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Child-Proofing Your Kitchen

Your children can be an important part of your kitchen remodel, for more than just taking their color suggestions into account. It may be a good idea to design your kitchen to make it a bit safer for your kids, and easier to clean up after them.

Spills and Splatters

Kids are messy. They will drop, splatter, splash, spill and smush pretty much anything; and they might not tell you about it either. Choosing countertop options that can take more than a fair share of spills is a good idea. Quartz and Corian are great choices for the countertops, as they are strong, easy to clean, and maintain.

Rounded Edges

Rounded countertop edges are often an important part of a kitchen design with kids in mind. These edges are a lot more forgiving than sharper sides, so there is less of a risk if your child bumps into them. There are a number of different styles that feature rounded edges.

Lowered Countertops

Some homeowners will lower a section of the countertop to provide a space for their kids to help out in the kitchen. This is a great way to get your children involved in meal preparation, and passing on the traditions of cooking with your kids.

Hands-Free Faucets

Reaching faucets can be a challenge for young kids. They may forget to turn the water off, or set the temperature to scalding. Hands-free faucets reduce the risk of your child burning themselves, and can help limit the water usage in your home.

Kid-Friendly Storage

Dedicate one low to the ground cabinet to plates, bowls, cups, and utensils that are child-friendly. This way your child has everything they need without having to climb up. Consider adding refrigerator drawers to your under-countertop storage, for easy-access snack storage.

Capped Electrical Outlets

You can add covers to your existing outlets in the kitchen, to prevent kids from playing with them. Children are prone to letting their curiosity get the better of them, and outlets can be dangerous.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Should I Replace the Tiles?

Many homeowners looking to trim the budget on their bathroom remodel might consider leaving the pre-existing tile floor, but this may be more trouble than it’s worth. Today we will explore the problems that often arise when homeowners try to stick with their older tile flooring when they update the rest of the bathroom.

Old Grout

Grout can be a big issue, especially in older bathrooms. Dirt and grime can cling to grout, and it can slowly break down and loosen the tiles. By skipping out on a flooring update, you might have to redo the floor down the line, when the old grout becomes more of a problem.

Weakened Mortar

Much like grout, the mortar holding the tiles to the floor can deteriorate over time. Whereas grout can be cleaned or even replaced, the mortar under a tile cannot be reached without taking the tiles off. As time goes on tiles can loosen, and even come off completely. Water can get under these tiles, and can cause further damage to the floor below.

No Clashing

Many homeowners try to really update and change the look of the bathroom when they remodel it. By sticking with your old tile flooring, you limit the possibilities of your new design to fit the previous color scheme. One of the major reasons homeowners remodel a bathroom is because they are bored with it. By limiting your choices on the renovation, you are more likely to tire of the new design, in less time.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Spicing up Your Spice Rack

Most kitchen spice racks have too many shakers to count, most of which we don’t use as often as others. While it doesn’t hurt to have a bevy of random spices to add a bit of flair to your dish, a disorganized spice rack can be annoying to navigate while the stove is on. Below are a few ways to spice up your spice rack.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs can punch up a dish a lot more than that of the dried and flaky variety. If you aren’t afraid of trying out your green thumb, consider growing a few herbs in your kitchen window. Parsley, basil, sage, and rosemary are relatively easy to care for, and can be a great addition to your kitchen decor. Add a bit of fresh green color to your kitchen space with a windowsill herb garden.

Switch to a Spice Drawer

Storing spices in a drawer can give you more overhead space for dishes, and can make it easier to access more of your spice collection. You can rest all the spice containers on their sides to read the labels easier, or use a label maker with a deep drawer to find just what you need.

Magnetic Spice Racks

Store your spices on the cabinet doors, with magnetic spice racks. There are 2 different styles of magnetic spice racks. The first uses magnetic shelves that connect to the inside of the door, upon which the jars and shakers are placed. The other option is attaching a magnetic sheet to the inside of the door, and keeping your spices in metal canisters.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Pros and Cons of Wall-Mounted Toilets

Wall-mounted toilets are growing in popularity for their sleek and sturdy, modernist style. While these stylish commodes can cost a bit more than your average potty to install, there are clear advantages and disadvantages here. To figure out if a wall-mounted toilet is right for your next remodel, we will explore the pros and cons of them.

Mounting

A wall-mounted toilet requires the tank to be built into the wall, and is installed in between wall studs for support. This can be difficult to place in some bathrooms, simply because of the placement of the studs. This can mean a more costly installation than a run-of-the-mill model.
Height is adjustable upon installation. Wall mounted toilets can be a good solution for taller residents, as you can determine the amount of space between the toilet and the floor below. Most municipalities allow between 15 and 19 inches of space between the floor and the bowl.

Space Saver

Wall-mounted models are usually more compact than a floor-mounted toilet. By installing the tank into the wall, you can save an average of 10 inches in front of it. This can be vital to keeping smaller bathrooms up to building codes.

