Jan
10 Kitchen Must Haves!
10 Things Every Kitchen Must Have and
What I love About My Kitchen
One of the things I love most about my job is the opportunity to help people create the kitchen of their dreams. The kitchen is such an important part of not only the home but the family! We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking, eating, sharing and entertaining guests so this space deserves the extra time and attention needed in its creation. Below are ten things I believe every kitchen should have and then if you scroll down further I’d love to share my kitchen with you!
1. Natural Light
Look for ways to maximize light, from eliminating cabinets next to windows to using transparent or reflective materials like glass and stainless steel.
2. Visual Texture
It’s the mix of woods, countertop materials, and finishes that creates warmth, personality, and mood.
3. Stainless Steel
The consummate neutral, it looks great with everything and will never go out of style. I love its organic quality — it develops a well-worn patina over time.
4. An Island
If space allows, an island is essential. It’s the social center of the kitchen.
5. A Great Sink
Accessories such as an integrated colander and a sliding cutting board make working there more efficient.
6. Integrated Refrigeration
Creating cabinet facades to hide refrigeration units gives me a tremendous amount of design freedom. By eliminating a large, boxy element, I can make a kitchen feel more room-like.
7. High-Performance Appliances
Today, high-efficiency burners and ovens with convection and self-cleaning are really indispensable.
8. A Hook
Every great kitchen has a hook, that one unique element that just pulls you in. It could be a hood, a sink, a pot rack.
9. A Kitchen Designer
Kitchen design is complicated, and the landscape is constantly changing. Hiring a professional is perhaps the most valuable investment you will make.
10. Ice Cream
In my opinion, no kitchen is complete without it.
Here’s what I love about MY kitchen!
I Love that my kitchen has room for family gatherings. The easiest way to draw family together for an enjoyable evening is with a good home-cooked meal!
I love the natural light flows in and highlights the visual textures in this space. The antique wool rugs help to soften the room, the richness of the cherry wood, and the silk valance over the sink each add an element of personality to the large kitchen.
The large appliances, a 48″ Thermador Range and an Integrated 48″ Sub-Zero refrigerator both look right at home in this over sized space, designed to accommodate a large family.
On either side of the sink, 2 dishwasher are hidden behind cabinet doors, one for clean, one for dirty. Much easier that way! All the latest appliances, Built-in Coffee/espresso maker, warming drawer, convection-microwave, and a Steamer in the island!! The island is the central hub of the entire house – great for setting out the buffet style meals.
I have a lot of electric outlets in the tile work – so I had a painter come in and paint the switches to look like the tile. Suddenly they disappear. She also painted the bottom toe space of the appliances to match the cabinet doors where the metal of the appliance was showing through.
Now for the Cookie dough Ice Cream!!
At Luxury Home Solutions, we Design, Supply, and Install. As General Contractors , we are able to not only create the designs with the use of in-house design team, but supplymany of the products that we purchase direct from the manufacturers, and installusing our own employees. Our dedication to our clients is unparalleled as we build trust, confidence, and relationships that last a lifetime. As a full-service construction company, we excel in luxury home construction, design and remodeling, renovations and updates, as well as routine maintenance and repairs.
Joni Hall
Luxury Home Solutions
Jan
From Old to New Again!
Recycle & Reuse Old Items in New Ways
In a day and age where we have become more Eco friendly and budget conscious we have so many options for home decor! But just because we want to go green or save money doesn’t mean we have to go with something unattractive or out of style. I love getting creative with the re-purposing of items in a home and below are just a few ideas that can help you turn something old into something new for your personal space!
Here Landis Carey gives us a great idea for an outdoor table. This works great for those of us in Southwest Florida! The idea of dining outdoors right now is mostly a fantasy for the majority of the country, but we can still dream, can’t we? Made of solid concrete that was salvaged from a remodel, this table is bound to withstand the test of time and weather. There’s no snow or rain that will make it warp or rot, so if you’re in the market for a new outdoor dining table, this might be a great solution! Click here for more.
I love this beautiful serving tray, made from a salvaged Cabinet door. If you get started on this project now, you could have your own special serving trays before VALENTINES DAY!! One of these would make an awesome gift for someone who loves breakfast in bed, don’t you think?
Here is another great outdoors idea that works perfectly with our all year-long warm Florida weather – these old doors were re-purposed as a beautiful Arbor! Talk about showing your garden some love this year! We found more ideas for doors so please keep reading!
