Spa Treatment

Escape the pressures of the world

Work, kids, traffic, deadlines, in-laws, hassles. No matter what form it takes for you, everyone gets stressed out. If you’re like me, it happens a little too often. Vacations are great stress relievers, but with so much responsibility, how do you find the time to get away often enough?

Contemporary Getaway

The best solution is to create a private oasis just a few steps from your own bedroom. A soaking tub, relaxing music, soft lighting, and tranquil surroundings can work wonders on your mood in just a few minutes. The best part is you don’t have to make reservations! That was the motivation behind StarMark’s new line of Spa Vanities.

Country Retreat

No matter your tastes, you can customize this new line of vanities to suit your personal style. Elegant to Comfy; Urban to Traditional; the choices are yours. StarMark’s full line of doorstyles is at your disposal. Eleven different leg shapes empowers your individuality. And if you just can’t find what you are looking for in StarMark’s 600+ standard finishes, they are more than happy to finish your new spa vanity in any custom color you wish.

Fresh Aire

 And what’s a spa renovation without a little financial stress-reliever? Right now (and for a limited time), you can order StarMark’s line of Spa Vanities for 20% OFF their regular price! (Believe me, 20% OFF doesn’t come around often in the kitchen & bath business).

So start on the path to your own relaxing retreat. Call or e-mail us today. Peace and serenity awaits.

Simple Tune-up Creates Warm Simplicity in Bathroom

Warm and Cozy - a more inviting space for guests (after)

My recent clients were looking to bring their existing bathroom out of the 80’s. They had originally thought about removing everything and starting from scratch. But as our conversations evolved, I discovered that the only thing they were unhappy about was the dated vanity. The tub was in good condition; the tile on the walls was neutral; and the floor had only been down a short time. All this room really needed was a little warmth without much fuss.

Since we had completed their kitchen remodeling project just a year or two ago, I already had an idea of their tastes. Since this guest bath was just off of the family room (and in view of the kitchen), it made sense to continue the warm and simple feel of the kitchen into this space.

As you can see, honey colored maple cabinetry coupled with the brown and gold tones of the granite countertop play into the inviting cheerfulness of the existing shower tile. The fact that the perfect granite ended up being an inexpensive remnant was just a bonus!

Since it is a guest bath, a little visual interest was in order. Frosted glass softens the additional storage area and allows the upper cabinet to double as a medicine cabinet without displaying all of the homeowner’s personal details. Removing a door in the base and adding a couple of wicker baskets make towel storage both convenient and eye-catching.

Changing the faucets and light fixtures to an oil-rubbed bronze brings a feeling of completeness to the room that other metallic finishes might lack. And in a practical step, we decided it was a shame to dispose of a perfectly good mirror - so it was chopped in two, polished up, and reinstalled above each sink.

The cold, austere look of the 80's (before)

The big, cold emptiness of the original bathroom is now gone. By varying the heights of the vanity and bringing in warmer tones, we have been able to transform this space into a cozier, more inviting guest bath without breaking the bank. (If you’ll notice, we even kept the same paint on the walls). I think the only problem these homeowners will have now is convincing their guests to go home.

Now, Almost EVERYTHING is 10% OFF

No sooner had I posted an article about one cabinet company’s promotion, I’ll be darned if I didn’t get two more promotions that are just about the same. Now I can legitimately tell you that nearly every cabinetry option can be had for 10% OFF.

In addition to StarMark’s fantastic promotion, these manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon as well:

UltraCraft Cabinets
10% OFF of all wood doorstyles
(July 1 thru September 31)

Designer's Choice and the
Presidential Collection’s
Great American
Red White and Blue Sale
10% off of all cabinetry orders - including thermofoil and closets
(June 28 thru July 31)

 

So if you've been thinking about any of these projects:

• Kitchen
• Bath
• Closet
• Home Office
• Pantry
• Home Entertainment Center
• Hutch
• Bedroom Built-ins
• Laundry Room
• Pet Center
• Anything else involving cabinetry

 Just to show you that these cabinets cover almost the entire spectrum, take a look at the image below. Find the quality level you wish to be at, and then select the appropriate cabinet line.

 
Now is the time to do it. I've never seen a better time to buy cabinets. But you better hurry - these prices won't last forever! Contact Duncan's Creative Kitchens for more details.

StarMark’s 10% Off of Everything SALE

StarMark never ceases to amaze me. When we started with them 16 years ago, it was a simple, semi-custom cabinetry line. Since then, it has turned into a full-fledged custom operation that produces fine furniture quality cabinetry at semi-custom prices.

In the last couple of years, StarMark has introduced inset cabinetry doors, exotic veneer finishes, Old World style distressing, and now custom color matching.

Did I mention that all of this is available from a company that is still 20%-45% less than the other custom cabinet manufacturers?

Now they’ve done one better – from now until August 16, StarMark is taking 10% off of the entire cabinet line: all the doorstyles, accessories, finish upgrades, customization – everything! A straight 10% off – that’s totally unheard of in the kitchen design community.

By the time you finish adding up all the savings, there is no way another custom company can touch them. I’ve run the comparisons. With 10% off, StarMark competes with the price of my budget-conscious cabinetry offerings.

So kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, wet bars, you name it. If it’s StarMark Cabinetry, there’s 10% off in it for you. Talk about an affordable custom cabinet!

