The kitchen below is a great example of creating an updated rustic kitchen style by combining stone, glass tiles, wood, leather, fabrics and beautifully shiny stainless steel appliances.

To bring more of a Tuscan flair to the kitchen it is about the right colors, patterns and mix of organics. This kitchen shows that by mixing, granite, dark cabinets, great wall color and a decorative metal backsplash the look is easy to accomplish.

Mixing material doesn’t necessarily have to make a colorful or strong statement. This kitchen mixes a variety of materials to perfectly obtain a minimalist, romantic kitchen style. Demonstrating that it is all in the boldness of the color of the materials you select. Here there is ceramic tile, marble, wood flooring, white wood and metal lights and appliances along with lots of organics mixed into the design keeping the palette very neutral and the statement very peaceful. At the same time you can imagine that the food prep flow would work well, and even with all the white, children helping prepare the food at the island.

For our last example of mixing materials to accomplish your kitchen style is a contemporary style. This style mixes wood, fabric/rug pattern, burlap curtains and accessories and metal on the chairs. The wall color is bright and goes along with the floral prints. The color could easily be toned down and get the same effect. This kitchen is another good example of making a statement with mixing materials and how materials and color differ as techniques to gaining a style.

Join us on our Facebook page every Monday for MATERIAL MONDAY as we discuss other materials and how to incorporate them into your kitchen style and share your ideas and discoveries for the best way to mix materials and textures.

Art Nouveau is a decorative art and is French for the term “New Art.” This new art was first pioneered by a man named William Morris, who was a furniture maker, in the Arts and Crafts Movement. This art employs quick curves and flowing lines. Although this art began in Europe, it was an international success. Art Nouveau is all about making an impression. Big flowing lines is the main characteristic and can be incorporated in many ways in art, fashion, and home interiors. The organic feel can spruce up any interior with ease. Afterall, it is considered a decorative art. Art Nouveau went back to handmaking, instead of machine-making and rejected earlier styles. Art Nouveau is definitely meant to make a statement.

From Fashion to the Kitchen Even though Art Nouveau was a design movement in the late 1800s, it is still being recognized and used today. With it’s organic, bold, and curvy lines, Art Nouveau has the ability to spruce up any kitchen. It is a vibrant art to add to the kitchen, and can be overwhelming, but when used correctly, Art Nouveau can give your kitchen a fresh new elegant look. From a dining table, to chairs, to kitchen accessories, Art Nouveau is a classic style that will never fade. If you feel like accessories are not enough for you, why not try a backsplash with an Art Nouveau pattern? If it would be a pain and too time consuming to make your own Art Nouveau backsplash, 1005 Design is on top of it for you. We have created a patterned Art Nouveau backsplash to fit into any kitchen. The best part is, is that it’s hassle-free and installs in a breeze.

Do you enjoy the latest trends? If you would like to learn more about incorporating them into your own kitchen, check out this Art Nouveau backsplash design by 1005 Design.

Ultimate Recycling
This was an ultimate recycling project using a discarded storage unit and leftover aluminum backsplash panels in art nouveau pattern to create a stylish storage unit.  The basic unit is a tossed out shelving unit from a retailer consisting of two plastic cubes.  By adding the backsplash panels to the outside, it’s transformed into a stylish cabinet for storage that can be used in a variety of spaces.






Making your own Stylish Storage
The metal backsplash panel is cut for the top and sides. Each piece was attached with adhesive. This easy DIY project was completed in less than an hour.

How would you use this stylish storage?
This storage unit is very versatile. At 24″ high and 9″ deep, it is a good height for a convenitent place to hold extra items in a guestroom or can be used in a gameroom as shown above. It could also be used in a bathroom or even on the patio.

Changing KBIS – From Inspirational to Analytical

I have been to three KBIS conferences through the years. The other two that I went to were so much larger. There were huge booths designed by appliance companies that displayed their new appliances and appliance prototypes. It was sort of like the Detroit Auto Show for the kitchen world. One show I went to featured one of the appliance companies baking cupcakes that you could add a variety of sprinkles that were all around their lavishly decorated booth. The other show, mind you a few years back, had Ty Pennington in the booth shooting a commercial and talking with guest. During these events were also several other, less distinguished, celebrities doing little performances or shows. This year’s show was more down to business.

