Mr. Jackson
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Why Universal Design Should Be Incorporated Into Your Kitchen

The idea of Universal Design tends to confuse homeowners because people think it’s only for those with special needs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only does Universal Design adapt homes to residents, it makes homes beautiful. Technology - like faucets with lever handles or touch sensors - allow anyone at any age and capability to get the water they need to drink or cook with. New, elegant designs fit in seamlessly with every style kitchen to complete that up-to-date look. It also places appliances in more convenient locations to operate. Instead of microwaves up over the stove, new cabinetry designs with pull-out drawers make them easy to reach with enough room to operate. When not in use, they can be “tucked away” to create a clean overall look. Not only more convenient, it’s much safer than reaching over potentially hot burners when heating or thawing food. Universal Design also recommends raising the dishwasher at least eight inches off the floor. This reduces stooping over to load and unload those items on the bottom rack which tend to be the heaviest. It also creates a different level counter top to accommodate taller adults or to store items out of reach of the children. New designs in cabinetry also help homeowners keep their balance by opening access to all items, even those stored in the very back. Cornerstone Cabinet Company partners with companies like Rev-a Shelf who specialize in designs that include levers and springs that gently lift, pull down or pull out shelves. They bring whatever you need right to your fingertips, make use of every inch...

8 modern small bathroom ideas that are chic and contemporary

If swish style is your thing, modern small bathroom ideas may be for you. Add sparkle to your space now, and you’ll feel so much better when getting cleaned up. We’ve spoken with interior designers to scope out how they bring a current feel into this room. From freeing up the floor space to going for luxe colors, they have plenty of sleek tricks up their sleeves. Click here to continue...

Beach and Mediterranean Style Kitchens – Do They Fit In Arizona?

For the most part, home owners choose kitchen styles that fit with the local geography. Here in the Southwest, it’s not uncommon to see farmhouse and rustic as a throw-back to territorial days. Modern and contemporary are also popular but they fit in anywhere. Around Arizona, you really can’t go wrong with any of these styles. But what if you love a style normally found by the sea? Homes located by large bodies of water tend to reflect a nautical theme which includes beach and Mediterranean style kitchens. They do have distinct differences but you might be surprised at how many features they share with farmhouse, rustic and contemporary kitchens. For example: Reclaimed wood is a feature of rustic, farmhouse and Mediterranean kitchens. Rustic is the most rough and worn while farmhouse is characterized by distressed wood. Mediterranean also uses wood, usually a dark rich wood such as walnut. The differences come with how much texture and color the woods display. What distinguishes Mediterranean from the others are colorful tiles, curving arches and natural fibers that include leather. It also incorporates materials with patina such as brick, stone and reclaimed wood. Both contemporary and modern kitchens use a lot of white. As defined in “What distinguishes modern from contemporary kitchens?,” both feature clean, smooth appearances with minimal detail and adornment. Some of the same applies to beach which is also a bright, open style.  What differentiates beach are the natural textures like jute, sea grass and rattan; plus nautical themes for lighting. In today’s customized world, home owners bring the style they prefer to wherever they live. Since so...

The Impact Cabinetry Has On Bathrooms

No matter how big or small your bathrooms are, your cabinetry is widely considered to have the most impact on the room’s overall appearance. The good news is how many options you have. Trying to get the right cabinetry for both looks and function can be daunting. That’s why the first step is to understand how you use your space. For example, if you like to soak in the tub, a linen tower with a shelf to hold a TV may be in order. If the room is small, you may want to install an over-the-toilet unit to preserve space and still supply the storage you need. Floating cabinetry creates a less cluttered ‘sleek and modern’ look. The clean lines make even a small bathroom appear more spacious. Another advantage is how they provide additional storage space beneath that is typically lost by the toe kicks of traditional cabinets. All of these features are why this type of cabinetry is gaining popularity. Overall, when it comes to bathroom cabinetry, you’re looking at three categories. First is the stand-alone vanity which contains a sink or two and provides countertop space. The next group consists of all the other cabinetry including linen storage and built-in hampers.  The third category is the set of cabinets called ‘suites’ that are typically designed to match your fixtures and other design features. Bathrooms are often more complicated to design than kitchens because almost everything you touch has either water and/or electrical issues. They also tend to be smaller and are where most falls in the home occur. Because even a couple of inches can make...

Make a Kitchen Look More Luxurious

Making a kitchen look more luxurious is more straightforward than it sounds. There are plenty of simple ways that you can elevate this very practical space using colors, textures, prints, and decor to add a rich, sophisticated feel to the space (without having to totally remodel). A kitchen is somewhere you don’t often think as being particularly luxurious. It’s a hardworking space, that needs to get that balance between form and function spot on in order for it to work efficiently. However, luxury needn’t get in the way of productivity. Kitchens can be as sophisticated as the softer more lived-in rooms in your home. In fact, so many kitchen trends are leaning towards kitchen designs that are, well, less kitchen-y. Click here to continue...

Banquette Seating – Will It Work In Your Kitchen?

In “How islands are shaping the future of kitchens” we left off with the idea that seating around kitchen islands is moving beyond the typical bar arrangement. Even more than stools around two sides, kitchens with enough room are following the trend to seat people across from each other.  One way is to have seating on three sides. The other alternative is banquette seating. Banquette seating refers to the built-in benches often found in restaurants. Traditionally, booths and banquettes are a cozy way to dine and this type arrangement is moving into homes. The islands are typically built in an L-shape with the table nestled in. The table can be attached or stand free and the surrounding seats may include chairs, benches or a combination of both. It adds a casual and multifunctional element to kitchen islands and is a great way to transition from kitchens to family rooms. Kitchens used to be isolated rooms solely used for food preparation. Now they are the center for family activities. With busy and sometimes chaotic lives, families are looking for design that brings people together so they can focus on relationships, relax and talk. Taking kitchen island shapes beyond squares and rectangles offers more seating options, including banquette seating, and encourages conversation that can make everyday life...