Which Appliance Finish Is Right For Your Kitchen?

white modern kitchen

You finally have your dream kitchen setup. All that’s left to do is choose your appliance finishes. Seems like a simple task compared to all the other decisions you’ve made up until this point, but there are actually quite a few things to consider. First off, stainless steel isn’t your only option, even though you see it everywhere and it’s super versatile. There are tons of other options to fit your unique style and help you make the most out of your dream kitchen.

Let’s take a look at the top five most popular appliance finishes and when they work best for your kitchen.

When to Choose Stainless Steel

Love it or leave it, stainless steel is certainly a popular appliance finish for many reasons. As a metal between light and dark, stainless steel is a safe neutral option to match nearly any color palette. The material has a look of quality, and this often comes with a sizeable price tag compared to other finishes. So deciding whether the splurge is worthwhile is a matter of personal budget and priorities. A downside is polished metal finishes look brighter but will show fingerprints more. If you want that polished shine, just be prepared for a little more maintenance to keep that shine.

When to Choose Black

Black is simultaneously a neutral color and a bold one, due to being so dramatically dark. For this reason, it can be a risky or safe choice for appliances, depending on what you’re pairing it with. Black and white is a classic color scheme for a reason. This combination is striking and dramatic, all without any trendy colors that might clash when viewed a few years later.

Black appliances paired with white cabinetry achieve this look with just enough black to be bold but not overbearing. Keep in mind, your appliances should be spread out enough so that the look isn’t too heavy or unbalanced. In a compact kitchen without much cabinetry, this look can make the kitchen seem darker than it really is.

When to Choose White

White appliances are usually not considered when refreshing or remodeling a kitchen, but there are new finishes that might make you reconsider. Instead of the typical textured white refrigerators, consider one with a polished flat surface. It’s a sophisticated look that looks clean and fresh. Kitchens with white or light cabinets look best with white appliances. It also works in kitchens that don’t have a lot of natural light or are compact. Consider white appliances if you have light countertops, such as marble or white quartz, so that all of your surfaces blend together for a seamless look. Brass handles and knobs can be added to warm up the space.If you have darkly painted or stained cabinetry, avoid white appliances.

When to Choose Paneled

Panel-ready appliances are designed to accommodate a custom door front that matches your surrounding cabinetry, rather than having their own front finish. This essentially camouflages the appliances. Besides letting you match the cabinet material, this also allows you to match the door profile and even the hardware for total consistency. You can panel multiple appliances or just ones in certain areas. Refrigerators are a popular choice to panel since they are generally very tall, wide and visually dominating. Usually, this finish choice requires more of an investment than standard appliances and can solve lots of little design dilemmas.

When to Choose Color

So far we’ve mostly looked at appliances that can blend into your color palette, but sometimes appliances can actually define your color palette. If you love the idea of true statement appliances, or you just think your kitchen needs a different look, maybe you should consider color. The pastel hues and checkerboard floors of the local burger joint don’t have to stay in the past. They’ll always look fresh and fun in a home kitchen. Pair a pale blue retro fridge with classic diner-inspired decor, contemporary furnishings or a blend of both to bring your own unique twist.

For more inspiration and kitchens we’ve designed in the past, check out our Pinterest board!

 

Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

Beautiful Custom Kitchen with Island in an estate home

When choosing a countertop surface for your kitchen, there are a lot of factors to consider. If granite has made it to the top of your list, read through the article below to determine if its advantages and disadvantages make it a good choice for your family.

Heat Resistance

Granite countertops will not melt or blister when exposed to heat. They are one of the most heat-resistant countertops available. If you take a hot pan out of the oven, you can place it directly on your countertop surface without causing any damage. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack.

Scratch Resistance

Granite scores a seven on Moh’s scale of hardness. This means that very few minerals are able to scratch it. You can cut on it, but it isn’t recommended since this will dull your knives and possibly leave a metal residue behind that can be difficult to remove.

Seams

In a typical kitchen, granite countertops will need to have 2-3 seams. Depending on the color of granite you choose, average slab size will vary. A typical expectation can be set at 9 feet by 5 feet. Large islands can typically be done without seams. If you have an L or U shaped layout, expect seams where the countertops angle in a different direction. The good news is that many fabricators will mix custom color epoxy to adhere the seams together which does a great job of disguising them. Expect the seam to be around 1/8-inch thick.

