In every kitchen remodel there is the potential for great storage, display, and functionality. The sad fact is all kitchens don’t have enough of any of these. A kitchen island solves these problems and looks beautiful doing it. From mobile islands to seating area kitchen islands, the amenity of having one or two in your kitchen is an added bonus. If you are fortunate to design or choose a home with a kitchen island you’re in for a treat. For those that are on the fence as to whether to have one, look at these 6 benefits of having a great kitchen island. The benefits of adding a kitchen island range from function, preparation, storage, seating, and of course beauty and style. In-fact they are the #1 requested feature to include in the “Wish List” in most of our designs.

White Kitchen Island NJ

1. An island adds storage area in addition to cabinetry: If your kitchen is lacking storage areas, a kitchen island may solve your problem. With the option of additional drawers, pull out shelves, and cabinets, the island is an extension to your existing casework. Ever thought you didn’t have enough room for recycling bins? Under a kitchen island makes a great accessible space because it doesn’t interfere with the main preparation area of the rest of the kitchen.

2. A kitchen island is perfect for kids: Whether it is homework time or they pitch in to help make dinner, a kitchen island is a great place for kids to feel part of the action and be in close eye view. Another option for kitchen islands is to place kid’s height amenities like a microwave and refrigerated drawer in reach. For after school snacks and Saturday morning early breakfasts, amenities that the kids can feel independent using are a good idea for some households.

Glass Doors on White Kitchen Island NJ

3. Extra seating is a major asset: A kitchen island can act as informal dining area for the kids or it can act as additional seating when entertaining. Having access to your family or guests is always an advantage while cooking and preparing meals. Even if your kitchen is small, a counter extension into the adjacent room can act as an island. Whether your space can seat 2 or 6, it’s always a plus to be able to seat more people.

Glass Counter Contemporary - White Kitchen Island NJ

5. Place additional kitchen amenities at your island: For larger kitchens the ability to add preparation sinks, refrigerator drawers, and additional cooking area is a way to make your kitchen more functional and useful. Since larger kitchens have the ability to have plumbing and electrical services run to them the options are limitless. Add a range hood over your stove/grill and now your island becomes the main hub of cooking and entertaining.

6. The material options for an island are endless: Whether you are using your island for utilitarian purposes or you want the island to be the show stopper of the kitchen, there is a counter top surface for you. If cost is a concern, consider plastic laminate or solid surface man made finishes. For mid level spending consider higher grades of solid surfaces or stained concrete. At the high end of the cost spectrum are butcher block, granite, and custom exotic wood varieties. Visit a countertop retailer for inspiration or look through a kitchen and bath magazine to get dream kitchen island ideas.

If you think a kitchen island is just for show, you now have legitimate reasons why your kitchen can benefit from one. From storage to additional seating, any sized home will love the versatility a kitchen island offers.

Cooktop on Kitchen Island NJ

KraftMaster reader’s do you own a kitchen island in your home? Are you thinking about putting one in? Let us know, as we love to hear your comments.

www.kmrenovate.com

Pedestal Sink with beadboard in white bathroom

Remodeling an outdated bathroom is a sound investment, adding a second bathroom is another project that will help make a property significantly easier to sell: On average, American homeowners recoup 90 percent of their renovation costs at resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value” report.

If you are considering selling anytime in the near-term, however, beware of bathroom renovations that some buyers might find more off-putting than appealing. “You can always add some fuchsia towels to the bathroom if that’s your color. From a marketability standpoint, however, the advice is against installing fuchsia tiles, stay neutral.

If pleasing prospective buyers and getting the greatest return on investment is a top priority, keep in mind the experts’ advice when renovating your bathroom:

Keep It Simple
“From a design perspective, clean and simple is always more marketable than anything that’s ornate or off the wall,” says, Bob Gockeler from KraftMaster Renovations.

Consider sticking with white fixtures and neutral color scheme if you really want to play it safe. For the floor, ceramic tile tends to bring the greatest return on investment.

Showers have surpassed whirlpool baths in popularity. But keep in mind that there are tub people and there are shower people. If you install only a shower, make it a roomy one-at least a 5-footer-so the next owners have the option of removing it and putting a tub in its place.

