The Golden Revision

Many of us who have a 1980's and 1990's house have the same thing. Outdated and ugly brass fixtures.  We all have them, we all hate them, and we all want to replace them.  Especially now that they are probably showing their age with tarnishing and deteriorating finishes, leaks, and oxidation.  It's ok, we should all know we aren't alone.

Today's finishes aren't limited to Chrome and Brushed Nickel.  For those of you that still love the warmth and class that Brass once showed, there is still something perfect for you.  There are still golden finishes that are gaining in popularity. (I guess everything does come back around at some point!)  Here are some of my favorite finishes that are perfect for people who love the gold finishes, or who are on top of the fashion game!

This faucet is Brushed Bronze.  Similar finishes are available from many well named brands, including Kohler, Delta, Brizo, Newport Brass, Altman's, and many more.  This finish is available in both kitchen and bath. Brushed Bronze is a darker version of a golden finish.  It is warm, and goes well with cream colored finishes.

Here it is again in a kitchen faucet.  This particular faucet is the Kohler Karbon Articulating Faucet, which list at around $1500.  This finish is truly a way to make a statement.  It hasn't grown widespread like Brass did in the 80's and 90's, and like Brushed Nickel has in the 2000's and 2010's.  Because of so many finish offerings today, I don't think it will be come so widespread, so you can really make a statement and have something unique.

This Polished Copper faucet by Newport Brass is called the Metropole. I very popular design, in a unique finish to Newport Brass.  It looks just like a shiny new penny. This faucet is priced from around $1207. Many of Newport Brass's faucet offerings are available in this finish, which is again, a warm and unique finish.  One thing I dislike about chrome is that it can be so cold.

Newport Brass has the largest selection of gold finishes including Polished Copper, Brushed Bronze, French Gold, Polished Brass, Brushed Brass, and so much more. Newport Brass also has a wide variety of faucet designs, and nearly all faucets are available in all 27 finishes.  They are typically made to order, which makes them the best way to customize your faucet.  They have a full array of faucets including bath, kitchen, shower, and accessories to coordinate your whole home.

Delta Trinsic Floor Mount Tub Filler in Champagne Bronze

And this last faucet is the Delta Trinsic Floor Mount Tub Filler in Champagne Bronze. I love the mix of Traditional finishes with contemporary faucet design.  This is a great way to create a custom space.  Why stick to the same old boring Brushed Nickel if you don't want to. Like Newport Brass, Delta has a full variety of coordinating faucets and accessories to match your whole home.

Most people can't wait to get rid of their outdated gold faucets.  Some people still love the gold, if that's you, rest assured, you will find something to fit your taste.  Traditional, contemporary, and transitional styles are available in these fun new finishes.  And if you shop with the major brands, you can create a whole suite of fixtures and accessories to make a complete space.

6 Gorgeous Fall Porches

The air is getting cooler, and the pumpkin spice latte's are plentiful.  So what does that mean for your house? Whether you are decorating for Halloween, or fall in general, here are some absolutely gorgeous porches to get you inspired.

Simple with a splasg of color.
By Seaside Interiors

Lovely vignette,simple and clean.
By ComfyDwelling.com

Another chic vignette
By ComfyDwelling.com

Simply Elegant 

Lovely seating area
By ComfyDwelling.com

Eclectic Fall Decor
by EASYdesigns

Buying Guide: Kitchen Sink's

Since writing my Electronic Faucet Buying Guide, I have been asked to follow up with a Kitchen Sink Buying Guide to go along with it.  There are many kitchen sink option available in today's market.  Not only with size and design, but also materials of kitchen sinks.

I personally believe that the Faucet and Kitchen Sink are the two hardest working products in your entire home.  They need to be treated, and selected, as such.  Don't get a $99 sink/faucet set from Home Depot and then get mad when it's broken less than a year later.

