Hi,
I hope Mother's Day was everything you hoped and you were surrounded with loving family!
Were you entertaining at home or where you a guest in another home? Was the kitchen functional? How smoothly did hanging out, cooking, serving and clean up go? Think objectively about the experience. Now is a great time to capture any of your thoughts and comments about how smoothly the day went wherever you were. Write it down on paper and slip them into your Design Wish Folder.
We have covered many important considerations these past few weeks. I hope I have educated you about possibilities and inspired your dreams. There truly are unlimited choices these days. Remodeling is exciting. Well, the dreaming, planning, picturing, and choosing new stuff is exciting.
The actual remodeling process? Well, that is more frustrating than exciting. It can be a nerve racking
frustrating messy interruption of your normal routine. This phase does pass thankfully.
Your enjoyment of the process returns and is even more exciting as you watch your new design take shape as the new fixtures, appliances, and cabinets are installed.
Let's talk about wisdom. Of course, price is very important. You want to get the most value! You must plan the biggest part of your budget to be applied to practical changes your kitchen needs to function best. The fun part arrives as you add many favorite extra items you've been dreaming about. This new kitchen is going to last for decades so think about priorities in the design process. Picture yourself moving in , cooking, entertaining, and cleaning your new space. Allow yourself a little "imagination" pad for items you may decide are important "must haves" you opt to add. The demo and installation phase is really exciting when you have the vision of your finished project. The vision helps to pull your through the hard reality and the stress living in your home while the kitchen is completely torn apart creates!
There are two BIG considerations to be wise. Often , they are not factored in. Both of these important decisions impact your safety, finances, and how happy you end up in the process. What are they?
1.) Being mindful regarding the appropriate scope of your project.
2.) Awarding your project to a contractor you know you can trust and feel comfortable handing the
keys to your home to.
Both of these require effort, time, and due diligence from the home owner to research the best fit for themselves, their family, and their home improvement project. "You get what you pay for" is a truth on steroids in the home improvement business.
We all want the best value for the least amount of money. That is human nature. The truth is sometimes a high price is not equal to the best value any more than a low price means shoddy work. How do you know you are working with the best contractor for your project? Referrals are always key, so ask around. Most of our projects are the result of satisfied customers referring us to their family and friends. There really is no higher honor than being trusted to help our customer's loved ones. Thank you! Angie's List and other professional organizations with reviews also help narrow down candidates. Reading reviews is an excellent source of information.
Lets' address # 1 first:
Our homes are typically the biggest investment we own. Their appreciation in value impacts our portfolio dramatically. Thinking about and planning with future value appreciation is one of the wisest moves any homeowner makes. However, sometimes our emotions can get the best of us and we spend much more than can ever be recovered in resale. One exception is: if you have a plan to retire and live in the same home forever then add everything on your wish list you can afford. Do not worry about profiting from it. However, if you plan to sell your home, the following advice is best.
Plan the project budget that is appropriate for the value of your home and your neighborhood. In other words, prioritize function with a few extra perks for a kitchen in a $ 150,000 to $250,000 home. Do not make the mistake of adding a kitchen you would find in a million dollar neighborhood home you plan to sell in the next few years. Also, if you have a large executive style home in an expensive neighborhood, be sure you select the appropriate quality, design, and amenities future buyers will expect to find in any prospective home purchase they make.
#2:
Remember, you are going to be working with this person and their team for weeks if not months. They are going to be in your home, around your family, neighbors, and pets. Do you like them? Are you able to communicate easily with them? Have you checked their references and reputation?
Do they show up as scheduled and communicate what you can expect? What have former clients shared about their work ethic, care for your property, cleanliness and organization every day working in their home? Did they respect the peace of their home by watching their language and not playing loud music? Did they refrain from smoking? Did they clean up the work area daily? Were their children and pets safe? Were their belongings and the rest of the rooms in your home respected and
left alone?
Your home generally is your most prized possession and biggest investment. It is also your safe place where you can find rest from the pressures of the outside world. Every area of your home is filled with memories. It is also filled with valuables. Some may be irreplaceable. It can be tempting to make a quick decision about who to award your project to based on pricing. However, there is a balance and hidden things you need to include as you consider value
See, there are so many things to consider when making the best decision about who you reward your project to. That choice will create an awesome outcome with good memories or just the opposite.
