Excited about the new Kohler collection
We always love to see what Kohler introduces each year at the product launch at KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show). This year, they introduced a very modern faucet collection called the “Stance” collection. Wow! We can’t wait to use it!
Table transformation
Family history will be preserved in this kitchen makeover. Sally and Don raised their children around this maple butcher block table.
We have planned a new kitchen island that will utilize this modified and renewed table as the new island counter.
Not only are we restoring a piece of family history, but we’re also recycling lumber. Happy Arbor Day!
A lucky ladies’ night
Here are three of our designers — Gayle Jagoda, Megan Lynch and Donna Kirsopp — enjoying “Ladies’ Night” at Wilson Lighting. Gayle even picked out a chandelier for her own bathroom remodel and got 20% off! She also won a $100.00 worth of Trapp Candles. Her lucky night!
A shocking discovery
You never know what you might uncover when remodeling an old house. Someone decided to chisel out a track for a wire rather than getting the wire back into the wall the way it should have been done. This wire was covered by a mirror which provided some protection against an electrical shock, still not the best way to do it.
Lunch with the Schloegel crew
We just finished a great project with our client, Michelle Cour, and she was so pleased with her renovations that she treated the team to lunch at the 75th St. Brewery! Debby, Brad, Megan, Jake, Tom and Michelle had a delicious lunch and shared funny remodeling stories. For example, when the dumpster was delivered to Michelle’s house, a raccoon was transported with it – much to the surprise of our lead carpenter, Tom!!
Proof of proper insulation
This photo is of a house Schloegel Design Remodel recently remodeled. We converted the attic space on the left side into a bedroom with a full bathroom. Notice the snow on the roof that is still present. The right side of the roof, which covers finished space as well, is free of snow. This photo really shows the difference in insulation from when this house was built some 50+ years ago. We used a product called Icynene, www.icynene.com. The photo is pretty self-explanatory on how well this type of insulation works. A well-insulated house should keep snow on the roof, which is a great indicator that heat is not escaping from your living spaces.
Choose the best countertop for you
(Editor’s note: Welcome to our Design Matters category. Here, you will be able to read blog posts from our expert design staff as it shares the latest design trends, tips and resources. The following is a sample of what you can look forward to seeing more of in the future.)
Countertops are exposed to everything from knife slices to scalding hot pans and need to be durable, waterproof and easy to clean. Here is a look at the pros and cons of the most common types of countertop materials, as well as some of the lesser-known alternatives that are worth considering, from Coral Nafie, former About.com Guide.
Granite is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to think about – like money. It defines elegance in a kitchen. As the use of granite becomes more widespread, the price comes down. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen.
Pros: holds up to heat; comes in a range of almost 3000 colors; looks permanent and substantial; will last a lifetime; new sealers are almost maintenance-free; 2nd highest hardness rating after diamonds; has a high value to home buyers.
Cons: expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; some stones absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it; can crack if stressed or improperly installed.
Engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It’s easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include DuPont Zodiaq®, LG Viatera®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone®.
Pros: Resistant to stain and acid; easy care.
Cons: Expensive.
Because solid surface counters are just what they’re called, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone.
Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.
Cons vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can damage the surface; can be moderately expensive.
Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you’ve got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it’s installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design.
Cons: counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.
Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They’re made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that’s easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.
Pros: you can buy laminates in lots of colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive.
Cons: scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seans show; end finishing and front edge choices can be pricey.
Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods.
Pros: easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed.
Cons: can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer’s instructions.
For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they’re constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean.
Cons: Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive; you can’t cut on it.
Soapstone is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material.
Pros: rich, deep color; smooth feel; somewhat stain resistant.
Cons: requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.
Marble
Because of it’s extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining.
Pros: waterproof; heatproof; beautiful.
Cons: expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.
If you have countertops in unusual shapes, concrete may be a good choice, as they’re often cast right in your kitchen. The high price tag may be beyond most people’s budget.
Pros: heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative.
Cons: mid to high range on cost due to custom work; cracking is possible; can look somewhat industrial; porous
Get your remodeling questions answered!
Jake Schloegel knows just about everything there is to know about remodeling older homes in Kansas City.
Got a remodeling question?…Just Ask Jake!
Leave a comment on this post, or fill out this form, and Jake will do his best to answer your toughest remodeling questions.
Here’s an excerpt from a recent question Jake answered on window staining:
Rhonda asks:
Jake, I have a dilemma.
I currently have stained trimwork throughout my house. I didn’t care for the look initially, but I painted the walls warm colors that compliment the trim. I now really like the look. The problem is I need replacement windows. I cannot find a window within my price range that looks good with the stained trimwork. I am considering painting the trim white to patch the white replacement windows. I am worried that I will regret the choice.
What is your advice?
Jake says:
Rhonda,
There are replacement windows made of fiberglass that may work for you. These can be stained to match most décor. Check them out at milgard.com.
If you decide you have to stay with the white vinyl window because of price, I would go ahead and paint the trim white. You can always try one of the white vinyl replacement windows in a less noticeable space, like a bathroom or laundry room. Install it and paint the trim, step back and see how you like it. Of if you don’t want to try the new window, paint one of your existing windows and see how you like it.
Vinyl is one the least costly ways to replace windows.
Regretting your design? Consider remodeling.
There are a million different reasons to redesign a space. We recently read a blog that reminded us of one of the most common reasons: functionality. Does a wall in your home just not make sense to you? Or maybe a closet could be better placed somewhere else to open up a room. One blogger’s experience with a toilet’s location is the perfect example of remodeling for functionality.
Are you happy with your bathroom's design?
In “What were they thinking?! Bad Design Layouts,” a blogger harps on one particular bathroom’s location in a lake house. She says,
“How about a home on the lake with no bathroom in the walkout basement? That’s right – everyone has to run through the basement and up the stairs to the bathroom or up through the deck, through the dining room and kitchen to the bathroom.”
This particular blogger ended up going with a new flushing system, but a number of redesign options could have been considered as well. Have you ever considered remodeling an annoyance in your house? Leave your story in a comment!
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