decorating

The Effect of COVID-19 on Design

November 13, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

COVID-19 has transformed the traditional residence into a multifunctional space that serves as an office, gym, bar, restaurant, school, hospital and home. Working and schooling from home have had the most dramatic impact on the notion of home and will undoubtedly impact future new home design.

It is safe to say that most parents and children would prefer traditional in-person learning instead of virtual schooling at home. Similarly, many people who are working from home would rather be at an office. They miss the face-to-face interaction with their coworkers and the quiet space for focused thinking, and most homes do not have the same access to support and technology available in offices.

Larger Kitchens

The immediate impact of COVID-19 on home design is a desire for a larger kitchen for several reasons. Most families cook more at home because they either can’t or don’t want to dine out. A recent National Kitchen & Bath Association Design Trends 2021 study found L-shaped designs with large islands that can function as dining tables, desks, and other services are likely to dominate near-term trends. Nearly two-thirds of respondents stated that the most popular layout was the open floor plan involving removing walls to open the kitchen space to other rooms.

Contemporary Design

The most popular design style was contemporary, cited by 58% of respondents, followed by transitional at 53% and organic/natural at almost 50%. The latter was the 9^th most popular style in last year’s survey, reflecting that an increasing number of homeowners want to connect with nature and expand living space to the outdoors.

White on White

Nearly 70% of kitchen renovation projects in 2020 have involved medium-sized spaces between 150 and 300 square feet. White and off white remains the popular kitchen color scheme cited by 47% of survey respondents. Other popular color schemes include beige/bone and blue reported by at least 35% of respondents. Lighter colors were also the top choices for countertops and backsplashes, and quartz remains the most popular countertop material, cited by 78% of respondents, followed by quartzite at 29%.

Painted Wood Cabinets

Painted wood cabinets were the most popular door material, followed by full wood grain. Flat-panel slab is the number one door style for cabinets, followed by recessed panels. Floor to ceiling cabinetry and walk-in pantries tied for the top spot for most popular storage solutions. Deeper and lower cabinets were also popular storage solutions.

Technology

Technology use in the kitchen continues to grow. Dedicated spaces (such as in cabinet or drawer) for charging phones, laptops and mobile devices were the number one desired technology feature cited by 63% of respondents. Seamless video communication was the second most popular technology option, followed by emergency refrigerator power and detection devices that alert homeowners to water and gas leaks and power failures. Also popular were voice-activated lighting controls.

As COVID-19 will continue to impact how and why we use our homes, a professional designer can help you and your family design beautiful, healthy, and functional spaces. If you would like to explore how you can improve the living experience for your family, give us a call or make an appointment to visit us either virtually or in-person at our showroom.

Benefits of a Galley Kitchen

October 30, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Apartments and smaller homes often have galley kitchens. These narrow spaces are called galley kitchens after the galleys on boats. A small and narrow footprint can in reality be a highly functional kitchen space if the appliances are laid out in a proper work triangle.

The benefit of a galley kitchen is that there are very few steps between the stove, fridge and sinks, the work triangle of any kitchen. It may not be possible to open the fridge and the oven at the same time, as in this kitchen, but when does that ever really happen.

Galley kitchens can work if you have one chef in the family. Getting two or more people in a galley kitchen can be tricky. Having enough counter space can also be tricky. Having a microwave built into a cabinet or above the stove is a good way to save valuable counter space in a galley or any small kitchen.

When placing flooring in a galley kitchen, don’t fight against the natural narrowness of the space. Wood floors should be installed with the planks running the same direction as the counters. Emphasize the length of the kitchen to make it feel larger.

In smaller kitchens, the total amount of materials will be less than in a larger kitchen. This means you can splurge on the granite countertops, the more expensive cabinets and the better quality floors. The bulk of your budget will still be on the appliances. To save space, use a counter depth refrigerator. Every inch counts in a galley kitchen.

If you need help choosing the right products for your galley kitchen, ask us for help!

Looking Up: Don’t Ignore the Fifth Wall in Your Kitchen or Bath Renovation

August 26, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Ceilings are often an afterthought of the renovation process and don’t get the attention or recognition that they deserve. In a well-designed kitchen or bath in Indianapolis, nothing should be overlooked, including the ceiling. Ceiling height, shape, style, accessories, and color help determine how a space looks and how it feels.

