Homestyle sept2013

Kitchen &Bath

remodeling issue 2013 Comfy Kitchens & Easy-to-Clean Bathrooms

PLUS Tile Art Gallery Staying on Budget QUIZ: What's Your Kitchen Style?

Homestyle – September 2013 – Page 1

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Easy-to-Clean Bathroom Streamline your bathroom to keep it low-maintenance and squeaky clean

By Rachel Graf CTW Features

Keep it clean: Wall-mounted sinks (above) and gray grout (right) are design choices that make it much easier to clean a bathroom.

Taunton Press / Sandra Soria / Eric Roth

W

hen designing a bathroom, people rarely take functional aspects like ease of cleaning into consideration, says Sandra Soria, author of “Bathroom Idea Book” (The Taunton Press, 2013).

“I think we approach our home aesthetically, and we maybe tend to get caught up in things we love and not think about problems down the line,” Soria says.

Although the frequency of bathroom cleaning is ultimately a personal choice, a thorough cleaning of everything from the walls to the pipes should be conducted every month or two, home experts say.

You can ease the headache of a thorough, monthly cleaning by taking a few minutes to maintain cleanliness every time you use the bathroom. Wipe down the shower after every use with a handy squeegee or rag, Soria says. She recommends storing some vinegar and bleach in the bathroom as well to encourage yourself to wipe down surfaces often.

Because bathrooms are dirty rooms by nature, recognizing the importance of cleaning is essential.

Some features are

simply easier to maintain than others.

“When people are thinking about the design of a bathroom, they may not be thinking about how this is easiest to clean,” says Jeff Sherman, architect at Delson or Sherman Architects, Brooklyn, N.Y. “If they start thinking about it as soon as they move in, it might be too late.”

Consider these bathroom features that will make cleaning less of a chore.

Wall-mounted appliances: Toilets and faucets that are mounted to the wall make it especially easy to wipe clean the surfaces underneath. With fewer obstacles cemented to the floor, mopping becomes simpler. The same goes for cleaning the countertops.

Gray grout: White grout becomes stained very easily and is hard to maintain in any bathroom. Try a pale gray grout

Taunton Press / Sandra Soria / Eric Roth

6

Design Choices for an

Homestyle – September 2013 – Page 3

B:4.98” T:4.98” S:4.98”

instead, Sherman says. Stains will be less noticeable on gray, making your cleaning job much easier.

Back-painted glass: Another solution to the problem of white grout lines is to skip grout altogether. Replace tile with a single pane of back-painted glass to eliminate lines or crevices where dirt can gather, says Stephanie Horowitz, managing director and architect at Boston-based ZeroEnergy Design. Since the glass is back-painted, it can add a dose of color and design, and can work in shower enclosures or as an accent.

Sealed surfaces: For the sink area, Soria recommends solid countertop materials where the sink is seamlessly built-in. “When you can avoid seams and cracks and crevices that we know are difficult to clean, then you’ll be doing yourself a favor, if low maintenance

is your goal,” she says. Stay away from porous surfaces that collect dirt and bacteria.

Ventilation: A quiet fan or open windows will reduce the moisture in a bathroom, therefore decreasing the likelihood of mold.

Preventative measures such as proper ventilation can reduce time spent cleaning in the long run.

Proper flooring: A slightly sloped floor will prevent accumulation of standing water and mold, Sherman says. He also stresses the importance of concrete underlayment with regard to the fight against moldy bathrooms. © CTW Features

Open Shower Room T:9.25”

B:9.25”

S:9.25”

If you’ve ever felt restricted behind the curtains or doors of a typical shower, an open shower room might be for you. With an open shower, the entire bathroom acts as the shower space.

Open showers are especially convenient for smaller bathrooms.

Because open showers don’t have surrounding walls or curtains, they create the illusion of extra space in a tiny bathroom, says Jeff Sherman of Delson or Sherman Architects, Brooklyn, N.Y.

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Even if bathroom size isn’t an issue, many people are drawn to the idea of an open shower because of the unique experience it provides.

“You get this sort of sensory memory of being outdoors and the fact that it’s an unenclosed shower heightens that feeling of exposure,” Sherman says. “There’s something very nice about that experience.

It’s much more mindful.”

