By Mylene Thomas

If your teenager, or significant other for that fact, is anything like mine then they have a built in filter that blocks any noise coming from your mouth. I don’t have nice countertops for that exact reason. I have a dedicated space just for cutting boards. Small cutting boards, medium cutting boards, large cutting boards, cutting boards for meat with a draining system, cutting boards for vegetables with a built in colander…you get the idea. However, when my 15 year old daughter makes her lunch salad the only thing she cuts on is my kitchen island counter top. It drives me crazy.

Since my voice apparently comes out sounding like Charlie Brown’s teacher I have decided to change my surroundings rather than fight the laws of a teenager’s nature. I’ve always thought I’d wait until all my kids were out of the house to do this upgrade, but by then I’ll be blogging about which hover round model is the best. Thankfully there’s Cambria. Honestly the upfront costs are pretty comparable to granite countertops. The real cost savers are in the maintenance. It can withstand the wear and tear and stains associated with my destructive family. Plus, since it’s a quartz product like granite, it mimics a lot of the same aesthetic qualities of granite. Let’s face it who has time to refinish their countertops when last week’s clean laundry has made its way back into the dirty pile…and it’s still clean. Grrrr… At least I won’t be scrubbing my countertops with a toothbrush to get the yuck out of the knife grooves inflicted on it anymore. Ahhhh….

We have a great selection of Cambria samples in our Fairfax showroom. Come check it out and while you’re there win a gift card to Palio’s Restaurant and let someone else cut up their kitchen counters!

Do you seriously expect me to remember when, where and how I’m supposed to treat my countertops? Have you seen my indoor plants? No? That’s right. Because if I could remember to water them they would still be here alive adorning the foyer with their beautiful fauna.

How about Cambria kitchen countertops? It’s 93% quartz, a natural stone and with FA Design Build’s new resources they can offer more style choices that look like granite but don’t require the up keep. Maybe with all the time I’ll save not worrying about how to treat and seal granite I can buy that beautiful palm tree again and water it, too.

P.S. If my husband is reading this I would like the new kitchen in Shirebrook and the master bathroom in Praa Sands.

By Mylene Thomas

Home remodeling can be a big step in improving both your living environment and the value of your home. A lot of people remodel their homes to compliment the home owner’s desires, wants, and needs, but it is also a great option for increasing the value of your home if you are planning on selling. Many studies today show that people would rather buy a house that needs minimal repairs and updates compared to buying a “fixer upper.” Remodeling your home can be an over whelming task if you are not sure where to start. I found some great tips to help point you in the right direction for the remodeling process.

A great place to start is deciding on a budget that you can both afford and be happy with the results. Having a budget will give you guidelines to help maintain costs. If you are remodeling multiple areas of the home, give yourself an allowance for each separate area. It has been my experience as both a designer and a consumer that unexpected costs often do arise and you must be prepared financially and emotionally for these possible setbacks.

Begin your remodeling plan by making a list of what currently does not please you about space as it is. Then make a list of features you would like to add and any changes you would like to make in its arrangement when you begin the remodeling.

Kitchens and bathrooms have the most dramatic impact on the overall appearance and impression of your home. The kitchen has become a major focal point for entertaining. The new trend people follow is spending more time in the kitchen entertaining than anywhere else in the home. There are so many elements involved when remodeling a kitchen. Due to the wiring and plumbing that usually need to be done, it may not be an ideal do it yourself project. The cabinetry and countertops are two very important areas of the kitchen. If new cabinetry isn’t within your budget, try updating them with some new distinctive and decorative cabinetry hardware. Choose a style and type of finish that complements not only your cabinets but the age of your home. Try to avoid trendy finishes that will scream “time warp” in a few years. Countertops are one product in which esthetics and practicality can coexist. Prices of granite and other natural stone materials continue to drop, while manufactured materials such as laminate and engineered stone are mimicking the real thing better than ever.  Take the time do research all available options and rule out which countertop will work best for you, and your home. Faucets can be a simple and effective upgrade that adds style and functionality. Stainless steel appliances are currently all the rage. It’s neutral and sleek while offering a commercial and sophisticated feel. Nothing brightens a kitchen more than great new lighting fixtures. Try putting accent pendant lighting over an island or a larger scale pendant over the dining room table. Under cabinet lighting is also another great option to add to the ambiance of the kitchen.

