De-clutter

This was the number one suggestion from everyone. No one ever associated a Zen atmosphere with stuffed closets or messy countertops. Clutter promotes a sense of chaos that is disturbing and unsettling. But de-cluttering is work and decisions need to be made. First, adopt the purging mindset. Second, decide what your criteria and benchmarks are going to be. Some folks use the “if I have not used it in a year, it’s gone” approach. A relatively new and trendy method is asking for every object in your home: “Does this give me joy?” Third, be ruthless. It’s scientific…to create more space, stuff has to go. Full stop. Remember a simplified, clean space is a calm space.

Color

There is a proven connection between the cooler side of the color wheel and a sense of calm. So why not experiment with warm gray, heather blue or sea-glass green. Natural beiges and whites are also very effective…so go ahead…paint a wall, accessorize with new pillows or a classic wool throw or invest in new bedding.

Music

Work on a calming playlist and mix it up. Some classical mixed with new age, jazz and art/indie rock help create a meditative background.

Clean Windows and Candles

Lighting is so important when it comes to mood. Plenty of natural light cheers the soul, so as soon as it is warm enough, clean those windows. Nothing makes a house feel more ready for spring than glistening glass panes. And for those remaining long winter nights, candles are not only a hint of romance but also a source of tranquility. Avoid scented candles and stick with white…tea lights, votives, chunky pillars…there really is no room in your home that doesn’t benefit from candlelight.

Flowers

A soft fragrance does wonders to calm stress and nothing can replace the beauty of a natural floral scent. Splurge on a flat of paper whites for a more subtle fragrance or go full out with hyacinths, a true harbinger of spring.

Namaste,

Ray

A perfect color for all areas of the home: living room, bedroom, kitchen and bath. Go ahead and introduce it boldly with strong painted walls or deep blue tiles…or try it as an accent against neutral tones of beige and grey.

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kitchens
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Update Your Fabrics

Want to create a cozier home quickly and simply: add more blankets and pillows. By hanging a couple of throws or blankets around the couch, you’ll always have one within reach. Consider a new throw rug as it will keep warm air from escaping under the floor. One conveniently placed in the bedroom will keep your toes warm in the morning. You can even update your windows with thicker curtains or shades that keep heat in and cold out, but remember to pull them back during the day to bring in sunlight whenever you can.

Install a Fireplace

Is there anything cozier than a fireplace on a chilly night? Fireplace installation has also gained in popularity, even for families that already have one fireplace. Electric fireplaces may not be as authentic, but they produce heat and mimic the sensation of staring at the fire as it crackles away. You can pick up a base model at your local home improvement store for just a few hundred dollars.

If you want something more realistic, don’t be intimidated by installing a fireplace. While a full fireplace is more expensive than electric, they are an incredible addition to your home. If you have an open floor plan in your kitchen, the fireplace will add an unique element for guests to enjoy during Thanksgiving and the Holidays.

Eliminate drafts

The best way to make sure your home is warm is to seal it up and stop drafts. By holding a candle along corners, edges and other possible draft spots, you can find the areas where heat is escaping. When you find a draft, the best way to patch the hole is with caulk. For people with older windows, such as single-pane or aluminum-framed, replacing them could help heat up your home and save energy, not to mention increase the overall curb appeal of your home.

Forget the Trends

With a renovation, think long term when it comes to color. Neutral colors are the best option as they can work with different color schemes. You want to select colors that compliment one another. Add a pop of color with smaller appliances like the mixer or toaster. Remember, when you select darker hues you create the feeling of a smaller space. Choose soft and light colors to create a more spacious kitchen

Add Excitement to a White Kitchen

If you’re a fan of white kitchens, forget about flat whites as they add little excitement. Introduce shades of cream or even light gray to elevate your color scheme. Think about a gloss finish. Consider adding in glass tiles, veined marble, bamboo shades or linen fabrics to lift an all-white palette from boring to beautiful. You can even add darker shades or gray and black that will fit perfectly your white kitchen.

Contrast

Are you in love with your cabinetry? Then paint your walls a contrasting color. This will make your wall cabinets and island pop. Pull it together with accessories and art. However, if you’re not a fan of your cabinetry, select a similar wall color to blend the two elements.

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

In 2012, 67% of kitchens completed in America were white painted or stained cabinets according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. As one can tell, the look is a popular choice for most homeowners. A white kitchen is clean, fresh and sophisticated. The look provides a bright, cheerful feel as it reflects sunlight throughout making small kitchens look large. And while the modern style in white has been a favorite cabinetry choice, we can’t help but notice a new trend in design: Wood Minimalism.

So what is wood minimalism? Well, for homeowners looking for a contemporary style kitchen, many feel that they want something more distinguishable than white. A popular alternative is stream-lined cabinets in a warm tone of wood that’s cozy. If you’re worried that wood toned cabinetry may be too folksy for you, think again. The look is very upscale and not your grandmother’s ranch style kitchen from the 1950s.

A few of the designer options come in a wide variety of wood choices, including oak, walnut, larch and cherry. However, the wood textured cabinets alone won’t complete the minimalist look within the space. Your selection of hardware, flooring, lighting and kitchen backsplash are key.

In love with the trend? Be sure to visit our showroom to meet with a kitchen designer who will work with you to capture wood minimalism at its best.

Create the Look

Kitchen cabinets can be simple or ornate. They can be modern or traditional. Whatever your style is, cabinetry will set the stage in the kitchen. If your home is more traditional, dark woods are a great option, while neutrals and colors create a more eclectic feel. The look you go for should follow the theme or architectural style within the kitchen.

Hardware as an Accessory

Once your cabinetry has been selected, you should begin considering the hardware you would like. There are a variety of materials and styles to choose from, including nickel, brass, copper or bronze. You can even select wrought iron or glass. Another option could be to have handleless cabinets that offer indentations for hands or pop open doors.

Mix and Match

In the past, cabinetry would always match throughout a space. However, in recent years designers and homeowners began doing something different by mixing and matching woods, colors and styles. The idea is to design a kitchen that is interesting and cohesive…so often the island wood and finish varies from the wall cabinets. This variety adds just enough spice without losing the integrity of the whole.

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

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)

Glass Backsplash

If you’re in love with modern design, installing glass tiles can be a great option for your kitchen backsplash. There are an array of colors and shapes to choose from that will create an ultra-sleek look. Another bonus is that glass is super easy to clean.

Glass Cabinets

Do you have dinnerware or collectibles you wish to show off? If so, having your cabinet doors installed with glass may be for you. The look will certainly enhance your kitchen by making the room feel larger and lighter. You could also install lighting inside the cabinets to illuminate special pieces.>

Glass Countertops

Design something unique for your home. Glass countertops made from recycled materials can create a one-of-a-kind focal point in the kitchen. Also, the glass holds reflective properties that can bring in light from surrounding rooms as well as any natural light.