2016 Pantone Color of the Year

Drum roll, please! Pantone recently announced that the 2016 Color(s) of the Year are “Serenity” and “Rose Quartz”. For the first time Pantone introduces two shades for the year. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.

“Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

I’ve always wondered who gets the interesting job of choosing names for paint colors and who actually has the authority to choose the Color of the Year for the world. The entire world of fashion, automobiles and interiors takes their cue from this company. They don’t take their job lightly. Thousands of hours of research and filtering are done to determine what the color of the year will be. Pantone has been the world's color authority for nearly 50 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers paint and designer-inspired products and services for consumers.

Let’s try incorporating these great colors as a statement piece, a small pop of color or all over. I’d love to hear how you are planning to use Rose Quartz or Serenity in your world. Send me an email at jessica@webbercoleman.com.

Induction Cooking

One of the hottest kitchen appliance technologies right now is induction cooking. What is induction? Is it difficult to use? Do I have to get new pots? Is it better than gas? Today we are going to dive into this topic and hopefully answer your questions.

Induction cooktops work by having a high frequency electromagnetic element underneath the glass surface of the cooktop. When a cast iron or stainless steel pot is placed on the cooktop's magnetic field, the field induces energy into the metal pot. The magnetic current causes the molecules of the pot to vibrate at high frequencies, creating friction that heats the pot. The main difference between induction and gas is that with induction, heat is generated directly in the pot rather than being transferred via gas. With induction, as soon as the pot is removed from the electromagnetic field, the heat generation stops.

Some of the pros with using induction cooktops are fast cooking. Induction is able to bring a pot of water to boil faster than gas. There is no heat produced by the cooktop itself, making it cooler in the room, which is especially nice in the summer. Induction only heats the pot and not the cooking surface which makes it safer. It is also energy efficient. Because induction only heats the pot, no heat is lost heating the cooking surface. It's easy to use. With precise control over the heat, it's really easy to regulate and control your cooking. Many pots work with induction. An easy test is if a magnet sticks to your pot, it will get hot.

Bottom line, I think induction is a great option for your cooking surface. If you get the opportunity to try it out, give it a chance. Have more questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com  

Design Camp

When you reach a certain age, you no longer have the opportunity to go to "camp". But earlier this year, I got to go to Design Camp with fellow designers Cassy Young of Decorating Den and Abby Haygood Woodard of Abby Haygood Interiors. It was a fun 2 days of learning and networking.

Design Camp is a destination summit for interior designers, architects and landscape architects within the Architecture & Design community. Created and hosted by Lori Dennis and Kelli Ellis, internationally known designers from HGTV, Bravo, NBC, Oxygen, TLC, Food Network and coverage in worldwide publications. They have spent decades educating interior designers, architects and landscape architects. Authors, brand ambassadors, product designers, public speakers, experts in sustainability and design psychology, Lori and Kelli are insightful mentors. Having built successful personal practices, Design Camp is their way of giving back to the interiors community.

The 2 days were full of guided tours thru America's Mart and presentations by industry experts. We learned about how to build successful businesses, how to brand, using social media, how to break into the tv and magazine world, seeing new trends and products in the market and insight into pricing. One of my favorite speakers was Suzanne Kasler who challenged us to really LISTEN to what our clients are saying and not saying to us.

It was a fun camp to attend and learn at and great fun learning with friends. Who said camp is just for adults?! I love learning and this is just one of the ways I’ve done that throughout the year. Are there any creative ways you learn? I’d love to hear-email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Steam Ovens

One of the newest and most innovative appliances in the market today are steam ovens. Sometimes taking the place of a microwave or second oven in a kitchen, these little guys are gaining market share like crazy. Today we will explore exactly what a steam oven is, how it functions and some of the ways you can use it.

Steaming is a healthy cooking technique. Steam is capable of cooking all kinds of food. In a steam oven, water is boiled, vaporized into steam and injected into the oven cavity. The steam carries the heat to the food, cooking the food. The food is separate from the water but in direct contact with the steam resulting in moist food products. Over cooking and burning is easily avoided. Some chefs even claim that steaming reduces the fat content because no cooking oil is needed. Steaming also results in more nutritious food because fewer nutrients are leached into the cooking water.

