Consolidated Plumbing Blog

When you’re piecing together a new kitchen design, finding the right countertop color and material can set the tone for the entire space.

In this post we’ll explore some of this season’s most popular countertop trends to help you get your design right.

Thin is in

Regardless of the material you choose, most designers will tell you that “thinner is better” when thinking about the thickness of your countertop slab.

Bear in mind that not all materials work well with this look, so you’ll need to match the depth of your countertop with the characteristics of the material you choose. For example, concrete countertops will always be thicker than natural stone.

Welcome to the steelworks

While the look can feel too industrial for some, many homeowners are embracing the many advantages of stainless steel countertops.

Exceptionally resistant to bacteria, easy to keep clean and ready to accept piping hot pans, it’s easy to see why steel is the material of choice for any professional kitchen.

The reflective properties of stainless steel help make a smaller kitchen feel bigger than it really is.

Butcher block

Wood countertops, particularly when paired with hardwood floors, are making a big comeback. Warm and earthy, the butcher block style goes well with both modern and traditional kitchens.

Manufactured stone

Engineered quartz countertop technology has improved greatly over the years. Today’s man-made stone is available in a myriad of colors, designs and textures. While engineered quartz has yet to replicate the exact natural look of marble or granite, it’s extremely resistant to stains and spills.

South of the border charm

Homeowners looking to create a rustic yet inviting kitchen are looking to Latin America for inspiration. Ceramic tile countertops are exceedingly vibrant, and it’s easy to put together a “one-of-a-kind” look with intricate pottery accents.

Ceramic tends to chip and grout will stain/discolor over time. This style works best for homeowners who prefer the “lived in” look rather than perfectionists.

Not your grandfather’s laminate

Believe it or not, upscale laminate countertops are an economical option for homeowners on a tighter budget. Today’s top end products can replicate the most luxurious kitchen styles and are extremely easy to care for.

An oldie but goodie

Granite has been the king of countertops for quite some time as it’s virtually impossible to find a more durable natural stone. While granite will certainly set you back a bit more than manufactured alternatives, you can’t go wrong with this timeless classic.

Dust off your passports and get ready for a host of unique kitchen design themes from overseas. With these international concepts, you’ll feel like a world renowned chef every time you batter up a Schnitzel or simmer down a pot of savory curry.

Warm, classic, traditional: Tuscan country style

Nothing says “old world chic” quite like Tuscany or the French countryside. Take a cue from our friends in Europe and make your kitchen a place to relax and slow down.

This look begins with terracotta flooring, dramatic lighting, neutral marble countertops and warm wood cabinetry. Choose a color palette that includes reds, barley cream, gold ochre and sage green, then accentuate with decorative cookware such as hanging copper pots and big, deep terracotta fruit bowls. Hide all modern conveniences (microwave, dishwasher, mixer) out of sight with custom cabinets.

Ideally the Tuscan kitchen opens out with an open-floor plan to your living area but if not, integrate a comfy island with padded stools for social gatherings during food prep.

For added luxury, invest in a stunning built-in cappuccino maker.

Eye catching & modular: high-end Indian kitchen

A new trend catching on in India is a storage-based scheme that dates back to the 1970s, and it’s perfect for busy professionals who don’t always have time to spend hours in the kitchen creating a five-course feast.

With a huge pantry and tons of storage to stow away all your kitchen gadgetry, this style is super easy to clean and maintain.

To get this look away from ‘70s drab (i.e. the Brady Bunch color scheme), employ incredibly bold color splashes to ensure your walls burst with flavor.

Sleek & contemporary: German efficiency

Homeowners with a soft spot for modern gadgets, functional innovations and state-of-the-art kitchen equipment will love the German kitchen.

German kitchens are where practicality meets quality with more than a touch of vroom. Sleek, clean lines, timeless color palettes, high quality cookware and top of the range smart appliances create the cornerstone of the look with a modern touch-free faucet as the centerpiece.

To go full Deutschland, think “stainless steel everything.” And because is Germany, appliances should match, not clash.

Introduce a few tiny potted herbs in front of the window to add a decidedly eco feel, and be sure to install bright, functional lighting to illuminate the whole space.

