Kitchen Remodeling

Child-Proofing Your Kitchen

Your children can be an important part of your kitchen remodel, for more than just taking their color suggestions into account. It may be a good idea to design your kitchen to make it a bit safer for your kids, and easier to clean up after them.

Spills and Splatters

Kids are messy. They will drop, splatter, splash, spill and smush pretty much anything; and they might not tell you about it either. Choosing countertop options that can take more than a fair share of spills is a good idea. Quartz and Corian are great choices for the countertops, as they are strong, easy to clean, and maintain.

Rounded Edges

Rounded countertop edges are often an important part of a kitchen design with kids in mind. These edges are a lot more forgiving than sharper sides, so there is less of a risk if your child bumps into them. There are a number of different styles that feature rounded edges.

Lowered Countertops

Some homeowners will lower a section of the countertop to provide a space for their kids to help out in the kitchen. This is a great way to get your children involved in meal preparation, and passing on the traditions of cooking with your kids.

Hands-Free Faucets

Reaching faucets can be a challenge for young kids. They may forget to turn the water off, or set the temperature to scalding. Hands-free faucets reduce the risk of your child burning themselves, and can help limit the water usage in your home.

Kid-Friendly Storage

Dedicate one low to the ground cabinet to plates, bowls, cups, and utensils that are child-friendly. This way your child has everything they need without having to climb up. Consider adding refrigerator drawers to your under-countertop storage, for easy-access snack storage.

Capped Electrical Outlets

You can add covers to your existing outlets in the kitchen, to prevent kids from playing with them. Children are prone to letting their curiosity get the better of them, and outlets can be dangerous.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Spicing up Your Spice Rack

Most kitchen spice racks have too many shakers to count, most of which we don’t use as often as others. While it doesn’t hurt to have a bevy of random spices to add a bit of flair to your dish, a disorganized spice rack can be annoying to navigate while the stove is on. Below are a few ways to spice up your spice rack.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs can punch up a dish a lot more than that of the dried and flaky variety. If you aren’t afraid of trying out your green thumb, consider growing a few herbs in your kitchen window. Parsley, basil, sage, and rosemary are relatively easy to care for, and can be a great addition to your kitchen decor. Add a bit of fresh green color to your kitchen space with a windowsill herb garden.

Switch to a Spice Drawer

Storing spices in a drawer can give you more overhead space for dishes, and can make it easier to access more of your spice collection. You can rest all the spice containers on their sides to read the labels easier, or use a label maker with a deep drawer to find just what you need.

Magnetic Spice Racks

Store your spices on the cabinet doors, with magnetic spice racks. There are 2 different styles of magnetic spice racks. The first uses magnetic shelves that connect to the inside of the door, upon which the jars and shakers are placed. The other option is attaching a magnetic sheet to the inside of the door, and keeping your spices in metal canisters.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Using Bamboo in Your Kitchen Design

Bamboo is quickly becoming a more popular material for kitchen design. It is used for a number of surfaces in the kitchen. Bamboo is gaining popularity because it is inexpensive and sustainable. Bamboo can be used as flooring, countertops, cabinets and more.

Bamboo Styles

Bamboo flooring and countertops costs about the same as most domestic hardwood options. Bamboo grains usually manufactured in three different ways. Vertical bamboo has a uniform, striped look. Horizontal bamboo shows the grains and “knuckles” that are unique to the material. Strand woven bamboo makes an interlocking design. This style is the most durable and the most expensive type, but it is still not as expensive as many exotic woods.
Bamboo comes in a number of stains and finishes, so there is a good amount of colors and shades that will fit your kitchen’s style. Lighter finishes are often used in modern kitchen designs, while darker bamboo finishes soften contemporary style without losing style.

