09/28/12 by Nicki.Howell | design_and_build | No Comments »
An island is the focal point of your kitchen. This space offers increased functionality, with features like extra prep space and hidden nooks to stash small appliances. And, with multiple cooks in the kitchen, this extra space is a necessity rather than a luxury!
However, before selecting a kitchen island, it’s important to ensure the island you pick offers the right functionality for your situation.
The Right Size Island
Here’s the first, and most important question. Do you have enough space for a kitchen island? Let’s find out. Measure your kitchen, ensuring the room is at least 8 feet deep by 12 feet in length.
Also, select the right size island. This kitchen focal point should be at least 4 feet long. This way, you can still move around the kitchen freely without feeling cramped. Need help? A kitchen renovation expert can measure your kitchen, ensuring you get the perfect size island.
Height and Seating
Here’s the great thing about a kitchen island. You can use it for prep space AND extra seating. Some islands offer dual height, which is perfect for extra seating. Select a 28 to 30 inch counter for use with a chair. Select a 28 to 42 inch counter for use with a bar stool. And, opt for a 36 inch counter for a lower stool.
Storage Space
Select an island with lots of cabinet space. Plus, maximize every inch of cabinet space by installing storage sliders, which allow you to use both the front and back of island cabinet space.
Also, make sure there’s enough room to store the items you need most during prep time. For example, deep drawers for pots and pans and areas to store spices during preparation is a huge plus. Also, don’t forget to ensure there’s room for storing small appliances for preparation, such as mixers and food processors.
Island Lighting
Do you plan on using your island for food preparation? If so, don’t forget to think about lighting. Select lighting that shines directly on the island. Recessed lighting is a good option, and easy to install if your ceilings are standard height.
For higher ceilings, you can install a fixture or pendant light, which hangs from the ceiling.
Need help selecting an island that offers maximum functionality? We’re happy to help! Our luxury home builders are pros at making improvements that maximize the functionality and space of your kitchen. For more information, simply call (404) 919-9908 today!
09/28/12 by Nicki.Howell | design_and_build | No Comments »
It’s the central area of your home, where everyone ends up gathering, even if the space is tiny to begin with! Yet, somehow this room ends up with lots of activity, when you aren’t really planning on entertaining there. We’re talking about the kitchen.
Fortunately, there are changes you can make that create the illusion of more space, without adding actual square footage.
White Paint
White paint is the easiest way to make your kitchen appear larger. But, don’t stop with the walls. When you carry the white theme to your cabinets, countertops and ceilings, something interesting happens. It creates a naturally bright seamless space.
Finish the room with white crown molding, adding depth and more visual interest.
Glass Cabinets
Glass cabinets instantly update your kitchen and make it appear larger. It tricks the eye, pulling attention inside the glass cabinets, which adds depth to the room. To pull this off, however, you need to keep the cabinet contents colored coordinated and well organized.
Clutter in glass cabinets will counter what you’re trying to achieve, making the room appear smaller and more disorganized.
Play with Light
Natural light creates an open fee in your kitchen. A home designer can evaluate your kitchen, for opportunities to replace or add windows that enhance the appearance of the room. However, if new windows aren’t an option, you can maximize your existing light by not using many window treatments.
Valances or opaque shades are excellent options, allowing light to easily enter the room.
Extend Space
Make your kitchen appear larger with one simple kitchen renovation: removing part of a wall. This vastly opens up your kitchen, and makes the space more entertainment friendly; allowing you to talk with guests while preparing meals.
Plus, consider flooring changes. For example, floor patterns that create diagonal lines offer a longer appearance to the room.
Need help maximizing space in a small kitchen? We’re happy to help! Our luxury home builders are pros at making improvements that maximize the functionality and space of your kitchen. For more information, simply call (404) 919-9908 today!
09/14/12 by Nicki.Howell | design_and_build | No Comments »
It’s the place where clutter comes to rest. The kitchen. This common hot spot becomes a whirlwind of papers, stacks of miscellaneous objects and unopened mail. Sound familiar? If so, your kitchen might feel smaller, chaotic and downright stressful!
Solving this problem doesn’t require drastic measures, like adding square footage or a complete kitchen renovation. Instead, you can maximize kitchen storage and turn your chaotic kitchen into an organized oasis, with a few practical solutions.
