How Remodeling your Kitchen can be like Pairing Fine Wines with Food

A kitchen remodel can be your costliest remodel in your home.  Why leave it up to chance to create a cohesive design and plan for your kitchen?  Knowing the perfect pairing for your kitchen remodel will save you undue stress and time.

First thing to consider: what is the overall feel of your space?  It could translate into color and tones,  a specific style, or a time period, ( which is appropriate for older historic homes.)    

Being careful not to incorporate trends on fixed surfaces will ensure that your kitchen won't look dated.   Fixed surfaces include: countertops,  cabinets, backsplashes and flooring.   You're saying wait Jennifer, that's everything,  right?  ..no it isn't because easily changed things like stools, lighting,  hardware, and window treatments are the remainder that can bear trends.  

I was fortunate enough recently to attend the KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) in Las Vegas with designhounds as an Influencer.   There I got to see trends and new introductions.  See my previous blog post about 5 trends for kitchens and baths for 2019.  I was also invited by one of our sponsors, Caeserstone to the New American Home located in Henderson. 

DesignHound’s Pack assemble!! Photo by: Jeffery A. Davis Photography I’m on the far right…the redhead with a sass factor of 10+

Here is our fabulous group Designhounds at the home (minus a few).   Can I say spectacular?  Views of the city of Las Vegas, infinity pool, a home that opened up completely to the desert patio.   A cool surprise was the models that they painted to represent their finishes.   

I literally had a freak out moment when she opened her eyes!! This is Caeserstone’s Noble grey on top of the fireplace and Vanilla Noir for the hearth, which seamlessly runs outside on the patio.

The fireplace extended outside along with many of the countertops and bars. Photo: Jeffrey A. Davis Photography

Ok, now we are over the shock and amazement. Here’s a case study. Let’s look how the perfect pairing can work with appliances and countertop finishes…. another sponsor, Thermador , had appliances in The New American Home by Caeserstone. It totally makes sense in this scenario as the kitchen as a whole was very streamlined. The refrigerator, oven range and hood all go with this style of kitchen. Notice the clean lines that are repeated in the countertop from the appliances.

The New American Home in Henderson Nevada by Caeserstone, photos by: Jeffrey A. Davis Photography

Like Sonny and Cher, Peanut Butter and Jelly, they just work together. The new finishes are reminiscent of nature, stone and concrete, and paired with the appliances they share similar attributes. In the above photo, Caeserstone has installed the Montblanc countertop in a waterfall edge and it looks very sophisticated and modern. Notice the different countertop materials being used throughout this home, it still creates a cohesive look, because the tones and style are close in nature. Thermador Home has some spectacular offerings for some nice looking wall ovens, ranges and hoods that pair nicely with this aesthetic.

Thermador’s professional collection offers: steam, speed and convection in one!!

The cabinetry and appliances are on the same plane and therefore look like a seamless design. The appliances are still visible, but they don’t look so stand alone. This makes it very appealing for modern interiors. We are getting away from the traditional idea of the kitchen as a very utilitarian space and it is now part of the design of the home. Like you see below, the Thermador wine refrigerator fits in nicely in this cabinet.

Thermador’s wine columns are home connect enabled. They can be controlled remotely and can even give you the perfect wine pairing…how’s that for smart??

This is just one example of a beautiful pairing. Both Caeserstone and Thermador Home offer different lines that work together for any style. You can easily take these countertop finishes and appliances and pair them with a traditional kitchen. The cabinetry in this case would be more of a decorative element. Thinking about all your elements in your kitchen this way creates that cohesive look throughout your space. This home is a perfect example of attention to detail and pairings that work. Speaking of pairings, my Pinot Noir is calling my name…and it’s not going to drink itself.

Cheers!!,

Jennifer

How to Create a Rejuvenating Environment in Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are no longer utilitarian in nature. They have deep purposes in our crazy world. You can create a better and healthful environment by incorporating some of these products into your bathroom:

Steam is not only an environment maker it has health benefits.   The company, Mr. Steam has some excellent steam shower units.  They help with sore achy muscles,  allergies, clearer skin and relaxation to name a few.   Another feature that has been introduced is an aromatherapy feature.   It is piped into the system and works on a timer or on demand.  I sat in on an a really amazing presentation on this product line with the Vice President of Marketing,  Martha Orellana . 

Martha, Martha, Martha, her enthusiasm and infectious smile and laugh have you believing that the good life is when you have a steam shower in your life. True to the company, she does indeed have a steam shower or two…pictured in the middle with her team!!!

Another good thing going about their units is that you can plan it online and it's no extra set up with the plumber, the generator unit depends on the size of the shower and it needs to be 60’ from the actual shower in a heated space with 12” around for venting.

Check out their video, it really makes you want to relax, doesn’t it?

Below you can see a before and after with the steam system.   The unit is streamlined and good looking. To enjoy the full experience, taking the enclosure to the ceiling is beneficial. You can include a vent, but it is not needed. They also recommend no more than a ceiling height of 8’.

Before on left…after on right. Not much of a difference, except the benefits of this steam shower set up will be phenomenal.

Now we are heating up!! Another thing to consider are your finishes in your bathroom. I hear so many good things about copper and this bathtub from Thompson Traders is no exception. Not only is very stylish and sleek, but it helps with your skin!! It helps produce collagen, it is also said to be anti inflammatory. Double Whammy!!! I fell in love with this product line and family behind their products.

Hello gorgeous!! Want to go for a soak? I feel the need to bathe in this midday with champagne and long gloves…are you feeling it?

All of their products are artisan made in Mexico Like this beautiful sink seen below.

Another good thing to incorporate into your space are live elements. Things that help purify the air like plants. They circulate oxygen, look pretty and reduce airborne dust levels. Each plant has different properties. The peace lily actually removes mold from the air. They have done so many studies on this subject. I encourage you to look at this article for some great information on this subject: Importance of Plants in your Home

Lighting and chromatherapy are very important in creating an environment as well. Chromatherapy is the use of colors to promote relaxation. It is a powerful way to achieve balance and harmony through it’s vibrations. It can calm or energize you. Lighting really helps create a mood or environment in general. Having your system on dimmers are a great way to relax and unwind. Mr. Steam also uses chromatherapy in some of their products.

Mr. Steam here again…chromatherapy is the real deal. Go in normal, come out a wizard!!! Huzzah.

Are you ready to create an environment? These simple suggestions will take your everyday bathroom and transform it. The senses are key here and when you realize the benefits you’ll want to treat yourself!!

Blessings,

Jennifer