carmike-kitchens

The Intelligent Bath

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:07:49 GMT

The Intelligent Bath

Technology is pervasive in our lives, providing added convenience and time savings not to mention a healthy dose of wow! This year, at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, the largest showcase of new products for the home in the United States, manufacturers unveiled a bevy of new technology for the bath to bring more functionality and pleasure to homeowners.

At KBIS, we saw lighting features incorporated into tubs, mirrors, vanities, sinks and water closets to provide the right levels of light to better match natural biological processes commonly referred to as circadian rhythms. Controlling lighting levels helps prevent the jolt to your system that bright lights can create if you have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night or early morning before the sun comes up. Today’s lighting controls enable you to navigate in the bath by providing a gentle glow, or you can program lighting levels to match needs and lifestyles.

Lighting can be controlled and activated through applications, motion control sensors, voice commands or home assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. You can also use your home assistant to fill a bathtub, turn on a shower, adjust mirror lighting, start a steam shower, play music or activate other smart devices in your home. One manufacturer has embedded Alexa in a mirror so you can utilize all of Alexa’s functionality all while preparing for the day or a night on the town.

Customization is another benefit of technological advances in the bath. You can set the water temperature, steam temperature and lighting preferences for every member of your family in the shower. Advances in showerheads enable you to change spray patterns through remote controls thereby eliminating the need to change settings physically. This is a great benefit to those who have a difficult time reaching the showerhead.

If you thought you had to take a ride on a space ship to float in a gravity-free zone, think again. Toto featured new, more cost-effective models of its tub that create a zero gravity environment. Other high-tech tubs on display combine air technology with a waterfall that massages shoulders while you soak and feature chromatherapy to enable you to relax in the tub and wash away the stresses of the day.

KBIS featured water closets that are self-cleaning and deodorizing and an expansion of bidet seats and functionality. Alexa has also been integrated into one toilet model which enables you to check the weather, order a driver service and listen to music while on the John.

How can new technology improve the quality of life for you and your family and enable you to create the in-home spa of your dreams? We can help you to answer that question. Give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com .

The Pros and Cons for Open Shelves in the Kitchen

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:05:20 GMT

The Pros and Cons for Open Shelves in the Kitchen

Open shelving has become an increasingly popular design feature among our clients because they provide a combination of an aesthetic focal point with superb functionality. Open shelves offer a look with universal appeal. Open shelves enable homeowners to showcase a dramatic backsplash, display dishes, pottery, sculptures, plants, herbs, and dishware and glassware, among numerous other options. Plus, open shelves provide home chefs with the functionality to access their favorite cooking tools within arm's reach. So, what’ the downside? Open shelves limit storage and can contribute to a cluttered look and feel.

Open Shelving Works When…

Items that a homeowner wants to showcase are uniform in size.
Homeowners want to easily access the cooking tools that they use most often without having to search in a cabinet or drawer. At a glance, homeowners know where everything is and know exactly what's ready for use. Seeing all of your pieces encourages you to use more of your china and serving dishes because they're never out of sight nor out of mind.
Homeowners don't want to display kitchen gadgets and tools and products that can be relegated to cabinets and drawers.
Budgets are tight. Shelving tends to be less expensive than cabinetry and less costly to install.
You want to showcase a backsplash, collectibles, artwork and dish and glassware.
Space is at a premium. Open shelves can make a kitchen appear larger and more open.

Open Shelving Does Not Work When…

You don't have the time or the inclination to keep the shelves organized.
You don't have the time or the inclination to clean often. Open shelves tend to attract dust and grease and grime generated from cooking.
You are seeking custom design on a budget. For custom kitchens, the cost savings are negligible, especially if the client wants custom shelving.
Functionality is more important than aesthetics. A primary benefit of open shelves is to have the most used kitchen items at your fingertips. It takes time and effort to keep everything in its place to avoid a cluttered aesthetic.
There are too many items on the shelves that contribute to a cluttered, disorganized look.
When you need the storage space that cabinets provide. Upper cabinets conceal clutter and disorganized dishes that you may not have time to straighten up. Upper cabinets help keep things tucked away and off the countertops.

Not sure? There are many cases when you can combine cabinets with open shelves. Are open shelves a feature that will work in your new kitchen? Give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com to determine how you can create the kitchen of your dreams.

Trends from the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 17:10:01 GMT

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is the largest kitchen and bath design event in North America. KBIS reflects the trends that will influence kitchen design in the future and also demonstrates new technology that may enhance anyone’s lifestyle. Trends ranged from customizable faucets to bold-colored appliances and everything in between. It was hard not to be impressed by the continued technological connectivity and integration of kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures.

One appliance manufacturer has incorporated sou vide cooking capabilities into a standard 36-inch range. Another manufacturer featured a dual fuel range that combines induction burners with gas countertops on the stove top and a dual oven cavity that enables home cooks to roast a giant turkey on one side and cook vegetables on the other. There are now ovens that allow you to cook by function, food or recipe and can even convert the stars of HGTVs "Worst Cooks In America" into gourmet chefs. Don't worry if you don't know how to cook or don't like to, there are ovens that ask you to dial in the attributes of what you want to cook, and you can set it and then forget it.

Some refrigerators allow you to check their contents from your smartphone while at the grocery store or any other place. Others feature computers that enable you to store recipes, make grocery lists or order via your home assistant. Zoned refrigeration continues to evolve and allows you to store foodstuffs and beverages at the perfect temperatures. Another trend is the growth of beverage stations. Whether you want a built-in coffee station or a wine dispenser, there is an appliance that can meet your needs.

Appliances finishes showed many pops of color. What we did not see a lot of was traditional stainless steel. Colorful hues dominated at the 2019 KBIS along with black stainless.

One of the cooler new appliances unveiled at KBIS was Miele’s active steam ironing board. There is a heating element in the pad that helps to warm clothing before the iron touches it, thus enabling the steam from the iron to evaporate more effectively. Fans in the board help to billow clothes, and that helps fabrics such as wool and cashmere keep their shape.

Storage solutions continue to evolve not only for the kitchen but also for the bathroom. We saw many shallow upper cabinets designed for the bath that can be recessed into the wall to avoid having to dedicate countertop space for storage. Another bath trend was the use of two to three different tiles in the bath, combining small-scale mosaics with 4 by 6-inch wall tiles and 12 by 24-inch floor tiles.

The ability to customize fixtures such as faucets and tubs is becoming much easier. We saw more air massage tubs than jetted tubs. At KBIS, we saw a few head-turning bathroom faucets. The first, a 3-D printed faucet from DXV by American Standard. The Blade is printed from stainless steel then hand finished. Water flow is activated by a sensor that turns on and off as a user approaches or leaves. Water flows from a circular opening in the edge of the faucet. Axor unveiled its MyEdition Customizable Cover Plates. You can select from six cover plates made from leather, wood, two types of marble and mirrored or black glass for the sink and tub faucets.

Want a custom color on your tub? Not a problem for Victoria + Albert. It’s freestanding tubs and washbasins come in a choice of 200 different colors and glossy or matte finishes.

If you thought Corian was a countertop. Think again. The company introduced new material that can be used as a wall covering with undulating panels that are cut out like puzzle pieces for easy assembly on site that can be backlit to create a dramatic effect.

If you would like to discuss how you can take advantage of the latest trends and technology to make life easier and more rewarding for yourself and your family, call us at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com

Features of a Well-Designed Kitchen

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:31:13 GMT

A well-designed kitchen in Southern Maryland is a perfect combination of form and function that provide years of happiness. From a form standpoint, the kitchen needs to work. That’s why we begin the design process by asking our clients who will use the kitchen, for what purposes and how often. That information enables us to craft custom solutions to meet our client’s unique needs and exceed their expectations. There are commonalities to every well-designed kitchen starting with storage.

One secret to designing a great kitchen is to develop a storage plan that addresses how often you cook, entertain and hold gatherings. We start by accessing what currently exists in your kitchen. We advise our clients to inventory their cookware, bakeware, kitchen tools, storage containers, cutlery, knives, utensils, gadgets and countertop appliances and estimate the frequency of use. Identifying the most-used items in a kitchen empowers our kitchen designers to create custom plans that make kitchens function so much more effectively. We recommend purging items that you never use. Space permitting, things that are used infrequently or even as little as once a year (the large roasting pan for Thanksgiving turkey) can be relegated to upper cabinets or other rooms in the home thus opening up prime real estate for the most frequently accessed utensils and equipment.

A second key to a well-designed kitchen is to invest in high-quality, high-performing, statement-making countertops. Not only are countertops relied upon for meal preparation, but they are also used for cooking, eating, entertaining, doing homework, charging electronics, reading, relaxing and spending quality time together with family and friends. Countertops serve practical and aesthetic functions that can make or break a new kitchen.

Lighting can also make or break how your kitchen looks, feels and functions. Lighting is equally as crucial as cabinets, countertops, appliances, backsplashes, flooring, sinks and faucets. Lighting needs to be layered to contribute not only to the functionality of the kitchen but also to its design and beauty.

Appliances should reflect how you will use the kitchen. If you entertain frequently, you may want double ovens, a large refrigerator and even two dishwashers. If space is at a premium, you might find compact appliances can save space and improve functionality.

The details are essential in a well-designed kitchen. The kitchen faucet is the most used appliance in a home. That’s why we often advise our clients to invest in high-quality, high-performing plumbing fixtures. You also need to pay attention to cabinet hardware as it serves as the jewelry for your cabinets. Be sure to appropriately accessorize your kitchen with functional and convenience serving equipment such as waste disposers, filtered water, soap dispensers and instant hot and cold faucets.

Backsplashes are another component of a well-designed kitchen because not only do they serve as a focal point of any kitchen, but they also represent one of the few opportunities for homeowners to express their originality and personality. There are countless options. Finding the perfect backsplash can genuinely define a space and add real beauty to a kitchen. Functionally, a stone, quartz or tile backsplash is much easier to clean than painted surfaces or wallpaper when food bits and grease splatter on the wall.

A final element of a well-designed kitchen is floor covering. The key is to incorporate floorcovering material into the rest of the design.

If you are interested in building a genuinely exceptional kitchen in Southern Maryland that makes you the envy of the neighborhood, give us a call at 240-298-8697or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com

Technology for the Kitchen

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:28:32 GMT

We are surrounded by technology at work, in our cars and pockets and just about every aspect of our lives, including the kitchen.

Many of our clients want to take advantage of technological advancements explicitly developed for the kitchen as part of their remodel. We see personal home assistants and dedicated kitchen tablets trending upward in this arena. According to the 2019 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study , 11 percent of homeowners are upgrading electronics as part of their kitchen remodel. The percentage of homeowners incorporating a personal home assistant such as Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa increased from 23 percent to 31 percent from 2017 to 2018. Dedicated kitchen tablets rose to 17 percent from 11 percent during the same period.

The most popular electronic upgrade for kitchens remains the television. Sixty percent of remodels included a TV in their new kitchens. Nearly half of kitchen remodels featured a docking or charging station. Manufacturers have upped their game when it comes to charging stations, incorporating them into drawers, in electrical switch plates and popping up from countertops. The ability to charge smartphones and tablets within a drawer helps to avoid countertop clutter and maintain clean lines.

Wireless or Bluetooth speakers were specified for 29 percent of new kitchens, according to the Houzz survey. That percentage actually decreased from the year before at 38 percent.

Kitchen faucets also are becoming technologically more sophisticated with features such as hands-free and touch operation, improved water efficiency, water filtration capability, Bluetooth applications and no-fingerprint finishes.

Refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, ovens and dishwashers are offering technological conveniences ranging from the ability to order groceries via Alexa and other personal assistants to blue tooth connectivity that allows homeowners to preheat an oven on their commute home via their smartphone. The Houzz survey found that 16 percent of homeowners upgraded appliances as part of their kitchen remodel and 11 percent picked appliances with color touchscreen displays. These displays offer a mind-boggling array of features. You can watch videos on YouTube, make video calls and use the touchscreen to control smart home devices through voice activation or touch screen and even search local restaurants. You can play music or watch a video while you cook and Google will save your place so you can check the recipe at any time. There are even displays that show you how to divide cakes into perfect portions for slicing.

What’s the right technology for your new kitchen? Give us a call at 240298-8697 or visit us at www.carmike kitchens.com to determine how you can use emerging technology in your new kitchen to make your life easier, less stressful and more enjoyable.

Partnerships That Work for You!

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:16:27 GMT

When you watch a home improvement show on HGTV, DIY or another network, there's a good chance that you will not obtain a true sense of what is involved in the renovation process, and it is all but guaranteed that the pricing and timelines that you see will create false expectations. While a great source of ideas and creative possibilities, home improvement television is first and foremost entertainment, as opposed to a documentary, and it does not reflect the real world. The ability to establish realistic budget and timeline expectations are valuable services that you can expect from partnering with a professional designer and showroom. Regardless of your budget and scope, we have the experience, expertise and passion for making your dreams a reality.

Many of our clients decide to renovate their kitchen simply because their space no longer meets their goals, lifestyle or needs. A fundamental requirement of a well-designed kitchen is the work triangle. The National Kitchen and Bath Association defines the work triangle as an imaginary straight line drawn from the center of the sink to the center of the cooktop to center of the refrigerator and back to the sink. The goal of the triangle is to make the kitchen functional and efficient by keeping all of the workstations close while avoiding the possibility of the kitchen becoming cramped.

There is no doubt that a qualified contractor can install a new kitchen, and handy homeowners can assist with demolition, installation and product selection. However, if the design and aesthetics are important to you, you will be best served by partnering with a professional whose job it is to know the latest trends, technological innovations and product offerings that will meet your needs. Professional designers and showrooms specialize in what's on trend and have the experience and knowledge to recommend fixtures, finishes and accessories that many contractors and even the savviest homeowners don't come across.

Improving the efficiency and pleasure that your kitchen can bring is only one reason that many of our clients decide on a renovation. Another influencing factor is more practical. The kitchen is the most important room in the home, and a remodeled kitchen creates value and makes your home more saleable.

Working with a professional designer also helps to eliminate guesswork. We produce realistic schematics that show what you what the new kitchen will look like before you have to commit. The ability to visualize the finished project before starting construction not only gives you a realistic expectation of what your kitchen will look like, it also helps to eliminate delays, change orders and unnecessary expenses.

Working with a professional designer and showroom takes on added significance and value if your home is older or historical. Bringing the new kitchen up to code, maintaining the historic look and feel and specifying the elements and details that match the rest of the home's décor require special expertise.

A well-designed kitchen is an organized kitchen. Today, manufacturers continue to raise the bar for storage solutions that range from plug and play drawer organizers and pull out pantries, to pull down spice racks and everything in between.

If your kitchen is cramped and awkward to entertain in, that's even more reason to turn to a professional. We can make smaller spaces not only look and feel larger, but we also have the expertise to make the area more functional.

Kitchen designer expertise is not limited to kitchens. Baths and laundry rooms share certain commonalities with kitchens such as the need for cabinets, storage, plumbing, lighting, wall coverings, floor coverings and a balance of aesthetics and functionality. That's why a number of our clients tap our expertise for laundry room and bath renovations as well.

If you are dreaming of a stunning new kitchen complete with chef-worthy appliances, cabinets that will make you the envy of the neighborhood and a space that welcomes friends and family with open arms, give our showroom a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com . Let us show you how we can turn your dreams into reality.

The Right Light

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:13:58 GMT

Good lighting makes kitchens and bathrooms more enjoyable, and bad lighting – just the opposite. Specifying the right light for a new kitchen or bath requires knowing how light interacts with materials, users and tasks. Lighting can make or break how a kitchen functions, looks and feels. Don’t leave lighting decisions to the last minute for two reasons. First, lighting is an integral part of the design that affects the functionality and aesthetic of the room and should not be considered an afterthought. Second, moving light fixtures after installation can be costly because it often requires rewriting, patching and repainting.

When we consider light for a new kitchen or bath, we look at the function and aesthetic, and we design to layer light to create images and colors that illuminate the space’s best feature. We take into account the manner in which light interacts with the form and texture of objects and materials in the area to produce different effects. Shining a beam of concentrated light on a countertop will create shadows and notable highlights depending on the form and texture of the countertop material. Diffused light (light scattered in all directions) minimizes shadows and textures and emphasizes form. Diffused light seems to wrap around objects giving them a softer appearance and helps reduce shadows. You achieve a softer, more pleasing look by diffusing light in the bathroom at a vanity and in front of a mirror used for grooming.

We typically will specify ambient lighting to set the mood and for general illumination (along with natural light), task lighting for food preparation, cooking and clean up areas and accent lighting to draw attention to a specific design features.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is the base layer for all other lighting. The goal of ambient lighting is to provide soft, general illumination without necessarily drawing attention to the light source. Ambient lighting provides enough light for safe navigation and helps define the space.

A central fixture or fixtures often produce ambient light in the kitchen. Typically, ambient light fixtures are surface-mounted ceiling lights, recessed ceiling lights or a cove lighting system where lights are hidden behind a molding dropped several inches from the ceiling.

The best ambient light comes from sources that bounce light off the ceiling and walls. When light bounces off surfaces, the light is evenly distributed, minimizing the potential for glare and shadows. If a fixture is specified to reflect light off the ceiling, then the ceiling must be a light color. Dark surfaces absorb light instead of reflecting it back into the space. This is an important consideration when specifying lighting for countertops and in-drawer, in-cabinet and under-cabinet lighting.

Flush-mounted fixtures in the center of the room are often the default to produce ambient light. While this works, it may not create the look or feel that you want to achieve nor complement your new cabinets, countertops or backsplash. Pendants may be a better option because pendants can better highlight task areas while providing general illumination. There are many ways to create ambient light. Ambient light should not be used by itself, because that will result in a space that lacks depth or dimension.

Task Lighting

Ambient lighting welcomes you into a room. Task lighting illuminates the activities that take place in a room. You can determine your task lighting needs by considering the actions that regularly take place in the kitchen. These may include:

Meal preparation on countertops or at an island
Cooking at a stove or cooktop
Clean up at sinks
Reading
Watching television
Working at a desk
Entertaining

The first step in determining the necessary layers of lighting begins with identifying the tasks that will take place in the space. During the early planning stages, we ask customers about how they plan to use the space and determine their normal daily routine. Determining how you will use the room and identifying its focal points will affect decisions on where we place task lighting and in what intensity.

The optimal location for task lighting is between a person's head and the work surface. Lighting from above is not good for task lighting, because a person's head can cast a shadow on the task area. Wall sconces, under-cabinet lights, in-drawer and pendant lights are often used for task lighting. The amount of lighting necessary for task performance also will be dictated by the age of those using the kitchen or bath. Customers who are 65 years or older need twice as much light as a 20-year-old to perform the same tasks.

Accent Lighting

Next, we identify opportunities for our clients to make personal design statements with light fixtures and highlight textures, forms and objects in the room with accent lighting.

Accent lighting is used to help keep kitchens and baths from looking ordinary or bland by highlighting artwork, range hoods, statement-making backsplashes, objects on open shelves architectural details or other objects. A feature or work of art that draws the attention of the eye is referred to as a focal point.

