This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
Can an employer in Virginia require an applicant or employee to submit to a polygraph examination in order to make a hiring or retention decision?
Although employers in the private sector are permitted to use polygraph examinations on their applicants or employees, employers must adhere to strict rules. These include providing “the right to a written notice before testing, the right to refuse or discontinue a test, and the right not to have test results disclosed to unauthorized persons.” In addition, there are federal and state restrictions on polygraph usage.
Employee Polygraph Protection Act
On the federal level, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (29 U.S.C.§ 2001- 2009) provides for strict limits on the use of polygraphs in the workplace for applicants and employees. The EPPA bars most types of employers in Virginia (and other states) from requiring or even suggesting that a current employee or job applicant submit to a polygraph examination. The EPPA also prohibits employers from utilizing the results of any polygraph examination.
However, the EPPA does not apply to Virginia employees who work for federal, state and local governments. Polygraph examinations can often be part of the legal processing of a federal security clearance. The EPPA also does not apply to private sector employees engaged in security-related employment (e.g., security guard, armored car services). The EPPA permits polygraph testing, subject to restriction, of certain types of employees who are reasonably suspected of involvement in workplace theft or embezzlement that resulted in an economic loss to the employer. The Department of Labor has provided a good summary of the law under the EPPA act.
If an employer is found liable by a court under the EPPA for not following the law regarding polygraph use, the employer can be held liable for penalties up to $10,000; lost wages and benefits; and attorney’s fees. There is also equitable relief where an employee can seek reinstatement or lost promotions as a result of the employer’s violation of the EPPA. Thus, employers need to be extremely careful when considering the use of polygraph examinations under the EPPA.
Virginia State Polygraph Protections
Virginia provides additional protections for employees who submit to polygraph examinations. One major restriction bars questions about an applicant’s prior sexual activities. The 1977 Virginia law, in Va. Code Ann.§ 40.1-51.4:3, prohibits the use of certain questions during polygraph tests for employment, as follows:
“No employer shall, as a condition of employment, require a prospective employee to answer questions in a polygraph test concerning the prospective employee’s sexual activities unless such sexual activity of the prospective employee has resulted in a conviction of a violation of the criminal laws of this Commonwealth.
Any written record of the results of a polygraph examination given to a prospective employee by an employer shall be destroyed or maintained on a confidential basis by the employer giving the examination and shall be open to inspection only upon agreement of the employee tested. Violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.”
This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact Anna at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.
When picking a contractor, it can be difficult to know where to begin, whom to interview and finally who to hire. Here is a list of my top tips and things to look for when you are selecting your contractor.
References: Ask friends, relatives and co-workers for references. You will get the best references from these people and you may be able to see the contractor’s work before speaking with them.
Verify Your Contractor: When hiring a contractor, you want to use your inquiry skills. Verify your contractor’s quality of his work and lines of communication. Keeping lines of communication open will help reduce the stress. You will know how your project is progressing and what are the next steps are.
Interview A Few Contractors: It might be seem a bit time consuming, but we recommend interviewing a few contractors. You want to make sure that while they are in your home, they will “fit” in.
Licensed, Insured, Bonded: Check all of your contractor’s credentials and verify their insurance coverage. It is also a good idea to know what is covered by your homeowner’s insurance and what your contractor’s business insurance covers. Ask your contractor to submit a Certificate of Insurance when you hire them with your name and address on it.
Talk About Repairs: Check with your Contractor for what kind of warranty they offer on their labor. Make sure what they will and will not do is in your contract when it comes to repairs and if anything changes from the original contract, try to get that in writing too.
Assume Nothing: You will want to get all the details of your agreement in writing, down to the last wall plate. This is the best way to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Don’t Let The Price Be Your Decision Maker: The saying, “you get what you pay for” is true when it comes to contractors. The price of a service reflects quality. Sometimes, the better deal is more expansive in the long run, because the cheaper contractor could take longer, “forget” to finish, or will require avoidable repairs later. Someone who is well established and has quality work may seem like more money up front, but will be less costly in headaches and aggravation latter. We believe that’s priceless.
Be Upfront About Your Home Improvement Budget: You will save yourself and your contractors much time by being completely honest about your budget. It does not benefit you or your contractor to hire someone you can not afford.
The Deposit: Never pay more than 50% off the total price for a deposit.
