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?

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.

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.