Battle of the Sexes Hits the Kitchen!

According to a consumer survey recently done by Moen (the faucet people), men and women behave differently in the kitchen.  Really? I’m hoping they didn’t shell out a whole bunch of money to learn that!

Here are some of the things they found:

Women still do the bulk of the shopping, recipe finding, prep work, cooking and clean-up.  News flash!! 🙂

According to 65% of women, and 61% of men, MEN make the biggest messes when they cook.  (Only 65% of women felt that way???  Were the rest of them passed out?)

Is this how your kitchen looks after your husband (or favorite guy) cooks?

NO ONE really likes to do the clean-up part.  (The study didn’t note whether either group had more OCD tendencies…..)

I don't blame anyone for not wanting to do these!

Other activities that go on in the kitchen:  Talking to your spouse, watching TV and listening to music.  (I’d say men excel at doing all three at once, especially if there’s a sporting event on TV)

The survey also found that there are 4 different kinds of cooks:

  1. Family Cooks (mostly women), who enjoy cooking and do it frequently.
  2. Adventurous Cooks (more men), who are daredevils with recipes and will try anything once.  (Hmm, wonder if they use that excuse to counter the mess…)
  3. Carry-out Cooks, who prefer not to cook but like to eat at home.  (Should they really be in a “cooks” category??)
  4. Cautious Cooks, who fear culinary catastrophes & usually stick to reliable, tried and true recipes.  (Hopefully this doesn’t include Hamburger Helper).

I admit to being more of a cross between a Family Cook and an Adventurous Cook.  I like to try new things, but you’ll never catch me serving some sort of foaming concoction.  What about you?

 

Refreshing Lake House

We recently spent the weekend at a lakeside home in Michigan.  It was wonderful. We spent time with our kids, grandson, grand-dogs, and got to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan for an idyllic couple of days.

The owner of the house asked for some advice on flooring, as she claims to have “the ugliest flooring in America”!  I respectfully disagree, but agree that a change would definitely improve both the looks and function of the cabin.  In making a selection, here are the considerations to factor in:

  • The cabin is not winterized, so the flooring will have to withstand extreme temperature changes.
  • In summer, there’s a lot of foot traffic (including the 4 footed kind), with sand being tracked in, and damp towels and bathing suits will sometimes sit on the floor for a while.
  • Easy maintenance a must (VACATION HOME!)
  • Budget friendly, but attractive and needs to work with cabin’s rustic charm.

My choices:

  1. Laminate flooring: These days there are tons to choose from.  They’re resilient and easy to maintain, and able to withstand the traffic.  However, wet items might cause a problem if left for a long period of time.

Armstrong's "Blizzard Pine" laminate floor

2. Sheet Vinyl flooring; Can have wood-look and the better ones are really good.  Consider some that are designed for commercial use.  They’re resilient, able to withstand traffic and dampness, and easy to maintain.

Armstrong Vinyl

3.  Cork flooring:  It’s soft and warm underfoot, a “green” choice, resilient, will hold up to traffic and dampness and is easy to maintain with light vacuuming, or sweeping.

Cork Flooring from Lumber Liquidators

These are all fairly easily installed if you’re so inclined, and pricing runs anywhere from $1.99 – $7.50/ sq. foot.

So, which is your favorite?  If you have another recommendation, please let us know!

 

 

 

 

Perked-Up Powder Room

A powder room that is part of a larger kitchen project was in need of some perking up.  Our challenges for this portion of the project:

  • Small powder room which would only allow for a sink that wasn’t any deeper than 17″ front to back
  • The overall budget for the project is tight, but we needed to update everything except the commode.

    • Бизнес казино

    В нашей стране многое можно приобрести и продать, поскольку законом введен относительно слабый перечень предметов, не являющихся предметами торга. Прекрасно понимая психологию людей и изучая многочисленные свидетельства прошлого, стоит отметить такой особо прибыльный вид бизнеса, как онлайн-казино. С точки зрения законодателей, ведение игровой деятельности, в реальной сфере экономики сейчас находится под запретом. Но вот, если говорить про интернет-игры, то вот тут у людей – полный простор для развития воображения.