Here at Apple Wood , we have built our reputation treating our clients the way we want to be treated. We look forward to helping you create your dream project. Let's get started!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Those Useless Corners
Do you remember this chore? Mom needs something from inside the corner cabinet in the kitchen.
She cannot see in the cabinet or reach into it without twisting herself into a pretzel. Calling your name to help her was her last resort. After all you are short and small enough to crawl back into that dark cabinet if need be.
These catch all cabinets were aptly called blind corner cabinets. Perfect description! They were the largest cabinet taking up valuable real estate in one of the most essential rooms in any home. Typically at least half of their storage space was unused. If it was used, eventually something important would simply disappear. It would end up pushed all the way to the back never to be seen again.
Why do you need these corner cabinets? There really is no other way to maximize the use of all your kitchen wall space. In large kitchens of many square feet available, corners can be left open occasionally for a designer look. However, most kitchens have less square feet due to shorter walls. They must utilize every possible inch. Corner cabinets also allow your counter tops to flow continually creating maximum work space.
The Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry industry listens well to the feedback and suggestions of homeowners. We are continually finding new solutions for every need and most requests the public asks for. Corner cabinets are no exception. Today we have many ways to utilize every corner you have. The days of blind corners are gone!
Lazy Susan cabinets are available for the base and wall. They have been available for many years now. Depending on where your stove or sink is located, theses base cabinets can be perfect for pots and pans, storage items, or food. The wall corner Lazy Susan is handy for spices and other food storage or dishes. From the design standpoint the cabinet door can be diagonal or two doors hinged straight at 90 degrees on either base or wall cabinets. The rotating shelves are very convenient.
If you do not prefer the shelves rotating , they can be fixed. An "easy reach" feature helps preserve the visibility of all the contents.Typically this is accomplished by the upper shelf depth being half the depth of the bottom. They are easy to reach into.
Diagonal Sink bases are another option in a larger kitchen. This is especially nice where two windows meet in a corner. Some times positioning your stove in a corner creates unique touch.
There are many dramatic ways to make it a focal point. Both of these choices take up valuable corner storage space. Thus they are not wise in smaller kitchens. However, they are beautiful when you have room.
How has the old "black hole" blind corner cabinet challenge been solved? So creatively!
Interior components and accessories are now available to maximize storage space. One solution is
two shelves with chrome rails that swing independently and bring the shelf contents out into the open. There is also a two shelf system designed by Rev-A-Shelf that includes a completely chrome interior accessory. Both have rollers placed in metal tracks that allow you to pull the bottom rack out and the top shelf sideways so you can access everything. Nothing gets lost in these efficient utilitarian corner cabinets. Impressive!
Less common are new drawer bases. Yes!! Actual drawers in the corner with 90 degree drawer fronts. So, you will not need to call one of your wee ones now to find something back in that dark
scary corner. Everything you need is conveniently available. Isn't human ingenuity amazing?
If you have "had it" with wasted space in your corner cabinets, we are here to help! Come in to see us at Apple Wood Kitchens. We can show you all the great solutions to make your kitchen your happy place!
She cannot see in the cabinet or reach into it without twisting herself into a pretzel. Calling your name to help her was her last resort. After all you are short and small enough to crawl back into that dark cabinet if need be.
These catch all cabinets were aptly called blind corner cabinets. Perfect description! They were the largest cabinet taking up valuable real estate in one of the most essential rooms in any home. Typically at least half of their storage space was unused. If it was used, eventually something important would simply disappear. It would end up pushed all the way to the back never to be seen again.
Why do you need these corner cabinets? There really is no other way to maximize the use of all your kitchen wall space. In large kitchens of many square feet available, corners can be left open occasionally for a designer look. However, most kitchens have less square feet due to shorter walls. They must utilize every possible inch. Corner cabinets also allow your counter tops to flow continually creating maximum work space.
The Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry industry listens well to the feedback and suggestions of homeowners. We are continually finding new solutions for every need and most requests the public asks for. Corner cabinets are no exception. Today we have many ways to utilize every corner you have. The days of blind corners are gone!
