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 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.

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.

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...

I’m not a superhero. While I played one in a recent company update (what do you mean you’ve never heard of Captain Reico), the truth of the matter is I’m just like everybody else. Well, almost everybody else. The people who protect us, save lives and make the world a better place to live…those are our superheroes, the Superman’s and Wonder Women wh...

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...

It’s always great to read a local story about people who have served our country and the paths that led them to where they are today. These Army lifers have spent their lives all over the world on our behalf before deciding it was time to settle down.

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...

Feng shui. You’ve heard it before, but what exactly does it mean? Put very straightforwardly, it’s a collection of rules that dictate the way energy (known as “chi”) flows in a room.  It is also affected by the spatial arrangement of your space. So, what does that mean for your bathroom remodel? It means you want to arrange everything in a way that...

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 know the big things you want for your kitchen. You’re getting new cabinets and fingerprint resistant black stainless steel kitchen appliances. Those are the big steps, and you can’t wait. 

It’s a problem that keeps happening over and over again. Your master bathroom just doesn’t have enough space. Houzz surveyed homeowners and 75 percent of them said that they’re sharing their bathroom with at least one person.  There is clutter on the counters, and you and your partner are always trying yet failing to keep out of each other’s way.

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 you sell your home, the expected ROI on a bathroom remodel is a whopping 70 percent. On top of that, remodeling your bathroom just makes you feel good! The average person spends almost 2 hours going to the bathroom per week, and that does even account for bath or shower time. That adds another 90 minutes.

Kitchen cabinet accessories are critical to every kitchen design. Enjoy our kitchen cabinet accessories inspired 'Twas the Night before Christmas.

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 unique kitchen countertop in a specialty color.

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?

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.

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.

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%).

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

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...

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:

After graduating from Virginia Tech in May of 2023 with a Residential Environments and Design Major and double minors in Real Estate and Property Management, Emma Gerancher joined the Reico Kitchen & Bath Charlottesville, VA team full-time in July of 2023 after having successfully completed an internship with Reico during the summer of 2022. Having...

Kayla Carter graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from East Carolina University in 2023. During her studies she interned and worked with many local interior designers, discovering her passion for kitchen and bath design. Kayla joined the Reico team in 2024. Starting out as a Project Coordinator, she learned every aspect of the proj...

With accreditation as a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), an Associate Degree in Interior Design and an accumulation of experience dating back to 2002, Sara Lee joined Reico Kitchen & Bath in 2023 as a Designer. Sara is passionate about incorporating her knowledge of design and products into her ...

With an interest that started as a young girl going to work with her dad, a general contractor, Reilly Husson developed an early passion for design. This experience led to a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in Residential Environments and Design and a minor in Property Management in May 2023. She started working with the Reico Kitchen & Bath te...

With industry experience in Interior Design, her LEED Green Associate certification from the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) and a successfully completed internship at Reico, Blair Wright joined Reico Kitchen & Bath full time in July 2024 as a Designer. For Blair, it is her goal is to be straightforward and honest with her clients, treating the...

With a culmination of experience dating back to 2000 and experience designing kitchens and bathrooms since 2005, Kathy Moore joined Reico Kitchen & Bath in 2023 as a Key Business Manager. For Kathy, it has always been her goal to listen to my client’s needs and work together to design and provide a job that fulfills their dreams. She is passionate ...

With industry experience accumulated since 2004, Sylvia Hooper joined the Reico Kitchen & Bath Frederick, MD team in 2024. With an Associate’s degree in Interior Design, Sylvia also holds her Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) certification with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NBKA). For Sylvia, it is her goal is to work within the b...

With a diverse base of knowledge accumulated since 1997, David Loop joined the Wilmington, NC Reico Kitchen & Bath team in 2024 as a Key Business Manager. His experience includes time in both cabinet making and remodeling. David has held residential electrical and plumbing certifications, appliance installation and service certification from Miele ...

Akram Aljahmi has been working in the field of kitchen and bathroom design since 2010 and is an active member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). Akram takes each design personally, partnering with his clients to identify their wants and needs in order to create the best possible design for them. He has the ability to design in any s...

Green Forest Cabinetry understands what customers need, offering value priced superior quality cabinetry. The product line features all wood cabinets assembled using advanced engineering and an innovative locking joint system that allows for the fastest and easiest assembly in the business and the cleanest look in the marketplace. It all adds up to...

As a kitchen and bathroom cabinet manufacturer that focuses solely on full overlay, full access cabinetry, Ultracraft is an expert at providing you with the look and feel that you desire for your kitchen, bathroom and any room in the house. Ultracraft's frameless cabinet construction offers up to 15% more usable space than manufacturers that rely o...

Introducing simplicity, in the form of cabinetry.  Merillat Basics gives you straightforward cabinets choices that can create exceptional looks.  All at a price point that makes it practical and extremely simple.  A well-defined variety of cabinet options is represented with an assortment of door styles, finishes and glaze options that can work for...

With an accumulation and wealth of industry experience, David Schonert joined Reico Kitchen & Bath in 2024 as a Key Business Manager. A degree in Architecture and Interior Design from the University of Maryland led to an extended career in Architecture that David retired from in 1996. Turning to kitchen and bath design, he brought his passion for a...

With experience developed and accumulated in kitchen and bathroom design since 2015, Alice Mulvey joined Reico Kitchen & Bath in 2025 as a Designer. For Alice, it is her to goal to help navigate her clients through complex process of renovation or building in a way that makes it easier for them on their way to creating the dream kitchen or bathroom...

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...

In the mid-70’s the Starland Vocal Band recorded the number one hit “Afternoon Delight”. It instantly skyrocketed up the charts with its’ strong harmonies. And while kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling may not be as glamorous as a hit song, when it comes to choosing a painted cabinet these skyrockets truly are in flight.

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:

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:

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-esqu...

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...

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.