Embassy House products use mortise and tenon front frame construction and feature all-wood cabinetry rather than relying on melamine or particleboard. Currently, the company carries 20 door styles, 10 finishes and 8 wood species. Glazing, antiquing and other techniques or decoration options are available as well.

“Our semi-custom cabinetry offers many of the same designer details such as full extension, soft-closing drawers that come standard,” said Patrick Byrne, executive Vice President of Embassy House Cabinetry. “Embassy House cabinets come in 3 in. increments, but you are still able to modify your width and depth as you can with custom. And homeowners can choose from a wider selection of woods, finishes and door selections versus stock cabinetry. Semi-custom also allows for faster production than custom.”

All wood construction, including natural Birch plywood tops, bottoms, backs and sides, and solid hardwood doors and face frames. All with a limited lifetime warranty.

You can view the pictures or have fun setting up duels between glamorous kitchens. When you’ve finished with your own remodel, post a picture for a duel – dare you?

“Research shows that many homeowners don’t like clutter in the bathroom and seek storage at their fingertips,” says Steve Bissell, president of Robern, a Kohler company and leader in bath storage solutions.

For an innovative storage option, Robern has designed a new mirrored cabinet for people who want storage along with the aesthetics of a seamless mirror.

The Uplift cabinet isn’t like the standard medicine cabinet over the vanity that opens out and may block your access to the sink. The seamless mirror lifts upward, with a position-hold feature allowing it to stay partly open while you access everything inside. It is deep enough to safely contain medicine bottles, toiletries and a small radio and has an optional mount for an LCD TV. Interior lights and outlets for up to six electronic devices make the Uplift cabinet perfect for bathroom storage so you can have all those items you need at your fingertips. And, they aren’t cluttering the countertop anymore.

If you need additional storage space in the bathroom, try rolling shelves or pull-out baskets that can hide in the cabinets under the sink. You can include one basket for each family member and, since they pull out, you don’t have to crawl on the floor to reach a bottle way in the back of a cabinet.

If you don’t have cabinets under your sink, there are many options for creative storage including bins and baskets to hold items like extra toilet paper, perfumes and colognes or hair-styling accessories. Depending on how tight space is, you can put a cabinet above the toilet, or find a stand-up container to fit between the toilet and the vanity. Another option is to find containers that work well on top of the vanity, allowing you to keep items within close reach.

In the shower, don’t trip on loose bottles of shampoo, conditioner and soap. Find an organizer that fits over the shower head or attaches to the shower wall with suction cups so you can get those items off the sides of the bath or the floor. If you have more than one person using the shower, consider getting each family member a separate organizer.

To keep your outlets uncluttered, make your nightlight part of the vanity mirror. The Uplift cabinet has an interior light to illuminate items stored inside and an optional nightlight along the handle that allows you to see well enough to move about the bathroom safely.

“Sometimes the most inspired ideas are the simplest,” Bissell says.

“Ingenious storage solutions can add function as well as convenience to any area of the kitchen,” says Paul Radoy, manager of design services for Merillat. “With a little planning, any homeowner can create a clutter-free space, even in today’s cluttered lifestyle.”

According to Radoy, the best way to approach kitchen organization and storage is to look at the room in sections. All kitchens have a cooking zone and a cleanup zone, and some kitchens may have an island or pantry. Each of these areas lend themselves to various storage opportunities.

Cooking zone storage

Food preparation and cooking are the primary functions of a kitchen, which is why keeping cooking items organized and within easy reach is key. Storage solutions could include a spice drawer organizer next to the cooktop or a drawer organizer kit that accommodates everything from tableware to larger cooking utensils, adapting to any homeowner’s specific needs.

“Another storage option is a top hinged wall cabinet,” says Radoy. “The hinge mechanism can be locked into position so contents can be easily removed while cooking.”

