Month: May 2016

Industry Ed with Richard: Kitchen and Bath Guideline Series

Posted on by Ourso Designs in Uncategorized
In this post we will discuss the NKBA Kitchen and Bathroom Planning Guidelines, by first stating the guidelines and then pointing out their importance and giving insight on solutions and practices based on my industry experience. Find out more about NKBA here.

Hoods

NKBA Standards

  • At least 30″ of clearance is required between the cooking surface and an unprotected/combustible surface above it.
  • If a microwave/hood combination is used above the cooking surface, then the manufacturer’s specifications should be followed.

My Experience

  • Ranges vary widely in design but all play the same role when it comes to its purpose.
    • Types of Hoods include: stainless steel, stone, mantel, shelf, brick enclosures, stucco, ceiling mounted, copper, custom wood, and more.
  • A hood should be a minimum of 30″ off the cooking surface and should not exceed 72″ A.F.F. (above finish floor).
    • Most manufacturer warranties will be voided if the hood exceeds 72″ A.F.F. 
    • I find that the sweet spot is 70″ A.F.F.
  • I like the hood to oversize the cooking surface.
    • My rule of thumb is to leave 3″ of Hood overlap on either side; this looks better and is best for ventilation efficiency.
  • An outdoor kitchen hood should definitely oversize the cooking surface because of smoke, wind, and other elements.
    • An interior hood will NOT work outside because of the higher risk of flare up at an outdoor cooking surface.
  • Some custom goods have pilasters/corbels that run down the walls flanking the hood; while this can look really nice, I find that it is not very practical because they tend to restrict your movements and counter space.
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"Is this color OK?": tips for picking the right paint colors

Posted on by Ourso Designs in Uncategorized
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Choosing a paint color can be the hardest design decision you have to make. So here are a few tips to help you make the right decision!

1.  Neutrals are your best friend.
The easiest, and often times the most successful, colors are white, beige, and grey.
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2. “But, I want color!”
If you want color, GO BOLD. You know that color you really want, the one you keep staring at? Go for it! Don’t wimp out and pick the color a couple of shades lighter.
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3. The finish makes all the difference.
Glossy, Satin, Matte. When choosing the finish the application matters. Is it a bathroom or a bedroom? Is it a wall or cabinets? Glossy and Satin are a little more slick and easier to wipe clean; you will want to use these for things like cabinets and trim, or in a bathroom. Also the finish can greatly change the affect of the color on your room and how it feels. You want little to no sheen on your walls. Lately we have seen a trend on very high gloss colored cabinets. Check out this past bog post see read more.
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4. Try it on for size.
I know I can never walk out of a clothing store with trying on the item first. The same goes for paint colors; before you paint and entire room, try walking putting a little on your walls first just to test it out. Sometimes a color can look completely different from one room to another, depending on the lighting.
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History Lesson: Zahra Peacock Chair

Posted on by Ourso Designs in Uncategorized
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This month’s history lesson is about a brand new chair designed by the industries leading designer in bungalow style designing.  It’s a new twist on an old design and we love it! Designed by Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow, this chair is a mix of old and new and an interesting combination of geometric shapes and curves.

Here are a few photos of the original peacock chair, which we are seeing being used again!
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And another interested rendition of that same thing: 
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