trends 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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14 Jul 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Flooring, Hardwood Floors, Home Improvements, Lifestyle, Trends Permalink

The Most Popular Flooring Trends of 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On July 14, 2023

Looking for fresh flooring? A finish that wipes up easily and camouflages scratches is a good place to start. But when it comes to flooring trends, above all else, floors need to work for us. If you don’t have a flooring material that can stand up to the wear and tear of your family and lifestyle, it’s time to rethink your flooring goals.

PHOTO: RYAN GARVIN

“People expect more from their flooring in terms of scale, style, and performance,” says Ashley Biscan, senior editorial manager of Floor & Decor. For that reason, she says both performance flooring and wide-plank hardwood have become mainstays for homes across the country. But while resilient surfaces are a must, bringing style to the forefront is another important consideration.

“Personalization is everything and rather than overlooking the floor, homeowners start with a solid foundation so the whole space feels customized,” says Biscan. Whether that means selecting a porcelain tile that is both durable and available in a nearly endless array of styles, opting for an unlikely installation pattern, or even mixing tones and textures, your flooring can tell a lot about your home from the moment guests step inside. So, what do you want it to say? Consider these top flooring trends of 2023 to choose the right fit for your family.

PHOTO: LISA ROMEREIN

Lighter, Brighter Wood Finishes

Wood flooring with character-rich, lighter stains shows no sign of waning in popularity, says Margaret Donaldson, founder of Margaret Donaldson Interiors. “Homeowners are primarily using white oak, but walnut is starting to surface more, especially with lighter finishes,” she says. For those on the coast, engineered wood products are a sound way to get the look, as this material doesn’t see the warping issues one might experience with natural products in a humid climate.

Maximalist Installation

Floors aren’t taking the backseat these days. “More is more, and bigger is better,” says Biscan. “Large-format tile and stone are making a statement with ultra-dramatic natural looks that make your space appear seamless.”

To give your space a high-end finish, Biscan recommends taking large-format floor tile all the way up onto the kitchen backsplash or up a bathroom wall. It provides an unmatched level of luxury that is on trend not only for flooring but overall home design too.

PHOTO: DAVID TSAY

Pattern and Color Play

When it comes to floor colors, muted shades are taking hold. Browns have become a popular alternative to black as they are better suited to play off the tones and materials that are sweeping the design world, like terracotta and shades of green. “Midcentury colors have taken to the West Coast’s sensibility with more sun-washed looks rather than primary palettes,” says Biscan.

While floor colors are taking a softer path, pattern play is still making a splash, particularly checkerboard. “Whether you prefer high contrast looks or a more subtle nod to the trend with lower contrast, the pattern is playful,” Biscan explains.

Neutral Shades

While color trends come and go, neutrals will always have a place in design. But staying neutral doesn’t have to mean playing it safe or skipping character-rich details. Donaldson says the key to making neutrals work now is by utilizing a blend of tones throughout the flooring. “Finishes that are blended with warm and cool tones but also soft satin or matte [finishes] are currently the most popular,” says the designer.

PHOTO: JAMES NATHAN SCHRODER

Textural Interest

“Designers and dreamers alike crave the texture and uniqueness of natural stone,” says Biscan. “Matte and honed stone finishes and artisanal handmade looks enrich a space and tell a style story.” If you prefer the look of wood, you can still set the tone for an inviting space with mattified wood or hand-scraped wood textures. Donaldson also suggests wire brushing as a more popular wood finish. “[It] creates a unique grain and light texture versus smooth,” she explains. It’s all about layering details, whether it’s color, layout, or finish, to create a unique look for your space.

Functionality at the Forefront

Floor trends aren’t all about looks. With so many material and finish options, floors can now meet our durability needs without sacrificing a bit of style. According to Biscan, these aren’t your grandmother’s vinyl and laminate floors. “Performance flooring has paved a new frontier with the most cutting-edge innovation,” she says. “Authentic textures, prints, and enhanced features like sound reduction, waterproof tech, and more keep homeowners coming back to performance flooring to withstand their busy households and lifestyles.”

By Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Garden Blog; posted April 2023

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15 Jun 2023

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

Common Decorating Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On June 15, 2023

If you’re scratching your head over why the decor in your home leaves you feeling slightly underwhelmed, a remedy — or at least an improvement — may be just a few moves away. Whether it’s a bland room, a paint color you’re not quite sure about, or throw pillows that refuse to sit right, here are some tweaks that can help turn common decorating mistakes into resounding wins, along with examples of rooms that do it right. And remember that a good interior designer can help you pinpoint issues and come up with creative solutions as well.

Rose’s Drapery Designs

Common Decorating Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Your Dark Walls Need a Lift

If you’ve been tempted by the elegance and drama of inky indigos, gunmetal grays, and midnight blacks but they’re making your room feel a little closed-in, here’s how to dump the dungeon feeling.

What to do: Good lighting is essential to reveal the tonal complexities in deep, saturated darks. Multiple light sources allow you to control the ambiance and light direction. Combine uplights and downlights as in this bedroom and don’t let the ceiling disappear into gloom.

Also, bear in mind that an over-furnished room will seem more cave-like than one that’s simply furnished. Clear out clutter and nonessential furniture.

Chandos Interiors

“The darker the night, the brighter the stars,” Dostoyevsky wrote. Your bold move gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in rich, theatrical color contrasts. Play up dark walls with jewel tones, natural wood, reflective metallics, greenery, and dramatic artwork.

Far from restricting a color palette, dark walls come to life when used with shades such as pale aqua and mint, silver-gray, teal, mustard, dusky pink, and pumpkin yellow. And you can never go wrong with white.

Another approach is to simply surrender to your dark side and go moody and monochrome. Texture and layering are key to nailing this look. Think dusky velvets, slubby linens, and sensuous silks.

LU Design Build

Your Shelves Are Bursting at the Seams

Putting every ornament you own on open shelves often leads to a distracting mishmash of nondescript items. Serious sorting is needed to create some focus.

What to do: I recommend organizing expert Marie Kondo’s life-changing advice of honoring items, then letting them go. Another motto may be “Beautiful, interesting, or out.” Empty your shelves and create “yes” and “no” piles. You don’t have to throw items away, but this is a good chance to do the Kondo. Use shelf space in a way that enhances every object.

10 Times to Hire an Interior Designer

Klopper and Davis Architects

Once you’ve reduced your candidates to the beautiful and meaningful, let them shine. You might want to paint the back of the shelves to emphasize lovely shapes and colors among your chosen collection; white items against a dark shade really stand out. Avoid highly patterned or textured backgrounds since they can be confusing to the eye.

Rather than lining books up soldier-style, stack some to form bookends and mini shelves, choosing intriguing titles and spines that coordinate with your display.

CRx – The Cure for the Common Build

Your Sofa Is Pale and Interesting but Impractical

You somehow forgot that a dog, a cat, two toddlers, sticky fingers, raspberry cordial, and pet hair doesn’t go with light sofas.

What to do: Have the fabric professionally cleaned and treated. Be aware that no stain-proofing is infallible and that its effectiveness depends on the fabric. Modern formulas penetrate fibers and enable most liquid and other residues to be removed. DIY aerosol sprays are a short-term solution, but they only coat the surface and wear away after one cleaning.

Drape sofa throws casually, and pile on big pillows to deflect the worst of spills and grime. Another solution is to opt for slipcovers that can go in the washing machine when dirty. If you want to leave sofas bare, vacuum often with a spotlessly clean brush attachment. In the event of a spill, blot carefully and never rub.

Madison Nicole Design

Your Vignettes Look Like Bargain Tables

Vignettes are a lovely way to show off treasures and create character. They’re pocket-sized portraits of your personality, so if you haven’t mastered the knack, read on.

What to do: Start with an anchor piece and build from it. Asymmetry avoids a stiff, formal look. Contrast shapes and textures. Connect with a theme, color, or mood.

Decorating 101: The ABCs of Arranging Vignettes

Bria Hammel Interiors

Your Living Room Doesn’t Feel Friendly

We want guests to be impressed by our home’s public spaces, but often style takes precedence over comfort and we end up with a dressy living room that feels stiff and unwelcoming.

What to do: The problem may simply be in how the furniture is positioned. Seating should be arranged in a way that encourages social interaction. When deciding where to put sofas and armchairs, imagine how sitters will communicate with one another. Put seating close enough to encourage conversation rather than back against the walls, which can leave you with no man’s land in the center of the room.

