San Marino Interior Designer, Residential Remodeling and Window Treatments
There is something that has been on my mind for a while now. Recently I was asked to contribute to a conversation on Forbes.com regarding Bathroom remodel costs.
We have all seen those reports that give an estimate of what your home remodel should cost. But what they fail to do is really break down what those numbers really give you. What finishes, what fixtures, level of quality and size of the room.
It's time to breakdown the true Estimated costs for a bathroom remodel.
The cost of a primary bathroom remodel in 2023 can vary widely depending on several factors, including the scope of the project, the location of your home such as City or State, the quality of materials and fixtures you choose, and whether you hire professionals or do some of the work yourself. To give you a rough idea, here are some average cost ranges for different levels of primary bathroom remodels:
Basic Bathroom Remodel: This typically includes cosmetic upgrades like replacing fixtures, faucets with low to midgrade selections, lighting, as well as repainting or refinishing surfaces.
This does not include demo of showers or baths or replacing tiles. Basically, take the room as it is and freshen it up.
Sometimes that is all you need. Think 8 foot x 10 foot bathroom.
The average cost for a basic remodel can range from $5,000 to $15,000.
Mid-Range Bathroom Remodel: A mid-range remodel may involve replacing tiles, installing a new vanity, upgrading the shower or bathtub, and improving lighting and ventilation. In addition to replacing fixtures, faucets with low to midgrade selections.
The cost for a mid-range remodel can vary from $15,000 to $30,000.
Mid- Range Bathrooms might include making a small bathroom larger by using European glass panels at the shower and a Freestanding tub. Durable Encaustic tiles for the floor where the pattern goes deeper into the tile ensure the pattern will not wear off over time.
Pictures via Amberleaf Inc. by Michelle Blemel
High-End Bathroom Remodel: High-end bathroom remodels often include custom features, high-quality materials, and luxury fixtures. This can include items like a premium soaking tub, a custom shower with multiple heads, heated flooring, and high-end cabinetry. Additionally, you may be increasing the size of the room by opening an unused closet or back hallway.
The cost for a high-end remodel can range from $30,000 to $70,000 or more.
High- end remodels might include larger full slab panels for the walls with wall mounted tub filler.
Picture via Amberleaf Inc. by Michelle Blemel
Custom or Luxury Bathroom Remodel: For those who want the utmost in luxury and customization, costs can easily exceed $70,000 and go well into six figures. This may include features like smart technology integration, steam showers, intricate tile work, custom cabinetry, and top of the line finishes.
Steam showers are the epitome of luxury and can cause the budget to increase significantly based on square foot of the space but are well worth it for a health and wellness routine.
Picture via: Mr. Steam: https://www.mrsteam.com/
Keep in mind that these are general cost ranges, and the actual cost of your remodel may vary significantly based on your specific choices and circumstances. Other factors that can influence the cost include the size of your bathroom, whether you need to make structural changes, and the labor costs in your area.
Additionally, if you plan to hire professionals, such as plumbers, electricians, and contractors, their fees will contribute to the overall cost. It's essential to get multiple quotes from contractors and have a clear understanding of the project scope and materials to get an accurate estimate for your specific bathroom remodel.
You can read more of what was discussed here on Forbes.com.
As always feel free to reach out to me at Amberleaf Inc. anytime with questions or to schedule a consultation.
Michelle Blemel, Senior Designer of Amberleaf Inc.
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Carrara Marble Counters add elegance to any Kitchen Countertop.
Marble is the epitome of luxury and one of the most affordable natural stones. It's used in kitchen and bathroom countertops, tiles and backsplashes and can add an element of class to the average home. The question is, is it the right choice for you? Let's explore the pros and cons of using marble in your kitchen and bathroom remodel.
In the kitchen or bathroom, marble brings a level of sophistication to any décor. It's a stone that doesn't compete with other elements in a room for attention but is elegant and eye-catching. It's affordable when compared to other natural stone products which makes it a feasible option for most homeowners. As it ages, it takes on an attractive patina that is highly prized by home designers when an enduring personality of stone is desired.
Stunning bathroom with 12x24 Polished Calacatta tiles.
