4 Reasons Why Your Bathroom Needs a Steam Shower

Not only can a remodeled bathroom be a comforting oasis for any homeowner, but it also adds a showpiece that boosts a property’s curb appeal. If you’re thinking about renovating one of your bathroom’s into a Spa-Like expierience, there are plenty of upgrades to consider. Many of the most popular master bathroom designs for couples include steam showers, which use quickly heated water to envelop you in a comfortable blanket of mist. Here are four reasons why your next upgrade project should include this luxurious shower designs.

It’s Like Having Your Own Spa

For years, the only way you could enjoy a session in a steamy room was to book an appointment at a high-end spa, or take advantage of what a high end gym offered. But advances in the technology have made this treatment more practical for home use. The compact nature of a steam showers takes up significantly less space than a sauna, and the water can be ready to use at the touch of a button.

Several Health Benefits

While steam showers provide relaxation, that’s just the beginning of the benefits you’ll experience with this type of upgrade. Steam’s gentle application of indirect heat has also been shown to make people healthier in several different ways:

• Improved breathing functionality for those with allergies and upper respiratory ailments

• Increasing circulation for hypertension sufferers

• Opening skin pores to help with skin detoxification

• Shedding dead skin for a better shave and decreased razor burn

• Quicker recovery after workouts

Steam Showers Save Water

If you’re someone who likes to spend a long time in the shower, you could be using as much as 50 gallons of water every 20 minutes. With resources becoming scarce and expensive, eco-friendly home designs are more desirable than ever. A 20-minute session in a steam shower can offer the same amount of relaxation while only consuming 2 gallons.

Increased Resale Value

Because homeowners are beginning to see the benefit of this upgrade, buyers have started to place a premium on houses with steam shower designs in New Jersey and other states. If you’re thinking about selling your property in the future, this spa-like luxury could be enough to get more potential buyers through the door.

Start Steaming Today

These are just a few reasons why homeowners are including steam showers in renovated bathrooms and new construction, but there are plenty of other upgrades you can incorporate in your next project. From Bluetooth speakers to his-her bathroom vanities, you have the power to create a relaxing place to unwind after a hard day at work.

How To Create Your Dream Tuscan Country Kitchen

Have you always dreamed of living in an Italian countryside with sweeping fields of lavender and olive groves? Many of the Tuscan villas I have seen feature rustic kitchens filled with old world metals, cut stone countertops and fresh produce lining the chef’s workspace. This article is about bringing a bit of old-world decor to your kitchen here in the states. Below are some tips for giving your home a classic Tuscan feel.

Start With the Foundation

To create a warm and inviting country kitchen, you need to start with some basics. Pick out some classic and elegant Tuscan features such as wood clad Mediterranean style windows and perhaps consider doing at least 1 wall with traditional plaster. Almost every Tuscan villa has healthy live plants hanging from a wall sconce or two. You can then add any customized elements that you and your family needs such as rustic wood shelving for china plates or small appliances. Exposed brick or stone work for a wall can be an attractive feature.

Mix Brown With Colorful Patterns

Choose a warm brown color stains for most of your kitchen cabinets, tables and chairs. Be sure to allow for the natural wood grain to show through. You can pick a variety of shades such as a light walnut for the cabinets and a darker chestnut for the table and chairs to keep the look consistent while avoiding monotony. If you do want to keep the same hue throughout, try adding some pops of colored ceramic tiles on the walls or or behind the countertops.

Don’t Forget the Details

Designing your dream kitchen is all about the details. For Tuscan kitchens, that means choosing a variety of textures. For the stove, consider combining a heavy range hood made of black painted metal with a backsplash that features earthy painted tiles. Exposed beams and brushed bronze ceiling lights also add to the classic country look.

Choose Living Finishes

Metal finishes usually are coated with a sealer to limit oxidation over time.  However, old world country kitchens actually show off the untreated metal. This lets them develop a gorgeous patina as they age. These living finishes look especially great on light fixtures, cabinet hardware and faucets. Best of all, every finish ages differently, so your Italian kitchen design will be unique.

Apply Aged Stone and Weathered Wood

To add a classic feel to your renovations, choose burled wood that features plenty of mottling.  You should also look for wood that has slight color changes. This also gives tables and cabinets a weathered appearance.

Similarly, a good Tuscan kitchen design includes other materials with worn looks. Stone with a distressed finish works particularly well in a rustic-themed space.

You may also want to consider strategically displaying copper cookware and ceramic pitchers on shelves and hanging from wall hooks. Terra-cotta tiles look great on the floor, as well.

Take advantage of your local kitchen and bath renovations professionals to turn your ordinary home into a gorgeous Italian villa. Combine old-fashioned materials with classic Italian kitchen design features, and your house will be the talk of the neighborhood.

Young People Prefer Kitchen Designs With Clean Lines

What is chic in one part of the country will be different than what is fashionable in another part of the country. Trendy urban kitchen designs for young professionals in New York City will differ from younger trendsetters in Miami or Houston. The minimalist movement is sweeping the country but geography and what your local friends are doing in their kitchens has a big influence on the decisions younger homeowners are making. Young adults are gravitating toward living by the “less is more” principle. We are seeing evidence of the minimalistic preferences by the popularity of cabinetry with sharp clean lines, lacquered finishes and an industrial appearance found in kitchen magazines and Pinterest boards.

Why Clean Lines?

Clean lines are popular with young people because of a rebellious spirit to move from traditional styles. First, they stand out sharply with their geometric edges and simplicity. Clean lines in cabinetry are an easy way to make a bold statement that moves away from the ornateness a parent’s kitchen design preferences. On the other hand, they can also easily fall into the background and allow another part of the kitchen to shine through, such as a new stainless-steel chef-style cooking range or an elaborate backsplash. At one point not to long ago, custom crafted kitchen cabinetry was the star of a new kitchen.