Domus Nova

There’s nothing like humor to put guests at ease, so add some whimsical touches to your living spaces. You may not want a giant bowler-hatted giraffe stealing the show, but he’s sure to break the ice.

See the latest living rooms

Susan Yeley Homes

You Can’t Get the Hang of Hanging Art

Whether art to you means canvas or framed prints, blown-up photographs, a priceless original, a treasured heirloom, or your child’s finger painting, its impact depends on the way it’s displayed. Are you getting the best out of yours?

What to do: If art is a defining feature in your home, calling upon the services of a professional hanger is a good investment. A common mistake is hanging art too high. Consider the human scale and hang artwork with the center point at eye level in spaces where people stand, and lower where it’s viewed from a seated position.

CDC Designs

Your White Kitchen Is Practical but Lacks Warmth

Kitchens are in the limelight more than ever — and often open to other living areas. While all-white is common, clinical coldness can creep in.

What to do: Kitchenware has moved beyond functional to become something worthy of display. Appliances come in a rainbow of colors and styles, and cookware is designed to be seen. Don’t hide all this beauty away in cupboards: Hang great-looking saucepans from wall hooks, leave a stack of pretty dishes out on display, or set a bowl filled with fruits or veggies on the counter.

Kitchen designer Anne Ellard believes a white kitchen is the perfect blank canvas. “Add bold flourishes of color with accessories such as books, flowers, or small appliances, all of which can easily be changed,” Ellard says. “Or make your pop of color even grander with a colorful backsplash.”

Bright artwork, wood accessories, potted plants, and mini herb gardens help relieve sterility and make a sleek kitchen feel more like home.

Laura Nathan Design

Your Focal Points Are All Over the Place

If you walk into a room and nothing — or everything — catches your eye, then it has no focal point. This much-used designer’s term simply means a primary place for the eye to rest before taking in the whole space. A room without one lacks life, balance, and harmony.

What to do: A focal point could be an architectural feature, a view, a piece of art, a fireplace (as in this space by 50 Degrees North) a statement furniture piece, a mirror, a textural surface, or a stunning rug. It’s easier to start with a focus and plan the rest of the room’s decor around it. If you prefer to work with what you already have, decide what the focal feature will be and then arrange existing furniture to direct attention toward it.

Imperfect Interiors

You Can’t Control Your Pillow Habit

We all know one: a pillow addict who doesn’t know when to stop. Perhaps it’s you? Get help here.

What to do: Pillows heaped high on sofas, chairs, and beds don’t always add much to a room. If you can’t sit on a sofa or lie on a bed without putting pillows on the floor, they lose their purpose. As in this living room, try to restrict pillows to two at each end of a sofa, one (or none) on an armchair, and three on a bed.

Street Monkey Architects

You Haven’t Changed Anything in Years

Has decor ennui crept in? You could just be tired of the same old, same old. We all have favorite styles, but it’s easy to get stuck in a groove.

What to do: Shake things up. Reignite your passion and inject new energy and interest into your home by mixing up what you already have or adding some inexpensive new accessories. Change bedding and pillows and move houseplants, chairs, lamps, and rugs around. Reposition furniture for a fresh perspective — it’s cheap as well as fun. This bedroom shows how a few well-chosen accessories can make for a pretty and inviting space.

This blog is written by Janet Dunn, Houzz Australia Contributor. Former NZ House&Garden writer and stylist, and avid interior design enthusiast. Ex-restaurateur and caterer, with a Professional Certificate in Gastronomy, University of Adelaide.

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04 Jun 2023

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

10 Tips for a More Peaceful Home

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On June 4, 2023

Maintaining a Zen-like space is about much more than style. It’s about cultivating a more peaceful home where each object has a reason for being present, whether for its beauty, utility, or both.

Here Are 10 Ways to a More Peaceful Home

1. Clear Surfaces Daily

Clutter is a visual distraction. Every time your eyes land on a stack of papers, a tangle of jewelry, or a pile of laundry, some small part of your mind is at work thinking about dealing with said items. If you want a calmer experience at home, a good way to begin is by making it routine to clear all the surfaces in your house daily. When your eye can skim across clean, clear surfaces throughout your home, it also becomes easier to stay focused on the present moment.

