Why do consumers go to Professional Designers vs. Big Box Stores or Contractors to design their Kitchens?

When a person decides to redo their kitchen, they are investing a great deal of time and money into their home. They typically have special lifestyle needs that their current kitchen does not meet.

Over the years, we have designed kitchens, baths and home remodels for clients from all walks of life. People who love to cook; people who love to entertain; people who love to spend time socializing; affluent; not so affluent; from Long Island, NYC, China, Israel, Russia, Italy... almost everywhere. Why do they choose professional kitchen designers? Because we listen to their needs and have the ability to visualize and design a kitchen that will thrill them visually and functionally. Each lifestyle requires a special design slant. Professionals have access to boutique custom brands that Big Box & Contractors cannot sell.

Cookie Cutter Kitchens

Consumers who choose a Big Box (like Home Depot) or a Contractor to design their kitchen typically believe they want the same kitchen they have. They just want updated cabinetry. Many people think they save money going this route instead of going to a professional. We have two thoughts on this. Small dealerships sell many of the brands in a Big Box (or comparable brands). Often times there is no cost savings. However, if they go to a professional they may get a wonderful idea for a better layout or more desirable aesthetics for the same or similar budget.

When the consumer chooses a Contractor to layout their kitchen and who also sell them cabinets (with no brand name), they need to make sure they are getting what they are paying for. Did they want particle board? Did they want Chinese cabinets? Did they get a warranty in writing from an established, reputable cabinet company? Did they want cabinets with no warranty? Do they know the reputation of the brand they are getting? Finishes? Cracking? Will the Contractor warranty the cabinets and replace defective doors, etc..?

Most big box cabinet salespeople repeat the same cookie-cutter kitchen they design for everyone or sell cabinets in the same layout that the client already has.

There is a big difference between professional, talented kitchen designers and kitchen cabinet salespeople who lay out cabinets. The cabinet salesperson or Contractor may not be versed on important elements such as universal design, smart home features, current trends that increase home values, proper ergonomic design, special materials, available options...

Kitchens not designed for your specific desires can be in anyone's home. Most consumers want a kitchen customized for their lifestyle needs. A kitchen has different elements based on age, cooking style, home size, storage needs, family members. One size does not fit all in the most important room in the home.

5 New Year's Resolutions for Your Kitchen and Bath

In the world of home remodeling Long Island homeowners tend to stay ahead of the curve, with access to some of the finest products and designers in the world and local inspirations ranging from Manhattan lofts to stylish beach house. Even those lucky enough to live in such a stylish enclave can easily find themselves in a home that’s gotten out-of-style or even downright unlivable, though. Not to worry. Here are five New Year’s Resolutions to help improve your kitchen, bathroom and the rest of your home in 2017.

Stop by our state of the art showroom, or call 516-365-0595 for a free estimate today!

Declutter and Create Peace of Mind

Before thinking about bathroom or kitchen remodeling Long Island homeowners could probably all stand to do a bit of decluttering. Not only will this create a more calming and relaxed space, but it also helps bring any décor up-to-date. Start by clearing any unnecessary items from cabinets, drawers and closets. Then go through housewares, DVDs, clothing and other large collections to root out any items that just aren’t being used anymore. Any unwanted but still usable items can be sold or donated to charity. 

Upgrade for Energy Efficiency

From the laundry room to bathroom remodeling Long Island homeowners have many options for energy-saving upgrades. Installing new faucets and showerheads to reduce water usage is a great way to start, and if you have more room in your budget you might consider energy-efficient appliances. There is also a wide range of environmentally friendly furnishings and accessories to make any remodeling project more “green.”

Remodel for Safety and Security

While most remodeling projects are designed to make the home more stylish or functional, it’s also important to make sure your home is safe and structurally sound in the New Year. Make sure you have working smoke detectors in the kitchen, check your home for gasses such as radon, check your bathroom for mold, clear out all the dust and dryer lint, and make sure large structures such as cabinetry and bookshelves are secure. If you live in an older home (pre-1978) and are planning on doing additional remodeling, you’ll also want to have your home checked for lead paint and asbestos. 

