diode Archives - Village Home Stores Blog

April 1, 2019April 1, 2019

LED-ing The Way With Undercabinet Lighting Options

PRODUCT PROFILE: LED Undercabinet Lighting

We mention our undercabinet lighting systems all of the time on our TV show and in just about every single featured kitchen posted here on the blog. The truth is, it has been a long while since we gave undercabinet lighting its own proper “shout out” with a product profile. You will quickly find out when you work with us, that we consider undercabinet lighting a key element to any complete kitchen project with our team. Apologies in advance if our team seems repetitive as we ask you over and over during our bidding process about it. We just want to be sure we can give you the best end result for your project. With baseball season beginning last week, we thought it would be appropriate to more properly introduce our own “ace” in any project with Village Home Stores, our Diode LED tape light system.

This system has a low profile, is energy efficient, long-lasting, and extremely versatile. Truly an MVP product worth investing in and including in your project budget! This is because it adds so much depth AND function to your space. You get the “wow” factor with a stunning wash of lighting in your space plus ideal task lighting day and night. Truth is, we have never really encountered a customer who regrets including undercabinet lighting for their project budget. We have also found that this is one of the most mentioned products suggested when we have past remodel customers recommend our team and our process to their friends.

This is an LED light, which gives you a more powerful light with dimming capabilities that will last longer. The tape light is UL Listed and NEC compliant to be field-cuttable plus many more certifications ensuring it meets many inspections and codes. The low profile of the strip of lights allow you to really think creatively as to where to add light to your space. We have installed this product underneath cabinets, on top of them, inside of them, and even back-lit mirrors (see below) and our store’s sign at the front desk. The end result is a concealed, consistent wash of light that truly showcases your surfaces for task and ambient lighting. Have a unique idea about something that could use some low-profile lighting? Ask our team because we love a challenge!

I love that this is a slim product that you can’t see once installed. It lets you see without being seen itself.
-Natasha, Lighting Expert at Village Home Stores

This is an efficient and long-lasting system of lights. Once installed, this Diode system will be operating for a long time…no seriously a long long time. How long? We have been told you could leave a Diode system running most of the a day for 25 years or more before needing to replace any lights. So you can leave these lights on as much as you would like and see little energy use because of the low wattage used. It also comes with an industry-leading 5 year warranty!

What Do You Need To Install It?

This is not a DIY quick-fix, system that will stop working a year later. This system is installed and wired in by an expert electrician so you will need the correct items for your space. You will need the strips of tape light and the transformer to power the tape since it is 12V system. If you are wanting to dim your undercabinet lights, you will need an LED dimmer. Your transformer gets wired to your switch or outlet. Finally, you will need connector cables. You will need to connect your tape to the transformer with a connector cable. These connectors will also allow you to jump the power over a stove or sink (whatever the case may be) and hook to another run of tape light. Your estimate and supplies will depend on your project size and also the layout of what we are lighting. An expert at Village can help to get you an accurate estimate.

Available In A Wide Color Temp Range!

Another fun feature to mention about this Diode lighting is that it is available in many varieties of color. Ranging from warm to cool colors of standard white light but also bold colors all across the spectrum. This Diode system can be used in commercial applications like restaurants or bars but also in creative ways inside and outside of your home. Outdoor living spaces have become an extension of the home itself. Did you know that the same system of lighting we are always showcasing in our kitchens offers a Diode LED “Wet Location” system? There is even one series that is fully-submersible for pools, ponds, and water features.

A Modular Undercabinet System:

Have you ever gone to plug in something in your kitchen and the outlet was just out of reach? Did you know we have a modular undercabinet lighting system that would allow you to pop one in right where you need it? This Legrand system of switches, outlets, lighting, charging stations, even speakers is as unique as you! All of these elements and more can be moved around as you need them. Press play below to learn more and see it in action:

What a versatile system! New features for this system are introduced all the time making it the perfect way you can keep your savvy kitchen up to date with the latest tech. We especially love how the use of this system keeps the backsplash area completely clear of any wall outlet or switch plates. That allows you a full surface to showcase the great wall surface you have selected from our store.