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Taunton Press / Sandra Soria / Eric Roth

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showers can isolate the shower to one part of the room, he says. That way, towels, toilet paper and so forth don’t need special storage and won’t get wet. The downside is that it’s difficult to keep a large, open room warm while showering.

Installation is not difficult, Sherman notes; an open shower requires the same amount of effort as installing any custom shower. – Rachel Graf © CTW Features

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Jennifer Kerr-Marsch created this design for clients remodeling an old rental condo on the beach. “What most of my clients want to do is create something that reflects what’s outside of their home,” says Kerr-Marsch, designer and artist at Mangrove Bay Design & Art Tile in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. “We went with the waves so you have a lot of the wave and curlicue. Since it’s custom, we went with the muted white and a rust color to go with the granite and the cabinets.”

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Adding the Finishing Touch

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Mangrove Bay Design & Art Tile

Stainless steel tiles, which come in a variety of designs, add a splash of shine in the kitchen, bathroom or bar area. “I believe stainless steel tile backsplashes are becoming more appealing as people transition to more contemporary kitchens,” says Shawn Gusz, sales manager at Eden Mosaic Tile in Puslinch, Ontario. “Since stainless steel appliances are the norm now, the stainless steel backsplashes, which are produced with the same grade of metal, are an ideal complement to tie the appliances, cabinets and countertops all together.”

Creative Windows

By Carol 770-753-0977

Designers at Kitchen Studio: Kansas City juxtaposed smooth surfaces with a bumpy, textured stone tile backsplash when updating this bathroom into a serene, spa-like space.

“Some stones are much thicker than others,” says Sue Shinneman, owner and designer of Kitchen Studio: Kansas City.

“There’s a lot of dimension to it.” However, Shinneman doesn’t recommend a textured tile for the kitchen, where splatters are more difficult to clean between the stones.

Page 6 – Homestyle – September 2013

5

Giovanni Barbieri / Craftsman Court Ceramics

4

Kitchen Studio Kansas City / Landon Collins

Eden Mosaic Tile

4820 Atlanta Hwy 9 • Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.creativewindowsbycarol.com

For a more contemporary look, try porcelain that looks like stone or porcelain wood planks, which can be more durable than the original materials, says Lynda Free of Craftsman Court Ceramics in Scottsdale, Ariz. Here, it’s used on the floor and the textured accent walls. © CTW Features

creativeWindows092213_HomeStyles

Kitchen Creature

Comforts

“People are staying in their homes longer,” he says. “You never know what’s going to happen down the road.”

Hurst often integrates universal design in the kitchens he plans. “You’ve got to look for creative ways to make the environment as safe as possible for the individual,” he says. “A lot of the time it’s subtle differences. It may not be the entire kitchen.”

On My Level Varying the height of countertops is one way to benefit people of different ages and abilities.

For instance, Hurst’s company catered to a tall client with a bad back by raising the dishwasher on a platform to eliminate the need to lean over.

A countertop height of 34 inches or lower enables people to work while sitting, while a countertop 42 inches high is more conducive to standing. The standard countertop height is 36 inches.

Going one step further, a homeowner could install adjustable countertops that move at the push of a button.

Awkward Angles Another often-overlooked place that can cause strain is the windows, Hurst says. Many homes have double-hung windows, which slide up and down, over the kitchen sink.

Opening the window can be difficult, because it requires reaching and upward pushing.

Hurst recommends installing a different type of window, such as an awning window that is hinged at the top and opens outward.

“We’ll design kitchens for people who are in their early 30s, and it applies to everybody,” he says. “Who wants to tweak their back because they opened a window?”

Drawers also make a difference. Instead of storing dishes, pots and pans in wall cabinets, many people are moving them to deep, pullout drawers. “A lot of cabinet manufacturers are making cabinets where you open doors and shelves slide out,” says Danise Levine, architect and assistant director of the Center for Inclusive Design and Environ-mental Access at the University of Buffalo in New York. “If you have a corner

Get comfortable in your future kitchen, where ergonomic and accessible features make the space easier to use for the whole family

W

hen considering the most comfortable spot in the home, the kitchen probably isn’t the first room that comes to mind. But the heart of the home has come a long way in the realm of comfort, with designers making kitchen work easier than ever on the mind and body, thanks to a focus on universal design.

