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Tricks to Get the Most Value from Your Kitchen Renovation

With images of stunning kitchens filling Instagram and Pinterest by the hour, it’s easy to fantasize about a high-end renovation.

As much as you want a beautiful kitchen, a pricey remodel with cutting-edge appliances and luxurious finishes would not always increase resale value in the long run.

The best return on investment will be a minor remodel. This could include repainting cabinets, updating the backsplash, and upgrading the appliances.

Would you like to get the most from your kitchen renovation? Here’s how to go about it:

Go with marble countertops.

Homeowners’ desire for the opulent beauty of creamy Calacatta or Carrara marble isn’t going away anytime soon.

To give your kitchen an elegant appeal, install marble countertops. The countertops are great, but they require more upkeep and come at a higher cost.

Still, considering investing in natural stone? Include Dry-Treat’s Stain-Proof, a unique sealant that prevents discoloration for up to 15 years.

If you don’t want marble or can’t afford it, there are other less expensive options you can go for. For example, you can go for engineered stone, such as quartz, which resembles marble and is stain-resistant and antimicrobial.

If you’re looking for a quick bang for your buck and want the look of marble, you can get a realistic-looking porcelain slab at a fraction of the price.

Add an island

While adding an island is a significant undertaking, it is worthwhile if you want to stay in your home for a long time because this hardworking feature offers functionality and has long been on many buyers’ wish lists.

When someone walks into a kitchen with an island, they immediately notice more countertop prep space, storage, and seating.

While you should consider installing a kitchen island, it doesn’t imply you should pack one into a cramped quarter. You should only consider installing an island if you have at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides. It will even be better if you have 42 to 48 inches.

Go with simple neutral cabinets.

Cabinets typically consume around 30% of a restoration budget and should last 20 to 25 years. As a result, you should be strategic how you go about it. It’s best to adhere to classic styles like Shaker and widely appealing colors.

Your warmer neutral colors are more pleasing and safe. While white kitchens are popular, consider installing soft taupes, dark blues, linens, and grays.

Install the right cabinet grade.

Cabinets are classified into four quality levels: bespoke, semi-custom, stock, and ready-to-assemble. With custom or semi-custom cabinets, cabinet sizes can vary, and numerous finish options exist.

Custom cabinets are great, but you shouldn’t go for them. This is because they aren’t appealing to many who might be looking to buy your unit.

Instead of custom cabinets, use inexpensive options with adjustable modifications for renovators on a tighter budget.

You could save a lot by going for a simple kitchen, but it depends on the bells and whistles you choose.

You can deck out your kitchen with semi-handmade doors and find yourself cost-wise in the semi-custom category, or you could do semi-custom cabinetry without as many bells and whistles and find it relatively inexpensive.

If replacing the cabinetry isn’t within budget, install a fresh coat of paint, which is a faster and less expensive solution.

Go with subway tiles.

This classic option remains your best bet due to its broad appeal, versatility, and affordability. You can install the tiles in a herringbone or brick pattern or straight stack for a more modern look, which lets you customize a space without a ton of cost.

While this is the case, remember that the more detailed the pattern, the more money you’ll spend on labor, so you may want to reconsider that beautiful chevron design.

When hiring contractors, take your time and hire the best in the industry. Don’t hire the cheapest, as they will most likely become too expensive in the long run as they will fail to install the tiles properly, and you have to reinstall them, which will be an additional expense.

Install layered lighting

Plan for general and task lighting so you can see when you’re cutting celery. As an easy improvement, install under-cabinet lighting and select statement-making lighting over the island.

When done well, the light fixtures can add that pop of personality, and you can easily change them when you opt to sell the house.

When choosing the fixtures, go with those that complement the space’s decor and purpose. Depending on their form and placement, pendant lights, chandeliers, wall sconces, and track lighting can all serve as ambient or accent lighting.

For the best results, always consult experienced contractors on the best ones.

Replace the hardware

Changing the hardware is another simple technique to refresh worn-out cabinetry. Though cabinet knobs and handles vary in price, you don’t have to spend a lot to make a big difference – there are many possibilities for less you can go for.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about being too trendy because it’s so simple to replace if it goes out of style.

Again, work with experienced contractors who guide you and help you make the right choices.

Coordinate appliances

Try to match appliance finishes, such as going entirely stainless steel or selecting panel-ready models. All new appliances can cost between 10% and 20% of the total renovation expense.

