by Kelly Wall | Sep 18, 2015 | Countertops, Kitchens
Designing a Kitchen Island What do I need to think about? One of the most complicated spaces in your home is the kitchen. And when you decide to add a kitchen island to the mix? Well, it’s not surprising that homeowners get confused. Even though there is not a set formula for figuring out how to decide on an island size, there are some basic measurement guidelines that can help. Here are some basic questions to ask yourself when planning your new kitchen island. What will the function of your island be? Before thinking about storage solutions and countertop material, you first need to decide on what the main function of your island is going to be. Most islands have one side that is dedicated to cooking and another side dedicated to eating. If you want appliances and a sink in your island, then you will need more space. But, if you want to use the island for casual meals, then seating should be your priority. What will your emphasis be? Prep Work Cooking Cleaning Eating Entertaining What appliances are you going to need in your kitchen island? If you decide that you want to include appliances into your kitchen island, then you will need to plan for function as well as for spacing. If you decide to include the main sink of your kitchen in your island, then you will need to place a dishwasher to the right or left of your sink. If, on the other hand, you are using your island for the main prep area of your kitchen, then you’ll need to...
by Kelly Wall | May 15, 2015 | Countertops
Which Countertop is Right for Me? So you have decided to purchase new countertops, but in today’s market the choices are nearly limitless! How do you know what type of countertop is the best option for you and your family? Continue reading to discover pros and cons to the popular countertop options of Cambria Quartz, Marble, Corian and Butcher Block. Cambria Quartz Let’s first take a look at Cambria Quartz which is an engineered countertop. Quartz countertops are fairly new and have a tremendous following because the advantages are numerous. Let’s take a closer look. Strengths To start out with, Cambria Quartz comes in a wider range of colors compared to natural stones due to its manufacturing process. The final appearance of Cambria Quartz is rich and luxurious with a depth that cannot be produced with solid surface materials like Corian. Cambria Quartz has the same durability you will find with concrete and granite, but it’s so much more forgiving and won’t chip or crack easily. Some people find the hardness of a countertop to be unpleasant, but with Cambria Quartz you will be amazed that it doesn’t feel the same way! A Cambria Quartz countertop is non-porous and resists staining much better than granite, marble and concrete. It stands up to juice, oil, wine, tomato, coffee and many other sources of kitchen stains. Its non-porous surface does not harbor bacteria or viruses like porous surfaces. You will always know that your kitchen and bathroom are clean! Weaknesses Cambria Quartz will run approximately $115-$200 per square foot. Don’t let this alarm you because these prices are competitive with that...
