Manage Your Dollars and Sense by Using a Professional

Taking on a home remodeling project of any scale can be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, experiences a homeowner will undertake. With countless design choices, layers of dust and a revolving door of workers, just thinking about it can send even the most laid-back person to bed with a mind-numbing headache. Whether it’s truly your blood, sweat and tears going into the remodel or just in theory letting professionals take the lead, there’s no doubt about it, remodeling is complicated. The silver lining, however, is the sense of accomplishment and homeowner pride once the project is complete and your design dreams are realized.

One of the best ways to keep stress at a manageable level is by working with a professional. This especially holds true when planning for a kitchen or bathroom remodel — two of the most trafficked areas of your home with the highest potential for return on investment. Working with a professional can make the remodel process much smoother by avoiding budget pitfalls, schedule delays and a crushed design dream.

Here are just a few of the ways a professional kitchen and bath dealer can help:

Visualizing the possibilities

Most reputable kitchen and bath dealers have a showroom to best showcase their work and the products they specify. As a customer, you should expect a neat, organized showroom with friendly staff to listen to you, help get some of your upfront questions answered and show you your options. Kitchen and bath dealers specialize exclusively in these rooms and have knowledge of the latest trends. They have the tools and experience to walk you through the design process, set the budget and troubleshoot to meet your goals for aesthetics and function. In fact, many kitchen and bath dealers and their designers are certified by leading industry associations such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), among others.

Setting the budget

Nowhere will using a professional pay off more than in setting the budget. If you’ve never done a major remodel, you probably don’t know how much to budget for. Or, perhaps you have a budget in mind and need help knowing where to save and when to splurge. Your dealer and design team will make this process much easier for you. Throughout the design and installation, they can work within your budget parameters, specify the best products and alert you of potential overages before it’s too late.

Doing the legwork

We’ve all heard the old adage, “measure twice; cut once.” Knowing how to take the right measurements is imperative in a successful remodeling project. The wrong measurement can set off an unfortunate chain reaction of very costly events. Professionals are skilled in this area and will get the job done right the first time so there aren’t delays in the schedule. Once the measurements are taken, a dealer will put the plans to paper and manage the ordering and installation steps.

Realizing your dreams

Eventually your remodel will be complete and you’ll no longer have to make do with your makeshift kitchen in the family room or fight with family members for time in your only functioning bathroom. After the dust has settled, the end result will be a beautiful space you and your family can enjoy for years to come. And, if you worked with a knowledgeable professional, you are left with both your dollars and your sense.

What's New for 2017?

As 2016 comes to an end, we look forward to an exciting and prosperous 2017.  If you  have been holding off on that kitchen or bath renovation, now is a great time to go forward and make it happen. 

We at CSI are seeing some very interesting and innovative developments in our industry that makes us very excited about kitchen and bath design possibilities for the coming year.

One trend we love is the use of textured woods for cabinets. Yes, oak is back, and in a big way; but not your grandpa's oak! today's oak utilizes different sawing techniques like quarter-sawn and rift-cut to change the appearance of the graining pattern.  We are seeing rougher textures that include the natural knots and blemishes in wood to create an interesting surface.  The wood may also be wire-brushed to give it a weathered, old barn wood look, and combined with stains and glazes to further enhance the texture.

The other big trend we see in cabinets is in painted finishes.  Grays, whites, and creams are hot, and the combinations of painted finishes with the textured woods are very appealing.  We also see a surge in other colors, like blues and greens, to put a personal stamp on a kitchen or bath.

Lighting is the other major trend we see in kitchens now.  Lighted cabinet interiors are being requested more and more. Glass-fronted cabinets can be lit traditionally with halogens in the ceiling, but advances in LED technology also allows unobtrusive narrow strip lighting down the sides.  There are even glass shelves that can include LED lighting.  And how about lighted drawers and base cabinets to make it easier to find items?  Pendants, chandeliers, and ceiling fixtures have also become major design statements in the kitchen with the bold new designs that are available now.

