice, large flex space for them and features a bar with all the bells and whistles, including a beverage fridge, freezer, ice maker, trash pullout, sink, storage, and display shelving.”

Special features. “The tile backsplash and paint colors are really what makes this space so special,” Quinton says. “The tile is a geometric pattern of matte marble and brass. The light blue Sherwin-Williams Debonair cabinet color on the bar is a nice accent to the moody paint color that envelops the rest of the room, including the walls, ceiling, and trim.”

The countertop is Calacatta Cielo marble.

Designer tip.“We painted the walls, ceiling, and all the trim in this room the same deep blue color, Sherwin-Williams Rainstorm,” Quinton says. “It gives the space a moody, cozy feeling that works great in a basement media bonus room. A basement is a great place to go bold on color, and don’t be afraid to use dark colors, even in a space with very little or no natural light.”

“Uh-oh,” moment. “This basement build-out started as an excavation project,” Quinton says. “We turned an unusable crawl space below a historic home into a beautiful basement with 9-foot-high ceilings, a bar, media room, guest bedroom and bathroom, storage room, and home gym.

“The basement excavation process is complex and messy, and it involves structural engineering, a big conveyor belt, and a great deal of hand digging. During that excavation process, the clients were surprised by how much dirt we were removing and the extent of what was happening below their home, which they remained living in throughout the project. But they trusted our due diligence, knowledge, and experience and were thrilled with the results, especially with all the space they gained.”

Tile: Lavaliere mosaic in marble and brass, 12 by 14 inches, Daltile

Kate Roos Design LLC

2. Cool Connection

Designer: Kate Roos of Kate Roos Design
Location: Plymouth, Minnesota

Homeowners’ request.“The primary objective for this kitchen remodel was to open it up to the dining room to allow connectivity between the spaces,” designer Kate Roos says. “Once we looked at our options, it became clear that there would be slightly less storage in the new kitchen, so to solve this, we created a wonderful focal point in the dining room with storage that would take the pressure off of the kitchen. Pantry items, overflow serving ware, wine, and other miscellaneous items can easily fit in this area. This approach to the dining room allowed us to incorporate a beverage refrigerator so guests could help themselves. It also became a wonderful featured area for the client’s art piece, an original watercolor tulip.”

Roos used Houzz Pro business software for her billing, purchase orders, and proposals.

Special features. “We used a combination of white cabinetry with a walnut surround at the serving area to further frame the art,” Roos says. “The walnut is repeated inside the glass cabinetry for continuity. A soft tonal wallpaper is applied to the back for interest and a little shimmer. The quartzite countertop adds an elegant feel while providing a hardworking serving space.”

Designer tip. “The wall that this cabinetry is on varies in depth,” Roos says. “For a unified look, the tall cabinetry on the left is only 15 inches deep while all the other cabinetry on the right is full-depth. It feels consistent even though the depth is different. This was a great way to define the dining room from the living room space.”

“Uh-oh,” moment. “In the wall, we were modifying between the kitchen and the dining room was a duct that we needed to relocate,” Roos says. “It turned out that we could not run the duct in any of the remaining stud bays. After some serious problem-solving, we decided to run the duct behind the tall cabinetry on the left, which reduced the depth of that cabinet from 18 inches to 15 inches. This turned out to be a perfect solution. The 15-inch depth is perfect for pantry items and nothing gets lost.”

Kitchen & Bath Gallery

3. Taken for Granite

Designer: Lauren Dworak of Kitchen & Bath Gallery
Location: Douglas, Massachusetts
Size: 39 square feet (3.6 square meters); 6 by 6½ feet

Homeowners’ request. “They needed this space to be really functional as well as beautiful since their guests would see the space,” designer Lauren Dworak says. “We made sure the details flowed and connected back to the kitchen, with the white cabinets and black granite top. The open shelves were a great way to keep the smaller space lighter and show off beautiful glassware and wine bottles.”

Special features.“The rustic but simple wood floating shelves, sourced locally, gave a really beautiful natural element to the space,” Dworak says. “We wanted to call back to the gorgeous woodlands surrounding the home.”

Designer tip. “Adding plants brought a needed pop of color to the neutral space and again calls back to the surrounding woodlands,” Dworak says. “Also, adding a unique vintage-style faucet added an element of whimsy.”

“Uh-oh,” moment. “It was complicated getting the ice maker, fridge, and sink in the smaller area with door swings and still have some hidden storage space,” Dworak says. “We played with several options to get the best layout for the customer. The drawers ended up working really well for all the small bar tools.”

Faucet: Artifacts Gentleman’s bar faucet, Kohler

East Hill

4. Stylish Simplicity in a Compact Home Bar

Designers: Anthony Maucieri and Lisa Stretton of East Hilland Lisa Schwert Pohlschroeder of Innate Studio
Location: Pelham, New York
Size: 65 square feet (6 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “There was wasted space adjacent to the kitchen, so we converted it into a butler’s pantry for easier service to the adjacent dining room,” designer Anthony Maucieri says.

Special features. Walnut interiors inside the upper cabinets. Frameless base cabinets with an inset detail above the counter. Quartzite countertops and backsplash.

Designer tip. “Use the interior of glass cabinets to introduce warmth or interest to a space,” Maucieri says. “The inside doesn’t always have to match the outside.”

“Uh-oh,” moment. “There were concerns regarding the walnut stain, Maucieri says. “When the sample was viewed, it was in our showroom in hand, exposed to all different types of light. When installed, the back panel is inset by 13 inches and in a dark cavity, changing the color and darkening the tone. The moment the lights were installed in the cabinets the finish brightened and looked beautiful.”

Cape Home Kitchen & Bath

5. Gorgeous Green

Designers: Kristin Whalen and Jason Fisher of Cape Home Kitchen & Bath
Location: Pocasset, Massachusetts
Size:48 square feet (4.5 square meters); 6 by 8 feet

Homeowner’s request. “This homeowner is a manager for a local distiller that specializes in canned cocktails,” designer Kristin Whalen says. “She wanted an area off the kitchen that would allow guests to be able to help themselves to a drink. She wanted the area to feel clean, crisp, and transitional in design.”

Special features. “The glass-door beverage fridge allows guests to easily see and select their canned cocktail of choice,” Whalen says.

“The Pine Grove green from Grabill Cabinets really stands out as the focal point, with natural cane webbing added to the wall doors for organic texture. The Calacatta Gold quartz countertops and full-height backsplash provide durability and contrast to the space. Finally, the use of mixed metallics — honey bronze cabinet knobs with a matte black faucet — creates visual interest.”

Designer tip. “Consider paneled appliances,” Whalen says. “By paneling the ice maker, we were able to bring a cohesive look to the space and blend this appliance in seamlessly.”

“Uh-oh,” moment. “When we first unboxed the cabinetry, we noticed that the natural cane material had been painted the same Pine Grove green, eliminating the contrast in texture we worked hard to achieve,” Whalen says. “We were able to have the doors remade with the correct material and keep the project moving along.”

