Mr. Jackson
@mrjackson

Are We Seeing A Change From White In The Kitchen?

According to the latest research, white continues to be the top color choice for kitchen cabinets. However, search the web for kitchen ideas and you may notice that the color choice appears to be shifting. Here’s what we’re seeing. Bright and strong colors are still on the fringe but off-white shades are coming on strong. Natural woods like bleached or grey-washed red oak are one way to take the edge off of an all-white kitchen.  If it fits into your budget and you’re looking for a little less pink, you can use white oak. White oak is a little warmer with its golden-brown tones and tendency to be slightly darker. Both woods allow you to bring in white tones with other materials without making the overall effect too white. Gray continues to be popular due to its versatility. Gray has the dual advantage of still being light and bright while it adds a little more warmth. And when it comes to changing color all together, blue and green are seeing the most interest. Like gray, pale pastel blue and green show a similar versatility by warming up the room without giving up the simple, clean lines and appearance you get from white. These “not-so-white” kitchens offer homeowners a way to make a change in a subtle manner. Yet we’re seeing remodel projects looking for a complete change. One way to do this is contrasting dark cabinetry with white or very light counter-tops. It’s a way to makes a bolder statement and leaves other aspects, like back-splashes, ceilings and decor available for contrast with white shades. White kitchens are timeless....

Updating Trends in Bathroom Remodels

When it comes to bathrooms, the three upgrades getting a lot of attention are double sinks, mirrors and lighting. More than just appearance, they upgrade how well your bathroom functions. When it comes to sinks, 69% of renovations include a two-sink setup. One way to increase storage is to place the sinks far enough apart so you can install a full-sized cabinet between. This way the most used items are stored within easy reach. Another factor is the type of sinks installed. The most popular type is under-mounts (64%) followed by drop-ins (16%) and vessel sinks (11%). Vessel sinks placed on top of countertops leave more space for a cabinet drawer underneath. But if an under-mount or drop-in is your preference, small tilt-out drawers can be built in to keep small items, like makeup and shavers at your fingertips. Double mirrors pair up well with double sinks and some homeowners opt to upgrade to three or more mirrors. Additional features include anti-fog systems, LED lighting and hidden outlets. Mirrors mounted on customized cabinets offer additional storage and allow for space for lighting and outlets. Lighting is important not only for looks, but for safety. The goal is to keep lighting even both day and night.  As a result, the majority of bathroom remodels now include wall lights or recessed lights to eliminate shadows and glare. The shower should have its own light along with lights over the toilet and any niche areas in the bathroom. Increasing in popularity are in-drawer and toe-kick lights. Toe-kick lighting is especially helpful at night because it delineates where the floor ends and the...

Remodeling Trends for 2020

We know remodeling can be a huge undertaking, especially in the kitchen. So when it comes to changing your living space, it’s important to feel like the upgrade you’re doing is right.Kitchen islands continue to be a mainstay of renovated kitchens and 61% of upgraded kitchens feature them. While relatively few remodel projects make no changes to the islands, some upgrade an existing island and roughly 33% add islands. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening. Cabinetry Almost 40% contrasted island cabinet color with the perimeter cabinets. The top choice for contrast is grey, followed by blue, black and medium-toned wood. Over 10% opted for a different cabinet style altogether. The most popular is flat-paneled, followed by louvered and glass-front cabinets. Shaker cabinets continue to be the most popular door style overall. It’s no surprise that only 6% of renovating homeowners choose Shaker for their island cabinetry. Counter-tops Counter-tops feature big in remodel projects. Twenty-six percent upgraded their kitchen island counter-tops with a different material from their perimeter counters. Butcher block or wood slabs are the top choices, followed by engineered quartz, granite, marble, quartzite and solid surface. Along with different materials, almost 30% of homeowners opted for a different color from the perimeter cabinets.  Again, wood tones from dark to light are the most popular choices. When it comes to color, white led the way followed by gray and multicolored tops.  Storage and utility Around 98% of homeowners add or upgrade their islands to increase storage.  More than half of the upgraded islands also included appliances. A recent survey shows homeowners use their islands for eating, entertaining and socializing....

Cabinetry for the Small Bathroom

If your home includes even one small bathroom, how well it’s designed is critical for two reasons. You have less room to accommodate everyone who uses it… and…a small bathroom is where simple materials and fixtures have a chance to really stand out. In previous articles, we’ve mentioned how your cabinetry has the most impact on a bathroom’s overall appearance. For example, bold colors or the hardware you choose for doors and drawers set the style and tone for the entire room. Whether your cabinetry is beneath the vanity or stands alone, how well it’s designed  often comes down to inches… and it’s where you want to make the most out of every inch you have. In a small bathroom, a vanity with cabinets has some wasted area to make space for the sink. Customized vanities can have a small, shallow drawer for little items like makeup. Or go with an above the counter sink to make more room underneath. Custom cabinets are also good for hiding plumbing that may not be movable. Mounted cabinets, either beneath the vanity or on their own, make any bathroom more contemporary. To enhance the look, use a high-gloss car finish that can be waxed or buffed out if it gets scratched. Since white and light colors are highly recommended for small spaces, be a little more daring with bold cabinet colors. This way you create contrast and make a statement. When it comes to overall home design, small bathrooms tend to be overlooked. Yet depending on where they’re located, they are often one of the busiest rooms in the house. To make...

Ten Ways to Get The Most From Your Walk-In Closet

Because of their spacious accommodation, walk-in closets are favored for extensive wardrobes…and there’s no reason why they can’t have an elegance of their own. Not only are custom-designed closets beautifully detailed; they help to free up bedroom space by eliminating the need for a large dresser or chest. Check out these ten ideas that go a long way to create the closet of your dreams. Island dressers add personality and subtly create ‘his’ and ‘her’ sides but, they do require a fair amount of space. You need at least three to four feet on all four sides. If you don’t have that much room, the next best thing is a peninsula dresser. Whether you enjoy ironing or not, the closet is the most convenient place to install a pull-out ironing board. It saves steps and time and folds up to disappear when not in use. Right now, cubby holes are off-the-charts popular. When it comes to dimensions, cubbies measuring nine and a half inches wide by eight inches high house most shoe sizes and still leave room for prized heels. Jewelry cabinets with keypad locks can blend in while adding an extra layer of safety. These days it’s not unusual to hang jeans alongside of dress pants with a well-spaced pant rack. And tie racks aren’t just for ties. They hold sunglasses, wallets and cuff links - keeping these accessories together in one place. Drawer dividers add even more organization. Simply adjust them to fit your personal pieces. When it comes to purses, consider hooks. Hook rails showcase individual purses so purse swapping is a breeze. Reduce search time...

Modern Meets Farmhouse in the Kitchen

A bright white and light gray palette will give your kitchen a clean, modern feeling. Balance it out by channeling a homey vibe with rustic pendants, patterned rugs and a big farmhouse sink with a gooseneck faucet. Mixing the clean lines of modern design with nods to a rustic farmhouse aesthetic will give your kitchen a style that is fresh, comfortable and...