Examples of etched marble
Marble does require maintenance, and today, products are available that can work to remove stains completely. To maintain its appearance you need to use trivets, potholders and cutting boards to help prevent scratches and chips. Regularly sealing your countertops can help to prevent liquids from penetrating the stone and will help protect pores from collecting and harboring bacteria as well.
From a “sustainability” standpoint, marble supply is not finite and high-quality slabs are sometimes difficult to find and can be expensive. Do your research and always work with a supplier that has a reputation for providing the best quality product. Marbles come from Italy, Spain, China and even within the United states.
Ultimately, the decision to choose marble countertops for your kitchen should consider your personal preferences, budget, and willingness to maintain and care for the material. It's advisable to research and consult with professionals to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and lifestyle.
Whether you choose to use marble as your kitchen countertop, bathroom vanity top, tile backsplash or shower walls, adding the beauty and luxury of marble to your home can be a wonderfully elegant choice!
Where to begin with things to avoid there are soo many.
As a Designer for over 25 years I have seen the gamut.
This is usually where the issues start and often goes along with not hiring a flooring professional and using a handyman or contractor.
A professional flooring person will know what to look for and understand the differences in products and be able to advise as to the best course of Installation.
Even with all my years as a Designer I still differ to my Installers when they recommend a particular installation.
As with all things, there are major differences in types of flooring. These can range from the wearable surface thickness in wood flooring, to knock-offs in ceramic tile. We have specified a particular ceramic tile from our local showroom, only to have the Contractor or client purchase "the same thing" from a discount store. Once the product was delivered it was clear it was not the same in everything from the size of the pattern, to the quality of the tile.
If you are changing out old wood floors to new ones or maybe replacing tile with wood, the floor has to be clean of everything, sometimes even sanded down to remove prior cement or residue. You may also need to nail the subfloor to avoid soft areas that will flex and creak.
Even brand new homes may need floor prep if the initial concrete is not level.
It's a big trend today to put LVT/P (Luxury Vinyl Tile/Plank) over your existing flooring.
That's not something we like to do. It sounds easy however you have to take into consideration your doors, and base as everything in the house will now need to be raised or shaved to accommodate a higher floor. It's worth asking a good installer if you should refinish your current floors first.
Additionally, we have had clients choose new cement tiles for their existing bathroom and do not realize the tile will be significantly higher than the adjoining wood floor. The transitions from room to room need to be considered.
Just because the wood or tile is in stock and you are ready to go, does not mean it's a one-day job. Always ask the installer, Removal of an old floor may take one day, but if you need to level or skim a floor that will add a day.
When setting tile there is "Cure" time and tile needs to set before you can grout or even walk on the floor.
Wood floors often need to Acclimate and sit in the space for a few days to let the moisture content equal out to prevent swelling and warping or drying out if Installed to quickly.
Refinishing an existing floor can take 3-4 days, but you might not be able to set furniture on it, use ladders to paint, or even put a drop cloth for up to a week.
People often forget to ask the question as to how long will the job take, and when can we move things back. It's not always the same time period.
That's my top 5 but there are many more.
Fall is one of the most awaited seasons of the year. The temperature changes, the outdoor scene transforms into a warm and colorful hue as the yellowing leaves from trees starts to fall down the ground, and everything feels a little bit nostalgic. Fall is the lovely season between summer and winter – a delightful transition to the colder months ahead. It is a great time to snuggle, bond together as a family over pumpkins and desserts, enjoy dinner outdoors and cook over a firepit, watch the stars at night, and host a movie night.
To relish all the wonderful things during fall, it is essential to make the effort to prep the home for the upcoming season. Preparing the home for the fall is a challenging yet exciting task to embark on. It can be a fun annual activity that the family can do together.
Since the fall season is just around the corner, we have come up with a list of things that you and your family can do to prepare your home for the autumn cozy season. Don’t worry, these tasks are very straightforward and easy to do. However, keep in mind that this does require effort and a little bit of resources to truly achieve the autumn aesthetic and achieve the cozy interiors. Without further ado, here are 10 ways to prep your home for the fall.
Before going into the nitty gritty of decorating and adding fall accessories, you must deep clean the interior and exterior areas of your home. Check your outdoor space, mow your lawn, and trim out some shrubs. Having a good curb appeal can make a huge difference especially during autumn season. It will make your outdoors livelier and more inviting. Freshen up your patio, balcony, or deck by arranging outdoor furniture and sprucing the area with autumn decorations. Hang a wreath by the door and add some outdoor string lights.
