From Drab to Fab in 8 Week- Day 1

Here is a before picture of the kitchen.  Demo starts today so stay tuned for more pics and updates!

From Drab to Fab in 8 Weeks!

Follow my blog for the next eight weeks and watch an outdated kitchen  get completely transformed.  From demolition, to rough-ins, to cabinet installation, to the finishing touches- you will see it all  as I post pictures and updates on this luxury dream kitchen remodel!

Go High Gloss

Gone are the days when all of my clients are looking for regular paints or stains.  High gloss finishes and glass  fronts are what people are asking for now.  Believe it or not there are several ways to get that shiny look too.  You can do a standard high sheen finish, whether it be on a veneer, laminate, or thermafoil.   But I have to say that the newest technique has my vote…

It is a “glass front.”  That’s right I said “glass” not “gloss”.   The door or drawer front is a clear piece of glass with the color printed on the back of the glass.  This makes the door or drawer front much heavier than the traditional construction, but with the color printed on the inside, it’s nearly impossible to damage.  And I have to say a kitchen done in black looks even better than a black Mercedes fresh off the lot, and it almost creates a mirrored finish.

The color possibilities are endless.  White, blue, green, wood grained, graphite, purple… you name it! I will say that this technique can only truly be appreciated in person.  Anyone in the Cleveland area, give me a call @ 216.464.6500 and I can set up a time for you to see it in person.

So, you may be saying, “Gosh, I couldn’t live with my entire kitchen in high gloss.”  Well you aren’t alone.  Many people like things in moderation, and especially in a large space it can help if we mix in other materials.  Mixing it with a textured wood or laminate finish in a complimentary color, can soften the room, and keep the high gloss from being overwhelming.

So, if I’ve peaked your interest, give me a call and we can find the high gloss technique and color that will work in your space!

 

Nikki Trivisonno, CKD  216.464.6500

nikki_trivisonno@somrakkitchens.com

Trend Report

With many new companies prepared to launch new products this spring, I thought I would take a moment to point out the latest trends of 2011.

Cabinetry– Sleek style with clean lines.  You may be picturing ultra modern, but that isn’t necessarily what it means.  Basically, we are going to see less of the ornate details and carvings.  Less is more.

New Wood Species-Manufacturers are being more responsible when it comes to wood.  They are using fast growing woods like lyptus and bamboo.  Some are even creating their own “species” by using the obeche veneers and engineering them to look like mahogany, walnut, rosewood, wenge, and even rift cut oak.

Appliances– Stainless is steel the most popular finish for appliances, and it will likely stay that way many years. However more companies are coming out with a stainless finish that doesn’t show fingerprints.  I think that is something we can all get excited about!

Wardrobes– Elaborate closets aren’t just for the super-rich anymore.  Many kitchen cabinet manufacturers are adding wardrobe cabinetry to their catalogs, giving homeowners the same amount of organization in their closets as they have in their kitchen.  They have unique hanging systems, places for ties, belts, jewelry…and ladies, wait until you see what they have for all of our shoes!

Maintaining Your Kitchen/Bath

Did you know that a new kitchen or bathroom requires maintenance?  Much like your new car will need oil changes, tune ups, and other services, your kitchen and bath  will need regular maintenance.   Here are a few things you should be doing.

• Seal Your Granite – Granite is a natural stone which means it is porous and susceptible to stains.   Many people either forget or don’t know that granite needs to be sealed every 6-12 months.  Sealers can be purchased from your granite supplier and are very simple to apply. In the last several years a new sealer has been developed that is applied before your countertops are installed and lasts 10-15 years.  If you are planning to purchase new countertops ask your designer about this.  It will save you time and money!

• Soap & Water- It may sound elementary but the finest cabinet manufacturer’s recommend that your cabinets be cleaned with just a mild soap and water.  Vinegar and water is another option, however many find the odor a bit  overwhelming.  A well manufactured cabinet will keep its shine for life, but many people choose to use Guardsman annually and make them look like new.

