The Most Popular Kitchen Design Shapes and Layouts

Posted on October 11, 2016 by - Uncategorised

Vintage or modern picking a basic kitchen design shape is key 16001529 40037406 0 14128720 500

One crucial aspect of a kitchen remodel is determining how the layout will affect functionality. Since kitchens get so much daily use, choosing the right design that makes it easy for the entire family to work and cook is key. This has, in turn, brought about a host of new design features and innovations to expand the functionality of the average kitchen. 

"We have gone from the traditional kitchen, where one person prepared meals, to a multi-purpose room and a multiple-cook room, and this evolution has changed us from looking at one work triangle to multiple triangles, or 'zones,'" Mary Jo Peterson, principal of Mary Jo Peterson Inc., told HGTV.  "With that in mind, we have to increase clearances and look at adding comfortable spaces in the kitchen."

Here are a few of the most popular kitchen design shapes and layouts and why they might be right for you:

Zone Designs
A "zone design" breaks the kitchen up into distinct "zones," partially separated by counters, islands and other decor. Typically, this designates a cooking area, an eating section and other areas for socializing and working. Cooking is usually given the bulk of the space, to ensure that cooks have as wide a berth as possible.

"Here are a few of the most popular kitchen design shapes."

One-Wall
Popularized in response to the constraints of studio apartments, "one-wall" designs – often referred to as a "Pullman kitchen" – orient all cooking appliances, dishwashers, surfaces and cabinets around a single wall as the hub. They often are accompanied by a centre island, albeit more typically used as a surface on which to eat meals rather than featuring cooking or cleaning appliances. 

Galley or Corridor Style
If you find that your kitchen is more narrow, a galley – also known as or corridor – kitchen can help make the most of the space. These kitchen designs tend to forgo any seating or eating surfaces, instead simply utilizing a hallway layout with cooking and cleaning appliances like ovens, refrigerators and sinks featured on either side. The drawback of this kitchen is that, for multiple cooks, it can be tight working quarters.

L-shaped
Similar to a galley-style kitchen, L-shaped kitchens utilize corridors, but are also built along part – if not all – of another wall. The result is a more open version of the galley style, typically with an inner area that has room for seating or socializing. For more counter space, pair an L-shaped design with an island.

U-Shaped or Horseshoe
U-shaped kitchens are essentially two L-shapes facing each other in mirror, with a central island. The island automatically becomes the focal point of the room, allowing for cooking and cleaning to occur on one side while schoolwork and eating can take place on the other. This design has great cooking versatility and functionality, with the added benefit of creating a distinctive "flow" for the kitchen.

Need more tips and inspiration? Visit a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom today!

Turn a Closet into a Bathroom for Great ROI

Posted on October 9, 2016 by - Design for Unique Spaces, Renovation Projects

Your unused closet could be converted into a much needed bathroom 16001529 40035777 0 14127614 500

Often, bigger homes will come stuffed with an excess of closets – but only one or one-and-a-half bathrooms. While storage space is always nice, adding an extra bathroom to your floor plan can pay off handsomely if you ever opt to resell your home, not to mention make your life easier if you have a large family.

If you find you have awkward or unnecessary closet space, consider the following to make the most of it by converting it to a bathroom:

Turn it into a half-bath
If you are looking to convert a smaller closet into a bathroom, adding a full shower or tub might not be possible due to space restrictions. However, simply adding a sink and toilet can still offer impressive return on investment and be a very attractive feature, both to future buyers and your family when they encounter everyday traffic on the way to the bathroom.

“Consider space-saving fixtures like fold-up tubs or corner showers.”

Consider smaller fixtures and solutions to make the most of space
Turning a moderately sized closet into a full bathroom can be tricky, but possible if you are efficient with your space. Consider space-saving fixtures like fold-up tubs, corner showers or half-footprint tubs.

Plan for your towel hanging space
Often, where you choose to hang towels becomes an afterthought in bathroom design. With the limited space offered by a closet, it pays to consider this small feature as part of your overall decor. A washstand with towel bars built into it can be a great space-saver.

