Sometimes you just have to have a room gutted to the walls and completely re-done. Either it is seriously outdated, or designed in a period style you just can’t live with  . . . or the layout just isn’t working for your family. We are remodeling the kitchen and mud room for such a home.…

Any room can get old, and although it’s parts and pieces may not be worn out, so you don’t feel justified to really renovate the space, here are some things you can have your contrator do in the interim. Paint the cabinets and replace their hardware. Design a new pantry storage to clear up the…

The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in your home. Sooner or later, depending on usage, your kitchen will need a refresh or remodel for repairs and to keep it up to date. Even in if you are more the practical type and less concerned about esthetics, there are many parts of the…

The transition from fixed to adjustable, and then to roll-out cabinet shelves has forever changed the way homeowners view storage in their kitchens. Whether you utilize roll-outs, pull-outs, or blind corner storage solutions, the list of options that can enhance storage is virtually endless.  Today’s homeowners are looking for more exposed storage, such as open…

If your home is just plain boring, or you want to increase it’s value, or you love your house but it just isn’t working for you anymore . . . then it is time to plan that remodel. The rooms most homeowners choose to focus on first are the kitchen and bathrooms, because they are…

Small galley kitchens can get hot quickly – invest in a good quality exhaust hood for your stove, and be sure that it exhausts to the roof, not the attic, or back into the kitchen!  Since the kitchen is small, the hood will be a considerable part of the kitchens style, so splurge, and get…

Shelves and cabinets are the ultimate answer to clearing up your countertops, but then you probably knew that already, right? The solution really is to know how and where to implement storage solutions. So, here are some ideas. Even a kitchen with custom cabinets will have space where some shelves can be installed. Short, narrow…

Create an open floor plan with good flow by opening up the kitchen to the dining and living areas. This not only makes moving from one area to another easier, but makes the rooms feel much larger – no visual barriers! Natural light fills every room as well, without blocking walls. While traditional homes are…

When updating your kitchen, you probably want new lighting fixtures – maybe even a complete change in the way the room is lighted. Older kitchens often only have a ceiling light, which too often leaves parts of the kitchen counter somewhat dark.  Task lighting is important, both for safe working in the kitchen, as well…

Kitchen faucets are a stylish and functional focal point in for the kitchen. With the many stylish options available today, they can draw the eye. With a wide range of finish options and accessories, and technology adding to their versatility, you can get touch-free and tap-on faucets. Ever had trouble getting a tall pot or…

Pull out drawers in the kitchen island. Islands are for more than prepping dinner; be sure that your contractor builds in plenty of storage under that counter. Wine storage in the pantry. Keep your wine at it’s best and most convenient; have some wine storage racks built in a convenient location in your kitchen. Keep…

Here are some great ideas to consider while planning your Fall kitchen remodel: Use patterns in your kitchen backsplash tile. This can be prominent, or subtle, as in using subway tiles. They are all the same color (usually), but they create a pattern due to the “grid” between each 3 by 6 tile. If you…

If you are a well-organized type of person, you must have a pantry in your kitchen! The ability to find just the right ingredients and utensils you want, when you want them, will work wonders for any cooks mood. In order to do this, a pantry is a godsend. In some homes, a closet may…

A few hundred years ago, homeowners had less “stuff” to store, but no one seems to want to go back to those “good old days”, so we need to tackle the storage problem. Kitchens are notorious for poor storage options, and many kitchen remodels are done expressly to tackle this problem. So here are some…

If your kitchen just doesn’t work for hosting dinner guests, maybe it’s time to renovate; if your kitchen layout, appliances and even the faucet are so unappealing that the thought of planning and preparing a party menu is off-putting, then it really is time to update that space. Opening the kitchen to the home’s main…

Whoah! There you were, dreaming of granite countertops, gleaming new appliances, and gorgeous cabinets that will finally allow you to get everything off the countertops. Did you know – it will take 4 – 6 weeks, on average, for the demolition and installation of a new kitchen – assuming no “surprises” inside the floor or…

Indeed. What is the difference between a nice kitchen and a great kitchen? Two things, basically; a great kitchen is one that works for the way you use it, and it will be both practical and stylish. What defines practical? For most of us, it will be easy to maintain (i.e., clean) and is organized…

Not every home has an ideal spot to plop a kitchen pantry in; however with some thought, there are many clever ways to create pantry space.  Reclaim room from a hall closet that is next to the kitchen and turn it into a pantry. Some older homes have “utility closets” right in the kitchen, which…

If you are serious about how your food is prepared, then you are no doubt meticulous in selecting your kitchen layout and appliances. An epicurean’s kitchen is usually equipped with professional style appliances, sturdy and easy-to-clean surfaces, and storage for specialty items such as a spice collection, range of pots, pans and utensils. The layout…

Practical elements of kitchens can be easy to overlook; something you need, but not exactly exciting. How many cfm, where to exhaust it to . . . ho, hum, are you getting sleepy? Turn that boring, practical part of your kitchen into something exciting! These handy pieces of ventilation equipment pull the unpleasant, moisture-laden odors…

There are so many ways to customize a kitchen, it might seem overwhelming at first. Here are some ideas to help narrow down those cabinet options: Kitchen cabinets can have a contrasting color in the back! You can do just one if you like, or have all of the cabinet backs painted a contrasting color.…

Kitchen cabinets can be built with pull-out shelves, making it easier to access whatever is stored. Narrow, linear pull-out shelves can fill the gap between a cabinet and an appliance. Walk-in pantries are more appreciated than a walk-in closet (OK, this depends on your tastes, but where do shoppers put all those supplies they get…

Have you sometimes felt that kitchens are almost as wet as bathrooms? Maybe, if you require the kids to take turns washing the dishes, and just maybe they’d rather not. The area around the sink certainly can get wet! That is why backsplash installation and the materials chosen are so important. It’s not just a…

First off, use the space you have; just because the standard cabinets from the store stop 6 inches below the ceiling, doesn’t mean that has to be lost space. How about having custom cabinets built that go all the way to the ceiling?  Another idea is having a shelf or cabinets built above the window.…

Do you use your kitchen as an entertainment zone? If so, opening the kitchen up to the dining area and having a kitchen island installed will help with providing space for company while you prepare food. If you prefer privacy while you cook, a smaller kitchen with a tighter work triangle may work best for…