Kitchen & Bath Design with Christie Board, CKD, CBD

New Kitchen Backsplash - What A Change!

2012-02-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned a few times that there are simple projects that can
dramatically change a kitchen. A new back splash and cabinet hardware
can be just the ticket. Take a look at this kitchen before. Great bones but
the splash is not up to the rest of the room.

Before

After

New stone splash and new cabinet hardware!

Did you notice what adding cabinet hardware did for this kitchen?
It's like adding earrings to an outfit! These wonderful craftsman style knobs
and pulls came from Jeffery Alexander, I am loving this company and the
great collection of cabinet hardware they have. The collection features so
many different and stylish pulls and knobs.
Please contact me if you would like to order any
Jeffery Alexander Hardware.

My clients were just thrilled with how a couple of days of construction
changed their kitchen so dramatically. If your Kitchen needs a mini
pick me up, give me a call. I have so many ideas that can make
your kitchen beautiful in a very short time.

928-442-1387

New Year, New Designs

2012-01-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

With every January comes the feeling of a clean slate. The Christmas decorations are put away and hopefully we have found time to weed out some of the stuff we haven't used all year. I love that feeling of being organized and dust free! Even if it is only for a few weeks.

Then there is the challenge of setting some goals for the coming year. My biggest business related goal this year is to bring not only beauty but function to the clients I have the privilege of working with in 2012. I am very happy to say Board by Board is off to a great start with new projects. I will be posting photos of these new kitchens, bathrooms and other projects as we are completing them.

A couple of other exciting things have happened recently. I received a nice mention in a Prescott Daily Courier article on what to do before you start a kitchen or bathroom project. Here is the link if you would like to check it out. http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=74&SubSectionID=114&ArticleID=101815&TM=63922.35

I was also interviewed by the YCCA for it's local Hammer Time show that airs on KQNA. Hosts Sandy Griffis and Mike Enders were a lot of fun. click on the January 7th Hammer Time program part 2 . My interview is about 30 minutes long. http://ycca.org/v1/index.php/events/hammer-time

Here is to a great 2012! Do something nice for yourself and your home. At the very least add a touch of whimsey! That way you will be sure and smile everyday.

Prescott Woman Magazine

2011-11-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

In just a couple of weeks the latest issue of Prescott Woman Magazine will hit the news stand and it will feature an article on another Board by Board home! Big props to photographer Larry Kantor for providing me this preview photo.

After interviewing our clients. Architect Steve Adams of ( Adams Architecture and Planning) and his wife Janet, they also interviewed Robert and me. We enjoyed talking with Tim Callahan of Prescott Woman Magazine about what a great build experience it was and what a lovely home it is.

I am excited to see the photos and read the story. I will post a link soon.

A little Fall Flair

2011-11-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

I was feeling the need for a little pick me up around the house and didn't honestly
have a ton of time to devout to a full blown project. So, while I was wondering
what I could do fairly quickly, inexpensively and make my neighbors smile,
it came to me. Decorate the front porch for fall! I headed out to the garage
and located the scarecrows I had tucked away for safe keeping and found a
vintage watering can. If you don't have a scarecrow they are available for a few
dollars at craft stores. The rest of the items you may or may not have
and you can pick them up easy enough or substitute something else.

I made this super cute Welcome sign using a thin bamboo stick and
7 white foam pumpkins available at your local craft store. Taking a sharpie pen
or paint, (your choice) print a letter from the word Welcome on each pumpkin.
Skewer the pumpkins on the bamboo stick in order and you are done.
I also took a fat rubber band and wrapped it around the stick under the
last pumpkin to keep them tight together. They tend to spin around if they
are left unattended. You may also want to use a little hot glue
to secure the top "W" in place.

Add some real and fake pumpkins some squash, arrange them
however you like. I actually hot glued the ones on the top of the
watering can to keep in place. Put your Welcome sign in
the can or maybe you have a cute pot or wagon. I also put some dirt
inside the can to keep it secure. Then I added some adorable
metal cornstalks (check out JoAnn Fabrics or other craft type store)
and Voila! It was done in about 20 minutes, minus the run to get pumpkins.

Now I have a festive entry porch, I can keep all this in place through
Thanksgiving and Welcome all who come to our home.
Happy Fall and make a point to put a little festive decoration in
your life soon. It is a great pick me up and doesn't have to be expensive.

How to pick a kitchen sink

2011-10-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

One of the most common questions I get when working with

a kitchen design project is:
"How do I choose a kitchen sink?"

There are so many types of sinks on the market it can be very overwhelming if you don't have a few critical pieces of information to base your decision on.

The most common types of sinks are stainless, cast iron, copper, Siligranit, fireclay and stone. Each have some plus and minus points so lets get down to the facts.

