Redesigning Your Kitchen on a Budget

For Sioux Falls residents doing a complete kitchen design upgrade on a budget, the first step is to make a list of those things that you consider an absolute priority, and those things that you’re putting further down the list. There are a lot of elements (outside of appliances) that add to both the overall beauty and utility of the kitchen so having some idea in mind of the absolute must-have vs. the would-be-nice items is the first step in the process. Beyond that, you’re going to want to consider the kitchen in terms of fundamental elements. What are these elements?

 

#1. Countertops

 

Countertops are a key element of the kitchen because they can dominate the room. At eye level, they have as much impact on the kitchen as the cabinets do. There are a number of options in terms of material, and once you’ve chosen your material, there are a number of options in terms of shape, color, and graining pattern. On the low end of countertop materials are manmade and synthetic options like concrete, plastic laminate, and solid surface. None of these options are going to be particularly cheap depending on the quality of the surface itself in terms of detailing and other factors. Even plastic laminate can get pricey when it’s been made to look like natural stone. Most natural stone on the other hand, is pricey. Granite is by far has the best value to cost ratio. Marble is on the high end, with lava stone and soapstone ranging just a bit cheaper. Still, countertops are an important to the overall aesthetic of the room, so budgeting for quality is not a bad idea.

 

#2. Cabinets

 

Cabinets are one of those areas where you can save some money if you know what you’re doing. While the average cost of brand new cabinets can get very pricey very fast, it helps to know if you can get away with simply refacing them before you spend the money ripping out and reinstalling all the cabinets. Refacing will leave the cabinet’s skeleton and structure in place, and then you will end up just placing the doors, drawer faces, and the outward veneer. Refacing can go along way toward completely changing the overall look and feel of a kitchen, without completely breaking the bank.

 

#3. Floor

 

A lot of folks are going rustic this year and linoleum floors haven’t been in style for a decade now. Wood is the way to go, but wood floors cost money and don’t always fare well in high traffic areas. The quality of laminate flooring, however, has gotten much better in recent years and can adequately simulate wood without leaving terrified to drop anything on your expensive hardwood floors.

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3 Things to Focus On for Your Kitchen Remodel

When it comes to building a great kitchen, it’s important to know a few areas that need the most attention. This way you can plan accordingly as well as find the right contractor to help you keep things on schedule. You’ll have the right assistance in order to finish the project with the best quality possible. Not to mention, you won’t feel as stressed with keeping things organized and making sure you stick to a proper budget. Here are some things you should focus on for your remodel.

Take Note of Your Lighting

Depending on the size of your kitchen, you want to make sure that you have a specific kind of lighting. For a smaller kitchen, a ceiling-mounted fixture right in the middle may prove best. It’ll illuminate the whole kitchen, and you won’t have to spend a fortune to make it happen. If your kitchen has more space, consider pendant fixtures. This is especially great for when you’re cooking and preparing everything. That extra visibility works wonders, especially in the late evening where you may not get any natural light. Hire a professional who knows dynamics of your kitchen to install the proper lighting for your kitchen. The next thing you want to think about is the space.

How Much Space Do You Have in Your Kitchen?

Space is very important due to mobility. You want to fit comfortably in the kitchen for any purpose. Talk with a designer to see what you can do to either enhance the space or make the most of it. You may have to get rid of certain things to declutter your kitchen. This way you more effectively utilize the space for any cooking or family time in the spot. Also, think of how everything lines up in the kitchen, so everything will become second nature such as cleaning your pots to having them ready to use for meal time. Next, choose good countertops.

Find Quality Countertops

If you’re on a tight budget, maybe laminated countertops are the way to go. However, granite kitchen countertops in Sioux Falls may prove best for the money in the long-term. Whether you need the right countertops to help you cut items or place on top of a kitchen island for your children, they serve a big purpose. Not only do they give your kitchen a unique look, but the durability makes them functional. Pick something that looks great but is easy to maintain for years. This way you get the most from your investment.

 

These are just a few things to focus on to help you design a great kitchen. You’ll be able to save money and time to help you create a kitchen that your family can enjoy.

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3 Harmful Practices to Avoid When Using Your Kitchen Countertops

Neglecting Maintenance

 

While stone countertops are definitely durable (they’ve lasted millions of years to get where they are, after all), they’re far from indestructible. Indeed, when installed in a kitchen, there’s a lot that can contribute to the premature wearing-down of the countertop material.

 

Of course, the durability of the stone depends on the stone in question. Engineered quartz is a recent innovation made from natural stone particles and polymer resin. The material is thought to be a lot more malleable compared to its natural counterparts, and it tends to respond to wear better. Granite is the strongest of the natural materials, and it can take most kitchen impacts as long as the owner keeps an eye on it. Marble and onyx are among the most delicate stones, strong relative to other materials but vulnerable to kitchen disasters that aren’t promptly taken care of.

 

Although the strength of these stones vary, what they all have in common is that they need regular, hands-on maintenance. For instance, if a wine glass with a ring of red wine at the bottom is left over a countertop overnight, it will likely penetrate through even the non-porousness of quartz, leaving a stain that will either be difficult or impossible to remove. If the same wine stain, or even a coffee stain is left to linger on marble overnight, it might indeed be part of the stone forever after.

 

By following a maintenance schedule – in this case, wiping the countertops every day with water and life soap, and ensuring that all harmful liquids are cleared immediately – homeowners will ensure that their stone remains warm and inviting for decades to come.

 

Don’t Sit or Stand on Unsupported Sections

 

Whether it’s a standard marble table or custom granite countertops in Sioux Falls, it’s important for homeowners to determine which sections are supported and which aren’t, so they know where they can sit or stand on if ever they feel inclined to. Despite the strength of stone, unsupported sections will likely give way if met with the full weight of a human being.

 

Don’t Put Pressure in Front of Sink/Cooktop Holes

 

The small rectangle of stone in front and in back of sink/cooktop holes is incredibly fragile compared to the rest of the countertops. Even if it’s supported by cabinet wood underneath, the stress on that section is such that even the weight of a person leaning on it can cause it to snap, especially if it’s made out of marble or the stone is cut to 3/4″ thickness. In any case, it’s best to lean oneself anywhere except for these fragile sections.

 

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