Price

The average price for granite countertops in a typical kitchen is $3,000-$4,000. There are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options that will start at around $35-$55 per square foot. Do be careful when comparing pricing between different companies. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Your final quote should include material, fabrication, and installation.

Stain Resistance

Usually, darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. Lighter granites are more porous and may require multiple coats of sealer to be considered stain resistant. Either way, if properly treated, granite is a stain-resistant countertop surface.

Tips For Choosing the Right Lighting For Your New Home

+++NOTE TO INSPECTOR: Photo artwork on wall is taken by me, see property release.+++

Choosing the lighting fixtures for your new home is one of the many details that need to be planned when decorating the new space. These decisions might not always come easy. Lighting differs in different rooms and spaces. One thing is certain, you have to be organized and to take things one by one, room by room.

Entryway and Foyer

When it comes to choosing the perfect lighting for an entryway, start by considering the scale of the entryway along with any furniture, artwork or mirrors that you might want to highlight. Choose fixtures that complement the architecture and design of your home while casting the right glow.

Living Area

It’s important to set the right balance in the living room. This is a space which is usually flexible and it used for entertainment but also as a place to relax. So consider using permanent fixtures such as chandeliers or pendant lamps but also take into consideration floor lamps and wall lights. If you watch TV in the living room, choose the surrounding lights carefully to avoid television glare. It can be distracting to have a bright overhead light above or in front of a TV set, so ensure ceiling lights are dimmable or use offset wall or floor lamps instead.

Dining Room

The first things you need to consider are the scene you want to create, the emotion you are looking for, what kind of lighting will complement your personal style, and your home’s existing décor. You also want to make sure you have enough light on the table, walls, and artwork while avoiding glare. The dining room is not just for eating, it’s a multi-functional space, used for homework, paying bills, playing games, and other tasks. Providing sufficient light at the table and around the room is key.

Kitchen

The kitchen needs more complex lighting because there is no single focal point in this room. So you need overhead lights for basic tasks but you also need extra lighting in areas such as over the kitchen island, over the sink or the bar. You can have pendant light in all these areas. Spotlights are also a good option.

Spring Cleaning

Children Helping Parents With Household Chores In Kitchen

We want to help you make your spring cleaning fast, easy & effective. This is a perfect chance to give your home the refresh it has been looking for! Don’t let the good weather waste away while you are inside cleaning. We are going to talk about a couple steps to give your home the clean it is in need of in a short amount of time.

  • Have a plan. As with most things in life, it is best to have a plan. First figure out what areas need the most attention and how long that will take. That way you can best plan out if your spring cleaning can take place in a weekend or will last over a couple weekends.
  • Clean room by room. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when you are jumping all different places throughout the house. Target rooms one by one so that way you will feel a more sense of accomplishment as you are going about your project.
  • Be smart. Letting pots and pans soak, or letting a shower cleaner soak on the grime will make it easier for you. This will save you hours of scrubbing, let the appropriate cleaning products do their job.
  • Get rid of clutter. You can never truly have a clean and tidy home if you have tons of stuff lying around. Take this opportunity to get rid of items that are in the way. Donate your old clothes and household items to a charity that could really use them. If you haven’t even thought about the item in the past couple months, it is probably time to get rid of it.
  • Help your future self. If you realize you just have clothes piling up all over the place. Find a way to improve this problem in the upcoming year. Try every time you buy something new, force yourself to donate an item. That way you are not multiplying your items all year round. You will thank yourself next year!

Choose P&D To Build Your Custom Home

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Here at P & D Builders we have always been in the business of creating custom homes that are unparalleled in quality, character, and value that fulfill the vision and dreams of our clients while keeping within their financial parameters. Our goal is to provide you with the utmost service before, during, and after we build your home and we pride ourselves on that. Below you will find all of the great features and guarantees that we offer as part of the custom home building process with P&D Builders.

Direct Contact with Our Clients

No matter how busy we get or how big the company grows we will always maintain a personal and direct relationship with you during the process. We believe that this facilitates a certain level of expertise, accountability, and consistency. Also in today’s technology age we still believe the best forms of communication are face-to-face.

In-House Design Staff

Unique to the industry, we have our own in-house design staff that allows us to quickly, efficiently, and cost effectively design unique, exciting plans tailored to each client. If you need a custom room designed to fit your lifestyle or family size, our design team can create that for you too! We have done everything from in-law suites, home spas, home theaters, bridal staircases and boat/RV storage bays. With our design team the possibilities are endless.