Make sure to clean up all the rooms in the house and declutter all the storage areas, including shelves, cabinets, and closets, before you add your new fall home décor. Decluttering can instantly transform a space. When you get rid of unnecessary items that are visible to the eye, you are allowing the space to breathe and make room for new décor pieces. You don’t really want your display shelves to look overcrowded and disorganized. Therefore, declutter first before you decorate.
Decorating with florals is perhaps the easiest and most affordable way of adding life and vibrance to a space. It is always a good idea to decorate with flowers. Your choice of florals can determine the type of season you are decorating for. Keep this in mind when choosing flowers to put into your vases. To make a lively floral centerpiece, choose flowers in vivid hues like protea, tulips, roses, and dahlias. Vanda orchids are typically used in tropical arrangements, but they make a stunning transition into early fall thanks to their deep purple hue and distinctively patterned petals.
Update your console table and side tables decoration by changing out your lampshades to indicate the new season. Go for floral patterned lampshades, sconces, and bell-shaped shades to evoke that warm elegant autumn interior design.
Change your thin sheer curtains into thick drapes. Since the weather is going to be colder, you need to have more insulation in your rooms to keep it warmer. Another thing to keep in mind when preparing the home for the autumn is the color scheme. Pick drapes with warmer hues such as brown, orange, or red to instantly evoke that warm impression in a visual manner.
Another ingenious yet simple way to update a space into an autumn room aesthetic is by changing beddings into fresh new ones. Of course, changing beddings is part of proper hygiene. It is something that we do more often. Therefore, when prepping the home for the fall, don’t forget to take beddings into consideration and try to add sheets that will complement your home’s fall interior décor. Fall bedding are characterized by warm hues such as reds, yellows, browns, beiges, florals, and checkered patterns.
Your fall interior décor composition must start with a color scheme. Sticking to a color scheme will make it easier for you to furnish and patch up the rest of your home’s decorations and accessories. Like we have mentioned previously, think of warmer hues when selecting color schemes for the autumn. Look outside your window and take cues from the colors of the outdoors. Orange leaves, yellow flowers, reddish tree barks, the olive-green leaves, and the dark blue hue of the lake or the sky. Take inspiration from nature and integrate its color scheme into your home’s interior.
The fireplace can be a focal area in your home especially during the colder seasons. It is where the family can gather and bond after dinner. Fireplaces in modern and contemporary homes are also part of the living room and are center features in the home. It conveys warmth and gives every space in your house a welcoming atmosphere. Fall mantel decor will add brightness and a festive atmosphere to your room. Add elements like an artwork, wreaths, florals, candleholders, a decorative pumpkin, or an interesting sculpture or figurine.
The lighting can make or break the interior design composition of a room. When decorating with lighting for the fall season, always think of how you can make a space look snug and cozy. Add lights with warmer temperature. Hang string lights to create a cozier vibe. Add lighted pumpkins on your porch stairs and don’t forget to place lamp sconces on both sides of your front door.
Scents defines the ambiance and vibe of the space. It is the first thing that evades your sensation that moment you step into a room. This is what makes scent décor just as important as other interior design elements. When decorating for the fall, pick fall aromas, which feature traditional scents like pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Scents like these will add the extra touch of ambience to your home and make it feel homier and cozier.
When you begin to decorate your home for the fall, you'll see that there are a lot of decorating tricks and tips that you can learn. Some of the most basic are what we have covered in this blog. This makes you pretty equipped and ready to start prepping your home for the fall. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those cleaning materials and get a pen and paper to start listing down your to-do’s. It’s going to be a challenging yet fun activity!
Need help in decorating your home? We’re just one message away. Hit us up on our social media channels or email us and we’ll gladly assist you on making your home autumn-ready.
Still running on that feeling of adrenaline you get when you finally get to visit a place you love, spend time with friends, see new things, and just enjoy the moment. I got to do just that in Orlando Florida last week for KBIS 2022.
This year I was excited to join a Team of Design Hounds to search out all the latest and greatest trends in Kitchen and Bath. And I have to say after the past few years, there were some things that really stood out for me.
Why? you ask did I title this Blog "More than just a kitchen and bath showcase?"
