Tag: kitchen ideas

Designing an Island in a Small Kitchen

Written by Susan Cho on April 25, 2021. Posted in Blog, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling.

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

Make 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.

Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

Written by Susan Cho on September 21, 2020. Posted in Blog, Kitchen Remodeling.

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

Stylish Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

Expert Tips for Cost-Efficient Upgrades

Is 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.

Remember 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.

Bathroom Refinishing Vs. Bathroom Remodeling

Written by Susan Cho on June 18, 2020. Posted in Bath Remodeling, Bathroom Design.

Bathroom Refinishing VS Bathroom Remodeling

What’s the difference?

Make the Right Choice and Enjoy Stunning Bathroom Makeovers

Choosing 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.

Address mobility issues or aging in place requirements: Install a walk-in tub or curbless shower stall, add safety grab bars, or create a built-in bench in the shower stall.

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.

Planning to stay in this home for only a few more years? Spruce it up and save money with bathroom refinishing.

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.

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.

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.

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

Written by Susan Cho on June 8, 2020. Posted in Kitchen Remodeling.

Top 5 Materials for New Kitchen Countertops

Maximize your Budget with Attractive, Durable Surfaces

Knowing 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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stylish, Budget-Friendly, Basic Remodeling Necessities for Your Home

Written by Susan Cho on August 22, 2019. Posted in Blog, Kitchen Remodeling.

RENOVATE THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

When investing in a kitchen makeover, you want a successful project that delivers on your wishlist of basic kitchen remodeling necessities. You also want a good balance of aesthetics, function and value for money. California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers helps maximize your renovation budget with the experience and expertise of a skilled team.

TOP 5 MUST-HAVE FEATURES FOR AN EFFICIENT AND ATTRACTIVE KITCHEN

For a kitchen that looks great and functions well, you need ‘everything in its place and a place for everything’. From convenient racks and flexible storage, to utilization of corner spaces, some basic kitchen remodeling necessities can help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

Here are a few features that every modern kitchen should have:

Trash & recycling: Old trash bins sitting beside the cabinets take up space and look unsightly. A pull-out drawer, or an under-the-sink cabinet to keep your trash bin is a space-saving addition that also adds greater appeal. Get a dedicated unit built into your cabinetry with space for at least two bins, so you can separate garbage and recycling.
Corner storage: If you have corner cabinets, you probably fill them with rarely used items, or struggle to reach your pots and pans inside. Minimize wasted space and add convenience by installing two-tiered carousel shelving. Easy access to stowed items will simplify the way you operate in your kitchen.
Spice pull-out: What’s a kitchen without the magic of spices? Over time however, you may accumulate many spice containers. Storing them on a shelf means you can’t see the ones that are pushed to the back. Why not get a dedicated spice pull-out built into your cabinetry? Tiered shelving will allow you to stack numerous bottles and jars in a way that each one is always visible and accessible.
Deep drawers: While the size of your drawers depends on the total cabinet space available in your kitchen, the ones that probe the full depth of the countertop offer great utility and convenience. Look for full extension drawer hardware that allows you to pull out the drawer to its maximum capacity, improving both storage and access.
Cabinet and drawer dividers: Built-in drawer dividers are great for organizing your cutlery, knives, peelers, whisks and other small items. Vertical cabinet dividers or trays are very useful for neatly stacking cutting boards, serving trays, cookie sheets, baking pans and more. Work on a design and pattern that suits your cooking style and addresses your storage needs.

Depending on your renovation budget, you could also consider other features, such as a pot-filler, a warming drawer, a dedicated coffee bar, and ‘hidden’ appliances that blend in with your walls and cabinets. While some enhancements may be desirable, others may be necessary due to restrictive space or aging-in-place requirements.

CALL SANTA CLARA VALLEY REMODELING EXPERTS FOR FABULOUS KITCHEN MAKEOVERS

At California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers, we love to redesign kitchens and enhance their appeal and functionality. Our innovative concepts and unparalleled workmanship will help you achieve the cook space of your dreams. We offer complete design and installation services, and deliver within the agreed timelines and budget.