Chairs made from nothing but newspaper via Inhabitat. The very cool furniture that David Stovell is making out of carefully rolled newspaper – something that could be done at home if you have the patience! Click here for more.
Here’s another creative way to reuse an old door – how about a new swing for your back lanai or front porch? There are many beautiful nights where you just want to sit back and enjoy a cool southwest Florida breeze outside. Now you can!
This one is just amazing! It’s an ottoman made from an old washing machine drum. Creatively unique idea!
How about putting those old jeans of yours to good use? You can still sit on them and give your old chair a nice, new yet relaxing look!
Here’s another great idea for putting that old door to good use. How about a new headboard to give your guest bedroom a fresh new look?
We found a number of nice examples of doors being re-purposed as a headboard. This last one has a more natural wood look to it.
At Luxury Home Solutions, we Design, Supply, and Install. As General Contractors , we are able to not only create the designs with the use of in-house design team, but supplymany of the products that we purchase direct from the manufacturers, and installusing our own employees. Our dedication to our clients is unparalleled as we build trust, confidence, and relationships that last a lifetime. As a full-service construction company, we excel in luxury home construction, design and remodeling, renovations and updates, as well as routine maintenance and repairs.
Joni Hall
Luxury Home Solutions
Jan
Happy Holidays from Luxury Home Solutions
As this year 2011 comes to an end we reflect on everything we have to be grateful for. We truly appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve you over the years. We appreciate your trust in us and the friendships that have grown over time. We look forward to many more years of success, prosperity and abundance for all. Thank you for being such a valuable part of our business!
Wishing you Peace, Joy and Prosperity this Holiday Season from our family to yours! Happy New Year 2012 from Luxury Home Solutions!
Dec
Merry Christmas from Luxury Home Solutions!
During this beautiful time of the year we send you blessings, love, joy and prosperity from our family to yours! We appreciate your preference over the years. It’s such an honor to serve you. We value the trust you put in us and we look forward to serving you for many years to come!
May all your wishes come true this Holiday Season! Merry Christmas from Luxury Home Solutions!
Luxury Home Solutions
239.963.4093 – Naples
239.728.2143 – Fort Myers
239.728.3889 – Fax
Dec
My Christmas Wish List!
One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is window shopping! This is the perfect time of the year to just take a look around and see what’s out there. I find it so relaxing and fun plus it’s a great way to narrow down what I really want under my tree this year! The best part about today’s technology is that we don’t have to physically go to the shopping mall because we can window shop right from our computer screen!
Today I put together a list of my Christmas Wish list to share with you… just for fun!
The easiest way to give you dining room a new look is with a new set of dishes!
Nothing like a beautiful chandelier to light up your world!
Here is another version of the mason jar chandelier!
There's nothing like beautiful flower beds to give my home a fresh, new and inviting look!
I think I just might need someone to help me plant the new flower beds!
A girl can never have enough pots - I love plants!
Flower pots of all sizes and colors are a must!
Jars and paint brushes to touch up the walls in my house! I love beautiful walls!
Mint Oreo Brownies - three of my favorite flavors all in one bite! YUM!
What's better than great coffee? Great flavored coffee! Yeah!
Now onto more important must haves! Every woman needs more shoes!
What a better match for those shoes than a new black dress and jacket!
Diamond hoop earrings anyone? Most definitely!
Or how about these earrings? I'll take them both!
Wow! Gold necklace with crushed diamonds! Beautiful!
Beautiful Brown Riding Boots!
We can wish for cold just to wear these Red Cashmere gloves!
Just like shoes we can always use another purse!
Every girl loves pink! This is a beautiful pink jacket that I've love to see hanging in my closet!
New ipad cover - classy and stylish!
And for the days you want to brighten things up - colorful ipad cover!
How about a variety of iphone covers to match my different outfits! I love it!
Salon grade hair dryer all my own!
And last but not least a Canon wide-angle lens for the best photos ever!
Thanks for letting me share my fun wish list with you! Speaking of wishes… I wish you peace, joy and blessings this Holiday season!
Joni Hall
Luxury Home Solutions
Dec
Update on the Heart Walk!
The Luxury Home Solutions Team participated in the Lee County Heart Walk!
Luxury Home Solutions team is all about getting involved in the community and making a difference! This year we raised $500 and we feel really good about making a real difference in the fight against cardiovascular disease. The event was on December 10th, 2011 at Centennial Park in Fort Myers!
