Guidelines for selecting a color palette for a kitchen

Selecting colors for your kitchen can be even more intimidating than your bathrooms because it’s a larger space and sometimes more open to the rest of the house.  It is a big decision and something you are investing time and money into and a space that you will see and use every day. You want to get it right…the first time. Many of the principles are the same as selecting colors for your bathrooms, but here’s a couple more tips to help you through the process.

1. Pick colors that you love!

2. Select your cabinets first. The majority of a kitchen space is consumed by cabinets, so start with that first. It’s much easier to adjust stains and paints on walls or floors to harmonize with the cabinets.

3. A simple way to think of this is warm versus cool colors. Warm oranges and reds make a space feel exciting and energetic-great for entertaining. The color red is said to be an appetite stimulant, which is why many fine dining establishments are painted shades of red.

4. Another great strategy for incorporating bold colors into your kitchen is to keep the expensive items — such as the countertops, cabinets and flooring — neutral in color and save the bold colors for things that are easy and affordable to change out, like wall paint, bar stools, curtains and countertop accessories.

5. Choose one element to inspire your color palette, but don’t buy that item until all other selections have been fully decided. For example, have you fallen in love with a tile for your backsplash? Use it as an inspiration but don’t purchase it until you know you have coordinating countertops, cabinets  and flooring. 

6. Do not underestimate lighting. Do you have adequate lighting? General lighting, decorative lighting and dedicated task lighting are so important.

7. For countertops, the safest approach is to keep it neutral and versatile. Upkeep and cleanliness is also a big component in a kitchen. Or your countertop may be the design element you want to work around.

8. Look at all of your selections together. Does everything flow? Does it look right? You will know when you see everything together.

9. Gather pictures of your favorite finished spaces. Houzz.com is an excellent resource for finding pictures of finished spaces that appeal to your taste. What color schemes did they employ? Can you pull details out of those finished spaces to work in yours?

10. Execute. Do your homework but then execute on your plan. Make the best decision and move forward. Then you can sit back and enjoy your new space.

Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know what tips and tricks you employ when selecting colors for your kitchen.

Guidelines for selecting a color palette for a bathroom

Selecting colors for your bathroom can be intimidating and scary. Even I struggle with, “Am I making the right decision?” fears. It is a big decision and something you are investing time and money into and a space that you will see and use every day. You want to get it right…the first time. Here’s a couple of tips to help you through the process.

1. Pick colors that you love!

2. Select your tile first. The majority of a bathroom space is covered in tile, so start with that first. It’s much easier to adjust stains and paints on cabinets or walls to harmonize with the tile.

3. Don’t be afraid to go with brighter or bolder paint colors in the bathroom. Usually there is very little empty wall space and the paint color becomes a border around the cabinets, tile and plumbing fixtures.  The right paint color can make these items pop, like the right frame for artwork.

4. Be flexible. As you go through the process of selecting all the colors and finishes, your plan will be constantly revised.

5. Choose one element to inspire your color palette, but don’t buy that item until all other selections have been fully decided. For example, use the hand painted sink as an inspiration but don’t purchase it until you know you have coordinating countertops and flooring.

6. Do not underestimate lighting. Do you have adequate lighting?

7. For countertops, the safest approach is to keep it neutral and versatile. Unless, of course, your countertop is the design element you want to work around.

8. Look at all of your selections together. Does everything flow? Does it look right? You will know when you see everything together.

9. Gather pictures of your favorite finished spaces. Houzz.com is an excellent resource for finding pictures of finished spaces that appeal to your taste. What color schemes did they employ? Can you pull details out of those finished spaces to work in yours?

10. Execute. Do your homework but then execute on your plan. Make the best decision and move forward. Then you can sit back and enjoy your new space.

Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know what tips and tricks you employ when selecting colors for your bathroom.

