Contractor Tips: Countertop Installation from Start to Finish
on Mar 26 in KitchenThe secret to a good countertop installation is preparation — and installing a countertop involves a lot more than considering which materials to use. Counter installation is one of the last things to happen in your kitchen or bath renovation. Before your installer shows up to template, all cabinets must be permanently installed — nothing can move between template and install.
Below you’ll find information you’ll need to be prepared with on template day and helpful tips for after the counters are installed.
1. Sink and faucet installation. Always have your sink onsite before templating. For standard undermount or drop-in sinks, your contractor should make sure they will fit in the sink cabinet. The sink should be in the right position before template day. The cabinet may need to be altered for the sink to fit, so don’t delay talking about this with your contractor.
If you are installing an apron-front sink, there can be several different ways to place the bowl. Think about the spot where the front edge of the counter and the sink meet. Some sinks have a notch into which the counter fits. In this photo, the counter was coped around the edge. The way this detail will align with your counter overhang should be decided in advance of template day.
2. Wall-mounted faucets. It is much easier to wipe a counter down with a wall-mounted faucet. To get this piece right, you’ll need to know where the finished wall surface will fall once the backsplash is installed and where the sink will be centered so you have a faucet that comes out above the drain. Before the plumbers start roughing in pipes, every decision needs to be made or you risk ending up with elements that don’t work well together.
3. Overhangs. If any section of your countertop will overhang the cabinets, consider how you will support this area. Overhangs of 6 to 12 inches are possible without bracing, depending on the material, but an attractive bracket adds support and peace of mind should someone hop up and sit on your counter.
4. Counter height. Different people and different tasks require different counter heights. If custom cabinets are not in your budget, one way to vary the finished height of the counter is to use materials of different thicknesses set on standard cabinets.
A standard kitchen counter is 36 inches off the floor, but if you have someone tall in your family, 39 inches may be a more comfortable prep height. Here, a thick butcher block is set lower than adjacent tops to give the person who’s chopping a bit more leverage.
5. Countertop support. In most spots, your cabinetry will provide the support for the countertops, but think about what will support the counter around the appliances. A slide-in range like the one pictured has a 2-inch strip of counter behind the cooking surface. Because it is tricky to move two large slabs connected by a 2-inch strip, this spot will often be seamed together onsite. Make sure you install wood blocking flush with the top of the adjacent cabinets so the contractor can properly attach this strip.
Another common trouble spot is where a counter ends on a dishwasher. The dishwasher can’t support the counter, so provide structural support on the side — ideally more than a ¾-inch fill panel.
Kitchen Workbook: Planning Your Remodel’s Scope of Work
on Mar 23 in KitchenPlanning a kitchen remodel includes finding your style, searching for a professional and determining the scope of work and your budget. This blog focuses on that last element.
Scope of work is the term used to describe the basic parameters of a project. Are you planning an addition or do you want to move the kitchen entirely, for example? Will you need new electrical, plumbing and flooring in the process? Start with your wish list and budget, then decide the scope of work.
A designer, architect or contractor you like and trust can help you develop your scope of work and be realistic about what your budget can achieve.
Keep in mind there’s usually not one right answer, so getting a few opinions is a good idea.
1. Come up with a rough budget of what you want to spend on the overall project. Consider if it will involve related projects like new windows or painting the whole house. Learn how to avoid “scope creep”
2. Come up with a wish list of everything you want. That means new appliances, cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, lighting and so on. The more detailed you are, the better off you’ll be when talking to professionals. Do you want professional-grade appliances or is the next level down OK? If you have a $30,000 budget and you want a built-in refrigerator and a 36-inch professional-grade range, any professional will tell you that your budget is going to be tough to meet.
3. Pull tear sheets and create ideabooks of your vision. This can help a professional get an idea of the level of expectation and finish detail required in your project. It’s tough to communicate needs clearly, especially about visual things like finishes. Showing professionals photos of kitchen designs you like can help them see your taste level and prompt them to ask the right questions.
4. Get referrals for designers, architects and contractors. Ask friends and relatives for referrals and look up kitchen designers online. Look at professional portfolios and websites to see if their aesthetic matches your own. Call pros to set up phone interviews and see if they’ll come meet you in person. Ask if you can visit some of their job sites or other projects. This really helps you see the quality of their work.
