For many people, the kitchen represents the heart of the home. It is where parents or grandparents teach young children how to cook, where the events of the day are discussed while washing and putting away the dishes, and where families congregate as the eternal question of what’s for dinner is always brought up. A growing mainstay in the modern kitchen is the island, that glorified freestanding cabinet that New York apartment owners with their tiny, cramped kitchens look on with envy. The design experts at All About Kitchens and Baths have some suggestions on how to build the perfect kitchen island.

The island has gathered considerable interest from homeowners doing kitchen remodeling projects. A recent study found that roughly 50% of homeowners are adding an island or upgrading their existing one when remodeling their kitchen. 52% of kitchen islands house appliances, such as a microwave, and 98% of all kitchen islands feature storage. The modern island is pretty big as well. 39% of kitchen islands measure six to seven feet, while a third are larger than seven feet. (1)

So, what makes the perfect kitchen island? The answer is entirely up to you. All About Kitchens and Baths can show you a huge array of options to make your island a true centerpiece of your home. One design idea is to install an electrical outlet with a USB charger. People today always need to charge up their devices, be it their phone, tablet, or laptop. Children can do their homework while sitting at the island and have the ability to look things up online if need be, all while under the watchful eye of a parent or sitter. Of course, there are quite a few different types of outlets/chargers to choose from. One popular style is a pop-up charger, such as the Lew Electric PUR20-S-USB. This power outlet remains hidden under the surface of the island when not in use and popped up when needed. It features two power outlets and two USB ports. The outlet is IP54 spill proof rated when closed and ½ gallon spill rated when open. (2)

Stools are the norm when it comes to sitting at an island, but they can get in the way. An innovative idea is to install swing out seats. When not in use, these seats can be pushed back, laying flat against the island and not cluttering up the space. 1stDibs has an impressive line of cast iron swing out seats. The seat itself is wood, upgradeable to mahogany, while the support structure is premium ductile iron. (3) Of course, All About Kitchens and Baths will ensure that the island has the internal integrity needed to support people using such seats.

Many homeowners like to use their kitchen island for cooking as it allows them to more easily converse with friends and family, as well as keeping an eye on wayward children or watching the TV. There are quite a few options when it comes to a cooktop for the island, such as gas, electric, and induction. Of course, having a cooktop means proper venting needs to be installed as well. Other cooking appliances, such as stove or microwave, can be installed in the island if desired. If needed, a sink can be installed in the kitchen island as well. A great design feature that All About Kitchens and Baths recommends is to have a raised eating counter if you use the island for cooking. The eating counter can be anywhere from six to twelve inches higher than the cooking area of the island, thus protecting the diners from cooking hassles like steam or open flames.

Choosing the proper lighting fixtures for your kitchen island is important. All About Kitchens and Baths can show you the almost dizzying amount of options available. There are a good number of styles, such as pendant lights, track lights, recessed lights, and chandeliers, and each style has a multitude of options to choose from. Looking at pendant lights for example, the Poleis 5-Light Brushed Nickle Pendant is a row of five lights that are affixed to a single fixture. (4) By comparison, the Barnyard II 1-Light Bronze Indoor Ceiling Warehouse Barn Light Pendant is just a single light affixed to a lighting fixture. (5) The good news is that there is a lighting fixture system that will fit the style you’re looking for.

All in all, All About Kitchens and Baths understands it is up to the homeowner to decide what is the perfect kitchen island for them. A family with school-age children will be happy with an island that features a lot of storage space, an area to sit down and do schoolwork, and has an electrical outlet/USB charger to keep all the devices up and running. A true foodie will probably opt for an island designed to help them prep and cook their gourmet meals, such as a lower counter area for kneading dough, a sink to wash off vegetables and fruit, and a state-of-the-art cooktop. The best thing about a kitchen island is that each one can be unique to its homeowner’s needs.

If you have any questions about creating your own perfect kitchen island, give us a call today.

References:

1) http://st.hzcdn.com/static/econ/KitchenTrendsHouzz2020Final.pdf

2) https://www.kitchenpowerpopups.com/products/lew-electric-round-pop-up-usb

3) https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/seating/stools/cast-iron-wood-swing-out-seat/id-f_5025063/

A homeowner faces a lot of options when it comes to a bathroom remodeling project. What amenities can they install or upgrade, depending upon the space available and the budget? What is the overall goal of the remodeling project itself? Is it to just modernize the fixtures? Is it to make the bathroom a friendlier place for those with special needs? In many instances, homeowners are looking to up the luxury factor as they spend so much time in the bathroom and are looking to make it an oasis of peace where they can relax and cast off the worries of the outside world for a time. All About Kitchens and Baths has helped many people achieve this goal, and one proven method is installing a sauna or steam shower in the bathroom.