    Следует отметить, что сейчас в автоматы вулкан играть онлайн бесплатно и за деньги можно из любой точки мира, откуда к сайту есть интернет-доступ. Вследствие этого, само интернет-казино может теоретически иметь игроков со всего света, что заставляет казино соответствовать высокому уровню сервиса.

    Чтобы вести подобный бизнес организатор должен четко изучить законодательство своей страны, чтобы не потерять своих денег. На этапе развития бизнес требует значительных капиталовложений, поскольку необходимо:

    1. приобрести доменное имя для сайта, которое было бы благозвучным;
    2. приобрести надежные онлайн-игры у производителей подобного программного обеспечения;
    3. обучить персонал, который будет работать в службе поддержки игроков.

    Данные средства при честном ведении дела можно достаточно быстро вернуть, поскольку интернет-казино за счет низких периодических отчислений предполагает получение значительной прибыли. Для интернет-казино, как вида бизнеса крайне важно иметь чувство ответственности и порядочности по отношению к игрокам, поскольку, если игрок почувствует дискомфорт, он легко может найти иной игровой сайт, поэтому интернет-казино вынуждено проводить политику повышения лояльного отношения к себе игроков.

Here’s the “before” picture:

 

The room needed some help!

What we did:

  • Substituted a pedestal sink for the unusually shaped sink & shallow vanity
  • Replaced old slate flooring with porcelain penny round tile
  • Removed the large mirror, replacing it with a smaller one over the sink
  • Re-located and replaced the light fixture
  • Added in a wall shelf to hold items normally stored in vanity (as it’s a powder room, no need for a lot of storage)
  • Removed old wallpaper border and painted

Here are some non-professional ( I need to put in that disclaimer!) pictures of the almost-finished room.  It still needs a few accessories.

New look!

    Another view

    All told, this update only used up $1,000 of our budget.  The client was thrilled as the room seems larger without the bulk of the vanity,  the shelving is perfectly suited to the room, and the floor looks like high-end designer tile!
    More to come on this project as it moves along!

Little Things Mean a Lot

There’s a saying that’s attributed to Mies van der Rohe – “God is in the details”, and I agree.  In the world of design, it’s the attention to small details that can really make a difference.  For example; in a recently completed kitchen project we were confronted with the challenge of making unsightly electrical outlets less obtrusive.  Ideally, we would have moved the outlets up to the underside of the cabinets, so the back splash wouldn’t be visually interrupted.  Unfortunately, we could not move them so we came up with an alternative trompe l’oeil (fool the eye) detail to camoflage the switch plate portion.  I called upon my friend Bonnie Lecat of Bonnie Lecat Designs www.bonnielecat.com, to paint the switch plates to blend in with the tile of the back splash.

Here are the before and after photos:

"Before"

Yes, I know the color combination of white switch plate and brown outlet is hideous.  The contractor just did that because he knew we were going to change it.

"After"

That switch plate practically disappears.

Again, it’s a small detail, but it makes the project as a whole much more “finished”.

Bonnie creates beautiful murals and fine decorative faux finishes for your home or commercial space.  You can find her at [email protected].

 

Spruce up this Spring!

Now that Spring has arrived, you’re probably assessing your home to determine which projects you’ll focus on in the coming months.  Sometimes that can be overwhelming as there’s often so much you want to do and for most of us, time and budget limit our choices.  The good news is you can often do some simple sprucing-up and make a big impact without having to blow the budget.  A recent client of mine is a great example.  They wanted to change the color of their family room, and add new artwork and a valance over their patio doors.  Here’s what it looked like:

The "before" picture. Sorry about the guy in the picture. They were having their windows cleaned!

