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Mission Impossible: Space Planning When Spouses Have Different Styles

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:13:23 GMT

All well-designed remodeling projects start with space planning.

Space planning is an essential step in the remodeling process. Whether we’re working on a kitchen, a simple powder room or a full house, we want to create a design that works well for the client.

But what happens when two or more people live together, and they each have a different vision or aesthetic? We make it work!

Heart Kitchens recently completed a first-floor remodel for a husband and wife in Monmouth County who have wildly different tastes: He loves Mission Style and Craftsman, she loves French Country. They dubbed the project “Mission Impossible.” Heart Kitchens accepted the challenge!

After much thought and careful planning, we blended the two styles into a functional, inviting home. This is how we did it:

Know how you both use the space

The key to any successful design job starts with determining the purpose of the space. This step is even more vital when multiple people use the area.

As design professionals, we start every job by asking questions. The goal is to gather all the necessary data to plan out a functional space that meets our clients’ needs.

Topics may include things like:

• Do you entertain a lot?

• Do you prefer open concept of more defined spaces?

• Do you need an “office” area where you can work at home?

• Is your kitchen the primary focus? Who is the chef?

• What style of cooking do you primarily practice?

• Do you spend most of your downtime in the kitchen? Den? Somewhere else?

• Do you plan to age in place?

Once we define your needs and objectives, we can move on to aesthetic preferences.

Before and after photos of the McFarlane home

Define individual decorating styles

Before you can combine your styles as a couple (or family), it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what’s important to each of you.

We suggest creating a “mood board” by cutting out magazine photos that appeal to you or by saving pictures to a Pinterest board. The images don’t necessarily have to be of rooms you like – they can be shapes, textures, colors, or anything else that speaks to you.

Once you see a pattern develop, you’ll have a clearer idea of your interior design style!

Be willing to compromise

When we started the McFarlane job, we knew it would be a challenge: Mission is very geometric, while French Country is more feminine and soft. We had to find a way to marry both styles while keeping the clients happy.

We knew from past jobs that compromise and communication are key. Without them, progress is impossible.

In chatting with our clients, we discovered how each wanted the home to look and feel and what they valued most.

We were able to create the flow they both wanted by using the same paint and flooring throughout the first floor. In the kitchen, we closed one opening and extended another, allowing us to create an incredibly functional kitchen, including a seating area at the peninsula! Custom maple cabinets in a medium stain established a “warm” feel, while a beveled glass accented backsplash provided just the right amount of bling. We even worked in a chandelier for a hint of romanticism!

Remember: When you’re planning a shared area, don’t be afraid to embrace eclecticism. Creativity is your friend! Remodeling your home is an opportunity to create a brand-new style that represents the entire family.

Whether you’re designing a new space or refreshing the one you already have, we can help. Ready to create a home you both love? Reach out today to get started.

Home (Organization) for the Holidays

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 01:03:35 GMT

If the heart of the home is clean and uncluttered, anything is possible – even a stress-free holiday meal!

With the holiday season in full swing, you might be thinking about how to celebrate. Undoubtably, the holidays will look different this year.

No matter what you’re doing, it’s likely a holiday meal is still on the agenda. And even if it’s just with the people in your same household, a large meal can wreak havoc on your kitchen.

Even worse? If you’re the one in charge of cooking, you could easily spend the entire day over the stovetop, missing out on the gathering completely!

Having a well-organized kitchen can help ensure your holiday efforts are executed flawlessly. In fact, your kitchen can even be a source of comfort and joy when intelligently designed.

Getting it ready for the holidays doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are our best tips:

Maximize Storage

When new clients call us, it’s often because they’re short on storage space and unable to work effectively in their kitchen. Finding creative ways to make the most of the space you’ve got is crucial, especially during the holidays.

• Store flat items such as baking sheets and cutting boards vertically to maximize space

• Place dry goods in glass canisters to make for an attractive display on open shelving

• House small appliances, such as the toaster or blender, in the pantry to keep counters clear

• Add function to the pantry and cabinets with shelf dividers, spice racks, or pull-out bins to increase accessibility and organization

• Upgrade your refrigerator to a model with organization features such as adjustable drawers or a built-in wine rack

O rganize the Pantry

Organizing your pantry is easier when everything has a designated space. That’s why when we’re building a new storage area, we like to create “zones” that are organized to match our client’s needs. For example, if they bake often, we’d create a zone for storing baking ingredients, pans, and small appliances like the hand mixer.

While you don’t have time to remodel your pantry for this holiday season, you can still use things like cabinet organizers, baskets, or transparent containers to create your own storage zones.

