Best Kitchen Sinks

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Kitchen sinks are a must in your kitchen. Not only are they used for functionality but a good sink will enhance your kitchen’s design. Never thought that your kitchen sink would be a centerpiece, did you? Well, it is. Kitchens are not just a place to cook or do dishes. They are a place where family and friends gather around and talk.

The open space concept has eliminated the barriers between the kitchen and the living room. The cook is now allowed to be apart of the conversation and not feel so separated. Having a beautiful kitchen displayed to your guests is a great way to impress them. Not to mention, it will make your home feel homier and inviting.

In this blog, we will be sharing the latest kitchen sink trends. Creating and or finding a kitchen sink is not the easiest thing to do. So, we want to help you in your searches with a kitchen sink buyers guide.

Composite Sink

 

Composite sinks are typically made of quartz or granite that are mixed with a durable acrylic or polyester-resin base. These sinks are built to withstand stains and scratches. Composite sinks usually come in the color of speckle.

Pro: Composite sinks can be custom made, as well as being able to be carved and beveled. Another plus is that composite sinks come in a variety of different colors. It is also worthy to note that these sinks do not fade! Composite sinks are very easy to care for and are priced at the lower end. A composite sink is a great choice when wanting that stone look but don’t want to pay the price!

Con: If there is ever any damage to the sink, you must replace the whole countertop. This is because of the composite sink being custom made to the countertop. This is where a composite sink could cost you.

Cast-Iron Sink

 

What is a better way to complete your farmhouse kitchen then a cast-iron sink? Cast-iron is a timeless, sturdy material. It is made by heating up enamel onto an iron bowl.  This process gives the sink that signature smooth glossy finish.

Pro: Cast-iron sinks will not crack or dent. They are extremely durable and can withstand just about anything. Cast-iron can also come in a variety of different colors. Whatever color you choose, it will still have that “sparkly” look about it.

Con: Cast-iron anything, is extremely heavy. Upon installation, you should have an experienced installer. You also want to make sure the sink will have a sturdy base. So, it would not be wise to cheap out on the counter. Like most materials, cast-iron can scratch and the enamel can wear and change color.

Stone Sink

 

A stone sink is probably my favorite. You cannot beat the elegance of it. Stone has been a very popular option in the kitchen for years. It is commonly used for countertops and flooring. But now the use of stone is becoming very popular within sinks.  Stone sinks are extremely durable and usually have an under-mount style. Because every stone is different, no sinks are alike. If you

Pro: Just the way it looks says it all. Stone sinks are elegant and timeless. Besides the beauty, stone sinks are durable and last a long time.

Con: Here comes the blow. Stone sinks are expensive. Not to mention the lighter colors stain fairly easy.

Decorating a Small NYC Apartment Kitchen

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New York City apartment living: big on its style, small on its space. Whether you are living in a loft in SOHO or in an apartment in the East Village, cramped living spaces are the norm in NYC. Especially the kitchen.

We want to help you make the most out of every fabulous square inch you got. Even if you don’t have many! Here are a couple of tips to help jazz up your small NYC apartment kitchen.

Tip #1 Eye-Catching Backsplash

 

Want to give your NYC apartment some style? Add an eye-catching backsplash in your kitchen. In a small space, even a small portion of an eye-catching backsplash tile can add some drama and personality to your home. Personally, I like anything with a little bit of texture and sparkle.

Tip #2 Built-in Cabinets / Storage

 

This is a huge space saver and can be quite decorative. In a small kitchen, it is a really good idea to have a place for everything. Having a place for every item can cut down on the clutter. I recommend to get pull out shelves and appliance garages installed. These two things will keep the smallest NYC apartment organized and functional. Pull out drawers can house spices and can organize knives and silverware. Another thing that I love about pull out shelves is that you can hide items! When there is too much stuff displayed on your counter, it can either look messy or just simply be taking up way too much room.

You can also create storage by doing open shelving around your kitchen doorway. Put items like cutting boards, coffee cups, mixing bowls in the open slots. Something else you can with this space is,  add little decorations. Add some greenery,   like a small cactus or flowers. Or even some cooking books. This space is totally up to you. Use it for storing practical kitchen items or add some decorations to make it homier.

Tip #3 Glass Door Fronts

Some people don’t know that you can replace your cabinet doors with glass. Though this might be a little more of a pricer decision, it can really create the illusion of a more spacious kitchen. Also a trick with glass doors, it will keep you more organized since people can see through your cupboards.

