Category: Design
5 Master Closet Design Ideas That Pop
Your master suite is a sanctuary and you want the space inside to reflect that feeling. From the bedding you choose to a host of other amenities, there are a lot of ways to make your master suite a peaceful oasis. Your master closet is an extension of this relaxing environment, and by making the right choices, your master suite closet can become a focal point of the suite.
Here are five of the most popular design ideas in master suite closet design that can help you achieve this.
1. Interior Colors
The wood color that you choose for your closet’s interior will make a big impact, so it’s important to choose one that you like best. The most popular choices are dark, natural and white wood.
Project Spotlight: Vibrant Custom Ranch Home with a Magnificent View
Glenn and Maureen lived out of state, but they visited Lancaster County often over the years and grew to love the area. They dreamt of someday relocating to this area and retiring here. That dream came true in 2019 when they made the move and had a custom ranch home built by Metzler Home Builders. When looking for a home in Lancaster County, they had specific design ideas in mind, especially in regards to elderly parents and handicap accessibility. When they couldn’t find that in an existing home, they opted to go the route of building a new home. This enabled them to design the flow of the home to meet their specific needs.
Glenn and Maureen connected with a local realtor who helped find the perfect lot – one with beautiful farmland views for miles. The realtor also provided them a few options of builders to reach out to. After doing their research, they chose Metzler Home Builders. They loved the idea of working with a fourth-generation business, and one who would build exactly what they were looking for, not “a builder who modifies a handful of standard floor plans and calls it custom.”
Basic Is Better: The Versatility of Neutral Kitchen Colors
Neutral colors are often underrated, but they can be used in various ways and will never go out of style. When it comes to kitchen color, white is still the dominant option. It is always on the top of the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA’s) annual Design Trends Survey of the most popular kitchen color. However, there are plenty of other neutrals that can work well, too. This article will discuss the versatility of neutral kitchen colors and some of the best ways to use them!
But what if you want to add color to your kitchen? Here are a few ways you can easily add a pop of color to make your kitchen look fresh and fun.
New Window Treatments
Replace neutral blinds and curtains with window treatments that are eye-catching and bright. Select a solid color that matches your kitchen decor, or if you’re feeling extra spicy, choose window treatments in a stylish, bold print.
Gorgeous & Functional Kitchen Ideas
The kitchen is not just for preparing meals. Some of the fondest family moments occur in this room as you try a new recipe or share a plate with your loved ones. The kitchen is also an expression of your lifestyle. Cabinets, countertops, and floorplan designs reflect your style and personality. The good news is you can create a gorgeous and functional kitchen—one of your dreams—regardless of its size. Here are some ideas to consider before you meet with any remodeling firm about a kitchen remodeling project.
Pick a Neutral Color
Neutrals are so versatile, and a neutral kitchen can be the perfect canvas to personalize your space, with colorful rugs, glassware, drawer pulls, fixtures and more.
Project Spotlight: A Haven for Outdoor Living Lovers
Michael and Sharon are outdoor-loving people. They enjoy entertaining family and friends, grilling or just relaxing outside listening to music. They purchased a home several years ago that Metzler Home Builders had built just a few years before that. The original back porch was not adequate for their entertaining needs. They decided to add an outdoor living area with a covered patio and wanted it to look like it was built with the original home. Since they were from out of the area, they weren’t familiar with Metzler’s. They knew they had a quality-built home, though, and since Metzler’s had the blueprints and specifics of the original materials used in construction, it was an easy decision on who to use for their patio project. Tim Zehr, the Senior Designer/Estimator, created CADD drawings of the existing home with the new covered patio. Michael and Sharon were able to make changes to the CADD drawing to suit their taste and budget before the project began.
Leading Bathroom Design Trends
The bathroom can be one of the most used rooms of the house. It’s also a room that requires special attention to comfort and durability, as well as functionality. Bathroom trends have changed drastically over the years and will continue to do so. Here are some of the most popular bathroom design trends that are influencing current design.
