What are the seven things I need to know before remodeling my kitchen?

Your kitchen is prime real estate in your home.

A great deal of thought should be put into your remodel before you embark on the exciting process.

We will discuss seven top decisions to make before embarking on your kitchen remodel.

1. Budget

2. Floor Plan - Change or keep the same

3. How will our family use the kitchen

4. Design/Ambiance

5. Functionality/Organization

6. Appliances

7. Hire Professionals

1. Budget

The hardest, and one of the most important things to decide before starting your kitchen remodel is your budget. Do you want to splurge on a high end custom remodel with luxury finishes, mid level or basic remodel? Budgeting involves decisions such as changing the layout (which can add a great deal of labor and material costs). Kitchen Estimate

You can choose custom luxury cabinetry and luxury appliances; semi-custom cabinets and mid level appliances; stock cabinets and basic appliances. The level of cabinetry is typically paired with the same level of appliances. Even materials such as your flooring, counter-tops, backsplash, fixtures and lighting can make or break your desired budget. For instance, choosing a backsplash tile can entail a $2 sq ft porcelain tile or a $225 sq ft water-jet marble mosaic tile. If you need 40 sq ft of tile, your cost can range from $80 to $9000. If you have the budget, you can choose to embrace luxury items such as mosaics. You many not have the budget or don't want to spend that much, and choose a simple porcelain tile. Decisions, decisions... Make them upfront.

How long you want to remain in the house and the values in your neighborhood will guide your decision too. Remember not to overspend or under-spend your neighborhood. Putting a $200k kitchen in a neighborhood that averages $300k house sales is overkill and you will never recoup any of your investment upon selling. In contrast, putting a cheap kitchen in a neighborhood that averages over $1 million house sales will devalue your home.

Get realistic estimates from professionals. HGTV estimates do not compare to real life costs and timelines.

2. Floor Plan - Do you want a larger kitchen, open concept floor plan or both? This is an important decision you must make before beginning your journey. If you have the budget and the space, do your homework and speak to your family about what this change will do for your home life experience. This decision will affect your budget, design, timeline and materials needed. Some people decide to add an extension to achieve their goal if their current footprint is too small to accomplish it.

An open floor plan is ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. Being able to interact with family and friends in the kitchen, dining and/or living area adds to the enjoyment of being home.

3. How will our family use the kitchen - Discussing this in advance will save you time and changes. If you want to entertain often, adding a wine or coffee bar may be a good idea. Seating and work flow will be affected. Do you want a space for homework for the kids or a work desk? How many people cook at one time? Do you like to bake?

Will multi-generations be cooking and enjoying meals together? Age group considerations will affect lighting, height of seating areas, width of entrance and work aisles, access to appliances and cooking tools.

Appliances are chosen based on your decision too. How large do you want your range and fridge? Do you want two separate cooking areas? Consider an undercounter wine and beverage unit, a steam oven, sous vide vacuum sealer or space for mixers and blenders. There are so many options to make your life fun, easier and more delicious! Remember to consider an outdoor kitchen. It takes discussion and thought.

4. Design/Ambiance - Here is where your freedom to express yourself reigns! It is all about color, style, patterns and how they integrate. Your choices will create the ambiance you desire. Decide if you want to stay with the style of your home or compliment it with a different look. If your home is more traditional, you can add a transitional or modern kitchen without feeling like it doesn't fit. You can have a modern kitchen designed in your 90 year old home that is still warm and not too sleek. Just no high gloss. There are many ways to include items such as light fixtures, flooring and a backsplash that add a less modern touch to the clean lines of a contemporary kitchen. Nowadays, top designers mix patterns, old with new, and multiple color schemes in one room.

You may choose styles that lend itself to a casual look, classic, bold, pretty much anything you can think of. Maybe you prefer retro or earthy. Also think about you favorite colors. Do you prefer bright and cheery or dark and moody?

Carefully choose your cabinetry style and color. If your'e undecided on cabinet color, you can go with a neutral color and always add more color with the back-splash, counter-top, dishes and artwork. A backsplash can be subtle or a pop of color and design. Modern kitchens create a clean simple look. Transitional kitchens can add depth to the design. Traditional is quite homey.

Lighting Design - Consider the ability to change the feel from bright to moody, romantic to festive. Warm or cool light tones, dimmers and fixture style need to integrate into your overall design scheme. You will want task lighting and decorative interesting lights over your island. If you don't have an island, a chandelier or other beautiful light fixture will dress up your kitchen.

Seating Design - Two words. Comfortable and Plenty! Having extra stools to sit around the island or just behind it is a great option. Consider the age of your guests. Some people may prefer to sit in a dining chair. If you have an open floor plan to a dining area, additional chairs to fit around the table is a good idea. If there is a breakfast nook inside your kitchen space, a low height partition can be a cute idea. Behind the partition can be bench seating. Sometimes a little separation adds energy to a family gathering.

Sound System for Ambiance- What is a meal without music? Not as fun. A good quality sound system should not be overlooked.

5. Functionality/Organization - This is a very detailed part of your planning. You must give a lot of consideration to how you work in your kitchen. Take stock of the sizes of pots/pans/plates/glasses/ bottles/small appliances that you use. The size and positioning of storage cabinets/drawers/shelves, should be well thought out. Consider how you access your cabinets. Do you want roll-outs or stationary shelves behind the door? You need easy access to your cooking utensils and tools. You will want a convenient space for cutting boards and serving platters. Are you storing any items outside your kitchen that you use more often? Make space for these items if possible.