In new steam convection ovens, because food is surrounded by a vapor blanket of steam, the cooking temperature remains constant and the food is kept tender. It keeps food healthier, fresher and juicer and reduces cooking time. Adding the convection element and adding hot air to the steaming process introduces enough heat to brown the food item. It's a great application for baking, roasting, grilling, steaming, braising, blanching and poaching.  It works great for breads to get that nice crusty crust and still maintain a moist interior. Steam ovens are also great for heating up leftovers. It injects moisture back into the food while heating it instead of drying it out like a typical microwave.

There are several manufacturers that make steam ovens-Wolf, Jenn-Air, Miele, Gaggenau, Thermador and Bosch. All of the clients we have installed one for rave about them and can't imagine their life without one. If you are replacing your ovens, it's worth looking into adding a steam oven. Check out the manufacturers websites for great videos on how they work or visit a local appliance showroom. Questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Paris

This spring I was blessed to be able to visit Paris with some friends. We had an amazing time in a wonderful city and enjoyed eating macaroons every day! I thought I would share some of my favorite parts and things that have influenced my work and designs.

-Architecture- the stone work, elegant gardens, amazing stained glass all were so impressive to see. The balconies on nearly every building with beautiful wrought iron railings and cascading flowers were magical. It's amazing all of the artists that spent their lifetimes creating some of the famous buildings, structures and stained glass art. I am in awe of their incredible skills and love for what they created. It truly shines through in the finished product. Do I put as much passion and care into the work I produce?

-Art-everything to the Parisians is art. From paintings to sculptures to metro graffiti, to eclairs too beautiful to eat and wine and champagne produced with such tender love and care. They honor the past and traditions while creating new art and products today. Are my eyes open to the ways I can create art out of the everyday things of life?

There are too many favorites to mention them all, but probably my favorite piece of art that I was able to see was Monet's 'Water Lilies'. Breathtaking, overwhelming, huge, expansive, detailed-these are just some of the words that come to mind when experiencing them. If you ever have the chance to visit the Musée de l'Orangerie to see these beautiful paintings-go!

One thing that has influence my design work is all of the beautiful and different colorful doors on every building. I'm currently working on some new cabinet door styles inspired by my time in France.

Ask anyone-I love to travel and experience and learn from other cultures. I can't wait to visit Paris again and to explore more corners of the earth. Have you learned anything from your travels that has impacted your life? I'd love to hear! Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Serenbe Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Designer Showhouse

This past weekend some girlfriends and I spent the weekend exploring and enjoying the slower pace of the Serenbe community, just south of Atlanta. If you are ever looking for an easy weekend getaway, I highly recommend it! While we were there, we visited the 2015 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Designer Showhouse.

This house is located on Grange Lake in the Serenbe community. Serenbe is a community born to protect the beautiful rural land just outside of Atlanta known as Chattahoochee Hill Country. The first house at Serenbe was built in 2004 and today the community is home to over 400 residents. Serenbe has won numerous awards including the Urban Land Institute Inaugural Sustainability Award, the Atlanta Regional Commission “Development of Excellence“ and EarthCraft named Serenbe the “Development of the Year.” Their four neighborhoods have areas focused on elements of well being-arts, agriculture, health and education. Serene is home to a 25 acre organic farm with a thriving CSA program. They also offer cultural events through their Playhouse, festivals, music events and an Artist in Residence program.

The Designer Showhouse is a French Creole style lakefront home make up of 3,700 square feet designed by architect James P. Curran and built by Monte Hewett Homes. The house features over 10 designers over the 2 floors of living space and the outdoor space. My favorite room was the powder room. With small wood tile on the wall, a vibrant red vanity with marble top and vessel sink and a wall mounted faucet. Designed by Lyndsy Woods, this small space was stunning!

 The house is now closed for tours, but I am sure you can find exceptional pictures of it online. For more information visit www.serenbeshowhouse.com And if you need a weekend getaway, stay at the Farmhouse Inn, enjoy the rocking chairs on the front porch, the afternoon tea and a delicious dinner at The Farmhouse.

Were you able to visit this Showhouse? I'd love to know your favorite part! Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Holiday Projects

            I know school just started, fall is on its way, football season is in full swing and, yes, it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Only twelve weeks left till Christmas. Yes, I really did just say that. It may seem like a long time away, but we all know that it will be here before we know it and probably before we are ready.

