It’s hard to believe that the holidays are upon us. Many of us have our Christmas trees up or Menorahs out. Our living room mantles are decorated with garland and the stockings are hung. There are so many things to do and so many opportunities to decorate. There is a lot of pride when it comes to home ownership. The holidays are a chance to show off that newly remodeled kitchen and your favorite features of your home.

It’s impossible to describe the feeling of owning a home in a way that people that have never owned a home can really understand. It’s that first visit to the home after closing on the mortgage, when you look around knowing that the house and everything in and around is YOURS. It’s like the ultimate Christmas present that can never be matched. Everything changes. The way you look at the outside of the house. The way you look at the inside. The grass. The plants. Everything.

Putting some unexpected things in the bathroom can give it that perfect finishing touch. From a dangling chandelier to a built in bookcase there are many things you can do to bring the living room into the bathroom.  Bathrooms today are a place of solace and relaxation. It is the one place in the house you can lock the door and have your own personal retreat. 

For some people spending time in the kitchen cooking may not be their favorite thing. In fact they may not cook at all. That doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy their kitchen and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy.  Every home has one and every home needs one even if you don’t cook. They are more than just place to cook. They are the heart of the home where activities from paying bills to entertaining guests occurs. Why not make your kitchen a place you actually enjoy spending time and use even if it is not for cooking.

Have you ever wondered if your kitchen is working against you when it comes to your waistline? Brian Wansing and eating behavior expert suggests that there are some ways to design your kitchen that will help you lose weight. The environment and design of your kitchen can actually help promote a healthier lifestyle so you are not left to your own willpower.

What is it about kitchens that cause people to congregate? Some of our fondest childhood memories revolve around the kitchen.  Whether it was making those holiday treats or just helping grandma cook your favorite dessert. While in the past the kitchen was typically used for cooking, it is so much more today. It is the place where family and friends not only cook together, but also build relationships. Our kitchens have become a part of our family rooms. 

For years we have heard about the work triangle in the kitchen. Where everything revolves around the refrigerator, stove, and sink. The idea is that everything is within reach so you don’t have to go far to do what you need. However in some kitchens it is not ideal for function and flow. The placement of your appliances depends a lot on no only the activities of your home, but the size of your kitchen.  Designers have found that the work triangle doesn’t necessarily work for all kitchens. In fact it doesn’t even need to be a triangle at all. 

What does the sink you choose for your kitchen or bathroom say about your style? Just like countertops, sinks come in a variety of materials, shapes, and colors. They add style and also affect the look and function of your kitchen. There is basically five different types of sink mounts:  under mount, self-rimming, integral, vessel and farmhouse sinks. They not only add to the style, but can also enhance your kitchen and bath custom cabinetry.  Learning about the different types of mounted sinks will help define your style and get the right look for your Chicagoland custom kitchen.

Most people will tell you to design a kitchen for you and not the future homebuyer. While this is true in part you do need to consider how that kitchen will affect your resale value. We aren’t always planning on moving but unexpected things happen in life. Not everyone wants purple painted cabinets in their kitchen even if it is your favorite color.

"Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go…" For many of us grandma isn’t so close anymore, but for others maybe she lives with you?  The memories as a young child going to this amazing feast without even lifting a finger are in days gone past. For most of us family and friends will be spending time at our homes enjoying a not so effortless feast.