5. Check references and ask about fees. Some homeowners start by hiring a contractor, and others start with a designer or architect and use contractors referred by him or her. Others hire design-build firms that do it all. Remember, you aren’t comparing apples to apples here, so it will take some time to figure out who is the right fit.
6. Meet the pros at your home and start seeing who you like, who asks the right questions, who is willing to give you some rough numbers, and what he or she needs to do so. Some firms don’t work this way; they might have showrooms and you have to meet them on their turf. Many contractors want a full drawing set before they’ll bid on a job. Others will be willing to do a walk-through and give you some rough numbers, nothing line-itemed or detailed.
I recommend doing this with an experienced contractor; a novice may underestimate or overshoot the budget by a wide range. Ideally, having some basic space, electrical, mechanical and lighting plans will help a contractor get you a more accurate estimate.
This is only the first phase of pricing. You’ll want to reestimate based on detailed, finished plans before signing a contract. Otherwise you run the risk of getting those dreaded changed orders down the road
Kitchen Workbook: 10 Elements of an Eclectic Kitchen
on Mar 21 in KitchenEclectic is a term that is often used when a person has a hard time pinpointing his or her own style — or anyone else’s for that matter. Eclectic done right has a sense of effortless confidence, even though this is one of the hardest looks to achieve. Eclectic done wrong is somewhere between a chaotic mess and a train wreck. Sure, it’s your house, and if you’re a total rebel and really don’t care if things work together, then by all means, go for it. But if you want to look like a rebel with a cause — you want your home to look like it’s been casually collected over time with effortless ease — here are a few things to consider. Warning: If anything that doesn’t match makes you crazy and feeling short of breath, continue at your own risk.
1. A fashionable mix. Just like a DJ that’s sampling tunes or a fashionista mixing clothing, attempting the art of the mix can go awry on a drop of a dime. It can become a cacophony of sound or a clashing of pattern on pattern. Believe it or not, eclectic design actually involves a ton of restraint, and I’m not sure about others, but for me it involves a lot of trial-and-error editing. This kitchen’s mix-master elements: its simple farmhouse-style cabinets, butcher block top and bar stools mixed with the elegant glass chandeliers and marble countertops, and a dash of whimsy thrown in with the wallpaper and bright colors.
2. Well-traveled flair with modern touches. I love this kitchen’s bohemian feel. In my book, you can never go wrong mixing modern molded white plastic chairs and a vintage Kilim rug. And not to mention, who thinks of doing that in a kitchen in the first place? Most people would put an island in here. The cabinets have an Asian flair, while the modernism of the lights, appliances and chairs creates an unexpected tension.
3. Humor and irreverence. This kitchen has it going on. And it’s a lucky space in that the dining area is part of the kitchen, so more layering with furniture pieces is possible. (With a kitchen that’s compartmentalized away from the rest of the house, it’s tougher to achieve this level of mixing.)
This is the sort of space that’s fun to analyze. You’ve got modern tile and cabinets mixed with a traditional chandelier and dining table. There’s more contrast created by the modern chairs and lacquered red console, and humor added with the yellow striped ceiling. Not only does this room masterfully mix periods and styles, it also has a handle on color that few have.
4. Masculine, moody and elegant aspects. Not all eclectic kitchens have to be a study in mixing and contrast on every level; some are more quietly eclectic. I love the simple mix of the dark lacquered modern cabinets and ethnic patterned tile on one full wall (how it’s meant to be done.) And the antique brass hardware is a wonderful accent that many would overlook and just default to silver.
5. A modern, colorful and global outlook. Another fabulous mix of styles and color. The colors and lighting are decidedly ethnic, but the walnut cabinets are earthy modern. What’s interesting is that the tile is really simple and unadorned, but with that color mixed with the Venetian plaster feel on the walls, it looks more ethnic even without a specific pattern. The red bentwood cafe stools add a vintage flair, but in that color mixed with the turquoise tile, they take on a whole new language.
6. Farmhouse, modern and classic facets. Eclectic can be restrained and subtle. The contrasting elements in this kitchen might not be as noticeable at first glance, but there’s a subtle tension between styles. The plaster hood and wood cabinets have a European farmhouse feel, while the built-in hutch wall is very classic and something you see in cottage and bungalow homes across the states. The butcher block–topped island has a humble farmhouse feel, while the ubermodern pendant lights and full-height marble backsplash show off a contemporary element and are all the more interesting because they’re placed within the context of these other
7. Modern and pretty expressions. Another quietly eclectic kitchen, mostly modern with the simple white cabinets, open shelves and restrained styling on the island. But add in that fabulous embossed patterned tile running up the beam ceiling with the four antique brass pendant lights, and you have something completely different and unexpected. Even the counter stools have an attitude of being effortlessly cool.