Drury Design

6. In the Navy

Designer: Samantha Schoell of Drury Design
Location: Chicago
Size: 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide

Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners were interested in updating their kitchen into a more modern aesthetic that also accentuates their art-and-crafty personalities,” designer Samantha Schoell says. “They not only wanted to have a place to make drinks, a counter space for serving food when entertaining but also a space to showcase their latest art pieces. The homeowners loved the idea of a bar, so I sought to address these core needs by giving them a separate beverage center, adding glass-lit cabinets for their decor to shine, and giving them a small space that makes a large impact.”

Special features. Marble-look quartz countertop. Navy blue custom cabinets. Colorful backsplash accent tile featuring koi fish. Clear glass cabinets with lighting. Crown molding. Craftsman handles and knobs. Beverage fridge. Microwave drawer.

Designer tip. “Placing the bar by the dining area allows beverages to be just a short reach when eating,” Schoell says. “Also, I believe this makes for a smooth transition between kitchen and dining space. Homeowners who love to entertain find bar areas not only a way to keep people out of the cooking space but also gives more space in the main refrigerator by placing all drinks in a separate beverage refrigerator.”

“Uh-oh,” moment.“This Chicago home is over 100 years old, and sticking with the style of the home was a huge factor,” Schoell says. “The home incorporated massive amounts of wood, and the homeowner was having difficulty determining the appropriate color they wanted. They were concerned with how to update an older house to a modern Craftsman style. I made the suggestion to go with a darker blue as I knew it would pair well with the wood features throughout the home and bring in the fun personality of the clients.”

Backsplash accent tile: Koi Pond in turquoise, 6 by 8 inches, Motawi Tileworks

Norman Building & Design

7. Woodsy Wet Bar

Designer: Norman Building & Design
Location: Terrebonne, Oregon

Homeowners’ request. A functional but beautifully detailed wet bar integrated into an entertaining space.

Special features. Custom wood cabinets with ample storage for glassware, wine, and liquor. Refrigerator drawers. Stone tile backsplash. Quartz countertop. Engineered hardwood flooring.

Mitchell Parker – Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor.

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24 Jul 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Home Improvements, Kitchen Island, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle Permalink

10 Kitchen Island Features Pros Always Recommend

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On July 24, 2023

A kitchen island offers many benefits — an extra countertop, more storage, a place where family and guests can sit, and improved circulation. But while the advantages of an island may seem straightforward, designing one isn’t. There are countless considerations that go into how an island looks and functions. To narrow down the options a bit, we asked 50 design and remodeling pros what kitchen island detail they always recommend to homeowners. Here are the 10 features that came up again and again.

JKB Kitchen & Bath

1. Kitchen Island Seating

By far, the most recommended feature for a kitchen island is seating. “If possible, we encourage seating at least at a portion of the Island,” architect Michael Klement of Architectural Resource says. “Given our kitchen-centric lifestyle, whether our clients like it or not, the island will end up becoming the gathering point.”

There are a lot of ways to approach island seating, so be sure to discuss the pros and cons of each with your design or remodeling pro.

If you expect that the seating will be used mostly for doing homework or having a quick snack, you might want all the seats facing the same way. If you like being able to look at the person next to you, you might want seating on two sides of your island, as in the Providence, Rhode Island, kitchen by JKB Kitchen & Bath seen here.

Keep in mind that you’ll want at least 24 inches of space between each seat for people to feel comfortable.

Sea Pointe Design & Remodel

In this Orange County, California, kitchen by Sea Pointe Construction, stools on opposite sides allow two people to face each other when on the narrow island. “Seating on two sides is always better for conversation,” designer Mary Jean Cipro of Thomas Sattler Homes says.

How you intend to use island seating will affect other elements, such as the length of the overhang. “Our minimum depth is 12 inches, but our ideal is around 16 to 18 inches of overhang on the countertop to give enough knee space with bar stools,” builder Al Kelekci of Hask Custom Homes says.

Designer Jason Thompson of J.THOM Residential Design & Materials likes to leave a bit of an overhang on an island countertop for clamping on accessories like pasta cranks.

LDa Architecture & Interiors

While the standard countertop height is 36 inches, you might want to consider adding a bar-height portion that’s 42 inches, as seen in this Boston kitchen by LDa Architecture & Interiors.

“Having at least one portion set up as a sit-to with a 42-inch-high surface is a very comfortable place to be,” Klement says. “It’s a height where one can be half sitting, half standing. It is psychologically and physiologically a welcoming, natural place for guests to perch, relaxed and yet engaged.”

Ailtire Studio LLC

2. Double-Sided Storage

If planned right, a kitchen island can add tons of storage to your space. And while you want to focus most of your attention on storage on the interior side of the island, don’t forget the back side.

“Whenever possible, we add extra cabinets under the overhang on the back side to maximize storage,” says Chelsea Forse, a design coordinator at King and Society Construction. “It can create a more finished look, and with the latest kitchens moving away from upper cabinets, it helps make up for the storage space that we are now missing.”

Architecture firm Ailtire Studio integrated storage on the back side of the island in the Philadelphia kitchen shown here. See the next photo for a peek at the storage.

To access the storage, the homeowners just move the stools out of the way. “Cabinetry on the back side of the island is a great place to stash the holiday platters and Crock-Pots when you don’t need them,” designer Judith Balis says.

You might also want to consider cabinets, drawers, or shelves at the ends of your island.

New to home remodeling? Learn the basics

H&H Custom Homes, LLC

3. Kitchen Island Outlets

Building code requires at least one outlet for an island, and more depending on the size of the island. So you’ll want to consider the best spot for your outlet or outlets. Be sure to talk with your design or building pro to get their advice and recommendations.

That way you can plug in a blender or mixer right on your prep surface, or you can use the outlets to charge phones and other devices.

An outlet on the back side of an island, as in this Cleveland kitchen by H&H Custom Homes, lets kids charge a laptop while doing homework.

An outlet on the side might be a better spot. Think about where you store your most-used gadgets so you can take them out of a cabinet and plug them in right on the countertop.

You might also want to consider an outlet in a drawer for charging devices so they’re not left out on the countertop.

Another thing to keep in mind is the outlet cover style. “A small detail that makes all the difference is having painted or matching wood outlet covers as opposed to a bright white plastic cover against a dark painted or wood island,” Thompson says.

Thyme & Place Design

4. Secondary Fridge

Placing a beverage fridge or fridge drawer in your island can be a great way to let people grab a drink or snack without disrupting the main work triangle in your kitchen. A good spot is at or near the island end that’s farthest away from the main action, as in this New York kitchen by Thyme & Place Design.

Another design is to have a beverage fridge on the outer side of the island which lets family members and guests grab drinks without getting in the way of the main traffic area. During parties, the countertop above can serve as a drink-making station while still leaving plenty of work surface on the other side of the island for the cook.

5. Microwave

A microwave in the island serves a similar purpose as the beverage fridge, allowing people to heat up coffee or a snack without getting in the way. If you use your island as the main prep area, having a microwave close by can minimize trips back and forth. Plus, tucking the microwave into the island gets it off the countertop, freeing up more work surfaces, and limiting the visual clutter more than if it were, say, above a range. A microwave drawer’s placement at the outer end of the island lets people use the appliance without entering the main area of the kitchen.