The creation of more open space continues to be on the rise too. Stark neutrals such as glossy black, matte finishes for whites, and dark gray are common color choices due to their contrast with stainless steel and bold accent colors.

In addition to improving the kitchen’s look, the sleek style also offers more practical use of cooking space. Clean lines provide a better fit, maximizing available space and allowing for more functional countertop space. This layout encourages you to keep the area tidy so that you’ll want to show off your modern kitchen instead of keeping it hidden due to clutter.

Where Should Clean Lines Be?

The easiest and most effective way to establish clean lines is through sleek kitchen cabinet styles. Cabinetry takes up the most surface area of any kitchen. Even if the kitchen island designs has stools around curved countertops, the clean lines of the cabinets will still make the minimalizing statement.

You can match the minimalist cabinets with other décor that will complete the clean design, such as counter-depth refrigerators that don’t stick out as far as traditional fridges do and polished countertops made of elegant granite.

On the other hand, you can mix modern kitchen cabinetry for minimalists pendant lighting accents and décor to create a transitional feel. Here is a modern kitchen photo gallery that shares several styles of kitchen cabinetry blended with pops of color. This entails combining traditional and modern styles for a truly unique appearance.

Make Your Kitchen Look Fantastic With Cabinetry for Kitchen Islands

Your kitchen island is not just another place for food preparation. Kitchen islands fully equipped with stools and customized cabinetry can become a place where you gather and the visual centerpiece of your kitchen. Discover stunning kitchen island designs that can transform your outdated kitchen into your favorite room in the house.

Customize Your Kitchen Island

To get the most out of your kitchen island, consider how you like to cook and the kitchen tasks you are currently performing in your kitchen. Envision how you can minimize your efforts if you had another sink for example. Or a place to store spices, cookware and smaller appliances for example. Do you drink white wine? Perhaps a slim wine cooler under the counter would make your life more convenient? Or, you might want to use it to eat small meals before dashing off to the next event. This would require a longer countertop overhang that you can tuck your stools beneath. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to various kitchen island designs.

Get Creative

Kitchen cabinet makers in Mercer County that we work with spend decades learning their craft. These cabinet experts are highly sought after and often do custom work for individual homeowners. By browsing a wide variety of designs, you can select a style that you prefer and make your kitchen island stand out from the rest of the kitchens found in neighbors homes. Perhaps choose glass door cabinets,  to showcase gorgeous cups and bowls that would otherwise be hidden from view.

Keep in mind the ambiance that you want to cultivate. It’s a shame to face your stools away from a large window when you can enjoy the view while sipping coffee in the morning. In fact, you can even go all out and swap the stools in favor of a cozy bench complete with cushions.

Flourish in Your Kitchen

Some kitchen island designs are versatile enough for you not to notice the lack of space after your kitchen island is installed in your home. Many appreciate the easy access to utensils, pots, pans and cooking accessories. Open shelving is an excellent way to create an airy feel without compromising room for storage.

Of course, not everyone wants to be practical when designing their dream kitchen. While kitchen island designs with stools are great, other details such as wine cubbies or concealed columns that reveal shelves with a push latch can be the icing on the cake. You can even design your kitchen island with the electricity and inset to hold your microwave.

No matter your personal style, a kitchen island can be a wise investment. Explore various kitchen island designs in NJ in this modern kitchen photo gallery. You might find yourself making excuses to spend more time in your kitchen.

Kitchen Designs That Bring Families Together

Sometimes it seems that the world is conspiring to draw the members of your family away in all different directions just as you're trying to bring them together. One way that you can help encourage your family to gather together without resorting to nagging and cajoling them is with a redesign of your kitchen. The more comfortable and inviting it is, the more likely your family will be to want to hang around rather than disappearing off into their own corners of the house.

1. Comfortable Seating

Kitchen chairs have traditionally been wooden, straight-backed and not very inviting. It is understandable that your family may not want to linger long in the kitchen when there is more comfortable seating available elsewhere in the home. You can change that with the addition of cushioned bar stools, comfy seating around the kitchen table, or even a interactive video corner with seating.

2. Counter Space

The more counter space you have available, the more room there is for your family members to gather together and spread out, and the more room you have to perform your meal preparations. There are a number of ways that you can increase and maximize counter space in your kitchen, even if it is small:

• Increase the depth of your work spaces, if possible.

• Extend cabinet height to the ceiling for more storage space.

• Incorporate a kitchen island.

Kitchen islands are an increasingly common feature of contemporary kitchens because they can accomplish so much for you. Not only do you increase your available work space, but kitchen island designs with stools also provide additional spots to sit. If your kitchen is particularly large, an island can help break up the space, and the extra seating provides a place for the kids to gather even when they're involved in their own separate activities, like homework or screen time.

3. Natural Elements

Natural elements like plants, butterflies in a cool habitat just outside, grapevines, or landscape art not only make your kitchen more inviting, they help to encourage creativity in your children. Keep in mind that natural elements can be functional as well as merely decorative. For example, one of the most organic open kitchen shelving ideas involves using reclaimed wood, giving your kitchen an attractively rustic feel. Without sacrificing usefulness or efficiency, natural elements can transform your kitchen from a utilitarian space into a family room.

On your own, it can be difficult to come up with kitchen design ideas that will work with your space. Taking a look at a modern kitchen photo gallery online may help to spark your imagination.

Upgrading Your Kitchen Cabinets Will Rejuvenate Your Entire Home

Why do people instinctively gravitate to the kitchen when visiting friends and family?  As if it is baked into our DNA, most homeowners lead their guests into the kitchen, do you? Is your kitchen presentable? When renovating a home, the kitchen is often the key focus for most people.

