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    Month: March 2020

    Integrated Coffee Machines: Your Guide to a Conveniently Caffeinated Morning

    Posted on by normandy

    According to the National Coffee Association, over 64% of Americans drink coffee, so chances are you may be a coffee aficionado yourself. Whether you love the taste, need the caffeine or drink it socially, coffee is a language mostly everyone speaks. As fun as coffee shops are, it’s nice to have the ability to make the perfect cup of Joe within your own home. For Normandy Designer Laura Barber, her first cup of coffee is integral to her day, which is why it’s so important to inform homeowners on ways to bring in a touch of luxury within their morning routine.

    Integrated coffee machines provide you with a sleek design that’s seamlessly built into a cabinet within any room. “These appliances first grind the coffee beans, brew them within one step, then dispense a single serving at a time,” says Laura. “From Americanos to cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes, the capabilities are limitless with integrated coffee machines.”  The kitchen remains the most popular location but you could also consider building one into your master suite for the ultimate retreat.

    Model wise, you have the option to choose an unplumbed system which consists of simply filling up the water reservoir as needed or a plumbed system that is directly connected to a water supply line. Depending on your water supply and filtration system, you may choose to opt for the unplumbed version where you will need to first filtrate your water to avoid calcium build-up within your water lines.

    Want even more luxury? Install a heated drawer directly below your integrated coffee machine, where you’ll be able to house your coffee mugs for a warm-and-toasty morning cup of java.

    If you are considering renovating your home with a luxurious pick-me-up like an integrated coffee machine, set up a meeting with Laura, or visit one of our upcoming workshops. Make sure to also follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram for more remodeling inspiration.

    Basement Bars & Kitchenettes: Your Tiny-But-Mighty Entertaining Tools

    Posted on by normandy

    kitchenette and bar in basement remodelWhether you’re looking for added kitchen space, more room to entertain, or both, incorporating a basement bar or kitchenette may be the perfect touch to your lower level.

    Although similar, basement bars and kitchenettes differ in a few ways. Basement bars are the more common option, as they are an entertainment hub with the capacity to house a fridge, bar, sink, microwave, cabinetry, seating, and more. Size wise, basement bars can be as compact as a six foot wall of upper and lower cabinetry, or as large as a small kitchen.

    Kitchenettes on the other hand are a mini kitchen situated in your lower level, which usually house a cooking surface, refrigerator, and kitchen-style sink. Kitchenettes are perfect for homeowners who would like to have a designated location for parties only, as it keeps your main kitchen clean and intact. Like basement bars, kitchenettes can be similarly large, depending on the basement size and layout.

    Whichever option you incorporate, both have an immense number of benefits. Entertainers are immediately drawn to basement bars as it not only saves you a trip to the upstairs refrigerator, but it also provides you the perfect snack sanctuary that stores food and drinks for when guests are over. Kitchenettes are perfect for homeowners who love to cook, acting as the quintessential lower level prep kitchen you’ve always needed.

    When you choose to install either a kitchenette or basement bar, there are a few precautions to take. The first being ventilation, as it may be more challenging to integrate a ventilated hood and the correct amount of ventilation in the lower level. Design wise, it is more challenging to incorporate either a kitchenette or basement bar as designers must be mindful of airs ducts, plumbing, and the heights of cabinetry. Plumbing is especially tricky as your current lower level may not have plumbing roughed in, so having to figure out how to get water to and from the lower space may be a time-consuming challenge.

    If you think you’re ready to get started on your very own home renovation (with a touch of lower-level entertainment), set up a time to talk with one of our Designers. For more home design inspiration, follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok for regular photos and tips, or check out our photo gallery of past projects.

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