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Great Ideas in Kitchen Design to Spruce up the Most Popular Room in Your Home

November 18, 2015/in Columbus Remodeling Related, Design Build Remodeling, Kitchen/by Scott Hall

If you really think about it, the kitchen is the most popular room in your home. No matter what age the person is in your house, they are all going to your kitchen at some point. Even your family pets find themselves in the kitchen, and guests will frequently be there as well. This is why making some improvements to its look and feel can really make a difference in improving the overall way your home looks. A kitchen design change may be the key for you.

If you are thinking that this works for you, then you may want some good ideas that can help to change the way your kitchen looks. Here are some ideas for you.

Brass Handles

Nothing really spruces up the look of any room like brass. It has such an elegant look and feel to it that everyone likes. Yes, it is true that brass is much harder to clean and unpolished brass can really hinder the look you are looking for, but if you are willing to do a little extra work to keep it looking its best then brass handles on the doors and cabinets is a real winner.

White Is In

More kitchens are being designed with darker colors to them, but this is not the most aesthetically pleasing look that you can have. The best look is to go with white. First of all, it gives a very clean look to the whole room, which always makes people like to be in it more. Kitchens should look and feel clean since food is being made there, so white really benefits that feeling. In addition, white lights up the room more. That makes it more enjoyable to be in it, and will also make working in the kitchen easier. Plus it saves energy.

Marble Counter Tops

While white is great for appliances, cabinets and walls, granite or marble counter tops are the way to go. They really add class as well, and make the kitchen have a whole new look. In addition, they are hard to damage, so the longevity of them is much better than what you would find with traditional countertop materials. You cannot go wrong with marble or granite, but you should be aware that they can be quite expensive.

Hardwood Floors over Tile

Most people have tile or linoleum put in as the flooring to their kitchen and this looks good. It is a quality look. However, nothing makes a room look better than hardwood floors. There is such a great look to the kitchen as a whole, because it makes it look a lot more traditional. This is just the way a kitchen should look.

If you are looking for a great kitchen design, these are some great ways to improve the look of the kitchen so that you really give it the look you want. These changes will create a great improvement and make the most popular room in your home something you can really be proud of.

Remodeling Your Kitchen for Guest-Friendly Appeal and Use

September 13, 2015/in Design Build Remodeling, Kitchen/by Scott Hall

If you enjoy having guests over for parties and other social gatherings, your kitchen should be accommodating. But how do you get it to be that way when it isn’t even close? For optimal results, your kitchen should be custom-designed for your exact needs and those of your guests. This way, everyone is happy with the final product and you can relax knowing your guests are happy. Hiring a design build contractor is one of the best ways to ensure a custom guest-friendly fit to be enjoyed for years to come.

Nice Cabinets Make a Kitchen Stand Out

When you enter a kitchen, one of the first things you notice will be the cabinets. This is why it’s so important to have the right ones for your particular kitchen. Style and potential usage are huge factors in cabinets that will be both useful and attractive. Also, think about the feelings you want to invoke in those who enter the kitchen area. Guest-friendly design is about capturing a specific emotion, such as togetherness or excitement. A design build contractor can help you achieve a customized look that is tailored to all of those needs and more.

Go For Beautiful, Yet Functional Countertops

Fancy countertops will wow your guests, for sure. When choosing which materials are best, also consider the functionality. When you entertain often, it’s important to have a surface that’s durable and easy to clean off. But of course, you also need that wow factor. Talk with your contractor about which options fit your needs, as well as your style and budget.

Flooring and Lighting Help Highlight the Space

Make sure your guests can move around comfortably, as well as have a stunning visual experience by paying close attention to the flooring and lighting. Kitchen flooring should be easy to clean up but should also be desirable to the eye. This is especially true when you frequently entertain guests. Lighting should be beautiful to the eye, fit the style of the space, as well as highlight the preparation and serving areas without being too overwhelming.

Cooking and Prep Space Should Allow For Socializing

When entertaining guests, you should be able to join in on the fun, even during food prep. This helps ensure that your guests have their needs met and keeps everyone socializing with each other. One way to do this is to combine the cooking and eating areas. Some people make this entertainment option possible with an open floor plan. Your contractor can help you decide what’s best for satisfying everyone involved, as well as your budget.

A Functional Entertainment Area Keeps Your Guests Coming Back

Speaking of entertainment, the area your guests will be served in should be custom-designed for the best results. Keep the above advice in mind, as well as things your guests enjoy. It’s a good idea to take notes when you think of ideas. That way, when you meet with your contractor, everything is easier for you to present and nothing is forgotten.

Surviving a Kitchen Remodel

August 17, 2015/in Kitchen/by Scott Hall

Remodels can become very stressful business even with the best planning. However there are ways to reduce stress to a comfortable minimum. Surviving a kitchen remodel is as much about leaving the hard part to the professionals as it is about being clear and understanding from the start. Learn how to get what you want from a remodel while expecting the unexpected.

Be Clear From The Start

When you give clear and concise details upfront, surviving a kitchen remodel is much simpler. Communication plays a major role in things going smoothly. For the best results, your contractor should always know exactly what you’re looking for. Try to be clear about each details, including knobs and hardware, if these need to be specific. That way, the end result is what you expect or better. For instance, if you don’t like nickel finishes, this should be specified before the project begins so that the proper materials are used. The more detailed you are, the better.

Expect the Unexpected

The basic idea is to understand that things will happen during a remodel that could cause some unexpected twists and turns in the course of the project. Rather than focus on what could go wrong, focus on whatever progress is being made no matter how big or small. If something doesn’t go according to plan, it’s best to work with your professional kitchen contractor to sort out the solution quickly, rather than get upset over the details. Generally, these twists can occur due to hidden construction issues or miscommunication. Both the contractor and homeowner should remember that problems will get resolved quicker if everyone remains calm and works together on the resolution.

