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Lenton Company ‘Grows’ Hope and Awareness for World Central Kitchen in their Chefs for Ukraine Humanitarian Effort

Lenton Company announces a local initiative intended to bring awareness and to direct donations to the World Central Kitchen in their “Chefs for Ukraine” efforts to feed refugees of the war in Ukraine. Sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, will be distributed as self-contained grow kits. Residents may call 661.273.9179 to reserve a complimentary grow-kit or pick one up at Lenton Company Design Studio located at 530 Commerce Ave., Suite C in Palmdale between 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“As an Antelope Valley family-owned Design-Build-Remodel business for three generations, we know the kitchen is the heart of the home,” said co-owner Rob Lenton. “The kitchen fuels the body, feeds the family, and provides sustenance for all who enter. It creates a gathering place where love, nourishment, and fellowship flourish.”

“Our collective hearts break at the loss of home, life, and security for the people of Ukraine. That’s why we’ve chosen to partner with the World Central Kitchen and their frontline Chefs for Ukraine humanitarian effort to feed refugees of the war in Ukraine.”

As of March 12, 2022, the World Central Kitchen activated operations in over 55 cities, served more than one million meals through more than 330 distribution points since Russia’s invasion, according to a news release. The relief effort continues to grow even supporting restaurants in Ukrainian cities, which remain under active attack.

Lenton Company purchased several hundred sunflower seed kits to distribute to Antelope and Santa Clarita valley neighbors. “We hope residents will join us in donating to the World Central Kitchen to help their frontline efforts,” said Evelyn Lenton. There is no suggested donation for the kits; only for recipients to consider making a direct donation to the nonprofit at a level comfortable for them.

“We hope to spread the hopeful optimism of the sunflower, which also happens to be the Lenton family signature flower,” Evelyn Lenton added. “It may seem a small gesture in a large crisis, but we know our community has empathy for the people of Ukraine and we hope they join us in helping this humanitarian effort to feed refugees.”

ABOUT LENTON COMPANY

Lenton Company has been crafting exceptional spaces since 1984 in the Antelope Valley and surrounding areas, specializing in kitchens, baths, new additions, and overall home remodels. Their design-build-remodel approach has earned them the accolade of “Antelope Valley’s Best” 11 times, a “Homes for Life Award” by the National Association of Home Builders for an accessible primary bathroom remodel, and named “Best of Houzz” award recipient for the last seven consecutive years. Evelyn Lenton was honored with the 2020 IMPACT Award and 2019 MVP Award by Remodelers Advantage. Affiliations include the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), and the Antelope Valley Chambers of Commerce. www.LentonCompany.com 

ABOUT WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN

Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. WCK has served more than 60 million fresh meals to people impacted by natural disasters and other crises around the world. WCK’s Resilience Programs strengthen food and nutrition security by training chefs and school cooks; advancing clean cooking practices; and awarding grants to farms, fisheries, and small food businesses while also providing educational and networking opportunities. Learn more at wck.org.

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What Makes a Great Kitchen Island?

There’s nothing that can make or break a kitchen like an island. Being one of the most requested items on remodels, kitchen islands are something that we have become very familiar with over the years. In our experience, there are a few things that a homeowner should always look out for when considering an island for their home.

Placement and Size:

There is nothing more important than how the kitchen island fits in the kitchen itself. No matter how badly you want an island, if there isn’t room then it will only cramp up your space. As a rule of thumb, there should always be enough room for two people to easily pass alongside one another inside the kitchen along all sides.

Multipurpose Function:

Islands have the power to become a statement piece in your home and kitchen, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be functional. When considering an island, think about how you can utilize it and what purpose you want it to serve in your home. Islands can include storage space, sinks, dishwashers, seating, and more. Pro tip: drawer microwaves are trending in 2022!

Striking Design:

Islands give you the opportunity to create a striking center piece in your home like no other. With color contrast, unique materials, or interesting shapes, your kitchen can be transformed both aesthetically and functionally. With islands, the sky is the limit!

Location:

Who says you need to put an island inside of your kitchen? With our most recent remodel, we placed the island outside of the kitchen and towards the living room. With this redesign, the kitchen was transformed into a much bigger space with an open, flowing floor plan. If your kitchen is too small for an island, all hope may not be lost!

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Design Trends to Look for in 2022

With the new year comes new design trends, both big and small.

We have kept track of what experts are saying about the newest trends and have put together a handful of the ones that we are most excited about.

With everyone spending so much time at home, there’s never been a better time to freshen up your home. We hope some of these ideas inspire you!

Warm Greens:

Olive, jade, eucalyptus, and other warm greens are making a big come back this year. Their earthy, warm colors make for a comforting, relaxing space in your home like no other. This is a shift from the cool blue that has dominated the past year, but we think the change of heart is a welcome one.

Vintage Furniture:

Give your home a unique feel and character by choosing pieces of furniture that have history, be it a family heirloom or an antique shop find. With the supply chain making it difficult to find newer furniture, there has never been a better time to expand your antique collection.