8. A little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll. There can be an air of irreverence that comes with an eclectic kitchen, a knack for ignoring the rules … or, frankly, just having the attitude that there are no rules to be ignored in the first place. This kitchen looks like it and the people who live here know how to have fun.
9. French country, modern and industrial style. Country houses are often places where homeowners feel it’s safer to ignore the rules and do what they like. There’s an attitude of “why not?” And when you let your creativity flow without worrying about its being perfect, you often end up with a much more interesting space. Original oak cabinets were painted white and mixed with an industrial stainless steel island and stools, modern appliances and Mediterranean-style terra cotta tyle with plenty of patina.
10. Modern rustic taste. Achieving an eclectic look can be as simple as having a country kitchen and doing a modern light fixture of the table. One element is sometimes all a space needs to go from predictable to eclectic.
Spring Clean Your Kitchen
on Mar 19 in KitchenLet’s face it: There are some chores that just slip to the wayside. Besides Martha Stewart, who has time to clean out the microwave and sweep underneath the refrigerator on a regular basis? But spring gives us all a chance to catch up. As the weather warms up, try starting off your spring cleaning regimen with the heart of the home — your kitchen.
Tip: As you’re cleaning, make a list of things that you need to replenish in your kitchen, from cleaning supplies to basic cooking items. Hand soap, dish soap, paper towels, olive oil — write it all down and make sure to leave room for it when you’re reorganizing.
1. Clean out your pots and pans. Scrub cast iron with a soft sponge and coarse salt, then rinse away the salt.
2. Give your sink a good scrubbing. Keeping your sink clean is a good way to get inspired to do the dishes instead of leaving them to pile up. Fill the sink to the rim with water and pour in a cup of bleach to disinfect. Scrub the inside of your sink with baking soda to get rid of extra-tough stains. Rinse and finish with a shining spray or wipe.
3. Don’t forget cupboards and drawers. Empty out your cupboards and drawers, sweep out crumbs and dust and clean any stains with a wet cloth. If you’re up for it, put new contact paper at the bottom.
When you’re cleaning out your drawers and cupboards, keep an eye out for broken dishes and other kitchen accessories. Donate or throw them away and add new versions of the items to your list.
Clean the exterior of your cabinets and drawers. You’ll be surprised at how different your kitchen looks when all of the fingerprints have been wiped off.
4. Organize your pantry. Throw out anything that’s expired, including canned goods and herbs or spices that have been in there for too long. Anything that’s been in there longer than a year may have gone stale.
5. Clean your refrigerator and freezer. Do a thorough cleaning here. If your shelves are removable, take them out and wash them in the sink or dishwasher. Scrub out the inside of your fridge with a wet, soapy cloth. Throw out any expired goods. Wipe everything clean with a damp cloth.
6. Declutter the front of your refrigerator if needed and organize your kitchen calendar and desk area.
7. Clean your microwave. To get tough gunk off, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and microwave it on high for a few minutes. Keep the doors closed for a couple more minutes to let the steam work on spills, then wipe everything down with a soapy rag. Rinse and wipe dry.
8. Have your knives professionally sharpened. Not only will sharp knives make prep work easier, but they’ll make it safer as well.
9. Wash windows inside and out.
10. Deep clean floors. Sweep under the oven and refrigerator.
11. Dust and wipe down walls, baseboards and the top of the refrigerator.
12. Wash the insides of your garbage cans. Try using a strong bleach-and-water solution. Rinse them out and let them dry outside.
13. Clean drains and garbage disposals. Run a lemon or a cup of white vinegar through your garbage disposal to get rid of any unfortunate smells.
14. Clean your oven and give your stove a good scrubbing. If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven, make a paste with baking soda and water and slather it on the parts of your oven that need cleaning. Let it dry overnight and scrape the gunk off in the morning.
15. Run your dishwasher while it’s empty. Add a little white vinegar to it beforehand to get rid of any odors. If you have a food trap in the bottom of your dishwasher, clean it out.
Current Events for Traditional Kitchens
on Mar 17 in KitchenKitchens with a little country or old-school quirkiness can have loads of charm; however, their traditional aesthetic may at some point feel like it’s losing its relevance. If you’re wondering how to contemporize the style of your kitchen without damaging its traditional integrity, read on for 10 ideas.
