8 Secret Ingredients to Creating a Tuscan Style Kitchen

Is it the peaceful, rolling hills of the Italian countryside, the quant cobblestone streets, the rich taste of wine straight from the vineyard, or the robust flavors and aroma of Tuscan cuisine?  It’s hard to put into words the charm and allure of Tuscany, but it’s something we often try to emulate in our cooking, building, and decorating.  If you’re looking to bring a little piece of Tuscany into your home, creating a Tuscan style kitchen may be the perfect way to do so.  Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

-Color: Use varying shades of yellow and orange, like gold and burnt terracotta, as the cornerstone of your design, especially on the walls.  But don’t be afraid to use pops of color, like flaming red, luminous blue, and emerald green in your accent pieces.

-Walls: Intricately layered walls will give your kitchen that Old World charm.  To create this effect, try a painting technique, such as sponging or antiquing.  If you aren’t familiar with these forms of painting, you may want to hire a professional for optimal results.  If you decide to take on the challenge yourself, home improvement stores have books and specialty paint and utensils to help you master these techniques.

-Cabinets: Rich, dark tones are best suited for your cabinetry.  Also, you’ll often find cabinets without doors in a Tuscan themed kitchen, in which you can display your kitchen accessories (see Accessories below).

-Backsplash: The kitchen backsplash is often regarded as the heart and soul of a Tuscan kitchen, and it can make a big splash in your room.  Rust, gold, cream, and green are popular color choices for the backsplash.  You may also want to consider a mural made of tumbled stone tiles to bring out the iconic Tuscan spirit in the space.

-Counters: Stone counters, such as granite, slate, and travertine, are essential to your Tuscan inspired kitchen.

-Floors: For your flooring, stone or quarry tiles in earthy shades will capture the essence of the Tuscan décor.  These flooring choices will make you and your visitors feel like you are standing in the heart of a Tuscan villa.

-Furniture:  Dining with the family continues to be a symbol of Italian tradition and culture, so a large kitchen table holds a great deal of significance.  Luxurious table linens and chair cushions in sultry shades can add extra interest and style to your table.   In addition, an island is another integral part of a Tuscan themed kitchen.

-Accessories: Displaying actual kitchen items is the best way to accessorize your cooking space.  Rustic dinnerware, urns, spices in glass jars, pots and pans on metal racks, copper and pewter vessels, potted herbs, wine accessories, wrought iron candle holders-- all are perfect finishing touches to your Tuscan kitchen.

With these suggestions (and a little help from your friends at Pizazz Floors), you’ll be on your way to creating a true Italian kitchen.  Then instead of dreaming of that little café in Tuscany, just grab some family, friends, food, (and of course the vino) and enjoy your own Tuscan inspired kitchen.

Study Reveals New Flooring to be Among Top Home Improvement Projects for 2011

Is new flooring on the top of your list of projects to do around the house?  If so, you are in good company.  A recent study conducted by Kudzu.com concluded that flooring projects are among the most popular home improvement projects for 2011.  The study discovered that nearly 80% of homeowners are considering a home-related project this year, and 33% of those homeowners will install new flooring.  Flooring came only behind painting (49%), landscaping (38%), and refurnishing (35%).

Rhonda Hills, Kudzu.com vice president and chief marketing officer expresses, “The floors are one of the first things someone notices when they walk into a home.  Good flooring improves the look of a room and can also increase the value to the home. It’s no surprise that flooring projects are at the top of most homeowners’ lists.”

The study, which involved 3500 participants, also revealed that many homeowners (50%) are undecided on which flooring brand they will use.  Among the brands most considered are Armstrong (24%), StainMaster (19%), Mohawk (15%), Shaw (14%), and Bruce (10%).  All of these brands and more are available at Pizazz Floors & Interior Design, and your design consultant can help you select the best product for your budget and lifestyle.  Pizazz can handle all of your flooring needs, from hardwood to carpet to tile to laminate.  Let us help you check one more thing off your list for 2011!

