kitchen conversations

So you have been dreaming of your perfect kitchen for quite some time now, huh?  Well, now may be the time to seriously consider the possibility.  The U.S. Remodeling Sentiment Report reveals a 13% increase in the number of homeowners who say they will remodel in the next 12 months. Why now?

Staying in Your Home – Not only are people spending more time at home because of the economy but also plan on owning their home longer than originally planned.  Tight credit conditions and the dropping value of homes means most of us will stay put and invest in our current homes.  Not only will you and your family be able to enjoy a beautiful new kitchen now but also add to the value of your home for future sale.  According to studies done by both House Remodeling Magazine and HomeBuyersHelpDesk.com, the number one home improvement that adds value to a house is remodeling the kitchen.

Time – Kitchen designers, remodelers and kitchen contractors have been faced with extra time on their hands that they might not have had in the past.  With the economy slowing down and not as many homeowners looking to remodel, they are eager to help you with your project. 

Labor Costs:  According to the November 2009 Issue of Remodeling Magazine, “Labor is another area where remodelers have achieved some savings. Many report that with work slow, and jobs fewer, trade contractors are sometimes willing to help drive down costs.”  Every project has a budget and while some contractors in the past may not have been as willing to work with in yours – many are now more willing to take a second look.

Materials – The downturn in new construction has created less demand for building materials. As a result, materials prices have fallen sharply the last couple of years. 

 “We’re getting significant discounts from our cabinet manufacturers,” explained Chris Spade, production manager and owner of Kitchen Kraft  in Columbus, Ohio. “Homeowners can also take advantage of free upgrades like cherry cabinets, dovetail drawers, or any of a number of upgrades,” he added. “We’re passing these savings along to our customers.”

 Now is the time to explore all your options when it comes to custom cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, flooring, etc…

Tags: « custom cabinetry - custom cabinets - kitchen designs - renovation »

Raw linseed oil, extracted from flax seed, is one of the most truly green wood finishes; and is often referred to as “nature’s own preserver.”  The linseed oil finish is a quality finish that not only is a preserve, but it also prevents corrosion, dry rot and is often used for waterproofing.   It has been used for years (dates back to the 16th century) for wood preservation of antiques and guns. 

Not all linseed oil finishes are created equally – there is “raw” linseed oil and “boiled” linseed oil.  Raw linseed oil is squeezed from flax seed and packaged with no additional additives or preservatives.  Most products labeled as “boiled linseed oil” are a combination of raw linseed oil, petroleum-based solvents and metallic dryers – making them not so green!

 

Raw linseed oil, when used as a finish, dries slowly as it soaks into the wood versus coating it like a varnish.  This leaves a smooth shiny surface that shows off the grain of the wood. Wood treated with linseed oil is resistant to denting and scratches and can easily repaired.

At Holiday Kitchens we only use raw linseed oil – we don’t know of any other cabinet manufacturers who can claim this! We offer this earth friendly finish on cherry, oak, and alder woods.  The finish comes in three options Light Linseed Oil, Medium Linseed Oil and Dark Linseed Oil.   

For more information on Linseed Oil, and other eco-friendly cabinet choices, visit http://holidaykitchens.com/livegreen/choices.php

Tags: « eco-friendly - green - Holiday Kitchens - Live Green »

Sarah Londerville, owner of Manomin Resawn Timbers, recently visited our kitchen and bath showroom to educate us on reclaimed wood flooring.  I was so impressed with her knowledge, that I wanted to share some of the information she provided.

Reclaimed wood flooring inspires a new and innovative style for your home, while preserving the traditional richness, warmth, and durability of wood.  Not only does reclaimed wood have environmental benefits it also has design and aesthetic benefits.

Reclaimed wood floors usually come from old buildings, tobacco factories, warehouses, barns, old breweries, etc… and then it is milled into antique plank flooring.  By deconstruction of old buildings and recycling the materials the timbers get to be reused instead of sitting in landfills.  We are now able to utilize the deconstruction for sustainable construction. 

Reclaimed wood does have some aesthetic advantages over new wood.  Old timber is generally more stable, harder, and tighter grained.  Also, deeper color and patina is common to many reclaimed woods; minor defects such as nail holes can add character in rustic or contemporary finish. Because the wood has been air drying for 80-100 years, it is a very stable floor with minimal shrinkage.