I suggested a slight re-arrangement of their furniture, and we selected  a paint color that softens the room and blends well with the furniture.  Our valance incorporated most of the furniture colors but brought in a new pattern that’s sophisticated and some fun trim.  Once all that was done, we found artwork that made the space warmer and more inviting.

Here's one "after" view

 

Here’s another vantage point:

A simple color change along with new artwork and window treatment makes all the difference!

What rooms in your home need a tweak?  Don’t forget the outside of your house!  More on that in an upcoming post…

Happy Easter, and Happy Passover!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen Change-Up Part II

Welcome back!  Perhaps you saw a bit of your own kitchen in last week’s post.  If so, keep reading and I’ll explain how we overcame the challenges that we were faced with.

Challenge 1: We had a small footprint to work with and it wasn’t going to expand, so we increased the accessibility and useability of the layout by:

  • Shrinking the sink down to allow for a spice pull-out cabinet between the dishwasher and range.
  • Increased the size of the end wall and base drawer cabinets
  • Changed 2 door base cabinets to 1 wide drawer base and 1 smaller door base with roll-out shelves
  • Added a deeper cabinet above the refrigerator and pulled it forward for better accessibility
  • Added pull-down shelves in 2 upper cabinets for better accessibility

We also added additional counter top length by creating a “shelf” of countertop material that is seamed at the end of the sink base.  If there’s a need to access the window from the inside, the seam can be cut and the shelf removed and replaced.

Challenge 2: The outlets couldn’t be moved, and create an eyesore in the backsplash.

  • We’re going to use metal outlet covers and have them painted by artist Bonnie Lecat of Bonnie Lecat Designs (www.bonnielecat.com) to match the backsplash.  You’ll still see the outlets, but they’ll be minimized.

Challenges 3 & 4:  Small area for a table and chairs and the need for privacy at night.

  • We found a small (26″) round glass tables and clear lucite bistro chairs which don’t take up any “visual” space, yet allow the client to sit comfortably and read the paper or enjoy a meal.
  • We also changed out the duette window shades to a softer, and more sophisticated Roman shade which is lined for privacy at night.  The shade on the right window is actually just a valance as the client never closes this side.

Ok, enough talk- I know you want to see the pictures!

Fridge side of kitchen (we still have some punch list items to finish!)

 

Table & chairs & window treatments

 

The whole room!

 

Professional photos to come…..

The client said ” I just want to let you know how fabulous it is.  The table is the perfect size.  I was able to sit and enjoy the paper and a cup of coffee and even though everything is the same size it seems like so much more space”.

What are your thoughts?

 

 

Kitchen Change-Up

I’ve been working with one of my very favorite clients on her kitchen for the past few months.  It has been great fun and we’re almost at the finish line!  Yea!!  I’ll give you an overview of the project and a couple of “before” shots, and next week I’ll have some (non-professional) shots of the finished project for you to see.

Here’s what we started with:

You can get a peek at her beautiful view here

 

View of the windows, and space for table and chairs

 

Refrigerator wall

 

Our Challenges:

  • Very small kitchen
  • We wanted to be able to give her the greatest amount of counter space, yet we have to allow for access to the window in case of a problem with it.
  • Better access to cabinets and more organized storage
  • Strange placement of outlets with the inability to change their location (we’d have to put a plate over the existing location)
  • The overall footprint would remain the same
  • We didn’t want to block her view, which is of the lake and is fabulous but wanted to allow for some privacy from a neighboring hi-rise in the evening.
  • The space for a table & chairs is very small

We changed:

  • Lighting
  • Flooring
  • Cabinetry
  • Paint instead of the wall paper
  • The range and microwave (she had replaced the dishwasher and fridge a couple of years ago)
  • Sink & faucet
  • Window treatments
  • Backsplash

I look forward to showing you some pictures of the completed project next week!

    Aging Beautifully

    Last week we heard from Jim Butz of Architecturally Speaking about the importance of Age-in-Place design.  This week I’d like to show you how a client incorporated some of these concepts into her bathroom remodel.  Her concerns when we began were to be able to live in her condo as long as possible without having to remodel again further down the road.

