The right tile adds value and beauty to your home

March 5, 2018March 6, 2018Leave a comment

Not everything that people do to update their homes ends up bringing value to the property but tile is something that adds beauty and can increase the price of a home. It’s a great way to update or even upscale the look of a house. Tile gives homeowners a chance to be whimsical, express their individuality or make a bold statement. The options in style, shape and color are virtually limitless and homeowners can find smart ways to utilize tile throughout their property. From floors and backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms to wainscoting (where a wall needs protection or a splash of pizazz), tile can make it happen, beautifully. Here are five types of tile to consider:

Unique, handmade artisan tiles make your home one-of-a-kind and come in an amazing array of styles and colors.

Artisan Tile

Sometimes referred to as “handcrafted tile”, artisan tile is a beautiful choice that can be made in whatever colors, patterns or shapes fit the project. This type of tile is unique because it is custom designed and can even be one-of-a-kind. Often eco-friendly, these tiles can be made of recycled materials or natural materials. Because they are handcrafted (and glaze is brushed on by hand) when these tiles are fired in the kiln different hues and unique attributes come out of the material. From old-world, painted tiles to glossy, shaped tiles artisan tile could be the perfect touch for making a home spectacular.

Ceramic tiled bathroom

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is made of thin layers of clay that are hardened by firing and glazed. They are easily mass-produced and readily available. They are easy to clean and don’t harbor germs (so they are a great choice to use in the interior of a home). They come in an unending variety of styles, colors, shapes and sizes and are usually a more economical choice than porcelain. In fact, they are the least expensive type of tile. Perhaps that is why this type of tile continues to be so popular in home renovations and remodeling projects.

Porcelain tile flooring in living room.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are made of finer and denser clay than ceramic tiles which makes them more durable. They can be used for flooring and are more waterproof than ceramic tiles. The strength of these tiles (and the fact that they are very easy to clean) make them a popular choice. As an added bonus, they are not expensive to repair and maintain. They also come in colors, shapes and styles to fit almost every project. As is illustrated in the photo, combining different tiles (or the same tile in different colors) can create a stunning and dramatic look. Tiles can also be more subdued and elegant, combined and arranged to express whatever style pleases the homeowner.

Glass tile shower niche and wall.

Glass Tile

Glass tile is non-porous and can be used on the interior or exterior of the home. They are also great for swimming pools. Glass tiles are gaining in popularity because of their beauty and the fact they can be used in mosaics. They come in many different finishes like polished, frosted, etched, cracked and reflective and they come in thousands of colors, shapes and sizes.

Metal Tile

Metal tile backsplash.

For something different (or to add sparkle and richness) some homeowners are looking to metal tile. Traditionally, this type of tile was used for accents but more and more people are trying them where they used to utilize other types of tile. These tiles may be solid metal or may have a metallic glaze. Copper, bronze, silver, titanium, pewter and stainless steel are just a few of the options available in metal tiles. Depending on what type of metal tile is utilized (and where the tile is located) there may be specialized maintenance or cleaning required to keep the tile looking like new.

Because of the limitless possibilities available in all types of tile, you may want to consult with a designer to help you find the perfect tile for your project. Tile selection is one of the services offered to Perry Newman Design clients and is just one, small piece of the process that takes homeowners from conception, through construction, to the completion of their unique home remodel. Click to call Perry now and get started!

“Wood” you know how to pick the best cabinetry?

July 27, 2017Leave a comment

Cabinetry design and selection is a very important element of a home renovation. While people generally think of cabinetry as being for kitchen’s and bathroom’s, cabinets can enhance many areas of your home. Consider how cabinetry can customize a craft room, create the perfect designer closet, make an appealing feature that hides entertainment components, display art or organize your laundry room. Besides being important for design and function, cabinetry will be one of the biggest expenses in a renovation so shop smart and make sure you balance price, quality and function to find the perfect cabinets for your home.