Light fixtures that provide light and shadows can make the space more inviting and comfortable. These may include track lights, undercabinet and/or under-counter strip lighting, recessed adjustable fixtures and spotlights that bring attention to where light is wanted. Accent lighting is subtle. A focused beam of light directed at a plant or highlighting a work of art, or a spotlight placed behind a plant and pointed upward through the leaves creates shadows on the wall that can make the room appear more attractive.

We recognize that most customers enjoy consistency of design motifs within their home. That is one of the reasons that we often recommend that the look of light fixtures, pendants, chandeliers, etc. complement the style of our client’s home. Size of fixtures also plays an important role. If a pendant or chandelier is too large, it can overwhelm the space, and if the fixtures are too small, they will not be noticeable, nor will they produce the functionality that is required.

Lighting technology has created new blank canvases that can be used to create different moods, looks and feels for a new kitchen. Lamps that can dim enable you to have sufficient light for meal preparation and then lower lighting levels to create the right ambiance for dining.

What light works best for your kitchen? Give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com

Cool Stuff for the Kitchen and Bath From CES

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 17:53:46 GMT

The Consumer Electronics Show is the world's largest technology show, and the 2019 edition held in early January offered the latest technological advancements for the kitchen and bath. Here are several products that caught our eye:

KitchenAid's Smart Display is a multi-functional smart home device with a 10-inch display that will offer home chefs a variety of tools and applications including step-by-step recipe instructions, shopping lists and smart home control via a central hub with Google Assistant. Using voice commands, you can watch YouTube, look up recipes, research restaurants or enjoy live music or TV.

The KitchenAid Smart Display also has exclusive cooking content courtesy of the Whirlpool-owned app Yummly. You'll be able to open Yummly with a voice command to see personalized recipe recommendations based on your prior use. Select a recipe, and Yummly can walk you through the cooking steps. A new Yummly Pro service even offers video guides for recipes hosted by celebrity chefs. KitchenAid is striving to release the Smart Display in the second half of 2019 and estimates the price between $200 and $300.

Whirlpool's Smart All-in-One Washer and Dryer was a CES 2019 Innovation Award Honoree for its ability to complete a load of laundry. That's right, imagine washing and drying a load of laundry without having to move items from one machine to another. Whirlpool brand's newly upgraded laundry unit features smart laundry capabilities through the Whirlpool app, and coming soon in 2019, voice control with a compatible voice-enabled device will be available to make laundry easier from start to finish.

Bosch unveiled its Projection and Interaction at CES. PAI is a miniature smart projector that mounts under kitchen cabinets and converts any surface into a touchscreen and gesture-based display. The PAI offers a recipe and cooking catalog that is connected to Bosch's other smart appliances. The PAI can identify individual ingredients to suggest recipe ideas or start the oven in advance. But most impressive is its unnecessary but fun ability to divide cakes into perfect portions for slicing.

Heatworks showcased a Wi-Fi- Connected Countertop Dishwasher which won a Best of Innovation Award in the Home Appliances category. The estimated cost is around $300, and the appliance should be available sometime in 2019.

Another Best of Innovation Award was presented to Kohler's Sensate Touchless Kitchen Faucet. With the Sensat Touchless Kitchen Faucet, you can turn water on and off through voice commands or motion-based interactions. You can fill an eight-ounce cup of water or a large pot of water to make pasta with a hands-free voice command. A sensor on the faucet valve monitors water usage which is displayed on the KOHLER Konnect app for convenience and will alert you if unusual usage is detected. KOHLER Konnect offers support in select products for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.

The Kohler Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet has water efficiency checks that make sure only the water that is necessary to remove waste is used. The Numi 2.0 features smart lighting that makes it easy to see your way around the bathroom even in the dead of night — and those lights are interactive, multicolored and dynamic so they can adjust to the setting. The toilet has personalized cleansing functions that make sure the toilet is set to your specifications, including a heated seat, drying functionality and voice control. The Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet has high-quality speakers built right into it, and those speakers come equipped with Amazon's voice assistant Alexa. If you have a question while you're sitting on the toilet, just ask Alexa. You can also run your home automation processes while in the bathroom. You can even have Alexa queue up your favorite playlist and watch the toilet's lights sync up to the beat. Your bathroom can double as your own personal dance club if you so desire. The Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2019

TOTO's NEOREST NX2 Intelligent Toilet with ACTILIGHT and Flotation Tub with ZERO DIMENSION were also named CES 2019 Innovation Awards honorees. TOTO's NEOREST NX2 is its most beautiful intelligent toilet with its most advanced cleansing technology. It offers innovations consumers appreciate: high-tech sensor operation with auto open/close and auto flush; integrated WASHLET personal cleansing system with warm, aerated water to cleanse, warm air dryer, heated seat, and in-bowl catalytic deodorizer; and energy- and water-saving features. The NEOREST NX2's ACTILIGHT bowl cleansing technology is completely safe for the environment. It uses a plain water pre-mist that reduces waste and grime's sticking.

TOTO's Flotation Tub simulates zero gravity by offering bathers the experience of total weightlessness. TOTO's research revealed that the ZERO DIMENSION bathing posture completely relaxes mind and body. Special massage jets produce a therapeutic flow of warm air bubbles enveloping the entire body. A stream of warm water flows from the height-adjustable Neck Spa, an ergonomic pillow that keeps the neck and shoulders comfortably warm. HYDROHANDS massage jets create the experience of real hands massaging the lower back. All functions are easily operated using the control panel on the inside of the tub.

Foldimate featured a functioning version of its laundry-folding robot at CES. It's essentially a large appliance that lets you feed in a full load of laundry for folding. It can fold about 25 articles of clothing – of various materials and sizes – in under five minutes. It won't handle all items such as towels, bedsheets and baby clothes. Other than those items, reviewers gave Foldimate high marks.

If you would like to know how smart, connected devices can make your life easier and cooking and cleaning more enjoyable, call us at 240-298-8697 or visit our website at http://www.carmikekitchens.com

Cutting Down on Waste

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:20:39 GMT

More than 2.1 billion tons of food worldwide will be tossed in the garbage can by 2030, predicts the Boston Consulting Group. And the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reports that food waste and loss accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Both the amount of food waste and the greenhouse gas emission that waste generates could be substantially reduced thanks to a new mobile food scanner that is expected to hit the market later in 2019. The pocket-sized scanner is being developed by a German research organization and uses an infrared sensor to determine the safety of fresh food, which is measured using an app on a smartphone or tablet.

A lot of edible food is discarded prematurely because of blemishes or because it has lasted beyond its past use by date. Consumers have no way to determine if blemished or expired food is still safe to eat. Most consumers would rather be safe than sorry, contributing to a lot of unnecessary food waste. The scanner and app developers hope that their new technology will curtail needless food waste.

The scanner uses a near-infrared sensor to determine the ripeness of food. Artificial Intelligence converts the sensor readings into inferences about the safety of the food scanned. Currently, the technology is only capable of determining the ripeness of a single ingredient. You can't scan a plate of leftovers to decide whether they have gone bad nor can you assess the safety of pre-prepared food. However, the researchers developing the technology plan to expand applications across multi-ingredient foods soon.

An added bonus of the technology is that the scanner can determine the authenticity of the food scanned. For example, it can determine the difference between real crab and manufactured crab and the difference between salmon and salmon trout.

The scanner is further evidence of how technology will continue to change the way we prepare meals and eat. Kitchens are becoming more connected with new applications coming to market almost daily. If you would like to know how you can take advantage of new technologies that enhance your family's lifestyle, health and well-being, give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com

Kitchen Trends for 2019

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:18:37 GMT

This week, the Consumer Electronics Show will take place in Las Vegas. Billed as the world’s gathering place for the business of consumer technology, the CES show will feature smart kitchen and bath appliances and applications, which provide homeowners with practical, efficient solutions to perform everyday tasks. A recent Whirlpool Corporation survey found that 52 percent of consumers believe they spend too much time cooking and 58 percent of consumers reported that they would like to spend less time doing laundry.

Other findings in the Whirlpool survey include:

Nearly 75 percent of respondents are interested in smart appliances that will help reduce food waste.
75 percent of respondents want smart appliances that can help manage water usage.
78 percent of respondents want their smart appliances to save money.
64 percent of respondents want appliances to reduce their utility costs.
69 percent of respondents want appliances that can provide personalized service.

The Whirlpool survey reflects trends expected in 2019. New kitchens and baths will continue to offer the best of both form and function. We are seeing growing demand amongst our clientele for kitchens that are not only beautiful but will also contribute to a healthier lifestyle. On many clients’ wish lists are appliances that produce healthier food. That helps to explain the growing popularity of convection steam ovens or combination steam and microwaves that are often specified when space is at a premium.

Undercounter refrigerated drawers are another appliance that contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Many of our clients are attracted to refrigerated drawers to store fruits and vegetables, which promote healthier snacks and also can help reduce the time required for meal preparation, especially when the drawers are in an island.

Water filtration faucets and systems help assure that water used for cooking, drinking and bathing is chemical free.

Smart, connected appliances that include ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers and even coffee makers that can order pods on demand are popping up in kitchens nationwide with the goal to provide owners with more time and convenience.

Lighting is continuing to evolve through technological advancements and creative design applications. Given that the kitchen is the most important room in the home, a well-designed kitchen is a well-lit kitchen, providing layers of light for setting the mood, performing tasks and providing ambiance. In-drawer and cabinet lighting are expected to continue to increase in popularity, and the range of pendants, chandeliers and other fixtures provide a blank canvas for our customers to make unique design statements.

If you resolved this year to improve your health, enhance your lifestyle or reward yourself for the hard work that you put in every day, we could help you achieve those goals by designing a dream kitchen that exceeds your wildest expectations. Give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com to explore how you can make 2019 extraordinarily special for you and your family.

Epicenter of Entertaining

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:15:54 GMT

For your kitchen to serve as the epicenter of entertaining, it needs to be well organized, functional, beautiful and clutter free. Because a well-designed kitchen is an organized kitchen, we address storage requirements early in the design process.

An almost endless array of options are available to store food, cookware, utensils, countertop appliances (blenders, mixers, etc.), recycling containers and so on. We suggest our clients assess what currently exists in their kitchens and encourage them to inventory their cookware, bakeware, kitchen tools, storage containers, cutlery, knives, utensils, gadgets and countertop appliances and estimate the frequency of use. This is a great time to purge items that they never use too. Space permitting, items that they use infrequently or even as little as once a year (the large roasting pan for Thanksgiving turkey) can be relegated to upper cabinets or to other rooms in the home to open up prime real estate for the utensils and equipment that they use most frequently.

If you would like to have a kitchen that will allow you to throw the best dinner parties that you could dream of, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com

Six Design Secrets for a More Enjoyable and Functional Kitchen

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:13:04 GMT

Great kitchen design combines both form and function. From our design team, here are six tips for making your kitchen the envy of your neighborhood.

1. Choose Ceiling-High Cabinets

Ceiling-high cabinets are a great option for any kitchen, but they work especially well in smaller spaces. Cabinets that reach to the ceiling draw the eye upward, creating the illusion that the space is much larger than it actually is. Plus, ceiling-high cabinets provide additional storage space for cookware, small appliances, serving dishes and other items that are not used frequently.

2. Replace Existing Appliances

Believing that you can save on the cost of your renovation by keeping existing appliances is pennywise and dollar foolish. There are two main arguments for making an investment in new appliances. First, older appliances with new countertops, cabinets, hardware, etc. are likely to stick out like a sore thumb. Rarely, if ever, will existing appliances complement the new aesthetic that you want to achieve. Second, today’s appliances are more technologically sophisticated, energy-efficient and offer benefits and features that make meal preparation easier and more enjoyable.

3. Light Up Your Life

Install in-cabinet, in-drawer and under-cabinet lighting. Not only does today’s new LED lighting technology make it easier to illuminate work surfaces, installing lighting in drawers and cabinets makes it easier to find what you are looking for and offers a wow factor that is hard to refuse.

4. A Well Designed Kitchen Is An Organized Kitchen

One secret to designing a great kitchen is to account for your storage needs and desires in the initial planning phases. A storage plan will consider how often you cook, entertain and hold gatherings. A great kitchen must not only look out of this world, it also must incorporate the best functionality that meets your needs. An almost endless array of options is available to store cookware, food, utensils, countertop appliances (blenders, mixers, etc.), recycling containers and so on.

Specifying two-tiered drawers can maximize space in deep drawers. A top layer may be used for cutlery, below is a second drawer for dishes and below that is another drawer for pots and pans. These drawers within drawers slide individually with the top-drawer housing items used most often.

5. Choose a Pull-Out Pantry

Compared to traditional drawer and cabinet storage, pull-out pantries make it far easier to find what you are looking. If your pantry is wider than 16 inches, consider roll-out shelves as an alternative because the weight of the pantry may not be manageable.

6. Avoid Buyers’ Remorse

Space permitting, opt to install recycling and trash bins in a cabinet or drawer as opposed to leaving the them on floor of your new kitchen. This will contributes to a cleaner, more clutter-free and enjoyable space.

Want to know other secrets for making your kitchen the epicenter of your home? Please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com

Are Tubs Going the Way of Horse and Buggy?

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:10:40 GMT

For more than a century, almost every master and secondary bathroom in North American homes was outfitted with a drop-in bath tub. That’s not the case as we approach the third decade of the 21st century. Given the frenetic pace of everyday life, who has time to soak in a tub? That’s a question many hotel developers are answering by eliminating tubs altogether. Hilton’s Canopy brand has replaced the tub with a barrier-free, walk-in shower. Marriott also is foregoing tubs for walk-in showers at properties that are part of the brand’s Autograph Collection. Both hoteliers are not eliminating tubs completely, however. They are outfitting their suites with tubs to evoke a more luxurious feel and look to the space.

Do you need or want a tub? That’s a question we almost always ask our clients when they are renovating their bathrooms. Tubs serve multiple purposes and should not be summarily dismissed just because of a busy schedule and lifestyle. When designing a bath, the overall goal is creating a room that offers the greatest amount of enjoyment in the least amount of space. Today’s master bathrooms offer homeowners the opportunity to create a personal refuge, represent a space that can promote health and well-being and provide a few minutes to wash away the stresses of the day.

Tub manufacturers have upped the ante. Today’s free standing tubs resemble works of sculpture that give a room a sense of luxury and good taste. Form is only one of the distinguishing features of today’s tubs. Tubs today can be equipped with spa-like jets and air systems or both that offer warm, circulating water to relax tired muscles, relieve aches and pains from overexertion, improve circulation and remove unhealthy toxins from your body. Additionally, properly designed hydro-massage systems provide a personalized massage that invites repetitive use that enhances your health and well-being. You can outfit your tub with light therapy and aroma therapy that helps to recharge your batteries and reduce stress.

Many of our clients believe that they need a tub for resale value and therefore elect to place tubs in secondary baths in their home. There is a large slice of the population that want to see a free-standing or system bath in the master bath as well. Consider a tub in your master or secondary bath as comparable to a dining room or fireplace. They are great to have, but are not necessarily used every day.

Designing a dream bathroom that is a spa-like oasis that offers easy-to-use functionality involves choosing materials and finishes that create a warm feel and comfort to a room. Tubs often contribute to that aura. Do you want or need a tub in your master bath? Give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com and we can help you answer that question and create the bathroom of your dreams.

Common Mistakes Renovating Older Homes

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:07:10 GMT

Many owners of older homes mistakenly believe that they can be their own designer, general contractor and trade specialists. HGTV, the DYI network, Houzz.com and other media outlets make the renovation process look effortless. Anyone who has undertaken a significant renovation knows it’s not, even if the project just involves adding a new coat of paint to your kitchen, bath or any other room in the house. If your home was built before 1978, there is a possibility that you have paint layers containing lead. Special care must be used to strip older paint. Simply painting over an existing surface is a relatively easy job, but other cosmetic improvements that require replacing existing finishes, expanding the foot print of the space, reconfiguring electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation should be left to a professional.

How difficult can it be to replace a faucet in an older bath or kitchen? That depends. If your faucets are older, there’s a chance that the cutouts in the surface for the faucet and knobs were sized for a different era. Today’s faucets may not accommodate those older dimensions. Our showroom knows how to address sizing issues regardless of the age of your fixtures and home, and we’ll direct you to products that meet both the functional and aesthetic requirements of your home.

Another common mistake that we see is efforts to refinish or replace decorative elements such as woodwork with reproductions. Too often, the newer versions are out of place and lack the quality, look, feel and staying power of the originals. Refinishing wood floors is a perfect example. If you have 50, 75 or 100 year or older wood floors, stripping them and bringing them to 21st century looks often results in the loss of character and the floor will appear out of place with the rest of your home.

Window replacement is another job that you will be best served by obtaining professional guidance. Older homes’ windows typically are not energy efficient. Windows can create drafts, so it is only natural to consider a window replacement. It’s easy to gravitate to modern vinyl or aluminum windows. They are plentiful and generally cost-effective, but they may not be the best choice for older homes. Wooden replacements, although costlier, will last longer and perform equally well or better. We have the expertise to evaluate your ability to weatherize what currently exists or to find a replacement that fits with the age of your home.

Taking advantage of smart home devices can be a challenge in older homes. Installation of smart thermostats, lighting, doorbells, security and other systems that require rewiring should be performed by licensed professionals. There are a number of manufacturers that are making smart devices with historic looks. We can help direct you to motif appropriate light fixtures, switch plates, hardware and other components. Plus there is no reason why you have to have an exposed smart thermostat. You can place the thermostat in a closet, pantry or cabinet.

Many owners of older homes come to our showroom wanting to renovate to create an open floor plan kitchen. When we receive an open floor plan request, we evaluate the spatial design and flow and determine whether the original house had a kitchen or if it was added at a later date. If the latter is the case, there are prime opportunities to create an open floor plan that maintains the historic character of the house, but offers all of the modern look, feel and conveniences of the 21st century.

If you own an older home and would like to discuss how to modernize it without losing the original character, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com

What's Trending in the Bath

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:04:19 GMT

Design that allows for aging-in-place is more popular than ever. When we design baths to be more accessible, we look for opportunities to include a full bath on the first floor of a home, offer wider halls and doorways and specify non-slip flooring, shower seats and grab bars for the tub, water closet area and shower. We often present our clients looking to remain in their home for the extended future with an option of a large walk-in shower without a threshold. For many remodels, a larger shower area can be achieved if the tub is eliminated. Double vanities are among the most requested feature when we are designing a new bath along with storage capabilities, stone or engineered stone (quartz) vanity tops and private water closet compartments.

Creating a spa-like retreat in a home is another dominate trend. System tubs that offer hydro therapy, aroma therapy and light therapy appear on a number of our clients wish lists. We can convert a bath into a wet room by offering steam and different therapies that promote wellness and a healthy lifestyle.

Freestanding tubs that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes continue to trend high. Many of our clients come to the showroom wanting to incorporate bolder colors in their fixture finishes such as bronze and black. For whole home projects, our clients are attracted to consistency of imagery among baths that feature similar products and approaches in powder rooms and secondary baths that are used for the master suite.

In baths where space is a premium, we will suggest installing vanity mirrors that reach to the ceiling, specifying pendant lighting instead of the commonly used light bars, recommending wall-mounted vanities and toilets with lighting underneath and using the same tile on walls as the floor. All of these design elements help to make a bath, whether it is the master, powder room or secondary bath appear larger.