We want you to love your kitchen. We hope that you think of our team and smile every time you flip on the switch and see it illuminated so well. If you have a project indoors, outdoors or even underwater our expert lighting team from Village Home Stores can help you figure out the right system and components needed for you project. Not sure what products are right for you? Questions are encouraged! Especially in this new and exciting era of connected and smart home tech for our lighting products.

We have many examples of this Diode LED system and the tracked/ modular system installed and on display in our showroom. Stop by and see us at 105 S State Street in Downtown Geneseo or call at (309) 944-1344 for an appointment. You can also start the estimating process or shoot us a quick message here at this link. We can’t wait to hear what you are working on.

September 25, 2018October 2, 2018

Moline, IL Kitchen Remodel Finds Room For Style and a Small Island

This Moline, IL home was ready for a new kitchen look and layout. There were no major changes as far as moving appliances or even removing soffits. Rich new finishes were selected, storage was added, and room for a small kitchen island was found. Koch cabinetry in the flat-panel Savannah door and Birch wood stained Chestnut is a perfect compliment to the existing woodwork in the home.

The main wall of cabinetry is found on the sink wall of the kitchen. A range is centered on a nearby wall with landing space on each side. With plenty of walkway space surrounding it, a kitchen island is an important part of the new design! Prepping for a meal and coming home with a load of groceries just got a lot easier for this household. This two-cabinet island is a very functional part of the new layout. Perfectly located for prep, back door entry, and even space for seating! The added storage and work surface this island brings to the new kitchen is so important. The island top is also the best place to see the stunning granite selected for the kitchen.

One of the exciting parts of choosing granite for your remodel project in the Quad Cities is that we have a local source for you to select your material from! This can be a very interesting way to make a personal connection with your design. Epic Stone is located in Davenport, Iowa and there you can walk the aisles of slabs and help decide what you are drawn to. Your designer at Village can then partner with our fabricators to make sure the stone you hand-select makes the journey from Epic, to the fabrication shop, and then finally into your home. Learn more about Epic Stone here in a past blog post. This Moline, IL customer selected a stone named “Nevasca Mist” and it is a beautiful blend of warm grays and beiges.

So much great storage and functionality added to the kitchen with this small island. We also love the flooring selected for the new space. These may appear to be 12″ x 24″ ceramic tiles but no grout lines! That is because they are actually luxury vinyl tiles. Our Tarkett Premiere line can be installed with or without grout. This kitchen showcases a neutral color named “Onyx Travertine Silver” and the look is great. The appliances were updated recently in this kitchen but we did make an adjustment to the microwave hood area of the layout. A smooth panel was installed above the microwave area to match the look of the drawerboxes in the kitchen. We added to the soffit depth on this side of the kitchen to allow the small crown molding to be installed and now the wall cabinet section has a full, customized surround look.

Across the kitchen was an area put to better use in the new design. The new kitchen island now can be a landing zone for back door entry. Instead of a base and wall cabinet combination, a tall pantry cabinet now offers so much storage space and a customized look to the stand-alone section of the kitchen.

If you peek at the before and after image below, you will notice there wasn’t exactly a lot of backsplash space in the “before” kitchen. Tall wall cabinets were installed beneath existing soffits leaving only half of the expected space you would want for that area. If you look at the “after” side of the image, you will see a more comfortable suggested space of 18″.

It truly lets the tile choice in the new kitchen to be showcased. The tile and granite selections together are just perfect! The mosaic tile seems to have been made just for this pairing! Glazzio’s Closseum Series in the Caesar Beige color looks incredible! The granite and tile are splendidly showcased by our bestselling Diode LED lighting system.

This Diode LED lighting system is such a wise investment and every customer that has it installed is so happy with it. It is low-voltage, and low-profile leaving you with so many options for installation. Of course undercabinet lighting is our most popular use. Because of their low power use, these lights are perfect if you like to keep a night-light on on the evening or like to have lights on waiting for you when you arrive home. The Diode lights can also be dimmable shown below on one of our legrand radiant collection paddle switch sets:

Old homes are just so much fun to remodel because you honestly never know what unique feature you will stumble upon! In this Moline home there was a laundry chute located on the left wall of the kitchen sink area. While the homeowner wasn’t planning on using it for laundry, he did find a fun use. Voila! a recycling chute! He keeps a plastic bin down below to collect cans and sends them down when he is finished. We think Alice in Wonderland would find it a “curiously” custom solution and definitely a conversation starter.