Eco Bathroom Fixtures

                In a day and age of diminishing natural resources, we find ourselves asking what we can do to mitigate our impact on those natural resources. One way we can do that is through our bathroom fixtures. To find a water efficient fixture, look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense is a partnership program with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is an independent organization that reviews plumbing fixtures for water efficiency. Their certification is given to fixtures that are at least 20 percent more efficient without compromising performance. Over 7,000 gallons of water can be saved annually for an average bathroom remodel with WaterSense fixtures. That's enough water to wash six months worth of laundry!

Before you get concerned that these WaterSense fixtures won’t get the job done, all major plumbing manufacturers have incorporated technologies that control the speed, movement or droplet size, some which infuse air into the water stream, to give you a fuller water stream. I’ve gotten to try many different varieties and they are pretty fantastic.

Bathroom faucets:  Getting a faucet with the WaterSense label can reduce your sink's water flow by up to 30 percent. Doing so will save the average home 500 gallons of water annually. And regardless of what kind of faucet you have, don't forget to turn off the faucet while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Showerheads: You don't have to give up a fantastic shower experience to save water. WaterSense understands that no one wants a wimpy shower spray, so all their approved fixtures tout a satisfactory shower while using just 2 gallons of water per minute or less.

Toilets: Flushing technology has come a long way and is pretty incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to tour the Kohler plant in South Carolina where many of their toilets are made. You’ve got dual flush technology, better finishing and great style that all make for satisfactory flushing. Most toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush. That’s amazing compared to the 3.5 gallons per flush toilets of years past!

Urinals: Residential urinals can make your lavatory fun for boys while conserving water. Some manufacturers, including Kohler, offer waterless urinals for even greater water savings.

Bathtubs: The luxury of a bath takes a lot of water — about 50 to 70 gallons per bath. When searching for a water wise tub, look for smaller tubs with a capacity of less than 60 gallons.

Still curious? Any plumbing salesperson worth their salt will be able to fully explain and show you fixtures that will fit your needs.  Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know what changes you are planning to make.

Wood on your Countertops?

We’ve looked at many different materials for countertops and today we will examine wood. There are several different types of wood that can be used as a counter surface and several different ways to finish it. Let’s dive in.

 

Salvaged Wood: Maybe you have an old family barn that you can salvage some wood from and reuse. Or maybe your old tire swing tree has died. Or maybe an iconic building is being torn down and you want a piece of that history in your home. Whatever the case, salvaged woods tops can definitely add richness and personality to a space. Cost: Varies

 

Butcher Block or Plank Style: made up of smaller pieces of wood or wider planks, many different wood species are available. Maple butcher block countertops are common and Craft-Art in Atlanta makes some pretty fabulous wood tops out of all kinds of domestic and exotic woods.  Cost: $30 to $125 per square foot for the material only

 

Bamboo: Bamboo's best green feature is that it's a rapidly renewable resource, plus it's naturally stronger and harder than most other hardwoods. Be aware that most commercial bamboo comes from China, so a lot of energy goes into transporting the product to the United States. Cost: $30 to $40 per square foot for the material only.

 

Regardless of which wood you choose, remember, wood is more susceptible to damage by water and heat, so it's best located away from the sink, dishwasher and range. An island or bar top is a good option. It’s best to use Waterlox’s modified tung oil finish, which seals the pores of your wood countertop meaning water can’t soak in. Water and other liquids just sit on the surface and “bead up”. You never want to use bleach or ammonia on your wood tops. Know that wood tops will not look perfect forever and can look beautiful when worn over time.

 

Of the countertop options we have explored thus far, what’s your favorite?  Do you have experience with wood tops in your kitchen? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Reader Question

Jackie asks, “We purchased a stainless steel refrigerator but after scrubbing off the label, we now have about a 12"x1" circular scratch.  Any suggestions?”

Stainless steel comes in various grades and finishes, and home-grade stainless steel is usually the norm for all appliances. So before you attempt to buff out a scratch in your fridge or sink, be sure to check with the appliance's manufacturer to verify which type of stainless steel you're working with and what they recommend for cleaning.

