Fun Ideas for Your Next Kitchen Remodel

If a homeowner is ready to undergo a kitchen remodel but is looking for something unique and not conventional, we have several options to choose. These options add both visual appeal and higher functionality to the home. Here are some of the list of things to try:

#1. Pull out utensil organizer

This organizer is an easy way to get the utensil holders off of the counter for a clutter-free experience. Essentially, this is a narrow cabinet with holes cut out of a top shelf so that the utensil holders can slide in and out as necessary. This organizer provides a convenience that makes the entire process easier.

#2. Hidden, growing outlet

We can install a hidden outlet in the counter that people can push down when not in use. This convenient invention allows for a tour of plugins to emerge when necessary and then shrink back into the counter when not in use. For anyone that likes to cook, this can be a convenient way to plug in small appliances that an individual only uses it occasionally.

#3. Coffee cabinet

Coffee drinkers can rejoice since we can install a special cabinet for the necessary coffee brewing tools. Imagine how convenient it can be to plug in a coffee pot and have the coffee, cream, sugar, and cups directly above completely hidden out of sight.

#4. Hanging pan holders

A big complaint we hear from homeowners planning a kitchen remodel is what to do with the pans that always cause clutter. One easy solution is to create a hanging system that slides into a cupboard. Instead of stacking them on top of each other, the pans can be hanging one in front of the other for convenient storage and access. As a bonus, this will keep the pans in better condition.

#5. Install a banquette

For additional seating, install a banquette instead of just using counter seating. A benefit of a banquette is that storage can be built underneath to house things like the extra linens or kitchen appliances that are very rarely used.

#6. Hang a chalkboard

To create a space for kids to play or for the homeowner to feature the meal of the day, people can hang a chalkboard on the wall or use chalkboard paint to create a wall that can be drawn on. This is a cheap and simple way to add some fun to the house's kitchen space.

#7. Create an indoor/outdoor space

Using a large window that opens completely, people can suddenly have an indoor kitchen with access to the outside. For summer fun, have a bar built on the other side so that guests can pull up a stool and interact with you while cooking, without ever coming inside. This is a fantastic way to host a summer party since people can easily move trays of appetizers or drinks from the kitchen to the outdoor counter with no hassle.

Call for help with your kitchen remodel

These are only a few of the fun ideas we have for your kitchen. For help, schedule a consultation with one of our designers.

Myths Surrounding a Classic Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels can be some of the most intense, and important, projects that people will ever undertake in a home. The kitchen is very often the central place in the home, where people eat and socialize together. As a result, it is very important to make sure that you have the perfect style in your kitchen when you are undertaking a kitchen remodel. Often times people get caught up in all the things that they want in the kitchen remodel and fail to take into account factors such as the amount of space, budget, lighting, or other limitations that are so critical in any remodel.

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, the best option is to speak with a professional who can guide you on the many facets of the remodel and ensure that you take the best advantage of the kitchen's existing features. In addition, having someone work with you on the design can help you to avoid traps that many people fall into and stay away from many misconceptions that could be both costly and lead to delays. Here are a few of the more common myths that find their way into the mix when it comes to a kitchen model.

One of the most common mistakes that people make is believing the myth that they have to create a perfect kitchen by following the current trends precisely. The reality is that when you are having a kitchen remodel done you need to go with more classic lines because the classics never go out of style. While there are many trends, they never last forever. What this means is that the style that was in vogue today may not be in vogue tomorrow, and if you follow these trends precisely you will find that your kitchen is out of style very quickly.

Another mistake that people make, when doing a kitchen remodel, is to believe that they can do it piecemeal. Too many homeowners start a project, believing that they can keep working on it over time and as funds become available. Good intentions never really come to fruition for many of the homeowners that start a kitchen remodel, with the intent of a piecemeal finish. Instead, many times folks find themselves with a variety of styles and mismatched collections that make the kitchen look even worse than it was before the remodel was started. A kitchen remodel has certain elements that are necessary, and so you should speak with a kitchen remodel professional who can guide you on the best place to begin, and also give you the ability to budget properly.

