Craftopia-Your Dream Workspace Awaits

Craftopia-Your Dream Workspace Awaits

Hot & Trendy - an Atlantic Design Center bi-monthly newsletter

at Atlantic Design Center ~ A Bi-Monthly Newsletter

Craftopia-Your Dream Workspace Awaits

By Juanita Reed, guest contributor

full size craft room with sink

Buttons, glue, fancy papers, rubber stamps, ribbons, spools of htread and omre…what do you do with them all? This is truly a crafter’s dilemma!

Have ou ever wished you had a workspace where you could do your painting, sewing or scrapbooking? Are you tired of having your supplies stacked in boxes in a spare room and spending more time setting up a “make-shift” workspace than actually crafting?

Whether you are an artist, craftsperson, seamstress or parent/grandparent that really enjoys inspiring children to create, here is the perfect solution!

Cabinets and Countertops…Not Just for Kitchens Anymore!

With the addition of a few cabinets and a countertop, any room can easily be transformed into the perfect craft work area. If you have the space, you may even choose to include a small utility sink for ease of project clean-up, washing out brushes or maybe to do a bit of potting or flower arranging.

Another consideration may be a pull-out unit which will give you an additional work surface; perfect for a sewing machine, paper cutter or easel, with plenty of extra storage space below. Conveniently, the pull-out work surface rolls back into place and looks like another cabinet when not in use.

You Can Never Have Enough Storage Space

The design experts at Atlantic Design Center can also help customize your work area with specially sectioned drawer inserts, roll-down storage nooks and fabulous slat walls with hardware that allows for all sorts of storage flexibility.

Stop by and check out our craft room and put your imagination to work!

craft organizing wall, cart, drawers, counter
craft drawers
Nancy Bither

Nancy Bither has a total of 29 years experience in the building supply business. For 21 of those years, she has specialized in kitchen and bath design and sales. As the Director of Design at Atlantic Design Center, Nancy oversees the design standards and project details for each designer. She is certified by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) for both Kitchen and Bath Design and was a founding member of the NKABA Main chapter. Nancy’s designs have been featured in national publications, in addition to an array of local designer show houses. As a designer, Nancy enjoys the challenge of making each kitchen unique to each homeowner. She especially loves designing other rooms in the home, such as laundry rooms, entertainment centers and home offices.

slat wall organizer for craft supplies

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Kitchen Design Trends for 2013

Kitchen Design Trends for 2013

Hot & Trendy - an Atlantic Design Center bi-monthly newsletter

at Atlantic Design Center ~ A Bi-Monthly Newsletter

NOTE: This is a re-post of a popular newsletter from July 2013.
Be sure to contact one of our designers to see what kitchen designs are currently trending.

Kitchen Design Trends for 2013

Thinking of remodeling a kitchen, but unsure of what colors or materials to consider? Want to know what some of the most popular choices people are making today and what industry experts see as trending for 2013? Here are some things to consider:

kitchen photo - York Kitchen - white cabinetry style
tan kitchen

Don’t be afraid of the dark!

More and more we see that cabinetmakers offer darker color choices in their palette of stains. Many people are hesitant to go with these deep hues for fear that it will make their space feel smaller. But, with proper and adequate lighting, this is not the case. In fact, a darker finish can give a room a warmth that cannot be achieved by using lighter, cooler colors.

Brighten your life with L.E.D.

As consumer awareness of energy efficienty has risen, it comes as no surprise that light-emitting diode, or LED, lighting is increasing in popularity as the choice for kitchen task lighting. Also, significant advances in technology have given LED lighting a much improved brightness that, in some cases, rivals that of halogen lighting. So you benefit by achieving similar lighting effects without the heat and expense. Recent numbers suggest that this trend has serious staying power.

Classic White or Shades of Gray?

Here in New England, the white painted look has been one of the most popular choices. Given its remarkable upward climb over the past three years nationwide, it’s clearly no “fad”. The popularity of white-painted cabinetry jumped from 47 percent to 59 percent in 2012 and further increased to 67 percent so far this year, according to the NKBA.