Because of the Ahmazing array of trends coming your way that add so much more to your kitchen and bath than just the norm. Such as Health & wellbeing for kitchen and bath and Products with a focus on sustainability.
Nobody is doing this better than the folks at Mr. Steam AKA "Feel Good Inc"
The first night we were treated to a welcome party to meet the Design Hounds in person. Up until now, everything has been virtual. The excitement was palpable.
The event was held outside, to follow Covid Protocols. Martha CEO of Mr. Steam and longtime supporter of Design Hounds was there to greet us. It was wonderful to meet everyone and despite the unusually cool weather, we had a terrific time. The only thing better than the Mr. Steam Robe would have been a portable Steam Shower to warm up in....Hmmm now there's an Idea.
I mentioned the trend of health & wellbeing and Mr. Steam is bringing luxury at its finest to bathrooms everywhere! It's amazing how simple it really is to transform an ordinary shower into #steamtherapy for your family. In the time you take your normal shower you can have over 40 benefits of steam. You can read more here - Benefits of Steam Therapy
Self-care is so important as well all know and why not make that part of your morning ritual. I know I would love to have the benefits AromaTherapy, Chromatherapy and Music Therapy all in my shower.
Whether you are planning a full remodel or just want to transform your current shower the option to add steam is easier than you might think. Not only will it benefit you and your family but adding a steam shower has been proven to increase the value of your home up to 29% (Source: Zillow's 2018 Home Features that Sell analysis)
We've covered the bathroom, but what about trends for your kitchen in 2022.
Surprisingly Steam features prominently here too along with other advances to not only make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable but also keep food fresher longer too.
SKS with the backing of their parent company LG Appliances set out to challenge the market with innovative thinking, purposeful design, and leading-edge technology that help you prepare food in the best possible way.
Appliances like the Combi-steam wall oven, True Steam-Combi™ Dual fuel range with Sous-Vide, and PowerSteam™ Dishwasher all use steam to help you Cook faster, better, and clean up easier. Who knew steam was so versatile?
Images: SKS Appliances
"LG put a lot of time and energy into design and training professionals to meet the needs of the industry. They answered by simplifying installation, fit, and finish. With new methods of combination cooking like Steam sous-vide in ovens, steam cleaning in dishwashers, and sous vide on top, SKS kicked down the doors of the luxury industry" says Jayme Newbold Chef and Senior product trainer.
I have always loved cooking with steam on my stovetop and now it's even easier. Why steam in the dishwasher?
PowerSteam technology, provides atomized water particles of steam, making it gentle enough for delicate wine stems, but tough enough for stains and lipstick. All while sanitizing the interior.
Not to forget their industry-leading 3-year warranty* with an unprecedented 5-day Repair or Replace Promise, means they are committed to keeping you cooking. Who else can say this in this day and age?
I bet you thought I forgot the sustainability part.... Not so fast it's time to take Countertops.
The Surfaces Company is the leading Spanish company in the market for high-quality decorative surfaces.
We took some time for a deep dive into their new environmentally-friendly technologies for manufacturing recycled raw materials into their products. Such as Obsidiana COMPAC which transformed the market with the creation of a sustainable surface produced with 100% recycled glass as raw material.
When sourcing new products for my clients it's important to me to work with companies that consider their impact on our planet. Compac's Sustainability Circle Impressed me.
A showstopper for me was The RHEA worktop—designed by Elisa Ossino was oh so amazing. This Sculptural effect was achieved by sculpting from a single 992 lb block, Incredible right?
I was so impressed by the touch, feel and look along with the durability that it garnered one of my Design Hounds Top Ten awards for KBIS 2022
Terrazzo High Performance Stone (HPS) is a material that reinvents itself to offer a wide versatility of applications including indoor and outdoor, countertops, floors and partitions, anywhere high durability is needed.
I think that's enough to digest for one day right? You will want to stay tuned for our special coverage of my picks for the Design Hounds Top Ten Awards from KBIS 2022.
One of the main aspects of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Showcase KBIS is that we not only get to see the emerging trends from American products but also the ability to see Major manufacturers from Europe and Asia that we can then bring to our clients. The NKBA Global Connect does just that.
If the time spent in the Pandemic has taught us anything, it's that our homes now have to be more functional than ever. The question now arises do we live to work or work to live?