If you have bathrooms in your home that are in need of a makeover or if you would like to create a spa-like haven the promotes health and well-being, please call 240-298-8697 or visit us at http://www.carmikekitchens.com

The Internet of Things in the Kitchen

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:01:09 GMT

The Smart Kitchen Summit is a conference that explores the future of cooking and food. There are a number of educational sessions addressing topics ranging from meal delivery services to connective appliances. The Summit features new technologies that will soon find their way to tomorrow’s kitchens. Here’s a sampling of several of the products and applications in development that will help you to eat healthier, cook more efficiently and effectively and reduce your environmental footprint.

Suggestic is a new application that merges artificial intelligence, augmented reality and personalized nutrition to improve diets. The app creates weekly menu plans, offers restaurant suggestions and gives fitness advice based on health goals inputted by users. The company is developing its augmented realty feature that will enable users to read restaurant menus to determine which offerings fit into their customized diet plan.

Mimesis’ Smartcook is a connected all-in-one kitchen appliance to streamline home cooking. The appliance’s smart surface acts as a visual interface with interactive recipes, video cooking lessons and online grocery ordering. It also functions as a stove, cutting board and kitchen scale.

MyFavorEats uses artificial intelligence to create modular, easily customizable online recipes. The program translates online recipes into a machine-readable format that allows home cooks to easily swap ingredients and personalize meals to meet dietary goals, preferences and kitchen appliances.

Klove Chef employs voice technology that guides users through recipe preparation and that syncs with smart home devices to monitor cooking temperature, cooking times and order groceries.

Garbi is a smart trash can that recognizes items disposed of items and reorders them for you from a local e-commerce retailer. Under development is a recycling function that will help identify which items that go in the trash can should be recycled, composted or disposed of.

Mojoe is a portable coffee brewer/travel mug that brews coffee on the go. Place ground coffee or tea leaves into the brewer, add any temperature water and brew. Mojoe can be powered by a wall socket, car charger or rechargeable battery and fits into a standard cup holder.

Mockmill 100 is a tabletop stone mill that can be used in the home to produce bakery-quality flours. Mockmill also can mill spices, pulses and other dry foods.

Dizzconcept is a pop-up kitchen for small spaces. The portable kitchen is 17.22 square feet and functions as a cabinet with an integrated television when closed. When opened, however, it becomes a fully operational micro kitchen with a sink, refrigerator and stove.

The Internet of Things will continue to bring new technologies to the kitchen that enhance opportunities to eat healthier, make meal preparation easier and to make life more enjoyable. If you would like to discuss how a new kitchen and technological advancements for the most important room in your home can improve your quality of life, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com .

Ideas to Improve the Efficiency of your Bathroom

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 10:24:41 GMT

A well designed bathroom is an organized bathroom. Because bathroom space is often limited, there is a greater premium on organizational tools that make using the bath easier and more enjoyable. In master and secondary baths and even powder rooms, the vanity or sink stand often does the heavy lifting for storage, and thanks to recent innovations, storage options have increased significantly.

When storage space is at a premium, vanities with open shelves create storage space for towels and baskets around drains, traps and other plumbing components. Open shelving is an extremely attractive option that can provide a visual focal point.

Shelves and roll out drawers maximize the space under and around plumbing in vanities with doors. Roll out drawers can hold baskets or be equipped with dividers for cosmetics, curling irons, hair dryers, etc. Many vanity manufacturers offer drawers and shelves with notches in them that help to minimize loss of storage space caused by piping that flows through the vanity to the sink and faucets. The vanity also can be wired for electricity or used as a cell phone or tablet charging station.

When it comes to vanity drawers, keep in mind that the depth impacts storage. Shallow drawers help to work around the sink’s plumbing and can be used to store makeup, shaving tools, tweezers, brushes, etc. While shallow drawers may be great for storing small things, they don’t offer the functionality needed for storing larger items. One possible solution is to specify a double drawer to double the depth. The exterior is fitted with two pulls to provide a consistency of look but there is only one drawer.

There are many kitchen storage solutions that can be adapted to the bath. For example, vertical pull outs are commonly used in kitchens for spices and can also be used to effectively store bath items in small slivers of space.

Toe kicks can make space along the floor functional for storing less commonly used items such as back up rolls of toilet tissue. Tip out drawers can be used where the top of the cabinetry meets the countertop. They are created for storing tooth brushes, tooth paste, dental floss and other small items.

Outfitting drawers and storage space with adjustable compartments, reconfigurable bins, vertical dividers, tool slots and trays provide endless opportunities to get the look and functionality that keep your bath looking fresh and functional.

If you would like to discuss the storage options that will best serve your bathrooms, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit our website at www.carmikekitchens.com .

What's Trending in Kitchen Design

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 12:39:12 GMT

The most popular kitchen layout among U.S. homeowners undertaking a renovation is L-shaped, according to a recent Houzz.com survey. Nearly 50 percent of homeowners changed or plan to change the layout of the kitchen as part of their remodeling plan. U-shaped kitchens were the second most popular layout followed by a galley layout.

Open floor plan kitchens are another significant trend among homeowners remodeling their kitchens. Many of our clients agree, opening up their kitchen space to other parts of their home is one of the most requested services. The Houzz survey found more than 50 percent of homeowners opting for opening the kitchen to other living areas, while 18 percent choose to open their kitchen space to outdoor spaces.

The average size of a kitchen remodel was 230 square feet. A reported 40 percent of homeowners opted to increase the size of their kitchen as part of their remodel. More significant than size is style. The top priority among homeowners in the survey and among our clientele is to create a kitchen that is both stylish and beautiful. That’s the number one reason why our clients depend on our showroom. We know how to ask the right questions to determine wants, needs and dreams. The most popular style of kitchen renovations was transitional, followed by contemporary and farmhouse.

A well-designed kitchen is an organized kitchen. The greatest source of buyer’s remorse among our clients is overlooking storage and accessories that make the kitchen easier to use and more beautiful. The top built-in and specialty storage amenities specified for American kitchens according to the survey are as follows:

Pullout waste or recycling cabinets (67 percent)
Cookie sheet/tray organizers (55 percent)
Deep drawer organizers (45 percent)
Pull/swing out trays/shelves (44 percent)
Lazy Susans (44 percent)
Spice organizers (42 percent)
Cutlery organizers (40 percent)
Utensil organizers (35 percent)
Pots and pan organizers (34 percent)
Small appliance garage/drawers (24 percent)
Wine and/or bar cabinets (20 percent)
Pull out corner drawers (19 percent)
Dish organizers (18 percent)

If you'd like ideas for making the kitchen of your dreams become a reality, call us at 240-298-8697 or visit our website at www.carmikekitchens.com.

What's Trending in Kitchen Faucets

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 08:53:27 GMT

Incomparable Design with Unmatched Functionality

The kitchen faucet is the most used appliance in the home, and too often it does not get the attention it deserves during a kitchen renovation. All faucets are not created equally. New advances in technology provide greater functionality and make today’s kitchen faucets not only extremely durable and functionable, but also fashionable. One of the dominate trends in kitchen faucetry is the addition of color. You can add personality to your new kitchens with faucets that come in a vast array of new finishes, ranging from rose gold to matte black and almost everything in between.

The size of the faucet is contingent on the amount of space in the kitchen. We often recommend high arc faucets because they provide additional functionality to sinks that can accommodate stock pots and other large pots and pans. High arc faucets also add visual appeal. But if space is at a premium around the sink, we will often suggest a smaller profile faucet.

Modern and contemporary motifs continue to trend on the upside in today’s homes, and faucet manufacturers have responded with new models that favor soft, minimalist shapes whose focal points are created by finishes instead of details. Polished chrome, stainless steel and satin nickel finishes never go out of style, however, today’s homeowners have been impressed by new color finish options that include matte black, a range of gold tones, copper, bronze and two-toned finishes that can feature matte black and brass or gold. There are stunning combinations that enable you to make a personal design statement and customize your faucet to match and complement other surfaces in your kitchen and home.

Advanced features that make cooking and clean up easier include touch and touchless activation that is perfect to start the water flow when your hands may be caked in dough, pull down and pull out spouts that make it easier to reach all sections of your kitchen sink and magnetic docking stations that keep your spout in the right place all of the time. There’s even foot controls that you can use to start and stop water flow and environmentally efficient models that help to conserve water.

Don’t you deserve to have the perfect solution for the most used appliance in your home? Let us help you find that solution by calling us at 240-298-8697 or visiting us at www.carmikekitchens.com .

A Different Take on Countertops

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:32:27 GMT

Most clients are familiar with common countertop materials such as marble, granite or quartz. However, those popular options by no means limit a palate or choices. Other popular countertop materials include;

Laminate (Formica, Wilsonart, Devmar and others): Laminate is cost effective, comes in hundreds of colors and patterns and is easy to clean and maintain.

Wood (Butcher Block): Wood is a living product that will change over time. Wood will show wear and tear, nicks and scratches; it is not heat resistant and needs to be sealed regularly. The attractiveness of wood is its ability to add character and warmth to a kitchen. Another advantage of wood is the range of available thicknesses and edges. Wood countertops should be viewed and used as a piece of fine furniture as opposed to a high-performance kitchen top solution. Designers often pair wood with other countertop materials.

Stainless Steel: Professional chefs gravitate to stainless steel, in part, because it is impervious to bacteria and heat. Stainless steel requires more maintenance than most other surfaces because of its propensity to scratch and show water spots and fingerprints. Stainless steel is often selected to create an industrial look or for those who want the look and feel of a commercial kitchen.

Recycled Glass: This green material is easy to clean and maintain, stain resistant, heat resistant, durable and strong. Each glass countertop is unique, providing a custom look. Recycled glass, despite its strength, can crack if not properly installed. Also, some designs easily show fingerprints and water spots.

Concrete: Concrete is extremely durable and is often custom formed in the kitchen or bath to fit any size, shape, texture or color desired. Concrete countertops need to be regularly sealed to prevent staining. Additionally, concrete tops can scratch and chip.

Solid Surface (Corian and Swanstone, among others): Solid surfaces are made from acrylic, generally less expensive than stone or quartz and easy to clean and maintain. They come in rainbows of colors and the material is unique in that the seams can be invisible. Solid surface countertops can be damaged by heat and are susceptible to scratching.

Tile: Common countertop tiles are made from ceramic, glass, granite and porcelain. Tiles come in an endless array of styles, colors, shapes and textures and can be sized to fit any motif. Tile countertops tend to be labor intensive for installation and need to be sealed regularly to prevent damage to the grout. If you are interested in granite, marble, glass, porcelain or another type of natural stone, a way to reduce material cost is to select tile instead of slabs, but doing so will increase your installation and maintenance costs. While there may be cost saving advantages to go with tile over slabs, there are also huge performance differences. Slabs do not require grouting or feature grout lines. Plus, stone, quartz, marble and glass slabs last longer than tile alternatives.

Porcelain: Porcelain countertops are available in an endless array of colors, patterns and textures; they are easy to clean and heat resistant. Porcelain is also stronger than granite and lighter. Porcelain slabs are extremely durable but there is the potential for chipping and cracking.

Seeing Is Believing

What countertop would fit perfectly in your new kitchen? Give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com to speak with a designer about the right countertop for you.

What's Trending in Bath Design?

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:26:34 GMT

The bathroom continues to evolve from a purely a functional space to a place that provides an opportunity for homeowners to make distinctive and unique statements. Form and functionality play equal roles in today’s baths and that means incredible opportunities to have fun creating stunning outcomes. Vanities, sinks, faucets and mirrors have become the epicenter of bathroom design. Tubs and showers come in as many sizes and shapes as the imagination allows for and both have been transformed into works of art in addition to serving as places to bathe.

Powder rooms are a popular space to have fun and stretch boundaries. The powder room typically is the smallest bath in the home, and it is the only room where guests judge your style in private. Master baths’ primary role is to make you smile every time you enter the room. Good master bath design also allows for superb functionality that is easy to care for.

The evolution of the bath allows for creative solutions that constantly surprise and delight. Today’s bath design combines modern and organic shapes that emulate the fluidity of water and use different materials, colors and fixture placement to establish feelings of calm and relaxation. Technological advancements, everything from smart phone applications to run steam showers to heated floors and countertops to touch faucets that are not only cool but also are more environmentally efficient, have enhanced functionality to deliver more enjoyable experiences in the home. There’s even an electronic shut off that sends a message to a smart phone if any fixture in your home is leaking.

The self-cleaning bathroom is not too far away. From rimless water closets and easily removable toilet seats, to antibacterial coatings and electrolytic water treatment, manufacturers are placing major emphasis on eliminating bacteria easily to make it easier on the user and less stressful.

The use of color in the bath reflects how far the industry has come. Traditionally, sinks were white and plumbing fixtures were plated either in chrome, bronze or brushed nickel. Now, finishes run the gamut of colors, shapes and textures. Demand in our showroom for contemporary and transitional single-hole faucets continues to expand. Faucets with bright, fluorescent spouts and trim and bold colors can add accents to vanities. The array of new finishes includes gunmetal, pewter, matt black, black nickel, graphite and gold. Gold is especially hot right now, offered in multiple tones – rose gold, brushed gold, polished gold, etc.

Use of mixed materials to add both texture and depth to faucets and baths is another trend exemplified by tubs and sinks with matte exteriors and glossy interiors. There is a strong demand for finishes and materials that combine natural earthy vibes with a modern bent. Sinks and countertops with earth tones, gray and soft black finishes enable our clients to create a bathroom space that says wow!

Wellness is another dominate theme in the world of today’s bathroom. Duravit’s Biotracer water closet, scheduled for a 2018 European debut, is being marketed as the first app-controlled toilet for urine analysis. The toilet will send to a smart device an analysis of 10 important health indicators ranging from blood sugar to pH-levels.

From a design perspective, clean lines and minimalism continue to dominate. We maximize the functionality and look of smaller spaces by specifying wall-mounted sinks, faucets and toilets to provide an impression and feel that are more open and contemporary. Wall mounting also makes a bathroom easier to clean.

Environmental efficiency is another constantly involving trend. Dual flush toilets reduce the amount of water used. Water-efficient showerheads and faucets are now available that use less resources without compromising the bathing experience.

Master baths are becoming larger because many of our clients recognize the opportunity to create a personal oasis in their home that provides a space where they can have alone time for themselves.

If you would like to capitalize on the technological, functional and aesthetic advances in bathroom design, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at carmikekitchens.com.

Creating Additional Space is an Art

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:24:50 GMT

Imagine creating an in-home spa where you can wash away the stresses of the day and enjoy a few precious moments that are all your own. Maybe your new sanctuary features a large soaker tub, steam shower with light- and aroma-therapies, dual vanities, beautiful sinks, faucets and mirrors, an elegant chandelier, breathtaking sconces and lots of storage possibilities. After visiting Pinterest, Houzz and a few design sites that got your creative juices flowing, you plan to visit a showroom.Suddenly, the reality of space and budget cloud your enthusiasm. Maybe you don't believe that the footprint of your existing master bath or your budget will allow for your dreams to be realized. That does not mean you can't get the master bath you want.

Our approach to a master bath renovation starts with asking questions about how the space will be used—who will use the space and for what purposes? This information enables us to offer what-if recommendations for our clients to consider. How cool would it be to add a non-vented electric fireplace to your master bath? What would you say to an open floor plan bath that provides the same look, feel and functionality as an open floor plan kitchen. What would you say to placing a sculptural soaker tub in the bedroom? You can look online all day, and you won’t find the solutions and suggestions our showroom can offer once we know your dreams.

We create value for our clients because we know how to maximize the space that exists and can create new space by reconfiguring a closet, taking advantage of dead hallway space, reworking a guest bedroom or offering suggestions for alterations to the master bedroom. While you may believe your existing footprint limits your options, we’d like you to know that it may not.

There are several schools of thought when designing a new master bath. One is to address functionality. A bathroom serves several specific tasks from grooming to hygiene. A second is to consider what-ifs. What if we could work with you to create a dramatic space that would be the envy of your neighbors and good friends? What if you eliminated the tub altogether to create a stupendous double shower? And it does not have to be one end of the spectrum or another. Several ideas to consider:

We can recommend interior organizers, electrical outlets, lighting and charging stations that expand the functionality of storage spaces.
Would you enjoy a bidet function with your water closet? There are many different toilets on the market that not only provide the functionality that you require, are energy- and water-efficient and also deliver the wow factor that transform a commode into a work of artistic sculpture.
If you like the look of a freestanding bathtub but have a tight budget, we may be able to make your dream a reality by pairing your tub with a less costly deck mounted faucet.
Lighting can make or break a bath and has functionality that extends far beyond avoiding tripping in the dark. Lighting affects your ability to prepare for the day whether it is shaving or applying makeup.
In bathrooms where there is not sufficient space for the toilet’s own compartment, we often specify a frosted glass wall or a tall cabinet to shield the toilet from view.
We create space by specifying wall mounted toilets and vanities.
We understand that purchasing a vanity designed specifically for the bath provides our customers with infinitely more options, functionality and enjoyment that building your own cabinets.

What can you do with the available space that you have for your master bath? Give us a call at 240-298-8697 so we can explain how to make your dreams come true.

Decisions, Decisions

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:23:31 GMT

After you decide to build the kitchen of your dreams, the process becomes more fun and less stressful. Almost every one of our clients would like to have an unlimited budget, but we all know that is rarely the case. Working with an experienced designer can help assure that you get the most value and enjoyment from the design and products that you select. Helping our clients to set priorities is one of the major ways we create value.

Make the Most of Your Space

We start the prioritization process by focusing on our client’s goals. If our client entertains often, we create a design that provides uninterrupted access to the stove, refrigerator and sinks with space for guests to stand or sit without interfering with meal preparation. For clients who are fastidious about a clean and clutter free kitchen, we design the space to make clean up easy.

We help our clients set priorities by asking how often the kitchen will be used, who will use it most often and what will take place most often in the kitchen. We will help create ample space for cooking, eating and/or entertaining if that is the functionality that our client wants. Specifying that space depends on how many family members will dine regularly in the kitchen when it’s first completed and five and 10 years from now. We also want to know how often our clients entertain and the number of guests that typically are entertained.

A recent project we worked on reinforced a valuable lesson. A couple who lived alone and rarely cooked for others wanted an eight-burner cooktop, double oven, two dishwashers, main and island sinks and a double wide refrigerator. The size and number of appliances did not make sense until we probed a little bit to find out that every year, the couple celebrates several holidays with their five children and 13 grandchildren. On those occasions, the couple wanted to make sure that her family members could help with meal preparation and use kitchen as the main gathering place in their home.

In establishing priorities, we often suggest to our clients that they consider the maximum uses that they might need for their new kitchen.

Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

We can specify refrigerators with price tags ranging from $800 to more than $10,000. Almost everything in the kitchen from tile to countertops has a wide spectrum of pricing. Where do you splurge and where can you create value? The best way to answer those questions is to consider the effect each product will have on your lifestyle and enjoyment of your home. Will splurging make you smile every time you use or experience the item? Will you add value to your home? Will the item help reduce stress or solve a recurring nuisance? Will the item make your life easier?

Doing a cost-benefit analysis with your kitchen designer can help you prioritize where to spend and where to save. Our experience indicates that the components of a kitchen that are used most often are where the most investment should be made. Cooktops are generally used four times as often as wall ovens. However, if our client is an avid baker, she may be more interested in a higher quality oven.

