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How to Plan for a Double Sink Bathroom Vanity

Bathroom vanities are an important aspect of any home bathroom — they allow you to wash up and store your beauty products, and the more space the better. Whether you share a bathroom with your spouse, have two kids that need to use the same restroom, or just want allow your guests more than one sink, a double sink vanity is a plus. While not all bathrooms will have the space to accommodate two sinks, installing an extra sink is worth thinking about during a bathroom remodel project. In order to determine if a double sink vanity is right for your bathroom, consider the following factors.

Benefits

Bathroom vanities can be crowded real estate in your home, particularly if you have a large family. Adding two sinks to the vanity space not only makes it easier for your family to use the space, but can increase the resale value of your home. If the next potential buyer prefers an individual sink in the master bathroom, for example, the fact that you have a dual sink vanity may make or break their decision to purchase your home.

Space

Of course, a small bathroom may not have room for more than one sink in the vanity. Don’t sacrifice function for appearances — if a dual sink set up will make your bathroom too cramped to be comfortable, you’re better off settling for a single sink that looks natural in the room. Determining if you have enough room for a double sink bathroom vanity is easy enough; measure the space available for your vanity and then determine the length of your proposed vanity. Make sure that your shower stall can comfortably swing open with a longer vanity, and that there will still be ample room around the toilet.

Other Measurements

When you are measuring for two sinks, keep in mind that no more than 30 inches should exist between the middle of each sink basin. If there is too much space between each sink, the plumbing aspect of your remodel may be affected adversely. Also, make sure that there is at least one foot of space between the center of each sink and the nearest wall (not including the wall behind the sink). This allows enough space to comfortable wash your hands and stand in front of the sink without banging your elbows.

Plumbing

You can use the same waste line for two sinks, but separate traps and drains are probably required. The set up for bathroom vanities’ plumbing may vary based on the cupboard and drawer set up; in some cases, the drawers will make it more difficult to combine the two sink’s waste lines into one. Consult your plumber during a bathroom remodel to find out the extra costs involved with adding another sink — if it is even possible. If you buy a dual sink vanity and then find out the plumbing requirements are extensive, you may regret your purchase.

Custom Vanities

If your room is small but you’re determined to have a two sink vanity, consider getting a custom vanity built. Custom projects let you get the look you want without having to adhere to the standard sizes in which countertops and bathroom cabinetry are typically sold. Custom bathroom vanities also let you get exactly what you want when it comes to the countertop and cabinetry combinations.

This post entitled How to Plan for a Double Sink Bathroom Vanity is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

4 Ideas to Get the Most Out Of Your Small Kitchen

Although 2012 trends are to larger kitchens, some homes simply don’t have the space for a large gathering space in the kitchen area. City apartments can have a space as small as 7 feet by 10 feet, condos often have a galley kitchen or a wall with kitchen cabinets, while in some suburbs, a 10 by 13 foot space is small for a kitchen. Whatever your space limitations, make the most of the kitchen you do have with these ideas for utilizing every corner of a tiny kitchen.

Make it Tall

Look using all of the space in your small kitchen, floor to ceiling. Order extra-tall cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling. Remove any drop or faux ceilings in a small kitchen. Not only will it give you extra storage space, but it will also open up the room for an airy feel. Think tall and skinny when it comes to appliances as well. In a truly tiny apartment-style kitchen, use a tall and narrow refrigerator, a narrow stove stovetop with only two burners, and a narrow dishwasher, if you have the space. Think small for the sink as well. A single bowl, deep sink can hold a large pot to fill or many dirty dishes. Paired with a gooseneck, pull-out faucet, the sink can be versatile with a small footprint.

Add an Island

If you have a small kitchen with a little more space, consider an island. Even a small island can make a kitchen more workable by providing an eating area and more storage. Islands don’t need to take up lots of room; consider a triangular or round island with a small footprint.

Organize

Make use of every bit of space in your small kitchen. For example, look at hanging pots and pans for an attractive display that saves space. Also consider pullout shelves and organizers in cabinets and drawers. Utilizing every bit of space in a cabinet makes a small kitchen more functional. Consider extra-deep countertops to give you more workspace without significantly affecting traffic flow. Using a table that folds down is a great idea for your small kitchen to create a space for you to eat on and it folds down out of the way when not being used.

