We Have Moved Locations!!!

Envison Design's new location in San Diego - storefrontWe are proud to announce that we are in the process of moving and building out our NEW showroom. It is located on the edge of Pacific Beach and La Jolla. The excitement has been building for awhile and although somewhat smaller in square footage, the new place will be excellent for servicing all of our customer’s needs. Come on by and see our work in action!

How to Decorate With Kitchen Plants

kitchen plantsKitchen plants not only add beauty to your kitchen but also increase humidity and purify the air.

So, even if it’s cold or hot out there, you can still have spring-like feel right in your kitchen.

Plants, such as aloe vera, cast iron plant, English Ivy, and white jasmine, are among the ideal options for your kitchen. Plus, they’re easy to care for.

You need to understand how to decorate your kitchen with plants. Read on to learn more.

1. Use Tall Plants in Corners

In your kitchen corners, plants, such as African spear plant and aloe vera can help set the ambiance for the room. When using aloe vera, be sure to remove the spines along the edges.

Consider using sizable planters for these plants to support their weight and roots. Dwarf citrus trees are also great choices for corners. They’re especially ideal if you have a sunny kitchen.

Tall and slim plants add a visual raise to your kitchen ceiling. You can also place them near your kitchen windows.

2. Consider Your Kitchen Windowsill

Here, you can use several pots or single wide planter that fits on your ledge. Ensure your pots and planters have enough drainage with quality soil.

There are various plants you can grow on your windowsills. These include chives, thyme, oregano, lemon balm, chervil, mint, and sage. Your choice of plants may also depend on the level of sun exposure on your ledge.

Some people may also want to grow green onions and garlic or other vegetables.

3. Countertop Kitchen Garden

A low, flat pot is the ideal choice to use in adding kitchen plants to your countertop. Alternatively, you can place cans on a large saucer or tray.

This spot requires plants with short roots. These include options such as parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. You’ll need to place the basil plants in large cans. Then other smaller herbs can go into smaller cans.

For a natural feel, add pebbles to the tray or source.

4. Be Creative with a Hanging Garden

A hanging garden is great if you want to have fresh herbs for cooking right in your kitchen. You can simply make a vertical garden using boards and ropes, and hang it on your wall. Each board will have several holes where you’ll place the pots.

You can use white or brown pots depending on the look you want for your kitchen. Spider plant, Chinese evergreen, and white jasmine are some great plants to add to your kitchen countertop. Or, you can just grow herbs that you love having nearby.

Kitchen Plants – The Bottom Line

If you want to make your kitchen vibrant and natural, decorating it with plants is one of the ways to attain your desired look. You can grow your own herbs that you can use to cook while also sprucing up your kitchen’s look.

Pay attention to the size and arrangement of the kitchen plants when making your gardens. The size of your kitchen also matters, especially when you want to add hanging gardens and wall planters. Ensure your plants and tools match your design and kitchen colors.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

6 Small Kitchen Design Tips for a Tight Space

small kitchen design

A small kitchen can mean nightmares for the design lover who envisions cooking and eating in a perfect, Pinterest-worthy space. It might seem like an impossible task to create a dreamy kitchen in such a limited space.

A tight space doesn’t have to be an obstacle to your creative design ideas. Certain tricks can allow you to create a beautiful kitchen space within the boundaries of a tiny floor plan.

So exactly can you turn your small space into a functional and swoon-worthy kitchen?

We’ve created a guide of six small kitchen design tips to allow you to build the kitchen of your dreams that works with its limited square footage.

Cabinetry Break Up

Sometimes a kitchen can look smaller because of bulky cabinetry that takes up most of the space. Replacing this cabinetry with other elements like open shelves or glass doors on the cabinets themselves.

This can make your space not only feel bigger but add a bit of uniqueness to the design of the kitchen.

Add a Multipurpose Table

If your counter space doesn’t lend itself to much room for cooking prep, you can kill two birds with one stone by installing a table that can double as an eating space and a prep space.

