When Jamie Geller, owner of Kosher Network International, opened the company headquarters in Jacksonville in September, it marked the third office for the integrated multi-media, merchandising and marketing company.

Its a nice, central location and people can get here easily from across the country, she said of Jacksonville. Its also important to be in other places in America other than Los Angeles and New York.

Geller, the author of several cookbooks including Quick &Kosher Recipes from the Bride Who Knew Nothing, created the Joy of Kosher magazine and website, which boasts more than 8,000 kosher recipes and 500,000 visitors every month.

The company also has a presence on nearly every social media channel, including Facebook.

On June 14, the company unveiled a new test kitchen inside its headquarters on San Jose Place to give Geller and culinary director Laura Frankel the ability to live broadcast what theyre cooking on social media.

The kitchen will be my laboratory, Frankel said. It gives me freedom to experiment and play.

Frankel added that the nearly 150-square-foot kitchen has two sinks and two ovens in order to follow religious laws, which dictate total separation of meat and dairy.

It bridges the gap between a home and professional kitchen, she said. It looks like youre in someones home.

To outfit the kitchen, Kosher Network International partnered with several Northeast Florida-based businesses, including home decor boutique Vintage Arts on San Jose Boulevard.

Co-owner Jan Lindahl is also a remodeling contractor and hand built the kitchen cabinets.

Holly Donohoe, Lindahls wife and fellow co-owner of Vintage Arts, teamed up with Victoria McCartney of Free Spirit Designs to style the space with vintage pieces, reclaimed wood and local products.

Mary Alice Denaro, owner of Ormond Beach-based Avant Gardens Landscape Design, created a herb garden, a first for Denaro who has spent the last 30 years as a landscape designer.

She planted thyme, basil, rosemary and more than a dozen other herbs.

Geller said Kosher Network International, which also has offices in New York City and Israel, is focused on building another test kitchen at its Israel office.

Were going to continue to expand our content of recipes, she said. Having a test kitchen will allow us to pump out more stuff.

Deborah Shapiro, vice president of marketing and operations for Kosher Network International, said its exciting to have the test kitchen.

The most fun part is shooting videos and we now have a place to do it, she said. Were hoping to grow even more especially as kosher is becoming more mainstream.

Shapiro said another part of Kosher Network International is the insights division, which partners with food manufacturers, brokers, distributors and retailers such as Winn-Dixie to improve kosher food sales.

We use insights from Jamies audience to help clients identify the kosher population and ensure they have the right items on the shelves, she said. Its as simple as making their own line of products kosher.

Shapiro added that Kosher Network International has become a go-to kosher source.

Jacksonville is up and coming in terms of culinary and to be the kosher part of that is exciting, she said. Kosher is about so much more then matzo and gefilte fish.

Ann Friedman: (904) 359-4619

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New Jacksonville test kitchen for kosher company - Florida Times-Union

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Langhorne, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/14/2017 -- FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co., a cabinet installation and remodeling company based out of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, provides many services for kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Bucks County. Their Langhorne showroom displays their services and kitchen specialties from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday,,10 a.m.- 4p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday. Other times are available by appointment.

FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. is dedicated to making kitchen cabinets both look beautiful and stay sturdy and durable for a long period of time. An experienced designer will arrive for a consultation at homes upon appointment and create a cabinet design that suits the home and the needs of the kitchen and the owner. The customer is then able to choose to either book an installation or order the design and install the cabinets themselves or hire their own contractor.

FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. also conducts full kitchen remodels in Bucks County and surrounding areas. Kitchen remodelers walk customers through all design and price options that will make kitchens look their best and be durable and practical. FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. is a top choice for remodeling kitchens in Bucks County because of the commitment, experience and talent of their designers and installation team.

FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. also remodels kitchens in Bucks County with return on investment in mind. If customers are remodeling the kitchen to sell the home, the contractors at FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. keep that in mind to create a design plan than will benefit the kitchen and the home for years to come.

