Hot Seats! 12 Great Bar Stools for All Kitchen Styles

Article by: Charmean Neithart

With the popularity of lingering in the kitchen, it’s time to step up our game with bar and counter stool styles. Kitchen island seating is definitely a place where you can bend the rules a bit — no style is out of bounds. Comfort is a must, but comfort can be different for everyone. 

Standard seat heights are 24 inches for counter stools and 30 inches for bar stools. Swivels, footrests and backless options are all welcome to the party. And yes, do the leather! Food and beverage spills don’t stand a chance of sticking to leather.  

Eclectic Kitchen by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Willey Design LLC 

Bar stools present the perfect opportunity for some personality. These Calvin stools by Arteriors add a contemporary twist to this otherwise traditional kitchen. Notice how the black of the pendants balances the black and white of the bar stools. 

Contemporary Kitchen by San Francisco Architects & Designers Andre Rothblatt Architecture 

The BaBa bar stool by Design Within Reach is a sculptural choice for this warm and handsome kitchen. I love the wide base, which helps prevent tipping. Seat heights for this style are 26½ inches for counter stools and 29½ inches for bar stools. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Minneapolis Interior Designers & Decorators Lucy Interior Design 

This style is by influential designer Harry Bertoia. Designed in the early ‘50s for Knoll, it was the first of its kind with sculpted steel rods. This modern, textured choice is wonderful for this light-filled kitchen.

Eclectic Kitchen by San Francisco Architects & Designers Andre Rothblatt Architecture

Another iconic design, by Norman Cherner, this bar stool works in modern and transitional spaces. The swanky back is surprisingly comfortable. 

Beach Style Kitchen by Atlanta Interior Designers & Decorators Yvonne McFadden LLC 

Notice how the sharp lines of these shiny metal bar stools by Go Home contrast the raw wood of the island. The eye likes contrast, making this a perfect pairing. 

Modern Kitchen by Salt Lake City Architects & Designers Lloyd Architects 

Pick a color — any color, really. Bar stools and counter stools offer a great way to launch a color palette. Lime-green leather stools from Crate & Barrel kick this neutral kitchen up a notch. 

Midcentury Kitchen by Los Angeles Architects & Designers The House Of Mink 

The perfect vintage treasure may be hard to find, but it is worth the effort. These vintage stools are perfect in this midcentury space. Check antiques stores, flea markets and eBay for great vintage finds.

Modern Kitchen by Other Metro Kitchen & Bath Designers Darren Morgan - Designer Kitchen

A footrest is a nice bonus on bar and counter stools. There are few better ways to encourage lingering in the kitchen than with a comfortable spot for backs and feet. Here the Enzo counter stool mixes steel and warm wood for a winning combination. 

Midcentury Kitchen by Dallas Media & Bloggers Sarah Greenman 

The Dowel counter stool features a swivel and comes in a multitude of colors to delight all of your color whims. Orange or pickle green is a great choice for midcentury modern style. 

Traditional Kitchen by Toronto Photographers Brandon Barré Architectural Interior Photographer 

If lightweight bar stools are a wish list item for you, look no more. The Delta bar stool from Crate & Barrel is made of feather-light aluminum with an anodized finish, and you can find cushions in several colors. 

Beach Style Kitchen by San Marino Interior Designers & Decorators Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. 

This beach house called for something light and unfussy, and these French café bar stools (shown here in burnt oak with custom seat pads) fit the bill.

Traditional Kitchen by Seattle Architects & Designers Group3 Architects llc 

Backless is sexy for bar stools, too. Check out this vintage-inspired Toledo bar stool from Restoration Hardware for instant vintage appeal.

December Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

Article by: Laura Gaskill

With winter officially beginning on December 21 and holiday festivities around the corner, there is a lot to prepare this month! For those in cold climates, it’s time to begin thinking about snow and ice removal, blocking drafts and getting cozy indoors … and we can all use a good dose of Zen as the busy holiday season gets rolling. Here are 13 home tasks to consider adding to your list this month. 

Traditional Exterior by Wilmington Photographers Jay Greene Photography 

1. Put up holiday decorations. If you like to decorate for the holidays, now is the time! Dig out the Christmas lights and test them early in the month, so you have ample time to replace nonworking strands. Hang exterior lights, wreaths and swags, being sure to use only exterior-rated lights, and plug them in safely to an outside outlet if possible.