Lighten it Up

Use light wisely in a small kitchen to make the space brighter and to give the illusion of size. Consider under-cabinet halogen or LED lights to add space-creating light to countertops. If there is any way to add an exterior window to the room, do so. If not, consider a solar tube to bring natural light into the room.

This post entitled 4 Ideas to Get the Most Out Of Your Small Kitchen is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

How To Ventilate A Bathroom Properly

A bathroom remodel can bring new life, new practicality and new functionality to a bathroom space. Whether a remodel involves changing fixtures, painting walls, installing new bathroom cabinets or completely gutting and reconstructing, a fresh bathroom look is a great way to update a home. However, issues below the glossy surface sometimes get overlooked in a bathroom remodel. One item that is important to consider is proper bathroom ventilation.

Concerns

Bathrooms are warm, damp and humid most of the time they are in use. This combination of high heat and high moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for mold, mildew and rot. By ventilating a bathroom space properly, it’s possible to greatly reduce the damage caused by humidity and heat. Every design decision in a bathroom should consider airflow and venting.

Natural Light and Breeze

Bathrooms are such a small space and privacy is such a concern that there are often no windows in bathrooms. But consider installing windows for a brighter and a fresher space as well as for drying and ventilating the air. Would a clerestory, or high window, work in the space? Perhaps the space is large enough for a standard casement window that is out of the sightlines of the private areas of the bath. Window coverings can also solve the privacy issue, add color and spark to the décor, and still allow airflow through the bathroom for effective ventilation. While sky lights and solar tubes are great for adding natural light, they are of no use for ventilating.

Fans

Bathroom fans are usually standard in a remodel, but choosing the wrong fan means inadequate ventilation, leading to mildew and possibly warped bathroom cabinets. To choose the right fan, calculate how many cubic feet per minute or CFM a fan needs to move. The standard for bathrooms is moving the air eight complete times per hour. The homeowner or the contractor can calculate the needed CFMs using one of three methods.

The first method is an estimating method used for bathrooms under 100 square feet. Follow the Home Ventilating Institute’s guidelines of having one CFM per square foot of bathroom. So for a bathroom that is 75 square feet, get a fan with 75 or more CFM. The second method is used for bathrooms over 100 square feet, and makes a calculation based on the number of fixtures. For each standard toilet, shower or tub add 50 CFM, and for every whirlpool or jetted tub, add 100. So a bathroom with a toilet, a shower and a jetted tub needs 200 CFM. The third method uses a mathematical formula of square footage times ceiling height. Divide this by 60 and multiply by eight to get the number of CFMs that will give eight air changes per hour.

Ducting

Using proper ducting is also crucial for effective ventilation. Although some contractors do it as a shortcut, make sure the fan is not vented into an attic space or a basement space. This just transfers humidity rather than removing it. Instead, vent the fan directly to the outside. Install the correctly sized exhaust fan as near an exterior wall as possible so that the duct run is shorter. The run should be no more than 6 feet for ideal fan operation. Use a 4-inch duct and make the run as straight as possible. Any turns, long duct runs or other factors that slow airflow will cause the fan to be inefficient. If the duct run is longer than six feet and/or has a turn in it, purchase a fan with higher CFMs to avoid humidity buildup or bathroom cabinet damage.

Replacing a Vent Fan

When remodeling a bathroom, sometimes the vent fan was at one time adequate for the space, but is now not working well or not working at all. While homeowners can replace the entire vent, finding a new fan that fits exactly in the space of the old fan is often a real challenge. One way to solve this dilemma is to write, call or make an online contact with the manufacturing company who made the fan and ask to purchase the motor only.

This post entitled How To Ventilate A Bathroom Properly is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2012 Recap

Kitchen Cabinet Kings attended The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago. While the overall show appeared to have been downsized, there was still a great turn out. Vendors and manufacturers from all aspects of home remodeling came together to showcase their products; there were cabinets, vanities, sinks, and accessories as far as the eye could see. Each display uniquely planned and perfectly placed, showcasing the up and coming trends in all things kitchen and bath. The sheer magnitude of the space was amazing, but what was truly impressive was the detail of the products.

The most prevalent and some of the most interesting items were the kitchen and bathroom sinks! This staple seems standard and simple; however, some of the designs were anything but, transforming this traditional necessity into an awe inspiring accessory. The displays showed sinks that ranged from industrial to refined using colors from gold to green. Two of the most prevalent sinks at the show were vessel sinks and copper, apron/farm sinks. We are now a huge fan of both items for different reasons.

