Tag Archives: Bathroom

Small Bathroom Ideas

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While newer houses tend to have bigger bathrooms, older ones are stuck with minuscule powder rooms that feel claustrophobic. There is always the option of knocking down walls and expanding, but that takes time, money, and a lot of patience. KC Cabinetry has some ideas that will help your bathroom look bigger and better.

Since these bathrooms are so small, storage often becomes the number one concern. If you have a linen closet right by the bathroom, consider using it for the bathroom only. This will free up a lot of space, not only for a larger tub or sink, but illusion of space as well. If you have a lot of storage needs, consider open shelving, as it makes the room appear bigger since the walls are seen. A small vanity can be utilized greatly with carefully placed organizational shelves. This also reduces clutter on the countertop, giving greater space to the room.

Of course, a lack of storage needs can open up a lot of options. A classy pedestal sink lets in more floor space, as does a wall mounted sink (see our blog on sinks for more info). Floating vanities do this as well.

Another way to open up floor space is to install a smaller toilet. There are many options for these types that do not compromise style or comfort. If this is not an option, try limiting waste baskets, hampers, and scales on the floor so you don’t feel cluttered or confined.

If you don’t mind not have a bath tub, try opting for a glass shower. Not only does this give the illusion of space by allowing you to see each end of the room, it also looks very modern. If this is not possible in your bath, use light colored or clear curtains to create that illusion.

People often forget that building up in a room adds to the space. By making the room appear taller, the entire bathroom feels bigger. Installing shower curtains at a higher height adds to this illusion. Glass mosaic tiles add upward movement, and draw attention to the ceiling.

Neutral, warm colors make the space feel warm and inviting, as well as making the room feel larger. Avoid dark colors and harsh lights, as these make the room feel smaller and less inviting. Natural light is always a plus, but if you do not have that luxury, opt for light bulbs with a warmer glow.

Small bathrooms aren’t always something to be down about. Because of the smaller space, you can use more expensive material, since you need so little of them. Also, you can opt for crazy designs, patterns, or tiles that may seem over the top in larger areas. In a small bathroom, you won’t feel so overwhelmed by tree wall paper.

Come into KC Cabinetry today to discuss the options for your small bathroom.

-Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry intern

Choosing the Right Bathtub

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When designing your bathroom, a huge decision to make is the bathtub. For the master bathroom, this is often a key feature that makes or breaks the room. There are many factors that should be taken into consideration.

In terms of style, there is the typical alcove tub, where the three sides of the tub are connected to the surrounding walls with only one side showing. This is most the most typical style and is usually the least decorated. It is usually connected to the shower.

Some bathtubs are “dropped in” to the frame or floor depending on one’s preference. If the tub is on the floor, getting in is extremely easy, but getting out can be dangerous. That is why many tubs like these have a frame built for them to be dropped in. While they are very beautiful and add a great flair to the bathroom, there is an extra cost due to the carpentry and plumbing issues that must be addressed when installing.

A free standing soaking tub

Soaking tubs are used for exactly what they sound like: soaking. These deep tubs can be installed in any way, and are perfect after a long day at the office. However, they are separate from the shower.

Tubs can be installed in the corner, called corner tubs. They are much bigger than ordinary tubs and set off the room. They can be placed against a wall or can stand alone. Depending on the installation, some tubs cannot be connected with the shower.

Freestanding tubs used to be the norm in all American homes, but now they are considered unique and add a bit of flair to the bathroom. The feet can be ball or claw, or if you prefer, has a flat bottom. It should be noted that the pipes are exposed, but this doesn’t take away from the beauty of the tub.

There are many materials that tubs can be made out of. The most popular is porcelain on steel. It is reasonably priced and extremely resistant to corrosion and acid. However, if the porcelain chips off, rust can form. Acrylic tubs are easy to clean and extremly durable, but it can scratch and become discolored over time. This material is very afordable. Fiberglass is the cheapest of the materials, and while it is very beautiful, it wears easily. Thankfully, fiberglass repairs are not costly. Cast iron tubs are significantly more expensive, but for good reason. The way the tub is made makes it highly resistant to chips, scratches, corrosion, acid, and age. Ceramic tubs are the most expensive, but they are a truly custom tub that allows one to create a beautiful design on the tub. However, this work is extremely tricky, and extra precaution must be taken in while making this tub to insure there are no leaks.

While this all may seem over-whelming, the designers here at KC Cabinetry are here to help! Come in or call today to discuss creating a bathroom that is as unique as you are.

- Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry Intern

Concetto: The New Product from CaesarStone

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The company CaesarStone has produced an abundance of beautiful quartz products that enhance any home. Their newest product, however, is not quartz, but rather made from semi-precious stones.