Textured Walls:

Make your space cozier and more welcoming than ever with the addition of plaster textured walls. Harkening back to colonial Spanish styling, the textured wall will make any room feel elegant and full of character. Although it may look like lime wash, plaster makes for a much cheaper and easier finish to apply.

Exciting Fixtures:

No more are the days of subtle, small light fixtures. With 2022, the world is turning to light fixtures that double as art pieces, featuring dramatic designs with large, exciting exteriors. Take a chance with fixtures that pop in your room, it’ll transform your space.

Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots is the Marine Corps non-profit that organizes donations of toys to millions of less fortunate children across the US each Christmas.

It all started in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks was prompted by his wife to give a few handmade toys to children in hopes of spreading Christmas joy. Unable to find an organization that would distribute the toys, Hendricks formed what would become Toys for Tots with his reserve unit. Over the years, the organization has gone from giving away 5,000 toys in 1947, to 18 million each year, making sure that as many children as possible can have presents under their Christmas tree.

Using the resources of the Marine Corp reserve, Toys for Tots’ community coordinators manage donations across the United States. Local business, like ourselves, host collection boxes, making it easy for anyone to donate a toy.

We appreciate everyone who was able to donate toys this year at Lenton Company, we are always proud of our community and their generosity.

Please feel free to look at the Toys for Tot’s website to find out more.

The Importance of Color

If you’re considering redesigning your home or space, color choices may seem like the least of your worries at the beginning, falling behind things like material choices or budget. Yet, your choice of color palette can completely define your remodel.

Here at Lenton Company, we know the importance of color, and how it can make or break a space. We stay up to date on what colors are trending, keeping in mind how we can make each and every remodel special, down to the gritty details.

Soothing Simplicity:

So, what’s in style today? Color trends are always evolving, and never a sure thing, but they sure are a great way to get ideas. Throughout this year, simple, subtle color palettes have taken the throne in popularity. So, warm pastels might just be the cherry on top for your home. If that’s not your style then no worries, color trends are far from a rule book.

Color of the Year:

We work closely with Dunn Edwards for all our remodel painting needs. As paint pros, we make sure to pay attention to their take on color. Each year they release a color of the year, with this year’s being Art & Craft, a mellow, earthy brown. This calming and subtle color will make any space feel like home.

See the Color Here

Be Prepared:

When considering a remodel, we promote all our clients to create a color splash and brainstorm ideas for a future palette for their space. This way, we can best help point you in the right direction for a design that you’ll love for years to come.

Picking the Right One:

If you’re having trouble picking colors, we get it, there are so many to choose from! Luckily, we’re here to help, with expert designers to guide you on your color and design journey. In the Design phase, we will help you to sort through colors and materials, finding exactly what you’re looking for.

Worldwide Material and Supply Shortages - Lenton Company

Worldwide Material and Supply Shortages

If you have been to your local hardware store recently, you may have noticed the empty shelves and sky-high prices. With the pandemic, extreme weather, and unprecedented demand for renovations, supplies and materials are becoming more and more difficult to find.

Despite that, Lenton Company is doing everything that we can to ensure our builds go smoothly, all without compromise to quality. Our team is working hard to keep our clients satisfied with their remodels, which is something that we are proud of.

Staying on top of things:

Our team is working tirelessly to prepare for any and all builds ahead, preordering materials as early as we possibly can. Lizsela, our build coordinator, keeps a constant eye on stock and availability to ensure that we get what we need for each project. If any problems appear, like sudden backorders, she alerts us immediately so we can find a solution.

Prioritizing the Client:

We stay in constant contact with our customers and alert them if there are any potential problems with sourcing materials or supplies. If we need to substitute a material, our design team works with them closely to create a solution that stays true to the design and meets the customer’s needs.

Creating new Solutions:

Making our customers dream home into a reality is something we won’t compromise on. With the difficulty in finding supplies, we have looked for new solutions for our customers, prioritizing them and their home before anything else.

Expanding our Horizons:

We have taken every opportunity to find new options and alternative materials for our builds. This includes our recent additions of Ready to Assemble cabinets, a new bathroom vanity line, and expanding our supplier base. Many of these choices are budget friendly, without compromising on quality.

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Design Trends: Vintage Bathroom Remodel

When it comes to home remodels, bathroom and kitchen remodels have always been top projects. According to data from CNBC, they experienced a 40% increase in popularity in June compared to the previous year. This is because more and more people are staying home. More than ever, bathrooms are used more regularly.

Talking about bathrooms, it’s common to see modern bathroom trends being pushed to the forefront when bathroom remodel ideas come up. Still, there’s something about vintage design trends that can add charm and warmth to your bathroom. Here are some vintage bathroom remodel designs that have proven to be timeless and classic.

Antique Accessories and Accents

Antique accessories are the perfect addition to your bathroom remodel if you want to add some vintage vibes. Even when you’re going for a more modern design, things like a gilded accent mirror, oriental rugs, antique brass cabinet pulls, fabric lampshades, and crystal sconces can give your bathroom some vintage appeal.