Touchless Sensors and Smart Home Controls
Smart home technology for the bathroom is a growing trend with no signs of slowing anytime soon. Approximately 12.8 million people in the U.S. use voice assistance, such as Alexa, Google and Siri, at least monthly, according to eMarketer, and the bathroom is no exception. With voice control, you can adjust smart lighting or use your smartphone to update a music selection. Smart showers allow you to digitally control the water temperature, so you never have to step into a scalding hot shower again. Rain showerheads with LED lighting and Bluetooth built-in speakers can set the mood. Motion sensor faucets and smart toilets make a beautiful addition to any bathroom.
Wall Mount Floating Vanities
Although the crisp lines of floating vanities are generally seen as contemporary, the versatility in storage, along with an array of configurations, make wall mount floating vanities an attractive choice for any bathroom. Because they do not take up any floor space, they create an airy, clean feeling in the space. They also make cleaning the bathroom floors much easier.
Large-Format Tiles
Tiny mosaic tiles are beautiful, but there is a growing movement toward large-format tiles on bathroom walls. This tile style can make a room feel luxurious. With fewer grout lines, not only is it easier to clean, but it takes less material to achieve the same visual effect.
Wood-Look Tiles and Heated Flooring
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) report, porcelain and ceramic continue to be top-ranking materials for the bathroom, much in part to their versatility. As a result, consumers can expect to see more use of porcelain and ceramic tiles that mimic natural hardwood and marbles, as biophilic design continues to gain momentum, particularly in the bathroom. While not new, heated flooring has become increasingly popular. Not only do they offer that spa-like touch, but they are great for keeping your feet warm.
Space-Saving Soaking Tubs
While showers are still taking up more of the bathroom layout footprint, the tub is no longer sacrificed. The pandemic has only increased homeowners’ desire for relaxation, making soaking tubs a top bathroom feature. The Houzz bathroom trends study notes that freestanding, flat-bottom tubs will be more popular than clawfoot models or other decorative bases; many options do more in less space.
Backlit Mirror and Medicine Cabinets
According to Houzz, 77% of homeowners install new mirrors during a major bathroom renovation, and most now choose illuminated mirrors that offer soft ambient lighting without adding unwanted glare or reflections. When dimmed, this embedded feature can double as a nighttime bedroom nightlight.
Smart Toilets
According to the NKBA 2021 design trends report, smart toilets and bidets are becoming more common in post-pandemic bathroom design. Smart toilets have self-closing lids and touch-free flushing, which greatly reduces touching surfaces that typically have a lot of germs. Some even offer self-cleaning technology, such as a bacteria-killing light under the lid.
Ready to dive into your bathroom design project? Contact us to schedule a consultation.
How Kitchen Material Selections Affect Indoor Air Quality
The things you put inside your home can greatly affect your health. Building materials, stains and paints, flooring, furniture, fabrics, and glues can all impact your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). These pollutants are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They can cause respiratory irritation, headaches or other health problems. However, with the proper information and using the expert guidance of your remodeling professional, you can reduce indoor pollutants in your home.
The Kitchen
Items in the kitchen can have VOCs being emitted into the air, degrading the indoor air quality. These compounds can be emitted from the countertops, cabinets and flooring.
Not to worry, though. If this is a concern for you, there are ways to improve the indoor air quality in your kitchen simply by making smart material choices.
Countertop Materials
Countertops can contain additives that can break down and re-release themselves into the environment. For that reason, keep these points in mind during discussions with your professional remodeling firm on how countertops can be less intrusive to your home environment.
- Countertops that are made of natural stone (i.e., granite, slate, marble) or wood are the most sustainable and low-emitting options.
- Look for finishes that demonstrate the use of low chemical or particle emissions. Additionally, select a finish that is water-based and low-VOC rated as opposed to a petroleum distillate.
- Ask your contractor to use an adhesive that is low-VOC rated to install the countertops. Or, instead of adhesives, they may consider mechanical fasteners instead.
