You love to entertain. And you’ve been entertaining the idea of getting a wet bar or a dry bar.  Your house is known as the place where people go to gather. Maybe you love hosting a small, intimate gathering. Or maybe you love to get a big group together and call it a party.

The kitchen is a great place where people can come together and make a meal and talk about their day...except for when you’re cramped when there’s more than one person in the space. Or you keep bumping your elbow on that poorly placed counter. And you are constantly wrestling those pots and pans out of your cupboards. Yes, kitchens can be great, bu...

Step inside your kitchen. If you’re not home picture it in your head. How’s it looking? How does your kitchen make you feel? If you had a less than a positive answer to those questions, then you probably already know something needs to change. Your kitchen should make you feel warm and relaxed. You should be ready to whip up a dinner or sit with a ...

When you’re planning a kitchen remodel, it’s an understatement that there’s a lot to do. You have to think about when you want to do your remodel, what you want to remodel, what style it should be, and more. But perhaps the most pressing thing on everyone’s mind? The budget. Don’t stress about how much everything is going to cost. Stick to a plan t...

So you’re in the bathroom squinting at yourself in the mirror and it dawns on you: your bathroom is just...dim. Even if your bathroom is large, when it’s not bright, it can feel smaller. And that’s the opposite of what you want. But you don’t have to be afraid of the dark. There are some surefire ways that can lighten up your bathroom and start you...

Have you been putting off a remodel on your kitchen because you’re not sure what the first steps are? Maybe you’ve been pushing back a makeover so long that your kitchen has started to lean more toward the outdated side. If that’s you, or you just want to give your kitchen a little facelift, then let us help. From big to small, there’s a number of ...

Why are people so afraid of doing bathroom remodeling? We get it. Change can be scary. But is there anything scarier than your old dingy, tiny bathroom with the same decor you’ve been staring at for decades? Yeah, we didn’t think so. The good news about this scary situation is that you really don’t have to be so fearful. Here’s how to take the leap...

What style is your bathroom? Possibly a more relevant question - does your bathroom even have a style?  If you answered “I don’t know” or “no” to those questions, then it’s time for you to put a little more thought into the place where you do your business. After all, your guests do their business there too, and you want to have a nice relaxing sho...

You’ve finally had it with your bathroom. It’s time to redesign. Woo! The idea of designing a new bathroom for you and your family to be able to relax in is an exciting one. But it can also be an intimidating prospect when you realize that the possibilities that you have available to you are basically endless. Once you start planning how you want y...

Whether you’re doing a whole kitchen remodel or just looking for a great upgrade idea, your kitchen backsplash is a design detail you’ll want to pay plenty of attention to.  If you’re scratching your head and thinking, uh, what’s a backsplash? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Everyone's kitchen has a backsplash. It’s the panel behind the stove...

What’s more daunting than the idea of a remodel? Nothing, really. But while the idea of it may seem scary, you’ve actually got nothing to worry about if you prepare the right way.  You’ve finally decided you’re going to take that step and remodel your kitchen or your bathroom. A remodel can bring out the best in you, and it can bring out the worst ...

When you look at your bathroom, do you go “blah?” Maybe you’re not too excited about the boring old decor you’ve seen every single day in there for years. But you spend a lot of time in your bathroom - getting ready, showering, and you know, doing business. It’s about time that you gave your bathroom some TLC. And you’ve got to start somewhere. A b...

When you look at your kitchen, you see it as a whole. You’ve got the lights, the cabinets, the floors, the appliances, and maybe most importantly, the food. But when you break your kitchen down into those different sections, you might start paying attention to more detail. Here are some details that you could be ignoring in your kitchen that actual...

The kitchen is an intimidating place for some people. For others, it’s where they go to make masterpieces. Whatever level of kitchen aficionado you are, everyone can agree they love food.  If you want to be a master chef, you need a master kitchen. Here are some ways to bring your cooking and your kitchen design to the next level.

There’s something sacred about food. No matter who we are or where we come from, we all love food. And when we’re sitting down to a meal with someone or a group of people, we’re all sharing in a communal experience, and gathering to sit down and reflect on our day.

You walk into your kitchen, thinking about how you’re going to prepare yourself a meal fit for a king. But then you actually get inside your kitchen. You look around and realize that your kitchen couldn’t make a meal fit for a king, because it’s too tiny. Your kitchen might be small, but you can still make it feel like home. And you can make a luxu...

We’re down to the Sweet 16 of NCAA basketball’s March Madness. Every decision, every play, every result hinging on other decisions, plays and results. While many teams are evaluated by their overall depth, it is typically the starting five that sets the tone for the game and the success of the team. Working together, a Center, 2 Forwards and 2 Guar...

Are you thinking of entertaining for the holidays, but look at your kitchen and think twice about having people over? You want to cook and have a place for your friends to stay, but envisioning having to prepare all the food in your tiny kitchen is making you want to suggest having a party somewhere else.