1. Go for stainless steel. If your budget allows, update your appliances to stainless steel options; they will provide just the right modern touch to a more traditional space. If you’re working on saving toward these big purchases, start small by upgrading your kitchen’s hardware to sleek, contemporary designs.
2. Swap out your light fixtures. A chandelier, for example, will add a bit of glam to your traditional kitchen, providing a relevant edge.
3. Add pendant lights. If your country-style kitchen isn’t properly lit, now is the time to fix it; pendant lights will make it appear that much more modern. Install them over work areas, such as countertops or the island, to improve your space aesthetically and functionally.
4. Pull the lighting throughout the space. Be sure you’ve added lighting beneath the cabinetry as well as near the ceiling. This will eliminate shadows and give your space a fresh, balanced feel.
5. Update your countertops. This is a fairly pricey option, but updating your countertops is well worth the investment. Any rustic cottage-style or traditional space paired with granite countertops becomes eclectic and interesting instead of outdated. Plus, marble is classic, making it a sound investment.
6. Look up and down. How are your floors and ceiling looking? If you feel like they’re really dragging down the aesthetic, it could be time for a change. This floor design puts a contemporary spin on the traditional checkerboard by incorporating natural wood, while a wallpapered ceiling provides an unexpected touch. If you’re working on a tight budget, consider modern rugs for the floor or a fresh coat of paint for the ceiling.
7. Get out the paint. A country-style kitchen can feel instantly modern with new color. Paint the walls, cabinetry, ceiling beams — whatever you feel could use a little modern punch.
8. Add drama with a bold color. Accent your space with a bold, contemporary color, like on these cabinets. The contrast against a largely white space is uniquely modern.
9. Choose contemporary furnishings. What you choose to fill your kitchen has a huge impact on its overall aesthetic. Instead of going with traditional table and chairs, look for something with a modern appeal. It may seem counterintuitive, but your space will become enlivened.
10. Do away with cabinetry. Open shelving is all the rage right now. Swap cabinetry for shelving for an instant style upgrade and an airy, relaxed aesthetic, especially when juxtaposed with a natural wood island.
Kitchen Countertops 101: Choosing a Surface Material
on Mar 15 in KitchenWhether you’re remodeling a kitchen, building one from scratch or just ready to give yours a face-lift, countertops are a central part of the look. And you may be daunted by the wealth of options on the market; countertop surfaces range from well-known butcher block to less common materials such as glass and terrazzo. We’ve chosen 11 of the most popular to get you started. Read on to find the one that’s right for you.
Granite
Pros: Granite’s beautiful mottling and the host of colors and patterns found in nature make each piece one of a kind. It stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, heat and other wear and tear.
Cons: Like most stone, granite must be sealed every so often to avoid stains. And its heaviness means you’ll need very sturdy cabinet boxes to support the weight.
Cost: $35 to $100 per square foot, installed
Solid Surfacing
Made primarily from acrylic and polyester, solid surfacing first was sold under the brand name Corian, which is often (erroneously) used as a generic term for it. Today, it’s made by a host of manufacturers and has enjoyed steady popularity over the years.
Pros: Because solid surfacing is nonporous, it’s virtually maintenance free — no sealing or special cleaning required. Although it can be susceptible to scratches and burns, those are easy to sand out. Color and pattern options are extensive, and because you’re not trying for the look of a natural material, you can experiment with vibrant hues such as turquoise or tomato red. Seamless installation means there are no cracks to trap dirt and debris.
Cons: Solid surfacing can have a patently artificial look and feel, yet can approach the price of natural stone. As mentioned above, it doesn’t stand up to hot pans or sharp knives as well as other materials.
Cost: $35 to $80 per square foot, installed
Quartz Surfacing
Crafted of resin and quartz chips tinted with color, quartz surfacing (also called engineered quartz or engineered stone) is a good compromise between the beauty of stone and the easy care of solid surfacing.
Pros: Quartz surfacing has the same advantages as solid surfacing with regard to maintenance. As an engineered product, it’s available in a far greater range of colors and patterns than natural stone.
Cons: This material doesn’t have the natural variegation of granite, so it may be evident that it’s an engineered product. It’s relatively pricey, although its durability can make it a worthwhile investment.