If you have a bar area, what size drawers do you need to store bottles of liquor? Don't forget that appliances fit into the category of organization too. Food and drink storage (such as undercounter fridge drawers and a beverage center) help in your work flow. Your designer will ensure proper aisle space and proper positioning of your appliances, sink, spices and cooking tools.

Functionality includes Durable / Easy to Clean Materials - You want easy to clean cabinetry, floors, backsplash and counter tops. What materials are most durable and easy to clean? Quartz is easier to maintain than natural stones such as marble and granite. Quartz is easy to clean (soap and water) and no need to reseal every year. When it comes to your backsplash, the more grout, the harder it is to clean. Grout captures grease and also falls out with house settling or poor application.

If you prefer modern kitchens, flat panel doors are the easiest to clean. No nooks and crannies to collect dust and spills. Wood veneer, acrylic and laminate cabinet doors are easy to clean and fairly durable. Stained wood is more durable than painted wood. Wood and porcelain floors are good choices for both durability and ease of cleaning. The only thing to keep in mind with wood floors is not to allow spills to linger.

If you have an open floor plan connecting the kitchen to the dining and/or living areas, pay attention to how food and drink is transported, spilled, plates and glasses put down on furniture, etc... Hardwood and porcelain floors hold up better to spillage than rugs. Fine wood furniture may not be user friendly for wet glasses. If you have fine furniture, you can cover it with place mats, cloths, coasters for the evening. Or choose to get additional cocktail style tables with easy to clean tops for larger parties.

6. Appliances - Today there are so many choices of professional appliances (affordable and luxury priced) and ancillary appliances, that make life more fun and delicious! During your planning, check out the range of sizes, looks, types that fit into your budget. Don't forget to ask about lead-times. They have improved for the most part.

Consider higher quality appliances if you do a great deal of cooking and entertaining. Don't skip proper ventilation. Less grease and smells will be your reward. If you don't have a hood or your hood is not vented out, look at changing it to a vented hood. It will cost you more for the labor and materials, but well worth it.

The most popular size range and fridge are both 36" wide. Built-in fridges are more expensive than counter depth fridges as well as standard depth fridges, which stick out far past your cabinetry. Professional ranges have high BTU burners (or electric/induction output) and the controls are either on the front of the range or on the cooktop next to the burners. Think about how you cook and how much power/precision you desire. Less expensive ranges have a high back with controls on the back. A convection oven feature in a range or wall oven is the most popular choice.

Another decision to make is if you want a range or cooktop/wall oven combination. Ranges require you to bend to get your food in and out. If you have weak knees, wall ovens are easier to get food in and out, especially heavy dishes. What many people are doing is adding a new range plus a steam wall oven. While you cannot fit a turkey in a steam oven, you can cook/bake just about anything else in one.

Cool additions like a convenient food/beverage drawer fridge, wine fridge, ice maker, steam oven, seltzer maker and a warming drawer make life easier. Do you have room for two ovens or dishwashers? Microwave drawers are popular. Many people put them in the island. You will want the wine fridge and ice maker out of the cooking zone.

Oh, and don't forget your outdoor kitchen! Do you want a BBQ or full outdoor kitchen including a fridge, ice maker and wine unit? Is there access from your kitchen to your outdoor area? If you want to add access, that is another addition to your budget.

7. Hire Professionals - Very important part of the equation. Over the years, everyone is sure to know at least one person that attempted to either design and/or do construction work themselves. They either regretted it or worse, caused damage to their home. With so many moving parts, a professional has the ability to bring them all together with a beautiful functional outcome.

Kitchen Designers - A professional, experienced kitchen designer knows the intricacies of designing a kitchen. They provide proper measurements, advice on how to set up a kitchen that will work for you plus the best placement of appliances, lighting and fixtures. There is so much to consider such as the best cabinet material for your needs, storage set-up, type of flooring and countertops. A kitchen designer designs and lays out the entire kitchen plus the plumbing, lighting and electrical plans. They also give advice on incorporating "smart" elements into your design. You won't have doors hitting each other, too much amp power, too little task lighting, big gaps or cabinetry too large to fit your space.

Professional, licensed contractor/installer - It cannot be stressed enough the importance of hiring a legitimate contractor to do work in your home. It may be tempting to hire unlicensed workers since they are considerably cheaper than licensed contractors. Always ask to see their license or get the license # so you can look it up yourself.

Reasons to hire a licensed contractor:

1. Safety - Licensed contractors are held to higher standards, are trained and have the proper tools and equipment for your job. They know the local building codes and chances are, they will not cut corners in fear of losing their license. How much is your family's safety worth? Years ago, before I new anything about contractors, I hired an unlicensed contractor to fix my basement stairs. Not only were the stairs crooked, but they collapsed a couple years later. Luckily no one got hurt. And finding him again was impossible.

2. Unlicensed contractors do not have workman's comp or liability insurance. You open yourself up to a world of liability. This means if a worker gets hurt on your property, they can sue you personally. It also means if they damage anything such as your furniture, art work, structure - you foot the bill. Even if their debris hits the neighbor's car or your neighbor, you get sued.

3. Little recourse - If an unlicensed contractor damages your property, doesn't complete the work for the money you paid or did shoddy workmanship, it could be expensive to sue them. You can try, but it'll cost you thousands in legal fees. You may not even be able to locate them. Licensed contractors insurances will take care of most grievances. You can sue a licensed contractor too and will be able to locate them to do so, unless they close their business.