2. Plan for holiday home safety. With night falling earlier this month, and many people headed out of town, it pays to be extra safety-conscious — whether or not you are going anywhere. Always lock doors and windows, set your alarm system if you use one and keep the area around your house well-lit and your bushes trimmed back. 

Spaces by Frederick Interior Designers & Decorators Meredith Ericksen 

3. Simplify your holiday. Take a moment to sit down and really consider what you love — and don’t care for — about the holiday season. No one can do it all, and trying to accomplish too much only creates stress and disappointment. Pick your top three favorite holiday activities or traditions, and commit to doing them this month. Then list your threeleast favorite holiday activities and vow to skip them this year. 

If you are feeling pressure from friends or relatives to keep doing certain things (i.e., baking a dozen different kinds of cookies), tell them that you are simplifying your holiday this year, and are focusing on the things you love most. Then invite them to share in something youdo want to do, like going ice skating or drinking hot cocoa. 

Eclectic Bedroom by Los Angeles Home Stagers Platform 

4. Add layers of warmth. Drape soft throws or thick sheepskins over chairs and sofas, and roll out plush rugs on your floors. Aside from being decorative, extra layers of textiles provide a wonderful boost of warmth in winter.

5. Add weather stripping and door sweeps as needed. Feel a draft? Don’t ignore it. Apply weatherstripping to the drafty area and your house will feel warmer right away. If the problem is cold air flowing in from under a door, what you need is a door sweep. Usually made from hard plastic, a door sweep attaches to the bottom of your door, closing the gap that lets cold air in. 

Farmhouse Home Gym by Danbury General Contractors Blansfield Builders, Inc. 

6. Carve out your own space to get Zen. Boost energy and relieve stress during the holiday season by creating your own private space to meditate, do yoga or simply relax. Ideally, choose a sunny corner of your home where you can get a bit of morning sun. 

Rustic Living Room by New York Architects & Designers kimberly peck architect 

7. Consider a backup heat source. If you live in a cold climate with regular winter storms that sometimes knock out power, it may be beneficial to invest in a woodstove or generator— something to provide backup heat if your regular heat source is unavailable. If a woodstove is your backup, be sure to stock up on plenty of firewood. If you decide to go with a generator, enlist a pro to teach you how to set it up and use it safely — when used improperly, a generator can start a fire.

8. Update your emergency kit and store it with your camping supplies. If you already havea household emergency kit, check the expiration dates on food and medications in it, and replace as needed. If you do not yet have one, get one! You may find many of your camping supplies helpful in an emergency, so consider storing your emergency kit and camping gear in the same (easily accessible) place. 

Traditional Kitchen by Brooklyn Photographers Rikki Snyder 

9. Beware of sneaky mice and rats (ugh!). Not so nice to think about, but if you see signs (i.e., droppings) that little critters have invaded your home, it’s best to take care of the problem as soon as possible. To prevent future problems, store all food in airtight containers, clean your pantry regularly and seal up any holes or cracks in your home that may lead outside.

Modern Exterior by Seattle Architects & Designers Elemental Design, LLC 

10. Keep walkways clear of snow and ice. As we get further along in December, many folks living in cold climates will get their first snow. Be prepared by stocking up on snow shovels and ice melt, and store your tools where you can easily get to them during a storm. Just be aware that certain ice melting products can be harmful to pets and plants — read the labels carefully before buying, and try to keep products off of your lawn and garden beds.

11. Check your roof for ice dams. Ice dams are areas of built-up ice that can accumulate on your roof, potentially causing leaks when they melt. If you can safely reach them, break them up now to prevent future damage.

12. Knock snow from tree branches. Large amounts of snow can cause trees to lose branches, which can be especially dangerous if a large limb is positioned near your home. Use a long-handled broom or other tool to gently knock snow from branches. 

Craftsman Home Office by Portland General Contractors The Works 

13. Thinking about remodeling next year? Use downtime this month to begin creating ideabooksand scouting for pros, and have an initial discussion about the job.

15 Ways to Warm Up Your Bathroom for Winter

Article By: Becky Harris

Oh, that dread — you wake up in the middle of the night to take a trip to the bathroom, but you know that cold tile will chill all the toastiness right out of your feet. Or you come in from a chilly football game longing to take a luxurious soak in the tub, but the thought of shedding your layers of fleece stops you in your tracks. Soon it will be that time of year when you want your bathroom to raise your body temperature. Here are 15 suggestions that range from something you can do in minutes for a few bucks to dream-space renovation ideas. 