There is a good reason why saunas and steam showers are becoming more popular as a bathroom component – health. There are proven health benefits for using such facilities on a regular basis. Harvard Medical School reports a study that followed Finnish men for 20 years. The study found that regular visits to the sauna kept the heart healthy and resulted in a lower death rate. Over the course of 20 years, 49% of the men who went once a week to the sauna died in comparison to just 38% for men who went two to three times a week. For men who went four to seven times per week, their date rate was only 31%. (1)

The Mayo Clinic also reports the health benefits of saunas. It notes using a sauna reduces stress and produces the same physiological responses as moderate exercise. In addition, sauna bathing reduces the risk of vascular diseases, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary diseases, such as the flu, as well as providing beneficial treatment for headaches, certain skin conditions, and rheumatism. (2) All in all, a sauna is relaxing but also provides a lot of health benefits, as long as the sauna is used for the appropriate period of time.

All About Kitchens and Baths recognizes that one of the benefits of a sauna when it comes to a bathroom remodeling project is that they don’t need much room. Take, for example, the Clearlight Sanctuary 1 model. Its exterior dimensions are only 48” in depth, 43” in width, and a height of 77”. (3) Like many modern saunas, the Clearlight Sanctuary 1 comes with a host of features. It offers digital controls, optional medical grade chromotherapy lighting, full spectrum infrared heating technology, a built-in charging and audio station, optional smartphone control, and a reservation mode where one can set the sauna to turn on up to 36 hours in advance – which is perfect when you know when you’re coming in from a cold day skiing on the slopes.

There are options when it comes to saunas for your bathroom remodeling project. Saunas can be purchased as a whole unit or built on-site. Wood is the chosen component as it does not absorb the heat, unlike tile, allowing the homeowner to relax in comfort. White cedar, pine, hemlock, and eucalyptus are popular wood choices. There are different ways to heat the sauna up to the desired range between 150º and 190º: infrared heat, gas, electric, or the traditional stone-and-coal heater. Price and space availability does play a role in choosing the heat source, such as infrared heat is the most expensive. All About Kitchens and Baths can show you the many options available to create the sauna that is absolutely perfect for you. Placing a sauna next to the shower is a popular choice as it allows the homeowner to quickly cool off in the shower after using the sauna.

Another option for luxurious relaxation is a steam shower. Steam showers offer the same health benefits as saunas, and a normal shower can be adapted into a steam shower. An additional benefit of a steam shower is that it takes less time to generate heat than a sauna. Steam is generated from a steam generator that usually holds a gallon of water, which is then piped into the shower enclosure. The water expenditure is minimal. Many steam generators can produce steam for 20 minutes by just using 2 gallons of water. This water use is far less than using a water-saving showerhead. Such little water use means you can relax for as long as you wish with a guilt-free conscience. The design experts at All About Kitchens and Baths can show you the different steam generators that will be just right for your needs as the size of the shower enclosure and structural components (tile or stone) will have to be taken into consideration.

Installing a sauna or steam shower is the right choice when you’re looking to transform your bathroom into a peaceful retreat from the demands of a harsh world. There are numerous options available to fit all budget levels, and the health benefits have long been proven. Even better is that installing a steam shower or sauna enhances the value of your home. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us today.

References:

1) https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sauna-use-linked-longer-life-fewer-fatal-heart-problems-201502257755

2) https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(18)30275-1/fulltext#sec8

3) https://infraredsauna.com/sanctuary-1-1-person-cedar-full-spectrum-sauna/

In the past, there were far fewer options available when a homeowner wanted a kitchen remodeling project done. The choices to be made were usually a tile color, whether to have stainless steel appliances, the make and color of the cabinets, and whether to go with electric or gas-powered appliances. The last few decades have seen an explosion of choices in all areas of the kitchen, and quite a few luxury items can now be had if the homeowner is willing to pony up the money. For those with a fat bank account and a desire to make a statement, All About Kitchens and Baths offers up a few high-end kitchen items you’ll definitely covet for your kitchen.

The central piece in any kitchen is the refrigerator. One refrigerator that stakes a credible claim to the peak of refrigerator luxury and technology is the La Cambusa from Italian manufacturer Meneghini. This piece of art costs nearly $41,000 and comes in a wooden frame that can be painted in over 500 different colors. The La Cambusa is fully customizable and comes with a freezer, coffee maker area, steam oven, ice maker, multi-function oven, and a dry storage pantry. The three-door option contains a staggering 26.6 cubic feet of storage space, as well as weighing 1,100 pounds. (1) Popular options include brass handles, glass shelving, flat screen TV sets, and the Miele coffee system, which is about $3,000 in of itself.