Ballerina Kuchen has addressed this question head-on.
As one of the leading manufacturers in the Kitchen Furniture Industry. Yes, I said Kitchen Furniture - The Europeans are leaps and bounds ahead of the US in the utilization of small spaces to the fullest. Kitchen Furniture allows for a seamless look that gives multi-function spaces.
For example, the multi-cabinet HOMETOOL, can be transformed in the blink of an eye. With multiple functions such as a home office or a safe place to store equipment - this three-sided multi-cabinet by renowned designer Michael Hilgers gives the ultimate in multi-function use. Now, why did I not think of this? So Smart.
Image credit : Ballerina Kuchen
Equally impressive was the PIROUETTE kitchen transforms in the blink of an eye from an ergonomic standing work surface to a dining table or extra kitchen worksurface.
Watch this short clip to see just how great small space living can be. I just love the organization here.
Video credit : Ballerina Kuchen
One of the standouts for me at the show was Vlaze
As we move our kitchen and dining spaces outdoors Vlaze’s ADAPT line is just what we need. This innovative range of modular and free-standing kitchen units are easy to be moved freely from indoors to outside. A beautiful way to add color to your outdoor dining, and we all know I love color.
They can easily be incorporated with Outdoor cooking units, under-cabinet refrigerators, and kitchen sinks.
Designed for outdoor living these mobile units offer the perfect solution for food preparation, garden storage, and al fresco dining
Colorful, durable, movable outdoor kitchens.
A family business established back in 1972 and have a proud history of manufacturing much of the iconic signage for the London Underground and the Paris Metro
Made of Vitreous Enamel which is resistant to the elements be it rain, sun, snow, or hail it will not fade or corrode. Recognized as a sustainable and eco-friendly material that is fully recyclable at the end of life.
Yet another reason this was one of my Design Hounds TOP TEN for KBIS 2022
It's always interesting to me to hear the backstory of how a company was founded and how they have evolved to where they are today. Hearing about nobilia European Kitchen Furniture and their philosophy based in the Bauhaus movement.
Bauhaus - A movement founded in Germany in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius. Unifying art and technology; propagating design and efficiency. Everything has a place, nothing is wasted, everything is designed for life. Clean lines, hidden handles, sleeker feeling with options in finishes and color.
Living spaces that are easily adaptable and reconfigurable and modular. Grid-based that allows for unlimited configurations. Optimized to fit your needs and your space.
Looking deeper into the trends in design nobilia sees minimalist styles like Transitional, Natural ( a renewed sense of bringing organic materials into the home), and contemporary will top the list for the next 3 years or so.
One thing that surprised me was to learn the Phrase “European Kitchen Furniture.”
Did you know in Europe the Kitchen and Bath cabinets move with the homeowner, that's right, they do not stay with the home. This stands true for closets as well. It takes a moment to wrap your head around this concept.
The misconception of modular as cheap and flimsy is easily dispelled with the intelligently constructed, personalized components that are focused on the end-user and fitted to your needs. Innovative storage that is ergonomic and easy to install and take with you when you move. These modular components are all designed as finished forms.
"Form Follows Function" as Louis Sullivan (one of my favorite architects) has once said. nobilia Kitchen Furniture follows this tenet and has created some truly beautiful products.
As the largest in the Western Hemisphere, they have the ability to produce a large range of products in an amazing array of finishes and a nearly unlimited array of configurations.
We can learn a lot from our European friends and I for one am looking forward to learning so much more.
Follow me here for more KBIS 2022 Trends in Kitchen and Bath.
Autumn! Yes, it's that wonderful time of year when the air turns crisp, the mornings are cooler and bright bold colors start to show up in nature. Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. The deeply saturated hues of fall will always make me happy. Maybe it's the Redhead in me or just someone who enjoys the shorter days and longer nights wrapped up in my favorite blanket by the fire sipping spiced cider.
Not surprisingly when naming my company, Autumn's glorious Amber tones and bold leaves came into play. It was fall in 2000 and after a long walk in the woods of Colorado, I sat down to start my business. What to name it....
I had sent a list of possible names to 20 friends and they almost unanimously let me know Amberleaf fit me best. 20 plus years later, dare I give away my age, I still love the name and Autumn.
