Getting to produce and design a kitchen that would make even Gordon Ramsey grow with envy takes guts and a little planning to execute. Efficiency, ease of cleanliness, and a touch of aesthetics are all it takes to get that fabulous kitchen up to that pro-level status.

Get that cooking hat and architect digest ready to go as you will read below five great ideas to spruce up your home kitchen design.

As mentioned before, the kitchen has a variety of functions and styles of choice. Below you will find the top five list:

 The Work Pyramid

 In essence, the pyramid is a triangle, in which many top designers and world-class chefs recommend that your work area not be more than twenty-six feet. Also, between each section from the prep to the cleaning to the cooking area should be no more than four feet to nine feet away from one another. 

These measurements will help to keep your area primed for efficiency.

 The Bling in steel, stainless steel

Many professional designers time and time again refer to stainless steel as their choice for surface areas. Stainless steel gives any home kitchen that top-end feel to the look of a professional kitchen. 

Hygiene and longevity are the primary functions of stainless steel in the kitchen. Because the steel is not porous, those nasty germs have nowhere to run and hide. Also, the steel will not stain if that world-class tomato sauce is accidentally spilled. Side bonus, it cleans up really easy.

Send them to the RACK!

Depending on your style in how you want to set up the tools of your trade, a rack might be a good idea. Functional utensil rods to house all your cooking, baking, cleaning, and other food making tools can be conveniently placed, and accessible. Often this display can have add an aesthetic accent to your neutral background colors, and let’s face it. At times it’s cool to show off.

Smart Storage and Barstools

Part of this tip is having a plan for what is coming up on the menu. Knowing a plan will help you shop better and store. Once you have an idea, the storage of perishables and non-perishables can have a significant impact on the look and feel of the space. Plan ahead and plan accordingly. Another tip is maximizing the space for friends and family. Bar stools come in many shapes and sizes.  Doubling the island or countertop as a bar area can help give extra hosting space. Also, bar stools can add a touch of modern or vintage depending on style and selection.

Overhead Lights

Pendant lights give your kitchen area a sleek look, depending on the style and intensity of light. Though they look like heating lamps, their functionality is to illuminate and give the space more light when it is needed. Keep in mind, it is crucial to have your cooking area well-lit when handling foods that need to be inspected and cut. 

Seeing what you are making or cutting is also a safety factor, however, what is to say it can’t be classy also.

Final Thoughts

In reflection, understanding design does not need to be a full-time job or require a four-year degree. Having a flow of work, functional work area, storage, planning, and the illumination of the work area can make your kitchen fun and easy on the eyes. Enjoy these simple steps and ideas which are used in everyday industrial kitchens and executive chef’s own home kitchens. 

Seize the day and get your cooking on!

Understanding how to select tiles for your shower can be quite confusing and, at times, complicated when the task is pretty simple. Knowing how you want your shower set up will determine what kind of tiles will be used as well as if you will or will not be using patterns in the design of your shower. 

Some professionals recommend keeping designs and mosaics limited to the backsplash. Keep in mind the alignment of the tiles will also play a factor in using either big or small tiles. Below, you will find some information to help you make the right choice that fits your taste and help you decide on which to use, small or big tiles.

Big vs. Small – Let the Battle Begin

As mentioned before, Big and small tiles in your shower can have various functions and styles of choice. Below you will find the differences and how they add up:

Big Tiles

Bigger tiles offer the easiest and most inexpensive option in tiling, due to its size. It can, in some experts’ opinion, be a safety hazard as the shower is the wettest part of the restroom. Because of the uniformity of the tile, the amount of traction on a damp shower floor depends on the number of seams in the grout. 

Gaining traction can often play a significant factor in using large or small tiles. If you decide to use big tiles, it is advised to check on the “coefficient of traction” or COF ratings on the flooring before the decision is made of which size to use. The shower is very wet and can be a slipping hazard.

Small Tiles

Small tiles are graded to hold the best friction in the shower and are often the safest bet when it comes to the flooring of the shower. Again, the opportunity to create higher friction for footing while in the wet shower is one of the benefits in which smaller tiles are favored in the shower. 

However, designers warn that the use of small tiles in other aspects of the shower should be limited as they can create aesthetic eyesores. Being mindful of how and what you use will be a question you will need to answer before remodeling or building your shower tile layout. 