Windows and venting
In addition to the usual concerns of plumbing, one essential thing that is frequently not considered when planning a new bathroom is the issue of venting and window space. The build-up of steam in a bathroom makes having some form of venting required to avoid developing mold or mildew. Talk to your contractor about the best way to install venting, or if a window can be built in to add some extra light.

Focus on taller, leggier tables
To make the most of closet bathroom space, opt for tall, open base tables that take up less of your floor plan.

Keep patterns simple
A mish-mash of colors and patterns can make a smaller, enclosed space feel cluttered and claustrophobic. Paint or tile with bright, simple colors to make your new closet bathroom feel more open.

Alternatively, if you have enough bathroom space but lack closet space, turning part of a master bathroom into a partial closet with the addition of shelving or storage baskets can help you get organized and add a similar value. For more inspiration, visit a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom today.

Resilience, Design and Cost: The Best Bathroom Hardware Materials

Posted on September 30, 2016 by - Renovation Projects

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When choosing the right bathroom hardware and fixtures – like faucet handles, knobs, towel racks and sconces – there are three main considerations: resilience, design and cost. How much weight you assign to each consideration is totally subjective and is flexible based on the scope of the project and your budget, but focusing on some combination of the three can be very helpful in figuring out what you are looking for.

"Organic materials like wood are rarely used in bathroom hardware."

Resilience
Resilience is an essential feature of bathroom hardware since function is a top priority in all bathroom design. Your hardware should be made to be touched over and over again, as well as get wet without significant degradation. For this reason, organic materials like wood are rarely used in bathroom hardware. 

Metals like brass, nickel and bronze are common since they stand up to moisture and rubbing quite well. Iron is less commonly used as it can oxidize and rust over time, leading many homeowners to replace it with stainless steel or cover it with a water-resistant coating. Alternatively, glass is an option, though some report that glass can get too slippery when wet. 

Design
Choosing the design that is right for you is an entirely personal decision, but in general, it pays to keep your bathroom design scheme relatively consistent. A modern, high-tech shower might look out of place with lush, turn-of-the-century decor. However, fixtures and hardware are a great place to insert a little bit of quirkiness or personal character since they are most often small, unobtrusive touches.

"You can mix metals," Jennifer Markanich, owner and designer of Timeless Interiors, told HGTV. "But it's easier to mix metals in the kitchen than in the bathroom."

You can also feel free, if you like your current fixtures and just want to update them to match a bathroom remodel, to paint or spray-coat existing hardware. Just make sure to choose a fast drying, waterproof paint that is specially formulated to coat metal or glass.

Cost
We know that if you could, you'd design the bathroom of your dreams and spare no expense – all the way down to the most lavish, beautiful fixtures money can by. Unfortunately, this isn't always feasible. More so than design and resilience, cost has a tendency to drive certain decisions when it comes to choosing bathroom hardware.

That isn't to say that you can't find bathroom fixture materials that are beautiful and inexpensive. Recycled or antique brass can often be quite affordable and easy to find, while sleek stainless steel can often great performance for a very attractive price. 

Want to learn more? Contact Wolseley Kitchen and Bath today!

The Science of the Flush: Making the Right Choice

Posted on September 16, 2016 by - Eco-Friendly Design Tips, Product Innovations

Do you know the difference between low flow high flow and dual flow 16001529 40036804 0 14019464 500

When it comes to selecting the right toilet for your bathroom, a toilet flush system may have a greater impact than you'd ever expect. Whether you are an eco-conscious homeowner or someone looking to avoid any potential backups and clogs, understanding the distinction between a low flow, high flow and dual flush toilet can help you make the most informed decision.

The history of flushing technology
Prior to the 1990s, all toilet flushing systems were virtually the same: Each flush would deliver anywhere from 2 to 7 gallons of water, activating a gravity-based system that pulled deposited materials down through your plumbing. The conventional wisdom was that the more water used per flush, the more effective the toilet was at limiting clogs or backups. 