It may seem odd to decorate your home with countertops made of petrified wood or green jasper, but the Concetto design is so unique, that its beauty cannot be denied. But its beauty shouldn’t fool you into believing that it’s unusable: These stones are highly heat, scratch, and stain resistance, with little maintenance required. This handmade product can have a backlight for added effect. Its uses range from kitchen and bathroom countertops, floors, furniture, walls, and much more. Each piece is inherently distinctive, making each room that it is used in unlike any other.

There are nineteen beautiful stones that are offered. Below are some examples of the semi-precious stone’s beauty. For more information, come in to KC Cabinetry today!

- Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry Intern

The Stone-it-All: Slate

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While it does not get as much publicity as marble or granite, slate is a stone that will grab your attention at first glance. This beautiful tile comes from thin layers of volcanic ash, mud, and clay compressed together for thousands of years. This unique combination cuts into smooth-surfaced layers. While the surface is smooth, the thickness is not naturally uniform. No two slate tiles are alike in thickness or in color. Each tile is inherently unique as the color can fade from dark to light in a single tile. This is very different from granite or marble, which are both known for their overall uniformity. However, the distinctive patterns of slate can add an original twist to your home.

Slate has minimal to no pores in its material, making it extremely safe for bathrooms and kitchen, as no to little bacteria can thrive. Protective sealer, therefore, is unneeded or can be used at a minimal rate. Other sealers can give the stone a glossy shine, a low sheen, or a natural matte finish. It is highly scratch resistant and requires little maintenance for the scratches that do occur. This makes it ideal for high traffic flooring and countertops, as it can take a lot of abuse without becoming damaged.

However, the price of slate installation can be very expensive. It is not applicable for outside use, and can become very cold. Slate does not absorb sound very well and it can chip easily. Corners on countertops should be avoided for this reason.

For more information about slate shown, call or come in today! It is our mission at KC Cabinetry to make your home as unique as you are.

-Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry intern

Different Sink Styles

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A main part of any kitchen or bathroom is the sink. It’s used on a regular basis, so it only makes sense that thought should be put in to what type of sink you would like to have. There are many different types of sinks, each with its own pros and cons.

Farmhouse:

Also called “apron-front”, these types of sinks have a deep basin with a broad front part that blends in to the cabinets. They create a vintage look in any kitchen because of their traditional look. They are oriented closer to the front so it is easier to get closer to the sink to wash. Their deep basin adds to its functionality, as more can be placed into the sink, and it is less likely for water to splash up onto the countertops. Until recently, these sinks have needed custom cabinetry because of the front apron. However, KC Cabinetry can design these sinks into your kitchen remodel with standard semi-custom cabinets

 
Metal Frame:

This type of sink requires a metal rim around the sink. The frame is usually rounded and attaches directly to the countertop. The frame covers the gap between the sink and the countertop. This type of sink is the easiest to install and the most common in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as the cheapest. However, it lacks any sort of artistic flair.

Self Rimming:

These easy to install sinks have the rim of the sink overlapping the countertops. Heavy sinks are held in place because of their weight, while lighter sinks are simple bolted or clipped into place. It works with any type of kitchen or bathroom, and can be installed without damaging or ripping out any of the countertops.

Under counter:

These sinks are installed by bringing the sink up from under the counter. This makes installation easy, as there are no changes needed to fit into the base cabinet. No rim shows above the countertop and it creates a seamless, sleek, and modern look. However, solid materials such as granite, quartz, or marble should be used. If laminate countertops are used, the edge above the sink is exposed. Condensation can enter under the countertops, causing it to bubble up.

Wall-mount:

This bathroom sink is mounted on to the wall at a functional level. They hang on a bracket and often have a shroud and backsplash tile to make it look more attractive as well as to cover up the piping. These are perfect for smaller bathrooms because they do not take up much floor space. However, they do take away from storage space, as there are no cabinets underneath. The faucet needs to be long enough to reach the sink, and they do not have an overflow hole. They also need to be fitted with a grid drain. However, they do add certain flair to the bathroom, and are very functional for those in wheelchairs.

Pedestal:

While they are a significant investment, pedestal sinks are also perfect for smaller bathrooms. They are incredibly versatile in style and some even have the options of having two faucets, one for hot water and the other for cold. They are very easy to clean and maintain. However, installation can be a hassle because of the piping. They also have the same faucet and overflow problems as wall-mounted sinks. These are a good choice for impressing party guests and are very beautiful in any type of bathroom.