So, we are very excited about about the new looks and trends that are coming on the market, and we invite you to visit our showroom to see what the future has in store for your next project! 

KITCHEN WISH LIST

What does your ideal kitchen look like? What would you include in your dream kitchen? The answers are different for everyone, but there are certain features that everyone agrees are must haves.

1. Plenty of storage: The ideal kitchen has plenty of space to store all of your cooking equipment. The best way to add storage if you lack square footage is to go up. Take advantage of all the ceiling height you can by installing tall wall cabinets. If you have a high ceiling you can create a dramatic look with stacked wall cabinets that may have glass in the upper portion perfect to display your favorite decorative pieces.

Get creative with custom cabinet features that maximize storage. A blind corner cabinet, for instance can have one of several devices that make it easier to access items. One is a “magic corner” which is a chrome wire pullout with baskets. Another popular one is the “Le Mans” unit which as two kidney-shaped sliding shelves. Tall pantry pullouts make the most of a narrow space, and rollout shelves in base cabinets make accessibility easy. Don’t forget customized drawer accessories like cutlery trays, spice and knife inserts. Don’t forget to provide special shelving for that cookbook collection.

2. Appliances: You, of course, will want your ideal kitchen to have the latest in appliances. One trend, especially if you entertain a lot, is to have two dishwashers to make clean-up a breeze. A professional-style rangetop with a built-in griddle is a feature most cooks would love to have. Double ovens and a warming drawer are a must when cooking for a crowd. And don’t forget specialty appliances like steam ovens, built-in coffee systems, and extra refrigeration space like under counter refrigerated drawers, beverage centers or wine storage units. An extra ice maker is also handy for entertaining.

3. Lighting: Great lighting can make the difference between a good kitchen and a “Wow” kitchen. Lots of natural light from large windows is a must. Of course, you need general ambient lighting, specific task lighting and lighting for atmosphere. Be sure to include under-cabinet LED lighting, recessed ceiling cans for general lighting and pendants or fixtures over islands. If you have glass-fronted cabinets you will want to have interior lighting to sparkle off crystal and china. For special lighting consider rope lighting above the cabinets as well as below the toekick area. Dimmers on most of the lighting are the best way to create atmosphere and set a mood when entertaining.

4. One feature that most people would include in a dream kitchen is a large island with seating. The island incorporates many functions. The large surface is great for food preparation, it can double as a buffet for serving, and it contains lots of storage. It is perfect for creating a convivial atmosphere for chatting with friends and family and to keep an eye on the kids as they do their homework.

5. Style: Everyone’s idea of what the perfect kitchen looks like is different, but there are some elements that will elevate your kitchen above the norm. The cabinetry you choose is the furniture of the room and sets the mood. Hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen and adds extra flair. Color is essential in creating mood and making the kitchen a pleasant place to work. Add special touches like barn doors for the pantry, open beams, marble countertops or a special tile pattern for the floor to individualize the space.

Whether you are planning to build a new house, or remodel your current one, plan your dream kitchen for comfort, storage, functionality and beauty and make it as individual as you are.

Remodeling and the Lead-Based Paint Factor

We all want to make sure that we are living in a safe, healthy environment.  One area where we do have control is in our own homes. 

Lead is one of the most dangerous elements that can be present in a home, and young children, especially under two years of age, are the most sensitive to lead poisoning.  Lead was frequently used in paints prior to 1978, and flaking, peeling, and cracking paint create dust that can be breathed through the air, or ingested by inquisitive children by chewing on or touching painted surfaces such as window sills, stair railings and door frames.  Though some lead is naturally present in the outdoors, lead-based exterior paint can flake off and contaminate the soil around the home and be tracked indoors so it is important to remove shoes at the door and wash hands. 

The risks of lead exposure to young children include lower IQ, slower growth, learning and behavior problems and anemia.  Unborn children are at risk also as lead is stored in the mother's body and can be transferred to the fetus and via breast milk to the infant.  Adults are not immune either, and high levels of lead in the body can lead to cardiovascular problems, hypertension, kidney and reproductive issues among others.

