Priorities, Priorities
Master Account • September 10, 2020
As more and more homeowners in Chattanooga continue to work from home, they realize that their home is not working for them as well as they would like or need. As your family spends more time at home, the kitchen has taken on a more prominent role as a multifunctional space.
We've received numerous calls from homeowners in Chattanooga interested in updating what currently exists. Certain elements of a dream kitchen should be at the top of everyone's priority list regardless of space and budget. At the top of the list should be a combination of beauty, aesthetics and superb functionality. You should smile every time you cross the threshold, and every time you use your kitchen to prepare meals, eat, help with homework, chat with friends and neighbors or simply spend a few minutes for yourself.
The key priorities for any new kitchen should include:
- Adequate storage
- The right light
- Appliances that cater to the families' desires and lifestyle
- Proper ventilation
- Island or peninsula
- Everything else, including the kitchen sink
A superbly designed kitchen is an organized kitchen. There is a direct connection between storage capabilities and functionality. That's why when we design a new kitchen, we ask homeowners in Chattanooga to inventory everything that they currently store in their kitchen, curate duplicative items and identify items they use rarely as opposed to those that are employed daily. Knowing the utensils, dishes, small appliances, glassware, cooking accessories and other items you use in your kitchen enables a kitchen designer to develop a customized storage solution for your unique needs and desires.
Lighting can make or break how your kitchen looks, feels and functions. Effective lighting illuminates a space in layers using different components and strategies to paint the final picture. Layers of light contribute not only to the functionality of the kitchen but also to its design and beauty. A savvy kitchen designer knows how to employ ambient, task and accent lights to enhance a new kitchen's beauty and functionality.
Appliance selection should match your lifestyle. For homeowners in Chattanooga who like to cook, the cooktop and oven are the two most used and hardest working appliances. Make those two appliances priorities.
Range hoods serve two valuable roles. Functionally, they remove smoke, grease and odors from the kitchen. Aesthetically, they can provide a focal point that sets the tone for the entire space.
Islands or peninsulas are requested by 99% of homeowners in Chattanooga and for good reason. Islands provide extra countertop space and storage. Islands can double as dining tables, homework desks or a place for an additional sink, cooktop or dishwasher.
Sinks and sink areas are often an afterthought or minimize their importance. Too often the choice of the sink is left to the countertop fabricator that often agrees to provide a sink at “no charge.” Typically, the fabricator's selection is the least expensive option available. Why would you want to put a $25 sink into a $50,000 kitchen? Plus, doing so misses multiple opportunities to enhance the functionality of your sink area. Today, manufacturers offer workstations that convert the sink into another space to prepare meals. These workstations include colanders, cutting boards, drying racks, bowls and other meal prep tools and utensils.
How can you identify the top priorities for your dream kitchen? Give us a call at 423-266-0077 or make an appointment to visit our showroom either in person at 2601 Broad St #1A or virtually.
Upgrading to soft-close cabinets and drawers can significantly enhance the functionality and longevity of your kitchen, bathroom, or any space with cabinetry. One of the most immediate benefits of soft-close mechanisms is the reduction of noise. Traditional cabinets and drawers often close with a loud bang, which can be particularly jarring in a busy household. Soft-close technology ensures that drawers and doors glide smoothly and shut quietly, creating a more peaceful and serene environment. This feature is especially appreciated in open-concept living spaces where kitchen noise can easily permeate throughout the home. Another major advantage of soft-close cabinets and drawers is their contribution to the longevity of your cabinetry. The gentle closing action reduces the wear and tear on the hinges and drawer slides, preventing the damage that can occur from slamming. Over time, this means fewer repairs and replacements, preserving the beauty and functionality of your cabinetry for years to come. Additionally, soft-close mechanisms help protect the contents inside the drawers and cabinets from shifting and potentially breaking, which is particularly beneficial for delicate items like glassware and china. Finally, soft-close cabinets and drawers add a touch of luxury and modernity to your home. They are a sought-after feature in high-end cabinetry and can increase the overall value of your property. This technology demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to quality, which can be a selling point if you decide to put your home on the market. Moreover, soft-close systems are a user-friendly addition, making it easier for people of all ages, including children and seniors, to use the cabinets and drawers without exerting much effort. Investing in soft-close technology is not just about convenience; it's about enhancing the overall experience and longevity of your living space.
he Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), held in Las Vegas at the end of February, stands as the premier event in the industry, offering a glimpse into the future of kitchen and bathroom design. With a record number of exhibitors, KBIS showcased an array of new product introductions, emerging trends, and cutting-edge technologies that will help homeowners in Chattanooga create the kitchens and baths of their dreams. At this year's KBIS, a spotlight shone on health and wellness, with numerous plumbing manufacturers unveiling innovative reverse osmosis systems capable of eliminating up to 90% of contaminants from drinking water. Complementing this focus on healthier living, new products designed to enhance shower experiences took center stage, promoting well-being and beauty through rejuvenating skin treatments and muscle-relaxing massage therapies. A nod to nostalgia emerged as a delightful surprise, as several faucet manufacturers unveiled retro-inspired designs tailored for homeowners in Chattanooga seeking the timeless allure of mid-century modern fixtures. Echoes of the 1960s reverberated through grooved channels and faucets designed to complement Shaker cabinets, while a wide range of bridge faucets exuded vintage charm. Meticulous craftsmanship garnered attention, with one faucet manufacturer earning acclaim for its unique faucet handles crafted from Murano glass, each bearing its own distinct character. Intricate hand-hammered details, knurled textures, and detailed facets adorned faucets, sinks, and fixtures, showcasing an unwavering commitment to detail. A shift towards natural hues stole the spotlight, particularly among countertop manufacturers, who unveiled an array of cream, taupe, and gold-toned surfaces. This trend reflects homeowners' departure from sterile, all-white palettes towards softer, warmer tones, inviting a sense of comfort and serenity into their homes. Moreover, countertop and surface material manufacturers unveiled environmentally conscious and sustainable options, including tiles crafted from 100% recycled materials and quartz products engineered to minimize their environmental footprint by significantly reducing silica content. Innovation in appliances also took center stage, with manufacturers unveiling sleek matte black and satin stainless-steel finishes, alongside smart features that redefine convenience. From washing machines equipped with precise detergent dispensing technology to ovens controllable via smartphone apps, appliances are evolving into intuitive sous chefs, offering recipe suggestions, monitoring cooking progress, and even capturing time-lapse videos for homeowners to share on social media. Exciting advancements were also seen in home automation, with systems seamlessly integrated into stone or engineered surface countertops, allowing wireless charging of up to three smart devices. Give us a call at 423-266-0077 or make an appointment to visit our showroom either in person at 2601 Broad St.
We know that many homeowners in Chattanooga are fans of the Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate . The show features world renowned chefs discussing their favorite foods eaten at their favorite restaurants. Asking an expert what they like the best is not the exclusive province of celebrity chefs. Homeowners in Chattanooga often ask our designers and showroom professionals what are the best things they would put in their primary baths? Here is a partial list of our showroom’s favorite features: An in-home spa: Nothing beats having a personal refuge featuring fixtures such as a tub or shower that provides in-home spa experiences that may include steam, massage, color, sound and aroma therapies. Creating an in-home spa provides homeowners in Chattanooga to spend a few minutes a day away from texts, tweets and little feet to recharge their batteries, improve their health and well-being and rejuvenate tired minds and muscles. Heated floors and towel bars. There are few more luxurious feelings than walking on a toasty floor on a cold evening or reaching for a warm, cozy towel as you leave a shower or bath. It’s an unparalleled spa-like luxury experience. The right light. Homeowners in Chattanooga can make personal and bold design statements with over-sized chandeliers, sculptural pendants and dramatic flush-mount lighting. Installing LED strips underneath vanities and along walk ways virtually eliminate the having to disturb a partner if you have to use your bathroom in the middle of the night. Integrated LED lighted mirrors provide even, glare-free task lighting for the vanity area allowing homeowners in Chattanooga to ensure they always look their best when they prepare for their day or a night on the town. Storage, storage and more storage. A well designed primary bath is an organized bath. There needs to be a place for towels, cosmetics, medicines, accessories, hair dryers, tooth brushes, etc. From gorgeous cabinetry to open shelves and everything in between, a dream bath has a place for everything and everything has a place. Niches. Carve outs in the shower or tub area provide extra space for hair care products, soap, sponges and other products. It’s a little touch that makes a huge difference. In drawer outlets help create a clean and natural look and feel by eliminating the need for electric tooth brushes, hair dryers curling irons or other bathroom appliances from having to sit on the countertop or interact with water. Smart showers with digital controls that allow homeowners in Chattanooga to use voice activation, smart phones or settings to set the exact water temperature, flow rate and therapies for individual family members. High quality plumbing fixtures that not only provide superior functionality, a near-lifetime of longevity and an aesthetic that sets the tone for the entire bath. What are the best things you would want in your dream bathroom? Give us a call at 423-266-0077 or make an appointment to visit our showroom either in person at 2601 Broad St.
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