5 Products we LOVE for the kitchen

Making the best use of space, light and storage is always top on the list for most of us.  I search for new and unique products every single day to make that happen! Here is my list of favorites for March!

1. Drawer insert for space saving storage.  This is fabulous for long utensils, easy to grab, and what could be better other than a personal chef?  If the $75 price tag is too high, fashion your own from balsa wood and carpenters glue like we did.




2. LED undercounter light with motion sensor.  Very cool LOOX lighting is great for when you need it.  By Haefle, the surface fixtures are battery powered and go on with a wave of the hand. Easy!




3. An add on cabinet? Yep. Put this small 2 legged piece at the end of a cabinet run or island for much needed storage and an extra surface.  Kraftmaid makes these in a variety of sizes and styles.  All you do is unpack the box, attach the unit and top with your favorite counter or cutting surface.



















4. Kohler's cast iron sink with an offset drain is fantastic!  When you wash large pots, the drain can get covered by the pot....well no longer!  It's large and undermounted...two of the better options for a kitchen sink.

5. Dimmers are the best way to take your high output recessed lights down to a better level after prep is over.  Lutron makes beautiful styles that work whether you have LED, CFL or incandescent bulbs. Save money and get the best light control you can!

Design Rules

There are many aspects of design and decor that are flexible.  Scale is one of them. Balance isn't.  Here are my top 5 rules of thumb that make interior spaces dynamite instead of droll.

1. Area rugs should be balanced in a room.  Place all of the furniture in your room either all off your rug, or all on.  Having some pieces on and some off looks, well, off.  I like to leave at least a foot of floor showing, even in small rooms, so the area rug remains an accent piece rather than looking like wall-to-wall carpeting.

2. When hanging a chandelier over a table, install it about 32-36" above the table surface.  Too high and it looks 'lost', too low and it's not balanced in the room or functional when dining.
















3. Artwork can be its own focal point, but can be grouped with furniture to create an overall vignette. I like to have odd numbers in my group, and hang pieces of similar composition, color, or with 'like' frames together.  The closer you hang art in your vignette to each other, the more impact your grouping will have.

4. How large is the right cocktail table?  Two-thirds the width of the sofa is always right
















5. When mixing fabrics in a room, you should designate your color scheme and work within its varying hues and complementary colors.  I generally select one main pattern - floral, damask, paisley, etc...- and work in smaller scale prints, stripes, plaids and tone on tone so that each fabric has a purpose and is balanced in the overall space.  A good rule of thumb is to use 60% of one color in varying hues and patterns, add two equal amounts of accent hue to get 30%, then one bold or dramatic color is the remaining 10%.

Easy ways to update light fixtures.

Many light fixtures can be updated to work with your decor.  Dated colors, shades and details can be modified to create a new look.  One of the first steps is to switch to a compact fluorescent (CF) bulb.  Why?  You'll use 70% less energy and the new CF bulbs have a warm color temperature and are even dimmable.  Next, if you are working with switched fixtures, change the switch to a dimmer. Why?  Mood and ambiance will change as you raise or lower the lighting. Get the right amount of light at the right time.  Take a look at the fixture itself ans see if you can use one of these 5 tips to create a new or updated look.

1) Change the color. Is the old brass chandelier too bright? Try a spray-on metallic finish and make it wrought iron. If nickel is the new color and your fixture is black, try a primer first then one of the new metallic sprays by Rust-Oleum.  Even changing a brass fixture to another color - and moving it to a bedroom - is a great idea and saves on buying new fixtures for every room. Here, an rusted brass entry fixture became a hot new chandelier for the dining room.

2) Update or switch the shade.  The simplest fix is to swap or update the shades...be it for a table lamp or a chandelier. You can purchase a new shade in a different style or color, or dress up the one you have with trim, beads, paint, punch outs and even new fabric.


3) Swap the globes. If your foyer chandelier has cut glass globes, try updating it with a coat of paint and add frosted glass globes in a different shape.


4) Cover naked bulbs. Many chandeliers and bathroom light bars have clear bulbs. Cover the chandelier bulbs with shades and switch your bath bulbs to frosted.

5) Remove or add elements. Have an older fixture with broken crystals, or a newer one with yellow acrylic danglers? Remove them for a new look or replace them with something different.  Hang seashells in a cottage home or glass balls in a contemporary one.  Cover up chains and cords with shirred fabrics.  For fixtures with leaves and other detailed accents, take them off for a cleaner look. Have a plain fixture? Dress it up like this one with crystal beads or items that fit your decor. 