Kelly Deck Design

2. Declutter and Get Organized

It’s one thing to clear surfaces; it’s quite another to completely declutter your home. But when you have taken the time to go through every closet, drawer, and cupboard and whittle down your belongings to the ones you truly need, love, or both, a weight lifts. Daily tasks that used to take forever are streamlined; lost items are quickly found; important dates are no longer missed.

Tosti Design

3. Get Some Help if You Need It

Sometimes it’s best to admit you need help and let the pros do what they do best. Hire a professional organizer to help clear that clutter, a decorator to help you tap into your style and get your home looking and feeling just the way you want, or an architect to redesign your space.

Landed Interiors & Homes

4. Incorporate the Five Elements

Don’t stop with potted plants — to really embrace nature in your home, make sure all five elements are represented. They are water (images of water, a fountain, flowers in a bowl of water), earth (stone, plants), fire (candles, incense, fireplace), metal (furniture, tools), and wood (furniture, beams).

Why Slow Living is Good for You and Your Home Environment

The Sitting Room

5. Keep Floors as Clear as Possible

Similar to keeping surfaces clear (see item No. 1), having clean, clear floors is a way to streamline your life and keep your attention on the here and now. If piles of things tend to accumulate on your floors, perhaps it’s because there isn’t a better place for them — if that’s the case, make a home for these items so you won’t be tripping over them anymore. As for the floors themselves, keeping them fresh, clean, and dust free makes for a more pleasant space and helps improve indoor air quality.

Geoff Chick & Associates

6. Use Fewer But More Meaningful Decorations

Instead of binging on inexpensive finds, aim to reduce your decor items to include only the ones that you truly love and that hold meaning for you. A few beautiful objects carefully displayed can be so inspiring — reducing allows you to appreciate what you have even more.

Welbilt Supreme Craftsmanship

7. Soften Your Lighting

Learn to appreciate natural light and use it more. Even when the light starts to fade in the evening, consider sometimes lighting candles instead of flicking on the overheads. And speaking of overheads, if you haven’t done so yet, swap out all of your regular light switches for dimmers — it makes a world of difference to be able to control the glow.

Nanette Wong

8. Pay Attention to Texture

Do the objects in your home thrill your senses? Consider this as you declutter and whenever you are considering a new purchase. Think of how lovely a chunky, hand-thrown pottery mug feels in the hand versus a machine-made version. Natural materials have some of the best textures — bring more rough jute, nubby linen, cracked old leather, pure silk, and raw wood into your home.

Signature Designs Kitchen | Bath | Interiors

9. Use Natural Scents

Have you ever noticed that some of the most beautiful, inspiring shops usually also smell amazing? Or how just the first whiff of aromatherapy oils in a massage therapist’s office instantly puts you at ease? What you smell can have a surprisingly strong effect on how you feel. Create a purifying, calming atmosphere in your home by eschewing artificial fragrances and choosing natural scents like those from beeswax candles, essential oils, natural cleaning products, and fresh garden flowers instead.

Cohesively Curated

10. Use Everyday Reminders

In meditation practice sometimes a bell is used as a reminder to refocus your attention on the here and now. Create a list of some things you do multiple times each day and pick one of them to use as your own version of a meditation bell. It could be anything, as long as it’s something you do often — adjust the window shades, wash your hands, pour a glass of water, check your email. Whenever you find yourself about to do that thing, take a moment to stop, breathe and simply be present.

Blog is written by Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor. About Gaskill: I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life’s simple pleasures.

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23 Jan 2023

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Design, Home Improvements, Paint Trends, Trends Permalink

Every 2023 Color of the Year We Know So Far

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On January 23, 2023

2023 Colors of the Year

Each fall, paint companies, and interior design experts predict the colors that will shape our homes in the coming year. While the hues of 2022 centered around back-to-nature shades of green, the 2023 colors of the year are all about self-expression.

[Photo: Jim Franco]

See which paint colors the pros have forecasted thus far, then check back to find out all the predictions for the 2023 colors of the year as they’re announced.

[Photo: Courtesy of Pantone]

Viva Magenta by Pantone

Rounding out a year of blush-tone selections, Pantone selected Viva Magenta 18-1750, a bold pinkish red, as its 2023 color of the year, calling it “an unconventional shade for an unconventional time.” But this isn’t your Barbie pink.

