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Red Couch Interiors

Dwelling. Sharing. Living.

Danielle Gundrum

Classic Kitchen Expansion: Before & After Transformation

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Classic Kitchen Expansion Transformation

One of Red Couch Interiors favorite stages in the design process is looking at before and after pictures of a completed job. The Classic Kitchen Expansion project is no exception. This first floor remodel included a custom kitchen with an expansive island, adjacent sitting area with a fireplace, enlarged dining room and an inviting foyer. Once the contractor was selected, the determination was made that the wall between the kitchen and dining room was a supporting wall. Therefore, a load bearing beam was required to be installed if the client wanted the open concept floor plan they desired.

The selection process was fun. The homeowners wanted a classic look with bold accents, including bright wall colors in the dining room and kitchen, textured accents, like the basket weave backsplash in the kitchen, a dynamic water feature in the dining room, and eye catching lighting fixtures throughout. The concept was perfectly designed for their wants and needs.

New, Expansive Dining Room
New, Expansive Dining Room

Once the project officially went under way and the wall was removed, it immediately looked like a new space. One by one sub-contractors completed their tasks with precision. Before we knew it, the large format, herringbone floor tile was being installed and the walls were being primed and painted. The most dramatic finished product were the kitchen cabinets. Gorgeous white cabinets with a glaze scanned the perimeter with a dark cherry island making a statement in the middle. Stunning. The craftsmanship and artistry were apparent.

Cabinets by Snitz Creek Cabinet Shop, Lebanon, PA
Cabinets by Snitz Creek Cabinet Shop

Lastly, the new staircase with wrought iron spools were installed.

Grand Open Staircase
Grand Open Staircase

Twelve weeks later, the area rugs and furniture were delivered consecutively, pulling the entire space together. RCI decorated with finishing touches making the house feel like a home again.

Makeshift Dining Room, turned Sitting Room
Dining Room, turned Sitting Room

We hope you enjoyed this process as much as we did. See the entire portfolio here. Call us to start your next project today!

 

10 Ideas to Instantly Update your Bathroom!

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10 Ideas to Instantly Update your Bathroom!

October is National Kitchen & Bath Month and Red Couch Interiors is excited to talk about how these 10 products can help you upgrade your bathroom instantly!