The final myth that often takes hold, when it comes to a kitchen remodel, is the idea that people can do some or all of the remodel themselves. It is always better to get a professional to do the kitchen remodel since it is one of the most important rooms of your house. It takes more than a basic knowledge of how to do remodeling to create the perfect kitchen, so you should have us come in and give you an estimate on what it would cost to give you a dream kitchen.

Get Help Selecting the Right Counters for Your Kitchen Remodel

One of the most common complaints about a kitchen remodel is that people don't know where to start. If you have lived in a kitchen for a very long time or moved into a house that has an older outdated kitchen, you probably want to replace it. Despite this desire, replacing the entire kitchen can seem like a daunting task even if you have a kitchen contractor to work with.

A kitchen remodel, like many jobs in your house is an area where you are going to have to suffer through a lot of inconvenience in order to get the look and feel that you want. However, at the end of the kitchen remodel you're going to have a kitchen that you are proud of, can entertain in, and that gives you the space and functionality that you so desire.  Sometimes, the easiest place to start a kitchen remodel is to decide what kind of counter you want to have. The counter is going to be the main focus of your kitchen just by virtue of the fact that it is the largest surface in the entire kitchen. If you have a kitchen island, the island surface will often match or contrast with your counter which is why choosing the counter is a great place to begin the process of a full kitchen remodel.

Select the Right Counters for Your Kitchen Remodel

As you are getting into your kitchen remodel you're going to need to select a countertop that meets both your budget and the look you're going for. There are many different types of countertops to choose from, so the color and style of counter you choose could have a significant impact on the overall kitchen remodel in terms of color schemes and the design itself.  People usually have either a color scheme in mind and then need to match the counter to work with the color scheme, or pick a counter top that they really loved and then select a color scheme from the counter top itself.  In either one of these scenarios the counter top plays a key role in the layout, the type of flooring, and many other aspects of the kitchen remodel. With so many different options to choose from, you need to select your counter tops carefully so that they fit what you're going to use them for, the look you're going for, and the budget that you have for your kitchen remodel. Often, working with a kitchen remodel contractor is the best way to go about finding, selecting, and having the best counter tops installed.

In the process of getting your kitchen remodeled, you can select from a variety of counter tops. The most frequently used countertops include:

• Granite counter tops
• Quartz counter tops
• Laminate counter tops
• Concrete counter tops
• Recycled glass countertops
• Butcher block counter tops
• Marble counter tops
• Solid surface counter tops
• Tile counter tops
• Eco-friendly countertops
• Lava counter tops
• Resin countertops
• Reclaimed wood countertops
• Stainless steel counter tops
• Porcelain countertops

We can help you to make decisions regarding the design and functionality of your remodel.  We can then bring your dreams to life. Call today to get started.

Tips for Your New Kitchen Remodel

If you have the opportunity to perform a kitchen remodel, congratulations! You now have the chance to develop the perfect kitchen you have always wanted just to your specifications. Before immediately focusing on what your new appliances will look like or what color you’d like the walls to be, consider the layout of your future kitchen. You will want to maximize space while keeping your kitchen inviting and functional. These tips for your kitchen remodel should help get you started on planning your new cooking space and keep you happy for years to come.

Eliminate Wasted Space

When you are remodeling your kitchen, take some time to think about storage. As you plan out your cabinet placement, consider adding cabinets that reach the ceiling to eliminate wasted space, keep dust from settling, and provide more space for rarely used items like fine china and vases. Many people opt to include glass panes in their upper cabinets in case they decide to display china in these hard-to-reach areas. If these cabinets also have a lighting source, it can lighten your entire kitchen, instead of making it feel dark and cramped.

Keep Things Spacious

You should keep in mind things that bothered you about your previous kitchen. Were the walkways too narrow? Was an island in the middle of your kitchen taking up space rather than being useful? Could you easily access your fridge, cabinets, and dishwasher without being in the way of others? Kitchen islands are great for large spaces, but we encourage those with a smaller kitchen space to nix the island idea, as it typically ends up being more of a nuisance than a help. We also suggest remodelers keep the walking space open so more than one person can get around at the same time. This is especially great for when you have company who wants to socialize with you while you cook. A side bar is a nice addition for a kitchen remodel, as it provides extra storage or cutting space, as well as a place for visitors to sit without being right in the middle of things.