For more information on kitchen cabinets, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom remodeling in Bucks County and surrounding areas, contact FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. at 215-392-4584 or info@finecabinetryllc.com

About FINE Cabinetry Kitchen & Bath Co. With over 60 years of cabinetry design and remodeling experience, FINE Cabinetry Kitchen & Bath Co. has been offering the finest cabinetry designs and solutions to the people of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. They also offer a complimentary in-home design service with their very qualified and talented design professionals.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/fine-cabinetry-kitchen-and-bath-co-remodels-kitchens-in-bucks-county-820667.htm

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FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. Remodels Kitchens in Bucks ... - Digital Journal

Foster Remodeling Solutions is a full-service remodeler and maintains a 3,270-square-foot design and selection showroom at its headquarters in Lorton. On Oct. 4, Dory Clemens will be leading a seminar in Kitchen and Bath Design. Call 703-550-1371 or visit http://www.fosterremodel....

Kevin and Priscilla Kelleher have occupied their 5,200-square-foot Springfield home since 1992 when they bought it new. At the time, the builder provided an array of finish work choices. The couple selected the Corian kitchen counter surfaces, a food preparation island of their preferred size and style. The flooring, cabinet-facings, window styles were all a testament to personal taste.

Situated on nearly an acre that backs into the woods, this is the spacious home where the couple raised two daughters who have subsequently fled the nest.

Great memories.

But 18 years is a long time to be regularly re-assessing the same floor plan, contemplating the same unyielding look.

It was when the appliances started failing that we thought seriously about remodeling our kitchen, said Kevin Kelleher who retired from the Army several years ago and now works in government. My wife eventually decided she really didn't like the Corian countertops. There was a wasted space and dead corners; yet not enough storage. We also wanted more natural light, and better views of our pretty wooded setting.

Of course, such observations typically describe the beginning of a process that entails much research, a regime of decisions. But, more importantly: where do you turn for ideas that will give definition and focus to a collage of emerging preferences, images and wish-lists?

It was easy for the Kellehers, who turned to David Foster.

Foster, president of Foster Remodeling Solutions in Lorton, had finished the Kellehers 1,500-square-foot basement in 2003. The positive experience had left the couple with the sense that they had found their go to guy for home improvements; better yet, Foster's process had actually gotten easier to implement in the intervening years.

Fifteen years ago, we were offered sketches of designs for the lower level, Kelleher said. Today, Foster's designers model three dimensional space on CADD system software. This allows you to instantly assess different views of the room you're remodeling so you can clearly visualize how each perspective will affect the whole. It's a great tool for space planning.

Which combined with a wholly new interior design scheme was exactly kind of the improvements the Kellehers were seeking.

In fact, the footprint of the kitchen, breakfast nook, family room, foyer and, even, the grand stairs at the entrance retain their existing measurements down to the centimeter. It's only the positioning of key components, their design, their storage capacity and their aesthetics that have changed and dramatically.

Inches really count when youre renovating a kitchen floorplan, said Dory Clemens, the Foster architect who designed the project. This was largely about making better use of existing space while introducing a whole new interior design style.

For instance:

Removing a mostly unused desk built-in an interior wall elevation and shortening the wall by 9 inches freed-up 32 square feet of floor space, allowing designers to nearly double the size of the kitchen's food prep island and dining counter.

Space-wasting counter surfaces on two walls were replaced with a curvilinear design that emphasizes the easy-flowing circulation of the new plan. Wider, taller (42-inch) cabinets increased storage capacity by 40 percent.

A seldom-open casement window was replaced with a 4.5-foot-by-4.5-foot divided light picture window that dramatically improves available light while offering spot-on views of the leafy backyard.

GRADUALLY, THE KITCHEN'S INTERIOR design evolved into a transitional-style scheme emphasizing contrasting lights and darks.

To create greater visual cohesion to first level living spaces, the wood flooring in the foyer and the white mosaic tiles in the kitchen were replaced with a wood grain porcelain tiling imported from Italy.

A comparatively new flooring material, the wood pattern is ink-jetted into the tile, offering the warmth of wood but with much greater durability.

Meanwhile, ceilings and cabinet facings are bright white; the wall a color that West Pointer Kelleher describes as Cadet Grey. Throughout the play of lights and darks is further developed like a three-dimensional checkerboard.

