6 Bathroom Design Must Haves
A bathroom has a surprising number of essentials for its size, so when it’s time for a bathroom remodel, it pays to give heed to all of these elements. This will ensure that the final result is visually cohesive as well as functional. The added bonus is that everything is new, so you won’t have to worry about fixing one thing after another. Here are six of the top aspects to pay attention to, along with the floors, walls, and ceiling:
1. The Toilet
The toilet, rather than the bathtub or shower, is what most people actually think of when they hear the word “bathroom.” Yet at the same time, the literal fixture is typically taken for granted. It may be surprising to learn that there are many options to consider!
Toilets actually have styles and the chosen one will determine whether your bathroom looks new, ultra-modern, or vintage.
There are different options in height, seat circumference and flush activation. If you just want a standard toilet, that’s fine – but if you’d rather have something else, be sure to consult your bathroom renovation experts at RWC to help you find the perfect fixture for your style and preference.
2. The Sink
The sink is another fixture that has many options. Choices include a recessed sink, a free standing bathroom sink or even one that’s built into the countertop. There are various colors and materials to choose from too; ranging from upscale granite to utilitarian fiberglass. Finding a color and material that fits with your bathroom’s style is important for enhancing the appearance of the room, but it’s also suggested to choose a material that can handle some scrubbing since bathrooms should be cleaned often.
3. A Vanity
Not all bathrooms have vanities, but if you choose to utilize one in your space, the sink will likely be part of it. By combining the sink, extra storage, and grooming area into one unit, you can save valuable space later on. An alternative to a vanity would be a countertop along one wall with cabinets beneath. This option serves the same purpose as a vanity, but typically provides more surface space.
4. The Mirror
A bathroom mirror should be versatile enough to accommodate the teeth brushing, makeup application, shaving and outfit selections it sees on a daily basis. A good bathroom mirror is big enough to give you a good view of yourself, but close enough to see smaller details. It should be placed at a good height so that you don’t have to crouch down or stand on tiptoe to get a good view.
While the reflective part of a mirror gets the attention during use, its frame will draw the eye at other times. Go for a frameless model if you want a sleek look or choose a frame specific to your desired decor type. Don’t forget to use task lighting at eye level for flattering, shadowless illumination!
5. The Shower and/or Tub
The latest bathroom trend calls for a separation of the shower and tub. Big, luxurious soaking tubs and large separate shower stalls are created for these spaces. The separation allows for bigger walk in showers and soaking tubs than a typical shower tub combination. For smaller bathrooms, the tub/shower combinations is still one of the most popular options. To get the luxurious feel of a walk in shower, select a shower tub combination with sliding glass doors and add a high-quality shower head.
6. Storage
Bathroom closets and built-in drawers are great for storage. They allow things to be kept organized while hiding them from view of guests. For larger bathrooms, install cabinets, storage shelves, or a similar option that’s large enough to hold all your towels and related linens. For small bathrooms, narrower, freestanding shelving will work well without sacrificing space.
If you need bathroom remodeling in or around West Caldwell, NJ, be sure to contact us here at RWC. We have decades of experience with projects just like yours, and will be happy to design and install your new, upgraded room for you.
Kitchen Remodeling: What You Need to Know [Infographic]
Thinking about remodeling your kitchen but overwhelmed by the possibilities?
We’ve created an infographic filled with stats about the latest kitchen trends. Use this information to be sure the design and appliances you select result in a beautiful, functional kitchen for years to come.
When you’re ready to start your kitchen remodel, look to RWC in West Caldwell for guidance and professionalism. We’ve got 54 years’ experience and have seen trends come and go. We’re can help you choose a kitchen design that will remain stylish for years to come. Call us today to get started!
Sources:
https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/kitchen/9-kitchen-trends-that-cant-go-wrong/
https://www.remodeling.hw.net/benchmarks/economic-outlook-rri/homeowners-hired-pros-to-remodel-66-of-kitchens-58-of-baths-nkba-survey-finds_o
https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/kitchen/classic-kitchen
6 Essential Upgrades for Kitchen Storage and Organization
A good storage system is probably more essential in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home. Here, clutter not only takes up valuable working space, but makes good sanitation all but impossible. Try these 6 solutions to solve this problem in ways that are both tidy and functional:
Add More Cabinets and Pantry Space
This is the most basic solution, but it is also the most essential. In order to get rid of clutter, you need somewhere to put it. It’s not unusual to find that you need to add an entire extra wall of cabinets to even have the basic amount of storage you need, especially in older homes. Along with those, add some extra pantries. These are basically closets for your kitchen. Use them for items you don’t want to have to reach up for. They’re great for everything from big pans to awkward bottles of cleaning solution.