Add an Island
There’s no quicker way to add kitchen storage then a functional kitchen island. Not only will you benefit from an additional cooking prep area, you get more drawers and cupboards to organize and hide the mess. Look for an island with storage friendly options, such as cupboards for small appliances, pull out towel racks and wicker drawers to hold your root vegetables. Spice drawers and spice racks are another nice addition.
Additional Cabinets
If you feel like no matter how much organizing you do, there’s never enough space, add more kitchen cabinets. Tall cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, and maximize every inch of kitchen space. Talk with a home builder about upgrading options.
Also, consider this. If you have odd spaces in your kitchen, where standard cabinets simply don’t fit, build custom cabinets to maximize that space. Often times, it’s not as costly as you think!
Storage Sliders
Stop the clutter once and for all with storage sliders. With these sliders, you can take advantage of the full depth of kitchen cabinets. Think about it. Do you use the front of your cabinets, leaving the back space unused? If so, storage sliders will help you maximize every inch of space with easy slide outs; encouraging organization.
Hanging Space
Pots and pan are space hogs. Free up space by installing storage devices, that allows you to hang pots and pans from the ceiling, eliminating your need for stacking items in cabinets. Also, hang hooks for dish towels and oven mitts on the walls.
Need help creating spaces to organize in your kitchen? We’re happy to help! Our luxury home builders are pros at making improvements that maximize the functionality and space of your kitchen. For more information, simply call (404) 919-9908 today!
09/14/12 by Nicki.Howell | design_and_build | No Comments »
It’s 5pm and you’re cooking yet another meal in your small, tight, cramped kitchen. Bumping elbows with your cooking mate a dozen times simply isn’t fun. Sound familiar? If so, you might be suffering from kitchen functionality issues. It’s a common problem.
Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it! A few changes can maximize your kitchen space and functionality immediately.
Light Reflecting Materials
How your kitchen looks affects how cramped you feel. Create a spacious feel without tearing out walls or undergoing a complete kitchen renovation. Start by selecting light-reflecting finishes, such as red oak flooring or pale granite countertops.
Also, get rid of countertop clutter. It’s the number one way to make your kitchen feel tiny. Countertops with cleaver storage spaces minimize clutter, like pullouts for spice and oils near your cooking range.
Light Colored Cabinets
Light colored cabinets instantly brighten your kitchen. Another option is open cabinets. With this type of cabinet, you create the illusion of more space. Plus, brighten up your kitchen with more lightening. A dark kitchen feels smaller and good lighting combats this problem. Plus, it comes in handy for cooking.
Also, trick the eye by installing cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling. You’ll benefit from more storage space and keep the countertops clutter-free.
Add a Snack Bar
Add a snack bar, which forms an “L” shape with your countertops. This gives you more storage space for small appliances. Plus, it offers additional prep area for cooking. Add a couple bar stools and you’ve created extra space for entertaining guests.
Get Organized with a Message Center
Are media charging cords and other communication devices dominating your kitchen counter space? Solve this problem with a dedicated message center. Add a power strip under your cabinets, providing a dedicated small space to charge cell phones, plug in landlines and any other communication devices that normally clutter your counter space!
Need help maximizing space in a small kitchen? We’re happy to help! Our luxury home builders are pros at making improvements that maximize the functionality and space of your kitchen. For more information, simply call (404) 919-9908 today!
09/06/12 by Nicki.Howell | design_and_build | No Comments »
Not all remodeling projects are created equally. That’s why, when starting a new remodeling project, homeowners have one common question: what’s my potential return on investment AND the upfront costs? Most homeowners are surprised to discover how much they’ll recoup with a kitchen remodeling project.
This is especially true if you plan to sell a home. Remodeling projects boost your home’s appeal, and allow you to demand a higher asking price. But, what type of kitchen renovation is best?
Minor Kitchen Remodel
There are two basic types of kitchen remodeling projects, minor and major. But, can you guess which project offers the best return? Although it’s counter-intuitive, a minor kitchen remodel provides a better ROI. You’ll recoup about 87 percent of your total costs.
With a minor kitchen remodel, you typically focus on improving what’s already there. For example, you might improve cabinet surfaces and add new hardware, rather than replacing your cabinets. You might also replace trim, add energy efficient appliances and improve or replace countertops.