A question we often get is how does one tap into the Autumn aesthetic for your home? The easy answer is decor, pumpkins, pomegranates, wreaths, floral arrangements, grapevines, candles, and linens, etc. the list is endless when it comes to the beauty fall presents. I like to integrate items that can make the transition from holiday to holiday.
Even if you are not a fan of color there are plenty of off-white fall options. There is every size and variety of cream or off-white pumpkin, additionally painting pumpkins the color you want is now the norm. Soft wheat tones blend well with the nuts and berries of fall. Dried Hydrangea is a lovely way to add a crisp feel to wreaths and table settings.
Of course, there are other more permanent options as well that you can keep year-round.
Lighting, as the days get shorter the interiors of our homes get darker, is especially important. Personally, I prefer soft warm light from various sources like table lamps, candles, and wall sconces. Lights that have a diffuse glow that not only illuminates but warm the space as the chill in the air descends.
Cool fun funky lamps like these by Imaginary Lamp Empire
Or fun colorful Eisley throw pillows from Crate & Barrel. I'm a firm believer in never having too many pillows around.
Soft fuzzy throws in fall colors to add to a chair or sofa, Mine is nicknamed "Big Brown" and very few are able to resist a long Sunday nap under its charms.
Besides, what better way to set a warm romantic mood than to light a fire for the first time and hang out sipping a glass of Fall Harvest with your loved one. A particular favorite of mine is actually a 2018 Red a blend of Bordeaux varietals from Gentleman Farmer Wines.
Pair that with their recipe for Wild Mushrooms with Crème Fraîche and Pan Fried Bread and you have the makings of a great night so yummy, warm, and tasty.
Olive gray with coral tones is a relaxing way to easily incorporate fall colors into your space. Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog, SW 9130, works perfectly in an office setting. It can act as a neutral background to play with rust reds and dusty blue accents.
Office Concept Board by Amberleaf Inc.
One trend we have been seeing more of is warmer tones in bedding. The bedroom is one place you want to make restful, and cozy. Spa sage greens with luxurious velvets and linens, deep blues with sunflower yellow accents and rich deep rusty reds with golden accents.
Custom Bedding Created by Amberleaf Inc.
Below are just a few more of our autumn-inspired bedding ensembles. No bedroom is complete without a table lamp to provide cozy lighting and a decorative nightstand storage accessory, for unloading your cellphone and jewelry before crawling into slumberland.
Whatever you do make the most of this glorious time of year before the cold winds settle in and the snow starts to fly.
There are so many ways to bring the warmth of the seasons into your home. After the year we have had I can't wait to decorate and enjoy the season. Oh and don't forget your Pumpkin Spice Latte!
It's a New Year and aren't we all happy about that, but nothing could make me happier than being chosen to be a Design Hound for Signature Kitchen Suites at KBIS 2021. Of course as with all things this years Kitchen and Bath Industry Showcase (KBIS) had to be virtual and not the normal in-person event we as Designers love. Regardless I am proud to be in such good company with these amazing Women.
These talented ladies always find a way to make Lemonade out of Lemons or in this case Limoncello.
Our Group and our fearless leader Veronika Eagleson of Modenus - The Design Directory started KBIS off right with a deep dive so to speak into Sous Vide Technology which is integrated into many of the ranges you will find with Signature Kitchen Suites or SKS for short The luxury line of appliances for LG . We were gifted a Sous Vide wand to experience the luxury and just how easy it is for ourselves. I have to say I think we all thoroughly enjoyed not only making the limoncello but our Virtual tasting with Chef Nick, Signature Kitchen Suite's resident Executive Chef at the Experience and Design Center in Napa, California as well.
2020 The year we all spent far more time in our homes than we ever thought possible. Actual in-home time, cooking, working, spending time together with the renewal of family game night. For many of us, this meant re-evaluating how we use our spaces, and one of my most used spaces is my kitchen.
My home is small by most standards and my kitchen even smaller. As someone who has always loved to prep my weekly meals in advance, having the right “Tools “ in the kitchen makes a huge difference.
When you have a smaller kitchen it’s even more important to have every item you choose for your kitchen to function in multiple capacities.
So it makes sense that as we enter 2021 that all eyes are on what’s new for that oh so sacred space.
