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.