The average cost of a minor kitchen remodel is $14,773. The average resale value of the improvement, one year later, is $13,039!
Major Kitchen Remodel
If your kitchen needs a major overhaul, you’ll still enjoy an excellent return on your investment. Major kitchen remodels offer about an 80 percent ROI. This is just a 7 percent difference, compared to minor kitchen remodels. The average cost is about $38,769. One year later, average resale value is $31,344.
For this type of project, you might replace cabinets and install a new sink and countertops. Energy-efficient appliances, a new cook top and flooring might also be installed. To finish off the kitchen, you’ll probably paint the walls, ceiling and trim.
Get a customized estimate on your minor or major kitchen renovation from luxury home builders. We’re happy to provide a free estimate, helping you decide if a minor or major kitchen remodel is right for your situation. For more information, simply call (404) 919-9908 today!
09/06/12 by Nicki.Howell | design_and_build | No Comments »
A kitchen renovation is an investment. But, fortunately, this investment provides one of the highest ROIs, especially when you take an energy efficient approach. A kitchen remodel offers an average return up to 87 percent. Plus, you’ll slash your monthly energy bill when using an energy efficient approach. Not to mention, your home’s market appeal increases.
New Energy Efficient Appliances
A kitchen remodel offers an opportunity to replace inefficient, old and worn out appliances. Plus, new appliances can instantly update the look and feel of your kitchen. However, maximize your savings by selecting products with the ENERGY STAR label. Here’s what to look for and your potential savings.
Refrigerator. An energy efficient refrigerator saves up to 15 percent in energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Maximize your savings by selecting a bottom freezer, which generally operates more efficiently. Also, place your refrigerator away from direct heat sources to optimize performance.
Dishwashers. Dishwashers manufactured before 1994 increase your energy bill by at least $40 annually! An energy efficient model, however, decreases your bill by up to 20 percent, according to U.S. Department of Energy. Drive down your water consumption even further by selecting a model that allows for half loads.
Ranges and cook tops. Select models with an induction range and cook top, which are highly efficient. Also, use the “self-cleaning” setting after cooking, which reduces energy consumption, since your oven is already heated.
Efficient Kitchen Lighting
Like appliances, it’s best to select ENERGY STAR light fixtures. You’ll reduce your energy bill by at least $70 annually. Plus, using compact fluorescent lights save up to 75 percent off your lighting costs. Look for opportunities to maximize natural light in your kitchen, such as energy efficient windows.
Find out how much you can save, with an energy efficient kitchen renovation! As luxury home builders, we’re happy to provide a free estimate, helping you decide if an energy efficient kitchen remodel is right for your situation. For more information, simply call (404) 919-9908 today!
07/16/12 by Nicki.Howell | design_and_build | No Comments »
Are you building or renovating a kitchen? If so, you’ll find tons of countertop choices, from wood, to stone, to concrete to ceramic tile. There’s no shortage of options. And, countertops cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per square foot installed. But, before selecting materials, consider a few items, to get your countertop choice right, the first time.
Countertop Functionality
You might fall in love with a specific type of countertop. However, after installing it, learn that you really dislike it. But, why? It looks amazing! One word: functionality. For example, if you have kids, think about how peanut butter and jelly looks on that white granite counter top. Not so good, right?
Also, consider countertop care. For example, natural stone materials, like marble, soapstones and limestone, are soft materials. As a result, they require delicate care.
Countertop Origin and Price
Where’s your countertop coming from? Not sure? Find out. Countertop origin affects your price. And, for some homeowners, this isn’t a bad thing. Perhaps, you want something rare, that’s only imported a couple times a year. But, if you have a strict budget, selecting a more common type of material, will help you save money.
Countertop Upkeep
A stone countertop looks amazing. But, after installing it, you learn something new. You need to seal stone countertops regularly. What happens, if you don’t? The grape juice your child just spilled leaves an unsightly stain.
For the most part, countertops are sealed before installation. So, there’s nothing to do, at first. But, about once a year, you’ll need to think about sealing. But, how do you know that it’s time? Poor a little water on the surface. The water will bead, if it’s sealed properly.