If there is room in the center of the kitchen, it could be an island with seating and prep tools. If you have a black wall in your kitchen, building a floating table on that wall can create the same effect.

Elongate the Walls

If you don’t have much width to work with in regards to your kitchen, use its height instead. Store things higher up and make the walls look taller.

This can give off the illusion of a bigger space and adds functionality to the walls themselves.

Kitchen Lighting

Lighting is key to making your space unique, larger and functional. The brighter your space is, the bigger it will feel because it highlights all areas.

Hanging lights over your cabinets or the sink can be excellent ways of doing highlight your small kitchen design.

A Pot Rack

Arguably the items that take up the most space in your kitchen are your pots and pans. Allow these bulky items to hang off of a pot rack instead of stacked in your cabinets to free up space and allow for a less cluttered look.

You can use the essentials of your kitchen to add to its distinctive design, and a pot rack is a perfect example of this.

The Design is in the Details

An important thing to remember is that the majority of good design lies in the details of the smaller things. You don’t need a lot of space to design a beautiful kitchen, you just need to pay attention to the smaller things.

Things like cabinet hardware, items on the countertop, congruent color palettes and even window panes can all contribute to creating a stylish and Pinterest worthy kitchen.

Small Kitchen Design

It’s not just large spacious kitchens that get to benefit from the joys of beautiful design. Smaller spaces too can benefit from small kitchen design tips and look just a stunning.

Don’t allow your hopes of preparing and serving meals in the kitchen of your dreams be dashed by a limited floor plan.

To discover more design tips for your home, check out our blog.

How to Create a Kitchen Remodel Budget

kitchen remodel budget

The average kitchen remodels can cost anywhere between $4,000 to $55,000. The national average hovers around $22,000 but varies by state.

With a price gap like that, having a kitchen remodel budget will save you time and money. But how do you stay on your budget?

It all begins by asking yourself some questions.

How Much Are You Willing to Spend?

Before creating a serious kitchen remodeling budget you need to ask yourself, how much am I willing to spend on this?

If you are remodeling as a way to increase the value of your home before selling it, don’t spend too much. You are not likely to get back as much as you put in.

If your plan is to live in your home for five or more years, putting a little extra money into your project will give you more satisfaction in the long run.

Once you know a ballpark range of what your price cap is you can start doing research on budgeting.

Creating a Kitchen Remodel Budget

The cost of your kitchen remodel depends on you and what your vision is.

When creating your budget you should keep in mind that there is a general percentage of each budget that will go into specific remodeling costs.

New cabinets range between 30-35 percent of any budget and it’s usual for labor to take up about 20 percent when hiring a contractor.

Factoring in those costs means doing your research for the exact style, color, size, and shape of the materials you want to use.

Being decisive on what you want before you start the project will keep you within your budget.

Keep in mind, part of your budget will also have to include eating out and lodging if you don’t want to stay in your home during the remodel.

Don’t forget the inevitable surprise. Leave a couple thousand dollars to spare in case your contractor runs into any surprise water damage or bad wiring.

Keeping Costs Down

If you start to notice yourself going over budget while planning, take a step back and prioritize what you need.

New light fixtures, crown molding, and other decorative pieces are a good place to start cutting costs.

If you wanted to rearrange the kitchen consider moving the fridge to a new spot but try to keep your plumbing and gas lines intact. The cost of rerouting them can skyrocket your budget.

If you feel comfortable doing some of the labor yourself, you can always rip up flooring or research cabinet removal, this will take some labor costs off your contractor’s bill.

Starting the Remodel

When your kitchen remodel budget is complete, you know what your cap is, and have a vision of what you want it’s time to bring in the professionals.

Contractors can design a kitchen within your budget when they know for sure what you want.

Every reputable contractor will give you a break down of the costs before starting, with the exception of finding water leaks, etc.

If you want to take a look at some kitchen layout ideas or have more questions on kitchen remodels visit our showroom!