6) Add a ceiling medallion.  Most fixtures look fuller with a medallion or other molding to add to the scale and highlight a chandelier.  If installing one is too difficult, try adding a stencil design around the fixture for a fabulous effect. 

The benefits of using an interior designer.

AFTER

As the senior designer for Touch of Tradition, I see many people facing design dilemmas. I serve as a sounding board and provider of advice and this is what I've found to be true over the years: Interior designers add value in many ways than simply through aesthetics. When you make a decision to remodel or update your home, and bring in a designer, it WILL change your life in the best ways. Making an investment in your home should be done wisely.  Even if you just spend a few hours of time with a professional interior designer, the results will be years of satisfaction and  enjoyment of the spaces you change. With the plethora of materials, products, advertisements and samples available for home remodels and updates, the choices need to be made wisely. Rather than struggle through agonizing weeks with plans, surface materials, fabrics, dimensions and "what-if's", using a professional designer will bring timely satisfaction, creativity, and perfection to your project. Don't make a mistake! We will help solve your design and construction issues so everything runs smoothly.

BEFORE

I've rescued clients from bad furniture purchases, the "nightmare" they lived through with a bad contractor, the poor selections of  floor coverings and paint colors that they made, and throwing their hands up at a poorly designed kitchen or bath. Don't waste your money or your time. We know codes, space-planning, color, products, technology and more. Our expertise is having the experience, resources and knowledge to recommend everything to finish and furnish your home. Keep what you can and update it, re-purpose, and re-new.  With access to new products, technology, trends and creative ideas, your time with us will be well-spent. 

When want to you love the results, meet your budget, and nail your style, the decision to hire a designer is always right. At Touch of Tradition, you can browse the fabric and furniture collections, purchase from what's in stock, or order a custom piece with the right dimensions and finish for your home. From July 1  to August 1, 2012, purchases from the shop or on-line will be supplemented with a gift certificate to use or give to someone special.  Come by and bring your home decor and design questions.

Lighting for every room.

One of the most important design elements is lighting. Without  it, the spaces designed cannot have function and focal points and accents are lost.  In any lighting scenario use dimmers, low wattage bulbs (like compact fluorescent) and smart placement for the best results. Consulting a professional lighting designer is wise to maximize your lighting and conserve energy at the same time; not to mention having a beautiful aesthetic.


Here are some ideas for lighting specific rooms. 

1) Kitchen.  To me, this is the most important space to light properly. Rather than banks of large recessed can lights that over-light the room throw shadows on work surfaces,  place, fewer smaller recessed fixtures  so the beam of light is thrown onto the counter and  walkways.  LED fixtures are a fantastic way to get task lighting, with low profiles that are nearly completely concealed.  Tucking pucks into glass-fronted cabinets provides accent lighting. Pendant for islands, peninsulas and tables are always a good solution. The longer the space, the larger scale the fixture should be and you can use more than one.

2) Bathrooms. Whether it's a master bath suite or a shared hallway bathroom, the lighting must be good for all users.  Start with a good ambient light for the overall space.  Add task lighting for make-up and health related tasks. Recessed flush mounted fixtures are practical and provide excellent ambient light. Wall sconces that shine light down are better than 'bath bar' lighting. Accent lighting needs to be creative and you should look at the architectural elements and cabinetry for your cues. Semi-flush mounted fixtures are good in bathrooms since ceiling heights may not allow for a chandelier, but you can have a dropped effect.

3) Living and dining rooms.  For entertaining, lighting should be warm, soft, and dramatic.  For living rooms, ambient light can be provided with table and floor lamps, which serve dual function as reading and task light. A well-scaled pendant over the dining room table can also provide light for the living room.  Wall sconces are nice in either room, flanking a fireplace, a piece of art, a focal point piece or mirror.  Hanging a fun chandelier over and end-table is an option to using a lamp.  Accent lighting can take many forms, from a decorative fixture to lighting in moldings and cabinetry. 

4) Family and play rooms.  From dimming lights for movies and TV to bright lights for playtime and homework, layered lighting is a must.  Place lighting first for the general space, then where tasks are -  reading, eating, homework - and add decorative accent lighting as a final touch. Lamps deliver both ambient and task lighting with the ability to move light as needed. Clip-on lights can be used for bookcases, desk lights, piano lamps and even for artwork. If your room has a focal point, be sure to accent it. Game tables generally require good task lights and pendants and chandeliers are a good choice.