Other helpful features include:

• Pegs for hanging pots, pans, strainers, and more

• Over-the-door racks for storing paper goods, sandwich bags, plastic wrap, and other small items

• Pull-out drawers for grab-and-go items like granola bars, fruit snacks, or peanut butter crackers

• A small ladder or step stool for reaching the top shelf

Make the Most of Your Kitchen Island

A kitchen island is much more than a space for food prep and gathering, especially during the holidays. Whether you have a built-in model that blends with the rest of your cabinetry, or a standalone butcher block, the storage opportunities are endless.

Consider how you use your kitchen most often and organize your island drawers accordingly. Do you make home cooked meals every night? Then they might be best used for pots, pans, and other cooking supplies. Do your children use the island as a homework station? Then stock the drawers with notepads, pencils, crayons, and other schoolwork essentials.

Keep Things Clean

No kitchen functions well when it’s messy, especially during a day full of meal prep. During the holidays, try to clean up messes as soon as they occur. Wash dishes throughout the day, wipe countertops often, put things away as you finish using them, and empty the trash whenever necessary.

Pro tip: Choosing the right finishes for your countertops, backsplash, and appliances can make cleanup much easier.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just cooking for your immediate family, the thought of tackling a holiday meal can be intimidating. A well-organized kitchen can help you go in prepared and make the most of the space you already have.

Want to start organizing now? Heart Kitchens can help you create a more functional kitchen, from creating an intuitive design to installation (and everything in between). Reach out today to learn more.

Laundry Room Renovations

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 15:47:06 GMT

Transforming Your Forgotten Room into an Amazing Space

Are you doing more laundry these days? Us, too.

Most Americans are spending a lot more time at home this year. If you're among them, you probably find yourself doing a lot of things you didn't have time for in the past. Things like making homecooked lunch, cleaning the bathroom between emails, and yes – lots of laundry.

Whether you're working from home or a stay-at-home mom, you may have noticed that your laundry room is a bit inadequate. Even though it's one of the most frequently used rooms in the house, it always seems to be the one space that gets overlooked.

With dirty clothes spilling out of the hamper, unmatched socks littering the floor, and a leaky bottle of detergent sitting on top of the washing machine, your laundry room could use a little attention.

Are we right?

Keep reading for some tips and tricks on making the most of this vital space:

Organization is Key

Unlike bedrooms and family rooms, where you spend your time relaxing, the laundry room has a more functional purpose: the sorting, washing, drying, and folding of clothes.

For most people, the laundry room is a "chore room," and sprucing it up isn't at the top of their list. But we spend hours in this room every week (sometimes more). When you ignore this essential room, your entire home can suffer.

A laundry room may not need a fancy rug or designer fixtures, but it does need functionality and organization. And yes – it can still look charming!

Finding the Right Layout

An efficient, functional laundry room starts with one thing: the right layout. When we're working with a new client, the first thing we do is evaluate their space.

Many people have a laundry room that is part of another space, such as a kitchen or bathroom. Others have an entire room dedicated to just washing and folding.

Whether your laundry room is a simple galley, has an open plan, or is a hidden nook, we can make it work.

Creating a Functional Space

For families with a poorly designed laundry room, life can be frustrating. Over time, we've found that certain design features can make this a more functional, organized, and attractive space. Here are some of our best tips:

Choose water-resistant materials . Because so much of what happens in the laundry room is water-focused, it's important to choose finishes like waterproof, laminate flooring, no maintenance quartz countertops, and specialized paints that are easy to clean and will last for years.

Consider a utility sink . A water source other than the washing machine is critical in a well-designed laundry room. A utility sink can serve a variety of functions, from soaking delicates to rinsing off muddy boots.

Create space . The laundry room should be a place where sorting, washing, folding, ironing, hanging, and more is easy. Putting a countertop on top of a front load washer and dryer can maximize usable area, while a stacking washer and dryer can allow for more floor space in a small room.

Get creative with storage . Open shelving in a laundry room helps ensure essentials are easily identified and accessed, while storage bins can hide less-frequently used items adding to both organization and aesthetics.

Multitask . For families short on space, the laundry room can double as a mudroom or even a family command center. Cubbies for hanging jackets and backpacks, pegs for keys, and bins for incoming and outgoing mail can all be great additions.

Final Thoughts

The unfortunate thing about laundry rooms is that people think a functional workspace must be plain or boring. This isn't the case!

Laundry rooms today are not the same utilitarian spaces you grew up with. They can be functional and fun.

Reach out today to find out how we can help you create an organized, beautiful laundry room, with storage and style to spare!