The Bill: When paying the final bill, know that your job is not complete until all building inspections are satisfied by the proper authorities and yourself. Once inspections are passed and you are satisfied with the work, sign the certificate of completion. Once that is signed, pay your final bill.
Meet Olaf, a chihuahua and terrier mix available for adoption.
Here is what his friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about him:
Olaf is an AMAZINGLY… no, absolutely INSANELY adorable little guy that’s about 9 weeks old and about 6 lbs, who looks to be a mix of Chihuahua and a little Terrier. Between Olaf’s adorable little short legs, that precious face, and those incredibly cute ears, he almost instantly melts your heart. But then he reels you on in with his sweet and happy temperament, and the most lovable and engaging personality. He is definitely going to bring tons of love and laughter to some lucky adopter, and boy oh boy would he love nothing more than a family to love and a home to call his own. Can you give Olaf his forever home?
Olaf is microchipped, up to date on all age appropriate vaccines, and his adoption fee is $355.
Are you and Olaf a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.
Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?
Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.
Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
It’s almost that time of year when the county sends around tax assessments, which gets homeowners wondering what their house is worth today. This is when I start getting calls from clients and friends asking for my opinion–an opinion I am always happy to provide.
I was thinking about this when I came across an article on Realtor.com (How Much Is My House Worth? Tools to Help You Determine Your Sale Price).
The article outlines a few ways to assess your home value:
Comps for the area. What similar homes have sold for is a good indication of what your home is worth. Realtor.com’s Just Sold feature is a great place to start. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code, and click “Search.” A list of recently sold homes in your area will pop up, along with their sale price. The thing to remember is this may or may not be an accurate reflection of your home’s value: home improvements, mortgage rates, the economy can all factor into your selling price. But comps will give you an idea.- Home improvements. Things like an updated kitchen and bathrooms impact price. For example, if you are likely to get 66% return on investment from a bathroom remodel (spend $10,000 and add $6,600 to your list price). But will that be the tipping point to make a buyer choose your home over another? Who knows. And will you get the same return from a new deck or replacing the windows? Not necessarily. Those things will definitely improve marketability, but may not translate into dollars. Does that mean you shouldn’t bother? No. Make improvements that will make you happy while you live in the home. Just know you may not recoup the cost when you sell.
If you want to list your home, the best thing to do is call your realtor and set up a meeting to discuss your strategy–anything you need to do to improve marketability, timing and listing price.
Find unique handmade gifts, affordable fine art, yummy edibles and holiday decorations at the Herndon Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. Get your shopping done Sunday, December 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Herndon Community Center. Admission and parking are free. New this year, a free children’s hands-on art area. Gift wrapping available and refreshments will be for sale.
This year there will be a number of new hand designed wood products, made to order drinkware, custom designed wreaths, bee’s wax candles, bath soaps, lotions, holiday cards, crocheted clothing and accessories. Plus there will also be the ever popular crafters with their custom artwork, paintings, holiday decorations, one-of-a-kind jewelry, stained glass and much more.
Looking for gifts for the foodie in the family try the new peanut vendor, tea, spices, teaware, artisan olive oil, balsamic vinegars and delicious baked goods. In addition, the Woman’s Club of Herndon will sell White House ornaments.
The Herndon Community Center, a public recreation facility, located at 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, which features an indoor pool, fitness room, full-size gymnasium, racquetball courts and hundreds of recreation programs. The Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department produces this show and many other programs and events in the Town of Herndon. To learn more about this show and our programs and facilities, please visit herndon-va.gov/recreation. For more information, visit herndon-va.gov/events or call 703-787-7300.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Steve, a spaniel and beagle mix available for adoption.
Here is what his friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about him:
Steve and his sisters Reagan, Riley, Rita and Roxanne are gorgeous little spaniel/beagle mix babies with perhaps some chihuahua or long haired dachshund tossed in to boot. They’re maybe 9 or 10 weeks old and likely will be smaller dogs as adults, maybe in the twenty to twenty five pound range. Steve has a beautiful tri-colored coat and is such a friendly little fella- he’s going to make his adopters a terrific companion.
All of these pups have happy, engaging dispositions and will be great family dogs. Steve is a sweet, affectionate boy who would like nothing better than a family of his own so he could share all his puppy love. These great pups are a nice blend of friendly affection and normal puppy playfulness and will all be great company. Precious pups like these go fast, so please send your application on in pronto so you don’t miss out. Steve is up to date on all shots and dewormings and carries an adoption fee of $354 which includes his micro chip.