What you need to know:

Stainless Steel

The lower the gauge number the heavier the stainless = better quality.
I would recommend not going any higher than 18 guage and choose a 16 gauge if you can.
Make sure it has a sound proofing coat on the bottom of the sink, it helps to reduce noise while using the sink.
Stainless steel is probably one of the most affordable choices currently in a sink. If you are not married to a name brand you can find a good one starting around $250.00.
They do scratch and can become stained especially if you have water issues.
The bottom sink grates they offer now can be a good investment in keeping your sink looking nice.
It can work in a kitchen that is super contemporary to a timeless tradition design.

Cast Iron

This is a classic sink that has been around for years. It is a cast iron molded sink coated in a thick layer of enamel.
Available in a lot of colors, it comes in both a drop in and undermount style.
Though the manufacturers of cast iron sinks tell us the finish with proper care will stay shiny and beautiful for years, my experience is with careful use you will get about 5 years and then they start to look a little tired. Something to think about when choosing this sink, especially when it is an undermount install and not easily replaced.
If you accidently set a pot that is too hot in or on the sink it could melt or chip the enamel.
The cost of cast iron sinks has really skyrocketed in the last year. Average cost of a good quality cast iron sink is about $600.00 and up.

Copper

Copper also comes in guages which equals quality. Always look for a least an 18 guage and shoot for a 16 guage.
Copper has a nice anti bacterial feature.
They are easy to keep looking nice and the patina they develop only adds to their beauty.
The copper sink looks fantastic in a just about any style of kitchen except contemporary. That is my personal opinion of course.
My recommendation would be to look for a single bowl design. The double bowl tends to have a thick divider which makes the individual bowls a little small.
Copper sinks can get spendy, starting around $900.00 and going up, but it can also be that special focal point that makes your kitchen a real "WOW". So don't discount it based on price. You can always cut back somewhere else if it is really the sink your kitchen is asking for.

Siligranit

Siligranit is a trademark brand for Blanco sinks, but there are several manufacturers out there that make a similar sink out of similar materials.
They come in about 5 or so colors and if you are looking for a black sink this could be the one to consider.
The sinks are a through color material ( color goes all the way through) and are stain and chip resistant
They are virtually scratch resistant, made of about 80% granite material and resin.
They also have an antibacterial quality that is a plus in a kitchen.
Highly heat resistant you can not hurt them.
Style wise they could work in any kitchen. I would choose an under mount application, I think they look better in this material.
They are also at a great price point, just slightly above some stainless sinks. Depending on the brand they start around $300.00.

Fireclay

Fireclay sinks are made from a china quality clay, coated with thick layer of glaze and fired at extremely high temperatures.
They are virtually chip resistant and will stand up to acid and alkali substances.
The finish is designed to be beautiful for years with careful use.
I own a fireclay sink and personally love it!
They are very heavy and your cabinet and countertop installers should know ahead of time this is the sink you have chosen.
You will also need to have extra depth plumbing collars.
They typcially look best in a classic kitchen but could be used in a contemporary kitchen if you pick the right style.
The fireclay sink is really a cadillac and the price reflects it. Expect to spend at least $800.00 and up depending on the style.

Stone

For those wanting something really different and special consider a stone sink
A variety of colors and stones are available. From granite to limestone, farm style to undermount.
I would proably tend toward this if this if you wanted to match a granite or were looking for pop in a transitional to traditional style kitchen.
Honestly this sink would last forever. Any scratches can be buffed out.
It can always be resealed to give it a little face lift but the natural patina would only improve the beauty in my opinion.
Plan on paying a pretty penny for a stone sink. Probably $900.00 and more depending on your choice. But again it could be worth it as that special focal point.
Let your installers know you are going to have a VERY HEAVY sink in your kitchen so they can plan ahead!

Hopefully you now have enough information that choosing your new sink will be now be a breeze!
It's a big purchase and can make you very happy or very disappointed. I want everyone to love their kitchen sink. You use it everyday and it needs to be the right one for you. So go shopping with confidence.

Why working with a designer is important and can save you big bucks!

2011-02-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

I realize I have a lot to say about this subject, I really am rather passionate about my desire for everyone to have a successful remodel so bear with me while I tell you why you need a designer on board before you tear out your kitchen and order some new cabinets! I think I am actually turning into Mike Holmes and just want it done right!

If you are sitting around day dreaming about a new kitchen, bathroom or addition it is easy to imagine a picture of a fabulous room that came together in approx 30 minutes or at the very least a weekend! We all see that happen on HGTV daily don't we!

But the reality is that "30 minute" project took a lot of pre-planning. This is where working with a CKD or CBD designer that understands the full scope of what your project entails will be one of the best investments you can make before your remodel starts.