Shift Your Furnishings for a Feng Shui Affect

Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophy concerning the placement of people and objects to create harmony within physical environments. By rearranging the items in your home, and possibly adding new items chosen to create a sense of balance and promote specific outcomes, you can drastically change your environment for the better. The design team at Elite Kitchen & Bath can even advise you on the steps to take for a Feng Shui home.   

Make Sure You’re Ready to Entertain

Starting a massive remodeling project in the middle of the holidays may not be an option, but as you enjoy the season you might think of a few ways to improve your home for all your summer entertaining and for next year’s holiday season. Perhaps a new kitchen island, or a revamped guest bathroom, could make a world of difference. 

The New Year is a great time to get things in gear and start transforming your home’s interior into an idyllic space. So make your resolutions now and get ready for a change!

Four Kitchen Design Projects to Finish Before the Holidays

With so many new options for kitchen design Long Island homeowners like you might be thinking of doing some home renovation before the upcoming holidays. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, though, so you might think there isn’t enough time to get it all done on top of your shopping and decorating. Not to worry – it isn’t too late to get your kitchen ready for all your guests and gatherings if you do it right! Here are four kitchen redesign projects that you can get underway now and have finished in time for holiday dinner parties and other upcoming get-togethers.

Fresh Cabinetry and Fixtures

You wouldn’t believe how much of a huge difference it can make to update the cabinets and fixtures in your kitchen. After a quick stop at our kitchen showroom Long Island homeowners can easily choose the colors and materials that will create an entirely new look without remodeling the whole space. With a touch of cleaning and decorating your guests will think you orchestrated a full remodel when you only made a couple of quick upgrades!

New Backsplash, New Look

Adding a new backsplash to the walls behind the sink, stove and countertops is another easy way to update the look of your kitchen without a complicated remodeling project. A colorful tiled mosaic, for example, will dazzle your holiday guests without breaking the bank or tearing up the whole kitchen.

Add a Cozy Breakfast Nook

Wouldn’t you love to enjoy a holiday breakfast with your loved ones around a cozy nook in the corner of your kitchen or dining space? After a quick but carefully planned kitchen installation Long Island homeowners can breathe new life into this often neglected area of the home and get ready for a season of classic entertaining from morning until evening. Remember, the breakfast nook isn’t just for breakfast! It can also be a perfect spot for a bright and cheerful lunch, casual dinner for 2-4, a hosting area for drinks or serving area for plates and cutlery, or an additional table to accompany a larger service at the dining room table.    

Contractor-Grade Updates

With the help of a kitchen contractor Long Island homeowners can accomplish big renovation goals in a small amount of time. Whether you want to add a new island to prepare festive meals, a new buffet for serving your feast, a new storage and drink-serving area, or any other seemingly complex upgrades, one of our qualified contractors can help. Just stop by our kitchen showroom and speak to a member of our design and construction team to get your project underway.

As you can see, there are plenty of kitchen design projects you can finish before the holidays. The key is to plan smart, get the right help you need, purchase high-quality and stylish products, and get started now so you can enjoy the coming winter in style.

A Match Made in Heaven: Rutt Cabinetry and Elite Kitchen & Bath

When it comes to home renovation Long Island residents are fortunate to have one of the top Rutt Kitchen Designers right in their backyard. Elite Kitchen & Bath, conveniently located on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset, has earned the distinction of #1 Rutt Kitchen Designer on Long Island and #3 Rutt Kitchen Designer in the United States. Rutt is known as one of the finest kitchen cabinetry producers in the world, but their craftsmanship extends beyond the kitchen to fine products such as custom mantels and built-in desks. After visiting Elite’s kitchen and bathroom showroom Long Island homeowners can see just how beautiful Rutt cabinetry is, but for now keep reading to learn more about this skilled team of artisans.

View fullsize

Since 1984 Elite has created gorgeous custom kitchen, baths and full home renovations on Long Island, and New York City. Stop by our state of the art showroom in Long Island, or call 516-365-0595 for a free estimate today!