Combination of Big and Small

The combination of the small and big tile is often the “go-to” plan when designing a shower with tile. Usually, to cover more square feet with the more prominent tile is a common choice and small used for the flooring. One combination recommended is to use the same or a slightly different size for accents or backsplash for some variations in textures.

Wrapping up

Understanding the functionality of your tile within your shower will be the critical factor when selecting the size and design of your tiled shower. Both small and large tiles have their purpose and functionality to the showering area.

Having a professional is always recommended.  As well, having a plan for the layout is a good idea. Knowing the coefficient of traction (COF) of your selection will also provide peace of mind that the choice is safe for the area that the tile will be used. 

Mosaics, simple designs, and various colors will add texture a great aesthetics to your shower and bathroom in general.

Your Appliances Are Your Cornerstone   

There are a ton of excellent ways to take your kitchen in a retro direction. From checkered floors and old simplistic appliances to simple cozy cabinets and elegant vintage barstools and chairs. The great thing about doing a vintage designed kitchen is that so many different things can efficiently work together to create this look. Your appliances are key. Vintage appliances can be found relatively easy with just a bit of browsing at your local flea markets, Trade Shows, or even Auctions. Although they may not come cheap, they will be essential in a retro remodel as new age appliances in a design from 50 years ago would not make sense.

You would be surprised just how easy it is to get most of these appliances back to working order and refinished to fit your design. It is also a good idea to keep in mind that there are a lot of companies that make brand new appliances that are made to look retro that may save you some time. Any way you go about it make sure you keep functionality in mind as some may be lacking in that department and won’t make for a suitable medium. 

Choosing The Right Colors Are Key  

The colors that you use will play a huge roll in your retro design journey as some of the colors used today were not used during those fantastic times. Bright, vibrant colors and beautiful pastels are in places that we would not put them in a modern kitchen such as directly on the appliances, countertops, barstools, or accent chairs. It’s not uncommon to see robin’s egg blue refrigerators or bright red trim work around countertops. Color is beautiful, so do not be afraid to get crazy with this one. Nearly anything you choose to go with is going to match up as long as you pick 2 or 3 and stick with them. It is always a good idea to use the internet for reference when choosing color schemes for your kitchen remodel for any era.

Retro Flooring To Step Back In Time 

It is hard to go wrong with a checkered floor when considering a retro design for your kitchen. This adaptation comes from the many dinners of that era that inspired a happy time in the Americana tradition. If you aren’t too keen on the checkered floor pattern, a beautiful vintage wood pattern is another great option. Nowadays, it is hard to tell real wood from artificial, and the synthetic wooden panels are incredibly durable, making them a more effective and less expensive alternative to many applications. One of the best things about artificial wooden floor panels is there is no need for finishing. You pick your pre desired finish and make your purchase. Finally, a great idea is the traditional concrete finished flooring with retro graphics. Retro graphics can be purchased almost anywhere online and apply within minutes to nearly any surface, adding a little more fun to the project.     

Put Some History In Your Accent Pieces

Accent pieces such as pictures, memorabilia, signs, and kitchenware will play a vital role in the presentation of your new retro designed kitchen. One way to find vintage photographs is to do a google image search and print what you want then put them into some lovely reproduced old-style frames to give off the illusion of the past. You can also find tons of vintage memorabilia such as signs, glassware, and runners online, and although often reproductions, they get the job done. 

If you enjoy digging through the past at your local flea markets and vintage shops, then you will be in heaven with this part of the remodel as they are loaded with all of the things that you may typically never use, but are perfect for a blast from the past kitchen. Remember to keep your accent pieces correct to the period as you wouldn’t want a blender from the 60s sitting next to a picture from the 80s. Keep a close eye on your budget, and remember to wheel and deal on these items as much as you can, and you will often get them for just a fraction of the shop owners asking prices. 

Lighting Up The Kitchen Retro Style 

Lighting is essential in any remodel, but especially in the kitchen. You are going to want to optimize your lighting for efficiency and functionality while being able to keep correct to the period of whatever retro era you choose for your project. First and foremost, keep in mind that pure white light did not exist back then, so soft, warm ambient lighting is the way to go. Low hanging lamps in a row are a great way to light up the area over a sink or bar to give off that cozy vintage feel and ample light for doing kitchen duties or snacking. Edison bulbs are beautiful and now easily attained at your local hardware store and even some large chain retail stores. In other words, steer clear of LEDs unless the actual light is out of clear view. 

