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Open shelving has become an increasingly popular design feature among our clients because they provide a combination of an aesthetic focal point with superb functionality. Open shelves offer a look with universal appeal. Open shelves enable homeowners to showcase a dramatic backsplash, display dishes, pottery, sculptures, plants, herbs, and dishware and glassware, among numerous other options. Plus, open shelves provide home chefs with the functionality to access their favorite cooking tools within arm’s reach. So, what’ the downside? Open shelves limit storage and can contribute to a cluttered look and feel.

A well-designed kitchen is a perfect combination of form and function that provide years of happiness. From a form standpoint, the kitchen needs to work. That’s why we begin the design process by asking our clients who will use the kitchen, for what purposes and how often. That information enables us to craft custom solutions to meet our client’s unique needs and exceed their expectations. There are commonalities to every well-designed kitchen starting with storage.

One secret to designing a great kitchen is to develop a storage plan that addresses how often you cook, entertain and hold gatherings. We start by accessing what currently exists in your kitchen. We advise our clients to

Remodeling baths is the ultimate opportunity to improve functionality, health, lifestyle and design. To help you prepare for a bathroom remodel, address the following questions with your designer or showroom professional.

Infrastructure: Can your existing plumbing system be modified to enhance the performance of your bath? For example, shower systems function considerably better if the supply line is ¾ of an inch versus ½ inch. Two-inch drains cost slightly more than a 1.5-inch drain, but reduce the possibility of clogging considerably. Can your new shower accommodate at 2-inch drain? Where are your supply lines located? If they run along an exterior wall and you live in a cold climate, can you move them to limit the possibility of freezing in winter?

Maintaining your new kitchen not only will increase the useful life of cabinets, appliances and floor and wall coverings; regular maintenance also will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the space.

Cabinet Cleaning

Grease and grime buildup can damage cabinets and destroy the look and feel of a new kitchen. To remove buildup wipe down cabinets using a soft cloth dampened with warm water and do so at least once every two weeks or more often depending on the amount of activity that takes place in the kitchen. If water alone does not clean cabinets completely, mix a little mild dishwasher soap with the water. Wipe down wood cabinets in the direction of the grain. Use a soft cloth to remove any residual moisture that may be left on the cabinets.

Most of our clients spend six months or longer conducting independent research before making an appointment to come to the showroom to discuss creating the kitchen of their dreams. We value our clients’ time. That’s why we offer the following advice to prepare for a showroom visit to not only save time, but also to ensure that our clients’ wants, needs and dreams are realized.

We know that the kitchen is the epicenter of the home, but the way that the kitchen is used varies greatly from one home to the next. Before you visit the showroom, consider who will use the space and how — will you use the space to prepare meals, entertain friends and family, etc.? Listing all of the uses and users enables your designer to not only determine how to meet your functionality requirements, but also why you are making the investment to renovate your home. The list of uses also enables us to determine the types and amount of lighting that you will need for reading, TV watching, baking, cooking, entertaining or just hanging out.

Open floor plan kitchens have been a hot trend for a number of years, but not all of our clients want or need an open floor plan, opting instead for an enclosed space that better suits their needs, lifestyle and preferences.

Why would anyone want an enclosed kitchen? There are many reasons. One is that you don’t have to worry about the mess when entertaining. There’s no need to wash dishes, pots and pans, put away spices and herbs or make sure that the counters are clutter free. You can spend more time entertaining instead of worrying what the kitchen looks like after preparing a meal.

Good lighting makes a new kitchen more enjoyable, and bad lighting does just the opposite. Lighting can make or break how a new kitchen looks, feels and functions. It is equally as important as cabinets, countertops, appliances and other fixtures.

Effective lighting illuminates a space in layers using different components and strategies to paint the final picture. You can buy a functional $70 faucet in a home center, but most likely that faucet will not add much to the beauty of the kitchen. A similar analogy holds true for lighting. Simply placing flush-mounted fixtures in the ceiling of the center of the kitchen can provide functional light, but recessed ceiling lighting may do little to beautify the space, create a mood or evoke a favorable emotional response.

A recent analysis of kitchen trends by one of the largest manufacturers of kitchen cabinets in North America offers some interesting insights to help you plan your kitchen remodel.