Viva Magenta is a saturated shade that’s not for the color-shy. The confident color is “inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

To decorate your home with Viva Magenta, utilize the red-meets-pink on furnishings and keep the rest of the room neutral. Soft blues, greens, and beiges cozy up with Viva Magenta while keeping the spotlight on the saturated shade.

[Photo: Krylon]

Spanish Moss by Krylon

Green is quickly becoming the new neutral as homeowners opt for comforting colors in lieu of the crisp, bright whites of decades past. For its 2023 color of the year, Krylon selected Spanish Moss, a deep forest green that nods to nature. The spray paint shade easily upgrades furniture and decor, plus plays well with practically everything.

“This midnight green has a strong connection with the richness of nature, dense forests, and mossy terrains. Rooted in the renewing power of green, it can balance with both warm and cool accents,” said Ashley Banbury, senior color designer for Krylon, in a press release.

Banbury suggests pairing the rich, grounding green with complementary colors like gold, sandstone, and copper that relate to nature.

[Photo: Benjamin Moore]

Raspberry Blush by Benjamin Moore

Bright and cheery, Benjamin Moore’s pick for 2023 color of the year is a vibrant red-orange called Raspberry Blush. The saturated shade energizes a room for a lively look that’s anything but timid.

“People are ready to bring color back into the home, taking a step outside their color comfort zones,” said Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore, in a press release. “Raspberry Blush 2008-30 and the Color Trends 2023 palette empower the use of statement colors that deliver delight and personality while transforming rooms for incredible results.”

For a maximalist approach, splash Raspberry Blush on walls, trim, and the ceiling to wrap a room in warmth. Or go for a smaller statement on a kitchen island. Soft shades of white and beige balance the bright, rosy hue.

[Photo: Dunn-Edwards]

Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards

With the latest 2023 color of the year announcement, soft, earthy shades of pink and clay take the lead as the most popular paint colors. Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards blends brown and burgundy for a rosy pink that works as both a grounding neutral and a delicate accent.

“We’re putting health and wellbeing first, making time for escapism and embracing nostalgia … This translates to design through lush, sophisticated touches with equal parts prettiness and drama,” said Sara McLean, color expert and stylist for Dunn-Edwards.

Sweet and cozy without being saccharine, the warm hue adds comfort to a bedroom or living space. Or splash Terra Rose on your home’s exterior for standout style.

[Photo: Sherwin-Williams]

Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams

A blend of blush and beige, Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams features subtle pink undertones to warm up walls. The grounding shade feels especially on trend as homeowners turn toward earth tones to bring comfort and joy to their interior spaces.

“People have been drawn to nature-inspired and earthy tones the past couple years, and this is something that will continue into 2023 and beyond,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Greens, blues, and browns can make any space feel safe, calming, and grounded yet still energized.”

Showcase Redend Point in an entryway that greets guests with an inviting welcome, or on furniture, such as a bathroom vanity, to create an eye-catching focal point.

[Photo: Carson Downing]

Canyon Ridge by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart

Reminiscent of Southwestern landscapes, Canyon Ridge is an orange-meets-pink paint color that acts as a near-neutral when applied to walls. The trendy spin on terra-cotta couples well with bright blue, its opposite on the color wheel. “Cobalt has vibrancy that makes this classic pairing feel modern,” says BHG style director Jessica Thomas. “Rustic rooms may call for darker denim blue accents. For traditional decor, make it navy.” Not ready for an entire room revamp? Try Canyon Ridge on DIY artwork, built-ins, or even your ceiling for a subtle splash of cozy, desert-inspired color.

[Photo: Behr]

Blank Canvas by Behr

Not every 2023 color of the year aims to make a statement. Blank Canvas, Behr’s pick, is a creamy shade of white that goes with practically everything. The warm neutral stands out from the icy modern hues popular in the past.

“Blank Canvas effortlessly offers a clean and inviting blank slate that allows individuality and creativity to flow freely. This white easily harmonizes with a wide range of hues, including neutrals, earth tones, and pastels for a charming and cozy appeal,” said Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr, in a press release.

