Ok, I admit that this likely comes as no surprise to anyone reading this since I work for a kitchen company (I’m also thankful for bathrooms but that’s a whole other discussion).

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.

The desire for a kitchen that is more organized, easy-to-reach and use has never been greater. One of the top reasons we remodel our kitchen is to create more or better storage. The opportunity to increase kitchen storage is everywhere. Here are 5 simple ideas that can help you add more kitchen storage that is easy to access:

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.

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.

The big entertainment news last week was that David Letterman would be retiring after over 30 years of being on television. But did you know that the real reason was just so he could remodel his kitchen? Think about it. At the very least, we know Letterman has always had an interest in food, mostly by dropping it off tall buildings and seeing what ...

I recently visited Barcelona and immediately fell in love with the charm and architecture of the city (not to mention the tapas, paella, cava, sangria…I could go on and on).

Great kitchen design ideas are everywhere and one of the most timeless ideas utilized to create focal points in a kitchen design is glass.  Yes, there are many other great kitchen design ideas that can add a unique touch or focal point to your kitchen space. 

We are all so used to filling up every possible space with cabinets . What about those times where there is a unique space or client need that requires more creative bathroom design ideas? An unexpected opening may be a great surprise and great convenience to a client.

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...

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:

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?

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:

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:

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?

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

It's not looking good for the rubber duckies. According to a recent Houzz study on bathroom remodeling trends , more and more consumers are forgoing the master bathroom tub. More than 4 in 10 surveyed homeowners are ditching the bathroom tub with glass and curbless zero threshold shower enclosures leading the way in bathroom trends.

It happens every year about this time. People start considering all their options. They look at stats and key information to help them make decisions on what or who will ultimately win out. And then they do it…they print out their March Madness brackets and start filling in winners. Will they go with the flashiest choice with the best chance of win...

Wondering if you are wanting the same things in your new kitchen design as others do? The following top 5 kitchen design requests were heard most frequently by clients starting a kitchen remodel project according to a recent survey by Kitchen & Bath Design News:

Silver toned bathroom fixtures and faucets are the clear Olympic gold medal winner when it comes to choosing fixtures for a bathroom remodel . According to recent study by Houzz on winter bathroom trends , silver based finishes assumed an overwhelming 6 of the top 8 bathroom fixture finishes. The silver medalist – bronze, adding further “Olympic-es...

One of the biggest questions we get is "How big should my hardware be?". With people's preferences always seeming to change, the good news is that there is no wrong answer! Going with smaller kitchen hardware typically gives it a more subtle look that easily blends into the design without becoming a focal point. Bigger pieces of hardware can someti...

Never underestimate the importance of lighting for your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking, eating, cleaning, or organizing, you will need plenty of light in the right places. Otherwise, you risk misplacing key items or leaving crumbs and liquids lying on the counter, where they can attract bugs and germs. It’s not hard to see why lighting matter...

Deciding to do a bathroom remodeling project, let alone any remodeling project, is always a big decision.  Part of that decision involves deciding how big the scope of the project will be. Keeping certain items in a space can save on money and decisions, but can present limits and other challenges when working in the space.  This was...

What’s the most dangerous part of your home? If you guessed “the kitchen,” you’re not far off: this one room is responsible for nearly half a million knife injuries a year, to say nothing of falls, burns, strains, and other potentially serious injuries. If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from these mishaps, you have to design a kit...

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:

Remodeling your kitchen is a big undertaking. It is important to choose wisely when it comes to selecting materials and finishes that will stand the test of time. One area you will need to give careful consideration to is your kitchen cabinets . There are many different styles to choose from, and each has its own unique benefits. And, not only do y...

Do you ever feel like your kitchen island design is missing something? That it could be so much more than just your common kitchen island with a countertop and cabinets? It is not unusual that you feel this way. Many of us have a similar problem. The good news though?  There are near endless possibilities when it comes to transforming your kit...

Choosing the right toilet seat for your bathroom is important. The level of comfort and efficiency your toilet seat offers can set the tone for how you begin your day. The overall toilet height or seat shape can make your time a comfortable experience or cause discomfort every time you visit to the bathroom. To find the best toilet seat, here are t...

Nearly every homeowner will tell you that one of the favorite parts of their home is their bathroom. For many, it is the place where you can relax and escape the stresses of daily life. However, if your bathroom is outdated or in need of some repairs it may not be providing the relaxing environment that you deserve. A bathroom remodel can change al...

If you find yourself struggling to find the utensils and dishes you need when you want them, it might be time to consider some creative cabinet solutions to increase your kitchen’s storage space. From drawer organizers that make it easy to organize your utensils, to roll-out trays that make it easier to get the food ingredients you need on th...

Ever wondered why it has been challenging to feel recovered from the stress of the day, even after a long bath?  Or to find the right frame of mind after your own spa-day-at-home treatment?  The key to experiencing tranquil bathroom time is to create something that is more than just a functional space. Your entire bathroom space should ep...

Not only do we cook in our kitchens, but we also entertain friends, have family conversations, and simply spend much of our leisure time there. Having an organized and functional kitchen helps the space feel open and tidy while serving your needs or just relaxing in it.    There are plenty of ideas when it comes to creating a functional k...

If you are thinking about updating your kitchen, then you may be wondering what the latest trends in kitchens are to help you decide what would work best for you and your space. Well, the good news is that in 2023 we are expecting to see some exciting developments in kitchen design! Here are a few of the top trends to watch for:

Elective Benefits to choose from Major Medical and Prescription Insurance Reico offers full-time employees major medical insurance and prescription coverage provided by a large national carrier. Our carrier provides comprehensive care along with an extensive provider network of doctors, labs, hospitals and pharmacies. Dental Insurance Reico offers ...

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 ...

Live, work, and play- this slogan is in almost every planned community. That’s what our homes, particularly our kitchens and bathrooms, became over the last year and a half. We lived in them a lot - these are the hearts of our homes.  Whether you have been holding out on that new kitchen or bathroom, or are gathering ideas as we speak, h...

Do you own a pet? If you do, you can relate to the joy of coming home to an eager furry friend. The soft meows and wagging tails can have your heart melting in an instant. But that’s until you walk into the living room and find that your furry friend has destroyed your pillows. Or worse- they have spent the whole day scratching at the floor s...

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 abou...

Remember open shelves?  We had so much room to show our stuff that we sacrificed cabinets for open storage and had homeowners working their hardest to show off their creativity. For a sector of the population, though, they are on their way out, as are many other traditional kitchen concepts. It is not news to those downsizing, either in the si...

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...

Bathroom vanity lighting is one of the most important aspects of bathroom design. Whether you are remodeling your bathroom or designing a bathroom for your new home, having a good understanding of what vanity lighting can do for your bathroom can be the difference between a mediocre bathroom and a beautiful one.  Have you ever wondered what th...

The correct vanity height ensures a comfortable, pleasing and easy to use space for your daily routine. To help you make the right decision, we will explore vanity height options and the factors to consider when choosing a vanity, along with some valuable insights from experienced designers at Reico Kitchen & Bath.

A basement wet bar can be the ultimate asset for a lively home, perfect for entertaining guests, throwing parties, or even enjoying a quiet evening in. Whether you're a wine aficionado, a craft beer hobbyist, or a cocktail lover, a thoughtfully-designed basement wet bar can significantly enhance your at-home experience. This comprehensive guide wil...

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you've prepared a delicious meal, but your guests are running late? Or have you ever wished that your meals could stay warm while you're busily cooking the rest of your food? If so, a warming drawer, an increasingly popular kitchen appliance , can be the perfect solution for you! This post will delv...