Sunday, June 24, 2012

Eight Kitchen Terms Every Homeowner Should Know


1.      Stainless gauge: the thickness of the stainless steel; the lower the number (16 gauge is the best), the thicker the material and the higher quality of the sink.

 

2.      Undermount sink: A sink that mounts underneath the countertop allowing for a smooth transition from the top to the sink. Unlike a drop in sink which lips over the edge of the countertop.

 

3.      Recessed light: Also known as a down light or can light. This light is mounted in the ceiling cavity with only a small trim ring protruding down from the ceiling making it virtually flush with the ceiling.

 

4.      Glazed: Also known as antiqued. The process of placing a darker or lighter substance similar to a thick paint all over a cabinet door or any piece of wood, then wiping it off until the desired look is achieved. The glaze will remain in the profiles of the door or wood giving it an aged look.

 

5.      Pull Down: An arch top or gooseneck faucet where the actual sprayer pulls down eliminating the need for a separate sprayer. The pull down sprayer is kept in place by a magnet.

 

6.      Raised Panel: A door where the center panel has been shaped to provide a three dimensional effect. This is the most traditional style of cabinet and interior door.

 

7.      Convection: The process of circulating hot air around the oven cavity with one or two fans to evenly cook the food and shorten the required cooking time.

 

8.      Custom: Cabinets made to the sixteenth of an inch to exactly fit the space. Cabinets can be made in any length, depth or height and are not limited to 3” increments or “standard” sizes. Any design or idea can be reproduced and there is no limit to the imagination. Specialized finishes and colors can be reproduced to match anything.
 
Send me an email at Jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know if you have any additions to this list or any term you have wondered about.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Home Office

            Most new homes are still built with a large, formal study. The wood paneled room most commonly found to the left or right directly inside the front door. The room that is hardly ever used.

 

            Many homeowners today are choosing to eliminate the formal study and incorporate that space into the master suite or kitchen and family room. In doing so, you are incorporating that square footage into spaces you use every day and. With the predominance of laptops, iPads and other wireless devices a formal study with an oversized desk is often a thing of the past. Instead homeowners are designating a small nook off of the kitchen.

 
            This space should include file storage, a work surface, and adequate lighting that can be used as a bill payment center and for organizing general household paperwork. Also consider incorporating a corkboard to pin up invitations, frequently used menus and pictures. It should have a door so that you have the option of closing it off while entertaining. You don’t have to look far for many cute and affordable ideas for this space. This is a great area to add color and accents that highlight your personality.