The truth about your small kitchen remodel

The truth about a small kitchen is that it will not be the jack of all trades. You will have to give up the idea of doing homework here, paying bills here, and recipe searching in your small kitchen. The design goal for your small kitchen must be to achieve an effective small kitchen, not multipurpose space. There is nothing wrong with a kitchen that is just that, a kitchen. The design factor is a lot tougher already when you have to fit a functioning kitchen into a small space, but small changes can make it even better than a large kitchen.  When designing a small kitchen think of: size, color, light and function.

So focus first on function, making sure you have the appliances and work areas you need. You may be able to save a bit of space by using scaled-down or innovative appliances, including refrigerator and freezer drawers and pint-sized microwaves, stoves (some with just two burners) and single sinks. The function is there, without all the square footage! If workspace is at a premium, consider a small-scale island or a counter-topped cart that can be rolled away into a closet when not in use. Now just because you need to really hone in on function of your small kitchen does not mean you have to lose any space to style. The color of walls, appliances, and counter tops, bar stools, and backsplash can change the mood of your pint sized kitchen. Going with more pale colors can help with light, but don’t be afraid to go bold and add color and mix your patterns. Using the same color and style of fixtures and cabinet knobs can unify a design when you are using different textures and patterns in your small kitchen.

Tiny kitchens can feel claustrophobic if there are upper cabinets towering over you in such a small space. Most of the time cooks can’t even reach those upper cabinets anyways, and in a small kitchen there isn’t much room for a stool or ladder. Skip the excessive cabinets and opt for a more spacious approach with open shelves. You can also use magnetic knife strips, pot racks and give your kitchen a designer way to show off your favorite dish sets and even artwork. And like any other room, your small kitchen needs great lighting that you can use for cooking and for atmosphere. Fluorescent lighting, which casts a bluish light impacting the colorization of objects in the room, including the food, is frequently found in kitchens. To counteract it, consider hanging pendant lights that bathe your eating area in a more appetizing color. Tip: Try using glass doors from the kitchen into the next room or to the outside, this will increase light in the kitchen and also give the illusion of more space.

Don’t let small spaces give you design block. No matter a small galley kitchen or small apartment kitchen – you can make your design amazing if you trim the fat and keep your design neat.

Countertops that won’t break the bank or schedule

Countertops that won’t break the bank or schedule

Granite, Soapstone, Quartz, Concrete…..the list is a mile long when it comes to countertop materials. So how do you know which one is the best for you and your low maintenance needs and budget? Just close your eyes and pick one you like! No, we didn’t mean that, but with all the choices they give you it seems like that is the only option. Knowing what you are buying is important before you make the final purchase, after all changing your countertops are not as easy as changing your paint color.

If you are looking for something that will stand up to heat and last a lifetime then Granite is what you need. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, nearly 4000 different color patterns and options are available. Granite has the 2^nd hardest rating after diamonds and is on the list of desirable counters for home buyers. Granite does require a special sealer and light maintenance – but it is well worth it.

Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center if you can’t slather your whole kitchen in it. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining, but we will add again that marble can be pricey.

Next we have engineered stone; it is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. Engineered stone is easy to keep up with and does not require the annual sealer like natural stone.

Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.

For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and ultra-durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop – this means no cracks and weird places for food to get trapped. The only down side to stainless steel countertops is the fact that they scratch easy so you can never cut on them, and they can dent. Minimal downside for this amazing look if you ask me.

There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops. Our list of top picks gives the pros and cons of the top choices so that you can make an educated choice when you remodel your kitchen.

For more information or help with your next remodel- Contact us @1.877.624.7772

Countertops without a hefty price tag

Countertops that won’t break !

Granite, Soapstone, Quartz, Concrete…..the list is a mile long when it comes to countertop materials. So how do you know which one is the best for you and your low maintenance needs and budget? Just close your eyes and pick one you like! No, we didn’t mean that, but with all the choices they give you it seems like that is the only option. Knowing what you are buying is important before you make the final purchase, after all changing your countertops are not as easy as changing your paint color.

If you are looking for something that will stand up to heat and last a lifetime then Granite is what you need. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, nearly 4000 different color patterns and options are available. Granite has the 2^nd hardest rating after diamonds and is on the list of desirable counters for home buyers. Granite does require a special sealer and light maintenance – but it is well worth it.

Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center if you can’t slather your whole kitchen in it. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining, but we will add again that marble can be pricey.

Next we have engineered stone; it is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. Engineered stone is easy to keep up with and does not require the annual sealer like natural stone.

Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.

For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and ultra-durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop – this means no cracks and weird places for food to get trapped. The only down side to stainless steel countertops is the fact that they scratch easy so you can never cut on them, and they can dent. Minimal downside for this amazing look if you ask me.

There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops. Our list of top picks gives the pros and cons of the top choices so that you can make an educated choice when you remodel your kitchen.

For more information or help with your next remodel- Contact us @1.877.624.7772

Countertops that won’t break the bank or schedule

Countertops that won’t break the bank or schedule

Granite, Soapstone, Quartz, Concrete…..the list is a mile long when it comes to countertop materials. So how do you know which one is the best for you and your low maintenance needs and budget? Just close your eyes and pick one you like! No, we didn’t mean that, but with all the choices they give you it seems like that is the only option. Knowing what you are buying is important before you make the final purchase, after all changing your countertops are not as easy as changing your paint color.

If you are looking for something that will stand up to heat and last a lifetime then Granite is what you need. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, nearly 4000 different color patterns and options are available. Granite has the 2^nd hardest rating after diamonds and is on the list of desirable counters for home buyers. Granite does require a special sealer and light maintenance – but it is well worth it.

Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center if you can’t slather your whole kitchen in it. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining, but we will add again that marble can be pricey.

Next we have engineered stone; it is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. Engineered stone is easy to keep up with and does not require the annual sealer like natural stone.

Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.

For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and ultra-durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop – this means no cracks and weird places for food to get trapped. The only down side to stainless steel countertops is the fact that they scratch easy so you can never cut on them, and they can dent. Minimal downside for this amazing look if you ask me.

There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops. Our list of top picks gives the pros and cons of the top choices so that you can make an educated choice when you remodel your kitchen.

For more information or help with your next remodel- Contact us @1.877.624.7772