5 Things To Do Yourself

It's that time of year that people begin to get the itch to be productive. We are cooped up inside and we see and have time to tackle those nagging little home projects on our to do list. Before you begin, let's assess what you can do and what really needs to be hired out.

 

First, take a pad of paper or your smartphone and go room by room. Take a fresh look at the space. Is something in need of repair? Would a good cleaning solve your problem? Are you tired of looking at that old ceiling fan? Is that picture still leaning against the wall waiting to be hung? Once you have a master list of what needs to be done, you can assess what you want and can do and what you need to hire someone else to do. Depending on your skill and confidence level, this may vary by person. Here is my list of 5 things most anyone could tackle.

 

1.    Replace shower faucet head. Minimal tools are needed for this and can really upgrade your showering experience and make you wonder why it took you so long. Two that I have enjoyed trying out recently are the Grohe Rainshower hand shower and the Kohler Moxie shower head. It has a Bluetooth speaker built into it!

 

2.   Replace a light fixture or ceiling fan. A little electrical knowledge is needed or the ability to read instructions. Few tools are needed, but patience and possibly a third hand are a must. Make sure you turn off the breaker before you begin.

 

3.   New cabinet hardware. A very simple change, make sure you find a pull that matches the current hole pattern you have drilled in your cabinet doors and drawers or select a backplate that will cover up the old holes. You can either purchase online or through a local hardware company.

 

4.   Paint. More tools are needed for this project and it's important to make sure you prep and tape off the space well before you begin. (While I have painted many a space, I have found it less frustrating and more economical, time wise, for me to hire this out. If you ever see me purchasing a paint brush, feel free to tell me to put it down and call the painter!)

 

5.   Minor sheetrock repairs. Patience and a few tools are needed. This skill is important before you tackle some of the painting projects above.

 

6.   Window treatments & blinds. A drill, a hammer, screws, a tape measure and a pencil. Measure twice and drill once. So simple and very rewarding!

 

Need a little help? Someone in your local hardware store is a great wealth of knowledge. That little thing called the internet. Yeah, it's helpful too. And YouTube has a wealth of knowledge in video tutorials that can help you through your projects. If all else fails, call The Man. AKA the painter, electrician, plumber. You won't be sorry. If you have any questions you would like addressed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 6

Myth: “Yes, it will fit.”

 Fact: You can’t deny the reality of a square foot, but it’s amazing how many people try to do just that. One client insisted on putting an island in her new townhouse kitchen, although there was clearly not enough room for it. She tried to do what’s popular without any thought to whether it would work in the space. Now, there’s barely room to stand behind it to use the counter and you can’t put anything on the adjacent wall except for a painting.

 

Human nature is tricky. We can unwittingly grow attached to our old appliances and end up with new refrigerators that are too small  or too large or with ovens that are short on burners. Or, we forget our physical limitations and opt for a sink bay window that’s too deep or an island that’s too huge to clean. It's important to pay particular attention to aisle width, which should be between 42” and 48”. If there’s too little space, you’re stuck if someone lowers the door of the oven, dishwasher or microwave. Always try to maintain your objectivity, and remember that, in the end, utility trumps every other consideration.

 

Myth: You can decide on the design as you go

 

Fact: Designing on the fly is likely to lead to a big mess. For a successful design plan, it's important to start with a clear picture of what you want, and it's even better to have it down on paper with each detail selected. You can successfully mix styles and pieces, but even if you're a seasoned pro, this requires considerably more strategy than just picking up decor that you like on a whim. There's nothing worse than getting to the middle or end of a project to find out that sink you really wanted is back ordered for 3 months.

 

The end of the year is drawing near and we will begin focusing on new ideas. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 5

Myth: The ceiling has to be white

 

Fact: We all know that white is the typical color for a ceiling, but there's no decorating rule that says it has to be. Painting the ceiling two shades lighter than the wall color can help smaller rooms feel more airy and spacious. But if the room is already cavernous and you want to give it more of a cozy feel, choose a darker color to give the illusion of bringing the ceiling down.

