While wooden cabinetry has been a staple of kitchen design for decades, wood is quickly growing in popularity as a countertop option. Traditionally the countertop of choice for bars and butcher shops; this design choice is growing in popularity for homes. Wood is lighter than most other countertop options, and often costs less to repair.

Adding Warmth to the Kitchen

Many homeowners are moving away from stainless steel appliances because they make the kitchen seem colder. One way to incorporate warmth into a kitchen is by using wooden countertops. The natural colors of butcher block style countertops elevates the space by giving it a warmer, more natural look.

Plenty of Design Options

Wood comes in a variety of different grains and colors; based on the type of tree the wood was taken from. This means that there are plenty of exciting options for your counterspace. Some options include classic oak, deep maple wood, strong cherry wood, or rich walnut. There are also a number of more exotic woods for a kitchen space, such as zebrawood, rosewood, or iroko. Less expensive wood, like birch or beech can cost as low as $12 per square foot. More exotic or expensive woods can cost about $200 per square foot.

Maintenance and Repair

Wood can be maintained well with care. There are a number of oils or polishes made for woods, depending on if it is finished or not. Many of these products you may already use if you have wooden furniture in your home. More exotic woods may require more sensitive care. Any damage, such as scratches or nicks in the wood, can be sanded out or refinished.
Even butcher block style countertops are rarely used directly in meal prep today. Using a wooden countertop like any other, with cutting boards, is important to maintaining an undamaged counter space.

Strong Yet Soft

Wood can be a very strong countertop material, and yet its soft nature can provide a lot of benefits too. Unlike stone or quartz, it is less likely to chip or break dishes dropped on it. Wooden countertops are also great for noise reduction, limiting clatter when plates or glasses are placed on them. Even smaller appliances; such as blenders or food processors are quieter on top of wood than most other options.

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.

    There are a lot of different ways to design your kitchen space; to fit whatever style you like. But when selling your home, it is best to avoid funky options, or changes that can reduce the value of the space. This article will look at some common kitchen mistakes homeowners make that can actually ruin a home sale. Most potential buyers want a kitchen space that doesn’t require renovation as soon as they move in. 

Mixing Metals

    There are many different types of metal fixtures for a kitchen space; from stainless steel or brass, to copper or pewter. When upgrading your kitchen space, avoid mixing the metals used in the space. Mixed metals are often too eclectic for potential buyers. 

Fake Open Shelving

    Some homeowners will try to imitate open shelving by removing their cabinet doors. This is not a good idea. Cabinets with doors are not designed in the same way as open shelves. This often makes the space look cheaper. Additionally, If proper care is not put into the removal of the doors, the cabinets themselves can look damaged or shoddy. 

Fake Wood Cabinets

    Vinyl that looks like wood can be a fine choice for flooring in a kitchen, but wood vinyl should not be used for cabinetry. They often look cheap and can detract from the overall value of your kitchen. These “fake wood” materials can sometimes come with more maintenance and repairs than a sturdy wood cabinet. Vinyl can not support as much weight as wood. When it comes to your kitchen cabinets, invest in the best materials possible.

Multiple Colors with Appliances

    Appliance companies have been diversifying the colors they make models in for years. Now your kitchen can have a red oven, a blue dishwasher, and a yellow toaster. But it really shouldn’t. Much like mixing metals, it can be easy to go overboard with these color choices. It is often best to pick simple colors, like black, white, or stainless steel for these appliances. If you do want to add a pop of color in this way, do it with only one or two appliances; and make sure they are the same color. A lot of colors in the kitchen can seem random or chaotic; and can be a turn-off for buyers.

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.
 

    With a new year comes new and innovative design trends. These new trends set the tone for the rest of the year. Here are some of the most interesting kitchen design trends of the new year.

Scandinavian-Style Kitchen

    Modern clean lines, organic shapes, and light, muted colors blend with natural materials to form a Scandinavian-style kitchen. This interior design style became popular a few years ago, and has been steadily on the rise. Scandinavian interior design is a style celebrated for its simple color schemes and focus on function over form. Scandi-style kitchens are often minimalistic yet beautifully one-dimensional; with a predominantly all-white color palette combined with natural neutral colors.

Copper and Brass Fixtures

    Copper fixtures are on top of the trending lists.Designers are even expanding its uses beyond faucets. Many designers are implementing copper for drawer handles, cabinet knobs, and even as part of ovens and other appliances; as one would see stainless steel. Coming in a close second is brass. Brass is brighter, and can blend well in spaces with a variety of colors. 

Fluted Glass

    Fluted glass adds dimension and texture to a kitchen space. Fluted glass allows you to achieve the usual room opening effect with cabinetry without making your plates take center stage. Fluted glass can also be a great aesthetic choice for any kitchen window. Fluted glass allows plenty of light to filter in while providing some privacy screening.