A concept traditionally linked to accessibility for the elderly and people with disabilities, universal design in kitchens has gone mainstream. More and more, people are opting for features that enhance the kitchen experience at any age – whether it’s for a daughter who wants to make a snack after school, a working adult short on time or an expectant mother. People also are thinking ahead, says Patrick Hurst, vice president of Hurst Remodel, a design/build firm in Cleveland, Ohio.

Roll it out: Drawers and pull-out pantries, like the one at right, make the most of awkward spaces.

They allow easy access to the back of the storage area.

NKBA / Anice Hoachlander

By Rachel Stark CTW Features

Homestyle – September 2013 – Page 7

cabinet, you can put in a Lazy Susan. You can bring the storage to you.”

That means no more reaching too high or too low, Levine adds, and no more difficult searches for the rarely used item that’s been pushed to the back of the cabinet.

Accessible Appliances

iStockphoto

“I think appliances are becoming more efficient and usable,” Levine says. Appliance drawers (such as dishwasher and refrigerator drawers) have become more common.

Levine points to new, high-tech

Edward Steinfeld, an architect, professor and director working at IDEA with Levine, says options include outlets that pop up from the counter or a power strip installed underneath the cabinets.

Manufacturers have added touch screens and wireless Internet connections to appliances, allowing people to pull up and easily view recipes. And there’s no telling how much smarter kitchens will get in years to come.

“I think we’re going to see the development of virtual coaches,” Steinfeld

Space Planning Essentials NKBA / Richards Photo

The key to a functional and safe kitchen is good space planning.

Experts pay special attention to layout details to save people the headache of having too little workspace or an ill-placed island.

For the non-experts, luckily there are widely followed guidelines. Here are a few: Getting access: This kitchen, designed for a person in a wheelchair, contains features everyone can appreciate – remote controlled stereo system, easy-to-reach appliances and a kitchen table on casters.

programmable ovens, which can refrigerate a roast during the day and turn into an oven and start cooking when the timer dictates.

She’s also seen cordless remote controls that can turn on a hard-to-reach vent.

Another growing trend is induction cooktops. On this type of cooktop, the pot or pan becomes heated without the use of gas or electrical coils. It is considered a more energy-efficient and safer form of cooking that reduces the risk of burns.

Tech Prep The technology doesn’t stop there. Smart phones, tablets and gadgets of all kinds have found a place in the kitchen, bringing a need for convenient outlets.

Page 8 – Homestyle – September 2013

says. “In the kitchen you’ll have speakers everywhere, you’ll be able to plug in your tablet or your phone, pull up a recipe and it’ll talk you through it. It’s in laboratories right now.”

Steinfeld, who co-authored the book “Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments” (Wiley, 2012), says universal design is not just about function. “It’s [about] safety and security for children, independence for young adults, stress reduction for working adults and independence and maintenance of social engagement for the older person,” he says. “It really brings benefits to the whole population.” © CTW Features

Work center triangle: Danise Levine, architect and assistant director of the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access at the University of Buffalo in New York, says most easy-to-use kitchens follow this rule, established by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. It suggests that the total distance between three main work areas – like the refrigerator, the cooking area and sink – should be no more than 26 feet. Each leg of this triangle should be no less than 4 feet and no more than 9 feet.

Landing areas: People need adequate counter space next to major kitchen appliances. Patrick

Hurst, vice president of Hurst Remodel, a design/build firm in Cleveland, Ohio, recommends a minimum of 12-inches of counter space on each side of a cooktop. The NKBA also recommends at least a 15-inch landing area next to or above the oven; at least 15 inches of landing space near both the refrigerator and microwave; and at least a 24-inch space on one side of the sink and an 18-inch space on the other side.

Cooking surface clearance: The NKBA guidelines state that 24 inches of clearance should separate the cooking surface and a noncombustible surface above it, like a range hood. For an unprotected surface like cabinets, people must allow for at least 30 inches.

Doorways: Hurst says doors should be at least 32 inches wide, but for many projects, his firm has increased the width to 36 inches. – Rachel Stark © CTW Features

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POP QUIZ:

?

Your

What’s Kitchen Style

A kitchen remodel is a big investment, and there are so many decisions to be made. Depending on your needs and personality, find out which design style works best for you

By Bettina Chang CTW Features

1

Ideally, people will use your kitchen to: A: Cook a healthy meal with the family.

B: Admire beautiful design and art.

C: Sit down for a cup of tea and good conversation.

D: All of the above.