As a Design Hound, I was excited to learn more about the products from Signature Kitchen Suite For me, the appearance in the line of a 36” Dual Fuel Pro Range that not only has Induction but also Sous vide is a game-changer. You may have seen me on Facebook showing off our Sous vide wand well imagine what you could do with it built into your stove. I’d be whipping up everything from Chocolate to Chateaubriand in that baby.
Additionally, it has the largest capacity Combi-Steam Oven which combines convection and steam cooking options for amazing results.
Lastly and this is no small thing in my mind, each cooking method has a dedicated “Smart Knob” with large illuminated numbers that are easy on the eyes, or just use the Wi-Fi timer with the Signature Kitchen Suite App and you will get a notification when it’s done. No more leaving the room and not hearing when the buzzer goes off.
I firmly believe in weekly meal prep and how much easier that makes my life during the week. Additionally using fresh ingredients whenever possible makes my regime healthier. Signature Kitchen Suite's commitment to being "True to Food" in all they do, is another step in that direction. Check it out in this video.
In addition to being True to Food, Signature Kitchen Suites is committed to bringing Industry-leading products to their clients. Like the 24" Built-in Under counter Drawer Refrigerator's first-of-its-kind innovation. Giving homeowners added flexibility to store food in the way they use it.
Not only do you get 2 drawers that allow you to store various sizes of drinks, but you also get a top 3rd drawer that will hold smaller items like meats and cheeses. Brilliant!
Panel Ready or Stainless means you can have your choice of making the front match your other Stainless appliances or attach panels that match your cabinets for a flush hidden look.
What Kitchen showcase would ever be complete without Wine Storage? Signature Kitchen Suites brings out the innovation here as well with their Wine Cave Technology™
Holding 41 bottles, this refrigerator protects wine from its biggest threats: vibration, light, and variations in temperature and humidity. Dark opaque glass doors are triple-paned for UV protection; dampening engineering wards against vibration; dual evaporators to maintain steady moderate humidity, and two independent temperature zones to keep your wine collection precisely preserved.
Having been a Designer a long time I have learned it's not just all the bells and whistles that matter. Whether a company stands behind what they offer matters too.
With Signature Kitchen Suites, You’ll be backed by the best policy in the industry. No other luxury appliance brand has a longer warranty. Their limited 3-year warranty covers all parts and labor.
With the 5-day Repair or Replace Promise, if anything goes wrong, your appliance will be repaired within 5 days. If your appliance is not able to be repaired within 5 days, they will replace your unit. No one else can say that. Whether you are registering your suite of products, scheduling maintenance, or offering simple advice, a dedicated service representative is always here for you.
So many great finds all in one place in the Signature Kitchen Suites Virtual Showrooms be sure to check out these and many more Innovative appliances. For more information reach out to Michelle@Amberleafinc.com
We at Amberleaf are always inspired by bold color. Recently we've been seeing a trend in everything from mosaics to bedding to paint. This summer has been filled with color and creativity everywhere, and it has been wonderful. While reviewing the Sherwin Williams Colormix Forecast 2019 and browsing Pinterest, we decided to compile a palette made up of some of our favorite Sherwin Williams colors for summer 2019.
The Color Journals, as Sherwin Williams refers to them, go over the thought process and inspiration for each collection, organized by “color personalities”: Shapeshifter, Wanderer, Aficionado, Enthusiast, Naturalist, and Raconteur.
We are particularly inspired by these four: Shapeshifter, Wanderer, Aficionado, and Naturalist.
Summer 2019 Color Trends Photo credit Sherwin Williams
Shapeshifter is almost futuristic. The colors are inspired by Artificial Intelligence and Spiritualism, as well as the cosmos. The deep blues and mustard particularly stood out to us in this summer’s trends.
Photo credit Sherwin Williams
Wanderer includes more earthy tones of the deserts and canyons, inspired by Bohemian and Southwestern styles. The clay and taupe colors in this collection are definitely the neutral tones of the summer
Photo credit Sherwin Williams
Aficionado is a bit more traditional, with deeper and more elegant tones. These colors add sophistication to the summer palette and combine well with metal tones such as copper and gold, which as you may have noticed are huge this season. They are inspired by British accents and ‘60s nostalgia.