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. Hobby Lobby already has the Christmas decorations out!  As this realization hits, we start to make a mental or written list of all the things we need and want to do before the holidays are actually here. Is a kitchen or bathroom remodel on your to do list before the company comes? Maybe you just found out that your home will be the location of this year’s Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration or your broken oven just won’t cut it for baking those cookies.  Do you want a new kitchen or bathroom before Thanksgiving? Maybe you can’t redo the entire room but want to make some small changes. Or maybe you just want to finally get the dining room repainted or new carpet in your bedroom. Now is the time to start thinking about it and making plans. If you begin now, you will have plenty of time to get your project done before Thanksgiving hits and then you can enjoy your new space all throughout the Christmas season.

Before you start to panic and hyperventilate, take a deep breath and let’s take a realistic look at the calendar. Depending on the amount and magnitude of work that you want to do in your kitchen or bathroom, you can expect a remodel to take anywhere from three to six weeks from demo to final cleanup. If you start your planning and decision making now, you can realistically have a new kitchen or bathroom by Thanksgiving. Consult with the professionals who will be completing this work for you and they will be able to give you a better idea of the time needed to complete your project. Whatever you do, DO NOT plan to wrap up your remodeling project the day before company is expected to arrive. Something might be backordered or take longer than expected and then you will really be up a creek without a paddle or eating your Christmas dinner at Waffle House. The holidays are hectic enough without adding that little bit of stress.

As you consider who will be doing the work for you, make sure they have a good reputation, are doing what they say and completing projects in a timely manner. Check their references and don’t let the bottom line make the decision for you. Sometimes there is a reason one person is less expensive than another. The holidays are not a time to risk having issues with a contractor. Make sure you clearly communicate your deadline to the contractors you work with to ensure an on-time project. That way there will be no surprises and everyone is on the same page.

We all know the holidays can be a stressful time. There are parties to attend or host, food to be prepared, gifts to be wrapped and memories to be made with your family and friends. Endeavor to enjoy this season and all of its wonderful food, people and events by planning ahead. Take time to slow down and remember that this is the most wonderful time of the year.

Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know if you have any questions regarding holiday projects.

Remodel Roller Coaster-Part 3

For the past several weeks we have been discussing frustrations that could be encountered during a remodel project. Today we will finish up our series.

4. "I haven't see anyone on the job site in days." Could it be that they are waiting for the sheetrock mud to dry, or concrete to cure, the hardwoods to acclimate to your house or the mud to dry out? Or is it that the contractor hasn't communicated a delay to you. Before jumping to the wrong conclusion, talk with your contractor.

5. "My contractor won't return my phone calls or emails." Are they on vacation and failed to let you know? Did you give them adequate time to respond or are you expecting a call back within the hour? Some job sites don't have cell reception at them or maybe they are in a meeting and unable to respond. Ask your contractor up front what their response time is to emails and phone calls. Also, that's another great question for past clients before deciding on a contractor.

6. "My allowance won't cover what I told my contractor I wanted." Perhaps you didn't clearly spell out to your contractor what you wanted or maybe they weren't listening. In comparing estimates, it's important to make sure your allowances correctly reflect the level of style and quality you are looking for. Low allowances could contribute to a lower project price and some contractors operate that way in order to get the job, only ending up with a higher overall price once you have made your selections. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

I hope this series has been helpful for you and helps avoid any heartache in the future. I'd love to hear about any of your experiences and any items I didn't discuss. Feel free to email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Remodel Roller Coaster: Part 2

Last time we started a discussion on different areas that people experience frustration during the remodel process and how to avoid them. This week we will dive into a few more areas.

2. "That's not how I thought that was going to look." Often times the vision you have in your head about how the finished product will look and the vision the remodeler has in his head about how the finished product will look are two completely different things. The phrase "modern" may conjure up different images for him than it does for you. Pull pictures that reflect what you want, clearly spell out and communicate what you are wanting and get the contractor to tell you what he thinks the final product will look like. Don't be afraid to ask questions and clear up in your mind and your contractors mind what you are expecting the finished project to look like. Houzz, Pinterest and magazine pictures are great ways to help you visually spell out what you want.