Upgrading Cabinets Can Transform a Kitchen

Great looking kitchen cabinets add value to a home. The actual styles of cabinetry vary greatly, and it is wise to not rush into these decisions. Ideally, consider hiring a kitchen design expert to help you create the atmosphere that takes full advantage of your kitchen’s personality and matches your lifestyle. This kitchen design photo galley breaks the styles down to three basic categories.

1. Modern Kitchen Designs

2. Traditional Kitchen Designs

3. Transitional Kitchen Designs

Within in each you will find several sub categories but for this post we will keep to these 3 basic categories.

There’s Quite a Few Ways To Determine Your Style

Stripped to its essentials, your kitchen style should usually be bright and airy. However, there are many ways to achieve this, and your choices will dramatically impact the results.

Wood veneers used on cabinetry suggests a modern feel that is very trendy today. Smooth sleek lines, hidden hardware depict modern kitchen cabinetry for minimalists and aging hipsters. The more traditional style of natural wood grain, contoured woodwork and polished metal hardware are considered very classical. Be sure you buy the highest-quality custom made cabinetry. Most people are very savvy today and can recognize the cheap stuff with a glance. With either style, the right materials are essential and skilled installation to ensure a nice fit are important.

Lacquered cabinets offer a high-gloss and a very glossy finish but can be hard to clean and maintain. If you’re careful with cleaning and the lacquer is applied correctly, this finish can really lighten up a kitchen. White painted kitchen cabinets are still trending right now and we don’t see that “mister Clean” style ending any time soon.

Stainless steel is sleek and modern and is even being used successfully in traditional kitchen styles. Most contemporary designs use at least some stainless steel and professional decorators often recommend it as the central theme for high end effects.

Two new trends are natural materials for walls like bamboo and cork. Brick, stone, wood and various cloths weaves are being used for warm traditional looks. A custom kitchen design company  can help introduce you to unique designs, and cabinetry with modern styles create a cutting-edge feel to the room. Brass, copper and iron are also making a comeback for a slightly warmer look than steel.

Ideally, do your research and have some ideas to discuss with your professional interior designer before contacting them. There are so many options that matching them to your needs can be bewildering, but at least you can get a feel for what’s trending. Ultimately, they will be able to advise you regarding the best contractors to hire.

Usage of Bath and Kitchen Showrooms In Remodeling

In today’s world, people are often obsessed with finding the easiest solution to a problem even if that means the quality suffers in exchange. While a quick fix can be acceptable, if you’re the type to put more care into your home improvement projects, then visiting a kitchen and bath showroom can offer an array of benefits over an online option. There are a few things that may affect your decisions when considering future kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas.

1. Function

Interacting with a new feature or appliance in person can be the biggest influencer on how well it will fit in your home. Although an object may look nice in photos, it’s possible that the design could have some conflicts with the layout of your kitchen or bathroom. Certain cabinetry with modern styles may be difficult to open since many don’t use exposed hardware, faucets may not run the way you’d expected, and countertops or floors may have a rougher texture than you’d hoped. It is always a smart idea to visit a showroom in person to test the items you’re interested in.

2. Texture

Materials can make a world of difference in comfort and design. Online images and descriptors can only do so much for the imagination, but being able to touch a material will give you a better idea if you’d like to live with the texture for an extended period. It’s possible that the tiles you like online could be rougher or glossier than you hoped.

3. Lighting

Online images can often distort colors depending on the amount of natural vs. artificial light in the room. The only way to get a real sense of how your potential bathroom fixtures and custom kitchen cabinet designs will look upon installation is to inspect them in person. This will allow you to spot any details that may not transfer well through the camera lens.

Along with these key factors, the biggest benefit of visiting an independent showroom is the opportunity to discuss your kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas with a knowledgeable designer. The experience and insight they can offer on what is trendy and innovative in the industry will allow you to expand your horizons beyond what you may have even considered. Some of the cabinetry with modern styles uses hardware that is recessed into the cabinets. Visiting a kitchen and bath showroom in NJ that has real life samples of the materials you are interested can alleviate any questions you may have.

Design Concepts for the Perfect Master Bath

When it comes to the design of spaces you use most in your home, a little luxury can go a long way. Master bathrooms can be one of the most important rooms to invest in at home. After all, this is typically the room in which you perform your morning and evening personal hygiene routines, so you want to make sure the ambience in the master suite can help you get your day off to a good start and end your day on a good note. Some features of a outstanding master bath experience if you are part of a couple include unique shower fixtures, functional his-her bathroom vanities high-quality countertops and storage spaces.

Double Showerheads

The perfect master bath is nothing without a luxurious walk-in shower. Going beyond the simplicity of a normal tub-shower combo isn’t hard to accomplish; however, a little extra investment in this area can yield great rewards in everyday comfort and the wow factor. One feature you may want to consider in your shower is the dual showerhead. Whether increasing the pleasure of your morning bathing experience or rekindling your romance in the evening, double showerheads are one of those bath design features that you won’t regret.

His-Her Bathroom Vanities

One challenge to designing your new master suite is organizing the space you have according to your needs. While double-sink vanities have become a norm in larger homes, if personal space is a necessity for a couple, you may want to consider his-her bathroom vanities. Not only are separate vanities a stylish and elegant way of designing the flow of your master bath, they can also minimize any arguments a couple may be heading for when his and her hygiene products are separated. Having been married for many years, the beauty products, lotions, potions and hair accessories can mount up over the years. We could have avoided some arguments if only we had individual vanities those years ago.

Quartz Countertops

Another aspect to consider is the maintenance required by various countertop materials. While cultured marble and granite have been traditionally heralded as the go-to bathroom countertop materials, the nearly maintenance-free beauty of quartz is an undeniable attraction in master baths. Various engineered stones and Quartz are very attractive, often less expensive and are easier to maintain than marble. Most kitchen and bath showrooms in NJ today offer a wide selection of countertop samples for you to check out. You will be blown away by the variety.

