RESOLUTIONS! IT’S TIME TO TACKLE THOSE HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
I am a columnist for Duluth Superior Magazine, a monthly publication dedicated to the finer attributes of life in our Northland. My column appears in the Style section and is titled ‘Living by Design’. The following column was published: January, 2012.
Visit www.lindquistandcompany.com if you want comprehensive information of how to complete a successful kitchen or bath project
RESOLUTIONS “It’s time to tackle those home improvement projects”
Tis the season … for resolutions. Yes… we all know about the common ones: exercise, lose weight and get more sleep. But the resolutions I’m proposing address ones that we tend to put off because, frankly, many of us just don’t know how to get started. I ’m talking about those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming of for several years. Whether it’s re-decorating your living room, a new kitchen or bath or creating a basement family room … how do you get started?
First and foremost, confirm your family’s commitment to your home. If it is short term, your improvements should be confined to ones that improve ‘curb appeal’ to a potential buyer. Keep your investment to a minimum. Consider a kitchen facelift in lieu of a complete remodel.
If your plans are long term, start with a list of what you would like to tackle – both big and small. Understand that most home improvement projects start with a mix of two parts dream and one part reality. But dreaming is okay … great things come of dreaming. By engaging the entire family in this process, you will benefit from each member’s perception of your home and what is important to them. At one point, our family discussed moving to a larger home so our kids would have more room to spread out. When we discussed this idea with them, we learned that they loved the house we lived in, small as it was, but thought a ‘computer room’ would be nice. We agreed that we could all benefit from that, and it turned out to be a much smaller project and investment than moving. It was a good fit at that time in our lives.
Once your list is compiled … prioritize. Identify a logical sequence that allows completion of each project without the ‘undoing’ of a previous project. Don’t remodel your back entry if future plans include a new kitchen that might expand into that same space. Focus on projects that will enhance the quality of your family’s life in your home. Those same projects will generally improve the value of your home, as well.
If your home is in need of routine maintenance… tackle those projects first. Though un-glamorous, a new roof or furnace will protect your home’s function and value. While you are picking off the routine maintenance projects, start assembling information about your dream projects. Clip pictures that appeal to you from shelter magazines. Check out design books from the library. Visit design studios and talk with their specialists. Doing so will help you get a handle on the best strategy to complete your project. Design specialists will also help you with budgeting – an important step to assure that you will be able to complete your project without straining your family’s finances. And if you are thinking of a major remodel such as a kitchen or bath, know that the cost to complete such a project will never be more affordable than it is right now. So don’t delay… roll up your sleeves and give it a go!
THE MUDROOM “The Kitchen’s Right Arm”
I am a columnist for Duluth Superior Magazine, a monthly publication dedicated to the finer attributes of life in our Northland. My column appears in the Style section and is titled ‘Living by Design’. The following column was published: June, 2011.
Visit www.lindquistandcompany.com if you want comprehensive information of how to complete a successful kitchen or bath project
THE MUDROOM “The Kitchen’s Right Arm”
Strategically placed between your family’s primary entrance and the kitchen, often adjacent to the garage, is an unglamorous room that works overtime to help keep your home in order. At least it would… if it existed. Unfortunately, this extremely functional space is missing from the majority of homes. And when it does exist, it is often undersized and poorly designed. If you have a nice one in your home, consider yourself lucky! I’m speaking of the mudroom. It has always baffled me why any home would be designed, let alone built, without this important space.
The mudroom is a cross between a walk-in closet and a utility room, and should be a standard feature of every home, especially in northern Minnesota! Kitchens and mudrooms are interactive… if the kitchen is the ‘heart’ of the home… the mudroom is definitely the kitchen’s ‘right arm’. Well-designed mudrooms relieve the kitchen of unwanted clutter and muddy traffic. Sometimes they provide overflow storage.
A mudroom’s primary function is to contain dirt as it comes in from outside, before it can be tracked through the home. Additionally, a well-designed mudroom will provide storage for the myriad of items that come into the home with each family member, including the family dog.
There are six essential elements that make a mudroom work well. The first is adequate size. At least 40 square feet of space is needed to accommodate most families, and it’s best if a door can close the space off from adjacent rooms.
Second, choose durable, non-slip flooring. A good choice is porcelain tile with a non-slip finish. Today’s broad selection of beautiful porcelain tiles produce floors that are both functional and attractive, with designs that emulate natural stone or even hardwood. Avoid concrete which tends to be slippery when wet. Vinyl, laminate and natural hardwood will not hold up to grit. Carpeting has the advantage of trapping dirt which is easily vacuumed, but of course may be more difficult to keep clean.