4. Only licensed contractors can apply for construction permits. If you hire an unlicensed contractor who tells you they got a permit, that should be a big red flag. You will be subject to fines and your project will be shut down without the proper permits.

5. Performing work as an unlicensed contractor is illegal. You have to wonder what other illegal activities does an unlicensed contractor do.

6. Support local legitimate businesses who play by the rules.

What are the Benefits of Custom Cabinetry for Your Home?

Not just for kitchens - Custom cabinetry can beautify your entire home!

Bedroom with modern custom built-in cabinets. We designed these built-ins with Cesar Italian Cabinetry.

Join us as we discuss the benefits of personalized cabinetry designed exclusively for your home. It offers a world of possibilities, from enhancing functionality and organization to elevating your interior aesthetics. So, let’s get into the details of the benefits of custom cabinetry for your home so you can decide if it is the right choice for you!

Personalization and style

Whether you are redoing your kitchen, bathroom or walk-in closet; or want built-ins for your living room, dining room or bedroom; the advantage of using custom cabinetry for its personalization and style take center stage. Imagine having the freedom to design your cabinets exactly how you envision them. With custom cabinetry, this becomes a reality. You can choose from various door/shelf styles, materials, finishes, and hardware options to match your unique taste and seamlessly complement your home's aesthetics. You also get an exact fit – custom size built for your space.

Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more rustic, traditional vibe, custom cabinetry allows you to express your individuality. The tailored approach ensures that every inch of your cabinetry is optimal for function and style. The small details can truly transform a room, and custom cabinetry lets you add those special touches that reflect your personality and elevate your home's overall ambiance.

Coffee Bar tucked in the kitchen corner., designed with Cesar Italian cabinets to match the kitchen cabinetry.

Maximizing space efficiency

Maximizing space efficiency is paramount, especially in a bathroom - big or small. Custom cabinetry is essential in achieving this goal by offering tailored storage solutions that make the most of limited square footage. With custom cabinetry, you can optimize every nook and cranny so you don’t waste even the tiniest space.  

That means you need cabinets that fit seamlessly under sinks and/or above toilets to maximize vertical space. With it, you can also use pull-out shelves, hidden drawers, and built-in organizers. Your toiletries, towels, and other essentials are out of the way, creating a clutter-free oasis. The result? A small bathroom that feels larger and more organized than you ever thought possible. So, whether you're dealing with a cozy ensuite or a compact guest bathroom, the benefits of custom cabinetry are considerable.

Maximizing space is important in all rooms.  Kitchens are packed with many tools of the trade.  It is important to spend time planning how to organize your storage in a custom cabinet design.  https://www.elitekb.com/blog/how-to-organize-your-kitchen-by-a-kitchen-designer

Keeping a home neat and organized is always a challenge. If you live in an apartment or co-op, space is even more valuable.  Think custom!

Custom Kitchen Cabinetry - We designed this kitchen with Rutt Brand cabinetry.

Quality and durability

Regarding the benefits of custom cabinetry, quality and durability are among the foremost factors. They are built with high-quality materials, ensuring their longevity, even in the face of daily wear and tear. Meticulous craftsmanship guarantees that every joint is secure and every detail is attended to with precision!

The finishing process on custom cabinets enhances their durability and showcases the skilled artistry behind each piece. You can see and feel the difference with finely finished stains, paints, veneers and high gloss acrylics.  Whether you're considering cabinets for your kitchen, bathroom, or any other room in your home, custom options provide a solid investment. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, they stand the test of time, making them a wise choice in the long run. Environmentally friendly and beautiful!

You pay more upfront for custom high-quality cabinetry. They typically last over 20 years in excellent condition. You save long term since you will not need new cabinets and more renovations to replace them. People only change their custom cabinets when they want a different style after decades of enjoying them, not out of necessity.

Custom Italian made vanity and tower

Functionality and convenience      

Functionality and convenience are at the forefront of the benefits of custom cabinetry. These cabinets are meticulously designed to cater to your needs, ensuring they serve you efficiently from day one.

They can be tailored to fit your lifestyle, with features like pull-out shelves, hidden compartments, and innovative storage solutions that simplify your daily routines. Imagine having a designated space for everything, from kitchen utensils, small appliances, and fine china to your wardrobe and bathroom essentials.  Your customization makes it easier to find what you need when you need it.

Value addition to your home

Custom cabinetry offers a remarkable value addition to your home. Bespoke cabinets boost your property's appeal and market value. When potential buyers or appraisers see well-crafted custom cabinetry in your kitchen, bathroom, living room or any other living space, it sends a clear message about the quality and care invested in your home.

It becomes a standout feature that sets your property apart in a competitive market, leading to a higher selling price. Also, custom cabinetry is a long-term investment that continues to pay dividends. Its durability and timeless design ensure it remains in excellent condition for years.

Endless design possibilities

Custom cabinetry opens the door to endless design possibilities, allowing you to add great style and more storage space in your kitchen or any other room. With custom cabinets, you're not limited to standard shapes and sizes. You can create unique layouts tailored to your needs, whether accommodating oversized cookware or organizing your wardrobe.