2

Your preference for kitchen appliances is: A: I want them to work well and not break.

B: I want the latest high-tech models.

C: I want them to come in odd shapes and neon colors.

D: I want to special order them from a vintage shop or artisan.

3

What’s your ideal meal?

A: Steak and potatoes with a glass of red wine.

B: Torched escolar with a mustard foam and microgreens.

C: Quinoa and tofu, washed down with kombucha.

D: Whatever’s in the larder.

4

What’s the most important item in the kitchen?

A: The stove.

B: The cabinets.

C: The jukebox.

D: The sink.

5

Why are you remodeling your kitchen?

A: To improve the resale value.

B: To declutter and create a beautiful, impressive design.

C: Because it was just too blah before.

D: To make it more functional and homey.

6

What do you think about butcherblock countertops?

A: Looks too casual to me.

B: Ugh, are you serious?

C: Only if it comes on top of purple cabinets.

D: Sounds good, as long as I can chop veggies on it.

7

What's your spirit animal?

A: The lion. Regal and impressive.

B: The gazelle. Graceful and silent.

C: The Jabberwocky. Awesome and why not?

D: The horse. Solid and dependable.

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Mostly A: Traditional/Classic

Mostly C: Eclectic Style

You’re probably sick of hearing the word “quirky,” but that’s one way to describe your style. Your ideal kitchen is a mix of different styles, vibrant colors and seemingly random design choices.

Whether it’s a printed Instagram/ Polaroid wall, chalkboard-painted storage containers or makeshift cinder block shelves, you are game. Design magazines and blogs can help you blend it all together in a functional way.

White or neutral cabinets, decorative architectural elements and brushed metal finishes are at home in traditional kitchens. These spaces are functional and show their personality through small details like crown molding, curlicues and arches. Subway tile, dark wood or black countertops and neutral color palettes also indicate traditional styling. Mix in a bright color or fun light fixture to break the mold.

iStockphoto

NKBA /Anice Hoachlander

Camilla Molders Design / Jacqui Melville Photo

Mostly B: Modern/Contemporary

Mostly D: Rustic/Farmhouse

While modern and contemporary styles are not exactly the same, both have an appreciation for clean lines and simplicity. “Hidden” cabinets with minimal hardware help achieve this look.

Stainless steel reigns supreme here, but new glass appliances in white and black also adhere to that shiny modern aesthetic. Beware of creating a space that’s too cold – a potted plant or wooden accessory here or there never hurt anyone.

Function is the main focus of any farmhouse kitchen. For most, that means a big apron-front farmhouse sink, overhead pot racks, abundant storage and pantry areas, and a workhorse countertop that can take some abuse. Other touches include natural wood grain, cast iron pots and other visible textures. A warm color palette and kitschy farm items are optional but fun to search for at local antique shops. © CTW Features

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Budget Ba$ics

By Rachel Stark CTW Features

Y

ou’ve developed a wish list for your ideal kitchen, bathroom or master bedroom. You’ve gleaned inspiration from magazines, the web and cable TV, forming a vision complete with your dream cabinets and favorite flooring. But before you get carried away, it’s essential to tackle the more daunting task of budgeting.

Create a thorough, realistic remodeling budget from the start so you and your bank account can be happy long after the paint dries.

“I think so many people put the cart in front of the horse and hire someone to design their dream space, then get the number and try to figure out how they’re going to afford it,” says Rick Bartelt, owner of Bartelt: The Remodeling Resource, Delafield, Wis. “That’s really backward.”

How much should I spend?

Before remodeling, homeowners should

Page 12 – Homestyle – September 2013

The prospect of a remodeled dream home is exciting – all the more reason to carefully plan a budget and get the results you want determine how much they’re willing to increase their monthly expenses, Bartelt suggests.

They also should be mindful of why they’re remodeling. For instance, is it for an expanding family? For personal enjoyment? To increase the home’s value? This will help determine the amount of money that is wise to invest in the home.

If the homeowners are planning to move in a few years, it is especially important they consider the value of other homes in their neighborhood and stay within reasonable

standards.

If you plan to spend more than $50,000 to remodel, “you better plan on being there for 10 to 15 years to get that return on investment financially,” Bartelt says. “As for the enjoyment factor, they might see the payback in one year.”

problems or opportunities often arise in the remodeling process. That’s why many professionals suggest people designate 10 percent of their budget as contingency money.