Charming & cozy: English cottage kitchen

You too can recreate the coziness of the English countryside even without stone walls and a cobb roof.

Hang open shelving to display traditional crockery and decorate the room with handmade ornamentation. Flooring should be rustic or polished wood and cabinets should be painted (off-white or pastel blue) with antique brass hardware.

Go with a large, single-basin apron front farmhouse white enamel sink with old-fashioned fixtures and tidy away all small kitchen goodies in large wicker baskets.

Install a large window over the sink if possible for plenty of sunlight—or even cut in a skylight.

South of the border: the bold Mexican kitchen

Mi casa es su casa.

Fashion the warm and welcoming ambiance of the Mexican kitchen with talavera tile inlay countertops with a talavera backsplash and exposed shelving.

Colors should be bold. And I mean extra bold. Bright yellows, deep blues, heartfelt reds and cheerful oranges. It’s okay to clash and go vibrant to the extreme.

Repeat colors whenever possible with different textures such as Spanish tile flooring. Furniture and cabinetry should be solid wood and stained with a darker varnish. Don’t forget to display special touches like a wreath of braided garlic and colorful Mexican styled plates.

If you live in an older home (and even if you don’t) it’s possible that you’re rinsing, washing or flushing valuable money and natural resources right down the drain.

Here’s a simple, straightforward guide to installing energy-saving, eco-friendly plumbing systems in your home.

If you live in an older home (and even if you don’t) it’s possible that you’re rinsing, washing or flushing valuable money and natural resources right down the drain.

Here’s a simple, straightforward guide to installing energy-saving, eco-friendly plumbing systems in your home.

Low-flow & you wouldn’t even know it

Twenty years ago installing a low-flow shower head meant you’d better get used to heading to the office with a little shampoo in your hair. In short, they were awful.

But today’s water-efficient models perform just as well as their higher GPM counterparts. By utilizing air-induction and other innovative technologies it’s possible to create extraordinary bathroom experiences using a fraction of the water.

Popular showerhead manufacturers like Kohler offer a wide range of styles bearing the WaterSense label.

Maximize your gallons per flush

As water becomes scarcer, the Environmental Protection Agency continues to tighten the restrictions on required GPF targets for WaterSense qualified toilets. Whereas 1.6gpf toilets were once considered cumbersome and ineffective, today’s high-performance “green” toilets must meet or exceed just 1.28gpf, a full 20 percent lower than what was once the industry standard.

Siphon-action jetted bowls, vacuum-assisted flushing and similar advancements now make it possible for liquid-wasted flushes as low at 0.8 gallons.

In many homes the installation of an environmentally friendly toilet can save over 20,000 gallons of water per year, simultaneously lowering waste impact and your water bill.

And speaking of toilets, a dual-flush toilet makes it possible to choose between two separate GPF rates depending on whether you’re flushing liquid or solid waste.

The power of an aerator

Most older faucets can be easily retrofitted with a screw-on aerator to lower water usage while still maintaining a powerful flow, but if you’re ready to rip out those older fixtures and upgrade, look no further than DELTA for stylish water-saving faucets for the kitchen and bath.

DELTA was named WaterSense Partner of the Year in 2014 for their commitment to excellence in green technology, and the number of their product lines that qualify for WaterSense designation is truly astounding.

A WaterSense faucet in your bathroom alone can cut water consumption by 30% which translates to around 500 gallons each year.

Avoid heat loss

It’s not just the water itself we often waste in our homes. One of the best ways to lower monthly energy bills is by changing the way we heat the H2O running through the pipes.

Pipe Material

In new installations PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping maintains heat better than traditional copper or plastic piping. If replacing your piping is not feasible, consider insulating the system you’ve already got. Properly insulating your pipes can reduce heat loss by up to 80%.

Energy Efficient Water Heater

Modern eco-friendly heaters are less apt to leak and hold heat much longer than models produced just a few years ago. For full energy efficiency, however, consider the move to tankless (otherwise known as on demand) heating.

Hey, we all make mistakes – but if you’re planning on doing a major bathroom renovation, do your best to sidestep these ones.

Trust us.

Breaking out the sledgehammer before the notebook

Never begin demolition without a well thought out plan for how you’re going to put it all back together again. Even if you’re hiring out the project in its entirety to a GC you’ll want your bathroom “out of order” for as few days as possible.