Conclusion

Building master bathrooms for couples can add great value to your home and your life. Whether it’s the extra counterspace his-her bathroom vanities provide, the luxury of dual showerheads, or the appeal of durable quartz countertops, these are just a few of the bath design remodeling ideas that can help to create the perfect atmosphere in your home.

Smaller Galley Kitchens That Have Style

Older homes and smaller properties often have galley style kitchens. They usually consist of two parallel counter spaces that form a hallway of sorts down the center. Essentially, your kitchen is laid out in one straight line. It’s usually more efficient but often tighter than a rectangular configuration that has been so popular with cookie cutter style homes. Smaller kitchen designs often need to be more organized than larger kitchens. There’s less walking space to work with for sure. This also means less storage space and therefore the kitchen cabinetry designer needs to be well thought out.

A Typical Galley Layout

The most common galley style kitchen design is one in which the refrigerator is on one end, while the oven and range combination is on the other end across from a pantry. The sink and food prep area go in the middle on opposite sides. For smaller kitchens, you might want to stagger the sink and cooktop to give two people room to work. Ideally, the refrigerator is on the same side as the sink.

Splurge on Appliances

In a galley kitchen, you can put a bigger portion of your remodeling budget into smart appliances for kitchensto get the most use out of your smaller space. Perhaps you can invest in a smart refrigerator that offers a screen on the front for watching recipe videos and helps making a shopping list easier. Consider appliances that go under cabinets instead of on the counter to save space.

Open the Space Through Thoughtful Planning

You’ll want to avoid making your kitchen feel like a small space. Cabinetry should be efficient wall units and shelving instead of tall cabinets that go from floor to ceiling. You’ll want to choose lighter wood colors with a high-gloss finish that will reflect the light and make the kitchen feel more open. Doors and drawers without handles will make the space look cleaner. Plus, you won’t be bumping into them whenever you turn around. As with any kitchen, you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting plenty of light. Large windows that offer plenty of natural light can give the illusion of more space.

Purge Useless Gear and Appliances

Most people have kitchen cabinets filled with appliances they rarely use. In a galley kitchen, space is a precious commodity. Go through your tools and kitchen gear. Look at what you really use when you’re preparing the bulk of your meals. Storing a pasta machine when you only use it once a year is probably not a good use of space. When your cupboards are less full, you become much more efficient in your food preparation.

Smart Kitchen Design Makes Your Life More Comfortable

When your galley style kitchen design is well thought out, it makes cooking more fun. Smaller kitchen designsneed to be tackled by a kitchen designer that has some experience and can be a bit tougher than some of the larger kitchen designs we see. The younger crowd are really into smart appliances for kitchens but you would need to be considerate of the rule, less is more.

Tips for Designing a Kitchen for Young Professionals

The kitchen is one of the most important areas to design with convenience and style in mind. With the right design, prepping food, cooking, and cleaning is easier than ever. If you are a young professional, before moving forward with your plans to design a new kitchen, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your satisfaction once the remodel is complete.

Clean and Crisp Edges

One of the most prominent staples of a modern kitchen includes sleek new cabinetry, simple counter-tops, and a layout with clean lines. A modern kitchen designed for young people on the move often includes recessed hardware for cabinets, hidden hinges, and a minimalistic design. Minimize clutter in small spaces with modern storage spaces. Clean and crisp edges in a kitchen layout also helps to present a much larger and more open space for guests and for you while you are cooking.

Choosing the Right Colors

Most young professionals are moving fast but want to create an elegant and modern kitchen to entertain with when they do. Choosing the right colors for the space you have can be a key ingredient to your overall satisfaction. Avoid choosing dark colors in your kitchen such as red and blacks if you have a galley style kitchen area. Opt for colors such as white, light grey, or pale wood colors for a more natural and earthy aesthetic to give the appearance of more space. Select colors that are timeless and work well with any type of decor and accessories you have in mind. Soft colors and off whites are more versatile with most types of furniture and décor accents and will help to increase a home’s value over time. Avoid choosing extremely bright colors or cabinets and counter-tops that require a specific color scheme for optimal results.

Working With Smaller Spaces

When working with smaller spaces, smaller kitchen design options are numerous. With a smaller kitchen, consider vertical storage and cabinetry to maximize the area you have available. If possible, installing a kitchen island with additional storage below is always a great option if you have the space., Smaller appliances can be stored in the kitchen island cabinetry if you go that route. Smaller kitchen are often found in homes built before 1970. Here we recommend you find a kitchen designer for older homes to help you work within the structural limitations these homes have.

Use Smart Appliances

The younger generation of professionals enjoy using smart appliances for modern kitchens they are developing. Smart appliances range from traditional food processors, coffee makers, crock pots, and smart microwave ovens that can do anything regular ovens do. We have seen wine chillers that look like a small cabinet, intelligent toasters that never burn a piece of bread and the InstaPot multi cooker that combines 7 other appliances into one unit. So kitchen designers for young professionals need to be aware of all these appliance trends so they can help design modern kitchens that include space for these smart appliances and the power outlets they will need.

Kitchen Island Designs That You Can Dine On

Many homeowners desire a kitchen island designed for both dining as well as food preparation. Kitchen islands can create a simple alternative to a dining room without taking up too much floor space while adding value to the kitchen. As you start considering an island, consider how you want this feature to function and look. Here are a few island counter trends to consider.

Recessed Seating, Corbels, and Legs

Most kitchen islands designed with dining in mind have an overhanging surface that provides leg space and seat space without significantly increasing the overall footprint. Some overhangs do not require additional support while others have functional or decorative corbels.

Supports may be situated at the ends or middle of the island. The designer will need to factor in seating height to prevent guests or occupants from banging their knees. You can also choose a design with closed ends or open legs giving it a feel more like a table. There are also many options for shape of the seating area.