In-Cabinet Organization Systems
These systems allow you to get the full use out of your kitchen cabinets. If you have cabinets but find that you’d rather leave things on the counter instead, you need these! They eliminate the problem of things getting lost after you’ve put them away. You’ll be far more comfortable with taking things off the counter when you know you’ll be able to get them back without a hassle.
Some of the most popular storage systems for cabinets include wine racks and cup hangers. Cup hangers let you hang your mugs and teacups by their handles so you see them all at a glance. Add pull-out shelves to keep your spices and other small items organized too.
Cabinet Accessories
The built-in aspects of in-cabinet storage systems are only part of the equation. Be sure to fill these out with accessories that make it easy to keep everything organized and safe from damage. For example, if you store sets of dinnerware, you should be sure to add plate separators to keep the plates from being damaged by bumping into each other. Cups should also have separators placed between them if stacked.
Drawers
The basic construction of a drawer is simple, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be improved upon. Have your new drawers built so that they tilt downward slightly when slid out. This will make it easy to see and reach the things in the back.
If you like to use drawers for storing small items, use inserts that provide a number of separate compartments. This makes it easy to arrange things by item type, but that’s just one of the benefits. Compartmentalizing your drawers also keeps the smallest items from sliding under larger ones and getting lost.
Pot Racks
Despite the name, these aren’t really “racks” in the strictest sense. Instead, they allow for pots and pans to be hung from their hooks. Typically, a modern pot rack is hung from the ceiling instead of being mounted on a wall. They come in a huge variety of designs and finishes.
Towel Rods
Many kitchens lack these simple, but essential, items. People tend to associate towel holders with bathrooms, so when it comes time to design a kitchen, they simply forget about them. In reality, kitchen towels are used very frequently, and they need a good place to dry if they are to remain free of mold and mildew. The one caveat is to avoid the common practice of hiding a towel holder in the under-sink cabinet. Hang the towel out in the open so it dries fast enough to stay fresh.
These are just some of the elements you need in order to create a well-organized kitchen. Talk to us here at RWC in New Jersey to get a full design, quality kitchen remodeling services, and more.
Make Your Kitchen A Chef's Dream
There’s no need to work in a hot restaurant all day to have a kitchen worthy of a chef. Instead, we can build you a kitchen that has all of the necessary features – without the stress and rush of a busy commercial environment. Here are some of the features you should include in the design to set it apart from a regular home cooking area:
A Marble-Topped Kitchen Island
Marble is a pastry chef’s favorite. It stays cool for long periods of time, which is essential for getting pastry dough to be thin and flaky. The cool temperatures of the marble keeps the butter or shortening in the dough from quickly melting into a gooey mass. Pastry chefs also use marble rolling pins to maximize the effect.
A Stainless Steel Food Prep Area
Chefs in large kitchens don’t fuss around with tiny cutting boards. Instead, at least part of the counter space is finished in stainless steel. This type of countertop does not stain and can be sanitized. In order to be properly sanitized, a surface must be non-porous. It also needs to stand up to scrubbing. Since stainless steel has both of these properties, it can be safely used for a variety of cutting tasks – including chopping raw meat.
Commercial kitchens typically have work surfaces in 100 percent stainless steel. However, if you want your kitchen to look a bit less industrial, granite is a great solution for areas that won’t be in direct contact with food.
Multiple Stoves
It’s all but impossible to get all of the elements of a dinner to finish cooking at the same time without burning if you only have one oven. That’s because different dishes cook at different temperatures. The proper chef’s solution? Multiple ovens. Two or three will allow you to cook everything at the right temperature simultaneously.
Ranges and Grills
Professional chef ranges are typically installed separately from ovens. This gives the chef more cooking space and keeps him or her from having to stand in the way of the oven door. Commercial kitchens also typically have huge, permanent flat grilling panels so that chefs don’t have to try to make do with tiny griddles. If you fry up large quantities of foods like eggs, consider adding one of these grills to your own kitchen.
An Upgraded Refrigerator
The standard refrigerator has a huge general cooling area, but only includes a relatively tiny freezer and crisper. Chefs, however, often deal with more greens than the average person. They may also keep a larger stock of frozen ingredients. Get a refrigerator unit that suits your personal cooking style. Popular variations include models with equal size freezer and refrigerator zones, units with extra crisper drawers, and more. You can also get a separate refrigerator and freezer and forgo the combo-unit concept entirely.