 

Myth: White Rooms look bigger

 

Fact: White rooms are popular for a couple of reasons. They complement a modern, minimalist aesthetic, and they don't compete with other bold design choices. Clean is the buzzword most people use when opting for white, but it's a myth that white walls make a room look larger. Color creates depth and interest, and our eyes tend to move from darker colors to lighter colors. This is what allows us to judge the distance between two walls and what creates the illusion of space -- or the lack thereof.

 

Myth: Everything has to match

Fact: Everything in a room does not have to match, but you do want pieces to coordinate for a cohesive look. An elegant Louis XVI chair isn't a good complement to the clean lines of a mod Parson's table, but this doesn't mean that your entire living room has to be decorated with Victorian antiques. If you're mixing styles, it's important to choose pieces that visually balance each other. For example, a roomy sectional with big, deep cushions is best paired with a chunky coffee table, while a smaller scale couch with tailored cushions will coordinate better with a spindly, mid-century modern coffee table.

 

Next time we will explore some other kitchen myth's. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 4

Myth: “I want what she has.”   

Fact: It’s tempting to follow the latest trends, but it pays to be practical. Do you really want your friend’s painted cabinets when they risk water damage near your sink? Will you tire of that popular granite color? Will you still love antique glazed cabinets in 10 years? Will that funky kitchen featured in that glossy magazine really work in your house?

Considering the scope of a kitchen renovation, it’s best to proceed cautiously. Homeowners get carried away when they see someone else’s home or a kitchen showroom. They go bounding off and buy things without thinking of the rest of the house. Usually the kitchen is the first room they do during a home renovation and it dictates the colors for the rest of the house—for what seems like forever. It’s a huge investment.

 

Myth: Solid  cabinet doors last longer than veneer doors.

Fact: Solid wood doors have a higher tendency to warp and the wood separate than veneer doors.  Veneer doors can actually be quite durable depending on the quality of the veneer and edge tape. When making the decision, make sure you have a high level of trust with the manufacturer and they have a strong warranty.

 

Myth: Big box stores are always cheaper.

Fact: This really depends on the design of the kitchen and the type of cabinets you want to purchase. Typically, high levels of customization can cost a lost more with big box store cabinets. Once you have decided on your layout and style, it's important to obtain estimates from a big box store and a custom cabinet company.

 

Next time we will explore some other kitchen myth's. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 3

Myth: “I’m not going to have any clutter in my new kitchen.”
 

Fact: One homeowner recently ripped out her crowded pantry to make room for a lovely butler's pantry area with glass front cabinets. Now she doesn’t have a pantry—and no place to store everyday dry goods and cereals. She thought she could adapt, but how can she when there’s insufficient storage space?

         

Whether we like it or not, life is messy—in kitchens both new and old. That’s why adequate space to store it is essential. One of the most common mistakes among homeowners is that they want kitchens that open into other rooms, and they don’t plan any upper storage for china and glassware. There needs to be a balance between function and style.

 

 

Myth: Bigger is always better

 

Fact: Like so many homeowners, Ms. Doe finally got a massive kitchen for entertaining, but now she walks endlessly from one appliance to another. This is one mistake that homeowners have to live with for a long time, since kitchen renovations are done only once every 15 years or so. While you’re still in the planning stages, consider adding a task or bar sink next to your refrigerator, on a central island or near your cooktop to reduce the need to cross those distance. Because kitchens are such a large investment and not remodeled very often, it's important to choose quality over quantity.

 

 

Next time we will explore some other kitchen myth's. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 2

This week we will continue with our kitchen myth series. I would love to know if you have any you would like to add to the list. Email me at the address below.

 

Myth: “I don’t need a designer.”

 

Fact: Not every kitchen project requires a designer. But many of us need someone to help us see the big picture and oversee the entire project, including coordinating the efforts of the architect and builder or contractor. They also help see potential problems and are able to come up with solutions or navigate through potential changes at may need to be made. These experts earn their keep by saving you money in the long run, and save your time and sanity by keeping your project on time and under budget. Even if you have a very clear picture of what you want, a designer can hone in on how to best realize your remodeling dream.