Here are some additional resources on reclaimed wood:

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/feature/green-materials-guide/flooring-reclaimed-hardwood.html

http://www.thesexygreenhome.com/reclaimed-wood-flooring.html

Tags: « kitchen designer - kitchen trends - sustainable »

Think globally – protect the planet for future generations

Think locally – set an example for others in the community

Think personally – respect and preserve the health of others

As part of Holiday Kitchens’ commitment to improving the social, economic and environmental well being of our community, we are excited to present Tyler Ziehme a $500 college scholarship.  Tyler is a 2009 high school graduate in Barron, Wis. and is pursuing a career in natural sciences. 

We are very proud of Tyler’s accomplishments and his commitment to the environment.  Good luck, Tyler!

Tags: « Holiday Kitchens »

We are so excitied to be a part of this project and can’t wait to get a copy of Robin’s book!

“Kennedy Green House” aims to ensure the proper information is available to improve the quality of a reader’s eco-system – their health, home, furnishings, and lifestyle choices.  The book will serve as a design and educational tool for homeowners, builders, and interior designers.  Read more at USA Today

 

Tags: « Bobby Kennedy - eco-friendly - Holiday Kitchens - Robin Wilson »

The number one remodeling project in American homes each year? Kitchens. There’s good reason for this — not only do people spend a good portion of their day in the kitchen, but a healthy percentage of home entertaining takes place there as well. To correct a poor flow in kitchen traffic, design flaws and increase storage and working space, a kitchen remodel tends to range from 10 - 30 percent of the home value.  According to an article in Better Home & Gardens titled Guide to Kitchen Cost , cabinets typically account for 60 to 70 percent of the kitchen cost.

We understand the importance of planning ahead when designing your dream kitchen and invite you to use the kitchen budgeting calculator on our website .

Remember – no other room says more about who you are and how you live than your kitchen. So why not design a kitchen around just that? Your life. Your style

*This information is based on estimates and should only be used as a tool

Tags: « eco-friendly - kitchen designs »

Your kitchen countertop is the main functioning area of your kitchen. Whether it is making breakfast to putting together a grand dinner or baking cookies; the countertop is the central area that pulls all kitchen activities together.  Stone countertops have become a really hot trend and I have noticed people usually go with Quartz or Granite.  Stone countertops provide many different types, finishes, appearances, thickness and textures; however there are pretty big differences between the two.

Quartz is a man made product so it’s an engineered stone that is non-porous; so it is extremely hygienic, making it a food-safe choice. It’s made from a mixture of 93% quartz and 7% resin; so when you are looking for a stain resistant, no maintenance, heat resistant countertop, quartz may be just what you want.

One great thing about natural stone is that two stones are never alike, making every kitchen one of a kind.  Granite is durable, scratch resistant, and resistant to water and heat.  Since granite can discolor and has to be sealed I have noticed most people are now leaning towards quartz.  For more information on countertops, visit www.kitchenbathideas.com . We would love to hear your thoughts on countertops!

Tags: « Holiday Kitchens - kitchen designer - kitchen designs - kitchen trends »

The number one remodeling project in American homes each year is kitchens. There’s good reason for this — not only do people spend a good portion of their day in the kitchen, but a majority of home entertaining takes place there as well. To correct a poor flow in kitchen traffic, design flaws and increase storage and working space, a kitchen remodel tends to range from 10 – 30 percent of the home value.

Kitchen designer, Kathleen Kissing, whose work is currently featured in the January/February Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Publication – Kitchen & Baths, tells her clients to expect to spend 60 – 70 percent of the kitchen budget on the cabinetry.

Kissing offers these tips to help determine a cabinet budget before starting the kitchen design process:

1.) Room Layout and configuration will affect cabinetry pricing the most. A lazy susan cabinet is more expense than a blind corner cabinet but much more accessible. A drawer stack is higher priced than a standard drawer and two door cabinet. A wall oven with a separate cook top is an upgrade to a standard 30″ range.