A History of Uncompromising Cabinetmaking

Phares Rutt opened a woodworking shop beside his Lancaster County home in 1951 and quickly became known as one of the finest makers of handcrafted wood furniture in southeastern Pennsylvania. His work embodied the classic style and quality that are unique to the area’s Mennonite and Amish communities, yet also displayed a new level of innovation and excellence that set him apart. Before long Rutt was known as a leading name in American luxury cabinetry and Phares Rutt continued to grow his team of craftspeople in order to keep up with the demand. 

The Modern Face of Rutt Kitchen Cabinetry

In many ways, very little has changed in the production of Rutt Kitchen Cabinetry over the years. The workshop is still located in the quiet Pennsylvania countryside and the friendly craftspeople still produce each piece by hand – with just a little help from technology to ensure safety and quality. Many members of the team have been producing Rutt Cabinetry for decades, and the company makes a point to work with design partners that share this dedication. That is why Rutt and Elite Kitchen & Bath make such a great team. As a family owned and operated business since 1984 with an award-winning design team, Elite Kitchen & Bath knows how to treat a fine piece of cabinetry and how to treat customers fairly.

With the help of an Elite general contractor Long Island homeowners can install a true work of art in their kitchen or living room. Rutt Cabinetry transforms a mundane space into a unique symbol of artisanal perfection, with all the storage and convenience to make life just that little bit better. From kitchen remodeling to bathroom design Long Island homeowners can count on Elite Kitchen & Bath and Rutt Cabinetry to make it happen.

Top 3 Tips for Planning and Designing a Large Long Island Bathroom

There are many tips for a larger bathroom design Long Island homeowners should be aware of as they plan for an expansive master bath. Whether you want a perfect place to get ready with your significant other, a functional space for the whole family or a luxurious spa sanctuary just for yourself, there are many considerations you might not even think of until it’s too late. You need to get the shape right, for starters, so you don’t have an awkward unused area that could be better utilized. You will also need to decide what kind of surfaces will look right in a large bathroom and fit within your budget, what kind of heating options will keep the whole space warm in winter, and what kind of bathtub will achieve your desired specifications.

View fullsize

Stop by our state of the art showroom in Long Island, or call 516-365-0595 for a free estimate today!

After visiting our bathroom showroom Long Island homeowners will see that there are many options and hopefully leave with some much-needed advice, but before you even think of what you want to purchase consider these following top three tips:

Think About Function First

While your mind may wander to stylish materials and luxurious additions as you start planning the design of your master bathroom, you must sit down and think about the functionality before anything else. First of all, how will this bathroom be used? You will need to plan differently if several people will be using this bathroom during busy mornings than if it will only be used by one or two people. If it’s going to be heavily trafficked then you might want to consider a separate shower outside of the bath and “his and hers” sinks are always a good idea. If you’re looking to create a relaxing spa atmosphere for one or two people to enjoy, on the other hand, you will probably want to dedicate more of your budget to a top-of-the-line whirlpool bath. And, whatever your goals, it is essential to have ample storage and to make sure that all your furnishings match or complement one another. 

Build “Zones” into the Bathroom   

Whether this bathroom will be used by one, two or ten people, you will want to create zones that section off areas of the bathroom for different purposes. The sink and toilet should each have their own “room within a room” so one person can be taking a bath or shower while someone else is brushing their teeth while someone else is using the toilet. And a separate space for the bathtub is always nice so this zone can be dedicated to relaxation. Simply installing a door isn’t your only option, though it is essential for the toilet. With help from a general contractor Long Island homeowners can also create different zones by building upper and lower levels into the space and utilizing different flooring materials to differentiate the spaces. Just make sure they don’t clash!

Get the Storage You Need Where You Need It

If there is more than one person using a bathroom there is bound to be clutter as each person will have their own products that they prefer to use every day. Even one person can create quite a bit of clutter, so large families really have a tough time keeping the main bathroom tidy. This is why it’s a good idea to implement multiple storage solutions as you plan and design your large master bathroom. You might consider built-in shelves, above-sink cabinetry, wall-hung cabinets and freestanding cabinets to store everything that everyone needs in a place where they can reach it when they need it. Cabinetry is also an essential component in order to keep all your stuff out of sight and avoid clutter.

When it comes to home renovation Long Island homeowners are wise to focus on their master bathrooms to maximize resale value. At the end of the day, though, the master bathroom should always be designed for those using it right now.  