However, there has been a strong push within the last year towards gray tones, as evidenced by the release of many new finishes by manufacturers.

warm wood kitchen with lighting
dark kitchen with LED lighting
slim colored tiles backsplash

Make a splash with glass!

According to NKBA data, the preference for glass splashes has grown dramatically over the past three years. Natural stone tiles showed consistent growth during recent years, however usage trailed off a little this past year. Ceramic or percelain tile still holds the top spot as far as popularity.

Ask the experts!

At the Atlantic Design Center we make it our business to stay current with industry trends. This allows our designers to offer forward-thinking solutions for your project, whether large or small. Make an appointment to speak with us and use our expertise to help you realize your dream.

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Jason Barna

Jason has been designing custom kitchens and bathrooms for over 16 years. With a long history in the kitchen and bath industry that began in his family’s custom cabinet shop, he learned every aspect of the business…from building cabinets, doing installations and eventually designing and selling. This unique background gives Jason the ability to look at projects from a different perspective than many other designers. With every design he does, he tries to think of how it translates into the field. This ensures a smooth and trouble-free job for the installers. He believes that when talking with clients, everyone and every situation is unique. The best thing you can do is listen to what they are telling you, enabling you to identify both their wants and needs. Jason excels at transforming the clients’ vision into a job that exceeds expectations.

Jason has designed several spaces for regional design show houses and his work has been featured in publications such as DesignNJ.

When Jason is not at work, he enjoys running, surging and playing hockey. But, his favoite pastime is spending time with his wife and two children.

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Magnificent Mosaics!

Magnificent Mosaics!

Hot & Trendy - an Atlantic Design Center bi-monthly newsletter

at Atlantic Design Center ~ A Bi-Monthly Newsletter

Magnificent Mosaics!

This is a re-publishing of our newsletter from January 2013 when we welcomed Mosaique Surface to our line of tile vendors

“Breathtaking” and “exquisite” are some of the words we hear in response to our line of mosaic tile at the Atlantic Design Center. We are constantly searching for cutting edge products to bring to our valued homeowners, architects and contractors here on the East Coast. This time, with the introduction of “Mosaique Surface’ we’ve outdone ourselves!

Welcome Mosaique Surface

Stone mosaics have been around for centuries. Glass mosaics, at first thought to be a fad, have been around more than ten years and still the appeal does not fade. “So what’s so special with this new line?” you might ask. It is truly indescribable…“seeing is believing”. Impossible curves, tiny circles, mixed medium in glass, stone and metal come together in the most unlikely arrangements. Check out the curvilinear pattern “Meadow” made of Vetro Glass in our contemporary kitchen vignette.

beige mosaic tile design

More About Mosaique Surface

Mosaique Surface, founded in 1992, creates original murals, medallions and custom mosaics, offering over 80 choices of stone colors and endless combinations with glass and metal. Considered a leader in the industry, Mosaique Surface serves both the residential and commercial markets worldwide.

Celebrity clients include Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Beal amongst others. Michael S. Smith, designer to the White House has recently completed installations for the bathrooms at The Blair House in Washington DC.

Mosaique Surface is currently working on a project with the interior designer to Buckingham Palace in the U.K.

'mosaic look' wallpaper behind settee

New Technology in Mosaic Tiles

By implementing water-jet technology years ago, Mosaique Surface has perfected the production of highly complex shapes that were previously impossible to achieve with traditional stone cutting tools. This new technology, placed in the hands of a visionary mosaic artist such as Louis Fiset, founder and owner of Mosaique Surface, yields extraordinary results. Louis’ exacting standards are reflected in the work of his mosaic designers, a team comprised of only 12 artisans and 24 sheet designers. Handpicked from all over the globe, they continue to honor their families’ time-honored traditions and heritage in stone.

bathroom with beige & white mosaic tile
flower design - mosaic tile

Get Inspired!