Shower Power
Handheld showerheads facilitate cleanup and are considered a “must have” by many remodeling professionals and homebuyers be sure to use quality products like Kohler

Handheld shower with rainfall shower, custom tiling.

A wall-to-wall mirror works well with a double sink vanity because the reflective surface unifies the shared space. Clean, contemporary bathroom designs generally call for unframed or beveled mirrors.

Increasingly, however, bathroom designers seeking a more furnished look are mounting framed oval or rectangular mirrors above the sinks instead of flat, unframed mirror that extend from one end of the vanity to another.

Pedestal Sink with beadboard in white bathroom

Keep Style Consistent
Ideally, a bathroom should feel like an oasis. But that doesn’t mean you should forsake the style of the house to which it’s attached. Consistency is key: Don’t put a rustic timber mountain look in a 1950s-era brick ranch house.

Make A Wish List And Project Binder
Once you have determined your needs and identified any existing problems or issues you will want to correct with a new bath, start a “wish list” binder or project scrapbook. A great source of inspiration when it comes to designing your new bath, a project binder or scrapbook will also help keep you organized and focused.

Items to include:
# Design idea and trend articles clipped from magazines
# Information from consumer publications that rates products and building materials
# Pictures of attractive bathrooms from magazines and product literature
# Creative ideas for storing towels and toiletries, and for decorative items to personalize your new bath
# Product literature categorized by fixtures and faucets, cabinets and countertops, flooring, lighting and window treatments
# Paint samples and fabric swatches
# Business cards, newspaper ads, and the names and addresses of interior designers, builders, and retail suppliers
# A pad of paper for jotting down ideas, layout sketches, likes and dislikes

Use the Bathroom Planning Guide to identify those features your feel would add value or convenience to your new bath. Add it to your project binder for ready reference.

Creating a project binder-and visiting showrooms for further inspiration-will help you to better visualize what you want your new bathroom to look like. Ultimately, this will save a lot of time and guesswork as you move forward with your project.

Bathroom changes that pay-back | www.KmRenovate.com

“Though once considered luxury features, multiple shower heads, scald-free water controls, shower seats, skylights, grab bars, leg-shaving shelves, room for two, music and much more have become necessities for increasing numbers of homeowners who understand just how important it is to experience the relaxation and even sensuous experience of a well-planned shower.

Converted bathtub to shower stall

“A steam shower, for example, loosens the muscles, opens the pores and relaxes the mind, providing maximum effect for a relatively minor investment,” continues Gockeler, who has installed dozens in existing and new bathrooms. “The steam unit itself is small and can be hidden in a closet or vanity without compromising much storage space. About the only other requirement is a shower door, as opposed to a curtain, so the steam can be contained more effectively,” he explains.
Scald-free showers have become a reality now that pressure-balanced shower valves have been designed to compensate for changes in water pressure and temperature. The installer or homeowner simply sets a stop-a ring or adjustment screw-at the maximum desired temperature, usually about 110 degrees.

Showers today come in a variety of sizes and shapes: square, rectangular, corner, neo-angle, circular and even freeform, any of which can be custom-sized to fit the most irregular of bathrooms. A variety of accessories – a shower seat, his and hers toiletry shelves, multiple shower heads with sprays aimed at all the right places, and grab bars can all be added to your personal space.

Bathtub conversion to custom shower stall

Installation of grab bars is an especially good idea, adding to safety for young and old, the healthy, the handicapped and the in-between (which might include weekend tennis players, bikers or gardeners with strained elbows, knees or backs).

“Grab bars can be located vertically, horizontally or on a 45 degree angle, but should always be mounted on a 2″ x 6″ piece of plywood, recessed between studs in the wall. Improperly mounted, they will eventually pull away from the wall with the weight of use,” emphasized Gockeler. “Grab bars are not meant to be an afterthought, but should be carefully planned and located, then installed by a knowledgeable craftsman.”

Another welcome change for the homeowner is the variety of shower doors now available. Made of clear, opaque, striped and even etched glass, they can be trimmed in brass, chrome or colors. But the biggest single advancement is the trackless shower door which, together with the one-piece shower base, has eliminated the drudgery of cleaning showers forever. Heavy thick glass adds a feeling of jewelry to the shower.

