Category: backsplash

  • Unveiling the Secrets of Kitchen Transformation: A Roadmap to Full Remodel Success

    Unveiling the Secrets of Kitchen Transformation: A Roadmap to Full Remodel Success

    Embarking on a full kitchen remodel is an exciting journey that can breathe new life into the heart of your home. However, achieving success requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the key elements that contribute to a transformative kitchen space. Let’s delve into the secrets of kitchen transformation with Kitchen Magic and explore how to maximize space, choose the perfect materials, enhance efficiency, and navigate the remodeling process with confidence.

    kitchen transformation

    used with permission from Millhaven Homes

    Maximizing Space and Functionality: The Cornerstone of Kitchen Design

    Creating a functional and efficient kitchen starts with maximizing available space and optimizing layout and flow. Innovative kitchen designs can help you make the most of every square inch while ensuring that your kitchen is both practical and visually appealing.

    Innovative Design Strategies

    • Incorporating multifunctional kitchen islands or peninsulas to provide additional workspace and storage.
    • Utilizing vertical space with tall cabinets or shelving units to maximize storage capacity without sacrificing floor space.
    • Embracing open shelving or glass-front cabinets to create a sense of openness and visual interest in the kitchen.
    kitchen transformation

    used with permission from Millhaven Homes

    Choosing the Perfect Materials and Finishes: Setting the Tone for Your Dream Kitchen

    Selecting the right materials and finishes is essential for achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality in your kitchen. From countertops and cabinetry to flooring and backsplashes, every element plays a role in defining the overall look and feel of the space.

    Considerations for Material Selection

    • Assessing durability and maintenance requirements to ensure that materials can withstand the demands of daily use and cleaning.
    • Exploring a variety of finishes, textures, and colors to create visual interest and reflect your personal style preferences.
    • Balancing budget considerations with quality and longevity to achieve the best value for your investment.

    Enhancing Efficiency and Organization: The Key to a Well-Run Kitchen

    Efficient storage solutions and organizational systems are essential for maintaining order and minimizing clutter in the kitchen. From drawer dividers to pull-out pantry shelves, incorporating smart storage solutions can streamline meal preparation and enhance overall efficiency.

    Smart Storage Solutions

    • Installing pull-out shelves or baskets in lower cabinets to maximize accessibility and minimize bending and reaching.
    • Utilizing drawer organizers and dividers to keep utensils, cookware, and small appliances neatly organized and easily accessible.
    • Incorporating built-in trash and recycling bins to keep waste out of sight and free up valuable floor space.
    kitchen transformation

    used with permission from Millhaven Homes

    Navigating the Remodeling Process: Expert Guidance and Support

    Undertaking a full kitchen remodel can be overwhelming, but with expert guidance and support, you can navigate the process with confidence and peace of mind. From initial planning and design to final installation and finishing touches, working with experienced professionals can ensure a smooth and successful remodeling experience.

    The Importance of Expert Guidance

    • Collaborating with skilled designers and contractors who can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their expertise and experience.
    • Communicating openly and regularly with your remodeling team to address any concerns or changes along the way and ensure that your vision is realized.
    • Trusting the process and remaining flexible, knowing that unexpected challenges may arise but can be overcome with the right team and approach.

    Transforming Outdated Kitchens into Modern Culinary Havens: Breathing New Life into Old Spaces

    Outdated kitchens can feel drab and uninspiring, but with the right design choices and remodeling decisions, you can transform them into modern culinary havens that are both functional and stylish.

    Incorporating Personalized Touches and Unique Design Elements

    • Adding personalized touches, such as custom cabinetry, unique lighting fixtures, and decorative hardware, to infuse your personality and style into the space.
    • Incorporating unique design elements, such as statement backsplashes, bold accent walls, and eye-catching flooring, to create visual interest and drama.
    • Embracing trends, such as mixed materials, contrasting colors, and textured finishes, to create a dynamic and visually appealing kitchen design that reflects current tastes and preferences.
    kitchen transformation

    used with permission from Millhaven Homes

    Maximizing Return on Investment: Making Smart Remodeling Decisions

    Remodeling your kitchen is a significant investment, so it’s essential to make strategic decisions that will maximize your return on investment both now and in the future. By focusing on quality, durability, and timeless design, you can ensure that your newly remodeled kitchen will stand the test of time and retain its value for years to come.