“I think the cushion is two-part,” says Josh Fiester, a project development manager at Melton Design Build in Boulder, Colo. “Five percent should be for problems that come up, like when you open a wall and find rotted lumber. The other 5 percent should be for opportunities that arise, like, ‘We should put a window here.’ This is a creative process.”

How do I stick to the budget?

A remodeling company that is thorough and up front at the start will ensure you have minimal unexpected cost increases. “You want to have someone whose goal is to make sure you’re happy at the end, not give you a cheaper price up front to get you excited,” Fiester says.

When choosing the remodelers, remember that good work comes at a cost, Fiester adds: “You don’t get to have the fastest, the best quality and the cheapest.”

How much will it cost?

To get a realistic idea of the potential price of a project, a little research can go a long way.

One useful resource is the annual Cost Versus Value Report, a chart issued by Remodeling Magazine, which is widely used in the industry.

The report provides data on the average cost of popular remodeling projects and the value they recoup upon resale in all regions of the country. It also issues national averages – the typical midrange kitchen remodel in 2013, for example, costs just less than $54,000, with 69 percent of that retained at resale.

No matter how hard homeowners try to set and stick to a budget, unforeseen

Jupiterimages

And with the proliferation of discount deals on sites like Groupon and LivingSocial, it’s easier than ever to be tempted by low prices.

“As a consumer, you have to read the fine print,” says Jason Gettum, vice president of Gettum Associates, a remodeling company in the Indianapolis area. “If they say you can get a $5,000 bathroom for $2,500, it often means one of two things: Either the contractor is going to go out of business really soon or you’re not going to get everything you want.”

Gettum suggests reading reviews of the company, chatting with past clients and checking if it is a member of a local builders association.

While you may be looking to create your dream home, be careful when setting your expectations. “People with really low budgets see these TV shows where people get lovely remodels done in two days,” he says. “It just doesn’t happen that way.” © CTW Features

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The Greatness

of

T

he title “Fifty Shades of Grey” may have been one of the most talkedabout books in recent memory, but it also describes the latest trend to hit home décor. According to a survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the color gray is now used in more than 50 percent of kitchens and baths – that’s up from about 10 percent in 2010.

Why the surge in popularity? “Gray is a great choice for a primary color because it makes any space look fresh, clean, inviting and contemporary all at the same time,” says Carol Cheetham, owner of Design Works by Cheetham in Red Deer, Alberta. “People seem to be spending more and more time in

their homes, and they want to feel a sense of calm there – something gray does.”

Gray is also a softer way of following a design rule. “There is a saying in interior design that every room needs a touch of black in it,” says Corey Klassen, owner of Corey Klassen Interior Design in Vancouver, B.C. “Gray can fill that void without the harshness of being pure black.”

While the most basic gray is just a mixture of white and black, most color options for home décor are much more nuanced, and different people are drawn to different shades. “I find that grays that are too cool can feel harsh,” Cheetham says. “But a gray with warm colors in it, like reds and yellows, can have an embracing, comfortable feeling to it.”

Klassen recommends asking a salesperson

Jason Ball Interiors

Gray matters: Dark, warm gray cabinets have a sleek finish and ground this traditional kitchen design. A black and white backsplash gives it extra pop.

“

A gray with warm colors in it, like reds and yellows, can have an embracing, comfortable feeling to it.

about what type of undertone (yellow, blue or red) a shade of gray has before buying paint.

“Gray can be used on your walls, cabinets, countertops, flooring, enameled sinks and more,” Cheetham says.

For color combinations, “One popular thing to do with gray is to mix it with white,” Klassen says. “It has the same effect of an allwhite kitchen or bath in that it’s light and airy, but the combination gives you a nice, interesting backdrop for other hues.”

A gray room does need additional hues and, luckily, all accent colors match well with gray. “Those pops of color balance out the room by pulling the eye away from the intensity of the gray,” Klassen says. “And if you are insecure using bright colors like hot

pinks and bright greens, you don’t have to do anything permanent. You can bring in bursts of accent colors with interchangeable items like dishes or towels.”

Gray is a very versatile color, and there is just one rule to follow – don’t mix different types of gray in the same room. Use lighter or darker versions of the same shade instead, Klassen says, “Otherwise, it will seem like the different grays are competing with each other in the room.” © CTW Features

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