Thicker materials make better cabinetry. Your cabinetry boxes should be at least three-quarters of an inch thick. Some cabinet makers will try to cut costs by using material that is five-eighths of an inch for their boxes instead. If your cabinetry is made well and of quality materials it will stay sturdy and not shift or warp. There are many things that happen in a kitchen or bathroom that cause moisture to interact with your cabinetry so you need quality materials that can stand up to the test of cooking and bathing so they’ll stay looking beautiful and work properly over time. Melamine interiors are a great choice for cabinets and drawers. In fact, Perry Newman believes having melamine for the interior of drawers is better than wood. “Just be careful,” he warns, “to check the quality of the melamine. There is some coming in from China that is low quality and if you put a hot glass (right out of the dishwasher) on it, it will bubble up and warp. That can also happen with wood in the bottom of drawers so quality melamine is better.”

Doors are the most expensive item of a cabinetry purchase. Take time to educate yourself and know what the doors are made of before you order. So much of your cost and the success of the design rides on this decision because cabinetry is big and expensive and can’t easily be switched out like other things in the home. The cost of cabinetry varies so drastically that you really need to think about how much you want to spend and get the highest quality and function for that price. Perry Newman suggests you decide on your goal for the cabinets and work to achieve the best balance in what you purchase.

Hardware is something people seldom ask for details about but you can spend a little or a whole lot on pulls and handles. Better quality hardware is made in the United States or Germany. If you order online or through a box store without direction from your cabinet maker or designer you might end up with lower quality pulls and drawers that don’t work or don’t last like they would have if more care had been taken in the hardware selection. “There is nothing more frustrating than a drawer that doesn’t work.” Perry Newman explains, “I’ve had people want to renovate a whole kitchen over that.”

Check for gaps, untreated wood, splinters and chipped edges. A well-made cabinet will not have these evidences of poor craftsmanship. Another key indicator is to look for 100 percent, perfect right angles on each joint and corner of the cabinetry. Perry Newman says people should take time to understand how their cabinetry is built. Ask questions, a good cabinet maker knows how to explain the process and can tell you in detail how your pieces will come together.

Checking the drawers can give you clues about the quality of the product. Drawers that have steel ball bearings in the roller mechanisms and metal fittings are better quality than those with plastic and nylon. Ask about the load rating for how much weight the drawers can hold. The higher the number, the better. If the drawer is built to hold more weight, it needs to be built better. Features like soft close and full-extension guides (that allow you to access even the very back of the drawer) can also be indicators that your cabinetry is of higher quality. Also, ask about options like custom pegs and dividers (see below). Quality cabinet builders will offer those types of customization.

Custom drawer dividers in Utah

Custom dish pegs in Utah

Look at the shelving inside the cabinets. Better quality cabinetry generally has more adjustable shelving and less fixed shelves. While you are in there, look at the hardware holding the shelves in place. You want to find a cabinet builder that uses metal hardware, not plastic, because the shelves will hold more weight, stay in place better and last well over time.

Use the cabinets before you decide. Open doors, slam drawers, see how the cabinetry feels in the showroom or in projects that builder has completed before you order it for your home. There shouldn’t be any wobbling and the doors and drawers should feel smooth when you use them. Think about how you utilize your cabinetry and make sure that the way the cabinets you are considering function will meet your needs. One tip that has become quite a work-saving trend is to plan to store your dishes in drawers instead of upper cabinets. It’s so much easier to move dishes from the dishwasher into deep, lower drawers that it is to lift heavy plates up into high cabinetry. Another tip is those drawer dividers and custom pegs mentioned earlier help organize your kitchen, maximizing efficiency and making a place for every kitchen gadget and tool.

If all this talk about testing and quality and finding balance kind of makes your head spin, consider getting the help of a professional designer to lead you through all your selections. The Perry Newman Design team specializes in finding the best choices and guiding you through the selection process to find the highest quality materials while keeping you on schedule and in budget. A designer will also have experience with different products and suggestions about ways to utilize all the latest advancements in cabinetry and the other elements of your renovation. The process starts with a free, in-home consultation so call and schedule today 801.971.0868 or fill out the contact form on perrynewmandesign.com.