A major renovation (particularly one that involves wet walls) is not something that can be simply figured out as you go. It’s OK to make minor adjustments along the way, but plan in advance to avoid flying by the seat of your pants.

Being unrealistic with your budget

Too many homeowners make the mistake of fudging the numbers when their price estimations wind up higher than they’d like.

Just because you lower the price on your spreadsheet doesn’t mean your plumbing supply company, electrician or contractor will do the same.

If your estimate comes out high you’ve got two options:

• Find more money (including financing)
• Lower your expectations

Trying to do a $30k makeover with a $20k budget will inevitably lead to cutting corners at the very end or, even worse, an unfinished bathroom.

Not fixing slip-ups as you go

Ever hear the old adage “a stitch in time saves nine”?

When it comes to errors & miscalculations, don’t opt for cover-ups or your issues will compound the deeper you get into your project. A small mistake now can turn into a big problem later.

It’s tempting to leave that crooked tile or fill in the poorly measured gaps with silicone, but you’ll regret it down the line.

See a mistake. Fix it. Period.

Settling for poor ventilation

Often people get so caught up in the fun stuff that they forget about the nuts and bolts. Don’t skimp on a cheap bathroom fan, and make sure you install additional ventilation if you’re adding extra water (i.e. steam shower) to the room.

Forgetting to leave room

There is such a thing as too much good stuff. Don’t overcrowd your space with extra sinks, oversized showers and other goodies just because you’ve got money in the budget.

Sometimes less is more, particularly if you don’t have the square feet to fit all your dreams into one room.

Removing the tub

Ripping out the tub can potentially backfire if you wind up putting your house on the market soon after your renovation.

Maybe you never use “that old thing,” but in general the market expects homes to feature at least one tub. At the very least families with young children need the basin for bathing little ones.

This isn’t to say you should never remove the tub—just be sure to think it through.

Using porous materials

Thinking outside the box and implementing wood or other porous elements into the bathroom has the potential to cause big problems down the line if you don’t take the necessary precautions.

The same goes for carpeted floors. Don’t be afraid to go non-traditional, but make sure you fully understand what you’re signing up for.

While everyone else is looking to the “kitchen of the future,” you can steal the show with Old School Cool. Here are five great elements from Grandma’s kitchen that work great in a cutting edge retro design.

Easy to clean with a chef’s twist

Back in the 1950s it wasn’t uncommon to see stainless steel countertops. Why not? It’s strong, affordable, insanely durable and very easy to keep clean.

While you might want to pass on the turquoise cabinetry and wood paneling that often went along with this motif, there are plenty of ways to bring stainless steel back without looking dated.

Imagine a restaurateur’s kitchen at home. The world’s greatest cooks prepare their masterpieces on stainless steel, and you can, too. Give your home kitchen a mini-commercial feel. From hanging pots to industrial strength mixers and restaurant-grade cooling, it’s the perfect look for any wannabe chef!

Black and white

Consider a look reminiscent of the Great American Diner. From checkerboard floors to wall tiles and antique prep equipment, a minimalist black and white color scheme with a purposefully dated look will surely set your kitchen apart.

The only challenge here is that you’ve got to go full-steam-ahead. Your sink, tap, oven and fridge will all need to be decidedly “retro” to pull this look off.

If you’ve got the space, consider a built in breakfast nook with red vinyl stools and plenty of chrome!

Back to the farmhouse

An apron-front sink by Kohler can transform your kitchen into a memory from your childhood. The classic look of enamel-plated cast iron is easy to clean and sets the tone for the entire room.

An antique-style faucet completes your centerpiece.

Holy Brady Bunch, Batman!

Let’s head back to the ‘70s. Back when bold colors weren’t just reserved for the paint can.

While you won’t want to go full “pea green,” it’s worth your while to check out some of the bright and exciting colors available in today’s refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers.

Don’t worry—you can pull this funky look off even without sideburns and bell bottoms.

Go industrial

Imagine a kitchen that embodies the best of a stylish 1960s New York City loft. From a rustic oven hood to visible piping and ductwork, simplicity and cast-iron cooking come together to bring the panache back from the grooviest decade in history.