Use Blank Canvas on bedroom walls to promote relaxation, or finish office built-ins and trim with the warm shade of white for a classic look that encourages creativity and concentration.

[Photo: PPG]

Vining Ivy by Glidden

Nods to nature continue to be popular, and Vining Ivy blends blue and green for a tranquil backdrop. The color of the year 2023 from Glidden Paint by PPG works well with both contemporary and classic styles. “[Vining Ivy] is energizing yet grounding, and it works in literally any space,” said Ashley McCollum, Glidden color expert, in a press release. “Its versatility takes the guesswork out of design, leaving consumers with more time to indulge in the things that matter most to them.”

Pair the blue-green jewel tone with wood finishes, stone accents, and rich textures for a room that borrows from the outdoors. Or opt for smaller doses of Vining Ivy on trim, furniture, or cabinetry for a subtle dose of the soothing paint color.

[Photo: Dutch Boy]

Rustic Greige by Dutch Boy

For a cozy, goes-with-everything color, turn to Rustic Greige from Dutch Boy. The 2023 color of the year is a blend of gray and beige with subtle red undertones that pair well with today’s trending earth-tone paint colors. Rustic Greige wraps a room in warmth, making it perfect for kitchens, bedrooms, and family spaces alike.

“The importance of overall well-being remains a primary focus in everyday lives,” said Ashley Banbury, Dutch Boy senior color designer, in a press release. “That’s why more DIYers are dedicating time and energy to designing personal spaces that make them feel cozy, protected, and calm.” The color grounds three color custom palettes⁠—Plush, Wistful, and Botanic⁠—which showcase the neutral’s versatility.

[Photo: Valspar]

2023 Colors of the Year by Valspar

Valspar selected 12 livable paint colors, including soft neutrals, sweet pastels, and soothing shades of blue and green. “[They] are usable shades that encourage self-expression and anyone can envision in their space,” said Sue Kim, Valspar color marketing manager, in a press release. Soft shades of pink and purple, including Gentle Violet (pictured above) and Southern Road, add sophisticated yet subtle color to walls, while rich, restorative blues and greens, including Flora and Everglade Deck, pair well with wood tones and brass accents.

The collection launched alongside Valspar’s “Color-Verse,” a virtual home that allows consumers to try out the 2023 colors of the year.

We are sharing this blog from Better Homes and Garden and was written by Caitlin Sole, Senior Home Editor, BHG

Caitlin is the senior digital home editor at Better Homes & Gardens, where she covers all things home, including decorating and interior design, cleaning and organization, paint and color, home improvement, and more.

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05 Dec 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Home Improvements, Home Remodel, Lifestyle, Trends Permalink

3 Ways Homeowners Are Getting Rooms Ready for the Holidays

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

Searches on Houzz show homeowners are looking to create homes that are comforting and fun for family and friends

Getting rooms ready for the holidays means creating a home that’s cozy, welcoming to guests, and ready for entertaining is a perennial goal for many homeowners. But as we head into a holiday season in which many are resuming gatherings after a long pause, it’s more important than ever. And a peek at recent searches on Houzz shows that many homeowners are looking for ideas to help them get prepared.

Here are the design features currently on their minds in getting rooms ready for the holidays.

Cathie Hong Interiors

Guest-Friendly Details

Hosting guests is often a given during the holidays. And certain design features can make that a more pleasant experience for guests as well as homeowners. As the population increases in a home, so too does linen use. With that in mind, homeowners are looking for ways to accommodate extra bedsheets. Searches on Houzz for “hallway linen closet” increased 994% between July and September 2022 compared with the same period last year. A kitchen coffee station is also a great feature for guests and homeowners. In this Saratoga, California, kitchen, designer Cathie Hong created a pullout coffee station housed in light wood cabinets. Searches for a “coffee station in the kitchen” were up 783%, while searches for a “coffee and wine bar” increased 228%.

Designs by D

This drink station off a Minneapolis kitchen by Designs by D includes items for making coffee. But there’s also a beverage fridge, microwave, sink, and plenty of storage and style.

Marina Rubina, Architect

When short on space, many homeowners find combining functions is the way to go. A home office is a natural function to combine with a guest bedroom, and searches for “office guest room” rose 151% year over year.