The design flexibility extends to materials, finishes, and hardware, enabling you to match your cabinetry seamlessly with your home's aesthetic. You can incorporate clever features like pull-out pantry shelves, spice racks, or a hidden wine rack. The sky's the limit when it comes to customization, and you can infuse your personality into every detail. Custom cabinetry empowers you to maximize form and function, ensuring your kitchen any and room becomes a beautiful and highly efficient living and workspace.

Whether your décor leans more contemporary, minimalist or has rustic charm, customization allows you to harmonize effortlessly with your interior. You can create a cohesive look throughout your living spaces. The ability to coordinate cabinetry with your decor extends beyond the kitchen or bathroom, too. Every inch of your home can benefit from the storage, organization, and visual appeal that it brings. The result is a beautiful home that functions seamlessly, making daily life more enjoyable and comfortable.

Custom Closet Cabinetry - Designed with Rutt brand cabinetry

Enhance your home the right way

The benefits of custom cabinetry for your home are abundant and far-reaching. From personal style and storage efficiency to better organization and long-term cost savings, the value of it is immense. So, by choosing it, you elevate the aesthetics of your living spaces. And if that’s not enough, you also create functional, sustainable, and eco-friendly storage that enhances the quality of your home.

If you are moving into a new home and require services for your relocation & remodel, hire a moving service in NY first; then consider hiring a professional designer and licensed contractor for all your renovation and custom cabinetry needs. Both these services can prove to be invaluable.

Custom Built In Cabinets - Living Room & Home Bar - Designed with Cesar Italian cabinetry.

Visit our showroom to see beautiful custom cabinetry. We perform all design and remodeling services for your home or co-op. Call us: 516-365-0595 or visit Mon - Sat - 983 Northern Blvd, Manhasset, NY - just West of Macy’s, minutes off the L.I.E. Lakeville Rd exit. Parking in the back of our building. We look forward to meeting you!

https://www.elitekb.com/

How to Choose the Right Lighting for Your Kitchen

The kitchen, often dubbed the heart of the home, is a space of creativity, warmth, and bonding. It's where families come together, festive meals are prepared, and late-night snacks are secretly raided. Its design and ambiance, largely influenced by lighting, can affect the mood of every meal and conversation. Lighting for your kitchen is, therefore, much more than just illumination. It’s about setting the tone, facilitating function, and making statements. Every beam of light and every shadow cast can transform the ambiance, making it cozy, functional, or theatrical. As trends evolve and technology advances, lighting choices have become even more diverse, leading to opportunities and challenges. This guide aims to demystify the process, ensuring that every corner of your kitchen radiates the perfect glow and harmoniously blends function with style.

Custom Kitchen with two chandeliers, task lighting and cabinet lights.

Understanding Different Types of Choices

When considering lighting solutions, it's imperative to recognize their varied roles. Ambient lighting, often overlooked, is foundational. It creates the overall glow, setting the general brightness level in the kitchen. Think of it as the backdrop: ceiling fixtures and chandeliers fit this category. Then there's task lighting. As the name suggests, it's all about function. Whether you're finely chopping vegetables or reading that secret family recipe, task types like under-cabinet lights ensure clarity. Lastly, the accent type serves as the cherry on top. While it might not be essential for daily tasks, it adds depth and drama, emphasizing architectural features or precious artifacts.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Lighting for Your Kitchen

Before diving into choices, it's essential to reflect upon the specifics of your kitchen space. What role does it predominantly play? Is it purely a culinary workshop, a space for family dining, or perhaps a blend of both? Having a blank space to start from is the best in this situation. So, if you've recently moved, this is a prime opportunity to set up your new space effectively. As you organize your kitchen after the move, lighting can play a pivotal role in defining its ambiance.

Further assessing the size and layout is crucial. Larger spaces with multiple counters require more intricate lighting plans to ensure every corner is illuminated appropriately. Consider the areas that might get overshadowed and strategize placements to prevent dark spots. Whether you're captivated by the minimalist elegance of modern fixtures or the rich allure of vintage pieces, your choice should echo the overall décor.

Modern kitchen with pendants and task lighting

Trending Ideas

Trends offer a peek into contemporary tastes, and when it comes to lighting for your kitchen, they can be particularly illuminating. Modern pendant lights have taken center stage in recent years. With designs ranging from geometric to organic, they cater to a plethora of aesthetic sensibilities. If history and charm resonate more with you, vintage chandeliers hark back to times of luxury. They infuse spaces with characters and stories. For those with a penchant for minimalism, hidden LED strips illuminate without visual clutter, merging seamlessly with surfaces. And as the world moves towards smarter solutions, tech-savvy kitchens aren't left behind. Imagine adjusting light intensity or hue with just a voice command!

Modern kitchen with natural light, colorful pendants and task lighting.

The Role of Color

The color of your kitchen cabinets, walls, and countertops can significantly influence light behavior. Subtle tones reflect more light, reducing the need for multiple fixtures. On the other hand, darker hues might necessitate additional illumination to prevent the space from feeling gloomy. The bulb color or temperature is another aspect to consider. Warm lights offer a cozy, golden hue, ideal for intimate settings.

In contrast, cool ones are brighter and crisper, enhancing task-oriented activities. When selecting bulbs, check the color rendering index (CRI). A high CRI ensures colors appear true to life, making food look more appetizing and ensuring your kitchen’s color palette shines authentically.