Close your eyes. Imagine the kitchen you grew up in. The table you ate it. The area your mom cooked, baked and whipped up seemingly magical meals...and similarly dreaded meals (I still don't care for Salisbury steak to this day...). Focus in a little more and picture the countertop. Can you see it? What is that? Plastic? Laminate. But then a few ye...

How much does a typical bathroom cost? We get the question every day. To be honest, it’s a great question! The truth is there are as many ways to answer that question as there are to ask it. The answer depends on a few factors…most notably size, layout and product selections.

The word "modern" is hot right now. You hear it everywhere. And it shows no signs of going away. According to Sarah Reep, ASID, IIDA, CMKBD, CMG, CAPS and Director of Designer Relations and Education for Merillat Cabinetry, an increased in modern style requests from clients and by manufacturers, has been noticed. With its’ clean, crisp lines and si...

The Millennial generation was literally in its’ infancy by the time Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi hit movie theaters in 1983. I was 14 years old and the force was with me…wishing for Han Solo’s brazen confidence and Luke Skywalker’s quiet strength…and maybe even hoping to attract the attention of my own Princess Leia.

I am going to let you in on a little secret. Kitchens are the Unicorn Frappuccino of remodeling. I know what you are thinking. The timing of this revelation seems suspicious. However, in terms of kitchen remodeling it is true. Kitchens are the Unicorn Frappuccino of remodeling projects. Any project can transform a house, but kitchen remodeling chan...

In many ways, kitchen remodeling is its’ own series of events, particularly when it comes to making product selections. Call it your own “remodeling decathlon”. Just like in the Olympic Decathlon, 10 “events” (or products for you kitchen decathletes) must be prepared for and participated in to help you achieve your goal. Your gold medal result depe...

The world lost a legendary one-of-a-kind figure when Muhammad Ali passed away last week. Through all his highs and lows, Ali was more than a boxer to his fans, his reputation for being positive and a motivation to others making him larger than life. His words inspired many in all walks of life, and will continue to do for generations to come. So wh...

Perhaps no one knew more about bringing teams together than University of Tennessee coaching legend Pat Summitt, who passed away this past Tuesday. The winningest coach in NCAA basketball history left a huge legacy both on and off the court. Over 38 years, Summit’s teams made it to 22 Final Fours and won 8 national championships, creating a standar...

When it comes to colors in the home we all have our own vision for our kitchen and what that should look like, from countertops and appliances to walls and floors and everything in between. So, about that “everything in between” comment…yes, we’re referring to your kitchen cabinets. With the timeless popularity of white and a surge in variations of...

When it comes to kitchen remodeling and designing your new space, your kitchen appliances should be given very special consideration. Appliances are often considered the “jewelry” of the kitchen, adding to the look, style and performance of your space. Often times, you will select your appliances first (or very early on) in the kitchen design proce...

For many of our projects, we get the opportunity to focus on one room at a time. The kitchen. A master bathroom or a hall bathroom. Throw in the occasional wet bar, laundry room, guest bath, butler’s pantry and well…you get the picture. But then there are those projects where you get to do it all. And all at once. Where the design juices really get...

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, but let's talk about the super bowl you bring out for those special occasions. You know, the really big one! We hike up 3 base cabinet storage ideas to help you store you own super bowl and other large kitchen baking items.

Adding kitchen cabinet accessories to your kitchen design is one of the best parts of the kitchen remodeling process. The term “kitchen cabinet accessories” is one of the most popular search term on the internet and sites like Houzz. Why? Because for most of us, we are fascinated by organization, convenience, ease of use and above all, a little cle...

So you know you’re planning to remodel your kitchen. And you’ve got most of your vision in mind. You’re missing one key element, though, and you don’t know what you need. It’s the kitchen sink. So that means you’ve got everything but the kitchen sink. Literally. Kitchen sinks are often forgotten in the process when designing a kitchen, with so many...

Alright. You know you’re going to do it. It’s time to remodel your bathroom. You’re tired of waking up everyday, walking inside the bathroom, and sighing. And not just because you had to get out of bed. But because you’re tired of the poor lighting, the dingy shower, the cramped space. Time to change! But before you go rushing into hiring your cont...

January is all about focusing on the year ahead and making resolutions. So, what does the year ahead look like for your home? Is it time to make a change? If you want to keep on trend, there are a few key things that you should be paying attention to. And those things are the pointers that are coming out of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show that’s h...

The number one question that you want to know when doing a kitchen remodel? How much is it going to cost? And you know the answer that’s frustrating... it depends. We all know that’s the worst. Of course it depends on what type of remodeling you’re doing. But you still want to know how much your remodel is going to cost.  