10 Tips and Tricks for Exceptional Interior Design

July 20, 2017August 2, 2017Leave a comment

Getting ready to remodel or maybe just feeling like updating and freshening the look of your home? Enjoy these ten, professional interior design tips that will help you get it right.

The most important renovation tip is: Always, always, always have a plan before you start. Whether it’s a big construction project or just a few changes you should think the project through thoroughly, make all your design selections, create a schedule and have everything on hand before you begin. Having a plan means you have thought through and prepared for each step of the project. If you’ve done that, you can deal with the hiccups that inevitably come along. But if you haven’t, the project will take longer, cost more and may not turn out the way that you hoped it would.
Many interior designers say that the most important aspect of a room is the lighting. It makes a room. Perry Newman likes to restate “In great design it’s all about the light.” Get the lighting right and it will elevate the experience of living in your home.
Speaking of light, sunlight is a wonderful tool. Add windows (or at least clean the ones you have so they shine). Remember that glass sparkles and sunlight gives the illusion of a bigger space. Natural light is warm and inviting, it relaxes people. Choose accent pieces that accentuate the light. For example, yellow pillows or window treatments are bright and cheerful. In fact, the color yellow actually stimulates conversation in your gathering spaces.
Mirrors are another tool that can increase the light in a room. They gleam and sparkle and they make the space expand so it appears larger. Think carefully about the placement of mirrors. Be sure that you arrange them so they reflect something beautiful. They can even be combined to form a point of interest or replace art on the walls. Most of the time even quality mirrors will be cheaper than art.
When it comes to art bigger is not necessarily better. Selecting appropriate art to use in design can be intimidating and the whole process is subjective. People like what they like and what one person considers incredible may not be interesting to someone else. Since art can be expensive, it is common for homeowners to get overwhelmed or frustrated while making these selections. If you find yourself in this situation consider using a collection of small prints and having them framed in matching frames. Then, carefully arrange these on the feature wall to make an engaging point of interest.
There is no such thing as clutter in a well-designed room. There can be many things in the room but each piece should have intent and purpose. In most instances, a good rule for homeowner’s is “less is more.” The personal items that you do display should be carefully chosen, have a purpose and a story. You should like the items that surround you in your home and they should reflect your personality and passions.
But, what do you do with all the rest of the junk you’ve collected? Simple, plan for storage in your design so the treasures you can’t bear to part with each have a designated place where they can be tucked away. “A place for everything and everything in its place” is a good guideline. If you don’t have room for it in your home then you probably don’t have room for it in your life.
Layer your space. Your home will look cold, commercial and uninviting if you do not have rugs and furnishings. So, plan for these things when you are first making your selections and your budget. Getting the construction done is important but without furniture what use is a living room? It’s hard to live there if you don’t have anywhere to sit down. In the photos below you see an example of a Perry Newman Design room complete with furniture next to another Perry Newman Design room where the client had not budgeted furnishings into the cost of the project. Although both are beautifully constructed homes, not having a finished room will decrease the satisfaction of an otherwise stellar remodel. At minimum, be sure to include rugs, furniture and window coverings.

Perry Newman Design bedroom

Perry Newman Design renovated room without furnishings

When considering paint choose a base color and then purchase a 50% lighter mix as well as a 150% darker mix of the same color. Use these in your room to simulate texture (as would happen if you striped a wall) or to add interest with accent pieces. Another tip with color is that if your room feels dark (because of color or cabinetry) you can paint the ceiling a lighter version of the wall color and it will instantly brighten the room.
People think that designer homes are all about “the look” but great interior design engages as many senses as possible. As discussed in a previous Perry Newman Design blog, textures add interest and help create the feel of a room. Another way to elevate your home is through fragrance. Fresh flowers bring the outside in to make your home lovely. The smell of clean linens gives people the impression your home is spotless, fresh and well taken care of. Whatever fragrance suits your style can become part of your home by using scented candles, air fresheners and other products described in the “Eleven easy ways to make your home smell better” blog.