 

 

Myth: “I can add that easily at a later time.”

 

Fact: One client insisted she didn’t need a microwave, but when her husband was transferred and they had to sell the house, the missing microwave was a big issue among potential buyers, even those who admired her gorgeous cabinets. It's best to add features to your new kitchen during, not after, renovation. Even if you’re not ready for a flat-screen television in the kitchen now, it’s best to prepare for their future installation by running cable and electrical lines. Just because you don't use a microwave today, doesn't mean your needs wont change in a year or two. Keep your options open.

  

Lighting is another element that often gets overlooked in a remodel. Opt for a variety of kitchen lighting fixtures throughout the kitchen, especially under-cabinet lighting, since it illuminates counter top space far better than overhead lighting alone.

 

If you prefer to tackle your kitchen renovation in stages, one aspect or area at a time, just make sure to plan carefully so everything fits together harmoniously—both stylistically and functionally--when your space is finally complete.

 

I look forward to dispelling more myths with you next time. As always, don't hesitate to contact me with any questions at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 1

Over the next couple of months, we will discuss and dispel many common kitchen and bathroom myth's that I hear from friends and clients.

 

Myth: It's less expensive to reface or redo my existing cabinets than to get new ones.

 

Fact: If your current cabinets are in bad condition, have water damage or extensive wear, re-facing or refinishing them is not the best option. You will need to spend money repairing your old cabinets before they can be re-faced or refinished. Also, re-facing won’t allow you to make changes to the layout. If you want to make your kitchen layout or arrangement better or add in some customized options, you may be better off getting new cabinets. Either way, it's important to compare estimates for both options.

 

 

Myth: Solid back cabinets are stronger than 1/8” back cabinets

 

Fact: This is not always true.  The strength of the cabinet is determined mostly by how they are constructed and how well the parts are joined together.

 

 

Myth: More expensive drawer slides are always better.

 

Fact: There are times when less expensive slides could work better depending on the application. Consider the use of the drawer when making a drawer slide selection. Hinges and drawer slides are the most used pieces of hardware on cabinets and its important that you have a quality that will withstand the wear you will put on it. This is one item I don't like to scrimp on.

 

Next time we will explore some other kitchen myth's. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Bathroom Myth's

Myth: Don't use dark colors in a small bathroom

 

Fact: Using dark colors in a small bathroom, especially a powder room, can lend an elegant, sophisticated look to the space. It is important to still maintain good lighting, but don't be afraid to experiment with dark colors.

 

 

Myth: A pedestal sink is the best choice for a small bathroom.

 

Fact: Current design fads notwithstanding, a sink in a well-designed vanity cabinet will not only provide far more usable countertop area, but also a good bit of storage below--a feature that's even more important in a small bathroom than in a large one.

 

 

Myth: The best time to figure out where toilet-paper holders and towel bars go is when you're almost done, and you can see what you've got to work with.

 

Fact: This is why the pencil was invented --to figure out such things ahead of time. You should know exactly where every towel bar, toilet paper holder and robe hook is going to be installed long before you ever pick up a hammer. Fail to do so, and you may end up with your toilet-paper holder screwed to the side of your bathtub.

 

 

 

Myth: The best place for a bathroom lighting fixture is directly over the sink.

 

Fact: This is a silly architectural custom that won't die, though it sure deserves to. Having the light source over the sink guarantees that no matter how you turn your head, some part of your face will always be exasperatingly in shadow. Take a tip from what Hollywood makeup pros have done since the 1920s: Place the lighting on either side of the sink, roughly level with your face, and not above it. It's the only way to get even, shadow-free lighting. But when you don’t have room for sconces either side, a light above is better than no light at all.

 

 

Thanks for joining me on this myth dispelling journey. I hope it has been helpful for you. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

No slip and slide here!