Extra wide or deep drawers are a perfect storage solution when installed under a cooktop. A deep drawer organizer, which features solid hardwood pegs, is ideal for storing bulky items like pots, pans and mixing bowls. In addition, extra wide pull-out trays make retrieving large pots and pans effortless. Awkward items can also be stored on a lazy Susan or a swing-out base cabinet, both of which take advantage of a tricky blind corner situation. The swing-out base cabinet allows full access to the entire cabinet with its two adjustable roll-out trays.

Another option is to install a utensil hanging system on the backsplash, or a pull-down knife rack under the wall cabinet next to the cooktop. Having these items close at hand saves time digging through drawers. Plus, grouping all these organizational conveniences near the cooktop provides a space for easy prep work.

Cleanup zone storage

Organizing the cleanup zone can minimize clutter and make cleanup easier. From the location of the sink and dishwasher to various organizational accessories, any cleanup zone can shine.

Things like a tilt-out sink tray, which keeps soaps and sponges out of sight, an under-sink tote and a base wastebasket help to keep things well organized. Also, a cutting board kit close to the sink makes for easy cleanup during food prep.

Kitchen island storage

Kitchen islands offer much more than visual appeal. They lend themselves to multiple functions including storage, convenience and additional workspace.

According to Radoy, “An island with a great focal point like a wine storage and serving base is classy and yet very practical. Adding spice drawers to hold napkins or small utensils like corkscrews is another great idea.”

The island workspace can become even more streamlined when essentials such as sinks, cooktops or dishwashers are incorporated into the design. Also, open shelves in an island allow for space to store functional items like cookbooks or display decorative touches.

Pantry storage

“The pantry is one of the most popular kitchen features and one of the first things on a homeowner’s wish list for their kitchen,” says Radoy. “It’s no wonder; the pantry is a great storage solution.”

A pantry or utility cabinet lets people store many different items in one central location and at different levels, making some things more accessible or inaccessible for children. Flanking the refrigerator with two pantries can add storage in a convenient location. Also, pantries can be perfect for storing seasonal items and other large pieces that are not used as frequently.

“People today are using their kitchens for everything from cooking to crafting, and this means there are going to be a lot more items in the kitchen to accommodate all those tasks,” says Radoy. “While all these items can lead to chaos, smart storage solutions can bring order not only to the kitchen but to your life.”

When it comes to redecorating, renovating or designing a home, perhaps space, needs and tastes vary so much from person to person that no one philosophy can ever “fit all.” But then again, maybe there is one that can.

“The concept of ‘universal design,’ which strives to make living and work spaces as usable as possible for as many different kinds of people as possible, might just be the design philosophy that will bring us all together,” says Lynn Schrage, a design expert with The Kohler Store.

Universal design’s aim is to ensure that products and places (like your home) are as usable as possible by all people, regardless of the person’s age or abilities. Think “usability” by everyone from your toddler to your grandparents, athletic types to a person in a wheelchair. “It’s a design concept that makes sense for homeowners. It not only enhances their ability to use and enjoy their homes, it makes the design more sustainable and helps ensure their home will appeal to the broadest range of buyers when it comes time to resell,” Schrage adds.

If you’re undertaking even a modest home improvement project, it’s easy to incorporate universal features into your living space. The concept fits with virtually any design style, from modern to contemporary, retro to traditional. Schrage offers a few pointers:

In the kitchen

Your kitchen probably has one or two distinct work zones including the cooking range, sink and refrigeration areas. Ideally, multiple work zones that are compact and serve different needs from cooking, to preparation, to cleanup and are suitable for users of varying height and ability will increase the functionality of the space.

To maximize your sink’s usability, choose a shallow one that’s easy to reach into or a sink that offers built-in wet surfaces at different heights to reduce back strain. Also, consider opting for a sink that features a side-mounted faucet placement, rather than the back. The side-mounted faucet position makes it easier for younger users and those with grasping or mobility issues to reach and use the faucet.