Here are some stainless steel scratch removal techniques for you to try:

For fine scratches, cleaners such as Comet and Revere Stainless Steel and Copper Cleaner are non-abrasive cleansers that will gently buff stainless steel. They come in a dry powder that needs to be combined with water or as cream-based cleaners that go on the metal a bit smoother. Appliance manufacturers often make their own cleaners that are easy to find at home improvement stores. I also have had good success with Bar Keeper’s Friend.

If you have a lot of scratches, there are a few DIY scratch removal kits, such as Scratch-B-Gone or the Siege 63001 Stainless Steel Sink and Cookware Scratch Remover pack,

One piece of advice -- always rub or buff the scratch with the grain of the metal. If you go against the grain of the steel, you'll only make the scratch worse!

Hope this is helpful, Jackie! Do you have scratches in your stainless steel appliances or sink? Add this project to your summer to do list! Email me your questions at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Stainless Steel Countertops

As we continue our thread on different countertop materials, today we will explore stainless steel and recycled aluminum as countertop options.

Stainless steel countertops can be made of 60% recycled content and because it can be recycled again and again, has an extended useful life. This material is often used in commercial kitchens and medical facilities because of its durability and the rigorous standards for cleanliness. Beware: keeping stainless steel free of smudges, watermarks and scratches can be a chore and drive even the most laid back homeowner batty. Stainless steel can be a great contemporary look and used in the right way, can fit into even a traditional kitchen. Cost: $65 to $85 per square foot for the material only

Another metal option for countertops is recycled aluminum. The company Eleek uses uses 50 to 90 percent recycled aluminum to make countertop-depth pieces up to 3 feet wide with built-in front lip and backsplash. Eleek tops are finished with reusable abrasives and recirculated water. Clear-coat finish is food-safe and nontoxic. Cost: $95 per square foot for the material only.

Of the countertop options we have explored thus far, what’s your favorite? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Eco Friendly Countertops

When discussing countertops, you should also know that there are some eco friendly options.  Today, we will explore some of the options so you have a general awareness of what is available.

 

IceStone is one of the most popular recycled countertops out there. Recycled glass countertops vary greatly in appearance. Cradle to Cradle certified, it provides an opaque, refined character with its fine glass particles set in pigmented cement. Because the material is porous, recommendations call for sealing twice a year, so make sure you're prepared for the maintenance. Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot for the material

 

Cosentino’s Eco line consists of 75 percent postindustrial or postconsumer materials, such as mirror, glass, porcelain, earthenware, and vitrified ash. Even 94% of the water used in its manufacturing process is re-used. These properties nabbed them a Cradle to Cradle Silver and Greenguard certification. Its nonporous surface needs no sealing. Cost: $60-120 per square foot for material

 

Concrete counters can be a terrific green choice if they are sourced locally or cast in place. Cost: $60 to $75 per square foot for the material

 

Recycled paper countertops such as Paperstone, is FSC certified and made of 100 percent postconsumer recycled paper, petroleum-free resin and pigment. Its feel is often compared to a warm, soft stone, like soapstone. The material is only heat resistant to 350 degrees, so you should exercise care with hot pans. Cost: $30-$50 per square foot for material

 

Squak Mountain Stone started as a grad school project on sustainable design. The hand-cast slabs are made of recycled paper and glass bound with low-carbon cement.

This is a heavy duty and durable countertop; however, like stone or concrete, it is susceptible to staining and etching, so either use extra care or embrace the patina. Cost: $30 to $40 per square foot for the material

 

Bio-Glass, another recycled glass countertop material with Cradle to Cradle certification, has a translucent appearance, as it's made of 100 percent glass. As with all glass-based counters, it's not knife friendly, so keep your cutting boards handy. Cost: $85 to $115 per square foot for the material

 

Tell me: What is your favorite ecofriendly countertop? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com