Creative Design Choices to Make the Most of Your Small Space

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 21:30:47 GMT

Functional choices are more critical in the kitchen than in any other room of the house.

Creating a beautiful kitchen requires proper planning, time, and effort – and, of course, an eye for design.

But when it comes to the heart of the home, style isn’t everything. Functional choices are more critical in the kitchen than in any other room of the house, especially when you’re working with a small space. Anyone who’s worked in a poorly designed kitchen knows this.

When we first met John and Christine Mormile, they were seeking a more functional kitchen. As first-time home buyers, they purchased their traditional Cape Cod-style house knowing it would need renovation.

Their biggest complaint? With everything jammed onto one wall, the kitchen felt closed-in and suffocating.

This is what we did:

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Just because your space is smaller doesn’t mean you can’t have the kitchen of your dreams. In fact, some of our favorite makeovers are smaller kitchens like Christine and John’s. They force us to get creative about making the limited amount of space work.

“ Our new kitchen feels like much bigger room with more space than it actually is. ”

– Christine Mormile

One of the most important things we’ve learned over the years is that lack of space doesn’t have to mean lack of style – or functionality.

Designing a New Kitchen

When we first meet with a new client or prospect, we start with a series of questions to determine their wants and needs. For example:

• “How do you use your kitchen? Cooking? Baking? Entertaining? Homework or business?”

• “What don’t you like about your current kitchen?”

• “What would you want to see in your dream kitchen?”

Many times, when a prospect contacts us, it’s out of frustration with their current kitchen. They want to know how they can make the space work.

The Mormiles needed more storage and functionality out of their small space. They didn’t care about having an eat-in kitchen, but they did want to get rid of the outdated appliances.

Like all clients, our initial discussion was all about finding solutions.

Before and after photos that show the drastic changes to the Mormile house.

Determining a Plan for Your Space

Determining a space plan, especially in a smaller kitchen, can be tough. It’s all about the best layout for functionality. When we’re determining the design, we come up with several different options for where everything can go to establish the best layout for the space.

This is the time for big-picture stuff: Are you moving doors? Knocking down a wall? Changing windows?

It is NOT the time for detailing where the pots and pans will go, or what color the cabinets will be.

Right from the start, we knew that the Mormiles wanted to close a doorway and add cabinets. Also on their wish list? A pantry, which is nearly unheard of in traditional Cape-style kitchens.

We were able to make it all happen.

Small Kitchen Tips

Once the design is determined, it’s time to think about the details. Working in a small kitchen can be fun if you’re willing to get creative. Here are some of our best tips for making the most of your space:

• Use innovative storage solutions. Clutter makes a small space look even smaller. Organize your kitchen with storage solutions that make the room seem larger. Smart cabinets can be pulled out over a counter to store plates, spices, and other essentials. Lazy Susans, like the ones we installed in the Mormile kitchen, can easily hide pots and pans and small appliances. And little extras, like a magnetic knife strip, can keep the counter mess-free.

• Use space wisely. For small kitchens, it’s important to make the most of every square foot. If you’re not a person who cooks a lot, you might consider swapping out your traditional four-burner stove for a small option. A double sink might look nice, but takes up a lot of space, while a farmhouse sink adds space by giving you more depth.

• Use lighting to your advantage. Proper lighting can make any space look larger. Under cabinet lights, high hats in the ceiling, or even more access to natural light can open a space up.

• Be smart about color. All-black kitchen are trending, but that’s one band wagon you don’t want to jump on if you have a smaller kitchen. Avoid dark colors that can make the room feel closed-off. Instead, use lighter shades and neutrals to open the area.

Final Thoughts

A remodel is the perfect opportunity to get the kitchen of your dreams. A small space doesn’t mean that you’re limited in functionality or aesthetics. By incorporating the advice of a design professional, you can create a space that looks large – even if it isn’t.

To learn more about kitchen remodels, call (732) 285-4467 or drop us a line .

Kitchen Islands: The Heart of the Holidays

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 14:20:50 GMT

The leaves are turning magnificent colors of red and orange, and the aromas of pumpkin spice and apple cider will remind us that the holidays are on the way.

From pumpkin carving to carving the Thanksgiving turkey, the kitchen is the heart of the home during the holiday season. It is the place where family and friends gather to share a meal or just to share a story. It’s where traditions are formed, and memories are made.

Why not make the space more comfortable (and functional) for those around you? A center kitchen island can create a unique space for families and friends to gather – not just during the holidays, but all year round.

Keep reading for some kitchen island inspiration to help get your home ready for the holiday rush.

A Center Island for the Holidays

Whether you host the entire extended family for the holidays or simply gather with a few close friends, you will likely have guests who want to socialize and interact. A kitchen island can be a great meeting spot during holiday hosting, as well as year-round.