Professional-Grade Sinks
Those who do plenty of cooking and baking know that a single-sink system is nowhere near efficient enough for serious washing. Getting a large double stainless steel sink would alleviate the washing issue and give plenty of room for dishes and scrubbing. However, there shouldn’t be a need for the standard commercial triple-compartment sink. Since one of those compartments is for restaurant-style sanitization, few people who cook at home need to chemically sanitize their pots and pans.
These are just some of the differences between a professional chef’s kitchen and a standard household one. Deciding which elements will be best for you depends on your cooking style as well as the quantities of food you’ll be cooking. Talk to one of our designers here at RWC in West Caldwell, NJ to get some specific ideas to incorporate into your kitchen renovation project.
DIY Bathroom Renovator: Bathroom Remodel Design Mistakes To Avoid
DIY bathroom renovation can seem like a simple enough job, so many people get the idea of doing it themselves. With so many DIY shows and inspiration out there that generate countless DIY bathroom renovation ideas, it’s easy for a first-time bathroom renovator to become disillusioned and tackle a project far too advanced for them. Obvious design flaws, code violations, and other bathroom design mistakes that show a clear lack of skill are some of the biggest dangers of going about this project in the wrong way. Here are some bathroom remodel design mistakes that can be prevented by calling in the professionals:
Bad Bathroom Design Leads to a Bad Bathroom Remodel
For most, it would seemingly be clear that the most important aspect of design is usability. However, this isn’t obvious to all. One amazingly common diy bathroom renovator error that many fail to avoid is installing the toilet directly in front of the sink. This doesn’t mean “next to” the sink, or even a few feet in front of it. In the worst cases, one would have to actually stand on the rim of the toilet to access the sink.
Another design mistake is far less shocking, but will still cause a lot of hassle. While bathroom storage is important, especially in small spaces, some design options are better than others. Placing a shelf directly above the toilet sounds like a great idea, but can cause logistical problems. It is often overlooked that a certain amount of headspace is needed when arising off the toilet below. The result? The shelf ends up in the way. This causes it to get knocked when someone gets up, causing it to spill its contents directly into the now-vacant toilet – or worse, causing bruises to people’s heads.
Finally, there is the frequent error of placing the toilet paper holder too far away to reach it from the sitting position. It’s a simple, but very annoying, design flaw. This is another bad bathroom design mistake that can be easily avoided.
Code Violations
These aren’t as obvious to someone who isn’t a home inspector or similar professional, but they can be extremely dangerous. One such problem involves wires grounded to metal water pipes. Ground wires aren’t supposed to be hot, but can become so if there’s a problem with how things such as new bathroom lights are wired into the electrical system. Such problems can result in shocks or even electrocution to whoever touches the now-electrified water fixtures.
Other violations are simpler but can be just as dangerous. The failure to use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in a bathroom leaves people vulnerable to accidents like electrocution from dropping an electric shaver into a sink full of water. Problems with other fixtures, like exhaust fans, can lead to fires. Bad plumbing decisions may lead to leaks or even floods.
Issues with Workmanship
Even if all of the codes are followed and a good design plan is made, there will still be the matter of workmanship. It takes time and practice – some say 6 to 10 years’ worth – to get good at things like construction, but most DIY bathroom remodelers are doing it for the first time ever. This generally results in a substandard look as well as issues that will lead to the early failure of certain parts of the room.
One particularly troublesome workmanship issue is the failure to get the flooring up close enough to the tub to allow caulk to make a good seal. In fact, caulking may not be done at all! Either way, this allows water to reach the subflooring – which is usually wood – every time a shower or bath is taken. Soon enough, the floor will rot. The same thing is true wherever any two surfaces don’t get properly sealed.
To avoid this DIY bathroom renovation guide of mistakes and extra costs, it’s important to always hire a professional for when you want a bathroom makeover. At RWC, we have decades of combined experience and will not make these errors. Give us a call to get the job done right.
Make Your Home Truly Desirable To Buy This Year! [Infographic]
With home trends always changing, it can be difficult to stay up with the newest designs and products available. Clean lines, found art objects and the creation of intimate spaces is expected to dominate 2017 design trends. In addition, making a home more accessible to those needing mobility devices has become more popular. Design changes include widening doorways for easier movement through the home, placing higher toilets in all bathrooms for ease of use, and generally making homes ready for those that live within to age in place.
For homeowners in Caldwell, New Jersey and the surrounding area, RWC is ready to make your home more accessible, providing you with the style and comfort you deserve. To talk about your project ideas, contact us today.
Freshen Up Your Home with Pantone's Color of the Year
Every year, Pantone releases the “Color of the Year” – its chosen to capture the mood of the current time. Interior decorators often pay close attention to this news since it helps them choose color schemes for their designs. Fashion designers and other designers also incorporate the Pantone color into their work as well. How can you do the same?