It’s 2019. Move over, millennial pink. The Pantone color of the year is living coral. This vibrant hue is rich and full of life, deeper yet bright than its millennial pink cousin. But it still remains neutral enough to incorporate into everyday life to add that pop of color. Which is why if you’re faced with a drab kitchen, it’s the ultimate color ...

When you walk into your kitchen, you should feel at home. You should feel warm and happy with what you see. So if you feel like you’re lacking that sparkle, then you need to get it back. The kitchen you cook in and eat in is a kitchen you deserve to love. Add the love back into your kitchen with some updates that are trending right now.

Designing and remodeling a bathroom is one of the most popular remodeling projects today. It can be both fun and challenging. You have some ideas about what you like…and some that you dream about for your bathroom. To help you get started on your new bathroom, we’ve given you a few easy steps to get started:

We use the term dream kitchen or dream bathroom often in the design world. Talking about a first time kitchen or bathroom remodeling project with a client who has waited so long for this often feels like a dream is coming true. And while it is, there are also those times when we are reminded that the word dream means many things to many different p...

One of the goals of clients remodeling their kitchen is for the new kitchen to be more organized and offer storage than the current version. A good designer will ask you to list your most used kitchen items and discuss placement and storage ideas based on your list.

We all want to live responsibly without sacrificing our water experience in the bathroom. Water defines the bathroom experience – not just for its cleaning aspect, but its wellness aspect too. It is both feeling and function.

Its spring time, and nothing ushers in that feeling better than a white kitchen. Timeless in style, white kitchens offer the refreshing breeziness of spring and the opportunity to showcase vibrant colors like those that come from spring’s first blooms. Whether it is from flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables or the colorful decorations and keepsakes...

We’ve all heard the saying “It takes a village…”. With kitchen design, it does not quite take a village but there is no doubt that it is a team effort. Not only a collaboration between designer & client, but with a support team ready to assist to turn great kitchen ideas into great kitchens.

1) Identify all the activities each person uses their bathroom space for – bathing, showering, using the toilet, grooming, dressing...you name it!

As an avid cook and kitchen designer (in that order!), I have a definite list of must haves for my own kitchen. Here are my top 5: 1) A Tray base – stores cutting boards, cookie sheets and serving trays in an organized and easy to access 9” to 12” wide cabinet. Go a little wider and get muffin tins and rectangular casserole dish storage too.

Last month I shared my personal top 5 things I would want in my own kitchen. Now I put on my bathroom designer hat and turn my attention to my personal getaway space...the bathroom. Here is what I must have. My top 5:

One of the most important considerations when you are designing your kitchen is how and what you cook. Do you use the fry pan, a wok or grill on the cooktop for most of your meals?

Open floor plans that create a social kitchen are a big focus in kitchen design right now. Cooking is more of a communal event than ever. Family, friends and even guests are getting involved in creating a meal. Combining the kitchen with living and dining areas makes dinner a family event and opportunity to share your day over meal preparation.

Everyone knows the tree goes in the front room, the wreath on the front door and the lights outside…but what about the kitchen? The kitchen is where the real magic of the season happens for those fabulous meals and treats. Check out our list of what’s naughty and what’s nice.

It’s your kitchen. If you want to put your knobs in the center of the cabinet door that’s your prerogative. I don’t think it will look too good but I’m not going to live there. Neither is your designer, contractor, architect, cousin, neighbor, friend or anyone else you are looking to for advice.

If you were to ask anyone if they wanted their bathroom to be more luxurious, we’re pretty certain the answer would be yes. But we want a luxurious bathroom, for less. Budget bathrooms actually can look luxurious. You just need to map out your strategy first. A light remodel with the right moves can both save your dollars and make your bathroom loo...

When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, you could be looking for help from quite a few people. You’ve got your designer, your electricians, your plumbers, and possibly more. If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom, you’re considering the thought of a brand new, beautiful room. And that’s exciting! But you also want to know the cost.

When you’re planning your kitchen renovation, you might feel like there are just too many hoops to navigate through. There are so many things to think about, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s actually a good starting point to know what not to do in your kitchen renovation. That way, you’ll know exactly what to do when the time comes.

A bathroom renovation is exciting. You're ready to jump right in. Enthusiasm is great, but before you get started, there’s a lot of planning that needs to happen first. If you want your project to turn out just the way you’ve always wanted, then you can follow a few simple steps to make sure you’re getting the best possible renovation you can.

What’s the area in your house that gets the most use? Maybe your living room? Maybe your kitchen? That might be, but you use your bathroom every single day, without fail. Your bathroom might be your most used room, but it’s also probably your most neglected room when it comes to design. In case your bathroom needs some design inspo, look to the top...

You’ve got tile in your kitchen. You’ve got tile in your bathroom. Are you using it to your biggest advantage? There are a lot of different options for tile out there. You should know some basic rules of thumb if you’re looking to update the tile you already have, or even looking to add tile to your room for the first time. Here’s some help to ensu...