"Kitchen Therapy & More" Workshops

"Home Design Appraisal Tuesdays" -The Elite/Express Team & Interior Designer Nadia Vee evaluate plans for local resident 

Elite launched the “Kitchen Therapy & More” Workshops plus “Home Design Appraisal Tuesdays” in February 2016. “Our goal is to educate consumers in the different aspects of design for the kitchen, bath and home”, says Yeheskel Sharbani, owner of  Manhasset based Elite Kitchen & Bath & Express Contracting. “We find the more people know about design, the better decisions they make when choosing cabinetry, design & layout changes and materials” says Sharbani.   

Nadia Vee, Award Winning Interior Designer 

Our next workshop is being held on September 20th, 2016 titled “New Trends & Technology in Luxury Home Design” conducted by Nadia Vee.

Award-winning interior designer Nadia Vee will reveal the design industry's new trends and resources for the 2016/2017 fall-winter season.  She will show examples of a wide array of bespoke furniture, textiles, new color trends and the best color schemes for interiors, live plants as wall coverings, and adventurous creativity in tile and stone design. 

Ms. Vee will also discuss the New dynamic: Design meets technology; we will explore how they work together to create innovative space that brings style to life.  She will show how exquisite furnishing, like magnificent gems, can adorn your life with beauty and provide an opportunity for self expression when combined with the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui's "Bagua" (the balance of Yin and Yang, significant in determining the auspicious qualities of special relationships)

Elite/Express held workshops on Feng Shui & healthy cooking with new appliances which were phenomenally received.  These workshops are interactive and each individual gets the opportunity to personalize and apply the elements to their own home.

The “Home Design Appraisal Tuesdays” are held the third Tuesday of each month where individuals bring photos/plans of any part of their home they want evaluated.  The Elite/Express team along with interior designer Nadia Vee evaluates and makes recommendations based on the photos and the homeowner’s desired outcome. People are amazed at what small changes and major changes can do for their home life experience.  “We encourage our community to bring the pictures of their space and we will help them transform the space of their dreams”, says Nadia Vee. 

Master Bath Design Ideas for a Long Island Summer Renovation

When planning a home renovation Long Island homeowners can’t choose a “wrong” time of year, though the summer months are often the least challenging. Many people are taking time off work, providing the time to plan and orchestrate the renovation from start to finish, and the weather is less unpredictable. At the same time, there is plenty to do during the day so you don’t have to sit around the house waiting for your bathroom to be done. If you’re planning a renovation of your master bathroom it certainly shouldn’t ruin your summer. Here are a few design ideas to help you plan a seamless master bath renovation that will look fabulous for years to come.

Consider Your Budget First

Before visiting any bathroom showroom Long Island homeowners should determine their budget and create a loose plan of what they want to achieve. Those with a big budget and a big bathroom can splash out for new additions such as heated floors, rainfall showerheads and whirlpool tubs. But if you have a smaller budget or limited space there’s still a whole lot you can do with an extra dose of creativity.

Choose a Personalized Color Palette

When it comes to bathroom design Long Island homeowners should choose the color palette, theme and style that reflects their personalities and preferences. If you have a larger bathroom you might want to create a subdued mood with dark shades of brown, green or blue. If you have a smaller bathroom, on the other hand, you might want to choose brighter or softer colors to create the illusion of a larger space. There are also stencils and other accents that can offset more bold or barren color choices. But at the end of the day it’s your choice!

Find the Right Theme to Suit You

You might not think your master bathroom needs a theme, but keeping a concept in mind will help you and/or your designer determine the right products to pull together a cohesive look that will leave you with a sense of calm. You might want to go with a vintage look including a pedestal sink and clawfoot bathtub with Victorian-inspired framed artwork. Or maybe you want a more clean and modern look with glass and metal, or a budget-friendly sea theme with stone countertops and seashell patterns throughout. It’s up to you.