Kitchen Cabinets
There are many articles online about how kitchen cabinets contain formaldehyde, which is used in the adhesives to bind composite wood. This is true, but it’s not something to be scared of once you fully understand the context. According to the Kitchen Cabinets Manufacturers Association (KCMA):
“All wood species, and therefore all wood products, contain and emit small amounts of formaldehyde. An oak tree, for example, emits 9 parts per billion (ppb) of formaldehyde … Formaldehyde also is found in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, seafood, meats and coffee.”
All cabinetmakers use composite wood in the construction of cabinets, but they are not the only ones to use composite wood in construction. It is a vital material for the industry as a whole, but it is especially essential with cabinetmakers who build cabinets. Urea-formaldehyde adhesives are used to bind these materials together, which allow them to stand up to the durability and performance that homeowners expect while providing an appealing aesthetic.
Although you usually cannot avoid composite wood totally, this industry is regulated. Since 2013, all pressed wood sold in the United States must be California Air Resource Board (CARB) compliant, made with ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) or no-added formaldehyde (NAF). These standards are the lowest in the world!
Keep in mind that although we are discussing kitchen cabinets, formaldehyde can be emitted from many other products you bring into the home. Here are some actions you can take to minimize exposure to formaldehyde:
- Ventilation is key when introducing any new products into the home. Open windows to bring in the fresh air and use fans to circulate the air. Keep in mind that the best-ventilated rooms in the home are already the kitchen and bath.
- Wood holds up best when heat and humidity are consistent. Monitor humidity levels in the winter and summer, which tend to be extremes of dry and humid, respectively.
Flooring Materials
Here are some things to consider when you are choosing flooring options for your home.
- Polished concrete or tile are great choices for zero-VOC, as they are inert and do not emit anything toxic.
- Most brands of engineered wood are eco-friendly with low-VOC. Look for a plywood or solid slat core, and a stain/varnish that is zero-VOC.
- Natural linoleum is made of all-natural products and is one of the greenest flooring options available today.
- For other parts of the home, natural wood floors are a great low-VOC choice, although it isn’t always the best option for the kitchen and bathrooms because of wet conditions.
- If you choose to lay down rugs on the hardwood or ceramic tile flooring, avoid synthetic or vinyl rugs. These emit higher amounts of VOCs.
Thoughtful selection choices during the renovation process can greatly improve your home’s indoor air quality. We can help you make selections based on wellness, durability and aesthetic appeal.
Contact us so we can learn more about your specific needs and make a plan together.
Customize Your Interior: Plumbing & Faucet Selections
Plumbing & Faucet Selections
When building your home or starting an addition/renovation project with Metzler Home Builders, your plumbing and faucet selections will be one of the first interior decisions that you’ll need to make, as plumbing rough-ins generally happen immediately after the house is framed.
There are many different options to consider when making your faucet selections, such as style, finish and handle spread. By the time to you get to this step, you may have a style and finish in mind, or you may not have given it much thought yet.
One way we can help you is by suggesting you visit our plumbing supplier’s showroom. There, you can touch the faucets to see how they look and function. While at the showroom, you will have the opportunity to pick out your toilet, bathtub and shower selections, as well.
Not the same as big-box stores.
What is interesting to note is that while the big box stores, such as Lowes and Home Depot, do sell some of the same brands that we supply, the faucets they carry are generally not of the same quality. Even though they look identical, they are made with lesser internal components.
If you choose to purchase your fixtures through one of these chain stores, we’ll gladly install them, but keep in mind that we are not able to warranty the installation of these the same as we do the faucets from our own supplier.
No matter where you purchase your plumbing fixtures and faucets, however, we want you to get the look and function that you want. This is why we’ll assist you as best as we can in making wise interior choices for your home.
Read other articles in this series:
Painting, Drywall & Interior Trim Selections
Kitchen Cabinets & Countertops
Choosing the Right Garage Door for Your Home
When was the last time you thought about how your garage looks and how well it compliments your home? Garage doors can often be overlooked when people think about the exterior of their homes and how they can be improved. Doors have come a long way in terms of styles, colors and materials used to make them. Homeowners today have quite the selection to choose from when considering a new garage door. Garage doors generally come in three styles – traditional, contemporary and carriage house. They can be made from aluminum, steel, wood or a combination of materials. They can be insulated and there is a vast variety of panel sizes to choose from. Some people prefer windows in their doors, while others prefer doors without windows. If you are considering a new garage door, take time to research all the options out there and decide what works best with the type of home you have. These photos show the variety of doors our homeowners have chosen recently.