Third, choose a durable paint for your walls and don’t be afraid to use color. Entering one’s home should be a pleasant experience!
Comfortable bench seating is the fourth element and is paramount to a functional mud room. The more bench seating the better, as it will ease the removal of shoes and boots which can then be stored beneath the bench or on shelves.
Fifth on the list is storage. Hooks are user friendly, hangers are not. Provide plenty and make sure they are reachable by all family members. Besides jackets, hooks accommodate purses, umbrellas, backpacks and miscellaneous gear. Install units of flexible shelving to accommodate baskets for everything from hats and mittens to baseball gloves and soccer balls.
And last but not least… good lighting is always important! Nobody wants to spend time in a dark space, even if it’s just to take your coat off. And a window would be nice! You know … to let the sun shine on your newly organized space! I say, “hurrah” for the unglamorous mudroom!
COOKIES, COOKIES & MORE COOKIES…
Visit www.lindquistandcompany.com if you want comprehensive information of how to complete a successful kitchen or bath project!
COOKIES, COOKIES & MORE COOKIES…
HOLIDAY BAKING SEASON IS HERE!
When I close my eyes I can imagine the aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies filling my home. We have over 50 different shapes for cut-out cookies that we lovingly decorate each holiday season as part of our family’s tradition. And holiday baking is all about tradition! It’s an important part of what makes this time of year so special. Often beginning before Thanksgiving, holiday baking brings families together. We look forward to assembling all the ingredients and utensils required to produce the wonderful cookies and confections that represent our own family traditions for the holiday season.
A well-designed bake center is a joy to behold during this season of intense baking. The process of creating dozens of cookies and treats is greatly eased through convenience and efficiency. At my own ‘bake center’, I can stand in one spot and with barely a step away, produce any baked product I desire. Everything I need is at my fingertips – accessible and convenient. And clean-up is a breeze.
So what defines a well-designed bake center? There are 4 primary components: designated counter space, appropriate storage, easy access to water and a good oven.
A well-designed bake area should have a minimum of 36” of counter frontage designated exclusively for baking. This designation is important as one should not need to clear a space for baking. If you enjoy baking bread, pies or roll out cookies, consider a ‘cold’ surface such as natural stone that dough won’t stick to while being worked, as well as a lowered counter height of 33”- 34”. This will ease the process of kneading or rolling out dough by maximizing your upper arm strength.
This Bake Center features a mixer lift.
Storage should accommodate a wide variety of items, both large and small. Keep the equipment that makes light duty of stirring, whipping and creaming accessible. A ‘mixer-lift’ is a wonderful convenience if you own a large stand mixer. Drawers of varied depth efficiently store dry goods, such as flour and sugar, as well as large mixing bowls and baking dishes.
Consider transferring your flour & sugar to tightly sealed containers that easily stack in a drawer or on a shelf. Spice containers and small condiments will stay organized in a designated ‘spice’ drawer. And divided compartments create easy access to utensils such as spoons, scrapers, rolling pins, spatulas and whisks. Last but not least, vertical dividers are key for keeping flat and shallow items organized – cookie sheets, cake pans, muffin tins, cooling racks and … well, you get the idea!
Nothing happens easily in a kitchen without convenient water. So locate your bake center within a step or two of a sink; and, if it’s in an island, an auxiliary sink is a nice amenity. Obviously, a good oven is paramount to a successful outcome, but even better is a good convection oven which will allow you to bake several sheets of cookies simultaneously, resulting in more time to decorate those cookies. So what will it be … a frosted pink angel or a yellow reindeer?
GOOD DESIGN + QUALITY = SUSTAINABILITY
Visit www.duluthsuperiormagazine.com if you wish to view their website or subscribe to this nice magazine.
Visit www.lindquistandcompany.com if you want comprehensive information of how to complete a successful kitchen or bath project!
GOOD DESIGN + QUALITY = SUSTAINABILITY
I have a confession to make. I’ve decided to come clean. Over the past 25 years, while no one’s been paying particular attention, I’ve been sneaking eco-friendly, sustainably designed kitchens into the homes of my fellow Northlanders. No fanfare. No hoopla… just old fashioned common sense, good design and quality materials. Let me explain. Kitchens are the most heavily used and expensive room in the home – to build new and later, to replace. So I’ve always approached the design of this complex room as a one-shot deal; i.e., get it right the first time… because re-do’s are expensive, frustrating, and frankly, wasteful.