Think About Kids

If you have children or grandchildren, you will want your kitchen remodel to be kid-friendly so you can keep an eye on them while you cook. Some newer kitchens include tiered counter tops, so your child can mimic what you do at a height they are comfortable with. Tiered counters are fun for baking cookies or teaching small children the basics of food preparation. They can also be helpful if a sink is in place at their level. If you have young children, you will want to think strategically about oven and stovetop placement, so they cannot be easily accessed or bumped into by children without your supervision. Keep the barstools and microwaves away from these areas so children can color or entertain themselves safely and comfortably while keeping away from the more dangerous areas.

With these tips to get you started during your kitchen remodel, you will be able to plan ahead for the inevitable. When you need an extra hand or want more tips, contact us to learn more.

Summer is Here and it is Time for Your Kitchen Remodel

If you have been considering a kitchen remodel, summer is the best time to get started.  Remodeling your kitchen can transform the appearance of your home, give you an open concept floorplan and make entertaining more delightful.  We can incorporate every fun, practical and glamorous feature that you can think of while adding in beautiful countertops and high-end appliances.  There is nothing too extravagant when creating your remodeling plan.   

The reason that we encourage people to remodel their kitchen during the summer is all about practicality.  While we do a thorough job and are conscientious about the noise and mess, there is no way to prevent a disruption to your home and your family life.  The kitchen is a room that is used so frequently that not having daily access to it poses challenges.  During the summer months, there are ways to get around this.  For example, many of our clients will plan their kitchen remodel to start right before they go on their family vacation.  This way, when they come back, the remodel is either done or close to it.  While you are dining out or visiting grandma, we can work on replacing your floors, cabinets, appliances, etc.  

Another benefit of a summertime kitchen remodel is that you can cook outdoors.  This is the season where most people are grilling on the barbecue anyway.  If you are grilling one or two days a week, you might want to use this time to buy a smoker or look up new recipes so that you can continue to cook outdoors for the duration of your remodeling project.  Sure, you may need to eat cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch but at night, you can pull out the grill, throw on your favorite meat and veggies and have a delicious meal without the need for your kitchen.  This is opposed to a winter remodel where you may become highly reliant on your microwave.  Thanks to the grill, most homeowners we work with, find that a remodel is less disruptive than they initially thought it would be. 

If your kitchen remodel involves an extension, there is the added benefit of being less worried about inclement weather when the roof or walls are exposed.  Our crew can get more work done since the weather is nicer, and we will not be as concerned with the potential for a rain delay.  Additionally, the summer means that we have more light to work with.  This is helpful when completing an extension because natural light is essential for laying the new foundation, putting up new walls and a new roof.  It even helps our electricians to be able to work longer.  The summer months provide us with the opportunity to finish a remodeling project faster so that you can get your kitchen and home back.

Regardless of when you decide to start your kitchen remodel, we will ensure that it is a positive experience for you.  However, if you are looking for the least amount of disruption, we encourage you to start today.

A Kitchen Remodel Fit for a Holiday Feast

When planning your kitchen remodel, it is important to consider how you and your family use your kitchen on a daily basis.  Things like how many cooks are in the kitchen, and the type of food you like to eat is important in creating an overall design.  For example, if several people like to cook, you need more than one prep area and more room in between the island and back countertop. This way more than one person can participate without bumping into each other. 

What many people fail to consider is what happens at the holidays or when it’s time to throw a birthday party.  If the holidays are still at mom's house, this may not be important but if you are hosting family gatherings, your remodel can make it easier to do so.  Certain features can be incorporated that can help to make things run smoothly when having a lot of people over.  