Interior Decorating Service

We provide interior design and decorating services at no charge to you! This service assures that our clients will be afforded professional decorating consultation, as well as a much broader array of product offerings and options to choose from.

Banking and Loan Services

We know the process of building your custom home can be overwhelming at times so we have taken some of the stress off of you by connecting you with the very best lenders in the industry and even oversee the transaction from start to finish.

Full Warranties on Our Homes

We want our clients to know that we have their backs and will be there for them long after we have closed on the new home. With our full warranty on the home, we also have a full time warranty manager that is here to help you, should any problems arise.

Energy Efficient Homes

Each and every P&D home we build is certified through an independent inspection service to assure that your home meets, and most often exceeds, Energy Star certification standards.

Our White Glove Guarantee

When we give your home a completion date we want to make sure that it is not only completed on time but that it is completed to your 100% satisfaction. This simply means that we assign a member of our “detailing team” to comb through every inch of your home with you ensuring that attention is given to every detail of your new home. They will not give the okay to close on the home until your satisfaction is guaranteed.

By building custom homes in this manner we are able to leave every customer satisfied for many years to come. If you are looking to build a custom home of your dreams, we would love to talk to you and see what ideas you have in mind for your new home. Contact us here for more details.

7 of the Biggest Kitchen Design Trends for 2018

This year designers are leaning into streamlined simplicity. For a fresh start to this year consider upgrading your kitchen!

Clean Lines

A great option for your kitchen upgrade would be to transition to flat-panel cabinets with minimal embellishment that looks as if they came from a showroom.

Black Cabinetry

Black is the new white according to experts. Hues that are richer, bolder and darker are what people want now to bring their kitchens to life.

Neutral Walls

Just because cabinetry is going darker doesn’t mean your walls will follow suit. Bright whites and warmer tones are still common on kitchen walls.

Open Shelves

Open shelves are still in popular demand. These will be all over kitchens this year, they are great for displaying a pretty collection of glassware or providing the illusion of space.

Less Bling

Hardware accents are in the past, less is more in this new year. A popular and cost-saving solution is integral pulls on cabinet doors.

Brass Accents

Brushed brass is expected to stay hot this year and be on everything.

Downsizing

Functionality is critical, people are being smarter about what they actually need. Massive prep spaces, dual-functioning ovens and so forth are no longer as popular.

5 Things Every Home Buyer Needs to Know About New Construction

To see if a new-construction home is the right path for you consider these five factors:

1. New homes may not be listed in your local MLS

Homebuilders often have their own sales employees working for them on site, unlike a regular seller who lists their home with a local real estate agent. This cuts costs and gives them more control. For buyers, this may mean the homebuilder isn’t a member of the local MLS. The builder may be more inclined to advertise in the paper, on a billboard or online. So, if you’re interested in a newly built home make sure to work with your agent to identify all of the possibilities.

2. New homes are often sold before they’re built

A builder typically will get financing lined up and map out both a construction and a sales process. This means they’ll try to sell as many homes as possible, before they’re even built. Model homes are used to let buyers go in and review floor plans, fixtures and finishes while the homes are under construction. Homebuilders may have 100 homes in the community, but they won’t all be available at once so keep in mind the different sales cycles.

3. The first buyers may get the best discounts

In the early in the sales process, home builders want to get a few homes under contract quickly. If a builder can announce they have 10 homes under contract in a few months, the project can seem more desirable to future buyers. This typically means that early in the sales process there could be room to negotiate the price down. There is the risk of being committed to the project early however, you could lose your down payment if the project’s sales are not manifested.

4. Builders don’t have a personal attachment to the home

Home builders don’t have the attachments to a home like a family who has made memories there. For a home builder, it is all a numbers game. They set prices based on their inventory, though there may be room for negotiations.

5. Discounts may be available in the form of upgrades

If the project you’re interested in nearing the end of its sales cycle, with many homes already sold, the builder may be a little more willing to negotiate with you. These negotiations will most likely be on upgrades, rather than price. However, upgrades can end up being worth thousands of dollars and a better deal than simply getting a reduction in price.

2018 Window & Door Trends

2018-window-and-door-trendsWindows and doors are an important part of a home. On top of being major features, they can also enhance your curb appeal. Make 2018 the year to replace older windows, doors, hardware or treatment. Here are some of the top trends 2018 has instore for windows and doors.

