5. Equipment: PRO Finally, sometimes a job looks simple to do but you don’t have the tools necessary to get the job done right. Never be afraid to ask for help. There are ways to cut costs in your budget if you are worried that hiring a professional is going to cost too much. See if there is another way you can get the renovation you want, done right, but at the right cost.
Key Elements to an Entertainers Dream Kitchen
The holiday season is right around the corner and with the oncoming festivities, the large family parties and the friendly get-togethers tag along. On a normal day the kitchen is the heart of the home, but during a soiree it is the belle of the ball so what can you do to make your Kitchen look and feel like a high end hosting destination. Whether you are in the market to design a Kitchen renovation or make simple changes here are some Key Elements to an Entertainers Dream Kitchen:
- Open Concept:
The draw to open concept floor plans is the way it makes small rooms seem big, not to mention you can be everywhere without having to move. During parties it is essential to not break up the group. Having an open concept gives the area a larger feeling and leaves your guests feeling less cramped and able to move around and visit without having to move room to room. - Musical Chairs:
Although the open concept makes it easy to move around it is also important to have plenty of seating areas. Many of the designs we are seeing and implementing today include large sit-at islands or bar seating for guests to relax and enjoy the aesthetics of your party and your kitchen. - Plenty of Food:
The key to a good party is the food and having enough of it. Whether you are catering or enjoying some home cooking, having double ovens, large pantries, and spacious refrigerators are the key to keeping the menu simple and easy to execute. - Clean Up:
After the party is over and the memories have been made there will still be dishes to be done and trash to be thrown away. Hidden trash cans are a large trend that we are seeing and trash compactors are making their vintage debut. Farmhouse sinks are known for their stylish flair, but they also have large basins for hard to tackle cleaning.
If Entertaining is something you love to do, but you are restricted by your kitchen amenities, give us a call. Let one of our talented designers meet with you to discuss building that dream party kitchen that will leave your guests coming back holiday season after holiday season.
Small Kitchen Renovations You Can Do with Your Stimulus Check
With the second round of stimulus checks on the way for many American households, some are wondering if they can use the money for some needed repairs and upgrades to their homes. Here are a few small kitchen renovations you can do with your stimulus check.
Upgrade your kitchen’s look with a backsplash
Adding a backsplash to your kitchen is a lot like a coat of paint: it doesn’t take much time, money, or effort, but the impact can be big! What’s exciting is that the latest trends in kitchen backsplashes are fun, fresh, and easy to install, while the cost remains reasonable. Here are a few of the latest backsplash options you can choose from to upgrade your kitchen’s look in no time:
- Natural stone
- Glass
- Mirror
- Brick
- Metal
- Wood
Depending on the material you choose, you can literally change the whole look and feel of your kitchen!
Add hardware for style and functionality
There are a surprising number of kitchen cabinets in homes around the country that have no hardware on them, forcing cooks to grab edges to pry open cabinets and drawers. Stop the madness! Adding hardware to your kitchen drawers and cabinets not only add functionality but can also add style as well, from elegance to whimsical. You can choose from looks that are more contemporary, traditional, eclectic, or contemporary, depending on your style. There is also a vast array of finish choices, such as bronze, stainless steel, pewter, or nickel. Install all handles, a mixture of handles and knobs, or all knobs, your choice! There is no wrong option when it comes to hardware! Install yourself using a template, or work with a professional specializing in interior design services that can help you choose a style, size, colors, and placement of hardware. You’ll be amazed at how different your kitchen will look afterward without spending much money at all.
Replace outdated or damaged countertops
Even the most durable countertops can get a bit worn over time, especially if you’re in an older home that still has laminate countertops. Even newer countertops like granite can become pitted over time, or perhaps you’re simply looking to update your countertops to something fresher and newer. Kitchen countertops can be surprisingly affordable depending on the material you choose and how much counter space you have. Here are a few materials that kitchen countertops can be made from:
- Concrete
- Copper
- Marble
- Granite
- Corian
- Ceramic tile
- Carrara marble
- Quartz
- Soapstone
- Laminates
- Wood or butcher blocks
- Stainless steel
With all these different options, you can imagine that cost and durability will fluctuate significantly depending on what you pick. Laminates, wood, tile, granite, and Corian are on the lower end of the cost scale, while marble and other materials will cost more. To find the best countertop for your budget and lifestyle, work with a remodeling professional who can guide you through options, costs, and what will work best for your kitchen.
