How to Specify Energy-Efficient Lighting

By Randall Whitehead, IALD

I’m a lighting designer who specializes in interior and exterior residential projects. I work with kitchen and bath designers, architects, interior designers, and homeowners to help make their projects come…

Choosing a Cutting Board

Choosing the proper cutting board — sometimes also called a chopping block — is as important as the selection of the proper knife and can extend the life of your kitchen countertops.

Trends in Bathroom Lighting

The current trend in bathroom lighting is toward larger, sunnier baths, and today’s top bathroom designers are placing more emphasis on artificial lighting as well. A single, small lighting fixture protruding from the middle of the ceiling doesn’t suffice by today’s standards…

Selecting Wood Cabinets

Oak is the most common wood used for solid wood cabinets. Because of the strong “flower” grain in the wood, oak looks best in country settings. You can stain it almost any color, and since the graining is so strong, the grain will always come through the stain. To offset the reddish…

What to Expect…When Expecting a New Kitchen or Bath: Part I

By Molly Erin McCabe, AKBD
Reprinted with permission from West Sound Home & Garden Magazine

Remodeling a kitchen or bath can be very similar to having a baby. First you plan…

Real-World Budgeting for Bathroom Remodeling

By Steven Moore, Budget Bath USA

People are more cautious than ever when loosening their purse strings. We’ve all learned that becoming educated consumers not only helps us get the right products, but get them at the right…

The Pros and Cons of Glass Countertops

Are you thinking about new kitchen countertops? If using glass as a material for kitchen countertops seems inappropriate, then you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Glass countertops and bathroom vanities are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners who are…

Successful Tile Design and Installation

By Molly Erin McCabe, AKBD
Reprinted with permission from West Sound Home & Garden Magazine

Decorative tile is a beautiful, versatile, expressive material. A tile backsplash can evoke whimsy or drama. A tile…

Choosing a Bathroom Vanity Top

If you’re looking for a bathroom countertop — usually called a vanity top — look for something that will stand up to water, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, and alcohol- and acetone-based liquids. Replacing a vanity top is a feasible do-it-yourself project since you don’t have…

Tips for Your Bathroom Walls

The quickest way to transform a bath is to change the look of its walls. Whether paint, wallpaper, paneling, or tile is selected, remember that a bathroom wall covering must stand up to heat, moisture, and frequent cleaning. Mixing and matching materials for their strengths in…