Custom tile shower and sliding glass doors

Planning is the key. Visiting a professional, a specialist who has a strong background in bathroom design and installation, is an absolute must when redoing a room as complicated as a bathroom. Experienced – insured – professional craftsmen are a must to do your project.

“A professional Bathroom Designer knows all the details of electrical codes (such as ground fault interrupters), plumbing codes, and construction codes (such as waterproof sheetrock), so he or she can coordinate every aspect of the job. And based on experience, the professional can cite the advantages and disadvantages of any given product, such as ceramic tile, granite, marble, porcelain. Give yourself the advantage of a professional designer’s knowledge,” Gockeler advises. “It’s the best investment you can make!

“Redoing the bath in a well-designed, well-thought-out manner, as opposed to changing just the floor or the countertop,” he continues, “yields a far higher return to the homeowner, both personally and financially.”

With the hectic pace of modern technological American, people are in desperate need of stress management. To the list of aerobics, group therapy, yoga, massage therapy, Tai Chi, aroma therapy and free weights, add the newest stress reducer: extraordinary creature comfort. To help cope with their dizzying lifestyles, Americans today are finding their solace – both physical and emotional – in the bathroom!

Change Your Tub Into A Shower | www.KmRenovate.com

Weathering through the housing slump by adding on to your existing home provides the best current solution for your growing family & personal or business needs. Just imagine … with a two level addition, you could add a personal office for yourself (distanced from the constant wailing of the kids), an extra bedroom or two, an expanded kitchen – and don’t forget about the extra bathroom that should keep the teenage clawing to a minimum.

In fact, go all out with the personal office and pull your boss’s arm or leg or both and see if you can work 3 days out of 5 from home instead of just Friday. With the price of filling up that gas guzzler escalating faster than popcorn pops, you might just have the chance. You could even invite the boss over for a quick lunch sometime to show him the office set up you have (or will have, once you get that new addition in place). Surely he’ll fall for it. It’s the way of the green, right?

Morris County NJ

KraftMaster will do most any kind of residential construction in and around Summit, Short Hills, Madison, Berkley Heights, New Jersey. They prefer design build projects where, if you don’t already have an architect with your plans predone, they’ll refer you to a trustworthy architect or two who will walk you through the design process. If a kitchen is in your plans, they’ll refer you to a kitchen/cabinet showroom where you can design the kitchen of your wildest dreams. Once that is complete, the KraftMaster crew will take off. As contractors, they can then manage every remaining aspect of the process. And folks who’ve used them in the past know they stand squarely behind their name & their work.

Call KraftMaster Renovations, LLC. today or fill out their online contact form to begin the free initial quote process.

Kitchen gadgets seem to be one of the most abundant kinds of cool gadgets. There are just so many things you can do in the kitchen that a gadget will help you with. If you want a kitchen gadget set to aid you in your daily kitchen chores, stay tuned I’ll be finding some new and unique kitchen contraptions each month and sharing them.

We recently finished a beautiful kitchen remodel for a client that had just that problem. I visit homes just about every day of the week so throughout the years I have encountered so pretty awkward and unusual sets of steps.

Anything over 8” is not only an uncomfortable height for a step its dangerous. it felt like the first rung of a ladder when you entered the kitchen from the sun room. The client contracted with my company KraftMaster after seeing our design capabilities for the remodel and on the way out Robin Finnegan our kitchen designer almost tripped down the step on her way out. Robin said to the client “you really should do something about that step”

What we suggested is to make a custom medallion platform step to provide a safe comfortable landing zone for a heavily used entry way to the backyard which is accessed through the Sunroom. The challenge was that there is nothing readily available for such situations so we proposed had to be fabricated. Kitchen Designer, Robin Finnegan turned to one of our custom fabricators, a perfectionist and old world Craftsman, Phil Keck. With her design in hand he created this stunning oak medallion platform, hand finishing it to match the existing flooring. He added walnut inlays which provides visual interest and character. The dark contrasting color ensures the eye catches that there is a step so you don’t accidentally trip.

Riser

For residential staircases, the National Building Code has set the maximum riser height at 8-1/4 inches. The riser is the back of the step that makes it “tall,” not the part you walk on. Making your steps less than 8-1/4″ tall is acceptable and may be beneficial if there are elderly or disabled people living in the home .