ProPacific Builders, Inc.

6. Durable Countertop Material

The right countertop material is key to a high-functioning island. An island typically becomes the main prep space, gathering area, homework center, and more. So, you want the surface to be as durable as possible.

Many design and remodeling pros swear by engineered quartz for its heat- and stain-resistant qualities. ProPacific Builders used quartz for the island in the San Diego kitchen seen here.

But Quartz isn’t the only player in town. Your remodeling professional might have other options in mind that will work better for your needs and style preferences, including some you might not have heard of. Designer Erica Bryen recommends Neolith, a sintered stone product. “It is one of my all-time favorite materials that can resemble Calacatta marble, any natural stones, and slate,” she says. “It’s highly resilient and can be used outdoors too.”

Designer Meghan De Maria of Moss Design likes Nano Glass, which she used for the island in her own kitchen, paired with a marble backsplash. “It’s great because it is virtually indestructible, and from a design perspective, its sleek, modern finish brings a nice balance to the natural marble,” she says.

Keep in mind that the larger an island countertop is, the harder it will be to clean. “I recommend making the island no larger than one [that a person] can comfortably lean across to wipe it clean,” designer Carrie Hayward says.

7. Prep Sink

If you choose not to put your main sink in the island, consider adding a prep sink instead. “It allows two people to prep and cook comfortably,” designer Jamie Roddy of Eden LA Furniture and Interiors says. If you use your island surface as your main prep area, it means you can rinse items right next to where you’re working, rather than rinsing items in the main sink and dripping water on the floor as you transfer them to the island.

One suggestion is to position the prep sink off to one edge of the countertop, preferably near the refrigerator so you can quickly transfer vegetables and other foods right to the basin to rinse. Plus, placing it off to the side keeps a large work surface free on the island that you can use for chopping or as buffet space when entertaining.

The prep sink in the Boston kitchen seen here, by Almar Building and Remodeling, is a good example of how placement at the end of the island looks.

8. Pullout Trash and Recycling

As mentioned, your island is likely to become your main work surface. And that makes it a good spot for a pullout trash-and-recycling center, like the one designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn designed for the suburban New York kitchen seen here. This placement allows you to wipe food scraps and crumbs right off the surface into a bin.

9. Targeted Lighting

Of course, you can’t have an adequate work surface without proper lighting. And pros recommend a layered approach. “Great overhead lighting is essential for both tasks and aesthetics,” designer Kimball Starr says. “A combination of accurately placed recessed lighting, undercabinet lighting, and decorative pendants makes for a space people won’t want to leave.”

Sometimes island pendants can obstruct sightlines and views through a kitchen. In this case, strategically placed recessed lights in the ceiling will bring task lighting right to the work surface.

Shelley Morris Interiors

10. Something Special

Don’t forget about style and flair when it comes to your island. “Find a way to make a kitchen island your own with your personality,” says architect and interior designer Robin McCarthy of Arch Studio, “whether it be a shelf for cookbooks or a special drawer for gadgets, a special color or finish, or a wine rack. Kitchen islands are one of the single most requested features for a home by our clients, and we want it to be both functional and fun.”

Many designers recommend adding furniture-style legs or other details to an island to give it a special look. “We’ll add custom leg detailing, or special details on the side panels or underside of the island overhang,” designer Mindy Gayer says.

Designer Megan McKeown of M.S. Design Studio agrees with that approach. “I love it when kitchen islands are designed to look like a free-standing piece of furniture,” she says. “You can get so creative with this type of design. This is a great spot to mix and match different materials to achieve a collected and balanced feel in the space.”

Designer Shelley Morris mixed and matched in the New York kitchen shown here.

Another way to set your island apart is to use a different color or cabinet style. “A kitchen island is like adding icing on a cake,” Sindhu Peruri of Peruri Design says. “Add personality and flair here. Most likely, the footprint of most islands is small, so this is the best place to take a risk. I love making it look different than the rest of the kitchen, either in design, color, texture, or in the materials that are used. My favorite is to introduce a different cabinetry style for the island. If the rest of the kitchen is modern and white, having an antiqued island is fun, or change up the cabinetry style into something really dramatic. This is the place to have fun.”

10 Ways to Dress Up Your Kitchen Island

Even small details can make your island stand out. Designer Thompson always recommends including integrated cutting boards in the island.

Or if you want to pamper yourself and guests, consider a heated island countertop. “If there’s seating at the island, I often recommend a heated pad under the countertop where people sit,” designer Sarah Armstrong of Studio360 says. “Sometimes tops can be very cold and therefore uninviting to sit or eat at. By adding an integral heated electric panel, controlled by a thermostat, it takes the chill out of an often cold and shocking surface when you sit at it.”

Studio Dearborn

And don’t pamper just the humans in your life. The end of an island is a great spot for a dedicated pet feeding station, like the one shown here in a Denver kitchen by Studio Dearborn.

“I often recommend a dog bowl water filler and food [storage] built into a kitchen island,” designer Ray Langhammer says. “Why? I love dogs, and any homeowner that is a dog or animal owner loves this feature. It’s a designated area for your animal that is out of the way and doesn’t get kicked by guests.

Blog shared from HOUZZ. Blog written by Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor.

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07 Mar 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in aging in place, Blog, Design, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle, Universal Design Permalink

10 Ways to Design a Kitchen for Aging in Place

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On March 7, 2023

Maybe you’ve found the house you want to grow old in. Perhaps you foresee your elderly parents moving in with you one day. Or maybe you require wheelchair accessibility. With the following 10 ways to design a kitchen for aging in place, you’ll make your space safer and easier to navigate.

Design a Kitchen for Aging in Place

Pike Properties

1. Install a Pullout Pantry

Because it lets you see everything at a glance without having to shuffle items around, homeowners of all ages will find a pullout pantry useful. But besides being convenient, drawers that give you easy access to your canned goods and cereal boxes also put less strain on your back and knees.

You can even use the pullouts to store heavy portable appliances, such as blenders, slow cookers, and toasters.

Simmons STUDIO Architects

2. Keep the Sink Close to the Stove

As we age, it’s harder on our arms and backs to carry big pots full of water to and from the cooktop. If any spills on the way, it becomes a slipping hazard. Keep your sink close to your stove but be sure to leave workspace in between. It defeats the purpose if you’re forced to hold a pot longer than is comfortable because you can’t find a place to set it down.

Where it isn’t possible to have the sink on the same side as the stove (or if the layout won’t work for the way you cook), there’s another option. Place the sink across from the stove, and you’re only 180 degrees and a step or two away. This works well in galley-style kitchens.

FabCab

3. Opt for a Shallow Sink

While we’re on the subject of sinks, buy one that isn’t too deep (preferably only 6 to 8 inches). It’s much easier to rinse vegetables and dishes in a shallow sink bowl.

4. Place the Microwave at or Below Counter Height

Whether your microwave is free-standing or built-in, having it at counter height is best for your back since it minimizes bending and reaching above your shoulders.

The Kingston Group

If you don’t want to sacrifice counter space, the next best solution is to tuck the microwave under the counter. Why? For starters, it’s easier to set a heavy plate down below you than it is to lift it above your shoulders. And since spills are more likely when you have to reach up to remove hot food or liquid, having the microwave under the counter also prevents burns.

