Color Trends

            I recently had the opportunity to attend a color trends presentation by Benjamin Moore. They have an incredible team of researchers who spend countless hours pulling information, attending shows and talking with designers to determine what the color trends for the future will be. Here are their predictions for the upcoming color trends.

 

Eco Trend: Flora and fauna, water and sky, moss and rock. Nature’s elements unite in a style-savvy look that transcends is organic roots. Refreshing white and blue balance the palette, offering a calm, relaxing respite from the busy world.

 

Casual Glam Trend: Mix it up! This diverse palette offers a clean, tailored look that works well with any decore. A blend of carefree with chic, cool with warm, the effect is fresh and very enticing.

 

Urban Trend: Well-seasoned hues offer a refined perspective. Rich espresso blends naturally with smooth stone and soft graphite tones. A cool amethyst lends added depth, while a hint of spice provides the perfect “kick” that wakes up the room.

 

Heritage Trend: Timeless hues-epic, yet completely modern. Restrained gray, aged blue and red clay pair beautifully with rich cream and antique white. Sensibly appointed, they make an established home feel contemporary…and a new one a little more worldly.

 

Many thanks to Benjamin Moore for their work and for sharing the information. Whether you are creating a new space or just trying to pull together your existing space, use this cutting edge information and you are sure to hit a home run. You can view more details on their website at www.benjaminmoore.com/colortrends

 

Surviving a Kitchen Remodel: Part 5

Over the past weeks we have explored some of the items that can help make a kitchen remodel survivable. In our last segment, we will explore possibly the most important element, how to keep the peace. Kitchen remodels are hard enough without adding additional drama. We discussed relationships with your family in Part 1, but here are a few tips for dealing with your neighbors and the construction workers.

 

• Keep your neighbors in the loop. Keep them appraised of your start date, approximate completion date, what work will be done and if any worker may need to come onto their property. Be sure to communicate any unforeseen delays.
• Make sure power tools are only used during normal business hours. Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nothing will ruin your neighborly relationship more than waking their baby early in the morning.
• Ask subcontractors to park in front of your house only, if possible. If additional parking space is needed, be sure to get the ok from your neighbors for their street parking space.
• Keep the exterior of the house neat. Nobody likes an eyesore and construction sites can quickly become that if the trash is not corralled.
• Coffee and donuts, cookies and Cokes. These small gestures will go a long way in building morale with construction workers and really don’t cost a whole lot. A good attitude from them will only ensure that your job will be completed with quality and in a timely fashion.

Surviving a Kitchen Remodel: Part 4

            Of all the things we have discussed about what to expect and prepare for when remodeling your kitchen, how to keep things clean is probably the biggest issue. It is amazing the amount of dust and dirt that can collect during a remodel project. You can’t keep everything spotless, but you can prepare and avoid the worst. Here are a few tips:

 

• Protect what you can’t move. Hang plastic in doorways and seal tightly with tape. Protect your floors by putting down thick rosin or kraft paper. You may even want to consider throwing plastic or blankets over tables and bookcases in adjacent rooms to protect them from the fine dust that may escape from the work zone.
• Turn off the heat or air while dusty work is being done. Example: sheetrock work, sanding wood floors, cutting trim…
• Ask that the work zone be swept at the end of each day to minimize the mess and stress.
• It is helpful to prepare a storage area in the garage or adjacent room for holding appliances, cabinets, tile and other items until it is time to install them.
• Rent an open top dumpster to be placed near the construction site. This will provide a handy place for the construction crew to dispose of their trash. If there is extra room in it when the project is complete, it is also a great way to get rid of items you’ve been meaning to without having to haul them to the landfill.
• Ask that all lumber and materials be placed on paved surfaces such as a patio, driveway or carport instead of your yard to prevent killing or tearing up the grass and landscaping.
• If avoiding the grass is not an option, consider laying down temporary plywood sidewalks. They distribute the weight and will prevent ruts in your grass.

