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Great Kitchen Ideas for your Cape Cod Home

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Wed, Apr 26, 2017

Been spending a lot of time inside? How’s your kitchen looking? Time for a little updating?  As we approach another Cape Cod Summer, many folks are taking a second look at the heart of their home…the kitchen.

Ready to get inspired?  Here are some great resources for thinking and planning for your 2015 kitchen overhaul. Modern; classic; warm hardware tones – who knew?

These photos and design sites for fresh new kitchen ideas are bound to get your juices flowing, and your kitchen plans going!

Modern Kitchen Ideas 2015 for your Cape Cod Home

hgtvcom kitchen 2015 resized 600

HGTV's Best Kitchens for Cape Cod

 Cape Cod Custom Kitchen by REEF Custom Builders DennisModern Custom Kitchen By REEF Builders TruroCape Cod Custom Kitchen by REEF Builders DennisCape Cod Kitchen Design by REEF Custom Builders Chatham

hgtv best kitchen 2015 resized 600

Fresh Kitchen Design Trends for 2015

 

Tags: cape cod waterfront homes, renovation cape cod, construction costs on cape cod, coastal building, cape cod custom builder, cape cod custom homes, new home on cape cod, Construction Costs, Real Estate Investment, kitchen design, kitchen, Kitchens

5 Great Ways to Jump-Start your Decluttering effort on Cape Cod

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Thu, Nov 05, 2015

Busy summer? Stuff everywhere? Me too! Winter is coming - you'll be spending more time inside. So it's time to store the summer stuff, and organize eveything else.

Decluttering is highly underrated: a clean space is happy, productive space. Make it clean and you'll be happier - really!

So where do you begin? Do you create a filing system first, or get stuff into piles? Start at the front door and work backwards?

Here's a great guideline to help you declutter and refresh for the winter season:

5 Ways to Jump-Start your Decluttering effort for your Cape Cod home

Beautiful custom kitchen on Cape Cod

5 Ways to Jump-Start your Decluttering effort for your Cape Cod home

Beautiful open floor plan in Eastham on Cape Cod

 

 

Tags: Custom Homes, cape cod, design, Home Decor, kitchen, Fall Decorating

Hot Trends for your Cape Cod Kitchen - New for 2013

Posted by Matthew Teague on Mon, Jan 14, 2013

   Kitchens are a big investment, and probably the major feature of any new home or renovation project.  Trends for 2013 are moving towards durable, natural finishes, open designs that create a more "social atmosphere", and integration of technology and smart design for appliances.  If you are planning your new Cape Cod Home, or designing a kitchen for that long-awaited remodeling or renovation project, you might want to consider some of these ideas. 

Here is the full article from Freshome.com

Hot Kitchen Trends for 2013

Cape Cod Kitchen

Tags: Interior Desgin, kitchen, Design Trends

Tile Trends for your Cape Cod Kitchen or Bath

Posted by Matthew Teague on Fri, Nov 02, 2012

    So, everyone has heard of Fashion Week in NYC, right? Well the Italian tile industry holds it's own "fashion week" event every year called Cersaie in Bologna, Italy. This year, color and texture seem to be leading the style trends in tile for 2013.  We like the wood-textured tiles shown in the slide show.  So if you are planning on Building a New Home, Remodeling, or Renovating your Kitchen or Bath here on Cape Cod, you may want to consider some of these Italian tiles for your project!

Here is an article and slideshow from builderonline.com: Italian Tiles

Here is a link to the official show website: Cersaie

Italian Tile

Tags: kitchen, bathroom, Tile

Kitchen Design Mistakes

Posted by Matthew Teague on Fri, May 25, 2012

   There is so much literature out there telling people what they should do in their new home or renovation project, but not a whole lot if information talking about what they shouldn't do.  Customers hire a Custom Home Builder to create their dream home, especially when building a new home on Cape Cod.  But often times, customers try too hard to incorporate all of the design tips they have seen throughout the years.  Here is an interesting article that covers mistakes people make when designing their kitchens.  The kitchen is probably one of the most important spaces in a new custom home or renovation project, and a well designed kitchen will be an inviting space that can have timeless style and great functionality.  Just some things to think about for your next project. 

