Lighting is an integral part of architecture and room design – it is necessary to see and perform tasks, it creates a mood or ambiance and can even make a space seem larger and airier. No where is this more important than in the kitchen. A kitchen is first and foremost a work space so you’ll want ample lighting at all the work areas. But a kitchen often is an entertaining space too. So you’ll want to layer in options for softer lighting for parties. Choosing your kitchen lighting will have a big effect on the overall feel of your space – so we’re breaking it all down for you. (more…)
One of the most important decisions you’ll make during your kitchen remodel – both aesthetically and financially – is choosing kitchen cabinetry.
Kitchen cabinets are the workhorses of the kitchen. They store our tableware, pots and pans, as well as dry goods and pantry items. In my house, they are in constant use – kids reaching into the pantry for the cereal box, me getting pots to cook a meal, everyone opening the silverware drawer over the course of the day for the needed utensil. With all that activity, you want to make sure you buy the best quality cabinets you can afford, make sure they function well for your lifestyle and, last but not least, look beautiful, because they really form the cornerstone of your kitchen design. So, let’s take a look at the three big considerations to keep in mind when choosing kitchen cabinetry. (more…)
This is the third in a series of articles about planning for your kitchen remodel. You can find installment one here and two here. Be sure to check back next week more great advice!
With budgeting behind us, it is time to turn to laying out your space. No matter how large or small your kitchen remodel is or what shape it’s laid out in, there are some universal kitchen design guidelines to keep in mind when you are thinking about where to put your refrigerator or stove in your new space. Some of these rules are dictated by our State Building Code and some are guidelines that were established in 1944 by the University of Illinois and are now sustained by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). This list is not exhaustive as some of the 31 rules really delve into the minutiae; but rather the guidelines we think have the biggest impact. (more…)
This is the second in a series of articles about planning for your kitchen remodel. Be sure to check back next week more great advice!
Last week we talked about the fun stuff – the inspiration for your gorgeous, new kitchen design – if you missed it, you can catch up here. This week takes on a more somber and practical tone as we tackle budgeting for your kitchen remodel. It’s important to go into your kitchen remodel with a realistic budget so when you are out looking at all the beautiful products on the market, you can keep your eyes on the prize and come out the other end with a beautiful space that doesn’t drain your bank account. (more…)
This is the first in a series of articles about planning for your kitchen remodel. Be sure to check back for more great advice!
Congratulations, you are planning your kitchen remodel! You are about to embark on a journey to create the kitchen of your dreams. Chances are you’ve been thinking about this for a while and maybe have a picture in your mind’s eye of what your new kitchen will look like. You might even have a Pinterest board full of beauty shots of other kitchens.
That’s a great start, but now that you have decided to go ahead with the remodel, it’s time to really get into the details of what goes into a kitchen and organize your selections. (more…)