Press play below to see a 360 view of this finished kitchen in Moline Illinois.

Is there is a specific part of this space that you love? You can find the full album of images from this project here on our award-winning Houzz page. There you can save and make notes for you and your designer at Village Home Stores. We love all of the material selections made in this Moline, IL home. They give the completed kitchen a rich new look. The stylish pendant light above the new island is named “Gastown” and from our Artcraft line. Artcraft has a wide variety of on-trend lighting choices at very reasonable prices. Shop Artcraft here on our lighting website.

Ready to start the conversation about your own before and after story with Village Home Stores? Your first step is to just reach out to our team. You can do this by calling us at 309-944-1344 or by completing the short online form found here on our website. A member of our team will work with you to arrange your first appointment and explain our remodel process to you. We can’t wait to hear what you are working on and how we can help.

June 28, 2018January 15, 2019

Bettendorf Iowa Craftsman Quartersawn Oak Kitchen Remodel

We love any chance to showcase the work that we have completed here on the blog. Many times it may seem like a lot of our projects have a similar look to each other as you scroll through our portfolio of featured kitchens. Naturally, as styles and trends appear, our projects begin to have similar themes and tones. So anytime we get something different to tour… we jump at the opportunity. How about a break from painted white kitchens for an Oak one?

Any fan of the Arts & Crafts style or any lover of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work can appreciate the gorgeous clean lines, smooth woodgrains, and natural elements that truly bring the outdoors in. This kitchen has come a long way. The original space had white cabinets, beige laminate counters, and ceramic tile flooring. Take a look at this before photo:

And now look at this warm and inviting Craftsman kitchen. Craftsman style is all about clean lines, attention to function, and heirloom-quality material choices. This style also reflects a love of the natural, creating a connection between a space and its surroundings. Bringing the outdoors in with natural materials in this kitchen is a celebration of that important Craftsman style element. But what could be “different” about an Oak kitchen? Well for starters… this isn’t a standard Oak kitchen.

Many furniture pieces and built-in units in this Craftsman school of style include an Oak wood rich in smooth, patterned grain. However, the woodgrain patterns on these cabinets are a different variety than most expect from Oak. This is because instead of a standard cut Oak, select “quartersawn” Oak materials are used to build the visible elements. Notice the bottom rail of the door in the photo below:

That unique marbled woodgrain detail is a result of a quartersawn method of collecting raw materials. How this is achieved will be better explain in an upcoming episode of the Village Home Show that also includes a full video tour of this kitchen. The quartersawn Oak cabinetry is from our Dura Supreme line. The door is named “Hudson” and the wood has been stained with a “Butternut” stain.

The top section of some of the wall cabinet doors have been prepared for glass with a mullion design. A frosted glass has been inserted for a great look that also conceals what is within it. This kitchen design creates a large U-shape and even wraps around one of the end corners to create a small wine bar area. An X-shaped wine cubbie cabinet is an updated approach to wine storage and this added section of countertop will be great for serving when entertaining.

Of course this finished kitchen would be nowhere near as warm and inviting without our Diode LED undercabinet lighting installed. It is amazing how even during the daytime this lighting can take a kitchen to a whole new level! In this kitchen we were sure to wrap the lighting all the way around the corner into this serving area.

A great way to “bring the outdoors in” but still keep a design feeling contained and clean is with your material choices. This kitchen includes a backsplash of pencil-thin Pietra Opus Canyon Quartz tiles. These tiles add a texture and assortment of colors that add earthtones to the space.