5) Hallways and entries:  For safe and easy access, hallways should be well-lit. Recessed lighting is great so the width and length of a hall have adequate light. Wall sconces work well depending upon their placement. If your entry or hallway has the space, table lamps provide a decorative element when used on a console or hall table.  Dark hallways can benefit from solar tubes - depending upon the structure of your roof-line. Consider lighting for night if the hallway must be traveled for bathroom use.

Artistic pendant lights for unique lighting design.

Looking for some artistic pendants to dress up your bath, kitchen, or other space?  Don't think that pendants are only to be installed over kitchen islands. They work well in the corner of a room, over a vanity, dropped besides a sofa, and in lieu of a desk lamp. For some color and creativity, take a look at these five fixtures. Each is unusual and dramatic. Perfect for contemporary styled spaces but a great touch for a traditional home.

1. The Stargazer pendant by Niche modern. Dramatic in red, elegant in amber, and topaz.  The bulb is diffused by the inner housing and the glass globe.  They are fabulous hung in a master bath suite.

2. Leucos lighting's Witch Pendant is quite unusual and also available in gray and silver. Makes a statement in any space. 

3. How about a signed pendant by Jeffery Goodman?  These are all hand blown, so each is slightly different.

4. Made from partially recycled glass...these pendants by TOKENnyc are custom colored for your decor.

5. A hand-blown transparent glass pendant with a silver glaze by Tech Lighting. It seems that metallic finishes are once again trendy for 2012. The subtly of this glaze makes it right anytime.

Great products that give an update to traditional styling.

While contemporary design is emerging in furnishings and fixtures everywhere - just pick up a magazine or store catalog to see the trends -  most of the US loves traditional product design.  Chrome finishes, white tiles, and beige paint are the norm. When undergoing updates or remodels, it's nice to add products and finishes that while classic, have a fresh new look.  Not only do you gain technology - water efficiency and environmental friendliness - you often gain function with better scale, finishes, and performance.  I've found a few that I classify as transitional since they feature classical design style but a sleeker look that may appeal to hard-core traditionalists as well as those who want to add modern flair to their homes.

Faucets: Watermark makes this widespread faucet with classic styling but longer spouts, lever handles to comply with the principles of universal design, and a durable chrome finish. It would look at home on a pedestal sink or in a master bath suite. They offer multiple finishes and an array of styles in products for kitchen and bath. 

Moen has a wall-mounted faucet in three finishes, for traditionalists that love vessel style sinks but not the tall deck versions. A softly curving spout, updated lever handles, and beautiful porcelain inlays, make this the perfect blend of old and new. Available in three finishes and inlay options.

Bathroom vanities:  The shaped legs, rich wood, and marble top on this Kalista vanity are traditional features that are updated by the slim lines. A larger counter surface is balanced by a nicely scaled sink. In a small bathroom this is dynamite when paired with marble hexagonal or subway style tiles on flooring and walls.

Xylem also has some vanities that cross the boundary between Craftsman and Modern. Their Capri vanity in a deep espresso finish has nice finish details that offer a nice transitional style.

Lighting: The Massena pendant is Hudson Valley Lighting’s contemporary update to a classic schoolhouse light fixture.  Available in two sizes, the light features a metal shade and a metal frame, with a round ceiling canopy. Pendants can be specified in old bronze, polished nickel, satin nickel, and white glass with polished nickel accents.

In an updated brushed nickel finish, this wall sconce by Brass Lighting Gallery is a fine example of a more linear, modern edge for a bath sconce. Wonderful for a powder room or guest bath - in pairs - and the lines can be perceived as Deco and Retro if you're aiming for period style.

Sinks: The Shaw farmhouse sink by Rohl is another great example of better technology applied to classically styled kitchen sink. Its fireclay material resists scratches, thermal shock, alkaline and acids, and maintains radiant appearance. 

Hardware:  Baldwin has added a fabulous style search to its website. You can identify your preferred style by room photos and hardware finishes.  Their line of Classic Hardware has everything from embellished to simple knobs, levers and pulls and you can find some wonderful transitional styles for your project. 

Lighting design - easy and energy efficient solutions for any room.

LED in the ceiling and compact fluorescent bulbs
in the fixture, gives perfect lighting day or night.

With energy costs and concerns ever-increasing, and our global awareness of sustainability and eco-friendly design how can you be cost conscious and still have great design?   

Some incandescent and CFL bulb

The simplest way to make immediate changes is to purchase compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) that can be screwed into existing light fixtures.   CFL's come a variety of styles from chandelier shaped bulbs with small bases, to regular "A" base incandescent bulbs (IB), to the reflector shapes found in recessed fixtures.   As far as cost, they are no longer many times more expensive than IB's.  Combine that with the fact that they last up to 10 times longer, and you are saving time as well as money. You can keep your existing fixtures and light your rooms in style for less. NOTES:  A 13 watt CFL - using 104 kilowatts - is the equivalent to a 60 Watt IB - using 480 kilowatts. Home Depot does recycle CFL's in their stores.