For photos and more, please visit mosaiquesurface.com to view the latest information and styles and to get inspiration for your next design project.

mosaic tile detail - black, gray, white geometric pattern

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Mary Kavanagh

Mary is our consultant specializing in bathroom design. Irish born, she holds honors degrees in both Hotel Mgt. & PR. Years living in Switzerland and the UK fueled her interest in hotel architecture, planning and design. Exposure to both contemporary & classic resorts and properties are reflected in her European sense of style. Her love of art & architecture brought her to Endicott College in Beverly, MA where she pursued her career in Interior Design. She has extensive residential experience working in soft furnishings, drapes & wall coverings, in addition to the bath and tile design she did in Boston and Acton, MA. Mary is now settled in York, Maine with her husband & children. She enjoys sewing & gardening and “dabbles in paint.” Combining her passion for art & color with the skills of drafting & interior design, Mary creates lasting impressions for her clients in tile and stone.

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Powder Rooms with Pizazz

Powder Rooms with Pizazz

Hot & Trendy - an Atlantic Design Center bi-monthly newsletter

at Atlantic Design Center ~ A Bi-Monthly Newsletter

Powder Rooms with Pizazz

It may be the smallest room in the house, but who says it can’t pack a punch?!

Bold paint colors, vessel sinks, glass tile and crystal sconces are just a few design elements to jazz up your bath. That little room tucked under the stairs or along the hall has the power to say, “WOW!”

With a few simple, but well thought out selections, a stylish powder room is well within reach. So, where to being?

blue tile sink
metal sink basin on stone pedestal

Color

If it’s drama you want, a bold paint color makes a strong statement.

  • Painting stripes in a vertical pattern brings height to a low ceiling.
  • Wallpaper and wall covering is making a comeback. A large scale pattern is dramatic in a small space.
  • A richly textured grass cloth lends an organic feel.
  • Highlight only the wall behind the vanity. It could be papered or tiled to complement the countertop and sink, along with the rest of the room.
bath design - sahara

Tile

Tile is a great way to define a particular style.

  • A sleek glass tile behind a gorgeous vessel sink will bring a modern look.
  • Richly textured slate tile behind a stone vessel sink lends an organic feel.
  • An octagon Carrara marble tile on the floor is a traditional style; paired with a bright red vanity with jeweled hardware and you have drama.
white vanity on black pedestal
plum vanity with white inlay

Vanities

  • Can be open below to save space and money.
  • Countertops can go wall to wall to make a narrow space feel wider.
  • Faucets can be wall mounted; always a cool look!
  • Countertops can be natural stone or beautiful grained wood.

Mirrors & Lighting

Mirrors can be sleek or richly ornate. Trim can be painted with high glass paint. Lighting can’t be overlooked. A petite crystal chandelier brings sparkle and elegance. Pendant lights are fun in a small space. There are great light fixtures for every budget and don’t forget they can be placed on the mirror, too.

Accessorize

Accessorize with colorful textured towels! A decorative soap dispenser makes hand washing easier. There are beautiful stone and glass dispensers available.

Mixing styles creates great design. Go big, be brave! Add a little whimsy somewhere, it makes people smile!

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Nancy Bither

Suzie Getman is our Design Consultant in the Tile & Flooring department. She has been working in bath design for over 8 years. Her specialty is tile design. A New Hampshire native, she holds degrees in Human Services and Education. Her love of design began when she purchased an old Cape Cod home many years ago and began furnishing it by attending estate auctions and scouring consignment shops. She has completed course work in Interior Design and Color and is also certified in ADA and Aging in Place design.

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Show Your True Colors

Show Your True Colors

Hot & Trendy - an Atlantic Design Center bi-monthly newsletter

at Atlantic Design Center ~ A Bi-Monthly Newsletter

outdoor patio

Show Your True Colors

NOTE: This is a re-post of a popular newsletter from May 2012.
Be sure to contact one of our designers to see what colors are currently trending.