  Everyone needs some inspiration every now and then. And when you’re planning a kitchen remodel, you need inspiration in a double dose. What are other people doing that you should be doing? Now’s the time to check it out.  

You know you’re the ultimate host. You mix the best drinks. You’ve got just the right playlists. Your cooking is to die for. But your kitchen isn’t. If you’re always the host with the most but your kitchen isn’t cutting it for your parties, it’s high time for a remodel in your kitchen. Improve functionality, feel less cramped, make your space more ...

I have worked on kitchen remodeling projects where the planning/decision making process has gone on for years. Seriously...years. And while I cannot make up your mind for you, I can help you prioritize and help make the kitchen remodeling process feel a little bit easier. Here are the first things to consider:

It’s Halloween. That time of year when drop way too much money on costumes, candy, decorations and more and then wonder what happened as we emerge from a self-induced sugar coma. And a Friday night Halloween? You may as well just pack it in for the weekend right now.

It’s the start of a new year and the buzz around kitchen remodeling is louder than ever. Is it time for you to consider kitchen remodeling? Here’s a “list” of fun clues that can help you determine if the time is right for you to remodel your kitchen:

You look at a bathroom and naturally think a bathroom remodeling project would be a lot easier than a kitchen remodeling project…and who could blame you? Less space, less stuff, less decisions, right? Nothing could be further from the truth!

Storing spices in the kitchen can be a challenge and leave you “cayenne” over the best place for them. You want them near you while you cook and you want to be able to pick out the one you want easily. What to do? What to do?

It's a new year! Thinking about remodeling your kitchen? You are not alone! Many homeowners are considering kitchen remodeling in 2013. According to a survey on 2013 kitchen remodeling trends by Russell Research, the most popular choices for updating the kitchen are countertops (76%), wall coverings (70%), cabinetry (67%) and flooring (64%).

When planning a kitchen, there are so many decisions to make…from little things like the location of cabinet hardware to bigger, more functional questions like where to locate the dishwasher.

As you already know, kitchen ideas are everywhere! Here are 3 things you can do to help your kitchen designer get started on your kitchen: 1. Pictures! Pictures! Pictures!

Nowadays the kitchen sink has been elevated to the level of appliance in the kitchen. It is no longer just a hole for water, soap and dishes. You can do so much more with the right type of kitchen sink and sink accessory. How do you know what’s right for you?

Quick, can you name the Thanksgiving feast served by Charlie Brown for all of his friends? If you are thinking 2 slices of buttered toast, some pretzel sticks, a handful of popcorn and a few jelly beans you were correct!

Kitchen backsplashes are often one of the last items installed in the kitchen, but it can have a profound impact on your entire kitchen design. Kitchen backsplashes are not just wall protection anymore. They’re a chance to jazz up your kitchen and express yourself!

I frequently have clients who think they want white cabinets for their kitchen but are afraid to commit. They worry that white cabinets will be boring or go out of style. Well, I’m here to tell you that in my humble opinion, nothing could be further from the truth!

Any kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling project requires great communication and teamwork. Get a homeowner, interior designer, kitchen designer and craftsman in one room (preferably a kitchen!) and the ideas can start flying. The right teamwork though can pull all of that together into a real dream kitchen!

Whether you have a small kitchen, are losing a wall to open up more space or just have a lot of “stuff”, having the proper kitchen storage is a concern in every kitchen. Here are 7 ideas to consider that can help maximize your kitchen storage space:

Today’s laundry rooms are not what they used to be! By incorporating more features and amenities from other areas of the home, some dread is being taken out of doing the laundry. Planning and a desire for greater functionality in the laundry room is the key. Here are a few things changing today’s laundry room:

Every kitchen has a focal point. That one area that always captures peoples’ attention the moment they walk in. Or brings a smile to your own face because it looks better in your kitchen than you ever imagined it could. Most are intended. Some are not.

Don’t talk to boomers about Universal Design. Today it is Smart Design that benefits everyone of all ages, incorporating smart design ideas throughout the home to allow families of various sizes and multiple generations to stay in place. Want some smart design ideas that can make your home “smarter”? Here are 8 tips:

Forget wants and needs for a second and let’s talk about desires. Specifically, what you desire in your kitchen. Is it a simple, functional upgrade or is it something more personal or exotic?

We recently completed a kitchen remodeling project using soapstone kitchen countertops (and one kitchen sink). As you can see from the picture, with it's medium gray cast and distinctive veining a soapstone kitchen countertop can create a unique look that can really make any kitchen pop!

Last week, we shared results on the most desired kitchen trends based on a survey given to Kitchen & Bathroom Designers by the Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI). This week we wanted to share the results of what consumers are asking for most when remodeling their bathroom. Here are the top 5 most desired bathroom design t...