Monthly Archives: September 2011

Countertop Heights in the Kitchen

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“Who knew there was so much math involved in designing a kitchen?” a client remarked.  I tend to talk a lot so I had to bite my tongue when a current homeowner remodeling their kitchen asked me this exact question.  There is a science behind it all, a beautiful and comfortable kitchen does not just happen.  A lot of math (fun math) is involved!  This is just another reason a design/remodel team is so important!

Back to the point of my original suggestion, countertop heights in the kitchen.  The following is a simplified checklist to think about when designing your kitchen.  Beyond thinking about what each piece of the countertop will be used for, we have to consider where that countertop’s height is for each task.  Here is the quick checklist:

  • The standard height measurement of 36 inches. Stock base cabinets are 34.5 inches tall, then the countertop material thickness is USUALLY 1.5″. 
  • The second tier or “serving counter” of the counterop for breakfast bars and the like is 42″
  • The lower counter for desks areas and seating lands at 30″ above finished floor
  • One key consideration is “Accessible Counters” for universal design (ADA accessible) counter height and that should be no higher than 34“.

 

Older Bathroom? Time to make it new again

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Fresh new and clean Bathroom

Is it time to remodel your Bathroom?

Keeping in mind the personal-ness of a bathroom, it is our pleasure to help you work your way through all the planning, budget considerations, and decisions a bathroom remodel brings. Here is a list of preliminary questions for you to consider and discuss with us during the early planning stages:

  • Is this bathroom intended for more than one person’s use?
  • Might an additional bathroom better suit our family’s needs?
  • Is the water pressure adequate in current showers and tubs?
  • Is there enough hot water to meet our family’s needs?
  • Does the current bathroom have enough countertop area?
  • Do we want natural stone or cultured countertops?
  • Is there enough storage space for personal incidentals as well as clean towels and paper products?
  • Do we have a water-saving, efficient toilet?
  • Do we have adequate light for our needs?
  • Do we want tile or wood on our floor?
  • What about radiant heat below the floors for added warmth?
  • Is there a particular style we’d like in our bathroom?
  • Do we have access to another shower and toilet during the remodeling process?
  • How much are we willing to invest to have the bathroom of our dreams?

Once you have considered these questions, the next step is a discussion about your wants and needs with a Grande Decor professional. We will help you with the nitty-gritty about types and styles of cabinets, comparing one countertop surface to another. Our only wish is to help you create the bathroom experience you want within an investment parameter with which you are comfortable.