Above the cooktop area is a section of accent tile. This tile is from the Crossroads Crushed Mood Glass series in the “Karma” colorway. These 1″ x 2″ tiles pull from the same earthtones of grays and greens and add another texture and pattern to the wall. Below the cooktop are two large pots and pans drawers. These large high-capacity drawers come with drawer guides that are ready and willing to hold heavy loads. As a way to create a custom-fit Craftsman look, the Designer from Village included footed areas in some of the toespaces. Take a look at the two “feet” right beneath this cooktop area. A great look.

Including a wood hood design in this kitchen also helps keep the space feeling warm and customized. Instead of a large and cold steel hood, a wood hood has been ordered and installed to match the kitchen. A 390 CFM Broan hood insert is concealed within the hood for ventilation when needed.

At the very center of the new kitchen is a single-level island full of more great drawer storage and an overhang for counter-height seating. The Engineered Quartz in this kitchen design is part of a grouping of promotional-priced Quartz colors. This is named “Solare” and becomes a perfect neutral no-maintenance counter surface for the kitchen. Solare is not a completely solid color. There are some subtle tone-on-tone patterns in the slabs for added dimension. Be sure to ask your Kitchen and Bath Designer at Village Home Stores about our promotional priced stone options. The look you dream of may fit within your budget after all!

But did you notice the flooring yet? Modeled here by full-time cutie and part-time flooring model “Gracie”, these LWM Natural Acacia hardwood floors set an incredible stage for this entire new Great Room space! Wood cabinets with wood floors? YOU BET!

Here the Oak cabinets are consistent in color and the Acacia wood showcases many wood colors and patterns while keeping and overall look in a Medium woodtone just like the cabinets. Did you know that Village Home Stores also can order and install interior doors for your projects? The refrigerator wall in this kitchen design includes an entrance to a home office. We designed a cabinet layout that wrapped and surrounded this entrance and created a doorway space custom fit for the office entry.

To the left of the doorway is a built-in wall oven with a microwave above. This microwave unit is a very Affordable way to get a built in look in many applications. It is just a universal countertop microwave with a trim kit ordered to frame it into the cabinet space. The same application also works well in a base cabinet of an island. To the right of the doorway is a 36″ wide Whirlpool refrigerator. This model is counter-depth refrigerator. That allows it to sit back as close to the surrounding cabinetry and panels as possible leaving more walkway space between the island top and the refrigerator doors. Be sure to discuss refrigerator depth with your Kitchen Designer and Appliance Salesperson at Village Home Stores to help find the right fit for your space and your budget.

Love the look of this kitchen? Want to save a few ideas from it for your own future project with us? Find the full album of photos here on our award-winning Houzz page. We hope you also enjoyed the video segment tour from an episode of the Village Home Show at the top of this post. It truly is the best way to get an idea of the quality of products and work we do at Village Home Stores. Watch episodes every Sunday morning at 9am on WQAD News Channel 8. Ready to start the conversation about your own kitchen remodel with us? Your first step is to reach out to our store by calling us at 309 944 1344 or complete this short online form and we will be in touch. We can’t wait to hear what you are working on!

January 18, 2018April 23, 2018

Geneseo, IL- Historic Home Remodeled and Updated With Nods to History.

When you remodel a home you are writing a part of its history. Every renovation, small or large, becomes an entry into the timeline of that property. Many times our client’s personal style choices drive the selections and design decisions entirely. In a historic home the home itself also influences decisions. When our expert kitchen remodeling team takes on a project in a Historical property, we are so honored to become a part of that history.

This historic home in Geneseo, IL has seen many changes to the property over time including kitchen renovations. The most recent remodel we just completed at the home allowed the owners to update the layout, function, and working elements of the kitchen without losing the historic character that the space deserves. Allow us to show you around this beautiful new space…

True of many older homes, there are doorways and unique wall spaces to consider when laying out the new design. The completed new layout now includes a back wall with the cooking center, refrigerator wall with pantry area, single-level island with sink, and a new hutch area. The contrast from before to after below showcases that a shift in material selection alone can make any space seem brighter and larger.

The new kitchen seems much larger than the original but no walls were removed. In fact we ADDED many cabinets to this kitchen. Including a new lighting plan and selecting brighter finishes help to make the space seem spacious and timeless. As you can see in the image below, the cabinetry now also extends all the way to the ceiling for a more customized and built-in look.