Maintenance

Bamboo has very low maintenance and upkeep issues. Unlike some hardwoods that need regular oiling, bamboo can stay looking good as new with some warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. With rough treatment, the wood can become scratched up; so avoid using chairs without a soft buffer on the legs. Bamboo can be harder than oak or maple with the right treatments. This is why bamboo can be utilized to make sturdy cabinets or countertops.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Common Elements of a Scandinavian Style Kitchen

Scandinavian design has been growing more and more popular in recent years for a number of reasons. The interior design style combines inexpensive materials with simple colors and muted textures to create a minimalistic approach to home decor that is both budget-friendly and beautiful. But what exactly makes a kitchen Scandi-style?

Let in the Natural Light

Winters are long and dark in Scandinavian countries, so designers there try to emphasize natural light whenever possible. Maximising the amount of natural light in a space is the first step of creating a Scandinavian inspired kitchen. Window treatments, such as curtains, are often absent. If they are used, they are usually lightly-colored or sheer.

Muted Colors

White is the best color to have in a home where natural light is welcome. Much of Scandinavian color schemes use a lot of white, with additions of neutral tones and muted hues. When colors are utilized, they are kept soft and understated. This keeps the space bright and uniform, but isn’t bland. Soft, dark blues or greys may act as accent colors.

Wood

Wood elements are crucial to Scandinavian style homes. Floors and cabinets are usually wood. As soft colors and neutral tones are key to a Scandi-style space, lighter woods such as beech, ash, and pine are often implemented. Wood elements are often not stained or painted, to show off the natural color of the material.

Decluttering

A Scandinavian Style kitchen keeps things minimalist. Keeping the home free of clutter is important in Scandi-style design. Organized cabinetry is a great way to keep the space decluttered. If open shelving is employed in the space, they are usually used sparingly, to stop the room from looking too cluttered. Simple accents highlight the room. Even the walls are kept decluttered. While art pieces are welcome in a scandi-style room, they are often spaced out, and kept small. Bare walls and blank spaces are common.

Plants

Bringing life to the room is also very important to Scandinavian style. Potted plants can be a perfect accent point in a kitchen, and can add a pop of color. Choose plants that thrive with plenty of natural light.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Connecting With the Outdoors in the Kitchen

It may sound crazy, but one of the best ways to connect with the outdoors may just be from inside your kitchen. Many homeowners are deciding to redesign their kitchen to be more nature-oriented. There are a few ways you can upgrade your kitchen by bringing it back to nature.

Natural Light

While natural light and windows are vital to a kitchen, many interior designers have been focusing on it even more than in previous years. Skylights and large windows are becoming increasingly popular.
Some homeowners are adding glass doors to kitchens that lead out to entertainment spaces in the backyard. Connecting your outdoor space or patio to your kitchen makes entertaining easier, and more seamlessly blends the kitchen with the outdoors.

Natural Wood

While wood cabinets are common in homes across the world, not every kitchen makes use of wood elsewhere. Hardwood or bamboo floors can be a great fit for a home that is looking for a more natural feel in the kitchen. Hardwood floors in particular have been rising in popularity for kitchen renovations for a while, and it seems that the trend will continue. Butcher block or bamboo are very popular choices for countertops now.

Quartz

Quartz is a beautiful, high-end option for kitchen countertops. The material is anti-microbial, easy to maintain, hardy, and long-lasting. The most popular colors for quartz right now are neutral tones, such as grey, taupe, and cream. Neutral hues of Quartz go well with natural lighting and can pair nicely with many natural wood colors.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

White Cabinets are Out

White cabinets have been a staple of modern kitchen design for a long while, but that time seems to be coming to a close. White cabinets are going out of trend, and are being replaced with bold new color choices and designs.

Why Not White?

White cabinets have been trendy for a long time, but it seems they are falling out of favor with interior designers and homeowners alike. Ultimately, while white cabinets add brightness to the kitchen, designers are abandoning them for more innovative splashes of color. From the homeowner perspective, white cabinets require more frequent cleaning before they look dirty. A move towards colored cabinets can bring a rich vibrance or a new mood to the kitchen that white cabinets can’t always bring.