Kitchen Design with Aging in Place in Mind
One of the most important rooms in our homes is the kitchen. It’s a room where we can spend hours cooking and baking, entertaining friends and family, or just relaxing with a cup of coffee while reading or watching television. Having an attractive, functional kitchen that also accommodates aging-in-place needs will be sure to provide you with many years of enjoyment.
Today’s Americans are forward-thinkers and are renovating their homes with aging-in-place in mind—both for themselves and for houseguests, like a parent or older relative. There are many innovative yet simple ways you can revolutionize your kitchen design to gain safety and maneuverability without sacrificing style.
Choosing the Right Flooring
With aging comes the increased risk of injuries and tripping. When reviewing your flooring options, keep these factors in mind:
- Select kitchen flooring that’s non-glare, as they are less visually-distracting than shiny ones that could cause someone to trip.
- Choose flooring materials that offer maximum grip. Vinyl and porcelain are two popular slip-resistant flooring options, as is luxury vinyl flooring (LVF). LVF is known to be more slip-resistant and comes in an array of designs and hues.
- Kitchens typically have a lot of traffic. Therefore, make sure your desired flooring is easy to clean and maintain.
- Avoid accessorizing your flooring with products that pose a trip hazard, like throw rugs and padded carpets.
Incorporate Proper Lighting
To ensure safety when executing tasks in your kitchen, your kitchen needs to be well-lit. When possible, always opt for more lighting than less. Lighting should not be an after-thought. It should be designed, just like the rest of the kitchen.
Opt for accessible and easy-to-use light switches and position them near the kitchen entrance within arm’s reach. The placement should also ensure users can switch on the light without bumping into sharp edges and appliances. You may consider installing automatic or rocker-type light switches. Windows will allow natural light to stream into your kitchen. If privacy is a concern, you can install blinds that still allow in soft natural light without compromising privacy.
Make Cabinets More Accessible
Cabinets should be easy to reach by all, and today, there are many cabinet storage options that aid in accessibility—no matter the age of the user. There is no need to get down on your hands and knees or stretch on your tippy-toes to reach.
For tall upper cabinets, a pullout step can be added. This step is installed on the underside of the base cabinets and eliminates the need to pull out the stepstool from the pantry. Additionally, pull-down shelves are a great design feature that give those upper cabinets enhanced maneuverability and accessibility.
Pull-out organizers designed for base cabinets offer a variety of storage options. Blind corner optimizers, like the one pictured, maximize the corner cabinet storage space and provide easy accessibility.
In aging-in-place kitchen design, we often avoid installing cabinets right above the stove. Leaning over a hot surface increases the risk of injury.
Choosing the Right Handles
As we age, the functionality of our hands deteriorates. When it comes to cabinet pulls and handles, choose D-shaped ones that provide a better grip. Same with selecting appliances. The handles on your oven and dishwasher should also be designed specifically for those who may not be able to firmly grasp with their hands.
Consider Your Countertop Options
For aging-in-place, it is much more than simply choosing a countertop. The design of the kitchen layout for conducting kitchen tasks safely, as well as the height of the countertops, are also a consideration.
One way to increase accessibility in your kitchen is by designing it with varying counter heights. This allows family members who may need to sit, such as the elderly or pregnant, to easily prepare meals while also giving young children a place to stand and “help” at your side. The variety of height also adds depth and aesthetic appeal to the room. In order for these counters to be easy-to-clean, they should be made from solid surface material.
Kitchens are the heart of the home, but often more in the sense that they’re a central gathering space. While it’s important to think about your kitchen design now, renovations should also consider what you’ll need for years to come. That way, no matter how much time passes and what changes occur in your life, you can still cook with ease and love every minute of it.
Contact us so we can learn more about your specific needs and make a plan together.