    Here’s the outcome:

    Lincoln Park Condo

    In this view you can see a few things:

    • The faucet is a single handle “joystick” which makes operation easy for anyone
    • The toilet is a “comfort height” toilet
    • The flooring is porcelain tile but it has a non-slip grooved finish
    • You can’t see it but we added lighting below the vanity for a little added night light effect
    • The cabinets and drawers open by touch-latch

    Another view:

    Lincoln Park Condo

    Here you can see that we utilized:

    • A grab bar above the tub, and we added blocking behind the wall for an additional grab bar near the shower handles
    • A separate hand-held shower head
    • Low-sided tub for easier access

    Several months after we finished the project, the client broke her ankle.  She was pleased with the improvements we had made as they allowed her to shower more easily during the time she was in a cast.  She simply put a small removable shower seat in the tub and used that while hanging her foot out of the tub.

    You can see that while we incorporated several principles of A-I-P design, we kept the look from becoming “institutional”.

    Does this change your mind about what A-I-P design looks like?

    Peace (of Mind) In Your Home

    Let’s face it, fellow baby boomers.  We’re getting older.  Not only are we getting older, but our parents are reaching that stage where it’s sometimes difficult for them to live independently.

    You’re right, this isn’t a particularly fun topic- BUT it is one that most of us will have to face at some point in time.  The good news is that there are ways to modify a home to allow people to live in their homes as long and as comfortably as possible.  It’s called Universal Design or Age-In-Place Design and I recently spoke to Jim Butz of Architecturally Speaking about this subject.

    Jim’s company is a provider of home modification and remodeling solutions for the baby boomers and their aging parents’ generation.  He is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist, meaning one who is qualified by the National Home Builder’s Association to address the needs of homeowners who seek to stay in their homes as long as possible.

    Q: Jim, what is Age-In-Place design?

    A: Essentially  AIP design incorporates design elements that allow the widest variety of individual needs for safety and comfort in the home.  For example, two of the main concerns are preventing falls and injuries and simplifying daily functions.  The design elements that can be incorporated to achieve these are things like non-slip flooring, grab bars and other elements, and things as simple as levers instead of door knobs for ease of operation.

    Kohler's Purist Faucet with easy to use handles

    Q: Why is incorporating AIP design features in a remodel important?

    A: It allows people the peace of mind of remaining in a familiar and nurturing environment in a community that they know and have been a part of for many years.  This allows for better mental and physical health for the homeowner.

    Q: What rooms are of primary importance when considering AIP design elements?

    A: As the main concerns are preventing falls and injuries, the bathroom is generally the first room that is remodeled.  Falls occur most often when transitioning from one place to another and these types of falls can be devastating.   The second area for concern would be the kitchen, with the focus on ease of use and function.

    Kohler's Highline Classic Comfort Height Toilet

    Q: Where can people go to find out more about Architecturally Speaking?

    A: Jim’s website is: www.archispeak.com or you can reach him at (847) 205-9844.

    Thanks for sharing your expertise with us Jim!  Stay tuned for some beautiful ways to create a safe home.

    Colors from History

    You may think that color was invented only recently, but the truth is that humans have a very colorful past.  Here’s a look back at 3 different times in history and the colors that were prevalent.

    Ancient Egypt: The use of red and yellow ochre Earth pigments is very prevalent, along with blue, green, purple, black, white and gray.

    Tomb painting from Ancient Egypt

     

    Ancient Greece: In the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete there is a strong use of reds, black and blues.

    A fresco from the Palace of Knossos in Crete (been there- it's fascinating!)

     

    Medieval Times: Rich tapestries and textiles utilized the vivid colors of religious art and the stained glass windows.  Reds, yellow, light and dark blues and greens, brown and off-whites were all used.

    A very famous tapestry. Note the depth of colors

    Do you notice a theme here?  A lot of Earth tones, but also a very high percentage of reds and blues.  Are you surprised?