As much as you should try to match the appliances, be cautious and don’t go overboard: If you remodel a kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances but a future buyer doesn’t cook, they won’t be willing to pay.

Be conservative and majorly focus on functionality.

You will benefit more by fixing the appliances instead of installing new ones. For example, instead of undertaking countertop replacement NC, repair the ones available.

How to Choose a Kitchen Island

kitchen countertop replacement

Kitchen Islands are like an oasis in the middle of the kitchen. A kitchen island will give your kitchen more space, and it’s important to choose one that gives your kitchen style and elegance.Granite countertops will give the island a classic and stylish look creating a regal effect in your kitchen.

Typical uses of a kitchen island

Provides extra space and cooking
In an open kitchen plan, it provides the boundary
If it has drawers, it provides more storage space
The island provides a table where you and family can sit as you prepare dinner

Considerations to make when Choosing the design of your kitchen island

Size of the island

The space of your kitchen available determines the size and the design. Bigger kitchen space allows for more kitchen design. Smaller kitchen space may be hard to design, but with the help of experts, you can still design. Ensure that you get the right height of the island depending on the purpose. Whether the island is for food preparation or an eating area, make sure that the island height is comfortable.

The shape of the Island

The shape of the island will depend on the space available. If your kitchen space is minimal, it may be hard to have different kitchen designs. The shape of your island will give your kitchen a modern and a sleek look.

Function

The design of the kitchen island will depend on the use. If you are going to use the island for the cooker, then you need to consider the ventilation and fans. To add extra storage space, increase the height of the island to accommodate the storage cabinets. You can incorporate a beverage fridge in the island to make it easy to serve drinks if the island is used as a seating area during cooking times.

Adding style to Kitchen Island

A kitchen island on its own may not add any the ambiance and style you are hoping to achieve. It’s therefore essential to ensure that you dress your island appropriately to add style and glamour to your space.

Color and texture of the countertop in use

The choice of the kitchen countertop will change the outlook of the island. Depending on the function of the island choose the marble or granite countertop that will suit your needs. Granite countertops or marble countertop will give your island an elegant look. Make sure the countertop color matches and complements the rest of the kitchen.

Lightning

Add lighting to help illuminate the island and make your kitchen space more stylish. A hanging light will make sure the island is well decorated making it stand out. Add lights to the island to make more modern and give it extra brightness.

Spectacular Custom Kitchen Island Ideas

fabricated granite countertops

Kitchen island is one of the most important things to consider when renovating the kitchen. It plays both functional and aesthetic role. The kitchen island top creates the final look and feel of the kitchen. Your kitchen renovation will not be complete without replacing the old kitchen island from the new one.

Significance of kitchen island

The kitchen island is the most important feature of the kitchen. It is a usual gathering spot for breakfast when everyone has to rush to their own busy days. It also provides plenty of functionality to a kitchen by adding workspace and storage. Taking its central position in the kitchen into consideration, it is worth investing time and money to have the best kitchen island.

Choosing the right kitchen island

The very first thing that you should consider while selecting your kitchen island is size. In order to install the right-sized kitchen island, you need to keep the size of your kitchen in mind. The size of kitchen island should be directly proportional to the size of kitchen. If you have a big kitchen, you are free to play with various designs and sizes. For smaller kitchens, the kitchen island needs to be compact. When selecting the size of the kitchen island, consider how the functionality of your kitchen will be affected by it.

The secret to getting the right size is planning. Discuss with your kitchen contractor and look for a perfectly sized kitchen island.

The second thing you need to consider is storage. A kitchen island is an amazing way of adding more storage to your kitchen. There are plenty of ways of incorporating storage into your kitchen island from contemporary drawers to traditional cabinets to creative open shelving.

The last but important aspect of kitchen island planning is kitchen island countertop. It is very important to select the right countertop material to get the desired look and feel. There is plenty of kitchen island countertop material available on the market to choose from. You need to opt for material that not only looks good, but also capable of withstanding daily wear and tear. In order to choose the right countertop material, sit down with your kitchen countertop contractor and discuss the nitty-gritty of your project. A professional can recommend you the best countertop.

Things to Know Before Replacing Kitchen Countertop

Kitchen countertop plays functional as well as aesthetic role in the kitchen. The countertop material needs to be capable of enduring daily wear and tear, and still look beautiful all the time. Over time, even the strongest countertop material starts looking worn out. The scratches, burn marks, and chips not only make countertop to look bad, but also cause discomfort in kitchen. It is the time when you need to think about the kitchen countertop replacement.