Eclectic Bathroom by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Thom Filicia Inc. 

Add a cozy rug. A bath mat does not have to be a shaggy little rectangle. Add an Oriental rug to enjoy underfoot during fall and winter. The rich colors will warm up the look of the room as well.

Be sure to add a rug pad or rug tape that will grip the floor underneath any bathroom rug to prevent slips.

Farmhouse Bathroom by Middletown Tile, Stone & Countertops Lesher Natural Stone, Quartz, & Tile

Blend beautiful natural materials. Soapstone sinksatop wood countertops add so much warmth to this bathroom. The look reminds me of the natural beauty of a rock outcropping in the woods.

Rustic Bathroom by Jackson Design-Build Firms Big-D Signature 

Take a different approach to lighting. We tend to think there is a certain type of characterless light we need to choose for bathrooms, like those flush-mount "boob lights." This is not true; open your mind and browse the type of lighting you would usually associate with a foyer or dining room. 

If you are installing a hanging chandelier or pendant light in a bathroom, work with a licensed electrician who knows the codes inside and out. A chandelier cannot be within reach of someone standing in a bathtub full of water; the fixtures will also need to be properly grounded, and you'll need a high ceiling.

Eclectic Bathroom by Gaithersburg Design-Build Firms Sustainable Design Group 

Consider heated floors. One of the most luxurious things you can do to make your bathroom toasty in chilly weather is invest in radiant-heat flooring. If you are planning any renovations, learn more about what this entails and what the payoffs are.

If you don't have room in the budget for such a large investment, talk to your electrician about installing a bathroom-safe heater you can turn on before your bath or shower. Again, I stress, working with licensed pros is a must; you don't want to scrimp on safety with electronics in the bathroom. 

Eclectic Bathroom by Washington General Contractors Impact Remodeling and Construction 

Get your towels toasty. Heated towel bars add luxury to the bath, giving you a wonderful way to wrap up when you step out of a steamy shower.  

Eclectic Bathroom by Washington Architects & Designers Christopher Patrick Interiors 

Rev up the wall color. So many of today's most beautiful bathrooms are crisp and white, but that's certainly not a requirement. Whether working with wall coverings, paint or tile, think outside the usual bathroom color palettes if the thought of white marble leaves you cold.

Eclectic Bathroom by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Antonio Martins Interior Design 

Incorporate antiques. The well-worn patina of this table-turned-vanity and the eclectic miners' oil lanterns add warmth and personality to a white bathroom. There are even votive candles in the lanterns for cozy light that creates a relaxing ambience.

Eclectic Bathroom by Eagle Architects & Designers Studio 80 Interior Design 

Invest in a bathtub that helps retain heat.Materials like copper, brass, volcanic limestone and soapstone retain heat and will help to keep that hot bathwater warm while you enjoy the entire new issue of People. 

Am I the only one who gets a People in the mail and thinks, "Sweet! It's People and bath time for me tonight"?Just wondering.

Contemporary Bathroom by Vancouver Architects & Designers Peter Rose Architecture and Interiors 

Install a steam shower. This is a big-ticket dream-space item, but everyone I know who has one seems to think they can no longer live without it. I did get a chance to test one out at a vacation rental once, and I can report that it was heavenly.

Contemporary Bathroom by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Marsh and Clark Design 

Consider a home sauna. Historically much more common in countries like Sweden, saunas are becoming more popular in the States. 

Eclectic Bathroom by San Francisco Architects & Designers Andre Rothblatt Architecture 

Think steampunk. Winter brings dark, moody days. Instead of fighting the moodiness, this designer celebrated it, stunning us with copper pipes and that old-fashioned high toilet tank. (Remember how awesome you thought those were at TGI Fridays in the '80s?) 

Eclectic Bathroom by Tampa Kitchen & Bath Fixtures Tyrrell and Laing International, Inc.

Let in the light. Windows, skylights and a clear glass shower surround make the most of natural light. If your concern is privacy, explore using transoms, acid-etched glass and clerestory windows. 

