What can I do to update my kitchen?

     This is the one question that seems to be popping up with every client visit.  Whether they call me over to measure for a bath remodel or for a entertainment center for the living room, on my way out this question will pop up.  It starts with, "And oh, by the way..."
     There are a few things you can do to update your kitchen that will change the look and the feel without much expense.  But before you embark on any change consider what is it about your kitchen that you don't like or that really needs improvement.  If it only needs a fresh look than maybe just a dramatic paint will do the job.  That's the easiest and less costly of all the options.
     If your cabinets are in good shape and you like them but not the countertop then you can think of replacing the countertop.  But please don't replace the countertop if you have any issues with your cabinets.  Putting a granite or an engineered stone such as Caesarstone on cabinets that  you don't like will only make them look worse.  Once you put that type of countertop on the cabinets it is very unlikely that you will be replacing it, so make sure you like your cabinets and that they are in good condition.
     Another possible update is the backsplash area.  If you have a painted area on the wall behnd the countertop then a tiled backsplash can work wonders in a kitchen.  It can be costly but it will definitely lift up the kitchen, and a backsplash is allot of fun to design.  There are so many options in stone now that this may take you a little bit of time, but it is well worth it.
     You can also replace the hardware (knobs or handles) on your cabinets.  Hardware on your cabinets is like jewelry so it can definitely dress up a kitchen.  Make sure the new hardware will line up with the holes in the cabinets where the old hardware is.
     Lighting can make a big difference in a kitchen as well.  Every kitchen should have task lighting which is also known as under cabinet lighting.  You can also hang more whimsical or decorative lights over your island or peninsula to spruce up the kitchen.
     If storage is your main concern than you may want to consider replacing your shelves in some cabinets with roll-outs. And a garage for small appliances may also be an option.
    If you would like help in figuring out what will work best for your kitchen just email me for an appointment: claremarie@asyoulikeitdz.com.  I'll be glad to help you out.

A small change that made a big difference

Many of my clients are getting tired of putting their remodel plans on hold, but in this ecomony it is the safest path to take.  My advice to them is to look at the rooms in their homes and update the ones that they feel need it the most.  A case in point would be this bathroom shower remodel.  It's a small thing to do but it certainly added to the quality of my clients life when it was completed. 

The Challenge:  This is the original shower with the glass block being an outside wall.  There was a leakage problem which created a crack in the cultured marble as well as a level issue on the floor and an airflow problem which created a musty smell. 

When  tearing out walls you never know what to expect.   In this case there was a healthy vine on the outside that extended its roots into a crack in the shower wall to benefit from the water in the shower area.  The roots were thick and only added to the separation between the wall and the shower floor.  Once the wall was removed the floor was also leveled, new walls put up and the vine was pulled up.

One other thing about removing old walls that I always tell my clients is that there are often times roaches and other bugs that have been living in the wall and will come out to find a new home, so they need to have roach spray on hand.  As you can see from the photo on the right this was a small shower that had many problems and really needed to be remodeled.

The End Result:

Porcelain tile now surrounds the shower area and four windows that can open bring in the air and the skyscape that surrounds the back of their home.  Small glass tiles were used to decorate the stone and  2" tiles were placed on the floor with a decorative floor drain.  I designed this curved shower using small floor tiles to cut down on cutting tiles which made for a faster and easier install. It also provides a great look and the additional grout in the small tiles is further assurance against slipping on the wet surface.

  My clients are enjoying their shower everyday now and are so glad they made the decision to have this remodel done.  It's a small change that made a big difference. 

If you are considering a bathroom remodel  and would like assistance in making some of your choices just email me to set up an appointment: claremarie@asyoulikeitdz.com..

                                                                       

Ventilation Information

In the course of my career I have designed and recommended a wide variety of ventilation systems depending on the needs of the client and the design of the kitchen.  A beautiful hood whether it's a built-in custom design or a island hood can be a focal point for any kitchen.

In the January edition of Kitchen and Bath Ideas I explain the choices you have when choosing a ventilation system. If you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen please spend some time understanding the necessity for a hood and if you need any help just email me for an appointment: claremarie@asyoulikeitdz.com..