The ceiling should be considered the fifth wall in your new kitchen or bath and should be used to enhance the space’s character. Paint, wallpaper, different textures, heights, finishes and materials can be employed to create a ceiling that serves as a focal point and enhances the overall design and functionality of the space.

The standard height of a kitchen or bath ceiling is eight to nine feet. In some remodels, increasing that height is not practical or even feasible, depending on what is above your bath or kitchen. Typically, we have more flexibility in the bath to incorporate a skylight over a tub, add window space, or create a dropped area of the room to define a portion of the space.

Here are some common ceiling options to enhance your bath or kitchen:

Cove ceilings have curved edges between the ceiling and the wall to create a dome-like design that can create a focal point at the top of the walls. One advantage of cove ceilings is that they help make a space appear taller than it is.
Vaulted ceilings create a sense of volume and spaciousness to a room and also serve to make a space appear larger than it is. Most homes with a sloped roof can support a vaulted ceiling. Vaulted ceilings can have curved or straight sides and symmetrical or asymmetrical lines.
Cathedral ceilings employ straight sides that slope upward at the same angle as the exterior roofline. The most famous cathedral ceiling is at Notre-Dame in Paris. You can’t build anything on top of a cathedral ceiling, but you can create one from unused attic space.
Ceiling trays are recessed ceilings at the highest point with an inverted center. Ceiling trays can add more depth to a room and make it appear more spacious.
Any new kitchen or bath ceiling can be enhanced by decorative moldings, especially Victorian homes.
Beamed ceilings are another tool in a designer’s arsenal to create unique looks. Beams add warmth and character to a room. You need a taller space for beams so the space doesn’t feel small and cramped.
Even basic ceilings can be enhanced with statement-making lighting, paint, or patterned wallpaper.

How can you take advantage of the fifth wall to make your new dream kitchen or bath become a reality? Give us a call or make an appointment to visit one of our showrooms for more information.

Kitchen Remodel Ideas

June 23, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

To help you take on your next remodeling project, we have created ten tips for a kitchen remodel. Let’s get started!

Kitchen Remodel Ideas:

Wide Walkways.
Narrow walkways can cause a newly remodeled space to feel tight or out of date. Before finalizing your remodeling plans, be sure to discuss adding wide walkways into their kitchen. The wide walkways will give you more room to move around and work throughout the kitchen.
The Right Height.
A lot of times, homeowners will place their appliances wherever it looks best rather than taking function and proper layout into consideration. For example, to ensure you have the best kitchen for YOUR family and YOUR lifestyle, you want to place your microwave and double ovens at the right height for you. If you are shorter or taller, this will adjust depending on your preferences.
Do Not Cut Corners.
Corner cabinets can be a tricky topic, because they tend to have difficulties opening when another cabinet is open. Before ruling them out, let’s talk corners and find you a solution!
A Purpose-Filled Island.
Islands are terrific place to add a must-needed feature in your home without wasting space. If you are in need of an extra sink or even storage, your island can come in handy. Be sure to incorporate these essential features into your island for maximum functionality.
Count on Counters.
During a remodel, you want to make sure that you buy a solid countertop. You want to choose one that is easy to maintain and fits your cooking needs. Be sure to discuss the different options before you settle on one.
One Less Trip.
If you have extra money in your budget or you consider yourself a home chef, you may want to consider adding a pot filler near your stovetop. It doesn’t seem like much, but saving an extra trip to the sink with a heavy pot can be a real luxury!
Chalk It Up To A Fantastic Idea.
Chalkboard accents are a stylish and functional option. They are the perfect solution for busy homeowners who need a place to write their grocery list. They also make for a great kid distraction while you are cooking dinner. Some would argue that chalkboards are no longer in style, but we say function first!
Get Plugged In.
Take a look at the amount of outlets you currently have in your kitchen. If you feel like you could use more, now is the time to get some more added. Extra outlets will come in handy more often than you think! If you can’t add more outlets, switch out your existing outlets for newer ones that include USB ports alongside the plugs.
Small Spaces = Soft Shades.
If you have a small kitchen, expert designers recommend sticking with soft shades. Darker shades tend to make the room feel smaller.
The Main Event.
Just like in any room, you want to create a focal point. Whatever your point of interest may be, try to make a statement that reflects your family and your style!