Recently, I attended a seminar on tile and the speaker was from the Tile Council of North America. While listening to his introduction, I thought, “Oh, no! This could be boring.” But it wasn’t! In fact it was quite enlightening and interesting. Let me share with you what I learned about the “slipperiness” of tile. No floor tile is "slip proof", but it is important to know what tile is the best to use in wet situations. Slippery conditions can be minimized by limiting foot traffic in wet conditions, prompt removal of contaminants (hair conditioners are the worst!), effective drainage, and proper maintenance.

 

What does "COF" mean? The Tile Council of North America defines coefficient of friction (“COF) as the relative slip resistance of tile. The COF test is a laboratory or field test established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to provide its customers comparable slip resistance values for each of its floor tiles. The measurements disclosed are designed to be one important factor to consider in evaluating slip resistance. Other factors can affect slip resistance, such as the degree of wear on the shoe and flooring material; presence of foreign material, such as water, oil and dirt; the length of the human stride at the time of slip; type of floor finish; and the physical and mental condition of humans.

 

Outdoor tile typically features non-skid finishes designed for safety when wet, sometimes installed on patios, walkways, or around pools. Unglazed ceramic tiles are very hard and dense. They come in various surface treatments and textures. Unglazed tiles do have good slip resistance, however please note that they do require sealing to help prevent staining. High gloss finishes can be more slippery and scratches can become more visible, while matte or textured finishes help with traction and scratches, and dirt is less visible.

 

It's important when choosing tile for a floor that you have good information on the COF. It's best to work with a knowledgeable professional such as Traditions in Tile to help you select the best tile for your space.

 

If you have any questions regarding issues we discuss, please don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com.

Wood on the Walls

This summer our family had the opportunity to spend some time in the Florida Keys. It was a fabulous trip and one place I would highly recommend visiting. While we were there, we took a day trip into Key West. It was HOT but we enjoyed seeing the sites. You are probably thinking, “This is great and all and I am glad you took a fun vacation, but what does this have to do with kitchens and bathrooms?”

 

While in Key West, we enjoyed lunch at the Latitudes Restaurant. This restaurant is part of the Westin resort on Sunset Key. Sunset Key is a small 27 acre private island off of Key West with 40 private cottages. This island is accessible only by private boat and no cars are permitted. We dined alfresco at the edge of the water and enjoyed a delicious meal and excellent service. Check it out at www.westinsunsetkeycottages.com

 

The architecture and design of buildings was beautiful and they spared no attention to detail. One detail I loved seeing was plank wood on the restroom walls. The whitewashed finish gave real warmth and character to what can sometimes be a very cold space. Have you considered adding wood to the walls of your bathrooms? Maybe it is in the form of painted beadboard or tongue and groove teak or whitewashed pine. Consider wood wainscoting around a tub, on the ceiling or on the wall behind a toilet. This small addition of wood doesn’t always add a great expense but can really change the look of your space.

 

I hope this has been helpful and informative and helps you with your future projects. If you have the chance to visit Key West, make sure you at least enjoy lunch on Sunset Key. You won’t be disappointed! Don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com with any questions. Know that I am always learning, reading, TRAVELING!!! and asking questions to help you with your projects.

Universal Shower Valve Design

Did your eyes glaze over when you read the title above? Me too, when I first heard about this. This was the title of a recent National Kitchen and Bath Association Continuing education course. As uninteresting as that seemed, I thought I should learn more about it as universal design becomes more prevalent and mainstream, especially in bathrooms. So, I braved the Atlanta traffic and subjected myself to an hour on this subject and surprisingly it turned out to be quite interesting and important.

 

A universal shower valve is the unseen valve in the wall behind the tile in your shower or bathtub that the handle affixes to. In years past, you had to select your entire shower or tub fixture before they could rough in the valve and pipes as the valve varied with the design that you chose. With the invention of the universal shower valve, the plumber can rough in with this valve and you can select the decorative trim later in the project. In using this valve, you also have flexibility in changing the faucet out in years to come without tearing up the wall behind it.

I always believe that it is best to finalize your entire plan and selections, and in some cases purchase items, before you begin the rough in stage of the project. This insures that all items will still be available when you need them and helps prevent mistakes on the job site. In selecting your shower valve before hand, you can plan your tile design and plumbing layout to work with each other.