A flat-panel white kitchen cabinet remains the most classic of choices for all tastes and styles. Here in a historic property it looks right at home. This kitchen includes cabinetry from our Koch Classic line in the Prairie Door and Shaker edge profile. The main kitchen cabinets are in the painted “White” finish by Koch. Because of other molding details in the home, a traditional crown molding profile was used where the cabinets meet the ceiling.

A custom wood hood is installed above the range and the addition of a mantle area/shelf allows for decor to be added.Just beyond the main cooking center wall is an area of the kitchen that has been transformed completely. So long alcove with open shelves…. and hello gorgeous new built-in hutch! This little corner of the kitchen may be our favorite part of the new design. A combination of glass doors and open shelves, all illuminated by our Diode LED lighting system.

This Diode system has been installed throughout the kitchen as undercabinet lighting. The same low-profile, low-voltage lighting is also installed in the glass-door and open shelf cabinets! We realize we sound like a broken record in every feature when we talk about this lighting but trust us it is a key player in why projects like these look so great! Including this lighting is such an important part of showcasing the investments you have made into your home.

Once installed, the lighting becomes the perfect task or ambient light. It uses very little energy and the look is great day or night. For instance, these images were taken during the day and the lighting STILL makes a big difference even with daylight coming in the windows. Another design detail that gives a historic look are the “clerestory” glass cabinet doors. The cabinets surrounding the hood have the top section cut for glass and become a great space for display without distracting from the hood itself.

Of course classic white subway tile is always a great material for any historic home. Another nod to the history of the home is the use of moldings and decorative detail. This kitchen is a very bright and clean look. The look can be achieved and still include details like supports or corbels. Not all of these details are heavy carved or scrolled wooden elements. In this case, a subtle style of mantle bracket was selected that complements the cabinet doorstyle.

A large single-level island is in the center of the kitchen and is now home to the kitchen sink and dishwasher. There is a curved overhang area for seating on the back side. Modern upgrades and updates should always be considered when remodeling. Ask yourself what suits your lifestyle and could make your enjoyment of the space even better? An upgrade as simple as this garbage disposal button may be something your become thankful for daily.

The low-profile of the button helps to keep it from being noticed unless you are really a user at the sink. The apron farmsink has found its way to be included in many styles of kitchen spaces within the past few years. Where it began it’s demand and influence is from projects just like this one. An old-world look inspired by large cast-iron farmsinks. We love the look of this Kohler Whitehaven sink.

The Vicksburg Door with Shaker edge is installed in a Rustic Hickory wood and “Driftwood” finish. This soft gray stain looks great and allows the Hickory grain to be highlighted. The lighting above the kitchen island also helps to keep the kitchen feeling open and bright. Two pendants hang above the island in a polished nickel finish.

These Kichler lights are perfect. The finish of the lights allow light to bounce off of them and the open frame style of the lights allow your eye to look right through them. Polished chrome and nickel finishes blend very well with Stainless elements. Using a brushed light fixture may have suggested a more modern style for the space.

Of course many upgrades were brought in by replacing the appliances with a brand new KitchenAid suite with Sharp microwave drawer. The 36″ wide dual-fuel commercial style range is stunning in appearance and top-notch in features. KitchenAid does a fantastic job of bringing professional-level features and benefits to you at a fraction of the price of other 36″ wide range options. Dual fuel gives you the precise control of a as cooktop with the consistent temperature control of an electric oven below.

Microwave drawers can really be the unsung heroes in spaces like this. Could you imagine this same wall of cabinetry with a microwave hood? Even a countertop microwave would distract from the finished look. Microwave drawers give a clean look and a functional upgrade. This 24″ wide flat-panel model blends really well with any Stainless Appliance suite. We managed this remodel from start to finish. Walking our clients through every step of our process to keep everything on track for time and budget. We hope to get so show you more of that full process in an episode of our TV show very soon.