First: This Year’s Color
For 2017, Pantone has selected the Color #15-0343, which is more commonly known as “Greenery.” It’s a shade of green that is reminiscent of the leaves that have a slight yellow overtone.
According to Forbes, Pantone says that its choice hearkens to the movement to “go green,” which it believed to have reached “a crescendo” at this time. The shade also speaks to new beginnings, regrowth, and the freshness of both spring and summer.
Green is a color that is easy to work into many decor styles, and this makes the year’s pick much more versatile than some in years past. Here are a few ways you can do this:
Add Accents and Pops of Color
This is the easiest way to bring a yearly color into your home. Put a lamp with a Greenery-colored base on an accent table, hang a picture that features the shade, or even paint a short stretch of wall in it. These methods will allow you to stay up on the ever-changing color trends without having to make a large investment of both time and money.
Paint an Entire Wall or Room
With Greenery, you can actually paint a whole wall, or a whole room, without overwhelming your space. Of course, if you do this, it’s important to consider how the new wall color will look with your current furniture and accessories.
If you decide that more changes will have to be made in order to achieve the most awesome results, try taking a look at Pantone’s other colors for the year. There’s a palette of 10 shades, including many brights and a couple of neutrals, so you can change up the room and still have plenty of variety.
If you’ve been thinking about getting new furniture, consider getting a few pieces in Greenery. They’ll be trendy now, but the color is nice enough that it’ll still look good a few years down the line.
Would you like to green up your furniture without actually replacing it? Try using throws and blankets to turn your sofas and chairs into trendy pieces. This makes it super-easy to change the look every year with the trends!
Use Pillows and Other Soft Accents
While an entire furniture piece done in Greenery will make a big impact, that isn’t always what produces the best look for your space. Sometimes, something smaller, such as a green throw pillow, is what will create the look you seek. Place one or more against a contrasting background to catch the eye.
Rugs are also good additions when seeking to bring a specific color into a room. A small one will invite people to investigate a particular area, while a big one will freshen up your entire floor.
Remember the Exterior
There are plenty of options for freshening up the outside of your house. Paint your door or trim for a trendy, but easily-changeable, update. Alternatively, consider choosing Greenery for part of a renovation project such as new windows. This color is great because it will be the “in thing” now, yet won’t look stale for years to come.
No matter how you’d like to use Pantone’s Greenery this year, visit our website today to schedule your visit from RWC. Our designers will be glad to create the perfect plans that make use of it. We are also happy to install and do any renovation-related updates in New Jersey.
Out With the Old: 6 Renovation Ideas to Improve Your Kitchen
“Out with the old” is a common saying for the new year, but it rings hollow if you find yourself looking at old appliances, floors, and countertops. Instead of trying to feel fresh with old things, how about you give your home something new that you will love? Renovate your kitchen by getting rid of your old things and replacing them with newer more efficient stuff:
1. Appliances
Most types of appliances have good durability, but that doesn’t mean that you really want to keep them forever. Their finishes get worn out, their styles can become dated, and sometimes, the ones you have just no longer suit your needs. If any of these things are true, it’s time to get rid of your old equipment.
The range/oven is a good start for replacement in many cases. Exposure to years of heat and grease can really destroy the look, and it is one of the most style-sensitive large appliances as well. Not only is the style important, but the size is an important factor to consider. If you have ever spent the holidays fighting to get a roast and all of the fixings to fit inside your oven, change it now so you won’t have to deal with that problem again.
2. Lighting
You don’t have to want fancy lighting to want a change from what you currently have. If your kitchen has shadowy spots or areas of glare, consider getting new fixtures to lighten up the area. Of course, once you decide to change the lighting, it is always good idea to check out your options on the upscale side. Lighting doesn’t have to be basic and you can make it unique to your home.
3. Countertops & Backsplashes
These two elements work together, so they should be considered at the same time. This helps to ensure that they look great as a unit.
Granite is still king when it comes to a good grade countertop. The rock itself is extremely durable, and the modern finishes are tough enough to stand up to actually being used. Some care is needed for the finish, but it’s nothing too onerous. However, the beauty of the granite is what makes people really love this material for countertops and tiles.
One of the best ways to ensure that the backsplash will look as good as the counter is to have the backsplash made of the same material. This maintains the overall look and feel of the area and allows it to match perfectly.
4. Sinks
Kitchen sinks are typically placed within the countertop, but they’re not limited to this position. They can also go in kitchen islands, bar counters, and other such places. The sink itself can be the popular stainless steel, which won’t discolor when used to soak dishes and can also stand up to scouring and disinfecting. What you really need to pay attention to is the faucet, this fixture often makes the difference between a basic sink and one that is very impressive.