Why a Kitchen Remodel Should Be Your Priority

kitchen remodel

Your kitchen is more like the living room in your house than your actual living room, but you hate it. We get it. Not every house has a kitchen you’re proud to hang out in.

That’s why you need to spend some money on a kitchen remodel. You’ll get money back on your investment and even save the earth, little by little.

Get the details below.

Reduces Energy and Improves Sustainability

If you’re thinking about redoing your kitchen, it probably wasn’t recent when you moved in. Even if the appliances are only from ten years ago, we’ve made big strides in technology since then.

Newer kitchen appliances are more efficient about how they use electricity and they use less than older models.

For example, a dishwasher from 2013 would take longer (and use more electricity longer) than an updated one.

You’re probably considering the cost of a kitchen remodel. You can spend any amount refreshing your kitchen from $500 to $20,000.

Whatever your budget, you want to know the ROI, right?

When you use less electricity and things are more efficient, your power bills go down.

This also reduces your carbon footprint and uses fewer resources from the earth.

Improves Function

You’re in your kitchen a lot. Not only cooking but doing homework at the counter, talking to friends, leaning on the counters, etc.

You need it to be a space that works for you. Is there room for your kids? Can you see them playing with a simple back glance when you’re at the sink?

Those are relevant reasons to do a kitchen remodel. You spent money on this house, you live in it, and you deserve to have the ease of life you need.

It also improves the way you cook, even if you’re not master chef level. What kind of counter-space do you currently have access to?

Being able to prep different parts of a meal at one time cuts down on cook time significantly.

It Sells Better

Yes, updated kitchens are a selling point to potential buyers. Like you, they have reservations about redoing a kitchen.

You having done it for them is a load off their back. People pay for convenience more than they pay the best of this or the best of that.

The official numbers (and it depends on your home’s value) are around seventy percent ROI on what you spent.

So if you spent $10,000 redoing your kitchen, you could get $7,000 more on your asking price. Does that three thousand dollar kitchen seem more worth it now?

Even doing small replacements, like a new oven and microwave but not a new fridge has selling potential. Those appliances are costly and showing that you’ve put in the effort for the next owners keeps your house on the top choices list.

Your Kitchen Remodel

If you’ve decided that you need a kitchen remodel, great! Your next step is to get some inspiration.

What needs to change? Make a list and then make a budget.

Need some inspiration sources? We’ve got tons on our design site. Check it out here.

How to Choose the Best Kitchen Flooring for Your Renovation

best kitchen flooring

If you’re considering ways to improve the look and function of your kitchen, installing new flooring could be the perfect solution. Certain kitchen upgrades have the potential to return the most value if you ever resell your home, and in the meantime, you can enjoy the updated look of your kitchen.

There are lots of types of flooring for kitchens to choose from, and you want to be sure that you’re selecting the right one for you and your family. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and you want the look of it to reflect your unique sense of style.

Because there are so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Below, we’re reviewing some of the best kitchen flooring options for you to consider. Read on to learn more!

1. Tile

Tile is one of the most classic kitchen flooring ideas because it can be used to create so many different kinds of looks, depending on the color or pattern you choose to create.

If you want your kitchen to bring to mind a classic diner, you can use a pattern of black and white tile to create that look. If you have a more European-influenced style, there’s a tile look for that too.

Besides the aesthetic, tile is also incredibly durable, which makes it a great choice for families. If your kitchen gets a lot of foot traffic and is always bustling, tile is easy to clean as well.

2. Wood

If you have hardwood floors in other areas of your home, you may want to consider extending it into the kitchen. It can easily make your home feel cleaner and more streamlined overall.

Hardwood also feels great underfoot and is ideal if you want your kitchen to feel like a warm and cozy gathering place. Hardwood comes in many different colors and finishes too, so you can pick a variety that will complement other aspects of your kitchen, like your countertops and cabinets.

3. Laminate

If you like the look of wood flooring but aren’t ready to commit to the real thing, laminate could be one of the best flooring options for you to consider. With laminate, you can create the look of a wood floor, but with material that is more affordable.