Careful planning is the key to a successful renovation or redesign project. One way to plan carefully is to meet with a professional and Perry Newman Design offers a free consultation for homeowner’s who are seriously considering a remodeling project. If you want a new kitchen, master suite, or bathroom or if you are ready to finish or redesign your basement, give Perry Newman a call and we will spend an hour in your home going over your options. As part of our renovation experience, we take you from your conception, through all the planning and construction, to the completion of your designer home.

What do you think about your sink?

May 25, 2017August 2, 2017Leave a comment

Maybe you haven’t thought much about it because it works so well. Or, maybe it’s something that bothers you every day. The renovation process includes hundreds of small decisions that have to be made so that the whole project comes together into your dream home. Most people don’t realize how important their sink selection is but a sink is a vital, working element of your home. Beyond the kitchen sink, sinks in bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, entertainment spaces and even garages make life easier, cleaner and more efficient. Consider function, design, maintenance and cost when selecting a sink for each area of your home. Below is some information and sample photographs to help you make smart choices:

Composite Sinks

Composite sinks are made from granite or quartz that is blended with resins. They are highly durable and the granite-based composite makes the most durable sink. There are both top or under mount varieties. They are so durable that they can withstand heavy use.
These sinks look stylish and upscale and they stay looking great for decades. Composite sinks come in a variety of colors and configurations to meet your design and function needs for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry or other household or commercial places. You will be able to order a sink to accommodate water filters and any type of faucets or sprayers you choose.
Composite sinks clean well with a general household product and warm water. However, if the finish becomes dull, or some event makes it extremely dirty, you can revitalize it with an inexpensive, specialized cleaning product purchased at your local home improvement store. This is a cream cleaner that is rubbed on the surface, rinsed off and then buffed dry to a shine using a paper towel. This is only needed about once per month in a heavily used kitchen sink.

Under-mount composite sink, black and divided into two tubs with tall faucet.

Under-mount, composite sink divided into to tubs with faucet and sprayer.

Black composite sink, under-mount with large, single tub. Shown with faucet and sprayer.

Stainless Steel Sinks

This is a popular type of sink that works well for low to moderate use. Heavy, cast iron pans have the potential of denting this product but it stands up well to normal, household use. These sinks come in such a variety that you should be able to find quality products that function well in whatever price range you have budgeted. Keep in mind that as you look at more specialized features the price will increase.
Many people love the look of these sinks, especially with the way they complement stainless appliances. Stainless steel sinks come in every imaginable shape, size and configuration so if you are looking for a specialized function then you’re likely to find what you need in stainless steel. This product can be purchased with options from commercial-sized down to tiny wet-bar; apron-front, triple-bowl, and even with a seamless drain board connected. They work for under-mount or top-mount designs and give you many options for creating just the right look. Another bonus is that these sinks look great with many styles of faucet’s and because there is such a variety you can easily find configurations to house all the gadget’s, sprayer’s and soap dispenser’s your heart desires.
Stainless steel sinks are relatively easy to care for. Keep them wiped and dry when not in use. Do not use steel wool pads as these can scratch the sink and cause rust. Instead, use a gentle cleanser designed for stainless steel and clean with a sponge or cloth. After cleaning, rinse well and then dry with a paper towel (because leaving it to dry can cause water spots). If your sink becomes dull looking and needs some extra cleaning and shine, use baking soda to scrub it and then rinse and towel dry.

Unequally divided sink with drain board in stainless steel.

Triple bowl stainless steel sink.

Divided tub, stainless steel sink

Smaller, shallow tub with large tub stainless steel sink.

Solid Surface Sinks

This type of sink is created with molded acrylic and polyester. High heat can damage the surface and replacing the entire, solid piece can be expensive but your manufacturer can repair most types of damage that could occur with normal use.
The seamless look of having the counter-top and sink as one, solid piece is appealing to the eye and makes cleaning easy. Solid surface sinks come in an unimaginable variety of colors and can mimic the look of stone and other natural materials so it is a material that is easy to incorporate into whatever style you choose for your kitchen design.
There aren’t any lips, seams or caulking so these sinks can easily be wiped down without food or dirt getting caught where the counter-top and sink meet. They are durable, nonporous and can easily be cleaned with a scrub pad and household cleaner. Because liquid cannot penetrate the surface, bacteria doesn’t grow as easily as with other sinks or counter-tops.