The vessel sink is ideal to incorporate into your bathroom. These sinks sit directly atop your vanity and can be as simple or as ornate as you wish. They are also perfect for tiny bathrooms, as they do not require much space. There were countless manufacturers with endless options for these counter top sinks. Whether you have a specific idea or none whatsoever, there is definitely a vessel sink that would suite your style. One sink that stood out was this gorgeous, green glass sink in the shape of a leaf. It was flatter and longer than your average vessel sink, but it’s individuality was eye catching. If you are someone who is always looking for the next best thing, then this is it!

Copper was also a favored material in the sink department. Many of the apron and farm house sinks were constructed using this red tinted, rustic metal. Many metal sinks are known for their simplicity and smooth surfaces; however, part of the beauty of these copper sinks, is that manufacturer’s have taken a different approach. Some of the sinks shown had engravings, indents, and even patterns. This added a nice touch of design.

These are just two examples from one tiny aspect of a very large show! There was much more about KBIS that we thoroughly enjoyed, and we will be writing as much as we can to make you feel as if you were there!

This post entitled Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2012 Recap is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Three Ways to Tie Your Entire Home Together

Redesigning one room at a time can become extremely challenging. You are flooded with ideas ranging in themes, colors, and genres. This can present a problem when trying to tie your entire house into one look. There are ways to insert your imagination into each and every room of your home and still have a fluid flow to your design.

Color

Sticking to one color scheme throughout your home may become a bit monochromatic, but you can pick accent colors and place them sporadically. Metallics are a magnificent way to make any room pop. You can choose from pewter, silver, gold, bronze, etc. and purchase any odds and ends for your rooms. Light fixtures, center pieces, and picture frames are an inexpensive way to incorporate a tiny touch of similarity to your home.

Theme

Many home owners have a personal style that they wish to portray through their decorating; bohemian, traditional, and contemporary are just a few popular paths. If this is the remodeling route your are taking, continue the theme in different ways in each room. You can splash a bohemian print on your throw pillows, bath towels, and bed linens.

Commit

You may have an idea that you are so in love with, you cannot see decorating any other way. Don’t let others persuade you in a different direction. Commit to what you like and perfect the idea and concept throughout every room in your house.

Designing your home may not be an easy feat, but you will be able to create a lovely, livable space, reflecting your personal taste, by following these simple tips.

This post entitled Three Ways to Tie Your Entire Home Together is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Update Your Kitchen Without Harming the Environment

Going green is a trend that we love to see growing! It is helping keep our environment healthy, as well as our personal lives. There are many small things that you can adjust in your life to help fight the good fight, and this is the same for your home. You can use recyclable and energy efficient materials, which are more durable and will help save you money!

While the purpose and desire to do their part is there, it is hard for some to truly justify switching over to new types of materials. It is a common misconception that quality and durability are sacrificed in order to make green products. This is not the case; most Eco-Friendly products last longer than their standard counterparts.

This is great news if you are looking to remodel your kitchen and your lifestyle! Kitchen cabinets are now available using environmentally friendly construction methods. You can receive high quality, discount kitchen cabinets that are CARB certified. CARB is the California Air Resources Board, and it is the clean air agency. CARB specializes in creating and conserving air quality and shielding individuals from toxic emissions. By purchasing CARB certified cabinets you are not only giving your home a makeover, but also giving the environment the make under it needs!

You can also incorporate Eco-friendly materials into your kitchen through your counter top. Many manufacturers are offering laminates, paper board, and concrete counter tops that are better for the environment and your home. Pair these with energy efficient lighting, and you are doing your part!

Remodeling your home does not have to be detrimental to the environment, and going green does not have to negatively effect the design of your home. You can have it all by doing your research; educate yourself on methods and manufacturers. This way you will be able to receive high quality products without the high risk!

This post entitled Update Your Kitchen Without Harming the Environment is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Stack the Style in Your Kitchen

There is a new trend for wall cabinets that has been gaining popularity; stacked kitchen cabinets are sought after by designers and home owners alike.  Individuals find themselves shying away from the standard wall cabinets and opting for two in their place.  This subtle substitution adds depth and variety to the kitchen.