The good news is that lead poisoning is entirely preventable.  For one thing, lead-free paint was banned for residential use in 1978, so if your home is newer than that, there should not be cause for concern.  According to the EPA, houses built between 1960 and 1977 are 24% more likely to contain lead-based paint than newer homes; between 1940 and 1959 69% more likely; and before 1940 87% more likely.   But even if your house was built prior to 1978, if the paint is in good condition; i.e., not peeling, cracking, or flaking, and sealed under layers of newer paint, then there may be no cause for alarm.  Frequent wiping down of painted surfaces and vacuuming with a HEPA filter are good practices.  But if in doubt, it is wise to test for the presence of lead.   

However, if a home is being remodeled, and was built prior to 1978, it is likely that paint will be disturbed in the process.  It is important to have the paint in the home tested for lead content.   The EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) "requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by EPA (or an EPA authorized state), use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices".  In Georgia, that means that a Certified Renovator must be licensed by the Georgia Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to supervise all RRP-regulated projects and to perform lead testing on all surfaces that will be disturbed. 

The removal of lead is a federally mandated process.  A lead test must be performed on any home from 1978 or older by a certified renovator.  The certified renovator must wear very specific protection gear and properly secure the area being affected with multiple layers of protection.  If the paint involved is outdoors, the soil or immediate area must be properly covered.  One area which is generally overlooked is in window replacement.  Windows in homes from 1978 or older may contain lead and can contaminate the area outside and inside the house if it does contain lead and areas are not properly protected. 

If your home was built prior to 1978, and you are planning to remodel, be sure to use a certified renovator to test for lead. 

For more information from the Environmental Protection Agency on how to keep your home safe and lead-free visit  http://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family#sl-home

NARI tour 2015

NARI Atlanta Presents its Fifth Annual Tour of Remodeled Homes

The Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, will present its Sixth Annual Tour of Remodeled Homes Saturday, Oct. 24, 2014 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Eight private homes transformed by NARI members throughout Atlanta’s northern suburbs will be open to the public, with the remodeling teams on hand to discuss each project and answer questions.  Proceeds from the tour will benefit CURE Childhood Cancer (www.curechildhoodcancer.org).  The tour is self-guided and will be held rain or shine.  Tickets are $20 in advance, and $30 the day of the tour, and are available at www.AtlantaRemodelingTour.com, along with a downloadable map showing each home location.  CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio will be showcasing a beautifully redesigned home as part of the tour.  We are very proud to be involved in NARI and to help such a worthwhile cause like Cure Childhood Cancer.

Rutt's New Morgan Series

Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry has added a new door style to their Regency Series.  Called Morgan, it is a clean-lined classic Shaker style—but with a difference.  Not just a door style, but a complete system of cabinetry, Morgan blurs the line between frameless and framed cabinetry.  Horizontal and vertical members do not meet on the same plane creating shadow lines and an interesting layered effect.  With specially designed components unique to Morgan, such as soffit and base rails, light rails, and end panels, this system is a complete concept.

New Introductions from Leicht

Leicht is already gearing up for the new year with a preview of new introductions for 2014. We love this new accessory bar for the backsplash area.  It features a narrow shelf at top for small items and has optional accessories like a very attractive knife block, hooks for utensils and a towel rack.

A cutlery tray is a great organizational tool for storing cooking utensils where they are needed.  These are available to fit most metric drawer sizes.

                                                       

Well-known for their aesthetics, Leicht cabinets are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. This photo illustrates a new interior pullout system that will be available in 2014.

Miele Voted Best Brand Ever

Gütersloh, February 8, 2013. – No other product brand has been held in such high esteem by Germany's consumers over the past decade as Miele. This is the quintessence of the rolling list of top performers published by the German brand ranking watchdog 'best brands'. To mark the initiative's tenth anniversary, the Gütersloh-based domestic appliance pioneer was awarded the special 'best brand ever' prize in the 'best product brand' category.

