Glencoe Glam
Who says that functional needs to be ugly or boring? When you are working with professionals, you can have function AND beauty. Take a look at this beautiful project by Michael Menn Ltd.! We were tapped to provide our Siteline cabinets for a streamlined, budget-friendly solution!
As you can see, function is a priority. Michael’s team provided lighting in the toe-kick area for illumination at night, a zero-height threshold in the shower, shower seat that folds up, and a number of grab bars that aren’t institutional looking. We also provided a tall storage cabinet with roll-out shelves at a height that makes them easy to access and a storage bench where the owners can rest while toweling off after their shower. This bathroom is calm, beautiful AND provides a haven for the owners to enjoy for many years. Thank you, Michael, it’s always great to partner with you!
Photo credit: Dennis Jourdan Photography, Inc.
See the full project on our Houzz page.
Houzz Bathroom Trends
Last week we talked about some of the results of Houzz’ Bathroom Trend report, in which they polled around 1500 users from across the country to find out what trends are shaping choices for bathrooms. Here are some more trends we’re seeing which can assist you in considering what’s important to you for your remodel or new build.
- You have a love-hate relationship with tubs. They’re either eliminated entirely for a larger shower or they become a star in the bathroom in the form of free-standing, flat-bottomed tubs, or deeper soaking tubs. Gone (for the most part) are the Jacuzzi tubs of old. Sometimes clients have old tubs that seem to take over the whole room and don’t get me started on the tiled stairs leading to it!
- Floating vanities are becoming more popular! I find that you can still have great storage without the heaviness of cabinets sitting on the ground. This trend also speaks to the tilting towards a more “Modern” design aesthetic.
- Premium features worth the splurge. Remodels and new construction always have trade-offs between splurges and saves. I assist my clients in finding the right balance between getting the best products and also the best look for the investment. Sometimes we scale back in one place to allow for a to-die-for element somewhere else. Here are the items that respondents felt were worth the splurge (and I agree);
- One piece toilets with dual flush and bidet seats -in some respects this choice actually saves money because you don’t need to buy a toilet and bidet and being able to reduce water usage per flush saves on the water bill.
- Rainfall shower heads and dual showers – many of my clients are taking advantage of these along with body sprays and hand-held wands for a full water experience!
- Soaking tubs – we touched on this earlier and last week as well. There are so many fabulous tubs out there that can become focal points of a spectacular bath while allowing you to have a “Calgon take me away!” moment. For those of you too young to get that, google “Calgon, take me away!”
While these trend reports can help guide you in creating the bath of your dreams, professional assistance from designers, contractors and architects are the absolute best way to protect your investment and ensure your dreams don’t become nightmares!
Houzz 2020 Trend Report for Bathrooms
So, what’s the latest and greatest in Bathroom design? Houzz surveyed over 1500 users across the country during the months of June and July this year, and this is what people are saying about what they want in their bathrooms – food for thought if you’re contemplating making a change for yourself in the near future!
- Style- “Modern” has edged out “Transitional” by about 2%. You might be asking what “Modern” is or afraid that it means sterile and white. “Modern” can be best described by clean lines, but with the warmth of color, texture and sometimes whimsy. Take a look at these:
Believe it or not, the “Farmhouse” style once so popular thanks to Chip and Joanna comes in dead last in the Houzz survey.
- Almost half of respondents are looking for a relaxing experience in the shower or tub. Incidentally, many are removing tubs altogether for a larger shower. I’ve been seeing that trend for a few years with my clients.
- Accent walls and lighting are important design elements. I love accent walls, which can be created in a number of ways. From a stellar tile enveloping an entire wall, to an interesting paint color or even mural there are many ways to create a “wow” effect. When it comes to lighting, LED fixtures allow for bright light and low energy consumption, not to mention so many beautiful designs!
Next week we’ll talk about some other trends from the Houzz report!
Product Innovation Awards from KBIS 2020
This is our last installment of the Product Innovation Awards from KBIS this year. We look forward to bringing you more great products and ideas from 2021’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Stay tuned!