Cost: $40 to $90 per square foot, installed
Marble
Is there anything that looks and feels more glamorous than a marble countertop? Peerless in terms of its luminescence and distinctive veining, it’s an ultratraditional choice.
Pros: Nothing beats marble for sheer elegance. It stands up to heat well, and because it remains perennially cool, it’s a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations (read: Dough won’t get too soft).
Cons: Marble is very susceptible to stains, even with sealing. For that reason, it’s not often used throughout an entire kitchen — most homeowners limit it to one or two small areas. It can also scratch and chip.
Cost: $40 to $100 per square foot, installed
Tile
Modular and inexpensive, ceramic and porcelain tile offers nearly limitless options for colors and designs. Tile works with almost any kitchen style, from country to majestic Old World.
Pros: It holds its own against heat and sharp blades, and resists stains. If one or two tiles chip or crack, they’re fairly easy to replace.
Cons: Tile’s uneven surface can make it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out a pie crust. Unsealed grout is prone to staining; standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacterial growth.
Cost: $10 to $80 per square foot, installed
Laminate
Made of paper blended with resins and fused to particle board, laminate has been a kitchen mainstay for decades. In the past, it hasn’t always had a reputation as stylish, but that’s changing: The latest designs on the market mimic stone, butcher block and other pricier surfaces.
Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, so it’s a good choice if your budget is tight. It’s low maintenance and easy to clean. Its light weight doesn’t require the support of a thick cabinet base.
Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and, in some cases, staining. With wear and moisture exposure, the layers can peel. Because of the raw particle board core, you can’t use laminate with undermount sinks, and it’s also difficult to repair if it gets damaged.
Cost: $10 to $30 per square foot, installed
Soapstone
Although it’s in no danger of overtaking granite, soapstone has come into its own as a countertop material. It offers subtle, nuanced beauty yet feels humbler than granite or marble.
Pros: Soapstone has a natural softness and depth that fits very well with older and cottage-style homes. Although it usually starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time. (Most people enjoy the acquired patina, but you may consider this a con.)
Cons: Soapstone needs polishing with oil to keep it in top shape. It can crack over time, and it can’t handle knife scratches and nicks as well as some other types of stone. The natural roughness of its surface can scuff glassware and china.
Cost: $45 to $100 per square foot, installed
Stainless Steel
Once found mostly in commercial kitchens, stainless steel has slipped into vogue within the past two decades. These countertops are custom made to fit your kitchen, so you’re guaranteed a tailored look.
Pros: There’s a reason stainless steel is used in restaurants and other high-traffic kitchens: It’s nearly indestructible, and it resists heat and bacteria. It also provides a very distinctive look that feels appropriate in contemporary and industrial-style kitchens.
Cons: Fingerprints show and must be wiped off frequently, and stainless steel can also dent. It can be loud as pots, pans and dishware clang against the surface. Chemicals can affect its color and cause unwanted etching. Stainless steel is extremely expensive due to the custom fabrication.
Cost: $65 to $125 per square foot, installed
Concrete
Think concrete is just for floors? Think again. Slightly edgier than other materials, concrete countertops have an industrial chic that fits right into a loft or adds interest to an otherwise traditional space.
Pros: Concrete is extremely versatile: It can be cast in any shape and custom tinted any shade you wish. You easily can add unique inlays, such as glass fragments, rocks and shells. Concrete stands up well to heavy use, although it isn’t as heat resistant as some other surfaces.
Cons: Because it’s porous, concrete will stain without frequent sealing. With time and settling, small cracks can develop. Concrete is extremely heavy and will need strong support beneath. Like stainless steel, its custom creation ups the price tag.
Cost: $75 to $125 per square foot, installed
Butcher Block
Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh. It’s especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens.
Pros: Many homeowners like butcher block’s warm, natural appearance and variegated wood tones. Although knives scratch it, many people like the shopworn look it develops — after all, it’s what chopping blocks have been made of for years. But you can also sand scratches down with ease.
Cons: Wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, and butcher block is no exception. It harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface.
Cost: $35 to $70 per square foot, installed
Paper Composite
Paper countertops? You read it right. Created from paper fibers mixed with resin, this surface is ecofriendly and a whole lot more durable than it sounds.
Pros: Paper composite evokes the look of solid surfacing or laminate but with a warmer sensibility. It’s surprisingly hardy and can withstand heat and water admirably. It’s also a great deal lighter than natural stone or concrete.
