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Creating A Coordinated Kitchen

When it comes time to begin planning a Kitchen Remodel, you must first decide what style works best for your taste and desired look. Perhaps you are looking for a sleek contemporary kitchen, or more a traditional style. Or, perhaps you are looking for a blend of both, in which case a transitional kitchen may be for you.

Traditional Kitchens

A Traditional Style Kitchen is best described as being classic, or timeless. The space is warm and inviting, and can bring in elements that are reminiscent of 19th and 20th century architecture, for example, with ceiling beams or doorway arches. Wooden, and sometimes painted cabinets are prominent in this style of kitchen. The cabinets may have frames, or even glass panels. Cabinetry may also be used to integrate appliances seamlessly into the kitchen. Traditional can also have a farmhouse vibe, through the use of farmhouse sinks, and fixtures. A traditional style kitchen may also use molding as a form of elegance, which can also become a focal point in the kitchen. In a traditional kitchen you would most likely see stone countertops, made of natural materials such as granite, quartz, or marble. The color palate of the countertops, and a traditional kitchen in general, is very muted. It incorporates soft neutral colors, such as grays & creams, but can also incorporate splashes of color elsewhere in the space.

Contemporary Kitchens

Next comes the Contemporary Kitchen. A Contemporary Kitchen is sleek, modern, and has a clean style. Think lots of clean lines, minimalism, and lots of integration throughout. Contemporary style incorporates the use of lines, as well as lighting, which can both help a space appear larger than it actually is. The cabinets are flat paneled, creating a clean, no fuss look, and are often frameless. Contemporary Kitchens are innovative, and unlike a traditional kitchen, incorporate man made materials such as glass, steel, chrome, or concrete. Metal components are often seen throughout, in the lighting or on hardware. A Contemporary Kitchen can mean many things, and you will certainly be able to add your own personal flair to it.

Transitional Kitchens

A Transitional Kitchen is a blend of the Traditional & Contemporary Styles. It creates a warm & welcoming environment while incorporating components from other styles. The transitional style welcomes both manufactured as well as natural materials. By mixing these materials, it creates a harmonious look, and also uses lots of textures. This style is notably brighter than the other two, and often incorporates a large amount of storage. Kitchen Islands are popular in a transitional kitchen, as it allows for flow in the kitchen. The beauty of this style, that makes it so popular in remodels, is flexibility. There is no right or wrong way to design a transitional kitchen, and you have the freedom to draw inspiration from several styles while designing something that feels right for your style.

JH Design International Subscription Package

Exciting New Opportunity: Introducing the JH Design International Subscription Package

During my 35 plus years in the Kitchen & Bath industry I have stressed the importance of educating the client so that they can make the proper decisions when it is time to remodel. I have accomplished this through teaching Design Classes, offering a selection of Webinars (some of the topics include “Selecting Cabinetry That’s Right For You”, “Selecting Appliances That Fit Your Need & Budget”, “Where The Heck Do I Begin”), among many more, writing a Kitchen Design Guide, along with many other tools.

I am excited to present to you a program that lets you have all the tools available to you with the click of a button. Within the JH Design Educational Subscription Package, you will gain access to all of the following materials, as soon as you sign up:

  • My entire library of Webinars
  • A copy of my Design Guide
  • A complete detailed interactive checklist which will record all of your wishlist items
  • A comprehensive pricing program which enables you to track every dollar in real time to give you a snapshot of what you have spent to date, and what your extended budget looks like when the road as decisions need to be made.

A preview of the perks you get as a member:

Become a member and gain access to all materials TODAY!

 

JH Design International Sponsors Run For Rainbow

Run For Rainbow

JH Design International was honored to be a sponsor for a great cause! On August 21 we participated in Run For Rainbow, a 5k run/ 1 mile walk at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The proceeds went to Rainbow’s Baby & Children’s Hospital, a local leader in research, programming, and support of mothers and babies. My daughter Kyra is on the Rainbow & Babies Children’s Associate Board and was instrumental in the planning the event, which was able to host a successful event that will help so many families. It was a wonderful time with my family while raising money for a wonderful cause.

