Archives for May 2017

Researchers have found that 60% of our response to a room is based on color alone! This makes picking the right kitchen wall colors essential. However, there are so many colors and shade variations that people find this task challenging.

Are you struggling to find the right color scheme to improve your kitchen? This guide will help you get started on painting your San Diego home.

Take The Room Into Account

With kitchens, it’s important to take the entire room into account. Your cabinet, countertops, flooring, and appliances should all be considered before deciding on the right kitchen wall colors. It’s essential that the color blends and flows with the whole room.

Painted cabinets will drive the color scheme of your kitchen. There should be a visual contrast between the cabinets and the walls. For example, if you have dark cabinets a lighter paint color on the walls is recommended.

Many kitchens have reflective stainless steel appliances. This can make colors bolder and brighter. This feature makes deep and saturated reds or yellows a great choice for your walls.

Quartz countertops are very popular and can help with choosing the right color. You shouldn’t try to match the counter’s dominant color. Instead, choose a color in the stone that you’d like to highlight and choose it’s opposite on the color wheel to compliment it.

A lot of people are opting for cork floors. That’s because they can create a soothing atmosphere with the right wall colors. Choose a paint that is contemporary and crisp to give off softer and warmer tones.

Take Your Mood Into Account

Colors have a great impact on our psychological state. When choosing the right colors you need to consider if you want the room to be restful, intimate, sociable, formal, or energetic.

To create a restful and quiet atmosphere in your kitchen soft, cool colors and neutrals are recommended. Mixing two or more related medium-light pastel colors can also help to brighten up a kitchen. However, if you’re going for a more dynamic atmosphere you should aim for stronger colors.

Bright, warm colors that contrast helps to make kitchens more sociable. This is great for people who often host meals in their home. For a more formal ambiance, deep blue-greens or neutrals are recommended.

Take Lighting Into Account

Light can dramatically change the presentation of color in your rooms.

Intense outside light could make strong colors too overpowering when used on all the walls. Artificial light can also change how colors appear in your kitchen.

Reflective surfaces can also change the impact a color has in your room. Dark and rough surfaces diminish the amount of light. Pale and smooth surfaces reflect light which could make strong colors too bright.

Light variations make it essential to test colors using samples. You can also use poster boards or apply a color to a single wall to see how it would look.

Choose Your Kitchen Wall Colors

Choosing the right kitchen wall colors can be a challenge due to a variety of elements that you need to take into consideration. The room’s appliances, mood, and lighting all need to be taken into account.

For help with choosing the wall colors that are right for you, contact us.

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It comes as no surprise that kitchen remodeling is frequent among homeowners.

However, the process can be expensive and difficult to manage.

How do you know if your budget’s realistic? And how do you avoid surprising kitchen remodel costs?

The key is planning ahead!

In this post, we’re sharing our favorite tips for figuring out your new kitchen cost.

What are you looking for?

This is the most important question to consider before getting to the nitty-gritty of designing your kitchen.

How do you want your kitchen to look, feel and function overall?

Remember, remodeling doesn’t necessarily mean that everything has to be replaced. Appliances and cabinets can be refaced or refinished to save time and money.

New Kitchen Size and Cost

For smaller kitchens and condos, you’ll have less flexibility to remodel due to space. The cost of remodeling these tends to lie between the $5,000 and $15,000 range depending on the installations and upgrades you make.

This $5,000 and $15,000 budget range can also be used for the basic upgrade of larger kitchens. Upgrades may include new cabinet knobs, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, paint and other DIY projects.

You may also consider replacing the appliances, painting the cabinets, installing new countertops or a tiled backsplash or even some green renovations. With this budget, the kitchen layout will largely remain the same.

Remember that DIY projects can save you time and money. Expect to do be doing a lot of the work yourself using this price range.

A $15,000 to $35,000 budget allows more work to be delegated to the professionals. Projects that allow for this new kitchen budget include:

• Installing stone, wood or metal countertops
• Installing custom cabinets
• A kitchen island
• Installing high-end kitchen appliances
• Adding lighting and rewiring
• Floor replacement

A $35,000 budget or above gives you a lot more room to play with.

You will want to consider hiring an architect if you’re looking at the $50,000 mark, as new kitchen projects of this size typically require a design professional to ensure you are using the space efficiently.

Consider the following when remodeling with this budget:

• A new layout of the kitchen space
• Nearby rooms
• Opening walls up to adjacent spaces
• Installing high-end appliances
• Installing granite countertops
• Installing a new sink and faucet
• Having custom cabinets built in
• Additional overhead lighting
• Hardwood flooring

The costs provided here may vary depending on your location. In larger, metropolitan areas new kitchen costs tend to be more expensive, but are less dear in smaller towns and rural areas.

