Where To Start: Bathroom Edition

 

One of the questions I encounter the most each week is from clients or friends asking “Where do you start in making decisions on a bathroom remodel? Here are my best tips.

 

1. Tile. The largest mass of material in a bathroom, pick a tile that you love.
2. Cabinets. Do you want something to blend in with the tile or be a contrast?
3. Countertop. How does this relate with the tile?
4. Plumbing fixtures. This is an important design element. Choose the style and finish that either blends in or is the design statement depending on the tile you have selected.
5. Tub. This is often a focal point. If you don’t have a tub, will the shower be a focal point? What design details are you incorporating into the shower design?
6. Wall Color. Often not a lot of wall space is left once cabinets, mirrors, doors and tile are added. You can go with a dramatic color or something that blends all of the other elements together.
7. Mirror, light fixtures, cabinet hardware. The jewelry and final elements of the room. Will they relate more with the plumbing fixtures or blend more with the cabinets?

 

Usually making the decision on one element of the room will make all of the other elements easier. If there is one item you are dead set on, then use that as your jumping off point. I’ve walked thru this process with many clients and have found it easier for them to make decisions. I hope this information is helpful for you. Are there any elements I left out? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Where To Start: Kitchen Edition

One of the questions I encounter the most each week is from clients or friends asking “Where do you start in making decisions on a kitchen remodel? Here are my best tips.

1.      Take stock of the surrounding spaces. Is your kitchen open to other rooms? Are there wall or flooring transitions? What is the style and colors of the surrounding spaces?

2.      Flooring. What floor is in the adjoining spaces? Does it make sense to continue the same wood floors into the kitchen space? Or do you have some natural transitions in order to change the floor material? One way to make the kitchen look larger and more seamless with other spaces, is to continue the same flooring thru the kitchen that is in the neighboring spaces.

3.      Countertops. Normally the next largest visual surface with least choices, select your countertops. Paint colors and cabinet colors can be tweaked around a countertop you fall in love with. Also if you fall in love with a wild or very unique countertop, you may want to consider toning down the other elements of the kitchen.

4.      Cabinets. Once countertops are selected , then the cabinets can be finalized.

5.      Backsplash. The backsplash pulls the cabinets and countertops together. Make sure you bring a sample of your cabinet and countertop when you go to select a tile backsplash.

6.      Hardware-lights, cabinet hardware, faucets. These elements are the jewelry of the room.

Usually making the decision on one element of the room will make all of the other elements easier. If there is one item you are dead set on, then use that as your jumping off point. I’ve walked thru this process with many clients and have found it easier for them to make decisions. I hope this information is helpful for you. Are there any elements I left out? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

How to Clean Wood Cutting Boards

A butcher block cutting board or countertop has a presence in most kitchens. Like a cast iron pan, it acquires seasoning the same way. A wood cutting board is gentle on your knives and can be refinished unlike many other types of cutting boards. Well taken care of, a great butcher block cutting board can become an heirloom piece similar to a cast iron pan. Unlike other wood furniture, wood cutting boards are finished with oils free of harsh substances since it comes into direct contact with food. These food safe finishes are typically less durable. Combine a less durable finish with frequent exposure to moisture and knives, you can end up with a dry, grainy board that absorbs moisture. Here’s some tips to keep your cutting board in tip top shape.

1.      Keep it clean. Wood captures moisture and stains more easily than a stone cutting board. Regularly remove all wood particles and scrub it with a mild soap then towel off to remove any excess moisture.

2.      Sanitize. Using strong chemical cleaners can leave a residue and contaminate your food. Spray the cutting board with undiluted white vinegar which acts as a discenfectant, ridding the board of dangerous bacteria’s.

3.      Stain Removal. Sprinkle table salt over the stain. Slice a lemon and half and using the cut end, thoroughly rub the salt into the stain. Let sit overnight and then clean of with a damp sponge. This is also great for removing odors and flavors from onions or garlic.

4.      Refinish. Thoroughly clean the surface then liberally apply mineral oil or tung oil with a rag, wiping off any excess after an hour. Make sure to give attention to the all sides and edges of the cutting board. Do not use vegetable or cooking oils as they can turn rancid.

What’s your tips for keeping your wood cutting board in good shape? I’d love to hear. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Granite vs. Quartz but what is Quartzite?

