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...

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:

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.

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!

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.

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:

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.

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 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 early choices to make in kitchen cabinets when remodeling your kitchen is choosing a door style. There are 3 main kitchen cabinet door styles: traditional, full-overlay and inset.

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.

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?

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...

The Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI) gathered feedback from kitchen design professionals indicating what consumers ask for most when they want to start remodeling their kitchen. Here are the top 5:

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).

Virginia Marble Manufacturers, Inc., based in Kenbridge, Virginia, has been creating fine cultured marble, granite and onyx products since 1969. Custom manufactured to your specifications, they can match or harmonize with almost any color or décor. Any size, shape, dimension or angle you can imagine - no matter what you're looking for: Custom maste...

Introduced to the market place in 1990, Silestone Natural Quartz offers natural stone beauty with longevity and durability thanks to the enhanced material characteristics.  Introduced by Cosentino, Silestone has become a countertop industry leader and can be found in kitchens and bathrooms worldwide in over 80 countries.  Its’ reach extends beyond ...

Since 1968, Taylor Industries has offered a broad selection of superior quality cultured marble products in a variety of marble colors, soft tone colors, solid colors and Duocast™ (granite/solids) colors to bring your bathroom to life.  For Taylor, their business philosophy is basic and simple: produce the finest quality products available, combine...

With a continuous proactive approach to producing innovative colors and textures, Caesarstone consistently provides a premium quartz surface with remarkable style and endurance. Nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant and backed by a residential lifetime warranty, Caesarstone is the ideal surface for kitchens, vanities and more. Caesarstone’s ...

Family-owned, Cambria offers a rich palette of colors to satisfy a broad ranges of tastes and needs in both kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity countertops to help you create the home of your dreams without compromising beauty or performance.  Cambria creates unique countertop surfaces, with the true elegance you demand of natural stone and the...

A wood kitchen countertop adds personality and style to any kitchen. The Bally Block Co. and The Michigan Maple Block Co. have been manufacturing wood butcher block kitchen countertops and more since 1881. Choose a great wood kitchen countertop in Red Oak, Maple, Ash, Black Walnut, Cherry, Teak or Lyptus, a renewable eco-friendly green product opti...

Franke Kitchen Faucets and Franke Kitchen Sinks work in any kitchen or bathroom.  From large to small spaces and traditional to contemporary sizes, there is a unique Franke designed faucet or sink to enhance not only the kitchen cabinets or bathroom cabinets they are set on, but your entire rooms décor and your lifestyle too. Franke Kitchen Faucets...

Ginger Bathroom Products offer bathroom luxury with an extensive collection of bathroom accessories, lighting and mirrors. From towel bars and towel hooks to robe hooks and paper holders,  the bathroom products offered from Ginger bear the unmistakable stamp of Ginger design: clean lines and a modern flair flawlessly manufactured to deliver both st...

KWC is a leader for luxury kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets and shower faucets, successfully combining Swiss innovation with technology, precision and fascination. KWC faucets enhance people's appreciation of the precious commodity of water and increase the joy it gives, combining emotion and function to create truly innovative faucets for the kit...

A properly lit kitchen has become a critical element in kitchen remodeling. Like good icing on a cake, good lighting draws us in and helps us engage with the space (while we eat the cake of course!). And with the variety of lighting available today, deciding on lighting is just as important as choosing your kitchen cabinets, countertops and applian...

Working with a variety of clients, you invariably connect with someone you know or that knows you. But what happens when someone finds you after 20 years? Patty Whitman, AKBD, a Kitchen and Bath Designer for Reico Kitchen & Bath and a former military wife, knows firsthand. The first part of the story is familiar. Living in the same community (in th...

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, we want you to feel lucky…like you’ve hit the jackpot, finally able to remodel and bring your dream kitchen to life. So this Friday the 13th, let’s embrace a lucky 13 kitchen design ideas to help you create that dream kitchen of yours. Put away the ladders, mirrors and black cats and let’s focus on what’s going ...