New Kitchen Cost: Final Thoughts

Working out the new kitchen cost involves weighing different factors – the most important being budget and longevity.

Bearing these factors in mind will help you to remodel a kitchen that will last, and raise the value of your property.

Remember, remodeling your new kitchen can be an enjoyable experience, but good planning and patience will help with the process.

Work within your budget, and take your time when making remodeling decisions, to ensure you are happy with the end result.

You’ve put it off long enough: with holidays well behind us and summer looming, it’s finally time to start planning that kitchen remodeling project.

Maybe you don’t love the kitchen layout that your house builder installed a few years ago, or perhaps your home is an older one and simply needs a fresh look.

Whatever the case, there are several hot updates that you can’t overlook when you do begin planning those Pinterest-worthy kitchen upgrades.

1. Incorporate creative lighting into your kitchen upgrades

One of the quickest ways to upgrade any room, new lighting fixtures can improve the vibe of a kitchen instantly.

Go vintage with a faux-crystal chandelier, or fun and futuristic with LED recessed can lights.

Under-cabinet lighting is intimate and can be used for better visibility while meal-prepping.

And who says lighting should only be white? Swap in colored bulbs for a pop of fun in your kitchen upgrade.

2. Install new countertops

The options go so far beyond granite: think concrete (reminiscent of your favorite craft brewhouse) or butcher block (stylish and functional!)

Stainless steel or other metallic surfaces are an option, too, for your kitchen upgrades: easy cleaning and non-porous. Perfect for your little aspiring chefs in the house.

3. Get colorful with a decorative backsplash

Black or white subway tile is hot right now, but everyone still loves the classics like glass mosaic or multi-colored stone. Copper would be an eye-catcher, too.

Want to make that kitchen remodel really special?

Create custom tiles with your kids – think hand prints, initials, etc, and incorporate those tiles into the new look.

We promise: doing dishes won’t be so bad when your eyes fall on those little fingerprints above the sink.

4. Upgraded cabinets = instant kitchen upgrade

Cabinets are one of the first things your guests will see when you invite them over for that dinner party. Don’t disappoint!

To give your existing cabinets a fresh look, a simple paint job can do the trick.

You can also install brand new cabinets as part of your kitchen remodel, opting for the dark espresso look loved in so many newer homes, or glass-fronted cabinet doors. Might as well show off those fancy blue dishes from Crate & Barrel, right?

For the farmhouse look, consider removing a set of cabinets and replacing with rustic, re-purposed wood shelves. Your white porcelain dishes will complete the look: clean, functional, and cozy.

And don’t forget to swap out that burnished hardware for something clean and new. Cabinet pulls, door knobs, etc. should all tie into your new look.

5. Incorporate an island or breakfast nook into your kitchen remodel

While a new kitchen layout may require a bit more thought and planning than a few surface upgrades, the return on investment can be so worth it.

Does your kitchen have adequate space to knock out a wall and create a more open layout? Maybe a built-in breakfast nook would be a better use of space.

Are you constantly running out of room to chop those veggies?

If so, a built-in island or butcher block may be just the thing you need.

There’s never been a better time to plan out that re-do.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Let us help you with your future kitchen upgrades. Don’t delay another day!

At long last, you’ve just bought a new home.

The excitement in the air is real.

You can now sit and relax; it’s a huge relief.

But wait. Something does not feel right, and the culprit is the kitchen.

At its current state, its never going to work for you. A remodel, or a simple makeover could help scale the design up a notch.

Since you are low on funds, a complete kitchen remodel is not a choice, and so a simple kitchen makeover on a budget is your best bid.

Well, it’s possible to give your kitchen a makeover with an under $,5000 budget.

Let’s see how you can work that magic.

1. Paint the walls

Painting is one of those tasks that offers an instant change. Still, it depends on what color you choose, and some spicy, warm colors that offer an appetizing feel include orange, red, yellow.

For a fresh and calm atmosphere, cooler colors such as violet, blue and green are great. Cooler colors can be paired with warm woods for a nice scheme.

If you are planning to add decor, neutral colors, such as gray and beige, offer a great backdrop for that.

The cost can range between $80 to $140.

2. Add essential hardware

Changing the pulls, handles, and knobs is another great way to boost the overall appearance of the kitchen. For example, if you have dark cabinets, bar-style pulls can complement them.

When choosing hardware, consider the materials with options such as custom glass backsplashes, stainless steel, and granite ideal for adding a modern feel to the kitchen.