The good news is, there are many vintage options to choose from. There are vintage mirrors, vintage shower curtains, vintage colors, plus more to suit whatever style you have in mind. You can even add a vintage armchair in the corner to complete the feel.

Clawfoot Tubs

If you have decided to keep a tub, then you might want to ask your bathroom remodeling company to install a clawfoot tub. Clawafoot tubs have a timeless appeal that will breath more life into your bathroom and can be paired with many elegant features that make for a truly luxurious bathroom experience. However, be sure to also have a standalone shower, just in case you don’t want the hassle of cleaning the tub afterward.

Vintage Wallpaper

The list of popular vintage bathroom design trends wouldn’t be complete without vintage-inspired wallpaper. There are many options to choose from and you can even ask your bathroom remodeling company for help with choosing a quality vintage-inspired wallpaper. Make sure, the wallpaper fits in with your overall theme and colors, so that everything flows smoothly to the eye.

Checkerboard Flooring

The checkerboard floor pattern might have experienced fame in the early 1900s, but it’s back to make a statement again. A black and white bathroom floor will really keep things interesting and it has this whimsical appeal that will earn you extra points for creativity.

So, thinking of going vintage? You can start by considering the trends above. Get professional advice from your bathroom remodeling company to ensure your project is a success.

Find Your Perfect Pendant Light - Lenton Company

Find Your Perfect Pendant Light

You need lighting in your kitchen — why not make it fabulous?

Pendant lighting is a top 2021 kitchen design trend. A well-placed pendant light can be a breathtaking focal point or simply a wonderful accent in a beautifully styled kitchen. The sheer number of incredible options can, however, feel overwhelming. We’re here to help with the basics of pendants so you can narrow down your choices and find your perfect light.

Pendants With a Purpose

First, consider the lighting’s purpose. Do you need light above your kitchen island to better read a recipe, or will it light up the entire room? Is the light purely functional, or do you want it for more decorative purposes? Let’s look at how pendant lights fall into each of the four lighting categories — task, ambient, accent, and decorative.

Task Lighting

Pendant lights that aim downward to light up a targeted space are task lights. These are the best choices if you need a strategically well-lit area, like where you do most of your cooking or helping the kids with their homework.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient light gently illuminates an entire room. This light is cast upwards or in all directions, spreading throughout the room for a soft glow. These open, metallic globes show off the vintage Edison bulbs and light up the kitchen with character.

Accent Lighting

These beautiful pendant lights are a perfect example of accent lighting. Do you have a stand-out feature in your kitchen that you want to enhance with a lighting fixture, like this incredible ceiling? An accent pendant light might be the right choice for you.

Decorative Lighting

Sometimes lights enhance décor, and sometimes they are the décor. Focal-point pendant lights like these can be colorful, creative, or just plain stunning conversation pieces.

Keep in mind, there’s no rule against mixing lighting styles and types. These homeowners chose simple cylinder lights above their breakfast bar and striking, intricate candelabra fixtures above the center island.

Size

Pendant lights come in all different sizes. Multiple small fixtures can be hung together for a more delicate look, or if you’re feeling bold, you may decide one large light would be better.

Placement

In addition to choosing the style of light, you also need to think about placement. This will depend on your ceiling height, where in the room your pendant lights are going, and how many you’re putting up. Pendant lights can hang in a straight line or staggered as seen here for more visual interest. You can have them grouped together, or evenly spaced out to light up a larger area.

When it comes to pendant lighting, the choices are endless. The designers at Lenton Company will help you narrow down your options by considering the light’s desired purpose, size, and placement.  Ready to start your remodeling journey? Contact us today.

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Where Style Meets Skill: Celebrating Designer Sarah Sylvies’ Certification

Turning dreams into reality is a skill our designers practice every day. We’ve always believed Lenton Company designers are the best in the business, and now we have proof — Sarah Sylvies is officially a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer. This certification comes from the National Kitchen & Bath Association, a trade group supporting design professionals with tools, networking opportunities, and other resources to succeed in their industry. Being NKBA certified involves education and experience requirements, along with a rigorous application process and examination. 

“Using my knowledge and pushing it further with their educational tools really helped me in surpassing my goals. The process was challenging, but the end result was rewarding.” 

— Sarah Sylvies

The certification process requirements include a minimum of four years of full-time design experience, with at least two of those years focusing on kitchen and bath design. Besides her work experience, she also needed sixty hours of education credits from the NKBA and other approved coursework.

The process is completed with an intense exam. Sarah was scored on eight detailed design drawings in content categories ranging from graphics to technical planning details. After passing the design component, she was challenged with 100 questions in four categories: design solution, specifications, graphics and presentation, and mechanical and construction.

With this certification, Lenton Company clients can be certain their homes are designed by the best and most experienced in the industry. We are honored to have Sarah on our team and know she is excited to pass her expertise on to her clients, helping them design the kitchens and bathrooms of their dreams. Congratulations, Sarah!

Wondering what our fantastic designers can do to transform your home? Contact us today.