CHANGING HARDWARE: PULLS OR KNOBS...

Want a big impact for not a lot of money - change your hardware. Whether on your kitchen cabinets or a favorite piece of furniture, there are so many options to add new life without breaking the bank.

Start by determining if you want a knob or a pull.  Its really a matter of preference when adding new hardware where there is none.  Most important when switching out existing pulls - measure the distance between the screws to get the right fit. The most common is 3" but that can vary. 

In the kitchen, determine what finish you want to use:  Nickel, Chrome, Brass or Bronze. There are many color variations within each finish category - usually satin, brushed or antiqued. In recent years, the big trend was towards ORB or oil-rubbed bronze but happily brass is making a strong comeback. I've always loved Brass! (FYI, see the post on Interior Design Trends for 2013.)

Satin Nickel

Brushed Bronze

Oil Rubbed Bronze

Antique Silver

Of course, the styles vary as well. Whether your taste is MODERN and CONTEMPORARY...

Or very TRADITIONAL...

Or somewhere in between aka TRANSITIONAL...

Or you even WHIMSICAL...

There are many colorful options as well made from glass, porcelain and ceramic.  

The selections available are almost limitless. So whatever you decide, CHANGE IS GOOD! Have fun with it...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

FOR THE LOVE OF TILE - STONE, CERAMIC, GLASS OR PORCELAIN...

I am currently working on two projects that will require tile: a bathroom renovation in a home built in the late 80's and a complete rehab of a home (I mean down to the studs) including the kitchen and three bathrooms.  Thankfully, in both cases, the clients have a "nice" budget to work with - nice not unlimited.

For a designer, picking the right tile for the project is critical to the final product. Initially, qualifying my clients to ascertain their style is key. Next is a trip to my friendly neighborhood tile showroom. Two of my favorite retailers - Walker Zanger and Ann Sacks (not necessarily in my neighborhood) - have the most unique tile selections in the world. Their design inspiration is limitless, coming from the most unusual sources:

That excursion can be overwhelming as my client disclosed after on a recent trip. Keeping in my mind their taste and their budget can make the experience much more palatable.

Whether its TRADITIONAL...

MODERN...

OR TRANSITIONAL...

...there is bound to be a tile that will give anyone the bathroom of their dreams.

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of AnnSacks.com

LEFT OUT IN THE COLD - SAYING GOOD-BYE TO AN OLD FRIEND...

Its easy to take things for granted. Saying good-bye isn't easy. I finally had to lay to rest my refrigerator of the past 11 years.  Silly me, I thought we had a few good years left. At least until we're ready to sale the house after the boys go off to college. 

That led me to research my options for new appliances since we need a new stove and dishwasher as well. The brands are seemingly endless. Of course I love the high end brands such as Miele, Viking, Thermador, Wolf/Sub-Zero, JennAir and GE Monogram.

 

 Then there are the brands for the rest of us such as KitchenAid, Whirlpool, LG, General Electric, Frigidaire and Kenmore.

So do I select the traditional top freezer or go crazy and buy a side-by-side, bottom freezer or French door?  Since my color options are limited and I dare not venture back to the days of Harvest Gold or Avocado Green, its either black, white, bisque (aka almond aka beige) or stick with stainless steel to match my other appliances. I love the high-end look of stainless steel but the accumulation of fingerprints drives me crazy.


Side-by-side

Top freezer

French Door



Bottom freezer



Freezeless

Since we only have a 33" wide space to work with and needless to say I need a freezer, the side-by-side, French door and freezeless options were out. In doing my research, the bottom freezer gives you a tad bit more storage capacity. So I decided upon the:



Kenmore Bottom Freezer in Stainless Steel

Why the Kenmore? The GE Bottom Freezer that I wanted wasn't available for immediate delivery and we couldn't wait nearly 2 weeks. So we welcomed our new addition with open arms.

I'll have to start the process over again very soon because my range really is on its last leg...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of Sears.com