Beginning in the mid '90s, governments worldwide started becoming more concerned with water conservation efforts. Toilets, as one might imagine, created a significant amount of waste water, which has to be shipped and processed. This not only consumes large amounts of water that could be used for other purposes, but it also has an enormous carbon footprint.

According to Rose George, author of The Big Necessity: The Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why it Matters, "the sewage system [in the U.K.] uses as much energy as what the largest coal fire station in the [country] produces," which equals out to about 28.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. In response, governments all over the world passed water conservation laws, many of them mandating that there be a 1.6 gallons-per-flush cap.

Low flush or high flush: What's the difference?Low flush or high flush: What's the difference?

"Dual flush toilets give users two distinct options."

The birth of 'low flow'
Researchers studying the problem determined that, by tweaking the design of some toilets, they could function with 1.6 gallons or less per flush. These newly designed toilets were called "low flow," in contrast to the "high flow" or "high capacity" of previous years. While there were initially some issues related to retrofitting flushing technology to function with less water, later designs have been able to harness the power of the low flow flush to great effect.

Dual-flush
A more recent innovation in flushing technology is the advent of dual flush. Pioneered in Australia where water is already scarce, dual flush toilets give users two distinct options: A button to flush liquid waste, which releases 0.8 gallons of water, and a button for solid waste that uses the full 1.6 gallons. By separating the functions, homeowners can cut their water usage dramatically. 

Wolseley offers the latest innovations in water saving toilets as well as other environmentally friendly products for your kitchen and bath. Stop by a showroom today to learn more!

Gas Versus Electric Stoves: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Posted on September 7, 2016 by - Product Innovations

Electric or gas stoves which is right for you 16001529 40036570 0 14125443 500

Are you a lover of tradition or do you feel yourself drawn to something more modern? While kitchen decor has long been the focus of this debate, this extends even further, to the way that your stove generates heat. 

For stoves, there are two main choices when it comes to heat: electric or gas. Electric stoves run off your home's grid, while gas stoves have to be tapped into a supply of either propane or natural gas. When designing a new kitchen, various elements may dictate if you are able to opt for gas stoves, such as existing natural gas or propane hookup in the house, or whether you have space for a propane tank. But assuming you can get a gas stove, should you? Below is a guide to the pros and cons of the different types of ranged stoves:

Electric Ranges

Pros:

  • Electric ranges are often much easier to clean than gas stoves. Some electric ranges are simply a smooth-top, flat glass plane, able to be wiped down by a sponge or rag after use.
  • Smooth top electric ranges are flatter and more stable, able to support the weight of full pots and saucepans without needing to precariously balance them. This can be a great advantage for amateur or young cooks.
  • Electric stoves can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are able to be installed virtually anywhere, so long as there is an electrical outlet.
  • Electric ranges activate with the push of a button and distribute heat evenly across the entire surface, no need to worry about defective igniters or clogged fuel lines. The heat of an electric stove is also more precise, and is able to dial in to a specific temperature much easier and more accurately. 

Cons:

  • Electric stoves cost, on average, slightly more than gas stoves.
  • Electric stoves take longer to heat up to full temperature than gas stoves. 
  • Since they rely on power, during a blackout, your stove will be rendered unusable. 
  • The glass range on top is less durable than a cast iron gas counterpart. The glass is also more likely to stain.

Gas Ranges

Pros:

  • Gas stoves are less expensive than electric stoves to operate, anywhere between 10 and 30 percent less on average according to Bob Villa. Both propane and natural gas cost less than the equivalent amount of electricity. 
  • Gas ranges heat up quickly, reaching the temperature you are looking for  soon after ignition. 
  • Food cooks faster and evenly when exposed to an open flame. You can also char and toast food with a gas stove, which cannot be done with electric. 