If you go with a checkered floor retro style design, running lights under the bar and over the stove hood are an excellent idea. Remember to keep the lighting functional so that we don’t get stuck trying to work in a dimly lit kitchen. The option of bright lights hidden in old lampshades with dimmers and multiple optional colors is always a fun, great way to go.   

Why Do You Want To Remodel Your Kitchen?

When setting out to remodel a kitchen, we have to ask ourselves what the purpose of the endeavor is because this will determine the budget. Are we just tired of the design and looking to spruce it up, making it more aesthetically pleasing or, is it about getting more functionality out of the space? Maybe it’s both, which is an excellent medium to shoot for in most cases. With proper planning, we can get a visually pleasing upgrade while also bringing the functionality up to par to make it a place we love spending time.

Is Your Space Adequate For The Remodel?

Keep in mind that some spaces are not going to accommodate all of the beautiful upgrades that you want. Optimization of your area may require alterations to plans or sacrifice on either design or functionality. In smaller spaces, there are things to consider, such as a more open floor plan for that area or space-saving appliances. Often, great design will involve colors optimal for smaller spaces to make them seem and feel larger. Whatever the case may be, a realistic goal for the area that you have is essential, as this is something that can turn into a considerable headache later if not taken into consideration early on.  

Do You Plan To Relocate Major Any Plumbing?

Sometimes with a kitchen remodel, we will decide what we want to either move or upgrade the plumbing such as the sink or a refrigerator connected to a water line. Remember that moving major plumbing such as this can be costly and is not an easy task. It is always best to consult a professional if this is part of the plans as a possibly faulty plumbing job could completely ruin newly remodeled work.

How Much Storage Do You Need?  

Cabinet space is a must, but how much do we need? For some, there can never be enough. As with others, the most minimal amount is perfect. A great way to factor cabinet space is to go through your kitchen before the remodel and do an inventory of how much space you are currently utilizing. You will need a good idea of how much you can either downsize or may want to upgrade the cabinet space to suit your needs. There are many new ways to keep cabinet space trendy and functional such as open cabinets or even hidden cabinets. Remember, cabinets are for storage, and showing them off is not always the new norm when it comes to trends and aesthetically pleasing designs.

Is Your Remodel Realistic To Your Budget?

We all want the most bang for our buck, but with the kitchen often being the most expensive room in our home, that budget can be blown out of the water pretty quickly if we aren’t careful. Upgrades to existing appliances aren’t cheap, so its always best to make sure that what we have listed as a need isn’t a want when trying to stick to the budget. If we can’t live without certain things, then other items may need to be done more cheaply to make up for the cost.

If the design is more critical than upgrades to appliances, then it will be an easier task, but it is always best to do the math and always overshoot the cost pretty substantially to stay within your budget. If you are doing the remodel yourself, then what you will need to spend will be significantly lower than if you need to pay a contractor. With this in mind, call around to get the best quotes possible, as all contractors will vary in what they charge. 

Whether you’re moving, planning a remodel, or want to change up your living space, an open floorplan with an integrated kitchen and living area is the way to go. There are many benefits to this growing trend in home design. If you’re thinking of joining in but still need some convincing, here are five reasons why you should integrate your kitchen and living area.

Family Bonding and Socializing

Family togetherness is one of the best reasons to break down the walls between your kitchen and living room. If you want more family bonding time and an enhanced ability to socialize while you’re cooking meals, an open floor plan is the way to go. Knocking down the walls between rooms allows for conversations to take place seamlessly between both rooms. Whether children are completing homework, friends are watching TV, or you’re having a dinner party, you can join the conversation no matter what you’re doing in the kitchen.

Hosting Parties

When hosting parties, an open floor plan benefits both host and party flow. By having one spacious room, food can easily flow from kitchen to sitting areas in the living room. This type of setup also allows the host to prepare food while taking part in pictures, conversations, storytelling, and memory-making. No longer does the host have to be separated from the party by a wall simply because they’re in the kitchen. Guests can also pitch in and help prepare food or serve it due to ease of accessing both the kitchen and living areas at the same time.