    Elevating Your Cooking Experience with State-of-the-Art Appliances and Technology

    • Investing in high-quality, energy-efficient appliances that offer advanced features and innovative technology to streamline meal preparation and enhance cooking performance.
    • Incorporating smart home technology, such as Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, touchless faucets, and integrated home automation systems, to add convenience, efficiency, and connectivity to your kitchen space.
    • Embracing eco-friendly design principles, such as sustainable materials, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving fixtures, to reduce your environmental footprint and lower utility costs over time.

    Unlocking the secrets of kitchen transformation requires careful consideration of space, materials, efficiency, and expert guidance. By maximizing space and functionality, choosing the perfect materials, enhancing efficiency and organization, and navigating the remodeling process with confidence, you can create a kitchen that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, becoming the heart and soul of your home for years to come. Thanks to Kitchen Magic for consulting

  • The Art of Tile: How to Choose The Right Tile for Your Space

    The Art of Tile: How to Choose The Right Tile for Your Space

    There is so much tile to choose from these days and for the average homeowner finding something for your application and in your budget can be extremely daunting. Choosing the right tiles for bathrooms and kitchens involves considering both practical and aesthetic factors. Below I’ve laid out clear and concise considerations to help with your selection – as well as some beautiful inspiration photos!

    via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

    1. Consider the Usage:

    • Bathroom: Look for tiles that can withstand moisture and are easy to clean. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are popular choices for bathroom floors and walls.
    • Kitchen: Choose tiles that are resistant to stains, spills, and are easy to clean. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are also suitable for kitchen floors, while glass or ceramic tiles work well for backsplashes.

    2. Durability:

    • Both areas are high-traffic zones, so opt for durable tiles. Porcelain is known for its strength and resistance to wear, making it a popular choice.

    via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

    3. Water Resistance:

    • Bathrooms and kitchens are prone to water exposure. Ensure the chosen tiles have a low water absorption rate. Porcelain tiles, in particular, are excellent for this purpose.

    4. Style and Design:

    • Consider the overall style of your home and personal preferences. Choose a tile style that complements your design vision. Ceramic tiles offer a wide range of designs, including patterns and textures.

    5. Size and Layout:

    • Larger tiles can make a room feel more spacious, but smaller tiles may offer more grip in wet areas. Consider the size of your space and choose accordingly. Additionally, the layout of the tiles can impact the visual appeal of the room.

    via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

    6. Color Scheme:

    • Choose colors that match or complement your existing color scheme. Lighter colors can make a space look larger, while darker colors may add warmth and coziness.

    7. Texture:

    • In wet areas, consider textured tiles for better slip resistance. However, keep in mind that textured tiles may require more maintenance when it comes to cleaning.

    8. Grout Color:

    • The color of the grout can significantly impact the overall look. Dark grout can highlight the pattern of the tiles, while light grout may provide a more seamless appearance.

    via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

    9. Budget:

    • Set a budget for your tile project. There are various price points for tiles, so find a balance between your preferences and what you can afford.

    10. Test Samples:

    • Always take home tile samples before making a final decision. This allows you to see how the tiles look in your specific lighting and how well they coordinate with other elements in the room.

    11. Maintenance:

    • Consider the level of maintenance each type of tile requires. Some tiles may need more frequent cleaning or sealing than others.

    12. Long-Term Trends vs. Timeless Designs:

    • Balance your desire for current trends with the desire for a timeless design. Trends come and go, so consider how your tile choice will age over time.

    via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

    If you have specific concerns or an unusual situation regarding your planned tile application, it’s best to speak with a pro, or even visit a local tile shop to get some information. When done right, your tile’s beauty and durability can last a long time!

  • Understanding PVA Manufacturers

    Understanding PVA Manufacturers

    used with permission from AKG Design Studio. photos by @RyanGarvin

    PVA, also known as polyvinyl alcohol, is a synthetic plastic that is colorless and odorless. It is water-soluble and often sold as granules or pellets.