You may ask "Can't I go to a big box store and pick it all out and have it delivered and it will save me money?" My answer is "Maybe....., if you are really handy and really understand the science behind good design." but my bigger concern is that if you don't have a plan expensive mistakes can be made because of it. Watching HGTV doesn't count as education!

I can't tell you how many phone calls I get from clients saying "my room does not work, we did this or that, I saw it in a magazine but now we realize it does not function. Come fix this!"

What I always propose to my clients when we meet for a consultation before anything is ever ordered or started is they need a plan. A full set of working drawings and specifications of each material and appliances we will be using. By doing this first every cabinet, finish, light fixture,and plumbing fixture is accounted for placed and will be installed correctly and in order. Who knew there was a sequence to remodeling! There is and that is where just shopping at a big box store or an exuberant homeowner may get tripped up.

So what do you get by working with a designer, can't I get a cabinet layout from my big box store? Yes, you can get a free layout, but what you get is a cabinet layout and only a cabinet layout from someone who may or may not really understand the principles behind good design. Does it really function? Do you have enough space between appliances, can two cooks work successfully if that is your goal, is there enough space between the aisles for 2 people to pass?

Back to that set of working drawings. After meeting with a client for the 1st time, I take photographs, measure the space and have an extensive conversation about the goals of the redesign. Then I head to the drawing board literally. There I create a few options for the room. After finalizing the plan I go on to create a full scale electrical plan, plumbing plan, construction plan, cabinet elevations and a full color rendering of what their new space will look like. No useless mini drawings! Then I provide them with a list of specifications, a selection of materials, fixtures and appliances that I recommend for the finishes. The guess work is gone! The package is complete and it all works together. For the investment of a few hundred dollars you will know exactly how this room will look when it is finished, where every outlet will be and how to get it there. Nothing will fall through the cracks. As a consumer you have been very smart, you have used my vast knowledge and resources to utilize in your project. You don't have to reinvent the wheel, I already own it! No costly mistakes.

So if you are thinking about a remodel or redesign invest in your project right up front and hire a educated designer. Whether the designer completes the project or you opt to be hands on you can get it right the first time!

Other Options and Ideas- Backsplashes are a Home Run!

2010-12-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

While on the subject of making changes that are not too big and not too expensive
consider adding a new backsplash to your kitchen. This can make such a dramatic
change in a short time period and does not have to break the bank.

Backsplashes can run from very intricate to very simple. The trend currently is to a more streamlined use of tile. If you look closely at current design magazines you will see designers using classic subway tiles, or a solid glass tile for a monochromatic but elegant look. A combination of stone, tile and glass accents is also a great look. Pair this with a beautiful looking granite or solid surface material and you definitely have a "WOW" moment coming.

But what if you don't have granite? What if you don't want to change out your counter top, is it still worth doing a backsplash? YES! A backsplash can instantly update a tired kitchen and make everything feel much newer, cleaner and more expensive. Especially if you have a neutral countertop.

I have a client that had a 6" white tile countertop with a matching 6" tile backsplash with fruit decos inserted. In 1997 that was very hip, for 2010 it looked dated. My simple solution was to tear out the existing backsplash and replace it with a stone subway tile and incorporated glass and metal accent strips very carefully throughout. What a difference it went from dated to dramatic in just a couple of days. We even changed the little island top to granite using a remnant from the granite yard. All for a super affordable price.

If you have been wondering what can I do with this kitchen? My suggestion is this: Decide to paint, decide to add cabinet hardware and consider a new backsplash. And the good thing is I can help with any and all of this! Making sure your money is well spent and giving you the finished look you desire. Remember designers often get discounts on products and materials that a consumer cannot. Think about it!

Warm up that room!

2010-11-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

What's great about my job is getting to go shopping, buy stuff and use someone else's money!

Recently I had an especially enjoyable project. My client had a sparsely furnished condo and was ready for the "fun stuff". She wanted their getaway place to feel cozy and inviting. She gave me a budget,said those magic words "pick it all out!" I was on my way. (In reality it was not quite that fast). I did quite a bit of planning before I set out. Here is my tip of the day: Plan before you go.If you want success, pre-planning will make it happen. Get an idea of what you are looking for, how big the items can be and a color scheme. So I did my homework and armed with my design notebook containing photos of every room, measurements of every space, paint samples and color swatches, I was off!

I had a terrific couple of days buying, building, arranging. There are tons of bargains to be had. Things that can be jazzed up to add a little more pizazz with some paint or another detail. Things that can be re-purposed and new pieces that can be found at bargain prices. If you know where to look there are truly deals every where.

The BEFORE.
A empty fireplace. Just screaming for some details.

And the AFTER!
Just adding a mirror, and other
items completely transformed this wall.