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

Call CBKR, your kitchen remodeling contractor at 408-360-9700 or contact us online to schedule an in-home consultation. We can discuss the basic kitchen remodeling necessities you require, to ensure a stunning makeover.

5 Kitchen Renovation Projects to Increase Home Sale Value

Written by Susan Cho on April 22, 2019. Posted in Blog, Kitchen Remodeling.

CONSIDER THESE TOP 5 KITCHEN RENOVATION IDEAS TO GET MAXIMUM VALUE FOR YOUR HOME SALE

Getting ready to list your home on the market? Is it ready to impress and fetch you top dollar? Kitchen renovations are known to increase the value of a home for sale. While you declutter the rooms, refresh the walls and dress up your home for showings, consider these smart makeovers that will make potential buyers fall in love.

KITCHEN RENOVATION PROJECTS THAT INFLUENCE YOUR HOME SALE VALUE

From seasoned hosts and avid cooks, to busy families and empty nesters, you may attract a range of potential buyers with different tastes. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, even minor tweaks or modifications in this space are likely to fetch you high returns on your investment. However, any makeovers before listing your home on the market will depend on the size of your kitchen and the budget available for upgrades.

Here’s a look at 5 different scenarios for kitchen renovation projects that will stretch your dollar and maximize your home sale value.

For a healthy budget: A recent study suggests that certain features, such as a chef’s kitchen, a farmhouse sink, or a Carrara marble countertop will fetch up to 20% more in your home sale value. Besides, who wouldn’t like a chef’s kitchen? If you have a healthy budget, go for a complete transformation. In addition to changing the cabinetry, installing new countertops and backsplash, redoing the flooring, and painting the walls, you can also consider:

Installing high-end appliances with smart features and controls
Adding a pot-filler, a wine fridge and an additional oven
Upgrading to a farmhouse sink, or a double sink with stylish faucets

For a conservative budget: If your priority is saving up for your next home, you can limit renovations to a few upgrades and modifications:

Paint or refinish the cabinets and swap out old hardware with modern pieces
Add under-cabinet lighting
Replace the existing light fixtures with updated designs
Upgrade the backsplash and countertops

For a tight budget: If your pre-home-sale renovation project is on a shoestring budget, you can:

Give your kitchen walls a fresh coat of paint
Paint or stain the cabinets
Add small potted plants or a hanging basket near the window
Declutter the countertops and create as much workspace as possible (a key feature that most potential buyers desire)

For compact kitchens: In a smaller home, your kitchen may also be quite compact. Create an illusion of space and ensure that the kitchen offers maximum functionality. Consider these renovation ideas:

Expand your countertop for additional workspace and seating, while eliminating the eat-in dining table and chairs
Extend cabinets up to the ceiling to increase storage
Add ample lighting and choose lighter shades of paint
Incorporate smart storage ideas in your cabinetry and island

For large kitchens: Optimize the available square footage with practical, family-friendly solutions. Look at incorporating functional elements, such as:

A breakfast nook with comfortable bench seating
A large island that makes a statement and serves as additional workspace
A dedicated wall or section within the kitchen for growing fresh herbs
Update your kitchen furniture to suit your home’s style—classic, contemporary or rustic

NAIL YOUR MAKEOVER WITH SANTA CLARA VALLEY KITCHEN RENOVATION EXPERTS

At California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers, we are passionate about re-designing kitchens and installing smart solutions that offer attractive, functional spaces. Invest in our creative ideas, skilled workmanship and quality finishes to earn top dollar on your home sale. We are respectful of timelines and budgets and aim for your complete satisfaction.

Since 1994, we have served happy homeowners across Santa Clara Valley, including in Willow Glen, San Jose, Almaden, Cambrian, Santa Clara, Los Gatos and Los Altos Hills, CA. Read these testimonials to understand our commitment to customer service.

Call CBKR, your kitchen remodeling contractor at 408-360-9700 or contact us online to schedule an in-home consultation. We can discuss a range of kitchen renovation ideas to stretch your dollar and maximize your home sale value.

Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Serving Santa Clara Valley • 408.360.9700