The Impact of Natural Illumination

Beyond artificial fixtures, natural illumination is a valuable asset. The sun's rays bring warmth and enliven spaces in ways artificial sources can't replicate. Large windows or strategically placed mirrors can amplify daylight, making the space appear larger and more welcoming. Natural light also enhances mood, making tasks feel less tedious and boosting overall well-being. For kitchens positioned with limited access to sun rays, consider solar tubes. Solar tubes can funnel daylight from the roof into interior spaces. While natural light is a boon, controlling its intensity with blinds or shades during peak hours can help manage heat and glare. 

Safety Tips and Recommendations

No matter how enchanting your lighting choices are, they must prioritize safety. Proper illumination is a deterrent to kitchen accidents. Ensuring that work areas are well-lit can significantly reduce mishaps. Invest in lights that offer dimming capabilities. This feature is invaluable, allowing adaptability for varying activities and times. The positioning of lights deserves careful thought. Placing them directly above stovetops might cause shadows, while fixtures too close to the sink might not be suitable unless they're moisture-resistant. Always check the specifications, especially for areas exposed to steam or water. Dim corners can be potential trip hazards that shouldn’t be overlooked. A well-lit kitchen isn't just about aesthetics; it’s also about creating a safe, functional environment.

Custom European kitchen with sleek island lights and task lighting

In Conclusion

The kitchen, a vital cornerstone in many homes, is more than just a space for culinary enjoyment and experiments. It’s a melting pot of conversations, memories, and shared experiences. How it's illuminated sets the stage for all these moments, big and small. Lighting for your kitchen, thus, becomes more than a mere design choice; it's a statement of how you wish to experience and share this pivotal space. With the overwhelming variety of options available today, selecting the perfect fixtures might appear daunting. But it's essential to remember that it's a journey of blending personal aesthetics with functional necessities. Every kitchen tells a story, and its lighting should weave seamlessly into this narrative, emphasizing its strengths and masking its imperfections. In the end, the ideal choice isn't just about illumination. It's about creating an atmosphere that resonates with your unique personality and needs, enhancing every moment and every meal.

Meta Description: Learn how to choose the perfect lighting for your kitchen with our guide, covering everything from types of lighting to safety tips.

Kw- lighting for your kitchen

Luxury kitchen with natural light, pendants and task lighting

What are the 12 must-have kitchen features for entertaining and holidays?

It's all about being social! Engaging with others for fun and feasts. Socializing in your own home creates a warm and familiar atmosphere. If holiday entertaining and entertaining in general is important to you and your family, there are many questions to answer and decisions to make when it comes to design and features in your kitchen remodel. Things to consider include: layout, ambiance, seating, storage, appliances and lighting, which all come into play to create your best space.

Before you start planning with your kitchen designer, evaluate how many people you typically entertain at each party/dinner. Do you usually have a buffet style, sit down dinner, casual dinner with a few people, cocktail party or all of the above? Do you cook or multiple people cook? Do you cater? You may opt to change your floor plan based on the answers.

Let's explore a few ideas on how to make your entertaining more fun and easy.

Cesar Italian cabinetry - Two Islands, prep kitchen and butlers pantry.

Features of an Entertaining Kitchen

Ambiance - The points below need to be carefully thought out to achieve the ambiance you desire. Do you want to be able to change the vibe? You have a lot to consider - chic, luxury, homey, festive, friendly, moody, romantic, intimate, peaceful. Two key components which are often thought of last minute, are lighting and music. Do you want your cabinetry to be bright and cheerful or dark and sultry? The backsplash changes the entire feel of the kitchen. It can be colorful, artsy, shiny or simple and subtle. Even the floor can serve as a backdrop or you can get creative, bright and artistic.

Rutt Quality Kitchen Cabinetry - Remodel opens kitchen to dining and family rooms.

Dining area open to kitchen and outdoor patio.

Floor Plan - Crucial! An open floor plan is ideal for entertaining. Being able to converse with guests in the kitchen, dining and/or living area adds to the fun. Smooth traffic flow within the kitchen and dining area is important. Outside access is a huge plus. Even in the cold weather, with heaters outside, you add a great deal of space for entertaining. Entertain with a view if possible!

Butlers Pantry - If space allows, this is a great prep area for larger parties. Leave the messy part in the back of the house. If this is not possible, allow an area in the kitchen where you can plate food and leave empty platters.

Home Bar/ Coffee Bar - A separate bar is great for making cocktails and/or coffee. Otherwise, make space for a drink station in the kitchen or dining area. It is easy to add an espresso machine in a small area of your kitchen if there is no room for a dedicated coffee bar.

Cesar Italian Kitchen Remodel. Butlers pantry/prep area adjacent to the kitchen.

Italian Cabinetry Kitchen Remodel open to outdoor living

Kitchen Island - If you have the space, you will want to add an island. It is the focal point for all gatherings. An island is a great spot to mingle, serve cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and dinner for smaller groups. An island can also be a serving station. You can still prep while engaging your guests.

Design & Look - This is a marriage between your personal taste and the atmosphere you want to create for family and friends. Fun and cheerful! Artsy. Traditional. There are so many possibilities. You may choose styles that lend itself to a casual look, bold, royal, rustic. Or maybe you prefer retro or earthy. Also think about you favorite colors. Do you like styles such as French or country? You can add artwork or a piece of furniture to achieve the look you want. Carefully choose your cabinetry style and color. You can always add more color with the back-splash, counter-top, dishes and artwork. Even details down to the trim are important. A backsplash can be subtle or wild. Modern kitchens create a clean simple look. Transitional kitchens can add depth to the design. It is all about color, style, patterns and how they integrate.