Form Versus Function

Functional questions may involve one dishwasher versus two or one sink instead of two. Functionality also involves the design of the kitchen. Placing dual ovens at eye height horizontally eliminates the need to bend over to use them if they are placed vertically. The placement will depend on available space.

The trade offs of form versus function typically are also impacted by how the kitchen will be used. A client that doesn't cook or entertain frequently, but who wants a beautiful aesthetic, may be more interested in semi-custom or custom cabinets and allocate smaller budgets for appliances.

Whatever your priorities a good designer can work within any budget to create a fantastic space.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

We realize that it can be difficult living in a home where your kitchen is not usable, and any delay is unwelcome. That’s why we discuss lead times for all products specified so we order them in sufficient time to meet the construction schedule. Semi-custom and custom cabinets for example take more time to produce than stock products. The same rules apply to custom finishes on faucetry, some types of tile, countertops and cabinet and door hardware.

If you would like to discuss how to prioritize your budget for a kitchen remodel, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at carmikekitchens.com.

Small is Beautiful

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:21:31 GMT

We find that many people shy away from remodeling their kitchen because of its small footprint. Smaller spaces should not be viewed as a deterrent rather they provide an incredible opportunity to become innovative. Our designers can help make a small space look and feel much larger than it actually is.

In one recent design, we stepped outside of the box, literally, by specifying base cabinets that were 15-inches deep instead of the standard 24 inches. This provides for more floor space and doesn’t compromise storage significantly because it only eliminates areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. Here are some other cabinet ideas:

Cabinets with touch-activated latches eliminate the need for pulls or knobs and create clean lines that make the space appear larger.
Mix upper cabinets with open shelving to create a more open feel.
Use glass doors to make upper cabinets appear brighter without compromising storage.
Install lighting over, under and inside of cabinets to add brightness to the room and help eliminate dark shadows that give the impression that the room is shrinking.

For a backslash in a smaller area, consider a mirrored or reflective stainless steel backsplash that acts as a mirror. It will make the room appear to be much larger. Using a short backsplash that matches the wall color helps to eliminate the distinction between where the backsplash ends and the wall begins, which makes the wall look taller.

The type of sink also affects the look and feel of a new kitchen. We recently specified a single bowl sink placed in a 24-inch cabinet instead of the standard 30-inch sink, and that freed up six inches of counter space on each side of the sink. If you have a smaller kitchen consider reducing the size of your sink and use the space for other more useful purposes.

When it comes to appliance selection for smaller spaces:

Consider an 18-inch dishwasher instead of a standard-size 24-inch. This will allow for larger cabinets in other parts of your kitchen.
Consider a 30-inch refrigerator instead of a standard 36-inch model.
Panels on the fridge and dishwasher provide a sophisticated and airy look.
Picking a beautiful range hood can eliminate the need to use cabinetry to hide the ductwork.

Don’t look at a small footprint as a deterrent to having your dream kitchen. If you would like to know more techniques for making smaller space appear larger give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at carmikekitchens.com.

I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:18:53 GMT

Don't wish it away
Don't look at it like it's forever
Between you and me I could honestly say
That things can only get better

And while I'm away
Dust out the demons inside
And it won't be long before you and me run
To the place in our hearts where we hide

And I guess that's why they call it the blues
Time on my hands could be time spent with you
Laughing like children, living like lovers
Rolling like thunder under the covers
And I guess that's why they call it the blues

Little did Sir Elton John ever consider his 1983 hit, I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues would have an entirely different meaning in 2017, especially when relating to the color blue and it’s impact on the value of your home. There are numerous factors that affect home prices, most notably, location, location, location, school district, access to public transportation, and date and extent remodeling projects, among others. However, a recent Zillow analysis found that a fresh coat of paint in the right color may help sell a home for more money. Zillow discovered that homes with rooms painted in shades of blue or light grey may sell for as much as $5,400 more than those painted white.

In its 2017 Paint Color Analysis , Zillow looked at more than 32,000 photos of recently sold homes to determine how certain colors affected average sale prices compared to similar homes with white walls.

One of the most important rooms where color affected price was the bathroom. Bathrooms painted or tiled with shades of powder blue or light periwinkle sold for $5,440 more than expected. Light blue had the highest premium of any color found in the home. Other colors that resulted in price premiums included cool, natural tones such as gray or oatmeal.

Blue bathrooms commanded the highest premiums. Homes with blue or soft gray-blue kitchens attracted more than $1,800 more than those painted white. Zillow’s chief economist Svenja Gudell explains, “Painting walls in fresh, natural-looking colors, particularly in shades of blue or pale gray, not only make a home feel larger, but also are neutral enough to help future buyers envision themselves living in the space.
Incorporating light blue in kitchens and bathrooms may pay off especially well as the color complements white countertops and cabinets.”

Would you like us to show you how to use color to generate more greenbacks when you sell or enhance the value of your space while you live in your home? Please give us a call to discuss what’s possible at 240-298-8697 or visit us at carmikekitchens.com.

Everything Including the Kitchen Sink

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:15:49 GMT

Studies indicate that homeowners spend up to 50% of their time in the kitchen in front of the sink. Today’s kitchen sink has become a multitask center. The kitchen sink is used for washing and rinsing dishes, cleaning vegetables, soaking pots and pans, bathing the baby, dying hair, getting hot water from the instant hot and just plain hand washing. The list goes on and on.

Most of our customers come to us thinking they know exactly what they want in their kitchen sink. Generally it’s whatever they’ve had in the past because it’s the sink they are comfortable with. Once our customers see the options available they can become overwhelmed. It’s our job to educate our customers so they can make an informed decision and select a sink that addresses form, function, needs, preferences and budgets.

Until recently, the three most common types of sinks have been cast iron, enameled steel and stainless steel. However, as the size and importance of the kitchen has grown, sink options have expanded to enable homeowners to customize their kitchens. Today, the kitchen sink can be a statement piece because they now come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, materials and mounting options.

As kitchens continue to grow in size, efficiency is more difficult to achieve. Yes, there’s more room, but it the space needs to be organized and workable. That’s why in larger kitchens we often recommend installing two sinks: a prep sink, generally facing a social area so you can face your guests and family members during meal preparation and a main sink used mostly for clean up.

Today’s Kitchen Sink Trends

A number of our customers are attracted to farmhouse or apron front sinks. Farmhouse sinks typically are deeper than stainless steel under mount or top mounted sinks and they area generally easier to clean. This is because farmhouse sinks are installed under the countertop, making it easier to wipe excess water or food scraps into the sink. Farmhouse sinks also are easier on the back because they bring the sink closer to the user. Fireclay is the most common material used to make farmhouse sinks. Fireclay sinks are capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures while maintaining their original shape and size. This high firing temperature fuses the clay base with glazes to provide an extremely strong finish that is scratch, chip and stain-resistant. Other popular materials used to make farmhouse sinks are stainless steel, natural stone, copper, cast iron, concrete, porcelain and composite materials.

Many of our clients who do not choose a farmhouse sink, opt for an under mount instead. Under mount sinks are fastened to the underside of the countertop. This method is used for solid surface countertops such as granite, quartz and engineered stone. The lip where the sink meets counter must be a finished edge. The faucet in this application typically is mounted to the countertop. We advise our customers to decide if the countertop should overhang the sink, if it should be set back from the lip letting the sink show or if the countertop should be flush with the side of the sink. Based on the customer’s preference, we provide direction to the countertop fabricator.

Other mounting options are drop-in, flush mount or surface mounted. The choice of countertop material affects the mounting system used. Drop-in sinks have a lip that rests on the countertop surface with an integral rim. In the past, this was the traditional method of mounting sinks, especially on tile. This sink is literally dropped into a cutout in the countertop. Drop-in sinks are often cast iron and ringed by a large, raised lip that rests on the countertop surface. Stainless steel drop-in sinks have much flatter lips. Typically, the faucet is mounted to the sink.

Flush mounted sinks are set into the counter and align evenly with the countertop material (generally tile). These are referred to as a tile-in-flange. Only a few of our customers opt for a flush mounted sink.

Surface mount or hudee rim sinks are installed onto laminate countertops. A hudee rim is a metal frame that provides for a flush installation. It fits around the sink and is held in place by clips. These clips hold both the bowl to the rim and the rim to the counter. Although it’s nearly flush with the countertop, a common complaint is that grime and moisture get trapped on both sides of the metal rim. That’s why we don’t specify a lot of surface mounted sinks.

If you want to know how to select the perfect sink or sinks for your kitchen remodel please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at carmikekitchens.com.

How to Budget Effectively for a Bathroom Remodel

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:12:34 GMT

The budget necessary to create the new bathroom of your dreams depends on several key factors. The first is the goal that you want to achieve. Are you looking to upgrade to increase the value of your home because you will be selling it in the near future? Is your goal to create a personal haven in an in-home spa where you can wash away the stresses of the day? Are you simply sick and tired of a dated fixtures, dulled grout and limited functionality?

The age of your home and previous improvements to the bathroom, if any, also affect budget. Our experience indicates that it is typically less costly to renovate a bathroom built in 2000 than it is to renovate one constructed in 1900. Typically more surprises arise in older homes as generally those homes may have been renovated multiple times already.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association provides the following guidelines as to what categories you will spend your funds on for a new bath:

Design fees: 4 percent
Installation: 20 percent
Fixtures: 15 percent
Cabinetry and hardware: 16 percent
Countertops: 7 percent
Lighting and ventilation: 5 percent
Flooring: 9 percent
Doors and windows: 4 percent
Walls and ceilings: 5 percent
Faucets and plumbing: 14 percent
Other: 1 percent

This is a good starting point. Most of our customers have specific goals and preferences that require them to spend more or less in some categories. We also recommend to our clients to budget an additional 20% for contingencies and unexpected occurrences during construction.

As with most home improvement projects, bathroom renovations can be viewed as good, better and best options.

The Good Option ($5,000 to $15,000)

A good renovation often involves replacing older fixtures such as the shower, water closet, sinks, lighting, faucetry, hardware and accessories with off-the-shelf products that are featured in home centers. A bath remodel in this price range generally uses the existing plumbing configuration, features paint instead of tiled or stone surfaced walls, lower-priced granite countertops and involves resurfacing or painting existing cabinets instead of replacing them. Faucets in this price range are not made of solid metal. Their plastic parts will wear out every five to seven years and will need to be replaced. This renovation will give you a new bath that will look nice and serve its functional purposes.

Better Options ($15,000-$50,000)

Increasing the budget to $15,000 to $50,000 will enable you to improve the quality of almost all of the components in the bath. A number of our clients select this budget range if they are remodeling to make their lives better. Even though the budget is more than the good option, there will be limitations when it comes to changing the existing footprint. The big pluses are finish options, fixtures and cabinets. Your water closet will not only function more effectively, it can also be more water efficient. Your shower fixtures and faucets will be made from solid brass. Faucets will have ceramic disk cartridges that prevent dripping for years unless they get scratched by debris in the water. You will be able to add new flooring, vanities, window treatments, a framed mirror that matches the vanity, a recessed medicine cabinet and you will enjoy quality levels considerably higher than what you find at home centers.

A larger budget provides more flexibility, and you can make a few more adjustments to the layout. You may want to allow for a freestanding soaker tub by reducing the size of the shower stall. You may want to reconfigure the space to accommodate a double vanity and additional storage. Maybe you’ll put in a slightly smaller bathtub to make way for a slightly larger shower. You could slide a sink down and move the plumbing slightly to add a tall linen cabinet. Toilet placement has an impact on costs too. If you move the toilet across the bath, you are likely to be required to change the locations of the showerheads, drains and faucets. With this budget, you will also be able to buy semi-custom cabinetry with different finish options and decorative details.

Best Option ($50,000-$100,000+)

Higher-end budgets provide a blank canvas. You can install thermostatic shower valves that enable you to preset water temperature and achieve that temperature in a matter of seconds. You can install a linear drain that not only eliminates the need for a threshold but also eliminates the need for a shower enclosure. You may opt for a steam unit that includes music, color and aromatherapies. You could select a sculptural freestanding tub or a system bath, or you may enjoy multiple showerheads and body sprays.

You can tile the entire bath or opt for stone floor and wall coverings. Countertops options at this budget include granite or engineered stone. Cabinets will likely be made from solid wood with custom finishes. Don’t overlook heated floors and multiple finish options for fixtures.

A higher end bathroom will increase the value of your home. More importantly, it will create tremendous value because you will derive great joy and satisfaction every time you use your new bath.

Need help developing a budget to fit your goals and dreams? Please call us at 240-298-8697 or visit us at carmikekitchens.com.

A Step by Step Guide to Planning Your Kitchen Remodel

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:10:17 GMT

The decision to remodel a kitchen or bath is not a spur of the moment epiphany. Most of our clients spend considerable time researching, investigating options and imagining the tremendous joy that will come with a completely remodeled space. Inspiration comes from varied sources ranging from home improvement television shows to a neighbor’s made over home. The journey from concept to completion is rarely as easy as what is depicted on reality television shows. As much as we would like a remodel to take only few days or weeks at a budget that is a pipedream, reality dictates that home improvement doesn’t work that way. Most home improvement shows are produced to inspire homeowners to make renovations and buy products featured on those shows.

Step 1: Dream

The best place to start your kitchen remodel is to identify the features, benefits, looks and feelings that you want to achieve with your remodel. Visit online resources such as Houzz.com, Pinterest, Décor and Architectural Digest magazine among others to collect ideas. When presented with color schemes, textures and looks that you want to achieve, a professional designer can develop a plan that fits almost any budget. Determine what your goals are, the functionality you are looking for and how you want your new kitchen to look and feel. If you had an unlimited budget, what would your new kitchen or bath look like and how would it perform?

Step 2: Establish Priorities

The first step in establishing priorities is to develop a realistic budget. This is an area where a professional consultant can be a trusted advisor. We help our clients determine renovation budgets that are not only realistic, but also in keeping with goals, aspirations and dreams. How much should you budget? That depends on the nature and scope of your renovation. On average, homeowners report that a kitchen remodel costs close to $20,000. A smaller project, one that includes cabinet re-facing, sink replacement, installation of a tile backsplash and a fresh coat of paint can range from $10,000 to $25,000. A $30,000+ renovation may include semi-custom cabinets, hardwood floors, granite counters and higher-end appliances. You may spend more than $100,000 on a complete overhaul with structural changes, custom cabinets, stone countertops, top-of-the-line appliances, etc. Pricing guides you find online are based on averages and sometimes can be misleading. That’s why establishing priorities is essential to develop a realistic budget.

Step 3: What You Should Expect From a Professional Showroom

When selecting a designer to partner with, make sure that the designer is experienced with the type of renovation that you want. Ensure that the installation crews and subcontractors involved on the project are licensed and insured and that the designer has a performance record of staying within timeframes and budgets. Ask for references you can call to determine firsthand the quality and level of service that a designer provides. Also when you do move forward with a professional, be sure that terms, conditions and payment obligations are detailed in a written and signed contract.

Step 4: Have Realistic Expectations

There is no such thing as a typical or problem-free kitchen renovation. Full-scale renovations are likely to leave you without a functioning kitchen for an extended time period. Our designers offer guidance for creating temporary kitchens or cooking areas that eliminate the need to eat out or order take out for every meal. Renovations are messy, so ask our designer what steps they take to minimize dust, dirt and other unpleasant aspect of the renovation process.

Finally, the timeline will take longer than most expect. Contrary to what is shown on home improvement television, it completely unrealistic to expect a bathroom to be remodeled in a weekend or a kitchen be redone in a week, even if you are placing cabinets, floors, countertops, appliances, lighting and floor and wall coverings exactly where they currently exist.

If you are interested in learning how to better plan a kitchen or bath renovation, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 to make an appointment to speak with one of our talented designers.

Organizational Bliss

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:08:23 GMT

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos letter to shareholders this year hit the nail squarely on the head when he wrote that the primary reason for businesses to be obsessively customer focused is that “customers are always beautifully, wonderfully dissatisfied, even when they report being happy and business is great. Even when they don’t yet know it, customers want something better, and your desire to delight customer will drive you to invent on their behalf.”

When we invent on the behalf of our customers, we accomplish our primary goal of exceeding your expectations. And, we also have learned that regardless of the brilliance and innovativeness of our designs, our customers need, want and deserve better. That’s why the design of a new kitchen or bath is never truly completed. There are always small and incremental improvements to enhance what already exists. There is no better evidence of that idea than the ability to better organize and store equipment, supplies, utensils or just about anything else that lives in your kitchen. The following organization tools have caught our attention recently and can be easily installed in any kitchen or bath.

Mount organizers or shoe racks to the backsides of interior doors to store and organize cleaning supplies.
The backsides of doors offer multiple storage solutions. One customer mounted a chalkboard that is used for grocery lists and installed bars with hooks to hold measuring cups.
Install pop-up outlet stations to charge smart devices, laptops and other electronic devices that enable you to use appliances on islands or other parts of the kitchen where access to power historically is limited.
Have too many water bottles and coffee travel mugs? Consider magazine file holders to keep them organized and within hands-reach.
Need more space for pots and pans? Check out a sliding rack mounted underneath your kitchen sink.
Snacks such as pretzels and chips in family-sized packages create storage challenges. Try attaching snack packages to skirt hangers and placing them in a pantry or in a cabinet.
Convert your fake drawer into a paper towel holder.
We recently placed a cutting board with a hole in the center of it inside the top drawer of a cabinet. Below is the trash container that accepts scraps.
Have lots of knives, forks, spoons and other utensils? Check out tiered drawer organizers.
Cake stands can be used for more than displaying your favorite dessert. One of our customers is using a sculptural cake stand as an elevated soap dish.
Need a dedicated place for charging cell phones? Attach a towel rack with a hanging basket below an electrical outlet.
Expand your storage and workspaces with a kitchen cart on wheels.
Store trash bags on rollers underneath the sink or in a cabinet.

If you are interested in learning how to make your kitchen more attractive and easier to use with innovative storage ideas, give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com.

How to Select a Backsplash

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:07:05 GMT

The devil is in the details. That certainly is true of selecting a kitchen backsplash – there are almost an unlimited number of factors to consider. This column provides guidance to help assure you select the right materials for your backsplash to achieve the look and feel you want in your kitchen.

Color scheme of the kitchen is a major factor in determining the type of backsplash. The color should complement the other design aspects of the kitchen. For some projects, a dash of bold color helps the backsplash become a focal point in the kitchen. Other clients that want a calmer feeling for their kitchens may opt for a white or light gray color scheme.

Material is as important as color. Backsplashes can be used to make a dramatic personal design statement with mixed materials, wood, brick, tile, stone or almost anything that the imagination desires.

A third consideration is the amount and type of cooking that will take place in your kitchen. For our clients who are avid cooks, we suggest a stainless steel backslash or painted glass backsplash because they are easy to clean, plus glass and stainless steel can help round out the design of other components of the kitchen.

The height of the backsplash is another factor that most do-it-yourselfers and nonprofessionals often don’t account for. Cabinet placement typically dictates the height of the backsplash. Some clients prefer having the backsplash end at the bottom of cabinets. Others like the backsplash material to come to the first shelf in an open or glass front cabinet. Some of our clients have extended the backsplash to the ceiling in areas where there are no cabinets to make the backsplash a focal point in the kitchen.