Currently much of the conversation centers around ‘green’ materials and ‘carbon footprints’; and, we have a bevy of new earth-friendly products to offer. Equally as important, however, is the timeless premise of quality – in design, materials and craftsmanship. These have staying power, minimizing the quantity of discarded materials that otherwise head to the landfill before completing a reasonable life of service.
My approach to a quality project is simple…design and build in layers. Kitchens are part of the whole house system. The quality of the superstructure, insulation, vapor barrier, windows and doors, ventilation, wiring, plumbing, heating and air conditioning are all important parts of this 1st layer. When these are at their best, the overall comfort and quality and longevity of the kitchen will be enhanced. Following are a few considerations for approaching the subsequent layers:
- Purchase the best quality cabinetry you can afford, from a reputable supplier. Cabinetry is the backbone of the kitchen. If it fails, most, if not all of the entire kitchen must be replaced. Further protect this costly investment with a professional installation. The skilled talent of a good carpenter will assure the longest life for your cabinets.
- Don’t compromise the quality of the cabinetry to afford a luxury countertop.
Remember what happens if the cabinets fail. A good quality laminate or natural linoleum countertop can be constructed in an eco-friendly way. If desired, an update to a luxury material can be completed in the future with minimal disruption to the rest of the space. - The most efficient light bulb is the one that’s “off”! Maximize natural light through window placement. Plan flexible lighting to illuminate specific work stations. Flexible switching combined with dimmers will reduce the wattage used; and, fluorescent, low voltage and LED lamps will also save energy.
- Energy Star rated appliances just make sense. Purchase the most basic appliance of quality to satisfy your needs.
- Cork, bamboo and natural linoleum are all great flooring options … but only natural hardwood is grown right in our own backyard. Harvested from sustainably maintained forests, a natural hardwood floor will last forever.
The kitchen in the featured picture was completed in 1989. Twenty two years later, this lovely space is still going strong, providing excellent function and aesthetic enjoyment for its owners. That’s staying power. Good design + quality = sustainability. It’s that simple.
The Color of Love
I have recently signed on as a regular monthly columnist for Duluth Superior Magazine, a monthly publication dedicated to the finer attributes of life in our Northland. My column appears in the Style section and will be titled ‘Living by Design’. My second column just appeared in the current issue: February, 2011, Vol 4, Issue 2.
Visit www.duluthsuperiormagazine.com if you wish to view their website or subscribe to this nice magazine.
Visit www.lindquistandcompany.com if you want comprehensive information of how to complete a successful kitchen or bath project!
THE COLOR OF LOVE
A CERTAIN SHADE OF RED has always been my favorite color. Throughout my life I have surrounded myself with it – and not just with clothing. Growing up, my bedroom had red carpeting. When Bob and I married, red was the ‘accent’ color at our wedding. As newlyweds, we purchased our first new car – the color? You guessed it… red! As were the chairs surrounding our 1st dining room set. Our current dining room chairs sport red upholstery, as do our living room sofas.
Red can be a scary color to use in home decorating. It can invoke strong emotions ranging from love to anger. Consequently, it is important to use the correct shade for the particular application. The color red on a fire truck is great for the truck – think danger, alert! But not so great for an entire room in your home – think anger and irritability! And yet, as a splash of color in a kid’s bedroom or as towels in an all-white bathroom, ‘fire engine red’ may add just the right touch.
The most effective reds for decorating are usually muted shades. From terra cotta to cinnamon to deep burgundy, this primary color is complementary to most other colors and as an accent color will bring life to an otherwise sedate space. A richly textured area rug featuring tones of red will anchor a room full of neutral furniture, and red accessories or accents can bring life to a piece of artwork.
Red has been found to stimulate the appetite, and is often used in the décor of fine restaurants. Whereas red paint was once considered daring and over the top, it is now quite common to find dining rooms painted in warm and inviting shades of muted red.
Once relegated to window valances and upholstery, red has found a comfortable place in the kitchen. It now embraces appliances, both small and large; is a decorative finish available on cabinetry and is found in several eco-smart countertop materials. Red enhances both glass and glazed backsplash tile … and can be had at the kitchen sink, as well! Because of the cost and permanency of a kitchen, it is wise to use this bold color judiciously, as you might live with it for a long time.
