Kitchen Remodel

What goes into a kitchen remodel project?

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It seems like I am finding clients asking a lot of questions about remodeling kitchens these days. We have recently completed a wonderful large kitchen remodel. So, I wanted to share with my readers some photos, just to give a perspective of how the process of a high end kitchen develops over the course of several months.

First we determine whats “wrong” in the existing Kitchen space.

  • Are the appliances worn out?
  • Are the cabinets out-dated and need “face lift”, or do they need to be replaced?
  • Is the layout right for a good working kitchen?
  • Have you simply out grown your kitchen and do you need more storage?

Its also very important to know what your home is worth, and what is the appropriate amount to spend on a kitchen remodel for you. According to the Remodeling Magazine cost vs value report 2011-2012, minor kitchen remodel is hitting a 72.1% return on investment. Minor remodel may mean replacing cabinet door fronts, hardware, countertops, and appliances… spending approximately $20,000.

A large kitchen remodel includes replacing most everything in the kitchen. Cabinets, hardware, appliances, countertops, backsplash, lighting, and more. Those are typically over $50,000 and return is approximately 50% on investment.

You will see the progression from beginning to end in the following photos…

A kitchen remodel really is a PROCESS! And being without a kitchen space for several months is very difficult… However, the end result is completely worth it!!!

I hope you enjoy these photos!

Contractor : Jim Luke Remodeling
Cabinets:  Bella Kitchens

outdoor living space

What Are Homeowners Really Looking For in Home Design?

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When choosing a home what features and amenities are most important to you? Each prospective buyer has a different set of wants and needs but there are obvious trends in home design that appeal to many buyers. Recently released home survey reports show that kitchen amenities, bathroom features, outdoor spaces, and energy efficient upgrades are at the top of most buyers’ lists.

outdoor living space

Photo: Jeff Garland via Houzz.com

Analyzing the data more closely we find:

  • 65% of respondents report that overall living space and the layout of the home is important.
  • Nine out of ten buyers were willing to pay more for a home with energy efficient amenities that would permanently decrease utility bills.
  • Buyers are seeking storage options and organization. They want linen closets in bathrooms, a walk in pantry in the kitchen, a dedicated laundry room, and garage storage.
  • Kitchens and bathrooms continue the trend of being high on buyers’ priority lists. Respondents report wanting a fully equipped kitchen with plenty of cupboard and counter space and a nicely appointed master bathroom.
  • Outdoor features ranked high on the survey results as well. Buyers are seeking homes with outdoor living spaces such as large yards, patios, and decks that provide additional living space.
kitchen design 1

Photo: Phillip Mueller via Houzz.com

The home design experts with The Decorative Touch can help bring your design dreams to life and ensure upgrades will improve the likelihood of a future sale. Contact us to learn how partnering with an interior designer here in Lenexa, KS will lead to a home you love both inside and out.

Houzz

Houzz Names Decorative Touch “Best of 2013” in Design

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best ofDecorative Touch Ltd. of Lenexa, KS has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” 2013 by Houzz, a notable online platform for residential remodeling and design.  The 28-year old interior design firm was chosen by the more than 11 million monthly users that comprise Houzz’ readership.

The Houzz “Best Of Houzz” award for 2013 is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the community of  users, also known as “Houzzers,” who saved more than 124 million professional images of home interiors and exteriors to their personal ideabooks via Houzz platforms.

The honor enables Decorative Touch Ltd to place the trademarked Houzz seal on its website and blog.

Houzz features the largest residential design database in the world, articles by design leaders, a community connected by social media tools, and information on more than 1.5 million remodeling and design professionals around the world.

5 Bathroom Trends for 2013

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If you are looking to remodel your bathroom and are in the need of some stylish yet functional interior design ideas, then check out the following 5 bathroom trends that are expected to be popular in 2013.

  1. Stripes – Bathrooms tend to be very static, which is why the use of stripes on the wall can help to add a graphic design element. Stripes in particular help to bring pattern and movement to the space without making it seem cluttered.
  2. Hidden Medicine Cabinets – Medicine cabinets have always been a fixture in most bathrooms; however, homeowners are choosing to hide them behind mirrors to make them blend into the bathroom better. This is an excellent example of a design element providing both style and function.
  3. Bathroom Fireplace –You don’t often see a fireplace in the bathroom, which is why it would make such a unique addition. Just imagine taking a bath with a fireplace in the same room. It can’t get much comfortable and inviting than that!
  4. Vintage Dresser – Use a vintage dresser as a master bath vanity. You can even have it fit with drop in sinks.
  5. Pebbled Floors – The use of a pebbled floor gives the bathroom a feel of a spa. The pebbled texture will help give a therapeutic or relaxing feel to your feet.

Any of these five elements that are expected to trend next year will make a fantastic addition to your bathroom, so call The Decorative Touch at 913-888-1388 to begin planning your design.

Image: House Beautiful

emerald green bedroom

A New Color for a New Year!

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Now that Christmas has come and gone, 2013 is on the horizon and it looks as if the color of the year will be Emerald Green, according to Pantone.

Now before you say you are not a fan of green, this is not your ordinary run of the mill green. Emerald green could be classified as a royal hue. It can be sleek and add a perfect shine to your interiors, or you can choose to go with a deep shade that adds a touch of distinction.