Can’t Choose? Mix and Match…
Do you love two countertop materials; but, can’t decide? Mix and match. Designers often use different materials on islands, than the rest of countertops, to help differentiate the space. But, before trying this, view samples in your home. This helps visualize, what mixing and matching looks like, in your kitchen.
Select the Right Edge
Most homeowners aren’t aware of special countertop edging. That’s because traditional square edges come standard, with most countertops. But, here’s the thing. Decorative edges come in all different shapes and sizes – and can make your kitchen countertops stand out. When selecting countertops, view decorative edges, such as radius, bevel and bullnose. A decorative edge will drive up your material cost, but makes your kitchen stand out.
Need help selecting the right countertops? Talk with luxury home builders, like Summit Design & Build. Our designers have fresh new ideas, for giving your kitchen a facelift! For more information, or kitchen renovation costs, simply call (404) 919-9908 today!
07/16/12 by Nicki.Howell | design_and_build | No Comments »
We’re over half way through 2012. How’s your kitchen looking? Does it look worn out – or, need a facelift? If so, refreshing your kitchen has plenty of benefits…like boosting your home’s value. But, you don’t need an entire overhaul, to make a big difference. Even small changes, like sprucing up cabinets, make an impact. Here’s 5 ideas, for finishing out 2012, with a “like-new” kitchen!
Reface Cabinet Doors
Are you working with a tight budget? If so, save money by re-facing your cabinet doors. And, the money you save – can be spent other places (like installing the flooring you’ve always wanted!).
Do you have recessed panel doors? Refresh your cabinets by removing the center pane, and replacing with stained glass. For flat panel cabinet doors, simply add new molding, around the doors – and repaint.
Or, here’s another option. Replace cabinets with open shelving; giving your kitchen a more spacious feel. This is a hot new trend. But, it does require you to keep cabinet contents attractive and organized.
Refresh Cabinet Hardware
Replacing cabinet hardware is an inexpensive and effective way to freshen up your kitchen. Remove the existing hardware – and take it shopping with you. This helps ensure the new hardware fits into existing holes (and saves you time).
But, what if you find the perfect hardware – and it won’t fit? That’s alright. Just fill the existing holes and drill new ones.
Countertops
Did you save a bundle re-facing your kitchen cabinet doors? If so, treat yourself – and splurge on new countertops. With this type of project, you have plenty of options, from granite, to marble to laminate; which are available in all different textures and colors. Striving to stay in budget? Consider ceramic tile. It’s affordable, and offers a variety of finishes and color options. The cost is as little as $10 to $15 per linear foot installed.
Kitchen Flooring
Ready to rejuvenate your kitchen flooring? If so, there are plenty of options. If you already have wood floors, consider refinishing, to provide a “like-new” look. Or, paint with a durable floor paint; offering a totally new finish, for less.
Or, here’s another option. Get rid of your existing flooring altogether – and replace with wood flooring, tiling, or laminate (available in new trends, like checkerboards). An experienced Atlanta kitchen renovation expert, can assist with selecting the right flooring.
Add Counter Space
Enjoy cooking, but feel like you never have enough counter space? Add a kitchen island; offering a multipurpose work center – and extra storage. Finish your island off with new countertops. And, here’s the fun part. You can select a countertop that “goes” with your existing countertops, but is slightly different. It’s a new trend; that instantly updates your kitchen.
Curious about kitchen home renovation costs? Talk with a kitchen renovation expert! Our designers have fresh new ideas, for giving your kitchen a facelift. For more information, or kitchen renovation costs, simply call (404) 919-9908 today!
06/21/12 by Nicki.Howell | design_and_build | No Comments »
Are you moving into a loft apartment? Or, perhaps, you’re thinking of loft apartment home improvements. No matter your situation – you face the same dilemma, “How should I design this new space”? Unlike a traditional space, loft apartments offer an open layout, little to no walls – and super tall ceilings.
It’s exciting AND overwhelming! After all, a loft apartment is like a totally blank canvas – and you’re starting from scratch! Here’s a cheat sheet for getting started!
Divide your Space…Creatively
An open layout is one of the many great benefits of a loft apartment. But, with open space, you’ll need to add creative barriers; dividing the different living areas. For example, glass walls create a space divider –without losing an open feeling. Or, differentiate space by using more than one flooring type.
