Kohler's newest sinks and faucet finishes

Kohler coordinating tile and plumbing fixtures

Kohler farmer's sink Tan 'N Brown porcelain finish

Kohler new Frost porcelain finish

Delta shower systems

Formica new ogee edge detail for countertops

This year I attended the NKBA’s KBIS on April 24-26 in Chicago.  This kitchen and bath show is held annually to highlight the industries latest innovations and products.  Candice Olsen, HGTV personality, was the keynote speaker.  She opened the show by presenting both small and large renovations she has done over the years.  When asked where she felt design was headed next, she commented that living spaces were becoming more casual.  Homeowners want spaces they can live in and feel comfortable.

Formica is offering new edges that eliminate the “brown line” often seen on their countertop noses.  This will help them compete with the solid surface countertops.  While not available in every color yet, I’m sure that as it gains popularity, more colors will become available with the edge detail.  To achieve the undermount sink look with these laminates, Karran offers stainless steel sinks that can be used with laminates with no visible lip.

Attending conferences like this revitalizes my enthusiasm in design and keeps me current with what’s available.

After

Before

After

 
This small bathroom, built in 1976 was considered custom at the time. New sensibilities reign in 2011 as well as new homeowners.

The checkerboard pattern tile in the shower and dark vanity cabinet made the space feel even smaller than it’s 5′ x 8 1/2′ size. A common trick, used by designers to enlarge the space is to set the floor tile “on point” and bring the same tile up the wall as a toe kick. White plumbing fixtures help lighten the space. The new vanity cabinet is taller with a solid-surface top and undermount sink. For added texture and interest, vinyl wallcovering was installed to bring in a warmer feel.

The Importance Of A Designer
Just as composition defines a fine painting so, too, does it define an exceptional interior. An interior design professional is one who is thoroughly trained in matters of color, scale, and texture and how these basic elements of design translate to home furnishings. Such experience is crucial in creating interior designs that effectively mirror a client’s lifestyle and personal design preferences.

 There are many benefits to working with a design professional. Access and exposure to the nation’s leading design centers and the ability to buy “to-the-trade-only” luxury home furnishings is chief among them. Here both the experience and vision of a design professional is crucial in keeping one from making costly mistakes. Since fabrics, trimmings, wallcoverings, and upholstered furniture can be custom-ordered, the designer acts on his client’s behalf insuring that all products are ordered and completed to appropriate specifications- including scale, color and finish.

Working With A Designer 
Most people choose their interior designer through referral or based upon review of a designer’s past projects and/or “signature” look. A good designer is one who is able to guide a client through the design process and ultimately create an interior reflecting that client’s own personal point-of-view. Brunschwig & Fils will provide designer referrals upon request.

Designer fees and associated methods of compensation vary depending on the interior designer and/or his specific client relationship. Some of the basics are:

*Hourly fee
A fee based upon a mutually agreed upon hourly rate
*Fixed/Flat fee
A predetermined project fee based upon stated parameters
*Commission
Also referred to as cost plus- designer adds percentage markup to all materials
**Any combination of the above
 
                                                                                     ©2010 Brunschwig & Fils
                                                              http://www.brunschwig.com/whydesign.php

1. Figure out what you like.  Go through magazines and tear out anything that appeals to you.  Don’t overthink it, let yourself have some fun.  You can edit later.
2. Sort through the pictures and ask yourself what you like in each one.  With a Sharpie write on the photo why you selected it.  Could be the color combination, the tile pattern, the bookshelf for cookbooks or the flooring.You will end up with lots of magazine pages and this helps you communicate what you like to your designer.
3. Get organized.  Start a notebook or a file folder to hold inspiration photos, paint chips and business cards.Post a piece of paper on the fridge to make notes on how you use the space.  Is there a specific view you want from the sink, is there enough counter space next to the refrigerator, are half your gadgets located in the garage?
4. Make a budget.  Know from the start how much you can spend.  Most remodels go over budget by about 14% according to the National Kitchen & Bath Assoc.  Don’t be afraid to talk about budget.  Working with a designer might cost more on the front end, but can save a rookie client from costly mistakes.
5. Look at traffic patterns.  You might want an island, but will it block the path from the garage to the fridge?  That could be frustrating.
6. Make three lists:  Need, Want, Would be Nice.  A refrigerator is a must, but do you really need a separate ice-maker?  You want two ovens, but could you live with one?
7. Assemble a team you trust.  Ask friends and neighbors who have remodelled for referrals.  Get references from contractors and designers.  If you feel uncomfortable with someone, trust your instinct and keep looking.  You will spend a lot of time and money with these people, you need to trust them.
8. Start with appliances.  Whether you buy ready-made or have custom-built cabinets, they can be fit around the fridge, stove, oven and dishwasher.
9. Think about how much you will spend on food while you can’t cook.  If you’re doing a big remodel plan on being without your sink for a couple of weeks.  Set up a fridge-microwave-coffee area and plan to use paper plates.  It’s hard to wash dishes in the bathroom.
10. Ask questions.  Get a timeline from everyone involved so you know what to do first.

• Stone tiles:       $7 – $20 plus $6 – $8
• Hardwood:       $7 – $15 plus $2 – $8
• Ceramic tiles:  $5 – $15 plus$6 – $8
• Linoleum:         $2 – $3 plus $5 – $7
• Laminate:          $1 – $6 plus $1 – $5
• Vinyl sheet:      $1 - $5 plus $1 – $2
• Vinyl tiles:         $1 – $4 plus $1 – $2