Cons:

  • Because you are dealing with open flames, gas stoves can be more dangerous and more likely to cause fires. The gas component of the stove can also leak and is toxic if left to build up. 
  • Gas stove ranges can be hard to clean. 
  • Because gas gives off moisture, roasting – which requires dry heat – can be difficult to do with accuracy.
  • While the stove itself may be less pricey than an electric alternative, the hookups required for gas stoves can make it a more expensive installation. Combined with the need to buy or rent your own propane tank and have it regularly serviced and refueled, this can add up over time. 

There's no right answer as to what the perfect stove will be, so simply go with something that matches what you need and your budget. Need some inspiration? Stop by a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom today and we can help. 

The Latest High-Tech Trends in Bathroom Design

Posted on August 18, 2016 by - Product Innovations, Renovation Projects

Turn your old tired bathroom into the restroom of the future 16001529 40036066 0 14125203 500

The latest trend of "smart homes" – i.e. homes outfitted with technology that makes life simpler and  can be controlled remotely – has made an impact on design features  in nearly every room. Nowhere has this been felt more acutely than in the bathroom, where gadgetry and high-tech utilities can revolutionize the way that homeowners approach these rooms.

According to a recent Houzz study, homeowners are more apt to renovate their old, outdated bathrooms – and when they do, they are frequently installing high-tech features. With 46 percent of respondents saying they "can no longer stand the old bathroom" and 29 percent responding to a bathroom that is "breaking down," these renovations are more likely to include a tech upgrade in addition to overall functionality. One in five new toilets and one in 10 new showers in renovated master bathrooms have "at least one high-tech feature."

The following is a list of some of the latest and greatest tech innovations that homeowners are having installed in their bathrooms:

Chromatherapy showers
Chromatherapy is a new form of therapy where different colored lights are said to have an impact on mood. Cool shades of blue help maintain calm, while brighter reds and whites are said to help with energy regulation. Installing waterproof LEDs that can be controlled via remote can turn your shower into a invigorating color spa!

Custom digital shower experiences
Do you like a hot, long shower while your partner is more in favor of something cool and bracing? Would you prefer high pressure over a calm trickle? Many showers are now being equipped with technology that controls water temperature and pressure with unparalleled accuracy. These smart showers allow you to customize your experience and even save your settings so that, with a push of a button, your shower is exactly how you like it every single time.

A photo posted by Jetset Magazine (@jetsetmag) on

Built in bathroom speakers and TVs
Bluetooth speakers have been gaining popularity over the years, to the point where many bathrooms are now being constructed with waterproof speakers being built in discreetly. These sleek, high-fidelity speakers easily sync with smartphones, allowing users to stream their favorite music, movies and podcasts while they spend time in the bathroom. Now, small and waterproof HDTVs are being added to medicine cabinets and showers, giving homeowners even more entertainment options.

High-tech toilets
Many cultures have already embraced high-tech toilet solutions – especially the Japanese – and some of these innovations are now becoming more commonplace in America. Self-cleaning toilets with automated clog protection, motion-activated seat covers, built-in night lights, self-deodorization, hands-free flushing and heated seats are just a few of the high-tech options that are now available.

"Any glass surface can be turned into privacy glass."

Changeable privacy glass
Open, bright bathrooms that take advantage of natural light are all the rage these days. Now, with a simple adhesive film, almost any glass surface can be converted to privacy glass on demand. The film can be activated to turn opaque or transparent via the push of a button or an app on your smartphone.

Digital bidets
While for years they have been more popular overseas than in the States, bidets are becoming more common in American homes. Some high-tech features include self-sterilizing, stainless steel nozzles, aerated streams for gentle cleaning, and programmable temperature and pressure controls. 

Touchless faucets
No longer the prerogative of public bathroom facilities, touchless faucets have made their way into homes. Touchless faucets are more hygienic and conserve water, automatically switching off when they aren't in use. They can also be paired with automatic soap dispensers.

Are you looking to overhaul your bathroom design? Stop in to a Wolseley showroom to get inspired!