Make Your Big Purchases First

Whether it’s a DIY project or a job for a general contractor Long Island homeowners will want to make sure they get the most costly and time-consuming aspects of the remodel project out of the way first. If you’re installing a new bathtub, adding arched ceilings or doing any other extensive work, it may cost more and take longer than you expected. So take care of the biggest parts of the project first, get them out of the way, and then see what you have left to deal with. You might not have time or money to do everything you desired, but last-minute touches like new towels and shower curtains can always help pull it all together. Getting halfway through a major project before running out of money or having to go back to work would be much worse.

However you decide to remodel your bathroom this summer, just make sure to have fun with it. At the end of the day it’s still going to be work, no matter how much help you have, but when you’re passionate about the project it won’t seem like such a chore.

Marilyn Monroe Slept here....

We are very excited about the completion of our latest project in Manhattan. We performed the interior contracting work for this gorgeous penthouse apartment designed by renowned Interior Designer, Philip Thomas.

Dearest Marilyn slept here in her NYC apartment with her husband, Playwright Arthur Miller 

The sheer grandeur of this apartment rich in history had a humbling effect on us.  The stories emanating from the walls conjure up laughter, flirting, fantastic dinner parties with the rich & famous of the recent past.  While working, we imagined standing where dear Marilyn, Cary, Bill or the Duke once sipped champagne.

 Fashion Icon Bill Blass owned the apartment in the 1970’s.  Mr. Blass entertained amazing icons in this apartment including Cary Grant and the Duke & Duchess of Windsor. Bill dressed world famous women Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Marlene Dietrich, to name a few.   

Marilyn Monroe moved to this Sutton Place apartment with playwright Arthur Miller after they married in the late '50s.  Mr. Miller wrote the final draft of "The Misfits” here— which turned out to be Monroe's last film.

If Bill & Marilyn weren’t enough to pique your interest, singer Bobby Short and, most recently, a Swedish princess, all have taken up residence in this glorious space.

On the market for $6.75 million, the real estate listing intoxicates us with the feature and design highlights that will mesmerize even the most seasoned:

·        For an asking price of $6.75 million, those interested in scooping up the 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment can expect heated floors, a modern kitchen with a breakfast bar, and a solarium in the guest bedroom

The Guest Bedroom 

·        THE MASTER BEDROOM features a dressing room/office, a private terrace and a bathroom with a soaking tub, radiant heat floors and a multi-jet shower.  

·        THE GUEST BEDROOM offers a floor-to-ceiling window which guarantees the best view possible for guests.

·        Inside are two wood-burning fireplaces for staying toasty on colder days.

·        THE LIVING ROOM - You enter the apartment via an elevator that's attended 24/7, and then walk into this stunning space featuring a fireplace, expansive windows, and polished hardwood floors.

Amazing East River View

·        This prewar pad offers a stunning view of the East River and 59th Street Bridge 

·        A fabulous 3000 sq ft terrace for outdoor entertaining. or just relaxing with a view toward the East River

3000 Sq feet of amazing terrace space

All in all, quite a swanky pad! Oh the stories in stone that goes unspoken… 

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/marilyn-monroe-bill-blass-new-york-penthouse

Elegant living room with fireplace 

Master Bath Design Ideas for a Long Island Summer Renovation

When planning home renovation Long Island homeowners can’t choose a “wrong” time of year, though the summer months are often the least challenging. Many people are taking time off work, providing the time to plan and orchestrate the renovation from start to finish, and the weather is less unpredictable. At the same time, there is plenty to do during the day so you don’t have to sit around the house waiting for your bathroom to be done. If you’re planning a renovation of your master bathroom it certainly shouldn’t ruin your summer. Here are a few design ideas to help you plan a seamless master bath renovation that will look fabulous for years to come.

Consider Your Budget First

Before visiting any bathroom showroom Long Island homeowners should determine their budget and create a loose plan of what they want to achieve. Those with a big budget and a big bathroom can splash out for new additions such as heated floors, rainfall showerheads and whirlpool tubs. But if you have a smaller budget or limited space there’s still a whole lot you can do with an extra dose of creativity.

Choose a Personalized Color Palette

When it comes to bathroom design Long Island homeowners should choose the color palette, theme and style that reflects their personalities and preferences. If you have a larger bathroom you might want to create a subdued mood with dark shades of brown, green or blue. If you have a smaller bathroom, on the other hand, you might want to choose brighter or softer colors to create the illusion of a larger space. There are also stencils and other accents that can offset more bold or barren color choices. But at the end of the day it’s your choice!

