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October Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

Article By: Laura Gaskill

From the first crisp mornings spent raking leaves, to the last exciting days preparing for trick-or-treaters, October is usually a busy month around the house. Mix in necessary home maintenance (clean rain gutters, roll hoses) with items you’ve been wanting to get to (finish a decorating project, pick up gourds for the front porch) and you’ll find your to-do list vanishing before your eyes. Work your way through the 11 tasks on our checklist, and by the end of the month you’ll have your home winter-ready — and a bit more beautiful, to boot. 

1. Clean rain gutters after leaves fall. Leaves and other debris that clog your rain gutters can cause leaks, so it is best to get to this chore as soon as possible after most of the autumn leaves have fallen. If your house is smaller, and you feel comfortable on a ladder, clearing rain gutters is a fairly straightforward job to do yourself. If your home is more than one story, hire a pro.

2. Repair roof and siding. If you see any damaged areas to your roof, siding or shingles, it is important to take care of the problem before winter storms come through. 

3. Scrub and store outdoor furniture and tools. By the end of October, with light fading earlier and weather becoming less friendly, your outdoor seating area is likely to go unused. Rather than leave furniture out in bad weather, put it away in a shed or the basement. This month, also aim to clean your gardening tools and put them away neatly. Those in cold climates should move winter tools (snow shovel, ice scrapers) to a convenient spot now so that you don’t have to scramble when the first frost hits. 

4. Put up storm windows and doors. If you use storm windows or doors, now is the time to get them installed. These features can help conserve energy during cold months and protect your home from drafts. 

5. Give porch a fall makeover. Sweep away the summer sand, refresh pots with fall flowers, clean front windows and use a broom or soft brush to clean up siding. An armful of decorative gourds and pumpkins makes an easy display that will last all month.

6. Shut off outdoor faucets and roll hoses.Freezing temperatures can damage hoses and water pipes, so be sure to shut off faucets and empty hoses of water before the first big freeze.

 

7. Organize mud room. In the rush of getting back to school — and work — this hardworking entryway can take a major beating. Schedule a weekend afternoon to sort through the mud room, putting away unneeded items and paper clutter and cleaning the floors. Invest in a few new baskets, bins and hooks to corral items. 

8. Check safety devices. Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, as well as smoke detectors positioned throughout the house. Take a moment to test that yours are in working order, and change batteries if needed. 

9. Sharpen knives. If you notice your kitchen knives getting a bit harder to use, that’s a sign they are due for a professional sharpening. Regular sharpening at home can help extend the life of a sharp edge on knives, but once that edge is lost, only a pro can bring it back. Make a date to drop off your knives. 

Traditional Closet by Los Angeles Architects & Designers Tim Barber LTD Architecture & Interior Design 

10. Sort and store clothing. Don’t let summer swimsuits and shorts take up valuable closet space year-round if you only use them for a few months! 

Shift warm-weather clothes and accessories to an out-of-the-way closet in bins with tight-fitting lids. And be sure to store only freshly laundered items — bugs are attracted to dirty clothes but usually leave clean garments alone.

 

Contemporary Living Room by Toronto Photographers Lisa Petrole Photography 

11. Tackle a decorating project from start to finish. Stop dreaming and start doing! Pick one realistic project (e.g., a single room or nook) that you would like to transform this month, and make it happen. 

It may help if you break your project down into bite-size pieces and schedule tasks throughout the month.

10 Ways to Cozy Up the House for Fall

Article By: Laura Gaskill

From the first crisp morning and the first leaves that change colors to the first night you need to put an extra blanket on the bed, signs of fall beckon us to spend more time indoors. Satisfy your urge to nest while sparing your wallet with these 10 easy, elegant and, of course, cozy touches for every room. Whether you are looking for an instant change (toss a plaid blanket over your table) or something more permanent (install DIY shelving), here you’ll find inspiration to get your creative juices flowing. 

1. Give an old quilt a new purpose. While you wouldn’t want to eat on Grandma’s priceless heirloom, vintage quilts picked up at thrift shops can make fabulous tablecloths. Spot clean it between uses and give it a full wash only when really necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Craft DIY shelving. Why spend big bucks on a fancy industrial-style shelving unit when you can make your own with basic supplies from the hardware store? Check out the tutorial for the piece shown here on The Brick House and thissimilar industrial shelving project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional Hall by Other Metro Media and Bloggers Designs by Gollum 

3. Use a plaid blanket as a tablecloth. A small, round table is the perfect spot for showing off your favorite fall colors and textures in the form of a cozy blanket. Let the blanket drape to the floor — imperfect is what you are going for here. Top it with a cluster of small picture frames or place one large item, like an urn or a lamp, in the center.