This year seemed more like a learning experience than a chance to be awed and impressed. The booths were still large, but featured companies with utility items such as hardware, sinks, cabinet workflow items, and faucets. The majority of the beauty items at this year’s show focused on cabinets and countertops. Then there were probably 80 different sessions and keynote topics you could attend. Making this year’s KBIS – very analytical not inspirational.

Presenting at the Show

The sessions were new this year and called “Voices of the Industry.” At the show I ran a session called “Using Metal in the Kitchen.” It was a great experience and I would recommend signing-up for a session if they offer this again next year. I only heard good things about them, but they were not well attended. I think if they offer them again, the attendance will improve. Sometimes new things don’t take off right away.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a great place and has many sides. Here is a tour of New Orleans through pictures:

Beignets for breakfast

(or lunch, dinner… Cafe du Monde is open 24 hours a day)The coffee here is almost as good as the beignets.

The Jazz

This is the Palm Court Jazz Club. They have great food and music, but like most places be sure to make a reservation.

The Ghost Stories

We did a ghost tour of New Orleans and learned a lot about the lore of the city.

Bourbon Street

My favorite place on Bourbon Street was Pat O’Briens and I loved their Fire and Water fountain.

The Swamp

We went on a boat down the Pearl and Dead River in Honey Island Swamp. The swamp was beautiful. It was a sunny day but the water was still a bit chilly. Those conditions bring the wildlife out to soak in the sun.

The Wildlife

Turtles walking along logs.


Tons of snakes in trees trying to get warm.

Best of all an alligator sunning herself on a log. The baby was nearby still in the water but gathering sun on his back.

And a beautiful blue heron.

If you went to KBIS this year, what were your thought on the show? And if you have ever been to New Orleans or want to go, share those thoughts too.

Chevron is commonly referred to as the “zig zag” pattern and has been gaining popularity at a rapid rate. Chevron can be dated back to modern-day Greece where it was found in pottery and rock-carvings. It was even used as an insignia to describe ranking in the military. Today, you see chevron everywhere; on walls, on people, on furniture, and even on art. Chevron can be bold and bright or subtle to add some simplicity to any home. Chevron is eye catching and will be sure to steal everyone’s attention. It’s use of sharp Diagonal clean cut lines will make an everlasting impression on anyone. It’s a great idea to pair bright chevrons with neautral colors. Depending on the thickness and contrast of the chevron pattern, it can be a slimming pattern to wear when paired with the right pieces. If Chevron has not sneaked into your closet or home by now, it should be well on it’s way.

From Fashion to the Kitchen Chevrons can be easily transferred to the kitchen in more ways than just one. This bold accent pattern goes well as a backsplash in any modern or traditional kitchen. If a backsplash is too much, chevron can also be used sparingly as an accent on mugs, towels, rugs, chairs, and even artwork. The colors of the pattern can incorporate subtle neutrals to blend in or become bold and extravagant to attract immediate attention. If you can not get past this trendy repetitive pattern, a chevron backsplash may be a great option for you. Too much chevron can be overwhelming, but if used correctly, it can make your kitchen pop with a trend that is going nowhere soon. The clean cut zig zags of the chevron print are bound to attract attention from anyone who visits your kitchen.

Do you enjoy the latest trends? If you would like to learn more about incorporating them into your own kitchen, check out these trendy backsplash designs by 1005 Design.

Memo Board – Kids’ Time Classic

The first memo board was made to go in a family playroom. They have two girls and lots of pictures and activities. The girls love the hot pink and black zebra trend. So to go with that we tamed it down a bit and used hot pink and black, and left out the zebra print for softer prints.

They loved their new board! This board uses the Diamond Backsplash Pattern.

Memo Board – Peaceful Reminders

This memo board was made for a quiet reading, eating, and sometimes working corner. It is a place to go to be surrounded by memories and pictures of people you love. So you might not be adding all those to-do lists to this memo board. It is supposed to be a peaceful corner.

This board also uses the Diamond Backsplash Pattern. This pattern is the easiest to adding diagonal ribbons because it has a template for you.

Memo Board – Kitchen Catch-all

The last memo board was made for a kitchen area. In the kitchen, where we spend a lot of our time, we have those catch-all drawers and baskets. So this memo board can catch all those great photos, recipes, appointment reminders, invitations, and the “whatever else we need to do” notes. This makes that clutter decoration – what? Also helps us to remember to throw the old reminders away, since they are right in our face not in a drawer or basket.

