Category: Design
Your Front Door: A Home’s Great First Impression
There’s a saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” That saying certainly holds true when it comes to the front door on your home. Your front door will give visitors a good idea of what they can expect when they enter your home. Besides being a visual statement, it can add curb appeal and value to your home.
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a front door. There are solid wood doors and fiberglass doors, and both types can be either stained or painted. Doors come in an endless number of styles with various panel shapes and sizes. Glass panels and sidelight doors are popular choices because they allow natural light into the home. And last, but not least, choosing your door’s decorative hardware wisely will put the finishing touch on the entrance to your home.
There’s no better time to upgrade your front door and improve the look of your home. With more options than ever to choose from, you can add immediate value and beauty to your home. Take a look at the variety of doors a few of our recent customers have chosen.
Smart Kitchen Technology
If you are thinking about renovating your kitchen, one consideration you’ll have is whether to replace your old appliances with new ones. If it’s been a few years since you’ve gone appliance shopping, be prepared to be amazed at what’s available today.
New kitchen technology comes in both high-tech and low-tech options, but the one thing they all have in common is that they make working in the kitchen much easier and more enjoyable.
Smart Kitchen Technology:
Ovens
Ovens are getting quite sophisticated. Some are “two ovens in one,” where dishes can be cooked at two different temperatures simultaneously. Others are a combination of convection heating with a burst from microwave elements to cook foods faster. Some steam foods, which is particularly helpful for those cooks who want to retain vitamins and nutrients that would be lost with other cooking methods. And some are WiFi capable, allowing you to control your oven with your smartphone.
Cooktops
Induction cooktops – short for “electromagnetic induction” – have grown in popularity because they appeal to those who want a flat ceramic cooking surface (for ease in cleanup), speed in cooking and improved safety. Induction cooktops require a special pot where the bottom of the pan is magnetic, and once the burner is turned on, a magnetic field of energy is created. This heats the pan and cooks the food without the actual burner becoming warm.[1]
Samsung recently introduced a smart induction range top where their Virtual Flame™ is simply an array of blue LED lights that give the visual of gas cooking (pictured above). Their latest induction range tops also offer WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Learn more >>>
Refrigerators
Smart refrigerators are perhaps the most recognized advancement in the field of smart home appliances because TV commercials are abundant. Here are a few of the fun new smart features you can find incorporated into the latest fridges:
- Cameras are mounted inside so when you are grocery shopping, you can use the app to see if you have all of the ingredients.
- Refrigerators tell you when a product has reached its expiration date.
- Models allow different compartments to be set at different temperatures.
- Samsung has created a refrigerator that has an interactive panel on the outside of the door that becomes your family’s “command center.” It features calendars, message boards, a grocery list, photo sharing features and more. Learn more >>>
- GE has created a fridge with a built-in Keurig Brewing System with voice-control assistance. Learn more >>>
Dishwashers
Many manufacturers have integrated smart technology into their dishwashers, too. Most smart dishwashers allow you to start the dishwasher remotely, monitor cycle times/status, lock and unlock controls and even tell you if your rinse agent is low – all through a smartphone app.
Bosch created the PerfectDry dishwasher that uses natural Zeolith drying technology that absorbs the humidity so your dishes come out dry – even your pesky plastic ones. Learn more >>>
Microwaves
Like ovens, microwaves have come a long way since their introduction. We’ve already seen transformations in where the microwave is located in the kitchen – including over-the-range, countertop, and built-in models, as well as microwave/oven combos.
Some of today’s microwaves can steam food or make food crispy with a combination convection oven, like the Breville Quick Touch™ series (pictured here). Additionally, microwaves are becoming smarter, and many come with hundreds of recipes and can weigh the dish it’s heating, taking the guesswork out of cooking time.
A final thought: While smart technology is fun, it can also increase the cost of an appliance. Keep in mind what features you’ll actually use for each appliance. If you are in the market for a new appliance, we don’t recommend that you shop based on smart features alone, but they could help you choose between two similar models.