The shape and patterns of materials used for backsplash are additional considerations. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time period, we suggest that the shapes, colors and materials complement the other kitchen components, and also other décor in your home. However, if your time in your home is relatively short, you may want to make sure that the material and design are timeless that will serve as an asset in the future sale of your home. A subway tile backsplash is one example of a timeless material and design.

Backsplashes should also complement and coordinate with countertop materials and colors. If you desire a patterned granite countertop, the backsplash that generally works best is one with a neutral color scheme. If you opt for a solid color quartz countertop, the backsplash can be more colorful.

How much should you budget for your backsplash? The cost depends on the amount and type of materials that you want. Subway tile is a cost-effective material but may not achieve the look of a stone backsplash or intricate tile. Custom colors are more costly than traditional off-the-shelf products. Mixing and matching materials is an effective way to stretch budget dollars.

Which backsplash shape, material, design and color will make your kitchen the envy of your friends and neighbors? Give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit www.carmikekitchens.com to help determine the best backsplash for your home.

Island Fever

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:03:45 GMT

Kitchen islands are wildly popular and have become the centerpiece of many kitchens. For nearly 40 years, kitchen islands have withstood the test of time. In fact, they are largely responsible for making open-concept designs work, but not all islands are created equal. We work with customers to specify islands that maximize space and storage, compliment style and enhance design.

To help determine if an island will work in your new kitchen and identify the type that delivers the most benefit, make a list of all of the tasks that you and your family would perform at the island. These may include dining, meal preparation, homework, laundry folding, entertaining, relaxing and so on. Extra countertop space is an obvious benefit of an island. If you placed your cooktop in the island, that would allow cooking from both sides, would that enhance dinner parties and entertaining? Would you like to have a second sink? If you don’t have a lot of wall space, could your island be home to your microwave, steam oven or other small built in appliances? We’ve designed islands with beverage
refrigerators, wine storage and dishwashers underneath the countertop. For other clients we’ve incorporated open shelves where they could store cookbooks or display everything from knickknacks to family heirlooms. Almost every island we design includes electrical and USB outlets. We also find creative ways to illuminate islands with overhead lighting, in cabinet lighting and under cabinet lighting.

Form follows functionality when it comes to designing an island that will exceed your expectations. We present our clients with different shapes and sizes depending on needs and preferences. If there is sufficient space, we ask if the client would like built-in seating, semi-attached tables or a double island. We also work with our clients to determine the edges and number of surfaces that they want. Because islands typically are the centerpiece of the kitchen, we make sure there is sufficient storage to help prevent clutter that might distract from the look and feel that our clients want to achieve with their new kitchen.

The style of the island should match the décor of your home, regardless if it is traditional, transitional or modern. Many of our clients opt for a waterfall counter that is suitable for both contemporary and traditional kitchens. We often carry the color scheme from adjoining or adjacent rooms to provide consistency of image throughout the home.

If the island will serve both as the focal point and primary workstation of the kitchen, opting for high quality, durable and beautiful materials is an investment that pays dividends year after year. Quartz has gained in popularity in recent years because it is easy to maintain and three times harder than granite. Quartz is also one of the most durable materials used for islands, having the highest resistance to scratching, staining and heat damage. Granite and marble need to be sealed, polished and reconditioned over time. Quartz does not. It also is nonporous, nonabsorbent and offers zero emissions of volatile organic compounds or other emissions.

Island size depends on available space and also usage. If you incorporate a cooktop into the island, we also need to factor in ventilation. If the island sink is the primary one used in the kitchen, it typically makes sense to incorporate the dishwasher into the island.

Length of the island is based on the amount of available space in the kitchen. At a minimum, there should be at least four feet long by two to three feet wide. If space is available, we’ve designed islands that are seven to eight feet in length. Our rule of thumb is to leave at least 36 inches of floor space between the end of the island and cabinets or a dishwasher. We make sure that all doors and drawers will open comfortably and it’s easy to load and unload. We also make sure that the island can seat our clients and their families comfortably without the need to watch knees when they sit. This is accomplished by specifying a 10 to 15-inch overhang in seating areas.

The height depends on seating preferences and capabilities. If our client prefers bar stools for the island, we specify islands that are 40 inches high. If our client wants counter stools the height is around 34 inches.

If you would like to know the type of island that would work best in your kitchen space, give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com. Your island is the centerpiece of the most important and used room in your home. It should be beautiful, functional and make you smile ever time you walk into your kitchen.

Ensuring the Best of Intentions Result in the Best Outcomes

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:01:45 GMT

We’ve all heard horror stories from friends and neighbors of kitchen renovations gone awry. Their nightmares involved shoddy work, cost overruns, incomplete projects, time delays and unmet expectations. Why do projects fail? One reason may be a concept that Noble prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman calls the planning fallacy. In his book, Thinking Fast and Slow , Kahneman explains that the planning fallacy occurs when there are unrealistic expectations that do not account for the unexpected.

Anyone who claims that they will deliver a perfect project should be viewed with extreme caution. There are always surprises. The key is to anticipate potential what ifs as part of the planning process. Unfortunately, there are businesses that offer kitchen renovation services that thrive on the unexpected. They make their most profit on change orders or additions to the original plan. Kahneman claims that “the failures of forecasting in these cases reflect the customers’ inability to imagine how much their wishes will escalate over time. They end up paying much more than they would if they had a realistic plan and stuck to it.”

Kahneman’s advice underscores the benefits you receive when you rely on a professional kitchen designer and showroom to help turn your dreams into realities without having to incur undue stress, unrealistic cost overruns and less than desirable timeframes. The bottom line is to work with a professional kitchen showroom that can walk you through every stage of your renovation. A detailed plan saves time, money and headaches. Additionally, when you work with an experienced professional you can be reassured that your project will run more smoothly and there will be less likely occurrences unpleasant and expensive surprises.

Avoiding the planning fallacy begins by recognizing that kitchen renovations involve making decisions on everything from cabinet quality and style, to door and cabinet hardware. The devil is truly in the details, and that’s where a professional can be a true asset and advocate for your project. Take the time to ensure that all of the I’s have been dotted and the T’s crossed before demolition begins. Changes can be difficult, time-consuming and expensive when they occur in the middle of a project. When you spend the time upfront, you minimize the likelihood of changing course midstream.

Another detail devil is to ensure that measurements are accurate. A professional who knows how to measure space for cabinets, countertops, appliances, sinks, floor, backsplash and wall covering areas, can help you avoid expensive or deflating errors. Who wants a new kitchen with gaps between countertops and appliances?

You should expect your kitchen designer to review the existing infrastructure of your home to help determine if it will be able to support any new additions that you choose. The age of your home can affect costs. Older homes may need to be rewired, re-plumbed, re-ventilated and re-engineered to meet present-day codes. Because we can’t see behind walls, we recommend a contingency fund that will deal with the unexpected should it occur once renovation begins. Typically, the contingency should be 20% of the cost, but could be less or more depending on the scope of the project and age of the home. Moving walls and reconfiguring plumbing, gas lines and electrical systems increase the price tag.

Additionally, we advise our customers to also include in the budget the cost of eating out more often during the renovation. Our plans often include setting up temporary kitchens or cooking areas that will allow for our clients to reduce the number of times they eat take out or dine away from home.

Creating a dream kitchen brings years of joy to many of our clients, and we know how to develop plan that meets your needs, addresses your concerns and offers realistic budgets and timeframes. If you are interested in adding a dream kitchen or bath to your home, call us at 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com.

What's Trending in the World of Plumbing

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:59:38 GMT

The ISH Trade Fair, held every other year in Frankfurt, Germany, is the world’s largest exhibition of plumbing products. At ISH, held several weeks ago, there were 4,454 manufacturers from 96 countries. More than 142,000 people attended the fair, and they saw new, cool and cutting edge products that will soon be available to you to help you create spaces that will wow your family and friends and provide a great sense of personal satisfaction. Here are several of the prevalent trends that were front-and-center at ISH.

Finishes are being taken to new heights.
- Almost every faucet and fixture manufacturer showcased new bronze and brass finishes with faucets and shower systems finished in bronze, gunmetal, pewter and black nickel. There were also lots of transitional pieces in bronze and brass finishes produced from manufacturers known primarily for their contemporary offerings.
- Gold finishes were huge and in numerous varieties, polish gold, satin gold and rose gold, to name a few.
- All shades and textures of black also were among the head-turning trends at the fair.
Design elements, such as rings and cuts, are being incorporated into faucet bases.
Small wall mounted sinks were the rage.
The industrial look remains strong.
Look for smart shower systems where at a touch of a button you can listen to music, adjust temperature, experience light and aroma therapies, produce steam and just about anything else you can imagine in a shower.
Multiple purpose and functional showerheads wowed everyone.
There were splashes of bright and bold colors on kitchen and bath vanity faucets.
Mixed textures were another significant trend. Manufacturers finished lavatory bowls and tubs with matte exteriors combined with different colored polished and glossy interiors.
Technological advancements.

Push button technology is becoming an industry standard.
The S box from Hansgrohe, available in the U.S. sometime next year, makes using a pull-out kitchen faucet easier and enhances its functionality. The hose is housed in a box and operated on a pulley system. This results in much smoother operation for pulling out and returning the faucet head. It also enables the faucet to be used as a pot filler.
Duravit will introduce its BioTracer watercloset in Europe next year. It is billed as the first app-controlled toilet for urine analysis. The toilet will send a report to a smart device providing an analysis of ten important health indicators ranging from blood glucose levels to the amount of protein in your system. The BioTracer reflects the exploding trend of health and wellness in the bath.
Grohe introduced an electronic shut-off value that will send a message to a smart device if any pipe or fixture in your home is leaking.

Are you interested in capitalizing on these trends to make your home more enjoyable and valuable? Give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com .

This is Not your Mom's Laundry Room

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:57:43 GMT

The laundry room is often treated like a poor stepchild in the home, relegated to the basement, housed in a closet or shoved in the corner. Doing laundry isn’t considered a glamorous activity, and the space frequently reflects the task. Blah! However, clean clothes are essential, and when the laundry room is clean, bright and well organized, the chore can take on an entire new and positive vibe.

Understand the Potential

Keys to effective laundry room spaces are an abundance of storage, places to hang clothes and space for folding. A sink in the laundry space can serve multiple purposes ranging from bathing pets to hand washing delicate garments. Similar to kitchens and bathrooms, open floor plan laundry spaces can serve multiple functions that may include mudroom, craft area, exercise room or play room.

Appliance Options

There are two main choices for washers and dryers: top-load or front-load. Top-loading appliances are easier to use — simply lift the lid and drop the clothes in. Front-loading requires a little more effort. Typically top-load washers are less costly and run more quickly than front-loading counterparts. Consumer Reports claims that top-load washers also spin faster, which removes more water and thereby reduces dryer time. If you opt for a top-loading machine, be mindful of the depth. For shorter clients it may literally be a reach to remove clothes. Consumer Reports also claims that the front-loading machines clean better, are gentler and use less water than top-loading machines. The choice really may come down to aesthetics. Which look do you prefer?

Doing More With Less

Many laundry spaces are not large. To maximize the space and make it look larger and more functional you might want to consider a stacking washer and dryer. Floor-to-ceiling storage, retractable hanging spaces and cabinets can also increase functionality.

Environmental Efficiency

There is a wide range of eco-friendly products that use less water and energy without compromising performance.

If you are interested in transforming your drab laundry room into something truly exceptional, give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com .

How to Get the Lux Look Without Spending a Fortune

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:55:01 GMT

Imagine how much more enjoyment you would get from your home if you could remodel your kitchen? Picture yourself at a beautiful waterfall countertop peninsula island with friends and family all participating in meal preparation, enjoying a favorite beverage and discussing the events of the day – that’s priceless. Our prospective clients typically ask how much a new kitchen costs? The answer – it depends. The investment can range from a low of around $20,000 to more than $100,000. There are numerous factors that affect project cost. Moving walls, electrical, plumbing, gas and other infrastructure items behind walls will add to the price tag.

Here’s how we create value and help assure that budgets are stretched to meet kitchen-remodeling goals. We start with the right layout. Kitchens not only have to be beautiful, they also need to be functional. The work triangle is a term used to describe the distance between the stove, refrigerator and sink. We design to make sure that this triangle has the smallest footprint possible. Typically, but not in all cases, we locate the refrigerator close to an entrance to the kitchen because the refrigerator is the most used appliance in the kitchen.

Kitchen cabinets typically account for 35% of a remodel budget. Cabinets come in standard sizes, which leads some designers to believe that cabinets are not that interesting. We could not disagree more, and this is where homeowners who work with gifted designers can stretch their renovation dollars significantly. There is a wide array of cabinet options that come in standard sizes but can be tweaked to give a custom look without the custom price tag. Unless there is a space limitation, we can stretch renovation budgets by specifying taller cabinets that give our clients more storage space and options. The difference between a 36-inch and 42-inch wall cabinet equate to another shelf of storage space in the kitchen. The ability to identify a cabinet that meets your budget and aesthetic goals is one of the distinctive competencies of a professional showroom.

We also know where the greatest returns on investments are in a remodel. One is to allocate more resources to the backsplash. Backsplashes account for a significant portion of the visual space in a kitchen. Plus backsplashes provide our clients with an opportunity to make a personal and unique design statement. Additionally, you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve your goals.

Little details matter a lot. Hardware for your cabinet doors and drawers is comparable to the jewelry you select when going out for a night on the town. It makes a huge difference but does not have to have a Tiffany price tag. You can make a striking statement with the right hardware.

Lighting provides another opportunity to obtain a lux look on a limited budget. Lighting is primarily responsible for how your new kitchen will look and feel. When you compromise the quality of light, you compromise the entire project. Today, lighting technology offers unlimited options to create different moods and feelings every time you use your kitchen. Plus, pendants, chandeliers, under cabinet, in drawer in cabinet, under cabinet and well placed in-ceiling lighting offers another opportunity to express your individual style within a defined budget.

Flooring represents an opportunity to stretch budget dollars as well. Large ceramic tiles installed diagonally give a rich impression. In kitchens with an open floor plan, we encourage our clients to use wood flooring that matches the rest of the house to provide a consistent look.

Are you unsure if you have the budget to renovate your kitchen and achieve your goals? Please give us a call at 240-298-8697. We can provide you with a plan that meets your budget and your dreams.

Stretch Your Kitchen Renovation Budget to get the Most Bang for your Buck

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:53:06 GMT

When our clients make the decision to build the kitchen of their dreams, most times dreams and budgets don’t necessarily jibe. We help our clients to prioritize what is most important to them in order to stretch budget dollars without compromising either utility or aesthetics.

The first question we typically ask is, ‘How do you want your kitchen to feel when you enter and use it?’ Materials, texture, lighting, color and utility create the feel of a room. We also encourage our clients to tell us how they plan to use their new kitchen. We ask how often they cook, and how many cooks use the kitchen at the same time. We also ask how often they entertain. Once we understand our clients’ goals and dreams, we capitalize on our years of design experience and our knowledge of products, space layout and construction to craft a design that meets their budgets and goals.

Unless the budget is unlimited, which is almost never the case, we help our clients stretch their budget dollars by paring down must-haves. Experience has taught us that warming drawers and steam secondary ovens are not frequently used appliances. They are nice to have and can really make a kitchen stand out, but their form typically outweighs their functionality. We find that a double oven can provide the same benefit as a warming drawer, especially for couples who work late hours and families with children engaged in after-school activities. One oven can be used for meal preparation and the other can be used to keep meals warm, providing the same benefit as a warming drawer without the extra expense. Plus, double ovens can be a real bonus if you entertain frequently or your home is the place for holiday celebrations and extended family gatherings.

Regardless of your budget, every new kitchen deserves an element that turns heads, that makes a distinctive design statement and that reflects the personality of the family member who uses the kitchen most often. This might be achieved with a dramatic lighting fixture, a statement-making backsplash or countertops adorned with rare hardwood.

Clients with smaller spaces can more easily stretch budget dollars because the diminutive size limits the number of cabinets that can be used in the space. This frees up budget dollars for distinctive appliances, lighting, backsplashes, plumbing fixtures or flooring.

Open shelving can help stretch budget dollars without compromising the look or functionality of space, providing necessary storage without the expense of an enclosed or glass-front cabinet. Full over-lay door styles typically require less of an investment than an inset cabinet. Quartz countertops are hot, but if the budget is tight, we often can find a granite alternative that provides a similar look and feel at less cost.

Cabinet hardware is another opportunity to stretch budget dollars. Cabinet hardware is jewelry for cabinet doors and drawers. We know of many options that provide a luxurious look without requiring a fortune to achieve it.

Our designers understand how to stretch budget dollars and help our clients prioritize what is most important for their new kitchen. Wondering if your kitchen budget is reasonable given your goals? Please call us at 240-298-8697 to discuss your goals and we will work with you to make sure that they are achievable within your budget, we can show you where investments can be minimized without compromising a great look and functionality.

Kitchen Renovations Triggers and Trends

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:51:06 GMT

People most often decide to renovate because they simply can no longer stand their existing kitchen. This is confirmed by the findings of the 2017 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study of more than 2,700 homeowners who were renovating their kitchens, recently renovated their kitchens or were in the midst of a kitchen renovation. The study found that the second most popular motivation for a kitchen renovation is finally having the financial means to do so.

If you’re anything like our prospective clients, you’re probably wondering how much a kitchen renovation might cost. The Houzz survey found that homeowners usually invest $25,001 to $50,000 in their kitchen renovation project. Nine percent of kitchen renovations required an investment of more than $100,000.

Great rooms continue to be popular, with more than half of kitchens more open to nearby rooms following renovations. Meanwhile, more than a third of renovating homeowners are increasing their kitchen size and many more are replacing major kitchen elements from countertops to flooring. The most popular countertop materials are granite and quartz, followed by butcher block or wood slab while the most popular flooring materials are hardwood and ceramic or porcelain tile. Now, windows and doors are being replaced in more than a quarter of renovated kitchens.

Contemporary has surpassed transitional looks and is now the most popular style. White cabinets are selected most often, followed by light, medium and then dark wood cabinets. Many of our clients are opting for built-in organizers that help to maximize the space. The most popular built-in, according to Houzz, it a pullout trash or recycling cabinet followed by cookie sheet organizers and Lazy Susans.

Under cabinet lighting is the most popular lighting upgrade in remodeled kitchens followed by installing pendant lights.

Stainless steel appliances were preferred by almost 75% of homeowners. White appliances were a distant second according to the Houzz survey.

Almost 90% of those renovating their kitchen relied on professional assistance for their kitchen renovation.

If you no longer can stand the look and feel of your kitchen, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com . We have the recipe to not only help you realize your dreams for the most important room in your home, but also to assist in helping you live a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Find the Right Floor for Your Kitchen

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:49:15 GMT

Flooring material makes a huge difference in the look and functionality of your kitchen. Flooring is often taken for granted, but we pay close attention to flooring because it is always in use – you walk on it, place your bags and other items on it. Not only does flooring have to be durable, perhaps more importantly, it has to be comfortable.