Photo credit Sherwin Williams
Naturalist brightens up a space and invites light with a subtle pop of color that ties everything together. Inspired by gardens and butterflies, these fun colors will put a smile on anyone’s face when they walk into the room, and they photograph beautifully.
We would love to hear your thoughts on our color trends of the summer, so feel free to let us know what you think in the comment section. Wishing everyone a great rest of their summer filled with fun colors and much more!
Ah November. A time of change. Summers gone, the leaves on the trees are turning, you feel that crisp cool hint in the air, it's about to get cold.
Nothing brings that home faster than stepping out of your warm cozy bed and onto a fridgid cold floor…. Brrr. Other than investing in a new pair of warm fuzzy slippers, you might consider investing in a warm fuzzy rug.
So exactly what is the right type of rug for your home? The right rug can pull a room together, add color and texture, and set the tone for your space.
The wrong rug can overpower a room, swallow up your furniture and make you forever wish you had asked a few key questions first before you bought it. Its soo important to think about a few things first, not only the style, color, and material but what will be the function of the rug and how do you use the room.
Which brings up a point. Rugs are inherently meant to be walked on. Have you ever been in a house where they may as well have put up a “Do Not Walk” sign as you enter the room? Why would you buy a rug if you felt you can’t walk on it… doesn’t that defeat the purpose?
There are about 7 or 8 fiber types for area rugs. Plus, a multitude of combinations thereof. So which fibers are the best choice for your rug?
Let’s dig our toes in a little deeper shall we.
For the purpose of this blog I am going to stick to wool. We can explore the other options in a future blog. You’ll never stick with me if I go into every type right here and now.
Wool is the most popular rug choices for homeowners, as well as one of the most durable. Sure I can say that but why you ask?
Wool is a natural fiber that has been used since the dawn of man. It's a renewable resource, that has been used in the finest Persian and Oriental rugs. It continues to be used today in many modern designs.
It’s easy to view a wool rug as a “luxury,” preferring to spend the extra money on furnishings or other parts of your project. However, when you look at your rug as an investment — something you can enjoy for decades and even pass along to your kids, with proper care the value of wool rugs becomes clearer.
Some rugs even appreciate in value over time. Such as this Large Antique Rug Valued at $30,000 from Amara Rugs
Are the benefits of wool rugs really worth the additional investment over a less expensive synthetic material.
Why I love it:
1.Wool is naturally stain-resistant and cleanable, it has water repellency and is excellent at insulating. (Think those warm cozy wool sweaters worn by all those handsome Scots.)
2.Wool looks clean, even when it isn’t.
So even when you don’t have time to get it cleaned you won’t have to worry. Wool hides dust due to small pockets in its fibers, instead of letting it sit on the surface of the rug. As a result, it doesn’t need to be cleaned as often as other rug types.
3. Wool pile is resilient
The natural “crimp” in each wool fiber allows a wool rug to resist the crushing under daily use, you will have fewer issues with furniture leaving indentations than with other fibers.
4. Wool is a hypoallergenic fiber.
Just as we noted before the pockets in wool fiber help it trap dust. It's resistant to dust mites, mildew and bacteria growth.
5. Wool can hold deep rich colors.
Wool can absorb more dye than many other threads, this allows it to hold brilliant colors that last over time, one reason you see so many rugs in museums that have held up over time, 100’s of years.
6. Wool is naturally flame-resistant
It needs a higher temperatures to catch fire, and it will extinguish itself if the source of the fire is removed. Wool is a must in settings with high safety regulations, such as commercial environments.
7. Wool helps keep your room warm
Wool is an excellent insulator and helps moderate temperature and humidity in the home by absorbing and releasing moisture as needed.
And finally, the most obvious reason:
8. Wool simply feels great
If your looking to add warmth, comfort, and soft luxurious textures into your home, wool is it. It is the natural choice for lasting beauty, comfort, and durability.
In addition it is the most cost-effective choice over the long-term than any other fiber.
Wool rugs come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and styles.
Which we can address those another time.
Lastly something to consider. Wool may not be great for damp areas over a long period of time as it absorbs humidity. Wool can be subject to fading if left in direct sunlight in say a window. As with any rug wool can shed when you first get it, but that should lessen over time with a good quality rug.
Rugs are meant to be used, so enjoy them. Somethings are worth the price.