Home bar designed with Rutt Cabinetry. Open to the formal dining room and adjacent to the kitchen/breakfast nook.

Durable / Easy to Clean Materials - You want easy to clean cabinetry and counter tops. What materials are most durable and easy to clean? Quartz is more durable than natural stones such as marble and granite. Quartz is easy to clean (soap and water) and no need to reseal every year. If you prefer modern kitchens, flat panel doors are the easiest to clean. No nooks and crannies to collect spills. With an open floor plan connecting the kitchen to the dining and/or living areas, pay attention to how food and drink is transported, spilled, plates and glasses put down on furniture, etc... Hardwood floors and porcelain hold up better to spillage than rugs. Fine wood furniture may not be user friendly for wet glasses. If you have fine furniture, you can cover it with place mats, cloths, coasters for the evening. Or choose to get additional cocktail style tables with stone tops for larger parties.

Organization - Think about how you use your kitchen. The size and positioning of storage cabinets/drawers/shelves, should be well thought out. Storage should be plentiful with easy access to tools of the trade. You will want a convenient space for cutting boards and serving platters. Don't forget that appliances fit into the category of organization too. Food and drink storage (such as undercounter fridge drawers and a beverage center) help in your work flow.

Yellow wows your guests and adds a high energy cheery atmosphere. We designed this kitchen with Italian Cabinetry.

Kitchen is open to dining and a beautiful view.

Appliances - Consider higher quality appliances if you do a great deal of cooking and entertaining. Do you want your cooking appliances situated so you are facing guests while cooking? It may be difficult to face guests unless your kitchen is fairly large. You can add a cooktop to the island. Think about how much you will prep ahead of time and what you will cook after guests arrive. Cool additions like a beverage drawer fridge, wine fridge, ice maker, steam oven and a warming drawer make life easier. Do you have room for two ovens or dishwashers? Don't skip proper ventilation. Less grease and smells will be your reward. You will want the wine fridge and ice maker out of the cooking zone.

Lighting - Consider the ability to change the feel from bright to moody, romantic to festive. Warm or cool light tones, dimmers and fixture style need to integrate into your overall design scheme. You will want task lighting and decorative interesting lights over your island. If you don't have an island, a chandelier or other beautiful light fixture will dress up your kitchen.

Seating - Two words. Comfortable and Plenty! Having extra stools to sit around the island or just behind it is a great option. Consider the age of your guests. Some people may prefer to sit in a dining chair. If you have an open floor plan to a dining area or breakfast nook, additional chairs to fit around the table is a good idea. If there is a breakfast nook inside your kitchen space, a low height partition can be a cute idea. Behind the partition can be bench seating. Sometimes a little separation adds energy to a party.

Sound System - What is a party without music? Not as fun. A good quality sound system should not be overlooked.

Custom Smoky Gray Rutt Kitchen and Home Bar - open to outdoor dining.

Gorgeous smoky gray Rutt Home Bar - Connected to the kitchen, dining and outdoors.

What is the Emotional Impact of Aesthetics in the Home Buying Process?

Dining area open to yard with abundant natural light. Long Island, NY

aes·thet·ics  -the branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of beauty and artistic taste.

The emotional impact of aesthetics plays a substantial role in the home buying process. It's more than just how a property looks; it's about the positive feelings visual elements evoke in potential buyers. The aesthetic appeal of a property includes everything from architecture to color schemes and design layouts to natural light which influences a buyer's emotions.

Add the Fibonacci Sequence (“Golden Proportion”) of attractiveness, and we can understand why some buyers fall in love with one home over another. In short, the “Golden Proportion/Triangle” is the mathematician’s theory (Leonardo of Pisa from Italy – 1202 BC) that breaks down attractiveness (in design, architecture, and nature) to a ratio of 1:1.618.  This theory precedes Fibonacci by thousands of years but he is the most remembered for it.

To simplify, designers break it down to the 60/30/10 rule. People are attracted to this ratio of design relating to color, room layouts (kitchens, living rooms, etc..) artwork, art positioning, home layouts. Architects and designers have used principles of the Fibonacci sequence for centuries, believing the proportion of their design is aesthetically attractive based on harmony, proportion, and rhythm. People feel a calming, vitality and movement in balanced homes.

If you are interested in Fibonacci’s Theory – here are links to more reading: https://www.homesandgardens.com/advice/the-golden-ratio

https://www.creativebloq.com/design/designers-guide-golden-ratio-12121546

Home bar and entertainment area - open concept NYC Co=op apartment. Gramercy Park, NY

Breaking Down the Emotional Impact of Aesthetics

One's dream of a ''Forever Home' is often colored by the emotional impact of aesthetics. To begin with, the psychology of color in a home can stir up profound emotional responses. Warmer colors evoke feelings of comfort and coziness, while cool colors can create an aura of calm and serenity. The layout and design of a home also hold considerable influence. An open floor plan might foster a sense of freedom and connection, whereas a segmented one might appeal to those desiring defined, personal spaces. Natural light, beautiful yards and delightful views can significantly enhance a buyer's emotional state, with sunlight ushering in positivity and stunning vistas providing a sense of joy and tranquility. These factors collectively shape the aesthetic experience and direct a buyer's emotions during home selection.