3. "Why wasn't that included in our estimate?" Diligent work in making selections beforehand and making sure you have a clear contract helps to avoid this question. Some items that may be beyond the scope of the project and unable to be included could be mold found under the floor or sheetrock, rotting floor found under a tub or shower, or plumbing or electrical discovered in a wall that is to be removed. Also, if you make any changes to the scope of the project or finishes, this could impact the price. Ask when making a change if it is going to add expense. Better to be apprised of the extras all along the project than being surprised when you get the final bill. For your own peace of mind, consider padding the project price with an additional 10% in your mind for items that might be uncovered during demo or during the project.

Next time we will continue our discussion on this wild remodel ride. Have any frustrations of your own you would like to share? Shoot me an email at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Remodel Roller Coaster: Part 1

One thing I constantly see clients irritated with and exasperated by is the remodel experience. The process is taking a lot longer than they were told, there's a breakdown or lack of communication with the remodeler, the remodeler made an assumption and something wasn't executed like the homeowner envisioned. When launching into a remodel project, regardless of how large or small, it's important to set clear expectations for yourself and your remodeler and make sure it is detailed and documented clearly. Set yourself up with clear expectations so you are properly prepared for the headache and hassle. The graph below is something we put together to help clients understand how their emotions might react during the remodel process.

Over the coming weeks we will explore some recent areas clients have expressed exasperation to me.

1.    "The project is taking weeks or months longer than I was told it would." There are many factors that could contribute to this. Maybe the weather hasn't been cooperating and they haven't been able to pour your foundation or roof the addition. Acts of God are a perfectly reasonable excuse for a project taking longer than it should. But there are also other reasons that may contribute to the process taking longer that could have been avoided. Maybe all of the selections were not finalized before the project began and now your tile is holding up the kitchen from being completed or that one light fixture is on back order til January. To help the process rock along as quickly and smoothly as possible, it's important before any work begins, that you have every selection and paint color made and if possible, in hand to avoid any delays. It's not fun living with a mess in your house or having to go without a kitchen or bathroom. I know-I've done it, that's why I'm such a huge proponent of doing the hard work on the front end in order to speed up and smooth the process along. Another factor could be that your contractor is not very organized or has too many projects going at the same time. Lack of organization or being too busy often manifests itself in project delays. Before you sign a contract with a remodeler, ask previous clients how well they have stuck with their schedule. Question the remodeler about how many projects they have going at one time and who will manage your project. Answers to these questions will give you insight into how your project will run.

Have you experienced any frustrations with a remodel project? I'd love to hear about them. Shoot me an email at jessica@webbercoleman.com. Next time we will continue our series on the remodel roller coaster. 

Polished Chrome vs. Polished Nickel

One question that often comes up when selecting plumbing fixtures is should we use a polished chrome finish or a polished nickel finish? Today we will explore the differences and when you should choose one over the other.

Polished chrome is generally less expensive than polished nickel. It used to be easier to find, but today most things are also available in polished nickel. Polished chrome has more of a grey, cool undertone while polished nickel has more of a gold, warm undertone.  Generally when using cool grey paint colors and white Carrera marble, you would want to use a polished chrome finish. If you are using warmer cream toned paint and Calcutta gold marble, polished nickel would work better.

Do you need to match every finish in a space? That’s a big question for another day, but no, your cabinet hardware, faucets and light fixtures don’t all have to match. You can easily combine a polished chrome faucet with brushed nickel hardware or polished nickel with other oil rubbed bronze accents. I love the look of a bright and shiny faucet. There’s something just so clean and fresh about it.

So before you select polished nickel over polished chrome, take a moment to evaluate the other colors and finishes in the space. You may find that polished chrome works best…and you can save a couple of bucks. Questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com. I’m always happy to answer questions or give you further information.

Sub-Zero in Scottsdale

Earlier this year, I was privileged to join a group of designers from the Southeast on a trip to tour Sub-Zero and Wolf’s Goodyear, Arizona manufacturing facility. It was a fantastic trip with some really wonderful people.  We enjoyed good food, many laughs and a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West while we were there. I thought I would share some of the things I learned about Sub-Zero and Wolf’s manufacturing process while I was there.

We drove out to the middle of nowhere. A very flat place with only large distribution facilities dotted around. At the Goodyear, Arizona plant, Sub-Zero only manufactures built in refrigeration.  We all donned our safety glasses and heard a brief history of this facility from the manager. They currently employ over 400 people and many of their employees have been with them a very long time. They treat their employees well and many second generations work here as well. It’s easy to work for a company that produces such a high quality product.