 

Here is the full article from Yahoo! : http://shine.yahoo.com/at-home/biggest-kitchen-design-mistakes-160000075.html

Tags: kitchen, cape cod custom builders, Kitchen Remodeling

New Concepts in Kitchen Design

Posted by Matthew Teague on Tue, Mar 27, 2012

   The National Association of Homebuilders created a design collaborative to address smart kitchen design for the modern family.  There are some great ideas here for your next project.  Here is the full article from housingzone.com

Modern Design Concepts

 

If you would like to incorporate these concepts into your next project contact us and let us show you how!

 Click me

Tags: remodeling, kitchen

Cape Cod Remodel

Posted by Matthew Teague on Wed, Feb 22, 2012

       People often ask us what a renovation of a home might look like.  We found this article in Southern Living with a gallery of a recently renovated cape-style home.  There are some great design ideas in this article, and even though the home is located in the Atlanta area. You can really see their New England and Cape Cod styles shine through in their final results.

 

Cape Cod Renovation-Decorating Ideas

 

Tags: renovation, kitchen, interior designs

REEF Small Projects Divison

Posted by Matthew Teague on Fri, Jan 27, 2012

REEF is proud to annouce that it has launched the REEF Small Projects Divison.  The focus will be on remodeling, renovation, maintenance, and home improvement projects.  You may not be ready to add on to your house, but we have found that many of our customers still have a need for smaller projects on a regular basis. So if you are thinking of a kitchen renovation, a new deck, or an exterior facelift, please click below to contact us!

 Click me

Tags: renovation, remodeling, kitchen

Building a New Home or Renovating? - Try smart appliances

Posted by Matthew Teague on Mon, Jan 16, 2012

  Every year manufacturers come out with the latest and greatest gadgets for the home. This year, LG has introduced smart appliances that can communicate with each other throughout the home. They also have features that allow the user to monitor energy usage and can help reduce the day to day costs of running your home.  For more information read LG's press release here below:

LG Smart Appliances for 2012 Deliver Connectivity, Efficiency Through Smart ThinQ™ Technologies

Device-to-Device Connectivity and Unique Home Energy Management System Enhance Efficiency in Time, Energy and Costs

 

LAS VEGAS , Jan. 9, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics (LG) today unveiled a new series of smart appliances at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (booth #8204) that reflect the company's vision for a more connected, eco-friendly lifestyle. Centered on LG's proprietary Smart ThinQ™ technology, LG's new smart appliances are equipped with innovative device-to-device connectivity features and the LG Home Energy Management System (HeMS), opening up a new era in convenient and efficient home management.

"LG's direction in smart appliance development has been in pursuing technological advancements that will make consumers' lives more convenient and ultimately upgrade their quality of life," said Moon-bum Shin, CEO of LG Electronics Home Appliance Company. "Device-to-device connectivity with smartphones and among LG appliances is a new and exciting way for us to realize this goal, helping consumers handle housework in a smarter manner by saving time, money and energy."

LG has differentiated its smart appliances with its advanced and highly complementary technologies. These four core technologies – the Linear Compressor, the Inverter Direct Drive™, the Infrared Grill and the KOMPRESSOR® – enable superior performance. At the same time, Smart ThinQ™ technologies – Smart Manager, Smart Diagnosis™, Smart Access, Smart Adapt and Smart Grid – bring smart savings and enhanced convenience to consumers. Technology enthusiasts will notice that LG's Smart ThinQ™ technologies have evolved considerably since their introduction at CES 2011. For example, LG's smart refrigerators and smart washing machines are now connected to Smart TVs and smartphones, which enables convenient monitoring of the operational status of the two appliances*.

Device-to-Device Connectivity: Building a Smarter Home*

One of the most compelling features in this year's LG smart appliances is enhanced device-to-device connectivity, which enables LG's smart refrigerators and smart washing machines to be monitored from a Smart TV or smartphone. For instance, individuals can monitor the status of their laundry cycles from their TV screen without being physically present in the laundry room.