Costly Install

Compared to a more traditional toilet install, a wall mounted toilet can be a decent amount more. Opening the wall is required for this, so it is better off to do this if you intend to change the whole design of the walls. Additionally, it can be difficult to match pre-existing tiles to fill in the space on the floor once occupied by a traditional toilet, so it is often a good idea to just replace it.

Cleaning

Wall-mounted toilets hover over the ground, and are generally sleeker than a traditional bowl. This helps make cleaning and bathroom upkeep easier. No more trying to get the mop in the space below the tank.

High-Efficiency

While most wall-mounted units are installed with a panel to access the plumbing in the event of a plumbing issue; most of these models are designed for high-efficiency. Many have strong, low-water flushes, to maximize efficiency. Some models will also have dual-flush systems.
To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Using Bamboo in Your Kitchen Design

Bamboo is quickly becoming a more popular material for kitchen design. It is used for a number of surfaces in the kitchen. Bamboo is gaining popularity because it is inexpensive and sustainable. Bamboo can be used as flooring, countertops, cabinets and more.

Bamboo Styles

Bamboo flooring and countertops costs about the same as most domestic hardwood options. Bamboo grains usually manufactured in three different ways. Vertical bamboo has a uniform, striped look. Horizontal bamboo shows the grains and “knuckles” that are unique to the material. Strand woven bamboo makes an interlocking design. This style is the most durable and the most expensive type, but it is still not as expensive as many exotic woods.
Bamboo comes in a number of stains and finishes, so there is a good amount of colors and shades that will fit your kitchen’s style. Lighter finishes are often used in modern kitchen designs, while darker bamboo finishes soften contemporary style without losing style.

Maintenance

Bamboo has very low maintenance and upkeep issues. Unlike some hardwoods that need regular oiling, bamboo can stay looking good as new with some warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. With rough treatment, the wood can become scratched up; so avoid using chairs without a soft buffer on the legs. Bamboo can be harder than oak or maple with the right treatments. This is why bamboo can be utilized to make sturdy cabinets or countertops.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Increasing the Sale Value of Your Bathroom

The kitchen and bathroom are often the first rooms in the home to be updated for an upcoming sale. But it is important to invest into the parts of the room that matter to potential buyers. The three selling points to a newly renovated bathroom are low maintenance surfaces, brightness, and energy efficiency.

Low Maintenance Surfaces

Materials and finishes that reduce cleaning and care can be a huge selling point for potential buyers. Marble can be a lavish upgrade, but it’s general upkeep can make it less desirable for those looking to buy your home. Quartz can be a good middle ground; because it is still a high-end countertop, but with much less maintenance requirements.
It is also important that fixtures and faucets also follow this low maintenance philosophy. Brass can be a good investment. Brass faucets are durable and do not corrode as easily as others, and requires very little maintenance to keep it looking as good as new.
Glass shower doors are vital for a newer bathroom space, as most people are moving away from shower curtains. While curtains can be a cost-effective option, but most homeowners prefer glass doors. Make sure that the glass doors that you have installed have been treated with anti-spotting agents that will reduce upkeep and keep them looking clean for longer.

Bright Bathrooms

A bright, well-lit bathroom can be a big selling point for potential buyers. The brighter the room, the larger it will seem. Windows and skylights can be a great addition to a bathroom, and can add a lot of natural lighting to the space. Much like in a kitchen, lighting in different areas can be important. The vanity and shower should be especially well-lit. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or a glossy tile backsplash can help make the most of your lighting.

Energy Efficiency

Energy savings are one of the biggest selling points on today’s market. The potential of saving money on utilities can be vital to closing a sale. Most home buyers will look to energy efficiency for both environmental and economic reasons. The first place to start is a tankless water heater. Low-flush toilets and low-flow faucets can reduce water use. Radiant floor heating will make use of your plumbing to heat the room. This can be especially effective with tile flooring.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Common Elements of a Scandinavian Style Kitchen

Scandinavian design has been growing more and more popular in recent years for a number of reasons. The interior design style combines inexpensive materials with simple colors and muted textures to create a minimalistic approach to home decor that is both budget-friendly and beautiful. But what exactly makes a kitchen Scandi-style?

Let in the Natural Light

Winters are long and dark in Scandinavian countries, so designers there try to emphasize natural light whenever possible. Maximising the amount of natural light in a space is the first step of creating a Scandinavian inspired kitchen. Window treatments, such as curtains, are often absent. If they are used, they are usually lightly-colored or sheer.

Muted Colors

White is the best color to have in a home where natural light is welcome. Much of Scandinavian color schemes use a lot of white, with additions of neutral tones and muted hues. When colors are utilized, they are kept soft and understated. This keeps the space bright and uniform, but isn’t bland. Soft, dark blues or greys may act as accent colors.

Wood

Wood elements are crucial to Scandinavian style homes. Floors and cabinets are usually wood. As soft colors and neutral tones are key to a Scandi-style space, lighter woods such as beech, ash, and pine are often implemented. Wood elements are often not stained or painted, to show off the natural color of the material.

