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...

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...

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 arr...

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.

“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...

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. 

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.

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...

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 whe...

Your kitchen should be a place where you go to have fun. After all, eating food is one of the most universally enjoyed things in the entire world. When you’re going into your kitchen, you’re either making a meal for yourself, making a meal for a loved one, cooking for a party - you’re sharing something you love with other people.

The average person showers for about nine minutes a day, eight times a week. Each year that adds up to 3,744 minutes in the shower or, over two and a half entire days...just in the shower.

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.

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 k...

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 w...

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 ...

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 renova...

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, loo...

When you’re planning your kitchen design, we know you’ve got a lot on your mind. There’s the style, the time frame, the products to select, the design and all the nitty-gritty details. When you have so much to think about, you’ll take all the help you can get.  

  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.

Think about it. You are cooking, hosting, and moving dishes and plates around.  You are touching everything… countertops, fridge handles, faucets, and more. With the non-stop activity your kitchen endures, when was the last time that you really cleaned your kitchen well? We are not just talking washing dishes and wiping off the countert...

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...

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 remodeli...

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 leas...

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 activ...

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 togethe...

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 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...

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.

Kitchen Cabinet Accessory Ideas - Glass and Vertical Cabinet Doors Two of the simplest ways to change the look of your kitchen can be achieved simply by changing the look or function of some doors. Glass Doors – Easily change the look of your kitchen. Glass doors can be a bright contrast to a darker finish or add a focal point to a wall of ca...

Store your baking pans and trays with ease Cookie sheets, lasagna pans, pizza stones, large cutting boards….we all have them in our kitchen along with the make shift storage solutions we come up with that either waste valuable space or are located in less than easily accessible locations. A simple solution is to incorporate a kitchen cabinet...

Pull out your storage with Cabinet Roll Out Trays Are roll out trays are really better than shelves? Being able to pull your storage to you and access from 3 sides is a lot easier then bending over or getting on one or both knees to dig through what you have on the shelves or in the very back of the cabinet (don’t forget your flashlight!). A ...

When you have to use a blind corner cabinet, you have to use this cabinet accessory When space for a lazy susan corner cabinet is not an option and you have to use a blind corner base cabinets, one of the best ways to get the most out of the space is to add rotating roll out trays to your cabinet. It turns a difficult corner into a simple-to-access...

Maximize cabinet space and storage in a small kitchen design Wall depth bases and a bottom sink base drawer cabinets make better use of smaller kitchens where space is limited. 12” deep Wall bases offer a cabinet storage options in tighter depth spaces. A bottom sink base drawer cabinet offers storage in a cabinet that does not typically have...

Pull Out Storage is just easier A small space can present design challenges in any size kitchen. Pull Out Storage Cabinets offer a variety of solutions, from wider spaces with larger items like dishes, pans, and food can be accessed to very narrow spaces where smaller items like spices, cups, glasses or other baking ingredients can be accessed. Wit...

Decorative Project Boxes to organize the "other" stuff in the kitchen We like to have our family with us in the kitchen or very nearby when we are cooking or working in this space. A great kitchen cabinet accessory idea to keep your items neat, organized and nearby is to incorporate a cabinet with storage bins or decorative project boxes to provide...

Share your favorite items on an Open Shelf Storage Cabinet Open Storage Shelf cabinets add a more decorative look to any kitchen. From open storage pieces, carved legs and other decorative molding and trim accessories, you can an island or entire kitchen a distinctive look. Check out what a simple open shelf with a pair of decorative carved legs do...

Options for storing your Pots and Pans Next to the cooktop or range area is a very handy location to have a cabinet with roll out trays to access where you are storing pots and pans. A staggered roll out can easily accommodate pots and pans in a larger roll out tray with shorter, staggered shelves for your lids, offering convenience and organizatio...

Go deeper... drawers that is! Deep drawer cabinets offer ample storage for cookware of every shape and size and can be conveniently located underneath the cooktop to provide convenience and ease of access. Kitchen Cabinet Accessories Deep Drawer Cabinets

Two accessories in one? We can do that. The Chopping Block and Trash Combo kitchen cabinet accessory offers convenience.  Complete your food prep and then conveniently slide it into the trash.  No more chopping, moving and making a mess. Kitchen Cabinet Accessories Chopping Block and Trash Combo

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:

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 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:

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.

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).

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!

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!

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 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.

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!

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.

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?

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-es...