The 'best brands' ranking is based on a survey conducted by GfK to monitor the market success of the most prominent brands from around 40 branches of industry. Furthermore, a total of 5000 consumers, selected on a representative basis, were asked to assess the most successful product and company brands with respect to brand trust, quality, reputation and internationality. This ranking, which has been compiled annually since 2004 is the only one in Germany to assess companies both according to their market success and their appeal to consumers.

The 'best brand ever' award reflects aggregate scores since records began. The exceptional position commanded by the Gütersloh-based and privately owned company results from the following: Miele has starred among the Top Ten best product brands uninterruptedly since 2005, even achieving first place in 2009. Since 2007, Miele has also ranked among the 10 best product brands, even achieving the top No. 1 spot in 2007. Currently, Miele stands fourth in both categories. Second and third positions in the 'best brands ever' category are occupied by Lego and Nivea.

'This prize honors long-standing trust in a brand and its enduring success. When all is said and done, it comes from consumers in their entirety and likewise goes to all our employees', says Dr Reinhard Zinkann, Managing Director and Co-Proprietor of the Miele Group at the 'best brands' gala at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich. 'This makes it the most valuable compliment a manufacturer of branded goods could possibly ever receive.'

The companies behind 'best brands' are the market researcher GfK, German business weekly Wirtschaftswoche, ProSiebenSat.1, The Brand Association, iq-media marketing, a communication service provider, and Stöer Out-of-Home Media AG.

Understanding the Kitchen Remodeling Process

At the Build, Remodel and Landscape Expo this weekend, January 26-27, 2013, Tom Strott will present a seminar called "Understanding the Kitchen Remodeling Process."  He will walk you through the ins and outs of making changes to your kitchen that will transform it into one that you truly enjoy and will increase the value of your home.  He will discuss the benefits of remodeling, whether you should do-it-yourself or hire a contractor, the steps involved in the process and current kitchen trends.

Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry Comes to CSI!

CSI has exciting news!  We have just signed an agreement to represent Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry in the Atlanta area!  After an absence of several years from our market, we are pleased to be the only dealer of this high quality exclusive custom line of cabinetry in Georgia.

 Rutt is made the old-fashioned way--hand crafted by skilled artisans in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Here are just some of the features that go into the craftsmanship of Rutt cabinets:  Woods are hand selected; grains are hand matched; drawers and accessories can be crafted from cherry, mahogany, poplar or walnut; mullion doors are hand made with individual panes; finishes are oven-cured and protected with clear varnish; many paint and stain finishes are available--or you can request a custom finish.  Styles range from contemporary to traditional with hundreds of combinations of door designs, wood species and finishes. 

Rutt makes exquisite cabinetry in traditonal and contemporary styles.

Curved cabinets and custom mulllioned doors are possible with Rutt.

  And, of course, Rutt belongs to the KCMAs Environmental Stewardship Program for cabinet manufacturers that adhere to high standards of safety, environmental responsibility, recycling and sustainability. 

We will have samples and displays soon, but in the meantime, please visit the Rutt website at www.ruttcabinetry.biz and www.ruttregency.com. 

CSI #4 Residential Remodeling Contractor for 2012

Exciting News!

CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio has been named by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as the #4 Residential Remodeling Contractor in the Atlanta area in the August 10, 2012 Home Quarterly issue.

Also, we announce that  that Steen Clausen, CKD, founder of CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio, has been named in the August 2012 Home Quarterly Who’s Who of the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the 100 key people who are opening doors in the Atlanta housing industry.

Cool New Sink from Blanco

The new Crystalline sink from Blanco is especially designed for small kitchens to maximize the work area, but it makes a great prep sink too! 

The cool thing about the Crystalline sink is the safety glass top that slides over the sink when not in use.  This extends the work surface and doubles as a cutting board.  The sink is designed with Blanco's MicroEdge technology to fit flush with the countertop. 