Windows

Windows in your home can impact many areas, installation can improve your home’s décor, efficiency and curb appeal. Here are some other window trends expected for 2018:

Energy-Efficiency

As last year’s trends may suggest, homeowners continue to look for ways to increase their home’s energy efficiency with the right windows. When choosing energy-efficient windows, start with windows that have been Energy Star certified. This certification means that they have been tested and meet standards that are set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Black Window Fames

Style is important when choosing your windows, back window frames are trending this new year. Any type of material can be made into a black frame.

Window Treatments

Sometimes windows are in good shape, but need a different look. Changing window treatments is a great way to get them up-to-date.

Colorful & Geometric Curtains

Both styles are predicted to be hot this year. They can add just the stylish touch you need in any room. Textures are also trending this year, so look for curtains with various textures like velvet or tassel embellishments.

Natural Window Treatments

Natural window treatments are another trend from 2017 that is to continue in the new year. Materials like bamboo and woven cotton will remain popular to homeowners for blinds and shades.

Doors

One of the first things a visitor notices about your home is your front door. Choosing the glass inserts, hardware and color gives you the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind entry door to your home. Here is what you’ll find in 2018:

Bold Colors

Front doors with a color that really pops has already become more popular. While red has been a trendy choice in the past, teal and yellow are now big colors. Changing the color is a great way to dress up an older door without a complete door replacement.

Door Décor

A budget friendly and easy way to make your door more stylish is changing the door décor. A year-round wreath is a great décor idea. You’ll want to stick to minimal and bold pattern styles to hang on your door year-round, warm metallic details are also hot this year.

Latest Trends in Home Construction and Renovation

Latest-Trends-in-Home-Construction-and-RenovationBuilding a custom home or doing a major renovation is done to create a space that is personal, which means you shouldn’t have to adhere to trends. But there are some trends that you may like to incorporate in your home.

Clean Lines, More Open Spaces

Experts say that new construction is going more contemporary. Even those who choose to stay with more traditional exteriors, the inside concepts are more open. Floor plans that are more open give you more useable space. A kitchen that opens into the dining area or a den give an illusion of a larger floor plan. To bring the outdoors into play in a home, it is becoming more common to have an abundance of glass or lift-and-slide doors. There is a better understanding among homeowners that 100% of their spaces should be completely usable.

Take Some Risks

When building your dream home, you should have some fun. There are many subtle ways to incorporate some edgier concepts into your home. You could get on board with the glass and metal trends, these can be employed throughout your home or even in your staircase. Consider patterned woods, iron-and steel combinations, intricate wood designs. A powder bath is a great place to try a bold concept because it is nothing major so can be easily changed in the future.

The Great Outdoors

In a quest to utilize all your square footage, you don’t want to forget about the backyard. Creating openings between indoor spaces that go directly outdoors can be a way to bring more use, like a patio with a firepit. However, backyards can become quite expensive, so you will need to budget accordingly.

Go Green, Get Smart, and Stay Healthy

The focus of many has become “healthy homes” or “wellness homes.” People are choosing clean-air filtration systems and surfaces that are easier on the body. But if you have the money energy saving tactics are a smart way to live healthier.

Easy Home Holiday Decoration Ideas

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  1. Use small Christmas trees to spread the joy throughout your home easily. This way you won’t have to rearrange any furniture or take up much space, but can still have the effects of a tree.
  1. Use ribbon instead of greenery to save some money. Greenery can add up if you try to place it in every room of your house. Instead use ribbon to cover different areas. For example, wrap your banisters in a festive colored ribbon and add a bow to the end.
  1. Make an advent calendar using a chalkboard or a white board. This is a simple way to decorate any room and you can add different embellishments like string, ribbons or ornaments to enhance it.
  1. Use ornaments or creative napkin folding to spruce up the dinner table. This way if you don’t have holiday dishware your table still looks festive. You could put an ornament on every place setting or fold your napkins to look like a Christmas tree.
  1. Add garland or decorations above the headboard of your guest’s bed. This way when guests come stay with you for the holidays, they instantly feel welcomed with holiday cheer.
  1. Hang greenery above your front door on both sides. This gives the outside and inside of the front of your house some holiday spirit without too much hassle.
  1. Paper bag luminaries are a safe an easy way to decorate inside or outside. All you need is paper bags, a festive hole punch and battery-operated tea lights and you’ve got easy decorations.

From everyone here at P&D Builders, LTD., we wish you a happy holiday season!