 

4. Display fall gourds the elegant way. Want to try something different from the usual piles of pumpkins this year? Pick up at least five or six big decorative gourds for an abundant display — look for the kind with elegant, swan-like necks — and line them up down the center of your dining table. What could be easier? 

5. Scour fall flea markets for original art. Vintage portraits and landscapes from unknown artists are often affordable. Choose just one to spotlight, or collect art around a theme and make a gallery wall. 

6. Paint your stairs a daring hue. Who says stairs have to be boring? If you have plain wooden stairs, especially if the wood is not in particularly good condition, consider painting them magenta, navy, mustard … or any color you love.

This is a bold look, so if you are feeling wary, try it on a back stairway or in a tight stairwell — not on the front-and-center entry stairs.

 

7. Use vintage textiles as upholstery. Although the sectional shown here was custom made, you can draw inspiration from this look to revamp your own sofa, chair or cushions with colorful vintage textiles, including rugs. If you’re DIY savvy, you could attempt to re-cover cushions or upholstery yourself, make cozy pillow covers or simply wrap seat cushions in textiles for a temporary change.

If you want to use vintage rugs on your furniture, have them professionally cleaned first. Or you can carefully clean vintage textiles yourself by gently agitating them by hand in a bathtub of lukewarm water with a mild soap. Rinse and air-dry them before using. 

8. Get beautifully organized. Bring a touch of glamour to your morning routine by setting the items you use daily atop pretty trays. There’s no need to buy new trays — just peek into your kitchen cabinet or china hutch, and grab a few pieces you haven’t used in a while. 

If you really want to go the extra mile, scoop up a few little glass containers at the craft store and decant your favorite toiletries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Style your kitchen. Corral jars of pretty preserves and artisanal cocktail makings on a tray, bring in a real table lamp for a soft glow, and put something sculptural and a little unexpected (like the antler shown here) atop a high shelf. 

We tend to cook and congregate more in the kitchen during the fall and winter, so why not make it a place that feels just as warm and cozy as the rest of your house?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Paint your front door. It’s the first thing you see when you come home each day — why not make it gorgeous? A few coats of a rich hue that complements the color of your siding, plus a shiny new door knocker, can completely transform the front of your house for less than 50 bucks.




Open vs. Closed Kitchens – Which Style Works Best for You?

Article By: Vanessa Brunner

For centuries the kitchen was strictly a workspace. Often tucked in the back of the house, it had room for just the bare essentials. But a peek at many new kitchens today reveals a very different approach: the open-concept kitchen at the heart of the home. 

“The kitchen was really a closed-off spot for a long time,” says John Petrie, president-elect of theNational Kitchen & Bath Association. “Now people want the kitchen to be an active part of the family home.” Although open-concept kitchens are by far the more popular choice today, some homeowners are embracing elements of the past — namely a separate, more closed-off layout. Could we be shifting back to the kitchens of yesteryear? 

We asked three kitchen experts for their thoughts on the two kitchen styles, and how you can decide which one is right for you. 

How the Walls Came Down

Twenty years ago the term “cocooning” arose in the home design world. Home life shifted as people spent more time at home. “Home was a safe place, a refuge and where you wanted to be,” says Petrie.

The desire for a cocoon fueled the open-concept kitchen, allowing homeowners to spend more time with family and friends while cooking and cleaning. “It also showcased a shift to a more casual lifestyle,” says Andrea Dixon of Fiddlehead Design Group. “People weren’t afraid to expose reality — i.e., a messy kitchen.” 

“When the walls came down, the kitchen became an integral part of the home,” says Petrie. Kitchens soon became the center of the house — the room that everything else revolved around. 

Today this layout has become the go-to kitchen style, particularly for families. The combined layout allows for optimum multitasking — parents can prepare dinner, watch the news and help with homework at the same time. “I’m a huge open-concept-kitchen fan,” says Anthony Carrino of Brunelleschi Construction. “I find that the benefits far outweigh those of throwing the kitchen into another room. Ninety-nine percent of our clients ask for an open-concept kitchen.” 

The Case for a Closed Kitchen

The kitchen is already the most expensive room in the house to remodel, and turning a closed kitchen into an open plan can add to the cost. Tearing down walls means dealing with plumbing, electrical and structural work on a huge scale. Sometimes the added expense means compromising in other areas. 

