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Different Materials Customize Farmhouse Sinks

Different materials customize Farmhouse Sinks In  “Farmhouse sinks gain popularity“, we mentioned how this sink is a great way to create a custom kitchen look and feel. Now let’s talk about how to customize the sink itself. Once the province of white porcelain and fireclay, farmhouse sinks are currently as unique as your cabinets, island and appliances. Starting with the traditional materials, here’s a list of other options with some pros and cons of each. Fireclay and Porcelain Sinks Heating and curing clay above 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit produces Fireclay.  This treatment makes a surface that’s hard, durable, and dense. In fact, the density often requires a professional installer to modify the surrounding counter and cabinets to support the extra weight. However, the high heat is what gives Fireclay its high shine and ability to resist scratches and chips. Porcelain, also a ceramic material, is heated to high temperatures, but not as high as fireclay. Similar in looks, it’s more prone to chipping and discoloration. It’s also a little less costly. Copper Copper adds an elegant touch and with time, develops a beautiful patina. If you want that aged look immediately, buy a hammered sink where the manufacturer applied a colored patina. Stainless Steel A more contemporary look that’s affordable is Stainless Steel. Cooks like its durability and how easy it is to maintain and clean. Modern Style You can find a number of variations including different sizes, colors, and mountings. Although traditionally installed as an under mount, it’s possible to get a top-mounted version that eliminates the risk of water finding its way down the sides of the sink....

The Kitchen Island

When it comes to kitchen design, islands add style, personality, function; and come in multiple configurations. Is the client’s kitchen big enough for a stand-alone island, or will it only accommodate a peninsula? Do they want it built-in, or mobile?  So many choices can confuse homeowners making it crucial to ask them questions before anything goes on paper. What Clients Need (Or Just Want) From Their Kitchen Island The number one issue is function. Is the emphasis on food preparation, socialization, or a combination of the two? Will it house appliances? Sinks, under-counter refrigerators, and stove tops influence placement of other appliances to maximize activity flow and efficiency.  If a sink is embedded in the island, there needs to be room for a dishwasher on either side. If it’s the stove, they’ll need either a top mount or down-draft vent. The amount of food preparation influences the amount of storage needed. What and how many utensils need to be nearby and easily accessed? A number of factors determine counter-top height - starting with seating and what types of bar stools are desired. Is this a place to snack, or will it replace the kitchen or dining room table? Do they prefer one or multiple counter-top heights? Since kitchens are not static, traffic flow needs to be adequate. Architect Thomas Ahmann suggests three feet on either end and at least 42 inches on the working sides. Another consideration is passage when cabinet or appliance doors are open. How should it be lit? Pendant lighting is popular but some feel pendants interfere with the view. If the island has a stove, anything...

The Trend Toward Open Kitchens Remains Strong

Several of our blogs talk about how the kitchen is the heart of the home. More and more families want to encourage interaction using multiple islands, banquette seating and more space. This means taking down non-supportive walls and removing big over-the-island hoods. It utilizes cabinets designed to both maximize storage and integrate with the rest of the home. Nearly half of current remodel projects make kitchens more open to adjacent spaces and it requires more thought to how finishes and materials for the added rooms work together.  Again, cabinetry is the key to function and appearance. We discussed changes in cabinetry in Remodeling trends for kitchen islands in 2020. One way is to contrast island cabinets with perimeter cabinets using different shades of one color; or a different color altogether.  Another is to make cabinets more colorful as stated in the latest styles and color for kitchen cabinetry. Kitchen lighting is also seeing a change. While recessed lights are still popular; pendant lighting along with under-cabinet and toe-kick lighting works together to create a warmer atmosphere. This combination eliminates glare and shadows. And don’t forget the rooms the kitchen opens up to. Whether a dining room, living room or great room, it takes more planning to pull the entire area together. One way is to have square and rectangular cutout shelves in the adjacent room echo the shapes of the kitchen cabinet panels. Another small but important detail is hardware. Matching - or better yet – using complementary finishes for door and drawer handles throughout is a great way to pull the rooms together. Because open kitchens are more...

150 Shades of Gray

Did you know the trend towards gray interiors started in Scandinavia? It wasn’t until about eleven years ago when the color caught on in the United States. Rather than become passé, the popularity of gray continues to rise. According to Andrea Magno of Benjamin Moore, gray interiors are evolving and they’re seeing an increase of gray on cabinetry and trims. But picking the best shade of gray for your home can be tricky. Since grays have undertones of blue, purple or green, you’ll want the shade that’s compatible with the surrounding tiles, furnishings and fabrics. For instance, there’s a big difference between cool and warm grays.  Cool grays are better for modern interiors while warm grays work better in traditional homes. There’s also a middle ground often referred to as French grays. Traditionally trims around gray are lighter shades of gray or whites. Now we’re seeing more trims in the same or even a darker gray.  Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute agrees. She sees gray with gray trim as a trend and feels people should give more grays a chance. If you’re ready for gray walls, cabinets or trims, it’s best to get samples of your three favorite grays and paint a poster board with each one. Check them out over a period of one day (or more) to see how they appear in varying degrees of light. This way you get it right the first...

What is an industrial kitchen?

“If you covet that minimalist industrial kitchen look, consider this your metal master class (and ditto for exposed beams and bricks, plenty of blacks and greys, and a less-is-more design approach). “Industrial design is form and function at its core,” says Sara Cukerbaum, principal designer of Slic, an Austin-based design firm. “It takes from surrounding architecture and materials, and only contributes details to the space that make it work for its current use.” Click here to continue...

Kitchen Upgrades With the Most Regrets

“It was an innocent article, so you’d think — a simple roundup of kitchen upgrades that home cooks regret. Some were obvious, like adding stainless steel appliances without considering the streaking and therefore constant cleaning they require. Others were little tweaks you might never think of until it was too late — like the direction your cabinet doors open. Instead of (or in addition to!) helping our readers learn from these mistakes, the comment section exploded with 40-plus other home cooks’ biggest kitchen design regrets.” Click here to continue...