Who doesn’t love pizza? The kitchen remodeling experts at All About Kitchens and Baths can suggest an option better than slapping a frozen pizza on a cooking pan and sliding it into the oven. The ultimate pizza luxury for a homeowner is having their own wood-burning pizza oven. One such option is the Prima 120 from Mugnaini, which boasts an impressive full 48” cooking surface. The Prima 120 is a commercial-grade oven that offers extra thermal mass due to the oven’s thicker dome and floor. There are plenty of design options available, which can boost the cost from its basic $9,950 price to $16,000. (2) The Prima 120 can be used for more than just pizzas as it is ideal for baking bread as well.

Wine lovers will enjoy the Discovery WineStation from Dacor. Coming in at a cool $5,299, the Discovery WineStation features automated pouring from four different wine bottles. The entire system is temperature controlled, and its argon gas preservation system will keep wine fresh for 60 days with no loss in taste or aroma. The homeowner can, with just a touch, have the system pour the perfect amount of wine, either a full glass (6 ounces), a half glass (3 ounces), or just a taste (1 ounce). (3) This item is something that most of us at All About Kitchens and Baths would love in our own kitchen.

A high-end cooking range that will make foodies drool is the BlueStar 48” Platinum Series Gas Range. Handcrafted in Pennsylvania, this gas range features eight 25,000 BTU burners (with an interchangeable griddle/charbroiler), integrated wok cooking, 1850° infrared boiler, European convection oven that can fit an 18” x 26” baking sheet, and a gentle 130° simmer burner. Customization options include color (over 1,000 available), burner configuration, trim, knob colors, and backguards. The base model starts at $12,695. (4)

Of course, All About Kitchens and Baths understands that not every kitchen item needs to break the bank to be great. One example is the Lita 2-Handle Pot Filler Faucet, which retails for $633. (5) This faucet can be installed above your cooking range. This setup allows you to fill pots with ease and get rid of the hassle of filling up pots in your sink and carrying them to your stove, making it perfect for those with disabilities. The high arch spout gives you the extra reach and clearance you may need when cooking. The faucet features 1-hole installation and conforms to the “lead-free” plumbing requirements in the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act.

Overall, there are lots of other luxurious, high-end options available for your kitchen remodeling project. If you have any questions or thoughts on sprucing up your kitchen, give us a call today.

References:
1) https://www.businessinsider.com/41000-fridge-does-it-all-2012-10
2) https://www.mugnaini.com/product/prima-120/
3) https://www.dacor.com/our-products/refrigeration/discovery-winestation.aspx
4) https://www.bluestarcooking.com/cooking/ranges/48-platinum-series-range/
5) https://www.pfisterfaucets.com/kitchen/product/lita-gt533-pf-2-handle-pot-filler-faucet?modelNumber=GT533-PFC

In this day and age, the homeowner has a lot of options available to them when it comes to the design and decoration of their bathroom. No longer does the abode of the commode have to be shackled to the hospital-like sterile conformity of the white bathtub, white tiles, and white walls. A wide array of colors, furnishings, and decorative features provide an almost dizzying amount of choices. The idea of bringing the summer season into the bathroom is a popular choice with quite a few homeowners, and the design experts at All About Kitchens and Baths have some suggestions on how to upgrade your bathroom to reflect the joys of summer (and without getting sunburned).

The summer season immediately brings a few things to mind, such as the family vacation, the beach, and pools. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 100 million Americans plan on taking the family on vacation this year. (1) One popular destination for such trips is a water park. There are over 1,000 water parks in the United States, with the top two destinations in 2018 being Typhoon Lagoon, with 2.27 million visitors, and Blizzard Beach, with 2 million visitors, both located at Walt Disney World. (2) Going to the beach is incredibly popular with most people, especially during the summer. 2018 saw an astounding total beach attendance of 340,754,691 visits. (3)

The popularity of beaches and water is a great theme to bring summer into the bathroom. One way to reflect the nautical nature of the season is to use blue and white as a paint scheme. This color palette can be light and airy, helping bring thoughts of the sea into the bathroom. All About Kitchens and Baths can help select the perfect shades and composition to make this wish a reality. This scheme can be enhanced by placing some small pieces of art on the wall depicting ships and other facets of sailing life.