This board uses the decorative metal brush finish backsplash.

You can use pretty much any material as a background for your memo boards. There is cork board, bead board, or even a matting board wrapped in your favorite fabric design. What room would you add a memo board to keep all your great memories close-by?

Plaid is a traditional dress color that originated in Scotland. To the Scottish, plaid is referred to as tartan, and is worn over the shoulder. Plaid comes in an assortment of colors today and has recently become a fashion and interior decorating trend. Hints of plaid work better than a bunch of it. Plaid can bring a sense of warmth and coziness if implemented correctly. It combines well with a rustic feel and modern design. Used sparingly, plaid is considered to be luxurious and sophisticated. Plaid comes in a variety of bold hues and easily becomes a necessary accessory to any fashion conscious individual. Plaid is edgy, bold, and clean. Give it a chance and add a piece of it to your wardrobe, it won’t let you down.

From Fashion to the Kitchen Decorated metal provides the subtle contrast perfect for adding a little plaid to your kitchen. Similar to plaid being used as a subtle, but bold accessory in a wardrobe, it can be easily implemented into any kitchen. Sleek modern and rustic country kitchens both gain a boost of confidence with a hint of plaid. The plaid does not have to be high in color contrast, just enough to notice and add a nice touch. The plaid could be the pattern in the flooring tile, the apolstery for dinning chairs, or used as window curtains. If you’re in love with plaid, a plaid backsplash may be an option for you. Keeping contrast and color light helps to make plaid work all year long. These are just a few ideas to start working with. Plaid can be overwhelming and maybe even ugly at first, but the right amount can spruce up any boring kitchen with a kick of color and eye catching with it’s bold horizontal and vertical lines.

Do you enjoy the latest trends? If you would like to learn more about incorporating them into your own kitchen, check out these trendy backsplash designs in the kitchen, brought to you exclusively by 1005 Design.

Creating the Line of Symmetry on Backsplash Panels

Working with the 1005 design backsplash panels may be intimidating when the thought of cutting metal comes to mind.  I am here to ease your mind and to give you some helpful tips when cutting your metal backsplash panels.

One of the first and most important things to be aware of when cutting metal is wearing protective eye wear and gloves!

The next step is to mark the line of symmetry.  For those of you that are new to working with metal there is a “harmonious and beautiful proportion and balance” in the 1005 Design decorative metal backsplash panels better known as symmetry.  The other definition of symmetry is the “patterned self-similarity with rules of geometric transformations-reflection and rotation.”

Protective Film and Label

On each backsplash panel there is a protective film covering and there is also a label on each panel that has a line marked on it instructing you to extend the line to the end of panel.  This is so that each panel may be marked for the line of symmetry to assist you in cutting and installing your panels successfully and without error.

The purpose of this line is to help keep the pattern aligned after you have made a cut.  But more importantly the line will also help ensure that the reflective properties will stay the same as well.  Therefore eliminating a “flip” in the metal or being upside down.  The flip is only necessary when matching a specific pattern such as the weave pattern.

Avoiding the Flip

What is a flip? A flip occurs when changing the direction of the panel or turning it upside down. By changing the direction of the panel or flipping it will change the refection of the pattern in the metal. Depending on the person, this may go unnoticed or it may not.  It is best to use the line a symmetry to avoid flipping the panel. Most importantly it helps ensure that you have cut the panel properly for installing it. And gives you the desired appearance of the backsplash panels after installation.  1005 Design only has one pattern where the flip is mandatory when installing and that is the weave pattern.  In order to keep the flow of the pattern every other panel must be flipped.

One of the best ways that we have found to cut the metal is by using a metal T Square and a utility knife.  This tool helps keep the line straight when scoring and in the same spot.  The T Square also helps with bending the metal after scoring to keep the edge straight.

We hope that this helps give you confidence when installing your new DIY backsplash kit by 1005 Design.  Working with metal can be intimidating because it is a different material from wood and ceramic.  However, working with the decorative metal backsplash panels is rather uncomplicated and easy!

For more inspirational ideas, follow us on pinterest @ 1005 Design

Custom, semi-custom or stock?