Laminate is also easy to clean and water resistant, so if you’re trying to get the most out of your budget, it could be a great option.

Ready to Select the Best Kitchen Flooring for Your Home?

Whenever you’re making renovations or upgrades to your home, it’s an opportunity for you to create a new look that matches your personal style. The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in any home, and it should reflect you and what you love.

The best kitchen flooring for your home will be a combination of a number of things, including the look you love, the amount of use it will get, and the budget you have to spend. Consider all those factors and you’ll be able to make the right decision.

To start your kitchen upgrade, please visit us at any time.

5 Easy Kitchen Updates to Improve Your Space

easy kitchen updates

Updating your kitchen has the power to completely transform your cooking space.

As if that weren’t reason enough for a change, a quick kitchen update can net you a whopping 92.9 percent return on investment if you’re looking to sell.

Here are five easy kitchen updates to give your kitchen a gorgeous new makeover.

1. Paint Your Cabinets

Painting your cabinets is one of the most cost-effective kitchen updates you can make.

One gallon of paint should last around 400 square feet, so you won’t need more than a few gallons to paint each cabinet.

A quick word of warning, however, make sure to prime your cabinets if they’re wooden. Adding a fresh coat of primer gives them a chic, glossy look and helps the paint stay fresh and vibrant.

2. Gift Yourself An Island Getaway

Alright, so you won’t really be going anywhere, but adding an island to your kitchen can make you feel like you’re in an entirely different home.

First, many realtors note that buyers love homes with kitchen islands. So if you’re looking to sell, adding one to your home can net you a few additional thousand dollars.

Of course, aesthetic is a great reason in and of itself. There’s no arguing that kitchen islands look great, especially with marble countertops.

Finally, adding a kitchen island can grant you additional space. Whether you install a sink, a small stove, or even just a few cabinets, an island packs a lot of utility in a relatively small space.

3. Better Lighting

How nice would it be to enjoy a romantic dinner at home? Better yet, how nice would it be to save money on your energy bill?

If either scenario sounds like your cup of tea, changing your kitchen’s lighting may be the update for you.

USA Today estimates that switching to LED bulbs or smart lighting fixtures can save you about $1,000 over a 10-year period. By adding dimmers and LED bulbs, you’ll save money while creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.

4. Add A Backsplash

Tile backsplashes are all the rage these days, and they’re surprisingly easy to install.

All you need is a few feet of tile (which you can pick up for a few dollars at your local home improvement store), tile adhesive, a measuring tool, and a bit of time.

And with tons of different designs to choose from, you can customize your backsplash to your liking.

5. Fresh Countertops

Countertops are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. Throughout the years, most kitchen countertops take quite a bit of wear and tear and gradually begin to show damage.

Best of all, there’s a countertop material for every style and budget. Whether you enjoy sophisticated soapstone or you prefer a classic granite look, there’s undoubtedly a type of counter that fits your needs.

Incorporate These Easy Kitchen Updates To Breathe New Life Into Your Home

If you’re looking for fresh new ideas, be sure to consider these five easy kitchen updates. Soon, your kitchen will look so beautiful that you’ll never want to go to a restaurant again!

If you’re interested in remodeling your kitchen, be sure to get in touch. And before you call, check out our photo gallery for more great ideas and to see our work firsthand.

How to Choose Between the Most Sustainable Kitchen Countertops

kitchen countertops

When it comes to renovating your kitchen, new countertops can bring a fresh, polished look. But are you considering the most eco-friendly options for your project?

Our carbon footprint is becoming more and more important to consider. In fact, carbon dioxide emissions have risen by 1.4% this year alone, after remaining unchanged for the previous 3 years.

Luckily, there are sustainable kitchen countertops to suit any design goals. Read on for some of our ideas on the most reliable, eco-friendly options for your next renovation project.

