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Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Serving Santa Clara Valley • 408.360.9700

Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Serving Santa Clara Valley • 408.360.9700

Tag: kitchen designer

Designing an Island in a Small Kitchen

CABR’s Ideas for Designing an Island in a Small Kitchen

Ideas for Designing an Island in a Small Kitchen

Add Beauty, Functionality, and Additional Seating to Your Kitchen

farm sink, island, pendant lighting, SunnyvaleMake the best use of available space and improve your small kitchen’s functionality with a custom island designed, built, and installed by California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers. Freestanding or built-in islands enhance your kitchen’s appearance, and you can add amenities such as storage, electrical outlets, appliances, and seating.

Need fresh ideas to update your entire kitchen? See our photo gallery for inspiration. If you are keen on incorporating an island with your existing layout, we can get it done with great results.

Think about Why You May Want an Island in Your Small Kitchen

Before you start the process of designing an island in a small kitchen, there are a few important things to consider. You can scale the island’s size to your kitchen, making it bigger or smaller depending on the available space. Keep the following benefits in mind to make your final decision on whether to install a custom kitchen island:

  • Access on all four sides maximizes counter space
  • Complement your open-plan design with a beautiful island
  • Expand your seating capacity with a few barstools
  • Increase food preparation space
  • Facilitate work or study activities while you multitask in the kitchen

California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers can help you design every element of your small kitchen, including an island. Find out what customers are saying about our kitchen remodeling prowess.

Design Tips for Your Small Kitchen’s Custom Island

Consider the following tips when you meet with our team and discuss designing an island for your small kitchen:

  • Mix or match. You can build the sides of the island to contrast with or match your existing cabinetry. Our remodelers will work with your vision and lifestyle needs in mind.
  • Choose a fabulous countertop material. Select a countertop material that makes sense for how you plan to use the island. Choose from natural stone, wood, concrete, granite, marble, quartz, or Corian. Our experienced installers can make the base of the island flush with the counter or leave an overhang to accommodate barstools and legroom.
  • Add a range, grill, or other appliances. Determine the most important features to include in your island. Our designers can create a layout that increases your food prep area, includes a grill or range, creates a convenient spot for a microwave and warming drawers, and multiplies the storage space for cookware and other items. We can also provide safe electrical outlets to power small appliances and serve as charging ports for mobile devices and laptops.
  • Create an entertainment space. Islands can expand your seating and create an intimate space for guests and family to gather as you cook or attend to hosting duties. Invest in a durable countertop with an eye-catching pattern or color combination for an inviting dining space.
  • Light it up! Recessed lighting, natural light, and ceiling-mount chandeliers and fixtures can add ambience, drama, and tons of light over your new kitchen island. Our lighting technicians follow local and national electrical codes and work with you to achieve the desired ambiance.
  • Leave enough clearance. Ideally, two people must be able to pass each other while another is standing at the island. Allow for clearances of about 40 inches on all sides of the island.

California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers has designers and skilled craftsmen that can help you renovate your small kitchen for maximum efficiency.

Contact us online about designing an island in a small kitchen in the Santa Clara Valley. Call us at 408-360-9700 to schedule a free consultation.

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Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

Kitchen Renovations on a Budget at California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers Inc.

Stylish Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

Expert Tips for Cost-Efficient Upgrades

kitchen renovationIs it possible to create a dream kitchen if you must do your kitchen renovations on a budget? Absolutely! There are plenty of ways to make smart, cost-effective upgrades that elevate the look and function of your cook space. The home remodeling specialists at California Bathroom and Kitchen Remodelers offer useful tips and suggestions to complete your kitchen renovations, even with a smaller budget.

