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...

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...

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...

Stainless Steel Kitchens in 2024

The design experts at Magnet are predicting a surge in popularity for the stainless steel kitchen trend, with it becoming a hugely popular style choice for remodelling kitchens in 2024. Kitchen trends, like bathroom trends, are determined by what designers envision being the most sought-after materials and new design innovations to shape how we remodel and redesign our homes over the coming years.  And like all interior design trends there are always looks that come and go as they evolve, and for kitchens in 2024, it would seem that industrial-style materials are set to be very much back in fashion.   Click here to continue...

When You’re Ready To Remodel – Think Universal Design

Although not a new concept, Universal Design has been slow to go main stream. But that’s changing for two reasons. First is our aging population – often referred to as the “Silver Tsunami.” Second is the acknowledgement of residents who don’t fit the profile of the “average guy.” Traditionally homes were, and still are, designed for a 5’ 10” tall male between the ages of 20 and 40. This profile eliminates the overwhelming majority of home residents and forces people to adapt to these specs. These days, our aging population is pressing for homes that adapt to their needs. A recent edition of the AARP magazine features the Property Brothers. The article includes a cartoon section where the brothers explain the benefits of Universal Design to their parents. They point out features like sensor-style touch faucets, raised dishwashers and organized storage in cabinets and drawers.  And Universal Design is not just for aging.  The same advantages apply to all ages. Think about a child working on a coloring book or other project at the kitchen island.  Do you want them perched on a bar stool where their feet can’t reach the floor? Some countertop heights can be lower to keep them grounded. It’s not only safer for everyone, it encourages family interaction. People mistake Universal Design as a concept that applies only to older people and those with special needs and think of it as institutional. Not true. Done right, safety features can be seamlessly incorporated into the décor and create beautiful, updated rooms. Whether you desire to Age-in-Place, make your home safer or simply update your look; talk...

What Type Of Countertop Edge Is Best For A Modern Kitchen?

Modern interiors are marked by clean, sleek lines for nearly all elements of the design. Whether the home leans ultra-modern or has a modern-contemporary interior design, sticking to straight lines is the best way to convey the style, especially in the little details. When it comes to designing a kitchen, many homeowners are often focused on colors and materials. However, small details like the edge of the countertop can make a big impact. So, if you’re designing a modern kitchen, you’ll want to stick with countertop edges that are straight and sleek, such as the square edge. Click here to read...