            Over the next couple of weeks, we will explore other aspects of a kitchen remodel and what you can do to keep it from being a stressful situation. If you have a question that you would like answered, email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Surviving a Kitchen Remodel: Part 3

            Last week we discussed how to set up a temporary kitchen while remodeling. This week we will focus on how to practically pack up your kitchen and be prepared to live without it for a couple of weeks. It’s the great balance of what you can and can’t live without. Here are a few tips:

 

• Gather as many clean, sturdy boxes as you may need. Plastic Rubbermaid containers work well for your more fragile items. Always get more than you think you will need. Newspaper and bubble wrap are a must.
• Have a good sharpie handy to be able to clearly mark each box.
• Place items you think you may need near the top of the box, in case you need to access it.
• Begin packing sooner than you think you need to. It invariably takes longer than expected and you will have to set up your temporary kitchen.
• Place packed boxes in an air conditioned space like a spare bedroom, basement or bonus room. Resist the urge to keep it all in your living space. You will survive the remodel process better if your main living space is clutter free.
• Remember to remove fragile items hanging on or near the walls opposite your remodeled space. Construction banging and vibrations could damage these items.

 
            Over the next couple of weeks, we will explore other aspects of a kitchen remodel and what you can do to keep it from being a stressful situation.

Surviving a Kitchen Remodel: Part 2

            Last week we discussed setting expectations when beginning a kitchen remodel. This week we will focus on a more practical side- how you are going to eat. Setting up a temporary kitchen is important. The idea of eating out for every meal may sound glamorous now, but it will get old quickly. Here are a few tips:

 

         Keep essential items in a convenient location. Paper plates, cups, napkins and plastic utensils; cereal; paper towels; garbage bags; coffee; dishcloths; soap; microwaveable meals. Everything else can be packed away but you will need these items in a handy location.

 

• Plan to wash dirty dishes in another sink or bathtub. Or better yet, use all disposable dishes and utensils.
• Move your old refrigerator out of the kitchen remodel space or get a mini-fridge. Position this near a water source. Add a table with a microwave, toaster oven and trash can and you are set up.
• Wherever you set up your temporary kitchen, probably was not wired for multiple appliances to be used at the same time. You may blow a fuse a time or two before you figure out which appliances can be used at the same time.

             Over the next couple of weeks, we will explore the different aspects of a kitchen remodel and what you can do to keep it from being a stressful situation.

Surviving a Kitchen Remodel: Part 1

            Let’s face it. Kitchen remodels can be stressful. Regardless of how much planning or positive thinking you employ, it is bound to be a difficult time. Now don’t get me wrong. I am all for expecting the best and anticipating everything will go smoothly. But having helped remodel over 800 kitchens over the course of my career, I know that that doesn’t always happen. Tempers can flare and overwhelming stress reveals itself in your relationships with your spouse, kids and pets.

 

            The best way to enter a kitchen remodeling project is to properly manage your expectations. You can expect Murphy’s Law to be in full effect. Everything that has the possibility of going wrong can go wrong, even things outside of the scope of the kitchen project. Busted gas lines aside, here are a couple of potential problems you could expect.

 

• Miscommunication
• More dust than you expected
• Products delivered late, dented or missing parts
• The wrong items delivered
• Termites in the walls or floors
• Mold or moisture in the walls or floor
• Structural problems that need to be repaired
• Asbestos or lead paint removal

 

            You can avoid some of these items by asking as many questions and clarifying issues as they come up. Remind yourself that arguments with your family members are most likely stress related and not personal. Sometimes there is no real issue, it is simply an occasion when everyone is testy and the circumstances cannot really be changed. Steer away from an emotional decision. Focus on your priorities, timeline, best use of space and reasons for your design preference. Have kids? Engage them in the process and help them look at the remodel as an adventure instead of a disruption.

Holiday Projects? Plan Now!

            I know school just started, fall is on its way, football season is soon to be in full swing and, yes, it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Only sixteen 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.

 

            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.

 

Some people have said to me “But it doesn’t take that long!” Well, let’s look at that.

                                    -Tile: 4-6 weeks

                                    -Cabinets: 4-6 weeks

                                    -Wood Flooring: 4 weeks

                                    -Granite: 1-2 weeks

                                    -Painting: 2-3 weeks

                                    -Appliances: 2-4 weeks

Yes, if you choose an in stock item, the lead time might be less than that, but better to prepare for the worst and the best happen then vice versa. 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 that the holidays can be a stressful time. Endeavor to enjoy this season and all of its wonderful food, people and events by planning ahead. You can thank me later.