Types of Stone Kitchen Countertops

One of the keys to sustainability is durability. By choosing building materials that last, you are not only preventing the demand for future materials, but also saving the space that old material would take up in a landfill.

Fewer countertop replacements will mean less waste. Here are some of our favorite materials to make up a stylish, eco-friendly, and sustainable countertop collection.

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops add natural visual appeal and offer extreme hardiness and durability. However, this material is prone to scratches and staining; therefore, special care and extra steps for maintenance must be taken, including regular resealing about once a year.

Travertine Countertops

Another of the popular types of stone countertops is travertine, which can add a beautiful and classic finish to your kitchen. Like all types of stone countertops, travertine offers extreme durability and are lower maintenance than granite countertops. Its surface resists heat and cuts, but proper sealing and maintenance are still recommended.

Quartz Countertops

The most indestructible of all types of stone countertops, quartz countertops are the prime choice if you want an attractive, polished look with virtually no special maintenance required.

Quartz countertops are also a winner in the sustainable production category: for example, Cambria Quartz is produced in the US, which means fewer fossil fuels were used to get the materials here.

Recycled Countertops

While the above types of stone countertops offer durability, the use of natural stone does deplete some of the Earth’s resources. Even if they are engineered stone countertops, these can still require mechanical processes that aren’t so eco-friendly.

To take your kitchen countertops to the next level of sustainability, try shopping for recycled countertops such as paper composite, recycled glass, or reclaimed wood.

Cork countertops can be another eco-friendly option for your kitchen. Not only is cork a highly renewable and sustainable natural resource, it also helps the communities that export it.

For instance, Portugal produces most of the world’s cork supply by continuously harvesting it from oak trees. The dependable revenue generated by the exporting of this material helps the communities support a better way of life.

Final Thoughts on Kitchen Countertops

Renovating your kitchen countertops can bring a beautiful, updated look to your kitchen. With all the types of kitchen countertops available today, it’s important to consider environmental impact when making your selection.

For more kitchen renovation project ideas, check out our post on 5 Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid.

Our experts are here to help you create the most out of your kitchen renovation. Get in touch with us today to make your design plans a reality.

5 Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

kitchen renovation

Dreaming of updating your kitchen? A kitchen renovation can be a great way to make your kitchen better fit your needs, increase the value of your home, and update your space.

But there are also plenty of mistakes that can hinder your project and cost you money.

Keep reading to learn 5 of the most common kitchen renovation mistakes to avoid.

1. Not Setting a Budget

Perhaps the biggest mistake that you can make when starting on some kitchen renovations is to not set a budget.

Just 4 percent of all kitchen renovations in the U.S. cost less than $5,000. Another 17 percent cost between $5,000 and $15,000. A whopping 30 percent cost between $25,000 and $50,000.

Setting your budget, regardless of how little or how much it is, will help you better create your kitchen remodeling plan. You can use this plan to figure out which upgrades you can afford and what areas you’re better off skimping on.

2. Ripping Out All of the Old Items

When you’re thinking about how to remodel kitchens, you might think that all new cabinets, appliances, and tile are the way to go.

But if you’re on a tight budget for your remodel, you might not have that option. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to kitchen redo ideas that repurpose old items into new.

Tile can be scrubbed clean and you can change the color of the grout without replacing it. Cabinets can be painted. Old countertops can be resurfaced.

Any of these projects can help to spruce up your kitchen without costing you a fortune. So before you start ripping out your old cabinets or tile, stop and consider whether it’s in the budget.

3. Going Too Trendy

It can be tempting to jump on the latest design trends. From boldly painted cabinets to rose gold sink fixtures, there are tons of trends that are very in right now.

But before you plan your kitchen remodel around one or more of them, think twice about how long that trend will remain popular.

Classic designs will stand the test of time, keeping you from having to undergo another costly renovation only a few years later.

4. Overspending on the Decorative Details

Like jumping on trendy designs, overspending on details, like knobs or tile, can leave you with little money left for important items.