Custom Medallion Step – Kitchen	Concept for Kitchen Step	Original Step @ 9.5 inches high

Tread
The tread is the part of the step that your foot steps on as you ascend or descend a staircase. The minimum tread depth is 9 inches, which allows enough for a solid footing while traversing the stairs. Wider, or mixed size, treads are generally allowed on spiral staircases or staircases with a landing and twist. A tread depth of more than 9 inches is acceptable, especially if the staircase will be used by elderly or disabled people. Deep treads can also provide an elegant-looking staircase.



Nose
Some steps have a lip or “nose” which protrudes over the tread of the step. The building code allows no more than a 1-inch nose for such types of steps. More than 1 inch could cause someone’s foot to become entangled on the tread.

Clear Width
The generally acceptable width of a stairway is 36 inches, including handrails. This is called the “clear width.” The clear width allows the user to have a wide enough area to walk, and additionally allows people to pass each other on the steps safely.

Headroom
One additional measurement that needs to be looked at is the headroom. The NBC has instituted a minimum height of 6 feet, 8 inches, which is measured from the landing to the ceiling directly above it. This height should be maintained throughout the staircase.

Types
There are many types of staircases found in homes, including “floating” steps in which there is no visible riser. This type of staircase is still bound by the requirements of an 8-1/4-inch riser measurement. Spiral staircases, as well as those with multiple landings, allow for a variation in tread depth, but generally adhere to the same measurements for step risers and overall width.

Stair Tread Width and Height | www.KmRenovate.com

Bamboo has been praised for being an excellent green product for your home, however the opinion is changing. Bamboo is an extremely strong and versatile plant that is actually classified as a grass. It grows rapidly where shoots reach maturity in 5-7 years. At that time the plant actually benefits from the harvesting of those shoots.
For this reason, bamboo is an excellent choice as the cork tree is sustainable. The problem with bamboo lies in over planting and uncertified bamboo forests. In many regions of China and other bamboo supported nations, natural original forests are being clear cut to make room for more bamboo plantations. This has led to erosion, and the destruction of animal habitats.
Many bamboo flooring operations overseas are also uncertified meaning that human rights for employees and forest protection are not enforced which has generated the idea that bamboo flooring may not be so green at all!
If you would like bamboo flooring for your kitchen, be sure to demand that your bamboo flooring manufacturer is using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified bamboo. This way you can feel better about your flooring choice and know that you in fact have a “green floor”.
for more information on Bamboo sustainability, please visit www.kmrenovate.com

KraftMasters Opinion
Look’n Luscious!! Bamboo flooring’s distinctively supple appearance is such an improvement to any kitchen. These floors will impress even the most ill-informed of guests! Bringing bamboo into your kitchen space provides a soft, durable and hardwearing flooring surface which will also increase the value of your home. Why deny it, try it!
The martini factor
When the party begins and the bottles rapidly dissipate, you may start to lose confidence in your guests as the night goes on, but have faith in that which supports you!!!
Bamboo kitchen flooring is somewhat shock absorbent so stemware and china can stand a chance to breakage. So you may be surprised to find that you actually saved a few bucks when your party was all drank and done.

Sometimes you just need a quick guide, a “how to” to get the ball rolling. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to choosing the kitchen designer that is right for you. It’s that easy.

You need to be organized and focused in order to make a reasoned evaluation. It’s easy to be seduced by, well, so many things you encounter in a design studio or showroom, everything is so beautiful! But, don’t mold yourself to the product, and be “stuck with” the design firm. Find a talented designer who you feel you can work well with and whom you respect. Good Great design work will follow, but first, ask these questions…

What do you think are good questions to ask? I would love to know!