The Smart Refrigerator Gets Smarter with the Enhanced Smart Manager*

Built around the company's signature Linear Compressor, which comes with a 10-year manufacturer's limited warranty, LG's flagship smart French-door refrigerator is equipped with a full range of Smart ThinQ™ technologies. Key among them is Smart Manager, which transforms the refrigerator into a complete food management system. Consumers can use the refrigerator's LCD panel or their smartphones to check the food items stored inside, as well as their location and expiration date. Using the Smart Manager's Freshness Tracker, users can also enter various food items, such as eggs, milk and vegetables, and check their suggested expiration dates. Additionally, the refrigerator recommends dishes that can be cooked using the ingredients available in the refrigerator.

There are multiple ways to record the food items stored in the refrigerator including selecting icons from the panel or using voice recognition technology. Additionally, grocery receipts can be scanned using smartphones, allowing the refrigerator to automatically download the food item list. Barcodes can also be scanned with smartphones to input food items.

Smart Shopping is another new aspect of the Smart Manager feature. It offers online grocery shopping directly from the refrigerator's LCD panel or smartphone. A shopping list is created by selecting food items from the inventory, which will be loaded onto Smart Shopping by pressing the "Go Shopping" button. Consumers can purchase these food items from the refrigerator's LCD panel or smartphone, while items not on the list can be searched for and selected manually. These features eliminate the hassle of having to write down grocery shopping lists the old-fashioned way or the need to visit the grocery store, saving time and increasing convenience.

The Smart Manager also now includes LG's unique Health Manager feature, which recommends recipes and menus based on personal profiles that take into account factors such as an individual's age, gender, weight, height and Body Mass Index (BMI). The information is used to determine options that may be more suitable to the person's physical condition and might be particularly useful for consumers with medical conditions that require special diets, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or food allergies, and for those on a weight-loss program**. The Health Manager even recommends daily or weekly meal plans based on personal profiles, while also providing recipes for each dish. Should consumers wish to cook a recommended dish, they can select the dish and press "Send to Oven," which sends the necessary information to a LG Smart Oven and automatically arranges the proper oven settings.

The Smart Access feature lets users check the status of their LG appliances via smartphones, regardless of their geographic location. For refrigerators, consumers can check food items that are running low in quantity while they are at a grocery store. That can help reduce accidental double purchases and save money on groceries.

Meanwhile, LG's Smart Diagnosis™ feature helps customer service representatives to quickly and efficiently troubleshoot mechanical issues. Once the consumer contacts the LG service center by phone, a technician will direct her to press the "Smart Diagnosis™" button, which then triggers a series of signals that the service center uses to determine the faults and errors and whether a service call is required. In addition, consumers can be directly alerted through their smartphones about minor issues, such as when the door is left open or the ice-maker is switched off.

The refrigerator is also Smart Grid-ready. As local utility companies begin offering Smart Grid-compatible, differentiated energy-rate time slots, the refrigerator will be able to automatically readjust its temperature and function settings to take advantage of optimum energy rates on a daily basis, offering a smart energy-saving solution. In addition to the Smart Grid-ready feature, LG's smart refrigerator also offers the "Night Saving Mode," which reduces energy consumption for up to four hours at nighttime and a "Customize Saving Mode" that lowers energy use during periods pre-set by the user.

The smart refrigerator also offers useful and entertaining functions, such as access to digital photo albums, calendars, text memos and news reports. Additionally, a voice memo function is planned for the future.

A Smart Washing Machine with Wi-Fi Smart Diagnosis™*

Another highlight at CES 2012 is LG's smart washing machine, which incorporates Smart Diagnosis™, Smart Access, Smart Adapt and Smart Grid-ready features. Smart Diagnosis™ has undergone an impressive upgrade for the smart washing machine, an effort which resulted this year in Wi-Fi Certification for a washing machine from the Wi-Fi Alliance. This addition enables LG's washer to self-diagnose its problems via Wi-Fi connection. Should a problem, such as a water input issue, occur with the washer, Wi-Fi Smart Diagnosis™ quickly and efficiently helps troubleshoot, limiting costly, inconvenient service calls and in-home visits. Also, a downloadable smartphone application alerts consumers about less significant problems, such as when the door is left open.