Sofa, pillows and wallpaper in 'trendy' color, Tangerine

You have waited and waited and waited…and finally you hear, “Yes, it’s a go!” You’ve been watching HGTV and buying magazines for months now. Yeah! You revel in the prospect of starting in to your dream project. So many great ideas! But wait, slowly that feeling of trepidation creeps in. Suddenly it does not seem so easy to commit. We all want something new and hot but it must have staying power. Violets, orange, aquas, citrus…It all looks so right…for other people’s homes. So how do you know that what you pick will not turn out to be the “avocado” of yesteryear?

Recently I attended the “Coverings” Expo in Florida and was fortunate enough to catch the key speaker Leatrice Eisenhart. Her featured topic, “Future Color Trends: Fantasies and Realities” provided many answers to these typical questions. Leatrice is a consultant who has been studying color and trends for years and has written widely on the subject. Which color is the right one to choose? You know if you ask ten individuals you would be lucky to come up with less than ten different answers.

What we do know is that color is the element that we notice immediately. Color sets the tone of the space and can have a positive or negative effect. One tip I can pass along is to study not only home and interior magazines, but to search even wider for future trends. Look to the fashion industry, the automobile industry, the cosmetic industry, the movie industry. They are all on the cutting edge when selecting colors for the season. Manufacturers use color in both product and marketing materials to “coax or cajole, to soothe or astonish us, to renew or replenish” us.

tangerine colored pitcher

During the Second World War, as women took to working in factories, the one luxury they permitted themselves was to buy a hot new lipstick. Color motivates us, makes us feel good. Today the modern equivalent would be to look at nail polish. For the rst time, sales of nail polish outstrips that of lipstick.You will see a wide palette of both hot neons and metallics in burnished gold and silver at any cosmetics counter along with traditional classic pinks and reds. Right now the 2012 color to watch for is “Tangerine Tango”! Lime greens, aqua, oranges are still huge in “pop” culture. Gentile violets, purples and classic claret are all being used in movie sets such as Downton Abbey and others. These trends in other industries definitely cross over into home furnishings and residential products.

stack of pillows in lime and tangerine colors

But besides industry and commerce, just turn to nature. There was a time when mixing more than one shade of green in your home was considered a “no, no” but neutral colors are widely loved in nature. The catch word is that green is “sustainable” and has been shown to promote feelings of good health, helping one to breathe slowly and feel better. Green can be mixed with green. Look outdoors! Mother-nature does it all the time.

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Remember, satisfy your soul.

Don’t shy away. Commit to your colors and enjoy them!

Another way to express yourself with color would be to create a base of neutrals, including greens (yes, green is considered a neutral) and create the “magic” by injecting a punch of color. Accessories, such as pillows, drapes, rugs, artwork, can add contrast and excitement without overwhelming the senses. These accents do not have to be perfectly matched, but must be repeated at least twice or more in the space in order to create a cohesive and valanced environment. That way, if your taste changes over time, you can easily make inexpensive changes and still remain current with color.

So whether you choose to use neutrals or draw from multi ethnic themes, Southwest or preppy old school color combinations, with a well balanced palette, any of these can look good in your home. For more on specific color combinations, you can go to ColorExpert where Leatrice has information and links to her Pantone View color palettes.

Hot & Trendy Archive

flower tile mosaic

Magnificent Mosaics!

Adding Mosaique Surface to its line of tile vendors brought an array of detailed, exquisite and creative mosaic tiles to the offerings at Atlantic Design Center. Read more →

Mary Kavanagh

Mary is our consultant specializing in bathroom design. Irish born, she holds honors degrees in both Hotel Mgt. & PR. Years living in Switzerland and the UK fueled her interest in hotel architecture, planning and design. Exposure to both contemporary & classic resorts and properties are reflected in her European sense of style. Her love of art & architecture brought her to Endicott College in Beverly, MA where she pursued her career in Interior Design. She has extensive residential experience working in soft furnishings, drapes & wall coverings, in addition to the bath and tile design she did in Boston and Acton, MA. Mary is now settled in York, Maine with her husband & children. She enjoys sewing & gardening and “dabbles in paint.” Combining her passion for art & color with the skills of drafting & interior design, Mary creates lasting impressions for her clients in tile and stone.

Save this Article

Was this newsletter helpful? You can save or print a copy here.

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