• Bar Keeper’s Friend- A stainless sink can sometimes show the most wear and tear in your kitchen.  Just a small amount of Bar Keeper’s Friend and a little bit of elbow grease can get your sink looking like new again.  It also can work wonders on your bathtub, shower, cooktop, tile, grout and even your pots and pans.

• Adjustments- Just like your car needs a tune up, your cabinet door and drawer fronts need adjusting.  With normal wear and tear your doors and drawer fronts will move slightly making them rub together, be off center,  or just not open as smoothly.   A carpenter can make quick adjustments to them so they are looking like new again.   Always have the firm who sold/installed your cabinets perform this work because they are the most familiar with your cabinets and therefore the most qualified.
• Change/Clean Your Filters- We are reminded by our mechanics to change our car’s air filter every year, but you probably don’t remember to change or clean your filters in the kitchen.  Any water filtration system needs to be changed based on usage.   The same is true for your cooking ventilation system.  These are expensive products and not maintaining them properly can sometimes be the same as if you didn’t have them in the first place.  Keep extra water filters on hand, and remember to clean your hood’s filter/baffle system regularly.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Invest in Your Kitchen or Bath

• Deals- There is really no other way to say it, deals are everywhere these days.  You’ll find that your dollar will go much farther than it did 5 years ago.  The catch?  You have to act fast.  Many of the promotions out there last for 30-90 days.  If you wait too long you might find the savings you were hoping for are no longer available.
• A Sound Investment- Unlike buying a new car- where the value depreciates the moment you drive off the lot, you can expect to recoup up to 74% of your investment when you go to sell your home.   If you bought a car for $30,000 and drove it for 5 years, you might be lucky to get $7,000 for it at trade in.  But with a $30,000 kitchen or bath expect to get easily $20,000 back when you go to sell your house.
• America’s Lifestyle-  You may be part of the growing group of Americans who choose to spend more time in their home than they did only 5 years ago.  Whether it’s your travel budget getting smaller, deciding to work from a home office, or simply deciding to spend more time with the family, many of us are finding ourselves at home more often.  So why not invest in making your home a more enjoyable place?
• It Doesn’t Have to be the “Whole Kit and Caboodle” – Remodeling your kitchen doesn’t mean you have to gut the room.  Many people are choosing to replace their countertops and appliances only.  This isn’t a bad option if your cabinets are in good condition, your layout works, and you want an updated look without the huge price tag.   This cuts out a lot of the labor costs while still giving the space a fresh new look.

Thinking of remodeling? Email Nikki Or visit our website.

Which Countertop Material Fits My Lifestyle AND My Budget?

The last several years when I have asked a client what type of countertop material they want 90 %  immediately responded “granite” as if they hadn’t considered any other option.  When people sell their houses, one of the first things a realtor will boast about are the granite countertops.  It’s true that granite is a high quality material, it’s unique veining and coloration can truly make a statement, but is it right for everyone?

While granite is a well recognized material signifying quality, it is important for the client to evaluate their lifestyle and their budget and consider the following alternatives.

• Manufactured Stone aka Quartz ($$$)–  This is one of the fastest growing materials available right now.  Manufactured stone has been on the market for quite a few years now, though people (especially in the Midwest) are just now starting to warm up to it.  This material can emulate the look of granite without the maintenance.  That’s right!  No sealing, and it’s scratch resistant, heat resistant, non porous, and best of all has a warranty anywhere from 10 years to a lifetime!   It’s perfect for a low maintenance kitchen or bath.

• Concrete ($$$$)- Many people hear the word “concrete” and immediately picture driveways, sidewalks etc.  Concrete is one of the most labor intensive countertop materials and it must be fabricated by a highly trained professional, which, depending on your location in the country, can keep the price well above granite and quartz materials.  What attracts most people to concrete is it’s versatility.  You can control color, aggregate, sheen, and thickness to make your countertop completely unique to you.

• Solid Surface ($$$)- Gone are the days when solid surface meant a solid white, off white, or beige countertop.  Many solid surface colors imitate the look of granite, concrete while others are completely unique.  The advantages of it have remained the same- no visible seams, integrated seamless sinks, and coved backsplash capability.