Below are some images from the event – it was a fun day and we all enjoyed coming together to participate in such an important movement! The team members who made it were John Nary, Chris & Joni Hall and Heather Young. John Daugherty, Norm, Connor and Caitlin weren’t able to make it this year but we’re saving their spot for next year!
The LHS Team!
Joni with Jared from Subway!
Joni planking on the peak!
Start Time for the Walk was 9am
Location: Centennial Park - 2000 West 1st Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Dec
LHS Team at the Lee County Heart Walk!
Join Luxury Home Solutions at the Lee County Heart Walk!
Luxury Home Solutions team is all about getting involved in the community and making a difference! This time we have teamed up to walk and raise money for this important cause. YOU CAN HELP! You can make a real difference in the fight against cardiovascular disease – PLEASE JOIN US!
Come out and walk with us, donate money and help spread the word! Tomorrow is the big day – December 10th, 2011 at Centennial Park in Fort Myers!
The Heart Walk 4-1-1!
Looking for Heart Walk information? Look no further. We have all the details you need to get the most out of this exciting event – click here.
Start Time: the Program begins at 8am and the Walk at 9am
Location: Centennial Park - 2000 West 1st Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Visit our Event Information site for more detail on:
Open that middle drawer on your desk. See those nickels, dimes and pennies you’ve tossed in there over the years? Put them in a jar and ask all your co-workers to do the same. You’ll be amazed at how big that small change can add up!
If you’re not at a desk, that’s okay. We’re willing to bet you’ve got a change jar at home that you can dip into!
See You Tomorrow!!
Dec
Things I Like for the Holidays!
The Holidays are definitely a special time of the year that everyone loves! At Luxury Home Solutions we believe your home is the perfect place to set the mood and help you celebrate the beauty and joy that December brings! I’m all about inspiring you to create your own unique living space with home decor beauty that fits perfectly with who you are.
Below are just a few things I Like for the Holidays and why I like them!
A White Christmas Celebration!
I like the monochromatic feel of this room – and it’s quite Festive! The ceiling mounted light fixture reflected in the mirror sets the tone for the room. The grays and taupe in the walls and furnishings are enhanced with the natural wood floors and interesting Holiday items the homeowner used. The room did not need to be “transformed” into red and green, just because its December. I Love it!
A Natural Holiday Expression
I again like to see Holiday décor that factors in the design and décor of the existing room. The buffet and rug and wall color are enhanced with the simple and elegant, natural holiday accents. Not distracted with Santas and elves, etc.
Christmas Elegance & Joy!
I like the robin’s egg blue wall coloring with the white wood work. This is always a favorite of mine – any time of the year and in any part of the country. With the right furnishings, this combination will work at the beach and in the most colonial of settings. This especially works at Christmas because the holiday decorations were kept simple with only a touch of red. The natural greens and silver on the table are simply elegant and beautiful. There is no rug on the wood floors to distract from their beauty and the built-in cabinetry provides just enough action in the room.
A Beautiful Touch of Holiday Green!
I absolutely Love the fresh color of lime green for the holidays! The pine wood floors and the stone walls at the fireplace probably provide this homeowner with endless possibilities for décor all year round. But at this time of year, they can cover the chairs and sofa in all white slipcovers, and use all silver and fresh green accessories. What a cool looking room to enjoy holiday warmth – no matter how cold it gets outside…
I hope you enjoyed my Holiday favorites. Please feel free to share this blog with anyone you feel might be interested!
Thanks, Joni Hall
At Luxury Home Solutions, we Design, Supply, and Install. As General Contractors , we are able to not only create the designs with the use of in-house design team, but supply many of the products that we purchase direct from the manufacturers, and install using our own employees. Our dedication to our clients is unparalleled as we build trust, confidence, and relationships that last a lifetime. As a full-service construction company, we excel in luxury home construction, design and remodeling, renovations and updates, as well as routine maintenance and repairs.
Nov
Fall Inspiration
Let the colors of Fall inspire you!
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year filled with so many good things to enjoy. This is the holiday in which people travel home more than any other time of the year. It’s when we bring out our best china, cook up our fanciest meal and invite our loved ones over for an evening of abundance, sharing and joy. We open our personal space and extend our warmth to those that we cherish the most in life. It’s a special time in which we have full permission to just stop everything and be grateful for all we have and express that gratitude in our home. It’s a time for family, friends, fun, food and great fall decor! Even though the Southwest Florida climate is warmer and the seasons are experienced as vividly as up north there is no reason why we can’t feel the colors of fall in our home decor choices!