Our kitchen is mostly white; however, I have incorporated red in numerous ways – from the signature knobs on our range to accent pillows in the banquette – with art work and accessories that are changed out with the seasons. Red has brightened an otherwise quiet room, bringing a happy ambience to the hearth of our home.
- Red Accents Brighten this Kitchen
Unlike other colors, red never goes out of style. Regardless of the current color trend, some form of red will always be used in home decorating … so take a risk! Be bold! Buy a red sofa. Or, if you’re not feeling quite that bold … paint a wall red. Because, after all… it’s just paint!
Home Spas
I have recently signed on as a regular monthly columnist for Duluth Superior Magazine, a monthly publication dedicated to the finer attributes of life in our Northland. My column appears in the Style section and will be titled ‘Design for Living’. My first column just appeared in the current issue: January 2011, Vol 4, Issue 1.
Visit www.duluthsuperiormagazine.com if you wish to view their website or subscribe to this nice magazine.
Visit www.lindquistandcompany.com if you want comprehensive information of how to complete a successful kitchen or bath project!
Home Spas by Rebecca Lindquist
Having lived in northern Minnesota most of my life, I have always enjoyed our four distinct seasons. Sometimes it’s hard to choose which one I love best, but winter certainly ranks high on the list! The first blanket of snow transforms our world into a winter play land; and, like many of you I look forward to a host of fun winter activities from downhill and X-C skiing, to ice skating and hiking the beautiful frozen rivers of the North Shore. Add snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and broomball to the mix and it’s hard to imagine how anyone could get bored in January!
Unfortunately, all this winter activity tends to ‘wake up’ some otherwise sleepy muscles, and that’s when I turn to my ‘home spa’ to help ease those pesky aches and pains!
A ‘home spa’ need not be an elaborate addition to your home as it can exist within the space of your current bathroom. It can be as simple as augmenting your existing shower space to include a steam bath or replacing your bath tub with a whirlpool or air-massage tub. And let’s not forget that most popular Northland amenity – the sauna.
Of the two tub options, whirlpools are more familiar to most. Offering the benefit of hydro-therapy massage through the action of jetted hot water, whirlpools do have a couple of drawbacks. All that moving water tends to cool down quickly unless an in-line heater is installed; and, be
cause soiled bath water is pumped through the tub’s system, the concealed pipes tend to collect residue requiring frequent disinfection to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
A pleasing alternative is a tub featuring ‘air bubble’ technology. Often referred to as an ‘air-massage’ tub, the water is infused with tiny, heated air bubbles, also resulting in hydro-therapy massage. The hot air helps maintain the water temperature. After bathing is completed and the tub is drained, an air-massage system automatically ‘purges and dries’ itself, reducing maintenance. Whereas bath beads and oils are not advised for use in whirlpools as they contaminate the piping system, they are perfectly acceptable in air baths – an added benefit to this ‘home spa’ amenity.
Stea
m baths and saunas produce heat therapy; however, a steam bath may be easier to install to most existing bathrooms as it only requires space for a small steam generator. A sauna usually requires an entire room. The deep penetrating moisture of a steam bath is especially beneficial in relieving muscle tension and stiff joints. It has the added benefit of easing respiratory symptoms caused by colds and allergies. Both steam baths and saunas cleanse and tone the skin. And some studies suggest the intense heat may help to stave off viruses.
Whatever ‘home spa’ system you choose to ease those January aches and pains …hire a professional to make sure the system is properly designed and installed. You’ll want to benefit from optimal performance.
And now … if you’ll excuse me… my steam bath is calling!
Design Trends for 2010
Recently the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) conducted a survey of designers (this one included) to reveal key design trends for the upcoming year (2010). The survey reflects the opinions of designers from across the country, and whereas there are regional trends that may not apply equally to another region, it is my sense that the Midwest is not only in sync with the findings of this survey, but that these are not so much ’trends’ for our region, but a reflection of the design tastes of folks who reside in northern Minnesota. I have seen the application of these ‘trends’ in our projects over the past 5 years or so. The survey reflects that there is a continuation of a number of existing trends in the marketplace, but also uncovered others that indicate shifts in the direction that kitchen and bath style will take this year. Below are 2010′s seven kitchen trends and four bath trends.
KITCHENS
1. Traditional is the New Contemporary
Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige, and bone hues will also be popular.