Top Ideas for a Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover 

  • Prioritize function over form: Whether it is a compact kitchen or a sprawling one, the most important element of any kitchen makeover is to ensure a suitable layout that mirrors your lifestyle and cooking habits. Do you need an island for more prep space or overseeing the kids’ homework? Do you like to cook and entertain at the same time? Do you need better access and movement between the refrigerator, stove, and sink? Think function first and invest in features that make for an efficient kitchen. A beautiful kitchen with an impractical layout is a waste of your renovation budget.
  • Upgrade the hardware, fixtures, and appliances: A simple and inexpensive way of refreshing a cook space is to swap out old pulls and knobs for more trendy options. Similarly, upgrading to smart, energy-saving appliances or changing out the light fixtures or faucets can give your tired kitchen an immediate facelift. 
  • Hack the big box store cabinetry: Nobody will fault you for using IKEA cabinets as a base for your cabinetry. You can enhance them with chic door fronts and hardware, a cost-saving trick that many top designers use for kitchen renovations on a budget. Add a touch of luxury by replacing some cabinet doors with glass doors or creating open shelving to display your best china and glassware pieces.
  • Create sufficient storage: A clean and uncluttered space can make all the difference during a kitchen makeover. Plan for sufficient cabinetry to keep your small appliances and other pantry items hidden from plain sight. Keep only the stylish stuff out on the counters and shelves.
  • Choose your work surface and flooring smartly: If a countertop or flooring replacement is part of your renovation goals, choose your materials wisely. The inexpensive laminate or the durable quartz offer plenty of options to replicate the look of real marble or natural stone, which usually feature in high-end kitchens. For flooring materials, engineered wood or vinyl offers an assortment of affordable designs and patterns to recreate the expensive look of original hardwood planks or natural stone tiles. 
  • Have fun with paint: Whether you opt for major changes, such as a new layout, or minor upgrades related to cabinetry and appliances, one aspect that will further enhance any kitchen remodeling plans is a change of paint. Do your research and select colors that reflect your personality and preferences.

kitchen renovationRemember that while these cost-efficient tips and tricks are ideal for a budget-friendly kitchen remodeling project, inexpensive materials may not always be durable. They may or may not contribute to the value of your home. If you are looking to get top dollar on a future home sale or have a growing family with a high-traffic kitchen area, think about the wear and tear that may happen within the next few years. Instead of taking on a low-cost, D-I-Y kitchen renovation project, consider hiring a professional kitchen remodeling expert who can help you maximize your renovation budget.

Affordable Kitchen Renovations by Experienced Santa Clara Valley Home Remodeling Contractors

At California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers Inc., we are passionate about delivering functional and stylish kitchen makeovers that increase the value and appeal of your home. Our talented designers work with you closely to create your dream kitchen. Our skilled and experienced crew executes all plans to your exact specifications, on time and on budget.

Since 1994, we have served homeowners across the Santa Clara Valley, including San Jose, Los Gatos, Almaden, Willow Glen, Los Altos Hills, Monte Sereno, and Santa Clara, CA. Past clients vouch for our innovative designs, quality workmanship, and unparalleled customer service.

Looking for ideas and inspiration for kitchen renovations on a budget? To speak to the kitchen remodeling specialists at CBKR, call 408-360-9700. You can also write to us online to book an in-home consultation.

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Bathroom Refinishing Vs. Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom Refinishing VS Bathroom Remodeling

What’s the difference?

Make the Right Choice and Enjoy Stunning Bathroom Makeovers

bathroom remodelChoosing between bathroom refinishing vs. bathroom remodeling is never an easy decision. Both options have their pros and cons and serve a number of different purposes. The experts at California Bathroom and Kitchen Remodelers discuss the factors that can help you make an efficient and cost-effective decision.

Differences between Bathroom Refinishing and Bathroom Remodeling 

Repairing and refreshing a tired, old, or leaky bathroom is a great way to improve the value and functionality of your home. Sometimes, a few cosmetic changes may suffice, while at other times, you may have to go for a complete demolition and redesign. Before you decide, here is what you should know:

  • Bathroom refinishing: If you are happy with the existing layout, refinishing can breathe new life into your bathroom. You can potentially save thousands of dollars that go into tearing down and rebuilding a bathroom. However, refinishing does not address issues such as, old or damaged pipes and drains, dry rot, mold, or mildew in the walls or floors. Essentially, bathroom refinishing is a quick, hassle-free option for a rejuvenated look. It may include re-glazing or refinishing the tub and shower stall, re-staining the bathroom vanities and cabinets, replacing the hardware and light fixtures, repainting the walls, and other such minor upgrades.
  • Bathroom remodeling: A complete bathroom remodeling and redesign is ideal when:
    • The existing layout does not serve your needs or suit your lifestyle
    • The fixtures are not to your taste and preferences
    • The plumbing is outdated and not to code, or too old for repairs
    • Leaks and other moisture issues have caused structural damage

Bathroom remodeling is an excellent opportunity to build custom spaces that cater to your unique needs and budget. For example:

  • Solve space issues: Expand or enlarge your bathroom, add a shower stall or second sink, or reposition the tub or toilet.
  • Repair the faults: Upgrade your plumbing or electrical, fix any venting issues.
  • Modernize your bath space: Add hi-tech, water-saving features, such as a smart toilet, sensor-based faucets, or LED mood lighting

Factors that Influence Bathroom Refinishing Vs. Bathroom Remodeling

Consider these aspects while initiating a bathroom makeover project.

