Gone are the days where the microwave sits on the corner of the counter and takes up space.  In today’s kitchens there are a collection of different places and locations that you can incorporate the microwave into your kitchen design.  Microwaves have become a way of life and the last thing we want is them taking up valuable workspace and cluttering up our counters.  They have become a standard appliance in today’s kitchens.

When it comes to choosing a bathroom sink for your Chicagoland custom remodel you might be surprised at all the options you have to choose from.  While not every sink will work for every bathroom remodel, there are a lot of factors that come into play when choosing the right bathroom sink. Homeowners need to consider space, style, and function when choosing the right bathroom sink.  It’s important to get familiar with what is available.  There is nothing worse than finishing that bathroom remodel to discover something that might have worked better or you wish you had known about.

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to wonder what the difference between a kitchen designer and interior designer is.  There is some overlap and some of the things they do are similar.  But YES! There is a difference. 

As outdoor kitchens are becoming the hottest trend we have seen in a while, it seems like almost everyone wants one.  When you finally get that new custom outdoor kitchen you will want to make sure you keep its original look. 

When looking at kitchen trends for 2015 we notice homeowners are choosing brighter and bolder colors.  While white stills remains the number one custom cabinet color, we are also seeing a lot of gray and other colored cabinets as well.  Homeowners are moving away from the traditional and choosing a colored cabinet with more neutral wall tones or a more neutral custom cabinet finish with accents of color.  Today’s kitchen designers have noticed colors being used in a variety of new and innovative ways.

If you walk into almost any home chances are they have some type of a pet.  Many homeowners consider their pets as much a part of the family as any member.  In fact about 68 percent of homes in America own some type of pet.  A majority of those homes have a least a dog or cat, with many of them having multiple pets. 

While nobody likes germs, there are many places in the kitchen that germs can accumulate and build up.  While there are many cleaners out there that will kill the bacteria, they will also ruin the finish on your cabinets and countertops.  It’s important that you learn what products are safe to use on your countertops and new cabinets. Taking care of your kitchen will give you a kitchen that will look new for years.

Summer is here and we are spending more time outdoors in the yard.  It’s time to fire up the grill and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. If you have driven around you have probably noticed a new trend that is catching on, outdoor kitchens and living spaces. 

Homeowners today have so many options and no longer have to be outside cooking at the grill while everyone socializes indoors.  With new and innovative cabinets and designs, many outdoor living spaces are rivaling the indoors.  No need to run back and forth to get what you need.  

An outdoor kitchen can be stocked with everything you need including the sink, refrigerator and other appliances.  It can also have natural seating areas so you can talk to your guests while you work.

As the use and style of bathrooms has changed so has the overall look.  Bathrooms are more than just a place to shower and get ready in the morning.  In many homes they resemble a living room and have become a retreat.  Where they  used to be sterile and cold, today they are warm and welcoming.  Just like many kitchens today they reflect the personality and style of the homeowner.  

It’s not uncommon to go in almost any home and see there is some type of a mudroom or designated area that is meant to take the place of the mudroom. However, in many households many of these areas end up becoming a dumping ground or a junk room.  The whole purpose of having a place to put things when you walk in the door is defeated.  So why is that?  In many instances the mudroom was just created without a lot of thought.