 

Using the universal shower valve may cost a few more dollars up front but will surely be worth the extra investment in the future. Talk with your plumber about this and don't assume they are going to use it. A good plumbing distributor, such as Ferguson's or DeVore and Johnson can also be helpful in answering any questions you or your plumber may have.

 

I hope this has been helpful and informative and helps you with your future projects. Don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com with any questions. Know that I am always learning, reading and asking questions to help you with your projects.

Cooking it up!

We have talked so much about how the kitchen should be designed but this week I will share with you my favorite food blogs for great techniques and recipes. A great kitchen space also calls for great food!

 

1.    How Sweet It Is http://www.howsweeteats.com/   The writer, Jessica, is comical and has some fabulous recipes. Believe me, I've tried them! Bacon is always in her refrigerator, chocolate is her fav and she is always finding great things at Trader Joes.

2.    Closet Cooking http://www.closetcooking.com/  The writer, Kevin, serves up some great recipes, especially for meats out of his closet sized kitchen.

3.    Spoon Fork Bacon http://spoonforkbacon.com/ Jenny's recipes and Teri's mad photography skills would make you want to cook cardboard!

4.    A Cozy Kitchen http://acozykitchen.com/ Adrianna shares great breakfast recipes.

5.    Apples & Onions http://applesandonions.com/ A friend duo who share great party ideas and recipes.

6.    Love and Olive Oil http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/ Lindsay and Taylor share recipes for seasonal produce and twists on the old classics.

7.    You Are My Fave http://www.youaremyfave.com/ Melanie shares great party ideas and recipes for fun occasions.

8.    The Sweetest Occasion http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/ Cyd loves throwing parties and events and occasionally shares recipes.

9.    Top with Cinnamon http://www.topwithcinnamon.com/ Izy, a 17 year old from London, shares wonderful pictures and recipes.

 

These are some of my favorite food blogs. Do you have any favorites? If so, please share!

Sub-Zero & Wolf Factory Tour: Part 3

Last month I was privileged to be invited to visit the Sub-Zero and Wolf headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin to tour their factories and get a sneak peek at new products they are rolling out. Let me tell you-it was quite the experience and not one I will soon forget! Here is a peek at the new products they are rolling out.

Sub-Zero is rolling out many new options for refrigeration, wine storage and freezer space. The variety of widths of all refrigeration units in 18”, 24”, 30” and 36”. Refrigerator and freezer combination drawers in the same widths for undercounter use. All of these units now have LED lighting to cut down on the heat inside a refrigerator and provide more of a pure color light. Wine storage units now available in tall units from 18”, 24” and 30” wide with options for a humidor, more precise temperature and humidity control.

 

Wolf’s new products include redesigned wall ovens with a new Verticross convection system, preset menus and touch screen controls. They also offer  a contemporary style that doesn’t have a handle but rather a touch latch opening device that allows for a clean, seamless look. Redesigned gas, electric and induction cooktops with finer controls and easier to clean components. Their newest and possibly most exciting reveal is a built in coffee system. Easy to clean with customized settings make this an item to seriously consider in your next project.

 

It truly was an incredible trip full of learning opportunities, new people and delicious food. If you are in Atlanta, make sure to stop by the fabulous Sub-Zero & Wolf showroom in Buckhead. They have all the products on the floor that you can touch and see and feel and often do cooking demonstrations. It would be well worth your time. If you see me out and about, feel free to stop me and ask me any questions about this trip or other things we have discussed or email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Sub-Zero and Wolf Factory Tour: Part 2

Last month I was privileged to be invited to visit the Sub-Zero and Wolf headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin to tour their factories and get a sneak peek at new products they are rolling out. Let me tell you-it was quite the experience and not one I will soon forget! Here is a recap of the last day of my trip and a look at some of the amazing new products they are rolling out. If you missed the last article where I shared about the first 2 days, check out the previous post.