Lazy Susan cabinets are available for the base and wall. They have been available for many years now. Depending on where your stove or sink is located, theses base cabinets can be perfect for pots and pans, storage items, or food. The wall corner Lazy Susan is handy for spices and other food storage or dishes. From the design standpoint the cabinet door can be diagonal or two doors hinged straight at 90 degrees on either base or wall cabinets. The rotating shelves are very convenient.
If you do not prefer the shelves rotating , they can be fixed. An "easy reach" feature helps preserve the visibility of all the contents.Typically this is accomplished by the upper shelf depth being half the depth of the bottom. They are easy to reach into.
Diagonal Sink bases are another option in a larger kitchen. This is especially nice where two windows meet in a corner. Some times positioning your stove in a corner creates unique touch.
There are many dramatic ways to make it a focal point. Both of these choices take up valuable corner storage space. Thus they are not wise in smaller kitchens. However, they are beautiful when you have room.
How has the old "black hole" blind corner cabinet challenge been solved? So creatively!
Interior components and accessories are now available to maximize storage space. One solution is
two shelves with chrome rails that swing independently and bring the shelf contents out into the open. There is also a two shelf system designed by Rev-A-Shelf that includes a completely chrome interior accessory. Both have rollers placed in metal tracks that allow you to pull the bottom rack out and the top shelf sideways so you can access everything. Nothing gets lost in these efficient utilitarian corner cabinets. Impressive!
Less common are new drawer bases. Yes!! Actual drawers in the corner with 90 degree drawer fronts. So, you will not need to call one of your wee ones now to find something back in that dark
scary corner. Everything you need is conveniently available. Isn't human ingenuity amazing?
If you have "had it" with wasted space in your corner cabinets, we are here to help! Come in to see us at Apple Wood Kitchens. We can show you all the great solutions to make your kitchen your happy place!
Friday, May 1, 2015
Lighting options for your kitchen remodel....
Hi, there!
Another week has flown by. I am happy to see more sunshine this week. Last week was still so cold. I guess it was appropriate to write about all sorts of options in refrigeration!
Moving on with new trends in Kitchen Design, I will write about lighting options today.
The days of dark gloomy kitchens and shadowed work stations are past. Of course, planning natural light to pour through beautiful well placed windows is always appropriate. However, due to placement, some kitchens have limited potential for natural light. If that is true in your home, there are many ways to bathe your kitchen with ample light.
The days of florescent light boxes in the center of the ceiling have gone bye bye, thankfully! The florescent tube light bulbs used to cast an unnatural hue. They have been replaced by recessed lighting provided by light fixtures that look like tubular cans. The framing of the kitchen ceiling
creates a space for these cans to be flush with your ceiling. They hold bright flood light bulbs which have the ability to brighten up any kitchen. Even homes with the kitchen placed in the middle between a family room and dining room where no exterior window is available can be as bright as any on an exterior wall.
I particularly love the low cost efficient under cabinet lighting available now. Cabinets with added bottom rail moldings called light rail camouflage the fixtures that flood your counter top work spaces with light. You will love it while prepping and cooking. In addition, it is a great night light or additional "mood " enhancing touch when entertaining that did not exist years ago. The convenience of preparing a new dish with bright clear light to help you read the recipe on your prep area is priceless. Especially when you are needing to be sure accuracy for baking is available. I have been known to ruin a recipe adding half a teaspoon when only a quarter of a teaspoon was called for.
Beautiful elements of your granite counter top can reflect like diamonds with light bringing out the detail of the particular stone you selected. The miriade of inexpensive options will astound you for something so practical as well and beautiful. Come in to our showroom. We can show you examples of this practical new trend!
Pendant lights are another trend that update a kitchen design dramatically. A pendant light adds a touch of simple drama. Think of them as the jewelry accessorizing your space. Hand blown glass in colors and textures you love add drama. They are on long poles extending from the ceiling.
Depending on the width of your sink area, one centered or a series of three are common. Repeating
the same spaced over the width of your island complements your personal style. There are many choices of glass globes to choose from as well as small fabric circular or square drum shades. If you get bored and want to update your look after a couple of years, just change the pendant shade and you are all set!