5. Cabinets
Most people first decide to get new cabinets when their old ones look worn. However, this isn’t the only reason to replace them. Say “out with the old” to cabinets that are too small, have poor shelving design, and ones that otherwise don’t fit your needs.
When choosing cabinets, remember that there is a wide variety of placement options for them. They can go up on the wall, under the counter, or even within kitchen islands. Some of these places, especially the islands, may look better with a different style of cabinets than the ones that are used for the rest of the room.
6. Flooring
The floor is one of the kitchen’s most prominent areas, and as such, it should be treated as a true design element. Choose a pattern that looks great, is waterproof, and that won’t be dated next year. Then you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Renovate With RWC
Whether you want to bring in a single new element, update a few, or do a complete renovation, our designers can create the perfect plan for your kitchen. Just contact us here at RWC in West Caldwell, NJ, for that new design or for installation of your choices.
7 Opportunities To Make Your Bathroom New For The New Year
The start of a new year is a great time to finally get those bathroom renovations you’ve been wanting done. It will refresh your home while providing the added benefits of a new better bathroom. Here are some excellent places to start:
1. Toilet
Toilets are pretty basic, so they tend to only be replaced when they fail. A failing toilet involves either the cracking of the tank and bowl, or a collection of mineral staining that is no longer tolerable.
Although toilets are basic in function, there are many design variations for this standard fixture. If you do need a new toilet, it’s worth putting some extra attention into it. Retro designs have become popular, these typically involve sides that are shaped as if a curved pipe is just below the surface. If retro is not your style maybe a more modern look with a smooth-sided commode is right up your alley.
2. Shower
Standalone showers are currently in, but for some bathrooms, the standard tub/shower combo still makes the best use of the space. Either way, they can be made in ways ranging from extra-basic all the way to luxuriously fancy. Note that the impressiveness of a shower usually has little to do with the shower fixture itself. Instead, it’s all about the walls, floor, and door. For a more upscale look go for some beautiful stone walls with a clear door. If minimizing maintenance is what you are after, ceramic tile walls with a shower curtain should do the trick.
3. Sink
There is a surprising array of bathroom sinks to choose from. You can stick with a basic porcelain one, or you can be adventurous and get a coated copper basin, a counter with a sunken granite sink, or any number of other versions. The main thing to keep in mind for your sink is the functionality and its usability. Be sure that the faucet position, basin size, and other attributes will work for how you intend to use it.
4. Backsplashes
The functional purpose of backsplashes is to keep splashed water from ruining the wall behind your sink. They can also be an important aspect for the all around design of the bathroom as well. You can have a new backsplash put in to go with a new vanity or countertop you installed. For modern bathrooms granite and ceramic tile are the most popular choices for backsplashes.
5. Vanities
Some decor styles work better with vanities than the traditional counter tops. A vanity can stand on its own and may or may not include a sink. Providing enough room for cosmetics and other sundries. Vanities can also have a cabinet or two beneath its top surface. These are especially popular in retro bathroom designs, but modern style bathrooms use them too.
6. Walls
Bathroom walls are usually painted, but there’s no need to stick with this style. You can have your bathroom walls tiled for a new fresh look. Bathroom wall tiles are typically smaller than ones used elsewhere, but there’s no need to stick with this style. Large stone wall tiles can work just as well and can provide a more upscale look.
7. Floor
This is one of the easiest areas to forget about, but it’s actually one of the most important. It’s very visible unless covered by rugs, so it’s a good idea to put some serious thought into it. Make sure to use sealed tiles like glazed ceramic in this room to avoid staining. Since this is for the bathroom it is best to go for a material that has a non-slip texture as well.
These are just some of the many ways you can upgrade your bathroom in the new year. For more ideas, professional designs, or installation, contact us here at RWC in New Jersey. We’ll be glad to come out and discuss your plans, give you a quote, and then get started on freshening up one of your home’s most important rooms today.
Home Design Trends for 2017 [Infographic]
With home trends always changing, it can be difficult to stay up with the newest designs and products available. Clean lines, found art objects and the creation of intimate spaces is expected to dominate 2017 design trends. In addition, making a home more accessible to those needing mobility devices has become more popular. Design changes include widening doorways for easier movement through the home, placing higher toilets in all bathrooms for ease of use, and generally making homes ready for those that live within to age in place.
For homeowners in Caldwell, New Jersey and the surrounding area, RWC is ready to make your home more accessible, providing you with the style and comfort you deserve. To talk about your project ideas, check us out online today or give us a call.