Tip #4 Add Wall Stickers

Okay yes, this could be tacky but it could also be super artistic and fun. What a simple way to add your own personal touch. Wall stickers can be swapped out at any time. So say you want a marble background one month then you want roses another month. Just simply peel off one and stick on the other.

Tip #5 Rolling Cart

 

Bringing back the college days with a rolling cart? Well, these are perfect for small NYC apartment kitchens. Rolling storage carts are the perfect addition. You can add color and keep clutter out of sight by hanging a curtain from it.

 

Bathroom Trends 2019

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As we near the middle of the fall and the end of the year it’s nice to look back and reflect on some of the trends that we have seen in Bathrooms in 2019. Here are what some of the top interior designers say that the trends have been in the past year.

  1. Big impression in small spaces – Patrick Ediger explains by saying”Small spaces like powder rooms excel as a canvas for a singular, splashy statement. A high-contrast, large-scale wallpaper expands a small space and infuses it with an artful attitude.”
  2. A neutral pallet – “We love a classic bathroom and think it’s always on trend to have something that works for years to come. To keep it feeling modern we love using a monochromatic element throughout the whole space. For example, using all of one color or material (such as the color green or all marble tile) is a great way to achieve this, classic tile and motifs can be incorporated still but using all of one material creates a fun jewel box-like look to the space. You can still stay neutral and make it feel like something really special.” –Allison Petty
  3. A completely black bathroom – “The spa-inspired bathroom trend has officially returned–back to the spa, that is. These days it’s all about bold, dark, sultry bathroom designs that evoke an indulgent high-end experience.” — Kesha Franklin
  4. Open concept designs – “Gone are the days where you hide behind a wall or door when getting ready for work or a big night out. It’s all about the open concept. The use of steel or privacy glass as a barrier is important, but ultimately, showering and getting ready in the open air is awesome. I see a lot of this happening in the residential interiors world.” — Becky Shea
  5. Statement Art – “The year 2019 is all about making an artistic statement; even in the bathroom. A sophisticated piece of fine art will provide your bathroom with a pretty focal point.” — Anne Hepfer 
  6. White and Grey Marble – “White and grey marble continue to be strong, popular materials into 2019 for bathrooms and kitchens alike. They are classic and timeless, can go from traditional to modern in terms of aesthetics, and are also great for resale. Man-made materials, such as quartz and porcelain tiles that look like natural stones, are also workhorses from a durability perspective and will continue to be popular in the new year.” — Ariel Okin
  7. Concrete – “We’ll see the use of concrete application in sink basins, countertops, floors and walls. It’s really exciting to see a brutalist material mixed with organic elements. Traditionally, concrete has been viewed as cold and non-welcoming, but I’m of the mindset that marrying this utilitarian medium with woods, steel, porcelain and resin is what you guys are going to see surface in 2019 across all design aesthetics.” — Becky Shea

Bathroom Remodel Checklist

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Remodeling a bathroom is a great way to refresh your space and increase your home value. Your remodel could be simple like applying a new coat of paint, refreshing the appliances or it could be more complex by doing a complete renovation and starting from scratch.  No matter what updates you are planning on doing it is helpful to plan ahead. Here is a checklist of important questions to ask yourself.

  • Make a list of priorities for the remodel as well as expectations 
    • What is your big-picture goal?
    • When does the job need to be finished?
  • Set a Budget
    • What are you planning on doing? New Shower? More Square footage? A fresh coat of paint?
    • Go through everything you are planning on doing to the bathroom and account for the price. Don’t forget the details, like the knobs on the new cabinets and the light switch covers.
  • Choose a color palette or design style
    • You should try to stay consistent with the color and materials you choose. You should also try to keep the design consistent with the rest of your house.
  • Source your materials and permits
    • Talk to manufacturers. Look into alternative eco-friendly, low-VOC or moisture-resistant materials.
    • Consider upgrades such as a bathroom fan, electric heater or radiant-heated floors.
    • Try to purchase as much as possible before you begin.
  • Plan all the logistics
    • Find out if you will need plumbing for the toilet or shower or if you can use existing pipes
    • Make sure you can get all the materials in time by checking the shipping periods
    • Find a contractor like GoldenIConstruction
    • Will the remodel have enough demolition that you’ll need to seal off other rooms from dust or noise?
  • Anticipate Obstacles
    • Will the subfloor need to be replaced?
    • Will the new fixtures and appliances like a new tub fit through the door?
    • Can the existing wiring be used?
    • Will the inspection officer be available during the remodeling process?
  • Create a timeline
    • Make a list of steps throughout the process that follow a set timeline
  • Get creative 
    • Be creative when designing the space
    • Find light fixtures at thrift stores