Is a Freestanding Tub the Right Choice for Your Bathroom?

A bath is a great way to relax and unwind after a busy day. Today’s homeowners want to de-stress in luxurious, spa-like surroundings. When undertaking a major bathroom remodeling project, a primary consideration may be choosing a freestanding tub or a built-in tub. The answer may come down to personal design preference.

Freestanding tubs, sometimes called soaker tubs, evoke images of luxury and romance. They are beautiful to look at and are often the focal point of the room. Freestanding tubs are available in both vintage and contemporary design styles. They may stand on feet, like the traditional claw foot tub, or be flush to the floor or mounted on a pedestal for a more modern look. A range of organic shapes and dimensions can be chosen to fit the available floor space. Freestanding tubs are replacing the jetted tubs that were so popular a few years ago.

A freestanding tub doesn’t need to be placed against the wall, which allows more flexibility in laying out the bathroom. It’s a good idea to climb into the tub being considered to make sure it fits the body comfortably.

There are some potential cons to freestanding tubs. They can take up more floor space and may be heavy, depending on the type of material used for the tub. Heavier tubs may require the floor to be reinforced. Plumbing in the bathroom will need to be modified.

A freestanding tub certainly makes a statement in any bathroom. Consult a bath design expert to incorporate one into your bathroom remodel.

Kitchen Features Worth the Splurge

Kitchen renovation plans often evoke images of that “dream kitchen” we’d love to have.  But left unchecked, costs can add up quickly.  The new kitchen design should focus on functionality, convenience, and the needs of the family.  Some features will be worth the splurge.  Choose wisely to get the most impact from your renovation dollars.

Cabinets– Cabinets are the first thing people will notice in your kitchen.  The visual impact is high.  Quality custom cabinets have solid construction that’s made to hold up under everyday use.  Dovetailed joints, full-extension drawer glides, and soft close doors and drawers are worth the added expense.  Custom cabinets are built to your specifications and can offer maximum storage options for your space.  Cheaper quality cabinets can’t stand up to abuse and will need to be replaced much sooner.

Counters–  Kitchen counters are another major visual element that ties everything together.  Granite and quartz continue to be popular choices for countertops.  These materials are beautiful, durable, and available in many color options.  They will withstand the abuses of everyday family living and look great for years.

Here are some other features that may be worth the splurge in your new kitchen.

Prep sink–  A secondary small sink is useful in kitchens with a single main sink.  This allows two people to do food prep or cleanup at the same time.  Convenient placement for a prep sink would be in an island.

Warming drawer–  Works well in smaller spaces where there is not room for double ovens.  Adds convenience when entertaining or cooking for a large family.

Appliance garage–  Eliminates countertop clutter and frees up storage space in cabinets.  It can be sized to fit bulky items like mixers.

Beverage center–  It may include a coffee bar for hot beverages and a mini fridge for cold drinks.  It should have storage for coffee cups, glasses, utensils, and condiments (sweetener and creamer).  The center enables children and guests to get a beverage without opening the main refrigerator or getting underfoot.

Undercabinet lighting–  It acts as both task lighting and ambient lighting.  It provides crucial lighting particularly at night and on gloomy days.  LED lighting is an energy efficient choice.

Integrated trash and recycling bin–  Place these in a convenient space for everyday use.  It makes daily cleanup easier and simplifies the job of taking out the trash and recycling on pickup day.

Contact Dwell Remodeling for expert help with your next kitchen renovation.

Bathroom vanity storage

Maximize Your Space: Making a Small Bathroom Seem Larger

Renovating a small bathroom into an expansive and luxurious space can be a design challenge.  Homeowners are often limited by the home’s footprint, with little or no room to gain additional square footage.  However, a knowledgeable design pro can certainly update and modernize the space, making the bathroom feel like a more spacious and relaxing retreat.  Here are some changes to consider for the remodel.

Updating Surfaces– Choosing light and bright colors for the walls and flooring will make the bathroom appear larger.  Whites and light grays look fresh and will unify the space.  Using the same tile on the floor and in the shower creates an expansive look, as does tiling all the way to the ceiling.  Clear glass and frameless shower doors visually open up the room.

Floating Vanity– Trading a large vanity cabinet for a floating style vanity increases the visible floor space, making the bathroom seem larger.  While still offering plenty of storage, floating vanities are a sleek, modern alternative to the traditional vanity.

Reconfigure Storage– Adequate storage keeps clutter off the countertops.  Recessed shelving installed between the studs is easy to do during a remodel.  Shelves can be open or have doors.  This can eliminate the need for a free standing storage unit.