In large kitchens, a focal point "statement piece " chandelier adds the elegance your home demands.
It will determine the appropriate design style of the other light fixtures in the room. A kitchen of this dimension often includes wall sconces as well.
In a pantry area it certainly makes sense to add a ceiling light so you have visibility every time you enter. If the pantry is quite large additional under shelf lighting can help.
Walking into your kitchen to see a special cabinet as your centerpiece focal point adds sophistication and drama too. You may one or more cabinets that you want to feature as focal points. Staggered height and depth from other wall cabinets in the room accomplish this. To add more drama, try drawing attention to special dishes, glassware, or accessories with interior lights accenting the contents. Being sure to order your cabinets with finished interiors prepares them to become perfect displays of your favorite items.
The days of only a boring functional kitchen have passed. The great news is, all these new trends are affordable and functional as well. You are going to love your new "heart of your home".
Come see us soon so we can help you realize your dream space before the 2015 holidays.
Another week has flown by. I am happy to see more sunshine this week. Last week was still so cold. I guess it was appropriate to write about all sorts of options in refrigeration!
Moving on with new trends in Kitchen Design, I will write about lighting options today.
The days of dark gloomy kitchens and shadowed work stations are past. Of course, planning natural light to pour through beautiful well placed windows is always appropriate. However, due to placement, some kitchens have limited potential for natural light. If that is true in your home, there are many ways to bathe your kitchen with ample light.
The days of florescent light boxes in the center of the ceiling have gone bye bye, thankfully! The florescent tube light bulbs used to cast an unnatural hue. They have been replaced by recessed lighting provided by light fixtures that look like tubular cans. The framing of the kitchen ceiling
creates a space for these cans to be flush with your ceiling. They hold bright flood light bulbs which have the ability to brighten up any kitchen. Even homes with the kitchen placed in the middle between a family room and dining room where no exterior window is available can be as bright as any on an exterior wall.
I particularly love the low cost efficient under cabinet lighting available now. Cabinets with added bottom rail moldings called light rail camouflage the fixtures that flood your counter top work spaces with light. You will love it while prepping and cooking. In addition, it is a great night light or additional "mood " enhancing touch when entertaining that did not exist years ago. The convenience of preparing a new dish with bright clear light to help you read the recipe on your prep area is priceless. Especially when you are needing to be sure accuracy for baking is available. I have been known to ruin a recipe adding half a teaspoon when only a quarter of a teaspoon was called for.
Beautiful elements of your granite counter top can reflect like diamonds with light bringing out the detail of the particular stone you selected. The miriade of inexpensive options will astound you for something so practical as well and beautiful. Come in to our showroom. We can show you examples of this practical new trend!
Pendant lights are another trend that update a kitchen design dramatically. A pendant light adds a touch of simple drama. Think of them as the jewelry accessorizing your space. Hand blown glass in colors and textures you love add drama. They are on long poles extending from the ceiling.
Depending on the width of your sink area, one centered or a series of three are common. Repeating
the same spaced over the width of your island complements your personal style. There are many choices of glass globes to choose from as well as small fabric circular or square drum shades. If you get bored and want to update your look after a couple of years, just change the pendant shade and you are all set!
In large kitchens, a focal point "statement piece " chandelier adds the elegance your home demands.
It will determine the appropriate design style of the other light fixtures in the room. A kitchen of this dimension often includes wall sconces as well.
In a pantry area it certainly makes sense to add a ceiling light so you have visibility every time you enter. If the pantry is quite large additional under shelf lighting can help.
Walking into your kitchen to see a special cabinet as your centerpiece focal point adds sophistication and drama too. You may one or more cabinets that you want to feature as focal points. Staggered height and depth from other wall cabinets in the room accomplish this. To add more drama, try drawing attention to special dishes, glassware, or accessories with interior lights accenting the contents. Being sure to order your cabinets with finished interiors prepares them to become perfect displays of your favorite items.
The days of only a boring functional kitchen have passed. The great news is, all these new trends are affordable and functional as well. You are going to love your new "heart of your home".