Yorkville Design

5. Choose Standard Counter-Depth Appliances and Cabinets Without Frills

Designing an age-proof kitchen isn’t the time to get fancy with decorative legs, ornate refrigerator panels, or angled counters. Though these eye-catchers add personality, they can transform your space into an obstacle course. You’re more prone to bump your knees, legs, and hips on appliances and cabinetry details that jut out from the counter.

6. Make Corners Accessible

Blind corner cabinets won’t cut it. Yes, they provide ample storage space, but too often they turn into unofficial junk bins when you tire of getting on all fours to fetch the dish you need. Performing that bend-reach-lift motion also isn’t good for aging backs.

Look for corner cabinet bases that effectively eliminate the need for rummaging and reaching. They aren’t all the same, though. You have options, be it a convenient three-drawer base (left) or a traditional Lazy Susan. You can also get corner cabinet organizers with a kidney-shaped, half-moon, and other creative sliding shelves.

Lane Homes & Remodeling Inc.

Don’t limit accessible corners to your lower cabinets. This easy-to-reach upper cabinet opens like an accordion and doesn’t waste any storage space.

Gilmore Kitchens and Baths

7. Choose Drawers, Not Doors

The best part about drawers is that they display all your flatware and utensils at once, which allows for easy grabbing. You don’t have to get on your knees and peer into the back of the cabinet to see what’s available.

You can also store your larger kitchen items in drawers. Drawers wider than 30 inches can stow plenty of pots and pans.

8. Round the Edges

Avoid 90-degree angles on countertops and open shelves. The last thing you want is to hit your hip or elbow on a sharp corner as you’re maneuvering in your kitchen. Round edges lessen the likelihood of bumps and bruises.

For U-shaped kitchens, ADA guidelines require at least 60 inches of clearance between opposing cabinets, walls or appliances.

Menter Byrne Architects

9. Focus on Clearance Space

The standard clearance between cabinets, walls, and appliances is 36 inches, which is enough room to comfortably pass in a walkway and have access to drawers and doors.

However, if you want a kitchen that can accommodate a wheelchair, you can use the Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines as a reference point for your design.

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath

10. Ensure That Floors Are Slip-Resistant

Materials that don’t get slick reduce the chances of falling when there’s a spill. Floor tile should have enough grout and texture to grip your feet. Porcelain tile absorbs less moisture than ceramic tile or other flooring types; it’s also easy to maintain and clean. Vinyl flooring, seen here, can offer good slip resistance too, and it’s softer on your feet.

Homework Remodels and Tri-Lite Builders have staff NARI certified as MASTER CERTIFIED REMODELER, CERTIFIED KITCHEN & BATH REMODELER, UNIVERSAL DESIGN CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL, and GREEN CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL. We can help you use universal design in your kitchen remodel so that you can continue enjoying your home as you age.

This blog was written by Sam Ferris, Houzz Contributor. I have more than seven years of experience in the design industry, including residential renovation, cabinet, and flooring design. I currently work for RVK Architecture, a professional design firm that delivers successful architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture solutions to public and private clients.

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10 Nov 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, home organization, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle, Storage Permalink

How to Store Kitchen Tools and Flatware

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On November 10, 2022

They say the key to organization is a place for everything and everything in its place. This is true for even the smallest items, such as your kitchen utensils. These include your everyday flatware as well as the many small but mighty cooking tools a serious chef requires. Here are some of my favorite options on how to store your kitchen tools in any space and on any budget.

Step One: Eliminating

Before you can organize any part of your home properly, you need to do some culling, and this is especially true in the kitchen. Drawers can quickly become filled with unused tools and gadgets, so take a hard look at the items you own and find as many as possible to give away or box up.

NEAT Method Santa Barbara

You may never get your collection of utensils down to the perfectly minimal arrangements shown in these photos, but the more items you can eliminate, the easier it will be to store and find the truly useful ones. Never use the little dessert spoons that came with your cutlery set? Only used that special spatula (designed to perfectly flip a single egg) the one time? Stash these items away in less reachable spaces such as upper cabinets to free up more prime cabinet real estate.

Joselyn Rendon Interiors

If Renovating, Make a Plan for Success

If you’re renovating or building a kitchen, you shouldn’t put off the organizational considerations until all the construction is complete. Thinking in advance about how to hold your collection of tools will produce a much better result. Planning to include a few drawers specifically sized for utensils will save a lot of potentially wasted space.

Typical cutlery trays aren’t very wide. Your basic eating utensils get used every day, but they don’t need that much space. A drawer just 10 to 12 inches wide will provide the right amount of space for those items without the need to have them share space with whisks and ladles.

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Give Depth Some (Deep) Thought

Besides considering the width of the drawers, don’t forget to think about the depth. Drawers are often 6 to 8 inches deep (on the exterior face) by default simply because the cabinet has been split evenly into three to four drawers. However, a 4- to 5-inch-deep drawer (again, on the face, which translates to just a few inches inside) is all you need to store well-organized utensils. Using more and shallower drawers keeps items from getting piled on top of each other and lost in the mix.

Ideally, you should look at the collection of utensils you have (or plan to have) and map out exactly how much space they will need. This takes some extra effort upfront, but you will end up with a much better allocation of space than by simply choosing drawers in an arbitrary width. You can try laying out your utensils on a dining table to get a visual picture (and some measurements) of how much space they ideally would get.

Reiter Architecture & Design

Mix Drawers and Doors

Often people think of drawer cabinets and basic shelf cabinets as being two separate things, but they definitely can be mixed to meet your needs more efficiently.

Cabinets with a drawer at the top and doors and shelves below allow smaller, often-used items to be placed at a more reachable height, with the shelf storage left for more occasional items and oversized pieces. If you use lots of small chef’s tools when you cook, consider including many utensil drawers at the top level. It will save you a lot of bending down over time.

MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc.

Consider Going Vertical

Want to tidy up your cutlery drawer without having to assign each piece an individual place? Try a drawer with vertical cutlery bins that let you simply drop in pieces with long handles (such as spatulas and slotted spoons) and pull them out easily. You’ll be able to see each piece, and you won’t have to remember exactly where you got it later.

How to store kitchen tools

eric gedney | ARCHITECT

This style of cabinet can make great use of skinny spaces left over in your cabinet plans, such as the small spaces next to a range or sink.

You can store flatware vertically too. Cleverly retrofit a deeper drawer into a cutlery drawer by dividing it into small, deep compartments like this. Just be sure you don’t store sharp items this way, or you may dull the blades (and risk accidents as well).

Jim Martin Design

Create Layers

Another way to make the best use of deep drawers is to break them up internally into layers. You can either use a built-in drawer divider system or find a layered drop-in unit.

A tiered organizer can create compartments smaller than an individual drawer to gain maximum space efficiency. Just keep in mind that the upper layer will partially cover the lower layer (or will need to be slid individually), so you should put the most-used items on the most reachable tier.

Retrofitting: What Are the Options?

