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!
NKBA Event with Ellen Cheever February 2020
It was great attending this educational event hosted by Caesarstone at Café La Cave! Ellen Cheever, one of the very first educators in the kitchen and bath industry, an icon and inspiration to me and many other designers is giving her farewell address to the industry. She will be missed but leaves behind a phenomenal legacy to generations of kitchen and bath designers!
“Best Of Houzz” Badge for Service 2020
I would like to thank my wonderful clients who took the time and effort to post reviews about our work together. You are the reason that we’ve been able to be awarded a “Best of Houzz” badge for Service since 2017!
Visit our Houzz page to take a look and be inspired: https://www.houzz.com/pro/catherineschager/catherine-schager-designs.
Exciting Announcement!
We are proud to announce that Catherine Schager Designs is now a dealer for Greenfield Cabinetry and Siteline Cabinetry. We are excited to be able to offer these custom-made, high-quality cabinet options to our clients in-house. This will allow us to better streamline the process for our clients. Better control over the process equals a faster time to completion, something every homeowner can appreciate. Being an official dealer for Greenfield and Siteline also gives us the ability to offer our clients excellent quality cabinetry without the showroom overhead adding to the budget. Win-win-win for everyone involved!
Both cabinet lines are part of The Corsi Group, cabinetmakers that offer custom-made cabinetry with a special blend of old world attention to detail, combined with modern technical expertise.
Greenfield Cabinetry prides itself on creating superbly crafted, richly finished cabinets filled with a huge array of options for organization and convenience. They offer a myriad of styles, finish combinations, materials, and accessories. Here is a bathroom project we completed using Greenfield Cabinetry. The clients chose the Estridge door style in composite veneer with Quartered Wenge finish. Stunning!
Siteline Cabinetry offers style for miles! They are a made to order cabinetry company with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that allows them to deliver in less than the typical custom cabinet lead-time while still creating gorgeous, high-quality cabinets. They also offer a huge variety of styles, finish combinations, materials, and accessories to fit any tastes. Here’s a master bathroom project we completed using Siteline Cabinetry’s Libby door style in Cotton with grey glaze. Simply beautiful!
Stay tuned for more Greenfield and Siteline projects! Scroll through more images for both of these cabinetry lines on our pinterest board.
Innovative Cabinet Storage and Organizing Trends
- At September 10, 2018
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
0
Last week we showed you some of the exciting cabinet trends in 2018 that are making our kitchens and bathrooms a feast for the eyes. But what about when you open those lovely doors and drawers to the storage spaces within? One of the biggest trends in 2018 cabinetry is organization. The options are simply fabulous! Scroll through the images below for a look at some of the innovative storage and organizing solutions available to turn our cabinets into functional, orderly spaces:
Pullouts and Deep Drawers
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- Greenfield Dinnerware Drawer
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- Greenfield Rollout Storage
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- Greenfield Pot and Lid Drawers
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- Greenfield Adjustable Organizer
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- Greenfield Peg Drawer
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- Greenfield Canister Pullout
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- Dura Supreme Vertical Tray Storage
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- Dura Supreme Spice Pullout
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- Greenfield Baking Drawer
Appliances and Cleaning
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- Greenfield Sink Pullout Drawer
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- Dura Supreme Sink Pullout
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- Wood-Mode Trash Pullout
Drawer Storage
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- Dura Supreme Spice Drawer
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- Greenfield Tech Drawer
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- Greenfield K Cup Drawer Insert
Corner Storage
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- Greenfield Corner Pullout
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- Dura Supreme Corner Pullout
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- Greenfield Corner Organizer
Bathroom Storage
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- Rev-A-Shelf Vanity Drawer
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- Rev-A-Shelf Hamper Pullout
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- Dura Supreme Bathroom Pullout
Check even out more kitchen and bath organizing options in our pinterest board.
