My parents recently finished their first ever kitchen remodel. This would be a daunting process for any son or daughter to help out with…the more so when you work for a kitchen & bath company like I do.

According to a recent homeowners study conducted by the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI), more and more consumers are intrigued by the idea of adding current “kitchen” technology to their own kitchen space. What are those top kitchen design trends in technology? Here are your top 5:

“They don’t make ‘em like they used to,” is something you’ve heard, or probably said yourself if you’ve ever had something break. And in today’s fast moving environment, it’s more true than it has ever been...there is really nothing like the good ol’ days, when things were built to last. Perhaps this nostalgia is one reason why the vintage style is...

Maybe you get your energy bill each month and are left scratching your head about why it’s so high. Or maybe you know exactly what in your home is sapping all that power. Either way, it’s about time to take the steps to save power, and save yourself from that steep energy bill.

Anyone with their finger on the pulse of what’s hot in kitchen and bathroom design right now knows what a waterfall countertop is. If you’ve been looking for the best way to update your kitchen, you’ve found your answer. And if you don’t know what a waterfall countertop is yet, get ready to start wanting one for yourself when you learn.

When you choose to renovate your kitchen, it’s probably because the space is not making you happy. And if you think about it, that's exactly what a kitchen needs to do. Food makes you happy, and cooking it should, too. A space for family and friends to comfortably gather brings even more joy to the space.  Let’s face it...if your kitchen layout is ...

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...

  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.  

Do you have a place in your home to go where you can relax? Get away from the stress of the mess? Or just veg out after a long day? If you don’t, there’s a room waiting for you. The bathroom is a perfect place to design as your own personal getaway. Soak in your tub or take a long hot shower in a place that’s perfectly designed.

It is where you go when you first wake up. Maybe it is where you start your day with a warm comfy shower. Or maybe you end your day there with a nice, relaxing bath. In any situation, your bathroom needs to be a place of function. But why not let it also become a place to take a mini retreat too?  If your bathroom is somewhere you want to just get ...

When you are remodeling your kitchen or your bathroom, you really just want to know what you should expect. There are so many ideas, decisions and moving parts. You are getting information from so many different places. We are confident you have been hearing stories from every person you know that has remodeled anything.   Deciphering remodeling my...

There are so many reasons out there that you might want to remodel your bathroom. Perhaps it is just because it is old, or maybe you need to consider an aging in place strategy. Some people simply want bigger bathrooms, or want to add smart technology to their room. But when you have kids and a bathroom that does not do a good job accommodating the...

Let’s say you are looking to update your kitchen. You want it to be current. You want it to be comfortable. And, you definitely want it primed and ready to handle all the cooking you want to do. Sound about right?    You bet it does!. But if your kitchen is old and outdated or poorly designed, you are probably missing out on at least one of the thi...

Your kitchen.  It is where you cook.  It is where you gather.  It is where you store your food.  It is the place you go to start your day early in the morning to cook your breakfast and where you end that same day up late at night for a snack. So when you decide you are doing a kitchen remodel,  all of these every day activities get put on hold for...

There are a few expectations that are absolutely essential and must be exceeded (or met at the VERY least) for your kitchen remodel to be a success. You know you want to love your new space. You know you want it to be a place for people to gather. And you know you are going to want to enjoy cooking in it.   For all those points to come together, yo...

When you’re remodeling your kitchen cabinets, ask your designer about what materials are the most friendly. FSC-certified wood is a great choice, along with solid wood, recycled wood, or even bamboo. Be certain to pay close attention to the materials being used to assemble the cabinets as well.

You’ve been dreaming about it. You’ve been planning. And now you’re ready to begin. It’s time for your kitchen remodel. 

When it comes to determining kitchen remodeling costs, the general rule of thumb is that you should expect to spend between 5% to 10% of the current value of your home. But ultimately, how much you spend on your kitchen remodeling project (or bathroom remodeling project) is completely up to you. Ask yourself “why are you remodeling”… I’m selling th...

There are no right or wrong answers here, but how you respond will help determine an appropriate remodeling budget. The easiest question to start to consider is what the scope of your kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling project is. Will this be a straight “tear and replace” where you are changing little to nothing about the design? That may k...