Here are ideas for your kitchen remodel that make it possible to plan the perfect holiday feast:

• Double ovens.  Perhaps, the most difficult thing to do is plan how you will bake all of the side dishes while the turkey is in the oven.  Turkey roasters tend to take up the entire space leaving no room for stuffing or your famous green bean casserole.  Whether cooking the Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham, most people need more than one oven. By installing a double oven, you will have the space you need during the holidays and all year-round, no juggling required. 
• Use a warmer.  Even with a double oven it can be nice to prepare some food in advance.  A warming oven allows you to do so while keeping it at the perfect temperature to serve at your convenience.  This simple solution is no larger than an oversized drawer and can fit comfortably into small and large kitchens. 
• Add more burners.  A standard four burner stove can feel claustrophobic when making dinner on Wednesday night let alone with you making a holiday feast.  The best way to avoid pan clutter is to make room for a six to eight burner stove.  The added space will make it possible to cook multiple things at once without using the microwave.  For added elbow room have your stovetop placed in the island instead of the back counter. 
• Create a prep area.  We can install a prep sink in the island so that you have one sink for food and one for dishes.  This makes it easy to separate the mess from food that you want to keep clean.  Your kitchen will become more organized and have a better flow every day, not just on the holidays. 
• Ventilation.  When cooking so many dishes at once, having proper ventilation becomes even more important.  We can help by installing a commercial grade hood to suck out the smells that are competing for your attention.  

We can help you to design a kitchen remodel that makes it easy to cook dinner on Monday and throw a party on Saturday.  For more design solutions, give us a call and schedule a consultation. 

Evaluate Your Floor Plan Before Starting a Kitchen Remodel

If you are embarking on a kitchen remodel there are a lot of things to consider.  Most of them are fun, like picking out the color of a tile backsplash or the new granite counter tops.  Remodels are excellent for allowing homeowners to express their personal style and creativity, with the kitchen being an excellent place for doing so.

What homeowners need to remember is that the kitchen gets more use than almost any other room in the home.  It needs to be beautiful while incorporating all of those practical details that make a kitchen function and it easy to cook and clean up afterwards.  Considering each of these items can seem tedious and makes working with a professional that much more important.  Nothing will be missed or forgotten when Quality Kitchen and Bath is handling your remodel.

While creating the list of things you want in your kitchen you need to consider your layout and floor plan.  Just because you have an L-shaped kitchen now doesn’t mean that it works best for your family.  The same holds true with a U-shaped or galley kitchen.  Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that just because their kitchen is shaped a particular way now it has to stay that way.  The reality is that during a kitchen remodel you can customize almost everything – including how your kitchen is laid out.

Start by thinking about how you like to cook.  Are you the only cook in the house or do multiple people use the space at the same time?  What type of dishes do you typically make and what utensils do you require when making them?  Do guests frequently hang out while you cook? Each answer can impact how your kitchen should be designed.  Here are some example solutions based on these questions.

If you said yes to having multiple cooks than you need to have more than one work area.  This should include areas to prep and chop along with two sinks.  Some families also benefit from having double ovens installed.  The more people that work in the kitchen, the more space and solutions need to be included in order to make it possible to be together without getting in each other’s way.  This depends on simple design solutions like having one prep sink and work space on the island while the other is on the main counter surface, allowing people to stand and cook in different areas of the kitchen.

The type of dishes you cook and the appliances or utensils you use needs to be taken into consideration when creating custom cabinets.  The height and width need to be just right or you will end up with appliances on the counter.  Additionally, the cabinets need to be placed in such a way that allows for the cook to access the most frequently used items relatively quickly and without hassle.

If you have guests over all of the time, make sure to incorporate seating into your kitchen remodel.  This can include an island with bar stools or built in bench seating under a window. When designing your dream kitchen don’t be afraid to have fun with it and enjoy the process.

Modern Features Every Kitchen Remodel Should Have

If you are starting a kitchen remodel there are modern features that you should incorporate for the design and for your sanity.  For most homeowners, the kitchen is a high-traffic area that gets a lot of use.  The more kids you have, the busier your kitchen will be.  For many families this means that the kitchen also has to serve double duty as a homework station, entertaining area, and place hang out.  All of this must be possible in a room where meals are prepared, and messes are made.  Fortunately, there are several modern features that can make all of this easier. 

A lot has changed since the 1960s, but many homes still have outdated kitchens that are no more efficient than what your mom was using decades ago.  Sure, the stovetop may cook faster or more evenly but that’s not enough to make a huge difference.  Innovation seems to have passed our kitchens by – until recently. 

Here are some modern features you can incorporate into your kitchen remodel to ensure that your home is more functional and beautiful. 