2. Cherry on Top
Cherry will remain the most popular wood for kitchen cabinetry, followed closely by maple, while alder increases in use. As for the finishes placed on those cabinets, medium natural, dark natural, glazed, and white painted will all be common. Other colors of painted cabinetry and light natural finishes are in decline, however, as are distressed finishes. 3. Floored by Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as natural stone tile, remain popular kitchen flooring options, but hardwood will dominate the kitchen landscape more than ever in 2010. For countertops, granite continues to be the most popular option, but quartz will nearly catch up in popularity. For backsplashes, ceramic or porcelain tile and glass will serve as the primary materials.
4. Flexible Faucets
Standard kitchen faucets will become less standard in 2010 in favor of more convenient models. Pull-out faucets continue to increase their market dominance, while pot filler faucets will also become more prevalent. Kitchen faucets will most often be finished in brushed nickel, followed by stainless steel, satin nickel, and—surprisingly—polished chrome.
5. Undercounter Refrigeration
French door and freezer-bottom are the two most popular styles of refrigerators, and side-by-side refrigerators remain a popular option. A surprising trend is the extent to which undercounter refrigerator drawers are being used in the latest kitchen designs. Perhaps even more surprising is that undercounter wine refrigerators have been recently specified by half of kitchen designers.
6. A Range of Cooking Options
The tried-and-true range continues to serve as the workhorse for cooking, although the combination of a cooktop and wall oven is beginning to overtake it. Gas will maintain its position as the most popular type of cooktop over electric, although induction cooking continues to gain in popularity due to its energy efficiency.
7. Dishwasher-in-a-Drawer
Standard dishwashers, with the traditional door that pulls from the top down, will once again be easily the most common type in 2010. However, an increasing number of dishwasher drawers will be installed in kitchens this year for their convenience and their ability to wash small loads of dishes in each drawer, thereby saving water and electricity.
BATHROOMS
Lindquist and company earned a 1st place design award for this bath renovation project in the 2008 Midwest Homes/ MN NKBA Design competion. Many of the details of this space reflect those defined by the 2010 Design Trends Survey.
1. In With the Old, Out with the New
Traditional will be the most popular design style in bathrooms in 2010, as contemporary designs will be a distant second, followed by the Shaker style as an even more distant third. Beiges and bones will be the most common colors used in bathrooms, followed by whites and off-whites, and then by browns, indicating a somewhat subdued color palette this year.
2. Ceramic and Granite
Ceramic and porcelain tile will be the dominant flooring materials in bathrooms this year, while natural stone will continue to prove popular as well. Though increasingly popular in kitchens, hardwood flooring won’t become common in bathrooms in 2010. For vanity tops, granite will remain king, with quartz and marble also proving popular options.3. Simple Fixtures
Perhaps more than ever, the most common color for fixtures will be white. Bisque and off-white will be the only other fixture colors at all common in new or remodeled bathroom. For sinks, simple undermount models will be most popular, followed by integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks, and pedestal sinks.
4. A Nickel for Every Finish
Faucet finishes in the bathroom are similar to those used in current kitchen designs, with brushed nickel continuing to lead the way in 2010. Polished chrome and satin nickel will also be incorporated into many bathrooms, just as they had been throughout 2009. These faucet finishes will be followed by bronze and stainless steel.
Floor Heating Installation Under Hardwood
Hardwood Flooring enhances this kitchen and with in-floor heat is 'comfy' to stand on, as well!
I am frequently asked about the option of installing a nail down hardwood floor over in-floor heat. In new construction, infloor heat is typically installed as an integral hot water system imbedded in the concrete slab. To protect the water piping from puncture, a hardwood floor is generally ’floated’ over the concrete as there is nothing to nail the flooring to.
Warmly Yours electric resistant heat mats are a product we have used in the majority of our bathroom renovation installations to address the issue of cold flooring. Unfortunately, until now, the flooring has been limited to tile applications. (BTW…It’s an easy discussion – I simply ask my clients, “Do you want a cold floor or a warm floor in your bathroom?” )
And though the same can be offered in a kitchen with tile flooring, the majority of our clients prefer hardwood.
The good news is that now we can install the same wonderful Warmly Yours electric resistant heat panels to the floor of a kitchen, family room or other space and allow our client the option of a strip laid, nailed down hardwood floor. This not only increases their options in hardwood flooring choices, but allows for custom designs and finishes that would not be available in a pre-finished, floating floor! And all over a wonderful warm floor! Please see the link below for more information
Floor Heating Installation Under Hardwood
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Opps!$$! Rebecca’s Top 10…
OR “How to avoid costly mistakes”
Ask anyone working in the kitchen & bath design/build industry and I’m quite certain they will second this statement re: a new kitchen or bath:
“There is no such thing as a ‘cheap mistake’!”
