Check out this review on the blog: Simplified Bee:

http://www.simplifiedbee.com/2014/03/wood-mode-cabinetry.html

Happy Summer,

Laura

#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

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

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.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/7751577/Pine-Library-transitional-living-room-new-york]

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/2946744/Pine-Library-traditional-family-room-new-york]

kitchens
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/160345/Kitchen-examples-traditional-kitchen-san-diego]

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/92423/Washington-Park-Residence-06-traditional-kitchen-seattle]

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/386285/White-Modern-Classic-Kitchen-traditional-kitchen-chicago]

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/677436/Contemporary-Kitchen-contemporary-kitchen-other-metro]

A coffee and wine bar in the kitchen makes me happy.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/99698/Beverage-Center-eclectic-kitchen-san-francisco]

A rustic family room  to relax in and enjoy that nice glass of wine.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/347223/Rustic-Family-Room-rustic-family-room-minneapolis]

A warm and cozy bedroom for those wonderful holiday dreams.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/5002469/Morningstar-Residence-rustic-bedroom-denver]

Wishing you all a very merry, merry!

Laura

A steam shower for my bathroom would be a great place to unwind after a long day of designing. One of my favorites:     http://www.furniturefashion.com/ultimate_in_steam_shower_luxury_-_apollo_by_lineaaqua/

A Dacor Wine Station for my kitchen – http://www.dacor.com/Our-Products/Refrigeration/Discovery-WineStation.aspx

A bedroom with great closet storage, a seating area, and a coffee bar for those mornings when you want to lounge around the bedroom for a while.

[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/579060/Tucson-Residence-Kitchen-contemporary-closet-phoenix]

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.

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.