Concrete Countertops

    Concrete is a strong, sturdy countertop material that is quickly rising in popularity. It is strong like granite or marble, for a much lower cost. While it’s biggest downside is it’s cost, there are a number of countertop manufacturers that have released a treated form of concrete that removes the coarseness of the material Treated concrete is more costly than the standard, but it is usually less expensive than quartz.

    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.
 

Many kitchen upgrades are done because the homeowner wants to change the design for aesthetic purposes; while others might do it to raise the value of the home. But for some people, especially those planning to stay in their home for the long haul; the kitchen remodel is done with ease of access in mind. Preparing your kitchen to “age in place” is a good idea for homeowners who plan on living there well into their elderly years. An elder-friendly kitchen is created to make your life easier now, as well as when you are much older. Elder-friendly kitchens can help support your independence in your later years, while making your life easier now. Upgrades will focus on safety features, ease of access, and better organization.

Non-Slip Floors

Slip and falls can be a dangerous hazard for elderly people. When choosing flooring, you should choose one that is slip resistant as well as soft for landing. While some tiles can be considered “slip resistant,” falling on a tile floor can cause a lot of damage to your body. Safer flooring options can include laminate, bamboo, and vinyl. Avoid using area rugs or floor mats in the kitchen, as they can offer potential tripping hazards.

Reduce Edges

Along with non-slip floors, a kitchen that ages well will have less sharp edges. Countertops should be designed with rounded or bevelled edges; which will help mitic\gate injury during a fall. 

Easy Access Cabinets

From reaching up high, to trying to find what you're looking for, cabinets can be a problem for some elderly people. Windowed cabinet doors can allow you to better determine where an item is before you start checking the cabinets. Cabinet organizers, lazy susans, and pull-out drawers can help reduce bending and reaching. D-style pull drawers and lever handles can be a lot easier for elderly people to use.

Lots of Lighting

Light up your kitchen. As you age, your vision can become more impaired. Area lights, lights inside cabinets, and undermount lights can help illuminate important areas of the kitchen to make your life easier. 

Leave Space for a Wheelchair

You may never need a wheelchair, but it can be a good idea to prepare for it. Creating a space where you can pull up a wheelchair to work in the kitchen can be a good idea. If you don’t use a wheelchair, the space can still be used with a chair. Breakfast nooks can easily double as a seated prep space. 

Easy Use Appliances

Appliances for a kitchen meant to age with you should have easy to reach controls and easy to read displays. Drawer style dishwashers can reduce bending and strain. Keep microwaves on the countertop. Wall-mounted ovens can allow for baking without bending. 

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. 

The future is upon us, a rapidly growing trend in the kitchens of today is smart technology. What do we mean by smart technology? Imagine being able to preset your oven, or start up a pot of boiling water with just the touch of a screen from anywhere. Companies such as Amazon, Samsung, Google and many more have been developing smart technology for your home and they are now developing technologies for smart appliances. One appliance that is already on the market is the Smart Refrigerator.
The Smart Refrigerator is the epitome of what modern technology has to offer. It offers a wide variety of features such as; touch screen interface, internal cameras, bluetooth connection to other smart appliances, a shopping list that can be synced to your smartphone, and the storage of cook books that will read recipes to you while you cook. Some of the more personal features are the setting of user profiles and personalized notes and to do lists for every member of the family.
Some common questions about the smart refrigerator are whether or not the repairs are more expensive than usual. While this depends on the issue and the manufacturer, the answer is usually no. All of the main parts of the refrigerator are just the same as a standard model. And the smart technology is made to last around 15 years, just the same amount of time that average refrigerator will last.
Another question often posed is whether or not it will become obsolete when newer models come out? Since the appliance is connected to the internet, it will be able to install software updates to keep up with the newer systems on future models.
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. 
 

    Many kitchen remodels this season are moving away from white and black shades, and moving towards pops of vibrant color. According to Pantone, color trends are moving towards  a small pop of blue, yellow, or red in an otherwise neutrally colored kitchen. By adding these color pops, you can draw the eye to certain parts of the room.  But where do you add the extra color?

Backsplash

    Your backsplash is the perfect place to add color without breaking the bank. Add splashes of color with mosaic tiles or paint. There are many ways you can design your backsplash to fit your home. Color is very easy to incorporate into your backsplash. By drawing the eye to the backsplash, you add depth to the room.

Smaller Appliances

    Toasters, microwaves, and other smaller countertop appliances can come in an abundance of colors. When you are replacing these appliances, there is a great opportunity to add color into your kitchen. You create focal points on the countertops this way, which helps accentuate the color and style of the countertops themselves.

Larger Appliances

    Dishwashers, stoves, and refrigerators can also come in a variety of colors. Adding color in this way draws the eye to an important part of a kitchen. Colored stoves or dishwashers draw the eye down to the counters, while a colored fridge leads the eye to the center of it. 

Open Shelves

    Open shelving has a lot of potential to add color. The shelves themselves can be colored; or you can use cups or plates with color in them. By displaying the color on the open shelves, you draw the eye upwards, making the room seem larger.

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.