Mr. Jackson
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Trends for Kitchens in 2024!

by | Nov 29, 2023 | Homeowners

Just a few years ago, kitchens were all about modern and minimal design; with bright white hues and sleek countertops seen time and time again in the world of interior design. But now, we’re seeing many more designers create far more organic-looking kitchens, incorporating dark and earthy colors, natural materials, and contrasting textures.  Click here to continue...

Farmhouse kitchens are more popular than ever

by | Nov 23, 2023 | Homeowners, Interior Designers

The increased popularity of farmhouse kitchens is easy to understand. With kitchens becoming the focus for friends and family interaction, this style is comfortable, cozy and loaded with charm without being cluttered. While similar to country, farmhouse style uses salvaged materials like reclaimed wood that retains a certain level of sophistication. Even antiques fit it but not ones that are too delicate. The idea is to create a down-home feeling that invites everyone to relax and enjoy each other. Typical materials include: reclaimed wood wide plank floors wrought iron and vintage accessories larger, comfortable furniture particularly pine furniture architectural salvage To get started, you want to work with a color palette of warm or cool neutrals. Colors like cream, beige, grey and silver sage make good starts. What’s important is to use the colors you like but stay with light or neutral shades. Since woods are a key component, look for pieces with some wear and tear but not ravaged. Details like scratches, knots and nicks add authenticity and individuality. Mix woods with metals, but don’t forget fabrics like cotton, canvas, wool and chenille. It’s important to use a variety of textures to prevent the space from looking flat. When it comes to metals, layer in a mixture of light fixtures, hardware and accents like railings. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than three metals per room. Organic materials keep an ‘outdoor’ connection.  Wood floors are best but don’t rule out stone. When it comes to additional architectural details consider wicker, rattan, sisal and other natural materials. Whatever you choose, don’t try to cram in...

How to Add Ambiance (And Safety) to Your Kitchen

by | Nov 9, 2023 | Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers, Uncategorized

Universal Design is an interior design that adapts homes to homeowners, not the other way around. The goal is to make the entire home safe and easy to use. When it comes to kitchens, here’s one design tip that adapts your kitchen to your needs plus transforms it into a dining area with ambiance. You’ll be amazed to see how one small addition to your cabinetry can make such a difference. When it comes to base cabinets, most manufacturers include an indentation to make room for your feet called the toe kick space. Typically 3 inches deep and about 3 1/2 inches high, this space allows people to stand closer to the countertop so they don’t have to lean forward. Standing closer puts less strain on the back, shoulders and arms and minimizes discomfort, posture issues and chronic pain. The addition of light to this space adds both safety and ambiance. Here’s how. First, it clearly defines the break from floor to cabinets.  Especially advantageous at night, you minimize the possibility of bumping into things. This definition also aids early morning and evening meal preparation. Another advantage is that lighting placed within the toe kick can’t cause a glare. One goal of Universal Design is to balance lighting. It doesn’t matter if you have 20/20 vision, wear glasses or have a family member with sight issues; too much light is just as dangerous as too little. Foot level lighting balances overhead lighting and the combination eliminates shadows. Finally, toe kick lighting sets the ambiance of a kitchen. The soft glow creates an atmosphere that makes your meal more relaxed…...

How to Draw More Natural Light Into Your Kitchen

by | Nov 2, 2023 | Architects, Homeowners, Interior Designers

When it comes to making a room cheerful, nothing lightens the mood better than sunshine. Happily in Arizona we have lots of it and one way to get your share is to install floor to ceiling cabinets. If you find that surprising, you’re not alone - yet it could be the change you’re looking for. Depending on where they’re placed, not only do they add light, they make kitchens more efficient and can create a unique style. Here’s how. When it comes to storage, floor to ceiling cabinets supply the most space by concentrating storage along one wall. As a result, overhead cabinets placed along exterior walls can be eliminated - giving you the option to add more windows. It’s even possible to place floor to ceiling cabinets on walls with windows, but, you need to plan carefully. Either leave enough of a gap beside the window so you don’t lose light you already have, or add a corner shelf to transition from cabinet to window without wasting space. And there’s no reason why you can’t have some fun with function and style. Vary shelf widths and heights to accommodate anything from canned goods to brooms and mops. Incorporate appliances such as wall ovens and microwaves at heights that suit your needs. Or make room for a niche to prepare drinks and quick meals away from the main food preparation area. This allows multiple cooks to work in the kitchen without bumping into each other.  For style, cut out some of the middle cabinets to create a space partially filled with open shelves or wine glass racks. Now you...

Kitchen cabinets: reface or replace?

by | Nov 1, 2023 | Uncategorized

The kitchen is a busy room in many homes. That popularity likely has something to do with why so many homeowners spend sizable sums renovating their kitchens. According to highlights from the 2022 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the median spend on major kitchen remodels grew by 14 percent from the previous year, and minor remodels increased by 25 percent. Spurred on by increased time spent at home during the pandemic, the main impetus for kitchen remodels according to the study was that homeowners wanted to make these improvements all along and finally had the time and means to do so. Click here to continue...

key zones of kitchen organizing

by | Oct 25, 2023 | Uncategorized

A sleek and streamlined kitchen can make a huge difference to day-to-day life, but if you want to achieve it, you’ll need to think beyond a quick tidy up – there are six key zones of kitchen organizing you’ll need to master.  If you’re in the midst of organizing a kitchen, or planning a kitchen layout, you’ve likely heard of the ‘kitchen triangle’. This age-old design rule is based around the positioning of three main working zones; cooking, storage and cleaning. Organize these properly, and you’re setting yourself up for successful kitchen ideas, so they say. However, if it’s a well-organized kitchen in the modern world you’re after (think open-plan living, home working, sleek culinary equipment etc.), you’ll need to up your zoning efforts – quite literally.  Click here to continue...

Simple Hack for Cleaning Dusty or Greasy Kitchen Cabinets

by | Oct 18, 2023 | Uncategorized

Today, we’ve got a fantastic tip from an Austin-based pro cleaner for handling those dirty, dusty, or greasy kitchen cabinets If you’re like me and you have wood cabinets, you’re going to want to take extra special care of them to make sure they don’t get damaged. So buckle up because we’re going to walk you through the process step by step. Click here to continue...