Upgrade Lighting– Install good lighting to make a small bathroom feel bright and open.  This is especially important if natural light is lacking.  A skylight can bring a dramatic amount of light into a windowless bathroom.  Skylights that open also improve ventilation in the room, helping to reduce mold and mildew problems.

Large Mirrors– Mirrors reflect light and can visually double the size of a room.  Mirrors can be framed or unframed, depending on the homeowner’s personal style.

Sliding Doors– Pocket doors and barn doors are great space savers.  Eliminating doors that swing open into a small bathroom creates a greater sense of space and makes the room more functional.

Kitchen Lighting Design

KitcKitchen Lighting Fixturehen lighting should never be an afterthought in the design process.  A kitchen needs the right combination of lighting so that everyday tasks can be accomplished.  There are three types of lighting that are essential to illuminate the key areas of focus.  Ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting should create the right balance in one of the most highly utilized rooms in the home.

Ambient Lighting- This is the general lighting we turn on when we enter the room.  For most kitchens, ambient lighting is generally accomplished by ceiling fixtures.  Popular types of ambient lighting are recessed lights, ceiling flush mounts, chandeliers, and large pendant lights.  Many kitchens use a combination of these, such as recessed lighting in the ceiling with a chandelier over the eating area.  Dimmers can be used when less light is desired.

Kitchen Lighting

Task Lighting- This type of targeted lighting is used to illuminate prep areas, cooking areas, and storage areas.  These are the real work areas of the kitchen.  The lighting must be bright enough for the cook to easily work.  A series of pendant lights work well over kitchen islands.  Undercabinet lighting can illuminate countertop prep areas.  Task lighting over the range or cooktop is necessary during meal preparation.  Lighting over the sink is essential for cleanup tasks.  Lighting solutions are available for inside cabinets and drawers, so that needed items can be easily located.

 

Accent Lighting- The homeowner can draw attention to features or special details of the kitchen with accent lighting.  This may include above cabinet lighting, toe kick lighting, and lights that can be positioned to highlight artwork.  Accent lighting can add special ambiance when the homeowners are entertaining.

The style and personality of the homeowner can be brought out through lighting choices.  Interesting lighting options are available for every design style.  A kitchen design expert can craft the perfect lighting plan for your kitchen.

Custom Kitchen Storage

Maximize Storage in Your New Kitchen

Storage is always a major consideration when planning a new kitchen or renovating your existing space.  It’s easiest to incorporate storage solutions when plans are in the design phase.  Custom cabinetry allows homeowners to maximize the space they have in creative ways.  Whether the goal is making daily life more manageable, finding space for occasionally used items, or simply decluttering counters, here are some design features to consider.

Custom Pantry- Shelves, drawers, and pullout baskets or bins help homeowners oCustom Kitchen Utensil Drawersorganize food, appliances, serving pieces, and a variety of other items.  Converting a small closet into a pantry is an efficient use of space.

Extra Deep Drawers- These are perfect for storing large pots and serving pieces.

Retractable Shelves- Make use of small, awkward spaces with pullout shelving designed to hold spices, canned goods, or cleaning supplies.

Corner Cabinets or Drawers- Doors with bifold hinges allow corners to become useful spaces.  Lazy Susan or carousel style racks that spin provide access to items in the back.  A corner drawer is set diagonally into the corner for more storage.  Angled cabinets also work well in corners.

Large Island- A must have in today’s kitchens, large islands provide extra storage as well as work space.

Utensil Drawers and Dish Drawers- Inserts organize utensils into a manageable space for easy access.  Movable pegs separate and protect dishes.  Drawers can be reached by children in the household as well as adults.

Appliance Garage- Unclutter counters by hiding the coffee maker, toaster, or mixer from view.

False Front on Sink- Sponges and brushes can be stored in the compact fold down cabinet in front of the sink.

Pullout Trash Bin- This feature effectively hides the garbage out of sight and frees up floor space.

Pet Center- Pets want to hang out with the family, so an out of the way niche in the end of an island or cabinet run is a convenient space for pet bowls.  Pets have access to their food and water without being underfoot.

Kitchen Remodel with Dishwasher

Choosing a Dishwasher for Your Kitchen Remodel

The dishwasher is truly a work horse in the kitchen and a must have for families.  It’s worth the investment to choose a high quality product that performs well, is energy efficient, and has a long lifespan.  Here are some features to consider when shopping for a dishwasher.

Stainless Steel TubStainless Steel Dishwasher

Models with a stainless steel tub or interior last longer and are quieter to use than dishwashers with a plastic tub.  The drying process is generally faster in stainless steel interiors.

Food Grinder vs Filter

Some dishwashers contain a food grinder that pulverizes food debris so it can be washed down the drain.  Food grinders tend to be noisy and are another part which can break.  Dishwashers with a manually cleaned filter that traps food particles must be cleaned periodically to avoid odors.  A self-cleaning filter may be the preferred feature, as it rarely needs any attention.