Guests can gather around an island to stand and talk, it can serve as a food and drink staging area, or you can use the extra space to prep your meal. In addition, below-island storage is the perfect spot for extra appliances or amenities such as a wine fridge, chilled beverage drawer, or a warming drawer for food.

Whatever its role, your island can play a vital part in your kitchen design.

Determining Your Needs

The type of island you choose for your kitchen will depend on what you want, need, and can afford. Apart from looking beautiful, it should above all be functional. If you’re planning on designing or building a kitchen island for the holiday season, here’s what you need to consider:

Functionality : Your island will be most beneficial when keeping your needs in mind. Will it be a gathering place for friends and family? A spot for the kids to do homework? Extra workspace for food prep and cleanup?

• Entertaining: When it comes to entertaining, space is key. The countertop should provide plenty of room for serving and dining, and there should be space for guests to gather or sit outside of the workspace.

• Cooking: An island meant for cooking should include appliances such as a cooktop, range, microwave, and warming drawers. When adding a cooktop, you will also need an exhaust fan, whether it’s an overhead vent or a downdraft fan.

• Meal Prep: For food prep, your island needs a large, uninterrupted workspace. A small prep sink and a dishwasher could be great additions, and a pull-out garbage bin is a must.

Specialized Features : However you plan to use your island, extra features can make it a real showstopper. Built-in electrical outlets might make food prep easier. A slim shelf below the countertop could serve as laptop storage for an island that doubles as a workspace. And a mini fridge could store beverages for parties and other occasions.

Of course, no matter what the use, your island should offer plenty of storage. These are some of our favorite specialized solutions:

• Extra-deep drawers for storing pots and pans, mixing bowls, and even small kitchen appliances such as a toaster or blender

• Vertical slots for keeping slim items like baking sheets and cutting boards out of the way

• Open shelving for frequently used items such as dinnerware, serving dishes, or even cookbooks

• Glass-front cabinets or shallow open shelves for displaying must-see items, such as a china collection or decorative baskets

• Drawer inserts for silverware, cutlery, or utensils

Start Creating Memories Now

At Heart Kitchens, we are delighted to be a part of your family traditions and memories. Our custom kitchens create a unique space for friends and family to gather during the holidays – and every other day of the year.

We carry some of the best brands in the country and we always deliver on time. Reach out today to learn how we can help you build your dream kitchen in time for the Christmas rush. Let’s start cooking!

Kitchen Design Choices to Make Life Easier

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 18:13:43 GMT

For many homeowners, the kitchen is now the undisputed heart of the home. It’s where everything happens, from cooking and eating to kids doing homework. More than any other room in the house, it needs to be user-friendly and practical, as well as comfortable and cozy.

Why?

Because a well-designed and functional kitchen can help make even the busiest days easier .

Whether you work inside the home or out, have children you have to get ready for school, or pets that demand your attention, a kitchen that “flows” well makes life less hectic.

Still, taking the needs of an entire family into account can make designing the ideal kitchen a daunting prospect. Luckily, we’ve identified several aspects that will help you make the most of your available space.

Keep reading to learn more:

1. Choose Materials and Surfaces Wisely

Your kitchen is likely to be the busiest spot in the house, so it’s important to choose long-lasting, durable materials that will not only look great but last for years to come. For example, avoid counter tops that are prone to scratching, like laminate or marble, and opt for something more robust such as quartz or certain granites.

2. Consider the Best Layout to Meet Your Needs

Whether your kitchen is large or small, it’s vital to use all available space in a practical way so traffic flows seamlessly. When it comes to efficiency, the work triangle – sink, refrigerator, stove – is the gold standard of kitchen design.

The triangle ensures that the kitchen’s heaviest hitters are always within easy reach, allowing the cook to move quickly and efficiently. Other traffic (like children hunting for an after-school snack) is easily steered toward more user-friendly spots, such as the pantry or dining table.

3. Pick the Right Accessories

The accessories you choose for your kitchen aren’t just the first thing guests notice; they can also make your kitchen a more functional room.

Add-ons such as peg inserts for dish storage and pull-outs for pots and pans help make the most use of available space. Likewise, creative use of corner space, such as blind corner swing-out shelves, can make it easier to store and access a variety of items.

Lastly, lighting can make or break the room and is certainly something you should consider. LED is the current trend, with crown or valance lighting, toe kick lighting, and under cabinet task lighting for counters all rising in popularity.

4 . Don’t be Afraid to Add Some Personality

Ultimately, the perfect kitchen is personal. Your room must be appealing as well as practical, especially if the family spends a lot of time around the dining table.