  1. Planning to stay in this home for only a few more years? Spruce it up and save money with bathroom refinishing.
  1. Think this may be your forever home? Address all underlying issues and use the opportunity to customize this space to suit your family’s lifestyle and preferences.
  1. Thinking of selling or renting out the property soon? Go for a full bathroom renovation to enhance the value and appeal of your home. It’ll help you attract potential buyers and renters.
  1. The cost of bathroom makeovers depends on several factors, including the size of your bathroom, scale of work, age of the property and fixtures, and the complexity of plumbing and wiring. In addition to the above three aspects, the choice between bathroom refinishing vs. bathroom remodeling also depends on your budget. Decide how much you are willing to spend.

A well-designed and executed bathroom remodeling project can truly add value to your home and lifestyle. Remember to partner with a competent contractor who:

  • Minimizes disruption to your routine: Practices good hygiene, keeps your living areas clean and offers a thorough post-job cleanup.
  • Provides value-enhancing upgrades: Carries out comprehensive, high-quality, sustainable upgrades to the plumbing, framing, waterproofing, and the rest of your bathroom’s infrastructure.
  • Focuses on project efficiency: Allocates sufficient resources to your project, provides regular progress updates, and ensures timely and efficient completion.

Santa Clara Valley’s Leading Bathroom Renovation Specialists

As a full-service bathroom remodeling design and construction contractor, we can take on projects of any scale and complexity. Whether it is a simple refresh or a complete overhaul, we offer attractive and functional bathroom transformations. We start with a thorough evaluation of your existing bath space and speak with you to understand your renovation goals and budget. Next, our team will give you an honest opinion on bathroom remodeling vs. bathroom refinishing. When you hire us for the job, expect nothing less than the best designs, quality craftsmanship, and smooth finishes. You’ll have your new bathroom on time and within your budget, as promised!

Since 1994, delighted customers across the Santa Clara Valley count on our licensed, experienced and qualified professionals for stress-free and cost-effective bathroom makeovers. Our clients include homeowners in Willow Glen, Almaden, San Jose, Los Gatos, Los Altos Hills, Monte Sereno, and Santa Clara, CA.

For creative ideas, affordable solutions and efficient services, hire the experts at California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers Inc. Call 408-360-9700 or contact us online to schedule an in-home consultation. We can help you decide what’s best for your home—bathroom refinishing or bathroom remodeling.

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How to Choose from the Top 5 Materials for New Kitchen Countertops

Top 5 Materials for New Kitchen Countertops

Maximize your Budget with Attractive, Durable Surfaces

kitchen countertopsKnowing the top 5 materials for new kitchen countertops is a starting point for choosing the surfaces where you will prep, cook, work, and enjoy your meals. With an overwhelming range of options on the market, selecting the right materials is key to achieving an attractive, functional kitchen, with durable, easy to maintain surfaces. The experts at California Bathroom and Kitchen Remodelers help you make suitable choices by listing the pros and cons of the top 5 materials for new kitchen countertops.

Spruce up Your Kitchen with Trendy Countertops 

Completely overhauling your kitchen, or going for a minor refresh? No matter what the scope of your renovation project, new countertops can hugely improve the appeal and functionality of your kitchen and enhance the value of your home. Explore these top 5 materials for new kitchen countertops and decide what works best for your needs and budget: 