One of the most common questions I am asked is “Which is better, quartz or granite? Pick a favorite. Tell me what I should use. Which one is the best?” These are comments I hear all the time when clients are trying to decide between quartz or granite countertops. Often times my answer is “It depends.” I know, I know. Not very helpful, right? Well, let’s talk through it.

Color: If you are looking for a more solid color, less variation or consistent pattern, quartz may be the product for you. If you like the natural pattern of granite and want something that truly acts as a piece of art in your space, granite may be the one for you.

Maintenance: If you are a set-it-and-forget-about-it type of person, quartz may be the better solution for you. Granite is recommended to be sealed once a year. Don’t be dismayed! This is not a difficult process and can be done by even the most regular Joe.

Durability: Both products are very durable and you would be hard pressed to really hurt them unless you like cooking with a blowtorch or banging cast iron skillets around. Any product can chip if hit with the right thing in the right spot.

For many applications, I lean more towards granite for it’s natural beauty. You just can’t beat the unique character found in a slab of granite. It’s amazing that something that beautiful comes out of the ground! Some pieces I believe could be hung on the wall and called art. But, I also love and utilize quartz for different applications. Like I said, it all comes down to personal preference.

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. 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 do you like quartz over granite? Or is quartzite more your speed? What do you like or dislike? Shoot me an email and share your thoughts at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Wood Countertops

A very popular trend today is to have wood countertops in your kitchen or on your island. Some people are apprehensive about using wood and afraid of what the maintenance or care might be. 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 but we are also seeing a lot of walnut and heart pine being used today. 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.

Do you have experience with wood tops in your kitchen? What are your secrets for keeping it looking great? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Tile Cleaning Tips & Tricks

Guests are coming and you really need to deep clean that guest bathroom or your laundry room floor is looking a little grimy or you just want to freshen up your kitchen backsplash. The grout is looking a little dingy and you just can’t seem to get the scum off of the tile. Here are a few easy tips and tricks for getting that tile sparkling clean.

·         Looking for easy? Stone and Tile Cleaner by Dupont, available at Traditions in Tile, is a multi-purpose cleaner that works on all polished marbles, porcelain and ceramic tiles and natural stone. Simply spray, lightly scrub and rinse.

·         For a little deeper clean to help with the soap scum, try a porcelain and ceramic tile cleaner. Test a small area on polished tiles first to make sure it does not affect the finish. As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

·         Has your grout cracked at the corners and around the top of the tub? A common occurrence as walls expand and contract, but simple to fix. Cut out the grout in those locations and fill with a sanded caulk that matches your grout color. Allow to fully dry before using the tub or shower. Traditions in Tile is a great source. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

·         Once you have gotten your grout or natural stone freshly cleaned, seal it to help prolong the life and keep it looking like new. Most stones should be resealed every 1-3 years.

Nothing feels better than a sparkling clean tile. Your guests will thank you. What are your secrets for keeping your tile clean? I’d love to hear. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Hack Your Cabinets

How do you gain more or better storage in the cabinets you already have? Are you having new cabinets put in?  What can you do to make sure they are fully utilized?

1.      Pull out trash-hide your trash and recycling away behind a cabinet door. Attach it to the cabinet door so it’s one easy step to pull out the trash. It gets that dirty, smelly, eyesore out of your open kitchen space.

2.      Pull out drawer/tray under the sink. Whether it’s the kitchen or bathroom sink, this space underneath the pipes is often a difficult used space. Utilize it better with a pull out so you can actually see what’s in the back of that cabinet.

3.      Drawer dividers-one of my favorites! Organizing your silverware, large utensils, knives, etc. can make cooking and organization so much more pleasant.

4.      Tray dividers-it’s amazing how many things are more easily stored standing up. Cookie sheets, pizza pans, cutting boards, muffin tins, cooling racks and baking pans.

5.      Drawers-anything you can pull out and see in front of you is much easier to organize and utilize than if you have to get on your hands and knees and crawl into a deep, dark base cabinet.

6.      Corkboard or white board on the inside of cabinet doors-perfect for grocery lists, frequently used substitutions or recipes or beautiful clipart.

7.      Magnetic knife block-adhered to the side of a cabinet or the back wall, this is an easy way to store knives without putting them into a drawer or leaving your knife block on the counter taking up precious counter space.

Do you have any other cabinet hacks? I’d love to hear. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com