Laura

One of our senior designers, Amy Van Wie, got to work with Rob and Paul on the kitchen. She designed a clean and simple layout in keeping with the open floor plan of the house. The cabinets are sierra on maple veneer. The refrigerator and dishwasher are paneled for a sleek, sophisticated look and who wouldn’t love to prepare a meal on their 48” Wolf?

Owl’s Nest is a one-of-a-kind property, something very special indeed.

The kitchen is becoming more of a functional hub and less of a showcase. To achieve this modern look, below are a few of our favorite trends.

New Geometry

In the 1950s, the triangle was traditionally thought of as the efficient design as one person was doing the cooking. Now that the entire family wants to be in the kitchen, it’s no longer the model of efficiency – even in a small kitchen. Appliances are now moved to the side entry or tucked into an appliance wall for an improved workflow.

Natural Finishes

Homeowners are moving beyond flashy, glossy finishes and are loving matte. The more down to earth look combines well with natural wood and stone finishes.

Invisible Kitchens

Anything you would have showed off a decade ago is now hidden. Appliances are being concealed with cabinet panels, the bar area is tucked away behind pocket doors and countertops are clear of clutter.

Mark your calendar because the Saratoga Showcase of Homes returns this September! The showcase celebrates and recognizes Saratoga County’s most exceptional homes built by the finest builders in the Capital Region.

Now in its 18th year, the event will display the latest in building techniques and products for the home. Homeowners can also explore beautiful, high-quality furnishings and fixtures from the area’s top interior designers.

There will be three consecutive weekends to join the showcase tours: September 21st-22nd, 28th-29th & October 5th-6th. The showcase home tour hours are 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Also, be sure not to miss the new and exciting Showcase Chefs “Comforts of Homes” at participating showcase homes. These delectable events will take place September 20th!

To purchase your tickets, visit the Saratoga Showcase of Homes website. Proceeds from the event will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Be sure to grab your tickets and visit the showcase home on 96 Oak Street to explore the kitchen CCW designed with Witt Construction!

-Laura

As yet another indicator that the kitchen is much more than a place to cook, people are becoming more interested in redesigning their kitchens than cooking in them.

I recently read an article indicating that for the first time in three years, HGTV topped its corporate cousin the Food Network, increasing 7.9% in the first half of 2013. Shows like “Renovation Raiders” and “Flip or Flop” are astounding TV execs. While I am not a television analyst, I am a kitchen guy and this is music to my ears.

First, of course, is this is another indicator that the housing market is rebounding…and that is music to everyone’s ears. But what I love is that these shows get our customers thinking about different design ideas and asking some interesting questions. They also provide some perspective into the process, something that is welcome and helpful before your own home becomes a construction site.

One word of warning however, beware what I like to call “fantasy timing”. Watching these programs make it seem as if you visit your local stone yard, pick out your slab for countertop, and then a few hours later a big guy name Larry is installing it in your home. There are many steps to the process of redesigning your home…steps that have a logical order as well as definable timeframes. For an accurate timeline, please visit CCW’s website.

Many of these shows are shot from all across the country, across the world in fact. They show a lot of different styles, textures, trends, materials, solutions and designs. Although many may not match your aesthetic, it is a great place to start exploring your dream kitchen.

– Evan

High-Gloss

Make a clean, refined statement in your home with high gloss cabinets. These cabinets are designed from lacquered wood and are not only clean, they sparkle. Their smooth finish definitely adds a modern flair. Consider adding glass countertop, such as a crystallized glass, to match the look.

Solid Walnut

The dark-colored cabinets can add rich beauty and stunning elegance to any kitchen. It’s solid components are durable to withstand everyday activities.

Hidden Appliances

Streamline your kitchen by covering up appliances with panels that match your cabinetry. It’s a fresh look for the home and a perfect way to conceal your refrigerator, dishwasher or microwave.

Think Upward

When you have high ceilings, stack your cabinets. And consider using glass doors to create a period charm similar to that found in furniture. It’s also a great way to add additional storage or a place to display objects.

-Laura

Mark your calendar because the Parade of Homes returns in June! The event celebrates and recognizes the area’s most exceptional homes built by the finest builders in the Capital Region.

For more than 13 years, the Parade of Homes event has displayed the latest in building techniques and products for the home. It’s the perfect opportunity for homeowners to explore beautiful custom constructed homes, high-quality furnishings and fixtures from the area’s top interior designers.

There will be two weekends to join the parade tours: June 1st-2nd and 8th-9th from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Be sure to visit the Witt Construction homes on 51 Granger Avenue in Saratoga Springs and Retreat on Pond Hill, 38 Indian Pipe Drive in Wynantskill to explore the kitchens, baths, pantry and laundry room designed by CCW.

Visit the CRBRA online to learn more!

-Laura

Let me just start off by saying that this has been one extraordinary week for CCW! From exciting projects underway to our most recent award, we have a lot to celebrate. CCW was recently honored to win the Best Kitchen Remodel at the Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Association’s (CRBRA) first annual Best in Building Awards!

So which project was the winning kitchen remodel? Well, it was a previously shared project designed by Ray and featured on our blog: A Design Upgrade on the Classic White Kitchen. This space is simply incredible! The CRBRA was impressed by how Ray took a simple classic white kitchen request and added excitement, beauty and functionality all in one amazing kitchen.

A few of the well received details included the kitchen’s maple wood cabinetry with a Nordic white finish and Rockport Recessed doors. Also, who could forget the massive island featuring four solid wood turned legs and wainscot panels that truly anchors the space. This feature alone paved the path for casual dining and ample seating when hosting family and friends.

Ray had been extremely excited for this project from the first day he met with the homeowners and we couldn’t be more proud of the final outcome! Thank you so much CRBRA for recognizing our talented team!

-Laura

Two Rooms in One

Blending together the kitchen and family room into one great space creates an open area for everyone to gather. Whether mom and dad are cooking, kids are doing homework or little ones are enjoying playtime or a favorite cartoon…the space becomes multifunctional for everyone to use 24/7.

Get Organized

The recipe to any successful home may just be to minimize the clutter. By organizing your home for each family member, you’ll make things easily accessible. And that in turn helps things run smoothly throughout the day! Consider storing the kids’ things in bottom shelves and drawers for easy reach. You could even have cabinetry made to fit the children’s height with built-in inserts that can serve a different purpose when the children grow. Also, having a dedicated home station for the adults makes a great location for storing paperwork, bills, and the family computer.

Introduce Color

Design a bright, interesting space the entire family will enjoy. Color adds personality outside the all white kitchen. Why not incorporate a funky, vivid colored countertop or eye catching tiled backsplash behind the stove?

Appreciate the Memories

If you’re the sentimental type who enjoys holding onto memories, select items for the home that will inevitably show wear and tear. By selecting porous materials, such as Carrara marble or a maple butcher block, you introduce items that will add an old fashioned, settled appeal over time. These items are meant to embrace imperfections and showcase your family’s history of stains and rings!

(Photos courtesy in order: Houzz & Patrick Sutton Associates, Fresh Home, Dornob and The Grothouse Lumber Company)