The Emotional Impact of Aesthetics in the Home Buying Process

A home that triggers positive emotions fast-tracks purchasing decisions. Buyers may quickly commit to a property if the aesthetics — from the architectural style to the interior design — stir feelings of excitement, comfort, familiarity, or aspiration. They feel emotionally "at home" even before making an offer. When a buyer feels like they've found their perfect home, they are eager to make a quick decision. In that case, it may be necessary to get moving help in a hurry and hire movers in New York for a seamless transition to their new abode.

Aesthetics also play a crucial role in the perceived value of a property. A well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing property can create an impression of worth, enticing buyers to see it as a valuable investment. Consequently, they may be willing to pay a premium price for the emotional satisfaction it provides. In essence, the emotional impact of aesthetics in the home buying process becomes a driving force, influencing decision-making speed and a property's perceived worth.

Modern Bathroom Remodel - Oyster Bay Cove, NY

How Aesthetics Influence Decision-Making

As potential buyers set foot in a property, the visual appeal or lack thereof can instantly stir emotions, subtly shaping their initial assessment. Real estate agents watch the faces of their clients closely to assess how they feel about the home. Be it a beautifully arranged master bath or an aesthetically pleasing landscape, such visuals can immediately spark a sense of desire or disinterest. Aesthetics also affect unconscious decision-making. Buyers are swayed by features they find appealing without fully realizing why, from a cozy fireplace to a well-lit kitchen, even if these weren't on their initial checklist.

Aesthetics and Future Visioning

The aesthetics of a home do more than appeal to a buyer's current tastes; they paint a picture of future possibilities and potential lifestyles. As potential homebuyers tour a property, they often imagine their life unfolding within its walls. The design, layout, and overall home aesthetics can significantly influence this vision. A beautifully landscaped garden may invite notions of family gatherings, while a modern, spacious kitchen could evoke images of hosting dinner parties or cooking weekend brunches. Moreover, aesthetics often serves as a reflection of a particular lifestyle. A minimalist, streamlined design might appeal to those seeking simplicity and order, whereas a grand, ornate interior might resonate with those aspiring for luxury and opulence. Home aesthetics allow potential buyers to imagine their future lives, influencing their emotional connection to the property and, ultimately, their purchasing decision.

Custom Rutt Kitchen

The Role of Home Staging in Enhancing Aesthetics

Home staging is essential in enhancing the aesthetics of a property, resulting in numerous benefits. It transforms a house into a marketable product by strategically arranging furniture, decor, and accessories. Creating a decluttered space and removing excess furniture and personal belongings, the staging process opens up the potential of the home, allowing buyers to envision themselves and their belongings in the space. In some cases, sellers may even consider renting storage space in NYC to store excess furniture during the staging process. Successful staging enhances aesthetics but also evokes positive emotions in potential buyers. Thoughtfully curated spaces create a welcoming atmosphere and elicit comfort and connection. Home staging is a powerful tool for enhancing aesthetics and positively influencing the emotional response of buyers, expediting the home-buying process.

Navigating Emotional Reactions: Tips for Buyers

Buyers need to effectively balance their subjective responses and practical considerations to navigate emotional reactions to aesthetics. To maintain a balanced view, ask yourself the following questions:

●      Does the home meet your needs in size, number of bedrooms, or proximity to amenities?

●      Can you envision your daily routines and activities fitting comfortably into the space?

●      How well does the home align with your long-term goals and lifestyle?

●      Are there any potential maintenance, , remodeling, or renovation costs to consider?

●      Does the neighborhood offer the desired sense of community and convenience?

●      How does the home's price compare to similar properties in the area?

Ensure a comprehensive evaluation of a potential home by asking yourself these questions. Consider emotional reactions to aesthetics and practical considerations for a well-rounded decision-making process. An emotional “buy” can be unnecessarily expensive.

Conclusion

Recognizing the significance of the emotional impact of aesthetics in the home buying process is vital. Understanding how aesthetics influence our emotions can help us make more informed decisions. Throughout this article, we've explored the role of aesthetics in influencing buyer emotions, decision-making, and perceived value. We've discussed the impact of first impressions, the power of positive emotional reactions, and the role of home staging. Buyers can strike a balance that aligns with their needs and desires by considering the property's emotional and practical aspects. So, as you embark on your home-buying journey, remember to delve into the emotional impact of aesthetics and maintain a critical eye. Use the insights gained here to guide your decisions, ensuring a satisfying and well-informed choice when finding your perfect haven.

What are Clever Storage Solutions for Small Bathrooms?

Modern Bathroom with Full Length Wall Niche

Fitting all your toiletries, linens, and personal items into a small bathroom can feel like trying to solve a complex jigsaw puzzle, especially when aiming to maintain a stylish and uncluttered look. But you can transform even the smallest of bathrooms into functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces with the right approach. That is where the magic of clever storage solutions for small bathrooms comes into play. These ingenious ideas and designs help to maximize your limited space, turning every nook and cranny into potential storage spots. Read on to discover innovative ways to navigate the space constraints of your bathroom and make it work for you.

Understanding Your Space

The more you are open to adjusting to a small living space, the better you are at getting used to  condo living. The first step towards maximizing your small bathroom is to understand its dimensions. Take time to measure your bathroom accurately, noting the width, depth, and height. It will help you find the perfect fit for storage solutions later. Additionally, evaluate potential storage spots, like the space over the toilet or under the sink. It's all about perspective, and you'll soon start seeing opportunities where you once saw obstacles.