I especially like to get creative this time of year as I let myself get inspired by the warm colors of fall. Shopping for new home accessories like candles, napkins, centerpieces, pumpkins or flowers is always so much fun! I enjoy bringing out the old boxes of lovely things from the past and mixing them with the new to create a fresh, inviting and beautiful feeling every year, all over again! I love the smells of cinnamon, vanilla, pumpkin pie or anything autumn! Thanksgiving should be felt, seen, smelled, tasted and enjoyed by all because life is too short to not enjoy the wonderful pleasures of life.
There are a lot of simple yet elegant ways we can brighten up our home and warm up our space and just celebrate this beautiful time of the year. Here are some of my favorite fall decor ideas! For more fall favorites please visit our fanpage!
Discover Fall on your dinner table!
The beauty of design is in the details!
Think outside of the ordinary - White Pumpkins!
Make your Thanksgiving dinner elegant!
Abundantly beautiful - simple yet elegant!
Sep
Surviving a Home Remodel
The great news is that you are finally getting your dream house!! Yay!! This is an exciting and wonderful time in which you can accomplish that long time goal of upgrading to the space you really want to live in. You know you deserve more and you’ve been dreaming, planning and saving to make it a reality.
The not so good news is that you will have to live through weeks or maybe even months, of remodeling inconveniences, snags, hiccups, hassles and the inevitable dust that shows up everywhere!
Living in a house that is under construction is never easy. In fact it can be stressful and tiresome, but with a little preparation and preplanning, you can make it easier on yourself and the entire family.
Planning Ahead – It’s a smart idea to find out how long the remodel should take before getting started as well as what it will cost. Explore how the work will disrupt your home life and work life if you happen to work from home. Then, make the necessary arrangements to deal with the daily disruptions. It’s also a good idea to consider worse case scenarios because we need to have a plan “Just in case”. What if there was a power outage for an extended period of time? What if the water is shut off for several days in order to fix a plumbing problem that jumps in the way? Either of these situations might mean you have to relocate for a couple of days while the problem is solved. And if you happen to have 2 dogs, 3 cats and a parrot – what do you do now?? Back up plans can be life savers in a challenging remodel moment.
Establishing the Ground Rules – Take the time to talk to your contractor about a work schedule before you get started. Define what hours and days of the week are best suited for you to have workers in your space. The last you thing you want is your rest and relaxation time interrupted by noisy construction work. You should consider a portable toilet if you aren’t comfortable with them using a guest bath. Decide where workers can park their vehicles to allow you freedom to come and go as needed. It’s also, a good idea to establish how much cleanup of the work area must be done daily. Remember, communication is key! Don’t forget to let the gatehouse know what’s going on if you have one. Give them a detailed list of who will be working on your home to avoid entry delays. The last thing you need is a neighborhood conflict – or a gatekeeper that refuses to let them in because he doesn’t know who they are.
Setting up your living area – It’s a good idea to protect your space by having the entrances to the work area covered with plastic. This will avoid getting dust in the rest of the house. It also serves as a way to define the “work area” and keep it separate from the “living area”. You may find it necessary to set up a temporary kitchen in another room. All you need is a table with a microwave, coffee pot, paper plates and cups and even a mini-fridge if you have one. Stock up on basics like bottled water and microwave meals, just in case. You never know how long the ride could last so be prepared!
Storing your belongings – This is an extra step that is very much worth the time and energy you put into it. In an effort to keep your “favorite things” safe, it’s a good idea to store away any breakables or delicate treasures. This can be as easy as wrapping them in tissue or bubble wrap and storing them in boxes out of the way. Having construction work done on one side of the house can cause vibrations in other rooms and cause your lovely things to fall over and break. Lastly, remember to cover your furniture with old sheets or drop cloths to prevent excess dust from settling on them.
I know that with these few steps, your remodeling project doesn’t have become a headache to remember. Luxury Home Solutions is here to help you plan your next home remodel. Give us a call at 239-963-4093 or 239-728-2143 to find out how we can make your upgrade an easy and beautiful one! Below are a few of our favorite Luxury Home Solutions Remodeling projects!
Kitchen Remodel
Bathroom Remodel
Home Theater Remodel
Outdoor Living Remodel