• custom cabinets – can be made in any configuration, any design, and any size; highest cost
• semi-custom cabinets - built when ordered so have the ability to make minor adjustments on standard cabinets including height and depth; universal sizes, more colors and finish options than stock; cost may be comparable to higher end stock choices
• stock cabinets - as name implies, in stock to take home today; good quality, many style options; fewer features; affordable

Wood Species
The most common choices of wood are maple, cherry, oak, birch, and hickory, though other options are available as shown below.

• Maple – light to medium color; smooth, even grain
• Cherry - red tint; fine grain
• Oak – color variations from red or white oak; strong grain pattern
• Birch – light color; smooth grain
• Hickory – contrast of light and dark color with knots; straight to wavy grain

Finishes Want maple cabinets a little darker?  Think about stains.  Want lighter cabinets that are not quite so stark?  Try a glaze.  Want to bring out the details of the woodwork? Stains and glazes are both options.  Kitchen cabinets are trending to darker finishes such as walnut, mahogany or chestnut but it really is your personal preference.  Here’s an overview:

• Stain – base color, covers evenly
• Glaze – meant to settle in crevices and corners to accentuate styling features; can be used over stain or paint
• Paint – white is the most popular color but other colors can create a very custom space
• Mixed finishes – use of multiple finishes, such as stained and painted cabinets, in one room

Door Styles
The door style creates the feel of the room: smooth fronts for contemporary or transitional, arched and raised panels for traditional or transitional, beadboard for transitional or country, etc. Specific wood species and finishes can also lend themselves to door styles, especially with the application of the above finishes, though there are no hard rules.

• Traditional – maple, cherry, oak
• Transitional – maple, cherry, oak
• Contemporary – birch, cherry, paint
• Rustic/country – oak, hickory, paint

Features
Once you have chosen what the outside of the cabinetry will look like, it’s time to turn your attention to the functionality on the inside.  There are so many storage solutions to consider but options will vary with custom, semi-custom or stock and also the brand of cabinets.  Below is a partial list.  If you want it, it’s probably available.

• roll out trays
• organizer inserts for drawers
• drawer and cabinet dividers
• pantry units
• trash units
• pots and pans organizer
• plate racks
• spice racks
• wine racks
• inside door organizers for cleaning supplies
• lazy susan trays
• bookcases
• office files
• vanity organizers

Decisions
After reviewing all the above areas, it’s time to make decisions.  Making your selection can be confusing but working through each of these steps will help ease the process.

Special thanks to Stacey Krieg, Interior Designer, for sharing her time and expertise.

Cabinet pulls are jewelry for your cabinetry.  Changing hardware can give your kitchen or bath a completely different look.  As a personal preference, many people elect to have no hardware but hardware can save the wear and tear on your cabinets and is another area to express your style.  Technically, cabinet hardware includes hinges but this discussion centers on what shows – pulls and knobs.

Colors and Finish
The first decision is to determine what color and finish you want.  Colors include copper, brass, chrome, and nickel.  Next determine which finish you like.  For instance, nickel finishes include bright, brushed, satin and weathered.  The variations make a big difference so check them out.

Style
What’s the feeling of your space: old world, French country, mission, art deco, modern, rustic?  Your hardware selection is another opportunity to add to the style of the room. There are numerous hardware choices to fit every possible style.  Big box stores have many options but custom styles can be found on-line and at specialty home stores.

Handle vs. Knob
The next step is determining type.  Will a pull or knob function better?  Knobs work great for drawers but can look undersized and awkward on larger drawers and cabinets.  Use the style of your cabinets to determine the size of the hardware.  For example, a longer span pull or a handle that runs the entire length of the door or drawer creates a contemporary look.  More detailed knobs lend themselves to an old world style.

Restoration Hardware Dakota Square Knob

Trends
The newest trends are for cleaner lines and fewer details in both pulls and knobs.  Another trend is for darker finishes including black, oil rubbed bronze, and antique copper.  Weathered nickel is replacing brushed nickel as a favored finish though brushed nickel is still strong. To help make your selection, eliminate what doesn’t fit your style and then take a few pulls or knobs home to assure they work in your space.  The two most important elements to coordinate are your cabinets and countertop, then backsplash and flooring.   If you are updating your existing cabinets, you may want to install your selections on one or two cabinets for comparison.  Using the steps above will make sure the jewelry for your cabinets complements the style of your kitchen or bath.