Forego cabinet doors and stick with open shelf storage. Simple steel frames with natural wood shelving can simultaneously evoke feelings of simplicity and class.

The end-all be-all

Remember that the tough thing about going retro is that you almost always need to carry the theme all the way through to get the most out of your statement.

That being said, if you’re willing to make the commitment, you can easily craft the most interesting and thought-provoking kitchen in the neighborhood by browsing through those old Better Homes & Gardens mags cluttering up your garage!

Anyone who has visited Consolidated Plumbing Supply’s 3,500 foot showroom in Westchester County knows that the possibilities are literally endless when it comes to picking out new faucets and fixtures for your kitchen or bath.

It’s easy to wind up suffering from choice paralysis.

Here’s a simple guide to some of the top manufacturers to help you narrow down the field.

The blue chips

If you’re looking for a big name brand backed by years of research, quality testing and warranty, it’s hard to overlook the industry’s big boys in faucets: Delta, Kohler and Brizo.

All three companies provide a wide range of product lines from affordable quality all the way up to high-end luxury. Sure, you might not find the same “one-of-a-kind” uniqueness you get with the boutique brands but you can never go wrong with the most experienced faucet manufacturers in the business.

Delta

The industry leader in quality control and testing. All new designs are turned off and on a whopping 500,000 times to ensure a lifetime of leak-free performance. This is in addition to more than 100 inspections by hand.

The company’s signature technologies include Touch2O, diamond sealed valves and highly efficient water usage.

Kohler

Bringing more than 100 years of manufacturing experience to the table (they’ve been around since 1911), there’s nothing that Kohler hasn’t seen. Kohler is popular with discerning but budget-minded consumer as well as those willing to pay for cutting edge technology.

Incredible features such as Temperature Memory make it possible to set your kitchen tap at your ideal warmth and your faucet will automatically adjust to return to a previously used temperature range.

Brizo

Brizo is ideal for those willing to pay a little more for modern lines and exquisite style without having to jump up into the boutique range. While every Brizo faucet performs masterfully and reliably, this manufacturer puts a little more emphasis on form and style than their counterparts.

You won’t find a single Brizo faucet that doesn’t exude glamor and fashion.

Boutique specialists

For homeowners who value individuality and exclusivity, Consolidated Plumbing Supply works with a wide range of luxury marques. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of these companies before—we only work with the most reputable brands.

Here are three of our most popular lines:

Riobel

For water efficiency and eco-friendly technologies, it’s hard to be better than Riobel. Their GREEN line exceeds the standards set for WaterSense designation.

Based out of the Montréal suburb of Saint-Jérôme, Riobel has been around for more than twenty years, focusing their business model on innovation and advancing know-how in water conservation.

California Faucets

Old World panache meets American ingenuity—that’s California Faucets.

Every faucet produced offers a distinct Italian flavor melded with modern lines and chic artisan finishes.

Water Décor

For high-end futuristic-looking faucets, Water Décor is a fantastic choice. Not only does their standard product line feature designs unlike anything else on the market, they offer the rare opportunity to have fixtures custom designed.

Sometimes the simplest gadgets can transform your bathroom experience. If you’re in the market for something cool and chic to spice up the john at your home, look no further.

Check out these these unique bathroom luxuries. There’s something special for every budget.

Draw your ideal bath: 4Moms spout cover

Originally designed to help parents of young children from scalding babies during bath time, this spout thermometer can be purchased at Amazon for under thirty bucks.

Even if you haven’t got a baby in the house, the color-coded digital display makes it easy to run the perfect bath every single time. Not too hot. Not too cold. Just right.

Singing in the rain: Moxie shower head

Enjoy up to 7 hours of Bluetooth powered music under the comforting blast of 60 angled nozzles. Available in both 2.0gpm & 2.5gpm water-efficient models, the Moxie Shower Head & Wireless Speaker belongs in every music lover’s home.

The Moxie is also available in an 80 nozzle “rainhead” model. Rainhead technology uses air induction to make every droplet of water feel bigger and extra luxurious.

Back to the future: waterproof bathroom mirror & television

EVERVUE is the industry leader in high-end mirror TVs for your bathroom. The MirrorVue line is a fully vanishing television that functions as a mirror when not in use.