The island base is a resonant walnut-color; the quartz surfaces are vanilla-hued Cambria Berwin finished with an OGE edge.

To create visual rhythm, Clemens designed a quintessenza backsplash that combines gray (genesei) with white (bianco). The traditional raised-panel cabinet facings, in turn, lend a crisp linearity amid muted tones.

In the foyer the game of contrast continues. The staircase balustrade and all risers and treads are bright white, but there are now black iron spindles in place of their wooden predecessors.

Since the staircase and living room rise two levels, the Kellehers wanted to reduce the monotonous crush of white walls disappearing up into a distant ceiling.

We wanted more definition around the stairway, and in what one generally sees looking up in a big room.

To this request, Clemens introduce a shadow box effect by adding white picture frame molding to walls that have been re-painted grey. While it's formality vaguely recalls 19th century decorum, it fundamentally provides a much better definition of the planes, angles and forms that tend to get washed-out in a solidly white wall treatment.

It draws your eyes up, said Kevin Kelleher, which makes the space feel more proportional and balanced. He added: Foster's lead carpenter, Brian, is really a master at this kind of detailing. It's hard to see how anyone else could have done as well.

John Byrd (byrdmatx@gmail.com) has been writing about home improvement for 30 years.

Read this article:
Remodeling a Home in Stages - Virginia Connection Newspapers

Laura Firszt More Content Now

Planning to remodel your home? Great idea and good luck to you. Think you can do whatever you want to your house? Not so fast, my friend. Home remodeling is governed by your local laws. Fall afoul of them and youll be in big trouble. (Worst-case scenario: Someone might get hurt on your property. Really bad scenario: You might be forced to tear out the renovation work youve just done and paid for.) Make sure you do your homework and know the legalities before your contractor gets to work.

Zoning and Restrictions Confirm what and where youre allowed to build. Your local zoning as a residential-only area or a historic district, perhaps could well put a damper on your plans to convert your garage into a pet salon or add another story to your home.

Find out for sure where your property line is, as well as any setbacks, easements, covenants, and restrictions. You may want (or need) a land survey when planning to: tear down and replace your existing structure add to your homes footprint, particularly when youll come close to the property line or easement build or remodel an outbuilding (for example, a detached garage, workshop, garden shed, or tiny house for your adult offspring)

HOA, Condo Association, or Co-Op Board Approval Get approval of your planned home improvement in writing from the powers that be in your neighborhood or building whether HOA, condo association, or co-op board. Consider that condos and co-ops often have extra stringencies that control even what type of flooring you are allowed to use. This may seem like unnecessary red tape, but the rules are there to protect you, as well as other occupants. Imagine if your upstairs neighbor were to replace all the carpeting with non-soundproofed hardwood, the better to practice their tap dancing? (True story, by the way.)

Building Permit(s) Always, always check out your local building permit requirements. Permitting is a complicated topic, which varies from one area to another. Depending on where you live, you may have to obtain a permit for something as small as installing a new light switch. You might even need multiple permits for, say, a kitchen remodel, which usually involves plumbing, rewiring, etc.

OTOH, a permit may not be required for certain projects such as interior or exterior painting, building a patio elevated no more than 30 inches, or constructing a fence less than 6 feet in height.

Failure to obtain necessary permits tends to lead to all sorts of headaches like trouble with mortgage financing or homeowners insurance coverage, to name just two. IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Want to save money by tackling home improvements yourself, or having your handy BFF do them for free? Fine but youll still need to pull a permit.

Egress Remodeling a dingy basement into comfortable quarters is a fantastic idea, a relatively simple way to add living space to your home. However, do keep in mind the fact that every sleeping room must have egress, that is, an opening door, window, or even a low skylight of at least 5 square feet. In case of disaster, this will allow occupants to escape, or emergency personnel to enter the room. Find out specifications for basement egress here.

Contractor Work only with a licensed, bonded contractor, who has up-to-date insurance and workers compensation for any employees. Its recommended that you ask your local building department to make sure the contractor you hire has an up-to-date license in your locale. Be aware that if you hire an unqualified individual, you are likely to be responsible for future problems, such as work-related accidents.

