First let’s talk functionality. All the steam, heat and grease around a cook-top are not very friendly towards wallpaper or wall paint. It just makes sense to install something that withstands the humidity and is easy to clean. When considering materials, remember the more porous the tile, the more difficult it is to clean. This is one reason why solid glass back-splash has become so popular. It also looks amazing!

Now for design. In my mind, the most important determining factor for the color and style of your back-splash is your counter-top. For example, if you have any granite surface, other than solid black, I would never suggest a patterned tile. The vein texture and color variation in the granite is interesting enough on its own and will fight any pattern in the back-splash. Different fabric patterns, think paisley and stripes, can work well together as long as the colors blend…not so with tile and counter-top. In most cases, I suggest steering away from patterned tile full stop. It is trendy and can easily date your kitchen. But if it is something your creative juices are insisting on, be sure to pair it with a solid color counter-top.

Probably my favorite option is glazed subway tile. Timeless, easy to clean, classic…it works with just about any style, design and counter-top.

For a more recent trend, consider metallic options. Go ahead and have fun with different shades and finishes from brushed stainless and oil-rubbed bronze, to antique brass and stamped tin.

Back-splash plays an important functional role in your kitchen but also adds a great deal to the aesthetic and design. I just love a warm tiled niche behind the cooking area.

Ray

The American Society of Landscape Architects report that fire pits are the #1 requested design feature by far…and why not? They provide a hospitable, warm gathering place to enjoy conversation and a glass of wine well beyond Labor Day. In fact they can extend the use of your backyard to Thanksgiving…even in chilly Albany!

Constructing a fire pit into your landscape can be a simple, inexpensive addition or a more complex renovation…either way grab some s’mores fixings and offer a toast to the cool nights of autumn.

Ray Roberts

A stunning curved rock wall frames the space, with natural boulders surrounding the flames

Uber cool fire table with extra warmth at additional seating

Interesting take on the traditional circular shape

#2 Gray is the new white. Warm gray hues are the new neutral of choice.

#3 Man-made quartz is the new granite. It isn’t natural and it may be a bit more expensive but it looks great and is easier to care for.

#4 Revamped triangle. Once considered the only way to lay out appliances with the sink, refrigerator and range on the triangle points, kitchen designs have evolved beyond three standard directions.

#5 Wood is still the engine of the WOW factor. Painted, stained, glazed or natural, you just can’t beat it.

#6 Green is key. Green materials, energy saving appliances, manufacturers with green factories, LED lighting….do your part. It matters.

#7 Charging Stations. Desks consume too much real estate and seem like dinosaurs with all the mobile devices. Have your designer figure out a cool looking charging station instead.

#8 Destination Islands. They are becoming bigger, prettier and more functional. The anchor of the kitchen/great room.

Happy renovating,

Laura

The magnificent hand carved corbels and accents throughout add intricacy while the custom drop down ceiling panel over the island and custom wood hood add a baronial flair. There are two islands as well as a wine bar which accommodate their guests very comfortably. In keeping with the home, the overall effect is one of grandeur, but at the same time modernized to feel accessible and welcoming.

Until next time,

Laura

That being said, I recognize that the pull-out trash cabinet is an option that adds cost to a project. So CCW wants to help!

Place your cabinetry order with CCW by April 15th and get either one of these popular options absolutely FREE!

Please note:
Cabinetry order must be at least $3000 to qualify for this promotion.
Promotion applicable to new orders only.

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.

While remodeling is on the upswing, new home construction is softening a bit. As Hudson points out, “Rising spending on remodeling is in contrast to recent signs of slowing in new-home construction activity, indicating that a growing number of consumers have decided that upgrading their home might be a better investment than buying a new one.”

This week two trade shows geared at the remodeling and home building market kick off in Las Vegas: the International Builder Show and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. The combined attendance is expected to exceed 80,000, the highest since 2008.

Of course the first room folks look to renovate, and the room that most significantly influences resale value, is the kitchen. But as you start to think about the possibility, do yourself a favor and live in the moment. Ask yourself what changes you would like to create your dream kitchen. Stay faithful to that dream and the economics will follow.

Laura Naughton