What Will Cabinets be Wearing in 2021?

In our last post we showed you some of the new and exciting door styles in our Greenfield line. You might be asking, “but what about the finishes? Is a white kitchen still the standard by which all others are judged?” The answer to that is no. Clients all over the country are showing their individuality and desire to connect with nature. While white is still prominent and classic, here are some other woods and finishes that you’ll be spotting in homes and magazines.

What’s old is new again: Remember last week I talked about Oak making a comeback? Does the thought of white-washed Oak from the 80’s make you cringe? Well, good news – you don’t have to cringe with these new Oak stains. There’s everything from a rustic finish grey Oak for those looking for that farmhouse aesthetic to the Scandinavian influence of natural finish White Oak to classic darker brown finishes that accentuate the natural grain patterns. 

Choices in grain pattern: Without going into too much detail about how wood is cut, know that there are three types of cuts that give you different looks:

  • Flat cut: You see the familiar pattern of Oak (think of Oak floors with the definite arch patterns)
  • Rift cut: A way of cutting the tree to create a more uniform, straight grain
  • Quarter Sawn: Think of Arts and Crafts pieces of furniture done in Oak. You don’t see the arch patterns (cathedrals) but you do see a straighter grain with some flecks in it. 

Our new offerings consist of White Oak in Flat Cut, Random Plank (sizes of the plank varies, just like in flooring) and Rift Cut

New colors: While grey is still on-trend, we’re seeing some fresher natural finishes as well. Take a look at these greys; they’re softer and more transparent.

Ready for rustic? While it isn’t for everyone, this rough-cut, limed finish could be a gorgeous partner to a high-gloss acrylic or even white painted cabinets. 

Stay tuned throughout the year for new introductions!

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!

Radiant Renovations REVEALED!

Last fall, we brought you a sneak peek of this remodel in Northbrook while it was in process. We remodeled the kitchen of this lovely home a couple of years ago. (See Northbrook Kitchen on our Houzz profile.) The homeowners invited us back to remodel the master bath, bedroom, and hall bath. They wanted to remove a giant tub that they didn’t use, expand and upgrade the shower, and create a make-up area on the wall opposite the vanities, all with a new, modern design.

BEFORE:
Before Images for Reveal CC

AFTER:
The finished design is just divine!
After Images for Reveal CC

Let’s take a closer look:

We added luxury features such as a radiant heat “warm floor” and contemporary dark grey porcelain tile to this spa-experience master bathroom. A Kallista body spray shower with Kohler showerhead, and digital interface, and Kallista handshower all have a sparkling nickel finish. The shower gleams with Maximum Premium White from TransCeramica porcelain slab marbled with soft silver grains.

shower for blog

The sink vanity continues the bright modern design with Wood-Mode slab panel cabinets in high gloss Nordic White topped with Difiniti Torano quartz countertops. Beautiful nickel silver wall sconces integrate seamlessly with the cabinet-to-ceiling mirrors. A private water closet with a Kohler one-piece tankless toilet has a touchscreen remote with all the latest cutting-edge technology.

vanity and toilet for blog

The old tub area now boasts a gorgeous makeup vanity with cabinetry and countertops that matches the sink vanity. Separated from the sink vanity by large shower, it offers a balance of privacy and shared space for the couple as they get ready for the day. An organized linen closet keeps necessities close at hand.

makeup vanity and linen closet for blog

The bedroom remodel evokes the softer, relaxed side of modern design. A dreamy Kravet Langhorne California King bed is framed by custom designed floating nightstands and chrome wall sconces, along with “floating” shelves in the niche. A comfortable swivel chair and tufted ottoman create an inviting sitting area for reading or looking out the window to complete the master suite retreat.

Bedroom and Sitting Area for blog

The full bath in the hallway makes a contemporary statement of light and dark. Tub to ceiling champagne glass tile and high gloss dark chocolate cabinets topped with Verde Peacock Extra granite countertops is offset by a white sink, tub, toilet, and porcelain tile floor. Beautiful aqua Thibaut Como Silk wall paper lines the walls (that’s actually vinyl!) for a look that is both modern yet welcoming.

Hall Bath for blog

It was wonderful to work with Michael Menn and team on the construction, Diane Lawson of Better Kitchens on the cabinetry, and our amazing repeat clients! You can find all the details on the products in this project on our Houzz profile Radiant Renovation project.

The Upside of Down-sizing

Many of my clients these days are down-sizing their homes. Maybe they’ve decided that the home they’ve raised their family in is now just too large for the two of them. Maybe they’re moving to a retirement complex, or assisted living. Whatever the reason, down-sizing can be challenging (but it doesn’t have to be!) Clients will generally tell me that they need my help because they don’t know what will fit in their new home, or how to arrange the furniture, or what they’ll need to rid themselves of.