Until then you can see some great images from the whole process on our award-winning Houzz portfolio. See the full album of images from this project including many before and during photos here on our Houzz page. There you can save the ideas you love from this project into your own ideabooks or even write on and message your team at Village what you love about this product.

Don’t forget that we also carry floorcovering and tile at Village Home Stores! This kitchen includes a brick tile by Chicago Brick in the “Southside” color. This tile gives the look of an old brick floor but is durable and easy to clean. We have this same tile installed in our Geneseo showroom so do stop out to see it in person. Do you own a property that is in need of an expert remodel team that will respect your home, your budget and your own ideas? Village Home Stores is the right choice for you. Have your own crew or contractor to use? No problem at all! We can provide an expert design and material selection for you and your contractor. Want us to handle it all but don’t know where to start? No problem at all! Your first step is to reach out to us for an appointment. We will walk you through our process and answer any questions you may have. Call us at (309) 944-1344 or complete this short contact form and a member of our team will be in touch. We can’t wait to see what you are working on!

December 7, 2017April 23, 2018

Davenport, IA- A Basement Bar Gains “Top Shelf” Status

A job half done is well…. is exactly that. Many times when a new home is built, spaces are completed with the intention to sometime revisit them. We often refer to this as another “phase” of a project. The lower level of this Davenport, Iowa home is a wonderful example of taking that final phase to the next level! There was home bar installed when the home was completed. A bar kneewall and granite top installed plus a lower base cabinets to form a bar area with a bar sink. We have added to the space t make it stand out. The new finished bar are is now complete and very cool!

A whole row of upper cabinetry has been added to match as best we could with the existing base cabinets. The cabinet line is named Koch and a “Brandy” stain has been applied to a Rustic Beech wood. But who are we kidding right? It’s most important what is INSIDE the cabinets in a home bar. Because of this focus, the interiors have been finished so the shelves can be used to display glassware, accessories, and bottles.

Each of the doors has been fit for glass inserts. Including glass in cabinetry can be a great way to add interest to an accent cabinet, or entire section of cabinets like we have showcased here. And speaking of showcased, the best way anything can be spotlighted is with our Diode LED lighting. Here we have installed in inside of the cabinetry including the option of a dimmer.

This low-voltage, low-profile lighting makes it an easy choice to always leave on when ever needed. Useful for task lighting at the bar when entertaining, or used as an ambient light during movie night in the family room. The same lighting system has been installed underneath the wall cabinets to help showcase the stunning slate and copper mosaic tile.

This tile is by Questech in Twill Mosaic: Antique Bronze Blend. It is a gorgeous blend of metals and textures. This tile selection truly sets off the whole space adding style, sparkle, and a toast-worthy look. New carpeting was installed throughout the space and on into the nearby suite area bedroom. The carpeting is from our Phenix line in the Alpine Lake series and Doe Skin color.

When you purchase carpet from Village Home Stores you always receive:

FREE basic tear-out and haul away
FREE basic furniture moving
FREE measure & estimate
Lifetime re-stretching

We also completed some other areas of the home during this next “phase” process. New wall sconces were added to the space. We love the farmhouse-inspired look of these Kichler wall sconces.

A stylish new ceiling fan was also installed upstairs during the process. This 62″ wide Minka Koa fan is almost an art piece in the great room. So unique and functional. Keep in mind that small projects can also be knocked off your list as we are scheduling crews to work on a space in your home. Why not have the electrician bid the project plus any other areas you could spruce up while they are in the home.

This home bar area and the other areas of the project are just the tip of the iceberg! Wait until you see the new suite area just beyond the bar. The bathroom sincerely is one of the most beautiful projects we have ever installed. Stay tuned here to the next blog post to see that plus a craft room and home gym from the same lower level. A special shout-out to the crews at Durian Builders (see below) who we caught going above and beyond the day we were taking our final photos.

We hope to share this entire project very soon on a new episode of the Village Home Show sometime in 2018. Ready to start the conversation about your own remodel with our team? Your first step is to reach out. We will help guide you through the rest of our process. You can reach us by calling (309) 944-1344 or by completing this short online form. We are excited to hear what you are working on!

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