Fully waterproof and customizable to almost any size, this is the ultimate bathroom gadget for making the whole neighborhood ooze with jealousy.

Warm those toes: radiant heat flooring

This lavish treat is ideal for homeowners in Westchester County, where winters get cold and joints and extremities get even colder!

And the real beauty of installing radiant floors in your bathroom is that it’s a cost-effective way to improve your quality of life while increasing the value of your home. While a heated bathroom floor won’t necessarily sell your house by itself, it’s a desirable amenity that will set your place apart on the market for only $1,000-$1,500 per 100 square feet.

Toasty warm flooring systems are generally laid underneath ceramic tile but it’s also possible to use porcelain or natural stone materials (wood is not ideal as it works as an insulator and does not allow for heat transfer). Both electric and hydronic (water) based heating methods are available.

The ultimate bathroom toy: Kohler Numi toilet

You’ll never be so excited to “go to the loo.” Introducing the Numi Toilet by Kohler.

You simply won’t find a more technologically advanced toilet on the market. From the motion-activated “hands free” seat and cover to the self-cleaning adjustable bidet, integrated air dryer, deodorizing charcoal filter, seat & foot warmer and more, THIS is truly a throne fit for a king.

Did we mention that it plays music?

Kohler states that “the Numi toilet marks a new standard of excellence in the bathroom.” We agree.

The rise in popularity of home renovation reality TV shows has left many Americans wondering if Do-It-Yourself is the “way to go” for their kitchen or bathroom overhaul, but if you don’t have oodles of free time or aren’t very handy with tools you can quickly turn your home into a disaster zone.

DIY isn’t for everyone. This post will help you quickly decide whether you should pick up the sledgehammer or the telephone!

Two big questions every homeowner should ask

Not all home renovation projects are created equal. It’s not the same animal to replace your kitchen faucet as it is to solder in new fittings for the tub.

Be honest with yourself and start the planning process for any project with these two questions:

1. How complex is the work? Do I have the necessary skills to complete the tasks?
2. How much time can I realistically commit to the project per week? According to this schedule how long will the renovation take?

Okay, technically that’s 4 questions, but they’re related.

In short, if you don’t have the time or capacity to do the job right (and in a timely manner) you’re almost always going to be better off calling in the pros.

But just because you can do it doesn’t always mean you should.

Codes, permits and compliance

A host of renovation activities require that the work be completed by a licensed and bonded professional. From electrical work to HVAC, sewage, expansion and more, always check with your local county to find out which aspects of your project you can legally do yourself as a homeowner.

Breaking building codes is serious business. Not only can it lead to hefty fines but you could be liable for future damage if you ever sell your home.

Safety first

Look at every project with your “What’s the worst that could happen?” glasses on. If the worst-case scenario includes death or major injury to yourself or anyone else or major damage to your property, that’s a good sign that perhaps you might be better off outsourcing the work.

Remember, if a plumber causes a leak to dry rot half your home, he’ll have insurance to cover the damage. If you under-tighten a fitting and the floor caves in, you’ll be stuck with the full bill!

For experts only

Here’s a list of projects that are generally no-go’s for novice DIY-ers:

• Replacing a bathtub
• Installing new hardwood floors
• Window replacement
• Complex tilework
• Any work involving gas fittings

And while simple plumbing projects where you can easily check your work are usually okay to figure out on your own, beware any water-related projects where the end product is hidden behind walls or under the house. A small leak can turn into a big problem in the blink of an eye.

Best projects for newbs

If you’re patient and willing to learn, almost any homeowner can head to the hardware store and embark on the following ventures:

• Painting (both interior and exterior)
• Vinyl/laminate flooring
• Simple tilework
• Kitchen backsplash
• Basic carpentry

Consider a@ll options

For all renovations, big and small, always consider both routes. Calculate the cost of materials and length of time to complete the project and compare those numbers to several contractor bids. Often the savings you earn with DIY aren’t as great as you think, and a contractor can have your home back in working order much faster than you can on your own.

Avoid overconfidence when contemplating a DIY project. Caution trumps potential cost savings when it comes to your #1 investment.