For homeowners who’d rather invest in other parts of their kitchen — appliances, materials or cabinetry — reworking the layout may not be worth it. “You have to think about what’s best for you,” says Petrie. When it comes to allocating your kitchen budget, which is more important, he asks, “an efficient, functional kitchen with better appliances? Or an open layout that connects to the rest of your home?” 

While most of Dixon’s clients ask for open-concept kitchens, some prefer a closed-off space. “There will always be some people who are uncomfortable with letting guests see their ‘unmentionables,'” she says. “It’s definitely a more formal layout, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.” 

If you want to leave your smells and mess behind when serving meals, a closed layout could be for you.

“You can get creative with a closed kitchen, too,” says Carrino. If space allows, a small booth, fold-down table or rolling bar can make a closed kitchen more of a social space.
Cons of a Closed Layout
Of course, a closed-off kitchen’s isolation also can be its main downfall. This layout doesn’t allow for direct access from the kitchen to the dining table, or vice versa. And it’s difficult to interact with friends and family while whipping up meals, since most of the room is reserved for the work triangle.
Choosing What’s Right for You
There’s no set formula that can tell you which kitchen layout will work better in your home. Part of having a conversation with a designer is trying to figure out what’s best for you. Start with a list of needs and wants, and go from there. “You’ve got to consider the way you live in your home and the way you use your home,” says Carrino. “How do you use your kitchen? How do you foresee using your new kitchen?”
Everyone’s needs are different, so don’t let yourself sway with trends. “A family with kids that need supervision might decide to do an open-concept plan with a large multifunctional island,” says Dixon. “But a couple who loves to entertain might opt for a closed-concept space so they can prep courses ahead of time and not spoil the surprise. It totally depends on your lifestyle.”  

 

Go for the Glow: Mother-of-Pearl Shines Around the Home

Article By: Ines Hanl

Mother-of-pearl has been used since ancient times to make people and their homes more beautiful, but today’s manufacturing techniques have made this product even more accessible and economical. “Mother-of-pearl” is the common name for iridescent nacre, a blend of minerals secreted by oysters and other mollusks and deposited inside their shells; it coats and protects them from parasites and foreign objects. 

Now we can use this wonderful material in our homes in a wide range of products. Mother-of-pearl tiles, wallpaper and countertops can adorn a space with the same elegance that a pearl necklace adds to an outfit. It’s not cheap (mother-of-pearl tile starts at about $30 per square foot), but it can be just the splurge you need to set your project apart from the crowd.

Mediterranean Bathroom by Calgary Interior Designers & Decorators www.hughesdesines.com

Mosaic tile. Available in a wide range of natural hues, mother-of-pearl tile and mosaic blends are made from the nacre on shells like capiz, black lip, brown lip, paua and violet oyster.

White mother-of-pearl appears iridescent naturally, but it can be artifically tinted to almost any (sometimes shocking) color.

Contemporary Kitchen by Tel Aviv Architects & Designers Rina Magen

This is a beautiful example of mother-of-pearl on a kitchen backsplash. This shell tile is often thin, unless it’s mounted to a thicker substrate, so if it’s combined with another tile, it’ll need to be built up to look flush.

If you’re not sold on a shell product but love the iridescent look, look for manufacturers that produce iridescent glass mosaics. White iridescent glass can look quite similar to mother-of-pearl tiles.

Traditional Bathroom by Tampa Tile, Stone & Countertops Europa Stone

Flooring. What a elegant mix of natural stone and mother-of-pearl! This application is a great example of layering textures in a white-on-white application. Note how the simple act of creating a border around a well-proportioned floor tile strengthens the grid pattern.

Mother-of-pearl can be used for walls, floor surfaces (make sure to check with the manufacturer) and sometimes outdoor applications.

Contemporary Bathroom by Charleston Interior Designers & Decorators Melissa Lenox Design

Accents. If you are craving the glow but don’t have the budget for a full iridescent wall, use mother-of-pearl mosaic tile to add a bit of sparkle to an accent. Mirror frames, side tables and table lamps can all shine with mother-of-pearl tile.

Mediterranean Living Room by Miami Furniture and Accessories Jalan Jalan Collection

Inlay. Mother of pearl is a very suitable product to be cut into shapes. The cut shapes, called tesserae, are often used as inlay on furniture and other decorative home accessories.

Traditional Bathroom by Belmont Interior Designers & Decorators Julie Mifsud

Sinks. Shown here as a semivessel model, a mother-of-pearl mosaic sink, like those fromLinkaSink, can be cleaned with mild household cleaner or soap and water. The grout can be cleaned with grout cleaner; it should be sealed once or twice a year for maintenance.