Both you and the contractor should sign a detailed, written contract. Never put your signature to a contract that has spaces left blank. Include the procedure you will use to settle any disputes. If youre unsure about the contents of the contract, have your attorney look it over before you commit.

Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.

Read more:
Networx: What homeowners must know about remodeling and the law - Siftings Herald

Laura Firszt More Content Now

Planning to remodel your home? Great idea and good luck to you. Think you can do whatever you want to your house? Not so fast, my friend. Home remodeling is governed by your local laws. Fall afoul of them and youll be in big trouble. (Worst-case scenario: Someone might get hurt on your property. Really bad scenario: You might be forced to tear out the renovation work youve just done and paid for.) Make sure you do your homework and know the legalities before your contractor gets to work.

Zoning and Restrictions Confirm what and where youre allowed to build. Your local zoning as a residential-only area or a historic district, perhaps could well put a damper on your plans to convert your garage into a pet salon or add another story to your home.

Find out for sure where your property line is, as well as any setbacks, easements, covenants, and restrictions. You may want (or need) a land survey when planning to: tear down and replace your existing structure add to your homes footprint, particularly when youll come close to the property line or easement build or remodel an outbuilding (for example, a detached garage, workshop, garden shed, or tiny house for your adult offspring)

HOA, Condo Association, or Co-Op Board Approval Get approval of your planned home improvement in writing from the powers that be in your neighborhood or building whether HOA, condo association, or co-op board. Consider that condos and co-ops often have extra stringencies that control even what type of flooring you are allowed to use. This may seem like unnecessary red tape, but the rules are there to protect you, as well as other occupants. Imagine if your upstairs neighbor were to replace all the carpeting with non-soundproofed hardwood, the better to practice their tap dancing? (True story, by the way.)

Building Permit(s) Always, always check out your local building permit requirements. Permitting is a complicated topic, which varies from one area to another. Depending on where you live, you may have to obtain a permit for something as small as installing a new light switch. You might even need multiple permits for, say, a kitchen remodel, which usually involves plumbing, rewiring, etc.

OTOH, a permit may not be required for certain projects such as interior or exterior painting, building a patio elevated no more than 30 inches, or constructing a fence less than 6 feet in height.

Failure to obtain necessary permits tends to lead to all sorts of headaches like trouble with mortgage financing or homeowners insurance coverage, to name just two. IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Want to save money by tackling home improvements yourself, or having your handy BFF do them for free? Fine but youll still need to pull a permit.

Egress Remodeling a dingy basement into comfortable quarters is a fantastic idea, a relatively simple way to add living space to your home. However, do keep in mind the fact that every sleeping room must have egress, that is, an opening door, window, or even a low skylight of at least 5 square feet. In case of disaster, this will allow occupants to escape, or emergency personnel to enter the room. Find out specifications for basement egress here.

Contractor Work only with a licensed, bonded contractor, who has up-to-date insurance and workers compensation for any employees. Its recommended that you ask your local building department to make sure the contractor you hire has an up-to-date license in your locale. Be aware that if you hire an unqualified individual, you are likely to be responsible for future problems, such as work-related accidents.

Both you and the contractor should sign a detailed, written contract. Never put your signature to a contract that has spaces left blank. Include the procedure you will use to settle any disputes. If youre unsure about the contents of the contract, have your attorney look it over before you commit.

Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.

See the original post here:
Networx: What homeowners must know about remodeling and the law - Carbondale News

Hoffman Kitchen & Bath Tulsa have assembled teams that can handle your project from start to finish. Why call 4 different contractors to remodel your kitchen when you only have to make one call to Hoffman Kitchen & Bath?

Services we include:

Tear out, haul away, and clean up Plumbing Cabinet installation Countertop installation Tile installation

The majority of our competitors are not this diverse. Most of them only specialize in one segment of business. So for instance, if you are looking to update your home with new granite or quartz countertop you would first have to find a reputable fabricator, then make a trip to a tile supplier to choose a backsplash, and then find a plumber to supply the sink, faucet, and install them. Hoffman Kitchen & Bath understands how valuable your time is. With us there is no need to run all over town researching contractors, and gathering estimates. Let us manage your project from start to finish. Contact us today for a Free in Home Design Consultation.