Our first product for this week is the Shokunin Kamado Grill by Kalamazoo. All I can say is “WOW”! This grill is not only a beautifully designed piece of art but is so well thought out in creating the cooking experience. After watching this video I can almost taste the spatch-cocked chicken he’s talking about.
Next up is the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker. If you like to entertain your guests with cocktails and even slushy beverages but don’t want or have the space for a large icemaker, take a look at this! It’s a portable unit, great for indoor or outdoor entertaining, can make up to 24 lbs. of ice in 24 hours and can store 3 lbs. at a time!
There’s a quick-start feature that gives you ice in 20 minutes (perfect for a last-minute gathering!) and a detachable reservoir that allows for more ice production. You can even check and schedule ice-making via your smart phone! Hmm, this week’s choices seem to all be about entertaining! I’m optimistic that we’ll be back to warm gatherings with family and friends soon. In the meantime, we can be ready!
Last, but not least this week is the Miele G7000 Dishwasher series. Because after all the partying there is clean-up…
Let’s just say I’m a fan of Miele dishwashers to begin with as they pioneered the 3rd rack for utensils. This series makes dishwashing even easier, from automatically dispensing just the right amount of detergent based on how dirty the dishes are, to movable sections and a handle-less feature that allows the door to open with a knock. It’s also almost noiseless, WiFi compatible so you can get that load going before the guests come, and even offers a QuickIntense setting for faster clean-up.
Favorite New Products from KBIS 2020
In last week’s post we looked at some great products for your kitchen and bath – this week is a continuation of that, geared towards practical and design-savvy products to consider incorporating into your next remodel or new construction.
First up is the winner of the Bathroom Product of the Year, judged by the panel at KBIS, and it’s easy to see why. The SwapAble by Design by Intent allows you to plan now for the ability to live in place later.
For many years I have advised clients to consider the long-term when remodeling and create options for adding in elements for accessibility in daily living as we age. What Design by Intent has done is create a beautiful way to do this with a contemporary aesthetic. You can have a shelf for products now, and later it can be swapped out for a shower seat – all done with the aid of a simple clip. I love this because it provides beautiful, functional design! Kudos to Design by Intent!
Next up is another Kohler product for the bath – the DTV Mode Digital Shower System. It almost looks like a Nest thermostat, except it’s a thermostatic valve for your shower! With it, you can dial in the temperature settings, and even access and personalize settings via Kohler’s Mode app. Imagine, from your warm, cozy bed you can turn on and regulate your shower temperature for the perfect shower from the moment you step in! The dial also makes it easier to use than a touch screen for many.
Last but certainly not least is a very unique vanity! It’s the Terra Waterfall Vanity Sink by MTI Baths. The sink is integrated into the vanity and the design controls the water flow down the side of the vanity into a floor-mounted drain. What a WOW for your powder room!! The judges also loved that it is wheelchair accessible and the plumbing is hidden – so you get accessibility AND fabulous design all in one. Plus, your dog or cat can have a drink while the water’s running! I think I’m in love!
The Post-COVID Kitchen
COVID-19 has changed the landscape of our lives in myriad ways. Certainly, our responses to germs have changed since the beginning of the year. With COVID continuing, and regular flu-season upon us again, it’s time to contemplate what changes you might need to make your home as healthy, comfortable and stress-free as possible. I’ve put together these 5 tips to consider when thinking of remodeling your kitchen.
1. Has your cooking changed?
If you have more cooks in the kitchen, are eating more fresh foods or pre-packaged meals, you might want to consider adding a refrigerator or freezer drawer in your prep area. It helps keep all ingredients handy for whatever you need. Maybe even in a breakfast bar area or baking area. Speaking of baking areas, how about this tricked out drawer to hold all your baking needs? Talk about reducing countertop clutter!
2. Do you need WFH space?
Do you need to carve out some WFH or remote learning space? We can do that in a number of ways. From commandeering an under-utilized pantry or corner nook to incorporating charging drawers for laptops, tablets and phones, we can help you keep your sanity with a dedicated work area that seamlessly flows into the rest of the space.
