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Inspired Remodels

Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Renovation Must Haves

By / Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Kitchen Renovation Must Haves

When you are planning your next kitchen renovation you will be thinking about flooring, cabinet styles, finishes, counter tops, ovens, ranges, and refrigerators.  Those are all key components to any kitchen renovation.  But sometimes its the smaller things that can have a big impact on the finished kitchen.  Inspired Remodels shares a few must haves to incorporate in your next kitchen renovation.

Drawers Over Doors

When you think about new kitchen cabinets, you need to think about more than the finish and style.  You need to think abut how you will be using the storage space.  For maximum efficiency in the kitchen, select drawers over doors for the base cabinets.  Instead of opening a door, bending down, and rummaging around to get the item you need you can just pull out a drawer and the item will be right at hand.

use drawers instead of doors during your kitchen renovation to make space easier to use

These Orange County homeowners understood the benefit of drawers over doors during their recent kitchen renovation and are glad they made the switch every time they cook.  Extra deep drawers are perfect for storing pots and pans out of sight but within easy reach.

Maximize Natural Lighting

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Make the most of sunlight.  It makes even small kitchens look larger.  Saves on electricity too as natural lighting can be used for tasks during most of the day.  Avoid heavy window treatments. They block light and make the kitchen look smaller.

Centralized Pantry Area

pantry wall next to fridgeDesignate at least one wall as your pantry wall.  This saves steps when cooking and makes organizing and storing groceries a breeze.  These remodelers applied this concept to create a wall that looks good and provides plenty of storage just where you need it. This pantry wall is close to the fridge, minimizing the steps needed to gather ingredients.  Another option is to place the pantry wall next to the stove, where ingredients are handy.  Pantry walls don’t need to be next to an appliance.  But if they are, the best looking kitchens use either counter depth appliances or adjust the cabinet size to provide a smooth, finished appearance.

Quiet Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal

As kitchens are more and more integrated into the living space, the sounds emanating from the room are becoming just as important as the smells.  You want to be part of the action as you cook and clean, but your family won’t appreciate the noise from overly loud dishwashers and garbage disposals.

When comparing features, be sure to look at the decibel levels during operation.  Normal conversation is carried on at about 60 decibels.  Get too close to that number and you have to shout over the dishwasher or disposal.  Not good.

Many models made by Miele and Bosch operate in the 40 decibel range, making them perfect for open floor plans.  As the appliance gets quieter, the price tag gets bigger.  If your kitchen renovation budget doesn’t allow for one of these brands, pick a model with a delay start.  This will allow you to run the dishwasher after you leave for the day or go to bed at night.

Undermount Sink

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Single Bowl Undermount Sink

Undermount sinks are not only popular, they are practical. With this style sink, the sink edge lip is mounted under the countertop. It works with solid countertops such as soapstone, granite, and concrete.  Laminate or tile counters will not have enough weight to support the sink. Undermount sinks provide a clean surface between the countertop and the sink. That means fewer crevices and cracks for crumbs and stains to hide in.  Just wipe the crumbs off the countertop and into the sink.  Clean up is a breeze. Speaking of clean-up, opt for a large sink that allows plenty of room to scrub those large pots, pans, and cookie sheets.  The lighter the sink, the more stains it will show.  Darker sinks won’t be stained by red wine, spaghetti sauce or coffee.

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  Double bowl undermount sink

Single bowl or multi-bowl is more a reflection of your cooking and cleaning style.  If you put most of your dishes through the ultra quiet dishwasher, then a single bowl is perfect.  If you prefer to hand wash your daily dishes, a single bowl is not very practical.  In that case select a two or three bowl sink.  If you have the space and the budget allows, a small prep sink is another must have.

Hire a Kitchen Renovation Pro

Hiring a company with expertise in kitchen renovation projects can be the difference between a dream kitchen that just looks good and a kitchen that looks amazing and functions like a dream.  Inspired Remodels can turn your dream kitchen into reality.  They will work with you to design a room that fuses function,, beauty, and your personal style.  Check out our portfolio of kitchen renovations and then call (949) 716-1938 to schedule your  consultation.

 

 

 

Let Uncle Sam Help with House Remodeling

By / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Let Uncle Sam Help with House Remodeling

Have you received your income tax refund yet?  Are you expecting it soon?  It’s always fun to plan on how you are going to spend your tax refund but why not put it to work.  Invest in house remodeling with your tax refund and improve the value of your home.  Here’s some ideas from the Orange County House Remodeling Experts at Inspired Remodels

Bathroom Remodeling

Update your bathroom with that tax refund check.  You can completely gut the room and start from scratch or just bring in new counters and cabinets to give it a fresh look.

house remodeling with an updated bathroom

This recent bathroom remodeling job combines classic style and natural materials to create a peaceful spa feel.  Inspired Remodels knows any house remodeling job is better when you pay attention to details.  Like the details in this amazing shower. blog - bathroom remodel may details

 

The beautiful mosaic pattern in the tile floor of the shower, dual purpose shower heads, and extension of the tub into the shower to provide seating are the little touches that make a big difference.