Spacious Feel

An open floor plan creates a spacious feel even for smaller homes. By keeping the walk-through areas free of clutter, you’ll create smooth traffic flow from one room to the other. Integrated design allows for maximized furniture placement. No wall between the kitchen and living area means more floor space and memory-making in a spacious-feeling room.

Multi-functional

When hosting, an open floor plan connecting the kitchen and living area creates a single multi-functional great-room. Use your kitchen counter to set up an easily accessible hot chocolate bar when hosting parties. Babysit children or watch your own playing in the living area while you’re making supper. Host a reading club and provide charcuterie or small appetizers for a fun flow of conversation and food the entire time. No matter what you want to do with an open floor plan, nearly any idea is possible. 

Shared Lighting

Perhaps one of the best perks of having an open floor plan is the shared lighting. Living areas usually have the best natural light in the entire house. Kitchens, on the other hand, sometimes get short-changed. By taking down walls to create one large room, kitchens will be able to maximize shared lighting from living areas. When natural light flows from one end of the room to the other, the entire area will take on a light and airy feel perfect for hosting any party.

The holidays are quickly approaching, and you’ll be in for about a month and a half of seasonal festivities. Friends and family are sure to come over, meals will be served, and good times had by all. But before the rush hits and family descends, you want to make sure your house is ready to go. So here are five easy steps to make sure your kitchen is ready for the holidays.

Deep Clean

The first thing your kitchen probably needs is a good deep clean. Even when kitchens are cleaned regularly, small crumbs, grease and oil, and dust piles up through the year. Giving your kitchen a deep clean now will make it easier to clean during the holidays when there is more traffic and food preparation happening. Deep cleaning your kitchen will also ensure it looks spotless and sparkling for your guests. Areas to pay special attention to include:

– Oven backsplash

– Inside your oven

– Sink bowl and faucet

– Flooring under cabinetry overhang

– Space under your fridge

– Inside your fridge

– The area around your trashcan

These areas often get overlooked when cleaning regularly. Take time to give these areas a thorough cleaning, and you’ll thank yourself later after the festivities.

Bring Out Your Dishes

Next, pull out all of your dishware and inspect each item. If you’re serving a crowd, make sure you have plenty of plates, bowls, silverware, and serving ware. In general, if you’re planning on having ten people over, have fifteen sets of everything. This way, you’ll be prepared if an uninvited guest arrives, a bowl gets broken or dropped, or if you can’t get to the dishes right away. Wash all serving ware if it hasn’t been used in several months to wipe away any trace of dust.

Stock Your Pantry and Spice Rack

At least a week before guests arrive, take stock of what you have available in your pantry and grocery shop accordingly. Be sure to have extras of staples like coffee, sugar, flour, bread, breakfast items, and fruit. Add extra canned goods to your cart so you’ll have extra supplies in case of an unexpected arrival. Repeat the procedure with your spice rack. Check recipes for needed spices and take stock of what you have available. Find their best-by dates, and if they’re out of date, purchase new spices.

Sharpen Knives

Knife sharpening is a step often overlooked until it’s time to carve the Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham. Sharpen all knives you’ll be using for meal prep as well as carving. A sharp knife will ensure ease of preparation and safety. Sharp knives are safer than dull ones and will save you valuable time during the holidays.

Decorate

Finally, when your kitchen is cleaned, your pantry is stocked, your plates are ready, and your knives are sharp, have a little fun! Decorate your kitchen with festive towels, vases, flowers, and decorative plates. This will give your kitchen a warm and inviting feel for all who enter. Place towels on your oven and dishwasher doors, a plate with fresh baked cookies on the island, and a bowl with holiday-themed candy on the counter for all who wander through.

Following these five easy steps will have your kitchen ready for a house full of holiday fun!

Your kitchen is probably the one spot in your house that evokes feelings of comfort, family, and tradition. It is where you made pancakes on Sunday morning with your mom, and it’s where you pour that glass of wine for you and a friend on Friday evening after work. It can smell like coffee or lemon dish soap, and it really is the heart of the home. That is why good lighting in the kitchen is so important. You want your kitchen to feel warm and inviting. You want your lighting to be functional, and you want your lighting to fit your unique style. There are so many different types of lighting to choose from, and we’re going to give you the best tips to narrow it down!

