The Kitchen and Bath People's "Product of the Week" : Exquisite Surfaces

Using salvaged materials in any room in your home is a beautiful and environmentally responsible choice when renovating or building. Not only are you keeping great resources out of a landfill, but you are also saving the pollution and depletion of natural resources associated with fabricating brand new products.

Elle Decor, Designed by Cavlert Wright, Photography by Roger Davies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exquisite Surfaces' antique lines include salvaged materials from all over the world. Beautiful wood patterns pulled from French homes. Salvaged stone from France, Spain, and Jerusalem. Fireplaces hand carved by french artisans hundreds of years ago. There are certainly other sources for salvaged products, hopefully one in your very own town. Take a look at these beautiful rooms using salvaged materials from Exquisite Surfaces.

Beautiful antique wood in a herringbone pattern.

Jerusalem Stone

The variations in this antique Terra Cotta tile simply brings the floor to life!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

So, next time you're doing a remodel, think about incorporating some reclaimed components. This not only applies to floors, think about ceiling beams, wall paneling, stairs, furniture. Get creative, like re-purposing old doors for wall paneling. The fact that these materials have survived wear and tear for hundreds of years certainly speaks to their quality, "they just don't make things like they used to." Weathered and worn by our ancestors, giving salvaged materials a second life in your home will add warmth, texture, character, charm, color, variation... the list goes on!

The Kitchen and Bath People's "Product of the Week" : Tile-Tattoos

Here is a fun and inexpensive way to update your wall tile in the kitchen or bathroom... Tile Tattoos by Jane2!

These waterproof decals come in a variety of patterns and colors, from classic to contemporary, and in a range of sizes to accommodate 4"x4", 6"x6", and 6"x3" tiles.

No commitments necessary. Give your tiles a makeover today!

If you're ready for a more dramatic kitchen or bathroom renovation, check out our website, or give us a call at (919) 933-7855. We can't wait to meet you!
-The Kitchen and Bath People

Drama on the Ceiling!

Whether it's with a splash of color, a complementary accent material, or a beam and girder detail, involving the ceiling in the overall design of a room is a great opportunity to add interest and creativity. The ceiling is more than just a flat surface producing light, it is an important part of your room's third dimension. A ceiling designed to compliment cabinetry, furniture, lighting, etc. can give definition to spaces within a large space or simply keep your eyes and imagination stimulated. As design elements move from the floor and up the walls, don't stop there; let them flow on up to the ceiling!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Southern Accents

Here, rustic beams add a beautiful detail to this monochromatic kitchen. Simple in color but rich in texture! Using salvaged wood for building materials (or decoration) is also a very "green" choice.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coastal Living, Photo by Thomas J. Story

So many interesting things going on here. This accent wood-plank ceiling appears to be floating, allowing other elements to intersect; I imagine the hood vent puncturing though to the other side. The generous opening allows natural light to flow in from either a skylight or clerestory window above. The ceiling's warm wood tone compliments and softens the edgy cabinetry finish.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coastal Living, Photo by Roger Davies

In this clean, black and white kitchen, a white on white beam system is a perfect detail, adding dimension and texture though shadow.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cottage Living, Photo by Roger Davies

For this cheerful kitchen with sun-painted walls and large windows that invite the outdoors in, a sky blue ceiling is perfection.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sunset, Photo by Thomas J. Story

While studying interior design at the University of Tennessee I shared a building with the art and architecture students. This building sort of let it guts hang out with exposed structure, conduits, plumbing... it was all out there for us to learn from and enjoy. I really grew to appreciate this idea. These elements that bring a building to life can be a beautiful and interesting design element. This kitchen design exposes it "guts" artfully... you can see concrete block, electrical conduit, a ventilation duct, and the ceiling's beam structure. Now, the ceiling can continue past the structure and allow natural light through clerestory windows.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cottage Living, Photo by Robbie Caponetto

Here, the ceiling is THE accent in this simple, little, cottage kitchen. Another monochromatic palate made interesting through the use of texture and detail. Happiness :).

The Kitchen and Bath People's Product of the Week : Semi-Precious Stone Slabs

If you're going for a real WOW feature - back-lit, semi-precious, semi-translucent, stone slabs have an incredibly interesting appeal.

Design by Lori Carroll, Product Source Unknown

This product can be used in a multitude of applications... counter tops, windows, accent walls, your imagination is the limit.

Photo Courtesy of Cosentino, Prexury Collection

The Kitchen and Bath People's Product of the Week!

For the first "Product of the Week" I have chosen a warming drawer.

This one pictured above is by Miele, has a full extension drawer and allows temperatures ranging from 104-185 degrees F. This is a super handy addition for your kitchen; allowing you to warm up your dishes or keep prepared food warm as you're waiting for that last casserole to come out of the oven.

Okay, I'm going to try my best to keep up with this "Product of the Week" thing... I've even set up a recurring reminder on my calendar :).