 

Day 3 we were bussed back to the Westye Bakke Center, Sub-Zero & Wolf’s corporate headquarters, training center and spectacular showroom. Their chefs prepared another amazing breakfast for us which we enjoyed again in their beautiful dining room. Next we moved back into their auditorium and spent some time learning from the Customer Service and Marketing departments. It was a great time to ask questions and learn more about their internal processes. Interesting fact: their customer service line is answered by real people 24/7 in Madison, Wisconsin.  Next we headed to the Sub-Zero factory right across the parking lot. This 2 story facility really was incredible. The amount of automation that allows each piece to be made the same way every time really helps with quality control and precision. We walked through the factory learning about each step that goes into making a Sub-Zero refrigeration or freezer unit. And again, we saw that EVERY unit was tested before it was packaged to leave the factory. After returning to the Westye Center we were greeted with delicious boxed lunches for our trip to the airport.

 

It truly was an incredible trip full of learning opportunities, new people and delicious food. If you are in Atlanta, make sure to stop by the fabulous Sub-Zero & Wolf showroom in Buckhead. They have all the products on the floor that you can touch and see and feel and often do cooking demonstrations. It would be well worth your time. If you see me out and about, feel free to stop me and ask me any questions about this trip or other things we have discussed. That's all we have time for today. Next time I will share with you about some of the new products they are rolling out. Stay tuned!

Sub-Zero & Wolf Factory Tour

Last month I was privileged to be invited to visit the Sub-Zero and Wolf headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin to tour their factories and get a sneak peek at new products they are rolling out. Let me tell you-it was quite the experience and not one I will soon forget!

 

Day one began with an airplane ride directly into Madison. There were about 20 people from Atlanta and the southeast traveling together for this trip. Sub-Zero & Wolf dealers, architects, builders and designers. We had a great time learning about each other’s businesses and current projects. We checked into our hotel in downtown Madison. Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and a darling town it is. Our hotel had a view of the lake on one side and the capital building on the other. Simply beautiful! That evening we joined about 46 other dealers, architects, builders and designers from the northeast and Canada for dinner. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and wonderful conversation.

 

Day 2 started out with a bang! All 66 of us boarded a bus and traveled the short distance to the Westye Bakke Center, Sub-Zero & Wolf’s corporate headquarters, training center and spectacular showroom. Their chefs prepared an amazing breakfast for us which we enjoyed in their beautiful dining room. Next we moved into their auditorium and spent some time learning about the history and heritage of the Bakke Family and Sub-Zero and Wolf. As part of a family business, I really enjoy and appreciate all the Bakke family has done for and through their business. Then we donned our safety goggles and headsets and headed out to the Wolf factory floor. The facilities were immaculate and climate controlled. We watched as they assembled cooktops and ovens and ranges and tested every unit. Yes, I said every unit. EVERY Sub-Zero & Wolf appliance is tested before it leaves the factory. EVERY ONE. We also learned that it is not uncommon for entire families to work here because the culture and conditions are so great. That speaks volumes! That evening we wrapped up the day with the chef’s at Sub-Zero and Wolf preparing some pretty amazing appetizers and desserts in two of their large working viewing kitchens. I would like one of those in my house, please. The kitchen-and the chef!

 

Next time I will share with you about the last day and some of the amazing new products we got to see.

Outside the kitchen: Part 2

Last time we discussed owning chickens and having your own backyard coop. This week we will continue learning about what type of chickens you should own and how to feed them.

 

3. Once you have your coop selected, it's time to select the variety of chicken you want to join your family. Some hens are bred more for egg production, while some are fun to have just for the variety of eggs or feather colors. Do a little research online to see what appeals to you the most. Finding chicks to purchase locally is becoming easier and easier. A local farm, feed store or fellow chicken enthusiast is a great place to start. You can also ask farmers selling fresh eggs at your local market if they offer chicks or can recommend a good source. If you are unable to locate a nearby source for chicks, there are hatcheries that will safely ship baby chicks immediately after they hatch. The post office will get a kick out of receiving your day old chicks. I speak from experience.