Contemporary Dining Room by Hillsborough Interior Designers & Decorators Lisa Silverman/ Decorator Guru

Furnishings. Mother-of-pearl cabinetry faces utilize shell panels, rather than tile. These panels are laminated shell tiles and come in a variety of shell types, colors and sizes

Contemporary Buffets And Sideboards by Los Angeles Furniture and Accessories Nusa Furniture Penida Nusa Furniture

 often uses mother-of-pearl in combination with coconut on its furniture. The dark chocolate of the rough textured coconut and mother-of-pearl’s creamy iridescence make for a delicious mix on this storage cabinet!

Contemporary Dining Room by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Kendall Wilkinson Design

Wall coverings.Maya Romanoff, who specializes in luxurious wall products, offers a flexible tile that can be applied like a wallpaper. The tile is a thin capiz shell veneer applied to backing paper with a topcoat for easy maintenance. York Wallcoverings and Franco Ferrucci offer similar products.

Maya Romanoff’s wallpaper starts at $45 per square foot (plus installation). Candice Olson’s mother-of-pearl wallpaper starts at about $110 per double roll (about 60 feet of wallpaper).

Kitchen Countertops by Brooklyn Design-Build Firms IceStone IceStone Hot Colors

Countertops.

Icestone uses mother-of-pearl as one ingredient in its countertop products. A cementitious base product mixed with recycled glass shards and mother-of-pearl creates beautiful color blends

Contemporary Spaces by Seattle Architects & Designers Beley Design, pllc

Mother-of-pearl accents bring a wonderful glow to Icestone countertops, enlivening a space in a calm way. The use of small pieces of glass doesn’t feel as aggressive as in some other products. 

From personal experience, I recommend using Icestone only in areas where there’s no risk of staining the surface. I’ve used Icestone quite successfully in bathrooms and laundry areas.

Icestone countertops are comparable to mid- to high-end granite in cost. Allow for about $150 per square foot (including installation) in you.

Go for the Glow: Mother-of-Pearl Shines Around the Home

Contemporary Bathroom by Charleston Interior Designers & Decorators Melissa Lenox Design

Get More From a Multipurpose Laundry Room

Article by: Lisa Frederick

I’ve written before about laundry room envy, but laundry rooms that pull double duty as office spaces, potting areas, wrapping stations and more take it to a whole new level.

It makes total sense to squeeze some extra use from your laundry space, as it’s most likely designed for durability and already outfitted with plumbing. And if you’re lucky enough to have counters or an island for folding, they can moonlight as flat surfaces for wrapping gifts, arranging flowers or doing almost any other task you can imagine.

Take a look at how these laundry rooms have expanded their role with grace.

Traditional Laundry Room

by

Louisville Architects & Designers

Rock Paper Hammer

Mudroom. What could be more efficient than having a washer and dryer in the same room where dirty socks, wet gloves and soiled jackets land? This beautifully integrated space does an admirable job of keeping the laundry pile to a dull roar. Bonus points for that gorgeous sky-blue ceiling, a trick borrowed from the classic front-porch technique.

Traditional Laundry Room

by

Princeton Architects & Designers

Knight Architects LLC

Linen closet. Tucked into a beach house, this laundry room also houses towels and other gear for days in the sand and surf.

Traditional Laundry Room

by

Millbrook Architects & Designers

Crisp Architects

Potting room. Take advantage of the plumbing lines in place and install a second sink for watering plants, washing empty containers and rinsing garden tools. 

Traditional Laundry Room

by

Bethesda Kitchen & Bath Designers

Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.

Office. Do your laundry while you pay bills or answer messages, and you’ll check two tasks off your list at once. The cushioned benches are an extra-nice touch — you could stretch out and read or nap while the washer spins.

Traditional Laundry Room

by

Virginia Beach General Contractors

Crestline Homes

Wrapping station. It can be tough to find a flat expanse of space large enough to allow for wrapping presents with ease. Laundry rooms lend themselves well to roomy counters for both wrapping and folding.

Traditional Laundry Room

by

Toronto General Contractors

HARDROCK CONSTRUCTION

Breakfast nook. What a wonderful start to the day: a cup of coffee and a muffin or scone in this light-filled space, with the comforting scent of clean laundry in the air. 

Traditional Kitchen

by

Portland Architects & Designers

Whitten Architects

Pantry. The pass-through layout in this combination laundry room and pantry makes for an especially smart use of space. 

