The New Family Kitchen

The new hottest craze in remodeling is the "family" kitchen, which is great if you have little ones like me. These new kitchens feature adequate seating, storage, and light. With the usage of formal dining rooms falling by the minute, kitchen islands are replacing the old standard of table and chairs. Not only does the exile of dining rooms provide us with the more interactive experience of being able to sit around the kitchen while Mom (or in my case, Dad :) ) cooks the family dinner but it also opens so much extra space up for the wide open kitchen you've always wanted. With more space comes so many more options! Contractors everywhere are utilizing this extra space to make room for larger refrigerators (who doesn't need that?!), larger pantry, more drawers and cabinets, and sometimes even an extra oven or dishwasher. More windows or even a sliding door or two give parents a great view of kids playing outside or arriving guests. So if you've been thinking about knocking that dining room door down lately then give us a call!

Buying the Right Countertop

Image credit: Granite Countertops

Finding the right countertop can be easy. Below is some points to think about when deciding on what surface is right for you and your home within budget. 

Granite Countertops are crafted from beautiful, durable, natural stone. They’re extremely smooth, visually rich and dynamic, heat-resistant and can stand up to stains and bacteria when sealed properly. However, be cautious around stress points as the stone can split.

Quartz Countertops are created from another natural stone. They are the most durable that is resistant to heat, liquid, bacteria and stains but it is easier to maintain. Quartz countertops never have to be sealed. They are available in more consistent colors than Granite.

Solid Surface Countertops are made of an acrylic material for a visually seamless appearance.  There are a variety of colors and patterns. Solid surface countertops are low in maintenance and will resist liquid, stains, and bacteria as well. However they’re less heat resistant to Granite or Quartz.

Laminate Countertops are when sheeting is glued to particleboard or plywood. It’s affordable, durable and visually looks nice. Laminate comes in many colors and styles, and is easy to clean and maintain. Laminate is the least heat resistant out of the above materials. 

6 Kitchen Ideas on a Budget

Image credit: Formica

We have comprised a list of six budget friendly ideas to brighten up your kitchen.

1. Makeover your kitchen with paint. The walls, cabinets, and floors can all be painted to change the look and feeling of your kitchen.
2. Reface kitchen cabinet doors. The cabinets can be painted or you can resurface them to give texture or replace with glass.
3. Update countertops. A low-cost alternative is laminate. Wilsonart and Formica brand laminate can give the same look of granite or marble at a lower cost. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns. Ceramic tile is another affordable option for countertops, with a range of colors and finishes available. 
4. Replacing cabinet hardware. A simple change in handles can give it a new look. Some knobs and handles can be very pricy keep in mind your budget.
5. Replacing cabinets with open shelving. If you like the open look, you can remove your cabinet doors and create an open shelving look.
6. Refresh the flooring. Replacing your floor all together is one alternative. However, if you have wood floors consider painting or resurfacing. Vinyl tile is another flooring alternative