It also has a pop-up strainer button so you can empty the bowl without putting your hands in the water.  How cool is that?

Makeover of the Month-July 2012





Before the remodel

 Our makeover of the month for July is a great kitchen project that we did for a wonderful couple in Kennesaw.  They wanted an updated look, new appliances and flooring.  They also had a couple of architectural challenges that we had to take into consideration in the design.  One was a structural column that supported the ceiling at the juncture of several angles.  This could not be moved.  Another was a relative lack of wall space. 

The column had to be integrated into the island.  We designed a large multi-level island that includes the sink, dishwasher, trash pullout and lots of storage.  One end of the island has a raised bar that also functions to hide clutter in the sink area, and the other end integrates a table for quick snacks. 


After the kitchen remodel

Wall space was gained by removing a pair of corner windows and a small closet.  We placed the 42" Miele gas cooktop and large hood on an angle in the corner.  Glass cabinets line the wall to the right of the hood, and tall units (refrigerator, built-in microwave and warming drawer and pantry) are to the left.
The Parker door style from Schrock was chosen for the cabnetry for its traditional ambiance.  We used cherry in a light stain for the "L" of the kitchen, and maple in a glazed finish called Toasted Almond for the island.  Beautiful countertops in Excalibur granite top the cabinets.

Travertine tile makes an elegant statement in the backsplash, and the dark-stained flooring give depth.  The homeowners love the transformation of their kitchen!

Tour of Kitchens

CSI was proud to participate in the Junior League of Atlanta’s annual Tour of Kitchens, for the 8th year in a row on a beautiful Saturday in March.

Our homeowners graciously opened other rooms as well, so tour-goers got to see the master bath, pool bath and outdoor kitchen as well as the beautiful pool atrium. All the cabinetry for the house was from our Leicht line from Germany, except for the outdoor kitchen which we did in stainless steel cabinetry from Jay Rambo Co. The kitchen features dual islands each with a sink and dishwasher for easy clean up for the homeowners who love to entertain. Four colors of cabinets from Leicht were chosen for a state-of-the-art contemporary look including cherry, Sahara lacquer, stainless steel and oak in a dark anthracite finish.

The master bath was equally spectacular with a barrel-vaulted ceiling covered with glass tile that extends down to the vanity. Leicht cabinets in dark oak anthracite were chosen for the vanity and topped with low vessel lavatories. An oculus window under the barrel vault provides light in the huge double shower, and a relaxing spa tub is set in its own niche. At the other end of the room is a large walk-in closet that we outfitted with Jay Rambo Co. closet components.

Miele's RemoteVision

Miele is on the cutting edge of appliance technology. They have introduced RemoteVision, a wireless appliance support system that monitors your refrigerator, freezer, wine storage unit, some dishwashers and laundry units to warn you if there is a problem. We all spend a lot of money on food these days. Wouldn't you like to be informed if a door was left ajar so it could be closed before food began to spoil? And for wine connoisseurs who have a lot invested in valuable vintages, being alerted to a problem could save them hundreds of dollars. If a problem occurs, you will receive notification via e-mail and a service appointment can be scheduled. When you are purchasing the ultimate in appliances, protect your investment by including the ultimate in service as well.

Jay Rambo's New Color Choices

Jay Rambo Co., our custom line of cabinetry, has just launched a number of exciting new finish colors! For alder wood, clear or knotty, new finishes include Buckskin, Diplomat Grey with Glaze, and Tuscan. For maple, Diplomat Grey with Glaze is also offered, as well as Warm White, and Wyndham Cream. Perfect Brown is as the name implies and is offered on cherry or walnut woods.

Come visit our showroom soon to see samples of these beautiful new finishes!

Open House

Many thanks to our clients, Shirley and Eddie Griggs of Stone Mountain, who graciously opened their home to their friends and neighbors to view the kitchen and bath that we remodeled for them. They were very pleased and excited and happy to share the results. Everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed some great food. Enjoy the pictures!