Come see us soon so we can help you realize your dream space before the 2015 holidays.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Design Trends to Meet Practical Solutions
Most of us approach remodeling our current kitchen biased by the experience we've had with the cabinets and appliances we are familiar with. It is impossible to know all your options unless a true professional educates you about all the amazing new products available to you. Get ready for an adventure! There is a solution for every possible need!
Fortunately, the Kitchen Design business is responsive to people's needs and preferences. It is the way trends get established. Granite replacing tile and grout counter tops is a perfect example. Stainless Steel appliance's popularity still endures.
The one negative about stainless is how fingerprints and smudges constantly need to be removed.
Can you see the Hero riding in on his white horse? Nearly every major manufacturer of appliances has responded to the frustration of constantly dealing with fingerprints. There are now painted surfaces with names like Silver Mist, Black Diamond, Slate, and Smudge Proof Stainless finishes.
These range from textured metal, brushed stainless with texture, and a shining stainless mirror like finish, to a contemporary matte slate gray look. The newest kid on the block is Black Diamond. This sophisticated beauty has a new depth of true black. There are also Black or White with stainless handles. Some are created as paint hues very similar to a stainless look and a full spectrum of gray and black choices.
Creative solutions to refrigeration abound! Built Ins for the Pro look make a big statement. They also show a big dent in your bank statement. The combinations are endless. You can purchase a refrigerator tower along with a separate matching freezer tower. Very convenient if you have a large kitchen. Bottom Mount units with the freezer on the bottom are all the rage. It is wonderful to
open up the refrigerator an see all your fresh food at eye level. Excellent choice for people who love to entertain and keep wide trays or cakes fresh in the fridge! Side by Side units and top mounted freezers are still available. Counter Depth refrigeration allow the built in look for a lower price point than true built ins. However, you pay a premium for less space to avoid a depth that extends far past the counter's edge.
Let me tell you about one of my favorites. Imagine how handy it would be to be making a salad or sandwich at your island or counter with every ingredient needed in a drawer right in front of you! Yes, refrigerator drawers are wonderful uses of space in a kitchen. There are ice makers and wine coolers that match all your other appliances too. On the opposite end of the spectrum are warming drawers near your stove or ovens! Holiday dinner dishes can all be served at the same warm temperature simultaneously! This is true luxury during busy cooking or baking seasons. When your normal routine returns. they can be used for extra storage.
Making sandwiches reminds me of how messy I can be. Hardwood floors are so beautiful. I love them and I hate spilling condiments on my floors. It does happen. It can be more difficult to maintain the beauty of hardwood floors.Tile is excellent as well. Tiles come in so many larger square and rectangle shapes now. Just recently our Tile Rep brought in the newest samples of rectangular tiles. My favorite? The faux wood choices. Yes! Textured Tile that looks like wood! Amazing, beautiful, and so practical!
I have so many other new fangled features to make your dream kitchen more functional than ever.
Next week, we'll discuss those pesky corner cabinets that have just been so frustrating in the past. You are going to love the practical solutions designers have come up with for your kitchen corners!
Remember that "Design Wish Folder" we talked about last week? Now that the sun is out and we feel like window shopping, try a research trip to a top end appliance retailer. Touch and feel all these new surfaces and finishes. It is fun to check out the new trends!
Fortunately, the Kitchen Design business is responsive to people's needs and preferences. It is the way trends get established. Granite replacing tile and grout counter tops is a perfect example. Stainless Steel appliance's popularity still endures.
The one negative about stainless is how fingerprints and smudges constantly need to be removed.
Can you see the Hero riding in on his white horse? Nearly every major manufacturer of appliances has responded to the frustration of constantly dealing with fingerprints. There are now painted surfaces with names like Silver Mist, Black Diamond, Slate, and Smudge Proof Stainless finishes.
These range from textured metal, brushed stainless with texture, and a shining stainless mirror like finish, to a contemporary matte slate gray look. The newest kid on the block is Black Diamond. This sophisticated beauty has a new depth of true black. There are also Black or White with stainless handles. Some are created as paint hues very similar to a stainless look and a full spectrum of gray and black choices.