Kitchen in Modern Solon, OH Home Gets a Much Needed Remodel

Featured Project of The Month: Solon Kitchen Remodel

In case you’re wondering how I spent most of the Covid shutdown, it was orchestrating this exciting and fulfilling project. Located in Solon, Ohio, is a modern home that was in need of a remodel. The clients had a vision and were terrific in communicating their likes and dislikes about the current floorplan. The minute I walked into the space I saw tremendous potential. The current plan was extremely chopped up and the kitchen was long and narrow. The clients allowed the process to materialize and realized the potential early on. Some of the many structural items that were implemented to create the open floorplan included removing the dividing fireplace, moving the basement stairs to widen the kitchen, raising the ceiling, installing a 23’ sliding Pella door that leads out to the pool. The transitional styling was used to perfectly compliment the modern lines of the home. A splash of traditionalism was used here and there such as using inset cabinetry in the island. Covid has presented many low points for us over the past several months but this project allowed rays of sunshine and hope for me. I am forever grateful to have had this project during this challenging time.

Shaker Heights Kitchen Redesign

Kitchen Redesign Project in Shaker Heights, Ohio

I am excited to share with you a kitchen that The Hall Design Group has recently completed, located in Shaker Heights, Ohio. The home has a rich history and character to it, and I had the opportunity to carry the character of the home into this space all the while adding the clients personal touch and a hint of modernism. As with most Shaker homes, the space we were working with contained many small areas and a staircase to a separate living quarters. The new design removed walls and eliminated the stairs to effectively open the space. The existing space also lacked natural light. This issue was solved by enlarging the door to the back yard and enlarging the window over the sink area. We used a Shaker style door in a frameless constructed cabinet. This creates a transitional feel all the while keeping in character with the details of the home. The white cabinetry is accented with a wood island that grows organically up from the matching wood floor. Some of the interesting details of the design are the gold accents in the hardware, the retractable doors on the tall unit that create a breakfast center, the apron front sink which is bumped out to create a pleasant architectural detail and also the glass counter wall units which display the clients collections.

In the short time this kitchen has been posted on both Houzz and my website it has become a “fan favorite” and one that I am honored to have been a part of.

A Tale of Two Baths

This month I am proud to present to you 2 incredibly special Master baths. As you will see each Master Bath offers a quite different look but at the end of the day the 2 projects had very similar requests that were met.

Highland Heights Master Bath

A master bathroom with a highlight wall next to the walk in shower. The wall is a beautiful textured light grey tile to contrast the dark grey textured tile floor. There is a shelf built in to the wall. A potted plant sits on the shelf and a large framed painting hangs above it. There is a narrow space of wall between this and the shower where John has installed a cabinet and drawer.

This project was an exciting one in which I was presented with a broken up space with several small areas such as a closet etc. The space inspired me to open it up and create a spa type feel. The client was accommodating in that they allowed me to use my creative abilities and not only meet their functional needs but to at the same time create interest. One of the many focal points to the bath is the glass divider panel to hide the commode. By using the glass panel instead of a wall, I was able to give a separation while at the same time allowing natural light thru. Located within the panel channel is LED strip lighting which gives a stunning view when lit thru the glass. One can also find the LED lighting within the toe kick of the cabinetry. Opposite the panel is the feature wall to the bath.

I organically extended a shelf from a floating tall medicine cabinet. Notice how I also had a tile feature wall behind it. At the end of the bath, you will find a large walk-in shower. A request from the client was to also have a large shower door so down the road should the need arise to have a walker or assistance to shower getting in would still be comfortable. Some other features to this bath include a make up area, a de-fogging mirror to shower, a large shower bench, a skylight, a hamper and much more.

The right side of the same bathroom. There is a double sink with plenty of cabinet and drawer space underneath. Behind the sink is a fogged-glass partition which hides the commode. Behind that is the large walk-in shower that includes both a fixed and removable shower head and a grab bar. There is a skylight on the ceiling of the shower and the rightmost wall in the shower has a fogged glass window that let natural light into the room. The make up area is a large vanity built in to the corner of the bathroom. There is a large mirror that extends to the ceiling. Underneath the vanity there are stacked drawers but there is also space in the middle where a stool sits.

Gates Mills Master Bath

A master bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and a double sink with a large mirror above them. There are several cabinets to the left of the sinks and drawers underneath. The floors are a white and grey marbled porcelain and the walls are off-white.

I had the honor to do this client’s kitchen several years ago and was so honored when they called me to be a part of not only their Master bath, but also 2 other baths. Each one turned out so special in their own rights. Looking at both projects you will notice a totally different aesthetic appearance, but from a functional standpoint so many similarities. Where the previous bath desired a warmer feel with the use a more natural materials, this Master Bath takes on a more classic feel.

The use of marble looking porcelain tiles so beautifully accent the character of both the client and their home. One of this client’s main desires was a free-standing tub. This gave me the opportunity to have it become one of the focal points of the space. Another feature is the large walk-in shower. The client also desired a large door and area once inside the shower to maneuver about should the need in the future ever arise to need it. One of my favorite parts to this bath is the heated floor. It really makes a difference in these cold winter days to come in and have a toasty warm floor. Some other features to this bath are as follows. LED lighting under the vanities, large chased out drawers under the sinks, a vaulted ceiling, a hamper and floating shelves to allow for an accent area within the space.