Understanding and Managing Delays

Managing delays is the most important part. They are a common part of remodeling and have to be accepted as such. Sometimes a special selection may take longer to order, which could delay the kitchen remodel. If it’s important enough to wait, don’t let it deter you from your dream look. The best way to handle something like this is to be prepared beforehand. By going into a remodeling project prepared for the worst, you will more readily be able to handle any changes. Usually the worst is avoided. But being prepared just in case will help you understand small delays and appreciate positive results.

Discuss Changes Quickly

If you decide to change the materials used in your kitchen remodel, inform your contractor as quickly as possible. This will help avoid unnecessary costs. One simple change in countertop or flooring can slow down the process and/or change the cost of your kitchen remodel. Therefore, changes should be made before things get underway, wherever possible. If you have a change of heart after things get started, express your concerns right away. That way, if a change does need to happen, it’s less likely to affect other materials in the process. For instance, changing the sink choice after the countertop is installed may require installing a new countertop as well, since sink measurements can vary significantly.

Finding The Right Kitchen Island

July 22, 2015/in Kitchen, Renovations/by Scott Hall

The kitchen is one of the highest traffic areas in the home and, because of this; most people want their kitchen to look absolutely beautiful. One way that people have added a touch of style to their kitchen is by adding an island. This not only provides more space for kitchen tasks to be performed, especially if more people are in the kitchen than normal, but it also provides a great look that makes the kitchen look ideal.

If you are looking to add an island to your kitchen so that it has that style you desire, here are some things to consider when you are making your decision.

First, you want to ask yourself if an island will even fit. If it will, how big of an island can you have? These are very important things to consider first, because there will be several questions you will need to answer later, but space is the important first factor to consider. If you do not have the space you are literally wasting your time if you are considering some of these options.

Once you have determined the availability of having an island, the next thing to ask yourself is what you want to use your island for. Some add a sink or an additional stove or oven to their island. To do this you will need to be able to have water and electricity or gas to provide water to the sink or electricity or gas for the stove or oven. If this is not possible to get these sources, then you need to think of other options.

Many decide that they want a little refrigerator in their kitchen island. While there is a larger refrigerator in the kitchen, some still like the added refrigeration space that is literally just at their fingertips.

While things like sinks and stoves are ideal accessories to the island, most choose to add a kitchen island for functionality. People need additional space for a variety of functions that extra space helps to be able to accomplish. The two most common functions of the kitchen island are cutting and storage.

People like the idea of a large central location that they can cut up vegetables, fruits and meats to use with meals. Usually the counter space can be too small of an area to do a lot of cutting on, and so the island becomes the ideal spot to do this. This is especially true because it does not require contorting one’s body to be able to cut at the right angle to accommodate cabinets and angles of the kitchen. The island is an open area that makes cutting much easier to do.

Kitchen islands also contain drawers, cabinets and hangers that can be used for storage. This can often double the amount of storage space to hold utensils, pots and pans, towels, cleaners, and all those odds and ends you stuff in a drawer. The possibilities are virtually limitless, and this is one of the primary reasons why people like the kitchen island so much.

5 Reasons to Replace Outdated Kitchen Appliances

July 13, 2015/in Kitchen/by Scott Hall

Tired of staring at that old dishwasher and trying to cook on that outdated stove from the 80’s? If the stain on your refrigerator door is older than you, it may be time to head to the recycling center. Here are 5 good reasons to replace those outdated kitchen appliances.

Older Appliances Can Be a Safety Hazard

Just because an older kitchen appliance is functional, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. The more use something gets, the more likely it is to have hidden issues. Fire, electrical, and other safety codes change over the years as people gain more education. Newer appliances will be up to code and you can recycle the older ones to help offset the cost. Be sure to remove the doors, harmful bulbs, and the like on items like refrigerators. Then, recycle or dispose of them properly.

Add More Appeal to Your Kitchen

Because appliances take up a good amount of space, they often end up being a focal point in the kitchen. Wouldn’t you much rather have your guests see something shiny, new, and stylish? That’s a much better vision than to look at your banged up dishwasher or a refrigerator that’s missing a handle or drip pan. More people are upgrading to fancier wipe-clean cooktops and leaving behind those old stoves that are a pain to clean.

Make Adding Newer Cabinets and Countertops Easier

If you ever decide to change your countertops or cabinets, it may prove a difficult task when you have older appliances. This is because pre-measured counters and cabinetry will come in sizes that fit newer styles. Sure, you can get them custom-measured and that can be a great option. But once they’re in there, newer appliances will show them off better than something that is outdated in style, function, and condition.

Newer Appliances Have More Features

Have you ever gone into a store in awe of all of the new features available on appliances? Older appliances just can’t compete when it comes to function and even style. There are options for just about every budget, style, and lifestyle. They even come in a large variety of colors to match with every kitchen you could imagine. Having kitchen appliances that actually work how you need them to doesn’t have to be the stuff of dreams. You might be surprised at how affordable it is to create your dream kitchen.

Newer Appliances May Be Healthier

Let’s not forget to factor in health. Older appliances may still be functional. But that doesn’t always mean using them is good for you. Consider chemical or gas leaks you may not see or smell. Carbon monoxide exposure is one dangerous possibility. When it comes to older microwaves, it is advisable by the FDA to avoid using one with a door that closes improperly, is dented, or is damaged or cracked in other ways. The older a microwave oven is, the more likely it is that risky damage has occurred and it may be leaking dangerous microwaves that could be harmful to your health.