 

Kitchen Remodeling

New floors, new countertops, new appliances or any combination of the above!  Kitchen remodeling can breathe fresh life into a tired room and make it more functional as well.

This recent house remodeling job made the most of the home’s location.  Honestly who wouldn’t mind doing the dishes with a view like this?

house remodeling updated this mission viejo kitchen

The cool color palate works beautifully with the natural color of the ocean to seamlessly combine the natural beauty of the outside space with the man-made beauty of the interior space.

blog kitchen remodel may appliances

Trust the Orange County House Remodeling Experts at Inspired Remodels

If you want to get the most from that tax refund check, you need a trusted partner.  Trust Orange County’s best house remodeling company; trust Inspired Remodels.

Inspired Remodels is a licensed general contractor.  They can handle all aspects of your remodeling job.  That means from design to build, Inspired Remodels is with you every step of the way.  You don’t have to hassle with subcontractors because Inspired Remodels provides total project management.

If you know you want to remodel, but aren’t sure where to start or the costs involved, Inspired Remodels can give you an honest assessment with an in-home consultation.  We understand that yelphome remodeling is stressful and work to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.  We’ll always keep lines of communication open and your dedicated project manager will be available before, during, and after the work.

You’ve heard the horror stories about good remodeling gone bad; but you won’t hear those stories about Inspired Remodels.  Just check out the on-line reviews at Yelp or contact the Better Business Bureau.  You’ll only hear good things about Inspired Remodels.

Give us a call at (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us on-line to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

 

kitchen remodel planner tool makes remodeling easy

Kitchen Remodeler Tips for Functional and Beautiful Kitchens

By / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Kitchen Remodeler Tips for Functional and Beautiful Kitchens

It doesn’t matter how stunning the finishes or amazing the appliances, if your kitchen remodeler didn’t create a functional kitchen they didn’t do the job properly.  When you cook, you need a kitchen that is beautiful and functional. Inspired Remodels takes the time to talk to you about your cooking style and needs before they start designing; so you get high function and style. Here’s a few kitchen design tips from kitchen remodeler pros

How Many Cooks in a Kitchen?

courtesy photostock

courtesy photostock

The traditional kitchen design accommodates one cook. The key players in the kitchen are placed to form a triangle.  This design allows one cook to move efficiently in the kitchen between the stove, the refrigerator, and the sink.

Contemporary kitchens often need to accommodate more than one cook.  A functional kitchen for more than one cook follows the design of a professional kitchen. The focus is on workstations and not the traditional triangle.  So, prep, cooking, and cleanup workstations are organized around the associated appliance with ample room to work.

If you rarely use a full size oven or stove but rely on microwaves and toaster ovens, your kitchen remodeler should take this into consideration as well. What is an afterthought for some can be an important part of your cooking style.

What’s Your Social Style?

If you like to cook while visiting with your guests, an island or bar with seating is a people cooking togethermust have function in your kitchen.  This allows you to chat, enjoy a beverage, and be a part of the social action while you cook.

If you want solitude while you create culinary masterpieces and a “big reveal” is more your style, all seating will be outside the kitchen.  Pass-throughs and how doors function is even more important in this set-up. No one wants to balance a platter and fumble with a doorknob or lever.

kitchen remodeler adds task lighting to project

Lighting Needs

Kitchen lighting is crucial to function. You can’t measure, read a recipe, or check a thermometer if you can’t see clearly.  Ambient lighting is important, but it is just the start.  Workstations or task areas should be well lit with additional lighting. Decorative lighting can be incorporated for when the kitchen is not in use. Night lights are great for those late night trips for a snack or drink of water.

kitchen remodeler makes kitchen functionalHire a Kitchen Remodeler that Understands Design

Before you hire a kitchen remodeler, make sure they understand the elements of good kitchen design.  Pay attention to the questions they ask you. If their only concern is the color of the cabinets and paint then pay them no more attention.

A professional kitchen remodeler like Inspired Remodels understands that great kitchens begin with a great conversation about your needs.  Inspired Remodels will take the time to find out about your personal functional requirements as well as your likes and dislikes in finishes, appliances, and styles.

When Inspired Remodels is your kitchen remodeler, you get a kitchen that looks great and functions superbly.  Inspired Remodels can turn bathrooms into spas and remodel any other room in your house.  Just Contact Us to get started.

Call (949) 716-1938 and schedule an appointment today. You have nothing to lose but an ugly kitchen.