Brushed nickel hardware will go well with gray counters and cabinets while simple round knobs are also ideal for countertops.

This is an affordable kitchen project and can fall between $130 and $250 depending on the number and type of hardware.

3. Puck and rope lights

Lights are a simple idea for a kitchen makeover on a budget.

Give the kitchen a warm and inviting ambiance with puck lights underneath your top cabinets. This helps to brighten up dark corners and illuminates your workspace.

Rope lights are great for adding light to the kickplate. You can install the lights around your cabinetry to create a mood for family dinners or parties. They also work well as nightlights to ensure safe navigation for kids.

You will need about $50 to $150 for this project.

4. Change the sink and faucet

If you have engineered stone or granite countertops, stainless steel sinks are the best match to complement the look. Additionally, stainless steel options can withstand the normal kitchen grind.

Some sinks come with sound absorption technology if you don’t like noisy sinks.

Composite sinks are also another option offering variety color types but are not durable as steel.

For your faucet, opt for one with a ceramic disk valve and bass base as they are long-lasting. If you want style, pick one with two handles.

The price will range from $150 to $500.

5. Your cabinetry and countertops

If the cabinetry is still in good shape and you love their style, you can simply paint them. Use washable finish when painting the cabinets.

Still, you can change them to more stylish and spacious options if you want.

Countertops come in a variety of materials, including quartz, granite, laminate and solid surface, to complement your style.

For beauty, granite and quartz are the preferred options. Solid options are available in varied colors and can resist water and stains. Laminate is made up of plywood, and their surfaces are easy to clean.

Alternatively, you can combine two or more of your preferred materials.

Here, the cost will range between $1,500 and $3,000.

So get your plan ready

These simple tips can help you complete your kitchen makeover on a budget. Keep in mind the size of your kitchen and the different things that you need changing.

Ensure to give priority to those areas that you really need to have an entirely fresh look.

Your wallet won’t suffer when you plan the new kitchen design well.

Sure, pinning pictures of your dream kitchen on Pinterest is fun for awhile, but don’t you want to eventually make it a reality?

Of course you do. Unfortunately, Pinterest pictures are only going to get you so far.

In order to make your dream kitchen come to life, you need to have a solid idea in your mind of exactly what you want it to look like.

Because, truth is, remodeling a kitchen is no cheap task. According to Home Advisor, Americans spend on average $21,637 to remodel their kitchens.

You certainly don’t want to be halfway through your remodeling project only to discover some cool aspect you wish you’d thought of before.

So, in order to make sure you’ve got all the best ideas, read this article discover 5 dream kitchen must-haves.

1. Island Time

If you’ve got the room, an island is a must-have item for every dream kitchen.

A kitchen island encompasses everything you could hope for in kitchenware: it’s functional, it’s great for storage, and it makes for a lovely display.

Think about how many junk drawers you have in your kitchen stuffed to the brim. Islands can help make your kitchen a clutter-free space, as they contain endless opportunities for storage.

Always had an issue figuring out where to store your recycling bins?

Underneath the kitchen island is a great space for keeping them out of the way.

Ever have huge dinner parties where everyone’s stumbling over each other while doing their prep work?

Movable kitchen islands are available so everyone can have their own space for prep work.

Not to mention, your kids are going to love the kitchen island- it’s a great space for getting homework done.

2. Pot Filler Faucet

From cooking to sweeping to doing dishes, a lot of hard work takes place in a kitchen.

Why not make your time in the kitchen a little easier by adding a pot faucet filler?

Lugging a heavy pot of water from the sink is no fun. A pot faucet filler is a great way to make your prep time a little easier.

3. Pullout Spice Cupboard

Everyone has a few secret spices for their favorite family recipes.

Having quick access to these spices is essential. And there’s no better way to do that than with a pullout spice cupboard that’s ground level.

Not only will you have quick access this way, but you’ll also have ample storage space so you never have to worry about going overboard with the spice purchases.

4. Open Shelving

Worried about overdoing it with the cupboards and cabinets?

Consider adding some open shelving above your stove. They’re a great way to keep your dream kitchen looking light and sleek.

5. Personal Touch

While functionality always seems to be the central issue when designing your kitchen, don’t forget to add some personal flair!

A great way to do this is by painting the insides of your cabinets or windows your favorite color.

Dream Kitchen Wrap Up

Now that you have some solid ideas for making your dream kitchen a reality, it’s time to get started!

Still feel like you could use some input on the design scheme? No worries, contact us today for some professional advice on your remodeling project!