One of the biggest decisions to be made in the kitchen remodeling process is finding the right kitchen cabinets for your new kitchen. Kitchen cabinets often dominate the look and feel of your kitchen, as countertops, appliances, tile backsplashes, hardware seek to complement or gently contrast your kitchen cabinets. But kitchen cabinets offer more ...

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today 2 get through this thing called….remodeling? Well, maybe not exactly how Prince wrote it. The world lost a true legend in music and performance artistry with the passing of Prince last week. His musical legacy will forever live on as a comfort to current fans and influence on futures ones and musicians. Ta...

How much does a kitchen cost? We love that question! It signals the start of what we hope will be a great partnership and relationship that will bring a dream to life, in what is arguably the heart of the home and most important room in the house. But if not approached thoughtfully, that one simple question can easily go down the wrong path. We wan...

If there was ever any question who has the best women’s gymnastics team in the world, it was answered with a resounding exclamation point at the Rio Olympics this week by our "Final Five". And while not quite on the same level of “success”, there is no doubt that the kitchen island is also a top performer, performing day in and day out. While the k...

There was a time when we just didn’t go for molding. Maybe it was too fancy, or just too extravagant. But not anymore. Today’s consumer understands better than ever how molding connects their cabinetry and all the components of their kitchen into a crisp, well thought out kitchen design. The truth is, molding is the finishing touch. The cherry on t...

Bathroom design is serious business these days. Most of us are looking to do more than just “update” a bathroom. Instead, we want to transform the bathroom space into something soothing on every level, from design and function to comfort and rejuvenation. So, what’s trending in bathroom design to make that happen? Here are 5 popular categories and ...

So you think a warming drawer is really that impractical? I beg to differ. In fact, I would argue that the larger your family, the more essential a warming drawer becomes to the kitchen. With its’ sleek design and compact drawer-sized fit, a warming drawer can be a welcome and strategically designed element of your next kitchen. Here are 5 reasons ...

For the first time in what feels like a very looooong time, a large part of the country came together last night. Be it in decades, years, seasons, games…the Cubs experienced it all to achieve their ultimate goal. And if you are wondering how remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can be compared to the Cubs winning the world series, here are 3 tips y...

Today we celebrate Earth Day and its’ 45th anniversary as a day recognized for creating awareness about our environment, protecting our planet and embracing more environmentally friendly choices and lifestyles.

When it comes to the kitchen, every bit of space matters. A well thought out and designed kitchen will organize your space even better than you could imagine. The secret? Well, to be honest it’s not a secret at all. Kitchen cabinet accessories can put the finishing touches on your kitchen’s efficiency and organization. Whether you are organizing st...

Most often seen in bars and exterior applications, copper kitchen countertops are not out of the question for those who really want it. Its distinct look can provide an exciting focal point to any kitchen. Here are some basic things you should know about using copper in your kitchen:

The hottest trend in in cooking today is induction cooking. As technology continues to improve and costs come down, more and more people are discovering this form of cooking.

Trying to decide on a new kitchen faucet? My family recently replaced our old kitchen faucet with the new Moen MotionSense kitchen faucet. The hands-free functionality of it really impressed us, but not as much as it impressed the youngest member of our family.

..you would look so much nicer if your trim could match the finish of your faucet. And I just learned you can.

While customers love the Reico delivery notification system that contacts them with delivery time updates and lets them know 1 hour before their delivery is to be made, that is just the beginning. “We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone involved,” says Jamie Hipsley, Director of Operations for Reico Kitchen & Bath. “The quicker they ca...

Black kitchen countertops. Open Shelves and Glass front cabinets. Darker Paint tones. According to a recently released trend report, Zillow sees these 3 kitchen design trends taking off in 2014.

We all get caught up in it….the emotional rollercoaster of highs (all new stuff!) and lows (it will cost how much?) when planning a kitchen remodel. But taking time to consider all the options and costs is one of the most important things you can do before finalizing a new kitchen design.

One of the questions I get asked most often is, “Where do I start?” With a kitchen remodel or a bath remodel there are so many elements to coordinate it can be a challenge to find your starting point. Do you choose the cabinetry first or is the countertop more important? Is the tile a good place to start or should I begin with the appliances, the w...