Kitchen countertop replacement

Once you decide to replace your countertop, you will have to choose a new countertop material which full-fills the needs and requirements of your kitchen. Well, kitchen countertop replacement is a big investment, it is important to choose the right material. Consider below mentioned things before splurging money on the new kitchen countertop material:

The Existing Countertop Material

If you are happy with your existing countertop material, then look for kitchen countertop material that has same qualities as your existing material. On the other hand, if you are not satisfied with your existing kitchen countertop material, enlist the features that you don’t want in your new countertop. This will help you in searching countertop material which is better than your existing countertop.

The Cabinets

Kitchen countertop should complement the kitchen cabinets. Look for countertop color that looks good with the kitchen cabinets. Nowadays, kitchen countertops are available in oodles of colors and textures. You can match your countertop with the cabinet design to obtain the ultimate look.

The Plumbing

When kitchen countertop contractor install the countertop in your kitchen make sure that your plumbing remain intact. Many times plumbing system gets damaged while installing the kitchen countertop.

Kitchen countertop installation

Kitchen countertop replacement should be done by the professionals. It is not easy to install the countertop on your own. There are many good kitchen countertop materials, such as:

Granite
Faux granite
Marble
Quartz
Soapstone
Bamboo
Glass
Tile

Among all these materials, tile and faux granite countertops are easy to install. If you don’t have experience of installing countertop material, you should totally consider opting for services of professional kitchen countertop contractor.

Everything you should know about kitchen countertop options

Kitchen countertops have to bear a lot of wear and tear because of regular exposure to heat, knives, heavy utensils, acids, foods spills and more. If you want your countertop to look good and seve you for a long period of time, you should pay attention while selecting the countertop material for your kitchen. There are plenty of materials available for kitchen island countertops, every material has its own pros and cons. In order to make an informed decision, you should consider every aspect of the respective material. Then only you will be able to make the right choice for your kitchen countertop.

Selecting the right kitchen countertop surface

You can always rely on the opinion of your kitchen remodeler or interior decorator to choose the kitchen countertop material, but if you want a personalized touch, you should take interest in countertop surfaces available on the market. To narrow down your search for ideal kitchen countertop and kitchen island surface, below mentioned is the pros and cons to the popular kitchen countertop materials:

Granite kitchen countertop

Granite is ruling the kitchen countertop market for years. It is the first choice of the homeowners and interior decorators when it comes to the kitchen countertops. This material has its own perks and flaws.

Pros:

It is durable and long-lasting
It is easy to clean
It looks beautiful and increases the value of the property
It resist chips and cracks

Cons:

It is quite expensive
It requires annual sealing

Quartz kitchen countertops

Quartz, especially engineered quartz is gaining a lot of popularity in the kitchen countertop market. This manmade countertop material is highly customizable and offer many benefits, and it has its own flaws as well.

Pros:

It is highly durable
It is Available in plenty of colors and textures
It has bacteria resistant qualities

Cons:

Quartz get discolored over time
It is not a heat resistant material

Tile kitchen countertops

Tile is not a new name in the kitchen countertop market. Tile countertops are one of the best choices available in mid to low-budget.

Pros:

It is affordable material
It is easy to clean

Cons:

It get chipped easily
Annual sealing is required

What is Silestone and what are its competitive features?

Silestone is made from the quartz and other raw materials. This material is resilient and durable. It is ideal material for bathroom vanities, kitchen countertops, fireplaces, wall siding and flooring. Silestone is dedicatedly manufactured to meet the needs of bath and kitchen design applications. This material is as beautiful as natural stone and available in plenty of colors and outstanding textures. And since it is not a natural stone, it is cheaper than the original quartz. This is the reason why silestone is gaining a lot of popularity among homeowners and interior decorators. If you are thinking about renovating your kitchen and bathroom on budget, you can think about the amazing silestone countertops.

Know about Silestone

Silestone countertops can be an amazing option for homeowners who are looking for something different, something more customized, something beautiful and something cheaper. This material offers all the competitive characteristics that are required in the countertops. Whether it is kitchen countertop, island or bathroom vanity, you can opt for the silestone.

Benefits of Silestone

Highly Durable: Silestone is very durable material. This material is the ideal choice for homeowners who are looking for long-lasting countertop solution. Silestone can provide you years of services. You just need to pay attention over maintenance and cleaning. The better you care for the countertop the more it will serve you.

