The kitchen island has become the icon of the modern kitchen. For many homeowners, no kitchen design can be considered complete without an island at its center. And for a good reason: kitchen islands work—when properly designed. A well-designed island is ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks from food prep to dining in addition to acting as homework central, a place to play games, or a workstation for hobbies and crafts. Islands take up lots of space; therefore, they must work hard and work well to earn the kitchen real estate they occupy. Here are some things islands can...

There’s no doubt about it—outdoor kitchens are hot. An outdoor kitchen is not just a place for preparing food; it has become a natural extension of the trend toward home entertaining. Once the purview of luxury homeowners living in warmer climes, the outdoor kitchen trend is now big in the middle market, as well. Patio heaters, modular cooking stands, weather proof materials and other innovations have made the outdoor kitchen more appealing even to those who live in cold weather climates. What Homeowners Want In Their Outdoor Kitchens According to NKBA A recent NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) Market...

There are lots challenges to face when renovating an existing small bathroom or adding an additional bathroom when space is limited. Toilets and sinks must be configured to code, enough clearance for showers and baths must be allowed for, and then there are the little things like where to put the towels and toilet paper. Here are some tips for making a small bathroom better. Float the Vanity A wall-mounted or “floating” vanity will make a bathroom appear larger as well as free up a little space underneath for baskets of towels and other small items. (Check our Vanity Brackets to safely...

Located just inside the back or side door lies one of the most overlooked parts of the house. This secondary entryway is likely the most used, serving as a drop zone for just about everything from clothing to groceries to athletic gear. The mudroom is not a new concept; it has traditionally been a space at the back door meant to keep outside elements from damaging the surfaces of your home. But today’s mudrooms have become multifunctional flex spaces that get a lot of use. Mudrooms are a great way to control the chaos of daily life! Focus on Function...