As we began our tour on the plant floor, we were shown how rolls of metal were made into the exterior box of the refrigerator. Some work is automated and some work is still done by hand. The precision required was amazing to see in person! We continued thru the plant, seeing each stage of production and watching a refrigerator take shape.  I love seeing products being made and all that goes into them! It really gives you an appreciation and validation for your investment.

Then we stepped into the testing room. Boy, was that impressive! Sub-Zero tests 100% of every product that they ship out. They say they are the only manufacturer in the world to do that. They have zero tolerance for flaws. And they scrap product every day. Scrap an $8000 refrigerator? You’ve got to be kidding me! That’s what I thought. But their business philosophy is that they are building an appliance to last for 20 years. They don’t want the client to experience any issues. If they can catch the problems in the manufacturing process thru thorough testing, it saves them and the clients a lot of headache and cost. Sub-Zero only allows 100% correct product to go out their door. This information was reassuring to me as a designer and someone who specifies product for clients. It makes it easy to recommend a product when you know the manufacturer is doing all they can to reduce your headaches and provide the client a truly quality product.

It truly was an enlightening and informative trip. The next time you have the chance to see a Sub-Zero or Wolf appliance, or maybe even use one in your own home, maybe you too will look at it differently. And see the quality, time and testing that went into such a great product. Do you have questions about these products? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com. I’m always happy to answer questions or give you further information.

It’s a man’s world no longer: How to succeed in a male dominated industry

This January, I had the privilege to present as part of the Voices from the Industry track at the Kitchen and Bath Industry show in Las Vegas. The title of my presentation was “It’s a man’s world no longer: How to succeed in a male dominated industry”. Many clients and contractors I work with were so supportive and helpful in my preparation of this subject. It was an hour long presentation, so I won’t bore you with it all but thought I would share some snippets with you.

Our learning objectives were to:

1.            Identify key areas men and women commonly miscommunicate

2.            Learn how to raise the level of respect with your appearance

3.            Highlight important traits to look for when hiring a female designer

More and more women are working in this man’s world of construction than ever before and it’s important for them to understand the subconscious ideas that men have about how things should work.

I am not a feminist, but it is important to understand the gender differences that do exist and learn how to work with them to get the job done. Understanding men in the ways it might impact women is a critical career skill set that women can develop like any other skill set. Men’s perceptions exist and could be affecting women regardless of whether they know what they are.

We had a great time and it was fun to share what I have learned over my 14 years in the industry. I am so thankful to get to work with some truly amazing men and women in this world we call construction.

Do you have any questions about this topic? Anything you have learned from completing a project?

Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Stained vs. Painted

                Multiple times a week I am asked “Which is better? Stained or painted cabinets?” Today we will look at the pros and cons of both. Just like with any finish, there are pros and cons, but the ultimate questions you have to ask yourself are…What do you like the best? What fits in your home?  What fits your lifestyle?  What are you going to be happy living with for a long time? Only you can make that decision.

Stained Pros:

-Shows wear less. Nicks or scratches on a stained cabinet are less visible than on a white painted cabinet. It doesn’t mean that it won’t nick or scratch, it’s just that those imperfections will be less visible.

-Typically a neutral base that can work with many different accent colors. This is great if you like to change up your colors with the season…

-Allows you to see the beautiful grain of the wood.

Stained Cons:

-Typically darker, not as bright as a white painted cabinet

-Fewer color options

Painted Pros:

-Brightens up a space, depending on the color used.

-Limitless color options.

Painted Cons:

-Shows wear more.

-Potential to get tired of the color.

Do you have any other pro or cons to add? Do you have a favorite? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Help! I have stippled ceilings! Part 2

                “Help!” may be what you feel like yelling when you have stippled or popcorn ceilings.  Last time we explored why this type of ceiling treatment is done and the pros and cons of it. Today we will explore your options for removing it.

In today’s interiors stippled or popcorn ceilings are not preferred. This could be a drawback to purchasing  or selling a home. If you have this type ceiling, what can you do about it? There are 3 common options.