From cabinetry modifications as simple as pull-out storage shelves to more practical ones like “appliance garages” that house appliances and can easily slide out for use, functional ease is the guiding concept of universal design. Kitchens continue to be the focus for many buyers, and incorporating universal design features into your remodeling efforts can help ensure your kitchen appeals to — and is usable by — the entire family.

In the bath

Baths are also a big concern for buyers – and homeowners. On one side of the coin, a great bath can be a luxurious sanctuary for busy dwellers. On the other side, bathrooms can be a potentially dangerous room, especially for older and younger users.

Applying the principles of universal design in the bathroom means you might consider installing a low threshold shower, like Kohler’s Archer FRP Shower Receptor. Shower floors should feature a slip-resistant surface. Temperature controls for the shower should be placed for easy access from outside the shower and should be digital controls or levers that are easy to adjust with soapy hands. Toilet modifications should work for both the oldest and youngest users. Comfort Height toilets, which are chair height, make it easier to get on and off for older users or those with knee/joint concerns. And Quiet Close technology ensures little fingers won’t get pinched by a slamming toilet lid.

In the closet

Closets are among the most used and under appreciated areas of a home. You go into your closet virtually every day to get the clothes you need. Ease of access and organization are important in such a heavily used location. When applying the principles of universal design to your closet space, you’ll want to create storage solutions that minimize bending motions and put important items within easy reach of users of varying heights and mobility.

These questions, and many others, should be at the top of your list when you start mapping out your next bathroom project. Luckily, many manufacturers have made it easier in recent years for you to answer those questions in a painless, affordable way.

“We’ve created several full bathroom suites of fixtures and faucets,” says Jennifer Lee from Danze, Inc. “The elements of each collection were literally made for each other.”

So what should you look for when you’re planning your next bath or powder room project? Here are a few things to consider when choosing the critical elements:

Sink and vanity – Choices are abundant when it comes to the sink area of a bathroom. For those smaller footprint powder rooms, or where storage isn’t as critical, consider a pedestal sink. If a pedestal doesn’t match your taste or function needs, furniture-style vanities can have a significant impact on a room’s decor and add extra storage.

Faucet — This can be one of the most noticeable accessories in the room and one that homeowners and guests interact with the most. Make sure you choose a style and finish that is consistent with the overall decor. A soft brushed nickel or warm oil rub bronze finish can add a distinct detail to the decor. If green options are important to you, explore WaterSense-approved faucets that can reduce water usage by 20 percent, without affecting performance.

Toilet — This is one of the best places to go ‘green’ in your bathroom. High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving two or more gallons of water each use compared to many toilets installed in the 1980s and prior. And, don’t overlook the tank lever. Danze and other manufacturers sell individual tank levers in a variety of styles and finishes so you can literally match every aspect of the room’s decor.

Shower system — Years ago homeowners had a handful of choices for showerheads. Today, there are hundreds of styles, functions, finishes and components that can comprise a home’s shower system. This is a recently discovered area of the bathroom that can really show off your design flair and create a unique retreat.

Bath accessories — Accessories are another important way to share the little detailing that many styles offer in the bathroom. Whether it’s the ornate craftsman look of an old-world towel ring, or the sleek, long lines of a contemporary towel bar, make sure to pair up accessories that match your room’s faucet, sink and other elements.

Storage — Homeowners can’t seem to get enough storage in most bathroom floor plans. Again, choosing a furniture-style vanity can give you extra storage space, as can many well-designed mirrors — which should obviously match the wood, finish and styling of the vanity and other pieces in the room.

“Coordinating bathroom pieces is easier than ever,” adds Lee. “Choosing pieces that are created as part of a collection is definitely a time-saver and a reassuring way to know the design details were taken care of for you.”

The first thing you are going to need to do is clear out the large, bulky items so you can see what needs to be done. That means move out the bikes, lawnmower, and patio chairs.