  1. Granite: A definition of beauty and elegance, granite makes even the most modest kitchen look chic and luxurious. As a natural stone that is strong, durable, and almost impervious to heat, granite comes in thousands of colors and patterns. However, it is an expensive material that can potentially crack upon stress or due to improper installation. Since it is porous, it also requires regular professional resealing to prevent stains.
  1. Marble: There is nothing quite as magnificent as a marble countertop. Because of its high price tag, marble may not fit within an economical kitchen renovation project. However, this material is heatproof, waterproof, and exceptionally beautiful due to the unique veining in every slab. Besides being expensive, marble is a porous stone that can stain easily unless regularly resealed. Although rare, marble can also scratch or crack, and repairing a natural stone can be quite difficult. 
  1. Quartz: One of the most up-and-coming materials in recent years, quartz is an engineered stone that has given new meaning to durability and convenience. Homes with young kids and busy parents find this heat-resistant, water-resistant, stain-proof material to be an extremely good fit for their kitchens. Quartz offers hardiness, ease of maintenance, and perfection (since every slab is uniform), which means you do not need to spend on regular resealing or professional upkeep. However, this material continues to be more expensive than other options, such as laminate or solid surface materials.
  1. Wood/ Butcher Block: Wood countertops can help create a warm, country kitchen-like vibe or an industrial-chic look. Usually, kitchen countertop slabs are made from hardwoods, such as maple or oak, in a wide range of colors and finishes. With frequent cleaning, sanding, oiling, and resealing, your wooden countertop can last for several decades. However, it is a fairly expensive material, and without proper care, your butcher block can eventually face water damage, stains, bacteria growth, or cracks.
  1. Soapstone: A natural stone that usually comes in darker shades of black or grey, this smooth, silky surface may be an interesting alternative to granite. The stone is hard, and quite resistant to stains and heat. Although soapstone could scratch or dent, you can easily sand out any damage, or leave them as-is to create a unique patina that gives your kitchen an attractive look.

There are several other options, such as concrete, stainless steel, solid surface (Corian), laminates, and custom ceramic tiles that also make for interesting kitchen surfaces. However, before you finalize the material for your new kitchen countertops, study the pros and cons of each, and learn whether they meet your family’s lifestyle, preferences, and budget. 

Fantastic Makeovers by Santa Clara Valley’s Trusted Kitchen Specialists 

At California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers Inc. we are passionate about redesigning kitchens to enhance your lifestyle and increase the value of your home. Invest in our innovative ideas, impeccable craftsmanship, and efficient project management skills to give shape to the kitchen of your dreams.

Since 1994, we have served happy homeowners across the Santa Clara Valley, including Almaden, Willow Glen, Los Gatos, San Jose, Monte Sereno, and Los Altos Hills, CA.

Call CBKR, your trusted kitchen remodeling specialists at 408-360-9700 to schedule an in-home consultation or contact us online. We can discuss the latest trends in kitchen designs and materials and help you make informed choices.

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CONSIDERATIONS FOR A QUALITY KITCHEN REMODEL

Top Considerations for a Quality Kitchen Remodel

Advice from Bay Area Renovation Experts

kitchen remodelYou’ve flipped through designer home reno magazines, browsed hundreds of Pinterest and Instagram photos, and you’re all set to create your dream kitchen. But, are you aware of the top considerations for a quality kitchen remodel? From layout and design to material selection and finishing, every step will impact the success of your remodeling project. The experts at California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers explain the key aspects that you should consider when you renovate your kitchen.

Critical Factors for a Successful Kitchen Renovation

A quality kitchen remodel addresses functionality and aesthetics to strike a perfect balance. Here are the top considerations that will help you maximize your renovation budget and build the kitchen of your dreams.

  • Get your plan in order: Before you plunge into a kitchen renovation project, ask yourself some pertinent questions:
    • What do you dislike about your current kitchen?
    • How much are you willing to spend on fixing those issues?
    • Will you need major structural changes or addition of space, or will a few basic, budget-friendly kitchen remodeling features sufficiently address the problems?
  • Consult an experienced designer: Even if visualizing is your forte, or you have specific finishes in mind, you may want to rely on the services of a renovation expert. An experienced designer can make your kitchen look better and function more efficiently, without exceeding your budget.
  • Define the remodeling scope: Have you identified your problem areas, compared multiple quotes, and finalized your kitchen remodeling designer and contractor? Now take the time to scope out the project based on your list of must-haves and good-to-have, so that you don’t end up spending more than planned. Don’t forget to consider all aspects of the kitchen, such as the wall color, flooring, appliances, countertops, backsplash, light fixtures, sink and faucet, cabinets, and cabinet hardware.
  • Choose ‘function’ over ‘form’: Do not let design elements compromise the utility of the three most-used features in your kitchen; the sink, the fridge and the stove. Invest in a high quality stove, pick a sink with sufficient depth to accommodate your pots and pans, and select a fridge that meets the needs and lifestyle of your entire family.