Another easy way to save money, add ambiance, and a great look on your walls is to use sleek dimmers instead of existing switches. Made by www.lutron.com, they are sold at most hardware and big box stores. You can also install their occupancy and vacancy sensors and see the benefits in energy use and functional use immediately. They can be retrofitted in the space occupied by regular switches or installed without wires at all.  Check out their room, lamp and whole home lighting systems for long-term design planning, energy efficiency and cost savings.

When remodeling, building or doing a major upgrade - particularly where local codes require energy savings - you can install CFL recessed fixtures that meet code in kitchen and bath design. Many well-known lighting manufacturers offer hanging and wall mounted fixtures in either fluorescent or incandescent bulbs so you can select either style.  Long -term, light emitting diodes (LED) are more energy saving, longer lasting, and are available in many styles including recessed or can fixtures, under cabinet task fixtures, and puck style lights. 

When in doubt, contact a lighting design professional. We want you to have the right light for your rooms and tasks while saving energy!

5 Designer ideas to update your kitchen.

When you want to add a little bit of glamour to your kitchen, try these ideas:

1) Use a detailed edge on your counters. Whether you elect to use a double rolled edge of stone on the island, or a beefy 2" edge to your quartz, the look will be elegant and dramatic. 


2) Dim all of your lights. Place all recessed and other fixtures on dimmers so you can create ambiance when all of your prepping is over.  

3) Build your electronics in. Add receptacles, cables, etc.. in for laptops, phone charging and TV and video watching. Having them in a central location can assist with homework, cooking practice and on-line research.

4) Add furniture touches to your cabinets.  By upgrading basic cabinets with details like scroll legs, inlays, and veneers will enable the kitchen to blend more seamlessly into your decor.

5) Provide glamour with lighting and fabrics.  Rather than use a basic fabric on your chairs and barstools, use a durable, stain resistant acrylic.The patterns and colors of sun-resistant fabrics are dynamic and you can have a plush velvet with easy clean-up. Opt for a chandelier with glass or metallic elements over the island or to anchor your table. Glamour has never been easier to obtain.

Small space design. Five easy tips to use today.

We all want to maximize our spaces so we can be comfortable yet cozy.  Here are five ideas for small rooms.


1) Downscale the furniture.  Rather than purchasing a large sectional, opt for a smaller loveseat and armless chairs. You will have more opportunity to arrange the room well, and the smaller scale will keep the space open. If you can't buy new, try swapping smaller pieces from other rooms to use in a tight space. When you re-purpose furniture it gives you pleasure and often improved function. Dual-duty pieces like these storage ottomans can  be used as a table, seat, footrest and hold daily newspapers. The chest holds platters and is a great place to add extra table lamps and accessories.

2) Use color.  You may have been drilled with the idea that white makes a room larger.  True and false. You can use color as an accent - even on a wall - and keep a small room feeling larger. A great way to add bold color is inside shelving, as a throw on a sofa, in accessories that are grouped together, and on the floor as area rugs. When a room is monochromatic - beige, white, etc.. - the use of color adds drama, a focal point, and allows the eye to move to the color and away from elements that make it seem small. 


3) Add light.  An easy favorite solution.  Mirrors that reflect natural light are wonderful. You can use a mirror as a 'window'. If there isn't a window to reflect, add a table lamp or pendant in front of your mirror, to double the light. You can brighten a dark corner with an uplight behind a piece of furniture, and accent dark shelves with LED rope lights, pucks and even clip on  fixtures. Using LED will keep the energy use down yet add focal points of light. Changing the shades and globes on fixtures can help add light if they are dingy or dark.





4) Use storage wisely.  If you have an 8' x 8' living room, using many tables and chests will crowd the room and use floor space. Instead, use shelves to store items, place lamps on, even hang art from.  In spaces that can tolerate larger pieces, use armoires to hide work spaces like desks and televisions, benches to do double-duty as storage centers and seating, and even chests to hold games, nick-knacks and items you need but can reach for. This bench is a seat, a storage container for platters and vases and a room divider in this small condo.











