kitchen renovation tips Archives

Custom Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for Inspiration

By Inspired Remodels / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

Thinking about making a change in your kitchen this year but aren’t sure where to start? Check out these ideas and get your custom kitchen remodeling juices flowing. Inspired Remodels is all about sharing our inspiration to spark your creativity. Here’s what’s going on in Orange County kitchen remodeling.

Built In for Convenience and Style

These days, the kitchen is the center of entertaining. So why not put everything you need in one spot that ties the kitchen to adjacent entertaining room? Well, why not?

What’s not to love about this built-in bar at the end of the kitchen space? It’s stylish and ties in perfectly with the rest of the kitchen. there’s plenty of storage for stemware space to display decorative steins, and room for a full liquor cabinet and wine storage. The countertop is an easy-to-clean surface and matches perfectly with the rest of the kitchen as you can see in this shot.

Now, guests can help themselves to a beverage and still be part of the action in the kitchen without getting in the way of the cook! Great for guests and even better for the cook in the kitchen. This is a kitchen that is built for entertaining.

Color is King

Don’t be afraid of a little color in the kitchen. Sure, white is still a favorite for it’s “clean” look, but you can still add pops of color. A little can go a long way to change the look of a kitchen. See how these blue lights do more than just provide illumination?

That vibrant blue is just the right touch of color to be a game-changer in an otherwise neutral kitchen. The crackled look to the glass adds texture to the light. Pendant lights are one way to add accent color to a kitchen. But, they aren’t the only way. Tile is more than just a material for backsplashes and floors. It brings color too.

We all know that grey is the new black. But, sometimes gray and white need to have a colorful fun. The aqua and green in this tile accent piece create a permanent work of art above the cooktop. And unlike other art forms, this tile won’t be damaged by heat and will be easily cleaned of any grease or food splatters. An area that prominent demands a special touch, and this tile does the job with style.

Wood Doesn’t Need to Be Wood Anymore

Wood adds a natural warmth to any room. But caring for wood in a high-traffic or heavy-duty use room isn’t easy. Wood floor may look beautiful in a kitchen, but they aren’t always practical. So get wood warmth and style with the durability of tile! Wood-look tile has been a mainstay for bathrooms but it’s coming to a kitchen near you..or maybe even your kitchen. Many custom kitchen remodeling jobs in Orange County are using wood-look tile in the kitchen. It’s easy care and durable.

You can’t tell the difference between the wood cabinets and the “wood” floor. This tile will stand up to spills, dropped knives, and heavy traffic. It’s the perfect floor for a busy kitchen. Damp mopping won’t mar or dull the shine. This floor will last for many years. Unlike wood, it won’t need refinishing.

Wood doesn’t need to be dark. See how this wood-look tile complements the white cabinetry? This simple but stylish kitchen remodeling project incorporated a wood-look tile in tones to complement the traditional tile backsplash and contrast with the white wood cabinets.

Inspired Custom Kitchen Remodeling Starts with Inspired Remodels

Stop dreaming of a custom kitchen remodel and start planning one today. The design/build experts at Inspired Remodels are ready to help you design and create a new custom kitchen that works as well as it looks. From custom cabinets, to built-ins, to new flooring and more, Inspired Remodels is where inspired custom kitchens start. Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Inspired Remodels online and schedule a consultation today.

Kitchen Renovation Must Haves

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

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.

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

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

Designate 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

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.

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.

kitchen remodel planner tool makes remodeling easy

Kitchen Remodeler Tips for Functional and Beautiful Kitchens

By Inspired Remodels / Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

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

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 must 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.

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.

Hire 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.