In these cases I recommend that clients do 3 things:

1. Go through their home, and determine what pieces of their existing furniture they really love and which ones they could give away, donate to charity, or just chuck.

2. Consider how they will be living in their new space (will they be doing any entertaining or having overnight guests?) and make some notes.

3. Call me to see their existing space and favorite items. Then we take a look at their new home and determine together what will serve them well. I will often create floor plans so that when they move in, they can have the movers put everything in its place.

Although moving and down-sizing can be very stressful, it’s also a great opportunity to consider just what “stuff” is really meaningful and what can be let go of. It can be a very freeing feeling and offers clients a fresh start. A recent client was so excited that she’d be able to keep many of the upholstered items she thought she’d have to get rid of and loved how with the addition of some new pillows and rug her pieces got a new look!

KBIS 2017 Musings

This year’s show was amazing. It was held at the Orlando Convention Center which is huge. The show actually occupied two buildings as the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) was combined with the International Builder’s Show (IBS). Both shows occupied spaces in both buildings which were conveniently connected via a ped-way, even though they are about a mile apart. So, you can imagine- lots of walking!

Catherine Schager at KIS 2017 entrance

Day 1: I devoted day 1 to the educational seminars offered (there were tons to choose from!) and learned about resolving difficult on-the-job problems (some new things I’ll be incorporating to assist clients in understanding the process), attended a seminar from Houzz that gave us trends to watch based on user feedback, and hiring- how to do it well. In between times, I’d run down to the show floor and visit a vendor booth or two. In the evening, there was an event honoring my friend Michael Menn, who received the honor of Remodeler of the Year from Qualified Remodeler Magazine. So cool to know a celebrity!

Day 2: Only 2 seminars today: one that discussed the physiological and psychological effects of color and one that discussed the kitchen of the future. Both were among the best that I attended. The kitchen of the future is fascinating and there will be more to come on that! Again, I spent time on the show floor, looking at great storage solutions, the “Bedroom of the Future” built by students from Virginia Tech, which was fascinating, and listened to a presentation given by some of the guys from “This Old House” about an initiative that they’re cooperating in to encourage people to go into the trades. Sadly, as our industry ages, we’re not getting young people to join the trades and are losing valuable craftspeople to create beautiful homes. This evening hosted a huge party called “The Bash” which went on until really early on Thursday! Yours truly did not attend, as I wisely sought the comfort of a good night’s sleep.

Day 3: Our shortest day- as we were flying back home and needed to get off the floor somewhat early. Just one seminar today about marrying luxury appliances in a luxury kitchen and what pitfalls to watch out for. Always good information to have! More time on the floor where I saw some amazing new fixtures for the kitchen from Pfister- like a faucet that responds to your voice! Also saw some great new options for quartz countertops- they’re getting more and more beautiful! Hope you enjoy these “moments” from the show and I look forward to delving into the latest trends in future posts!

Check out our pinterest board for images from the events.

Color Your New Year Gorgeous

The 2017 Colors of the Year have all been announced and they offer the promise of bold, vibrant shades and depth of layers. Here is the lineup:

2017-colors-of-the-year-labeled

An interesting mix capturing an array of moods: light and calming, dramatic and intense, bright and hopeful, and timeless and earthy. Yet they can all work together in a cohesive palette should you choose to incorporate them all into your color scheme. Let’s check out the breakdown from the color experts.

Pantone “Greenery”
pantone-greeneryThe Pantone Color Institute describes their yellow-green, spring shade as refreshing and revitalizing shade, symbolic of new beginnings. Meant to evoke those early spring days when nature is waking and awash in bright green, it signals a reset, hope, and life.

Benjamin Moore “Shadow”
benjamin-moore-shadowThe experts at Benjamin Moore named their dramatic purple selection “Shadow” because of their fascination with how it changes hue as the light changes throughout the day. It’s a rich, royal amethyst they describe as allusive and enigmatic.

Sherwin Williams “Poised Taupe”
sherwin-williams-poised-taupeSherwin William’s “Poised Taupe” is a marriage between conservative gray and earthen beige to create a “weathered, woodsy and complex neutral that celebrates the imperfections and authenticity of a well-lived life.” Both warm and cool, classic and modern, it is meant to be an organic, balanced neutral.

Glidden Paints “Byzantine Blue”
glidden-paints-byzantine-blueGlidden Paints named a mystic purple-blue shade meant to be comforting and soothing, playful yet peaceful. The describe “Byzantine Blue” as a gender-neutral “purple in disguise” with all the best qualities of blue and gray. It morphs from hue to hue depending on what you partner shades you select.

Olympic Paints “Cloudberry”
olympic-paints-cloudberryOlympic Paints chose a soothing, lavender-purple the dubbed “Cloudberry” intended to be soothing, encourage meditation, and transform you space into a sanctuary. Cloudberry will float you away on a cloud to carefree, airy spaces.