Cons: The material isn’t scratchproof and is susceptible to chemical damage. It needs an occasional rubdown with mineral oil, and even sanding, to refresh it. Although it sounds as though it would be a lower-budget option, it isn’t (unless you install it yourself).
Cost: $85 to $125 per square foot, installed
Designer’s Touch: The Master Bathroom
on Mar 13 in BathsThe master bathroom is usually the room in your home where you begin and end every day. Make it a space worth spending time in by implementing some of these affordable, functional ideas.
1. Center stage. During your master bathroom remodel, opt for a freestanding bathtub instead of the traditional wall-to-wall model, and watch as others swoon over the mere thought of utter relaxation. Nothing says “Take me away” more than an old-world bathtub.
2. Mirror mirror on the wall. Pick up a couple of secondhand frames at any garage sale, dust them off, paint them your favorite color and apply a mirror to the back. Install your new treasures right on top of your existing bathroom mirror. You just might find that your master bathroom will be the fairest of them all.
3. Going to the top. Extending your master bathroom’s vanity cabinets all the way to the ceiling is an easy solution for more storage. You will be shocked at how much more will fit into the smallest master bathroom.
4. Tile that ceiling. Create that serene spa feeling by carrying your wall tile onto the ceiling of your master bathroom for a seamless look. Tiled ceilings are not just for the shower anymore.
5. Double your pleasure. If your master bathroom is smaller than you would like, add wall-to-wall mirrors around the room and watch your square footage double by reflection.
6. Shelf life. Maximize space and organize everything around the tub with easy-to-reach shelves and cubbies. Display personal items amongst your bathing necessities without the worry of getting them wet.
7. Rock wall. Transform your master bathroom into a natural wonder by installing rock tile onto the focal wall. This is a great way to bring the outdoors inside.
8. Grand illusion. Transform your master bath into a zero-gravity illusion with a floating vanity that frees up your floor space. Mount a sleek towel rack underneath the vanity for perfect presentation of hand towels.
9. Soft surroundings. Swaddle yourself in textiles for utter softness inside your master bathroom. Who says the living room is the only place for draperies, rugs, pillows, throws and upholstered pieces? Adding unexpected levels of comfort creates surprise.
10. Take it off. An easy way to save money on your master bathroom remodel is to simply take off your shower door. Place the doorless entry toward the back of the shower to avoid overspray.
Now Featuring … the Toilet!
on Mar 11 in BathsWe hide the toilet behind counters, half-walls and privacy glass, and even close it up in a tiny little room all its own. When we can’t hide it, we try to disguise it under fluffy pink seat and tank covers — ugh!
But what if we took a different approach and feature it instead? Plunking a candle on the top of the tank and slapping a tiny picture of seashells above it just won’t cut it. I’m talking about carrying through the same flair for design that you apply to the rest of your bathroom. Here are 19 beautifully designed spaces for the toilet.
When choosing where to place a spectacular tile mosaic, why not consider the wall by the toilet? This ultracontemporary and minimalist toilet style is the perfect foil to the exuberant dance of colors in the mosaic.
The bold, red tile behind this contemporary wall-mounted toilet calls attention to this area and creates artistic interest. So often, a bathroom has beautiful tile around the vanity and shower, but it completely fizzles in the toilet area. But this designer carried the theme all the way through this bathroom, ending up with a complete and balanced look.
Using accent tile and a minimalist wall-mounted toilet is a great way to create a feature instead of an eyesore.
Toilets come in all shapes and styles, so choose one that really complements your space. This tall, slim one is great for the tall, slim niche.
A box-shape wall-mounted toilet looks more like a minibench than a toilet. The texture of the tile on the accent wall is a real attention grabber, and niches above the toilet in exactly the same width tie it in as part of the design element.
The accent tile here heads across the floor and then wraps up the wall for a strong architectural look. I think the smooth, round shape of the toilet is a nice contrast to the straight lines in the rest of the bathroom. The toilet is proudly centered in the strongest design element in the room.
Wall-mounted toilets aren’t the only ones that work well as a design element. This model sits on the floor, but its simple cylindrical shape gives it the look of a stool. This bathroom does have a niche just for the toilet, but the style of the toilet and the pretty mirror elevate it to the status of a throne room. Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun.
Another toilet niche is treated to a beautiful accent wall at the back and a pendant lamp above. Adding some nice artwork creates a pleasant environment. And why not? You might be here for a while.