Decluttering

A Scandinavian Style kitchen keeps things minimalist. Keeping the home free of clutter is important in Scandi-style design. Organized cabinetry is a great way to keep the space decluttered. If open shelving is employed in the space, they are usually used sparingly, to stop the room from looking too cluttered. Simple accents highlight the room. Even the walls are kept decluttered. While art pieces are welcome in a scandi-style room, they are often spaced out, and kept small. Bare walls and blank spaces are common.

Plants

Bringing life to the room is also very important to Scandinavian style. Potted plants can be a perfect accent point in a kitchen, and can add a pop of color. Choose plants that thrive with plenty of natural light.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Pebble Tile for Bathroom Renovations

Ever stand on a riverbank, felling the smooth pebbles beneath your feet, as the water flowed by? What if you could capture that feeling in your home? Pebble tiles give you a chance to capture the beauty and peace of the river’s edge in your home. These unique tiles create a blend of tranquility and style for any bathroom.

What are Pebble Tiles?

Pebble tiles are crafted ceramic or porcelain tiles, shaped to look and feel like river pebbles. They are grouted in place, just like any tile. But they create a mosaic of natural shapes and curves throughout the floor. The smooth, raised bumps of the stones create a spa-like feel on your feet. The subtle curves of the pebbles create a shiatsu experience for your bare feet. Pebble tiles often come in either solid colors or a blend. “Sliced” pebble tiles are a style of these tiles, where the tops of the stones are cut to be flat. While this takes away some of the appeal of these tiles, some homeowners prefer this to the slightly raised bumps of the stones. Sliced stones are also popular for walling.

Where are They Used?

While a whole bathroom space can be outfitted with pebble tiling, it is very common for homeowners to use the pebbles in the shower specifically. Pebble tiles can also be used along the walls, and are often employed to create beautiful, multicolored patterns on the walls of the shower. Pebble tiles can also be implemented into the vanity, or as a backsplash. Sliced pebble tiles are more popular for vanities than the rounded options.

Pebble tiles are great for “borderless” bathrooms that do not separate the shower from the rest of the room. Glazed ceramic pebble tiles have a naturally wet look, so the style can carry throughout the room seamlessly. 

Drawback of Pebble Tiles

Although pebble tiles can help you create the perfect spa-style bathroom, they do have one drawback. As with most tiles, the grout will require cleaning just as often as a normal tile. But due to the smaller nature of the tiles, there will be more area for the grout overall. Maintaining a clean grout will help keep your bathroom looking incredible.

 

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

 

Connecting With the Outdoors in the Kitchen

It may sound crazy, but one of the best ways to connect with the outdoors may just be from inside your kitchen. Many homeowners are deciding to redesign their kitchen to be more nature-oriented. There are a few ways you can upgrade your kitchen by bringing it back to nature.

Natural Light

While natural light and windows are vital to a kitchen, many interior designers have been focusing on it even more than in previous years. Skylights and large windows are becoming increasingly popular.
Some homeowners are adding glass doors to kitchens that lead out to entertainment spaces in the backyard. Connecting your outdoor space or patio to your kitchen makes entertaining easier, and more seamlessly blends the kitchen with the outdoors.

Natural Wood

While wood cabinets are common in homes across the world, not every kitchen makes use of wood elsewhere. Hardwood or bamboo floors can be a great fit for a home that is looking for a more natural feel in the kitchen. Hardwood floors in particular have been rising in popularity for kitchen renovations for a while, and it seems that the trend will continue. Butcher block or bamboo are very popular choices for countertops now.

Quartz

Quartz is a beautiful, high-end option for kitchen countertops. The material is anti-microbial, easy to maintain, hardy, and long-lasting. The most popular colors for quartz right now are neutral tones, such as grey, taupe, and cream. Neutral hues of Quartz go well with natural lighting and can pair nicely with many natural wood colors.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Making a Statement With Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks are making a big splash in 2019! Vessel sinks, also referred to as basin sinks, feature large bowls that sit on top of the vanity. This style adds elegance and style to the vanity, and can be an eye-catching part of the bathroom. Breaking away from more traditional drop-in or undermount style sinks, vessels are installed on top of the vanity itself.

Styles of Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, styles, and materials. They are most commonly in round or oval shapes, but they can also be found in square or rectangular models. Glass and ceramic are the most popular materials for sinks of these style; although some manufacturers will craft them out of natural stone, marble, copper, and even exotic woods. Because the vessel is top mounted, you can have more counter space on the vanity than with a more traditional style of sink.

Creating an Elegant Bathroom

A vessel sink brings plenty of style to a bathroom. It adds class to a bathroom in a way similar to that of a chandelier in the dining room. The basin becomes a statement piece, akin to a sculpture. Basin-style sinks are popular for powder rooms and bathrooms that are available to guests when company comes around for this purpose.

Making the Space Feel Larger

Vessel sinks can make a room feel bigger. Since the vanity that utilizes a vessel sink is usually built lower, there is more space between the counter and the ceiling. This helps smaller bathrooms appear more spacious.

Further Remodeling

Vessel Sinks are also good for when you decide to renovate again. Because the only hole required in the vanity is for the drain, you can easily swap out a vessel sink for a new one without the need to create a whole new vanity.

 

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.