Of course, many of the images in this article use beautiful, built-in, custom-fitted trays, and those may not always be an option, especially when working with existing cabinetry. However, there are many alternatives available.

How to store kitchen tools

Renovisions

Single Trays

A classic single cutlery tray is sometimes all you need, but keep in mind that these trays are not truly one-size-fits-all. Finding one that comes close to filling your drawer width will provide more structure versus a small tray that shifts around with use. Measure the interior of your drawer and look for a tray that fills it. Online shops will usually have more size options than a small local kitchen supply store.

Configurable Trays

A step above the prefabricated single trays is a divider system made up of single compartments that can be mixed and matched like Tetris pieces to create spaces for all your items. If you can’t perfectly fill the full width, use the open space for a sturdy item such as a rolling pin or box of foil that will keep the other pieces from shifting.

Susan Brook Interiors

Resizable Dividers

Another step closer to a custom built-in is a resizable divider system like this one that lets you snap together pieces to create any size compartments you like. An advantage of this sort of system is that you can change the configuration later to fit a different mix of items, or even fit a new drawer if you move or renovate.

Open Storage Vessels

For those who don’t mind having some of their utensils on display, simple open vessels or jars make a great place to hold your often-used items.

This can look especially great in a kitchen that makes use of open shelving already, with the utensil jars becoming part of the overall chef’s kitchen appeal.

Hanging Rails

Another form of open storage is a rail that can be used to either hang utensils and tools directly (via a curved handle or a hook) or hang containers and holders to keep your utensils within easy reach but off the counter.

A wall-mounted system can be great for stealing a little storage space behind the range or elsewhere on the backsplash, which can be a lifesaver in a compact kitchen where every inch of storage space counts.

Pegboards

Like a rail, a pegboard can give you lots of flexible storage space on the wall. Whether this look is charmingly relaxed or too busy is a matter of personal taste, but if you like this aesthetic, it offers lots of practical options for arranging and rearranging your tools.

The full article by Toronto Interior Design Group can be found here. Houzz contributor.

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For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Homework Remodels will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or email [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsman are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality! See our portfolio here.

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05 Sep 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Build/Design Process, Home Improvements, home organization, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle Permalink

Pros Share 6 Must-Have Kitchen Design Features

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On September 5, 2022

Design and remodeling pros recommend focusing on these must-have kitchen design features to create a functional and stylish kitchen

Countless decisions go into designing a beautiful and functional kitchen — so many that it’s hard to know what to focus on. We asked several design and remodeling professionals what they consider the must-have kitchen design features, and the following elements came up again and again. Give these areas adequate attention when planning a kitchen and you’re almost guaranteed to end up with a space that makes you happy.

Stonington Cabinetry and Designs

1. The Right Storage

Your kitchen cabinets make up the bulk of what you see in your kitchen, so your choice of cabinet color and style is a major, consequential decision. But the components inside your cabinets are equally important, if not more.

Your storage solutions determine how functional your kitchen is. When you’re at the peak of cooking a large meal, you care less about the look of your cabinets and more about the ease of grabbing the right tools, spices, pots, and other supplies.

A kitchen designer will often take an inventory of all the utensils, dishes, small appliances, and pantry items in your kitchen to figure out the right storage components for you. Pullouts, rollouts, and swing-outs will efficiently organize your stuff and make things easier to find and grab.

“When budget allows, we always, always recommend drawers or pullout shelves on the lower cabinet level,” designer Lisa Janzen of KC Interior Design says. “There is nothing worse than having to get on your hands and knees to see what is shoved to the back on your bottom shelves. Drawers make it so much easier to access and more efficient use of space.”

The New York kitchen shown here by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs is a good example of how hard your kitchen cabinets can work for you.

Yancy Interiors + Home, LLC

“I always recommend custom cabinetry with pullouts, built-in cutting boards, etc. to keep the jumble of everyday life to a minimum,” designer Yancy Dearinger Bonner of Yancy Interiors + Home says. She included a pullout cutting board next to the range in the kitchen shown here.

Innovative Construction, Inc.

BSW Design

2. Hardworking Sink

Designers often recommend giving extra consideration to elements that you interact with the most. In a kitchen, that can be a lot of things, but the kitchen sink is one area that always sees a lot of action. So it makes sense to put a little more effort into designing the sink area and choosing components. These days, many sink manufacturers offer designs called workstations, which feature add-ons such as cutting boards, strainers, and prep bowls. “I always recommend a sink with gadgets,” designer Brittany Steptoe-Wright of BSW Design says. “For example, the sink in this project [shown here] is a single, large under-mount sink, but it has a colander, cutting board, and drying rack that sit inside on a small lip and provide so much function. It’s a game changer.”

Kitchen Design Gallery

The Galley Workstation shown here is a popular hardworking sink that includes several inserts for prepping and cleaning.

KE Interior Solutions

3. Layered Lighting

Different tasks in a kitchen call for different kinds of lighting. Cooking at the stove, chopping vegetables, washing dishes, chatting with friends, doing homework, displaying collectibles — these all require a specific light source. “I recommend layers of lighting and multiple fixtures to cover every area,” designer Debbie Turner of Debbie Cahill Turner Design says. This might include recessed ceiling lights for ambient light, spotlights to illuminate important work areas like the sink and range, pendant lights to light an island or peninsula, and windows to let in natural light during the day. Designer Donna McMahon of KE Interior Solutions used a layered lighting approach in her own kitchen in Denver, shown here. Several recessed ceiling lights provide overall lighting, while undercabinet lights help with cooking tasks. McMahon even installed light strips below the base cabinets to create ambient lighting at night.

Ourso Designs

This New Orleans kitchen by Ourso Designs is another example of good lighting design. There are recessed ceiling cans, a pendant over the sink, pendants over the island, under cabinet lighting, and sconces over the floating shelves flanking the range hood.

Stonington Cabinetry & Designs

Of course, you shouldn’t forget to factor in natural lighting whenever possible. Architect Chris Dorman of Dorman Associates recommends that homeowners consider reducing the number of upper cabinets if needed to allow room for more windows to bring in natural light. “The kitchen is a place where people can spend hours, so maximizing natural light is key,” he says.

Wills Design Associates

4. Island

Perhaps no design feature in recent memory has changed kitchen design more than the island. Indeed, it’s hard to deny the benefit of a kitchen island. It adds an extra countertop surface and storage and creates a spot for conversation, homework, and meals. It can be a location for a cooktop, a dishwasher, or a prep sink, and it often provides that crucial touch point that completes an efficient work triangle. An island is a must-have kitchen feature for builder Kenneth Keating of Camlin Custom Homes. “A large kitchen island is a fantastic gathering place in any open-plan kitchen and gives the homeowner a flexible space to use for dining, entertaining, or cooking,” he says.

SV Design

An island is also a favorite feature for designer Tina Rodda of Eyder Curated Kitchens. “My must-have amenity is a workstation on the island for food prep and serving and a large butcher block at the end for carving and serving fabulous roasts,” she says.

This Boston kitchen by SV Design shows an example.