Are you and Steve a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.
Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?
Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.
Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Thanksgiving is in two short days, and that means Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Day are approaching fast. Now is the time for home sellers to hunker down and wait until Spring, right?
Wrong.
Selling at this time of year can actually be very beneficial to the seller. Here are three reasons to list your home now (from an article on Realtor.com that discussed 10 reasons why you can sell your home during the holidays).
- Seller competition is lighter during the holidays
There are plenty of buyers out there right now. But with sellers reluctant to list their homes during the holidays, there is a shortage of inventory. Take advantage of that. - People buying during the holidays are VERY motivated
The average American home buyer who isn’t relocating doesn’t usually have a timetable. But those who are actively searching during the holidays are extremely motivated buyers. Think about it: they’re willing to alter their holiday schedules and brave bad weather to get into a home. These buyers want to move right away and are willing to spend significant money to make it happen. These are the kinds of buyers home sellers want. - Internet searches during the holidays surge
Many home buyers spend a lot of time house hunting online during the holidays, as opposed to seeing homes in person. Real estate website traffic kicks up significantly when the overall market sales might be slowing down. That means to have your home discovered during this timeframe, it must be on the market and, thus, showing up on line. Homes advertised correctly online during this time get significantly more exposure than the average home, and those sellers that are taking a break from being on the market are as good as non-existent to the online buyer.
Read the article for more insights as to why this is a great time of year to sell your home. Or call me and I can help you get ready.
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
When an employee has been accused of engaging in workplace misconduct, the employer will sometimes conduct an administrative or internal investigation to determine the validity of such claims and also what actions, if any, must be taken against the employee.
Reasons for Employment Investigations
The purpose of an investigation is for the employer to gather relevant evidence regarding the employee’s alleged misconduct and determine whether the misconduct warrants a disciplinary or an adverse action (e.g., termination, demotion or significant suspension) within the requirements established by law, policy or regulation.
While less likely, sometimes an investigation can lead to a potential criminal investigation. Depending on the federal, state, local agency or private employer involved, a supervisor or other designated investigator may be asked to conduct an investigation regarding the facts at issue. Employees may then be asked to provide verbal or written responses to questions regarding the alleged misconduct.
Employee Participation in Interviews
Employees, depending on their particular employer, may have a duty to fully cooperate with the assigned investigator or can decline to participate in the investigation unless they are ordered to do so. For example, federal employees may decline to participate in an administrative investigation if it is voluntary. Private sector employers have different rules. Refusing to cooperate with an investigation or providing false statements or answers during an investigation can sometimes be grounds for disciplinary action.
Additionally, providing false statements, if made to a federal or other law enforcement investigator, can also subject an employee to potential criminal penalties. Internal or administrative investigations can also involve risks for the employer. Inadequate employer investigations may raise questions about the accuracy of the results or whether the employee was treated fairly. In addition, the employer may not like what the investigation uncovers and will have an obligation to resolve or address issues, such as a systemic problem or legal impropriety.
When to Seek Legal Advice
If a matter under investigation is serious, it is generally important to seek legal advice. Prior to an employee providing information to an employer, it is helpful for an employee to discuss with an attorney the issues associated with the information being sought by the employer and the employee’s role in the matter being investigated.
An attorney familiar with administrative or internal investigations can provide legal advice to assist an employee in preparation for responding to questions about his or her actions in the matter being investigated. In addition, an attorney can often accompany the employee during any investigative interviews.
Our law firm represents and advises employees on employment-related matters. If you need legal assistance, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.
This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact Anna at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.
It is time to find out what’s back, what’s new and what needs to stay in 2017. These are your top trends for kitchen design in 2018:
French Door Ovens — Love french doors? We have seen the benefits of the french door refrigerators for years. Now, the trend is moving to french door ovens. French door ovens allow you to bake, cook and not bend down to lift that heavy casserole out of the oven.
Induction cooking — This year it is all about being more energy efficient. With many homes in Reston being electric stoves, this is a game changer. Induction cooking cooks things faster and more evenly as it is an electromagnetic field that heats the stovetops evenly while keeping it cool to the touch. With the new magnets stickers, you do not need to buy a whole new set of pots and pans.
White appliances/slate appliances — Whether you prefer white appliances because they stand the test of time in their stylish design or sleek and easy to clean slate appliances are you a 2018 trendsetter. Something to remember when choosing white verse slate, white reflects lights and makes a smaller kitchen look larger. Slate appliances are known for their smudge-proof surfaces and stand up to constant family use.
