Remodel: Replace and Reface!

There are so many options for remodeling it's almost ridiculous, but...it also means there are options for every budget. Do you think you can't update your kitchen or bath because it's just too much money? Or are you dreading the upheaval and mess in your home? Share your thoughts and questions on remodel nightmares here because I think we'll have some interesting answers for you.



Does your kitchen look a bit like this one?

Would you be happier if it looked more like the kitchen below? Read on...

For example Showplace Wood Products, an employee owned cabinet manufacturer, offers a refacing option called Renew. Get the quality and consistency of a manufactured cabinet, and the warranty, along with a huge selection of door styles and wood species in a fraction of the time a traditional remodel takes and at a savings.

If you like your layout and your cabinet boxes are in good shape, refacing may be a great option for you and it carries the benefit of a green halo. Your not removing oodles of old cabinets, so there is less to get rid of. Additionally, there is a lot of flexibility refacing with Renew. You have the creative freedom to add new elements that currently don't exist in your kitchen and do things like a different finish on the uppers than the lowers, a combination of replace and reface or whatever you can think of.



(Note the wood top on the island - pretty good lookin'! See post from yesterday on wood counter tops)

So what do you think, does that ease the stress of considering a remodel? Does that give you hope that you don't have to live with a kitchen that gets you down instead of getting you inspired? I mean let's face it, we spend a lot of time in our kitchens, aren't they worth investing in?

Wood Counter Tops

Just got our sample display of Craft Art Wood Counters and we are SO excited. Not only are they gorgeous (who doesn't love Zebra wood, yum!) but they also work with reclaimed woods for one of a kind counters that are kind to the environment and have their own story. They, and now we, offer a variety of green options including our favorites, Lyptus and Bamboo.

Wood makes a great addition to any kitchen island or counter inset don't you think? It's warm, quiet and beautiful. Granted it takes a little more up keep, sealing with Tung oil about every 6 months but it's worth it for the look and feel. Have you had experiences with wood tops? What are your thoughts on their look and durability?

Hatch: The Design Public® Blog

People People, check out this cool design oriented blog, Hatch: The Design Public® Blog especially the post on Feb. 9, Dream Loft Real Estate. It might make you a little depressed considering the Bay Area real estate market, but for those of you with an appetite for cool urban design it'll make your day!

Paperstone at Paragon

The folks from Paperstone paid us a visit today, they've got some new items in the hopper that I'm not at liberty to discuss, except to say WOW! Paperstone is a truly unique material made of...you got it super high-pressure, compressed recycled paper and a non-petroleum phenolic resin derived in part from the shells of cashews - super green. What's so interesting about it is its texture and sheen, super matte and a texture almost like leather. It can be used indoors or out, in showers and on counters and so much more. Keep an eye out here for product updates, and if you'd like to see this stuff in person, you know where to find us!

Top 10 Signs Your Kitchen is Ready for a Remodel

It's a fact, everyone is budget conscious these days, but let's face it- an outdated, poorly functioning kitchen is a drag and certainly doesn't inspire saving money by cooking at home. So we put our heads together with our favorite kitchen designer Toshie Lim of WACWORKS to compose this Top 10 list. On Tuesday we'll take you through tips on how to bring back the sizzle in your kitchen without burning a hole in your pocket!

Top 10 Signs Your Kitchen is Ready for a Remodel

10. The closest you get to cooking is making a sandwich.

9. You've moved your coffee pot into your office and switched to powdered creamer.

8. Your 80 year old mother is always commenting on how lovely your mustard colored appliances are.

7. "Eating in" has become code for ordering out.

6. Your kids don't know where toast comes from.

5. Your friends are certain you're laundering money in your kitchen and that's why they've never been in it.

4. Your oven has been converted into extra filing space for your paper work.

3. You are certain there are items in your pantry that could qualify for the "oldest food ever" in the Guiness Book of World Records.

2. Your finger tips are calloused from opening doors and drawers with no handles.

1. Your kids friends have cast your kitchen as "the dark cavern of doom" in their make believe world.

Remember Paragon Kitchen & Bath Studio is here to help, and believe me we've seen it all, so put the embarrassment and the procrastination behind you and come see how we can help.