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Inspired Remodels

Kitchen Remodel

Remodeling Contractor Uses Lighting for Ambiance and Function

By / Bathroom Remodel, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Remodeling Contractor Uses Lighting for Ambiance and Function

You spend a considerable amount of time in the kitchen and bathroom. When the lighting is poor, it totally spoils the visual appeal of the room. Even worse, it makes using the room for its intended function a nightmare. Who wants to shave or cut up vegetables when you can’t see what you are doing? You must choose lighting options carefully. One sign of a competent remodeling contractor is their ability to incorporate creative lighting. How does your contractor stand up?

bathroom remodeling contractor uses different types of lighting in different zones of the bathroom

Creative Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Bathroom lighting sets the mood for the room. It should also provide enough light to perform personal hygiene routines safely. You need several types of lighting in the bathroom. Try these creative ideas.

Use dimmers

You want bright light for shaving, showering, or applying makeup. But that’s not the light you want soaking in the tub. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the intensity of the light to suit your moods and needs.

Task lighting

For task lighting, you divide the bathroom into zones. This allows you to focus illumination where you need it. For example, the vanity zone is equipped with a brighter task light than the water closet or toilet zone. The bathing zone utilizes separate task lighting. This approach allows to illuminate each zone with the appropriate amount of lighting, or the tasks performed in the zone.

Focused lighting

Recessed lights are another great idea. The lighting cans are installed flush with the ceiling and flood light downwards. They are excellent for lighting up the entire space. Install this style of lighting by mirrors to enhance the effect.

Layer lighting for a dramatic effect

Layered lighting is a lighting system that incorporates three different kinds of lights: overall, task and accent. Overall lights are generally recessed lights that illuminate the room, while task lights illuminate zones based on function. Accent lights in the bathroom might be pendant lights, profile lights, or backlit mirrors.

kitchen remodeling contractor installed undercounter lights to provide task lighting in small kitchenKitchen Lighting Ideas

The kitchen is a room for gathering and working. Whether you are prepping a meal, enjoying a bite with family or friends, or cleaning up, it’s important to see what you are doing. Talk to your kitchen remodeling contractor about using some of these “bright” ideas.

Brighten up the kitchen island

If the kitchen island is your pride and joy, show it off with ceiling lights. Use hanging lights to provide task lighting and give the space an industrial vibe at the same time – perfect for modern kitchens.

Create a vintage vibe

All pendant lighting doesn’t need to look industrial. Milk glass and tulip style shades provide a very subtle vintage vibe. Even if you are going for a farmhouse look, the vintage aura makes the kitchen warm and welcoming. Rubbed bonze is a great metal for creating that vintage vibe.

brushed nickle and white glass pendant lights illuminate the kitchen island

Pendant lights for all kitchens

No matter if your kitchen is modern, traditional, rustic, vintage, or farmhouse, pendant lights suit all styles. Space them evenly and either hang them at the same height or varying heights depending on the look you want.

Inspired Remodels – The Inspired Remodeling Contractor

Ready for an inspirational kitchen or bathroom? Want a spa in the master bath or a space to craft culinary creations? Turn to Inspired Remodels to taking your inspiration and turn it into a design that looks beautiful and functions flawlessly.  Call

 

Kitchen Renovation Company Has Tips to Make the Most of Your Space

By / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Kitchen Renovation Company Has Tips to Make the Most of Your Space

If you have limited kitchen space, finding storage space for pots and pans, cutlery, and silverware is a challenge. Finding space is easier said than done. Almost any kitchen renovation company has a few tricks for making the most of available space. Here are a few pro tips.

kitchen renovation company uses cabinet ends for additional storage

Use Cabinet Tops and Bottoms and Sides

There is ample space on the top of your cabinets – you can put special-occasion serving platters and even extra pantry supplies that you don’t need all that frequently. This is a great way to make serving dishes do double duty. First they decorate the kitchen, then they decorate the table. Notice how this cabinet design incorporates shelves at the end of the cabinets. Genius!

You can even use the space between your cabinets as in this kitchen to the left. Great way to store wine.

Keep the space from feeling cluttered with wire bins and baskets. In a pinch you can add hooks to the bottom of upper cabinets to hold mugs. Don’t ignore the real estate on cabinet tops, bottoms, and sides.

 

 

Downsize Furniture

How large does that breakfast table need to be? Does the entire family eat breakfast together most days? If the answer is “no” you can get by with a smaller table for an eat-in kitchen.  For instance, using a half-moon table in lieu of a round table is an excellent idea to gain kitchen space. Eliminate the table altogether if you have a large kitchen island. Drop leaf tables provide more space when the table isn’t in use.