Chairs or Stools

The look and footprint of a kitchen island also depends on who is using this space. Try out chairs and stools to make sure the style you choose is easy for everyone in your household to use. The height of the countertop and seats should correspond to any physical needs. For example, seniors may require are rests for stability and children may have height limitations. Surfaces for barstool-style seating are typically 42 inches high. Don't forget to consider the profile of the arms on any standard pub height chairs you choose. These may prevent you from tucking seating under the overhang when not in use.

Surfaces and Storage

A flat island surface can provide a simple look suitable for the center of a kitchen. Tiered kitchen island designs may be desirable for creating an area where it is easy to serve food that draws attention away from the functional portion of a kitchen. This layout may even combine a standard 36-inch high kitchen counter with a 42-inch barstool-height surface.

Moveable Solutions

Consider a moveable island on casters if you use your kitchen for a variety of purposes and want to be able to relocate the surface when you are entertaining large groups. With the exception of the wheels on the bottom, these kitchen islands can have almost any type of surface and custom cabinetry.

One or more of these dine-in kitchen designs may be right for your home. Consider moveable kitchen island designs for a compact or galley-style kitchen. If you have more space, contact a kitchen designer for big homes to determine how to make the most of one or more islands in your kitchen.

What Is a Project Manager and Why Do You Need One?

If you’re considering a remodeling project, hiring a kitchen designer may seem unnecessary and you would be wrong. Most designers are highly skilled at coordinating most aspects of your kitchen makeover in addition to the design aspects.A kitchen project manager will help you coordinate all the moving parts and there can be many. While it may seem that you can save money by doing the design work yourself or by hiring your own professionals, a project manager has the expertise and experience to manage the process via a systematic approach that may save you time and money in the long run.

Here are things that a kitchen project manager can do for you during your remodeling project.

Keep the Project On Time and Under Budget

Working under the assumption that you probably have a full-time job apart from remodeling your kitchen, if you choose to handle the remodeling yourself, you’ll be squeezing the remodeling tasks around your work schedule, working frantically during your evenings and on weekends. Most contractors schedule themselves Monday through Friday between 7 am and 5:00 PM. Remodeling jobs attempted to be complete around your schedule can take a long time and often using talent that is inexperienced or less competent.We know of DIY remodeling projects that have taken years to complete.

Even if you hire quality professionals to do the work, you don’t have the time to hover over them and make sure they are working at a steady pace, and unavoidable setbacks may delay a project by even the most diligent professionals. A project manager can establish a schedule that minimize delays and keeps the project running smoothly and steadily.

Vet Professionals and Ensure High Quality

Hiring skilled and trustworthy professionals is a long process that in itself and requires a lot of time invested in research on your part. A project manager can handle this time-consuming process of qualifying candidates, reviewing project details with those estimating costs and even hiring only professionals with a proven track record of high-quality workmanship and fully insured as to protect your investment for years to come. A project manager can also handle all the confusing permits and paperwork, coordinating with inspectors directly on your behalf, and making sure that the right materials are being used on your project.

Work To Understand Your Vision

If you’re looking specifically for kitchen cabinetry with modern styles, your kitchen project manager will usually has his finger on the pulse of which cabinet makers have the flare you are looking for. A project manager is your advocate, making sure that your vision is realized, and the end result is consistent with the vision that you originally outlined for your kitchen. In other words, a project manager can take your dreams and help make them reality. A Kitchen Designer for Younger Homeowners often has all the project management skills needed and is integral to the success of the remodeling process. Therefore, it is important to consider hiring a company that provides project management in order to successfully bring your project to fruition.

Designing Your Kitchen With Clean, Modern Lines

Farmhouse kitchens are known for their well-loved clutter and antique paraphernalia. Tuscan kitchens are filled with scattered bottles of vinegars and olive oil, and hanging bundles of dried herbs. What do these two kitchen styles have in common? The cabinets may have more details in the trim, woodwork and hardware. Often there is wallpaper, window treatments or tile patterns that include traditional flourishes for style. There may be an island that is likely to be a focal point in the kitchen. The overall look of these kitchens these types of kitchens is comfortable and lived-in. There is nothing wrong with such a style, but there is a more modern movement of homeowners that are designing with clean lines in mind.

Simple and Clean

Just what does a modern kitchen without the traditional flourishes offer that would appeal to those wanting to design a new kitchen? How about a neat, well ordered, lower maintenance kitchen where food preparation and the people in it are the main event. Modern kitchen design is especially attractive to working couples or singles that like the feel of a spacious and orderly kitchen.Light color cabinetry with clean lines, unpretentious finishes and simple hardware can set the stage for a wonderful evening of cooking or entertaining.

Streamlined Design

Modern cabinetry is easier on the eye and to keep clean. A single, straight run of cabinets and sleek stainless steel appliances are popular modern kitchen design features. Or, for a more streamlined look, you may be interested in press-and-release cabinets and drawers, which require no handles at all. Good kitchen island design incorporates not just a place to cook, but also an attractive place for guests and family to gather while you cook, and may be one of the most important areas your design. Sometimes the kitchen island can double as the dining table for couples on the go.

Sophisticated Neutral Tones

Waterfall countertops on the island are a trendy design element. Natural surfaces are more monochromatic in a modern kitchen and we are seeing homeowners opting for slate, concrete, soapstone or simple quartz patterns instead of busily patterned granite or marble. Smart appliances can be common elements for some kitchen designers in central New Jersey. Just as with your kitchen island design, light color cabinetry and countertops can keep the look airy and polished. A run of travertine, single color glass tile, natural stone or continuing the countertop material creates a backsplash that complements the cool steel of built-in stainless appliances for a sophisticated, modern look, but don’t be afraid to ground the room with a hardwood floor in complementary warm tones. Ideas for designing with clean lines in mind are endless. Be open and explore a few modern kitchen design photos to see if this style appeals to you.