Stacked kitchen cabinets are perfect for breaking up the over all look of the kitchen.  From a design standpoint, replacing one wall cabinet with two shorter cabinets can make a huge difference.  This simple variation can open up a number of doors.  You can either use two cabinets with wood doors, one cabinet with wood doors and one cabinet with glass doors, or both cabinets with glass doors.  If you choose to go with the glass doors, you can create a display center for your fine china or favorite dinnerware.  Certain manufacturers offer these cabinets with lift up doors which is a more modern take on cabinetry.  To enhance that look even further opt for glass doors when stacking lift door cabinets to give you a sleek contemporary look.

You can even make your room symmetrical by placing two sets of stacked cabinets in opposing areas.  For example, framing the range hood or window with stacked cabinets on either side is a great way to incorporate this design trend.  Many times a valence is placed to bridge the two sections together.  This style of  kitchen design is perfect to turn an ordinary design into the focal point of your kitchen that will have your neighbors talking.

Another reason so many people are all about this alternative is because it can help keep things in order.  Sometimes it is easier to have a cabinet for a specific item.  Replacing one cabinet with two may mean that now the Tubberware and coffee mugs are in their own cabinets.  Additionally, utilizing glass doors and interior cabinet lightning, the stack cabinets are perfect for displaying fine china.

This design trend is excellent to create a unique kitchen design, especially for home owners looking to quickly change the overall appeal of their kitchen.  You can simply replace existing cabinets from a specific area with stacked cabinets, and your kitchen will immediately look different.

This post entitled Stack the Style in Your Kitchen is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Everything and the Kitchen Sink

One of the many decisions facing the homeowner undertaking a kitchen remodeling project is what kind of kitchen sink to purchase. While it may seem like a less important decision than finding quality discount kitchen cabinets or designing the work-flow, kitchen sinks are used many times each day, and choosing the right one will make a kitchen more functional and enjoyable.

Style
Sinks come in one bowl, two bowl and three bowl styles. One bowl sinks can be adequate for people who rarely use the sink to wash dishes, but instead use it largely to rinse dishes for the dishwasher or rinse vegetables. A single bowl sink has a garbage disposal in the drain, and uses a center drain. A double bowl sink may have one small, shallow bowl for rinsing and the garbage disposal and one larger bowl for dish-washing and soaking. Other double bowl sinks have two bowls of about the same size for use in washing dishes or completing multiple tasks at once. A three-bowl sink often has two large bowls with a third, smaller bowl in the center, where the garbage disposal is mounted. Double and triple sinks may have rear-positioned drains on one or more of the bowls, creating more usable bowl space and more under-sink storage space. Sink bowls range in depth from 5” to 12” with shallow bowls being best suited for rinsing and food preparation and deeper bowls being best for dish-washing and soaking.

Faucet and Accessories
Each sink needs a faucet, and homeowners may choose to add accessories to the sink faucet area. Some possible accessories are a side spray, a soap dispenser, a hot water dispenser or a chilled water dispenser. Kitchen sink faucets often have a single lever so that hot and cold water is mixed together easily. For those who want only a single faucet with a lever handle and no accessories, a single hole sink is the answer. Two-hole sinks allow for a single-lever faucet plus one accessory. Some people do want separate hot and cold handles, so they need a three-hole sink. Of course, three-hole sinks also accommodate a single lever faucet and two accessories. There are four and five-hole sink options that allow more accessories.

Mounting
The two most common mounting styles for kitchen sinks are self-rimming, drop-in sinks and undermount, recessed sinks. Drop-in sinks have a visible rim that sits on the countertop material where the faucet is attached. They are the most common type of mounting for sinks, but may collect grime around the edge of the rim. Undermount sinks are installed under the counter. They look elegant, and allow for easy cleanup, since they don’t have a rim and food can be wiped directly from the counter into the sink.

There are two other, less-common styles of sink mounting, which are tile-in or tile-edge and Apron or farmhouse sinks. With a tile-in mounting, a sink mounts flush with a tiled countertop and feature a built-in, grouted sink edge. Apron sinks have an exposed front panel for a traditional, farmhouse look. Homeowners must plan ahead for this type of sink, because whatever style of custom or discount kitchen cabinet they choose will have to be designed to accommodate the apron front.