Like the refrigerator, the washing machine uses Smart Access to keep owners connected regardless of their location. Consumers no longer need to worry when leaving the house with the washer running as Smart Access makes it possible to monitor the overall operational status of the washer and dryer, such as the stage of operation and remaining time. Certain functions, such as changing the pre-programmed wash time or adding fabric softner, can be adjusted remotely controlled and pop-up messages on the smartphone signal when the wash cycle is finished. In addition, consumers can check the washing status from their living room through a Smart TV. Meanwhile, Smart Adapt makes it possible to download new washing cycle programs, such as Super Rinse and Baby Sanitize, through smartphones or the washing machine's LCD panel.

Smart HOM-BOT:A Vacuum and So Much More*

The LG Smart HOM-BOT is a remotely controlled vacuum cleaner that uses the Smart Access feature to allow users to start their Smart HOM-BOT and monitor the vacuum's progress from remote locations. Techies will love its advanced control features, as the HOM-BOT can be steered via smartphones in a manner similar to a remote-control car. In turn, users can remotely roam their house while using the HOM-BOT's camera eye for navigation. Furthermore, while outside their homes, consumers can use a smartphone application to use their roving HOM-BOT to communicate with their family in any room.

In addition, the smart mapping navigation enabled by the robotic vacuum cleaner's triple eye camera helps LG's vacuum to clean smarter, faster and more efficiently. The Smart HOM-BOT is equipped with LG's innovative learning algorithm, which memorizes mapping information to calculate optimal paths for future cleaning sessions.

A Smarter Oven for Smarter Cooking*

LG's Smart Oven comes equipped with a suite of Smart ThinQ features, including Smart Access, Smart Adapt and Smart Diagnosis™, which opens up a whole new array of smarter cooking possibilities. Smart Access enables home chefs to monitor cooking settings, such as time and temperature, via their mobile devices. With Smart Adapt, users can send cooking time information by smartphone directly to the oven to make sumptuous dishes via the oven's auto-cooking function. Smart Diagnosis™ makes it easy to diagnose simple problems, using a smartphone application or through direct contact with the customer service center for quick and efficient diagnosis and troubleshooting.

The smart oven is also equipped with LG's unique Infrared Grill technology, a unique technology that helps cook food more efficiently and evenly. The Infrared Grill is another new way to enjoy convenient, gourmet cooking. The freestanding electric single oven is extremely large at 6.2 cubic feet, allowing consumers to cook large dishes with ease, a welcome addition for holiday meal preparations and when entertaining for large groups.

Extending the Smart Concept from Connectivity to Total Home Management*

LG's new Home Energy Management System (HeMS) is an ultra-intelligent companion to the Smart Grid technology that helps manage smart appliances, lighting and HVAC in a more power-efficient manner. Through a smart meter, HeMS collects energy usage data throughout a home. Consumers can monitor the electricity usage of each smart appliance by the hour, day, month or year; the overall energy consumption in a home; and the resulting costs. The collected data can be viewed anytime, anywhere through PCs and smartphones. HeMS even suggests ways through which overall energy consumption can be reduced, enlightening users with ways to save on their electricity bills, while doing their part in helping the environment.

For more information and product images, please visit LG's online press kit at www.LGnewsroom.com/ces2012.

* Wireless Internet connection required and sold separately.

**The Heath Management feature is not a substitute for medical or healthcare advice. Users should consult a healthcare professional for any special dietary needs.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 93,000 people working in over 120 operations around the world. With 2010 global sales of KRW 55.8 trillion ( USD 48.2 billion ), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions. LG is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. For more information, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

About LG Electronics Home Appliance Company

The LG Electronics Home Appliance Company is an innovator in the home appliance industry, dedicated to offering healthier and greener products, blending smart technology and trend-setting design and providing a complete solution for improving daily life. LG's insightful products, including refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, cooking appliances, vacuum cleaners, and built-in appliances, are designed to resonate with consumers around the world. LG's innovative technologies and convenient features, including the world's first interactive refrigerator, steam washing machine and combination oven and microwave, set new trends in the appliance industry, helping to establish LG as a global leader.