Measuring your kitchen or bathroom doesn’t have to be difficult. While we can gladly assist, all you really need is a tape measure, pencil and a piece of paper or the a floor plan grid. Like you can find in our Kitchen and Bathroom Planning Guides. There are even some apps today that will let you take a picture of the room and start to figuring out...

The 3 phases to a kitchen remodeling project Your head is filled with ideas from websites, TV shows, design magazines and more. So what is the next step to bring your kitchen remodeling ideas to life? The Reico Process There are typically 3 phases to your kitchen remodeling project: Information Gathering, Design & Pricing Ordering, Scheduling & Per...

Finding the right design ideas or your own design style When planning your new kitchen or bathroom, finding the right design ideas or your own design style is a hard but important early step in the remodeling process.  Trends are helpful but should not be your only resource for getting ideas.  Whether you need small kitchen design ideas or a tradit...

We created a easy tutorial to help you measure your kitchen. “How to measure your Kitchen” will walk you step by step through the process of measuring your kitchen that will help you get started in the kitchen remodeling process. It’s only 83 seconds long too so how hard could it be? Yes we can come out and measure your kitchen at any time, but a c...

Our Measuring your Bathroom for a Remodeling Project video is a great resource to help you understand exactly what you need to do to measure your bathroom. Yes, we will eventually come out and measure when the time is right but this is a great way to help you get things started. We also suggest taking lots of pictures of your existing space, prefer...

The budgeting question everyone wants to know... How much is this going to cost? Regardless of how excited we are, many of our thoughts about remodeling come back to the same question every time.  How much? How much does a kitchen remodel cost? How much does a bathroom remodel cost?  Generally speaking, determining remodeling costs is often guided ...

Let's find your design style There are a number of options to consider when finding the right design style for your new kitchen or bathroom. From Traditional and Modern to Eclectic and French Country, settling on a design style is an important early step in the remodeling process. What’s popular? Transitional design, that allows you to blend elemen...

Finding the right design ideas or your own design style When planning your new kitchen or bathroom, finding the right design ideas or your own design style is a hard but important early step in the remodeling process.  Trends are helpful but should not be your only resource for getting ideas.  Whether you need small kitchen design ideas or a tradit...

Let's get this kitchen remodel started! Congratulations! You’ve done all the work and now your kitchen remodel is about to begin! Now it’s time to prepare for contsruction and consider the impact that the kitchen remodeling process will have on your home and lifestyle. The following are some things you can do to minimize the disruption you will exp...

22 Universal Design Ideas for the kitchen, bathroom and entire home Many of us unknowingly already have many elements of universal design in our homes already. Whether it helps in the kitchen, the bathroom or throughout the entire home, filling our homes with smart universal design features will provide convenience and comfort to every user in the ...

The 2 finish kitchen - bringing more color into the kitchen Bringing color into the kitchen is always one of the most interesting challenges (and opportunities!) of a kitchen design. We already know that color can come from so many different or unusual things. These kitchen design ideas can come from almost anywhere in the kitchen. It can be a uniq...

Kitchen Safety - 4 kitchen design ideas to accomodate kids in the kitchen How many of us design the kitchen with our kids in mind? We’re busy in the kitchen and all of sudden a little hand goes up or tugs on our apron asking to help. How sweet! Regardless, when we are in the kitchen we want them close by anyway, whether it is just to keep an eye on...

5 Bathroom Design Ideas to make your space feel bigger For most of us, we are constantly looking for ways to make our bathroom feel bigger. For some of us, it is a space issue…where we dream of having just a little bit (or a lot) more. For others, it is an organization issue. A bathroom that feels big enough quickly becomes cluttered, busy and full...

Selecting Kitchen Appliances Selecting kitchen appliances is a critical driver to the kitchen design process. Finding and selecting your kitchen appliances first in the process helps identify space, gas/electrical locations and design requirements to create the right kitchen design for your space. Appliances are often considered the “jewelry” of th...