1. How many design solutions (plans) do you provide? Hint: Three or more is what you are looking for. With one or two plans designed, the vision is most likely narrow and subjective on the part of the designer. You need to see the possibilities for your space. Otherwise, it’s “coulda shoulda woulda.”
2. How long does the process take? Two weeks? Four Weeks? According to your (the client’s) timetable? This lets you know the timing expectations of the designer for the design process from start to completion. It also will tell you if this timing “fits” for you. You may also want to find out if the firm has a “policy” on changes during the design process.
3. May I see work samples? It is useful to see both images of completed projects as well as proposed designs. Oftentimes the bulk of a design firm’s clientele may be of one “style” or another, depending upon the region, although the designer may have proposed alternative design solutions in an effort to move beyond the typical, and this would be very interesting to see, as it shows creativity. I have more “alternative” design ideas in my client files that my clients were too afraid to consider as the concepts were not “safe.”
4. How do you keep up with new ideas, products, industry advancements? Does the designer ever leave the office? Does he/she go to kitchen and bath shows, seminars, conventions? Interior design shows? Subscribe to kitchen and bath industry publications? Have a library of design books? Read interior design blogs? There are many ways to keep pace with the ever changing kitchen and bath world, but it is important that this is done.
5. How long have you been designing kitchens? Just a minor detail…something you will want to know! In this business, experience is a good thing, provided #4, above is in place.
6. Do you have any special accomplishments that I should know about? Accomplishments within the industry show involvement, motivation, interest, and recognition, all important to have as part of one’s resume/career highlights.
7. How mobile are you? Is the designer available for jobsite meetings, even (occasionally) on short notice? Can meetings take place at your home, or only at the design studio/showroom? This last question should not be a dealbreaker…unless it is for you. Any availability via cell phone or pda? Mobility is a good thing. For me, I’ll email 24/7 during off hours, but the phone takes a break from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning.
8. Will you give me cost alternatives or just one single cost at the end of the design process? Assuming you have already received an estimate (a separate issue) will the designer tell you during the process where there may be costly design decisions and make an effort to suggest lower cost options? I provide my clients with a limited “chinese menu” of items at the end of the process, when presenting the final cost, to illustrate where particularly large cost items are seen in the plan, and offer substitutions. If a hood costs $10,000, which recently occurred, you may want to be aware of that cost! What’s the cost procedure? And, what is the payment schedule?
9. How do you handle the labor? Can I use my favorite plumber and electrician? Do I need to purchase the labor through your company? Will you provide me with more than one contractor for estimating purposes? You should have freedom of choice here. That said, a team approach is a good way to proceed.
10. What will be your role after the sale of the cabinetry? Does the designer hand off the project to someone else in the firm? If so, you may want to meet the project manager. How often will you see a presence from the firm during installation?

And the bonus question: What if something goes wrong? What are the policies of the firm? What issues are likely and unlikely to arise during the project in the firm’s experience? Who is responsible for what, when, and why? This is such a large question, it bears a separate post, however, the germ of the issue is presented. Think of your own difficult scenarios and ask questions. Look for a reasoned response, service focused.

Sure, there are other questions you need to ask, which I will cover at another time. These came to the forefront, covering a balanced criteria of design, money, and logistics issues. I recommend that you actually write down a list of questions and go in with those questions at hand and start the interview process!

They had the Thermador corporate chef there preparing food as well as the area sale rep talking about the great new designer and personal use programs Thermador has launched for 2010.

It was a great way to learn more about the product and participate in some best practice exchange with other designers and kitchen remodeling design firms. Of course the owner John Moretti made sure that everyone got to enjoy some great food and drink. I was amazed that the chef started with several different types of appetizers,  followed by a couple of main course items. All demonstrating the cooking capabilities of the Thermador appliances. I wish I’d had time to stay for desert! Next time I will be sure to bring a few clients that are considering remodeling their kitchen. Seeing these cooktops in action makes a world of difference, if only the chef came with the package !

Our account manager Adam Loffredo and the rest of the staff was there too answering any questions we had about the products.

Some of the things that were really interesting are these features, exclusive to Thermador.

Star® Burners
	The Star Burner’s unique design directs heat evenly from the center of the pan to its edges for faster time to boil and superior heat spread.

More Even Heat
	The Star Burner’s unique shape delivers superior flame spread and a reduced cold spot when compared to a round burner.

ExtraLow® simmer
	Our ExtraLow feature simmers items without scorching. It’s a perfect solution for warming delicate sauces and melting chocolate.

The owner John, really spends the time educating his team and it shows in the enthusiasm of the entire team. Its no wonder that everyone of my clients make their purchases at Topline appliances.

For more information contact  John Moretti at Topline (908) 232-5200