Material
Selecting the right material is essential to tie for your sink to tie your entire kitchen remodeling project together.  For those who haven’t considered a material aside from stainless steel for a kitchen sink, the choices can be baffling. Of course, stainless is still the most popular option. The sinks are easy to clean, lightweight, and nearly unbreakable. Remember that light-gauge stainless (the higher the number, the lighter the gauge) will dent and scratch easily, so go for the heavier gauge steel. Also considered a brushed satin bowl to hide scratches and save the mirrored finish for the rim.

Solid surface sinks often match the countertops in a kitchen. They may be made of granite, quartz or composite materials. They are often created in undermount styles, and have a classic look. The man-made quartz and composite sinks are easy to repair, and have coloring that goes all the way through. These sinks can scratch easily, and are damaged by corrosive cleaners.

Enameled cast iron and porcelain on steel sinks are other options for kitchen remodeling.

This post entitled Everything and the Kitchen Sink is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

Tips For Buying New Kitchen Cabinetry

Nobody wants discount kitchen cabinets that look like discounted cabinets. We all want our kitchens to look like they were made with all of the trimmings of a custom kitchen. Luckily for the consumer there’s plenty of options out there for nice discounted kitchen cabinets that look custom. When shopping online you are cutting out that pesky middle man and can therefore lower the price for quality cabinetry.

Not all cabinets are created equal. Some are made with cheap wood and sold as something they are not. At Kitchen Cabinet Kings all of the cabinets are made with plywood and feature a matching interior which gives the consumer a true custom feel for a fraction of the cost. Discount kitchen cabinets are only a click away!

Here are some ways to find the best discounts:

1. Shop Online

When shopping online you can compare and contrast prices with ease, you will also cut out any middleman making for a much cheaper bottom line.

2. Look for Reviews

Find reviews online for different types of cabinets, and see if the company you are dealing with is reputable. If they are offering good prices on cabinets you will want to make sure that they deliver on their promise.

3. Wait for Sales

Many websites and other locations run sales depending on the season. If you have the time to wait a little bit there may be a better time of the year to make the purchase. A kitchen is a big commitment, make sure you plan ahead!

This post entitled Tips For Buying New Kitchen Cabinetry is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.

4 Ways You Can Change The Look Of Your Kitchen TODAY!

We are all too familiar with that bored feeling we get when looking around our homes.  While you may not dislike the overall scheme of your kitchen, you may be desiring more.  The excitement of the last remodel and redesign have long wore off, and you are left feeling anything but.  Sometimes it is best to redesign in small doses, this way you can enjoy each stage.

1. Refinish Your Furniture

A simple and easy way to make a big difference in your kitchen would be to refinish your furniture.  Try sanding down your table, chairs, and any other furniture you may have in your room.  You can then paint or stain the items.  One of my favorite methods is to antique furniture, so if this is a look your are interested in, simply sand the items, paint them the desired color, let them dry, and sand them one more time.  This simple process can really change the entire room.

2. Take Off Your Cabinet Doors

My next suggestion would be to change up your kitchen cabinets without purchasing or refacing your existing cabinetry.  You may be thinking I am completely nuts here, but you can change your cabinets without really “changing” your cabinets.  Try going doorless for a bit, you will be amazed at how spacious your kitchen will appear.  Take the doors off all your wall cabinets, and keep them stored.  You can even try this just for the warmer months of spring and summer.  Once these months are gone, you will be itching for a change again, and you can put the doors back on!

3. Change The Lighting

Finally, an easy way to give your room a face lift is by changing your light fixture.  Lighting is one of the most crucial aspects of the kitchen, and yet, it is frequently forgotten.  Swap your simple ceiling fixture for a funky chandelier.  If you have dim lights in your kitchen, amp it up!  By incorporating better lighting into your room you will be sure to notice things you haven’t in awhile.

4. Be Creative!

Redesigning your kitchen does not always mean purchasing all brand new items; sometimes it means working with what you have in a new way.  If we bought new every time we were bored, we would be broke and living in clutter!  It’s the little things that make the biggest difference so start brainstorming now. Got a tip you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it. Let us know in the comments below!

This post entitled 4 Ways You Can Change The Look Of Your Kitchen TODAY! is a post from the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Blog. Kitchen Cabinet Kings is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets on the internet. Check out their large selection of KraftMaid Cabinets.