3. What about light and air quality?
Air quality is so important. Good ventilation not only removes cooking odors and grease, but harmful gasses that are created during cooking. Whether it’s a down-draft, chimney hood or one that’s built into cabinetry, good ventilation is a must. Regarding lighting options, there are so many great options these days to light up the interiors of cabinets to help you find everything you need, and I always encourage clients to have multiple light sources to enhance function in the kitchen. Check out the lighting in this blind corner unit:
4. How about clutter control?
When it comes to controlling clutter, Greenfield and Siteline cabinets allow me to help clients customize the interiors to keep countertops free of “stuff” and make working in the kitchen easier. From dedicated plastic container storage to unique ways to access and utilize the cabinet above the fridge, there is something for just about every storage need.
5. How do you promote cleanliness?
We’re all more concerned with cleanliness and reducing the spread of germs, so here are some great options for you to consider. The first one is a trash drawer that opens when you break a beam of light with your foot. No more chicken hands touching the trash handle!! To close it up you can just wave your foot underneath again or give it a gentle push with your knee. Or how about this handy step-stool to help the little ones get to the sink for washing their hands? When not it use, simply fold it up and slip it back into the slot beside the sink.
Lastly, one of the most anti-microbial surfaces you can use in your kitchen is (drumroll, please) manufactured quartz countertops like the Cambria samples you see here! They are far less porous than granite countertops and so easy to maintain and they come in so many gorgeous styles.
These are just a few helpful tips of things to consider when it’s time to make your kitchen a family-friendly place! For even more ideas, including video clips of innovative new products, check out our pinterest board.
Reflections on 10 Years in Business!
Throughout this month, I’d like to post things I’m grateful for as I look back over the last 10 years.
I’m so grateful for:
- The many clients whose homes we’ve been honored to transform
- The vendors and collaborative partners we’ve gathered along the way who have helped us to bring our clients a fabulous experience
- The business advice and nurturing received from many mentors and colleagues
- The organizations like ASID, NKBA, Northbrook Chamber, EPWNG, and PowerHouse SMART who have not only helped me hone my skills but have been wonderful resources for referrals and like-minded professionals!
- Ongoing support and encouragement from family, friends, and my biggest fan – my husband
- All the educational opportunities that keep me current on new materials, services, and ways of doing business
- New technology that keeps my brain active and helps me streamline my workflow
- The many assistants who keep business humming along so that I can focus on creating a client experience that wins awards! Namely:
- Barb Tedder – my long-time social media assistant. Without her, I’d be adrift in posts and blogs! I am so, so grateful to have worked with you for so long!
- PC’s Soup 2 Nuts – my IT “department”. Whether it’s a call that the printer isn’t working or assistance with a new computer, Sharon is always there
- Caroline Van Wassenhove – my bookkeeper and sanity keeper when it comes to all of the accounting work!
- There are many other firms and partners that are and have assisted along the way – THANK YOU!
Check out our pinterest board looking back at projects like these that we’ve loved designing so much through the years.
A WELL – Designed Kitchen
Now more than ever, we are focused on creating healthy meals for our family. As we’ve been spending more time in the kitchen you’ve probably noticed where your kitchen falls short in helping you do this easily.
Here are 5 suggestions for planning ways to support not only the creation of healthier meals, but a healthier place to create them.
- Plan for less clutter – Seeing clutter actually stimulates the production of cortisol – the stress hormone. Plan for ways to keep counters free of excess clutter by creating a place for everything. Small appliances like toasters and juicers can live in countertop garages that close up when not in use. Consider fewer wall cabinets and more below-counter storage.
- Light it up – Take advantage of as much natural light as you can. Maybe it’s time to consider adding some windows or moving a door to allow more natural light in. It is also important to choose the right artificial lighting, incorporating energy saving LED’s and especially those that have a warm-dim component to them. These allow you to change the color of the light throughout the day to assist our bodies adjust to their natural circadian rhythms.
- Biophilia (What?!) This means bringing more of the outside in. There are many ways to do that, some listed above but you can also consider bringing some plants into the kitchen – a garden windowsill for growing fresh herbs or even a “green wall”.