6 Kitchen Storage Ideas to maximize your own kitchen space Whether you have a small kitchen, are losing a wall to open up more space or just seem to have a lot of “stuff”, having the proper kitchen storage is a concern in every kitchen. Here are 6 ideas to consider that can help maximize your kitchen storage space: Cabinet Accessories for your Kitc...

Kitchen Design Ideas to help you create your own Kitchen focal point 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.Whether it is a broader point...

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:

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.

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!

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?

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?

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.

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!

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.

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!

Let’s explore some ideas! What comes to your mind when you hear in-stock cabinets? For many people, the first instinct to associate these cabinets with the kitchen comes naturally. After all, they have more than served the kitchen cabinetry role for decades. However, relating them with other rooms might not be the first thought to cross your mind. ...

According to a 2020 U.S. Houzz & Home survey, only 36% of homeowners doing a remodeling project stayed on track with their budgets in 2019. Comparatively, over 31% of homeowners had a remodeling project that went over budget and a surprising 29% never set a budget on their project at all. That leaves a little over 3% that we would consider those lu...

If you are looking to renovate your bathroom, you have a lot of different boxes in mind to check off that project list. What style, look and feel do you want in the bathroom? What materials do you want to use for the countertops, the cabinets and the shower area? What colors should be selected for the space? Another box to check… safety.  Your bath...

We can probably all agree that we are happy that it is 2021. And after having to quarantine in your house for so long, you might be looking for a fresh start for many things, including that bathroom you use every day.   When it comes to bathrooms in 2021, there are some new trends to watch out for.  Some are trends that were not quite so prominent ...

We all know the phrase “everything but the kitchen sink,” which represents throwing everything you have got into something...a competition, a challenge, a new learning opportunity.  And while there is no mistaking that we are big on kitchen sinks, why should they get all attention.  You see where this is going.  What about the bathroom sink? When y...

Before you can ask yourself if a floating vanity cabinet is right for you, first you simply need to know what it is. Sometimes a floating vanity cabinet is also expressed as a verb - floating your vanity.  Most traditional cabinets that you see are just that: traditional cabinets. Floated cabinets are wall-mounted vanities that float above the grou...

So, you have finally taken the plunge and decided to remodel your kitchen. Cheers! Now you literally can not wait to get that new kitchen you have been dreaming about forever. The new countertops, the extra storage, the updated look - seriously, you want it to start right now.   Before you go rushing in too quickly though, take a page out of the bo...

A bathroom remodel is an exciting time, but also a time where you do not want to make any mistakes. Working together with your designer and your contractor, along with being mindful of these bathroom renovation mistakes will help direct you to all the right moves during your new bathroom remodel.

When you are going to renovate your kitchen, it is an exciting time for everyone. You (and others) are dreaming of everything that the space could be. A new place to entertain, to cook, and, at the end of the day, look at with pride. Creating a warm kitchen design and feel will help bring everyone together.  Who doesn’t want to feel warm, comfortab...

Finding the right shower for your space can be challenging, particularly if you are working with a small bathroom. You want something that gives you value for your money yet does not overpower the entire bathroom. Can you find the perfect fit in a walk-in shower for your small bathroom? Let’s find out!

If you are looking to give your bathroom a stylish and modern update, then you will no doubt want to take a look at some of the latest bathroom fixtures on the market. Not only do these fixtures need to be functional, but they also need to complement the overall style of the room. From floating vanities and toilets to vessel sinks and freestanding ...

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 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.

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...

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...

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 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...

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 ...

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.

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...

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...

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...

When you decide to remodel a bathroom, you can’t help but get excited. Even a small bathroom design can be transformed with the right choice of cabinets, countertops and fixtures. Get it right and all of sudden it just might be the most popular bathroom in the house.

The care and details that go into preparing a Thanksgiving dinner are not unlike the care and detail that goes into planning a kitchen remodeling project. Cooking that Thanksgiving meal is a team effort of family and friends, just like planning a kitchen remodeling project is a team effort, bringing you and your designer together to create your dre...

Honoring our Veteran’s is something that we should be doing every day. And in Chesapeake, VA we are getting a very special opportunity to work on a kitchen remodeling project with our own group of “veterans”. Two of them are military veterans and one of them is a “veteran” of the kitchen and bath industry. How did they come together to be working o...