Exciting 2018 Cabinet Trends
How would we function without kitchens and bathrooms? We couldn’t! Cabinets are integral to the comfort, function and design of these vital rooms. So just what do homeowners desire most in new cabinetry today? Beautiful and functional options abound. Here are some of the trends exciting homeowners most in 2018:
Transitional and contemporary styles are growing in leaps and bounds. Shaker cabinets continue to be highly popular as well as timeless white, both of which work well for transitional style kitchens. Homeowners who seek sleek contemporary or modern styles are often opting for flat panel and slab door cabinets. Homeowners are frequently mixing in glass door cabinets with interior lighting and open shelving is increasing in popularity.
Left: Northbrook White Kitchen; Right: Lincoln Park Condo Kitchen both by Catherine Schager Designs
Two-tone cabinets are on trend with any style, often with light perimeter cabinets and contrasting dark island cabinetry. Dark wood stains are most popular for the contrasting color but personalized color choices are making a comeback too with homeowners often opting for shades of blue and green. Chameleon neutrals are gaining interest – colors that look slightly different from various angles and in different lighting. Modern cottage and modern farmhouse styles are growing in popularity too. The “X” motif is becoming a common sight, either in cabinet doors, chair backs, or on the ends of island cabinetry.
Another huge trend is mixing an opaque and a stain or a stain and a glaze to create an array of flexible and personalized color choices.
Heavy wood grain finishes are popular even in sleek, contemporary cabinets. Laminates are becoming more popular, especially with new technology that allows realistic wood looks. Tailored shiplap is also on trend.
Left: Dura Supreme Laminate Skyline Walnut by Kitchen Design Partners (photo by Dennis Jourdan); Right: Dura Supreme Bria Sterling Ash textured laminate from 1st Choice Cabinetry (photo by Greg Scott Photography)
Pale wood and raw wood looks are on the rise as finish choices, as is accepting wood imperfections. Oak had fallen off in use for a while but it is once again a popular choice, including cerused oak finishes. Weathered and distressed finishes are popular and not just for traditional or farmhouse styles. Adding a splash of rustic to transitional styles is a currently popular trend too.
Left: Greenfield Qtr Sawn White Oak; Right: Greenfield Knotty Alder with Heavy Distressing
All these gorgeous cabinet options are a treat for the eye, but don’t you want to open these doors and see orderly, functional storage spaces? That essential cabinet function is top of the list for homeowners. Stay tuned for latest in cabinet inserts that make storage a breeze.
Left: Spa Retreat Master Bath; Right: Delightful Contemporary Update both by Catherine Schager Designs
Check out our pinterest board for more cabinet styles and finishes. What is your favorite?
2018 Styles and Trends in Countertops and Accessories
- At June 15, 2018
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
- 0
Let’s talk countertops. Whether your kitchen is small and cozy or large enough to entertain a crowd and equipped enough make Emeril jealous, your countertops are center stage. They take up a lot of real estate and there’s no hiding them away in the cupboard when company comes, so your best bet is to make sure you love them. Here’s the fabulous news: if you prefer a sedate look, a well-chosen countertop style can blend quietly into your overall design; but if you’re looking for a design statement piece, nothing adds personality and pizzazz to a kitchen (or bathroom) like countertops! Of course, nothing gets as much wear and tear either, from food prep to entertaining to homework (need we mention science projects?) so homeowners often wisely choose a gorgeous workhorse, like granite or quartz. Read on for a quick rundown of the newest trends and styles we’re seeing in 2018.
Materials
While are many wonderful materials to choose from, some are more work than others. Marble and wood tend to stain and are more easily damaged. Soapstone is durable but has little variety. This keeps people coming back to our previously mentioned workhorses, granite and quartz. Both are excellent choices. Granite used to be the reigning champ because it can often be found in jumbo-sized slabs and can be found in many unique designs.