1.       Leave it. Yes, you could leave it, repair it, paint it, live with it. In making this decision, there are a few things to consider. How much does it bother you? Is your home value worth the time and expense to change it? Is there asbestos in it? I have stippled ceilings in my current home. As much as I despise them, I’ve opted to keep them for now. I’ve done some repairs, which look great and I’ve also had to paint the ceiling in the kitchen due to a leak from the upstairs bathroom.  They might not be ideal, but there are ways to make them work.

2.       Scrape it. What I consider, possibly the worst option, many people are willing to try their hand at. This requires scraping a wide flat blade, think large putty knife, on a long pole or standing on a ladder, across the surface of the ceiling to remove the texture or popcorn treatment. Once it is all removed, then the ceiling has to be mudded and sanded and mudded and sanded until the ceiling is nice and smooth. Think neck breaking and messy.

3.       Cover it. You can apply beadboard or 1x6 boards to the ceiling to add a decorative element to the space while still covering up the stippling or popcorn. Or more common is adding a ¼” thick sheetrock over the existing ceiling and taping and mudding it like a typical sheetrock ceiling. This is the option we use most often.

So there you have it. Your options for your stippled or popcorn ceiling. Keep in mind, whatever option you choose, sheetrock work is messy and that dust can find it’s way into every crack and crevice.  Be prepared, cover things up or remove them. Have questions or a funny experience regarding stippled ceilings? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Help! I have stippled ceilings!

                “Help!” may be what you feel like yelling when you have stippled or popcorn ceilings.  Today we are going to explore why these types of ceilings are done and the pros and cons of them.

A stippled or popcorn ceiling is sprayed or trowelled on finish to a drywall ceiling that saves contractors a lot of time and money because the ceilings do not have to be mudded, taped, sanded, primed or painted. What may save time at the beginning of a home’s life often causes angst for the homeowner down the road. Proving again that the shortcut is not always the best road to take. There’s a life lesson in there.

What the pros to a stippled or popcorn ceiling?

                -It provides a quick finish for a sometimes difficult to finish surface.

                -It masks an uneven ceiling

                -It hides imperfections

                -It provides texture to an often times flat space

                -Crown molding is often times not needed

What are the cons to a stippled or popcorn ceiling?

                -Cracking is difficult to repair

                -Discoloration from leaks or stains are difficult to repair without repainting the entire                             ceiling

                -Crown molding or trim at the ceiling don’t always have a nice tight fit

                -Repair from adding or removing ceiling fixtures is difficult

                -Matching existing texture for a repair is difficult

So you have stippled ceilings. Is all hope lost? Well, that may be a little overdramatic. I would say that in today’s interiors stippled or popcorn ceilings are not preferred. This could be a drawback to purchasing  or selling a home. If you have this type ceiling, what can you do about it? Next time we will explore your options for removing a stippled or popcorn ceiling. Have questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

What's the cost of a kitchen remodel? Part 3

A large majority of our clients are people who are remodeling or "freshening up" their kitchen. One of their first questions is "How much is this going to cost?" They may have a number in their head or they may have no idea. Previously we discussed flooring, cabinetry and appliances and today we will dive into the last areas.

Finally, what are factors that influence the price of your countertops? First, your material selection. Do you want a granite, marble, quartz or recycled glass? They each have different looks and different price points. Another factor in the cost of countertops is the thickness and edge detail.

So, what DOES it REALLY cost to get the kitchen of your dreams? Remodeling magazine recently released a survey that said that the 2015 national average for an upscale major kitchen remodel costs $113,000 and a midrange major kitchen remodel costs $57,000. That cost can vary by the part of the country you live in, the extent of the work and the materials you select.

As you contemplate your kitchen remodel and are tempted to cut corners, remember some important factors. The best professional kitchen designers and contractors will insist that you wait, if at all possible, and invest in working with their team of trusted subs and tradespeople that they’ve worked with over a long period of time. They know who really delivers on time, who communicates with the other subs well, and who takes care of the inevitable problems on a jobsite with speed and fairness. This is part of the expertise they bring to your project. Word to the wise to save money:  bringing in your own tradespeople to save money if you’re working with an experienced professional kitchen and bath designer or contractor is not a good idea as there are so many trades involved in a major kitchen remodel. Disrupting the knowledge that these tradespeople have developed about each others work methods over time, through working on a team, will not be worth it. It disrupts their work flow and communication patterns on your job site and causes headaches and delays, and these cost you more money in the long run than you will have saved.