Emerald green living room

Photo via adelightfuldesign.com

 

emerald green drapes

Photo via simpleeverydayglamour.blogspot.com

 

emerald green bedroom

Photo via redesignrevolution.com

Where can you see a touch of Emerald green in your Kansas City home?

 

Showhouses 3

New Design Books offer Great Home Interior Inspiration

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Just in time for the holidays (and, by extension, winter home projects and spring remodeling), a big batch of new home design books are just being released. These books are by and large very affordable, and chuck full of great ideas for remodeling your home in the Kansas City area.

American Beauty home design book
First on the list is American Beauty, published by Crown Publishing Group and written by Thom Filicia. This beautiful, artful book is half memoir and half decorating book.  Thomtakes you through every step of remodeling an older American home, and has created rooms that feel classic and modern at the same time.

Showhouses 3Part of an impressive continuing series, “Showhouses 3,” by Jeffrey B. Snyder, features more than two hundred color photos of recent interior designers’ contributions, which were showcased at Decorator Showhouse events around the U.S. The showhouses in this book offer several hundred design ideas, literally.

STUFFFinally we also like “STUFF,” a look inside the lives of passionate collectors. This very interesting read was penned by Carey Maloney, and comes with an interactive digital recognition technology, which lets you read deep into forty different topics, with cyberlinks to great museum collections.

For more information on new design books, visit editoratlarge.com.

Where do you get your home interior design inspiration from?


The Decorative Touch Ltd

Reminder: Don’t Miss Fall Open House!

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The Decorative Touch Ltd’s Fall Open House and Customer Appreciation Night is fast approaching! We would hate for you to miss this special event that’s in your honor! The Decorative Touch Ltd only has two open house events every year, and we have stocked up the studio just for you!

The Decorative Touch LtdThe open house will take place on Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Exclusive Interiors Design Studio, 14111 W 95th ST Lenexa, KS 66215. We would love for all our loyal customers, friends, and family to join us and enjoy 20% off stock items for one night only! There will be appetizers catered by Grandmas Catering, wine, and lots of wonderful raffle drawings! You are welcome to bring a friend!

Pick up some great decor to enhance your home interiors and design a brand new space! Perfect event to do some holiday gift shopping as well.

Feel free to call The Decorative Touch Ltd at 913-888-1388 for more information.

The Decorative Touch Ltd

Save the Date: Fall Open House and Customer Appreciation Night!

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Save the date for The Decorative Touch Ltd’s Fall Open House and Customer Appreciation Event on November 1st! We only have two open house events every year, so you definitely want to come out and experience this awesome night! We’ve stocked up! Just for you!

The Decorative Touch Ltd

Our fall open house will have a happy hour, catered appetizers, and will feature a customer appreciation discount of 20 percent off the entire store for one night only! Whether you are looking for some great holiday gifts, or a few simple pieces that will finish your decor, drop by and choose from our collection of small throws, pillows, lamps, and etc.

The Decorative Touch Ltd Studio

We will also have a wonderful raffle that will be a great bonus for several lucky winners! And the first 100 guests will recieve a “goodie” bag with information about upcoming color trends from several of our vendors! Great for being ahead of the curve when decorating your home! We look forward to seeing you!

The Decorative Touch Ltdis located within Exclusive Interiors Design Studio at 14111 W. 95th St in Lenexa,Kansas.

 

 

designer tips

Kate Spade: Staying True to her Roots

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designer tips

Via LuxQ

Kate Spade is a name recognized all over the world but nowhere more than in Kansas City. Before attending Arizona State and heading to the Big Apple, Kate graduated from St. Theresa’s Academy and attended the University of Kansas. Then it was in 1993 that ever-popular line of Kate Spade Handbags was born, which expanded to include stationary, home décor, shoes, perfume, loungewear and even eyewear.

But Kate has never forgotten her roots. She gets back to Kansas City several times a year and makes visiting her old haunts a priority. In an interview, Kate told the Kansas City Star about her home visits saying, “All I want to do is eat barbecue . . . We often go to Arthur Bryant’s because my dad likes it. I also have to go to Ponak’s—I love the food . . .  And I love going to Winstead’s.”

Kate also admits that a part of her decorating style comes from where and how she grew up. She told the Kansas City Star, “A lot of it comes from my mom. She never let us turn the overhead lights on. Also, I picked up on the salon-style way of hanging wall art because I grew up with it.”

Even though she sold her company five years ago to focus on her family and her seven year old daughter, Kate knows that those days are numbered, “At some point, she’s going to be sick of me and not want me around,” making us wonder what this Midwest designer has planned next.

 

designers

Via Adeline Adeline

Olympic Design: Red

Olympic Design: Red

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Have you been watching the Games? Have you felt the allure of Phelps? Are you mesmerized by Lochte? Did your heart go out to gymnast Jordyn Weiber? At The Decorative Touch, we’re proud of all our Olympians, and in honor of Team USA, we giving a few design ideas inspired by red, white and blue. In this blog, we’ll make sure to cover rooms that entice you with the color red. And in subsequent blogs, make sure to look out for both white and blue. And course, you can always leave a comment below to tell us how you are celebrating every win for the US.  Or continue the conversation on Facebook to let us know who you are rooting for. Go Team USA!

Olympic Design: Red

Olympic Design: Red

 

 

Olympic Design: Red

Olympic Design: Red

Olympic Design: Red

Olympic Design: Red

Photos via houzz.com