    It is used to make paper and for packaging products. It improves the absorption of water-based inks on paper and helps to hold colored dyes better. It is also a reliable alternative to starch for bonding multi-ply paper boards.

    PVA manufacturers produce the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) used in various industries, including packaging. They offer a wide range of grades, which allows customers to choose the most appropriate product for the specific application.

    Aside from its uses in the food and beverage industry, PVA has important pharmacological properties that make it an excellent choice for use in ophthalmic formulations. It is a synthetic, biocompatible, and toxicologically well-characterized polymer that can be easily tailored to meet individual requirements in formulation development.

    One of the most important things to consider when selecting a PVA is its compatibility with the API and other excipients used in ophthalmic formulations.

    A PVA’s hydrolysis grade, which refers to the amount of residual, unhydrolyzed acetate groups within the polymer chain, is also essential for drug delivery. Higher hydrolysis grades enhance API solubility and can improve gel-forming capabilities, while lower hydrolysis grades may be better suited for poorly water-soluble APIs.

    used with permission from AKG Design Studio. photos by @RyanGarvin

    Packaging

    Packaging is a broad term used to describe the layers that hold or protect a product. It can include paper, plastic, or other materials that make it easier to handle and transport.

    PVA is often used for primary packaging, as a sachet or pouch that holds a liquid, especially one that dissolves in water. However, it also can be used in tablet capsules for medicine.

    The critical property of PVA bags is that they can dissolve in water in minutes. It is due to a particular property known as the ‘degree of hydrolysis,’ which determines how water-soluble the polymer is at different temperatures.

    In addition, PVA is also a great alternative to LDPE plastic bags for groceries and other items that don’t need to be rinsed. As a result, it can help reduce the amount of plastic in landfills.

    used with permission from AKG Design Studio. photos by @RyanGarvin

    Cosmetics

    Cosmetics are a wide range of products that alter and improve the appearance of the skin, lips, eyebrows, and eyes. They include skin care products, hair care products, makeup, and perfumes.

    Many people use cosmetics every day. Therefore, it is essential to understand how cosmetics are made and what ingredients go into them.

    PVA is an adhesive, emulsifying, and film-forming agent commonly used in shampoos, cosmetics, facial masks, sunscreens, and mascara. It also has high tensile strength and is resistant to grease, oil, and solvent.

    Although PVA is a common ingredient in many beauty products, it can be unclear how it’s manufactured. Hydrolysis usually makes it, where polyvinyl acetate is dissolved and replaced with water.

    used with permission from AKG Design Studio. photos by @RyanGarvin

    Household Cleaning

    Regarding household cleaning, PVA is a critical ingredient that helps create safe products for people and the environment. That’s because it’s water-soluble and designed to biodegrade.

    To make PVA, laboratory and industrial chemists produce nature-identical ethylene, which is then turned into vinyl acetate through a chemical reaction with oxygen and acetic acid (in a diluted form known as vinegar). After the polymerization process, it’s dissolved in alcohol to become a water-soluble polymer or polyvinyl alcohol.

    PVA is used in various products, including laundry pods and dishwasher detergent tablets. It’s also popular in baby wipes, diapers, and contact lens solutions. It can also help strengthen textile yarns, improve color cohesion, and make the paper more grease and oil resistant.

  • Dream home:  Lots of natural light, architectural details, and beautiful colors

    Dream home: Lots of natural light, architectural details, and beautiful colors

    A pretty and polished home from Studio McGee

    This house is pretty darn close to my dream house.  The large windows that pour in natural light, the molding, the palette in neutral cool tones with pops of color here and there. …sigh….

     

    The three images above show the formal living room.

    The kitchen and kitchen nook feature white and gray cabinetry and gorgeous marble backsplashes.

    This is the kitchen nook.  That herringbone backsplash is so beautiful.

                   
    I like the mix and match chairs in the dining area.  I’m not always a fan but I like it here.

    The dining room opens up into the beautiful great room.