Noise Level

Quiet dishwashers are essential in open concept homes.  Noise level is measured in decibels.  The lower the decibel number, the quieter the machine.  Factors that affect noise level include insulation used, whether there is a food grinder, and if the interior is stainless steel or plastic.

The following are highly rated brands of dishwashers.

Bosch

Both the 800 Series and 500 Series have stainless steel interiors, a third rack, hidden controls for a sleeker look, manually cleaned filters, and Energy Star certification.

GE Profile

This series has most of the same features as Bosch models, plus WiFi connectivity and deep clean jets for flatware and bottles.

Miele

Models have no handles; tap to open.  They are very quiet and feature a half load function that automatically adjusts water level and electric consumption.

KitchenAid

Some models feature clean water wash technology that continually removes food particles, so they aren’t redeposited.

LG

Quad Wash models have four cleaning arms instead of two and three adjustable racks.

Bathroom Shower Remodel

Choosing Quality Surface Materials for Your Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodels are among the most popular home renovations. Master bathrooms, in particular, are more than just utilitarian spaces for today’s homeowners. Sleek design and a spa-like appearance create the perfect environment for relaxing and de-stressing. Here are some quality surface materials to consider for your next major bathroom project.

CountertopsMaster Bathroom Sink Remodel
Countertops must stand up to water and humidity in the bathroom. Non-porous materials will not become stained by make-up, soaps, and bath products. They are easy to clean and do not promote mildew growth. Granite, if properly sealed, resists staining and withstands heat. This means it will not be damaged by hot hair dryers, flat irons, or curling irons. Marble looks beautiful and is a porous material. It can stain and may require additional maintenance. A solid surface material such as engineered quartz is a very durable and low maintenance product. Quartz resists staining, stands up to heated appliances, and does not require sealing. The look of marble countertops without all the upkeep can be achieved with a quartz product.

Flooring
Bathroom flooring needs to endure the wet conditions and be slip resistant for the safety of the users. Ceramic tiles are a good option. Many choices are available in different colors, sizes, and shapes. There are even ceramic tiles that give the appearance of wood without the obvious problems associated with real wood flooring. Porcelain tiles are harder and less porous than ceramic tiles. Natural stone, like marble or travertine, has a more luxurious, spa-like feel and requires periodic sealing. When remodeling a bathroom with new flooring, consider installing heated floors for comfort.

Tub or Shower Wall Surround
Ceramic or porcelain tiles are an excellent choice. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, patterns, and textures with a clear protective glaze that is baked on in an oven. Though some homeowners worry about keeping the grout clean, it doesn’t have to be a major concern. New “less porous” grout products minimize this problem. Tile should be installed by a professional to ensure that water will not seep behind the tiles and damage the walls.

Marble and travertine are options. While beautiful, these products require more maintenance. Natural stone is porous and can absorb soap scum and minerals from hard water. It can also be discolored by some bath and hair coloring products. Marble and travertine must be sealed to avoid unsightly stains.

Deluxe Kitchen Remodel Plan

Planning Your Deluxe Chef’s Kitchen

Chef's Kitchen PlanningIf creating a chef’s kitchen in your home has been a longtime dream, start planning now to make it a reality in the New Year.  A deluxe kitchen remodel is a big ticket item, so careful planning is a must.  This new space in your home is not just for looks but must be practical and meet the needs of the family.  A high-end kitchen also has major appeal to buyers when the time comes to sell your property.  Today’s chef’s kitchen doesn’t have to be sterile-looking or industrial.  There are many attractive options to match the design and style preferences of the homeowner.  Here are some important points to consider when planning this type of major remodeling project.

Layout

An open layout is a must have for the way families live today.  A well designed layout allows sufficient gathering space for family and friends.  There should be enough room for more than one person to work comfortably.  A custom island can offer more functionality, added food prep space, storage, and even additional seating.  There should be good flow between the kitchen and adjacent rooms.

Cabinetry

The kitchen functions better when adequate storage is available including space for a range of pots and pans in various sizes, specialty items, small appliances, and spices.  Pull out drawers are an excellent option for organizing utensils.  A design plan that makes use of all available storage space frees the countertops from clutter and provides more work area.  Custom cabinets offer the highest level of quality and functionality.

Appliances  

The primary focus should be on function.  A chef’s kitchen could include a gas range or induction cooktop, large refrigerator, ventilation hood, double ovens, warming drawer, wine fridge, and more than one dishwasher.  Options for the ovens might include convection or steam.  The appliance choices should reflect the personal needs of the cook.

