Posts Tagged 'Amy Mood'

Evaluate Your Current Kitchen – Amy Mood

Published September 27, 2018 Designer Blog , Home Design , kitchen design , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Remodeling , Storage Solutions 4 Comments
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Amy Mood, Designer at Kitchen Views in Mansfield, MA

You’ve been thinking for quite a while that you’d like to remodel your kitchen. Watching home remodeling shows and searching the internet for information has become your favorite pastime. You’re dreaming of a particular new cabinetry style and new countertops. Whether you select a stained wood or painted cabinet, granite or quartz countertop, there is a bigger picture to be considered first.

Woman imagining new kitchen design

For a successful renovation, it’s essential that you evaluate your current kitchen. Remodeling a kitchen isn’t just about making it pretty. What looks good on television, in a magazine, or online is mostly about the “look” of the materials, and sometimes about the work flow. All of this is intended to inspire you to make changes. But you need to focus on how you use the working areas and storage in your own home. What do you like, or not like about the current amount of counter space, storage space, and traffic flow?

Stop and think about what problem needs a solution. What in your current layout drives you crazy, or makes daily tasks feel like a big chore? What is in the current kitchen that simply gets in your way? Whether it’s small appliances that you only use occasionally or everyday clutter, there can be solutions built into the new cabinetry. Kitchen designers know about all the latest cabinetry features that are available.

Schrock Pantry Storage Cabinets

What items need to be stored for daily use (plates, glasses, plastic containers, pots & pans), seasonal use (picnic basket, cooler and BBQ accessories), or occasional use (small appliances, punch bowl and holiday dishes) etc. Taking this inventory makes you aware of when and how you use these items. You may discover that you can give away items you no longer need.

What can you absolutely not live without? Whether that’s a gas stove or an island, making this list will be vital to the design of the new kitchen. What daily tasks need special features in the new kitchen design — cooking, baking, clean-up, entertaining, homework, bill paying, etc.

Who uses the kitchen — adults, children, handicapped or elderly people? You may have heard of universal design, but thought it was only for people with physical handicaps. Actually, universal design includes features that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy every day.

Do you have pets? On the Kitchen Views website you’ll find a section dedicated to pet-friendly kitchen design. [http://www.kitchenviews.com/pet]

If all of this seems like a lot to think about, remind yourself that paying attention to all of these details now will result in a new kitchen that makes your life easier for years to come. You don’t have to come up with the solution by yourself. Describe the problem to an experienced designer and they will provide you with a solution, or options.

Take “before” photos – you’ll be amazed when you look back at them later.

Amy Mood, AKBD
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
71 Maple Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: 508-339-8020
amood@kitchenviews.com
www.kitchenviews.com

Kitchen Design & Home Improvement Go Hand in Hand. Survey results show 55% of consumers plan to do a kitchen remodel.

Published November 6, 2013 Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , News , Remodeling , Uncategorized 3 Comments
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Amy Mood of Kitchen Views works with a client and her daughter on a kitchen remodeling project

A recent online survey done by remodelormove.com shows that American consumers are feeling more confident in spending money toward home improvement projects.  The survey had 5,000 participants who answered a range of approximately 70 questions to determine if the majority would rather move or remodel. Every participant showed interest in making some sort of improvement to their current home.  The results show consumers are willing to spend around 30% of their home’s value for the home improvements.

With long-term value being a factor in remodeling, homeowners are willing to use more expensive materials in their projects. A majority, 74% responded that they plan to hire a general contractor to do the work, rather than undertaking projects themselves. Along with hiring construction professionals, more than half of the respondents plan to hire an architect. Homeowners are planning their projects on a larger scale and are including multiple rooms, and will be better served having professionals to oversee the project.

The percentage of homeowners planning to do a kitchen remodel is right above the halfway mark at 55%. Kitchen remodels are taking precedence over baths, according to the survey, and this is where consumers are willing to invest more of their budget. Since the contemporary kitchen is the hub of family activities, this is really an investment in improving family life.

Kitchen Views at National Lumber has experienced designers to serve you through every phase of your remodeling projects. We can supply you with the building supplies you need and the services you deserve. Those services include getting to know the unique needs of your family. Your particular tastes and lifestyle are factored into the design. We strive to exceed your expectations. One of our designers will follow the project from concept to completion. Kitchen Views at National Lumber, where the designers are pros and the views are yours!