     

    I really, really like the clean lines of the furniture used throughout the entire home.

     

    Lots of beautiful decorative pillows add softness to those clean lines a

     

     

    The color palette is so pretty!

     

    How amazing is the desk in the home office?  It also looks like I need to upgrade my office chair for a white leather high back beauty!
    I also like the contrast of the dark built-ins and the modern brass chandelier.
    What do you think about this house?
    See more and read about this project at Studio McGee
  • Amazing kitchens with wow factor

    Amazing kitchens with wow factor

    Amazing kitchens

    Prepared to be wowed.  These kitchens aren’t your run of the mill food prep or gathering spaces.  The size of them is grand, but also the way the space is utilized, materials used, and atmosphere they create.

    amazing kitchensThis isn’t just another white kitchen.  The windows are stunning, and are set off perfectly by the hanging iron lanterns and the black stools. Jealous.

    amazing kitchens

    Tired of white subway tiles?  I’m not, but I still think these slate gray ones are really cool, and look at the size of that island!!

    amazing kitchens

    I guess I’m learning that I love large kitchen islands!  I also love rugs in the kitchen like this neutral beauty.  The archway doesn’t hurt either.

    amazing kitchens

    Amazing windows and I really like the white cabinetry contrasting with the dark wood floors.

    amazing kitchens

    This is the kitchen that inspired this post – look at the gorgeous heavy wood island, and again with the ample windows…

    amazing kitchens

    I still have a thing for white subway tiles…

    amazing kitchens

    How about this exposed brick beauty?!

    Which kitchen is your favorite?  Want more amazing kitchens?  Check out this modern shaker kitchen.

    All images via Dering Hall

  • Traditional kitchens, stunning and white, from architect John B. Murray

    Traditional kitchens, stunning and white, from architect John B. Murray

    Below are some jaw-dropping traditional kitchens from the John B. Murray Architect. I’ve featured their work before, as I’m a big fan of the mix of modern efficiencies with the character and novelty of more traditional interior design principles.

    My kitchen is nowhere near the size of these. In fact, I only have 4 drawers, but it is streamlined and efficient, so until we move or plan a massive remodel, which is NOT in the cards, I’ll be happy with my little kitchen having all cooking utensils such as good quality kitchen knives and simply admire these.

    white large kitchen

    A huge island is a no-brainer when it comes to adding prep space, and the extra storage below can double your storage space. I love the plank ceiling and the matching pendants over the island.

    white country kitchen

    Loving all of the windows here and the rustic wide plank hardwood floors are beautiful.

    beautiful modern kitchen

    modern white kitchen

    I guess this kitchen is more modern than traditional, but I thought it was worth sharing. In a narrow space the more light you can get the better. I love the sleek marble slab backsplash.

    white kitchen island

    Love the classic use of subway tile as a backsplash in this elegant modern kitchen.

    kitchen with tile backsplash

    This kitchen may be large, but the tile backsplash, wood hutch, and country table and chairs keep it cozy.

    rustic kitchen sink area

    I don’t know if this is from a kitchen, but this shot was so pretty I thought it worth sharing.  The cabinetry and wood paneling is gorgeous!

    via John B. Murray Architect

  • Beach House – Decorology’s obsession this week

    Beach House – Decorology’s obsession this week

    Beach House Decorating Ideas and Inspiration

    Yay!  Our much awaited OBX vacation is almost here.   And after spending this past year working and taking care of a 3-year-old and baby, I really, really need a vacation.

    How does a week at the beach house or at the lake house sound to you?  I wouldn’t need anything this fancy to get my fix, but it is beautiful.

    Warm sea air and ocean breezes on this beautiful porch would be an amazing way to spend the evening.
    2 images above via DecorPad

    A beach house should be bright, open, and airy.  To better integrate it into the beach setting, opt for natural materials like sisal and jute.  White and blue is a fresh clean palette the makes a not to the ocean.

    At this beach house a neutral palette with pops of orange make the space more energized.

    Notice a trend? A lot of beach houses use a lot of white, and slipcovered furniture makes for easy sand removal!