Rustic Bathroom by Gallatin Gateway Home Builders Lohss Construction 

Get woodsy. In a ski house, cabin or lake house, it's part of the experience to go full-on woodsy in the bathroom. If you love the look, go ahead and do it at home, but do think about whether or not you'll tire of it, especially during the summer. 

Eclectic Bathroom by Denver Interior Designers & Decorators Ashley Campbell Interior Design 

If you want to go "woodsy light" instead, give the forest a nod instead of a bear hug. Knotty pine walls are not a requirement — you can get your woodsy on with beautiful fabrics that show trees and branches, plus a wood-framed mirror and other small accessories.

Contemporary Bathroom by Austin Interior Designers & Decorators Room Fu - Knockout Interiors 

Add a sunny shower curtain. Yellow will perk up a dark winter's evening.

Traditional Bathroom by Conyers Interior Designers & Decorators Atlanta Design Works 

Likewise, patterns can cozy up the bathroom.

Modern Bathroom by Los Angeles Architects & Designers Studio William Hefner 

Add a fireplace. This is one of the most luxurious bathroom features I can imagine. The first time I ever saw one or heard of it was in a house that had belonged to a Harlem Globetrotter. (And now I'm doing their whistle ...)

Serveware Storage That'll Serve You Well

It’s time to get those awkward serving platters safely stored so you can enjoy a season’s worth of cocktail and dinner parties without losing your head. Seriously, precariously stacked platters are dangerous. Consider these ideas for keeping your platters secure but handy, so they’re ready when you need them at party time.  

Traditional Kitchen by Mamaroneck Kitchen & Bath Designers Dearborn Cabinetry LLC 

Stacking too many heavy platters on top of one another in an overhead cabinet is a recipe for disaster. It’s great to have a variety of platters to handle whatever dish you’re serving, but that assortment means your platters probably don’t stack well. 

Keeping platters up high is actually a great space saver; the key is to fashion a deep shelf with partitions so platters can be stashed sideways. Standard upper cabinets are 12 inches deep, whereas base and floor-to-ceiling cabinets measure 24 inches, making the latter the most obvious cabinetry option for large platters.

Going vertical. The team at Dearborn Cabinetry included tray storage over this built-in microwave, making efficient use of the work area’s height. Built-in dividers placed in narrow increments keep upright platters safe, visible and reachable.

Traditional Kitchen by Chicago Kitchen & Bath Designers Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab 

The top tier of a floor-to-ceiling pantry is ideal for partitioned platter storage. It keeps trays available when needed but out of the way of the pantry’s more frequently used areas. Keep a folding stool nearby to lessen any temptation to climb up shelves.

Eclectic Kitchen by Berkeley Closet & Home Storage Designers California Closets 

The comprehensive shelving system in this closet-style pantry takes the need for a stool out of the platter-finding equation. This setup includes vertical storage for muffin pans, another one of the tricky-shaped tools so often used around the holidays.

Modern Spaces by Howard Lake Cabinets & Cabinetry Dura Supreme Cabinetry 

Horizontal stacks. If you still prefer to stack platters, use a deep cabinet or appliance garage and set horizontal shelves in a narrow formation, like in this setup by Dura Supreme. Take advantage of a cabinet’s predrilled borings, if it has them, by adding as many shelves as you need to maximize capacity. You can get additional shelves from the manufacturer or have new ones made to match.

Traditional Kitchen by Woodbridge Interior Designers & Decorators miriam manzo 

Show it off. Plate racks are an ideal way of putting your favorite dishware on display. If your home is older, you just might be lucky enough to have a built-in plate rack. If not, a carpenter can recess one within a wall (as long as the recess is free of plumbing, electricity or venting) and match the rest of the kitchen’s finishes.

Traditional Kitchen by Hagerstown General Contractors david lyles developers 

This rack keeps platters near the ovens and island but doesn’t get in the way of the kitchen’s everyday work zones.

Eclectic Kitchen by Other Metro Media & Bloggers Jeanette Lunde 

These two vintage racks turn an empty wall into effective (and pretty) platter storage.

Mediterranean Kitchen by Dallas General Contractors Gage Homes Inc. 

A more extensive version such as this tall rack allows ample space for plates and platters by placing them sideways. Because its location doesn’t hinge on a connection to cabinetry, it can be hung at any level that makes the most sense. 