Another option in bringing summer into the bathroom is through the use of decorative tiles. There are tons of choices available to bring the beach and the ocean into your home. All About Kitchens and Baths can show you tiles that feature sea turtles, crabs, dolphins, seashells, ocean waves, seahorses, fish, ocean colors, and even ship-themed tiles like a ship’s wheel or the classic anchor design done in white and blue. You can also create the visual of a beach by using floor tiles by choosing sand-colored tiles that give way to ocean-colored floor tiles. Another summer-themed idea for the bathroom is having a custom countertop made composed of a frame filled with seashells that are covered with clear resin.

Water is an essential part of summer, be it from rain, the beach, the pool, or playing in the sprinkler with the kids. You can bring the feel of a summer rain or the joy of sitting under a waterfall into your bathroom by upgrading your shower. All About Kitchens and Baths can suggest quite a few waterfall or rain-themed shower heads that will greatly enhance your bathing experience. We can install showers with seating arrangements so you can just sit and relax the soothing feel of a gentle summer rain in the comfort of your own bathroom.

Letting in more light is another way to bring summer into your bathroom. Blazing sunlight is a hallmark of the season, and we can provide remodeling ideas to increase the size of your bathroom windows or add more windows. We can provide remodeling suggestions that will increase the amount of light pouring into your bathroom while still providing measures to ensure your privacy.

Finally, there are some decorating choices you can make to bringing the summer season into your bathroom. You can place towels with beach, ship, or other nautical designs in your bathroom. You can hang pictures of your favorite vacation spots, past trips to the beach or a theme park, or seasonal activities like boating or camping. Another small touch is placing a basket of seashells or decorative beach-themed soaps on the sink.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways you can bring summer into your bathroom to brighten and open it up. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call today.

References:
1) https://www.condorferries.co.uk/family-travel-statistics#:~:text=TOP%20FAMILY%20TRAVEL%20STATISTICS%3A,take%20a%20vacation%20this%20year.
2) https://www.statista.com/statistics/194352/attendance-figures-of-waterparks-in-the-us-since-2010/
3) http://arc.usla.org/Statistics/current.asp?Statistics=Current

One of the great things about living in today’s world is that innovations seem to come at a dizzying pace. The field of medicine is one prime example, such as stents first being used in 1986 to treat heart attack patients. (1) Surgeries that used to require a large cut in the patient’s body can now be handled through a small incision, allowing instruments to be inserted and controlled via wires. Not every innovation has to be earth-shattering. There are lots of new technologies that allow you to enjoy greater comfort in your home like windows designed to keep out heat. One area of the house that has seen some technological changes over the last few years is the bathroom, especially in regards to fixtures. The design experts at All About Kitchens and Baths have some suggestions to help expand your horizons when it comes time for a bathroom remodeling project.

It should be noted that the latest and greatest bathroom features do tend to cost more than the old faucet and light fixtures you grew up with, but the benefit is greater luxury and expanded use. Creating and sticking with a budget for a bathroom remodeling project is important. In fact, the percentage of homeowners likely to set a budget for remodeling increased by 12% from 2015 to 2017. (2) The good news is that there is something for every price range, and All About Kitchens and Baths can help you find some truly innovative fixtures that will fit your budget.

Lights

Lights now come in all shapes and sizes for your bathroom. One intriguing piece is the eFinity Lighted Mirror. While serving as a great mirror to shave and brush your teeth in front of, the eFinity Lighted Mirror also features four strips of LED lights on the mirror itself just inside the borders. The frosted lights are perfect for the bathroom. There’s also a version that features a Bluetooth speaker system that allows you to listen to your favorite tunes as you’re getting ready in the morning.

Another interesting light fixture is the Uplift Sconce, which is a cylindrical glass light that sits a few inches out from the wall. The Uplift Sconce is stylish and modern, but homeowners with small children will love another key feature of the light. There’s a slim night light on top of each cylinder that can be controlled separately.

An innovative light fixture that the designers at All About Kitchens and Baths love is the LightDisc 40 Indoor/Outdoor Light. The LightDisc 40 is a slim circle of polycarbonate that emits a surprising amount of light. This is a very versatile light as it can be placed on walls or ceilings, and there is a suspended version as well. It is also waterproof, allowing it to be placed in the shower.

Photo courtesy of HOUZZ.

Faucets

There is a staggering amount of options now available when it comes to upgrading faucets during a bathroom remodeling project. A chic choice is a faucet that boasts a D-shaped spout, such as Moen’s Doux Chrome One-Handle High Arc Bathroom Faucet. The D-shaped spout releases the water in a thin, silky ribbon. Faucets with waterfall spouts also release water in such a way and add a touch of class to any decor.