You can easily get the same great look and durability with inexpensive tile for your backsplash or cheaper drawer pulls. Saving on the smaller details will give you more money to splurge on items that you’ll get more use out of, like your sink or fridge.

5. Taking on Too Much on Your Own

If you’re only making minor changes, a DIY kitchen remodel can be a great way to save some cash.

But if you’re taking on any major projects, like changing your layout, replacing cabinets, or tiling your floors, its best to call an expert.

Trying to take on too much on your can end up costing you more in the long run. You’ll use more materials, may make mistakes, and will likely spend far longer than you want to on your remodel.

Avoiding Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes

When it comes to taking on a kitchen renovation of any size, avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and stress.

Whether you’re redoing your whole kitchen or just considering a few small projects to freshen up the heart of your home, we can help. Visit our showroom to find out how we can help you design the kitchen of your dreams.

5 Popular Kitchen Trends in San Diego

kitchen trends

Sunny San Diego, California is known for beaches, sunshine, culture, openness, architecture and more. Though one thing most people don’t associate with San Diego is kitchens. Yes, kitchens. Part of our area’s iconic architecture includes the place that keeps us all from going hungry.

So let’s talk a little more about San Diego kitchens. They’re trendy, and if you haven’t already you should start taking notice. Updating your kitchen based on San Diego kitchen trends can take your home to the next level.

If you’re ready to give your kitchen a modern look, we’re breaking down the top five popular kitchen trends.

Kitchen Trends 101

What’s hot and what’s not changes quickly. That’s why our trends keep in mind not only what’s in style, but also functionality. You don’t want to get stuck with a kitchen that looks nice but isn’t actually any good for cooking.

As far as San Diego centric trends, we’re ahead of the curve when it comes to style. Plus, we have the added benefit of year-round warmth that allows unique home designs that don’t work in colder climates.

Let’s break down our San Diego-centric designs.

Reclaimed Wood

San Diego loves the environment, and we strive to keep our planet healthy. This means opposing the needless destruction of our forests. We like to keep it green in any way we can. So, we’ve turned to reclaimed wood to make our kitchens new without harming the planet.

Unfortunately, cut wood is already cut. But we can make a difference by using only reclaimed wood. It’s versatile enough to use on every part of the kitchen, and that’s exactly the new strategy.

Design experts are using reclaimed wood for everything from islands to shelves to cabinets. The used wood gives a vintage look that’s in style right now for everything from clothes to cabinets.

Islands

Kitchen islands promote an open-air feel that’s excellent in warm climates like San Diego. The central island promotes an open-air feel that works well with our warm ocean breezes. Plus, islands are prime candidates for reclaimed wood!

A kitchen island provides an excellent central gathering place in the kitchen, as well as making an appealing centerpiece. Islands also provide extra kitchen space for appliances and cooking.

They’re great for customization as you can design an island as large or as small as you’d like. Islands make sure the rest of your kitchen can really shine.

Industrial Kitchens

The younger generation likes to cook, and they also like to set trends. It’s no surprise then that among kitchen trends the industrial look is grabbing hold. Industrial appliances make cooking easier and faster than ever before.

Metal appliances combined with darker colored cabinets and countertops make normal kitchens look for at home in a restaurant. The sleek look helps hide dirt and also compliments kitchen islands excellently.

Hardware

Hardware refers to your kitchen knobs, pulls, plumbing, and other fixtures. The big thing here is upscale hardware. While never the centerpiece, hardware has a subtle effect on your kitchen’s overall look.

Shoddy hardware isn’t noticeable, but it keeps your kitchen from looking its best. It’s like wearing a necklace. It’s probably not the centerpiece of your outfit, but it helps accentuate what’s already there.

Remodeling Your Kitchen the Right Way

Taking advantage of the latest kitchen trends means remodeling your kitchen to have it looking as good as possible. And, remodeling means finding a high-quality design team.

As it happens, our design team has years of experience bringing to life the latest kitchen trends. If you’re looking to remarked your kitchen, get in contact with us today.