Bluetooth connected appliances — Bluetooth connected appliances came into the market in 2015, but in 2018 the appliance companies are taking it to the next level. GE’s version of Bluetooth, called ChefConnect™, allows its Profile Series range to speak to the microwave, synching up clock times and automatically turning on vents and lights when the cooktop is in use. Just drop the food in the stove and go nap!
Wallpapers that are mixed with geometric prints — Yes! Wallpaper is back and it’s not your grandmother’s wallpaper. Give your space a modern feel by adding classy, colorful or funky geometric shapes on wallpaper. You can do this with a plain wallpaper and geometric art or a focus wall of eye-pleasing mixed colors wallpaper.
Gold, brass, copper faucets and hardware — Metals also takes center stage in 2018. Aged brass, copper and rose gold are hot. If you are not looking for a full update on your kitchen or bathroom, but you want to add some bling? A quick switch of fixtures or hardware will keep you trendy, without breaking the bank.
Dekton –– Looking for a close to perfect countertop? Dekton may be your answer. It is heatproof, scratch and stain resistant. The countertops are made from a proprietary blend of quartz, porcelain and glass. It’s thin and can be used indoor and outdoor even as wall panels.
Build in and concealed appliances — Save space by adding built-in appliances into your kitchen cabinets with taking counter space. Not happy with appliances colors? Get a panel and hide it. This trend opens new worlds for designs; appliances can now stand alone as a stylish statement piece or disappear into the surrounding cabinetry.
Steam ovens over microwave cooking — Microwave ovens are so 2017, so it is time to upgrade to a steam oven. The benefits of steam cooking are cooking quickly like in a microwave but not losing the nutrients and moisture.
Tile — Like microwaves subway tile need to stay in 2017. Shapes and colors are taking over. Stick to Zellige, tainted glass, terra-cotta, geometric cement, grid colored, terrazzo or color penny tiles.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Scully, a domestic short hair and tabby (orange) cat available for adoption locally.
Here is what her friends at Little Buddies Adoption and Humane Society have to say about her:
Scully is a sweet little girl. Loves affection and cuddling. She also enjoys playtime with her many small toys to bat around the floor.
(Note: Little Buddies has adoption events every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at Pet Valu in the North Point Village Shopping Center.)
Are you and Scully a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.
Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?
Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.
Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Thanksgiving feels so early this year. But there is still plenty of time to plan your fun holiday weekend activities. Here are my picks for Thanksgiving weekend in Reston.
Before the Big Weekend:
Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 1-20
Every year, the Reston Community Center, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and Cornerstones join to help families in need by collecting non-perishable food and other items. Cornerstones is a wonderful organization providing a range of services for families in need, and supporting them is always a priority for me.
From November 1-20, you can drop you items off at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods and Lake Anne facilities, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and a variety of other drop-off points throughout the community (located on the website). Visit the website for a list of items needed.
Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church — 2017 Christmas Bazaar
This free family event is Saturday, November 18 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Get a start on holiday shopping with unique handcrafted gifts. Stock up on holiday treats like gourmet peanut brittle, homemade baked goods and preserves. There will be a raffle for a beautiful Christmas basket and fun activities for the kids. Proceeds will benefit the Martin Luther King Christian Church Building Fund. Follow the link for the address.
Thanksgiving Day
November 23 at 8:00 a.m. at South Lakes High School.
What better way to prepare for your Thanksgiving feast than run, jog or walk in a fun-filled 5k race? There will be a run for everyone… 5k, 1-Mile Fun Run and even a free Tot Trot. The race will start and finish on the NEW South Lakes High School track.
Bring an old, clean coat to donate to One Warm Coat, whose mission is to provide anyone in need with a warm coat, free of charge. One Warm Coat’s vision is that they become a part of the American lifestyle; that when a coat is no longer needed, people will think of them and donate it; that donors will be warmed by the knowledge that their coats will go directly to children, women and men in need.
Thanksgiving Friday
27th annual Reston Holiday Parade
The holiday season at Reston Town Center is always festive, and Thanksgiving Friday launches it all. The 27th annual Reston Holiday Parade starts at 11:00 a.m. with Macy’s-style balloons, musicians, dancers, antique cars, characters, community groups, dignitaries, special guest emcees — and Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage. It’s always fun to see who shows up. Read More
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Hemlock, a domestic long hair cat available for adoption locally.