A Smarter Kitchen for a Better Life

The kitchen is becoming the hub for the smart home. Makes sense due to all the advances in smart home appliances that are leading the parade of IoT devices for a home. Modern kitchen designs are blazing the trails for more connected kitchens. The aesthetics, architecture, and accessories in your kitchen affect many facets for your life, not just food preparation and therefore inspires product development engineers. Check out the following kitchen design ideas to discover ways to healthfully live in your home.

Aesthetics

Color matters. The all white kitchen that is impossible to clean is likely to increase your stress and your frustration. Instead, seek out colors and patterns that provide beauty and peace when you enter the space. Semi-opaque creams and light grays promote serenity in their soft tones. Black is used as a leading color for cabinets or as a supporting color for smart home appliances. Oak is used to add subtle sophistication to your kitchen. Lastly, grid motifs round out the aesthetics with a moderate industrial look.

Architecture

The organization and layout of your kitchen gives the space character. Consider the modern industrial style for your kitchen. This look is trendy and identifiable. The style accessorizes with industry-themed accents, such as cabinet handles, rather than outfitting the kitchen with commercial grade appliances and countertops. Another architectural kitchen design idea is the modern farmhouse style. Open shelves and oak accents are reminiscent of a simpler time and way of life. Lastly, the minimalist style promotes cleanliness and warmth with its florals and bright patterns. Elements of each of these architectural designs promote peace and serenity in your kitchen.

Accessories

The trend toward wellness calls for open spaces to accommodate plants and countertop herb gardens, comfortable seating, large windows and modern kitchen design features that includes smart home appliances. Countertops are treated as accessories because they have the power to change the feel of the room. For a feeling of wellness, people tend toward marble-inspired or wood countertops. Natural colors and materials bring peace and simplicity.Some modern kitchen designs promote cabinets with a mix of finishes and knobs. Gold accents provide a sophisticated atmosphere.The most significant feature in the kitchen when focusing on wellness might be the sink.Having larger sinks and more than one faucet enables efficient food preparation, more space for cleanliness, and easier access to filtered water.

Creating a smarter kitchen can improve your life. Modern kitchen designs seek to enhance well-being through aesthetics, architecture and accessories. The color, design, and style of your smart home appliances, such as refrigerators,dish washers and waste disposal systems can promote healthy living by influencing how we deal with bacteria control. Check out the many kitchen design ideas that might make your family more efficient and peaceful in the kitchen.

Kitchens Continue To Get Smarter

For consumers who are excited about the potential of having smart appliances as part of the kitchens in their homes, designing the right space is crucial with the functionality offered by smart appliances in mind. We recommend taking to the internet and checking out trend setting kitchen appliance brands by visiting Samsung’s Virtual Kitchen, LG home appliances to see what these connected devices can do. More and more appliances are being built with IoT features that allow them to be controlled from your tablet or phone.

Watch This Video of  Samsung’s Family Hub

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLcoTRMSvHk

Connecting Across the Kitchen

There are various options when it comes to kitchen designs with smart appliances but we are seeing the larger appliances using stainless steel and black stainless steel as the two primary colors. So, designers need to blend countertops, cabinets and flooring to offset all those shiny metal finishes. Smaller smart appliances such as coffee pots, blender, and microwaves are now available as smarter devices that take advantage IoT connectivity and digital syncing. These smaller pieces of equipment take on a more traditional look similar to older appliances, although we have seen some very futuristic coffer makers and sleek new dishwashers that show off the new technology contained within.

Modern Kitchen Design Features

If you appreciate the sophistication of a modern kitchen, you can find many ideas at your local kitchen and bath showroom or swing by the Miele Appliance experience in Princeton. Expect to see lots of reflective surfaces and high-tech materials that truly catch the eye. Bring a pair of sunglasses to reduce the glare. We have found that exotic woods can add extra luxury to a kitchen that is reflecting too brightly. Seating made of polished wood or Lucite is also a popular option. Your modern kitchen designer can make smart appliances look amazing with the right color stain on your custom kitchen cabinets.

Connected Appliances May Leave Your Home Vulnerable

Those who prefer something more traditional may want to tone down the shine. Too much connectivity to the internet may lend your home too accessible to unwanted virtual intruders. The kitchen should offer the family comfort and protection from a connected world but home network security should be considered carefully. Here is a list of 10 best practices for securing your home network.

1. Research the capabilities and security features of an IoT device before purchase.

2. Perform an audit of IoT devices already on your network.

3. Change the default credentials on devices. If the device you’re considering doesn’t allow you to change the default password, choose a different device.

4. Use strong and unique passwords for device accounts and Wi-Fi networks. Don’t use common words or passwords that are easy to guess, such as “password” or “123456.”

5. Modify the default privacy and security settings of IoT devices based on your requirements, not the manufacturer’s.

6. Use a strong encryption method when setting up Wi-Fi network access, like WPA2.

7. Because many IoT devices come with a variety of services (like remote access) enabled by default, be sure to disable features and services that you may not need.

8. Use wired connections instead of wireless whenever possible.

9. Regularly check the device manufacturer’s website for firmware updates.

10. Ensure that a hardware outage does not result in an unsecure state for the device.

Kitchen Design With Smart Appliances in Mind

In many cases, we design kitchens with modern appliances that function just fine without all that flash.We will feature both polished and casual elements for a beautiful juxtaposition of style. We may disguise your smart oven and hide your refrigerator behind a cabinetry finish, as well as recommend more complementary kitchen appliances. Open space and durable seating works well with a contemporary kitchen.

We encourage you to seek out reviews online and consult with your recommended kitchen designer that that you have selected for your project.

