From the Floors Up

Five Things You Need to Consider When Remodeling Your Kitchen

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Of course it would be great to be able to spend as much as you want on your kitchen renovation project, however the reality is that you are probably working within a budget. When you’re working within a budget, you’ll have to make some compromises along the way. Therefore, it’s important to renovate smartly. When making such tough decisions be aware of what matters most to you. Here are some key tradeoffs you should consider making when it comes down to the “nitty gritty”.

How You’ll Be Using the Kitchen
First off, before renovating your kitchen you should be clear on how you want to use your new kitchen. For example, some people remodel their kitchen so that they can have more space to cook and entertain their guests. Others redesign their kitchens to be more efficient. Set aside goals that you are not willing to budge on will help you make the right decisions as your budget starts to decrease.

If you cook or entertain often, think about surfaces like floors and countertops that will be easy to maintain and keep clean.

Realistic Needs
When remodeling your kitchen you should think about how many people your kitchen will serve on a daily basis. If you have a small kitchen but entertain on occasions, a kitchen with double range ovens and a 48 inch wide refrigerator may not be suitable. Many experts recommend designing with your maximum capacity needs.

Think About Cost vs. Value
As you’ve probably already discovered everything from the cabinetry, flooring, sinks and appliances costs a decent amount of money. There will come a point when you will have to consider when its worth spending the money on a specific thing. So should you splurge on it or spend the dollars elsewhere?

Here are some questions you should ask yourself:
– Will making an investment in this product improve my daily life?
– Does the element increase the overall aesthetic of my home and increase its value?

Good luck and have fun! We hope some of these tips helped you with your new kitchen remodel!

How to Clean Three Different Types of Countertops

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, yet it also can be home to a lot of messes. In fact, we are continually preparing and eating food on our countertops. Countertops can easily be a focal point in many kitchens. Because of their showcase quality, it is essential to help keep them clean for hygienic and longevity purposes. However, not all countertops are alike. Some cleaning materials used for one countertop may ruin your beautiful countertop. To help, here is what you need to know about cleaning some of the most common countertop selections:

Granite

Granite is one of the most common, prestigious countertop options. To clean granite countertops, start by mixing dish soap with warm water. Soak a rag in the solution and wipe away any residue or debris from your countertop surface. You can also dilute a solvent like an isopropyl in water to disinfect your countertops. Put into a spray bottle and spray counter after it has been dried. Use a paper towel to wipe countertops dry.

Marble

Another great natural stone is marble. This porous rock can be cleaned very similarly to granite. Use dish soap with warm water to remove residue and debris. However, be very cognitive of using any acid-base cleaner on marble. This soft rock can easily be etched. You should also be cognitive of staining. Both granite and marble countertops should be sealed annually to prevent damage.

Stainless Steel

Use a microfiber cleaning cloth and warm water to wipe down your countertops. Many manufacturers make specific products for stainless steel counters. Once you apply the approved cleaners, make sure to wipe your countertops dry. Stainless steel can easily show water spots and cleaner residue if not dried thoroughly. You can even use lemon juice to help clean these as well. They will not rust or corrode at all.

Cleaning your countertops is just another way to take pride in your beautiful kitchens. Make sure if you have a porous countertop that you have it resealed as recommended. Every countertop has different benefits and cons. Cleaning each one can have its set of rules to follow. Make sure you do the right method of cleaning to get the most longevity out of your counters.

Professional Kitchen Designers

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For a full down to the studs kitchen remodel or an update, working with a professional kitchen designer can be a great idea. Professional kitchen designers can help you design your dream kitchen or choose new countertops for a quick update.

 

Flooring, counters, backsplashes, cabinets, appliances and lighting can each change the look and feel of a kitchen. On their own they can update the kitchen; together they will give your kitchen a whole new look. Selecting a single one of these to work with your existing kitchen can be tricky. Choosing a combination of new counters, cabinets and flooring can be downright daunting. Enter the kitchen designer.

 

Kitchen designers can help you select a stone backsplash that coordinates with granite counter tops that also work with your existing cabinetry. Larger guts and remodels can be planned by a kitchen designer to change not only the look of your kitchen but its functionality.  These designers can recommend changes to floor plans that can up the function of your kitchen without expanding the floor plan.  For major projects an in home consultation to take measurements is a must.  Even for surface changes, a home appointment should be done for measurements and color samples.

 

To hire a kitchen designer you can begin by asking friends and neighbors for recommendations who have recently remodeled their kitchens. If there is a local kitchen showroom, visit and ask for a consultation. Get several estimates before deciding to make sure you find the right kitchen designer for your home and budget.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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