Set the Mood

There are different types of lighting for different functions. In a kitchen, you want ambient lighting to keep your space feeling bright and airy, you want task lighting in order to fit your needs, and you will want decorative lighting to make your kitchen feel like home.

Ambient lighting is calming. The light that comes through the windows is the best source of ambient lighting, but if you do not have windows in your kitchen this can be done with chandeliers, sconces, or pendants. Adding light dimmers can also help set the mood, and it allows you to set the lighting based on the situation or time of day. 

Meet Your Needs

Your kitchen sees a lot of activity. Cooking, cleaning, eating, and gathering are all activities that take place in a kitchen. Because of this, you want your lighting to be functional. To make sure that your lighting fits your needs and your life, think about the seating areas, meal prep areas, and other places around your kitchen that need good lighting. If you have an island, you will want overhead lighting. Under-cabinet lighting is great for meal prep. Does your kitchen have a table nook? A stylish chandelier might be a good pick. Lighting above your kitchen sink and stove is also a good idea because lots of work usually happens in those areas.

Incorporate Your Style

Once you have decided on your lighting needs, it is time to hone in on your individual style. You will want to think about what types of finishes you like. Most lighting comes in an array of finishes. Silver, gold, brass, and copper are all beautiful finishes, and you will just want to choose what best matches your style and the hardware in your kitchen.

You will also want to consider light shades. Many light fixtures come with shades, and there are tons of styles available. There is everything from a more contemporary style to vintage looking shades. If your kitchen decor has a lot of clean lines, a more contemporary style will probably look best, but if your kitchen has more traditional decor, vintage, or rustic shades would be a very nice addition that can pull the whole look together. 

Uneven kitchen flooring is common in older homes in which foundations and beams have settled and shifted over time. It is typically not a safety concern as much as it is aesthetically unpleasing. Even a slight slope in the floor can be noticeable and may cause differences in the height of your counter at opposite ends of the kitchen. It can also throw off any wallpaper or flooring designs, which may draw attention and lead to frustration for homeowners who see the flaws daily.

However, it is not necessary to have a perfectly flat and level floor in order to have your new cabinets and countertop turn out level. Drastically sloped floors will always be best if carefully leveled and strengthened. But, for minor slopes or ridges, a few techniques can help avoid the tedious work involved with leveling floors, leaving you with a beautifully balanced countertop.

Leveling New Cabinets with Shims

In some cases, leveling the floor is not an option. If you have already installed new flooring, such as tile or wood, you will not be able to easily level the floor without causing damage to the layer you have installed. In this case, the first technique for getting level countertops is to level the cabinets themselves. This would be appropriate for homes in which you are installing new cabinets or where you are able to detach and reposition the old cabinets.

New cabinets can be carefully leveled by using shims during installation. Shims are thin pieces of wood carefully sloped from one end to the other to give very precise control over spacing. If your floor dips on one side beneath your cabinet, place the smallest end of the shim under the low side of your cabinet. Using a hammer or mallet, carefully tap the shim into place until that side of the cabinet is level with the higher side.

Depending on the length of the cabinet, you may need several shims along the low side to hold the cabinet up. Drastically low sides may require the thickness of several shims on top of each other to get the right height. Once the top of the cabinet is level, you can secure the base to the floor or wall as directed by the manufacturer. Do this for old cabinets you are repositioning as well.

Leveling CounterTops on Sloped Cabinets

If your cabinets are already secured in place, or you do not wish to reposition them, the second option is to simply level the top of the cabinets themselves. Again, this is possible by using shims along the top of the cabinet underneath the countertop. On whichever side or section is low, position the shims to support the low side of the countertop and lift it to be level with the high side before securing the countertop in place.

Both of these techniques can ensure a beautifully level countertop for your kitchen while a piece of trim can provide a finishing touch to hide the gap between floor and cabinet or cabinet and countertop. For more helpful home improvement tips, see our blog!

If you are redoing any of the flooring in your home, chances are good you are wondering how to properly transition between the carpet and tile in different rooms. Without a solid transition, the edges of your flooring can quickly become damaged with wear or unraveling carpet. In some cases, a bad transition can also be a tripping hazard. Not what you want in a safe and cozy home.