• Outlets.  Typically, most kitchens will have outlets here and there but the reality is that we plug everything in now, and more outlets are needed in order to keep up.  You should have them installed in the kitchen island, and anywhere you may use the toaster or mixer.  Think about where you will plug in your cell phone, tablet and speakers as well.  This should be a place that is far enough away from the mess, but still in the kitchen. 
• Under cabinet lighting.  This feature is important and can make it easier to see what you are doing in the evening.  While a simple concept, under cabinet lighting shines directly onto your countertops make cooking and cleaning easier. 
• Stainless steel hood.  By placing a hood range in your kitchen, you can keep smells from wandering through your home.  This is important since most people want a modern, open concept floor plan.  
• Touchless faucet.  There is nothing worse than cutting meat and having to turn your faucet on.  Germs are spread very easily this way.  Instead, have a touchless faucet installed so that you can run your hands under it for water and keep germs from spreading throughout the kitchen. 
• Large island with seating.  Make sure that your kitchen has an island that can serve double duty as a place for homework and entertaining, along with cooking.  The easiest way to do this is to build the eating counter higher than the cooking surface.  This creates a level of separation without taking up any more space.  You can also install a sink to give a separate space to prep food that is away from the dirty dishes. 
• Warmer oven.  Life is busy, and you may not have time to cook dinner at six, but have plenty of time at four.  By installing a warmer oven in your kitchen, you can cook when you have time and eat food later while it is still at the perfect temperature.

These are only some of the features that you should incorporate into your kitchen remodel.  For further inspiration, give us a call. 

Ten Ideas for Your Kitchen Remodel

You can easily update your home with a kitchen remodel.  Your kitchen is often the most used room in the home.  It is where families gather for meals, homework, socializing, and hanging out.  While this room gets a lot of traffic it also takes a lot of abuse making a remodel necessary to keep the room looking fresh and modern.

Here are ideas you can incorporate into your renovation.

1.       New appliances.  A kitchen remodel is not complete without fresh, modern appliances.  This is your opportunity to install energy efficient, functional pieces that will make your life easier.  Imagine a dishwasher that washes faster and quietly and a stove that cooks food in less time, all of this is possible with modern technology.

2.       Touchless faucet.  Avoid germs by installing a touchless faucet on your sink.  Cutting meat, for example, can leave germs on your hands that will then be transferred to your faucet. This is a sanitary way to wash up.

3.       Pull out drawers.  Are you tired of digging in dark cabinets while searching or the perfect pot or pan?  Pull out drawers makes it easy to see exactly what is inside your cupboards and to stay organized. 

4.       Smart refrigerator.   You can now have a refrigerator that keeps track of your grocery list and even plays music.  This high-tech feature is extremely convenient and makes sure you never forget the eggs.

5.       Warming oven.  This is a fantastic addition for people with large families or those that like to entertain.  A warming oven can keep your food at the perfect temperature while you are making additional dishes in the regular oven or on the stove.  It is ideal for keeping appetizers warm before the party so that you can mingle and pull them out at the perfect time.

6.       Island cooktop. This will free up additional space and allows you to cook while spending time with family and guests that are seated at the island.  A large island can accommodate a cooktop, counter space, cabinets, and seating.

7.       Pot filler.  Kitchen sinks can easily fill up with dishes and become crowded.  Have a separate pot filler installed so that you can fill the spaghetti pot with water, without needing the sink to be empty.  This is another feature that allows for multiple cooks to be in the kitchen without stepping on each other’s toes.

8.       Appliance garage.  If you are tired of appliances like your mixer or toaster being on display, you can have appliance garages built.  They are like a cabinet except the door rolls up like a garage would.  That way you don’t have to take them out in order to use them. 

9.       Electronic station.  Have a section installed for your electronics.  This could be similar to the appliance garage with electrical outlets.  Make sure you have room to charge your phones, put the iPad on display and more.  Easy access to electronics will help you to access your recipes.

10.   Sound system. Make cooking more fun by installing speakers in your kitchen.  You can rock out while doing the dishes.

When planning your kitchen remodel consider how you and your family uses the space. Things like the number of cooks, how many people should sit at the island, and the food you like to prepare should all be taken into consideration when speaking with our designers.  We can turn your kitchen into something gorgeous and functional.