Creative solutions to refrigeration abound! Built Ins for the Pro look make a big statement. They also show a big dent in your bank statement. The combinations are endless. You can purchase a refrigerator tower along with a separate matching freezer tower. Very convenient if you have a large kitchen. Bottom Mount units with the freezer on the bottom are all the rage. It is wonderful to
open up the refrigerator an see all your fresh food at eye level. Excellent choice for people who love to entertain and keep wide trays or cakes fresh in the fridge! Side by Side units and top mounted freezers are still available. Counter Depth refrigeration allow the built in look for a lower price point than true built ins. However, you pay a premium for less space to avoid a depth that extends far past the counter's edge.
Let me tell you about one of my favorites. Imagine how handy it would be to be making a salad or sandwich at your island or counter with every ingredient needed in a drawer right in front of you! Yes, refrigerator drawers are wonderful uses of space in a kitchen. There are ice makers and wine coolers that match all your other appliances too. On the opposite end of the spectrum are warming drawers near your stove or ovens! Holiday dinner dishes can all be served at the same warm temperature simultaneously! This is true luxury during busy cooking or baking seasons. When your normal routine returns. they can be used for extra storage.
Making sandwiches reminds me of how messy I can be. Hardwood floors are so beautiful. I love them and I hate spilling condiments on my floors. It does happen. It can be more difficult to maintain the beauty of hardwood floors.Tile is excellent as well. Tiles come in so many larger square and rectangle shapes now. Just recently our Tile Rep brought in the newest samples of rectangular tiles. My favorite? The faux wood choices. Yes! Textured Tile that looks like wood! Amazing, beautiful, and so practical!
I have so many other new fangled features to make your dream kitchen more functional than ever.
Next week, we'll discuss those pesky corner cabinets that have just been so frustrating in the past. You are going to love the practical solutions designers have come up with for your kitchen corners!
Remember that "Design Wish Folder" we talked about last week? Now that the sun is out and we feel like window shopping, try a research trip to a top end appliance retailer. Touch and feel all these new surfaces and finishes. It is fun to check out the new trends!
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Make Your Dream Happen with Your Own "Design Wish Folder"
I tell my clients, especially the women, to create their "Design Wish Folder" as soon as they begin to think about remodeling their kitchen. What is it?
We ladies love to look at magazines, books, and articles about new trends. There is no lack of publications to satisfy our curiosity. We are going to see many ideas we like. Capturing great ideas is such fun when you create your own Design Wish Folder! The sky's the limit in this phase.
In the beginning you may like many styles. After all, the new ideas are so much better than the old tired kitchen you want to change. As you turn pages and dream, think about being in the spaces you are looking at. See yourself cooking, baking, entertaining, having a family meal, celebrating the holidays, or just chatting with a friend you are enjoying coffee with.
Now is the time to let your imagination go! Do not edit your thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Automatically, you will find yourself collecting similar finishes, door styles, and floor plans. Soon, your preferences will be clear. This will help you design the kitchen of your dreams that will be your happy place for years to come!
Why do I say, do not edit yourself? We all have limits to the space we have available as well as the budget to update the most important room in our home. However, skilled designers and sales professionals can help you focus to prioritize the best bang for your buck. If there is something you have always wanted yet believed was not possible or might be cost prohibitive, you may be delighted to learn your Designer/ Sales person knows exactly how to give you your heart's desire. Tuck every idea and item you would love to have in your folder. None of us can have it all, but you may be able to have more of your wish list than you realize. Besides, creating is a fun part! Enjoy!
The finished project is always the best result. Seeing your dream come alive is worth every inconvenience. I would be dishonest to say the process will always be fun. This is one of the reasons having your Design Wish Folder to refer to will be comforting. It will keep you on track during the demolition phase. Finding somewhere to wash dishes without your sink is NOT fun. Having the vision of your finished dream kitchen helps pull you through the stressful times in the process.
Here at Apple Wood, we have all lived through remodeling our own homes, kitchens, and baths.
We have held the hands of so many of your neighbors as they go through the process. We would love to make your dream come true with as little stress as possible. We handle EVERYTHING!
Once we help you make your final design choices to include as many of the features you want, you can count on us to organize, schedule, and work with the absolute best team to build the Heart of the Home Kitchen of your dreams. Give us a call!