Go here to read the rest:
Kitchen Remodel Tulsa, OK

When discovering kitchen ideas, there are several aspects to consider and keep in mind as you browse kitchen photos. First and foremost, you should carefully consider your layout and where to place large appliances. Next, you should focus on storage; kitchens contain a lot of utensils, pots, pans and gadgets, and you need to have enough space to store all of your favorites within easy reach. Lastly, your room should reflect your personality with its decor and vibe. The ultimate goal of all kitchens should be to create the most functional yet beautiful space possible to meet your eating and entertaining needs. How do I determine my kitchen layout? If you're starting a kitchen renovation, now is a great time to create exactly what you want. When it comes to layout, always optimize your space; focus on functionality and how your design can cater to the needs of you and your family. For tight spaces, a galley layout is a great kitchen remodeling option. Since horizontal space is limited, think vertical; stack counters and shelves high up on the walls, and try to find innovative storage containers and double-duty pieces. For larger layouts, try an L-shaped or U-shaped design with a big center island or peninsula. These shapes provide plenty of cabinet and countertop space, and you can add a bar-height counter to the island for an instant eat-in space. Reviewing kitchen pictures and photos are a great way to to get a feel for different kitchen layouts and help you decide what you want.

Another essential kitchen remodel essential to consider is the work triangle, which is a 70-year-old concept that is still highly utilized within the design world today. A simple idea that can save both time and energy, the work triangle connects the three main work areas: the sink, the stove and the refrigerator. As a general guideline, the distance between these areas should be no less than 4 feet and no larger than 9 feet. The sum of all three sides of the triangle should be between 13 feet and 26 feet. Given how highly effective this utilitarian design is, definitely take it into account when considering kitchen designs.

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Best Kitchen Design Ideas & Remodel Pictures | Houzz

Remodeling your kitchen is a project with a costlikely to be recoupedwhen you sell and, more importantly, it will increase your enjoyment of living in your house.

When you put money into upgrades and appliances, your homes desirability to potential buyers in the future increases. But what are the best upgrades to choose for long-lasting value?

At the end of the day, there have always been three primary cost centers associated with kitchen renovation projects: cabinetry, countertops and appliances,"according to Mike Dodd, president and CEO of Wineteer Construction.

When you focus on these key features and select the best for your home, you will get a beautiful result well worth the investment.

First steps

Begin by figuring out your budget, and go from there. Its important to be realistic about what you can afford and to make research-based choices in your price bracket.

To start off, in the western region of the U.S., a minor kitchen remodel in 2016 cost $19,401, according to a detailedcost vs. value reportby remodeling.com.

This figure is an average, but you can get specific about likely cost.

Look to spend about 25 percent of the homes value for a new kitchen and 12 percent to 15 percent for an updated bathroom, according to one remodeler.

Cabinetry for functionality and aesthetics

Cabinetry is a concern for homeowners and contractors because it acts as a focal point of any kitchen, and accentuates counters and appliances. The wood, design and hardware choices you make will be front and center when anyone walks into the space.

Because theres no one-size-fits-all set of cabinets that will work for most homes, todays biggest trend is custom cabinetry.

Mixing and layering finishes and woods to create a custom look is a key trend, as is built-in accent cabinets that act as framework for the rest of the cabinetry, according to theNational Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Countertop trends and statistics

Next on the kitchen-remodeling agenda is countertops, an important asset, as the surface where homeowners do all their cooking, baking and even homework with kids.

When it came to kitchen countertops, granite remained the most popular type, followed by laminate, at 23 percent, and marble, at 19 percent, according to a trade group surveyof homeowners, builders, remodelers and general contractors.

Stone counter trends continue to dominate the kitchen remodeling field because they are durable, attractive and varied in appearance (they come in avariety of colorsand vein patterns). Granite and marble are the most popular, with shades ranging from black to pink, and everything between.