Another bathroom in the same house with double sinks. There is a commode to the right and a towel rack on the wall. In the mirror you can see the corner of a walk-in shower with glass doors. The floors are an off-white tile and the walls are painted a similar off-white color. A large walk in shower with glass doors. The shower walls and floor are the same marbled porcelain tiling as the floors of the rest of the bathroom. There is a built in caddy to hold soap. There is also a seated area in the shower with a grab bar.

Winter Webinar Series Debut

Well, here we go again. This Saturday, December 19th our Fall Webinar Series comes to a close with the bonus webinar “Where Do I Begin?”, then, the ever-popular webinar series continues with the winter schedule just released. Mixed in within the popular topics you will find some new exciting topics which include “Kitchen trends 2021” (so nice to say 2021!), “Selecting The Right Kitchen and Bath Plumbing Fixtures”, “Selecting The Proper Floor For Your Space”, “A Study of Countertops”, among many more.

The webinar series will always have a place close to my heart. It was started to brighten up the darkest days of the pandemic and to give you something to look forward to and to take advantage of the “down time” by educating yourselves so you would “hit the ground running” when the time came. I am so blessed to have received so many emails and texts on what the series means to you. I am so very humbled and honored by your notes and to be able to offer these webinars to you. So please, keep enjoying.

January 16th:
9:00: Kitchen Trends 2021
10:00: A Study Of Countertops

January 30th:
9:00: 25 Tips Towards A Perfect Kitchen
10:00: Selecting Plumbing Fixtures For Your Kitchen

February 13th:
9:00: Selecting Cabinetry Thats Right For You
10:00: Selecting The Proper Flooring For Your Space

February 27th:
9:00: Selecting Appliances To Fit Your Needs And Budget
10:00: The Kitchen Layout: A Study Of Guidelines To Follow

March 13th:
9:00: The Bath Layout: A Study Of Guidelines To Follow
10:00: Selecting Plumbing Fixtures For The Bath

March 27th:
9:00: Accessorizing The Kitchen
10:00: Designing The Home Office

April 10th:
9:00: Why “Design Only” May Be The Best Fit For You

Sign Up Now!

Webinars are running free of charge at this time. Please contact Celina at Celina@thehalldesigngroup.com or 216-905-7177 to register for one or both webinars.

Bringing Home the Gold!

It is with great honor that I would like to present two Award winning kitchens from the 2020 NARI competition. Each kitchen holds many unique and exciting design features and I am proud to have had a chance to be a part of each one.
The traditional kitchen won 1st place in its category. Is is within a century home located in Hudson, Ohio. This project presented many challenges. These challenges were met head on to create an open, airy flow without compromising any of the homes historic charm. The project included a kitchen, mudroom, family room and bar. We used inset cabinetry along with leaded glass to enhance the existing architecture. One of my favorite parts to the design was creating a Glass paneled wall. When you are standing in the dining room looking towards the back yard, the visual site line is not interrupted due to the placement of the bar.

Turning our direction towards the west side of Cleveland, one can find this stunning modern kitchen located in Strongsville, Ohio. This attractive kitchen won 1st runner up within its category. The minute I completed the design of this space I knew I had a winner. It is so nice when the owner allows me to utilize my creative side and to think outside the box a little. This kitchen is also a direct reflection of their modern home. The cabinets are “Leicht”. Leicht is a German brand of cabinetry out of Stuttgart. Notice how I raised the ovens so as not to have to bend over anymore when cooking. This made for practicality, while also keeping with the integrity of the space.
I would like to once again thank both homeowners for allowing me to present their award-winning kitchens to the general public. They should be very proud of the end results and I am so very happy that they love their new spaces.

8 Considerations Points When Designing the Home Office

With our ever-changing world I am getting more and more calls for the home office. The home office can meet many needs for us. Whether we are bringing our business life into the home or are just finding a need for more organization or even a spot for our children’s virtual classroom. Listed below are 8 good consideration points to think about when designing the space. Please contact John at john@thehalldesigngroup.com for all your home office renovation needs

 

1)     Location is Key– You need to find the space that best fits your needs. Should the primary reason be for business, then a quiet out of the way space is best. Should the office be for daily organizational needs, then closer to daily activities may be best.

 

2)     Allow Enough Space- Depending on the offices use; we need allow ample space for the activities. If there will be meetings then there needs to be a meeting space. Should one require ample amounts of storage such as files then that also needs to be considered.