These are some helpful tips and guidelines to follow to make the process of remodeling your home a more enjoyable and a less stressful process.

We love granite countertops!

Myths Dispelled:

Cleanability
Granite ranked #1 in cleanability when compared to six other countertop surfaces including stainless steel (based on a 1999 study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management).

Marble and granite have the same level of cleanability as engineered (based on a 2006 study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management).

Price
Natural stone is competitively priced with quartz surface products and often priced lower.

Maintenance

Natural stone is low maintenance often only requiring warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth to maintain its beauty. Many varieties of natural stone do not need to be sealed, although many are for customer peace of mind.

Radon
Granite does not emit dangerous levels of radon (based on technical paper by Dr. Donald Langmiur, PhD, Colorado School for Mines in 1995, confirming that consumers do not have to worry about radon exposure stemming from natural stone in their home).

Individuality
Stone is a product of nature and has its own unique qualities that distinguish it from quartz surface materials. The wonderful character that is offered by vein patterns, color variations, and other design characteristics of stone should be taken into consideration when selecting the perfect stone for your project.

Are you thinking of new granite countertops this year?

Jessica Cannon

FA Design Build is taking strides in building relationships with non-profit organizations like ReBuild, Habitat for Humanity and Community Forklift who accept quality, used building materials and sell them back to the public, raising awareness in their communities.

FA Design Build will make efforts to donate usable building materials and provide the homeowner with a suggested donation amount that can be written off on their taxes.  We will provide homeowners with an official donation form provided by the non-profit organization.  As part of the standard process, FA Design Build will also coordinate the pick-up of the materials during the donation/de-construction phase of the project at no additional cost to the homeowner.  Typical donation amounts can vary greatly, but a full kitchen, of quality materials in working order, can provide homeowners approximately $500.00 to $1,000.00 or more as a tax deduction.

Contact FA Design Build at 703-934-8447 for more details.

Before you can determine how you would like your bathroom lights installed, you need to focus on the various tasks that occur in the bathroom. For example, lighting in the vanity area is very important because the task in this area is grooming and it requires the highest level of lighting in the bath. We have found that providing light at the sides of the mirror because it creates no shadow on the face and the light will shine from a horizontal direction. These lights are typically wall-mounted and can either be incandescent or fluorescent. We also recommend the use of a dimmer in this area as well.

Fixtures Above the Mirror

 In order to create successful lighting on the side of the mirror, we recommend that you chose a fixture that is appropriate to the size of the mirror. For example, 100 watts of incandescent lighting for every 18” of horizontal width of the mirror. As long as the fixtures provide adequate light, placement of the fixtures above the mirror is equal to placement on the side of the mirror. Dimming In general, the amount of lighting used for a vanity fixture is appropriate for grooming tasks, but is too much for general bathroom lighting so the use of a dimmer is highly recommended. In addition to the extremity of the lighting in the grooming area, a dimmer also can provide comfort to your bathroom. Lighting for the shower and tub Use of lighting in layers is essential for other tasks in the bathroom. We suggest that the lighting be placed directly above the shower and tub, but there are standards that the National Electric Code states, meaning that the fixtures must be labeled as meeting requirements for wet conditions. These fixtures can be recessed or surface mounted, but we have found that recessed fixtures are the most popular option.

Lighting for the Water Closet

 You will find that in smaller bathrooms, depending on the lighting that you have chosen for your vanity area, the lighting in the water closet area is usually sufficient. If the water closet is not in the same vicinity as the vanity, a separate lighting source will need to be installed. Wall-mounted, decorative fixtures are typically the most popular in this area.

General Ambient Lighting

We have found that more and more decorative light fixtures are available for consumers to choose from and placement of a decorative light fixture in the center of the bathroom is also a great solution…no matter the size of your bathroom. Don’t forget that dimmers add a sense of elegance and comfort to any bathroom.