Now take some advice from doityourself.com and ask yourself:
* Which tools do I use the most?
* Which tools do I rarely touch?
* Which tools do I need quickly when I do need them?
* Do I really need that box of moldy, damp magazines?

Your job here is going to arrange your garage to be as convenient to your needs as possible. Assign sections of your garage to house certain items. For instance, keep all of your lawn tools in one corner or along one section of wall. This means that the pruners, the rakes, your lawn gloves and anything else you use in the yard should be in this area. Likewise, keep a section solely devoted to your hand tools like screwdrivers, wrenches and the sort. Why would you want your electric hand drill being stored in the same location as your hoses anyway?

A workbench with built-in drawers and shelves can keep your tools clean and organized. Many come with durable surfaces and hooks for hanging tools. Having everything at hand will make your future projects easier to start (and complete).

Now that you’ve invested your time clearing the floor, consider looking up to your rafters for storage options. Home stores have a variety of options to choose from:

Rack Storage

Rack storage is great for storing boxes and other packaged items. They’re easy to install as they simply get screwed into your ceiling rafters. They can hold and impressive amount of weight, but definitely check the weight limits before putting anything too heavy on them. Best of all, your stored items will still be visible, so if you need to get into that box of cable wires, you know exactly where to find them.

Storage Pulleys

Do you have a bicycle that keeps getting in your way when you’re trying to work in your garage? Storage pulleys work great for getting that bike out of the way by lifting it into the air. Install it close to the wall and maximize your floor space.

Garage Lift

Garage lifts are similar to the storage pulley systems but they are designed to handle a much heavier and bulkier load. Some can handle loads of up to 100 lbs.

Heavy Lift Hoists

For storing items weighing up to 250 lbs., install a heavy lift hoist in your garage. This unit features a hoist that raises and lowers a storage lift using a gear drive.

Large Accessory Storage Units

These units are specially-made to safely store large items like canoes, truck caps and so on. While these large items may still be somewhat obtrusive even when off of the floor, lifting them will provide you with more floor space in which to work in your garage. Just watch your head!

There are options for any budget. You can do something as simple as buy hooks for about ten dollars and hang your bike from the ceiling.

Once you’ve got everything off the floor, you might want to consider some attractive and practical flooring.

Rubber Floor Mats

Rubber floor mats are great for garage floors and you can even get them sized to order from many companies. They help reduce the amount of dirt and snow you track into your home and they offer a gorgeous finish to your garage. In addition, they are easy to clean and spills can be easily managed. If you have ever tried scrubbing stains out of your garage floor, you will appreciate that! Rubber floor mats are anti-slip, non-conductive and fire-retardant, which makes it an ideal flooring solution for a garage that doubles as a workshop.

Garage Floor Tile

Ever dream of your garage looking like a showroom? Garage floor tiles can help you get the look you want! Available in a wide range of colors, designs and styles, garage floor tiles simply interlock and remain where you put them. Some also offer self-adhesive backing. High quality tiles can stand up to chemical spills and other auto-related liquids which makes them a perfect choice if your garage really is a garage!

Containment Mats

Similar in scope to the rubber floor mats mentioned earlier, containment mats are simply smaller versions which fit right under your car. These mats are excellent during the winter months for catching the snow, slush and ice falling from your vehicle and they prevent the water from spreading all across your garage floor.

Floor Paints/Coatings

If your garage is well-insulated and you don’t have moisture problems, then a simple paint job on your floor may be all you need to give your garage a fresh look. There are a number of epoxy coatings and sealers available on the market which also come in a variety of colors. There are also some new products in stores, like industrial-grade polyurea flooring. Polyurea is an innovative 3-step application that results in an extremely durable floor, safe from cracking and chemically resistant to most common garage chemicals, even salt!

Now look around and enjoy the neatness and order you have created. Next time you need the shovel, you know where it will be – right where it belongs, with the tools. Remember–put it back!