PPG Pittsburgh Paints “Violet Verbena”
ppg-violet-verbenaPPG Pittsburgh Paints selected a moody, gray-purple they describe as playful, elegant and calming. “Violet Verbena” is expected to appeal to those seeking the popular bohemian look as well as those looking to create luxurious, pampering spaces. It finds a middle ground between masculine and feminine, young and old, work and play.

What do you think of the biggest colors predicted for 2017? Check out our pinterest board for even more Color of the Year images.

Diva Dorm Rooms

August has been sizzling with back-to-school excitement! There’s no better time to practice expressing your inner design diva, especially if you have dorm room to decorate. Here are some basics to help you get started on the road to fabulous interior design with your own personal flair.

Pick your bedding first. Bedding is the focal point of any dorm room and should reflect your unique personality. Whether your style is preppy, modern geometric designs, whimsical Lilly Pulitzer florals, fearlessly bold color, or muted color with a focus on textures, you can find bedding that reflects your inner design diva. Personalizing your bedding with monograms can help avoid confusion at the laundry mat. Try sites like PBTeen, Target, Garnet Hill, Bed Bath and Beyond, Urban Outfitters, and DormCo for the latest styles.

No diva dorm room is complete without a unique bulletin board creation. Pick up colors and accents from your bedding and add fun push pins and accents. Make it a command center to keep your semester organized or go artistic with a collage. There is no right or wrong here – just make it a reflection of you.

A 3x3 board like this one from PBTeen can get you started on a fabulous bulletin board.

A 9 block board like this one from PBTeen can get you started on a fabulous bulletin board.

Try sites like WallPops, PBTeen or Dormify for peel & stick wall decals in the latest trendy styles. Deck out a wall with your monogram, dry erase shapes, photo frames, quotes and art of all kinds – even your favorite #Hashtags. Or go rouge with Japanese washi tape and create your own designs.

The key is to be uniquely you and have fun with your design. For more dorm room inspiration, check out our pinterest board.

Award Winning Products from 2014

These kitchen and bath products blew away the competition in 2014!

Duravit creates stunning bathroom furniture that is elegant in both form and function. Their products are offered in a variety of real wood veneer options that has been manufactured specifically for bathrooms to be resistant to water and humidity.

Duravit

Focus, a sleek, modern pull-down spray faucet from Hansgrohe boasts beauty and brains for the serious cook. Features include two jet types, an ergonomic handle that can be mounted for left-handed or right-handed use, and a high spout that creates plenty of convenient space between the faucet and the sink.

HGFocus

Blanco created an award-winning design in their Attika undermount sink. The raised architectural rim is positively stunning while reducing splashes. An optional walnut compound cutting board is available for the 26″ single bowl model.

Attika Sink

More gorgeous geometric angles make bold statements in Sonia’s Scalene sink base and integrated top combination. The marine-grade wood available in a variety of finishes is mounted directly to the wall and features hardware-free door fronts.

1412-Kitchen-and-Bath-9

See more award winners at Architectural Record.

Emerging Kitchen Trends for 2015

There are some fresh, exciting new kitchen design trends emerging in 2015! If you are planning a kitchen remodel in 2015, be sure to check out these ideas:

  • Celebrating Ceilings

    • Not content to be boring any longer, ceilings in the kitchen are striving to make a statement and to make us look up using artful lighting, bulkheads, coffer ceilings, beams, windows, and classical embellishments. The wood features in this kitchen draw the eye up to a row of clerestory windows for a floating ceiling illusion.

    Ceiling1

  • Luxury Metals

    • Warmer, luxury metals like bronze, copper and even gold will shine in 2015. From large feature items like range hoods and backsplashes to small touches like faucets and light fixtures, you can dress up your everyday kitchen easily.

    hammered copper prep sink

  • Minimal Wall Cabinets

    • Open floor plans are spreading out even more by limiting or even eliminating kitchen wall cabinets, adding to the desired spacious feel and allowing for more windows.

    Minimal Wall Cabinets

  • Open Shelving

    • Not just for displays anymore, open shelving is adding to the airy open-concept kitchen design with a very personal, lived-in, practical vibe.

    Open Shelving

  • Touchable Textures

    • The shift toward natural, tactile materials like stone, wood in natural forms rather than smooth finishes and hammered metals continues to make new kitchen designs positively touchable.

    Touchable Textures1

  • Vibrant Colors

    • Move over tired, monochromatic color schemes. Vibrant hues are coming back to the kitchen! Rich, bold colors like royal blue, crimson red, and mustard yellow inspired by tribal palettes will be spicing up kitchen designs this year.

    Contemporary-kitchen-in-white-and-glossy-amaranth-red

See more photos of the trends above on our pinterest board.