  1. Shower Curtain – This should be the first item you select to determine the theme of the space. From here, you’ll be able to select coordinating bath towels and a paint color from the curtain design itself.
    joss-main-seabreeze
    Joss & Main Seabreeze Shower Curtain $108.95
  2. Bath Towels – Select a bright and bold color to give your bathroom an inviting atmosphere. Do not select two different colors to coordinate. All of your bath towels should be the same color. Plus, it’ll save you a laundry load when it’s time! (PS-Please remove all bath mats from the premises. Thank you.)
    sears-ty-pennington-towels
    Ty Pennington Style Bamboo Bath Towels $24.00
  3. Paint – Choose your wall color from a prominent color from the shower curtain. This can either be a grounding base color or a more vibrant color that stands out. You can even decide to select the same color as the bath towels, but a shade lighter or darker, depending on the bath towel color selection.
    Sherwin Williams Duration Home - 1 Gallon $60.99
    Sherwin Williams Duration Home – 1 Gallon $60.99
  4. Mirror – Everyone is familiar with the plain builder grade mirror attached to the wall using tiny plastic brackets. Head to the lumber yard and pick up molding trim, spray paint it to coordinate with your faucet finish and cut to fit the perimeter. Now you have an instant framed mirror and nobody’s the wiser.
    Mirror Mate Kelso Gold-Washed Silver $201.00. (Price will vary depending on size)
  5. Toilet Seat – You wouldn’t think that purchasing a new toilet seat would be a big deal, but it will definitely be noticeable if it’s not replaced during a renovation. Upgrade to a heavy duty plastic seat with slow closing hinges. The soft close mechanism is perfect for children and husbands. No slamming allowed. Plus, if your bathroom is living in the 70’s or 80’s, Bemis can color match your existing toilet!
    Bemis 1200SLOWT-000 $66.00
    Bemis 1200SLOWT-000 $66.00
  6. Accessories:
    1. Shower Rod – Changing your existing straight shower curtain rod and switching it with a new curved rod will not only upgrade your look, but give you more room while bathing! Upgrade to a double curved shower rod for extra ease and design.
      Creative Specialties Adjustable Curved Shower Rod DN2141CH $62.60
      Creative Specialties Adjustable Curved Shower Rod DN2141CH $62.60
    2. Toilet Paper Holder – Tired of playing hide and seek with the spring in your toilet paper holder? Upgrade to a pivoting style, where it’s easy to remove and add the next roll. Upgrade again and purchase a two in one toilet paper holder and grab bar combination. You’ll never see the difference, but your guests will thank you.
      Delta Traditional Tissue Holder with Assist Bar Model#: 41350 $89.00 Chrome
      Delta Traditional Tissue Holder with Assist Bar Model#: 41350 $89.00 Chrome
  7. Vanity Light – This fix is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Replace your Broadway style light bar with a sophisticated layered light fixture.
    Elan 83771 - LED 3 Light Vanity $437.80
    Elan 83771 – LED 3 Light Vanity $437.80
  8. Shower Head – Adding a hand shower to any shower configuration will add instant benefits, not only to your style and design, but it’s extremely functional!
    Delta In2ition® H2Okinetic® 5-Setting Two-in-One Shower Model#: 58480-PK $242.05
    Delta In2ition® H2Okinetic® 5-Setting Two-in-One Shower Model#: 58480-PK $242.05
  9. Vanity Top – Upgrade your standard swirl design cultured marble vanity top with a natural stone-like surface pattern that instantly adds elegance and beauty to your bathroom. Choose a rectangular sink instead of oval for an instant update. (PS-Don’t forget to change the cabinet knobs on the vanity too!)
    Home Decorators Collection 37”x22” Stone Effects Vanity Top in Winter Mist with White Rectangular under mount sink Model SERST37-WM $189.00
    Home Decorators Collection 37”x22” Stone Effects Vanity Top in Winter Mist with White Rectangular under mount sink Model SERST37-WM $189.00
  10. Vanity Faucet – Last but certainly not least, it’s FINALLY time to replace that builder grade sink faucet with crystal knob pronto! Step into the 21st century with the ever so trendy, yet classic cross handle style widespread lavatory faucet.
    DXV Randall Widespread Lavatory Faucet with cross handles D35102840.100 $700.00
    DXV Randall Widespread Lavatory Faucet D35102840.100 $700.00

Interior Design Designations Explained

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Interior Design Designations Explained

Everyone is familiar with medical designations after a physicians name, but what about the ones after your interior designers name? Here’s a breakdown of what they mean and why it’s important.

NCIDQ: The Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), protects public health, safety and welfare by identifying interior designers who have the knowledge and experience to create interior spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and safe. (ncidqexam.org)

ASID: American Society of Interior Designers is a community of people — designers, industry representatives, educators and students — committed to interior design. Through education, knowledge sharing, advocacy, community building and outreach, we strive to advance the interior design profession and, in the process, to demonstrate and celebrate the power of design to positively change people’s lives. (asid.org)

IIDA: International Interior Design Association strives to create a strong niche for the most talented and visionary Interior Design professionals, to elevate the profession to the level it warrants, and to lead the way for the next generation of Interior Design innovators. (iida.org)

CAPS: Certified Age In Place Specialist designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place, which means living in your home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. (nahb.org)

LEED AP: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is changing the way we think about how buildings and communities are planned, constructed, maintained and operated. LEED-certified buildings are resource efficient. They use less water and energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (usgbc.org)

NKBA: National Kitchen & Bath Association – Through the creation of marketplaces, networks and certifications, NKBA will inspire, lead, and empower the kitchen and bath industry. (nkba.org)

  • AKBD: An Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer is a certified professional, knowledgeable in product selection, space planning, materials and finishes.
  • CKBD: Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers specialize in the design, planning, and execution of residential kitchens and bathrooms, and prove advanced knowledge of technical and personal communication skills required to succeed as a design specialist.
  • CMKBD: The Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer is a program which recognizes extraordinary experience and achievements in the kitchen and bath industry.