Tip: Lighting is everything. It creates atmosphere, drama, and intrigue in a room. The easiest way to accomplish this is with a dimmer switch. Always use dimmers, even in the powder room!!
March 9, 2012
Our Faithful Customers and Their Beautiful Backsplash
Our February Home of the Month belongs to long time customers of Frank E. Page. Our past projects for this home included interior painting of many rooms and faux striping in the foyer.
This time we would be re- installing a kitchen backsplash that was incorrectly installed by another contractor. With their previous contractor terminated, we were called to the “rescue.” Seizing the opportunity to give them the FEP experience once again, this time using the remodeling division of FEP, we began the process. The process began with the discussion of the tile layout. After the first day however, the homeowners decided that the arrangement of tiles needed to be changed. After a meeting with them, in which we reviewed all the options available to give them exactly what they were looking for, a new layout was chosen. We are happy to say that our customers were elated with the finished product. They responded by saying, “now, I know I only have to make one call and that’s to Frank E Page, to handle all of my homes needs.”
The mosaic pattern these home-owners chose are handmade 1×1 porcelain tiles that are purposely indented in the centers. The centers are filled with colored crackled glass. In this case, the colors chosen for the fill were ruby and silver. Offsetting the crackled ruby and silver glass tiles are 1×1 tiles of travertine (Light colored limestone). Outlining the 1×1 tiles at the top and the base is a ¾ inch x8 inch silver roping topped with 4×4 ruby porcelain tiles.
The tiles were then grouted and the grout sealed. Sealing the grout is important for the longevity of the backsplash. It is time consuming but it protects against staining from food sources and grease. It also aids in keeping the grout color from fading.
We are so thankful for the trust that our customers have put in us to service them in completing their gorgeous backsplash.
October 25, 2011
Decorating Tip of the Week
Kitchen Islands
Here’s the scoop:
Islands can be of varied height. The standard is 36”, the average height of a countertop. The variations in height can change with the purpose of the island. If you are a baker and will be doing kneading or pastry baking, then you might construct it a bit lower. For preparation of food, such as cutting veggies and other meal prep, an island height of 39 to 40 inches is more comfortable. If the island has a sitting area with bar stools, the overhang should be a minimum of 12 inches, the average overhang is 15 to 18 inches. This makes for a much more comfortable sit and your knees are less likely to be rubbing on the island.
The trend now is to have two variations in height to the island, one for the prep area and then a raised section for the bar area, which is usually a minimum of 4 inches higher. This allows for preparation with out splashing guests and often times an additional stove top will be added to the prep area, so raising the seating area separates the guests from the cooking heat.
September 4, 2011
A Warm and Cozy Kitchen
From my experiences over the years, it is seemingly common that the places we spend the most time in are also the places that we neglect the most. Your kitchen specially, often times is one of these neglected areas.
With dated countertops and a lighting scheme that could certainly be improved, these home-owners decided that the time had come to remodel their kitchen and they chose our company, Frank E. Page to help make their vision of a “dream kitchen” a reality.
Before
After
Their remodeled kitchen included the installation of new Kashmir Cream granite counter tops that covered their enormous island, sink and desk top areas, a modern Blanco double sink and a tile backsplash with decorative tile. For a lighting solution in their kitchen, Frank E. Page installed a light rail along with under cabinet lighting and pendant lighting to add warmth and function to their space.
The home-owners chose to have their beautiful existing cabinetry refurbished by touching up areas that had been scratched and worn and clear coating the cabinets. If you are happy with your existing cabinetry, cabinet refurbishment is a great way to save thousands of dollars when it comes to a remodel – it could very well be that deciding factor on whether or not a kitchen remodel fits your budget.
It’s time to refresh the room that you spend so much of your precious relaxation and entertaining time in. Give yourself and your kitchen the upgrade you both deserve!