Whether you are starting from the beginning and need step-by-step guidance or know exactly what you need, ICC Home’s new showroom will give you a quick, efficient, and joyful shopping experience. Our new showroom will help ensure a smooth transition between design projects. You will not have to worry about miscommunication and delays with different contractors because it will all be serviced by our team. From cabinet vignettes to countertops to flooring, all of our products work together in order to show you different styles and design trends in the industry.

How to Style Throw Pillows Like a Pro

June 18, 2020 by iccfloors 1 Comment

From vibrant, bold hues to jazzy patterns, throw pillows are a fabulous way to accent or spice up a bed or sofa. Whether you are decorating the couch in the living room or the bed in the master bedroom, putting together the right combination of throw pillows can be much harder than it looks. In fact, mixing patterns and colors can be considered an art. Here are some secrets for styling throw pillows like a professional:

Don’t Make This Mistake

Perhaps, the biggest mistake that homeowners make when selecting throw pillows is playing it too safe. The great thing about accent pillows is that they are typically used sparingly, which means that you have room to play around with pattern and color without overwhelming the space. As the largest piece of furniture in the room, the sofa or bed is usually a neutral color. Using neutral colored throw pillows will create a whitewashed effect. Take a chance with your creativity and choose colorful or designed accent pillows for a beautiful look.

Meshing Throw Pillows With Your Decor

Are you worried that a specific throw pillow will not work well with your room’s decor? Vibrant colors and patterns work well in any space as long as it harmonizes with something else in the room such as a piece of artwork, the rug, or even a chair. A throw pillow can look out of place in a space if it does not match well with anything in the room. Create a cohesive look by seeking inspiration from another element in the room.

The Secret to Mixing Patterns

The key to tastefully mixing patterns is finding a common link between the patterns. Different patterns can look great together when they use a similar color or tone. Solid colored throw pillows mesh well with both large and small scaled patterns. Mixing solid throw pillows with patterns creates a balanced yet playful look. Avoid mixing more than three different patterns together in one setting.

Where Should You Place Throw Pillows?

So where is the best spot for throw pillows? This largely depends on the set up of the sofa or the bed. Most designers will recommend placing throw pillows at the end or the corners of the seating area or bed. For a large couch or bed, you would want two throw pillows at both opposite ends. Leaving the midsection provides ample room for sitting or laying down. For more expert advice, be sure to check back weekly!

Take a Good Look (Design Exercise)

January 10, 2020 by iccfloors Leave a Comment

Today, we wanted to feature a design exercise. This exercise will help you better understand your design needs and goals. To start, we want you to choose a room that you love and a room that you dislike in your house. The size of the room does not matter, so in essence, you could choose a laundry room and kitchen, and it would work perfectly fine.

Once you choose your two rooms, we will begin with the room that you love. In this particular space, you will want to look closely at the design elements and architectural features. What do you love about this space? Perhaps, you love the color scheme or maybe its the lighting provided by the windows. Make a mental note of everything that brings you joy in the space, and features that you are proud to own.

After you complete the room that you love, you will want to transition over to the room that you dislike. If you cannot figure out what you dislike about it, homeowners may find it helpful to look at these key areas:

Flooring
Cabinetry
Countertops
Wall Color
Furnishings
Lighting
Layout
Spaciousness
Flow
Decorations

These areas can help determine the overall aesthetic of your space; therefore, they may cause you to hate this room. If you feel like one element is weighing down the space, you will want to make note of it. However, if you cannot seem to pinpoint the exact flawed area, it may be best to work backward and think, “what do I wish this space look liked.”

While thinking about what you wish the room looked like, you may begin to change elements of the design in your head. For instance, your flooring may be a dark hardwood; however, in your imagination, you have light and airy floors. Or perhaps, your room feels condense, so maybe you realize that there is too much furniture. Whatever it may be, you will want to take into consideration how those specific elements have effected the overall design.

At the end of the exercise, you may come to the conclusion that you want to borrow design elements from the room that you love. Fortunately, at ICC Home, design dreams can become a reality with our expert staff, wide range of products, and efficient store layout. In fact, if you had trouble pinpointing your design disappointments, you do not need to worry. One of our expert sales associates would love to assist you. We can help you create the space of your dreams (literally).