And talking about re-purposing the glass bottle on the top shelf of the bookcase is actually an antique "wasp " catcher I purchased at a garage sale. I added some curly willow stems and of course the always perfect orchid stem!

Some of my favorite spots are Home Goods! (love them), Furniture Affair (cool model home furniture, art and decorative stuff), Ikea (never go wrong with them). There are many more, I will add more of my favorites soon. But my point is, there are lots of bargains out there, but it does take some leg work,looking at things outside the box and a willingness to pick through stuff. Go find a spot in your home and jazz it up!

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Simple things big changes

2010-11-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

On the subject of what can I do that is affordable but makes a big impact in my kitchen or bathroom is hardware! Don't downplay what new cabinet hardware can do. If you have old knobs and pulls in your kitchen it more than likely will make your room feel dated. With the simple addition of new hardware it can literally transform a cabinet from dated to dazzling. Very similar to updating your jewelry. And if you have never had pulls or knobs on the cabinets you will be amazed at how much it adds to the room.

A couple of things to keep in mind when choosing new hardware.

Make sure you have taken into consideration the style of your cabinet

What other finishes do you have in your home (i.e. doorknobs, faucets, light fixtures)

Do the styles blend or match (it's okay to mix finishes just make sure the style is cohesive)

For example you would not want to put a chunky rustic pull in a contemporary kitchen.

One my favorite company's for hardware is Top knobs USA. They have a wide variety of styles, a terrific quality both in material and finish. I have noticed that some of the big box stores have hardware at a nice price point but many are made of resin. All in all I personally feel Top Knobs is a great value both in style and price. I am also a retailer for Top Knobs and if you are interested in a sample or ordering call me!

For a minimal investment you can make big changes to your kitchen, so go ahead, put new jewelry on your cabinets and enjoy the results!

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What can I do to update for a minimal cost?

2010-10-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

You have probably heard this a million times but it is true. Paint is probably the easiest and one of the least expensive things you can do to dramatically change a room.

A fresh coat of paint can make a dingy room shine. A cold room feel warmer, and an uninviting room feel comfortable. Have you ever noticed the really nice Doctor's offices are painted warm welcoming colors? It is all in the psychology of color and how we feel in certain hues.

I have a few companies that I use for my "go to" colors. One company in particular that I personally think has beautiful, livable and current paint colors is Restoration Hardware. My absolute all time favorite (this year!) is Silver Sage. It is a gorgeous silver blue color that is perfect in a bathroom or a bedroom.

You will find that the Restoration Hardware line of paints are well thought out and very livable. Even if you don't live near a Restoration Hardware you can request samples from their website and take it to your local paint supplier for a color match.

Sherwin Williams has lots of great colors and another favorite is Latte.
It is great anywhere. It is a warm color but not too much color. They have a terrific website and fun software to play around with.

So do something fun for yourself and your home. Paint this weekend!
Here's another tip: use the right tools it will go a long way towards making your project easier and look better! Trust me, I have learned this the hard way!

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Going Green!

2010-10-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

With Green being the buzz word of choice these days, especially in the building industry Board by Board participated in the 2nd annual Green Fair at Talking Rock Ranch in Prescott, AZ, Saturday October 16th. We joined multiple vendors and builders in sharing with the public what we do that is environmentally friendly. It was a lovely fall day, perfect for being outside and chatting with the public.

Interesting enough, when Robert and I sat down a couple of years ago and looked at our company and building practices we were delighted to realize we were already very Green. Our desire to build an energy efficient home had taken us well down the path of what it means to be Green!

On the technical front I am taking our office to almost paperless! I don't think I can ever be completely paperless (I rather like paper actually) but I am currently having a great time scanning and electronically filing all kinds of things. Now if I could just get up the courage to dump the paper copies!

Baby Steps!

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Get the Picture!

2010-10-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

With the NKBA design contest deadline looming I have been working on my contest entry. I decided to have this fantastic bathroom professionally photographed. I asked photographer Larry Kantor to shoot this bathroom for me.

Tagging along on the photo shoot was a very interesting experience. I was amazed at the amount of time it took to set up, light the room and finally get ready to shoot. To sum it up it took 3 hours to get 4 photos. I've decided photographers earn every penny of their fee and I have a new found respect for the spectacular photos we see in design magazines.

I send my packet off this week and will wait with the 1000's of designers who have entered to hear back on who won. Wish me luck!

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Musings from a Kitchen and Bath Designer

2010-10-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

I love ideas, I love sharing my ideas and I especially love seeing others use these ideas. Even better, I love helping other people take a desire or a hope for a new kitchen, bathroom or any room and making it come to life.

Please check back as I add to these pages my current projects, ideas and thoughts on what is happening in the world of kitchen and bath design.

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