• Plastic Laminate ($)- When choosing a new countertop, many clients will do just about anything to avoid the use of laminate countertops.  When budgets are tight I see many clients  wanting to sacrafice the quality of their cabinets so that they can afford another material. I  make a point to explain that cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen and it is important the quality & construction of your cabinets is equal (or better) to the material on top of them.   Unfortunately there are people who purchase cabinets that were not intended to support the weight of granite, quartz or concrete.   Without a doubt those customers will end up having to replace both their cabinets and their countertops when the cabinets begin to sag and the stone cracks.   A great alternative are the High Definition laminates which actually look like a natural stone in both pattern and texture.  You’ll spend a little more on these, but nowhere near the amount of natural or manufactured stones.  I also suggest to clients that if the budget doesn’t allow for a pricier countertop- purchase laminate now, and in a few years (when the budget allows) replace the countertops with a higher quality product.

I hope this will encourage you to become more educated on the different surfaces so that your final selection fits the space aesthetically, functionally and most importantly in the budget!

5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Kitchen Designer

A kitchen remodel can pose some very difficult decisions.  What finishes will be able to stand the test of time?  Is the kitchen going to be able to age with you?  Are you investing the appropriaite amount in your home?   How do you design an efficient space on a budget that also has that “wow” factor?  This is only the tip of the iceberg of decisions you will most certainly encounter.  So how do you do it?  Well, you could read the hundreds of books on kitchen design, visit dozens of showrooms to learn about products, spend countless hours aside from your already hectic life.  Or… you could enlist a professional kitchen designer to do the leg work for and ultimately make the process enjoyable from start to finish.   Here are the Top 5 Reasons why you should enlist the help of professional kitchen designer….

Reason #1 New Product Knowledge–  Did you know that dozens of new products are launched weekly in the industry, making it nearly impossible for someone outside of it to keep up?  A  professional kitchen designer attends trade shows, continuing education seminars, and visits regularly with manufacturer representative so they can stay on top of the latest products available.  This way, they will be able to offer an array of products that fits your specific needs.

Reason #2 Design Expertise- A professional kitchen designer will have years of experience in design, and has great solutions for those trouble spots.  They can quickly tell you how you can maximize your storage and/or counter space.  They can take any budget and make it look at least two or even three times its value.   Many design professionals are certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association which involves rigorous testing & continuing education.  You can look for someone who is an AKBD, a CKD or a CMKBD, all of which are certifications given by the NKBA. 

Reason #3 Customer Service- So you have opted to not to hire a professional kitchen designer and you are handling the project yourself.  You’ve done the research, you have a design, you’ve ordered the materials, and you are proud of yourself for all that you have accomplished.  It’s all down hill from here, right?  Wrong.  This is when the biggest problems begin.  Maybe a cabinet comes in damaged, or the countertop doesn’t have the radius corners you specified.  What do you do now?  Who do you turn to for customer service?  If you had hired a professional kitchen designer you would have one contact for any questions or problems you have.  They would have been there when the countertops were measured to ensure the radius was noted.  The cabinets would have been checked before they were delivered and a replacement would already be on its way.  In short, the likelihood of problems significantly drops by hiring a professional. 

Reason #4 Resources- A professional kitchen designer has a tremendous amount of resources they can offer to you.  Many of these resources work strictly with industry professionals, and not the general public, making their products and services more difficult to find otherwise. 

Reason #5 Quality of Products & Services- There is nothing worse than paying thousands upon thousands for your kitchen remodel only to have it fall apart on you after only a short time.  A professional kitchen designer will ensure that your product selection will last for many years to come and also that it is installed with fine craftsmanship.

If you look at these five reasons it really adds up to one big reason to hire a professional….VALUE.  A professional kitchen designer is an immense asset to have during your project and will surely prevent the headaches, worry and stress caused by attempting the feat on your own.  Your remodel should be a fun and exciting adventure ending with a stunning kitchen that your family will enjoy for many years. 

Visit Somrak Kitchens to find out how we can help you on  your next project!

Nikki Trivisonno, AKBD  Somrak Kitchens, Inc.  Cleveland, Ohio