Archives for February 2017

February 21, 2017 By

Design Choices for Kitchen Sinks

Design Choices for Kitchen SinksNow that you have your new solid surface countertops picked out, it’s time to move on to an important piece of kitchen hardware – the sink.  There are a wide range of possible sink options to choose from.  Some blend in seamlessly with the countertop, designed to be an inconspicuous as possible.  Others stand out and become a feature of the kitchen itself.  The sink you choose depends on your style choices and what you practically want to do with your kitchen – there isn’t a right or wrong choice.  Here are some of the options available.

A seamless sink blends in with its environment, and doesn’t detract from the surrounding accents and features.  When you’re talking about solid surface countertops, you’re usually talking about a solid surface sink.  When your sink is installed alongside the countertop, the seamless finish means that there are no cracks or crevices for mold or mildew to grow – it’s an ultrahygenic option.  Solid surface sinks are scratch-resistant, easy to clean and set the industry standard for durability.

If you want something a little different to break up a solid surface countertop, stainless steel is a contemporary, trendy choice that can work quite nicely.  It’s a generic enough material that it blends with almost any type of surface, with any color or pattern.  It’s also fairly maintenance free; they’re difficult to crack, chip or stain, which is what you want in something that’s going to see as much use as your kitchen sink.

Stylized sinks become features of their own – they stand out and can become the centerpiece of your kitchen.  Farmhouse sinks are very popular – it’s an oversized sink with an overhanging lip.  It draws attention to itself, and can be a functional and beautiful addition to your home.              They’re not just available in porcelain anymore – you can get farmhouse or apron sinks in copper and stainless steel now, giving you more of a selection.

We do recommend that you stick with undermount sinks.  Top-mounted sinks build up grime along their perimeter edges – that’s unsanitary and ugly.  We also recommend avoid acrylic sinks; they’re prone to chipping and wear, and won’t last as long as a good solid surface or stainless steel option.  Also, don’t get too crazy with fancy shapes.  Standard sink shapes are standard for a reason: they work!

Whatever your sink choices are, we recommend our high-quality solid surface countertops to surround them.  Contact us today to see what we can do for you!

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February 21, 2017 By

Three Remodeling Ideas for Galley Kitchens

Three Remodeling Ideas for Galley KitchensA galley kitchen is a kitchen shaped as a narrow corridor, with appliances and countertops flanking each side.  As opposed to open-floor plans which are the modern style, galley kitchens are designed for small-space efficiency, perfect for one-cook situations but not much else.  One might think that the cramped style would limit the flexibility you’d have in a remodel or redesign, but that’s really not true.  The experts at Solid Surface Canada can help find great ideas to getting the most out of your galley kitchen.

Use Tricks to Make It Feel Larger

One of the main complaints about galley kitchen is that they’re on the smaller side – you’re essentially enclosed on three sides, which produces a cramped feeling.  There are tricks you can use to increase your storage space and make the kitchen feel larger, however, even if you can’t increase its actual footprint.

Extending your cabinets all the way to the ceiling can give you extra storage space, as well as give the illusion of extra height.  Lighter cabinet and countertop colors and reflective surfaces can also help create the illusion of more space, and a natural light source will make your kitchen feel brighter and more airy.

Shrink the Work Triangle

The “kitchen work triangle” concept states that the main kitchen appliances – your refrigerator, stovetop and sink – should be within a few steps of where you prep the food, forming an efficient and accessible triangle.  This works well in a galley kitchen.  If your stovetop and sink are on different sides of your kitchen, consider relocating one in a remodel; this will make clean-up more efficient and prevent clutter from spreading throughout your kitchen.

Remove a Section of Wall

Not all home renovations can include removing a wall section to open up the space, but sometimes, a compromise is possible.  For example, if one wall of your galley kitchen is next to the dining room, a doorway between the two can add extra light and a larger view to your kitchen.

Of course, the best investment you can make in your kitchen is high-quality countertops.  Solid Surface Canada offers a complete range of solid surface tops to meet all of your kitchen renovation needs.  Contact us today!

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