A great way to add more storage and countertop space to your kitchen is to add an island. Kitchen islands are becoming more and more popular. You can even add a portable refrigerator, sink, wine rack, or wet bar to any island. A kitchen island is a “table-like” cooking area at the center of the kitchen, they are mainly used for preparing food and secondary cooking needs. It also work well as a place to eat quick meals. Kitchen islands can range from a simple design using wood, stones, stainless steel or tile to a more superior and complex design. It creates an extra surface for cooking and it also works well when transferring hot meals from the oven to cool off. It is usually at waist level and has drawers to hold kitchen utensils. Tops of the line islands can have working sinks, side cutting boards and disposal units for preparations of vegetables and fruits. The fancier ones feature griddles, electric burners, and even grills. These islands are used to prepare quick meals. If you decide on the fancier style, make sure have exhaust fans located beneath the heating elements and ensure that they draw heat and smoke away from other areas of the kitchen. The recommended size is a minimum of four feet long and about two feet deep, and it has to be enough moving space around it. kitchen islands tend to be the focal point of a kitchen. Usually the cabinets in an island match the other kitchen cabinets, but they may also have a contrasting color, material, finish, or shape. It is a great place to store appliances. The islands that have cook tops are great because it allows the host to socialize while preparing meals. Kitchen islands have become the most modern addition to any kitchen. Comfortable, casual, atmosphere for family activity.

If you’re trying to remodel your kitchen but are on a budget, we have some great alternatives for you.

The first option would be to paint! You can start by painting your cabinets. Yes, even wood cabinets can be painted! You will be amazed at how something so simple can make a difference. You can even paint vinyl flooring and laminate countertops to look like wood, marble, or granite with the use of a high-quality primer, and don’t forget to cover with at least for coats of polyurethane.

Another way to update your kitchen is to simply replace cabinet handles and drawer pulls. These small accessories will give a fresh look to your existing cabinets. They’re also not the only thing that can be replaced in your kitchen. Faucets are also an easy way to enhance the look of your kitchens without spending too much. A stainless steel faucet can work wonders!

Another great way to upgrade your kitchen at a low cost is to add a backsplash. You will be amazed how new life is added to your old design. Colorful, glass mosaic tiles can create a very dramatic look.

Upgrading your kitchen floor is critical to the overall look and feel of the room. A couple of ideas would be to extend the hardwood from the hallway into the kitchen or add a black and white linoleum floor with red knobs and accessories throughout the rest of your kitchen for a pop of color. That is sure to turn your kitchen from dull and drab to dramatic and daring! If you decide against painting or replacing your floor, throw rugs are a great and inexpensive alternative to change the look of your floor.

Last, but not least, is the lighting. Glass cabinet doors with interior lighting creates a beautiful effect in any kitchen. You can also change overhead fixtures or put a lamp on your counter. This extra lighting will certainly enhance the look and mood of your kitchen.

These are just a few, inexpensive suggestions that can turn your outdated kitchen to one of the most creative rooms in your home.

The kitchen is a natural gathering spot in every home. The kitchen should represent you and your family’s lifestyle as well as carry on the cohesive design of your entire home. For this reason, a kitchen must not only be warm and inviting, but functional as well. When it comes to designing and building a brand new kitchen, or revamping your existing one, you will be faced many important decisions which can become overwhelming. To make the task a bit easier for you, here are a few things to keep in mind when designing your kitchen.

Begin with choosing a budget. By setting a determined budget, you are able to weed out all the choices out there that are beyond your desired price range. This will reduce the number of products that you look at by giving you a range that fits your budget comfortably, which is a very important factor if you’re also thinking of designing another room in your home.

Once the budget is set, you can start thinking of which design captures your lifestyle and preferences the best. You can decide between a traditional, contemporary, or country style, among others.

Once you make these initial decisions, you can begin to shop around for the specific details that will add your personal touch to your kitchen. If you chose a traditional kitchen, you can start by looking at cabinet wood finishes, like cherry or mahogany, which are often representative of traditional kitchens. If you prefer lighter colors, painting your cabinets white is also a great way to create a traditional look.

Of course, if you’ve chosen a contemporary theme, you will also want to look at modern, sleek appliances that complement the style of your cabinets which usually have a monochromatic and minimalist appearance. Stainless steel appliances and glass panel cabinets are staples in many modern kitchens.

Other styles you can look at are: Country, Cottage, Provincial, Shaker, and Craftsman. You can find more information on these different styles in our upcoming blog about “Kitchen Styles”.

Once you’ve come to a decision about your preferred style, you will find that it’s easier to choose the smaller details that enhance the design of your kitchen. Staying within budget and theme will help you organize your ideas and make the job less daunting and give you more time to enjoy the shopping experience, which is where the real fun begins.