The right tools and transition strip can make a big difference. Let’s look at a few methods for transitioning carpet and tile to find the technique that’s right for you.

Installing Tile Before Carpet

If you are installing new carpet and tile, it’s often best to install the tile first. Tile is messy and requires mortar and grout, along with a cleaning process, in order to set and secure it properly. If you are laying tile right next to fresh carpet, you might get some of the mortar or grout on your plush carpet. This is a hassle to clean. The best process is to lay the tile before the carpet whenever possible.

Transition Strips

Some transition strips can be installed directly into the fresh mortar while you are laying the tile, creating a really strong bond between the strip and the floor. Other types of strips can be installed after both layers of flooring have already been laid. One of the more common types is a T strip, which has a base that is nailed to the subflooring between your carpet and tile. The top of the strip then has small arms that cover the edges of both sides of flooring. These are commonly made of wood, but similar styles can be found in vinyl or metal.

Carpet Installed Before Tile

In some cases, the carpet may already be installed when you are remodeling a home, such as when you take out old vinyl flooring in the kitchen to upgrade to a low-maintenance tile flooring. This is not a problem, and there are several excellent transitioning methods to consider using.

Z-Bar Transitions

Z-Bars are metal fixtures that are fashioned in a Z shape. The flat base is placed into freshly spread mortar before the tile is laid over it at the edge of the transition. The top of the Z shape then covers the edge of the carpet that is already secured to the floor either by adhesive or tack strips. It’s one of the most secure ways to protect the edge of your carpet as it is cemented with your tile. If you want to use this method, it must be installed while you are laying the tile next to the existing carpet.

Using Reducer Strips

Reducer strips may be the best option if one of your flooring layers is higher than the other. This is fairly common with remodels, in which layers of subflooring and mortar cause the tile to be higher than the layer of carpet that butts up against it. The reducer strip is slanted in such a way that it protects the edges of the higher and lower layers without an abrupt cliff edge above the lower layer.

Transition strips, no matter which type you choose, are a wise way to protect your flooring investment and prevent unnecessary damage from occurring. For more home improvement tips, be sure to follow our blog!

Open concept kitchens are very much sought after by today’s modern homebuyer. An open concept kitchen makes the area appear larger, and it creates more space for a family to be together because they are usually connected to the family room or dining room or both. Open concept means that barriers do not exist. One room flows into the next, and it can create cohesiveness and togetherness in all of these spaces. 

Floor Plans

Most commonly, the open concept kitchen will combine the kitchen, family room, and dining room. There will be no walls between these spaces, but these spaces will still have some distinct features. This floor plan also creates a space completely designed for gathering and socializing. Cooking, eating, and relaxing can all take place in the same area.

Another way that the open concept kitchen can be created is by combining the kitchen and the dining area. This allows for food to be prepared, served, and enjoyed in the same place. There are a lot of positives to these floor plans. Overall, entertaining in open concept areas is easier because it allows for the host to cook while guests have room to mingle or you can drink your coffee while you watch the morning news.

 Design

Because all rooms are connected to one another without any barriers, the design is important. You want each room to have a cohesive feel, and incorporating design elements that help one room flow into the other is important. Using the same paint color throughout is a good idea, and using similar accent colors also helps bring each room together. You can do this by choosing throw pillows for your family room couch that match the window treatments in the kitchen and the decor on the dining room table. 

Positives of the Open Concept

Now, as we have touched upon throughout this article, the open concept kitchen can be great in so many ways. It creates a space for socialization and community within the home. It also allows more light in because there are fewer walls, and it can make your space feel bigger because it eliminates structures (walls) that are unnecessary.

Drawbacks of the Open Concept

Finally, there are some drawbacks that exist when it comes to the open concept design. First, it does require more organization and cleaning because each room is connected to one another. This means if there is a mess in the kitchen, you will be able to see it in the living room. The open concept also creates a more informal look to the home. If you are someone who wants a formal dining room or living room, the open concept may not be for you. Also, you may lose some storage capabilities because you lose some walls. This means that there is less place for cabinets.

Overall, the layout and design of your home is a very personal decision. The open concept kitchen fits the needs of some people, but it may not be what everyone wants. Thinking about how you want your space to function is important before deciding on the layout of your home. Hopefully these points help you with your decision.