Recently, quartz has taken the lead. Advancements have produced new, jumbo slabs that have closed the size gap. Dozens of color, style, and design options are now available. Quartz countertops can look like marble, granite, or even wood or concrete. Quartz is easy to clean and maintain and it’s nearly as indestructible as granite. (Granite still takes the hottest temps better.) Quartz is non-porous, so it won’t soak up any sloshed morning java or the red wine you sip while making dinner. Since quartz is engineered, the patterns are consistent, a plus for some tastes. (Others prefer the imperfections and uniqueness of granite.) Lastly, quartz is easier to keep germ-free. All those lovely pores and imperfections in granite not only soak up stains, they can also harbor germs, requiring harsher cleaning agents. There’s no place for germs to burrow and grow inside quartz. (Did you know bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes? All it takes is one germy cell phone on the counter…)
Textures
Polished finishes are still the most popular, but textures like matte are gaining attention. For example, Silestone offers polished, suede, and volcano finishes (below). All are non-porous and smooth to the touch, but the textures can add character and help hide flaws and scratches.
Silestone textures (polished, suede, volcano)
Caesarstone US is on top of the rising “urban industrial” kitchen design trend with a line of rugged concrete look quartz options that simulate a weathered patina.
Caesarstone Metropolitan Collection
Colors
2018 said goodbye to bright colored countertops and welcomed in a neutral color trend. Grays, beiges and white are popular in a variety of more soothing patterns and natural stone looks. Here are a few neutral bathroom countertops our own clients have chosen with beautiful results.
LCO Misterio from Vicostone; Vista Blanco from Marble Emporius; Travertine look-alike quartz
Cambria USA has dozens of neutral quartz designs in their lineup, like these stunning examples:
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- Cambria Brittanicca Gold
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- Cambria Brittanicca Warm
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- Cambria Delgatie
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- Cambria Highgate
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- Cambria Ironsbridge
Sinks
Composite sinks are gaining popularity in the kitchen and stone vessel sinks are being seen more and more in bathrooms. Aren’t these options from Stone Forest just lovely?
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- Stone Forest Carrara Milano Vessel sink
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- Stone Forest Onyx Wabi Vessel Sink
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- Stone Forest Onyx Wabi Vessel Sink
Faucets
Nickel and chrome finished faucets are still common choices, but brass finish is another growing trend. Whichever finish is chosen, faucet styles are trending toward either modern and streamlined or industrial and utilitarian, like the beautiful examples below.
Henry faucet by Waterworks in brass; NYC Apt of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen (Zillow listing)
Yaquina cross handle faucet from Rejuvenation in brass finish
Tolson faucet from Rejuvenation in brass finish
See more images from these current trends on our pinterest board. What do you think about the trends toward neutral, natural, modern and industrial?
Spa Retreat Master Bath
This was an unexpected update for my clients. They discovered they had a mold issue and had to rip down several walls. The client called me in a panic asking if I thought it made sense to just close it back up and keep it the way it was and then re-do down the line or remodel now. I suggested remodeling now instead of essentially doing it twice. We worked with mostly in-stock materials, although the splurges were the tub and the custom shower doors. We utilized the Siteline cabinetry line that I offer to keep costs down but still have great quality. The clients are thrilled with the outcome.
Check out our Spa Retreat Master Bath project on Houzz for more images and details on materials used.
What’s Happening in Western Springs?
- At February 14, 2018
- By catherineschager
- In Uncategorized
- 0
We are proud and excited to be included in Michael Menn’s renovation of a lovely home in Western Springs. As part of the overall renovation, we’ve been called in to work on the kitchen, mudroom, first floor powder room and master bath. We’ve worked closely with architect Bonnie Rosenburg of the Michael Menn team to create fresh and updated spaces. Here are some “before” photos! Stay tuned for the finished project sometime in March or April!
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- Western Springs Kitchen BEFORE
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- Western Springs Kitchen BEFORE
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- Western Springs Kitchen BEFORE
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- Western Springs Kitchen BEFORE
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- Western Springs Master Bath BEFORE
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- Western Springs Master Bath BEFORE
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- Western Springs Mudroom BEFORE
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- Western Springs Mudroom BEFORE
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- Western Springs Powder Room BEFORE
Radiant Renovations REVEALED!
- At February 08, 2018
- By catherineschager
- In Uncategorized
- 6
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:
AFTER:
The finished design is just divine!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