Top 6 Home Improvements that Pay Off

Are you ready to upgrade your home but are worried about sinking money into investments that may never see a return?  Well here are a few home improvements that experts say will pay off now and in the future:

                

1.  Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling is a sure-fire investment that often returns more than 100 percent of the cost.  People spend a significant amount of time in kitchens and baths, so you want to make them inviting and tranquil for yourself and future buyers.  Buyers are beginning to expect upgraded kitchens and baths now more than ever before.  Upgrades to consider include: tile or hardwood flooring, granite countertops, new or resurfaced cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.  For the master bath, floor-to-ceiling, walk-in showers are a hot commodity (literally).  Sleek, walk-in showers have actually replaced whirlpool tubs on buyers’ wish lists, so if you have to pick one or the other, go with the shower.  Keep in mind, if your home only has one bath, the upgrade you’ll want to make is adding an extra bathroom.  While buyers are still charmed by older homes that may only have one bath, functionality and practically may be a concern.  If you have a three or four bedroom home with one bath, it will certainly pay to add a second bathroom.  For more budget-friendly upgrades, try adding a tile backsplash, updating light fixtures, or replacing cabinet hardware and faucets.

2. Home Maintenance

While not the most glamorous of home improvements, this is one of the most important.  Buyers won’t be enamored by your beautiful new kitchen if there is a musty smell coming from the basement or the siding is rotting.  A top priority should be making sure your home is structurally sound on the inside and out.  Essential home maintenance projects include repairing the roof, replacing the siding, and correcting water leaking from the foundation, just to name a few. 

3. Curb Appeal

Before you can get buyers inside to see your interior improvements, your home has to be appealing on the outside.  Upgrades can range from simple, such as pulling weeds, to more complex, like building a front porch to add interest and charm.  You may also consider planting shrubs and flowers, pressure washing your driveway, painting the exterior, or adding walkways and extra parking space.  If you have outdoor living space (deck, patio, or porch), stage the area with comfortable seating and dining furniture.  In a nutshell, your exterior should convey a sense of welcome.

4. Paint

Painting is an affordable home improvement that can give any home a facelift.  Paint makes a home look and feel younger and better taken care of.  When selecting paint colors, go towards the warmer, more neutral tones in order to appeal to a wider range of buyers.   Try textured or faux paint in a focal space like the dining room for a distinctive, unique touch.

5.  Adding Extra Living Space

According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, every 1,000 square feet added to a home can increase the sale price by 30 percent.  This can include adding a sunroom, bathroom, attic bedroom, or even a deck for outdoor living and entertaining space.  Or if your home has a basement, you may be able to take advantage of a whole extra level of living.  Basements are great for game rooms, guest suites, bars, or play areas.  For some of the more trendy, high-end housing markets, there is a demand for the luxury of home theaters, wine cellars, and yoga rooms, but be sure to consider your housing market and neighborhood before embarking on one of these upgrades.

6. Flooring

Flooring is one of the first things that will be seen (and felt underfoot) by a potential homebuyer.  The most in-demand flooring choice is hardwood floors, which is a proven resale value booster.  A classic like red oak is always a good choice, while trends are also moving towards exotic woods like bamboo and wider-planked boards.  If you already have hardwood, refinishing your floors is a great way to bring back their luster and brilliance.  Tile is also a popular flooring solution for bathrooms, kitchens, foyers, and laundry rooms, and should replace any existing vinyl flooring.  Lastly, the softness and comfort of carpet or areas rugs is perfect for bedrooms and play areas.  If new flooring is not in the budget, be sure to have your carpets cleaned before putting your house on the market.

When considering all home improvements, be sure to keep in mind a few key factors.  What you'll get back on your investment is dependent on how soon you sell after making improvements, the value of your house, the value of houses in your neighborhood, the housing market in which you live, and the quality of the project itself. 

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Mission Accomplished: Custom Georgia Office Is Complete

One of our most fun design projects has come to an end.  The custom Georgia Bulldog office was completed earlier this week.  The floors have been refinished, the ceiling painted, and now it’s just time to enjoy the room.  The centerpiece of this office  is a 5′x3′ University of Georgia logo installed into pre-existing hardwood floors, composed of African wenge, hard maple, and blood wood.  The logo was surrounded by an intricate French knot border also using the same select, exotic woods.  The room also boasts a red and black, octagon-shaped coffered ceiling with rope recessed lighting.

The room is definitely something to be seen and is sure to excite any Bulldog fan.  Pizazz Floors can create a custom collegiate or pro themed room in your home, no matter what team you support.  Call us at 678-687-8693 or visit www.PizazzFloors.com for more information or to schedule a free consultation.