 

3)     Select the proper desk system– There are options for the desk system based on your needs. Against the wall and tucked away works best for small casual spaces. A built in desk system maximizes the room space while allowing for a nice size desk. A freestanding center of the room desk is optimal for larger spaces and a more open feel.

 

4)     Storage and Shelving– Always allow for ample storage. Do not only think of today but your growing needs.

 

5)     Place to Meet– Are you going to have multiple activities within the space such as business meetings or children
doing homework.

 

6)     Natural View and Light– If at all possible consider having natural light within the space. if not possible then be creative with artificial light.

 

7)     Control Technology– Makes sure to hide all of the cords and wires. Consider pop up outlets and wire channeling.

 

8)     Inspire Yourself & Motivate– Bring your personal touch and interests into the space. Whether it is art, photography or even spiritual items

 


Features 2020 Trend of The Month

Kitchen Plate Rack and Plate Drawers
With a return from the 1980’s, Plate Racks are making a hot comeback in 2020. Throughout the 90’s and into the new Millennium, the once popular Plate Racks were replaced by polished and closed off kitchen cabinets. We are beginning to see them making a return not only for the functionality they provide to the kitchen, but also as an aesthetic addition. This is such an easy way to provide organization into any kitchen (or even dining room) as there is little style restraint. It works in a modern kitchen all the way to a traditional kitchen. A Plate Rack can serve as an extension to already existing shelves or be placed in a corner to save space. Another popular option is the plate drawer. Forget reaching up into a cabinet to get your dinnerware, we are starting to see cabinet drawers as a popular organizational way to utilize space in the kitchen. Keep your eye out for these trends in kitchens this fall.

Upcoming

Kitchen Design Class goes virtual! Join us from the safety of your own home for John’s popular kitchen design class where you will learn anything and everything you need to know for a kitchen remodel. October 10 at 9:00. Visit www.thehalldesigngroup.com or call 216-905-7177 for registration Information.

 

After a successful Spring webinar series, we will be returning to host a fall webinar series! Be on the lookout for more details in the upcoming weeks!

The Journey to JH Design International

Roll Out the Red Carpet!JH Design International logo

Introducing JH Design International, the newest business venture of John Hall. Welcome to the world of E-Design. E-Design is the modern answer to home remodeling. With E-Design, connect with internationally acclaimed designer John Hall to create unique professional quality room design and project consultation from anywhere.

The Journey to JH Design International

a message from John Hall

JohnWith great pride I would like to introduce you to a new venture that I have put together over the last year. JH Design International is a branch of the Hall Design Group that specializes in design only and consulting services. JH Design International has been doing business successfully over the last 9 months. Talking with people throughout the years I have discovered a real need for design only services among the public. With my new company you can now obtain a professional design without having any type of commitment to do the construction or purchasing of materials. JH Design International also offers E-Design service where I work with clients all over the world. My company is set up to handle all design work virtually. Talk about being ahead of the curve! Please feel free to visit my website that is almost complete. Should you not find the answers you are looking for please feel free to call or email me to discuss your individual needs. JH Design International is not replacing The Hall Design Group but rather adding a valuable resource to the public complimenting the Hall Design Group. I encourage you to visit my websites to learn a little more about both companies and which may serve your needs best.

www.kitchenedesigns.com
www.thehalldesigngroup.com

E-Design Services

JH Design International offers a new trend-setting option in design, called”E-Design”. E-Design is simply doing a design for someone not within the same geographical area as JH Design International. John does not need to ever physically step into your space. With today’s technology, John can work remotely and all of the items specified within the design can be ordered locally or online. E-Design is a great way to obtain a professional design from a leading expert within the industry from anywhere in the world at budget friendly pricing. For more information on how it works please visit www.kitchenedesigns.com

Consultation Services

JH Design International is an award winning Design Firm and offers a much desired service to the remodeling and building industry. At times, remodeling and construction projects can be very intimidating. JH Design International can guide you through the process with ease. You may have your own resources and builder/contractor, but lack the confidence and knowledge to make all of the right decisions in a timely manner to keep the project running smoothly and efficiently. With over 35 years of experience, John Hall can guide you as your project moves along. Some of the many areas of John’s expertise include kitchen, bath, closets, lighting, electrical and general construction. John holds a degree in Interior Design and continues to travel the world staying current and ahead with trends and design. He is the leading design expert in Northern Ohio and will look forward to guiding you with all of your Interior Design needs.