2.) Cabinetry construction is about 60 percent of the total cabinetry price. Plywood construction is more expensive than fiberboard construction. Look for dovetailed drawers with full extension, under mount glides in your upper end cabinetry. For longevity it is best not to cut corners in cabinet construction.

3.) Wood species such as cherry, maple, alder, hickory and oak affects cabinetry pricing. Cherry is always a premium wood carrying a 15% up-charge over more standard woods like oak or hickory. Alder, a less expensive wood, can be stained to look like cherry. With the non grainy look so popular in cabinetry today, the price of maple has gone up and now carries an 8 percent premium

4.) Door styles can vary cabinetry pricing too. A simple door is less expensive than a door with a lot of details. Also, beaded inset doors that are set flush with the cabinet face frame is always more expensive because of the precise tolerances.

5.) Cabinet finishes are another key factor. A factory catalyzed top coat is a must in any price range and will give you lifetime durability. Painted cabinetry is at least 5 percent more expensive than standard stain wood. Glazed and distressed finishes add about 10-20 percent to cabinetry pricing. As the finish process gets more involved, the cabinetry requires more hand work, spends more time in the factory finishing area, and pricing will reflect this extra labor.

The January/February issue of the Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Publication – Kitchen & Baths, featuring Kissing’s work will be on newsstands until the middle of February.

Kathleen Kissing is owner of Unique Custom Cabinetry located in the historical village of Glendale in Le Petite Cottage at 21 Village Square in Cincinnati. Kissing specializes in kitchen and bath design and has been creating unique kitchens for her clients for over 19 years. For more information or to contact Unique Custom Cabinetry, visit www.uniquecustomcabinetry.com.

Tags: « custom cabinetry - kitchen designer - kitchen designs »

Kay Green, a nationally recognized interior designer, will be discussing one of her latest projects – the Greenovation of Terra Verde at the International Builders’ Show in Vegas January 19 – 22.  As part of the presentation, Green will discuss 2010 kitchen trends and how to incorporate eco-friendly products, such as Holiday Kitchen’s cabinetry, to create a beautiful and healthy living space. 

The Greenovation of Terra Verde features the eco-friendly Robin Wilson Home Collection by Holiday Kitchens, which  has over 100 door styles in varying materials from bamboo, coconut palm, wenge, stainless steel, plus hardwood in cherry, maple, oak with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes. This frameless, custom-cabinetry line has over 10% more usable storage space maximizing storage, cleaning and functionality, compared to framed cabinetry.

Kay Green Design, Inc. has a national reputation for design excellence and has been featured in such prestigious housing publications as Builder Magazine, Professional Builder, Multi-Housing News, Home & Condo and Suncoast Architect Builder, as well as in leading consumer publications such as House Beautiful’s Kitchen/Baths, The Orlando Sentinel, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune.

Tags: « eco-friendly - green - Holiday Kitchens - Robin Wilson »

New Year – new kitchen, maybe not literally but you would be surprised how new your kitchen can feel when it is organized!  Not being able to find the things you need, or even knowing what you have, can be costly and frustrating.  You may feel it is because you don’t have enough kitchen space but in reality it may just mean what you do have is cluttered and unorganized. 

• Countertops are valuable real estate in any kitchen, yet they can easily get cluttered by small appliances that are seldom used.  Evaluate how often you use these appliances and how they look on your countertop.  Appliance garages are great option for tucking them out of sight.  

•  If you are looking at shedding some pounds this year, load up on the spices and get them organized!  Using spices to add flavor to healthy meal choices can help you feel more satisfied and keep you on track with your lifestyle changes.  In fact, in a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, people who had food seasoned with red pepper felt fuller and ate less than those who didn’t have the pepper.  Here are some additional items from Women’s Day Magazine on how to Slim Down Without Dieting

 

• Are the trips to the grocery store each week filling your cabinets with boxes and cans that you don’t even know that you have?  Organize your cabinets to store the grocery items in a way that you can do your meal planning and find the ingredients that you are in need of.  Contrary to popular belief, buying in bulk in not always the best option. Only buy what you will use in a timely manner, this eliminates the stockpiling of items that never get used and go to waste. 

• Organize your pots and pans so they can be easily stored and accessed.  Usually these are the heaviest items in your kitchen, yet stored in the lowest spaces.