Tag: kitchen remodeling

Custom Kitchen Remodeling for Large Families

Written by Susan Cho on September 21, 2019. Posted in Blog, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling.

HOW TO GO ABOUT KITCHEN REMODELING FOR LARGER FAMILIES

EXPERT ADVICE FROM TRUSTED RENOVATION CONTRACTORS

Renovating the heart of your home? Whether you have a family with little ones, teens, adults, seniors or pets, you want a chic, modern, multifunctional space that accommodates everyone’s needs. Check out our creative kitchen remodeling tips for larger families.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR DESIGNING A FAMILY KITCHEN

List your needs: Before browsing through designs, determine how you will use the space. Think about whether your kids do homework in the kitchen. Is this where the family has dinner together? Are you planning to entertain here? Do your pets sleep in the kitchen? The answers to these questions will help you come up with a suitable renovation plan. If you have older family members or a loved one with disabilities, selecting an accessible design is critical to their comfort and safety.

Choose a simple layout: Having many people in the kitchen at the same time means they need plenty of room to get around, especially the little ones, seniors and any family members with disabilities. Ensure that your kitchen has a simple layout and plenty of walking space so that family members will not be bumping into each other or the furniture. If you have the square footage and need to accommodate multiple cooks, consider two work triangles.
Include an island: It gives you more work space and can double up as an eating area too. Consider extending one section like a table (with chairs or stools) to accommodate family meals or kids’ homework and crafts rather than the traditional model with storage. This eliminates the need for a separate dining table, saves space and looks more stylish.
Plan for plenty of storage: You can never have enough storage in a kitchen. Appliances, gadgets and utensils aside, you should also plan for drawers or open shelving for knickknacks like homework items, a few books, craft basket and the daily mail. A combination of pull-out drawers, cabinets and open shelving for small appliances, plants or displaying family heirlooms and souvenirs is ideal.Consider installing hooks for hanging pans and mugs. They will take up less space than stacking them in drawers or a cabinet. Design storage for convenience so that items you use frequently are within easy reach. Put items you rarely need at the top of the pantry or upper cabinets. The idea is to keep your counters free for preparing food or working and just a few display items on top. Add a chalk or magnetic board where you can leave reminder notes for each other, a shopping list, instructions or interesting reads.
Select low maintenance materials: Heat, scratch and stain resistant countertops last longer and are easier to clean. Granite is popular, but Corian, quartz and stainless steel are equally good choices. These materials are suitable for the backsplash too. Choose flooring you can mop easily and has no or few grout lines. Natural stone, ceramic and laminate flooring is easier to maintain than hardwood. Ask your kitchen designer about your options. There are many budget friendly choices available, but don’t compromise on quality.
Open it up: Merging your kitchen with an adjacent family or dining room gives you more space. It’s also more convenient for everyone to hang out together. You can catch the news or your favorite television show while cooking

CALL SANTA CLARA VALLEY’S KITCHEN EXPERTS FOR A SATISFYING REMODEL

At California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers, we love designing and installing luxurious spaces for your family. Our creative ideas and quality craftsmanship enhance the value of your home. We are committed to securing your complete satisfaction.

Since 1994, we have served homeowners across the Santa Clara Valley, including in Willow Glen, San Jose, Almaden, Cambrian, Santa Clara, Los Gatos and Los Altos Hills, CA. Read these testimonials from our customers who truly appreciate the quality of our work and customer service.

Call CBKR, your bathroom remodeling design and construction contractor at 408-360-9700 or contact us online to schedule an in-home consultation. We can discuss more ideas for kitchen remodeling for larger families.

Designing a Custom Kitchen for Smaller Homes

Written by Susan Cho on February 14, 2019. Posted in Blog, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling.

PROVEN TIPS TO DESIGN KITCHENS FOR SMALLER HOMES

SMART SOLUTIONS FROM EXPERIENCED REMODELING CONTRACTORS

You might have a small, cozy kitchen, but you can make the most of it. Knowing how to maximize your counter space and storage area with a stylish, space-saving design can be useful. With smart planning and a few creative ideas, the heart of your home can be attractive and functional. Before you begin remodeling, read these expert tips on designing a kitchen for smaller homes.

SMALL KITCHEN DESIGN IDEAS

Creating the right layout with stylish features and fixtures requires a fine balance of function and aesthetics. Here are some ideas to make your small kitchen feel big, bright and beautiful.