Having an opportunity to finally do a small kitchen renovation can be an exciting way to make good use of your stimulus check, since updating your kitchen is an investment in your home’s value. Any of these kitchen renovations can make a big difference in the style and functionality of your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Are you ready to start your kitchen renovations? Contact us at Arizona’s Interior Innovations and see how we can help you get the kitchen you always wanted!
2020 Kitchen Trends You Need to Know
The first task of any kitchen is functionality, but since we spend so much time in the kitchen, it doesn’t hurt to know what the latest trends are too! While some of these updates are more cosmetic, there are a few ideas that can make your kitchen more stylish AND function, and who wouldn’t want that? Check out the 2020 kitchen trends you need to know.
Marble countertops continue to grow in popularity
Nothing adds a touch of luxury to a kitchen like marble. More specifically, calacatta marble has a stronger more pronounced look because of its veining. It can go with any kitchen as it has warm and cool tones. Calacatta is usually much smoother than your typical Carrara marble, a popular marble in many kitchens. It’s generally bright white with thick, elegant veins that can come in a variety of colors from beige all the way to gold. Calacatta marble is a great transition material for homeowners looking to update the look of their outdated countertops.
Sleek and simple
Kitchen cabinet styles are moving away from the ornate look to a style that’s more sleek, simple and elegant. Flat-paneled millwork with minimal detailing is the preference for 2020; a welcome change for those that are tired of trying to clean every nook and cranny of their overly ornate kitchen cabinet doors.
Dog kitchens
OK, we’re not suggesting that you build a second kitchen for your dog, but there are some fun features that cater to your fur baby. Anyone with a dog or cat knows that they can make a mess of our kitchen, yet it seems to be their favorite place to hang out. Kitchens are now being modeled to include alcoves under kitchen cabinets to house water and food bowls, pullout storage for treats, and even hooks for leashes. Check out other ideas for remodeling your home for pets to get inspired!
Stunning backsplashes
While sleek and simple are in, some people still crave a pop or area of interest in their kitchen. The best way is to put your artistic preferences into a bold backsplash. While not new for 2020, this trend continues to pick up speed and offers even more choices than before. Add unique statement lighting and texture, and you’ll have a gorgeous focal point in your kitchen.
Subway turns to brick
Are you a fan of the subway tile look but want something different from the crowd? Brick is the latest trend for kitchens, and backsplashes with brick are unique and fun. It’s a good contract to an otherwise sleek and minimal kitchen look or can add a more rustic feel to a modern kitchen.
Kitchens as kitchens
Open concept kitchens continue to be popular since they usually double for entertaining space, but many homeowners are asking that their kitchens go back to just being kitchens. Depending on the flow of the house overall, this might mean adding a full wall that closes the kitchen off from the dining room or living room or simply adding elements like a half wall to create more of a separation. Not ready to completely shut in your kitchen, or still like the idea of the roominess open concept kitchens provide? Not a problem! The movement is simply to take back the kitchen as a kitchen only, so even arranging seating, bookcases or other furniture to create the feel of delineation will put you on-trend.
As we’ve always said, trends are fun and sometimes help add functionality to a room you hadn’t thought of, but of course, your home is your home, on-trend or otherwise, so take these as ideas for inspiration and make them your own. Not sure how to start? Work with one of our designers to help you update your kitchen!
Add Style to Your Kitchen with a Kitchen Backsplash
Looking for a way to update your kitchen without committing to a full renovation? Add a kitchen backsplash! There are so many fun and exciting backsplash styles out there, allowing you to really add a fun flair without breaking the bank.
How to Choose the Backsplash That’s Right for You
Choosing the right backsplash for your kitchen involves a few decisions. You need to decide what types of tiles you want. Then, you’ll need to find a design that fits your needs while also creating the perfect look for you. Here are some tips that will help.
Choose your tile
Tile options are amazing these days! You can now choose from ceramic, glass, porcelain, metal, marble or granite to create a fun and unique look. All work great for a kitchen backsplash, depending on what you are looking to spend. Ceramic and porcelain are more affordable, while more unusual materials like copper or glass might come at a premium. Decide what you want the look to be and how much you’re willing to spend. What’s nice is that there are some ceramic and porcelain tiles that look like metal, so shop around or engage a professional design service to help.
Pick your tile design
Aside from choosing tiles in different colors and patterns, consider how those tiles will be positioned. There are essentially three types of tile designs that most people choose from:
- Diagonal tiles
- Laser cut tiles
- Subway tiles
Diagonal tiles offer a very unique look. Since it’s a more complex design, you’ll likely need more tiles to achieve the look, which will increase the cost a bit. Laser cut tiles are usually designed for more intricate patterns, but the outcome can be quite unique and stunning. Again, these are more expensive because of the number of tiles and installation needed to get the pattern right. Subway tiles are all the rage right now, giving the kitchen a clean, simple and sleek look. While these three are the most common types of designs, you most certainly can choose from a variety of patterns like mosaic or herringbone or find gorgeous hand painted tiles. You’re only limited by creativity!