Rustic Yet Functional Bathroom Decor

Posted on August 15, 2016 by - Eco-Friendly Design Tips, Renovation Projects

Lean into the signs of wear with rustic bathroom decor 16001529 40035952 0 14124476 500

Whether your home is situated out in the woods, the suburbs or in a more urban jungle, adding touches of rustic flair to your bathroom decor can make the most private room in your home feel that little bit more woodsy. Here are a few simple ways to give your bathroom a rustic, earthy feel:

Farmhouse-style basin sink
Replacing your traditional sink with an antique – or styled to look distressed – copper basin can evoke a sense of history and the outdoor lifestyle.

Sliding barn-style doors
According to Jeremy Van Wagoner, a remodeling specialist and owner of Pinnacle Remodeling, many homeowners are opting for barn style sliding doors between the bedroom and bathroom instead of the traditional swinging doors.

"These kinds of barn doors are becoming really popular," Van Wagoner told the Billings Gazette.

"Part of the rustic charm is that not everything has to gleam like new."

Antique armoires
While modern styles tend to incorporate storage functionality in less showy ways, something like an antique armoire can give you a place to store towels and toiletries. Simple chicken wire fronting can help limit the build-up of moisture as well. 

Undermount bath in front of a large window
Does your master bathroom window overlook a wooded, rustic scene? Evoke the feeling of a ski chateau or cabin in the woods by installing an undermounted bathtub right next to the window. 

Showcase oxidization and rust
Part of the rustic charm is that not everything has to gleam like new. A distressed gilded mirror frame, metal flashings designed to look like rust, even a naturally stained and oxidized faucet can give your bathroom a lived-in look. 

Vintage luxury
For something more high-end and luxurious, look to the touches of class from yesteryear: A slipper tub and small chandelier can evoke a bygone era while remaining relatively inexpensive in modern times.

Need more help? The design experts at Wolseley Kitchen and Bath can be of assistance! Stop by a showroom today for more inspiration. 

Making All-White Kitchen Designs Work

Posted on August 2, 2016 by - Industry Trends and Styles

White can add the feeling of brightness but can also feel washedout 16001529 40035572 0 14129643 500

White is a very traditional color palate for kitchens, projecting the feeling of brightness and cleanliness. However, unless planned carefully, this can lead to a somewhat boring overall tone and texture to what is the hub of home activity. Here a few ways to embrace the versatility of white and avoid humdrum kitchen design.

“To add depth, try painting your kitchen in multiple white tones.”

Play with different tones of white
To add depth to your kitchen, try painting it in multiple white tones. Going from a cotton white walls to honeymilk cabinets may be a subtle difference barely noticeable to the naked eye, but can make your kitchen seem less washed out. Off-white paint also plays nicely with more pure whites, so consider painting your central island in something closer to an eggshell to make it pop.

Look for inspiration from nature
Rather than repainting everything with uniform coats of white, why not try materials that have natural white qualities? Swirled marbles or composite counters can give you that simple, unadorned quality while a white wood stain can make your organic materials feel like birch (without the wood’s natural softness).

Add texture
Different textured materials will create natural variations in tone, even if all painted with the same brush. Try mixing tiles with stone or layering wood over paint or wallpaper.

Embrace the exposed design bones
The beauty of white from a design perspective is that it can give a “finished” feel to a design that embraces exposed beams, moulding and baseboard. Rustic or country designs particularly pop when you add a touch of white.

Don’t forget fabric
Don’t let your choice in table cloths or hand towels throw off your carefully planned decor. Choose white or white-complimenting linens for use in your kitchen.

Need some additional inspiration? Come by a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom and see what you can do.

Avoid These Common Kitchen Design Mistakes

Posted on July 26, 2016 by - Eco-Friendly Design Tips, Product Innovations, Renovation Projects

Embrace simple clean kitchen design 16001529 40035305 0 14129750 500

A kitchen can be a unique expression of a homeowner’s sensibilities, but in designing your personal space, it can be easy to fall prey to mistakes and prioritizing form over function. To ensure that you don’t have any costly errors in judgment, avoid these common issues with kitchen design:

“Observe the ‘work triangle’ of the sink, refrigerator and stove.”