Alternate Color Options

So what are homeowners choosing over white for their cabinets? Most designs are swinging toward bold colored cabinetry instead of the expected white; to add personality to the space. Vibrant reds or blues can create an energizing space. Mint is also gaining a lot of popularity in cabinetry color. The soft and light green shade is making a big splash for cabinets. Deeper blue hues can make a kitchen feel cooler, which can help when you are cooking.

Still Like White Cabinets?

If you like the look of white cabinets for your kitchen, consider moving towards a shade of grey or off-white. Light grey cabinets can be a good compromise; as it keeps the space lighter and more toned-down, without having to worry as much about the frequent cleaning that white cabinets require. White cabinets will still be fairly commonplace in kitchens, but many homeowners are moving towards more evocative colors, and shades that require less cleaning to maintain their vibrancy.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Rustic Kitchen Trends 2019

Rustic kitchen design is the perfect way to create a warm, cozy kitchen space. But rustic design does not mean outdated. In this article, we will be exploring the 2019 rustic kitchen trends that are sure to make your kitchen space feel new and proved while still bringing that rustic flair.

Dark Countertops With Dark Cabinets

Modern kitchen spaces that utilize dark countertops often pair them with white cabinetry to create a contrasting space. More contemporary rustic designs are pairing dark, matte-finished granite countertops with dark cabinets. This creates a seamless transition between them. This style makes use of rustic blending while making use of darker color schemes more often found in modern kitchens; bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary design in a beautiful way.

Linear Lighting

For a while, pendant lighting has been a major component of kitchen design. But linear lighting styles are a great way to get the lighting quality of pendants, while making a beautiful statement with the fixture. Linear lighting uses a bar to house multiple light fixtures in a line horizontally.There are many modern Linear fixtures, but there are plenty out there that can fit well into a rustic kitchen.

Cutout Handles

Rustic design likes to keep things simple and elegant. One of the best ways to do this is to have inset or cutout handles in your cabinetry. By choosing cabinets with cutouts, you can save money that would normally go to handles or knobs. This style choice can be helpful to your budget, and can be a unique aspect of your kitchen design.

Mirrors

Mirrors are a great way to make use of natural light and make a room seem bigger. Mirrors with simple wooden frames can help drive home the rustic feel.

Footed Islands

Not every island needs to be built into the floor. A very new trend in rustic kitchens is the implementation of freestanding, footed islands. Much like having a large desk in place of an island, these pieces can be a beautiful and eye-catching aspect of a kitchen space. Some homeowners choose to use antique or custom made pieces to use as their islands.
To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

4 Ways to Add Texture to A Kitchen

Many modern kitchens feature nothing but sleek and smooth features. This can look visually pleasing, but leaves the room feeling two-dimensional.Texture affects the space by providing both physical and visual breaks to the room, which help define the room more fully. By adding a bit of texture to the space, you can develop a kitchen space with defined depth and style. What are some ways you can add texture to your kitchen?

Different Elements

In a kitchen, a variety of elements can interplay with each other. Blend the usage of stone, wood, glass, or metal together. A brick backsplash can tie in well with hardwood floors. By using different materials, with different textures in the room; you can give the space surface lift.

Patterns

Patterns can add a visually stimulating and engaging aspect to the room. But patterns are also a great way to add texture to the space. Patterns in the tiles for the backsplash can add texture from both the tiles themselves, as well as the grout in between. Wallpaper can be another way to add both texture and patterns to a kitchen. Wood paneling can add depth and patterns through lines.

Textured Finishes

Wood and glass finishes can provide a lot of textural elements to a kitchen. When picking out your cabinetry, consider choosing cabinets with distressed or glazed finishes, which can highlight the uniqueness of the wood. Glass can add texture via finishes as well. Glass in the cabinet doors or in the window can be an inspired source of texture. Glass finishes can invigorate a space by transforming how the glass looks. Designs, opacity levels, and patterns can all come from glass finishes.