In this Philadelphia accessory dwelling unit (ADU) by architect Marina Rubina, a second-level guest room also functions as a quiet home office.

Another smart investment when it comes to guests and holiday entertaining: a washable rug. Searches were up 74% this year compared with last year.

ORIJIN STONE, LLC

Cozy Living Room Features

A fireplace is a nice living room feature any time of year, but during the winter holidays, it’s especially desirable — and useful. Searches on Houzz for “living room fireplace” climbed 395% year over year. And searches for “cozy living room” rose 39% in 2022 compared with last year. This Minneapolis living room features an inviting fireplace with hand-carved limestone surrounded by Orijin Stone. Creamy white walls, a wood ceiling, and slip-covered furniture add to the cozy atmosphere.

Le Belle Maison Interiors Inc.

Several elements can contribute to a cozy living room feel. Among them: living room pillows, for which searches increased by 303%, and living room lamps, up 228%.

This Dallas living room by Le Belle Maison Interiors has a stylishly cozy look with an upholstered coffee table, footstools, and other furniture, as well as patterned pillows, a white floor lamp, and a large fireplace.

Julie Coppa Designs, Inc.

Entertaining Elements

Entertaining at home looks different to different people. But there are a few elements that are bound to foster a lively atmosphere. A basement can offer a world of entertaining possibilities. And searches for a “basement games room” jumped 1,267%, while “basement entertainment spaces” rose 247%. This Washington, D.C.-area basement games room by Julie Coppa Designs features several game tables and a home bar.

Sharp and Grey Interiors

When hosting larger dinner parties, sometimes a round table can encourage more intimate — or energetic — interactions. Searches for “dining room round table” increased 222% year over year.

Meanwhile, a dining room buffet can make serving meals more efficient. Searches for a “dining room buffet” rose 108%.

This Philadelphia dining room by Sharp and Grey Interiors features a classic tulip table for six. Black built-ins span a wall and include a countertop area that serves as buffet space.

Zawadski Homes Inc.

Few things make a home party more functional than a wet bar where family and friends can mix up their own beverages away from the bustle of the kitchen. Searches for “wet bar” rose 45% year over year.

This Minneapolis wet bar by Zawadski Homes beckons with glossy blue backsplash tile, stylish cabinets, warm wood and brass details, and a beverage fridge and bar sink.

Red Hills Construction, Inc.

Perhaps one of the ultimate entertaining features is a dedicated home theater. And this Portland, Oregon, space from Red Hills Construction is a bold example, with plush furniture, moody colors, a freestanding bar behind the sofa, and a large TV. Searches for “home theater” were up 44% year over year.

This blog was written by Mitchell Parker, Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis, and humor. November 2022

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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.

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

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.

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

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

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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DESIGNING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN

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1. Basement Bragging Rights with a Compact Home Bar

2. Cool Connection

3. Taken for Granite

4. Stylish Simplicity in a Compact Home Bar

5. Gorgeous Green

6. In the Navy

7. Woodsy Wet Bar

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1. Kitchen Island Seating

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Lighter, Brighter Wood Finishes

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Pattern and Color Play

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Functionality at the Forefront

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Common Decorating Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Your Dark Walls Need a Lift

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Here Are 10 Ways to a More Peaceful Home

1. Clear Surfaces Daily

2. Declutter and Get Organized

3. Get Some Help if You Need It

4. Incorporate the Five Elements

5. Keep Floors as Clear as Possible

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7. Soften Your Lighting

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9. Use Natural Scents

10. Use Everyday Reminders

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2023 Colors of the Year

Viva Magenta by Pantone

Spanish Moss by Krylon

Raspberry Blush by Benjamin Moore

Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards

Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams

Canyon Ridge by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart

Blank Canvas by Behr

Vining Ivy by Glidden

Rustic Greige by Dutch Boy

2023 Colors of the Year by Valspar

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Here are the design features currently on their minds in getting rooms ready for the holidays.

Guest-Friendly Details

Cozy Living Room Features

Entertaining Elements

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Step One: Eliminating

If Renovating, Make a Plan for Success

Give Depth Some (Deep) Thought

Mix Drawers and Doors

Consider Going Vertical

Create Layers

Single Trays

Resizable Dividers

Open Storage Vessels

Premier Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

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

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area