Find the Right Theme to Suit You

You might not think your master bathroom needs a theme, but keeping a concept in mind will help you and/or your designer determine the right products to pull together a cohesive look that will leave you with a sense of calm. You might want to go with a vintage look including a pedestal sink and clawfoot bathtub with Victorian-inspired framed artwork. Or maybe you want a more clean and modern look with glass and metal, or a budget-friendly sea theme with stone countertops and seashell patterns throughout. It’s up to you.

Make Your Big Purchases First

Whether it’s a DIY project or a job for a general contractor Long Island homeowners will want to make sure they get the most costly and time-consuming aspects of the remodel project out of the way first. If you’re installing a new bathtub, adding arched ceilings or doing any other extensive work, it may cost more and take longer than you expected. So take care of the biggest parts of the project first, get them out of the way, and then see what you have left to deal with. You might not have time or money to do everything you desired, but last-minute touches like new towels and shower curtains can always help pull it all together. Getting halfway through a major project before running out of money or having to go back to work would be much worse.

However you decide to remodel your bathroom this summer, just make sure to have fun with it. At the end of the day it’s still going to be work, no matter how much help you have, but when you’re passionate about the project it won’t seem like such a chore.

6 Feng Shui Bathroom Design Tips for Long Island Homes

In terms of bathroom design Long Island homeowners often think of basic function over style, while rooms such as the kitchen and master bedroom get all the glory. And when homeowners do remodel their bathrooms, luxurious designs and additions such as whirlpool tubs are often the focus. But the bathroom isn’t just a place for using the toilet, washing up, or even pampering yourself. Feng Shui – a set of design and architecture “rules” to orient the flow of energy in the home – dictates that a bathroom can be much more. With the right Feng Shui design you can create a space that minimizes the bad energy of the bathing room while maximizing positive energies in your home. After some sound advice from a knowledgeable designer and help from a trusted general contractor Long Island homeowners will soon find themselves in a more positive bathing space.

If you’re planning on working with a Feng Shui expert to renovate your home, here are six items to keep in mind – and directions on where (and where not) to place them.  

1.     Metal Wind Chimes

The tingling metal pipes will keep bad energy under control in your bathroom, and make it a more pleasant place to spend time. Just make sure they are not adorned with symbols and keep them in a south, south-east, or eastern direction. 

2.     Crystal Geodes

By hanging a crystal geode in the southern area of your bathroom, you can enjoy a beautiful show of light playing on the walls and suppress any negative fire energies coming from the south. 

3.     Lush Green Plants

Adding a few lush green plants in the northern area of your bathroom will also help to suppress negative water energy, and of course they simply brighten up the space! As with any home renovation Long Island homeowners are always encouraged to make it bright.

4.     Candles and Lanterns

Glowing candles or glittering lamps can create a calming effect and are best placed in the east or south-east are of your bathroom. Make sure to keep them lit for three hour intervals, and avoid placing them in the south, south-west, or north-east.

5.     Hanging Door Mirrors

Hanging a mirror on the bathroom door can help increase the “chi” in your home by bouncing it to other rooms rather than letting it escape down the drain, but make sure that it doesn’t reflect a bed, door, another mirror, or anything negative such as dirt and clutter. 

6.     Bathroom Rugs

The color and shape of your bathroom rug will depend on what corner of the home your bathroom is in. If it’s in the north you should choose a green rectangular rug; if it’s in the south you should choose a pink, yellow, or chocolate-brown rug in a square shape; if it’s in the east or south-east you should choose a red triangular rug; if it’s in the west or north-west you should choose a blue wavy rug; and if it’s in the south-west or north-east you should choose a grey circular rug.

Upon visiting Elite KB’s bathroom showroom Long Island homeowners will find much more than the fixtures and accessories to help put Fung Shei into this important space in the home. You can also find expert advice from our designers, some of whom even specialize in the art of Feng Shui! Stop into Elite Kitchen & Bath or contact us today to learn more.