Traditional Kitchen by Greensboro Kitchen & Bath Designers Cabinet Concepts, Greensboro 

Don’t forget base cabinets. If your platters are heavy or you use them often, keep them at hand in deep, partitioned drawers like this one from Cabinet Concepts. No stools needed to find what you’re looking for. 

Traditional Kitchen by Mountain View Appliances Kitchens by Meyer Inc. 

A single, full-size pullout behind cabinet doors provides room for larger platters. Its location directly under a large countertop ensures an ample workstation for filling up a big serving dish.

Asian Kitchen by Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators Slesinski Design Group, Inc. 

Take advantage of shallow spaces. If storage is a difficult thing to find room for, make room in unexpected places, like shallow drawers. In this kitchen the otherwise wasted space below the base cabinets has been utilized for valuable storage.

7 Strategies for a Well-Designed Kitchen

Article by: Dylan Chappell

What's the most important room in your house? For me it's the kitchen. I love to eat, cook and spend time with family, and the kitchen is where I can do it all. With today's busy schedules, mealtimes are often the only times families have to spend with one another. So how can you have the perfect kitchen for your lifestyle, stay within your budget and maximize resale value? 

One of the most important steps in any project is starting with a great design. It's not just about looks, it's more about function and adding value to your life. More than any other room in the house, a kitchen has to be well thought out, carefully configured and designed to accommodate multiple functions. You probably spend more time in your kitchen than any other room, and that's exactly why it's so important to start with a great design. Consider these seven ways to get there. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Austin Architects & Designers Cornerstone Architects 

1. Avoid isolation. For many of today's families, the kitchen is the heart of the home and should be a place where people can gather, entertain and relax — not just cook. That's why an open plan, like in this kitchen, works so well. 

The open plan isn't your only option, but it isn't going anywhere yet. Consider your family's needs carefully before choosing a kitchen plan, and know that if resale is an option for you, most buyers these days are looking for an open kitchen.  

Traditional Kitchen by Dallas Interior Designers & Decorators Dona Rosene Interiors 

2. Plan a functional layout. If you like to cook and enjoy making meals for family and friends, there is nothing more frustrating than a kitchen that doesn’t function well. Most designs today follow the basic kitchen work triangle of the sink, refrigerator and range to maximize functionality. But take your own needs into account too. Plenty of counter space for prep, especially next to appliances, like in this kitchen, can make your cooking routine go much more smoothly. 

3. Choose a good location. If you plan to make your kitchen the heart of your home, choose a location that connects it with all the other major circulation points. Having your kitchen anchor your home's great room or provide access to the garage through a mudroom or laundry room is a great way to achieve this.

Traditional Kitchen by Ridgewood Kitchen & Bath Designers The Hammer & Nail, Inc. 

4. Include ample storage. There are so many accessories and appliances available for modern kitchens, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and forget about storage. Don't underestimate how much storage you'll need for food, flatware and all the little gadgets you're planning to stock up on. 

Traditional Kitchen by Saint Louis Architects & Designers Mitchell Wall Architecture & Design 

5. Add an island if there's room. Let's face it, people love to hang out in the kitchen — especially when there's something cooking that smells delicious. For families a kitchen island can help make the kitchen a space where everyone can gather and spend time. Space and kitchen layout will impact your island's efficiency, so it's not for everyone. But it's absolutely worth considering. 

Transitional Kitchen by Portland Architects & Designers Howells Architecture + Design, LLC

6. Plan outdoor access. Again, this will depend on your home's layout and spatial considerations, but it's always great to place your kitchen adjacent to the outdoors. This will give you plenty of natural light (and an enviable kitchen sink window), and can also increase your entertaining space with an outdoor patio or dining area. 

Contemporary Kitchen by Austin Architects & Designers Loop Design

7. Have fun. Above all else, your kitchen should be about you. Don't be afraid to incorporate personality into your design and material choices. Start simple, but don't be afraid to choose what you like best. No one else's opinion really matters in the long run. 

Modern Kitchen by Austin Architects & Designers Alterstudio 

The truth is, great kitchen design is less about looks and more about how it works. Great design translates to a house that functions better, costs less to build, is more efficient to run and maintain, and gets you more for less.

A great meal doesn’t have to cost any more than a regular one. It needs to start with a great recipe, have quality ingredients and be carried out with confidence and execution in the kitchen. The same thing could be said about your next kitchen design. Make sure it’s a great one!