Appliance choices

Nearly 80 percent of homeowners undergoing a full kitchen renovation opted for new appliances. ... The most common were refrigerators, at 85 percent, followed by range ovens, at 74 percent, and those relationship-saving dishwashers, at 69 percent, the same survey found.

Appliances that blend into the rest of the kitchen are popular, as are smart appliances with internet connectivity. Choosing slate or wood appliances with new technological features gives you the best of classic looks and futuristic abilities.

Final steps

Once youve decided on the three key features of your kitchen remodel, youll have to work with professionals to get everything installed.

At the end of your remodel, take a moment to walk through your project and make a list of necessary adjustments, known as a punch list. If youre unsure about something, ask your contractor if that is normal or if he has a suggestion. Its best that this is brought up during the final stages of the project while your contractor is onsite, advisesNARI.

With research, attention to detail and careful supervision, your new kitchen will be poised to impress. Need more ideas for your kitchen remodel? Check out some examples from the experts atWineteer Construction.

Read the original here:
3 key features for kitchen renovations - KSHB

As the demand for new and existing homes is outpacing home availability in Washington State, many Seattle homeowners are opting to improve their existing homes instead of purchasing new ones. This is leading Washington State Kitchen & Bath to experience an unprecedented demand for home remodeling, and they are urging customers to make improvements that boost resale value.

Washington State Kitchen & Bath provides contractor services for new construction, additions, and home remodeling in Seattle and the surrounding area. The company is fully licensed, bonded, and insured as a general contractor in Washington and serves the western part of the state, including Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Puyallup, Tacoma, and parts of Eastern Washington. The company prides itself in good, old-fashioned values honesty, integrity, and transparency in their interactions.

The companys design and building teams are committed to ensuring quality craftsmanship, design, and value. Washington State Kitchen & Bath was founded with a focus on bath and kitchen remodels. To meet client demand, however, they have grown to include services such as windows and doors, siding, roofing, garage conversions, gutters, decks, and more. And with demand in remodeling at an all-time high, the design team at Washington State Kitchen & Bath is reminding homeowners to remodel with resale in mind.

With the housing demand so high right now, a lot of people are opting to turn their current home into their dream home and stay a while, said Erin Belmore, the companys founder. Even so, we always suggest that homeowners make their improvements with an eye to reselling the home to ensure that every dollar spent is one that will pay dividends down the line.

Washington State Kitchen & Bath advises customers to select neutral colors to create a blank canvas effect for potential buyers. They also suggest starting with a kitchen remodel first because it is the one room that potential buyers are most likely to use to determine how well a house has been maintained. Other tips include adding fresh coats of paint, replacing outdated laminate countertops, and installing marble sheets for the tub surround in bathrooms.

Visit http://www.WashingtonStateKitchenBath.com for more information about remodeling a kitchen, bath, or entire house, or call 1-800-935-5524.

About Washington State Kitchen and Bath

Having been in business since 2003, Washington State Kitchen and Bath provides quality construction services for remodels, additions, restoration and new construction. They specialize in quality, dependable services from design through completion and have helped thousands of customers turn their home remodel dreams into reality.

Read more:
Washington State Kitchen & Bath Touts Home Remodeling as Sellers' Market Revs Up - PRUnderground (press release)

A hot real estate market may have triggered another type of housing boom.

Surveys and studies are showing that home remodeling is more preferable these days to home relocation.

Nearly three out of four homeowners surveyed by Angie's List are planning a remodeling project this year, while a Harvard Center for Housing study anticipates healthy growth in remodeling through 2025.

Re-doing the kitchen is the most popular and most expensive remodeling project.

CNBC's Kelli Grant recently broke down data from the remodeling website Houzz.com on what consumers spent on remodeling projects last year.

Kitchen renovations averaged $20,000, while bathroom makeovers cost on average $12,000.

Grant says you shouldn't expect a full return on your investment.

"You end up recouping somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 to 70% back in terms of added values," she says.

Read more on NBC News.

NBC News

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More people prefer to remodel rather than relocate, survey finds - KPRC Houston