Traditional Laundry Room

by

Norwich Architects & Designers

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Pet area. This laundry space incorporates a custom dog shower, handy if you have the square footage. But you don’t have to be that fancy. Just add a comfy dog bed, litter box or other designated area for your furry family members. 

Eclectic Laundry Room

by

Winters Photographers

Dave Adams Photography

All-purpose room. This lovely, cozy laundry space adapts however it’s needed — as a butler’s pantry, potting station and more. It’s so appealing that I’d probably just hang out in there with a book while the laundry was going. 

Get More From a Multipurpose Laundry Room

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8 Clever Ways to Put Your Backsplash to Work

Article By: Shane Inman

Most kitchen backsplashes are 15 to 18 inches high. This vertical surface is just like any other in your kitchen, so don’t let it go to waste. Make the most of it to help you get through day-to-day tasks. From holding cookbooks to letting you watch your favorite cooking show, to keeping often-used items at hand, these clever backsplashes help set the bar for style and service.

 

 

1. Cookbook reader. For messy cooks, keeping a cookbook on the counter can be a big mistake. If you’re constantly dripping oil and tomato sauce all over, try hanging your cookbook on your backsplash. 

Railing systems like the one shown here are easy to install on any type of backsplash. Choose your own set of hooks, containers and ledges to create the configuration you need.

 

 

2. Knife and towel rack.Avid chefs and occasional cooks alike use towels and knives just about every day. This backsplash installation keeps both within arm’s reach, making prep, cooking and cleaning much easier.

 

 

3. Utensil and spice racks. Get a professional look by keeping your cooking utensils out, just like in a restaurant. Cooking your favorite dishes is much easier when you don’t have to search crowded drawers for that one spoon, spatula or spice. Find a shelf or spice rack to hang directly on your backsplash for easy access.

 

 

4. Oils and spice niche.A wall’s depth — about 3 to 4 inches — is rarely used. Create a niche for everyday oils, spices and other cooking necessities. It will help you take advantage of every square inch your kitchen offers.

 

 

5. Microwave. Microwaves often take up valuable space on a counter, in an island or in upper cabinetry. If you’re tight on space but can’t imagine living without a microwave, build it into your backsplash. This fully flush microwave creates a clean and seamless look and works perfectly with the modern decor.

 

 

6. Television. Prep your meals along with your favorite celebrity chef. Building a TV straight into your backsplash means you can watch every move without having to crane your neck, and you can catch up on your favorite shows while dinner is in the oven.

 

 

7. Espresso maker. This uberpopular kitchen appliance (at least first thing in the morning) can be installed right into your backsplash for easy espresso making. Bulky coffeemakers can take up valuable countertop space in small kitchens; this seamless options works great for those who can’t go without their morning joe.

 

 

8. Appliance garage. Hide your awkward countertop appliances behind flush tambour doors. The countertop extends inside these appliance garages, so your blender, toaster and food processor can slide out with ease. See if you can have outlets installed inside to avoid constant plugging and unplugging.

 

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Your Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Article by: Vanessa Brunner

The right kitchen cabinetry can make or break your kitchen’s functionality and style — not to mention your budget. No pressure, right? Don’t stress yet — Houzz’s kitchen cabinet guides can walk you through the process, from start to finish. Resource guides covering everything from Shaker to flat panel, from corbels to aprons, from glass knobs to recessed pulls, are all listed here in easy-to-access fashion.

 

 

Door Styles

Shaker, flat or inset? Your cabinet door style is important — it may be your biggest kitchen expense, after all — but choosing it doesn’t have to be stressful. See which of these popular cabinet doors fit with your home’s style. 

Get the guide: Popular Cabinet Door Styles for Kitchens of All Kinds

 

Who says cabinets have to be wood? Put your best dishes on display and open up your kitchen to light and space with glass cabinets. 

Get the guide: 8 Beautiful Ways to Work Glass Into Your Kitchen Cabinets

Go beyond the standard swinging door in your new kitchen. Flip-up doors, pocket doors and corner drawers can make your cabinets more functional and your life easier. 

Get the guide: 8 Cabinet Door and Drawer Types for an Exceptional Kitchen

 

If you’d rather stick with something more traditional for your cabinets, then the timeless Shaker style is a sure bet. Learn how to make this look work with different counter, hardware and backsplash materials. 

 

Add a more traditional furniture style to your kitchen storage with a countertop hutch. Glass fronts make these the perfect place to put pretty dishes on display. 

 

Open shelving feels as much at home in modern kitchens as it does in traditional ones. See how to make this simple, clean storage style work in your home. 