Stain resistant: Silestone is a non-porous material. It will not let the oil, lemon juice or food spills to stain your countertop surface. You can easily clean the spills with the help of soap water and cloth. It means your counter will look as good as new for years.

Available in plenty of colors: Silestone can be a great choice for homeowners who want to sync their countertop with the kitchen decor. These countertops are available in plenty of colors. Moreover, silestone countertops durham nc are available in variety of amazing textures as well.

Available in plenty of finishes: This countertop is available in finishes like Polished Texture, Suede Texture and Volcano Texture. You can enjoy the beauty of this material in various finishes. In order to buy the best countertop, make sure to find the best countertop company.

Benefits of Having a Great Kitchen Island

If designed properly, every kitchen has the potential of great display, functionality and storage. Just like cabinets, flooring, appliances, kitchen countertop and lighting, Kitchen Island is an important part of kitchens. The kitchen island plays a vital role in the kitchen. The amenity of having Kitchen Island in your kitchen is an added advantage. If you are fortunate enough to design your own kitchen, do not forget to include Kitchen Island in your kitchen design. You will always get benefit from this ad-on.

Kitchen Island Benefits

Many homeowners avoid installing Kitchen Island thinking that it is waste of space and money. But there are practical benefits of having an island in the kitchen. It provides you the second working area in your kitchen. By installing Kitchen Island, you actually utilize your kitchen space in a better manner. There are countless benefits of having Kitchen Island, some of them are:

Add Storage Area

No matter how many cabinets you already have in your kitchen, they are not enough. There is always requirement for extra cabinets. You can beautifully hide kitchen cabinets under Kitchen Island. Under a kitchen island there is a great accessible storage area because it does not interfere with the mainstream area of the rest of the kitchen.

Get Extra Seating

Kitchen Island can also act like an informal dining area. You can obviously arrange chairs around the island and use the island to serve quick meals. With Kitchen Island you can always have quick access to family and guests while you are cooking.

Place additional kitchen amenities

Kitchen Island can actually make your kitchen more functional. You can store more stuff, spend more time with family and let kids easily access useful items. The storage area that you get underneath Kitchen Island let you keep your kitchen more organized.

Enhance the kitchen décor

Kitchen Island can actually enhance your kitchen décor. You can use scintillating kitchen countertop to display your island as the focal point of the kitchen. The granite countertop can be the best choice for Kitchen Island. A right kitchen island can actually make your ordinary kitchen look lush and plush.

Kitchen Countertop Options to make you Forget Granite!

Granite is a great kitchen countertop material. It is 100% true. That is why maximum homeowners consider granite whenever they think about kitchen counter replacement. The finishing, designs, durability and longevity offered by granite are unmatchable.

Kitchen countertop options

Beyond granite, there are a huge number of kitchen countertop options available in the market. The amazing features of these countertop materials can make you forget about the granite. If you are thinking about kitchen remolding and want non-granite counter surfaces, then you may find one of these great:

Marble Countertops

The days are history when marble is only considered for bathroom vanities. Nowadays, marble countertops, beautifully compliment the modern kitchen decor. Also, with the availability of cleaning equipment and products, marble countertop maintenance has become really very easy.

Wood Countertops

Many homeowners desire rich and royal looking countertop surface. For such homeowners, wood can be the ultimate choice. You can find oodles of design patterns in wood countertops, but you will have to regularly oil the wood to prevent drying.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is the natural and smooth countertop material available to you. This countertop comes in a variety of hues. It is the only natural countertop surface which is not affected by acids. Thus, you need not have to worry about coffee, juice or vinegar spills.

Quartz countertops

Engineered quartz is one of the fantastic countertop surfaces present in the market. They are made up of made of quarried slabs. You can find a wide range of color and design choices in quartz countertops. Quartz is usually a scratch resistant material, but it can be scratched. It is heat resistant as well, but if you don’t set a hot frying pan on it!

Concrete countertops

Want a colorful kitchen? If yes, then concrete can be perfect for you. You can find it in any color, size, shape and style.

Glass Countertops

In recent years, glass has emerged out as one of the most popular kitchen counter surface. This countertop surface can endure heat. Glass countertops are also known for providing highly hygienic surface.

So, these are popular kitchen island materials available in the market. You should probably consult with your kitchen contractor before finalizing one for your kitchen.