 

4. To keep your hens fit and productive, feed them the best food you can, provide fresh water daily and clean the nest boxes frequently. If possible, let your chickens roam freely in a fenced yard or in a covered exercise pen that you can move around. A healthy chicken will lay, at most, one egg per day, but it is rare to have a flock that is 100 percent productive. The egg yield will depend on the individual hens, the relative health of the flock, the number of daylight hours and many other factors that can all change throughout the year.

 

Chickens are one of the easiest animals to own and require very little attention. Before you dismiss the idea of owning chickens, consider doing it for your kids or grand kids. They will thank you later. And maybe one day they will say that chickens were one of the greatest experiences of their life.

Outside the Kitchen: Part 1

One of the greatest experiences of my life has been owning chickens. Growing up, our family started out with a couple of chickens and a makeshift coop. Our brood grew to include some specialty varieties, some that laid white eggs, brown eggs and colored eggs. We enjoyed hatching chicks. One which became more of a pet, named "Chicky Baby", that would follow follow us around like a dog. And yes, we did experience butchering a chicken and dissecting it. It was the ultimate science lesson.

 

Eggs collected from free range hens are unlike any you can buy in the store. The yolk is thick and a deep yellow-orange color. The white is stiffer and less watery than a store bought egg. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and when you control the food source, you are sure to get an excellent egg that is healthy for you and free of chemicals.

 

 

Here are some important things to keep in mind when planning your own backyard flock:

 

 

1.    The first step is to call your city or county planning department to see if your zoning allows for backyard chickens. It's also a courteous idea to let your neighbors know what you are planning.

 

2. When deciding on a coop, you can choose from a fixed, permanent structure or a mobile coop. Whichever you choose, select a location that is well drained and sunny. Consider how many chickens you want to determine the appropriate size. The general rule is a minimum of 3-4 square feet per hen, inside and outside. Make sure your coop is secure so predators such as raccoons, dogs, fox and other animals cannot gain access to your hens. There are many sources online for chicken coop plans and Williams Sonoma even sells coops through their Agrarian division. The options and ideas are endless.

 

Next time we will explore the types of chickens and how to feed them. If you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com 

The Kitchen's newest appliance

Just when you think there couldn't be anything new, technology throws you a curve ball. If you are renovating your kitchen or building a new one, you need to consider adding this newest appliance to your space. What is this new fangled appliance? It's a flat screen tv.

 

People spend more time than ever in their kitchens and they are demanding to stay in touch with the news, weather, play music and surf the Internet. A flat screen tv, whether small, under a wall cabinet, or large over a table or fireplace, is a necessary addition to today's space. Why not catch up on the news while fixing breakfast or tune into a Pandora station while entertaining or allow your kids to watch cartoons while enjoying their Saturday morning pancakes at the kitchen table. Syrup is no fun to clean out of that seagrass rug in the living room.

 

When wiring for your tv location, you will want to have electricity, cable and a telephone jack. This will allow you to be prepared for today and whatever future technology comes your way.  If mounting your tv to the wall, you will want to ensure that adequate blocking is in the wall to mount the tv to. Don't want to have a tv in your kitchen? Consider wiring for it anyway. It will be an excellent perk for resale down the road.

 

What do you think about tv's in the kitchen? Love it or hate it? Let me know your thoughts.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA): Celebrating 50 Years

The NKBA is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, marking half a century of dedication to industry education, networking and raising the professionalism of their membership. Founded in April of 1963 by a small group of kitchen dealers, the association’s goals included education, standards and advertising and public relations.

 

Since its founding, the NKBA has developed certifications, such as “Certified Kitchen Designer”, to ensure that a kitchen specialist is a valued and recognized profession and to encourage people to make kitchen design a career. The NKBA hosts the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) annually. This show, initially a very small gathering, has grown to be the largest professional kitchen and bath industry show in the world. In 2014, the International Builder’s Show and KBIS will host simultaneous shows in Las Vegas, NV.

Today, the NKBA is the premier association for kitchen and bath professionals, with nearly 60,000 members.

