5 Things You Should Know About Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops are not new, but some recent advances have consumers reconsidering this technology. Could it be for you? Here’s our quick analysis.
1. They’re fast and precise.
While being faster than gas or electric cooktops, you can also simmer a sauce for hours using a very low setting.
2. The cooktop surface stays cool and doubles as counter space.
This is especially great in a small kitchen with limited countertop space. The cool surface is safer for cooks of all ages.
3. You must use flat-bottomed, ferrous (magnetic) metal pots that fit each burner.
This may require you to change how or when you cook certain dishes. You won’t be able to use all large pots or rounded sauce pans on the one cooktop surface.
4. Induction cooktops require less ventilation than gas or electric cooktops.
Ductless models are available. They vent into the room. While this is not our first choice, certain remodels may benefit from this feature.
5. Induction cooktops require extra electric power.
You may need to upgrade your electric panel for this technology which will add significantly to the cost of your remodel.
For ultimate flexibility, we love the idea of combining a smaller induction cooktop in an island with a traditional gas cooktop in another part of the kitchen. This would accommodate multiple cooks and different cooking and entertaining activities.
Do you have a newer induction cooktop? Please tell us if you would recommend this appliance to other homeowners remodeling their kitchens.
4 Ways To Save Money With Membership Discount Stores Like DirectBuy
in Bathrooms, Furniture, Lighting, Remodeling & Home Improvement Projects, Tile
Have you heard DirectBuy’s radio ads promising savings on your next home improvement remodeling project? My summer project creating a beautiful sorority house has given me a glimpse at what DirectBuy offers and I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
Here are 4 ways budget minded remodelers can save money but get an expensive looking room.
1. Shop engineered wood floors.
Solid hardwood floors last for a lifetime but engineered wood floors have some advantages. Installation is fast since the product arrives prefinished. Every type of wood is available.
Engineered wood floors are much less expensive than solid wood floors, especially when purchased through a discounter like DirectBuy.
Contractors say that engineered wood floors are the best choice when installing the floor on concrete slab because it is less likely to warp with moisture.
2. Use expensive stone and tile selectively.
We used a lot of inexpensive field tile from Daltile for our sorority bathrooms but we added special, expensive accents in small areas.
For instance, we picked out a gorgeous glass tile and travertine backsplash for the sink area. It’s the first thing you see in the bathroom. Spending more money on the vanity backsplash elevates the look of the entire bathroom.
3. Look for furniture with design details.
Design details make things look more expensive and you only need a few pieces to set the tone of the room.
4. Make your lighting special.
Pendant lights are fun alternatives to traditional chandeliers. They come in various shapes and sizes.
Think about adding a drum shade pendant over a conversation grouping in a living room. Smaller pendants look great grouped over a desk area. You can use medium size pendants in place of table lamps in a bedroom.
Another idea is to use wall sconces in your rooms. They will not provide enough light for reading but an beautiful sconce will add interest to your wall decor.
Leave a comment if you have worked through a home remodeling membership retailer like DirectBuy and tell us about your experience.
Can This Tired Apartment Building Become A Beautiful Sorority House?
Earlier this summer, I was approached to transform a tired apartment building into a fabulous house for one chapter of a large, national sorority. Always up for a new challenge, I said yes.
Here’s a”before” picture of one hallway. Next week, I’ll show more pictures.
It has been a wonderful experience, in large part because of the talented college and national leaders in this particular group.
When working with clients, I spend a lot of time listening to understand their decorating likes and dislikes. I try to steer clients toward good design options that match their preferences.
On this project, the younger sorority members weren’t sure how I would work with them. They were afraid I would create a plan without incorporating their preferences.
While interior designers should bring new ideas, they should create spaces that will make you happy. If you are opposed to the color red, no decorator should insist on that color.
I encourage you to be open to new ideas but communicate your preferences. It’s your home and you should love it.
Have you worked with a designer before? What value did that person bring to your project? Please leave a comment and share your experiences with others.
Product Spotlight: Jan De Luz Monograms For Furniture Slipcovers, Pillows, Towels, & Robes
in Bathrooms, Fabrics, Furniture, Guest Bedrooms, Linens, Living Rooms, Master Bedrooms
We first discovered Jan De Luz years ago when it was a fledgling new store in Carmel, California. Now expanded with online shopping, you can buy their wonderful products from wherever you live.
We love personalizing things for the home with their beautiful, old-world monograms. In fact, we have shipped fabrics to Jan De Luz for monogramming before having the fabrics cut and sewn into slipcovers and pillows.
Monograms have been around for centuries. Thank you, Jan De Luz, for translating this art form into beautiful, useful items for our homes.
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