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.

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.

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.

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!

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:

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:

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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&...

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 f...

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...

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 ...