*Photos used in this article are from the manufacturers.
Samsung Induction Cooktop Source: https://www.samsung.com/us/home-appliances/cooktops-and-hoods/induction-cooktops/30–built-in-induction-cooktop-with-flex-cookzone–nz30k7880ug-aa/
Breville Microwave Source: https://www.breville.com/us-encollections/microwave-ovens/products/the-quick-touch-crisp?variant=33986810193
5 Home Design Trends That We Don’t Miss
When it comes to home décor trends, there are some that just need to lay down and die. These instantly make a room look dull, dated, and tacky. For your new home design, avoid these tasteless trends like the plague. Your new house will thank you.
Just Skip These Passé Trends for Your Home Design
There are better choices for finishing off your home than these five options. Instead of fads, choose home design trends that are timeless and have staying power.
Fake Wood Paneling
A relic of the ‘60s and ‘70s, fake wood paneling always looks dark, dreary, and dated. What’s more, it never looks like real wood. Most people who encounter this faded trend in their homes are quick to rip it out or paint over it. Both are good ideas, although painting fake wood paneling might be the better choice if you are budget-conscious.
The Guide to Trending Kitchen Countertops: Is Granite Still King?
The votes are in. For 2017, designers, tastemakers, and experts will advise you to look beyond granite and instead opt for its newer, cooler cousin: quartz.
For years, granite has reigned supreme as the be-all, end-all for kitchen countertops. It is beautiful, scratch and heat-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain, after all.
However, this tried-and-true stone is seeing competition. Learn about why quartz is the hot, new option place, plus some other kitchen design trends you might want to consider besides granite or quartz for your countertops.
Goodbye Granite, Hello Quartz: The Newest Kitchen Design Trend
So, why is quartz usurping granite for most-loved countertop material? The main reason is durability.
Quartz beats both granite and marble in this area (although the latter two have been the most popular high-end manufactured stones used in the kitchen for years).
Not only is quartz naturally stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant, it also doesn’t need to be sealed, unlike granite and marble, which require periodic re-sealing to maintain their integrity. On top of these pluses, quartz is also unaffected by acidic foods, which can wear down the finish on other surfaces.
As far as affordability, quartz falls squarely between granite and marble on the price scale (marble is more expensive, granite is slightly less expensive).
Finally, quartz has become more appealing to the eye in recent years due to new manufacturing techniques. All of the above facets make quartz a shoe-in for the kitchen.
More Trends to Watch: Alternatives to Granite or Quartz for Kitchen Countertops
Love the look of natural stone for your kitchen remodel, but don’t have the budget for them? Try any of these alternative kitchen countertop trends.
Butcher Block
No matter the type of kitchen design you have, butcher block will look classic and timeless. If you are wary because you think this type of counter would be high-maintenance, worry not— scratches can be sanded out easily and sealed with mineral oil.
Concrete
Although countertops made of concrete will need regular sealing, they are a modern option that will be durable in your kitchen. Plus, they can be customized for special configurations, and even have special materials, like seashells or stones, embedded in the surface.
Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops can emulate natural stone surfaces and don’t require sealing. While they are not impervious to scratches or heat, they are a low-cost way to get a high-end look.
Modern Laminate
Modern laminate countertops outdo the laminate of the past by leaps and bounds. New versions are far more durable, successfully mimic the look of natural stone, and require little maintenance and no sealing.
For your home, the right kitchen countertops will provide the look you want and the amount of durability you need. Look to kitchen trends for fresh ideas, whether you want something timeless or totally unique.
Want to get started on a kitchen renovation? Contact us to discuss all of the possibilities.
The 5 Best Interior Paint Colors for Feeling Refreshed and Relaxed
Whether you want to feel serene and relaxed the second you step through your front door, are looking for a calming oasis in your bedroom or need a soothing retreat in the living room, the right paint colors can help you get there.