When selecting a sink, your style of cooking and cleaning really need to be evaluated by you and your house hold.  Here are some things to consider:

• Who does the dishes?  Don't get a sink too deep to cause back discomfort. Try them out.  
• What's your dish washing style? Dishwashers use 1/6th the amount of water, and should be doing most if not all the washing.  Your dishwashing style will determine the number and configuration of bowls.
• Is it for looks, or is it for function?  If you are an empty nester who eat out 5 times a week, your sink needs will be different than a family who always eats at home and has a house full of kids. 
• What finishes are you looking for? Color, something that blends in with the counter?  The color you want will help determine the material.  

So, these are just a few questions to ask yourself.  When thinking about a kitchen sink, BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. You are just doing yourself an injustice if you can't be honest about your needs and wants. Also, your needs need to come before your wants.  I shouldn't have to state this, but if your need is for something as indestructible as possible, but you want stainless to match your appliances, ditch the stainless, you will be disappointed. 

Now for the materials. I will say, I am a little biased and opinionated on the matter, but after selling sinks for 11 years, and hearing the complaints, my opinions are more about experience than anything.  

Franke Peak PKX11028 

Stainless Steel. Yes, they look good, but I hate them. I absolutely hate them.  To get a good stainless steel sink you should expect to pay around $750 and up. If you decide to go this route there are a few things you need to know.

• They Scratch. No matter how much you spend, is going to scratch.  (Unless your my mom!) 
• Get grids. If the sink doesn't include protective grids, buy them. They are generally $100 per grid. They will help protect the bottom of the sink. 
• Gauge. First of all, gauge is the actual thickness of the steel, and the smaller the number the thicker the steel. I recommend getting a 16 or 18 gauge sink. 
• How is it made? In addition to the gauge, this is the most important thing.  There are stamped sinks, where they take a giant sheet of steel and press them into the shape of the sink.  Think about that Salt Water Taffy. What happens when you stretch it?  It get's thinner. Some sinks are folded and soldered. These are the ones you want.  
• The next is the noise.  Sound deadening pads and under coating will make the sink quieter when the disposal is on, and when the water is on. 

Rohl Shaws Original Casement Edge Sink

Fireclay. Fireclay sinks are popular with the apron front style sinks.  These super durable sinks are great. Beautiful, as well as durable.  They are just as durable as a Cast Iron sink, yet feature thinner walls, often allowing for a larger basin.  Like Stainless, you get what you pay for. Because of the nature of this material, every sink is different. Don't ever cut a cabinet or countertop based on a template. Only use the actual sink. 1/8th of an inch can ruin your kitchen!  Here are some questions:

• Is it hand made or machine made?  Generally the price will tell you. If it's under $1000 assume its made by a machine. If it's hand made, it will be more costly.
• Hand made typically have more of a chance of size variations. Meaning it could be up to 1/4"smaller or larger than the display. 
• Ask about pooling, and do your research.  Some fireclay sinks have unlevel bottom's, which can result in liquids pooling in the bottom of the sink. Some people, myself included, could careless, but if this will bug you, make sure there aren't a lot of complaints online and through the showroom. 

Blanco Diamond Super Single

Composite Granite. These are my own personal favorite. These sinks are a true work horse.  Scratch resistant, stain resistant, heat resistant, the whole deal. There are great shapes and designs available, and quite a few colors.  Most people opt for colors that blend in with their countertop, but contrasting the counter surface creates a great look as well. Like all sinks, you do get what you pay for. There are many brands of Composite Granite sinks, but in my opinion, Blanco's Silgranite is the one who has mastered the technology. 

• First,when purchasing a composite granite (or any kitchen sink), be sure to inspect the sink for any cracks chips or damage before you even schedule your counter template. 
• If you get a light color, I suggest getting a grid to protect the bottom of the sink.  Some pans, specifically cast iron, can transfer black marks.  They will come out, but why scrub if you don't have to. 
• Some of the darker colors can also show water spots. If you have dark colors and hard water, simply dry out the sink after each use to avoid spots. It takes 2 seconds, it's easy, and good practice for any sink. 