Quality Kitchen Transformations by Santa Clara Valley’s Remodeling Experts

At California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers, we specialize in luxurious custom kitchen makeovers, efficiently balancing your wish list and budget. Our skilled designers take time to understand your requirements and prioritize the project scope, while our master craftsmen deliver professional finishes along with unparalleled customer service. No matter how small or large your kitchen, we can create practical layouts and lifestyle-friendly solutions that deliver value for money.

Since 1994, we have passionately redesigned cook spaces across the Santa Clara Valley, including in San Jose, Santa Clara, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, Los Altos Hills, Willow Glen, and Almaden, CA. Read these testimonials from our delighted customers.

Call CBKR, your trusted kitchen remodeling contractors at 408-360-9700 or contact us online to schedule an in-home consultation. We can discuss a number of creative solutions for a quality kitchen makeover.

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WHAT MAKES FOR A GREAT KITCHEN DESIGNER?

What Makes for a Great Kitchen Designer?

A Great Kitchen Designer Starts with YOUR Lifestyle and Needs

Kitchen Transformations Need More than Just Vision and Skill

kitchen remodelPlanning a makeover for your kitchen in Santa Clara Valley? Translating your vision into reality while staying within budget is not always an easy task. Your dream kitchen needs a designer who can offer creative, affordable and quality solutions that suit your lifestyle and preferences. As you compare quotes, consider these aspects that make for a great kitchen designer.

Top Qualities of a Great Kitchen Designer

A great kitchen designer is one who is not just skilled and creative, but also efficient, resourceful, thoughtful and innovative. Look for these qualities while selecting a designer and hire someone who:

  1. Takes time to understand your lifestyle: Great kitchens are functional enough to reflect your personal preferences, without compromising on style and quality. An efficient kitchen designer will start by gaining an in-depth understanding of your lifestyle and requirements, such as:
    • Cooking preferences: What are the typical ingredients you use? What are your preferred cooking methods (baking, grilling, stovetop, etc.)?
    • Space requirements: How many and which gadgets and appliances do you need? What are your requirements for pots, pans and pantry size?
    • Other preferences: Do you use your kitchen exclusively for cooking, or is it an extended space for family hangouts and kids’ homework? Do you entertain friends and family in the kitchen, or in your formal dining and living spaces?
  1. Reimagines spaces: You may or may not be able to change the size of your kitchen. However, a resourceful designer will offer creative space utilization through:
    • Ideas for maximizing your current cook space
    • Exploring the possibility of an affordable and successful expansion into adjoining living or dining areas
    • Suggestions for modern, smart solutions that enhance the functionality of the available space
  1. Offers thoughtful designs: Another quality that makes for a great kitchen designer is the ability to thoughtfully match your style and preferences with the overall layout and design choices. The designer’s proposals should address every minor or major aspect within your kitchen remodeling project. For example:
    • Where to place the appliances and gadgets?
    • Should the island hold the range or the sink?
    • Is there a source of natural light, or does the kitchen need additional light fixtures?
    • What is the ideal size, shape and material for the countertops and island?
    • How many cabinets to build and with what materials? What other types of smart storage solutions to add?
    • What type of backsplash, light fixtures and drawer or door pulls to select? This will depend on your design sensibilities (contemporary, rustic, Bohemian, shabby chic, etc.)?

Stunning Kitchen Makeovers Need Santa Clara Valley’s Remodeling Experts

At California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers, we are passionate about remodeling kitchens to make them more stylish, luxurious and functional. Our skilled designers spend quality time understanding your lifestyle and needs, not just before we give you a quote, but throughout the planning phase. Probing deeper into your cooking methods, ingredient usage and storage, workspace and layout requirements, allows us to build you the kitchen of your dreams. We also recommend that you consider looking forward ten years or more, planning for aging in place through imaginative solutions that address specific mobility requirements.

Since 1994, we have transformed kitchens in homes across the Santa Clara Valley, including in San Jose, Santa Clara, Willow Glen, Almaden, Cambrian, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, and Los Altos Hills, CA. Read these client testimonials to learn more about our creative concepts, master craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service.

Call CBKR, your trusted kitchen remodeling contractors at 408-360-9700 or contact us online to schedule an in-home consultation with a great kitchen designer. We can discuss a range of kitchen makeover ideas that mirror your lifestyle, maximize your budget and increase the value of your home.

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