The best floor for your kitchen is lifestyle dependent. Seniors won’t be comfortable standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces such as stone and tile. Hardwood may not be the best option if you have young children or family members prone to spilling food and drinks or pets that don’t have the best of manners when eating or drinking from their bowls.

If tile is the option for you, we suggest porcelain because it is more durable than ceramic and it's easy to maintain. Porcelain is virtually stain proof if installed properly. Cleaning is as easy as soap, water and a mop. For budget purposes, porcelain runs between $10 to $16 per square foot, including installation.

Ceramic tile is made from clay and like porcelain is better suited to our customers with young children and pets than a hardwood floor. The downside to ceramic is its susceptibility to chipping or breaking.

Travertine is another extremely durable option. It’s natural. The cost is generally 30% more than porcelain.

If your budget is thin, consider vinyl tile. That averages between $5 and $9 per square foot installed. With vinyl it’s easier to replace damaged tiles than ceramic or porcelain. Plus, given the low cost it generally is worthwhile to purchase a few extra tiles from the original installation. That’s good advice for any flooring material because no matter how cautious you are, there is a chance that at some point in time, something can drop on the floor that could damage it.

Hardwood is elegant, dramatic and warm. Many of our customers prefer hardwood because tile and stone feel cool and hard. The downside to hardwood in a kitchen is that excessive water can be damaging. If your icemaker, kitchen faucet or dishwasher leaks when you are not around, it could spell trouble for your hardwood floor. Similar to stone, hardwood is a natural product, and not all wood panels will be identical.

Wood grain tile flooring offers many of the benefits of hardwood but won’t be damaged by water.

A final note about flooring for you to consider with your kitchen remodel: we often recommend neutral colors. It’s easy to paint walls, ceilings and cabinets or even change a backsplash. Changing flooring is not as easy especially if after a few years in your new kitchen you want a different look. When budgeting, consider the design of the flooring material, quality of flooring materials and the condition of your existing subfloor.

If you would like to discuss the flooring options for your new kitchen, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com . We focus on flooring because we know your feet will thank us for many years to come as you enjoy your new kitchen.

Must Haves for Homeowners

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:43:25 GMT

Property Brothers is a hit HGTV program featuring twin brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott. They recently penned a new book with coauthors called Dream Home , which they tout as “the ultimate guide to finding and fixing your perfect house.” The book identifies the top 10 improvements that homebuyers want the most. They are:

Lots of kitchen counter space. You can never have too much counter space because kitchen counters serve multiple purposes, from cooking preparation to breakfast bar and dining area. Lots of counter space is one of the great value creators in a home.
Open floor plans with clear site lines. The Property Brothers claim that 99% of homeowners want open-concept living. Why? When you can see multiple rooms simultaneously, it’s easier to watch children and entertain. Open floor plans also create a feeling of spaciousness. Open floor plans are not limited to kitchens and great rooms — they also provide a great canvas for bathroom renovations.
Separate pantry. A separate pantry allows for efficient food storage and is a must in any kitchen. Pantries reduce the need to open multiple cabinets to access dry goods.
Kitchen islands. Many of our clients believe that kitchen islands enhance the aesthetic of their home. Kitchen islands also serve an incredibly important functional purpose. Islands enable you to place cabinets on both sides, double as a table for eating or desk for working and offer additional countertop space. Plus, islands provide the opportunity to make a distinct and head-turning design statement in your home.
Lots of storage. Let’s face it, most of us accumulate lots of stuff and never have enough places to put it. That’s why we help our clients by recommending organization systems for closets and cabinets, storage racks for garage spaces and built-in cabinets above and below wall-mounted televisions.
Master suite with walk-in closet and master bath. Frankly, you deserve a personal refuge in your home. Your master bath should serve as an in-home spa with a sculptural tub, steam, color therapy, aromatherapy, power showers and mood-setting lighting.
Energy-efficient fixtures and appliances. The Property Brothers find homeowners are interested in saving money and lowering their environmental footprint by reducing energy. This is a win-win for everyone.
Deck or patio for outdoor entertaining. Imagine what you could do with a fully outfitted outdoor kitchen that extends your indoor living and entertaining area to outside. There are so many products on the market made for outside that offer the look and functionality of products made for indoor kitchens.
Two-car (minimum) garages. Garages no longer serve the exclusive purpose of parking vehicles. We’ve helped many clients outfit their garage spaces with cabinets to store workshop supplies or repurposed space for use as a game room.
Low-maintenance landscape. We don’t offer landscaping services, but the Property Brothers tell us that’s what homeowners want, because who has time to do yard work?

We can help make your dream home a reality by designing new kitchens, baths, outdoor space, master bathrooms, closets, garages and laundry rooms that make your home more valuable and enjoyable. Give us call at 240-298-8697 to find out how you too can take advantage of improving your home’s value and quality of living space.

The Family That Cooks Together...

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:38:51 GMT

Several of our favorite projects involved families that enjoy cooking together or individually. Divisions of labor in the home are softening as an increasing number of our clients share domestic duties that include meal preparation. Plus, a number of our clients let us know that they are spending more time cooking at home.

A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics survey found that 43% of men cook at home. This is the highest percentage in the past three decades. Not only are more men cooking, they also are spending more time in the kitchen, an average of 49 minutes per day, which is the longest time in the last half century. Conversely, 70% of women report that they cook, but that number has been declining from 95% in 1965. Women who do cook also are spending more time in the kitchen cooking, an average of 71 minutes per day, which is the longest time period in 20 years.

Cooking has gained in popularity for a number of reasons. One is the dramatic increase in the number of cooking shows from Food Network, the Cooking Channel, Public Broadcasting Service, the Travel Channel, CNN and others. For many of our clients, especially where both adults in the home are gainfully employed, cooking has become a way to relax and relieve the stresses of the day.

Designing kitchens for two or more cooks usually involves creating distinct zones that feature multiple islands or cooking areas, hidden refrigeration drawers, dual ovens and six to eight burners on a cooktop or range or dual ranges, dishwashers, sinks and matching workstations. The reason for separate workstations is to avoid the feeling of “having too many cooks in the kitchen.” There is another practical reason for separate workstations for more than one cook in the kitchen. It helps prevent two cooks from interfering with one another.

This two-cook trend also reflects that many of our clients prefer a larger space for cooking. The average size of the kitchen has grown 53% since 1992, according to the National Association of Home Builders. A larger space does not mean our clients have to compromise intimacy. Larger kitchens require a new take on geometry to help assure that there is easy access for multiple cooks to the refrigerator, cooktop and sink. If the concept of a her and his kitchen brings a smile to your face, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com

Four Tips for your Kitchen Remodel

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:37:18 GMT

The process of remodeling your kitchen can feel a little overwhelming at times. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Assess Your Current Space

Consider your reasons for a kitchen remodel. Do you want to improve the overall look, make the layout more functional, create more storage and better organization or increase the value of your home? Knowing your objectives will help you make informed decisions.

2. Create a Checklist and Idea File

A checklist will help you determine the priorities for your kitchen remodel before you even contact a designer. Knowing what kind of design style you're drawn to or what kind of storage solutions you will need will facilitate the planning process with your designer. Visit Pinterest and Houzz and thumb through magazines to create an idea file to use for inspiration in planning your new space. Make of note of what you like about the kitchens in your file to use as a reference point when describing your ideas to a designer.

3. Determine Your Budget

Setting a budget for your remodel is just as important as defining your vision for the space. Consider how much you will spend for various elements of the remodel. As a rule of thumb, in a typical kitchen emodeling project, cabinets account for about 40% of the project cost and countertops make up around 10%. Other key items to factor in include appliances, lighting and electrical work and wall coverings.

4. Visit A Showroom

Once you've determined your goals, explored design styles and considered your budget, it’s time to meet with a kitchen designer to look at cabinetry and discuss designs. If you have already chosen wall colors, fabrics, flooring or other items take in images or actual samples with you when you meet with your designer. A professional will help you bring your vision to life and achieve your goals while keeping within in your budget.

Have questions about the process? Give us a call 240-298-8697 or visit us at www.carmikekitchens.com

Maintaining your New Kitchen

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:34:59 GMT

Maintaining your new kitchen not only will increase the useful life of cabinets, appliances and floor and wall coverings; regular maintenance also will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the space.

Cabinet Cleaning

Grease and grime buildup can damage cabinets and destroy the look and feel of a new kitchen. To remove buildup wipe down cabinets using a soft cloth dampened with warm water and do so at least once every two weeks or more often depending on the amount of activity that takes place in the kitchen. If water alone does not clean cabinets completely, mix a little mild dishwasher soap with the water. Wipe down wood cabinets in the direction of the grain. Use a soft cloth to remove any residual moisture that may be left on the cabinets.

If routine cleaning does not remove stains or built up grime, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Place the paste on a sponge and scrub the stain until it disappears. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. A mix of vinegar and water is another option for removing sticky grime or film from kitchen cabinets.

The following products and ingredients can damage cabinets so avoid using them or any product that contains them:

Petroleum-based products
Solvents
Bleach
Strong detergents and soaps
Nail polish remover
Paint thinners
Plastic brushes
Steel wool
Scoring pad
Ammonia

Repairing Nicks and Scratches

We typically provide a touch up kit to our clients so they can maintain the beauty of their kitchen. If you have recently updated your kitchen and did not receive a touch up kit, ask your designer to obtain one on your behalf.

Avoid Water and Moisture Threats

Resist the temptation to place wet dishtowels or damp cloths over cabinet doors because the water and residue on the towels can damage a cabinet’s finish and result in peeling or color changes. Always use your exhaust fan while cooking to minimize the amount of grease and grime flying onto cabinetry. Be sure to clean spills immediately; letting food, water, liquids or grease accumulate on your cabinets could damage the finish.

Avoid Light Damage

Direct exposure to sunlight can have a damaging effect on your cabinets especially those made from natural wood. Painted wood cabinets and laminated or thermofoil surfaces also are susceptible to fading from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Use window coverings to help reduce or eliminate damage caused by exposure to direct sunlight.

Avoid Heat Damage

Many of our clients use their oven’s self-cleaning feature. Because of the intense heat generated during oven self-cleaning, there is a small chance that if the heat escapes it could damage cabinets. If that does occur, remove cabinet doors and drawers closest to the oven before the next cleaning to avoid further damage.

These basic maintenance tips help our clients enjoy their new kitchens for many years. Do you have a kitchen maintenance question? Give us a call at ( 240 ) 298-8697 or visit our website at www.carmikekitchens.com

Tips for Maintaining White Kitchens and Bathrooms

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:31:42 GMT

White kitchens are classics. White never goes out of style and offers the ultimate palette to create dynamic and head-turning spaces. The white kitchens we have designed for our clients bring smiles to their faces every time they use them. To help assure that your white kitchen stays in pristine condition, here is some guidance for maintenance:

White Surfaces

Use a sealer for white marble surfaces. Sealer is usually required to help prevent marble from staining and to prevent nicks. When you seal a marble surface in the kitchen or bath, it helps prevent watermarks and other stains from appearing on the marble. Many of our clients want their marble to shine. For them, we advise that they annually remove the sealer, polish the stone and then reseal. It will glisten for months.

How to Deal With Paint Nicks, Scratches and Marks

Invariably, white painted walls will be scratched or scuffed. While it is tempting to run to the paint can to fix the scratch, often that does not work because it is likely to leave a different color than the original paint. Instead, use a magic eraser sponge for marks on walls and doors. It won’t scratch, and you can use it on white and all colored paints.

Protecting Grout

People often use a toothbrush to clean grout, but toothbrushes won’t stop mold from appearing. We advise our clients to invest in a grout-cleaning rake (available at most home centers) that works much more effectively than a toothbrush. After cleaning grout, we recommend applying a silicone paste that will help prevent mold and marks.

Fantastic Floors

To keep your kitchen or bath floors spotless, vacuum them first and then use a sweeper or broom to clean. This can help assure that every crumb is removed and your floor shines.

There is a Method to our Madness

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:29:17 GMT

You gave your kitchen its last rights and finally made the decision to sign on the bottom line for the new kitchen of your dreams. There is a definite sequence to a kitchen renovation that is more art than science. Schedule and sequence are influenced by the scope of the renovation and enter a more unknown territory if that scope involves relocating walls, windows, doors, ceilings and other features of your new kitchen. A typical sequence for a kitchen remodel includes the following:

Demolition
Framing and installation of behind the wall electrical and plumbing
Insulation of exterior walls
Drywall
Cabinet installation
Installation of countertops, backsplash and other stone and tile covered surfacing
Floor installation
Final installation of carpentry, electrical, fixtures and finish hardware
Painting

From initial design phases throughout the process, our goal is to keep you apprised of the timetable and what will be involved in your renovation to minimize the disruption to your home and lifestyle. We know what it is like to live with a kitchen that is under renovation. Internally, we establish milestone dates for the completion of each task and monitor our timetable to help assure that it is maintained or revised should the unexpected occur (which often happens). Our schedule specifies delivery dates for all materials, appliance and fixtures specified for the renovation at times that they can be installed on the day they arrive or the day after.

The types of materials specified also impact a renovation schedule. Custom cabinets can take six to eight weeks to deliver from the time they are ordered. The type of tile countertop material (stone, engineered stone and other materials) and flooring materials can delay a project if not ordered well in advance. We understand which materials are readily available and those that take some time to produce. Generic tiles are more readily available. Custom tiles and countertops may take up to eight weeks or longer to produce.

The installation of flooring is another timing challenge. Some of our clients install flooring after cabinets because it requires less material and therefore less cost than covering the entire floor. Other clients want to have the flooring material cover the entire footprint of the kitchen. Plus, when flooring is installed before cabinets, there is no chance that cabinets will be damaged. If flooring is installed after cabinets have been placed, we make sure that the cabinets are protected during flooring installation.

Anyone who is renovating a kitchen deserves to receive a realistic schedule that is monitored and maintained to help assure the least possible disruption to you and your family and to help assure that the kitchen of your dreams can be used sooner rather than later. To discuss a timeframe for your kitchen or bath renovation, please give us call at 240-298-8697 or visit our website at www.carmikekitchens.com .

Top Reasons to Renovate Your Bathroom

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:27:47 GMT

The bathroom is the second most popular home renovation project behind kitchens. According to the 2016 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, the hot trends in bath renovations include:

Beautiful, stylish spaces
Luxurious finishes
Big showers

We often ask our clients who are looking to renovate their baths if they use their tub. Nationally more than 50% of homeowners do not bathe in the tub in their master bath. If you are considering a bathroom renovation ask yourself if you replaced your existing tub, would you bathe in a new one? If the answer is no, you add both flexibility to your space and your budget.

Power showers are a hot trend. The Houzz data show that 68% of those renovating their master baths increase the size of their shower and 33% increased shower space by more than 50%. The most popular shower features include:

Rainfall showerhead (54%)
Dual shower (21%)
Curbless shower (17%)
Body sprays (16%)
Footrest (13%)
Steam (2%)

Showers have become high-tech, offering options like mood lighting, built-in sound, digital controls, LED lighting built into showerheads and showerheads with speakers.

The most common flooring materials used in recently renovated master baths include ceramic or porcelain tile, followed by stone tile or slabs, painted wood, stained or unstained hardwood, vinyl and laminate.

Paint and ceramic/porcelain tile are the top choices for wall coverings followed by stone tile or slab, painted wood panels, stained or unstained hardwood and wallpaper.

Similar to showers, today’s toilets have gone high-tech. Twenty percent of toilets installed in renovated baths have high-tech features such as self-cleaning systems, overflow protection, motion-activated toilet seats, built-in night lights, heated seats, an automatic deodorizer and hands-free flushing.

Renovating a master bath adds value to the home, but value creation is only one of the reasons our clients renovate their bathrooms. They want to make a personal design statement. They want a refuge in their home that they can use to relax in a stress-free environment. They also crave and appreciate a stylish and beautiful space.

The Houzz survey found that 90% of those who undertook a master bathroom renovation project last year and of those who are planning one enlist the help of a professional. This represents a 78% increase from last year. We would welcome the opportunity to be your professional and help you create a stylish and beautiful space in your home that you can enjoy every day.

Give us a call at 240-298-8697 or visit our website at www.carmikekitchens.com to see how we can make your dream bath a reality.

Jewelry for Your Cabinets and Drawers

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:26:12 GMT

Hardware is the “jewelry” of cabinets and doors found in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other locales within the home. Whether you are building a new home, renovating an existing one or looking to change the look of what you currently own, selecting the right cabinet hardware enables you to make a unique design statement.

Cabinet hardware too often is considered an afterthought that, without appropriate consideration, can compromise both the look of your home and the functionality of your kitchen and bath. Many would consider wearing sneakers with a tuxedo as inappropriate, so too is selecting plastic pulls for new kitchen or bath cabinetry. The quality of the cabinet hardware selected should complement and enhance the quality of the cabinetry, appliances and furnishings in your home.

Cabinet hardware can transform a mundane generic piece into something outstanding if the hardware is carefully integrated with a cabinet’s design, style and materials. Knobs and pulls that are featured in a kitchen and bath showroom are differentiated by the following characteristics:

Quality of the base material (solid brass, pewter, porcelain, glass)
Quality, type and range of finishes
Type and length of warranty
Uniqueness of design
Level of detail
Ergonomic function

Form is one of the characteristics that allow decorative cabinet hardware to stand apart. Function is another. Our design professionals can explain the performance benefits and differences of decorative knobs and pulls and provide guidance to help assure that the style, finish and size of the hardware selected are best suited for your specific application.

Finishes

Finish is the surface that we see and touch. It affects the aesthetics, durability and utility of architectural and cabinet hardware. Each category of finish involves different processes resulting in varying visual effects and durability. Design professionals will explain the performance characteristics of various finishes and why certain types may be more suited to your lifestyle, environmental conditions and application requirements. The same finish that you use in your master bath may not be appropriate for an outdoor kitchen and barbeque area. Additionally, not all pulls and knobs come in all finishes. In starting your search for the most appropriate products for your home, determining the finish that you want is a good place to begin. Note that the length of the warranty serves as an indicator of the quality of the finish.

An Endless Array of Choices

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting appropriate cabinet hardware for your home. The range of products featured online can be at times overwhelming. For that reason, a design professional can be a tremendous asset. These professionals will help you narrow what may seem to be an endless array of options. Educated consumers also can limit the amount of time, energy and effort needed to select the best products by preparing in advance for a trip to the showroom.

Where Form Meets Function

A pull describes any piece of cabinet hardware with two or more holes for mounting. It is used interchangeably with the term “handle.” Conversely, a knob is any piece of cabinet hardware that has only one hole for mounting. Working with knowledgeable professionals will help assure that the correct mounting technique and fasteners are provided. Cabinet hardware can be attached to surfaces in several ways. They can be attached using screws inserted through the back of the door or drawer. If access to back is not possible, some knobs can be surface mounted. Alternatively, knobs and pulls can be mounted using a breadboard screw.

Design professionals will specify the correct length and thread size of the screws or fasteners that match both the dimensions of the drawer, appliance or cabinet and the size of the pull or knob provided that proper dimensions are provided. The usage of the drawer or cabinet also will affect selection. Some finishes will not react well to constant exposure to soapy hands or cleaning fluids. Some pulls may not offer the strength needed to open drawers containing pots and pans or small kitchen appliances. Long drawers may operate more effectively if you use a large pull or two pulls or knobs, one on each side of the drawer. Knobs may be a better choice in rooms where small children are active to avoid damage or injuries caused by a child hanging on a pull or using one to stand up. Our professionals can help assure that form will meet function in your selection of pulls and knobs for your home. If you are interested in specifying the best hardware for your cabinets and drawers, please call us at 240-298-8697.