- Keep it Fresh – with more emphasis on fresh fruits, vegetables, and meatless meals, consider your refrigerator. Do you really need a lot of freezer storage, or are your needs for fresh food storage greater? There are so many options today that can assist you with keeping your fresh ingredients fresh and accessible.
- Materials Matter – Choose the right materials to keep your kitchen healthy. Select cabinetry that is made with low levels of formaldehyde (which occurs in nature so you can’t eliminate it entirely) and FSC certified (good for the environment). Wood countertops and man-made quartz countertops have anti-microbial properties and please, please, make sure your hood vents to the outdoors to keep the air in your kitchen fresh.
These are just a few ways that you can make a healthy difference when you remodel your kitchen. Please join me on Wednesday, May 27 at 2:30 pm for a Facebook Live chat with special guest Alisa Bloom of Live Your Best 365! We’ll be talking about food choices to quell inflammation and how the design of your kitchen can add to your health!
Planning for Your Luxury Home Remodel
As many of you are now considering areas in your home that need some changes, we thought we’d re-issue these tips for the planning phase of your project.
For some of us, there may be the extra excitement of planning for a remodel in the new year. Congratulations! In our blog Tackle Home Design with a Star Lineup, we brought you some guidelines on building your team: the architect, the contractor, and the designer. Planning a luxury home build is a huge endeavor with spectacular results. Planning is essential.
Where do you turn to get information about budgeting for your remodel or new home? Take a look at the Home Trust International’s guidelines. They are leaders in the luxury home industry and a great resource to help you figure out your luxury home investment. Here’s a brief summary of their article:
1. Budget up to 35% of the value of the finished home for interior design services, project management and furnishings.
2. Interior design firms generally earn one third of the total investment.
3. Variables include renovations, art or furniture you may be bringing from another home.
Catherine Schager, AKBA, ASID Allied Member
A good designer can guide you through this process to help you figure out where to splurge and where to save. I offer a great outline of my process on my FAQs page and you can quickly schedule an initial phone meeting with me from my Contact Us page if you are ready to explore further.
The most important goal is to end the process with a gorgeous new home that feels like HOME SWEET HOME to you and your family. You can best reach that goal with good planning and realistic budgeting guided by a team of professionals who want to help you with your achieve your dream. Happy new home dreaming!
Earth Day – Everyday
I was 10 for the first “Earth Day” and I remember it well. Our entire school went outside, and we planted a tree and talked about the environment and what we could do to keep it clean. I went home and created a little flyer that I distributed up and down my neighborhood that was titled “STP – Stop Treacherous Pollution!”. A little nerdy, but I was a convert. Fast-forward 50 years and I am in an industry that is working to not only uphold the ideals established on that first Earth Day, but actually is finding ways to be even more conscious of our resources and environment. Here are just 5 things you can consider when remodeling or building that will not only be healthier for you – but for our environment as well.
Choose no or low VOC paints – this protects the environment inside your home from the off-gassing of harmful ingredients. It’s not just for the initial painting, but on-going health for your home.
Choose locally sourced materials – and support local artisans who are using reclaimed or re-purposed materials. You’d be surprised at their beauty. They’re not just for hippies anymore!
Choose cabinetry that is made by companies participating the Forest Stewardship Council. They are environmentally considerate when sourcing their products.
When doing a remodel that involves a considerable amount of demolition, consider donating your wood flooring, cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets and appliances as well as other construction materials. There are several companies that will take them and what a great way to help out others AND keep construction waste out of landfills! Two that I like are Renovation Angel and Recyclean.
Select materials like ceramic tile that not only has a long life-span but may include recycled elements and flooring like Tarkett’s laminate and sheet vinyl flooring. Tarkett not only has many products that are asthma and allergy friendly, but as a company they are committed to producing sustainable products.
Last, but certainly not least- if you’re in need of a good desk chair to support you comfortably while we work from home, take a look at Humanscale’s Smart Ocean Chair. It’s made with nearly 2 lbs. of recycled fishing net material.
Yes, this year’s Earth Day will definitely be a different one. Maybe our current experience will remind us of the impact we all have on each other for the health and well-being of all. Click here for a pinterest board of ideas for sustainable products for your home. Happy Earth Day.
(images from pixabay.com)