Cast Iron. The traditional work horse. These sinks have been around for 50 years, and when taken care of, still look brand new.  Kohler is the major manufacturer of Cast Iron sinks.  There are many colors and shapes available. These sinks are cast iron, covered in an enamel.  They can chip, but the amount of force it takes to chip the enamel would ruin any sink on the market.  I typically warn people to be careful of the center divide if they get a double bowl. 

• Like Composite Granite, if you get a lighter colored sink, get a grid to protect the bottom of the sink.  
• Do Not Ever clean the sink with an abrasive cleaner like Ajax or Comet. It can scratch the glaze and you will never be able to keep the sink clean. (In fact, if you own some of these cleaners, throw them out for good!) 
• Also, dark colors can get ruined by hard water, so be sure to wipe them dry when your done. 

So these are some of the major competitors for kitchen sinks.  Hopefully this gives you some criteria for a future sink and some ideas on what to look for when selecting your next sink.  Like a faucet, you get what you pay for, and you really need to invest in the best possible sink you can afford, which ever style you prefer.  

10 Freestanding Tub Installations to Envy

Today, freestanding tubs are gaining in popularity. There should be no question as to why! They are beautiful, elegant, and can fit into nearly any design. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the cost of a free standing tub. When planning on these beautiful feature pieces, be sure to do your research before budgeting for one of these truly luxurious tubs.

Freestanding tubs can range anywhere from $3,000 - $10,000 depending on the size features and materials.  Why so pricey?  Well, for starters, they have a much higher finished surface area. Instead of just being finished inside, they are finished on the outside of the tub too. Freestanding tubs also require specialty plumbing fixtures, or fillers, that range from $1,000 to approximately $5,000, again depending on features design and finish. With that being said, here are 10 installations that are definitely drool-worthy!



Design by Sam Allen Custom Home Design 

Design by Deirdre Doherty Interior Design

Design by Bristol Design and Construction LLC

Design by Shannon Callaghan Interior Design

Design by Lizette Marie Interior Design

Design by D'Cruz Design Group

Design by ALTUS Architecture + Design

Designer Unknown, Please contact for proper credit.

Design by Timothy A. Cook Designs

Design by Saint Dizier Design

Buying Guide: Electronic Faucets

You see the commercials, you see the magazine advertisements. The questions are always the same, do electronic faucets live up to the hype, or are they just something to break? This buying guide will help you know what to look for and what to ask when shopping for your next kitchen faucet.  This will help you also identify the pros and cons of the different technologies available.  

What are electronic faucets?
Some people call them "Touchless" however that isn't the right term. Here is what you need to know. There are a few types if Electronic Kitchen Faucets on the market. Those that require touch, and those that are motion activated, or truly touchless.  It's important to identify the touch style faucets and the motion faucets, and identify which one will work best for you and your family.  Most consumers actually get the touch activated faucets over the motion faucets, but we will get more in detail on that later.

Brizo Artesso Smart Touch Faucet in Polished Nickel

Questions to Ask:  When you get to the showroom, here are a few questions you may want to ask the showroom sales person.  

1. What's the warranty on the specific faucet you are looking at?  Are there any other brands with a different warranty or longer warranty?  
2. What's the power source? If batteries, how long do they last, or is there an option to upgrade to a plug-in style?  
3. What is the quality of the brand? Are they lower end, mid level, or high end.  I always suggest looking at different styles with many price points.  The Faucet is the hardest working "Appliance" in your kitchen.  It's worth the extra investment.  
4. Does the showroom have samples hooked up you can use and test?  I don't recommend buying a motion or touch faucet without "playing" first.  