Many interior designers will call a professional kitchen designer in to work together with them to create a beautiful kitchen for you. Kitchen design is a very specialized field and if your interior designer requests your permission to add a professional kitchen designer into your budget for just this phase of planning your home, consider agreeing – to get the best results, especially when you are considering a luxury kitchen remodeling project.

A kitchen remodel is a large investment and big part of your home. Work with professionals and do your research to ensure the best outcome. Have questions? Don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

What's the cost of a kitchen remodel? Part 2

A large majority of our clients are people who are remodeling or "freshening up" their kitchen. One of their first questions is "How much is this going to cost?" They may have a number in their head or they may have no idea. Last time we discussed flooring and today we will dive into some of the other areas.

After flooring, next are cabinets. Are you going to reface your existing cabinets or start over with new ones? Factors that impact your kitchen cabinetry cost will include: the type of wood species chosen, whether the cabinetry style you choose is standard *off the shelf* box cabinetry like you might find at IKEA or custom cabinets. Many times the cabinets featured in magazines like Architectural Digest, Veranda and other similar magazines are custom cabinets. My experience has been that often times when you start making changes and customizing box cabinets, the cost often skyrockets more than the cost of the same cabinet in custom cabinetry. If you are considering new cabinets, it's definitely worth weighing both options.

Your next big budget item will be your kitchen appliances: your cooktop/range, your dishwasher, your refrigerator, microwave, range hood, warming ovens, wine coolers, etc. There are many different price ranges for each and every appliance you can choose, and an experienced kitchen designer or appliance dealer can quickly give you an overview of what brands are right for your needs and give you a general price range so you will know what to expect.  Do your research-these are some of the hardest working items in your kitchen. And don't forget about your faucet. Truly the hardest working appliance in your kitchen.

Next time we will wrap up the large items that make up a kitchen remodel. A kitchen remodel is a large investment and big part of your home. Work with professionals and do your research to ensure the best outcome. Have questions? Don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

What's the cost of a kitchen remodel?

A large majority of our clients are people who are remodeling or "freshening up" their kitchen. One of their first questions is "How much is this going to cost?" They may have a number in their head or they may have no idea. Today we are going to dive into some of the factors that largely attribute to the cost of a kitchen remodel.

You may watch shows on HGTV, read blogs or follow celebrities that offer insight into this remodeling world. I have to say that many times these outlets leave out many important factors such as HVAC considerations, pull outs and interior organization of cabinets that many people utilize today to make their cabinets more useful, labor for the subcontractors and any design fees or overhead by the contractor. They lead us to believe that a kitchen remodel can happen in a weekend or even over dinner. For proper expectations, consult your local professional.

The biggest investment categories in a kitchen remodel are flooring, cabinetry, appliances and countertops. Let's explore each of these items in detail.

Starting from the floor up, flooring is often a large cost in any kitchen remodel. Whether you are refinishing your existing hardwoods or install new wood flooring or tile, there are several things that can drive this cost up. Is rot found in the subfloor? Is there a distinct stopping point for refinishing your hardwoods or are you going to have to continue into some adjoining spaces? Are you pulling up old tile? There may be additional work you need to do to the subfloor to prep for the new flooring. The next factor in flooring is what kind of flooring will you use? Solid hardwoods finished on site, pre-finished engineered hardwoods, natural stone or porcelain tile. Each of these come in varying price points.

There’s a lot involved in a kitchen remodel and we have just scratched the surface today. Next time we will dive into the other factors that contribute to the cost of a kitchen remodel. Have any questions or areas you want to learn about? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Athens Home & Garden Show Recap

If you missed this year’s Home & Garden Show at the Classic Center, you missed out! Here’s a recap and hopefully an enticement for you to attend next year.

-A bag of dirt-Super Sod will deliver a bag of dirt to your house! Need to fill in an area, but don’t want to by 20 bags of top soil from Lowes? This could be your answer.

-Kid’s activities-there were lots of great things for kids to do. They could make a piece of pottery or build a set of binoculars.

-Designer Dog Houses-JOMA Construction was raffling off two designer dog houses with proceeds to benefit ESP.

-Elvis was in the house! Garden South created a life size Elvis out of plants! Look at that hair!

-White Room Challenge-3 teams of Athens Technical College Interior Design students were given 10 hours to transform a space into a room. They repurposed items from Habitat for Humanity and were very creative. It was so fun to watch these spaces transform throughout the weekend. Each space was judged on Sunday.