Take a look at this modern kitchen design portfolio here to help you stimulate ideas

Designing the Perfect Smart Kitchen

For consumers who are excited about the potential of having smart appliances as part of the kitchens in their homes, designing the right space is crucial with the functionality offered by smart appliances in mind. We recommend taking to the internet and checking out trend setting kitchen appliance brands by visiting Samsung’s Virtual Kitchen, LG home appliances to see what these connected devices can do. More and more appliances are being built with IoT features that allow them to be controlled from your tablet or phone.

Connecting Across the Kitchen

There are various options when it comes to kitchen designs with smart appliances but we are seeing the larger appliances using stainless steel and black stainless steel as the two primary colors. So, designers need to blend countertops, cabinets and flooring to offset all those shiny metal finishes. Smaller smart appliances such as coffee pots, blender, and microwaves are now available as smarter devices that take advantage IoT connectivity and digital syncing. These smaller pieces of equipment take on a more traditional look similar to older appliances, although we have seen some very futuristic coffer makers and sleek new dishwashers that show off the new technology contained within.

Modern Design Features

If you appreciate the sophistication of a modern kitchen, you can find many ideas at your local kitchen and bath showroom or swing by the Miele Appliance experience in Princeton. Expect to see lots of reflective surfaces and high-tech materials that truly catch the eye. Bring a pair of sunglasses to reduce the glare. We have found that exotic woods can add extra luxury to a kitchen that is reflecting too brightly. Seating made of polished wood or Lucite is also a popular option. Your modern kitchen designer can make smart appliances look amazing with the right color stain on your custom kitchen cabinets.

 Contemporary Design Options

Those who prefer something more traditional can need only voice your opinion to tone down the shine. Too much connectivity to the internet may lend your home to accessible to unwanted virtual intruders. The kitchen should offer the family comfort and protection from a connected world. In many cases, we design kitchens with modern appliances that function just fine without all that flash.We will feature both polished and casual elements for a beautiful juxtaposition of style. We may disguise your smart oven and hide your refrigerator behind a cabinetry finish, as well as recommend more complementary kitchen appliances. Open space and durable seating works well with a contemporary kitchen.

Smart Appliance Choices

If you want to kit out the room with the best and brightest, you’ll want to splurge on all things connected. To give you some ideas of what might look amazing in your remodeled kitchen, consider visiting with a highly recommended kitchen designer in New Jersey that perhaps a neighbor used.

Putting it All Together

Choosing your favorite design style at a kitchen and bath showroom and then add modern flair by purchasing modern smart appliances. We develop kitchen designs with smart appliances all the time. The secret is in blending and balancing old world with connected world.

Contrast Is the Hottest Trend in High-End Kitchen Remodels

In most parts of the country, housing markets are booming. Smart homeowners realize they can use the equity in their houses to improve the overall value of their residential investment. Of course, few renovations are more advantageous than a kitchen remodel. If you are planning to renovate your home’s nerve center, you should think about contrasting colors when planning your new kitchen design. Here are four reasons contrast is the hottest trend in high-end kitchen remodels.

1. Contrast Is Different

Not many things are more frustrating than spending $50,000 or more on a kitchen renovation only to realize your new space looks like the builder-grade project a friend or neighbor already has. Even if you choose expensive appliances, countertops and finishes, your kitchen may not stand out without something more. Contrasting the colors found in your cabinet’s finish and the colors in your countertops is an excellent way to avoid that just-built, mass-produced look that is common in many homes.

2. Paint Is In

Wooden cabinets will probably always have a place in kitchens. Nonetheless, too much wood can appear dark, heavy and dated. By combining painted kitchen cabinets with wooden furniture, you can give your space a more stylish vibe. Try installing painted lower cabinets and wooden upper cabinets or vice versa to achieve a magazine-ready look. If you are married to the idea of having only wooden cabinets, try painting an island or banquette to achieve the contrast you are looking for.

3.Stone Is Hard To Match

With the elegant appearance and resilient surface of polished stone, marble, granite and even manufactured stone countertops have a place in any renovated kitchen. When looking through stone countertop styles, though, you probably notice that most types are varied and colorful. Matching natural variations is often impossible. When you add some contrast to your kitchen, you don’t have to worry about whether your stone countertops and cabinets match. On the contrary, the more the surfaces don’t match, the more modern your new kitchen looks.

4. Buyers Love It

If you want to list your house for sale, you should consider the real estate competition in your neighborhood. When buyers walk through your house, you want them to be wowed when compared to similar homes. A custom designed kitchen in Princeton NJ that looks and feels customized, will help potential buyers do a double-take when they see your home. If you do it right, don’t be surprised if you receive multiple offers from interested buyers.

Remodeling your home with custom kitchen cabinets is one of the smartest investments you can make. By adding some contrast to your painted kitchen cabinets and the stone countertop style you select, you take advantage of the hottest trend in high-end kitchen remodels. Remember, with a bit of contrast, you can likely create the kitchen of your dreams.

Top 6 Kitchen Design Ideas

In today’s world, your kitchen is the heart of your home. This means you must plan carefully to make sure your kitchen is both conveniently functional and stunningly beautiful. Check out these kitchen design ideas to get inspired!

1. Prioritize Function

Before you get started on completely redesigning your kitchen, make sure you’re putting function first. While having a gorgeous kitchen is important, it needs to be a place you, your family, and your guests can easily navigate. Most importantly, plan your design so you’ll be able to easily move between the fridge, sink, and stove top.

2. Enhance the Surface Space

You can’t ever have too much counter space. Redesign your kitchen with that in mind. Also, choose a surface that’s both visually appealing and easy to use and maintain. However, be aware of the limitations and drawbacks of each counter material. For example, stainless steel may be sleek and easy to clean, but it will accumulate scratches easily. You may love the look of tiles but remember that maintaining the grout can be difficult.