Touchless faucets are becoming increasingly popular. The sensor in such faucets detect hand movement and automatically begin dispensing water. In this time of COVID-19 worries, not having to physically touch a faucet to wash your hands is a tremendous boon. Another benefit is that parents don’t have to worry about kids leaving the tap open. Once the little tykes are done cleaning and move away, the faucet will turn itself off. There are many different touchless faucets to choose from, including ones with a waterfall spout.

Style meets functionality in LED faucets. These faucets add some bright color to the bathroom via their LED lights when the faucet is turned on. Some models can even change from one color to another. The best part of such faucets is that they come in a wide variety of styles. You can find LED faucets that are touchless, feature waterfall spouts, or come in a standard arch configuration.

When it comes to innovative new fixtures for your bathroom remodeling project, the sky is the limit. You don’t have to use the same old faucets and lights found in your parents’ and grandparents’ homes.  If you have any questions on how to upgrade your bathroom, feel free to give us a call today at 720-524-7546.

References:

1) https://www.sj-r.com/article/20140225/BLOGS/140229561

2) https://paintersinbergencountynj.com/home-renovation/21-home-renovation-statistics-and-trends/

How to Properly Clean Your Bathroom and Kitchen for Coronavirus

The world is currently in the grip of a massive pandemic. Coronavirus has spread across the world, disrupting economies and the daily lives of hundreds of millions of people. Over one million cases have been reported worldwide with roughly 53,000 deaths so far. (1) The likelihood that such numbers are actually higher is pretty strong as a number of countries have had their official tallies labeled suspect. However, the reality is that millions of people are now being ordered to stay at home, including most people in Colorado, and there is a healthy concern about how best to protect oneself and one’s family. (2) Besides wearing masks and limiting your exposure, another method of protection is to thoroughly clean your home. All About Kitchens and Baths wishes to offer some useful cleaning suggestions to help keep you and your loved ones safe during this difficult time.

Our cleaning suggestions will focus on the bathroom and kitchen, the two rooms most commonly used on a daily basis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a number of recommendations on how best to use cleanliness to fight against COVID-19. The first suggestion is to always wear disposable gloves when cleaning. If you use reusable gloves, then make sure they’re only used for cleaning and disinfecting the bathroom and kitchen. Always thoroughly wash your hands after removing the gloves.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

There are two stages to properly scrubbing your bathroom and kitchen against coronavirus: cleaning and then disinfecting. When it comes to cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, high-touch surfaces should have priority. This means doorknobs, light switches, toilets, sinks, handles, chairs, and so on.

Begin by using soap and water to wash all non-porous areas. This includes items like countertops, floors, stove, microwave, sinks, shower doors, and cabinet handles. Wash each area thoroughly. Once you have washed the various items in your kitchen and bathroom, it is time to disinfect.

For non-porous items, like a curtain for your kitchen window, you should use an appropriate cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The items should then be laundered in the warmest appropriate water.

After washing the non-porous surfaces, the CDC recommends using disinfectants approved by the EPA that are effective against COVID-19, such as TNT from Clorox and Lysol Bathroom Cleaner from Reckitt Benckiser LLC. (You can find a full list of approved items here. LINK!!!) However, if you don’t have such a disinfectant, you can use bleach instead.

The CDC recommends using a bleach solution of 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Conversely, you can use 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water if you’re only disinfecting a small area. (3) You can also use alcohol solutions that are at least 70% alcohol. Make sure to leave the disinfecting solution in place for at least one minute. If you’re using bleach, always remember to never mix it with ammonia or any other cleaner. Another thing to remember is to ensure you have adequate ventilation while disinfecting your bathroom and kitchen.

What If Someone in Your Home Has COVID-19?

Cleaning takes on a new priority if someone in your household is infected with coronavirus. The best scenario is for that person to have their own bathroom and to stay in their own room until the virus passes. If an infected person has their own bathroom, then it should be cleaned and disinfected whenever needed, such as a surface becoming dirty.

However, if an infected person has to share the bathroom with others, then it should be cleaned and disinfected after they use it, every time. All About Kitchens and Baths understands that this will require a great deal of supplies and time but keeping one’s home as safe as possible is paramount. The CDC says that if it is impossible to clean the bathroom every time after an infected person uses it, then a non-infected person should wait as long as it is practical to clean and disinfect the bathroom.

We hope these cleaning and disinfecting suggestions will help keep you and your family safe. All About Kitchens and Baths understands that this is a trying time for everybody, and we heartily recommend following the instructions given by the CDC.

References:

1) https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

2) https://covid19.colorado.gov/stay-home-except-essential-needs

3) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html

LINK:

https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2