Here is what his friends at Little Buddies Adoption and Humane Society have to say about him:
Easy going, gorgeous, affectionate boy.
(Note: Little Buddies has adoption events every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at Pet Valu in the North Point Village Shopping Center.)
Are you and Hemlock a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.
Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?
Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.
Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.
This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. For a more complete picture of home sales in your neighborhood, contact her on Reston Real Estate.
Here are some Reston homes that changed hands recently:
11201 Chestnut Grove, 2 BR, BA. Sale Price: $230,000.
11594 Cedar Chase Road, 5 BR, 6 BA. Sale Price: $1.2 million.
11542 Hickory Cluster, 4BR, 2.5 BA. Sale Price: $428,500.
1794 Ivy Oak Square #85, 4 BR, 2.5 BA. Sale Price: $342,000.
11631 Quail Ridge Court, 5 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $65,000.
2333 Old Trail Drive, 4 BR, 4 BA. Sale Price: $440,000.
2511 Pinoak Lane, 3 BR, 2 BA. Sale Price: $555,000.
2315 Toddsbury Plaza, 4 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $527,000.
11807 Tree Fern Court, 5 BR, 3 BA. Sale Price: $660,000.
11605 Springhouse Place, 3 BR, 3.5 BA. Sale Price: $725,000.
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry
In a Memorandum Opinion dated October 30, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia barred the president from moving forward with his plan to ban transgender individuals from the military. The ban resulted from a July 26, 2017, statement from the president via Twitter informing the public of his intent to enact a ban. A Presidential Memorandum was formally issued on August 25, 2017. The court held that there was no support for the claim that the ongoing service of transgender people would affect the military at all.
Specifically, the court’s order bars enforcement of two important provisions in the Presidential Memorandum, which:
- Prohibited the military from accepting additional transgender individuals into active service; and
- Required the military to discharge current transgender service members by no later than March 23, 2018.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia issued the preliminary injunction, finding that a group of transgender service members would have a strong chance of prevailing in their lawsuit against the president in having the ban declared unconstitutional. The injunction will remain in place until the lawsuit is resolved or a judge or court of appeals removes it.
The Trump Administration would likely have to appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in order to attempt to enforce the new ban. Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s 76-page opinion can be found here.
If you need assistance with an employment law issue, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also like and visit us on Facebook.
This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact Anna at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.
Based on many favorite tv design shows, one would think everyone is going to the open kitchen design plans with island seating. After doing many kitchen design consults, I know island seating is not for everyone. The sometimes forgotten breakfast nook is ideal for families who would like a space for light meals. The appeal to a breakfast nook or cozy kitchen seating is that it has less of a barroom feel.
Although there are several scenarios of when a kitchen nook is an excellent choice, one of the best times to add cozy kitchen space is in an older home. Older homes many times have an unused breakfast area that is too small for a kitchen table. Additionally, many kitchens in older homes have windows that make it challenging to add cabinets without losing the kitchens natural sunlight. So, instead of losing space and light in the kitchen, a breakfast nook could be the perfect solution.
The great thing about kitchen nooks is that they can add storage space. Since most of them are are custom built to fit your space; they can be made with storage in the bottom portion of the nook’s seating. Another option is buying ready-made chairs and benches with storage space.
Of course, as a homeowner, getting the most out of space with or without extra storage will be essential, so follow the flow of the area when having your nook designed. Depending on the shape of your kitchen your nook can be curved, L-Shaped, U-Shaped, or parallel. The key is to make sure it has enough space for people to sit and stand from it easily.
Another thing to consider when having a cozy kitchen space designed is whether or not the nook will transition into another room or be the separation space between the kitchen and another room.
Although, having a nook that is near windows are beautiful, not all kitchen nooks will be near windows. You can still get all the lighting you need by adding a fun light fixture above the cozy kitchen space.
Breakfast nooks are also an excellent spot for homework, add in bay windows, and you can have quite the serene place for morning coffee. Of course, cozy kitchen spots are also a fantastic way to add a touch of color to your kitchen by adding fabric pillows on the chairs or benches of your breakfast nook.
When choosing fabrics for your cozy kitchen space, stain-resistant fabrics are ideal if you will be eating light meals there. If you have small children, another idea is diner style nook with vinyl seating, which is easy to wipe down and keep clean.