In fact, mistakes made on a kitchen or bath project are usually quite costly. Not just in terms of dollars and cents, but also in subsequent delays to your project and the frustration that results. Where it’s true that things do occur that require creative problem solving in any renovation project, there are definitely some basic errors that happen all to frequently that can be avoided by simply paying attention to some critical details at the planning stage. And because kitchens are the most expensive room to complete in your home, it only stands to reason that errors will be proportionately costly.
Following is a common error – hopefully you’ve not experienced it first hand!
Your ‘neighbors’ just completed a beautiful renovation and with great excitement and anticipation, they settle into their new kitchen only to discover one or more of the following about their refrigerator:
- hits the opposing island countertop, when the door is opened
- hits the adjacent wall, when the door is opened
- is hinged incorrectly so they have to walk around the door to retrieve the milk.
- Will not slide into the designated space because the hinge caps take up space that was not accounted for.
(Tip: some manufacturers, when giving the overall height of their refrigerators, do not include the hinge in their dimension.)
Whether you’re doing a project on your own or retaining a professional to assist you, the last statement you’ll ever want to make about your completed project is, ‘Oh we love it…it’s just beautiful… EXCEPT…”
Over my next several blogs, I will cover 10 of the most common errors made in kitchen design…. and not just by novices. Lack of attention to detail will always cost you in the end, and even folks who call themselves ‘professional’ kitchen designers may not possess that special trait ‘attention to detail’. So you need to also be diligent. Pay attention to the small stuff & look for these during the planning stage. If you wait until installation… its too late$$
Following are the first 2 of 10 I will be posting over the next couple of weeks…
Error #1: Inadequate clearances for appliance doors to open.
Solution: Floor plan drawings should always (and I mean always) show your chosen appliances drawn to the exact manufacturer’s specifications and with the door in its open position. By doing so, you will be able to see if you have enough space to open, use, walk past and therefore enjoy this aspect of your kitchen. This is a good one to catch before you’ve installed the appliance. Trust me… appliance dealers are not too happy to take back a refrigerator that’s no longer in its original packaging.
Error #2: Squeezing an island into too small a space. ((No matter how you arrange it, 12# will not fit in a 10# bag… well, most of the time, anyways…)
Solution: As desirable an island may seem it’s important for it to be right sized to the space to which it’s being installed. Clearance between countertops must accommodate not only the appliance doors & storage accessories that open into it, but also the bodies trying to work in and around the space. To be functional, an island should be no smaller than 30” x 24” and clearances from counter to counter: 42”. If you have a kitchen with cabinetry in a U-shape layout, 14’ x 10’ would be your minimum room dimension. But it’s never that simple, because kitchens are not simple spaces. There are always doorways, windows, radiators & furniture pieces to consider, and most kitchens are not symmetrical spaces. So before you commit, check the sizes & the clearances with all doors open. And don’t forget about the physical space taken up by people who will live and enjoy this wonderful workroom!
Check back soon to learn more about avoidable errors. In the meantime… here’s a great little kitchen that really cooks! And without an island!
The room size is: 12′ x 9.5″. 1st picture is the ‘Before’ with (2) ‘After’ views following.
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- ‘Before’ Picture
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- ‘After’ Picture
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- ‘After’ Picture
Welcome to Design2Life!
I’ve enjoyed 30 wonderful years in the kitchen and bath industry and its been quite a ride … When I began my career, Dupont Corian offered 4 colors (today they have 107) and granite was the material you selected for your headstone…
So what to do with 30 years of experience, knowledge and insight? I’d like to start sharing it with you! As both a Home Economist (do they even make those anymore?) and a professional designer (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer) I look forward to using this blog format to fulfill your quest for information.
So…think of your kitchen and/or bath project as a big 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. How do you put together all those pieces/parts with the end result being your dream project? By engaging the help of a professional, you will have taken an important first step. Whether you are doing a project on your own or actually retaining someone such as myself, having a reliable information source is key.
I intend for this blog to be a reliable information source, and hopefully, some of what I will share with you will help you on your journey to a better kitchen or bath. But keep in mind… if your patience is such that you can’t wait for the information to arrive, blog by blog – always feel free to visit our company website.
With that, I sign off for today, but I leave you with this image of what a great little kitchen can look like!
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- ‘Before’
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- “After’