3. Increase Your Storage

The biggest mistake when planning your kitchen is not making sufficient room for storage. Take advantage of all the nooks and crannies in your kitchen. For instance, instead of leaving a dust-collecting gap between your cabinets and the ceiling, put additional overhead cabinets. Consider putting deep drawers that provide easy access to your pots and pans.

4. Design Wide Walkways

Ideally, your paths in your kitchen should be at least 3 feet wide. If you’re going for a larger configuration to accommodate multiple cooks, then they should be 4 feet. When preparing your walkways, adjust your kitchen island designs accordingly.

5. Get Fresh Appliances

You may want to save money by reusing old appliances, but we caution you if they look clearly outdated. You don’t want a sore thumb sticking out in what is otherwise a beautiful kitchen. Get brand new appliances and offset the costs by finding other ways to reduce expenses. For example, you don’t need to spend $100 on drawer handles when traditional kitchen hardware ideas cost less.

6. Don’t Forget the Floor

When you look at a kitchen design photo gallery like this one, you’ll see a lot of cabinets and islands. However, don’t neglect the flooring in your planning process. Consider maintenance, slip-resistance, and porosity. You may love the look of hardwood floors, but they can be slippery and prone to wear & tear near appliances. Hard stone may be a good way to go. Houzz is a great website for kitchen design ideas that won’t break the bank.

7 Bathroom Renovation Ideas for Smaller Bathrooms

Many homeowners have a thousand bathroom renovation ideas for the master bath, but when it comes to the half-bath on the first floor, ideas are often harder to come by. The space is typically small, with limited room in which to get creative. Because of this, homeowners often neglect the little bathroom.

A little thinking outside the box (or outside the bathroom) can shake things up. Here are seven small bathroom design ideas that will get those renovation ideas flowing.

1. Forget Everything You Know

Many homeowners feel stuck with a small bathroom, unsure how to create a more inviting space. The trick might be to throw out the rulebook. Rather than think of the bathroom as a smaller version of what’s upstairs, homeowners should consider bold colors and wild patterns when designing. A little bit of whimsy can go a long way.

2. Break the Budget a Little

Make the bathroom a destination for visitors by using more expensive materials, like marble tile or crystal wall sconces. Since the space is small, splurging a bit shouldn’t break the budget. At least not by much.

3. Take Time to Design Smart Storage Spaces

One way to give a small bathroom the illusion of extra space is to use storage space strategically. Built-in shelving for bathroom necessities will keep the floor clear. A floating vanity, which attaches to the wall and forgoes feet, will give the perception of empty space.

4. Add a Splash of Color

While a white color scheme suggests clean space, painting with bold, bright colors can create an exciting experience for guests. A green palette in a windowless room can emulate foliage, for example.

5. Choose Luxurious Materials

If the half-bath includes a shower, consider a floor-to-ceiling glass enclosure. Not only does the glass reflect light and suggest luxury, but because it is see-through, it will make the room appear larger than it is. Equip it with an oversized showerhead and guests may line up outside.

6. Consider the Renovation a Challenge

If the bathroom budget is small and will only allow for a few items from the kitchen and bath showroom, consider tackling some of the project on your own. Paneled wallpaper and decorative molding is an easy way to create the look of more expensive wood paneling and a chair rail.

7. Make a New (Floor) Plan

If possible, consider rearranging fixtures to give the bathroom a new look and feel. Consult a professional bathroom designer in NJ to see how difficult it might be to move a toilet or flip a shower. Here are a few more bathroom renovation ideas that may inspire you.

5 Kitchen Design Styles to Consider

Take a look at your kitchen. Does it truly encapsulate who you are as an individual or is it merely a space where you go to cook? When you are consider remodeling your home, the kitchen if often a focal point for many homeowners when entertaining family and friends.Therefore this space should represent your personality from a color and décor perspective.

1. Rustic

Rather than using marble for kitchen countertops, ceramics for flooring and nickel for cabinetry hardware, rustic kitchens typically utilize brick, stone and timber as primary materials. The appliances tend to be more vintage. Many rustic kitchens are equipped with a fireplace, allowing you to stay warm and cozy as you prepare delicious meals and entertain guests.

2. Cottage

Cottage kitchens are often designed to be unpretentious and are great if you want to infuse some life into the room. Open shelving and hardwood flooring are common components of this style. Soft colors, such as yellow and turquoise, help make the space feel airy and light.

3. Mediterranean

The goal of Mediterranean kitchens is to make you feel as though you are in an Italian, Greek or coastal French setting. Rich, warm colors, such as ocean blue, terra cotta and deep reds, are great to incorporate into this type of kitchen. The tiles you install on the floor or backsplash should be more rustic than the patterns you typically find in traditional kitchens. Texture is the name of the game with this styling, making the room truly pop when you turn the corner and see it.

4. Eclectic

With so many kitchen design ideas out there, you may feel tempted to throw everything out the window and opt for something more unusual in style. Eclectic kitchens are perfect for rebels who cannot be pinned down with any label. Eclectic kitchens generally take aspects of other styles, including modern, industrial and French country, into something wholly unique. With an artist’s touch, all these different aspects can come together to complement one another beautifully rather than clash aesthetically.

5. Craftsman

Craftsman kitchens are all about simplicity. They first rose into popularity as a reaction to mass-produced Victorian kitchens, and the Craftsman style sought to bring practicality and simplicity in Americans’ kitchens. Built-in seating and simple lighting make the room easy to navigate. These types of kitchens usually emphasize natural beauty, so rich woods make your kitchen feel lustrous and warm.

If you are on the fence about what you like most, then get in touch with an experienced kitchen designer in North Jersey. A professional can show you numerous kitchen design photos, so you get a few kitchen design ideas that they have done that may coincide with your ideas.