Duel tub, solid surface sink with modern faucet.

Curved basin, solid surface sink.

Large tub with shallow small tub and draining board in solid surface.

Cast Iron Sinks

Cast iron sinks have been the normal, go-to sinks for many decades. They are made of cast iron with a porcelain enamel. They are very durable for normal use, taking heat and not denting or staining, but they can chip and then rust if hit hard with a heavy object.
People love the glossy look of these sinks. Cast iron sinks come in every color so they look beautiful with whatever decor you choose. They are usually top mounted because of how heavy the sinks are but they can be under-mounted if proper supports are utilized.
These sinks clean well with a mild detergent and even scratches can be removed this way. In fact, they are one of the easiest sink types to maintain as long as you avoid using steel wool or anything that could be a catalyst for rust.

Retro, cast iron sink with faucet and sideboards.

Under-mount, cast iron sink with duel faucets.

Long, cast iron sink with three faucets.

Stone Sinks

Stone sinks are extraordinarily beautiful because they are made from natural materials like granite, marble, limestone and onyx. If taken care of properly, they will last a lifetime but they are more expensive than other types of sinks.
Their classic appeal is timeless. They are heavily polished so they shine. They are seamless and can be shaped to fit whatever design you choose.
The polished surface is easy to wipe and keep clean. However, because they are porous, these sinks require daily upkeep and a sealant is required. Check the sealant every few months to make sure your stone is protected from moisture. If water is allowed to compromise the stone then it becomes susceptible to cracking.

Contemporary, stone sink with multi-level basin.

Circular, stone sinks with wall-mounted faucets.

Deep tub, stone sink with apron top mounted.

Angled stone sink in light color.

Stone basin sink, top-mounted in bathroom.

Deep tub, stainless steel sink.

These are just a few of the options you have in selecting the perfect sink for your project. A professional designer can help you strike a balance between function, beauty, shape, material and budget to find what works best for you. Selecting a sink is just one decision of many in the renovation process but professional help with selections is always included with your remodel when you hire Perry Newman Design. Give us a call at 801.971.0868 or fill out our contact form online and we’ll walk you through the process, starting with a complementary, in-home consultation.

Answer 7 quick questions to figure out which cooktop is right for you.

April 20, 2017August 2, 2017Leave a comment

Your kitchen is more than a living space, it’s a tool! Selecting equipment that meets all of your needs and fits your decor is an essential part of a kitchen renovation. If you purchase a cooktop or range that is reliable, beautiful and fits your style of cooking then you will enjoy working and playing chef in your new kitchen for years to come. Here are seven questions to ask yourself that will help you figure out which appliance is right for you:

Which statement best applies to your needs for cleaning your cooktop?
1. I need to be able to quickly wipe down the cooktop immediately after cooking.
2. I can clean my cooktop elements as part of my normal household routine.
3. I don’t have to scrub the cooktop immediately but having a smooth surface is important to me.
Which statement best describes the look you want a cooktop to have?
1. I like a cooktop that is sleek and almost not there.
2. I like a cooktop that looks professional and makes a statement.
3. I like a cooktop that is smooth but shows where the units are located.
Which statement best describes your need for heat, control and speed?
1. I want instant heat and water to boil as fast as possible. When I lower or increase the heat, I want to see the results of the change happen immediately.
2. I want water to boil in a reasonable amount of time and I want to be able to control the level of heat and see the changes happen quickly.
3. I want water to boil in a reasonable amount of time and I don’t mind if it takes a little while to see a change in temperature when I make an adjustment.
Which statement best describes your feelings about cookware?
1. I do not mind buying new cookware if it will help my cooktop perform its best.
2. I want to use the cookware I have and I am not worried about open flame touching my cookware. I also like to use a wok or griddle on my cooktop.
3. I want to use the cookware I have and it has good, flat bottoms that will conduct heat well.
Which statement best describes your feelings about the price of your cooktop?
1. I do not mind paying more to get an appliance I will love.
2. I want to have a variety of price levels to choose from that offer my cooktop technology.
3. Price is the most important factor for me.
Which statement best describes your feelings about cooktop safety?
1. I do not want my cooktop to heat up. I am concerned about people touching a hot surface. I don’t like to have flames where I am cooking.
2. I am not worried about cooking with flames or having heat involved in my cooking.
3. I am not worried about the surface of my cooktop being hot but I am concerned about possible effects from creating a magnetic field.
Which statement best describes how you want to power your cooktop?
1. It does not bother me if my cooktop will not work when the power is out.
2. I need a cooktop that will work, even when the power is out.
3. It does not bother me if my cooktop will not work when the power is out.