You can also take a multi-level approach, to divide spaces. Even raising your floor a couple inches, for a different living area, creates a nice barrier. Another option is hanging fabric screens from your ceiling to define new spaces.
Lighting Contrast
Loft apartments feel open, warm and airy. And, you can play up these natural attributes, with the lighting you select. Track lights work well for loft apartments. Or, take advantage of high ceilings with fun chandeliers or pendant lights over your dining area.
Selecting Color
Normally, you’d select different color pallets, for each room. But, when designing a loft apartment – you do things differently. A loft needs one color palette. But, why? Since the space is open, all colors are visible – making the use of too many colors, an issue.
Use neutral colors, like white, taupe and beige. Or, you can go bold – with splashes of bright colors, which blend nicely with natural hues.
Loft Apartments and Storage
How will your personal items, fit into your new loft apartment? Not sure? Storage helps with this. When purchasing furniture for your new space, select items that do double duty. Select furniture with built in storage; making organization a little easier.
Loft Flooring
Thinking of hardwood floors, for your loft apartment? It’s a good choice. But, think about this. Using warm, cozy, throw rugs, helps define living areas – and keeps your feet warm in the morning. With hardwood floors, you’ll also notice more echoing in your apartment. If this bothers you, opt for carpet.
Need fun new ideas for designing your loft apartment? Talk with luxury home builders – experienced with loft apartment designs. For more information, simply call (404) 919-9908 to speak with Atlanta dream home builders today!
06/21/12 by Nicki.Howell | design_and_build | No Comments »
Ready to tear out the floor, you can’t stand; replacing it with a new, fresh, beautiful floor? It’s exciting – isn’t it? But, before you take the plunge, consider a few items, such as:
How long will my new floor last?
Will this room get lots of traffic?
And, if so, will it stand up to my pets and family?
Plus, will I loose my mind, trying to keep it clean?
These are all good questions. But, there’s a few other items to consider. 7 little known facts could change your flooring choices.
Dents, Dings & Scratches. Are you installing flooring in a new kitchen or other high traffic area? If so, guess what? Realistically, you’re facing dents, dings and scratches. The floor you select, needs to stand up to wear and tear. Ceramic tile is a durable choice for your kitchen – and other high traffic areas. This material also does well in basements and laundry rooms (which are a haven for damp, wet items).
Structural movements and your floors. If your house is old, it’s possible it’s moved a bit. And, if you’re installing over an existing floor – some materials will crack. But, how do you solve the problem? Either select a material not prone to cracking (stay away from tile). Or, replace your sub floor.
High traffic areas beg for wood flooring. Why? Because it stands up to wear and tear nicely. Plus, you can sand it down and refinish it in the future – giving it a facelift. But, here’s something else to consider. If you install wood flooring in your kitchen – make sure a protective finish in applied (like polyurethane). The kitchen is a high moisture area. And, this finish will protect it.
Humidity and your flooring. Are you installing new floors in a basement or other damp place? Guess what? Humidity is a primary concern. Wood flooring isn’t the best choice for these areas. But, if you must have wood flooring, select a wood laminate material, which resists expansion, better than solid wood. Ideally, you’d want a ceramic or tile surface.
Flooring and sound. Do echoes drive you crazy? If so, wood flooring, or ceramic tile isn’t the best choice. Instead, go with carpet. It provides a nice sound barrier.
Trapping heat. The floor your select has an affect on how cold (or warm) a room feels. So, think about where the new flooring will reside. For example, are you flooring a room over your garage? If so, you’ll want to go with carpet, which offers extra insulation; trapping heat during the winter, and cold air during the summer months. Also, don’t forget about the pad underneath your carpet. This makes a difference, too.
Flooring life. Before you select new flooring…think about life expectancy. Inexpensive carpet lasts anywhere from 1 to 5 years. A medium carpet lasts up to 15 years – and a high-end carpet can last up to 25 years. So, consider the long-term cost. Glazed tile lasts 50 years or longer. And, hard wood flooring can last 100 years or more, with proper care and re-finishing!
Need help selecting your flooring or interested in Atlanta home renovation costs? Talk with a remodeling Atlanta contractor and flooring expert! Our designers have fresh new ideas for rejuvenating your home. For more information simply call (404) 919-9908 today!