Colors: mix or match
Backsplashes are a great way to breathe new life into existing kitchen colors or bring out new colors. If you have an existing countertop with, for example, greys and creams, maybe you want to add a fun new color like reds or blues. Or, you may want to highlight the grey for more warmth or bring out more creams to keep the look soft and neutral. There are so many ways a backsplash can make a countertop practically look brand new!
Choose your backsplash height
Choosing the height of your kitchen backsplashes is strictly a matter of taste and budget. Most homeowners opt for the counter to cabinet height but if you really want to add a stunning visual, you can go for a full height backsplash. This will create a substantial eye-catching focus to your kitchen so if you’re at all unsure, reach out to a kitchen design professional to help.
Professional installation vs. DIY
There are many qualified professionals that know how to install backsplashes. Once you know the materials and design you’re looking for, discuss your vision with a professional to ensure they know how to meet your expectations. Thinking about installing the backsplash yourself? Here are a few tips:
- Finalize your layout (subway, herringbone, etc.) and then measure the space overall. Measure twice! You know the old saying: “Measure twice, cut once”. You want to make sure you have more than enough material to get the job done.
- Don’t forget to take into consideration the height of the backsplash when measuring and ordering tiles.
- Invest in a good tile saw. Yes, you’ll have to do some cutting for those unusual corners and end pieces.
- Watch a few “how to install” videos to get a feel for the process and check out a few “how to” articles from Lowes, Home Depot, and Family Handyman. They’ll really help!
When you’re ready to change up the look of your kitchen, you can really add style by adding a kitchen backsplash. You’ll be thrilled with the results for the fraction of the cost of a new kitchen.
How to Make Your Kitchen More Functional
We spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It can either be a pleasant experience or a trying one, depending on how your kitchen is designed. Believe it or not, there are several ways to make your kitchen more functional without breaking the bank. Check out the suggestions below to see what might help you get the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
Add a kitchen island or butcher block
Look around your kitchen: is there a lot of wasted floor space? Do you feel like you’re walking back and forth across an empty floor to go from refrigerator to sink to stove? How about your surface area? Could you use a bit more space? It may be time to add a kitchen island or butcher block. Many kitchens are built in a perfect square with a whole lot of nothing in the middle. What a waste! You can easily add more surface area, storage, and functionality to your kitchen simply by adding an island or butcher block. Depending on the size of the space, a simple portable butcher block may due but if you have the space, adding a kitchen island is a fairly inexpensive renovation with a big payoff. Find a professional designer that can advise you what will work best in your home.
Drawers with a purpose
Especially in older homes, drawers were made to be multi-functional but nowadays, you can take those drawers to better suit your needs. One of the most popular upgrades is spice drawers. You’ve been there: peering into a dark cabinet with spices 5 layers deep on a shelf. You can’t find anything, so you use the same five spices over and over again. No more! Keep all your spices organized and right where you need them with a spice drawer under your cooktop. It’s a great way to keep all those small containers organized without wasting any counter space!
Add another sink
People are surprised by this suggestion but it’s nothing short of brilliant if you think about it, especially if you can put that second sink in a kitchen island. If you share kitchen time with another cook, you’re going to love how convenient this is. One sink for food prep, another for the dirty dishes. Heaven!
Repurpose deep cupboards
Are there some cabinets so deep that you only use the front half? Think about repurposing a few deep cupboards with bench space, power points and lighting in them. Store your appliances here so you can use them then close the door and forget about them.
Maximize your cabinet space potential
Maximize your vertical space by having wall cabinets reach to the ceiling. That big space above your cabinets? Dust collectors. Go vertical and make your kitchen more functional! Increase the depth of wall cabinets from the standard 12” to 15”. There are several affordable lines of cabinetry that allow you to do this.
Kitchen upgrades that don’t require remodeling
Here are a few additional lower-cost ways to make your kitchen more functional:
- Hang pots and pans
- Add hooks inside cabinet doors for measuring spoons and measuring cups
- Always use your corner space and utilize Magic Corners or a Lazy Susan to access the space.
- Utilize the seldom-used cabinet above the refrigerator
- Store your cookie sheets vertically on shelves
- Group like utensils
There are many ways you can make your kitchen more functional, regardless of size. Try some of these and see how much your kitchen experience will improve!
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