Environmental Stewardship Program

Because, Earth Day is coming up on April 22, it's good time to remember that we can avoid a negative impact on the environment with the choices we make for our kitchens and baths. It is especially important in the closed environment of our homes where the air quality can affect the health of individuals--especially those prone to asthma or other respiratory problems.

One of the best things you can do when choosing cabinets is to look for companies that have earned the certification of the Environmental Stewardship Program sponsored by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association.

To be certified, cabinet manufacturers must meet specific environmental standards and practices. Among these are air quality standards for formaldehyde levels and emission of gases into the environment; use of particleboard that is made of 75% or greater recycled material; use of hardwoods from sustainable sources, management of the manufacturing process including recycling and documentation; and community relations.

It is reassuring to know that the cabinetry in your home is made with these standards and practices in mind--in light of some imported products which are of unknown quality.

Both of the American cabinetry lines that we represent--Jay Rambo Co. and Schrock Handcrafted Cabinetry--have earned the ESP seal; and our European line--Leicht--has earned the German equivalent of it.

Go to www.greencabinetsource.org to learn more and to see a list of manufacturers that have earned the ESP seal.

Discover Viking's New Designer Series

Viking has just launched it's redesigned Designer Series, and it has some very exciting features! The Designer Series makes owning a Viking kitchen more affordable than ever and includes a wide range of choices for any type of kitchen. You can choose from gas, dual-fuel, or electric 30" ranges, 30" or 36" gas or electric cooktops or rangetops; 30" electric single or double ovens with knobs or touch controls; built-in microwave, conventional or convection microwave-over-the-range, or DrawerMicro™; 30" warming drawer; wall hoods, island hoods, hood liners or downdrafts; built-in or freestanding36" refrigerators and dishwashers for a complete Viking kitchen. There are even wine cellars, beverage centers, refrigerated drawers and an ice machine!

With it's carefully thought-out sizing, the Designer Series is perfect for outfitting a new kitchen for a consistent look, or for replacing a single worn out appliance. For instance, the 30" ranges fit easily into existing standard 30" range openings. The gas range has sealed burners and up to 16,000 BTUs; and the electric range can reach full power in 3 seconds! Of course, the ovens feature convection modes.

There is a great choice of cooktops in gas and electric. 30" or 36" rangetops are available, the gas model has continuous grates. The drop-in cooktops are available in gas or electric also, in 30" or 36"--there are even a couple of 45" models.

The 30" single or double electric ovens are available with knobs or touch controls and feature convection modes, concealed bake elements, meat probes and full extension racks. The sleek design coordinates perfectly with the warming drawer.

A full array of choices in refrigeration is available in built-in and freestanding models. Built-in models are 84" high and there is a 36" bottom-mount refrigerator/freezer, 42" or 48" side-by-side refrigerator/freezers, and 30" or 36" all refrigerators or all freezers. Freestanding models, which are 72" high, are available in a 36" French door bottom freezer, or a 36" side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. All are available in stainless steel and there are some models of the built-in type that can accept custom panels.

Take a look at www.vikingrange.com and imagine your kitchen with Viking appliances!

National Kitchen and Bath Month

Did you know that October is National Kitchen and Bath Month? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) started this program in 1982 to raise awareness of the kitchen and bath industry.

As real estate agents will tell you, remodeling your kitchen or bathroom earns the greatest return on your investment when it comes time to sell. Home buyers are favorably or unfavorably impressed by the condition of these rooms and they can make a big difference in how quickly a house sells--or perhaps if it sells at all. Even if you aren't planning to sell soon, don't you deserve the pleasure of working in a great remodeled kitchen?

Take a good look at your kitchen (or bathroom) and think about what you like about it and what you don't. What needs improvement? What looks outdated or worn? Are there appliances that don't work as they should--or are not energy efficient? If prospective buyers were to look at it today, would they like what they see? Make a list and discuss your ideas with a kitchen and bath specialist. They will inform you of the latest trends and tell you how to plan your project to get the most from your remodeling budget.