Minor Details

You can add elements of texture in a number of minor places. These little pops of texture can catch the eye or add elements to a kitchen that are often taken for granted. Cabinet knobs, sink fixtures, and moulding are great places to add a bit of detail that can go a long way.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

Back to Basics – Raw Materials in Kitchen Design

2019 is a year in which we see natural elements reclaiming kitchen remodeling trends. This year, there is a big trend towards more natural and raw materials used in the kitchen space. The use of clean, natural materials and colors creates a more calming and neutral space which evokes simple living and the spacious outdoors. Through Natural Design, you can create a space of calming natural elements without breaking the bank or losing functionality.

Wood and Stone

Going back to the basics of material design starts with the two most naturally evocative materials in the kitchen space; wood and stone. Natural wood brings a warmth and rustic quality to a space. Stone brings sturdiness and strength, while complimenting the warmth of wood with its own coolness. Blending the two materials together in a space brings together a sense of balance and harmony. Consider adding stone elements to the kitchen via the countertops or backsplash. Elements of wood can be added in a plethora of ways, but are most commonly seen in the flooring or cabinets.

Natural Lighting

Natural lighting is essential to crafting a space that feels natural and more open. The softer light captured through windows help brighten up the room, and can compliment the more neutral colors found in a natural kitchen design. Skylights or big windows can help fill the room with natural light and warmth. If you do not have large windows in your kitchen space, consider adding a mirror to help reflect light from your existing window and make greater use of the space. In addition to making the lighting in the room softer, the focus on natural lighting means that you can actually save money on electricity.

Neutral Colors

Shades of green, grays, off-whites, and soft browns help to create a softer, more neutral space. Lighter shades of greens and browns help emulate more natural elements. The lighter tones will also make better use of natural lighting.

Pewter Fixtures

Not only are pewter faucets very trendy right now, they are very natural looking. They lack the eye catching sheen of metal fixtures, allowing other elements of the room to become focal points. The natural grey of pewter allows for seamless integration into a naturally designed kitchen space.

Natural Drawer Pulls

More natural kitchens shy away from more traditionally metal accents, like drawer pulls and handles for cabinets. Alternatives include wood and even leather. Wooden knobs or handles are common place. Leather strappings can be a very unique touch to a kitchen space. Both wood and leather allow for a move towards a more organic feel.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.

5 Reasons to Replace Your Dishwasher

Replacing or upgrading the dishwasher is one of the most common aspects of a kitchen remodel. Dishwashers can slowly become worse over time, and it is important to replace your dishwasher when your old one is starting to give you issues. Here are the top 5 reasons you should replace your dishwasher.

Dishes Coming Out Dirty

When your plates, bowls, and utensils are coming out dirty; it can be hard to trust that the dishwasher is doing a great job. Of course, there are many reasons why a dishwasher may not be cleaning properly, such as overloading it or using the wrong type of detergent. If you are seeing a lot of food spots, and you are loading the dishwasher properly, it may just be that your dishwasher isn’t performing as well as it should be.

The Dishes Aren’t Hot

If you are opening the dishwasher to lukewarm or even cold plates right after the load is done, you have a big problem on your hands. Hot water is crucial to a well functioning dishwasher. It not only helps get rid of food particles, but the hot water helps sanitize and kill harmful bacteria. If your dishwasher isn’t heating up water properly, then your dishes aren’t being properly cleaned.

Poor Drainage

There should never be a pool of water still in the dishwasher when the cycle is over. If there is a pool of water in the dishwasher, your drainage system might be clogged or damaged. While a clog might be cleared; it could be a sign of larger issues. If the issue persists, you may need to replace your dishwasher.

Poorly Closing Doors

The door on your dishwasher is vital to how the dishwasher operates. If there is poor sealing, water will leak all over the place. If the door can not close properly, the dishwasher may not be able to start up at all. A repair may be able to fix these issues; but leakage can warp the dishwasher and eventually require a replacement.

It’s 10 Years Old

Dishwashers companies are constantly making upgrades to their models. A dishwasher made 10 years ago is most likely not as efficient as one made today. Older models often use up more energy, waste more water, and take much longer to clean dishes. Not to mention all the wear and tear over the years. If your dishwasher is getting up there in age, there might not be much a repairman can do.

To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.