Tags: remodeling, cape cod, kitchen, remodel

Cape Cod Kitchen Renovation

Posted by REEF Cape Cod's Home Builder on Tue, Jan 10, 2012

 

Top Five Cape Cod Kitchen Renovation Must-Haves

If you have a kitchen remodeling project in your future and are looking to get the most out of your new space..., we have five features you won’t want to exclude from your home renovation. Compiled by a team of expert home remodeling contractors in Raleigh, NC, our Top Five list is sure to send chefs of all abilities into a joyous tizzy thinking about these sizzling kitchen remodeling must-haves.

Must-Have #5 – Undercounter SinkIsland in Cape Cod Kitchen

A kitchen remodeling upgrade that has come to be expected with most home remodeling projects these days.  Undercounter sinks come standard with most natrual stone (granite) and engineered stome (quartz)countertops.  Though integrated sinks in solid surface products like Corian and cultured marble are used often, they don't hold quite the same interest with buyers when it comes to a remodeling upgrade.

  

Kitchen Remodeling Must-Have #4 – French Door Refrigerator

French Door Refridgerator


Appliances always compete with upgraded countertops, as the most appealing part of a kitchen remodeling project, and of course, the refrigerator is the King Pin. As the appliance that will be used the most frequently and by the most people, the refrigerator must be functional and flawless to win your renovation a home remodeling award. A fridge can easily lure or deter potential buyers, and something about seeing those shiny side-by-side handles covering an expansive and easy-to-access chiller seems to call for extra dollars from buyers. A home improvement upgrade that doesn’t even need a kitchen renovation project to be implemented, French Door refrigerators are an easy and must-have upgrade that simply cannot be excluded if you are undertaking a kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Remodeling Must-Have #3 – Custom Tile BacksplashCustom Tile Backsplash
Whether it’s natural stone, colorful or decorative patterns, your kitchen backsplash is a blank canvas that offers an opportunity for you to flex your artistic muscles and bring color, life and remodeling design to your space. Don’t let the opportunity to introduce interest to your kitchen remodeling project pass you by by overlooking your backsplash; instead, get creative and bring life to the most functional space in the house! Showing attention to this artful area will grab buyers’ interest and is sure to wow your guests…and you won’t get the most out of your kitchen remodeling project from buyers if you exclude an upgraded tile backsplash from your list.
 

 Kitchen Remodeling Must-Have #2 – A Free-Standing Island

Cape Cod Kitchen Freestanding Island
Adding a free-standing island not only brings functional work and eating space to your project; it also means you’ve got a roomy kitchen that can accommodate a large fixture, which is a second great reason for potential buyers to love your kitchen. If you’ve ever turned on HGTV and watched shows featuring the best of kitchen remodeling projects, you’re sure to notice the award-winning remodels all include free standing islands (complete with pendant lighting & often a built-in cooktop…see above and note how our list has come full circle). It will offer additional storage and workspace, give the kids a comfortable and casual spot to pull up and enjoy their snacks, and help define your kitchen area if you’re lucky enough to have an open floor plan.

Kitchen Remodeling  Must-Have #1 – Quartz Countertops
Natural Stone Countertops are a popular choice of material when remodeling. Now, the latest and definitely greatest product on the market is engineered Quartz, which incorporates natural material with manmade products and results in the strongest and most durable countertop material on the market. With more variation in a slab than Corian but less than most granite products, engineered Quartz is a clean, contemporary and easy-to-look-at product that is winning over kitchen remodelers across the country. It is far less fragile than granite and won’t chip or fleck, and won’t scratch, stain or scar the way Corian or other solid surface countertops will. It’s practically indestructible and, for hearty cooks  everywhere, is the remodeling material of choice.

--Engaging our Services

adapted from GreyHouse Inc.  http://www.greyhouseinc.com/news/1/24/

Tags: Cape Cod Kitchen, renovation cape cod, Cape Cod Home, renovation, home improvements, kitchen, renovations, remodels, remodel, addition

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