BASCO Builder’s Appliance Supply Company

5. Quality Cooking Appliances

A kitchen is meant for cooking. And your range — or cooktop and oven — will be the most important component for cooking meals. Think about how often you interact with a range and how its function affects the quality of your meals and the ease with which you create them. That’s why many pros suggest you don’t skimp on quality when it comes to selecting a range and other cooking appliances. Designer Karen Parks of Associate Interiors puts a lot of focus on selecting high-quality ovens and cooktops. Shown here is the GE Cafe series.

Dorman Associates, Inc.

“I think that having a good stove is critical,” architect Dorman says. He used a Monogram Pro range in this Northern California kitchen.

Julia Chasman Design

Designer Julia Chasman makes vintage stoves a key component in her kitchen designs. For her own kitchen, shown here, she used a vintage O’Keefe & Merritt stove built in 1952 that provides function and style. “I have often used vintage stoves in homes of different eras,” she says. “They require some extra love and care. This one needed to be converted for use with propane gas as well, but the amount of charm and warmth they provide is incalculable. I also find them to be excellent stoves to cook on — perfect for cooking meat. It’s become one of my signature looks, and when I’m asked to source a vintage stove I know exactly what to look for to find one that will continue to serve its owners well for another 25 or 30 years.”

Julie Rootes Interiors

6. Custom Vent Hood

A ventilation hood removes cooking odors, steam, and grease from the air in your kitchen. But because the appliance sits at or just above eye level, it’s also an important visual element in the space. Many designers take it as an opportunity to create a stylish focal point, and going custom is often the way to go.“I am a big fan of a custom metal hood,” says designer Julie Rootes of Julie Rootes Interiors, who used a custom hood in the San Francisco kitchen shown here. “There are so many details you can pull in. It is one of the most important features of an elevated kitchen design. It’s like the jewelry of the kitchen.”

Heritage Homes of Jacksonville

Designer Jason Ulm of Heritage Homes of Jacksonville created the custom maple hood shown here in a kitchen in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Arched molding coordinates with the arched mullions on the cabinet doors to create an alluring focal point.

Written by Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor.

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Find more informative blogs and articles on HOUZZ and on our website www.trilitebuilders.com

22 Aug 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Award-Winning, Blog, Home Improvements, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle, sink Permalink

Where Should You Put the Kitchen Sink?

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On August 22, 2022

Where should you put the kitchen sink in your remodel? Do you put it facing a window or your guests? In a corner or near the dishwasher? Here’s how to find the best place for the kitchen sink.

To find your dream kitchen sink, you will likely spend a good amount of time browsing sink photos and kitchen sinks in the Houzz Shop. But don’t forget to think about where your sink will be located in your kitchen. If you’re remodeling an existing kitchen on a tight budget, you may need to leave it where it is. But if you can, consider where you’ll want to be standing while working at your kitchen sink, as well as what other appliances or elements should be nearby.

Here are 10 considerations to help you figure out the best place for the kitchen sink.

Northland Design and Build

Use Existing Plumbing

If you are undertaking a low-cost renovation or simply looking for areas where you can cut costs so you can splurge on your countertops or backsplash tile, consider reusing your existing plumbing as much as possible. If your kitchen layout is truly dysfunctional, this may not be an option. But I always consider leaving the plumbing alone to save money.

Jenny Martin Design

Give Yourself a View

If your kitchen is part of a new construction project, or you are either unable or disinclined to keep the sink where it is, then do yourself a favor and give yourself a nice view. I am not a fan of washing dishes by hand but would gladly take on the chore if I had this fabulous view to take in.

Bria Hammel Interiors

Think About Lighting

You need plenty of light when working in the kitchen, and that’s especially true while at the sink. Natural light from a big window or skylight above the sink is fantastic during the day, but be sure you also have adequate task lighting above and around the sink at night to safely illuminate the work area.

How to Properly Light Your Kitchen Counters

Design Interiors Ltd.

Center on the Window – or Not

Speaking of windows, if you can place your kitchen sink under a window, try to center the sink on the center line of the window. Sometimes, however, this is just not feasible. For example, in this kitchen there isn’t enough room to center the sink under the window and also squeeze in the dishwasher. I find you can make it work if you center the sink or faucet with a component of the window. Here the sink is centered under one of the windowpanes, a good solution that brings a semblance of symmetry.

BR Nelson Designs LLC

Partner With the Dishwasher

This one is a no-brainer. You want your dishwasher and sink to be next to one another. This will make loading the dishwasher easier and more efficient; you can just scrape or rinse off your plates in the sink before setting them in the dishwasher. It’s also useful when you are emptying the dishwasher and need to dump out any water that has pooled on your dishes.

Jackson Design & Remodeling

This classic setup with the dishwasher on one side of the sink and a pullout cabinet for compost, trash and recycling on the other side makes kitchen cleanup easier. I highly recommend this layout if you can swing it. It does require a pretty long bank of cabinets to make it fit, because you need 24 inches for a standard-size dishwasher and at least 12 inches for the trash pullout. It’s also nice to have a buffer cabinet on the outside edges of the dishwasher and trash cabinet so the doors can open without running into a perpendicular cabinet or wall.

Sunstone Interiors

A Word About Corner Sinks

I generally don’t recommend corner sinks in a kitchen. They can cause traffic jams and make it difficult to access a nearby dishwasher. But if you are forced to work with existing plumbing or the location of the only window in the kitchen, consult with a design professional who can help you figure out the correct size and placement of the sink, and the dishwasher if you install one, to ease the squeeze around the sink area as much as possible.

Huntsmore

Give Yourself Work Zones

If your kitchen layout includes an island, you might find it nice to put either the cooktop or sink in it to create an efficient workspace. I’m personally not a fan of having a hulking vent hood smack dab in the middle of the kitchen, so I prefer seeing the sink there instead.

Jay Reinert Architect, LLC

Keep a Connection

Don’t turn your back on your guests if you don’t have to. If you plan to entertain often and have an open kitchen, this is an ideal layout. It allows the cook to prep in the kitchen while still conversing with guests or keeping an eye on kids.

swa.studio//Sebastian Wiedemann Architektur

For those who want to see their family and friends while cooking and cleaning but don’t necessarily want kitchen messes to be on full display, there are many ways to design the sink area to get the best of both worlds.

Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.

A cased opening or raised countertop above the sink can act as a visual barrier to disguise any messes in or around the sink. It provides a nice buffer to the area beyond where kids might be doing homework or guests will be hanging out having a drink and chatting with you while you finish dinner prep.

Studio Steinbomer

Be Social and Enjoy a View

If you are fortunate to have a large open kitchen that looks out onto a nice vista, think about orienting your sink toward the dining area and the pleasing view. Yes, everything is on full display, but this would be a fun kitchen to work in when you’re able to entertain large crowds of friends and family.

Soorikian Architecture

Work With Multiple Sinks

For those with large households or who entertain often, multiple sinks are definitely an ideal setup. Of course, you’ll need the space and budget to accommodate such a design.

Typically, there is one larger main sink placed under a window or facing an adjacent dining room or great room, and the dishwasher is placed next to it for easy cleaning and loading. The second sink may be a smaller prep sink in the island or a peninsula, and it is used more for hand washing and food prep. This configuration allows several people to use the kitchen at once without getting in one another’s way.