But you better hurry, when summer is over, so are the savings. Everything from StarMark is on Sale – but only until August 16. (contact Duncan's Creative Kitchens)

Sell It In A Little While (3-7 Years)

Most people fall into this category. Even when you don’t have any plans to sell in this timeframe, if you aren’t sure about the length of time you’re going to own your home, these are the tips to follow.

Individualize, But Not Out of the Mainstream
You’re going to be there long enough to put your personal stamp on things, but you want to make sure that it’s not too ‘out there’. Make the permanent pieces (cabinets, counters, and floors) a nice neutral, then you can bring in blocks of color with paint and accessories.

Splurge Judiciously
It’s OK to go overboard on some things, but narrow it down to the 1 or 2 that you really want. Scale back on those things that are less important. So go ahead and get the Viking range, but maybe you don’t need the triple-upgrade, hand-carved onlays on every door.

Classic, Not Trendy
Stick with a timeless look, and stay away from the trends of the day. That way, if you decide to sell in three months or fifteen years, it will still look relevant.

Proper Lighting Is A Must!
Need I say more?

Move the Walls – If It Makes Sense
Be prudent with any structural changes. Although I’m always in favor of a larger kitchen, it doesn’t always make practical sense, and practicality is the key here.

It’s never easy to determine the correct decision when you are contemplating a remodeling project. But if you follow these simple recommendations, you’ll always know if you’re spending the proper amount, regardless of your situation.

Appliance Rebates in Silver (Linings)

I received this today as a press release. Seems like everyone is trying to find a silver lining in the Economic Stimulus Plan. (as for myself, I'll take all the silver linings I can get...)

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is applauding the House Appropriations Committee for its approval of an economic stimulus provision that includes $300 million to provide consumers with rebates for buying ENERGY STAR products to replace old appliances.

This provision would provide the funding necessary to implement a consumer rebate program authorized under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, to be administered by the states.

"A consumer rebate program will result in dramatic savings for consumers," AHAM said, noting that the rebate would offset the cost differential between ENERGY STAR and non-ENERGY STAR appliances.

"Funding this federal-state appliance rebate program will benefit consumers by reducing the cost of ENERGY STAR appliances and providing them with additional discretionary income by way of reduced utility bills," said AHAM president Joseph McGuire.

Is Now the Time to Remodel?

In a word, yes. The current economic climate has created a positive side effect for homeowners: cheaper remodeling prices. At no other point in my 16-year career have I seen so many manufacturers’ incentives at one time. No matter the project, you will find savings in today’s market. Here’s just a short list of savings you can expect to see:


Cabinets
Kitchens, baths, closets, libraries. No matter the project, manufacturers are skipping price increases and giving away free upgrades. They are adding more design styles, color palettes, and accessory options at competitive pricing. I even know of one supplier that has temporarily reduced prices by 10% for everything. You can even earn a free vacation when you purchase from another cabinet manufacturer.


Countertops
I don’t think you can find any better bargain price right now than countertops. No matter the material, you can enjoy great savings.
Granite: you can find the best deals in a decade right now. Pricing for some common granites have been slashed by a third to one half.
Quartz: while not experiencing the same cost savings as granites, the quartz manufacturers are adding free sinks and other incentives.
Solid Surface: Manufacturers like Corian and Hi-Macs have priced select colors to be competitive with lesser materials. Corian is also offering 50% off o select sinks and Hi-Macs is throwing in a free sink at no charge.


Appliances
Package deals, rebates, free delivery. No matter which price point you are interested in, you’re going to see some sort of bargain being offered to you. Every manufacturer and appliance dealer is courting your interest.






Labor
As far as I’m concerned, this is far and away the best deal you can find right now. At one point, homeowners were waiting as much as 16 weeks or more to retain installation labor for their remodeling project, but not anymore. The best artisans are available and willing to work competitively. Bargain-priced materials can be made to sparkle under the influence of a skilled craftsman, making the most out of a limited budget.


Design Services & Project Management
If an individual designer is selling you materials for your remodeling project, chances are good that he or she is willing to reduce or even eliminate fees that would usually be expected for both design services and/or project management work. Even if your designer isn’t selling you any products, negotiating a better fee structure is pretty realistic right now.

So if you’re interested in making your remodeling dollars go as far as possible, bargain season is upon you. Your investments may not be giving you the return you’ve been wishing for – maybe it’s time to invest in your comfort, your family, and your life.

Stressless Remodeling and a Vacation Too

How many people can say their kitchen remodel paid them back with time on a Mexican beach, a trip to Vegas, or 5 days on a cruise ship? If the idea sounds interesting, then do we have a deal for you!
Now through January 20, 2009, StarMark Cabinetry is giving away your choice of 3 vacations with your remodeling project. You can: whisk off for a two nights of fun and entertainment in Las Vegas; let your cares melt away in a Mexican paradise with 5 nights in Cancun; or cruise to rest and relaxation with 5 days on Carnival Cruise Lines.

StarMark Cabinetry offers you a little of everything: traditional styles of warm, inviting wood tones; cool contemporary finishes; and classic form with their new Custom Inset line of cabinetry. When you couple that with our Stressless Remodeling approach, you have a combination that can’t be beat.
So what are you waiting for? Call us today for the details. You can be planning your new kitchen or bath and your next vacation at the same time!