Surfaces

All surfaces, including counters, floors, and backsplash, should be easy to clean and maintain.  Granite counter tops can withstand hot pans and resist stains, if properly sealed.  Quartz counters are bacteria resistant and will not chip or crack.  Wood and tile flooring are easy to clean and hold up well in busy kitchens.  Backsplashes can add visual interest and color but should be easy to wipe clean.

When tackling a major kitchen remodeling project, it’s best to bring in the experts.  The professionals at Dwell Remodeling have the experience and know how to help clients create the chef’s kitchen of their dreams.

Luxury Kitchen Cooktops and Rangetops

An Overview of Luxury Cooktops and Rangetops

Luxury Kitchen Cooktops and RangetopsThe choice to design a kitchen with a range or with a cooktop and separate ovens is a personal one. The cooktop can allow greater flexibility in placement of the appliances. A cooktop is the burner element of a stove, minus the oven. It’s mounted into the countertop with the controls on top. A rangetop unit is a slight variation on the cooktop. It’s mounted on top of cabinets and has controls on the front. Rangetops tend to be more commercial in appearance.

Gas cooktops tend to be the most popular models. However, most companies also make induction and electric cooktops. Homeowners doing a luxury remodel often choose a cooktop with a 36 inch or 48 inch width.

Here is an overview of cooktops and rangetops from three high-end brands, Thermador, Wolf, and Viking. Dacor also makes a good appliance at a slightly lower price point.

Thermador

Thermador’s gas cooktops have star shaped burners, which are supposed to distribute heat more evenly than round burners. The burner configuration has good size variety, and there are very low settings for melting and simmering. Their electric cooktop features CookSmart sensors that control the temperature of the pan. On Thermador’s induction cooktop, the entire surface is end to end electromagnetic, meaning it can be used as one large cooking area. WiFi connectivity allows the cooktop and the hood to synchronize for turning on ventilation and lights.

Wolf

Wolf offers gas, electric, and induction cooktops as well as rangetops. Gas units have sealed, dual stacked burners with some designed for power and others designed for simmering. Sleek electric cooktops allow for fast boiling and low end simmering. Wolf’s gas rangetop has their signature red control knobs. Rangetops are available with griddle, charbroiler, and French top.

Viking

Viking offers gas, electric, and induction cooktops. Gas cooktops have sealed burners. Electric cooktops have easy clean glass ceramic surfaces. Many improvements were made to the Viking line following its purchase by The Middleby Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial kitchen equipment. Viking appliances have an industry leading warranty.

Dacor

Dacor offers gas and induction cooktops. Gas models have 4 or 5 sealed, dual stacked burners. The induction cooktop has VirtualFlame technology which highlights hot surfaces. The rangetop model features a griddle and WiFi connectivity to the hood.

Comparing High End Refrigerators for Your Luxury Kitchen Remodel

High End RefrigeratorsHomeowners planning a luxury kitchen remodeling project will not want to skimp on the appliances.  High end brands offer more options, better features, and sleeker styling than moderately priced brands.  When considering refrigerators, two high end brands generally top the list:  Sub-Zero and Thermador.  Viking, a company best known for high end ranges, is also a solid choice to consider.  Prices will vary depending on the types of options chosen.  However, all fall within the same general range.

High end refrigerators are available in standard or cabinet depth, professional, and integrated models.  Integrated refrigerators are specialty products that are made to be flush with the surrounding cabinets and are great for customizing the kitchen.  Homeowners should compare these brands to determine which features and styling best meet their needs.

Sub-Zero Refrigerators

  • Two compressors- one for the refrigerator and one for the freezer. There’s no co-mingling of air between them, so odors don’t mix.
  • Vacuum seal on door keeps food fresher longer by preventing outside air from getting into the unit.
  • Air purification filter slows spoilage with antimicrobial air scrubber. Eliminates mold, viruses, bacteria, and ethylene gas.  Food lasts longer when not cross contaminated.
  • Shelves are treated with special coating to stop spills from spreading, making clean up easier.
  • Graphical user interface allows temperature to be adjusted from a smart phone or computer.
  • Soft close doors and drawers

Thermador Refrigerators

  • ThermaFresh system of independently controlled drawers provides humidity and precise temperature management to keep foods fresh.
  • Touch-screen control settings throughout the unit
  • Open Door Assist allows homeowner to either pull or push doors to open. Convenient option when hands are full.
  • Soft close bins, doors, and drawers
  • LED internal theater lighting
  • A number of available configurations allows homeowners to customize for their needs.

Viking Refrigerators

  • Ion air purifier eliminates odors and removes mold, fungus, viruses, and bacteria.
  • Two high humidity zone drawers for produce and a cold zone drawer for meat storage
  • Electronic temperature controls; low noise compressor