Introducing: The New Neutrals

by Filed Under: Design Inspiration, Kitchen Color Palette, Kitchen Colors, Kitchen Design Leave a Comment

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Delightful New Designer Colors for Your Kitchen We have loved white painted kitchens for years now, and when we were feeling a little braver we switched to soft gray or warm cream tones. More and more Designers and homeowners have been turning to custom colors to create a personal and unique look.  A look that is not identified with a “current trend”.  The cabinet companies are reacting to this desire with ever expanding offerings. Decorá Cabinets has expanded their Color Collection. Developed in tandem with Sherwin Williams, this offering of 30 colors is carefully curated for their … [Read more...]

Kitchen Design: Choosing a Backsplash

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A Backsplash Guide The good news: It’s time to choose a backsplash. The bad news: It’s time to go backsplash shopping. There is such a wealth of styles, colors, and materials to choose from the decision can be daunting! Here are some guidelines and tips that will help make the task easier. Choose a kitchen color palette Before you start choosing specific colors and finishes, it is essential to have the big picture in mind. I recommend that my clients put together an idea book on Houzz, begin a board on Pinterest, or start saving magazine pictures. These “inspiration pictures” are a … [Read more...]

Kitchen Design: The 2015 Top Kitchen Trends

by Filed Under: Cabinet guide, Design Inspiration, Kitchen Design 4 Comments

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In Demand Kitchen Features Houzz together with Kitchen & Bath Design News recently published a study showing the top new kitchen features. While there are no surprises, it is a great reminder to designers of the basic things that are most important to a client. #1 Open to other rooms  52% If you have ever watched one of those 'house shopping' or home-remodeling TV shows, then you know that open floor plans are in huge demand. Homeowners want flow from one living space to another, the ability to see other areas. and easy entertaining space. #2 Island  50% Islands come … [Read more...]

Kitchen Design: Contemporary in the Suburbs

by Filed Under: contemporary cabinets, Contemporary Kitchen, Design Inspiration, Kitchen Design 3 Comments

Contemporary LaGrange Highlands Kitchen 1

Can I do a contemporary kitchen in the middle of suburbia? “Contemporary is the watchword for North American kitchen design, according to the 2015 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends report from the National Kitchen & Bath (NKBA).” Are all these kitchens in urban loft-style homes? No, actually they are your neighbors. “The rise of contemporary and transitional kitchen designs have been swift. Both styles have increased in specifications by more than 15 percentage points in just four years.” –NKBA We are doing sleek, modern kitchens in all styles of homes. This clean, linear … [Read more...]

Kitchen Design: Let there be Light!

by Filed Under: Design Inspiration, Kitchen Design, kitchen lighting, lighting guide, lights 3 Comments

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By Sue LeVee, Kitchen Designer In a previous article I talked about accent lighting, a subject that I am a bit obsessive about: http://bit.ly/1r7cwuP This time I want to discuss all 3 types of kitchen lighting – there is hardly a kitchen remodel that doesn’t involve adding lighting. I guess we used to cook in the dark! A well designed kitchen will incorporate 3 types of lighting: Ambient, Task, and Accent.   Ambient Lighting: This is the general, overall light in the room. Typically it is provided by a central overhead fixture that casts a glow throughout the kitchen. However, … [Read more...]

Kitchen Design: The Work Triangle

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So, we are heading back to basics. And I mean back: this design concept has been around since the 1940s. I am talking about the legendary work triangle. midcenturyhomestyle.com When a designer is laying out a kitchen, there are 3 primary work areas to consider: the sink (prep and clean up area), the range and the refrigerator. Drawing an imaginary line from the sink, to the range, to the refrigerator, and then back to the sink gives us our triangle. The Infographic at the bottom of the page has great examples! We want our kitchens not only to reflect our taste and style, but also be … [Read more...]

Kitchen Design: Going Gray

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That phrase makes me think of my hairdresser, but I’m talking about gray being used in design. More and more clients are “going gray” in their kitchen spaces. It offers a versatile, refreshing change from the stand-by neutral cabinetry choices. In an article on Houzz, Jennifer Ott writes “Gray is continuing its run as a popular neutral hue in homes. It's still a bit of an unconventional choice as the predominant color in a kitchen, but that is quickly changing, as evidenced by the increasing number of gorgeous gray kitchens appearing on Houzz.” And there are so many choices! Gray is … [Read more...]

Kitchen Design: Cool Cabinets for Kids

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When it’s time to organize or update your child’s room, you may not immediately think of cabinetry. Cabinets are for kitchens, right? Wrong!  -Bet that was a surprise  :)Cabinets are a flexible, versatile way to add storage and function almost anywhere. Cabinets come in so many styles, and colors, and sizes; just about any need you have can be addressed with cabinetry. And in the situation where a client has very exacting specifications, we can accomplish anything with custom cabinetry. These two pictures of children’s rooms are great examples of the many storage goals we can … [Read more...]

Kitchen Design: Kitchen Trends 2014

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Spring is here, a time that many of us get the urge to refresh and renewal. For many families this includes a remodeling project, and kitchens are at the top of the wish list.   This year, homeowners continue the demand for clean lines and classic shapes. The white painted Shaker-style door, always a design staple, is seeing increased demand. To keep this look fresh and new, cabinet manufacturers are offering a variety of shades of white, from bright white to creamy, from warm tones to trendy grays. Couple this with a renewed interest in inset door styles, and we have fresh … [Read more...]

Kitchen Design: We Want More Storage!

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Custom Entryway/Mudroom Storage Cabinets We all love storage options, and with cabinetry we can create beautiful storage that fits perfectly in every area of your home, and coordinates with any décor.  This superb little entryway is our most pinned example of creative storage. This piece offers a spot to sit, and both open and closed storage spaces. So, not only do we have hidden storage but also great decorative opportunities. It is built wall to wall, to create a custom look and kept shallow so it won't interfere with traffic. The … [Read more...]