Prioritize your wish list: With space at a premium, it may not be possible to have everything you desire in your kitchen. It helps to prioritize what you really want now, over the bells and whistles you can upgrade to in the future.
Revise the floor plan: Knocking down a wall or two can give you more room. Consider an open-concept kitchen that expands into the dining area or even your living room. Do you really need that laundry room? How about installing a stacked washer and dryer into an unused corner? Tightening up the kitchen triangle. (the space between the stove, sink and refrigerator) can also add space. If possible, install a corner sink and expand counter space on either side. Check your doors; replacing a swing out door with a pocket door might allow you to reclaim some square footage.
Ditch the island: It takes up a lot of room and is not always as useful as we think it is. To use your counters as working and eating areas, extend the countertop outward a little and be creative with seating. Use folding stools or chairs that can be stacked away when not in use.
Consider floor to ceiling cabinetry: It will give you more shelving and storage space. Add glass doors to give the room an open feel. Make use of cabinet doors by installing hooks or racks to store pans, lids, cooking and measuring spoons, foil, plastic wrap, etc. Store utensils by type so that they are easy to find. Mugs and cups take up a lot of space; use hooks under open shelving to hang them.
Use smaller appliances: They save space and will also not seem out of proportion. Combination appliances like a convection microwave oven can eliminate the need for separate appliances. An induction cook top is also a good idea as it functions as both a stove and counter area.
Choose light colors: Dark walls and cabinets make a space look smaller, but lighter tones will make it appear bigger. Greys and whites are popular wall color choices. If you want to add a pop of color, choose a single wall or ceiling for a bold shade. If you simply love dark cabinets, balance them with a lighter backsplash. Use under cabinet lighting to brighten up the work space.
Invest in different types of lighting: This will make your kitchen look spacious. Pendant lights on a track system, LED strip lights for shelving and a chandelier scaled to your space can transform the look of your kitchen. If you have a low ceiling, decorative flushmount fixtures can give it a stylish appearance.
Opt for larger floor tiles: Small tiles add more grout lines and tend to make the room look crowded.

HIRE SANTA CLARA VALLEY’S KITCHEN SPECIALISTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL REMODEL

At California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers, we offer comprehensive design and installation services to create attractive, functional spaces. Our creative ideas and outstanding craftsmanship enhance the appeal and value of your home. Committed to quality and your complete satisfaction, we work hard to complete your small kitchen redesign within the agreed timeline and budget.

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

5 Problems to Avoid in a Kitchen Remodel

Written by Susan Cho on December 14, 2018. Posted in Blog.

MONEY-SAVING ADVICE FROM TRUSTED RENOVATION CONTRACTORS

Renovating the heart of your Santa Clara home is a big project. It’s important to plan properly and hire a trustworthy contractor for the job. If you choose your contractor based solely on price, poor quality and ill-fitting materials,delayed deliveries and shoddy workmanship can push their price way beyond the initial estimate. Here are 5 common issues you can avoid in your kitchen remodel.

DON’T MAKE THESE MISTAKES WHEN REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN

Hiring the cheapest contractor: Never choose are modeling company based on the lowest price. A really low estimate can mean poor quality and shortcuts which will cost more to fix. There may be hidden charges that will surprise you as the work progresses. Understand the type of services each contractor is offering as you compare different bids. Get a detailed scope of work and pricing to stay within your budget and avoid any nasty surprises.
Not having a remodeling plan: Having a collection of ideas that you simply string together can inflate your renovation budget and worse still, leave you with a kitchen you don’t like. Hiring a remodeling specialist spares you the pain of spending your money on the wrong upgrades.
Indecisiveness: Changing your mind about the flooring, backsplash, countertop and other fixtures once work has already begun is a costly mistake. With 3-D renderings, we can help you visualize what your kitchen design will look like and make any necessary changes at this stage.
Cutting corners on infrastructure, materials and appliances: Sacrificing quality for price is likely to cost you more in the long run. Aesthetics aside,cheap fixtures, appliances and materials are also harder to maintain and have a shorter lifespan. Also remember that your kitchen makeover is only as good as the plumbing and electrical infrastructure that support it. You may need to upgrade these first.
Underestimating project timeframe: Renovating your kitchen can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month or more, depending on the scope of work. This means you will not be able to use it during that period. Make sure you have an alternative space or plan for preparing your meals.

HIRE SANTA CLARA’S KITCHEN SPECIALISTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL REMODEL

At California Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelers, we offer complete design and retrofit services to renovate one of the most important rooms in your home. Our beautifully-designed spaces bring your family and friends together to create many memorable moments. With skilled craftsmanship and careful attention to detail, we complete your project within the specified budget and timeframe.

Since 1994, we have served homeowners across the Santa Clara Valley, including in Willow Glen, San Jose, Almaden, Cambrian, Santa Clara,Los Gatos and Los Altos Hills, CA. Read these testimonials from our customers who are happy to recommend our quality workmanship and customer service.

Call us at 408-360-9700 or contact us online to schedule an in-home consultation. We can discuss more problems to avoid in a kitchen remodel and how to get the best results.

Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Serving Santa Clara Valley • 408.360.9700