The best part about these interior paint colors is that they add a touch of style and sophistication to your home at the same time as they provide a calm atmosphere. Choose any of them and feel your blood pressure drop when you spend time surrounded by a beautiful color.
5 Calming Paint Colors for Any Room
Keep your interior décor a haven from the bustle of the outside world by choosing paint colors that remind you of nature. Whether you prefer to keep things warm or cool is up to you, but keep in mind that cool colors read as more refreshing, while warmer shades feel cozier.
Universal Design for the Bathroom
Regardless if homeowners plan to sell or stay for years, redesigning a bathroom is a common renovation most people will encounter. Bathroom design holds a key to making homes more usable for not only their present inhabitants and visitors, but also future owners and generations. Designing a space with that philosophy in mind is called Universal Design.
What is a Universally Designed Bathroom?
Universal design is sometimes mistaken to be solely intended for handicapped accessibility, but creating a space that will be suited for all ages or abilities is what gives Universal Design its name.
Effortless use and accessibility for family members of any size or condition will create bathroom designs that minimize lifting, reaching and other movements that could have a potential to cause bodily injury or difficulty.
Even if disabilities are temporary, a Universal Bathroom Design will ensure your family, future residents or visitors will be able to powder their nose with ease.
8 Universal Design Features for Bathrooms
Before falling in love with sink styles, faucet features or other visually stunning choices, consider how your decisions can address universal concerns while still creating a one-of-a-kind space you’ll love. Give thought to these 8 features:
1) Location: Including a bathroom on the first level of a home ensures that the challenge of stairs isn’t an issue. Larger pantries, closets, areas under stairs or portions of ground-floor rooms may provide the ideal spot for your new powder room.
2) Lighting: If possible, installing windows or skylights in bathrooms can provide increased natural visibility. Motion-sensing light switches eliminate the challenge of hunting for switches in the dark. Well-lit showers are a must – limiting the potential for slips in wet areas. Soft lighting that decreases glares and shadows will help people of all ages and mobility to navigate the bathroom with ease.
3) Clearance: Using 34”-36” entrance doors will also allow better access for mobility devices. Small bathrooms may be your only option, but when possible, provide ample clearance for turning and movement for canes, crutches and wheelchairs.
Bathrooms should be at least 60” x 60”, but ideally larger for those requiring transfer assistance from a wheelchair to a toilet or a shower. Whenever possible, install walk-in showers so the hurdle of a tub’s side is removed.
4) Flooring: Non-slip materials are a must for bathrooms, as falls in these areas can be potentially life threatening. Ceramic tiles aren’t an ideal choice, but if elected should be smaller tiles to allow for more non-slip grout areas. Use textured ceramics that are safer than highly glazed products.
Other great options for safer bathroom surfaces include non-slip vinyl, cork and bamboo flooring.
5) Counter & Sink Heights: Consider knee space at sinks for those in wheelchairs. There are beautifully designed wall-mount and pedestal sinks that could allow a wheelchair user to conveniently move closer to wash their hands and face or brush their teeth.
Certain sink designs with bowls above counters may also not be good choices for small hands and arms trying to reach above them to operate faucets.
6) Faucets & Hardware: Imagine someone trying to use sinks, toilets, doors and other access points with a closed fist. Choose hardware that can be easily used by small hands, those with arthritis or operated easily with one hand.
Likewise, touchless faucets, automatic flush toilets and lever door knobs will ensure challenges are minimized. Pay careful attention to position access points on faucets, toilets and showers to ensure that they can be reached standing or sitting, regardless of age.
7) Toilets: Comfort-height toilets are typically 2” taller than regular toilets and make the transition from a wheelchair easier. Be sure there is 30”-48” of floor space on at least one side of toilets for wheelchair transfers. The higher seat surface will also make it easier to access and exit for those with back or leg pain, or those who could be temporarily injured and using crutches.