 
 
Free standing basins:

Also called vessel-style, these bathroom sinks have the basin sitting on the countertops for a look that can be integrated into any style. They come in many different types of materials and do not necessarily have to match with the bath or toilet, and go with any type of countertop material. However, there are many installation changes to consider. The countertops, for example, must be installed at a lower height in order for the sink to be at the right level. A way to get around this is to install the sink on a piece of furniture that is designed specifically for vessel sinks. Another difficulty is the faucet. If the water falls onto the side of the sink, a significant amount of splashing will occur. The faucet needs to be long enough for the water to fall directly into the middle of the basin, as well as giving enough space between the faucet and basin. While there are some difficulties with the free standing basins, they come in so many shapes, colors, styles, and are so versatile that their style makes up for any installation complications. KC Cabinetry can help you decide on the perfect sink, for your new kitchen renovation.  Call or come in to our kitchen showroom today!

- Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry intern

Marble and Limestone Alternatives

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Marble and limestone are coveted by many of those wanting to change the look of their kitchen or bathroom. While these products look fantastic, the risks they pose often outweigh the benefits. Marble is mostly porous; it stains easily and often chip and crack. In order to keep the countertops from staining, a strict cleaning policy must be enforced or a sealer placed over the countertops. This sealer not only costs extra, but also must be replaced frequently. As sealers are not perfect, the countertops need to be cleaned often. Marble also poses a safety risk: if not cleaned often or sealed properly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This increases the risk for illness. Also, some acidic foods such as limes can etch into the marble. Limestone countertops have similar problems because it is a porous material as well.

However, there are some alternatives. Certain products have the look of marble or limestone, but not the same porous qualities. This helps lower the cost of the countertops as well as eliminates the headaches that marble and limestone give.

The following are pictures of marble and limestone countertops, and the alternatives that we also offer. As you can tell, there is very little difference between them. If you’re looking to change the look of your bathroom or kitchen, the kitchen designers at KC Cabinetry can help you choose the right products to fit your remodeling project.

- Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry intern

Products We Love: Mirage Glass Tiles

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These beautiful glass tiles have a range of colors, depth, and texture that can add a unique twist to your bathroom or kitchen remodel. Their applications include backsplashes, borders, walls, and any other application you can think of. Our remodeling showroom has samples of many of their lines. The pictures below show only a small sample of what we have. Come in to our Littleton, CO showroom today to see what styles we offer, and how we can install them into your home.

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- Cassandra Cordova, KC Cabinetry intern

The New Look of Quartz Countertops

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When one thinks of “natural stone” countertops, the first thought that comes to mind is Granite – and no one can argue that Granite countertops can be beautiful. But why is it that Quartz countertops are not immediately thought of? Some think that Quartz countertops are not natural, safe, or do not have a variety of looks. However, Quartz is a natural, absolutely safe countertop that has a constantly changing style.

Quartz is one of the hardest “natural” minerals that exist on our planet – only diamonds, sapphires and topaz surpass it in hardness.  Quartz counter tops are comprised of 93% Quartz and 7% resins and color – that’s roughly a 13:1 ratio.  So if you’re looking for a natural stone countertop, Quartz is an option to consider.

Both Quartz and Granite are strong, scratch resistant, heat resistant, has variable seams and are, of course, beautiful. Due to size limitations of the slab, seams are necessary and sometimes unavoidable in both Quartz and Granite countertops. However, only Quartz is food safe, low maintenance, stain resistant, and has a consistent color. Quartz is naturally non-porous and nonabsorbent, and therefore resists stains from common household items such as coffee, tea & wine. For this same reason, Quartz is also food safe. The nonporous surface reduces the potential for bacterial growth from food absorbing into your countertop. Granite is a porous stone and must be sealed periodically, making it a higher maintenance countertop, as well as increasing its risks for stains and bacterial growth.

The more popular brand names for Quartz countertops include: Cambria, Zodiaq, Silestone, and Caesarstone – with Cambria being the only Quartz surfaces manufacturer in the United States.  The products offered under these brand names are very similar, with the primary difference being in appearance.  New Quartz designs and colors continue to evolve, with the newest Quartz designs on the market exhibiting movement that closely resembles granite and marble, wide range of neutral and vibrant colors, cool textures, and recycled materials.

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Movement: In 2011, Cambria introduced 12 new styles under its “Waterstone Collection”.  The designs were influenced by the natural movement of water over stone.

Wide Range of Colors: Adding to its existing wide range of hues, Zodiaq has added 5 new “spicy” colors to its collection in 2011. Silestone has added three unique colors to its color palette

Cool Textures: With new embossing technologies, we are starting to see a trend in “textured” Quartz, as well as honed (matte) and leather finishes.

KC Cabinetry’s kitchen remodeling showroom have 100′s of Quartz sample to help you decide if Quartz countertops are right for your kitchen remodeling project.