Monday, July 27, 2009

Eye On Islands

With different looks and price points, these three designs squeeze maximum space and function from your kitchen.

All Dressed Up


The addition of paint, hooks, and knobs gives this affordable cart a customized look.


UP FOR THE TASK

1 Basic hardware, including robe hooks on one end of the cart and a bath-paper holder on the other end, provides space for hanging cooking tools and towels. The cart also is embellished with a row of knobs on the front side.

2 Aged-bronze pulls on the drawers complement the rest of the hardware.



BEFORE


cart (Powell, natural wood, #202450**)
paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Garden of Paradise 6002-4B, semi-gloss)
metal accent spray paint (Hammered Satin Finish, Vintage Copper, #121695)
bath-paper holder (Moen, Inspirations, Eastlake Collection, oil-rubbed bronze, #33804)
double robe hook (Moen, Inspirations, Eastlake Collection, oil-rubbed bronze, #33609)
single robe hooks (#232768†)
strap pulls (aged bronze, #227052)
mushroom knobs (aged bronze, #226913)

* Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market.
** Availability varies by market.
Selection varies by market.


Cottage Classic


With so much functional storage, this is like having a great piece of furniture for the kitchen.

BUILT TO SUIT

1 Created from economical paint-grade poplar, this custom-made island has a simple face that belies its hardworking features. A butcher-block top makes for a sturdy, resilient prep surface for chopping vegetables or slicing bread.

2 Open shelving on both ends of the island creates a home for cookbooks and decorative accents. White paint and beaded-board paneling lend cheerful cottage style.



LUMBER AND MOULDING†

2 (4-foot-long) 1/2- x 3-inch poplar boards
4 (4-foot-long) 1/2- x 4-inch poplar boards
4 (4-foot-long) 1/2- x 6-inch poplar boards
6 (8-foot-long) 1 x 6s, poplar
1 (8-foot-long) 1 x 8, poplar
1 (2-foot-long) 2 x 2, poplar
5 (12-foot-long) pieces of 11/16- x 11/8-inch base cap moulding
2 (8-foot-long) pieces of 1/2-inch quarter-round moulding
1 (48- x 96-inch) sheet of 1/4-inch plywood
1 (24- x 48-inch) sheet of 3/4-inch plywood
1 (48- x 96-inch) sheet of 3/4-inch plywood
1 (48- x 96-inch) sheet of beaded-board paneling

COUNTERTOP
butcher-block top (special order)

PAINT
white (Valspar Ultra Premium, Bistro White 7006-4, semi-gloss)
spray primer (Kilz, #45553)
polyurethane (used inside the drawers)

HARDWARE AND SUPPLIES
knobs (#212415)
1 package (11/4-inch) pocket hole screws, fine thread
1 box 6d finishing nails
5 packages (22-inch) drawer slides
1 package (#18 x 3/4-inch) wire brads
1 box 4d finishing nails
1 package (#8 x 1-inch) pan-head screws
nail-on furniture glides (#246570)
1 package shelf pins (#198930)
safe-release masking tape
wood glue (Titebond II, #41217)
stainable wood filler

* Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Does not include lead time for special-order materials.
Availability varies by market.


Culinary Delight


This oasis was created for the top-notch gas range and hood. Now it’s a dream kitchen.

CRÉME DE LA CRÉME

1 Custom cherry cabinets with classic raised-panel doors wear a rich chocolate brown finish.

2 Quartz countertops are more durable than unimproved stone—they resist both heat and scratches. The two levels of countertops allow family members or guests to join you while you cook without getting splashed or sprayed.

3 The cabinets accommodate a dual-fuel slide-in stainless steel range, which includes a black porcelain cooktop and cast-iron grates.




CABINETRY AND COUNTERTOPS
cabinets (Diamond, Caldwell, Cherry, Chocolate, special order)
knobs (Amerock, satin chrome, #17985)
countertops (Zodiaq, Smokey Topaz, special order)

APPLIANCES
gas range (Frigidaire, stainless steel, Model PLCS389EC, special order)
range hood (Broan, Rangemaster, stainless steel, Model 637004EX, special order)
external blower (Broan, Model 332H, 900 CFM, special order)

ACCESSORIES
cutting board (12- x 18-inch, bamboo two-tone, #227260)

* Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.
**Does not include lead time for special-order materials.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Point of View

Whatever your style, change bath décor elements for a quick, affordable, and functional new look.

1
CLASSIC
Keep it simple with this fixture (#238544) that features an antique-nickel finish and opaque globes. Complement it with a rectangular mirror (#195276) in a pewter finish.


2
ROMANTIC
Opt for timeless appeal with this fixture’s (#115618) Spanish-gold finish and Scavo glass shades. Pair it with the pretty detailing on this oval mirror (#66654).


3
MODERN
Give your vanity urban flair with the silvery accents and smooth design of this fluorescent bar (#144747). Add a curvaceous touch with an arch mirror (#239697) that’s enhanced with two polishedchrome rails.