I love that the designer selected an attractively curved one-piece toilet similar to the shape of the pedestal sink. The strong lines of the shelf holding the dramatic botanical arrangement match the look of the mirror frame. It’s a very integrated design.
This entire bathroom is gorgeous! See several views of it here. But I think the designer pulled out all the stops in the area occupied by the wall-mounted toilet and bidet. That live-edge wood floor meeting up with the tile is so beautiful, I can hardly take my eyes off of it.
In this space, notice how the base of the toilet and the top of the tank look very much like the molding in the room. This traditional style is perfect for this bathroom’s décor. The wall niche with decorative accents and an orchid create a lovely sight.
And this squared-off tank works well with the squared shape of the integrated sink and counter. It is also very contemporary, just right for the style of this bathroom.
10 Artful Powder Rooms
on Mar 09 in BathsDecorating your powder room may not be high on your to-do list, as it likely isn’t a room you spend a lot of time in. Yet because guests see it, you shouldn’t ignore it either. Instead of adding a few random pieces of wall art and calling it a day, be deliberate in your execution and tie in your personal style. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Create a focal wall. Treat the powder room wall like a large blank canvas. If you fill up most of one wall with multiple artworks in a grid, the collection will have the visual impact of one larger piece.
Turn the space into a photo gallery. Display black and white photos from your travels in frames of the same size and finish. Matching white mats keep them looking bright and crisp.
Mix complementary finishes. Use a framed piece of artwork on one wall and carry the same tone to the other wall through more sculptural pieces.
Bring in bird prints. They’re wonderfully harmonious in a powder room and work well with soft colors, such as sky blue paint.
Freshen with florals. Floral artwork can leave a bathroom feeling fresh and soft. Go large for a more powerful feel and pick up on the wall color for a soothing look.
Add a bright spot. If you have dark walls, bright artwork offers a stunning contrast.
Add another dimension. Three-dimensional art keeps a powder room creative and interesting. These abstract blooms are easy to install: They’re simply flat thumbtacks you push into the wall with your fingers. The flower has a magnet that attaches to the thumbtack.
How to Work With a Kitchen Designer
on Mar 07 in KitchenIf you’re ready to make your dream kitchen a reality, hiring a pro can ease the process. Here are the keys to a successful partnership
Whether your kitchen needs a minor face lift or a complete gut job, soliciting help from a certified kitchen designer can be well worth the investment. The rule of thumb: If a kitchen project costs more than a few hundred dollars, it may be time to call in a pro.
Not only do kitchen designers have access to planning tools and technology that most homeowners don’t, but they have the inside scoop on trends, new materials, building codes and technical quirks. And their kitchen remodel expertise can save you a lot of time, money and frustration. Use our tips to help the process flow smoothly from start to finish.
Know the different types of kitchen designers. If you’re ordering cabinetry and more through a national chain or other retailer, there likely will be designers on staff who can help you plan. The main advantage: Often, there’s no additional cost for their services, although some charge a percentage of the total sale or work under another fee structure. Other designers work independently at an hourly or per-project rate. Because they’re not affiliated with a particular store or brand, they can sometimes be more objective about materials.
Do your research … Your initial meeting with the designer will go more smoothly if you have a general idea of the look, flow and equipment you want. Browse decorating websites and magazines for kitchen design photos that speak to you, and show them to your designer. A picture can communicate clearly what you may struggle to capture in words.
Know your budget. Have a firm idea of what you want to, and are able to, spend to avoid a disconnect between plans and reality. If you have the means for pro-grade appliances and high-end finishes, your kitchen designer can work those into the scheme from the beginning. If you don’t, make it known upfront. Although miracles may not happen on a shoestring, a designer has the experience and the know-how to stretch your dollars as far as they’ll possibly go.
Settle on a time line and a number of draft plans. Kitchen designers don’t expect to nail it on the first try — some back and forth is usually built into the process. Agree upon how many drafts of the plan you’ll see before you sign a contract and part with any cash. You should also confirm a time line for the work, though circumstances beyond anyone’s control can throw even the best-orchestrated jobs off schedule.
Keep changes minimal. Depending on how far along in the process you are, change orders can be anything from a mild nuisance to a major issue. Not only will they hold up progress, but they’ll also put a dent in your wallet. That said, if there’s a change that must be made for you to enjoy and use your revamped kitchen the way you intend, it’s better to speak up than to end up dealing with the flaw on a daily basis.
Be patient.