Using ecofriendly materials isn’t rare anymore — it’s easy to choose kitchen cabinetry that contributes to a healthy home and family, as long as you know what to look for. 

 

Can’t decide between two different styles? Mix and match — two different cabinet styles can make an even bigger impact. 

Hardware Styles

Of course, once you have your cabinets chosen, you have a whole other task ahead of you: choosing hardware. Even if you’ve got simple Shaker cabinets like these, your choice of drawer pulls and knobs makes a big difference in your finished look. 

 

Flat-panel cabinets tend to work best in modern kitchens; make sure you choose hardware to match. Clean, simple and contemporary pulls work well with this cabinetry style. 

Raised-panel cabinetry tends to suit traditional kitchens. Look for classic, old-world fixtures to fit this beautiful style. 

Colors and Finishes

Colorful kitchen cabinetry has made a big comeback. Try pretty palettes to give your kitchen flair.

  

Try playing with two different colors on your kitchen cabinetry. Scared to go too bold? Contrast a single bright color with neutral finishes. 

If you want to get color the DIY way, read our related ideabook first. Painting your kitchen cabinets can be difficult, but these pro tips will help. 

Get the guide: From the Pros: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

 

Stains are a great way to get color on your kitchen cabinetry without covering up the wood’s beauty. From greens to blues to browns, stain colors can really enhance your new kitchen. 

 

Curious about color but worried about the maintenance? A distressed finish can cover all the bases, offering a warm, bright look that can actually embrace wear and tear. 

Sometimes a kitchen remodel doesn’t require a new fridge or oven — but how do you pick a cabinet color to go with your existing appliances? Check out our cabinet color guide for cabinets with dark appliances. 

Get the guide: Cabinet Colors for Dark Appliances

 

Molding and Details

Adding molding is an easy way to make any type of cabinetry look custom. Whether you want to add crown molding to your existing kitchen or edge molding to new cabinets, this guide can help you envision the final result. 

Decorative supports, aprons, corbels and toe kicks — these features might not come standard on most cabinetry, but they can make a huge visual impact. 

Learn how frosted, textured and seeded glass is made, and whether or not it can work with your kitchen cabinets. 

Get the guide: Choose Your Kitchen Cabinet Glass

 

Whether you’re building a new kitchen or retrofitting an existing one, it’s important to keep universal design in mind. Clever accessories will make your kitchen comfortable and accessible for everyone who uses it. 

 

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8 Good Places for a Second Kitchen Sink

Article By: Shane Inman

Don’t underestimate the power of a second sink in your kitchen. When installed in just the right spot, a secondary sink can be just as useful as a primary sink. The perfect sink location allows two users to cook and clean simultaneously, making everyday meals and special occasions easier to prep for and clean up after. Whether your kitchen is large or on the smaller side, the right extra sink in the right spot might make your life better.

Island. Most designers put second sinks on kitchen islands, where they’re easy to use and access but out of the way of main prep areas. This sink makes cooking easier with chef number two on Christmas and Thanksgiving.

 

 

Workstation. Create an out-of-the-way workstation in your kitchen by adding a niche for your second sink. 

The layout of this kitchen allows for a second person in the kitchen to have water access while staying out of the chef’s way. What a great idea!

 

 

Baking center. If you are an avid baker, having a baking center with its own sink can help you confine your mess. This tidy countertop area keeps the mess contained, and it’s easy to wash the dishes and the countertop once everything’s in the oven.

 

 

Butler’s pantry. A sink immediately upgrades the functionality of a butler’s pantry. Nothing’s easier than blending, mixing and stirring right near where ingredients are stored; you can prep appetizers and drinks for guests without traveling back and forth into the kitchen.

 

 

Wet bar. For those who love to host, a wet bar can make entertaining easier. A small sink like the one here is great for adding water to cocktails and doing light cleanup.

 

 

Peninsula. If you have a peninsula instead of an island, adding a sink can be a great solution for guests and homeowners. This particular sink can be accessed from the front or back for easy use.

 

Eclectic Kitchen by Other Metro Photographers Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

 

Coffee station. Is coffee a beverage staple in your house? Imagine never having to travel to the main sink to fill the coffeepot (hey, everything’s difficult early in the morning). An additional sink by your coffee center would allow you to fill, pour and serve with ease.

 

Contemporary Kitchen by Newark Kitchen & Bath Designers Tim Kriebel – KRIEBELDESIGN

 

Right next to the main sink. Your secondary sink doesn’t have to be a smaller version of your primary sink — it can be the same size and even the exact same model. Just like double dishwashers, double sinks translate into a quicker cleanup.