A Guide to Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:24:12 GMT

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Cabinet drawers and doors serve two extremely important functions. They set the tone for the kitchen and allow you to make a unique, personal design statement that is influenced by material, color, style and detail. Drawers greatly influence functionality and ease of access to cookware, small appliances, spices and herbs, utensils, canned goods, dry food times, oils, foodstuffs and a range of other items. Carefully specified cabinet drawers and doors can maximize the space in your kitchen, hide potentially messy areas or draw attention to unique areas.

Corner drawers offer a creative alternative to the corner cabinet. They typically pull out from the corner, providing easy access to contents inside. Some corner cabinets on the other hand may require you to crawl around to access contents. Not every manufacturer produces corner drawers. Corner drawers offer something different that is not only functional but beautiful as well.

Most cabinet doors swing out. Track doors , with a track similar to a sliding shower door, offer a different approach — they slide side to side. This offers cleaner lines in many cases and can make access to contents easier. A potential drawback is that unlike traditional side-hinged doors you can’t have every door open at the same time. Depending on the style, we also pay close attention to the finish on the track. We would often recommend using an oil-rubbed bronze track for a traditional kitchen to achieve a warmer look.

Pocket doors are not limited to doorways. They can be exceptionally functional. We generally specify pocket doors to hide heavily used task or prep areas in your kitchen. Pocket doors are built into the side of the cabinet. When the doors are closed, they resemble most cabinet doors found in your kitchen. When they are open however, they slide back into themselves.

Flip up doors use hydraulic mechanism to lift the cabinet door up rather than opening a door from side to side. Many European cabinet manufacturers use flip up doors that can be the perfect option for specialty areas in your kitchen such as a microwave or built-in espresso maker where the door needs to be out of the way completely.

Sliding doors slide horizontally to reveal storage space or prep areas. Sliding doors employ special hinges that are installed on the top, bottom and middle to completely hide what's behind the door. Sliding doors also contribute to a clean look for the kitchen.

Garage doors , also referred to as tambour doors, are often specified to hide small appliances such as a coffee maker or food processor that are used frequently. The door typically opens from top to bottom or side to side, sliding up and down on a track inside the cabinet.

Glass front drawers , similar to glass front cabinets, can make a kitchen look larger and allows you to showcase the items in the drawer.

What drawer or door is best for your kitchen? We know the right questions to ask to ensure that you make the best decisions for your new kitchen. Give us a call at 240-298-8697 so you can see the many alternatives to traditional slide out drawers and swinging hinge cabinet doors.

Lessons We've Learned to Help You Budget More Effectively for Your Kitchen Remodel

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:20:47 GMT

How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen? That depends on a number of factors that include the size of the kitchen, the quality of materials specified and whether or not you are using the same footprint or are removing or relocating walls, electric, plumbing, etc.

The remodel may cost $25,000 or it could be in excess of $100,000. Over the years, we have helped your neighbors budget effectively for their kitchen remodel to help prevent both surprises and sticker shock.

As part of our initial meeting we'll ask how long you plan to stay in your home. If it is less than five years, then you are making the investment to improve the value of your home. We based our recommendations on helping your to maximize the return on investment.
If you plan to live in your home for more than five years, the canvas widens. We offer recommendations based on our understanding of what brings you and your family the most joy.
We provide guidance based on our experience and national trends and guidelines. Nationwide the National Kitchen & Bath Association, found that kitchen remodeling costs break down as follows:
- Design fees: 4%
- Installation: 17%
- Appliances and ventilation: 14%
- Cabinetry and hardware: 29%
- Countertops: 10%
- Lighting: 5%
- Flooring: 7%
- Doors and windows: 4%
- Walls and ceilings: 5%
- Faucets and plumbing: 4%
- Other: 1%
There is always something unexpected that throws a wrench into the best-laid remodel plans. That is why we advise our clients to budget for a 20% contingency to address those inevitable unexpected occurrences.
We understand that you don't have an unlimited budget. That's why we help you identify the components and elements of your new kitchen that will have the most meaning. One of our clients had their heart set on a marble countertop for the island. We were able to offset that expense by specifying an engineered stone and a more cost-effective tile for the rear wall of the kitchen. It was beautiful.
Determining funding sources is another part of the budgeting process. Many of our clients use home equity loans to finance their renovation. If you do take an equity loan, you need to factor in loan origination fees and interest into your budget. Also, expect to have to provide a deposit at the start of the project and pay for installation on a predetermined schedule based on completion of different phases of the project.
Budget plans should also include where you are going to live, eat and cook during the renovation. Many of our clients set up mock kitchens either on their deck, using their grill as the main appliance for cooking and setting up a refrigerator nearby on the inside of the home. If you don't want to use paper plates and plastic cutlery, you need to figure out where you will wash dishes, pots and pans.
You most likely will eat out more often. Factor the cost of restaurant dining into your budget.
A tried and true technique for sticking to the budget is not to allow for budget creep by deviating from the original plan. That's why it is so important to work with a professional organization that knows the right questions to ask and can develop a design that meets your goals, dreams and budget.

If you would like help developing a budget for your kitchen remodel, please call us at 240-298-8697.

The Keys to Selecting the Most Used Appliance in Your Home

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:18:27 GMT

The kitchen serves as a central gathering place for family and friends and is a source of culinary inspiration for the home cook. Given the importance of the kitchen, it should come as little surprise that the sophistication and complexity of today's kitchens continue to increase. Our designers have responded to this changing dynamic by constantly introducing and specifying new products that combine innovative design and technological sophistication with superb functionality. Plus, many of the new products are really, really cool.

Similar to other fixtures and appliances found in today's modern kitchens, kitchen faucets have kept pace by offering features that were unimaginable just a few years ago. There are faucets with pull-down and pullout sprays; contemporary, transitional and traditional designs; built-in water filtration systems and hands-free/electronic models that can be operated remotely, with a touch of a finger or turned on as a person approaches and turned off either at a touch or when a person moves away from the faucet. There are kitchen faucets whose water stream changes colors to reflect changes in water temperature and flow rates. Our clients have the option of installing commercial-grade faucets typically found in the finest restaurants. Many kitchens that we design feature multiple preparation stations, requiring a faucet for each area. Kitchen faucets today even include high temperature limit stops that preset temperature to prevent the possibility of scalding. It's a great feature for our clients with young children.

The kitchen faucet is the most used appliance in the home. It has to continuously perform and serve an extremely important aesthetic function. We understand that kitchen faucets can set the tone for the room. Our designers coordinate the function, quality, design and finish of a kitchen faucet with everything else in the kitchen. Our clients feel great about the choices they make selecting kitchen faucets that are best suited for their project.

The factors to consider in selecting kitchen faucets include:

How frequently the kitchen is used
Design of the kitchen
Number of work stations
Number, configuration and size of each sink
Finish of appliances
Style of kitchen cabinetry

Selecting a kitchen faucet is not easy. It is not uncommon for our clients to become overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of features and designs available in the marketplace. The Internet has accelerated information overload. Customers searching on sites such as www.houzz.com for a kitchen faucet will receive a choice of more than 70,000 different models to choose from. It's nearly impossible to know which one is best for a specific application. That's where our expertise helps make the selection process easier and less stressful. We also can explain the cost differences in kitchen faucets that can range from $60 for models found in home centers to those with price tags exceeding $1,500.

Our design professionals help our clients make sense of the options best suited for your kitchen and budget. Our role is to help you select the style and finish that you want while we take care of the technical and performance aspects of faucet selection that will make you smile every time you use your faucet.

If you need help selecting a new kitchen faucet or a new kitchen makeover, please call us at 240-298-8697 , or visit us at carmikekitchens.com.

How We Create the Kitchen of Your Dreams

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:16:14 GMT

We thrive on the enthusiasm our clients have when they are starting the design process for a new kitchen and/or bath. Many clients come to us armed with Internet research, and we love hearing their thoughts and ideas regarding style and look. With the abundance of information available online, you might think that you know exactly what you want and need for your project. You may be wondering what you even need a kitchen and bath designer for. Let us count the ways:

Role 1: Curator of Information
We will help you curate the information and images that you have collected to assure that your photos and ideas transform from concept and vision into reality. You should expect your kitchen designer to ask lots of questions and listen intently to your responses to help you sift through the options. For example, if you searched for farmhouse sink options on a home renovation site such as houzz.com, your query would generate 77,000 different farmhouse sinks. Which one will work best for you? It’s our job to make recommendations by asking the right questions, curating options and summarizing key facts.

Role 2: Developing Specifications
We want you to relish in focusing on how your finished room will look while we ensure that the products you select are within your budget, that everything functions properly and that your project is completed without a hitch.

We develop detailed specifications for every aspect of your job. That enables us provide you with apples-to-apples comparisons and helps you receive the best value. We will develop a schedule for your entire project, starting with demolition and working through final punch list corrections.

Developing specifications is where the rubber meets the road. It's one thing to specify recessed ceiling lights. It's another to specify recessed ceiling lights and detail where they are to be located and how they will be installed thereby guaranteeing that your finished room will always be seen in its best light.

Role 3: Construction Management
We manage the construction process to ensure that timelines and quality standards are met. We almost always advise our clients to include time and financial contingencies because there is almost always a surprise. We manage the construction onsite to deal with surprises and develop troubleshooting recommendations for your consideration as necessary.

Role 4: Time Manager
A kitchen and bath designer will help you with time management. We know typical delivery time lines for the products we carry. We will build in longer lead times if you select custom cabinetry because the cabinets will be made to order. Longer lead times are also a fact of life for custom finish on kitchen faucets, cabinets and door hardware. We will inquire about your desired timeline and present a realistic schedule that meets your needs.

Role 5: Troubleshooter
We take the lead in solving any problems that occur throughout the project regardless of who is responsible.

Role 6: Hand Holder and Friend
We understand and appreciate the fact that your design project is can be stressful undertaking, and we’ll work with you to ease stress and make the renovation process one that is enjoyable for all concerned.

If you’d like additional information about what you can expect from a professional designer, please call us at 240-298-8697 or visit us at carmikekitchens.com.

Why White is Almost Always Right

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:14:08 GMT

With the average kitchen renovation costing approximately $60,000 according to the National Association of Realtors, we help our clients make sure that they maintain the quality of their asset through effective and inspiring designs and specifying materials that stand the test of time.

One technique that is almost always a sure winner is to specify white cabinets. During the 1920s and 1930s, white was about the only option available for cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes and floor tile. Times have changed in the last 100 years, but white remains one of the most endearing and valuable palates for a kitchen renovation.
For both cabinets and appliances white tends to top the preference list annually. One of the reasons is that white represents happiness, innocence and purity according to color therapists. White also has the highest reflectiveness of any color, and that helps make even small kitchen feel more spacious.

White is far from boring. Cabinet doors and trim create shadows and contrast layers that are architecturally interesting and provide depth. It makes every other color in the kitchen pop.

White cabinets are budget friendly. As a standard offering for almost every manufacturer, white cabinets can fit almost any budget and design motif whether it you prefer euro contemporary or farmhouse traditional and everything in between.

Not everything in your kitchen should be white. We often capitalize on the blank canvas that white provides to incorporate splashes of color for wall and floor coverings and back splashes. Our clients find that incorporating color into a predominately white kitchen makes distinctive design statements that reflect their personality. Alternatively, white contrasts nicely with stainless steel appliances, wood flooring and wood countertops.
White appliances are starting to take market share from stainless steel. Manufacturers recognize the timelessness of white and are offering refrigerators, ovens, ranges, dishwashers, microwaves, etc. covered in polished enamel that gives the appearance of white glass.

Another popular option that many of our clients prefer is to cover appliances with panels that match their cabinet doors.

When our customers want white countertops, we often specify Carrara or Calacatta marble. Every manufacturer of solid-surface and quartz-type of countertops offer numerous white options. You can even have white concrete if that is your preference. White remains a timely motif for any kitchen renovation.

If you would like to see the many shades that white offers for your new kitchen, please give us a call at 240-298-8697.

Cabinet Differences

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:11:23 GMT

Most of our clients begin their kitchen remodel with cabinets. There is almost an unlimited number of choices that can meet any aesthetic and budget need. You may have already encountered industry nomenclature that describes cabinet options as stock, semi-custom and custom. Did you know that those terms refer to the different production methods employed to manufacture cabinets; the terminology has nothing to do with the quality of the cabinet.

Stock

Stock cabinets are ready-made, pre-manufactured and ship when an order is received. They can't be altered or customized. What you see is what you get.

Pros: Price, and you don't have to wait for long lead times to have your cabinets delivered.

Cons: Typcially you don't have a broad selection of styles, shapes, colors, wood type or finishes.

Semi-Custom

Semi-custom cabinets come in basic sizes similar to stock cabinets but give designers the flexibility to resize cabinet drawers and doors and modify the depth of the cabinets themselves.

Pros: The best of booth worlds. A gentle price tag accompanied by some ability to have your cabinets your way to meet space requirements and design preferences.

Cons: May not provide all of the flexibility you need to meet room requirements or aesthetics preferences.

Custom

As the name suggest, custom cabinets provide a blank canvas to get whatever size, color and finish that you desire. Most custom cabinets are built to order on a case by case basis.

Pros: Clients can get the details and features that they want to make personal design statements in their home and outfit their new kitchen to exacting requirements.

Cons: Custom cabinets are labor intensive because they are built one at a time and can take a few weeks or even a couple of months to build. They also generally cost more than semi-custom and stock cabinets.

Entertain in Style

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:09:06 GMT

The kitchen is the most important room in the home. Many of our clients renovate their kitchen to improve the quality of the space and to make it easier and more enjoyable to entertain friends and family.

A number of our clients have 1990 vintage kitchens that feature a lot of wood and deep wood tones. The windows in these older kitchens tend to be small and produce a limited amount of natural light, and dark floor coverings also contribute to a dark and dingy appearance and feel. We approach a project of this type by working closely with clients to determine their needs and dreams. We want to know if they would like to reconfigure the space or simply enhance the space. This question speaks not only to goals but also to budgets. Generally when you tear down and rebuild walls, the cost is higher than simply replacing what already exists.

We also ask how our clients want their new space to feel when the project is completed. Clients with limited space almost always want their new kitchens to feel bigger. Purchasing a range instead of separate ovens and cooktops helps conserve valuable counter space. We try to bring in more natural light with larger windows, and we complement natural light with a mix of ambient and task lighting. We will recommend lighter colored cabinets, open shelves and lighted cabinets with glass fronts to help create a more open and larger vibe.

Open shelving has become increasingly popular in kitchen design. Open shelves help to break up a solid row of wall-mounted cabinets and provide opportunities to display art and kitchenware. We often use the island as a multiple task area. It's not just a place to roll out dough or chop vegetables. Placing stools around an island expands functionality by allowing the island to also serve as a dining table.

We help avoid clutter in new kitchens by adeptly identifying organizing accessories that store condiments, spices, knives and anything else that will benefit from compartmentalization. At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show last January, Vinotemp converted the area underneath a set of stairs into a wine cellar. Areas underneath stairs also can often be converted into a pantry to create a huge amount of kitchen storage space.

We also ask how much our clients entertain. The response provides us with guidance for floor coverings. Those who cook and entertain frequently may be best served with slip-resistant floor coverings. Use of rubber floor tiles can provide a soft and safe surface for our clients to stand on while they cook.

If you would like expand the enjoyment of your home, give us a call at 240-298-8697 so we can share ideas for making your new kitchen feel like a million dollars.

Guidance for Selecting Countertops

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:07:13 GMT

Countertops play two critical roles in the kitchen. The first is functional. We understand that countertops are used for preparing meals, baking and as spaces for storing kitchen equipment and utensils. Equally important is the aesthetic role that countertops play.

When working with a designer or selecting a countertop on your own, here are several key factors to consider to help assure that the product you choose makes you smile every time you walk into and use your kitchen.

Take a holistic view of the kitchen. Countertops, cabinets, appliances, faucets, sinks and hardware need to be in tune with one another. No one component of the kitchen should stand alone. The components need to connect with one another.
How countertops make a kitchen look and feel is determined by the material, texture, color, style, form and shape. The way that countertops contrast or compliment other elements has an impact too. We always ask clients, "What message do you want your countertops to convey, and what emotions do you want the space to evoke?"
Material will impact how easy the surface is to clean and maintain. The most popular materials that we specify for clients are:

- Granite: It's versatile, tough and offers an almost infinite palate of colors and styles. Granite is easy to maintain and it will last a lifetime.
- Engineered Stone: Products such as Caesarstone and Silestone function and perform in a similar fashion to granite. They are heat and scratch resistant and easy to maintain. The materials will last a lifetime, don't stain and offer an almost unlimited spectrum of colors, textures and styles.
- Stainless Steel: Professional chefs gravitate to stainless steel, in part, because it is impervious to bacteria and heat. Stainless steel requires more maintenance because of its propensity to scratch and show water spots and fingerprints. We often specify stainless steel countertops for clients that want commercial-styled appliances and plumbing fixtures.
- Butcher Block: This is a surface that represents good value if you like the aesthetic. It's versatile and can work in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Butcher block can scratch and regularly needs to be treated. Also, it is not impervious to heat.
- Soapstone: This material also has a broad range of stylistic options from contemporary to traditional Like butcher block it also requires regular oil applications. Soapstone also is resistant to stains, but it can be more difficult and costly to maintain because fixing cracks can be expensive.
- Solid Surface: Materials such as Cornian, Formica and Staron are examples of solid surface countertops. They offer great ranges for colors and finishes and require minimal maintenance.
- Concrete: There are no limitations on concrete countertops. You can create custom textures, colors, shapes and surfaces. They are environmentally friendly and heat resistant. They typically require more maintenance because they need to be sealed to protect the surface from stains, water and heat damage. The cost ranges from moderate to luxury depending on the amount of customization.

If you have questions about the countertops that will be perfect for your kitchen, please give us a call at 240-298-8697 or email us at millerc@carmikekitchens.com

Useful Tips for Installing Flooring

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:03:01 GMT

When it comes to installing flooring in your kitchen, bath or other areas of your home, there are many factors to consider. The price, durability and type of flooring are just a few, but it's not a bad idea to review the actual process of installation to insure a successful outcome. To make your flooring experience easier, we have compiled some useful tips so you can achieve the best results.

The Perfect Amount : It is very important to determine the square footage of the room by multiplying its length by its width. When we encounter irregularly shaped rooms,we divide the space into smaller rectangular sections and calculate the square footage of each section and then add them together. To prepare for any mistakes during installation, advise our clients to purchase an extra 10 percent and even an extra box for future flooring fixes.

Subfloor : In order to have a flat and quiet subfloor, we typically specify screwing a wood subfloor to the underlying joists helps to minimize creaking and then padding low spots with plywood or shims. We generally specify filling dips with a leveling compound for clients with concrete subfloors.

