10 Tips For GREAT Outdoor Living Areas

Layout: Consider locations of electrical, gas and water lines. Positioning the grill and food prep area on the outside wall of the indoor kitchen makes it easier and more economical to run gas and plumbing lines outside.

Define zones: Using multiple levels or planting beds help to define and soften zones; Use an outdoor, weather-resistant area rug under eating or seating areas. This is an opportunity to introduce bold graphics or an accent color.

Connection from indoors: It helps to have lots of windows, but door location maximizes flow. Matching the floor level of indoors also helps.  Also remember that outdoor design should be an extension of the home’s architecture.

Outdoor kitchen: This can be as simple as a compact, durable counter area for food prep, with closed storage below, next to your grill; or a larger area including a sink and refrigerator.

Protection:  An enclosure helps create a sense of space, but it also provides protection from different types of elements: from the sun, use a shading trellis or arbor with vines; from the rain, a solid roof will extend the usability of the room; from the wind, use a wall and/or landscaping.

Focal point: From a simple metal bowl fire pit, to a free-standing custom-built masonry unit, a fireplace extends the season of your outdoor room by adding warmth. A water feature can also be a focal point, as well as providing a soothing sound that also filters out undesirable noise.

Lighting: From chandeliers, to sconces, indoor fixtures can be re-wired to low-voltage for outdoor use. Experiment to get the right glow for different times of the evening.

Furniture: In a small space, built-in seating optimizes the use of the space and can provide storage below. New synthetic weatherproof furniture is available in many colors. Opt for outdoor fabric options available in a plethora of colors.

Color: Don’t forget color! Not only with accessories like seat cushions, planting containers and furniture; but also with accent walls, rugs and umbrellas.

Plants: Mix containers, beds and built-in planters with native species that are low-maintenance.         
    
TV: Want even more entertainment value out of your outdoor room? Consider an all-weather LCD television. Designed for extreme environments, these rugged units are waterproof, corrosion-resistant, and fully submersible! Add a wireless sound system, and you’re ready for the big game!

Planning a Kitchen Remodel?

Plan for Function, Flow, Friendly & For Sale

FUNCTION - Do you wish you had more counter space or storage? Do you and your partner avoid cooking together because there isn’t enough room? Has your kitchen been a hindrance in how and if you entertain? - If you answered yes to any of these questions, your kitchen suffers from lack of Function.

There are many creative solutions for increasing function in your kitchen. Usually this can be achieved by reconfiguring appliance locations, squeezing storage into unlikely spaces, adding an island, or adding a few extra square feet.

FLOW - Kitchens are the hub of the home, and need to be a central place in every home. Do you wish your kitchen had a better connection to the rest of the house or to outdoors? Do you wish you could cook dinner while overseeing homework, watching TV or entertaining?- If these issues sound familiar, your kitchen suffers from lack of Flow.

Kitchens have become multi-function spaces that allow and invite everyone to hang out or pitch in. Flow to or within a kitchen is necessary for this. Some really effective options for doing this can include widening openings, removing walls, adding French doors, or expanding in order to add a nook. Even small kitchens have potential to make the connection.

FRIENDLY- Does your kitchen seem drab, dark, tired or dated? Do you wish for more natural light or better lighting? Would you like more color in your kitchen? If so, your kitchen is not Friendly. 

It is now time to make friends with your kitchen again. Adding a little color can be as simple as a coat of paint, or more dramatic with colorful tile. Lighting can be improved with skylights, decorative hanging lamps, recessed cans and under cabinet lighting.

FOR SALE- Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen for resale purposes? The NAHB says that “Kitchens sell a home, and in this case, size does matter. The general rule when doing a remodel is not to overdo it…unless it’s the kitchen.”

Small changes can result in big value. Upgrading appliances, hardware, paint and tile can add new life to your kitchen, and add value to your home.

The Top 10 Kitchen Design Trends of 2011

1. Integrated family spaces: Kitchens are the hub of the home, and are becoming larger due to the desire to integratehousehold activities. The breakfast nook has become larger, more comfortable and versatile for entertaining or every day.  Desk spaces for homework and bill paying also growing in popularity.
2. Larger pantries: Pantries and Butler Pantries are becoming an extension of the Kitchen, and not just used to store bulk foods. They are more decorative, double as additional food and drink prep areas, and sometimes have open wine racks or glass cabinets to display heirlooms.    
3. Integration of Electronics: Because families are spending more time in the kitchen cooking, gathering and eating, appliance companies are responding by integrating TV’s and stereos into their products; designers are mounting TV’s flush with cabinets, and Ipod charging stations are becoming standard. Wireless connectivity of home automation is also more in demand, so that homeowners can remotely log in to turn up the heat or turn off the lights.
4. Sustainable Materials: Green continues to be a dominant theme. Renewable woods like bamboo and cork are being used more, and recycled-content concrete from sustainable manufacturers is a popular material for countertops. Low-VOC finishes, formaldehyde-free cabinets, and locally sourced materials also are in more demand.
5. Healthy Home: Health-conscious homeowners are continuing to care for their homes with wellness in mind. The farm-to-table movement has also affected they way systems are incorporated into the home: HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality; water filtration systems; and larger refrigerators for fresh food storage.
6. Mixed-not-matched: This is a theme seen more and more. Mixing styles and/or colors defines islands or base cabinets from upper cabinets. The most common combination when using two different cabinet colors is to use a painted white or other neutral color, and contrasting it with a darker stained wood cabinet. 
7. Waste Disposal: Larger built-in pullout recycling bins and trash compactors are very popular. More cooks are also choosing worm bins for food scrap recycling.
8. Induction Cooktops: Using magnetic friction as a heating element, this appliance is energy-efficient, and safer than electric or gas cooking. With a fast response time, quick cool down, and ease of cleaning, it is easy to see why more cooks are choosing these high-tech appliances.
9. Cabinetry Style: While traditional-styling is still very popular, the clean lines of Shaker-style cabinets are becoming more in demand than contemporary styles. Also, finish preferences have shifted toward darker hues.
10. LED Lighting: Incandescent light bulbs still may be the preferred method for lighting any room, but soon will become unavailable.  The top choice for replacing incandescents has shifted to LED lighting, because of their energy-efficiency, long-life, and the savings on electricity will pay for these expensive bulbs