 

 

 

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How to Pick a Kitchen Backsplash That Wows

Article By: Vanessa Brunner

A kitchen’s backsplash works much like jewelry. Simple or snazzy, it can bring a whole look together; the right backsplash helps your kitchen reach its potential. Our in-depth guides, rounded up here, can help you find the backsplash material and color that fit with your kitchen’s look, your cleaning style and budget.

 

Modern Kitchen by Bristol Architects & Designers DHV Architects

 

Find Your Inspiration

The Kitchen of the Week series is great fodder for remodeling and renovation inspiration. Learn about the back-painted glass shown here and nine more favorite backsplashes from beautiful kitchens on Houzz. 

 

 

Choose Your Material

Tile. The good news: You’ve finally settled on a tile backsplash. The bad news: The selection process has just begun. Cement, subway, mosaic, patterned or laser cut? This guide will give you the pros and cons for each one, along with styling tips. 

 

 

Mirror. Additional visual space, a variety of styles and a relatively affordable cost make mirror a great backsplash choice. See how this flashy backsplash material can work in almost any kitchen design. 

Recycled tile. Whether salvaged or containing recycled material, recycled tile can add a unique element to your kitchen that’s easy on your conscience. 

Window. Planning on making some structural changes to your kitchen? Consider a different kind of backsplash: a new window. A beautiful view, more light and fresh air could improve your kitchen’s style and functionality. 

 

 

Tin. Take an old-fashioned approach to your backsplash and use simple tin tiles. This time-tested material is durable, beautiful and affordable. 

 

 

Unique materials. Maybe you feel like your classic kitchen needs a different touch. Or maybe you’re just ready to embrace the unusual. Either way, one of these unique backsplash materials can help you get the statement-making look you want. 

Installation Considerations

Half backsplash. If you have your heart set on a marble backsplash but can’t afford the counter-to-ceiling application you envisioned, don’t give up your dream just yet. Cut your backsplash in half — or more! — to reduce cost without sacrificing efficiency. 

 

 

DIY. Think you’re ready to put in your own backsplash? If you have experience setting tile and want something simple in your kitchen, take a look at this guide. A DIY backsplash installation could help you save some serious money. 

 

Architecture, interior design, and more ∨

From Shabby Chic home decor to contemporary furniture and mirrors, browse thousands of decorating ideas to inspire your next home project.
Hire a residential builder in your area to renovate or install a new fireplace.

 

Cleaning Up in the Laundry Room

ARTICLE BY ANITA SHAW

Downstairs, lurking somewhere in a dark corner of an unfinished basement, is a cramped area housing the washer and dryer. It’s an image most people can relate to as, at one time or another, we have stood in a “laundry room” like this.

Well, that image can be banished from memory, as today’s laundry rooms are not only bright and airy, they are places where people actually enjoy spending time. They are incorporating many amenities from other areas of the home and acting as gathering spaces for a variety of activities. And, the desire for these spaces to incorporate high-end design and functionality is definitely on the rise.

“I consider laundry spaces to be almost on the level with kitchens and baths,” states Tina Kuhlmann, principal designer, Primrose Design Interiors in San Diego, CA. “People are in and out of there all of the time. It’s a really integral part of the kitchen and the family.”

While storage is a necessity in the laundry room, Lee Taylor, showroom manager for Taralla Kitchen and Bath in the Bronx, NY, notes, “the look of the cabinets and countertops are sometimes more important. These rooms have become an extension of the kitchens and living spaces.”

laundry room

Photo: Kelly Keul Duer and Virginia Vipperman | Designer: Cameo Kitchens

Laundry necessities

The approach to designing today’s laundry rooms is much the same as with other rooms, according to designers. It’s critical to understand how clients not only wash and dry their clothes, but also use the surrounding space.

Families tend to do laundry in different ways, so it is important to know their habits, stresses Mike Macklin, designer, Cameo Kitchens in Falls Church, VA. “If the family brings their laundry down in baskets and promptly takes the basket back to their rooms, open shelving is a practical way to go. But, if the laundry tends to pile up, storage behind doors may be a better idea.”

“I put a lot of things behind doors because I know people are messy,” stresses Kuhlmann. “Very few of us live like the catalogs look.”

Of course, a surface to act as a folding area is critical, and one size does not fit all. “When I’m dealing with empty nesters, they often ask for a place to fold that is nice and at back level, so there isn’t a lot of bending over,” comments Kuhlmann.