Count up your answers (1, 2 and 3) and read the information below to help you figure out which cooktop is right for you. Remember that the professionals at Perry Newman Design are always happy to help clients select appliances that fit their life, cooking style and budget. Assisting with selections is just part of the Perry Newman Design experience.

Induction: Since the heat is generated by magnets, when you turn off the unit is quickly cool to the touch and the smooth surface makes it easy to clean immediately. Food does not get cooked onto the surface of the appliance because it is not heated. Induction cooktops come as cooktops or as part of a range unit with an oven. They come in a variety of sizes and with different options. They can be mounted flush so they blend into your countertop flawlessly or they can be mounted on top with a nice transition piece. The heat for this type of appliance comes from creating a magnetic field so the heat is instant and changes happen rapidly as you adjust the settings. You will, probably, need to purchase new cookware if you choose an induction appliance. There are pots and pans that are designed to conduct and work best with this technology. Induction ranges have been in use for decades but, while popular in other parts of the world, have recently made a resurgence in the United States. You will pay more to purchase an induction appliance than a gas or ceramic-topped unit (even though both the induction and ceramic/glass appliances are electric). The top of this cooktop doesn’t really heat up. You can put a paper towel between the unit and the pan you are using, then boil water or cook in it and it will not burn the paper towel. You can also touch the top of the appliance right after you turn it off. Parents of young children find this feature very enticing because this kind of cooktop has the least chance of causing burns. Some people have expressed concern that there is a health risk posed by the electromagnetic field created for cooking but studies have not found that to pose a threat. This is an electric appliance so it will not work if the power is out.
Gas: It isn’t hard to keep a gas cooktop clean but there are elements of the cooktop that protrude and need to be taken apart so keeping it clean takes longer than with a smooth surface. You also need to wait until the appliance is no longer hot to be able to clean it. Gas appliances come in many sizes and shapes and can be a cooktop or part of a range unit. Depending on the brand, the knobs and lights on the unit can make a design statement. Since the elements have multiple component’s, these stovetops stand out and some people buy particular brands of gas cooktops because they look like appliances professional chef’s use. The heat on this appliance is created by flame so it takes a little while for the heat to boil water but you can see the flame adjust as you use the controls and, once the cookware is heated, the adjustments quickly affect what you are cooking. You can use specialty cookware like a wok or cast iron griddle on a gas range. Gas cooking appliances come in a wide variety of types and prices. You have many options with this very popular type of device. Please consider that this kind of unit runs on gas so you will be paying for gas instead of power to run your appliance. A gas appliance means that you are cooking with flames and that can pose a risk of burns. It also means that the unit will function normally even if the power is out.
Ceramic/glass, smooth top: The heat units on this type of appliance stay hot for a little while after cooking, but once it cools, it is easy to wipe clean because the surface is smooth. Food is more likely to burn onto the surface of this type of appliance than the induction because heat is generated. Ceramic or glass stovetops look smooth and are easy to use. They come in many different sizes and with different options. This type of appliance heats well and gives you good control of temperature but changes take a little bit longer than with the other types of cooktops because heat from the flat surface has to transfer to the pan. Once your cookware is heated, you have good control over adjustments. This type of electric appliance is the most cost effective. The surface of this type of cooktop heats up and stays hot for a little while after you are finished cooking. This is an electric appliance so it will not work if the power is out.
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Perry Newman Design: Conception, through construction, to completion

Tag: kitchen