Jennifer Ott, Blog contributor for Houzz

San Francisco-based architectural color specialist and design writer. Jennifer’s work has been featured in many print and online publications. Her recently-published book, “1000 Ideas for Color Schemes,” is a beautifully illustrated and easy-to-navigate guide that takes the guesswork out of selecting the perfect color palette for your home or special event. For more information on Jennifer Ott Design, visit http://jenottdesign.com/.

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

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09 Aug 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Design, Kitchen Remodels, Lifestyle, sink Permalink

Single Bowl vs. Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On August 9, 2022

Top designers weigh in on the merits of single and double bowl kitchen sinks

Since the invention of the kitchen sink, homeowners and designers have been debating the merits of a single bowl vs. a double bowl. On the one hand, a double basin makes washing dishes a snap. One side serves to hold soapy water and dirty dishes while the other side is reserved to keep them clean. On the other hand, single basins can be real space savers. They often come in a wider range of sizes than their divided counterparts. They can also be roomier for washing pots and pans. We could make endless arguments for both sides but truthfully it comes down to personal preference. Need some inspiration to make your choice? See below for some of our favorite single and double bowl installations and hear what some of our favorite designers have to say about each.

“I always go for a single bowl sink. I think it feels more modern, and in my personal opinion functions better. We have a lot of large plates and pans that we use in the kitchen, and it’s nice not to have a partition when we have a ton of stuff to wash. A bonus with a deep single sink is if you have dishes in there you do not notice them until you’re standing over it!” Raelyn Woltz, @westend.interiorsDesign by West End Interiors
Featuring Quartet farmhouse kitchen sink in Slate

“One of the characteristics I love about my oversized double bowl sink is I have the functionality of a large single bowl on the left side, as well as the easy use of the smaller right side to hand wash or soak items. I especially like that the smaller side has the perfect capacity for my use to fill quickly with water.” Jennie Wunderlich, @studio.h2oDesign by Studio H2O
Featuring Cocina Duet Pro in Brushed Nickel

“Less is more and a streamlined sink, preferably an apron front, is not only the workhorse of the kitchen but a piece to enjoy that is visually appealing.”Kate Marker, @katemarkerinterirosDesign by Kate Marker Interiors
Photograph by Stoffer Photography
Featuring Farmhouse 3018 in Slate

“I actually prefer a large single bowl for the versatility of being able to wash large pots, cutting boards, babies and dogs, etc in the sink! This client preferred a double bowl, so we went with it!” Design by Andrea Browning, Model Design
Photograph by Chipper Hatter
Featuring Farmhouse Duet in Brushed Nickel

For more design inspiration check out our Instagram.

From Native Trails Home Blog

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

19 Jun 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Build/Design Process, Design, Kitchen Remodels Permalink

Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Kitchen

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On June 19, 2022

Get the ideal kitchen setup by understanding spatial relationships, building dimensions, and work zones

Whether you are moving into an existing kitchen, remodeling the one you have, or building a new one, understanding a few key building measurements and organizational guidelines can help your culinary life run more smoothly.

Kitchens provide storage for your food and cookware, give you room for prep and cleanup, and of course, also provide a place where you can cook and bake. When it’s thoughtfully arranged, these functions operate logically, making working in your kitchen a better experience. Here’s how to get the ideal kitchen setup.

Designing the Three Main Areas of a Kitchen

Ideally, refrigeration and dry goods storage should be located nearest to the kitchen’s entry point. The cooking area should be located toward the dining spaces, and the sink is best positioned between those two functions. This creates what’s called a work triangle. The best work triangle is less than 21 linear feet (6.4 meters). Work triangles that exceed 26 feet (7.9 meters) make moving from one function to another inefficient in most cases.

Everyone has personal preferences for what works best, so consider this a guide and not a rulebook.

Blu and White

Storage. Designers recommend putting refrigeration and dry-goods storage at the kitchen entry point. Putting your pantry on one side and a countertop that’s 15 to 24 inches (38 to 61 centimeters) on the other is a good idea. This will allow you to easily set down items that have been taken out of the freezer and refrigerator. The pantry can hold dry goods plus brooms and supplies like paper towels. Use drawers in this area to hold plastic bags, foil, and anything that can contain food to be stored. For the cabinets in this area, you will want to have mixing bowls, cake pans, measuring utensils, and any other items that aid in assembling meals.

Wheelhouse Design

Preparation. Ideally, prep and cleaning space is best located around the sink. Within these areas will be everyday glasses and dishes, along with trash receptacles and the dishwasher. Allow 18 to 36 inches (45 to 92 centimeters) of countertop space on one or both sides of your sink. Preparation areas are best kept clear of other items since you will always be taking out bowls, plates, and utensils there. Allow at least 36 inches (92 centimeters) of uncluttered countertop space for preparation in a small kitchen. Larger kitchens will have much more. This is one reason that islands are so popular. They provide broad and well-lit surfaces on which to perform the majority of kitchen tasks.No room for a built-in island? Add a cart instead

Diane Waingrow Architect AIA

Cooking. The cooking centers should be arranged around the range, cooktop, and wall ovens. Place pots, frying pans, and baking sheets in the vicinity of your burners and ovens. It is a good idea to place small appliances such as toasters and coffeemakers in this area also, as it will leave your preparation areas unobstructed. Allow 21 to 36 inches (53 to 92 centimeters) of countertop on either side of your cooktop. If possible, place wall ovens with a free countertop immediately next to them so that you can set down hot food immediately. Place seasonings, breadboards, and potholders in nearby drawers and cupboards. Keep serveware toward the dining area.

Cindy Aplanalp & Chairma Design Group

Other Kitchen Measurement Considerations

The dimensions of all the pieces in your kitchen are important to get right to make the best use of your space.

Refrigerator depth. A common refrigerator width is slightly less than 36 inches (92 centimeters). The problem is often the depth. In recent years some manufacturers have designed them to be much deeper than a 24-inch (61-centimeter) base cabinet. You can still buy shallower freestanding refrigerators, but you have to pay close attention to the dimensions listed in its specifications to be certain. The other option is built-in configurations, but they are significantly more expensive.

Look for a depth of 30 inches (76 centimeters) or less, excluding handles, unless you can design your kitchen space to accept a deeper unit. Another thing to consider is the swing of the refrigerator door. Always examine the swing direction to see if it will meet an obstruction.

Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Cabinet height. Here you can see how the height of the cabinets plays an important part in the configuration. Upper cabinets are normally positioned at 18 inches (46 centimeters) above the countertop and are 30 to 42 inches (76 to 107 centimeters) in height.

Consider that your average maximum reach over and into an upper cabinet is 70 to 80 inches (178 to 203 centimeters) above the floor. Cabinets set at above 7 feet will likely need to be accessed with a step ladder. Cabinets above 8 feet are not practical for the majority of people; however, they may serve as storage for seasonal or decorative items, to be reached with step stools and ladders.

The standard dimensions for base cabinets are 24 inches (61 centimeters) deep and 36 inches (92 centimeters) high. In general, people are getting taller, so some homeowners are bumping up the counter height to 38 inches (97 centimeters).