Delta Touch2O/Brizo SmartTouch Technology
Delta and Brizo have my favorite of the electronic kitchen faucets. They require touch, and for my lifestyle, that just works better. The big difference between the two is ultimately the aesthetics behind the design. Because Delta and Brizo are sister companies, the interior guts are essentially the same. They feature the same cartridges, same electronic mechanism, same hoses, etc.

The wonderful thing about these faucets, is you can touch them (almost) anywhere to turn them on. The neck, body, and handle work as your on/off touch area. They will turn on and be at the same temperature the faucet was the last time you had it on. These faucets also remember which spray pattern you used last.  The key is to actually leave the faucet handle in the on position.  This is great, because if the handle is in the off position, you can touch as much as you want and nothing will happen.  This works great for those of us with cat's at home.  No worry that the cat is going to turn the faucet on while scratching her nose.

These Technologies work great because of its ease of use. Like the "hands" commercial shows, your hands can be ants messy as ever, and all you have touch do is tap the faucet. Tap with your fingers, knuckles, wrists, forearm, elbow, chin, whatever floats your boat.

I personally have used the Brizo Talo and Artesso models, and love this technology. The main difference between Delta and Brizo are limited. Aside from the jump in price, they designs themselves are much more favorable in Brizo. Both feature a 5 year warranty on electronics, and a lifetime warranty on the finish. Both are battery operated, however some of the new Brizo faucets will feature an outlet where aren't electric outlet can be added. These faucets run on 6 AA batteries, and the battery pack is on a long lead which can be mounted toward the front of the cabinet, and need to be replaced about every 6 months. While Delta is typically a "Low-Medium" end faucet, Brizo is more high end and definitely worth the extra investment. As I said, their designs are flawless, and after all, the quality is definitely in the details.  Some of the cons include one big one, the faucet doesn't work when the batteries are dead. At least there is a low battery indicator!

Moen MotionSense Faucets
Moen features two sensors for their motion activated faucets. One is on the front of the body of the faucet, the other is at the top of the neck. This allows for dual operation. The top sensor a lows you to wave the faucet on, then wave it off when done. The lower sensor works similarly to other motion faucets where the faucet will turn on, then turn off as soon as you move away. The lower sensor is perfect for filling a glass, washing hands, and other simple tasks. The top sensor is great for dishes, and more heavy duty tasks.

My biggest concern with motion faucets is simple. I have never been good at operating these types of faucets. I often joke with clients that I am a pale ghost and they just don't see me. I can 0ut ,y hand I'm front and wave away, and nothing happens. The Men faucet that I have actually used, the Arbor, has worked well with my pale hamds, so bonus points for Moen.

Client complaints I have been told include "The Ghost Faucet" where people complain the faucet will sense you walking by and turn itself off and on. Kind of creepy!

Pfister React
Pfister is typically a lower price point option. There is currently few designs available, however the features will speak for themselves.  As I said with Moen, I am not typically fond of Motion faucets because of my transparent skin not working well with them. That being said, I haven't actually used the Pfister model, so I don't know if it see's me or not.

This model features one sensor. This sensor is much smaller than the Moen models, which in my opinion is more favorable, as aesthetics are important.  Some of the features include: 2 minute automatic shut off, easy temperature adjustment, hibernate mode, and a low battery indicator.  The two minute shut off is great, and a feature most consumers ask for. If the faucet is turned off, it will automatically shut itself off, conserving water in a hectic kitchen. Like other motion sensor models, the temperature will always be the same, a preset temperature, which on the Pfizer models, cam easily be adjusted for your lifestyle. Hibernation mode is perfect for cleaning the faucet, or when you go on vacation, preventing the cat from turning the faucet on.

Kohler Sensate
This technology features a sensor under the neck of the faucet. I love this! It's discreet and great for aesthetics. This faucet is designed to let you wave not only your hand, but objects as well, to activate the faucet.

Now, I haven't actually seen this faucet, so I can't say much about it.  But knowing Kohler's track record for quality and a competitive price, I am sure this faucet will wow it's users, and is well worth the investment.  

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