Resource: Americans Willing to Spend More to Remodel, Survey Says

Universal Design – Amy Mood

Published May 8, 2012 Designer Blog Leave a Comment
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Universal design is not just about handicapped access. It’s about design that removes barriers and makes access easier for everyone, from children to grandparents and better flow for every adult. Simple designs that incorporate universal design can be elegant as well as functional. Thus, it is important for kitchen designers to understand the concept of universal design when it comes to one of the most important rooms in the home, the kitchen. Our Mansfield, MA designer Amy Mood recently took a course to become a certified Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and shares her experiences in a short blog post below.

Amy Mood, Designer at Kitchen Views in Mansfield, MA

“Universal Design”
by Amy Mood, AKBD

I recently completed a course offered by the National Association of Home Builders to become CAPS certified, which stands for Certified Aging in Place Specialist.  The course was fascinating and has really raised my awareness for products intended to make spaces accessible to all, whether aging in place or limited in some other capacity.

Of course, any good kitchen design starts with cabinetry and I have found Kraftmaid Cabinetry’s “Passport Series” one of the best in terms of the type of cabinets offered as well as available door styles and finishes that are standard to their line.  All of the Passport Series’ base cabinets include roll-outs, pullouts or drawers and some other nice features include a base tambour cabinet and even a pull-out table unit.

For more information, you can visit Kraftmaid’s website on Universal Design or your nearest Kitchen Views showroom to see styles and finishes first hand or to speak with a kitchen designer.

Amy Mood, AKBD
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
71 Maple Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: 508-339-8020
amood@kitchenviews.com
www.kitchenviews.com

Painted Cabinets or Stained Cabinets: Pros and Cons – Amy Mood

Published January 31, 2012 cabinets , Designer Blog 2 Comments
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Amy Mood, AKBD, Designer at Kitchen Views in Mansfield, MA

Can’t decide whether to go with a painted cabinet or one with a stained finish?  This is a question that many of our customers go back and forth with when deciding on the details of their new kitchen.

Most of the pictures that we see in current design magazines or on home improvement programs show beautiful kitchens in varying shades of whites that create light, bright, open spaces.  Who wouldn’t want that, right?  While they look great in print, they may not be the most practical choice for everyone.

Before deciding, here are a few things to consider…

Does the added expense of a painted cabinet work with your budget?
Bear in mind that painted finishes are considered a premium and come with an upcharge, typically 10 or 15 percent more than a traditional stained finish.

How much maintenance are you willing to devote to your cabinets?
A painted finish will require some extra care over a stained cabinet and will show every day smudges and dirt more easily than a wood tone will.  Also, like any painted surface, no matter how good the finishing process is, it is possible to develop a chip here and there if struck by a hard object.  I would recommend purchasing an extra touch up kit from your cabinet manufacturer for any future needs.

Will the seasonal changes to a painted door bother you?
All wood expands and contracts with the seasons, especially here in New England, and cabinets are no exception.  In the winter you can expect for the joints on your cabinet doors to become more evident as humidity levels drop and the air is drier, particularly if you have a wood burning stove.  This will be more noticeable on a painted door over a stained door.  You may even see small fractures in the paint finish where the joints are and this is considered a characteristic of the paint finish and not a defect.  Some manufacturers use more stable materials (i.e. MDF) as the center panel of their doors in lieu of solid wood to lessen this effect. (For more on the effect of seasonal changes on cabinets, see Bob Russo’s post, Cabinets and the Winter Time.)

Stained Cabinets with Light Walls and Countertop

An example of stained cabinets in a kitchen with light walls, floor, and countertop, which helps give a light and airy feel to the space.

Not sure you want to make the leap to a painted cabinet? There are options to consider.  You can still achieve a light and airy feeling in your space with a stained wood cabinet by keeping your counter top, floor and wall and lighting selections on the lighter side.  There are also many choices in thermofoil and decorative veneer laminates to consider.

Samples are available to view at your nearest Kitchen Views showroom along with some expert advice to help you sort it all out.

Amy Mood, AKBD
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
71 Maple Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: 508-339-8020
amood@kitchenviews.com
www.kitchenviews.com

Great Testimonial for Designer Amy Mood!

Published January 3, 2012 Designer Spotlight Leave a Comment
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Amy Mood, Kitchen Views at National Lumber, Mansfield, MA

Amy Mood, Kitchen Views at National Lumber, Mansfield, MA

We would like to share this customer testimonial that we just received for kitchen designer Amy Mood from a homeowner in Mansfield, MA:

“I just want to let you know that we started working with Amy in September regarding remodeling our kitchen and she was terrific from day one to just last week when this project was finally done.

She was helpful during the selection of the cabinets and countertops. And we had been to another place in Plymouth prior that was just horrendous. It was a breath of fresh air to work with Amy. She was helpful and friendly all the time. She responded to all calls and emails promptly and understood the stress we were going through with this project.