Visual Jill Inc.

Distance between cabinets. Another important dimension to consider is the distance between cabinets. Entry points can be as little as 36 inches (92 centimeters) when there is a cabinet on only one side. Stay at least 42 inches (107 centimeters) from the face of a cabinet to the one on the other side; 48 inches (122 centimeters) is even better, but going beyond 60 inches (152 centimeters) is too wide in most cases. However, if it is a U-shaped kitchen, you could get away with up to 96 inches (244 centimeters).

Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Kitchen Layout Ideas

This cutaway plan illustrates arrangements and dimensions for a modest-size kitchen. Note that the preparation area is split between the island with the sink and the corner of the kitchen. The work triangle is compact. There will always be a few tradeoffs in any space.

This blog found on Houzz by Steven Randel, Houzz Contributor

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Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

07 Apr 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Budget, Home Improvements, Kitchen Remodels, Master Bath Remodel, Resale Value Permalink

5 Remodels That Make Good Resale Value Sense – and 5 That Don’t

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On April 7, 2022

We are sharing this Houzz blog by Matt Clawson because we know you value your home remodel investment. This blog has some great information about which home renovation projects can increase your remodel resale value. Houzz is a great resource where you can design your home, and browse 20 million interior design photos, home decor, decorating ideas, and home professionals online. We are a member of Houzz and have won consecutive Best of Houzz awards! With our design phase and remodeling processes, we can confidently help you set your goals within your budget adding a great resale value to your home.

Repeat after me: I am the master of my remodel. Perhaps you should say it again because sadly, it’s not always so. Remodels sometimes have a tendency to develop their own inertia, as decisions lead to new dilemmas, unintended consequences, and surprising outcomes. In some cases, these flights of fancy are perfectly acceptable, provided the design and completed execution truly align with the vision and budget.

But if your budget is a concern and the wise investment of limited home improvement dollars matters, then there are a few basic guidelines you should familiarize yourself with before planning your remodel. Today we review five remodels that typically make good financial sense, providing a nice return on the investment at the time of resale — and five that don’t.

27 Diamonds Interior Design, Transitional Kitchen

Remodeling Projects That Offer Good Resale Value

1. Kitchens. Updating a tired old kitchen is one of the wisest methods, and a tried-and-true one, of increasing the value of your home. When planning a kitchen remodel, and making design decisions and selections for plumbing fixtures, appliances, cabinets, and countertop materials, you should determine whether you are prioritizing your own design aesthetic or the return on your investment.

Either priority is perfectly acceptable, but you should understand which is your priority, or strike a balance between the two that you can feel good about.

For example, using the existing kitchen layout and affordable cosmetic materials is a sure way to keep the cost of your kitchen remodel manageable. When you start tearing out walls, bumping out the exterior home footprint to gain a few feet, and moving plumbing fixtures and appliances, the cost of the remodel will jump and your dollars will be less efficiently spent.

FineCraft Contractors, Inc., Transitional Family Room

2. Adding living space. A straightforward addition of a new living room space is typically a very good investment.

Newly added square footage generally increases your home’s value. There are certain costs that will be associated with your addition regardless of the size. New square footage will require the demolition of existing exterior walls, a new foundation, a new roof, new exterior siding, and probably new windows. If you are going to incur these expenses, it’s important to get some bang for your buck. It’s important that the added room is sized so that the space can be efficiently produced.

Tree 2 Key Builders, Traditional Exterior

3. Curb appeal. You have heard not to judge a book by its cover, but smart money recognizes the cover’s value. Your front elevation is more than just a first impression. It’s the only impression available to just about all of your home’s potential buyers.

The good news is that there are a number of very affordable projects that can improve curb appeal and some more extensive improvements that can likely pay off as well. Simply cleaning out overgrown brush and making a few new planting additions to your landscape can go a long way toward improving curb appeal at a very low cost.

Repainting is another low-cost, high-impact improvement. Costlier changes such as changing out old windows or an aged entry door are things that potential buyers will notice and value. Even more extensive front-elevation remodels, such as added dormers and front porches, can prove wise from an investment standpoint.

Jameson Design Group, Contemporary Bedroom

4. Primary suites. Sorry, kids. Homebuying decisions are in the hands of adults, and adults care about the environment where they sleep. Updating a primary bedroom or remodeling and adding a new primary suite is money well spent. The buyers will picture themselves living in their private space, and it’s of quantitative value when they like what they see.

Denman Construction, Farmhouse Bathroom

5. Bathrooms. Homebuyers notice bathrooms, and although all the bathrooms are important, a priority should be placed on the powder room and master bath, followed by a guest bathroom and any other secondary baths (the kids don’t need to know).

The same rules apply to a bathroom remodel as to the kitchen. Cosmetic changes are safer from an investment standpoint than modifications involving changed layouts or minor additions, which can result in inefficient expenses.

Remodeling Projects That Typically Offer Poor Resale Value

1. Kids’ spaces. If your kids have a climbing wall, for example, the fantastic addition will probably lead to hours of fun, increased strength, and perhaps even a sense of accomplishment. But there is no assurance your homebuyer will feel the same way. A rock-climbing wall might actually represent a negative value to a buyer who sees this space as his man cave.

2. Pools. The National Swimming Pool Foundation estimates that there are more than 10 million swimming pools in the United States. Can 10 million pool owners possibly be wrong? Backyard pools are loved by millions, and while this appreciation is well-founded, they should be constructed for their many virtues that are not investment-related. A pool might increase the value of your home but is unlikely to pay for itself, as some buyers will perceive the pool as a negative maintenance expense.

3. Wine rooms. Some of the coolest remodels are the least savvy from an investment perspective. A wine room wouldn’t appeal to someone who does not love wine, for example. Original designs rarely appeal to everyone, so when adding spaces to a home you know you will sell, consider how personal it is and if others will feel as strongly as you do.

4. Removing features. Do not remove features for investment reasons. If you never use the fireplace in your basement, removing it might make perfect sense to you and your family. Just make sure you understand that the next homeowner might wish it were still there, and the money you spent demolishing the fireplace and reworking the space will not be reclaimed.

5. Minor additions. Adding a few square feet — say, to expand a bathroom or secondary bedroom — is rarely money well spent. The reason is simple. If you bump out a bedroom wall by a few feet, you might make that bedroom much more comfortable. That benefit alone might make it worthwhile in your circumstance. But the cost of the added elements, including foundation, roof, framing and drywall, will result in only a small gain in square footage. Say your 2,400-square-foot, three-bedroom home becomes a three-bedroom home with 2,440 square feet. It’s unlikely that you’ll recover the cost of the addition.

Michele Johnson Design, Traditional Kitchen

The Bottom Line

This exercise is not intended to dissuade you from pursuing a specific remodeling idea. The enjoyment and functionality get from a new space may make the project worthwhile even if it doesn’t provide good resale value. The decision is yours to make. Just be sure you make it with a full understanding of the investment value for every dollar you spend.

Written by Matt Clawson, a Houzz contributor. Realtor. Homebuilder, project consultant, and writer/March 15, 2022.

You can read the blog with its additional links on Houzz here.

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

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