December 31, 2022 By

Kitchen Remodel Planning: It’s Not As Difficult as You Think

Remodelling your kitchen can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a step-by-step plan, you can take the overwhelming design process and make it manageable. Start with measuring the space, choosing materials and appliances, and deciding on the layout. From there, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the kitchen of your dreams. Need some new kitchen ideas to guide you? Read on for professional tips to help you through your new kitchen remodel.

Find the Perfect Kitchen Layout

When selecting your kitchen counter layout, consider factors like accessibility, functionality and flow. Also, view the material you’ll use and your family’s lifestyle. Some materials, like solid surface, are more forgiving for large families and busy households. Popular new kitchen ideas include a double kitchen island, beautiful solid surface countertops with farmhouse sinks, and creating a small butler’s pantry. 

Your layout determines how you will function in the space. Measure everything carefully and ensure you can cook and entertain comfortably in your new kitchen. Speak with your kitchen remodelling team about what layout works best for your family.

What Design Works for You?

The top kitchen design for 2023 is an open-plan kitchen with contrasting solid surface countertops. Countertop colours are chosen in shades of grey and black to create a unique look. This trend brings a fresh and updated look to any kitchen design with extra storage, integrated appliances, and modern lighting fixtures.

Go With the Best Countertop

Solid surface countertops offer a variety of benefits, including durability, non-porous surfaces that resist bacteria growth and staining, beauty, customize-ability and easy maintenance. The range of colours and designs available can be a great addition to any kitchen. Whether you have a 20th-century-inspired modern kitchen or a more Minimalist space, you can find a solid surface solution for your home. 

Make Your Kitchen a Smart Kitchen

In 2023, the latest and greatest kitchen appliances will feature innovative technology, with Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control and custom setup options. Popular choices include refrigerators with cameras that alert the user when food is spoilage, wall ovens with automatic adjustment settings and dishwashers equipped with self-cleaning cycles. Additionally, custom lighting options add more security and safety to the home. 

Design Ideas for Small Spaces

If you’re looking to update your kitchen countertop and have a small space, you have plenty of options. From sleek countertops to stackable kitchen islands, these trendy designs can quickly become the centrepiece of your kitchen. With the right blend of style, durability, and functionality, create a beautiful, functional space tailored to your needs. Smaller spaces benefit from hidden storage spaces and practical lighting. 

Best Kitchen Storage Solutions for 2023

Maximize your kitchen counter space with storage solutions ranging from countertop shelves and drawers to mounting accessories and backsplashes. These simple organizational strategies provide quick and easy access to the items you need for all your cooking, cleaning and meal prep needs.

When you want the best solid surface design in the region, contact the experts at Solid Surface. We pride ourselves on providing the best materials and design for every client, no matter their budget. Call us today. We would love to help you. 

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January 18, 2019 By

4 Objects To Remove From Your Kitchen Counter

4 objects to remove from your kitchen counterYou’ve just spent time and money to renovate your kitchen, including the addition of a new countertop. Now is not the time to hide your investment. The kitchen counter too often becomes the dumping ground, both for small appliances and miscellaneous items. It’s a flat surface which makes it easy to store papers, kid’s projects, and all manner of debris. But why spend money on a new kitchen counter if you can’t actually see it and enjoy it?

The Toaster

Toasters can be used every day, but only for a matter of minutes. It’s time to put the kitchen toaster away. Place it in a cupboard directly under the part of the countertop that it normally sits on. If you move it further away, then it won’t be put away after being used.

It’s also a good idea to place the toaster on a tray. This way any crumbs are caught, and you won’t have to deal with the mess. If you’re not completely convinced, just try the move for a week. Hopefully you’ll realize that it’s not an appliance that needs a permanent home on the kitchen countertop. And, hey, as more people go gluten-free, the toaster might just become a bit of an obsolete appliance, anyways.

Kitchen Utensils

Chances are, you have a bin (or two) or kitchen utensils taking up space on the countertop. This includes spatulas, ladles, and flippers. Do they really need to be on the kitchen counter? It’s just as convenient to open a drawer and choose one while cooking. Find a drawer near the stove for easy use. Then, transfer the utensils into a basket or two, separating based on shape.

Knives

If you’re an avid chef, then there will be an assortment of knives in your kitchen. They might not have a home, and instead live on the cutting board, just waiting to be used. You could find a chopping block to place them in, but this just leads to more clutter. Instead, place a magnetic knife strip on the wall. This is a safe, efficient way of storing your knives.

Paper

No matter how hard you try, it seems like there is always a pile of paper on the kitchen counter. Bills to be paid, coupons to be used, forms to be filled out. You may think that at least all of the papers are in one place, so they can’t get lost. But look inside a junk drawer and there is probably even more paper to be found.

The solution is easy, but hard to follow. Create an organizing area. Have slots or baskets that you can place each item of paper in. And, be sure to go through everything regularly. There’s not point in keeping a basket of coupons that all expired last year. Having a clean countertop is worth the effort of decluttering.

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November 18, 2018 By

4 Reasons It’s Always A Good Idea To Invest In A Kitchen

4 reasons its always a good idea to invest in a kitchenNot many people have the wherewithal to invest in a complete home renovation. It therefore ends up being the budget that determines just what part of the house gets updated. If you’re not sure if investing in a kitchen is a good idea, here are four reasons why it’s always a good idea to invest in a kitchen.

Selling Value

An updated, modern kitchen will go a long way in selling value, if you choose to move. But don’t wait until you decide to move to invest in a kitchen. After all, you’ll want to enjoy the hard work that you’ve put into it. Even kitchens that are five years old still have a large selling value. When remodelling, try to choose a more neutral, classic choice. This way anyone who looks at your house can envision themselves in it. If you need to add your personality to your kitchen remodel, choose bright walls. Putting on a new coat of paint is easy if you plan on selling in the future.

Energy Savings

There are a lot of appliances in a kitchen, and that means ample opportunity for sky-high utility bills. Investing in new appliances means that you will save when it comes to electrical and even gas bills. Look for Energy Star appliances that have been manufactured to smartly use electricity. Also look for different settings. A dishwasher, for example, that can run quick or half loads means that you won’t have to use as much water to get a small number of dishes clean. Many local utility companies will also offer rebate programs, so check out their websites to see if you can save even more money.

Wear and Tear

The kitchen is the most-used room in a house and can quickly take a bit of a beating. While bedrooms and even the living room usually just need a fresh coat of pain, the kitchen will need a complete overhaul in its lifetime. Knicks in the countertop, broken cabinet hinges, dings in the tile: all are common in a kitchen. It’s definitely not practical to remodel your kitchen every two or three years but start planning on when it makes the most sense. If you have small children, wait until they are in school. This way they’ll not only be out of the house more when the repairs are happening, but they will hopefully be out of the complete mess stage of toddlerhood.

Positive Energy

The final reason why investing in a kitchen is always a good idea is really quite simple. You use your kitchen a lot and want to enjoy it. A kitchen should inspire you and make you want to bring people together. If it doesn’t, start envisioning a new kitchen’s potential so that you can add a bit of joy to the home.

 

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