Not planning the workflow
Keep in mind that your kitchen isn’t just a free and open space – it has a specific function: the preparation of food. As such, Martha Stewart urges homeowners redesigning their kitchens to picture their ideal cooking workflow and accommodate that space. She specifically says to observe the “work triangle” of the sink, refrigerator and stove, making sure that each stop in the workflow is easily accessible.

Ignoring modern trends
Classic or traditional kitchen decor may look nice, but modern families eat differently than people of yesteryear. Modern stoves, dishwashers and sinks can offer significant efficiency upgrades compared to more traditional styles and take up less space.

Giving up counter space
Counters in a kitchen are essential: They’re your prep stations, where the kids will do their homework and even where the family may sit down for a less formal meal. Don’t sacrifice counter space in favor of a more open design.

Doing it alone
A kitchen remodel is complicated, requiring knowledge of electrical, plumbing and design. While stopping by a showroom like Wolseley Kitchen and Bath can help you get a sense of what kind of styles and options there are, always trust the experts when it comes to renovating and getting your appliances installed. Make sure you have a consultation with a licensed, certified contractor before you initiate any major work.

Hot Trends in Kitchen Design

Posted on July 25, 2016 by - Renovation Projects

Here are a few fresh and funky kitchen design tips 16001529 40035262 0 14131156 500

Whether going for a classic, timeless look or something fresh and modern, kitchen design is a mixture of art and science. Kitchens often serve as the focal point for home, a place where families gather to bond over the preparing and sharing of food. As such, both form and function are key elements to consider when designing a beautiful kitchen.

Here a few of the hottest tends in kitchen design for 2016:

“Try muted blues, charcoals or pale greens in your kitchen.”

Soft, muted colors (or just lots of white)
Since kitchens see so much use, opting for softer, muted colors or gleaming whites can help keep it clean. Bold, dark colors often make it difficult to spot stains or areas that need cleaning, while whites will give your kitchen an inviting, fresh feel. Layer shades of white can also create the feeling of depth while keeping your decor consistent.

Not a fan of white? Try muted blues, charcoals or pale greens to give it a warm, colorful shading. Stronger, bolder colors are better left as accent.

Smaller appliances
Often, kitchens can suffer from feeling overcrowded and cramped. This is because there are a few major appliance staples that are musts in every kitchen and they tend to take up space: stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves and so on. Rather than accept the sprawl, many homeowners have instead turned to more compact appliances, including minimalist two-burner cooktops, combination microwave/convection ovens, and smaller dishwashers and fridges.

‘Smart’ design
The buzziest trend in modern design is the discrete integration of “smart” design elements. Hidden charging stations, device docks or Bluetooth speakers can turn your kitchen into a high-tech haven for those tapped in to the latest devices.

Quartz instead of granite countertops
While granite has long been the industry standard for easy to clean, scratch resistant countertops, quartz is seeing a surge in popularity. Unlike granite, quartz doesn’t require annual sealing and can be mixed with resin to produce a wide variety of designs and finishes.

A mix of traditional and modern
Can’t decide between vintage and modern looks? Why not integrate the two! Many designers are now taking the classic, elaborate designs from yesteryear and filtering them through a more modern or post-modern sensibility.

“Even traditional kitchens may experience a slightly cleaner feel with bold lines and less fussy details,” interior designer Jane Lockhart told Forbes. “Traditional designs will always remain popular, but future renditions will be more deliberate with an emphasis on key elements like hoods, islands, cabinet crowns and so on.”

Breaking down the walls between kitchen and living spaces
Kitchens are increasingly taking on a larger, more central role in family life. Rather than simply being there to prepare food, kids may do their homework on the counter or even sit down to eat right there. Consider decorating your kitchen similarly to other living spaces to make the flow more natural.

For other ideas, stop by a Wolseley Kitchen and Bath showroom today.