 

So why should you care about this organization? If you have had a bathroom or kitchen designed or remodeled, you may want to have consulted the NKBA. Their guidelines for these spaces are known throughout the construction and design industry to be the standard to design to. Make sure whoever you are working with is aware of and adhering to the standards.

 

Is it really that important to work with a NKBA certified designer? NKBA designers have many years of experience under their belt, have passed exams and must have annual continuing education credits. This knowledge and experience will only serve you better to ensure that your project turns out the best it can be.

Emerald: The Pantone 2013 Color of the Year

If you haven’t already heard, the Pantone 2013 color of the year is Emerald. “Lively. Radiant. Lush…A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.” According to Pantone, Emerald will and is already being shown across the board in clothing, interior accessories, fabrics and makeup. Do you have some emerald or green clothing items you haven’t worn in a while? Pull them out and wear them. You will be on the leading edge of color style in fashion. Maybe you are looking for a little change in your living room or bedroom. Emerald may be just the color you want to pull in to freshen up your space.

 

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 keep our eyes peeled for color trends we see in fashion, interiors and automobiles to see if we can guess what the 2014 Color of the Year will be.

12 Questions to ask before signing a remodeling contract

            Are you considering remodeling your home? Have you stopped to think about some questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line? Any remodel is a big investment that you may live with for a long time and it is important that you have all the information before committing. Below are twelve questions I suggest you ask before starting.

 

1. Are you insured? (These people will be in your home, potentially dealing with electrical and plumbing items. Make sure you are protected!)

2. Are you licensed? (The state of Georgia requires that contractors doing certain work be licensed. Check the Secretary of State’s website to see if your contractor is.

 

3. Do you have any professional affiliations or certifications? (This will give you a hint about how serious they are about their business or if they are just in it for fun.)

4. May I have a list of references from past completed projects? (This is a big one! How their past clients speak of them says volumes!)

5. Ask yourself if you are comfortable with this person being in your home? (If you feel unease in your gut, maybe you need to think twice.)

 

6. Do you communicate well with the contractor? (How well the two of you communicate will directly reflect how well and to your specifications the project will be completed.)

 

7. Do they have a concrete grasp of your project and have they shown they can listen to you and your ideas? (This is your home and you need to make sure you are getting what you want.)

8. Is the price you’ve been given firm or subject to escalation? (Someone who will bait and switch you, may not be who you want to work with.)

9. What is your warranty? (If you have an issue in a couple of months, you want to know that they will back up their work.)

 

10. How long have you been in business? (This speaks to their credibility and their ability to satisfy customers over the years.)

 

11.  Do you have longstanding relationships with your sub-contractors? (If they don’t, the project may not move as quickly as it can.)

12. How many projects like this have you completed in the last year? (You may not want to be the first person they build a deck for or remodel a bathroom for…)

Best of luck on your remodeling project!

5 Cool Things Spotted at the Home & Garden Show

If you didn’t get a chance to attend the Home and Garden show this past weekend at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia, you missed out! There were some great displays, products and vendors there. Here are five cool things that I spotted. Did you get to attend? What are some cool items you saw?

 

1. Unique garden gates by Blue Bison Outdoors in wrought iron and wood materials with unique finishes.

 

2. Electric powered sports car at the Georgia Power booth.

 

 

3. Kohler Moxie showerhead was the showpiece at the Ferguson and Devore and Johnson booths. A showerhead that plays music! And you can pop it out to take it to the beach. The excellent price point on this item makes it an ideal birthday or Christmas present! Check it out in detail here.

 

 

4. Cork flooring at the Dalton Carpet One booth. So many different colors and patterns!

 

 

5. Edgeworthia chrysantha or "Paper Bush" at the Garden South display. It is simply amazing how many plants and structures they bring in for this show. Magnificent!

 

 

Did you get to attend? What are some cool items you saw? If you didn’t get the opportunity to attend the show this year, make a point to attend next year. You are sure to see many new things and get questions answered on new products. Many thanks to the Athens Area Home Builders Association for putting on this great event!