5) Hide and clean it.  While out of sight is definitely out of mind, it can create a feeling of peace and relaxation.  For items that you DON"T need daily ...store them.  Even in a kitchen or laundry room that you may not use daily, cover the appliances with flipper doors for a sleek look.   Under-bed storage for extra items is easy and accessible.  Keep things you do need in containers, boxes, etc...that are easy to access and look great with your decor.  A great wicker box looks good on the dining table, and can store mail, a laptop, mail and much more.  Clean windows do let in lots of light as do sparkling glass globes on light fixtures! Dust free surfaces allow them to reflect the light.

Apartment therapy....small space ideas.

I lived in a small apartment in NY before moving to California. It's not easy to update a single room - on a budget - without having someone handy to help.  Here are some ideas for space planning and decorating that you can try.

1) Movable "walls".  Do you have a dresser? A headboard? In a single room apartment, they can serve as a room divider. Even your dining table can separate the kitchen from the bedroom - perhaps with a bench seat on one side instead of chairs.  If you have a budget, use folding screens. Second-hand windows, doors and shutters can make a great screen depending upon your style. For the do-it-yourself expert, you can build a divider from shelves, blocking off some of the openings for more privacy. If a wall is more your style, build one that can be removed, inserting tempered glass or plexiglass to keep light moving through. To separate my kitchenette from the rest of the space I had my dad build a tall cabinet then added a top shelf and a table at 28" that attached to the wall. It kept the space open, added great storage and I eliminated needing a full table and chair set. While they are expensive, room dividers that revolve storage and the TV from one side to the other, are a great solution.





2) Let the light in.  Privacy is key in a big city, but small spaces NEED light.  A transparent or open-weave room divider can keep your bedroom or guest sleeping area private from the public space.  Leaving windows un-dressed (no drapes or hard treatments) using window film is another option and easy to install. For simplicity use frosted effect films, or for drama use patterns and textures. Literally add light to cabinets, shelves, moldings and surrounding art and large pieces of furniture:  LED strips and ropes provide light without high energy use!

3) Uniformity is best.  To make small spaces seem larger, unifying the color scheme is best. Monochromatic color schemes in neutral colors will help make walls and floors seem larger. Accent the space with colorful artwork and large scale accessories. If you have many collectibles, group them in one area to keep the space looking open.








4) Store it.  Having a clutter-free space is attractive as well as provides peace of mind.  For that dual-duty kitchen table/desk, find some great wicker or paper boxes with lids and 

5) Open it up.  In apartments with many small rooms or long hallways with rooms off to the sides, removing doors (store under beds if you can) is a solution to keep spaces flowing together.  Are you an owner? Try opening a wall and creating a pass-through or even add glass for a window effect. Here, the wall was partially removed and stained glass insets added for privacy and a fabulous artistic element.

5 small space tips

We all want the best design solutions, especially for small spaces. Try one or more of these tips for your apartment, condo or small home. They work well in multi-unit homes and dorms too!

A great way to lift clutter in the kitchen.

1. Get organized. Clutter can make smaller spaces feel cramped and uncomfortable. Make a plan and place for everyday items. Upgrade closets with built-in organization systems rather than just rods. Digitize music and video collections and remove the boxes from view. Add pre-made desk units, storage cabinets and items that will help hide but make work and stored items readily available. In the kitchen, add shelving and store items above the visual plane.

2. Connect with the outdoors. On a wall with only windows to the outside, try a wall color and window coverings that appear like the outside colors and textures. If your doorway opens to a usable outdoor space, treat it to flooring and furnishings that look like your interior. Clean your windows since grime will cut down incoming light.

Adding a raised desk keeps the floor area open.

3 Combine spaces. Open adjoining rooms (you do not need to remove walls)  by installing glass, a built-in bookcase with an open back, or a wider pass-through. Remove doors between rooms and leave the passage open. Can you raise or lower a floor area? A loft in a bedroom or sinking a living area will create the illusion of a larger room. Good color choices are another great solution. Sharing colors in adjoining rooms can visually connect and expand them.  Send along your photos and we'll give you on-the-spot solutions for your small space challenges!

  

4. Let in the light. Install windows above or below cabinets to brighten and make it feel larger. High, narrow windows let in light while maintaining privacy. Transoms on interior bedroom walls or over doorways are great to bring light into rooms. Change window coverings to open weave blinds and fabrics and keep the colors lighter.  Translucence adds privacy but allows light in. Install fabric panels beyond the window frame to make the window look larger.  Can't add windows, try adding 'light boxes', up-light cans behind furniture and plants, and rope type strips under shelves, cabinets and moldings.  

Window sheers bathe this apartment in light.

5. Change the furniture arrangement. Pieces set away from - in lieu of lining - the walls, does make spaces appear larger. Remove pieces that are not useful. If needed, add TALL pieces to bring the eye up.