8) Storage: For frequently needed items such as bathroom tissue, linens or toiletries, provide storage areas below your waist. Make it easy to find these items under or on top of vanities, or in adjacent cabinetry.
In the shower, include ample shelving for soaps, shampoos and razors. These shelves and compartments should hold these items securely.
Understanding and implementing smart Universal Design features will ensure that your home is easier to resell, and that its bathrooms are perfect for you, your family and friends, regardless of what life throws at them.
*Photos used in this article are stock.
Project Spotlight: A Country Farmhouse Kitchen
We were recently honored to have one of our kitchens featured as “Kitchen of the Week” on Houzz.com. We built a beautiful country farmhouse style home in southern Lancaster County. Photos of the kitchen caught the eye of an editor at Houzz, who in turn did a feature story on the kitchen. The homeowners worked with Phil Clemmer of Swartz Kitchens and Baths on the design of the kitchen. The end result was a breathtakingly beautiful kitchen that will serve the owners well for years to come.
Classic white cabinets with glass insets, soapstone countertops and reclaimed hardwood floors give this kitchen the feel of an old farmhouse. The custom cabinetry with finished interiors includes specialized drawers and cabinets, including built-in trash cans next to the sink. A soapstone sink sits under a bank of extra tall windows that overlook a patio and backyard. The tall, clean-lined cabinets and walls of windows give the kitchen a bright and airy feel.
The large island seats four, includes plenty of storage and incorporates built-in shelves at the end to hold cookbooks. The soapstone surface creates an ideal space for prepping and serving. Three pendant lights provide additional illumination to the recessed can lights.
Kitchen Trends to Watch in 2017
The kitchen is the center of our homes. The smells from something delicious baking in the oven or simmering on the stove are comforting, and the conversations that happen there can be the most memorable ones from our day. It’s no wonder the kitchen continues to be the top renovated space in homes, according to the 2016 Houzz & Home Report.
As we move into a new year, 2017 brings with it many new kitchen looks that homeowners are eager to try out. Their primary goal? To keep their kitchens functional but cozy, ready to host a gathering of loved ones.
Here are just a few of the latest trends. Which one will take your kitchen to the next level?
10 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Trends
If you are looking for something different than stained cabinetry for your kitchen, you may want to think about painted cabinets. Painted cabinets are taking over kitchen design – for good reason. They add a pop of color and vibrancy to the space.
Here are a few colorful – and a bit different – kitchen cabinet paint choices.
Deep Ocean. Inspire your nautical and coastal theme of your home in your kitchen.
Teresa’s Green. A complement to everything in your kitchen and with black and white countertops you can’t go wrong.
Midsummer Night. A mix of contemporary and old-world charm.
Mercury. A medium pale gray goes well with contemporary and traditional style homes. With the infusion of stainless steel appliances and marble countertops, this may be the right color for you.
Courtland Blue. With a tinge of blue, this gray colored cabinet is perfect selection for small kitchens – where you can place the Cortland Blue on the lower cabinetry and white on the top. If you have a larger kitchen, you may be able to use this color for cabinetry throughout your space.
Black. If your kitchen is open, black cabinetry will create a drama effect. Black pairs well with stainless steel appliances and a copper tile back splash.
Hazy Skies. This color reminds us of a frothy latte; it’s not too dark nor cold. Instead, it’s perfect to use this on all your cabinetry no matter where it is placed.
Hillside Green. If cooking and gardening are your two favorite hobbies, then this color will be perfect for you and your kitchen. This warm sage green color will make your kitchen feel cozy and fresh.
Charlotte’s Locks. For a dash of personality and warmth this burnt-orange color will surely shock your kitchen. Use this as a backdrop to your cabinets with glass doors to make your dishes stand out.
Soothing Green. This green mimics nature and is a happy color where the color isn’t tinted a dull gray. When natural light hits it, there is almost a yellowness to it and when the sun goes down there is a blueness.