We ladies love to look at magazines, books, and articles about new trends. There is no lack of publications to satisfy our curiosity. We are going to see many ideas we like. Capturing great ideas is such fun when you create your own Design Wish Folder! The sky's the limit in this phase.
In the beginning you may like many styles. After all, the new ideas are so much better than the old tired kitchen you want to change. As you turn pages and dream, think about being in the spaces you are looking at. See yourself cooking, baking, entertaining, having a family meal, celebrating the holidays, or just chatting with a friend you are enjoying coffee with.
Now is the time to let your imagination go! Do not edit your thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Automatically, you will find yourself collecting similar finishes, door styles, and floor plans. Soon, your preferences will be clear. This will help you design the kitchen of your dreams that will be your happy place for years to come!
Why do I say, do not edit yourself? We all have limits to the space we have available as well as the budget to update the most important room in our home. However, skilled designers and sales professionals can help you focus to prioritize the best bang for your buck. If there is something you have always wanted yet believed was not possible or might be cost prohibitive, you may be delighted to learn your Designer/ Sales person knows exactly how to give you your heart's desire. Tuck every idea and item you would love to have in your folder. None of us can have it all, but you may be able to have more of your wish list than you realize. Besides, creating is a fun part! Enjoy!
The finished project is always the best result. Seeing your dream come alive is worth every inconvenience. I would be dishonest to say the process will always be fun. This is one of the reasons having your Design Wish Folder to refer to will be comforting. It will keep you on track during the demolition phase. Finding somewhere to wash dishes without your sink is NOT fun. Having the vision of your finished dream kitchen helps pull you through the stressful times in the process.
Here at Apple Wood, we have all lived through remodeling our own homes, kitchens, and baths.
We have held the hands of so many of your neighbors as they go through the process. We would love to make your dream come true with as little stress as possible. We handle EVERYTHING!
Once we help you make your final design choices to include as many of the features you want, you can count on us to organize, schedule, and work with the absolute best team to build the Heart of the Home Kitchen of your dreams. Give us a call!
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
New Counter Top Trends
Do you remember the days of avocado green, harvest gold, and bronzed brown appliances? Well, oops, knowing that will "date" me, huh? Today I decided to research new Kitchen Design trends to share. I heard some rumors a couple of years ago that the colors of yesterday may resurface with a new twist in appliances. I did not find new green, gold or brown refrigerators, dishwashers or stoves in my search today. I will dig a little deeper for that info for a later post.
I did find interesting changes in counter top materials. I see copper back splashes, sinks, and even counter tops. There is still a strong design element of two separate materials being used in for working surfaces in Kitchen Design.
Beautiful granite is still very popular. Being a truly natural stone, each slab has unique characteristics. You select your slab. You make the decision where the cutouts will be to preserve the pattern displaying the characteristics you love. It is durable.It does require being sealed once a year to maintain its beauty. Even though it seems unlikely, granite can stain. It can also be damaged if you habitually set hot pans on it.
Man made quartz based products are gaining in popularity too. These do NOT need to be sealed, are non porous, and resistant to damage. They do not stain or need sealing. Some are very hard to distinguish from finer grained granite. However,a four by eight slab displaying a busier design or high contrast colors does repeat patterns similar to a Formica product.
Marble is reappearing in kitchen applications. It is a perfect surface for a kitchen large enough to have a dedicated baking prep area. Marble is a much softer stone that stains easily. It is classic and elegant which makes it perfect for those who are mindful and committed to remembering it can be rather unforgiving if precautions are not taken while preparing certain foods or pouring beverages.
The love of stainless steel is expanding into counter tops now. Another metal, copper is gaining interest. Metal surfaces reflect light and lend themselves to contemporary design very well, especially stainless steel. Copper is versatile and can add an "old world" touch in the right setting.
A muted opposite look is available in honed stone surfaces. Black granite is often "honed" to have a matte finish. It resembles soapstone which is elegant and expensive without the high cost. Very new stones being used for kitchen applications are limestone and basalt.
Glass is another reflective sleek surface being developed for work surfaces. A company named Curava Recycled Glass Surfaces collects glass from landfills, post consumer and post industrial waste. They make beautiful counter tops out of discarded glass bottles, windshield, and window glass. They also add sea shells to the composite in some of the choices. What an impressive use of the recycling effort we all value!