Glue-down installation : Engineered wood, vinyl and linoleum are floor coverings that can be installed using a glue-down process. It is best for wood or concrete flooring, or even existing flooring. To install, sheets, tiles or planks are glued to a clean, flat subfloor using a troweled-on adhesive, yet some glue down flooring is simply peel-and-stick. No vapor barrier is required.

Floating installation : Floating installation can also be used for engineered wood, plastic laminate or linoleum flooring surfaces. A wood or concrete subfloor works best with floating installation as well as using existing flooring for a subfloor. During installation, tongue-and-groove planks or tiles are locked together mechanically, yet some products must also be glued together at the joints. To account for minor flaws in the subfloor and to absorb sound, the flooring material is generally laid over a thin foam or cork pad. For installations over concrete, a thin plastic vapor barrier is required.

Nail or staple-down installation : This type of installation works for solid wood and engineered wood and is best for a wood subfloor. The installation process includes using a standard ¾ inch-thick solid-wood strip and plank flooring that is traditionally nailed to the subfloor, while thinner solid or engineered material is almost exclusively stapled. Fasteners are driven diagonally through the tongue side of the material and into the subfloor, which makes them invisible once the floor is finished. Solid flooring can also be nailed straight through the surface with decorative cut nails or fastened with screws, which are typically countersunk and concealed with wood plugs. A layer of 15-pound felt or rosin paper is often sandwiched between the subfloor and floor to prevent moisture accumulation between the two and lessen sound.

Specifying flooring is something we specialize in because we understand that our clients want both beauty, functionality and flawless performance.

Contact Info:

phone: 240-298-8697

carmikekitchens.com

Define Your Style

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 12:59:44 GMT

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and we believe it's true. Your kitchen is a central gathering space for family and friends, and its design speaks to your personality and sets the tone for your home.

If you're considering a kitchen remodel or planning to install a new kitchen, it stands to reason that you should spend some time creating a functional yet beautiful space. Selecting designs to suit your taste and lifestyle can be overwhelming, but we're here to help you make choices on everything from wall color to cabinet doors. To get started, take a look at three of the most common design styles below. Consider what appeals to you and make an appointment with one of our expert designers to explore the options.

Contemporary

The contemporary kitchen is sleek and sophisticated. It combines art and function and keeps clutter to a minimum. Interesting materials make contemporary kitchens stand out. When it comes to countertops, granite and marble are an elegant choice, while concrete, limestone and stainless steel counters are coming into fashion. For cabinets, the most common materials are highly polished wood or acrylic. Simple door styles exemplify the crisp, clean lines of contemporary design. A pop of color adds character to the contemporary kitchen. This may be achieved through art, a bright mosaic tile backsplash or a vibrant floor finish.

Traditional

Timeless and graceful forms give traditional kitchens a warm and classic feel. Floor plans are typically open, allowing for formal or casual entertaining. Traditional kitchens often include natural materials on the floors, and you might see marble, brick, stone or even wood on the backsplash.Traditional kitchens generally include more ornate molding and trim; elegant cabinets in cherry, walnut and mahogany and antique fixtures and/or appliances. The traditional kitchen incorporates soft, muted colors such as shades of cream, white, taupe, light gray or green.

Transitional

Transitional style is a balance of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. A mixture of organic and man-made materials is a cornerstone of transitional design. Cabinets in a transitional kitchen have a streamlined profile; they are generally made of wood with simple paneled doors and sport sleek hardware. Transitional styles layer warm neutral colors and feature textural elements that add visual spark. Minimal accessories and ornamentation add to the casual and classic sophistication.

Contact Info:

phone: 240-298-8697

carmikekitchens.com

Make the Most of your Investment

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 12:40:45 GMT

A kitchen build or remodel is a big deal - it is a significant financial investment and also requires a lot of time and energy. We work hard to give our clients a continuous return on their investment and recommend capitalizing on the following trends to build value that stands the test of time.

White has might. White kitchens could not be hotter right now. Two thirds of National Kitchen and Bath Association members report that white is their number one choice for cabinets. That's an increase of 20% from two years ago.
Stainless steel is everywhere. While you can't go wrong with Stainless appliances, manufacturers are producing black stainless and white glass like appliance panels.
Once granite countertops were considered a luxury, now they are commonplace, and we're seeing countertops in a variety of other materials that include quartz, soapstone, concrete and glass.
There's a revolution going on in lighting. The price of LED lamps continues to fall, providing a perfect combination of form and function.
Hands free faucets continue to capture client attention. Imagine how great it could be when you hands have been kneading dough and your faucet automatically turns on without have to dirty the handle?
Transitional designs continue to dominate. This marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics results in a classic and timeless look.

New Kitchen, Healthier Lifestyle

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 12:37:14 GMT

A new kitchen might do more for your home than you think.

A third of respondents in our U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study of more than 2,700 U.S. homeowners using Houzz who are in the midst of, are planning or recently completed a kitchen renovation project, said that they are leading healthier lifestyles after their kitchen renovation.

Forty-one percent said they cook more meals at home (three-quarters cook five or more meals at home each week after renovating!) and 34% said they order less take out. Twenty-six percent of respondents also said they eat more fruits and vegetables after upgrading their kitchen.

Other lifestyle changes? Nearly half of respondents said they enjoy more family time (49%) and 40% say they entertain more. Perhaps one downside to having a more functional kitchen: 32% say they work from home more post-renovation.

Originally posted on Houzz.com January 10, 2017

4 Tips for your Kitchen Remodel

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:26:04 GMT

The process of remodeling your kitchen can feel a little overwhelming at times. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Assess Your Current Space

Create a Checklist and Idea File

A checklist will help you determine the priorities for your kitchen remodel before you even speak with a designer. Knowing what kind of design style you're drawn to or what kind of storage solutions you will need will facilitate the planning process with your designer. Visit Pinterest and Houzz and thumb through magazines to create an idea file to use for inspiration in planning your new space. Make of note of what you like about the kitchens in your file to use as a reference point when describing your ideas to a designer.

Determine Your Budget

Set up a Meeting with A Designer

Once you've determined your goals, explored design styles and considered your budget, it’s time to meet with a kitchen designer who can help you choose cabinets, countertops and appliances. If you have already chosen wall colors, fabrics, flooring or other items take images or actual samples with you when you meet with your designer. A professional will help you bring your vision to life and achieve your goals while keeping within in your budget.

Have questions about the process? GIve us a call at 240-298-8697 or e mail us at millerc@carmikekitchens.com.

What's the Value of a Remodel?

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:21:51 GMT

Popular media and industry publications often analyze the return on investment of a kitchen and/or bathroom remodel. Remodeling 2015 Cost vs. Value Report , conducted by Remodeling , found that on average, a homeowner can expect to spend approximately $16,700 on a midrange bathroom remodel and will recoup approximately 70% of the cost at resale. The average cost of a midrange kitchen remodel is almost $57,000, and a homeowner can expect to recoup approximately $38,500 of that expense when he sells his home. Kitchen and bath remodels increase home value, and homes with renovated kitchens and baths tend to sell faster than those that need updating.

There are long-term financial benefits to improving one's home, but those alone are not going to convince most of your potential clients and customers to pull the trigger on a remodel. Many potential buyers dread the stress and hassle generally associated with ripping apart their homes. That's where you come in - you and your team understand that experiences tug at the consumers' heartstrings. The kitchen and master bath are the two most important rooms in the home. The kitchen is the place where family gathers and friendships are celebrated, and that is priceless. A master bathroom where your customer can wash away her stress resonates more than a 70% ROI.

Post Date:

April 9, 2015 on http://www.buybkbg.com/blog

How Design Choices Affect Your Health

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:18:13 GMT

Did you know that the choices you make in the design of your house or office can positively or negatively affect your health and well-being? Scientific research has confirmed that architectural spaces produce both emotional and physical responses in humans. There is a direct correlation between garden views, sinuous shapes and stress levels. The color green is associated with soothing and calming emotions. Exposure to nature allows for self-reflection and has a positive impact on a person’s well-being. Research at the University of Toronto indicates that people overwhelmingly preferred spaces that have curved furniture, fixtures or patterns. Oshin Vartanian, a psychologist at the University of Toronto studied people’s response using brain scans exposing them to interior design pictures. A burst of activity in the anterior cingulate cortex was evident. This area of the brain is known to trigger an emotional reaction. His research showed no emotional reaction to straight lines or sharp corners. The conclusion seems to indicate that our brains have a connection to rounded shapes. The lesson for us here at Carmike Kitchens as kitchen and bath designers is to recognize that our designs and product recommendations can have an affect psychologically on our customer’s health.

Here are some suggestions to consider when contemplating a remodeling project.

* Soften the square shapes of cabinetry with moldings that incorporated

curved details or cabinet doors that include a bead or curved raised

panel.
* Incorporate an arched valance in the cabinetry design such as over a

window or as part of an island detail.
* Round the edge of your countertops and include radius corners

whenever possible.
* Create a unique island design and allow a radius or curved seating area

take center stage.
* Choose hardware for the cabinetry that have a soft curved or round

shape.
* Look for plumbing fixtures with soft rounded edges or shapes such as

oval bathtubs or sinks with a soft arch design.
* Choose furniture with rounded arms or backs or light fixtures with round

globes.

The trend for kitchen and bath designs to be linear and straight is seen everywhere. If you are attracted to this style, consider how your brain emotionally reacts to shapes and incorporate some sinuous details. What we see does matter.

We welcome your comments.

Carol E. Miller

Owner, Carmike Kitchens

Small Kitchens : How to Make them Look and Live Larger

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:16:03 GMT

Kitchens come in different sizes and shapes and while the size of your space will dictate some of the choices you will make during a kitchen remodeling project, small can still be functional and beautiful. Our showroom has designed many smaller spaces for our customers to make the most of the space that they have.

Here are several suggestions that you can use when thinking about renovating your kitchen.

 Select lighter colors.

 Use open shelves or glass door cabinetry.

 Cabinet accessories.

o Light colored cabinets, countertops, backsplashes and wood trim will make a small kitchen seem larger and feel more open.

o Materials that has a reflective quality, such as a polished stone countertop will reflect and bounce the light around.

o Mirrors can be used as backsplashes in kitchens that have little or no natural light to help open spaces. Mirrors can provide a more interesting visual than staring at a plain wall.

o If your kitchen has a window and looks into a garden or outdoor space, consider a color palette that brings the color of the outside in.

o Open shelves are a functional and utilitarian storage option and allows the space to be airy and light. They work particularly well in kitchens with taller (10 foot or higher) ceilings.

o Glass door cabinetry creates depth and interest in the cabinet design and give you options to add color and detail to complement the cabinetry.

o Outfit your kitchen with internal accessories that help you organize your items such as kitchen gadgets, pots and lids, and cutting boards so that your kitchen is easy to use.

o Pantry pull outs will allow for accessible storage in even the smallest spaces.

o Double tiered cutlery trays or unique base pullouts will maximize your cabinet space.

 Don’t forget about the floors.

 The right lighting!

o Take your cabinets to the ceiling and increase your storage. Even if you can’t reach the top shelf, it allows for storage of those items used only at holidays or special events.

o Utilize shallow cabinets in small previously unused spaces. Even a 6” deep cabinet offers valuable storage for items such as canned food, baby jars, oils and spices.

o Flooring is another opportunity to make a unique statement by using different design patterns. A tile floor set on an angle design will give the impression of an expanded space.

o Lighting is critical and should be part of every kitchen plan. Task lighting to illuminate your work space is available in many forms and the new LED technology offers increased efficiency and reliability.

o Under cabinet lights, recessed lights and pendant lights all have their place in a well lit kitchen. Often lighting is one of the last items on in a customer’s want list but it is not where you want to cut costs.

Small spaces are intimate and can be beautifully designed to make the most of the space that you have. Have a question about where to start and how to organize your kitchen? Give us a call at 240-298-8697.

We welcome your comments.
Carol E. Miller
Owner, Carmike Kitchens

Tackle That Pantry!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:12:07 GMT

Forget spring cleaning; when the weather turns warm again, I head outside. Winter is the season for our household to get itself together. By that, I mean purging, cleaning, organizing. It doesn’t require as much effort as you would think, and it feels GOOD!

I am starting in the pantry. Mine has begun to look a bit like a warehouse and it’s making me crazy. Since we are in and out of there all day, every day, it seems like a good place to start.

If you are short on time, you can do one shelf at a time. If you have an hour or two, take the whole thing on at once. Whatever method you chose, it is important to empty the space you are working with.

Here is my process:

Empty the space. Put it ALL out on the counters, the floor, wherever.
Clean the space. Wipe down the walls, the shelves, the baseboards, the floors. It is amazing how nice it feels to have a sparkling clean place to work with.
Look at every item before you put it back

-check expiration dates (expired= trashed, near expiration=use it soon)

-take inventory – look at what you have in excess, decide whether your family

will use it or decide to make a donation

-divide items into categories – breakfast, snacks, dressing/vinegar, pasta/rice,

canned goods, etc

-random items that don’t belong in the pantry should find a new home

Evaluate the space you have – decide to leave it as is or make adjustments, such as taking out your wire shelves and replacing with adjustable melamine shelves.
Place your items back in the pantry

-place less frequently used items higher up (for me that’s baking stuff and

canning supplies)

-put things back according to your categories – all snacks together, etc

-use bins, baskets to keep smaller items under control

-matching containers make everything seem more organized

-lazy Susans on corner shelves work wonders for bottles, jars, and cans

-Label bins and baskets

Step back and enjoy the view!!

An organized pantry helps to keep the house running smoothly. You can peek in and see what is missing or what you have in abundance. Kids know immediately what snacks are available to them (healthy choices within reach are more likely to be selected). Less clutter = less stress.

Teri Carroll

Designer

Photo by: chicagolandhomeproducts.com

Painted vs. Wood Cabinetry

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:08:37 GMT

Today, kitchen cabinetry is available in unlimited color and finishes. Cabinet manufacturers allow customers to pick their own custom colors based on a paint sample giving design flexibility and providing customers with a unique color palette for their kitchen. While we are now only limited by our imagination to create new color combinations, understanding the pros and cons of cabinet finishes is important.

I often have customers who bring to me pictures of all white kitchens with stainless steel appliances and marble countertops. While I can appreciate the visual beauty of this combination of materials, most of us use our kitchen every day and often share it will the little ones who don’t understand why they can’t put their dirty hands on that white surface!

Painted cabinetry has become so popular that it is sometimes hard to find pictures of different stained cabinetry when looking at the popular kitchen websites. White and off-whites are the most popular finished today in cabinet materials.

But what can you expect from a painted cabinet?

While the painted finish from most cabinet manufacturers is a baked on enamel giving a tough final coat, it is not indestructible. It can be cleaned with a soft moist cloth if needed to keep the surface free of dirt. But if it is hit with a hard object or scratched with a sharp item, the paint may be damaged. This is not to say that a stained finish would not react the same way. The repair process is where the difference becomes apparent. Stained finishes can be repaired with putty, stain marker or by applying wiping stain over the damaged area. Then it can be sealed and over time will often blend in becoming unnoticeable.

A painted cabinet however is more difficult to repair. Even using the paint supplied by the cabinet manufacturer, does not ensure that the repair will disappear. If you have ever tried to paint just a small area of a trim or wall, you will understand. The paint is applied at the cabinet manufacturer by using a spraying apparatus which gives the final coat a smooth and unblemished finish. Try brushing on a small amount to hide a scratch or chip onto this smooth surface – a difficult task. If the painted finish is a solid color, this is especially true. Of course, it you always have the option of ordering a new door or drawer front from the cabinet manufacturer if that is the damaged item.

We all use our kitchens differently and some of us are neater than others. But if you have children or messy adults and you still want a painted cabinet, you may want to choose a painted finish with a glaze and distressed finish. Fingerprints, scratches and even chips become less obvious because the finish already has a worn and used look. Repairs, if needed, then become part of the final product and not something that needs to be hidden.

Carol E. Miller

Owner, Carmike Kitchens

Thinking About a Kitchen Facelift?

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:06:28 GMT

So, you’re thinking of giving your kitchen a facelift. Your cabinets seem fine, the kitchen just isn’t “upgraded” enough. There are a few things you should consider before deciding to change out your old laminate countertops for shiny new granite and getting rid of outdated appliances in favor of new ones.

Are your cabinets really in good enough shape to support the weight of a new stone countertop? Make certain that the cabinet boxes are in good shape and that the weight of stone on a 20 year old cabinet will not cause it to bow or buckle. Also take into consideration how you will match any parts or pieces that you may need. Wood colors change over time and it may be difficult to locate a good match.
What new appliances will you want? Appliances are ever changing and their sizes and power requirements change as well. If you currently have built in ovens, will you be able to find something that is the same size? If not, how will you compensate for gaps? Do you have a carpenter who is able to retro fit a new wall oven into an existing hole that is a different size? Does the cooktop you want fit the space you have? Does it connect to the same power source as the existing unit? Will you need to have an electrician (or plumber if you have gas) rework the lines? Are all of the connections located in the same place? If the new unit has power or gas lines on the opposite side, you will need to run those to the existing outlet or move the outlet.
What about your sink? And garbage disposal? If you are switching from laminate countertops to stone, you will probably want to update the sink to an undermount. First, you must consider the size of the cabinet you have to work with, then you can contemplate what type or size of sink you want. If your garbage disposal hasn’t been updated in a while, now is a good time to change that as well.
A new faucet will likely be part of the makeover and the countertop manufacturer will need both the sink and the faucet before they cut your countertop.
Do you currently have a tile backsplash? If so, will you want to keep it? Will it match the new stone? If you are considering replacing it, now is the time to think of doing that as well.

While you don’t have to replace the whole kitchen in order to have a newer, more up to date look, it isn’t quite as simple as it would seem. There are many things to consider and you should always be sure you are working with a professional who has the experience to guide you through some of the potential hiccups. Ask the right questions and plan the process before you get started and there will be fewer headaches along the way.

Teri Carroll

Designer

Let's Start at the Beginning

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 17:03:47 GMT

Welcome to Carmike Kitchen's Blog

Welcome to Carmike Kitchens' Blog! We are excited about creating a format to share information about design, products, and installation techniques that impact the kitchen and bath market. Whether you are contemplating a remodeling project or building a new house, there are multiple decisions that you will make along the way to personalize your new space. Navigating this process from start to finish can often be overwhelming. Just narrowing down the choices of materials can be a lengthy process. Being informed is key to making this process enjoyable and exciting.

At Carmike Kitchens, we have been helping people create visually interesting and functional spaces for over 20 years. We will share our experience with you and provide information on pros and cons to all aspects of kitchen and bath designs as well as products. We will introduce new products and feature design solutions for challenging spaces including before and after pictures.

Here are some of the topics that will be our focus in the upcoming blogs:

How much should a good kitchen cost?
Painted vs. Stained Cabinetry
Wood Cabinetry vs MDF
What to expect from stone and quartz counter tops
New appliances and new counter tops to give an existing kitchen a new look
The latest color trends in kitchen cabinetry
Having fun with island shapes
Sink materials and how to care for them
How to incorporate new appliances into an existing kitchen layout
The benefits of working with a professional kitchen and bath design firm
Cabinet accessories that help organize your space
What is cabinet refinishing?
How to prepare for your kitchen remodeling project

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Let's journey together to create functional and creative spaces!

Carol E. Miller
Owner, Carmike Kitchens