4
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Bring in some color by selecting the stained-glass globes and complementary bronze finish of this bar (#163255). Complete the Craftsman look with a fluted wooden mirror (#106511) that features goldtoned highlights.

Light Up The Night

Add a welcoming glow outdoors with a group of paper lanterns.

1. Wrap a string of outdoor lights (at least 6 feet in length) around a 6-foot-long bamboo stake (#56475). Leave about 10 inches at one end of the stake free of lights. Secure the lights to the stake using clear packing tape.

2. Push the end of the stake (that is free of lights) into the ground. Connect an outdoor extension cord to the lights, hiding and securing the cord as needed.

3. Thread five paper lanterns (#237095) onto the stake as shown. Gently bend each lantern’s internal wire frame to clear the stake. You will not need the electrical cording included with the lanterns.

For the horizontal hanging version of this project: Use only four lanterns so that 10 inches at each end of the stake is free of lights and lanterns. Cut and then attach a length of nylon twine (#91114) to each end of the stake. Tie the other ends of twine to porch posts or hooks, making sure the stake hangs evenly.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Come On In


A new entry door can make your house feel like a home

Sure you want a door that adds value and curb appeal, but you also want an entryway with that special something that brings your home to life. It might be the door to the first home you’ve owned, or to the home where you’ve finally decided to settle down. Whatever your future holds, make sure you choose a door that suits your home or style. The right door will increase your home’s value and give your entrance the kind of allure that makes neighbors, friends, and family members want to come inside.

Make An Entrance
You have a lot of options when it comes to entry doors, and you want to choose the one that’s just right for your home. Here’s how.

1 FIND YOUR STYLE AND SHAPE
Numerous choices for glass inserts can truly personalize your entry. Look for:
  • a design style that appeals to your taste and suits your home’s architecture, whether it’s traditional, Craftsman, old-world, or modern.
  • a shape that will let light into your home, yet still provide your desired level of privacy; choose from a wide selection that includes everything from a small semicircle to two full-length rectangles.
  • caming options—in finishes such as platinum, brass, and wrought iron—that will enhance the glass inserts.
2 SELECT A DOOR MATERIAL
Wood, steel, and fiberglass are the materials of choice for entry doors. Each has its own unique set of benefits.
If you want:
  • a budget-friendly door with an authentic look and feel, then a wooden door may be best for you.
  • a hearty door that resists cracking and warping, consider steel or fiberglass. Fiberglass doors are available with smoothsurface exteriors or with wood-graining.
  • an energy-efficient entryway, ask about the door’s insulation and if it comes with weather stripping. These features can help save you money on energy bills.
3 COMPLETE THE LOOK
After deciding on your glass inserts and choosing a door material, add the extras that will customize your entry and pull the whole design together.
Consider:
  • a transom (a glass insert installed above the door) that will complement the shape of your door’s glass inserts.
  • sidelights, which also are available in a range of designs; opt for just one sidelight, or flank your door with a pair.
  • Reliabilt’s flexible design plan, which allows you to choose your features from nearly 11,000 options, and then have your door built to your specifications.

Shingle Style


An ordinary house becomes a classic cottage.


After relocating to the Southeast, this New England native wanted to bring a Cape Cod feel to her new home. She began the transformation with the front windows. Thick casing and cross-shaped panes make a bold statement across the exterior and help to establish the home’s presence.

Next, the homeowner replaced her existing siding on the front of the house with cedar shingles to capture the New England look. She plans to cover the remainder of the exterior at a later date. To expand the existing entry’s tiny stoop, she had a landing built at the top of the steps so that she would have more space when entering the home. The cloth awning was replaced with a wooden pitched roof and post. Also during the renovation, the homeowner’s contractor installed a new wooden railing to replace the small metal support that was not compliant with the modern local building code.

Finally, a new wooden door, painted a calm deep green prior to installation, adds a touch of color to the entry. Finishing touches include lighting and new shrubs with mulch.




Bright and Breezy

1. A locking mailbox adds peace of mind and a new level of home security.

2. This homeowner loves the outdoors. With the addition of large casement windows, not only can she enjoy the sunlight flooding her indoor spaces, but she also can open them for a pleasant breeze— using less air conditioning and saving money on cooling bills.

3. The crisp-white stair rail increases safety and draws the eye toward the side-facing front door.


DOORS AND WINDOWS
casement windows (Pella, Architect, 850 Series, white, special order)
door (Escon Doors, Model OC636DC, special order)

MATERIALS
cedar shingles (special order)
brick (#10298)
octagon gable vent (22-inch, white, #18204)
lumber rated for outdoor use†
beaded-board paneling†
roofing for awning (#10086)

EXTERIOR PAINT
railing paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Polar White 7003-16, semi-gloss)
door paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Cliveden Forest 5006-4C, semi-gloss)

ACCESSORIES
door hardware (Kwikset, Venetian bronze, #34568)
locking mailbox (#57021)
light fixture (Sea Gull, oxidized bronze, Model 8463-46, special order)
doorbell (#231162††)
planter (#20822)

* Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of plants.
**Does not include lead time for special-order materials.
Availability varies by market.
††Available by special order in some stores.