This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
Successfully planning a kitchen that will work beautifully for you and other family members well into later life comes down to a number of factors. Considerations include safety, functionality, ease of use — and sustainability, because you’ll be building something that will last.
“We are frequently considering how things will work in 20 years’ time and all that’s in between,” says designer Steve Root of Roots Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms. “That means thinking about how the homeowners’ needs might change, how lifestyles may develop, how things will wear and break and, thus, how they can be maintained.”
But that doesn’t means a kitchen without character. Because when form and function work hand in hand, you’re winning at design.
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
Successfully planning a kitchen that will work beautifully for you and other family members well into later life comes down to a number of factors. Considerations include safety, functionality, ease of use — and sustainability, because you’ll be building something that will last.
“We are frequently considering how things will work in 20 years’ time and all that’s in between,” says designer Steve Root of Roots Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms. “That means thinking about how the homeowners’ needs might change, how lifestyles may develop, how things will wear and break and, thus, how they can be maintained.”
But that doesn’t means a kitchen without character. Because when form and function work hand in hand, you’re winning at design.
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
We all know how important it is to step away from work every now and then — not just for your mental and physical well-being, but also to gain some perspective on how you’re doing things. But when you’re an architect, designer, builder or contractor running your own business, the idea of taking a break can be fraught with worry about what state your business will be in when you get back.
Fortunately, these days you’ve got digital tools available that allow you to stay on top of projects, even when you’re sunning yourself on a beach. Combine these with some effective client and team communication before you step away and you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free break. Here’s how to go about it.
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
1. Provide a Nod to a Home’s History
This Victorian-era English kitchen was in need of a revamp, but the owner wanted to stick with white for the walls and countertop.
“She was quite nervous about using color,” says designer Natasha Burton of NB Interiors UK. Burton suggested gently adding interest through the use of soft pink lower cabinets, subtle pattern on the floor and a few key brass details.
In addition to bringing warmth to the small room, brass also has cleverly been used to tie the design into the era of the house. The brass door plates shown here, for example, are a nod to the Ingatestone, Essex, home’s Victorian heritage, as well as a practical addition to the narrow swing doors.
Find a kitchen designer near you
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10. Level Up Your Lighting
Lighting is often called the jewelry of a room, but given its functional importance, especially in a bathroom, that analogy might be selling it a bit short.
One easy way to improve the functionality, safety and look of a bathroom through lighting is to add hidden LED strips. They can be placed under toe kicks, shelves and cabinets, boosting ambient light during the day and providing soft illumination at night. Waterproof versions can illuminate your shower niche or threshold, improving visibility. The strips can be hardwired by an electrician, but they’re also available in plug-in and rechargeable versions.
Some light fixtures are designed to be virtually invisible. The rest, including your vanity sconces, should work hard and also look great. The easiest approach is to keep your new sconces in the same locations as the old ones, but if your vanity sconces are overhead, you may want to hire an electrician to move them to either side of your mirror. This will provide more even lighting and an up-to-date look.
Tip: Be sure to check whether fixtures are damp- or wet-rated and to adhere to local code when replacing or moving fixtures.
Your Guide to Perfect Bathroom Vanity Lighting
Tell us: What small updates made a big difference in your bathroom? Share in the Comments.
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This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
5. Avoid Plastic Where Possible
It can be surprising how much plastic we use in the landscape. There are those single-use black pots that garden center plants come in, for example, as well as plastic seed trays, plant labels and twine.
But with a little thought, you can replace these unsustainable items with more environmentally friendly alternatives. Use wooden labels and traditional garden string, and seek out garden centers that will recycle the black plant pots. Also, hunt around for biodegradable seed trays that will break down into the soil when they reach the end of their lifespan.
When you’re planning outdoor structures such as greenhouses, opt for glass instead of plastic if possible. The initial cost may be higher, but a model glass will last a lot longer than a cheaper plastic one.
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2. Designate an Area for Workout Clothes and Equipment
If your goal is to exercise several times a week, consider devoting a section of your dresser or closet to your workout clothes and towels. Keeping everything together will save you time since you won’t need to dig to find your outfits. This is especially helpful if you work out early in the morning and want to savor every last minute of sleep.
Similarly, keep your exercise equipment (yoga mats, weights, exercise balls) in one area (perhaps close to the TV if you stream a workout). I keep all the accessories I need for walking — sunglasses, hat, gloves, earphones, sunscreen — in a drawer in my entryway table. That way I can get out the door without delay. Prepack your gym bag with toiletries, towels and other personal items. After laundering, you can place items right back into the bag or your dedicated gym clothes space.
Find a pro to help you create a home gym
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7. Replace Cabinet Hardware
A subtle and simple way to give your kitchen a fresh look is to replace the cabinet handles and knobs. You can make a traditional kitchen feel a bit more contemporary by opting for a sleek, modern pull, for example, or a sterile-feeling kitchen feel warmer with brass or wood. If the new hardware has different dimensions than the old hardware, just add backplates to cover the previous holes. Whatever you choose should be durable, feel comfortable in your hand and be properly proportioned for your cabinetry (no dinky pulls for wide, heavy drawers, please!).
If you’re concerned about having to change out your plumbing fixtures, appliances and lighting to match your new hardware, rest assured that mixing those metal finishes is not only OK but recommended by many designers. When in doubt, stick to a single color and finish in each category. For example, designers often choose stainless steel and chrome for plumbing fixtures and appliances but opt for unlacquered brass for the cabinet hardware. That said, given how high-touch and visible a faucet is, if yours is just “meh,” consider upgrading it to a beautiful new model anyway.
How to Mix and Match Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
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4. Roll Out a New Area Rug
It’s a rare living room that doesn’t call for an area rug. Even in a carpeted room, an area rug helps to define a seating area and make a room feel complete. So if you don’t already have an area rug, or the one you have doesn’t reflect your current taste, this is a good opportunity for a refresh.
If you’re trying to make a formal living space feel more casual, consider a flat-woven or natural-fiber rug (such as jute). Tufted rugs with asymmetrical patterns or high-low textures are good bets if you’re looking to add a contemporary element to your room. Color-wise, light colors tend to make a room feel larger while darker colors make it feel more cozy. And the busier the patterns of your other textiles, the simpler your rug can be, and vice versa.
At least as important as the style of your rug is its size. A common recommendation is that all of the legs of your furniture — or at least the front legs of your seating — should be on the rug. If you love your current rug but it’s too small or irregularly shaped, you can layer it on top of a larger one. Natural-fiber rugs or solid, neutral-toned wool rugs are often good, affordable choices as base layers. A small, vibrant but well-worn antique Persian or Moroccan rug can look gorgeous over a large jute rug, for example.
All of that said, the “perfect rug” isn’t a specific size or style. It’s the one that most appeals to you and fits your lifestyle and budget.
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Forgo the everyday tableware and pull out things you save for special occasions. This means a favorite tablecloth or runner, Grandmother’s plates or rarely used crystal glasses. Bring out the cloth napkins and candles.
This shouldn’t feel like a chore, but rather a time to appreciate the finer things you have at home. Treat it like a creative project and have family members take turns so they can play with color, mix and match china and experiment with centerpieces. If you have kids, have them make place cards. It will make meals feel like an event.