I work in the service industry and know that people tend to just write letters when they have complaints and not when they are happy. I wanted to make sure someone knew how great she was at her job and how happy we were to be able to work with her. We would recommend her to anyone! Thanks for your time!”

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Amy Mood

Published August 2, 2011 Countertops , Designer Blog , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Remodeling Advice 5 Comments
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Amy Mood, Designer at Kitchen Views in Mansfield, MA

Granite vs. Quartz… What’s the Difference?
by Amy Mood, AKBD

Two examples of Granite countertops

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard this question… well, I’d probably still be designing kitchens… But my answer has actually changed over the years, especially recently. It used to be that if you wanted a beautiful one of a kind countertop with variation and movement, that natural granite was the right choice for you — as long as you didn’t mind the maintenance associated with it. For those who did not want to add to their “To Do” list and have to think about sealing their countertop periodically, then a Quartz countertop would be the likely choice; the tradeoff being that the patterns were very uniform in appearance because it is a man-made product.

Six samples of Cambria's latest colors

Six samples of Cambria’s latest colors

Well, the new evolution of Quartz countertops is actually offering consumers the best of both worlds: beautiful, super-durable countertops that most would be hard pressed to tell apart from a natural material. Plus, they need little more maintenance than soap and water cleanup. In fact, I recommend that you view some of these Quartz slabs much like you would with a Granite slab, because of the variation.

Some of my favorites are by Cambria, and Silestone has just released some great options, as well. Some of their countertops actually have the feel of Carrara Marble, which many would like to utilize in a kitchen, but are fearful of damaging. You can view these products through the Countertops section on the Kitchen Views website with links to the manufacturers’ websites, or better yet see them in person at your nearest Kitchen Views showroom.

Amy Mood, AKBD
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
71 Maple Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: 508-339-8020
amood@kitchenviews.com
www.kitchenviews.com

Cambria Countertops & Benjamin Moore Paints

Published June 29, 2010 Countertops , Designer Blog , kitchens 1 Comment
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Cambria & Benjamin Moore - A perfect match

Click the image above for this PDF flyer

Complement Your Cambria Countertops with Coordinated Benjamin Moore Paint Colors

Your kitchen is a major investment, and you want everything to come together perfectly. With so many important decisions to be made, color choices can be a major challenge. Kitchen Views strives to provide you with all the information you need to make educated choices.

Cambria, makers of beautiful quartz countertops, has recently announced that their palette is now paired with designer selected Benjamin Moore paint colors and it’s available online! Knowing that color professionals have provided this guidance will give you peace of mind in completing your kitchen design. Check out the new tool here.

Cambria is a natural stone surface that is elegant and practical. There is no safer surface for food preparation. If you are building or remodeling your kitchen or bath, you will appreciate the beautiful collection of colors and the exceptional performance that Cambria offers. Simply select your Cambria choice and the online tool will automatically generate compatible Benjamin Moore paint colors from pre-selected palettes.  Because they were created by color professionals and designers, you can feel confident when choosing a paint color to complement your countertops.

National Lumber, parent company of Kitchen Views, is a proud Benjamin Moore paints retailer. Learn more about Benjamin Moore products and where to buy them on National Lumber’s dealer website.

Whether you select Cambria or another countertop material, a Kitchen Views designer will help you to sort through the wide array of choices to find the material that works best for you and your lifestyle.

Amy Mood
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
71 Maple Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: 508-339-8020
amood@kitchenviews.com

Where Do I Begin?

Published February 2, 2010 Designer Blog , kitchens 1 Comment
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This week’s featured designer is Amy Mood. You may have seen her work featured in a Kitchen Views ad featured earlier in 2010 in Boston Home Magazine. Click on the picture above for a PDF of the ad.

View Amy Mood’s online portfolio here.

Amy Mood, Kitchen Views Designer

“Where Do I Begin?“

If you are considering a kitchen renovation project but aren’t really sure what the “first step” is, you are not alone. Many people are just unsure of what the “process” is and find it a bit overwhelming. A Kitchen Designer can be a great resource to help you sort through all the details of your specific project as a whole, whether you have a clear idea of what you want, but just need to know if will all work, or if you are starting from scratch and need guidance on what products are available in the market today. Find someone that you are comfortable working with through the creative process. In the end, you want a kitchen that suits your needs and wants in both form and function to enjoy for years to come!

Amy Mood, AKBD
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
71 Maple St. Mansfield, MA 02048
Tel: 508-339-8020 x5735
Email: amood@kitchenviews.com

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