Discussing Home Designs: KITCHEN and BATH REDO

We invite you to eavesdrop on and participate in our conversation on design and home updating ideas.  Please leave us your comments and any questions you may have.  We’d love to hear from you!

Laurie: After our last blog on curb appeal, I’ve been itching to redo my porch, my gardens, the whole ball of wax.  So for those of you who have taken advantage of our nice weather and gotten some of your outside updating done, or at least started, we want to move inside to talk about kitchens and baths.

Kelli: Yep, onto the next project.  We have some great, easy kitchen and bath ideas or DIY projects that can be done on your own, without spending a lot of money.

Laurie: Or spending a lot of time.  As much as nice weather give us the opportunity to get some work done, we also want time to be outside and enjoy the short Minnesota season.  Okay, let’s start with kitchen, or bath, cabinets.  Without tearing them out, there are a few things you can do to give them a whole new look.  Like…

Kelli: Like, cutting out the inside panel of the door and replacing it with a glass.  There’s a variety of types of glass – frosted, seeded, antiqued.   You can do a stained glass.  The options are endless.

Laurie: This would be so cool in so many different style homes.   I love the look.  It opens up the kitchen, especially if your kitchen is smaller.  For those a little hesitant to start cutting up their cabinets, what else can be done?

Kelli: You can add texture to the existing fronts.  Reed or rattan that blends in with the color or stain of your wood.  It just adds some character.   Or more trim to beef it up or add a geometric design.

Laurie: I love these ideas because they apply to both kitchen and bath.  For those of you with bar/entertainment areas remember those cabinet areas also.  You know me, I get a little nervous doing these thing --  that’s why I always call you, Kelli.   How can someone test a design or texture out?

Kelli: Easy, use double stick tape.  Put up the rattan or design and give yourself some time to look at it.

Laurie: Double stick tape is like the duct tape for interior designers.   Updating cabinetry is a key component to keeping your kitchen from looking dated.  And, always remember paint is an option too.

Kelli: Definitely.  Top cabinets can be painted a different color than the bottom.  Change out your hardware and you’ve changed the whole look of the room.

Laurie: Now we’ve refinished or redesigned our cabinets.  Let’s talk about the backsplash.  I’ve lived in my house for 10 years and have never put up my backsplash because it seemed daunting.

Kelli: If you’re on a budget, paint and add a stencil.  You can create your own stencil or there’s some online at

http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/wall-stencils-stencil-designs.html

Wallpaper also works.   And, tile.   Oh, and don’t forget wood.  Wood works if it’s a dark, rich more modern look.

Laurie: Okay, lots of different options.  Let’s break this down.  Paint is easy.  Look around the room you’re working in (kitchen or bath) and pull out colors that are there or appeal to you.

Kelli: If you’re cabinets are white, pull white into the design.  If you have dishes you’re displaying that are vibrant colors, use those colors in the backsplash.  Really get creative here.

Laurie: And if you want to go the wallpaper route, don’t just go get a border.  You’ll really only need one roll, two rolls at the most.   And wallpaper now is easy removal.  So don’t get nervous about this.  There’s some great wallpaper designs out there.

Kelli: Tile and wood.  Easier than most people think.  One day project, even for tile.  There’s even peel and stick tile.  How cool is that?

Laurie: Very cool.  And the antique looking tin is now plastic, so you just cut it with a scissors.  Again, very cool.

Kelli: We could go on and on about all these ideas and how easy they really are.  As usual we’ve posted some photos to help.  For those of you who want more in-depth instructions and more great ideas, we are holding another event on May 17^th.

Laurie: The last event was a big hit and so we hope you join us on the 17^th .  Besides Kelli and I, Jenette Anderson from Walls of Distinction, and our friendly representative, Tim Koshiol from Lowes will be on hand to answer questions.  We’ll be focusing on kitchen and bath projects.  Kelli has designed well over 100 kitchens and baths for HGTV and the DIY Network.  Each design unique, so you won’t want to miss this event!

Kelli: Like Laurie said, we’d love for your to join us.! We’ve including a copy of the flyer for more details, so mark your calendars!

…til next time.

[Kelli and Laurie met at the hockey rink when their sons, who are college-age now, were squirts playing for the Stillwater Youth Hockey Association.  Besides becoming good friends, they have collaborated on a variety of design and business ventures.

Kelli is a experienced designer and designs have been featured on HGTV and DIY networks for over 5 years.  You can contact Kelli at Kelli.Kaufer@gmail.com and at www.kellikaufer.com.

Laurie Dick is a Realtor^® here in Stillwater at Edina Realty.   You can contact Laurie at LaurieDick@edinarealty.com and at www.lauriedick.edinarealty.com.]