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.

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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.

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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.

Feng Shui Kitchen Therapy Workshop May 10

With the right Feng Shui-inspired renovation Long Island homeowners truly can create a more balanced, prosperous and harmonious life. That’s why the team at Elite Kitchen & Bath is hosting an upcoming Feng Shui workshop for its valued clients on Tuesday, May 10 at 5:30pm. This exclusive workshop – Spring Renewal: Feng Shui your Home for Health & Happiness – will include two hours of education and advice to help you enhance and reorient your kitchen environment. Spring is an ideal time to make home updates, and with a few informed choices you can renew your kitchen to achieve a more harmonious life this season. It’s not too late to RSVP for your chance to learn how the right kitchen design choices can dramatically enhance your well-being!

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Spring Renewal to Promote Health & Happiness at Home

Nadia Vee, award winning designer and licensed Feng Shui practitioner, will host this kitchen therapy workshop to take place at Elite Kitchen & Bath on May 10. Attendees will not only learn how to spruce up their home this spring, but also how to spruce up their spirit for the season of renewal. Nadia will discuss how to Feng Shui your home based on your element, how to choose the right colors to enhance your life, and the secrets of spring kitchen designs that promote health and wealth. The workshop will also include guidance on what’s new in home design and architecture, so your kitchen can be “au courant” this spring. When it comes to kitchen design Long Island residents are spoiled for choice thanks to the exceptional selection of products at Elite Kitchen & Bath, so you’ll find everything you need on-site.

This immersive evening of Feng Shui kitchen therapy will begin at 5:30pm and end at 8pm, including a light dinner at the start.

·      Light Dinner from 5:30-6:00pm

·      Workshop from 6:00-8:00pm

The Best Place to Learn about Kitchen Design & Living

The upcoming Feng Shui kitchen workshop is just one of many events to take place at Elite Kitchen & Bath this spring and summer. Elite KB customers are also invited to reserve their seat for the free home photos analysis event with Nadia on the third Tuesday of every month, where attendees get expert design advice personalized for their homes. And if you’re looking for healthier ways to cook in your kitchen, you can also RSVP for one of the quarterly health and wellness cooking classes starting on June 7th at 5:30pm. With events and so much more than products for kitchen and bathroom design Long Island residents are fortunate to have such an exceptional resource for all their home renovation needs.

To RSVP for Spring Renewal: Feng Shui your Home for Health & Happiness or any of these other exclusive upcoming events, email karen@elitekb.com or call (516) 365-0595. Elite Kitchen & Bath is located at 983 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset, NY 11030.

Design Ideas Ruling the Land of Long Island Home Renovation

With so many new ideas for home renovation Long Island homeowners have no shortage of inspiration when redesigning their homes. In recent blog posts we’ve detailed some of the trendiest design ideas sweeping the nation, and particularly Long Island homes, so far in 2016. From cutting edge counter tops to new color choices, we’ve seen it all. Or have we? It seems that some unexpected trends – such as smartly designed basement escapes and a contemporary return to the classic look of wood – are also emerging as time marches on. Here are a few more ideas to consider if you’re planning a home renovation project this year.

Making the Most of Basements and Attics

You may think of dark, dusty, creepy corners used primarily for storage when you think of the basement beneath a home or the attic above a home’s living spaces. More and more homeowners are making the most of these underused spaces in their homes, though, and contractors are heeding the call. With help from a good general contractor Long Island homeowners can turn their basement or attic into a guest room, home office, hobby room, or serene escape. For basements, the key is to brighten up dark spaces with carefully chosen lighting fixtures and light-colored floors, walls, and trim. For attics, the key is to make the space more comfortable, personalized, and well-lit, while downplaying the shorter ceiling. 

New Ways of Looking at Good Old Wood

Wood has been a staple of home design and construction for centuries, but there are always new ways to look at this old standby. While hardwood floors are commonplace in both contemporary and traditional homes, some designers are looking for inventive ways to interweave wooden materials into the floors, walls, and furniture simultaneously. Even mixing and matching different types of wood – as well as different colors, grains, and stains – is becoming more popular in contemporary homes.   

Open Plans Bring the Kitchen to the Forefront

It’s no secret that open plans are popular in modern homes, and more than ever this means opening up the kitchen to connect it with the other common areas of the home. Most new homes are built with open plans that bring kitchens, dining rooms, sitting rooms, and living rooms together. When it comes to remodelling projects, breaking down walls to expose the kitchen and keep the cook from being isolated is also an increasingly common goal.    

Eco Friendly Bathrooms That Respect the Environment

Consumers are savvier than ever when shopping for eco-friendly and energy-efficient products. When it comes to bathroom design Long Island homeowners are no longer satisfied with a sticker that tells them a product will save them money or is good for the environment; a savvy homeowner will know the difference. When visiting our kitchen and bathroom showroom Long Island homeowners will find a variety of eco-friendly and energy-efficient products and materials that pass the savvy consumer test. Since we spend so much time and energy in the bathroom, it makes sense that homeowners want to feel good about this space.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of the latest trends in Long Island homes, but merely our latest sampling of what’s out there. What are some of your favorite new home design trends in 2016? We’re always curious about the latest ideas on the horizon and welcome your comments.