As you can see, there are many shades you can use on your cabinets if you want to personalize your kitchen and have it be the (wow!) talk of your neighborhood.
Elements of Kitchen Island Design
Fads come and go and trends change, but some kitchen additions stand the test of time. Kitchen islands are one such design essential. According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, more than 70% of buyers want an island in their kitchen, and of those, 50% consider it a must-have.
A carefully planned kitchen island brings guests, family members, and the cook together. The cook no longer must be secluded in their tasks while guests mingle elsewhere. Parents can balance the duties of meal preparation while children congregate to complete homework or create crafts. The island is the reason why the kitchen has become one of the favorite and most-used rooms in the home.
Using an experienced kitchen designer or architect will ensure that function is maximized and convenience is enhanced. As you explore the many possibilities for your kitchen island, ask these 6 key kitchen design questions:
1) What’s the purpose of my kitchen island? The fundamental reasons for the island will drive most of the design decisions. Kitchen islands can be used for a combination of functions such as: prep work, cooking, storage, entertaining, homework and crafts, and dining.
Consider the opinions and behaviors of the entire family. Understand that as time progresses over the next decade or two, the uses of your kitchen may also change.
2) What layout is best for my kitchen island? After defining the main purposes for your island, layout requirements will emerge. Many kitchen islands will become part of the kitchen triangle, locating the cooktop, refrigerator, and sink in convenient proximity. Likewise, adjacent areas such as living rooms will influence the location of seating areas within your kitchen island.
Islands will drastically range in shapes depending upon their function and will be impacted by the surrounding kitchen. Working sides of the island should have approximately 42”-48” to allow room for opening larger appliances and storage, as well as room for two people to easily pass by. Islands can range from simplistic rectangles to multi-sided and asymmetrical.
3) Which appliances will be included in my island? Appliances and sinks will require a larger island for the most part. An island can include cooktops, ovens, sinks, dishwashers, or even small refrigerators. When considering your overall kitchen design, choose the top items to include in your island, as not all may fit.
Adding a cooktop in an island will require an overhead vent hood to be installed. Incorporating a sink into an island will require some additional plumbing for the water source, drains, and air vents. Your kitchen designer will help guide you through these choices and explain how they may influence your overall cost.
4) How can my kitchen island provide storage solutions? If the space permits in good proportion, kitchen islands can house many items behind doors, in drawers, or on display. A large island could include two standard 24” cabinets back to back, stowing away a multitude of lesser-used small appliances, containers, cookware, trash receptacles, linens, or serving dishes.
Kitchen islands may also conveniently store cooking utensils and serving dishes nearby for easy access. Some home gourmets also love to display cookbooks, wine bottles, or stemware on exterior shelves or overhanging racks.
5) How high should the surface of the island be? Kitchen island surfaces used for traditional counter space or prep work are typically 36” in height, similar to adjacent counters. However, if your kitchen island will also serve the functions of entertaining guests or have part of its surface used for dining or seating, consider a second, higher tier of 42”.
Separating these two surfaces will easily define the different areas of the same island. Taller bar stools can be used with the higher counter allowing guests to have their own space while enhancing the look of your island. The counter overhanging these seating areas should allow for a 15”-18” offset to give legroom and a space to slide stools underneath when not being used.
6) Will my island match or accent the rest of my kitchen? Originally, kitchen islands matched the surrounding countertops and cabinet stains and paints. However, modern trends have used kitchen islands not only as a utilitarian addition, but also as an aesthetic enhancement.
Since islands are central to position and usage in the kitchen, they can be a great opportunity to create a gorgeous focal point. Whether bold or subtle, using a different cabinet color and/or countertop material can draw guests into the kitchen and unite other accents in the surrounding room.
A well-thought-out kitchen island will make your kitchen truly unique as it becomes the heart of your home. The five senses of your family and guests will be excited as they gather to eat, drink, and be merry together for years to come!