Don’t be afraid to add a little color, texture, or pattern into the space. Your kitchen should be an extension of the rest of your home, so you create a welcoming flow throughout.

How Can We Help?

At Heart Kitchens, our passion is to help you connect all the dots to create a beautiful and functional kitchen. Our design process is thorough and takes all your needs into account.

We’ll start by determining how the space will be used through questions like:

• What is your kitchen used for? Cooking meals? Gatherings? Family time?

• How many people use the kitchen?

• What are your morning and evening routines?

• Do you use your kitchen for any special functions, like baking?

• More

Next, we’ll talk about what you need and want in the space.

• What are your non-negotiables? An island? Chef's control center?

• What are your “wish list” items?

• What appliances complete your dream? A wine fridge? Pizza oven?

• Should we consider altering or removing a wall to open up the space?

Lastly, we’ll come up with a design concept. This is when we take all the answers and come up with a plan – sort of like putting together a puzzle!

The design concept is our favorite part. With a full-color, 3D virtual look a your future kitchen, all your dreams become a reality! You can almost taste the meals and hear the laughter!

Are you getting excited for your updated kitchen? We can help you create a space that is both functional AND fun – and we can’t wait to show you how the right kitchen design can change your life.

Ready to get started? Call us at 732.285.4467 or email us here .

Have The Staycation Of Your Dreams With A New Outdoor Kitchen

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 02:45:54 GMT

An outdoor kitchen creates a vacation resort vibe right in your own backyard.

Warm weather, a change of scenery, a chance to relax. There’s something irresistible about vacations. Whether you’re lazing by the ocean or dining under the stars, they’re a time of rest and renewal.

But if your holiday plans got put on hold this year, you’re not alone. Instead of traveling, many people have chosen to take a staycation and enjoy time at home.

This is where home improvements come into play! Jetting off to your favorite city might not be in the books – but recreating its ambiance at home is possible.

Keep reading for our best tips on transforming your backyard into an environment that will rival any 5-star resort.

Outdoor Kitchens

When it comes to creating a relaxed vibe at home, an outdoor kitchen is our number one pick.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy dining alfresco – and creating a space for outdoor cooking is the perfect way to enjoy warm weather gatherings.

Even better: Cooking outdoors means relieving your main kitchen (and the rest of the house) of built-up heat coming from the oven and stove.

Not sure where to begin? Start with a grill and plenty of counter space for prepping and serving. Add a bar top where people can sit and chat for more of a “resort” feel. If you want to jazz things up a little, consider some unique appliances, like beer taps or a pizza oven.

Most importantly, add a big outdoor table and other spots where you and your guests can gather for drinks and food!

Here are some other tips to keep in mind:

Recreate Your Favorite Destination

Do you have a go-to vacation spot? Let it inspire the features and materials you choose for your outdoor kitchen!

For example, mountain lovers might veer towards earthy colors and woodsy elements, like wood beams or a stone fireplace. A beach goer, on the other hand, might opt for blues and whites, a natural fiber rug, and some tropical greenery.

No matter where you love to spend your downtime, take the time to get your design right for a real vacation-ready vibe.

Create Space for Your Favorite Activities

Part of a staycation is doing whatever you like to do, right from the comfort of your own home. Incorporate the things you enjoy into your outdoor dining area, whether that’s a tv to watch the big game or a shady nook for reading over a glass of wine.

Are there little ones in the household? Consider adding an outdoor playset to the yard so the kids can have fun while the adults catch up.

Safeguard Yourself from the Sun

No matter where you live, the afternoon sun can be brutal – especially during the summer months. A shady structure, like a custom pergola, can create a comfortable area to sit and relax out of the sun’s harmful rays.

Other options include canopies, umbrellas, and retractable shades.

Create Privacy

Depending on the size of your backyard and how close you are to the neighbors, you’ll likely want to add some privacy-creating features to your outdoor entertaining area. Bushes, hedges, and fences are great options to keep your entire backyard secluded in the long-term. If you opt to install a pergola or shades, those can do the trick as well.

Choose Quality Furniture

Bargain furniture from online discount retailers may look great on your screen, but if you want to entertain for years to come, it pays to invest in quality fixtures up front. Choose tables, chairs, and other fixtures that are made from outdoor-rated wood or polywood, which can last for decades and is easy to maintain.

Final Thoughts

2020 has been a rough year for many reasons. Don’t let it throw your vacation off track! It’s still possible to have the getaway of your dreams, right from your own backyard.

Need help deciding what outdoor kitchen options are right for you? Contact us today and let our design specialists help you out.