See you next year! Questions or comments about this year’s Home Show? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

What is quartzite?

You may have heard of one of the newest players in the countertop world-Quartzite. But what is quartzite and should you pay attention to it? The long and short of it is "Yes!"

Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originates as sandstone. Through a process of high heating and pressurization sandstone is transformed into Quartzite. When heated, individual quartz pieces recrystallize giving it a beautiful and decorative sparkling pattern. Quartzites offer a range of colors, veining and movement and can look like granite, marble, or a hybrid of both. Most Quartzites come from Brazil.

Quartzite is naturally strong, resists heat, is hard to stain and is harder than quartz. On the Mohs scale of hardness (1-10), with 10 the hardest, granite measures between 6 and 6.5; whereas quartzite measures around 7.There is a chance for etching to occur on its surface but can be minimized with regular sealing. Quartzite is considered an exceptional material for use in countertops.

Quartzite can be literally found all over the world, as it is a very common material formed in the crust of the earth. You will notice the more sought after material originates in Brazil and India. The difference in price for the material in either slabs or tiles will be reflected through the availability of colors and location. Pure quartzite is usually white to gray, though quartzite often occur in various shades of pink and red. Other colors, such as yellow and orange, are due to other mineral impurities.

So keep your eye open for this newcomer. It is stunning! Any questions? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Best of Houzz 2015

This year we were honored to be awarded the 2015 awards from Houzz for best in Customer Service and best in Design. You may say "Who cares and what does it have to do with me?"

First, what is Houzz? Houzz is an online platform for new home building, home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin and Sydney.

Second, what are the awards? The Best Of Houzz awards are given in two categories: Design and Customer Satisfaction. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 25 million monthly users on Houzz, known as “Houzzers.” Customer Satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2014. Winners will receive a “Best Of Houzz 2015” badge on their profiles, helping Houzz users around the world who discover and love a professional’s work to learn even more about that business’ popularity and satisfaction rating among their peers in the Houzz community. 

If you haven't discovered Houzz yet, I highly recommend checking it out.  It is sure to be helpful…and highly addictive! Any questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

International Builder Show Recap

Part of my recent trip to Vegas for Design and Construction week was to attend the International Builder Show. The NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) is the largest annual light construction show in the world. The crowds were large and the amount of vendors was staggering. Here are a couple of things that stood out to me.

-Best by Broan-a kitchen ventilation company. It was great to see their old products and to touch and feel their new ones. They have a great new downdraft they are introducing that is 21" tall and can be used in many different applications, like behind a freestanding range. We have one of their hoods working in our showroom.

-Houzz-still the leader in the inspiration field for clients, it was great to talk with their staff and hear about the great ways people are using this fantastic-and free!- application. I learned that the average professional on Houzz has uploaded only 20 pictures for potential clients to view. By the way, we have uploaded over 650 pictures...

-Nautical Impressions-I loved the nautical inspired towel bars and toilet paper holders this company has designed! Now, who had a beach or lake house I can use these in?!

I saw too many great things to mention here, but be sure you will see some of those things being used in my designs and projects coming up. Want to know more? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

KBIS recap

I recently returned from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas. If you missed my previous column, KBIS, in conjunction with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), is an inspiring, interactive platform that showcases the latest industry products, trends and technologies. KBIS truly is the voice of the kitchen and bath industry and has been for 50 years.

 

I want to share with you some of the great new products I got to see in action.

 

-French door ovens-several manufacturers have offered these in the past such as Viking. Formerly seen in a commercial application, GE Monogram just introduced a French door oven that is at a more affordable price point.

 

 

-Contemporary glass knobs-everyone is familiar with the traditional octagonal shaped glass knobs, but Emtek has just introduced some much more simple, clean, square and contemporary knobs that are to die for! Can't wait to use them on an upcoming project!

 

-Vessel sinks-I admit, I am not the biggest fan of vessel sinks because of the difficulty to clean around them, but I do love them in a powder room for that extra little punch. Thompson Traders showcased some fantastic shapes, finishes and designs. I loved this flower one!

 

 

That's just a taste of some of the great things I got to see. Want to hear more? Don't hesitate to stop me if you see me out and about. Or have questions about any of these products? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com