Ask a Kitchen Renovation Company to Remodel the Island

 Depending on how your island is configured, you may be able to add shelving for extra space.

Notice how this island incorporates plenty of storage. The glass doors make it as pretty as it is functional. It’s a great alternative if you currently don’t use the island base for storage.

Talk to your kitchen renovation company about an upgrade to your island to get additional space.

Explore adding base cabinets if your island doesn’t incorporate them. You may not need a kitchen upgrade, you may need an island upgrade.

 

Use Pegboards

Julia Child was famous for filling her walls. If you visit Julia Child’s kitchen at The Natural Museum of History, you’ll see she loved pegboards.  Be like Julia and don’t leave the walls empty. Pegboards hang pots, pans, and utensils. Pegboards make better use of space than shelves. So don’t overlook walls when looking for extra space.

kitchen renovation contractor uses space under double oven for storage

Utilize the Space over the Fridge

The space over your fridge is typically unused, and most tend to forget about it. You can keep large pots, pans, and other items that are rarely used on top. The space between the soffit and the refrigerator incorporates two cabinets that match the other cabinets. Granted, this space isn’t easy to access, but that’s why you use it to store rarely used items.

kitchen renovation company uses toekick drawers in shaker style to maximixe kitchen space

Use Toekick Drawers

Toekick drawers work in kitchens of all sizes. If you are talking to a kitchen renovation company about new cabinets, ask about integrating toekick drawers. They transform previously unused space into storage that sleekly holds a short stack of pans, linens, or pantry items.

The Kitchen Renovation Company that Knows How to Use Space

Whether you have a large or small space, trust Inspired Remodels to make the most of your kitchen area.  They design and build functional and beautiful rooms using innovative ideas to make the most of your space. Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us online today.

 

 

kitchen renovation contractor uses island space to create eat-in kitchen

Dreaming of a Kitchen Island – Talk to a Kitchen Renovation Contractor Now!

By / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Dreaming of a Kitchen Island – Talk to a Kitchen Renovation Contractor Now!

Gone are the days when kitchens were merely used for cooking meals. Today’s kitchen is where new recipes get tested, the  family gathers, and friends are entertained. Your kitchen renovation contractor must design a functional kitchen not just a pretty one. And a kitchen island is a must for functionality.

The Function of the Kitchen Island

Islands can be used for several functions.  So start by deciding the job of your kitchen island. If the island is for cooking, you must include space for appliances like oven, cooktop, and necessary ventilation. If you want it for a prepping station, a large and clear surface with a prep sink and dishwasher will do. On the other hand, your island may extend the eating and seating areas in the house. 

kitchen renovation contractor leaves ample aisle space between island and appliance wall

Kitchen Renovation Contractor Tips for Island Design

 The main concern with design is space. Without enough room, the island is an obstruction that might prevent access to major work areas like sink, fridge, and cooktop. Always start by considering the existing space constraints of the kitchen before considering appliances and features. The island must be proportional to the kitchen size.  Just because you have a large space, doesn’t you should have a large kitchen island. Right size the island in your design to avoid wasting space. 

Consider the Aisle Space

To work well in the kitchen, you need easy access to counters and other work spaces. Avoid traffic jams.  Demarcate the space for the island and then measure the distance to the kitchen counters. Ideally, you should have an aisle of around 40 inches. In a small space you can go as low as 35 inches but that’s the minimum. Don’t put too much space between the counters and the island either. That requires too many steps to be efficient. 

under cabinet task lightingIncorporate Storage Space

Contemporary kitchen islands should have proper storage units and smart cabinets, so the kitchen stays neat and organized, while ensuring you have everything required within reach. The choice of shelving units and cabinets has to be determined as per the specific needs of the kitchen. If you have limited space, there are fold-away inserts and drawers with extra depth that make up for the lack of room.

Determine Your Island Surface

Popular island top materials like marble look elegant. While the island surface should match the other surfaces, it doesn’t have to be the same.

kitchen renovation contractor uses contrasting surface for island topFor example, if you are using the island for food prep, consider a butcher block top. For any easy to clean and long-lasting surface, go for stainless steel. If the island is a cooking station, opt for easy to care for surfaces like quartz and select appliances that match the rest of the kitchen.  This kitchen island surface is beautiful and beautifully contrasts with the other countertops.

 

Inspired Remodels is the Kitchen Renovator Contractor that Turns Island Dreams into Reality

When you’re ready to stop dreaming of a new island and start using one, call Inspired Remodels. Let Orange County’s finest kitchen renovation contractor design a kitchen island that is functional, beautiful and a welcome member of your home for years to come. Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us online today.