“Many of our customers opt to use washers and dryers that fit under the counter,” notes Macklin. “This provides a counter space more than long enough to fold and organize clean laundry.”

An oversized sink is an important element, according to several designers. “I always include a laundry sink with a pull-down faucet,” states Kuhlmann. “The pull-down faucet is really nice because you can get in there and spray those stains out or pretreat.”

It can also be used to wash delicates and, once those delicates are washed, areas for hanging become very important.

“Sometimes I’ll do a tall hanging cabinet for delicates because people don’t always want to dry them in a dryer, and they don’t really want to look at them, either,” reports Kuhlmann. She has created cabinets to hang delicates that function like a closet. She includes open-weave bronze or copper on the door, sometimes backed by fabric, to allow for air circulation for drying.

“Drying racks and drip areas are a big deal,” adds Lynley Serratt, CKD, CBD, Allied ASID, director of sales and marketing, Palmer Todd in San Antonio, TX. She reports that her firm has done pull-out drying racks in the space between the top of the front-load washer and dryer and the cabinet above.

laundry room cabinets

Photo: John Lennon Photography | Designer: Tina KuhlmanAnd, while ironing may be akin to drudgery, ironing boards are important to the room’s design. However, tucked away and out of sight is the preference for this household item. Kuhlmann likes to put the ironing board behind a finished door panel so that it looks like it’s part of the cabinetry.

Laundry plus

In addition to the items people expect to find in the laundry room, there are several surprise amenities that are finding their way into the design. Charging stations for the family’s multitude of electronic devices have found a home here, as have beverage refrigerators and flat-screen televisions.

Of course, innovative storage is a must, especially in rooms that serve multiple purposes.

“Organized space for coats, hats, backpacks and sports equipment is essential [when this area is combined with a mud room], and bench seating can be an effective means of hiding these necessities,” reports Macklin.

“These rooms are used by all members of the house on a daily basis for staying organized, and for keeping the clutter out of the rest of the house,” she reports.

“I tend to like drawers in the laundry room that aren’t as deep – maybe three or four of them. That way, you don’t lose things in the bottom,” remarks Kuhlmann. If a larger drawer works better for the space aesthetically, she will often add a hidden drawer within the larger one that can roll fully to the back of the drawer.

Lighting – both natural and installed – is key to the space for both function and spirit. Since time will be spent in a laundry room that serves multiple purposes, windows that bring in daylight are essential to the overall design. And, according to Kuhlmann, good undercabinet lighting is important, especially for matching dark socks!

People also like to personalize the space with add-on features. “You can explore your personality a bit more in this room because, typically, it’s just one family member running the show, unlike a kitchen or bath where you have to compromise,” explains Jenny Rausch, CKD, president, Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath in Brentwood, MO.

laundry room cabinets

Photo: Denash Photography | Designer: Jenny Rausch

She has created laundry rooms with glass tile, marble tops and crystal chandeliers. “If you love an expensive backsplash tile, the good news is that, in a laundry room, you probably won’t need that much of it,” she stresses.

Kuhlmann agrees. “A tile backsplash is a significant amount more money, but you can have a lot of fun with it. It gives the difference between looking at a dry wall surface and that punch of design.”

Kuhlmann also likes putting solid surface countertops in the laundry room when she can. “Nobody wants to be scrubbing tile grout,” she comments.

Rausch stresses that the laundry room can be just as profitable as a kitchen because the same materials are used in both spaces. “Lighting, cabinets and tile carry high margins, and all can be done to the max in these dream laundries,” she comments.

“It’s important to pay attention to all of the details,” continues Rausch. “It’s not just a laundry room – it can be a sanctuary.”

While the idea of laundry room as sanctuary may not have caught on as of yet, the laundry room as mud room, gift wrapping center or craft space certainly has.

Wrapping areas are very popular in the laundry room, according to Kuhlmann, and she will incorporate storage for rolls of ribbon and wrap, scissors, tape and the like.

Kuhlmann has done laundry room dog washes, too. “I’ll install a shower pan and a handshower low on the wall for when your pet comes into the mud room and has muddy feet,” she explains.

“We expect more requests for laundry room renovation in the future, as customers seek to maximize every inch of their home,” concurs Macklin. “The laundry room will be more of a home center and an important component of the home’s design.”

“Call it what you will, the laundry room has become this wonderful multi-use space that’s not just about laundry anymore. It’s almost like a secondary multi-purpose room adjacent to the kitchen, and if we educate our clients in that general direction, they’re going to want it that much more,” states Kuhlmann.

(You are reading an article originally posted on ForResidentialPros.com)