Storage cabinet built on vanity counter top

Reaching New Heights in Small Bathrooms

When it comes to small bathrooms, one of the most effective bathroom design tips is using vertical storage solutions. By utilizing the often-underutilized vertical space, you can open up a world of possibilities for storage. The benefits of vertical storage solutions are twofold: they maximize storage capacity while creating the illusion of a larger bathroom by drawing the eye upward. 

·       Wall-mounted shelves are a fantastic option, offering a stylish and practical solution for keeping essentials within reach. Shelves can accommodate toiletries, towels, and even decorative items, freeing up precious countertops or floor space.  Large or small shelves can be stacked almost anywhere convenient.

·       Another vertical storage gem is the over-the-toilet cabinet, providing a discreet storage area for extra linens, cleaning supplies, or personal care products.

·       Vertical cabinet(s) built on the vanity adds ample storage space.

·       Built-ins – If you are able to use a wall (or part of a wall) for built-in cabinets/shelves, this is a great way to add depth and storage to your bathroom.

Bathroom Remodel includes built in shelf next to vanity and hooks on the wall.

Double-Duty Items for a Compact Bathroom

In a small bathroom you may want to consider adding the largest vanity possible with doors and drawers. With organization tools such as trays, magnetic strips and back of door organizers, you can maximize hidden storage in one area. Also consider a vanity that has a “U” shaped drawer under the sink for storage.

Another example is a mirrored medicine cabinet that provides medication and toiletry storage and doubles as a reflective surface to enhance the sense of space.

Maximize Vanity size for storage

Surfaces

When optimizing storage in small bathrooms, exploring the nooks and crannies you tend to overlook is essential. With clever bathroom design, bathroom walls, ceilings and floors can be transformed into valuable storage spaces, keeping your bathroom organized and clutter-free.

An ingenious solution is to use hooks/rings on the wall, side of a vanity, in the shower or hanging from the ceiling. Hooks provide a place to hang a towel, robe, or even a storage box. Niches can be extended throughout the shower and even onto the wall outside the shower.

Additionally, storage ladders offer a unique vertical storage solution, perfect for displaying decorative items or keeping frequently used cosmetics within easy reach. By harnessing these useful surfaces, you can maximize every inch of your small bathroom and transform it into an efficient and functional oasis. 

Storage Accessories: Small Changes, Big Impact

Innovative storage accessories can provide practical solutions and contribute to a clutter-free environment. Consider incorporating suction cup shower caddies, which effortlessly adhere to your shower walls, and provide storage for shampoo, conditioner, and other shower essentials. Magnetic strips for cosmetics offer a space-saving solution for storing pins, tweezers, and nail clippers. Adhesive hooks are versatile, and you can place them on walls or the back of cabinet doors to hang clothes or loofahs. These small changes not only declutter your space but also add a touch of organization and convenience to your bathroom. All of the above gives you plenty of reasons to start renovating your bathroom and make it more efficient.

What organizers and surface hooks and rings would you add?

Storage Ideas Inspired by Condo Living

Living in a Long Island condo or New York City's space-constrained world, profoundly impacts our approach to storage solutions. The scarcity of square footage has cultivated a culture of innovation and creativity, inspiring clever storage ideas that maximize every inch of available space. NYC-inspired storage solutions for small bathrooms can be a game-changer.  Many residents rent a self-storage unit to get extra space for necessary items. Safely store seasonal or less frequently used possessions, creating extra space in your home.

Conclusion

Clever storage solutions help maximize every inch of space.  By utilizing innovative storage ideas, your compact bathroom transforms into a functional and stylish haven. Embrace the challenge and see your small bathroom as an opportunity to unleash your creativity, proving that even limited space can catalyze remarkable design and organization.  Create a seamless and efficient space that meets all your needs while maintaining a stylish aesthetic for your perfectly equipped bathroom.

Get creative!

Interior Renovations to Complete While You Enjoy Outdoor Living.

Avoid much of the construction fuss.

Master Bathroom Remodel

While you spend time in your outdoor kitchen and patio, this is a great opportunity to complete major renovations in your home. You can avoid much of the to-do of a construction project. Early Spring is the time to plan and design your project in order to start construction in July. By the Autumn, your home will be ready for all the upcoming holidays.

Rutt Quality Cabinetry

Top Six Interior Renovations to Plan, Design and Complete during the Summer

1. Kitchen- There is no better time to renovate your kitchen when you have the weather and availability of your outdoor BBQ and patio. You will not have to miss family dinners at home. OK, when it rains, you may have get takeout or set up chairs and a table in the garage, unless you have a covered patio. Add a small fridge outside and your are set. Kitchen Gallery

2. Floor Plan Layout - Who wants to be inside when all the dust flies, let alone the noise of power tools? If you want to take down a wall to expand a room - the kitchen let's say, this is a perfect time to do it.

3. Dining Room - With your outdoor living area bringing you delight, you can replace the floor, have it freshly painted, maybe new windows. If you want built-ins or a bar, you can add them now.

4. New Floors - This is an ideal time to replace floors in one or more rooms.

5. Master Bathroom - With construction and walls down to the studs in many cases, not worrying about noise and crews is a big plus. Tiles, tub, fixtures... a lot going on. Bathroom Gallery

6. Replace Windows - For the same reasons mentioned above, summer is a great time to replace your windows

Cesar Italian Cabinetry

Our Kitchen Showroom in Manhasset is open Mondays - Saturdays. No appointment necessary. Meet with one of our expert kitchen designers. Free Consultation.