Check out what Consumer Reports has to say about Kitchen Remodeling and some of the common mistakes that are made. Then come back.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/july/home-garden/kitchen-videos/overview/index.htm
Now, how do you avoid those mistakes? One easy step-hire a professional.
Where can I find a professional who specializes in Kitchens and Bathrooms? Start with the National Kitchen and Bath Association-http://www.nkba.org. According to their website, the NKBA is "the premiere association for kitchen and bath professionals."
The NKBA home page has a link, under "Homeowners" where you can find a local professional. Listings are broken down into specific categories- Designers, Contractors, and various Trade Professionals. The individuals and businesses that are listed, concentrate their business in the Kitchen and Bathroom industry. While everyone listed is a professional, some have additional letters behind their names. Those letters indicate members who have been tested and certified by the NKBA to have several years of industry work experience and posses a broad base of knowledge in the kitchen and bath industry.
There are many talented individuals and firms available to choose from. The lack of certification does not necessarily translate into lack of qualifications.
A certified designer can prepare the drawings, and specifications that you will need to compare bids among contractors; thus, alleviating comparing apples and oranges, and possibly not having the end result you want at the price you expected.
A certified designer can help you with space planning, functionality, design aesthetics, appliance recommendations that fit your needs, color, materials.
A certified designer can refer you to qualified contractors that they have had experience working with. Some designers even have their own design/build firms.
So, don't be like the consumer in the video link above, and not be able to open your cabinets because they collide with the appliances, or vice versa. Hire a qualified professional. The money will be well spent, and might even save you money in the long run.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
What color scheme to choose?
So many people are afraid of color. Either they don't like any color at all, and want to stick with white, or they are so afraid that they will make a mistake, that they do nothing.
I say, put down that bunch of paint chips that you picked up last time you were at the home improvement store. Lace up your sneakers, and go for a leisurely walk. Look around you, notice the details, now look at the colors! Mother Nature has done all of the work for you! She has a fantastic eye for mixing and blending shades and hues of the same color, or blending complimentary, even contrasting colors.
Notice the different hues of greens, greys and browns on a tree, or even just the greens in the grass. Look at how a meadow full of wildflowers magically blends a variety of whites, yellows oranges and even reds together into a pleasing quilt of colors. Even the rocks below your feet have beautiful colors that will make a gorgeous decorating statement.
So next time you get frustrated, trying to pull your color scheme together, get some exercise. Even those puffy clouds overhead have beautiful shades of white and grey with maybe a little bit of blue, for the color shy.
I say, put down that bunch of paint chips that you picked up last time you were at the home improvement store. Lace up your sneakers, and go for a leisurely walk. Look around you, notice the details, now look at the colors! Mother Nature has done all of the work for you! She has a fantastic eye for mixing and blending shades and hues of the same color, or blending complimentary, even contrasting colors.
Notice the different hues of greens, greys and browns on a tree, or even just the greens in the grass. Look at how a meadow full of wildflowers magically blends a variety of whites, yellows oranges and even reds together into a pleasing quilt of colors. Even the rocks below your feet have beautiful colors that will make a gorgeous decorating statement.
So next time you get frustrated, trying to pull your color scheme together, get some exercise. Even those puffy clouds overhead have beautiful shades of white and grey with maybe a little bit of blue, for the color shy.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Welcome to my world.......
I love art, color, design, puzzles and efficiency. Being able to interchange variables in a space, and make them fit into a warm, inviting atmosphere that functions well, makes me happy.
As my husband can attest, my brain never stops. I am constantly envisioning the next project or how something can be changed or tweaked to make it function better, look better, more balanced. I drive him crazy! You know the television shows where the wife is always moving furniture around and redecorating? That's me, only along with my own home, I am lucky enough to help other homeowners with their vision and dreams for their own homes.
Kitchens and Bathrooms are my specialty. Within those spaces are the day to day routines that make our lives livable. There are simple rules of layout and organization that can make a huge difference in how those spaces function. My job is to make the ultimate use of those spaces so that they function effortlessly and look fabulous at the same time!
I have an insatiable passion for design, and I found a way to work with it every day! Lucky me!
As my husband can attest, my brain never stops. I am constantly envisioning the next project or how something can be changed or tweaked to make it function better, look better, more balanced. I drive him crazy! You know the television shows where the wife is always moving furniture around and redecorating? That's me, only along with my own home, I am lucky enough to help other homeowners with their vision and dreams for their own homes.
Kitchens and Bathrooms are my specialty. Within those spaces are the day to day routines that make our lives livable. There are simple rules of layout and organization that can make a huge difference in how those spaces function. My job is to make the ultimate use of those spaces so that they function effortlessly and look fabulous at the same time!
I have an insatiable passion for design, and I found a way to work with it every day! Lucky me!
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