Design Services

JH Design International offers “Design Only” Services to the Northern Ohio area. This is the perfect opportunity should you be in the market for a design only. Maybe you are a do-it-yourselfer or already have a contractor and just need guidance with a design. Included within our areas of expertise are kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, closets and much more. John has always stayed on the cutting edge of design. He has made it a priority to regularly visit Europe to stay current on design trends. John’s outstanding designs have been recognized by his peers in the way of local and national awards.

Webinar Series

Given the current situation of the world, we thought now was the perfect time to roll out our highly anticipated Webinar Series. I encourage you to use this time to educate yourself on all aspects of your design process so that when the time comes you can hit the ground running. The webinars can be accessed from the confines of your own home and at this time will be free of charge. Below you will find the webinar topics and release dates. All webinars begin at 10:00 am EST with the exception of April 18th at 3:00 PM EST

April 4: Selecting Cabinetry that’s Right for You

April 11: The Kitchen Layout: a Study of Guidelines to Follow

April 18 @ 3:00: Accessorizing the Kitchen From a Functional Standpoint

April 25: Selecting the Appliance Package that Fits Your Needs and Budget

May 2: Lighting Design for the Kitchen

May 9: Design the Home Office

May 16: Lighting Design for the Bath

April Kitchen Design Class

Join John on April 18 for a comprehensive Kitchen Design Class, back by popular demand, but this time, it goes virtual! Lose no time in your design process and participate in the class from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Visit www.thehalldesigngroup.com or call Celina at 216-905-7177 to reserve your spot today.

On a Personal Note

from John

At The Hall Design Group we recognize these are frightening times for everyone. We are choosing to view this trying period in history as an opportunity. We want to help you design the space of your dreams so that when this time passes, you will have a space where you will never take another moment with your loved ones for granted. As for us, we have our front trees decorated with Christmas lights for the neighborhood children to enjoy and a “Thanksgiving” turkey cooking in the oven…

A Room With a View – July 2019

Project of the Month

The Hall Design Group’s featured project of the month is located within a century home in Hudson, Ohio. The clients wish for the end result was to work within the existing space and to re-arrange the floor plan to create a more open feel while at the same time to add a butler’s pantry all while maintaining the original architecture of the home. The only item to remain was the beautiful hickory floors in which we patched as needed and then re-finished. One of my favorite parts of the project was the creation of the butler’s pantry. This was achieved by taking space from the large family room. The location ends up in an ideal spot due to the fact the space bridges both the family room and a the dining room. One concern of the clients was to not lose the beautiful view out back from the dining room. To maintain the light and the view all the while adding an interesting element, I designed a leaded glass paneled wall. By doing this the space opens and adds a sense of charm to the room. The kitchen is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional at the same time. All of the modern state of the art appliances were used and are being enjoyed by the clients and their friends as they entertain. The Hall Design Group takes great pride in knowing that we created a space for many memories to be made and shared over the years to come.

 

State of the Industry Mid-Way 2019:

As we move forward into the second half of 2019, the kitchen and bath industry finds itself firing on all cylinders. The industry also finds itself with many challenges as we move into the second half of the year. The most challenging obstacle facing both the firms and consumers is the lack of skilled laborers. Finding reputable skilled contractors becomes more and more difficult every day and when one finally finds someone they may find that their lead times can be up to a year out to start a project. HGTV and other similar programs tend to make people think that they can get a kitchen or bath remodeled quickly and inexpensively. I spend a great deal of time re-educating the public about the complexity of a project and the time and money involved. Another headwind that we face today is the tariff issue. This is a sensitive political topic but one that we cannot ignore as we make our material selections for our upcoming project. The biggest hit has come in the quartz countertop market. Quartz has become almost exclusive in regards to tops for both the kitchen and the bath due to the fact that the maintenance is terrific and color choice never ending. A lot of quartz comes from overseas and we are now feeling the effects of the tariffs, either by limited supplies or by a great increase in price. I have also found that we are seeing plumbing fixtures being affected in the same manner.
In regards to what is trending for 2019 and beyond there are many. The most notable trend seems to be luxury vinyl tile. More and more clients are selecting this product over hardwood for many reasons. The two most popular reasons are the ease of installation (can be installed right over tile ) and the maintenance of the material. other trends include moodier tones in regards to the color choice for cabinets, larger subway tiles, a more open floor plan and much more.

Summarizing my thoughts and advice to my clients today is that one should plan well ahead and if you are thinking of a remodeling project for upcoming 2020 then you should start the planning process now. If you have found a firm then you should lock into their calendar. You should also start early in the material phase of the project and make selections and purchases while they are available or if there is a wait then get ordered so it is available once you begin your project.