The most surprising to me is the return of great interest in wood counter tops. They are becoming very popular again, especially as an accent piece on an island designed to look like furniture.
To the rescue comes the ceramic and porcelain industry. These brilliant artisans are excellent at paying attention to what consumers love. They, then design products that look exactly like stone, wood, or even fabric that can be utilized practically by people. They know how to create the right product for every design solution. The old 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 tile counter tops are trends of the past. The new ceramic selections are a completely new breed of awesome!
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Water Damage, Unwelcome Winter Surprise
Last week we were up in the 50's. Next week, they say we will have some days in the 30's again! REALLY? If you are like us, I think you will wholeheartedly declare, ENOUGH! The beauty of spring announcing her arrival with crocus, daffodils and tulips is near. How happy we will all be to welcome warmer weather!
Many of us have received an unwelcome wake up call to Spring. The warmer weather melts Ice Dams. We are here to help our customers asking for help with interior water damage. The challenge of melting ice is a reality check. The winter of 2014 - 2015 has been the coldest and snowiest winter in decades. We made it! We SURVIVED! Perhaps, your homes did not make it through unscathed. We are here to help!
I have to admit, during my commute home from the showroom, I wanted to capture pictures of some pretty amazing roof lines encapsulated in thick reflective ice. The beauty of snow covered roofs and long icicles refracting golden glowing light pouring out of windows or winter sunsets reminded me of Thomas Kincaid paintings. In those moments I forgot the harsh reality of the damage ice dams cause to our homes.
What is an ice dam? An Ice Dam is a hump of ice that forms at the edge of a roof under certain wintertime conditions. An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home. It will put gutters and downspouts at risk too.
How do they form? An ice dam forms when the roof over the attic gets warm enough to melt the underside of the layer of snow on the roof. The water trickles down between the layer of snow and the shingles until it reaches the eave of the roof, which stays cold because it extends beyond the side of the house. There, the water freezes, gradually growing into a mound of ice. The flatter the pitch of the roof, the easier it is for an ice dam to get a grip. Gutters at the eaves can also trap snow and ice.
Some people were able to rake snow off which helped them avoid damage. Storm after storm made that process difficult. Many of us just could not keep up. Now we have water damage issues. Give us a call. We are here to help you address any damage with understanding, skill, and experience.
There are also preventative measures available to help minimize or eliminate future Ice Dam problems too that we would be happy to discuss with you in preparation for next winter.
Many of us have received an unwelcome wake up call to Spring. The warmer weather melts Ice Dams. We are here to help our customers asking for help with interior water damage. The challenge of melting ice is a reality check. The winter of 2014 - 2015 has been the coldest and snowiest winter in decades. We made it! We SURVIVED! Perhaps, your homes did not make it through unscathed. We are here to help!
I have to admit, during my commute home from the showroom, I wanted to capture pictures of some pretty amazing roof lines encapsulated in thick reflective ice. The beauty of snow covered roofs and long icicles refracting golden glowing light pouring out of windows or winter sunsets reminded me of Thomas Kincaid paintings. In those moments I forgot the harsh reality of the damage ice dams cause to our homes.
What is an ice dam? An Ice Dam is a hump of ice that forms at the edge of a roof under certain wintertime conditions. An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home. It will put gutters and downspouts at risk too.
How do they form? An ice dam forms when the roof over the attic gets warm enough to melt the underside of the layer of snow on the roof. The water trickles down between the layer of snow and the shingles until it reaches the eave of the roof, which stays cold because it extends beyond the side of the house. There, the water freezes, gradually growing into a mound of ice. The flatter the pitch of the roof, the easier it is for an ice dam to get a grip. Gutters at the eaves can also trap snow and ice.
Some people were able to rake snow off which helped them avoid damage. Storm after storm made that process difficult. Many of us just could not keep up. Now we have water damage issues. Give us a call. We are here to help you address any damage with understanding, skill, and experience.
There are also preventative measures available to help minimize or eliminate future Ice Dam problems too that we would be happy to discuss with you in preparation for next winter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)