    Even in the bedroom we find natural elements in the form of a sisal rug.  The decorative pillows remind me of the colors of shells.

    4 images above via Chango & Co.

    Daybeds are a great idea for beach house decorating.  I love the freedom to nap or read whenever I want on vacation.

    This beach house bedroom is light and airy.  The linen curtains allow ocean breezes through the space.
    2 images above via The Iron Gate

    This kitchen is amazing.  I like that the island is a different color than the cabinets, it really warms up the space.  The pale blue subway tile backsplash is amazing too!
    via Kelly Nutt Design<

  • Dream home:  Lots of natural light, architectural details, and beautiful colors

    Dream home: Lots of natural light, architectural details, and beautiful colors

    A pretty and polished home from Studio McGee

    This house is pretty darn close to my dream house.  The large windows that pour in natural light, the molding, the palette in neutral cool tones with pops of color here and there. …sigh….


    The three images above show the formal living room.

    The kitchen and kitchen nook feature white and gray cabinetry and gorgeous marble backsplashes.

    This is the kitchen nook.  That herringbone backsplash is so beautiful.

                   
    I like the mix and match chairs in the dining area.  I’m not always a fan but I like it here.
    The dining room opens up into the beautiful great room.
    I really, really like the clean lines of the furniture used throughout the entire home.
    Lots of beautiful decorative pillows add softness to those clean lines a
    The color palette is so pretty!
    How amazing is the desk in the home office?  It also looks like I need to upgrade my office chair for a white leather high back beauty!
    I also like the contrast of the dark built-ins and the modern brass chandelier.
    What do you think about this house?
    See more and read about this project at Studio McGee
  • Beautiful Interiors (and great tips!) from Fixer Upper’s Joanna Gaines

    Beautiful Interiors (and great tips!) from Fixer Upper’s Joanna Gaines

    I guess I’m a bit late getting on the Fixer Upper bandwagon, especially considering they will no longer be doing the show *tear* after season 4.  Even if you don’t always love their projects, Joanna Gaines is undoubtedly wildly creative and talented, and I love the little tidbits of design wisdom and inspiration I get from her.

    Joanna keeps you guessing by always using unexpected materials in her renovations. Glass tile and wood counter tops?  A great solution for keeping a space warm but also clean and simple.

    Updating antiques is simpler than you think.  I mean, these doors MAKE this room!  And with all the furniture restoration products and tutorials out there now, learning how is simple.

    Joanna is also a big fan of mixing metals.  What really attracts my eye is the brass mixed with the wood beams.  It keeps the space from being too slick, but also too rustic.

    Gray works in every space.  I couldn’t agree more!  Joanna uses gray a lot because it creates a calm and neutral backdrop, allowing your furnishings and decor to shine.

    That teal rug with those aged leather chesterfields is to-die-for.

    Use shiplap.  Yup, if you’re a Fixer Upper fan you are very familiar with pine panelling called shiplap.  Joanna swears by it. 
    Read all of Joanna Gaines decor advice and see more at Domino.
  • Dream home:  Lots of natural light, architectural details, and beautiful colors

    Dream home: Lots of natural light, architectural details, and beautiful colors

    A pretty and polished home from Studio McGee

    This house is pretty darn close to my dream house.  The large windows that pour in natural light, the molding, the palette in neutral cool tones with pops of color here and there. …sigh….

     

    The three images above show the formal living room.

    The kitchen and kitchen nook feature white and gray cabinetry and gorgeous marble backsplashes.

    This is the kitchen nook.  That herringbone backsplash is so beautiful.

                   
    I like the mix and match chairs in the dining area.  I’m not always a fan but I like it here.

    The dining room opens up into the beautiful great room.

     

    I really, really like the clean lines of the furniture used throughout the entire home.

     

    Lots of beautiful decorative pillows add softness to those clean lines a

     

     

    The color palette is so pretty!

     

    How amazing is the desk in the home office?  It also looks like I need to upgrade my office chair for a white leather high back beauty!
    I also like the contrast of the dark built-ins and the modern brass chandelier.
    What do you think about this house?
    See more and read about this project at Studio McGee